Protestors attempt to invade parliament in Bulgaria
Anti-vaccine and anti-mask groups protested last Wednesday at the parliament building in Sofia, Bulgaria. According to The Associated Press, “Protesters opposing COVID-19 restrictions in Bulgaria clashed Wednesday with police as they tried to storm the Parliament in the capital of Sofia. A heavy police presence prevented protesters from entering the building and some were detained. Several people, including police officers, were injured during the clashes. Eventually, the protesters were pushed back and police cordoned off the building.” Roughly 1,000 people were involved in the protest against COVID-19 related restrictions. Bulgaria is currently facing an increased infection rate and is the least vaccinated country in the European Union.
French teachers strike over pandemic response
French teachers went on strike on Jan. 13 over the French government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Facing confusing rules and class disruptions, teachers protested and expressed their anger towards the French government. According to The Associated Press, “Unions estimated that 62% to 75% of teachers were supporting the protest movement, depending on which school they’re posted. The government said 27% of teachers were on strike. The SNUIPP teacher’s union is calling for a return to a previous rule that shuts classes down for a week if a child tests positive. Teachers are also demanding higher quality masks, more testing at schools and devices in classes warning when ventilation is required.” The teachers are advocating for more clarifications of the rules regulating schools and extra support for staff and students.
Prince Andrew stripped of military roles and titles
Amidst a civil trial for sexual assault, Buckingham Palace announced that the defendant, Prince Andrew, would be stripped of his honorary military titles and royal patronages. Andrew’s former titles will be returned to the queen, who approved the decision to strip Andrew of his titles. According to The Associated Press, “More than 150 navy and army veterans had written to the queen asking her to strip Andrew of all his military ranks and titles after a U.S. judge said Wednesday a sex assault lawsuit against Andrew could go ahead.” Many of the veterans were a part of military units that were associated with Andrew’s honorary titles and did not want to be associated with Andrew any longer. Previously, the motion was put forth by Andrew’s lawyers that Virginia Giuffre’s lawsuit should be thrown out based on a past agreement with Jeffrey Epstein. Lewis A. Kaplan, the district judge overseeing this case, rejected the defendant’s arguments on the past agreement.
