SHAFAQNA

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) – Venezuela's post-election crisis is growing deeper, with seven people killed during clashes between the opposition and police. President-elect Nicolas Maduro has assured Venezuelans that he has proof that the US embassy is financing the ongoing protests.

The deaths occurred on Monday, when hundreds of protesters took to the streets in various parts of Caracas and other cities. The demonstrators blocked streets, burned tires, and fought with security forces.

The fatalities include two people shot by opposition sympathizers while celebrating Maduro's victory, state media reported. One person died in an attack on a government-run clinic in a central state. Two others, including a policeman, were killed in an Andean border state, officials told Reuters.

"The most serious thing is that in these violent actions, seven Venezuelans died," said Attorney General Luisa Ortega. She added that 135 people have been arrested in suspected connection with the violence.

According to Maduro, who spoke on Venezuelan television on Tuesday, opposition candidate Henrique Capriles ought to be held responsible for the violent demonstrations now taking place in Caracas and throughout the country, which have already left sixty-one injured. He also made pointed accusations at the US as having a key role in the current instability.

“The Pentagon, the US State Department and the CIA govern the US. Here, in Venezuela, the people govern,” stated Maduro.

Meanwhile,  Capriles has called Maduro's victory "illegitimate" and called on supporters to peacefully protest the results. The Venezuelan election authority has refused to hold a recount, despite calls from the opposition.

But Latin American expert James Petras says the election was anything but fraudulent.

"In the case of Venezuela, there were 100 outside international observers clearly recognized as objective judges who observed the election process, observed the voting, and observed the counting. It's a misnomer to say that this was a questionable election," he told RT.

Maduro said on Tuesday that he will not allow the opposition to hold a march in the center of Caracas planned for Wednesday, to demand a recount of votes following Sunday's election. "It's time for a tough hand," he said.

Speaking to supporters Tuesday, Capriles indicated that the current clashes were the work of the incumbent party, and asked that they not go out into the streets on Wednesday, stating that those who do “only want violence.” He added that, according to intelligence given to the opposition, the government had and would attempt to “infiltrate” demonstrations.

Despite calls from the opposition, the Venezuelan election authority has refused to hold a recount.

Maduro has spoken out against the opposition protests. "Where are the opposition politicians who believe in democracy?" Maduro said, blaming opposition candidate Henrique Capriles for the violence.

His thoughts were echoed by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Elias Jaua. "Those who attempt to take with force what they could not acquire through elections are not democrats," he said.

And Petras agrees. "I think [the opposition] is trying to sabotage the government. They're not engaging in a peaceful protest. They're not raising legitimate questions. What they're doing is essentially calling into question election procedures," he said.

Sunday's election came after the death of Hugo Chavez last month. He named Maduro as his successor before he died.

Maduro won the election with 50.8 per cent of the vote against Capriles' 49.0 per cent.

According to anti-war activist Don Debar, the US is not exactly neutral in the Venezuelan election dispute.

"Venezuela is the nexus point for the standing up of the global South. The organizations ALBA, UNASUR, various structures that are being put in place for economic independence of, first, Central and South America, and then recently moves to bridge to Africa and moves to work in conjunction with the BRICS nations. It’s an alternate economic structure, global in its potential nature, that the United States sees basically as a foundational threat," he told RT.-www.shafaqna.com/English

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) – New advertisements linking Jihad to violence and terrorism in inviting a storm of condemnations in the western US city of San Francisco for igniting hatred and divisions in the country.

"These offensive ads serve no purpose than to denigrate our city's Arab and Muslim communities," District Attorney George Gascón told San Francisco Chronicle.

Championed by Islamophobic blogger Pamela Geller, new ads linking Jihad to violence and terrorism appeared on buses in San Francisco.

The ads feature photos of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and a victim of the Fort Hood mass shooting

"Killing Jews is worship that brings us closer to Allah," reads an ad attributed to a Hamas TV station.

The ads closely mimic the style of a separate campaign launched in September by Geller on New York subway that linked jihad to savagery.

But the new ads sparked criticism from city officials as racist and Islamophobic.

“While some courts have found these ads may have First Amendment privileges, that doesn't mean that as a city we can't condemn them with the strongest possible statement," Supervisor David Chiu, told KQED, Public Media for Northern California.

Theresa Sparks, executive director of the city’s Human Rights Commission, was also critical.

“Just think in terms of the young kids, the young Arab and Muslim kids who have to ride these buses with this message on the outside, or the MUNI bus drivers, who have to drive these buses with this message on the outside,” she said.

“Just think of what it has to do to them; their self-esteem, their families.”

The inflammatory ads are expected to dominate a planned board meeting in San Francisco on Tuesday.

Chiu is expected to request that the proceeds from the ads be used to fund a study on the impact of the post 9/11 hate and discrimination on Arab and Muslim communities.

Harmful

The new ads also invited the ire of American Muslims, accusing the blogger of fuelling hatred and intolerance in the society.

“Over the years, as (Geller’s) placed these ads we’ve heard from young people as well as adults who’ve seen these messages, who’ve said that it makes them uncomfortable to ride the buses, that it makes them worry about their safety, that it makes them think twice about how people are looking at them,” said attorney Zahra Billoo, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in San Francisco.

“It undermines the very fabric of multiculturalism that we are trying to build in San Francisco and the larger Bay Area.”

CAIR has launched a billboard campaign to explain the true and proper meaning of Jihad as believed and practiced by the majority of Muslims.

The campaign, which reached Chicago, San Francisco and Washington, includes putting up public ads on buses and trains as well as social media websites, where users are asked to tweet what their Jihad (struggle) is using the #MyJihad hashtag.

US Muslims, estimated at between seven to eight million, have been sensing hostility in recent months.

A recent report by CAIR, the University of California and Berkeley's Center for Race and Gender found that Islamophobia in the US is on the rise.

A US survey had also revealed that the majority of Americans know very little about Muslims and their faith.

A recent Gallup poll had found that 43 percent of Americans Nationwide admitted to feeling at least “a little” prejudice against Muslims.-www.shfaqna.com/English

Source: On Islam

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) –At least one ruling party worker was killed during clashes in northwestern Bangladesh as a nationwide strike called by the opposition shut schools and businesses across the country.

The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) enforced the strike to protest at police firing on a rally on Wednesday, when at least two senior party officials were hit by rubber bullets in the capital, Dhaka.

It was the 12th such strike called this year by the BNP and its ally the Jamaat-e-Islami party, in protest at acontroversial war tribunal trying their leaders for crimes during the 1971 war which won independence from Pakistan.

The stoppages hit businesses, deliveries of exports and imports to and from seaports and the transport of farm products from rural areas, among other areas.

Violence broke out between rival political activists from the BNP, Jamaat and the ruling Awami League in the town of Bholarhat on Thursday, local police chief Shahid Suhrawardy told AFP news agency.

"A 25-year-old young man who is a member of Awami League's youth wing died on the spot after he was beaten by BNP and Jamaat supporters," Suhrawardy said.

Several people were injured in the clashes, he added.

The killing raised the death toll to 84 since the first war crimes verdict was announced on January 21.

Sixty-eight of the total have died in the past week, since Jamaat's vice-president Delwar Hossain Sayedee was sentenced to death on February 28.

Divided nation

Security was tight in the capital Dhaka with about 10,000 policemen on patrol. Schools and businesses were closed, while roads and inter-city motorways were largely empty.

Police "picked up" four female legislators from the BNP outside its headquarters in central Dhaka, city police spokesman Masudur Rahman told AFP.

"I can't confirm whether they were arrested," he said.

Three convictions by the state-appointed tribunal have triggered the worst violence in the impoverished country since independence, hitting economic growth and raising concern over political stability.

The war crimes proceedings against a dozen Jamaat and BNP leaders have opened old wounds and divided the nation, with the opposition accusing the government of staging a witch-hunt.

On the other hand, the government supporters have rallied to demand capital punishment to those involved in the liberation war.

The government, which says the 1971 war claimed three million lives, has rejected the claims and accused Jamaat leaders of being part of pro-Pakistani militias blamed for much of the carnage during the war.

Independent estimates put the death toll much lower.-www.shfaqna.com/English

Source:AL Jazeerea

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) – Violent video games has always been a hot topic, especially when it comes to discussing the possibility of gun control. Earlier this year, we reported on a poll that said 75 percent of parents believe violent video games leads to violence, and today, we’re hearing of another poll where 58 percent of adults believe the same thing.

According to a Harris Poll, which surveyed 2,278 adults in the U.S., roughly 58 percent of adults polled believe video game violence does contribute violent behaviors in teenagers. In addition to that surprisingly high number, 38 percent of adults polled said they are completely unaware of the Electronic Software Rating Board’s (ESRB) labeling, with 33 percent of adults polled letting their children play whatever they want.

“The findings underscore the lack of awareness Americans have about the video game rating system, as well as the confusion in the market,” said Harris Poll president Mike de Vere in a statement. “They also factor into a larger discussion playing out across our country and on a political stage around how violent games impact our youth, with President Obama recently announcing his desire to look into ways to fund research examining the impact of violent video games on children.” -www.shfaqna.com/English

Source: Ubergizmo

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) – An American movie depicting Jesus Christ on a violent and bloody rampage is inviting a storm of condemnations from the Muslim community in the United States, saying the offensive material insults millions of Muslims and Christians around the world.

"Such misrepresentation of what Jesus, peace be upon him, stands for is extremely offensive to Muslims and to all those who believe in his message,” Nihad Awad, National Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), said in a statement obtained by OnIslam.net on Wednesday, February 20.

A movie trailer broadcast by NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” showed Jesus on a violent and bloody rampage against the Romans, who allegedly killed him.

Jesus: The Inspired Teacher (Folder)

Muhammad & Jesus: Two Great Prophets of God

The Story of Jesus, Son of Mary

Jesus in the Quran

The trailer featured Jesus brandishing guns and blowing away Romans in classic Tarantino-style.

Blood and gore and profanity spewed across flat screens from coast to coast; at one point Jesus sliced a man’s head in half.

“While we understand the use of shocking imagery and bizarre juxtapositions to provoke a humorous response, we believe such a distasteful portrayal of a religious figure revered by billions of Muslims and Christians worldwide crosses the comedic line,” Awad said.

"We strongly support free speech rights for all, but one would hope that common decency and respect for the beliefs of others would help avoid such unfortunate depictions."

This is not the first American movie defaming prophets.

In September, a US-made movie mocking Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) triggered massive protests around the Muslim world.

Scores of people were killed in protests against the film, including the US ambassador to Libya.

The offensive material has prompted calls for a UN resolution banning religious sacrilege.

Great Prophet

Awad said that Muslims revere Jesus as one of the greatest prophets.

“Many people are unaware that Muslims revere and love Jesus as one of God's greatest messengers,” he said.

“Every time Muslims mention Jesus' name, they add "peace be upon him."

Muslims believe in Jesus as one of the great Prophets of God and that he is the son of Mary but not the Son of God. He was conceived and born miraculously.

In the Noble Qur’an, Jesus is called "Isa". He is also known as Al-Masih (the Christ) and Ibn Maryam (Son of Mary).

As for his crucifixion, Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified but was lifted up to heaven.

Muslims believe that Jesus will come back to earth before the end of time to restore peace and order, fight the Anti-Christ (Al-Masih Al-Dajjal) and bring victory for truth and righteousness.

The true followers of Jesus will prevail over those who deny him, misrepresent him and reject him.-www.shfaqna.com/English

Source: On Islam

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) – Col. Faraj el-Dersi, who defected to the rebel side from Muammar Gaddafi’s police force, was gunned down late last year on the streets of Benghazi, and he bled to death in the arms of his teenage daughter.

As Libya on Sunday marked the second anniversary of the start of the uprising that toppled Gaddafi, the death of el-Dersi and nearly 40 other similar slayings are seen as evidence that some in the country are too impatient for a political system that has yet to deliver justice and national reconciliation.

Suspicion in many of the killings of senior security and military officials has fallen on Islamists who were brutally suppressed under Gaddafi. Now, they have become among the most powerful groups in the new Libya, particularly in the east, with heavily armed militias at their command.

And they are settling old scores themselves, rather than wait for transitional justice — the process of society punishing or forgiving the abuses of the old regime.

Mustafa al-Kufi, a 59-year-old former prisoner and political activist, said the various post-Gaddafi governments and the current parliament are all fearful that if they head down the path of transitional justice, many members of the ruling class would be among those punished for past wrongdoing.

“This is a very pressing issue and a core demand in the street,” said al-Kufi, who spent 12 years in prison under Gaddafi.

“We need to know who did what and then ask families of the victims for forgiveness. But since this didn’t take place, violence will continue because there is no justice.

Like other Arab countries that ousted authoritarian leaders, Libya is now mired in a chaotic and violent transition to a new society. It is plagued by unruly and heavily armed militias that have slowly come under a unified command but remain filled with hard-liners who were in the front line in the war against Gaddafi.-www.shfaqna.com/English

Source: Nationalpost

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) -- Human rights groups say the Israeli army is using too much force while trying to stop Palestinian protests.

Israel's rules of engagement allow soldiers to use live fire, but only in extreme situations. However, in the last month, the army has shot dead at least six Palestinians.

www.shafaqna.com/English

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) — Spain and Greece outlined plans Thursday to reduce government spending and raise taxes to convince international lenders and financial markets they are on track to cut their deficits.

The latest round of belt-tightening comes as economies across Europe get weaker and public resentment toward austerity grows stronger.

Spain's plan to slash its deficit in 2013 and 2014 signals to many analysts that it's preparing to request a financial lifeline from other governments and the European Central Bank. To receive this help, countries must first show they are serious about reining in deficits.

"This is a budget in times of crisis but one to help get out of the crisis," deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria said.

For similar reasons, Greece's coalition government agreed to cut spending over the next two years by €11.5 billion ($14.77 billion). Without the cuts, Greece would have been cut off from vital bailout loans that it needs to pay its bills — and stay in the eurozone. The loans come from the International Monetary Fund, European Union and the ECB.

Financial markets cheered the budget-cutting. In Europe, stocks rose in anticipation of the Spanish measures. France's benchmark stock index finished 0.7 percent higher and Germany's main index rose 0.2 percent. Borrowing costs for Spain and Italy fell, and the Dow Jones industrial average rose 72 points.

But the region remains in trouble. Economic confidence in the 17 countries that use the euro fell to its lowest level in over three years, according to a survey by the European Union's Commission. Meanwhile, unemployment figures in Germany continued to drift higher, in spite of a small seasonal boost in jobs, underlining concerns that Europe's biggest economy is slowing down.

Across Europe, six countries are in recession and economists predict the entire region could be heading for recession by the end of the year.

Throughout the three-year financial crisis, eurozone governments have had to impose harsh cuts and reforms to get control of their debts and — in the case of Greece, Portugal and Ireland — qualify for vital aid. The austerity measures have hit citizens with wage cuts and fewer services, and reduced government spending has undermined growth.

In some countries, the austerity measures have sparked violent protests. But governments have pressed on with the cuts and reforms to get the eurozone financial crisis under control — and to get help from other countries and organizations.

Finance Minister Cristobal Montoro said Thursday Spain's draft budget for 2013 would cut overall spending by €40 billion ($51 billion).

Spain has come under pressure to take up the ECB on its offer to buy unlimited amounts of government bonds to help lower borrowing costs for countries struggling to manage their debts. Such large-scale purchases of short-term government bonds would drive up their price and push down their interest rate and take some pressure off of financially stressed governments such as Spain.

Spain is at the center of the eurozone crisis — its €1.4 trillion ($1.8 trillion) economy is the fourth-largest among the 17 countries that use the euro. The country is struggling to prop up its shaky banking sector and support its heavily indebted regional governments. It has already introduced several packages of tax hikes, civil servant wage cuts and freezes in a bid to get out of the crisis.

To get help from the ECB, Spain must first ask for assistance from the rest of the eurozone. So far, the government has been reluctant to ask for fear of the conditions the other countries will attach to its aid. Analysts say the Spanish government hopes Thursday's budget measures will be enough to stop the eurozone from imposing further spending and deficit controls if and when Spain asks for help.

Economy Minister Luis de Guindos said the measures "go beyond" the steps European officials have recommended that Spain should take. He added that Spain was consulting with other countries in the bloc but has still not decided whether to ask for a bailout.

The country is battling to fulfill an EU commitment to reduce its deficit in relation to economic output from 8.9 percent last year to 6.3 percent in 2012, 4.5 percent next year and to 2.8 percent by the end of 2014.

Montoro said Spain would meet the 2012 deficit target despite recent reports that it was off-target eight months into the year. "We're on a very viable path," he said.

Among new taxes to be levied, Montoro said all national lottery prizes of more than €2,500 ($3,210) would be taxed 20 percent. Saenz de Santamari, meanwhile, announced a new body to oversee regional and local governments' adherence to deficit-reduction targets.

Thursday's budget package comes in the wake of anti-austerity protests in Madrid over the past two nights. More protests are planned for Saturday.

The Greek coalition government hopes that Thursday's agreement on austerity cuts will be enough to meet the targets demanded by its international lenders and keep the vital bailout loans coming.

Finance Minister Yiannis Stournaras said the long-delayed agreement placed him in a stronger negotiating position ahead of talks Monday with representatives from the country's bailout creditors, who will have the final word on the cutbacks.

Greece has relied on international bailouts since May 2010. In return, it has imposed a punishing austerity program, repeatedly slashing incomes, hiking taxes and raising retirement ages.

On top of the €11.5 billion that has to be axed from state spending in 2013-14, Athens must also boost state revenues by an additional €2 billion over the next two years through tax reform and improved tax collection.

The three-party meeting came a day after more than 50,000 anti-austerity protesters took to the streets of Athens, in a demonstration marred by clashes between anarchists and riot police.

The conservative-led coalition has been debating the new cutbacks for about two months. But a deal was delayed by opposition from the two center-left junior partners — coupled with disagreements with the austerity inspectors.

Socialist PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos said after Thursday's two-and-a-half hour talks that he would "struggle to the end to ensure that these measures are not across the board and are fair ... and that they are truly the last," as Samaras has pledged.— www.shafaqna.com/English

Source: Tehran Times

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) — Hundreds of Afghans burned cars and threw rocks at a U.S. military base as a demonstration against an anti-Islam film that ridicules the Prophet Muhammad turned violent in the Afghan capital early Monday.

And in Jakarta, Indonesians angered over the film clashed with police outside the U.S. Embassy, hurling rocks and Molotov cocktails and burning tires outside the mission. At least one police officer was seen bleeding from the head and being carried to safety by fellow officers.

The film privately produced in the United States sparked violent protests in many Muslim countries in recent days, many of them outside U.S. diplomatic posts around the world.

In Kabul on Monday, the air was thick with smoke on Jalalabad road — a main thoroughfare into the city center where the crowd burned shipping containers and tires. At least one police vehicle was burned by the mob before they finally dispersed around midday, according Daoud Amin, the deputy police chief for Kabul province.

Earlier in the morning, men lobbed rocks from the pavement and lobbed them at Camp Phoenix, a U.S. military base that lies along the road. More than 20 police officers were slightly injured — all from being hit by rocks, said Gen. Fahim Qaim, the commander of a city quick-reaction police force.

“Death to America!” and “Death to those people who have made a film and insulted our prophet,” shouted the crowd. Police officers shot into the air to hold back about 800 people and prevent them from pushing toward government buildings downtown, said Azizullah, a police officer at the site who, like many Afghans, only goes by one name.

As the Jalalabad rally was broken up, demonstrations picked up elsewhere in the city. In the southeastern part of Kabul, about 50 protesters gathered in front of a mosque, shouting “Death to America,” said police officer Ahmad Shafiq but there were no signs of violence.

Protester Mohammad Humayun, 28, called on President Barack Obama to bring those who have insulted the prophet to justice.

“People around the world are angry,” he added. “It is the responsibility of all Muslims to show reaction whenever they hear any disregard and disrespect.”

Wahidullah Hotak, another protester, said the rallies will continue “until the people who made the film go to trial.”

A number of Afghan religious leaders urged calm.

“Our responsibility is to show a peaceful reaction, to hold peaceful protests. Do not harm people, their property or public property,” said Karimullah Saqib, a cleric in Kabul.

Outside the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, people also tried to ignite a fire truck as Molotov cocktails exploded against a fence surrounding the embassy compound. Police used a bullhorn to call for calm.

The demonstration started off peacefully as the group of several hundred protesters, many dressed in white, marched toward the mission. The U.S. Embassy has issued an emergency message to American citizens, saying about 1,000 people were expected to demonstrate in front of the mission with about 1,500 police on hand.

Demonstrations were also held Monday in the Indonesian cities of Medan and Bandung. Over the weekend in the central Java town of Solo, protesters stormed KFC and McDonald's restaurants, forcing customers to leave and management to close the stores.

In neighboring Pakistan, around 3,000 students and teachers rallied Monday against the film in the town of Chaman in southwestern Baluchistan province. The crowd burned an American flag and an effigy of Obama, said officer Mohammad Shahid.

Teacher Abdul Malik said it was an obligation of all Muslims to protest the video, while Abdul Waris, a 12-year-old student who attended the rally, said his teachers told him the U.S. and Israel produced the film. The teachers canceled classes and told the students to go protest

The Afghan government has blocked video-sharing web site YouTube to prevent Afghans from viewing a clip of the anti-Muslim film. Officials have said it will remain blocked until the video is taken down. Other Google services, including Gmail, were also blocked in Afghanistan during much of the weekend and the block continued on some providers Monday.

The wave of international violence began Tuesday when mainly Islamist protesters climbed the U.S. Embassy walls in the Egyptian capital of Cairo and tore down the American flag from a pole in the courtyard.

Chris Stevens, the U.S. ambassador to Libya, was killed Tuesday along with three other Americans, as violent protesters stormed the consulate in Benghazi. Obama has vowed that the attackers would be brought to justice but also stressed that the U.S. respects religious freedom. —www.shafaqna.com/English

Source: Tehran Times

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) — More than 50 Chinese cities saw mass protests against Japan on Sunday, with police in the southern city of Shenzhen using tear gas and water cannons to dispel an angry mob.

The protests swept through China over the weekend, as large mobs demanded that Japan hand over control of a small island chain known as the Diaoyu in China and the Senkaku in Japan.

In Beijing, demonstrators pelted the Japanese embassy with eggs and rocks, in front of masses of paramilitary police.

In other cities, there were violent incidents, including the torching of a Panasonic factory and a Toyota dealership in Qingdao.

Some protesters who smashed cars in Xian, as crowds attacked Japanese-made vehicles, were identified by Chinese internet sleuths as policemen.

More than 1,000 protesters in Guangdong burned Japanese flags and stormed a hotel next to the Japanese consulate, while in the central city of Chengdu there was even an attempt by protesters to take their grievances to the US consulate.

Some Chinese observers believe that America is backing Japan over the island dispute.

Leon Panetta, the US Defence secretary, arrived in China on Sunday and warned that territorial tensions could bubble over into conflict.

"I am concerned that when these countries engage in provocations of one kind or another over these various islands, that it raises the possibility that a misjudgement on one side or the other could result in violence, and could result in conflict," he said.

There have not been any reports of serious injuries to Japanese living in China, but Yoshihiko Noda, the prime minister of Japan, called on the authorities, who appear to be tacitly allowing the protests, to ensure the safety of citizens and businesses.

"This situation is a great disappointment and so we are protesting" to China, he told Fuji Television.

Finally, by Sunday evening, the authorities seemed to be trying to put the lid on public anger and the state media called for the public to be "rational" and obey the law.

The protests came as Xi Jinping, 59, China's president-in-waiting, reappeared after two weeks of mysterious absence. Mr Xi is just weeks away from being anointed as China's next leader, and his sudden disappearance raised fears that he may have health problems.

He reappeared on Saturday and on Sunday the Foreign ministry said he would attend a meeting of South East Asian leaders in the southern region of Guangxi this Friday.

Thein Sein, the president of Burma, Thongsin Thammavong, the prime minister of Laos, and Nguyen Tan Dung, the prime minister of Vietnam, will also be there.

In addition to the anger at Japan, China has recently quarrelled with Vietnam over disputed territories in the South China Sea.

Some observers in China noted that the protests have been a useful distraction from domestic politics for the public, and that censors have allowed protesters to use social media to coordinate their marches.

The word "demonstration" was one of the top trends on Sina Weibo, China's version of Twitter, although by the end of the day the authorities had blacked out the words "Japanese embassy". Chinese censors are usually extremely quick to delete any posts that might spark unrest.

Some Chinese state media urged protesters to refrain from violence.

"Smoking city blocks, overturned cars, faces contorted with anger – these are not the images of a civilised society," the Beijing Youth Daily wrote on Sunday.

However, the nationalist Global Times newspaper suggested the protests were strengthening China's position against Japan in the struggle for the islands.

"China's strong expression of its anger and countermeasures are legitimate and reasonable," it said, in an editorial. "With a high level of support from the public, China is gaining the upper hand psychologically in such a contest."—www.shafaqna.com/English