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Revolución francesa: The French Revolution and Its Impact on Modern Day French Society

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The French Revolution, a transformative period from 1789 to 1799, fundamentally altered France and left a lasting legacy that continues to shape modern society. It dismantled the ancient régime, ended feudal privileges, and laid the foundations for modern democracy and human rights. This article explores the key events of the Revolution and examines its enduring impacts on contemporary French society. Prelude to Revolution In the late 18th century, France was a nation rife with economic distress, social inequality, and political inefficacy. The financial crisis, exacerbated by costly wars and royal extravagance, pushed the state towards bankruptcy. The rigid social hierarchy, with the clergy and nobility enjoying privileges at the expense of the Third Estate—the vast majority of the population—created widespread discontent. Key Events of the Revolution King Lois XVI of France 1. The Estates-General and the National Assembly (1789)    - In May 1789, King Louis XVI convened the Estates-G
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Bangladesh Reels from Violent Protests: Government Buildings Torched, 100 Police Officers Injured

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Bangladesh experienced significant destruction on Friday following the deadliest day of ongoing student protests. Government buildings, including the Dhaka headquarters of Bangladesh Television, were torched by demonstrators, and a nationwide internet blackout was implemented.  This week's unrest has resulted in at least 39 deaths, with 32 occurring on Thursday, and the death toll is expected to rise as clashes continue across nearly half of the country's districts. According to a police statement, protesters engaged in "destructive activities" against numerous police and government offices. Faruk Hossain, a spokesman for the capital's police force, told AFP that roughly 100 policemen were injured in the clashes yesterday. He added that about 50 police booths were set ablaze. The police statement warned that if the destruction did not cease, they would "be forced to make maximum use of law". At least two-thirds of the deaths reported so far were caused b
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Court Suspends Acting IG Kanja's Protest Ban as LSK Challenges Directive

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The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has criticized acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja for banning protests within Nairobi's CBD. Kanja cited security concerns and the lack of a designated leader for the Gen Z-led protests.  However, the High Court in Nairobi suspended this directive, emphasizing that the Public Order Act, not "international security standards," governs demonstrations in Kenya. LSK president Faith Odhiambo argued that the police's actions were unconstitutional and did not meet the requirements of the Public Order Act.  In a statement on Thursday, LSK president Faith Odhiambo said the law governing demonstrations in Kenya is the Public Order Act CAP 56. She said section 5(8) of the Act outlines circumstances under which the police may restrict planned demonstrations as provided for under Article 37 of the Constitution and lack of a designated leader does not warrant such restrictive measures. “It is inconceivable that the National Police Servic
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Farewell Justice David Majanja

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In the somber halls of Friends International Centre, family, friends, and fellow judges gathered to share anecdotes and memories of Justice David Majanja. Appointed as a High Court judge in 2011, Majanja passed away on Wednesday evening at The Nairobi Hospital, two days after being admitted for surgery. His death has left a profound sense of loss among judges, lawyers, and staff. During a solemn service filled with tears and fond memories, Chief Justice Martha Koome led the Judiciary in honoring Majanja's life. The gathering included men and women in red robes and black suits adorned with purple ribbons, a group of judges and advocates united in mourning. Tributes highlighted Majanja’s dedication to justice and unwavering integrity. Chief Justice Koome's eulogy praised Majanja’s judicial excellence and sharp intellect. She emphasized the need for the judiciary to remain impartial and uphold the rule of law in his absence. She also recalled Majanja's role in formulating poli
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Kware Murders: Suspect Claims Police Torture and Coercion Led to False Confession

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A woman’s dream about her sister being dumped in the Kware area of Mukuru Kwa Njenga slums on the outskirts of Nairobi led to the discovery of a crime scene, astonishingly located right next to a police station. This might seem ironic elsewhere, but in Kenya, it is sadly typical news. One in three people has faced police abuse or harassment, and between 2019 and 2021, over 500 police killings have been documented in Kenya, according to the International Justice Mission. A man labeled a "serial killer"  by Kenyan police was coerced into confessing through torture, his lawyer told a court in Nairobi. Police stated that Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, 33, admitted to killing 42 women, including his wife, since 2022, following his arrest on Monday. He was detained after nine mutilated bodies were discovered at an abandoned quarry in Nairobi. Prosecutors denied any mistreatment, and the court ruled that Khalusha could be held for a month pending further investigations. His lawyer, John
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Uncertainty Looms as Anti-Ruto Protests Intensify

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Emboldened by the 2010 Constitution, which transformed the country into an open and democratic society, an unprecedented and forceful grassroots movement has seized global attention and put President William Ruto’s ruling party on the defensive. What began as an anti-tax bill protest a month ago has morphed into an all-out anti-government movement that seeks to topple the 'unjust' system even after Ruto dropped the bill and made some changes in the government. Political commentators have dubbed it; The Third Liberation Movement. Youth are demanding comprehensive reforms, including the removal of corrupt leaders within President Ruto's administration. This comes ahead of a national dialogue forum promised by President Ruto to address national issues. Despite Ruto's announcement of the dialogue forum starting on July 15, uncertainty looms over the Kenya Kwanza regime. Generation Z has taken to various platforms under the hashtag #RutoMustGo, calling for new leadership and
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French Government Resigns, Takes on Caretaker Role During Transition Period

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Governing France is about to become more challenging for Emmanuel Macron. On Tuesday, the French president accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and his government, initiating a transition period where the outgoing administration will act as a caretaker until a new executive is appointed, according to a statement from the Elysée. Macron urged "all Republican forces" to reach an agreement to conclude this transition period "as soon as possible." Historically, such transitional periods have not lasted more than nine days, but these are unprecedented times in France. A section of the outgoing French Cabinet.  The president is responsible for appointing the new prime minister and cabinet. This process is straightforward when the president's party holds an absolute majority in parliament, or the president selects the leader of the majority party in the lower house. However, France's fragmented political landscape leaves the future government an
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