Tag: uprising

Smoking gun? Social media accounts tied to unrest

An analysis of social media traffic in downtown Baltimore Monday has unearthed striking connections to the protests in Ferguson, Mo. last year, according to a leading data mining firm that shared its findings exclusively with Fox News.

The firm, which asked to remain anonymous because of its government work, found between 20 and 50 social media accounts in Baltimore that were also tied to the peak period of violence in Ferguson.

While further analysis is being conducted on the data, it suggests the presence of “professional protesters” or anarchists taking advantage of Freddie Gray’s death to incite more violence.

Gray, 25, died April 18, a week after being injured while in police custody. A wave of violence erupted in Baltimore following his funeral Monday.

One account, which also tracked the recent union protests in New York City as well as other disturbances, tweeted photos of Gray’s funeral and used language that seemed to anticipate violence in Baltimore.

Source: FOXNews.com

Thousands of black teenagers go on rampage in Joburg CBD

Thousands of teenage school children went on the rampage Johannesburg CBD, reportedly looting and stealing from shops and vendors.

Sapa reported that the group was in Albertina Sisulu and Eloff streets around 14:00, and majority were standing in front of the education department building.

Metro police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar said they do not have any information on why the children started wreaking havock.

They were seen looting an alcohol truck in Claims Street while workers were offloading cases. They also gathered outside a restaurant singing “we are hungry”.

The owner of an art gallery in the CBD, told News24 that a group of learners in school uniforms were looting from vendors in the streets outside their building.

“The gates to the gallery had to be locked. We are not sure what is going on or where they are coming from.”

Mobs of children were seen running down the street just after lunch time.

One resident said the children complained that they were taught “in fear”. English is the language used in most black schools.

People in the CBD have tweeted that the children are armed and threatening vendors and shop owners.

Protests errupt in Zuurbekom

zuurbekomProtests erupted in Zuurbekom, between Lenasia and Protea, in Johannesburg on Wednesday morning, said metro police.

Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said protesters were burning tyres and had obstructed Impala road and the N12.

“This will affect traffic going to and from Westonaria and the Protea area,” said Minnaar.

He advised motorists to use alternative routes.

It was unclear what the protests were about. – Sapa