2021 Protests & Revolutions Events — Verified Historical Highlights
2021 Protests & Revolutions Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 01 Jan Portland New Year's Eve Protest Turns Violent: A New Year's Eve protest in Portland, Oregon escalated into a confrontation between protesters and law enforcement. Police declared the gathering a riot, using pepper balls and rubber bullets, while protesters deployed fireworks, symbolizing the ongoing social tensions in the city.
- 12 Jan India Suspends Controversial Farm Laws After Massive Protests: In a significant legal and political development, India's Supreme Court intervened in the ongoing farmers' protest by putting three contentious agricultural reform laws on hold. These laws, which were intended to liberalize agricultural markets, had sparked widespread demonstrations by farmers across the country, particularly in the Delhi region. The court's decision came after weeks of intense protests, roadblocks, and public demonstrations by agricultural communities who argued that the laws would undermine their economic security and traditional farming practices.
- 26 Jan Farmers' Protest Turns Violent at Red Fort in Delhi: On Republic Day (26 January 2021), a massive farmers' protest in Delhi escalated dramatically when protesters stormed the historic Red Fort, a significant national monument. The confrontation with police resulted in intense clashes, leaving one protester dead and over 80 police officers injured. This event marked a critical moment in the ongoing farmers' agitation against agricultural reform laws in India. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
- 05 Feb Police Riot During Cyclist Protest in Mexico City: A tense confrontation erupted in Mexico City when police attempted to disperse a demonstration by cyclists protesting after a bus fatally struck a bicyclist. The situation escalated dramatically, resulting in eleven police officers being arrested for their conduct during the incident. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
- 10 Feb Myanmar Coup Protesters Defy Military Crackdown: Protesters in Myanmar continued to demonstrate against the military coup, defying official bans and risking potential violent suppression, in a significant challenge to the military's seizure of power.
- 16 Feb Hirak Protest Movement Anniversary in Algeria: Five thousand people gathered in the town of Kherrata, Bejaia Province to commemorate the two-year anniversary of the Hirak protest movement. The demonstrations, which had been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resumed with a significant public turnout. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
- 19 Feb First Fatality in Myanmar Anti-Coup Protests: Mya Thwe Thwe Khaine, a 19-year-old pro-democracy protester, tragically became the first known casualty during the widespread anti-military coup demonstrations in Myanmar, symbolizing the intense resistance against the military's seizure of power. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
- 20 Feb Myanmar Protests Turn Violent: In a tragic escalation of the post-coup protests, security forces in Mandalay opened fire on demonstrators, resulting in two fatalities and injuring approximately 40 people. This marked the bloodiest day of protests since the military coup, highlighting the intense political tension in Myanmar.
- 28 Feb Myanmar Military Violently Suppresses Anti-Coup Protests: On February 28, 2021, Myanmar security forces launched a brutal crackdown on anti-coup protesters in multiple cities. The military used lethal force to disperse peaceful demonstrators and clear roadblocks, resulting in the deaths of 18 protesters. In addition to the fatalities, over 30 individuals were wounded by live ammunition, and numerous protesters were arrested, marking a significant escalation of violence against civilian opposition to the military coup.
- 03 Mar Myanmar Security Forces Kill 38 Protesters: On March 3, 2021, security forces in Myanmar violently suppressed anti-coup demonstrations, resulting in the deaths of 38 protesters. This tragic event highlighted the brutal crackdown on democratic opposition following the military coup that overthrew the elected government.
- 08 Mar Deadly Protests in Myanmar: In Myitkyina, Myanmar, security forces violently suppressed anti-coup protests, killing two people and injuring three others by shooting protesters directly in the head, escalating the ongoing conflict between the military junta and pro-democracy demonstrators.
- 14 Mar Hlaingthaya Massacre in Myanmar: On March 14, 2021, Burmese security forces conducted a brutal crackdown in the Hlaingthaya township, killing at least 65 civilians during the ongoing political unrest following the military coup. This event represents one of the deadliest single-day massacres during the Myanmar military's violent suppression of pro-democracy protests. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
- 22 Mar Myanmar Protests Continue: Ongoing protests in Myanmar against the military coup resulted in two more fatalities, highlighting the continued political unrest and human rights challenges in the country.
- 24 Mar Myanmar Security Forces Kill 38 Protesters During Anti-Coup Demonstrations: On March 24, 2021, security forces in Myanmar violently suppressed anti-coup protests, resulting in the deaths of 38 civilians. This tragic event highlighted the brutal crackdown by the military junta against pro-democracy demonstrators following the February 1st military coup that overthrew the democratically elected government.
- 27 Mar Deadly Protests Continue in Myanmar: In a tragic escalation of civil unrest, at least 64 protesters were reportedly killed during demonstrations against the military coup in Myanmar. The high death toll underscores the intense political tension and human rights concerns in the country.
- 29 Mar US Suspends Trade Engagement with Myanmar: In response to escalating military violence against anti-coup protesters, the United States suspended its diplomatic trade engagement aimed at integrating Myanmar into the global economy. This action signifies international condemnation of the military's actions.
- 09 Apr Myanmar Military Intensifies Information Suppression: The Myanmar military junta escalated its crackdown on information flow by confiscating satellite dishes and disrupting internet access. This occurred amid ongoing protests against the February coup, during which at least 598 protesters and bystanders had been killed.
- 11 Apr Daunte Wright Fatal Police Shooting: Twenty-year-old Daunte Wright was fatally shot during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota by police officer Kimberly Potter, who claimed to have mistakenly drawn her firearm instead of her taser. The incident sparked significant protests and renewed discussions about police use of force and racial injustice. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
- 16 Apr Raúl Castro Resigns as Cuban Communist Party Leader: In a significant political transition, Raúl Castro confirmed his resignation as the leader of the Cuban Communist Party, marking the end of the Castro family's historic six-decade leadership of Cuba. This momentous event symbolizes a potential generational and ideological shift in Cuban political leadership, concluding an era defined by the revolutionary legacy of Fidel and Raúl Castro.
- 23 Apr Jerusalem Communal Tensions and Violent Clashes: On April 23, 2021, significant tensions erupted in Jerusalem between ultra-nationalist Jewish demonstrators, Palestinian protesters, and Israeli Police. The conflict was sparked by a viral TikTok video depicting Palestinians assaulting members of the Jerusalem ultra-Orthodox community. Over 120 people were injured during the violent confrontations, highlighting the deep-seated communal tensions in the region.
- 27 Apr Protests in Chad Against Military Government: Violent protests erupt in N'Djamena and Moundou, Chad, with at least five people killed during demonstrations demanding a civilian political transition. Police responded with tear gas, and the military council has banned further protests, highlighting ongoing political tensions.
- 02 May Berlin Labor Day Protests and Arrests: On May 2, 2021, Berlin experienced significant social unrest during its annual Labor Day demonstrations. At least 354 protesters were detained by local law enforcement during the protests, highlighting tensions between demonstrators and authorities. The protests, traditionally marking International Workers' Day, involved large crowds expressing various social and economic grievances, leading to widespread arrests and potential clashes with police.
- 05 May Colombia Protests Against Tax Reform and Poverty: A week of mass protests and demonstrations erupted in Colombia against government tax reform and economic inequality, resulting in significant social unrest and 24 fatalities. The protests highlighted deep-seated economic frustrations and social tensions within the country.
- 06 May Intense Anti-Government Protests Escalate in Colombia: Anti-government protests in Colombia intensified, resulting in significant clashes between protesters and security forces, reflecting deep-seated social and political tensions in the country.
- 07 May Palestinian-Israeli Tensions in East Jerusalem: Intense clashes erupted between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound and surrounding areas in East Jerusalem, resulting in at least 178 Palestinian injuries and escalating regional tensions.
- 09 May Jerusalem Tensions Escalate with Protests and Police Crackdown: Intense unrest continued in Jerusalem as Israeli police confronted Palestinian protesters demonstrating against potential evictions of Palestinian families from homes in east Jerusalem. The situation highlighted the ongoing complex and volatile nature of Israeli-Palestinian relations.
- 19 May Ongoing Israel-Hamas Conflict Escalates: Intense fighting continued between Palestinian militants and Israeli forces, with deadly clashes resulting in casualties on both sides. A rocket from Gaza killed two Thai workers in southern Israel, while Israeli airstrikes demolished a six-story building in Gaza. Protests erupted in the West Bank, with Palestinians throwing stones and Israeli troops responding with tear gas. A nationwide Palestinian strike demonstrated unity amid the conflict.
- 21 May International Protests Supporting Palestinians: Global protests emerged in solidarity with Palestinians, with Indonesian Islamists demonstrating at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta and Toronto activists symbolically painting the Israeli consulate with a 'river of blood' to represent Palestinian casualties.
- 28 May Israeli Forces Shoot Palestinian Protester near Nablus: During a protest near Nablus, Israeli forces shot and killed Zakaria Hamayel, a 28-year-old Palestinian man, escalating tensions in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- 04 Jun Pro-Palestine Protests in United States: Demonstrations against Israeli policies unfolded with protesters at the Port of Oakland attempting to block an Israeli cargo ship, while in East Jerusalem, Israeli police actions during a protest resulted in at least 23 runners being injured by tear gas and stun grenades.
- 07 Jun Hungarian Protests Against Chinese University Project: On June 7, 2021, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Budapest to demonstrate against a planned Chinese university campus. The protesters voiced strong opposition to the project, alleging that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was compromising national interests by collaborating with China. They argued that the substantial funds allocated to this new university would be better spent improving existing educational infrastructure in Hungary.
- 08 Jun Deadly Protest in Badakhshan, Afghanistan: Protesters in Faizabad, Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan, demanded the governor's resignation after a violent clash with security forces resulted in five protesters killed and over 41 wounded.
- 16 Jun Israeli-Hamas Tensions Escalate in Gaza: Israel launched targeted airstrikes against Hamas military sites in Gaza following the launch of incendiary balloons into Israeli territory. The incident occurred amid rising tensions surrounding a Jewish nationalist demonstration in East Jerusalem. This event tested the newly formed government of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and highlighted the ongoing fragility of the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire that ended previous hostilities. The situation underscored the persistent volatility in Israeli-Palestinian relations.
- 12 Jul Cuban Freedom Protests Erupt: Thousands of Cuban citizens took to the streets demanding political freedom and protesting against the government's authoritarian policies. The widespread demonstrations highlighted growing public discontent with economic hardship and lack of civil liberties.
- 16 Jul Congressional Black Caucus Chair Arrested in Voting Rights Protest: Representative Joyce Beatty, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, was arrested during a high-profile protest for voting rights at the U.S. Capitol, drawing national attention to ongoing electoral access issues.
- 17 Jul Mass Protests Against COVID-19 Restrictions in France: Over 100,000 people demonstrated across France in opposition to President Emmanuel Macron's COVID-19 policies, including mandatory vaccinations for health workers and restrictions on unvaccinated citizens, reflecting significant public resistance to pandemic measures.
- 23 Jul Biden Criticizes Cuban Protest Trials: President Biden condemned Cuba's legal proceedings against protesters, expressing concern over the government's treatment of civil demonstrators and potential human rights violations.
- 31 Jul Myanmar Student Protests Against Military Junta: On July 31, 2021, university students in Mandalay, Myanmar, continued their resistance against the military coup. Demonstrating remarkable courage, they publicly waved flags and vocally expressed their opposition to the military leadership, emphatically stating there was 'no possibility of dialogue' with the junta. These protests represented a sustained civil resistance movement challenging the military's undemocratic seizure of power.
- 19 Aug Taliban Violence During Independence Day Protests: Violent confrontations erupted in Asadabad during Independence Day celebrations when a Taliban militant was stabbed by protesters. In retaliation, fellow Taliban militants fired into the crowd, resulting in two fatalities and eight injuries. Similar tensions were reported in Jalalabad, where two additional people were wounded during protests.
- 20 Aug Taliban Violently Suppresses Protests in Afghanistan: On August 20, 2021, hundreds of Afghan citizens protested in Kabul and other cities against the Taliban's takeover of the country. Demonstrators waved the national flag and chanted slogans of pride and resistance. The Taliban responded with brutal force, using gunfire to disperse peaceful protesters, resulting in at least two deaths and six injuries in Asadabad.
- 02 Oct Brazil Political Protests Against President Bolsonaro: Large-scale political demonstrations erupted across Brazil, with protesters demanding the impeachment of President Jair Bolsonaro. These protests reflected growing public dissatisfaction with the president's governance, handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and controversial political policies. The demonstrations represented a significant moment of political tension and civic engagement in Brazil.
- 14 Oct Beirut Clashes Tragedy: A violent shooting during a protest in Beirut, Lebanon, resulted in six fatalities and 32 injuries, highlighting the ongoing political tensions and sectarian conflicts in the region.
- 27 Oct Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan Protests Turn Violent: Violent clashes erupted in Lahore, Pakistan, between law enforcement and supporters of the banned far-right Islamic extremist Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan party. The confrontation resulted in four policemen being killed and 263 injured, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding the group.
- 28 Oct Sudan Protests Against Military Coup: Protests against the October 2021 Sudanese coup d'état continued for the fourth consecutive day, with another protestor killed, bringing the total number of fatalities to 11 during the demonstrations.
- 20 Nov Violent COVID-19 Protests in Rotterdam: Police in Rotterdam, Netherlands, shot and seriously injured three protesters during demonstrations against COVID-19 measures. Fifty-one people were arrested, with half being under 18 years old, indicating significant social tension.
- 22 Nov Tragic Wisconsin Christmas Parade Attack: A devastating incident occurred when a red SUV drove through a Christmas parade in Wisconsin, killing at least five people and injuring over 40. Concurrently, a Haitian gang released two of 17 kidnapped missionaries, and protesters in Kenosha, Wisconsin, retraced Kyle Rittenhouse's legal case steps.
- 10 Dec Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Incident: Tensions escalated in the occupied West Bank when Israeli soldiers opened fire on Palestinian protesters, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries during a demonstration against Israeli settlements.
- 22 Dec Removal of Pillar of Shame Monument at University of Hong Kong: In a controversial move, the University of Hong Kong removed the Pillar of Shame, a significant memorial sculpture commemorating the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre. This action symbolizes ongoing tensions between academic institutions and political sensitivities surrounding historical remembrance of human rights events in China.
- 26 Dec Canada Criticizes China, Boycotts Olympics: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called for Western solidarity against China, announcing Canada's diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in protest of human rights abuses, particularly concerning the treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang.
What happened in 2021?
Discover what the world looked like in 2021: