Why protesters humiliate, covered in paint and forcibly cut off Bolivian mayor’s hair

Thai skateboarders are joining pro-democracy rallies in Bangkok to vent their anger over a lack of respect and dedicated public space for extreme sports in the kingdom.

Here are a few reasons to pick up a copy of The Guardian on Friday. Find these stories and much more when you grab a copy of The Guardian on Friday.⁣ ⁣

Anti-government coca leaf growers regain control of Bolivia's main legal coca market from a government-backed rival group, following weeks of clashes against the police.

Anti-vaccine mandate demonstrators in New York rally against Australia's Covid-19 measures and protest outside the Australian consulate in the city. Protesters chant "Save Australia" as they tear down a free Covid-19 testing stand on the street.

The army is investigating a soldier suspected of firing toward protesters during Thursday's deadly clashes over the Beirut blast probe. Meanwhile, families of the blast victims have backed the judge leading the probe.

Myanmar starts to release prisoners detained for taking part in anti-coup protests from Yangon's notorious Insein prison, where they are greeted by tearful relatives. The head of the country's military junta announced Monday the release of more than 5,000 people jailed for protesting against February's coup, days after he was excluded from an October summit by regional bloc ASEAN.

Police confront demonstrators as they attempt to block the access to the port of Trieste as they protest against Italy's new 'Green Pass' - a document offering proof of vaccination, recent recovery from Covid-19 or a negative test, which workers must provide to their employers or face being declared absent without pay.

Tired of seeing the lush Amazon destroyed over many years, Brazilian street artist Mundano decided to let nature speak for itself: he has painted a giant mural in Sao Paolo using ashes he collected from the scorched rainforest.

Protesters sing and chant at a demonstration against police brutality in Manzini, Eswatini. The tiny African country has been rocked by a wave of pro-democracy demonstrations, including workers from the transport sector as well as pupils and students who have boycotted lessons and called for free schooling.

Protesters sing and chant at a demonstration against police brutality in Manzini, Eswatini. The tiny African country has been rocked by a wave of pro-democracy demonstrations, including workers from the transport sector as well as pupils and students who have boycotted lessons and called for free schooling.

The fallout from Monday's coup in Sudan continues. Three prominent pro-democracy figures were detained overnight, this as civil disobedience gathers pace. Our reporter met with defiant protesters in Khartoum. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron presides over a ceremony at the Quai Branly Museum in Paris to mark the handing over of 26 artefacts to Benin. And in Ivory Coast, we report on how African artists are keeping the economy going as Grand Bassam's tourism sector is hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Protesters against Sudan's coup aren't giving up their fight. Despite a deadly response from security forces, activists are calling for millions to turn out on Saturday. Uganda's President will reopen schools in January after nearly two years of COVID closures. But many teachers have found other jobs, as children have started working. And our reporter in Kenya tells you how the nation built a one billion dollar tech industry. With huge companies moving in, the demand for local talent has boomed.