Thousands attempt to storm Indonesia parliament to protest election law changes
Police in Indonesia fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse thousands of protesters who attempted to storm parliament.
Police in Indonesia fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse thousands of protesters who attempted to storm parliament on Thursday after they tore down a section of fence and threw stones at officers.
The unrest forced the legislature to delay a vote on controversial changes to election laws that could further enhance the political influence of outgoing President Joko Widodo.
Parliament met in an emergency session to overturn one decision made by the Constitutional Court on election procedures, while amending another.
Protesters occupied roads in front of the parliament building. Some held banners and signs, while others started a fire and burned tires.
The Constitutional Court on Tuesday dismissed a challenge to an age limit that prevents people under 30 from running for regional governorships, which would prevent Widodo’s youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep, 29, from running in a regional contest in Central Java.
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