AGP Executive Report

Voter Mobilization: “No Kings” rallies across the U.S. shifted toward early voting, voter registration and rides to polling places ahead of the midterms. West Bank Accountability: Settlers attacked Palestinian olive harvesters and a European delegation; Rabbis for Human Rights filed a police complaint against a rabbi whose ruling encouraged taking Palestinian olives. Flotilla & Climate Protests: Gaza flotilla organizers postponed their voyage until spring 2027 after mechanical problems and distressing encounters at sea. Separately, Greenpeace activists were arrested after climbing a Woodside gas rig, temporarily halting operations. Civil Society Funding: A proposed U.S. push includes at least $25 million for conservative civil-society initiatives in Europe, including think tanks and media; the funding is planned, not confirmed as distributed. Activist Safety: Punjab protests followed the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, and India’s Home Ministry sought a report from the state government. Survivor Redress: New Zealand Labour’s plan for state-care abuse survivors lacks costings; official estimates put expanded redress at up to $1.025 billion over four years.

France Protests: Around 550,000 people demonstrated over living costs, education and public services; authorities reported 1,200 arrests and 150 injured officers as clashes and looting overshadowed calls for reform. Climate Activism: Two Greenpeace protesters were taken into custody after occupying Woodside’s offshore gas platform, briefly halting work on its Scarborough project. The group says it is defending Scott Reef. India’s Right to Protest: Police detained activists seeking to march in Delhi, prompting renewed criticism of restrictions on protest access; CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke later received conditional bail. Punjab Accountability: Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota’s killing has prompted protests and demands for an independent probe. Home Minister Amit Shah is due to meet his family on October 20. Farmers’ Rights: Civil society, faith groups and farmers have launched “Save Sariaya Now!” to defend more than 250 families in the Philippines who say they lost land awarded under agrarian reform. West Bank Violence: Settlers attacked Palestinian olive harvesters and European visitors, including a French mayor. No arrests had been made, raising questions about protection and accountability.

Cost-of-Living Protests: France’s interior minister said 550,000 people joined nationwide marches over prices, public services and education; around 400 were arrested as clashes and fires broke out. Tens of thousands also marched in Portugal, demanding higher wages and affordable housing. West Bank Accountability: Settlers allegedly attacked Palestinian olive harvesters, European diplomats and a French mayor near Taybeh. Belgium called for those responsible to face justice; Israeli police say they are investigating. Election Rights: Protests in Delhi and other Indian cities called for the election chief’s resignation, while women’s groups demanded action over alleged police assaults on demonstrators. Climate Action: Greenpeace activists occupied a Woodside gas platform off Western Australia, forcing a temporary shutdown. Voter Mobilization: The No Kings coalition shifted from street protests to nationwide events encouraging people to make plans to vote in the U.S. midterms. Mental Health Policy: Nigerian advocacy groups welcomed a Senate bill to decriminalise attempted suicide and urged lawmakers to hear from civil society and people with lived experience.

Election Protest Crackdown: Delhi Police detained Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke during protests over voter-roll revisions; AISA president Neha Bora was released, while police filed multiple cases over gatherings in Connaught Place. Punjab Accountability: Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota’s killing has sparked protests and a state-wide shutdown. The Centre is seeking a response from Punjab, and a local police officer has been suspended. Biodiversity: A UN report warns fewer than half of global nature-protection targets are on track; current pledges would protect only 26% of land and 12% of oceans by 2030. Civil Liberties: Transparency International Sri Lanka warns a proposed terrorism law could enable broad restrictions on dissent and administrative detention. Public Funds: Nigerian governors face scrutiny over N31.77 trillion in federal allocations, with questions about whether local services have improved and whether local governments control their share.

India—Protest and Policing: Delhi police detained protest leaders Abhijeet Dipke and Neha Bora as demonstrators rallied over election rules; separately, the High Court allowed activist Natasha Narwal to travel to the U.K. for an academic conference, with conditions. Punjab Accountability: After anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead, a statewide shutdown demanded justice. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said Punjab’s drug problem was being exaggerated, drawing fresh scrutiny of the government’s response. Biodiversity and Defenders: At COP17 in Armenia, UN chief António Guterres warned that nature-damaging activities attract far more funding than conservation. Rights groups also urged Armenia to protect environmental defenders facing intimidation and lawsuits. Local Governance: Hundreds of San Jose residents, faith leaders and youth activists called for a pause on new data-center development, citing concerns about infrastructure, environmental impacts and inadequate public consultation. Uyghur Rights: Advocates urged U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to press Central Asian governments not to deport Uyghurs to China and to protect them from transnational repression.

Delhi Protest Rights: Authorities closed Connaught Place’s Central Park and deployed 6,000 police and 220 companies of central forces for the CJP’s flag march. The Supreme Court declined an urgent challenge to the closure, while the High Court refused to stop the protest and noted traders’ livelihood concerns. Punjab Accountability: Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota’s killing has sparked a state-wide shutdown. Police suspended the local station chief and arrested a suspect; a mob torched the accused’s shop after authorities demolished his house. The Home Ministry says it will seek a report from Punjab. Election Safety: Two ANC members were shot dead during a campaign in South Africa’s Umgababa, weeks before local elections. Police are investigating and have not ruled out political intolerance. Justice for Daphne: On the ninth anniversary of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder, press groups say full justice remains elusive after businessman Yorgen Fenech was acquitted of masterminding the killing. Ladakh Talks: Government and Ladakh representatives made no breakthrough on constitutional safeguards or an elected regional body; they plan to meet again on October 22. Nigeria Elections: Civil society group Centre LSD urged INEC to keep recruitment of 2027 election workers transparent, merit-based and free from political influence.

U.S. Surveillance: A Homeland Security officer reportedly infiltrated anti-ICE groups in Minneapolis, raising fresh concerns about federal monitoring of protest movements. India’s Election Protests: Activists and opposition groups are challenging voter-roll revisions they say could favor the ruling party; authorities are preparing a major security deployment for a march in Delhi. Nigeria’s Election Trust: Activists Aisha Yesufu and Dele Farotimi warn that INEC’s use of AI and doubts about election independence could undermine confidence in the 2027 vote. Punjab’s Anti-Drug Activism: The killing of activist Parvinder Singh Jhota has prompted shutdown protests and calls for accountability; the main suspect has been arrested, while demolition and mob violence have added to tensions. Nonprofit Pressures: The RSPB says up to 6% of its workforce may be affected by cuts as it tries to contain rising costs.

Punjab Accountability: A statewide bandh followed the killing of anti-drug campaigner Parvinder Singh Jhota. Police arrested the main accused and suspended the local station chief, as scrutiny turns to drug-shop oversight and the state’s anti-drug efforts. Protest Rights: Ankita Bhandari’s parents were released after detention at an India Gate protest. They want a newly appointed Sikkim governor’s appointment put on hold pending a CBI probe and threaten nationwide protests if their demand is ignored. Climate Advocacy: Greenpeace and Extinction Rebellion activists protested at the European Parliament, urging EU leaders to reduce reliance on fossil fuels ahead of a summit on energy prices and competitiveness. Forest Protection: A new civil-society assessment says more than 7 million hectares of forest were lost in 2025, leaving global targets to halt forest loss by 2030 far out of reach. Coastal Communities: Ghanaian civil society groups welcomed the suspension of offshore gold exploration but say licences should be revoked over risks to fisheries and livelihoods.

Punjab Accountability: Police arrested the main suspect in the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, but protests in Mansa turned tense, with the accused’s shop set ablaze and part of his home demolished. Opposition parties are demanding accountability as residents call for justice. Right to Protest: Delhi police arrested Cockroach Janta Party leaders after they entered Jantar Mantar, recently removed as a designated protest site; two were remanded to five days’ custody. Opposition leaders and civil society groups say the arrests threaten dissent. Civil Liberties: The UN human rights office urged Sri Lanka to redraft its proposed anti-terrorism law, warning it could enable arbitrary detention, torture and restrictions on expression despite some improvements over earlier drafts. Humanitarian Access: Palestinian and international NGOs say settler violence, military raids and access restrictions are disrupting West Bank services and preventing farmers from reaching olive groves as harvest season begins.

Protest Rights: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the five-day judicial custody of two Cockroach Janata Party activists arrested at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, saying peaceful protest and waving the national flag are not crimes. The site has been removed from the city’s designated protest locations; Gandhi says opponents will challenge the move and reclaim it. Violence Against Activists: Punjab police arrested the medical-store owner accused of shooting anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota during a confrontation livestreamed on Facebook. Jhota’s killing has intensified scrutiny of the state government’s response to drug sales and public safety. Accountability: Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore is seeking ₦5 billion in damages from the DSS, its director-general and the attorney-general, alleging agents assaulted and abducted him inside a court. Political Prisoners: Cambodia’s appeal court upheld 18-month sentences for two opposition activists and a construction worker. Rights group Licadho says they are among 109 prisoners jailed for activism or exercising free expression. Medicine Costs: Health activists welcomed the Supreme Court’s call to examine whether a proposed 30% cap on trade margins for cancer medicines could cover other essential drugs.

Civic Safety: Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead in Punjab’s Mansa while livestreaming, prompting his family to vow to continue his campaign. Climate Preparedness: A proposed Ilocos Sur task force would coordinate drought and heat responses, including protecting water supplies and agriculture. In the Philippines, civil society group Atom criticized President Marcos’s advice to collect rainwater in buckets, calling for concrete government action. Palestinian Solidarity: Malaysia’s “Sumud Protocol,” unveiled at a gathering of 250 delegates from 43 countries, aims to coordinate support through media, students and politicians. Rights & Governance: A new report on digital public infrastructure in 11 African countries warns that weak safeguards could exclude vulnerable people and undermine civic participation. Israeli forces also raided Palestinian civil society organizations in the West Bank. Education Protests: More than 161,500 people joined rallies across France over underfunded schools; Greta Thunberg joined students near Paris. Political Accountability: The UK Liberal Democrats are seeking to evict former party official Jo Hayes, 71, from her home to recover legal costs. Hayes, who has incurable cancer, says she fears being left homeless.

Activist Safety: Anti-drug campaigner Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead in Punjab while confronting a medical-store owner over alleged drug sales; police are investigating. Election Rights: Opposition parties and civil society groups in India took their voter-roll concerns to the Supreme Court as protests spread. Delhi has removed Jantar Mantar’s protest-site designation, and the High Court has questioned police over an activist’s confinement ahead of demonstrations. Public Spending: Philippine budget watchdogs say the House passed the 2027 budget with too little transparency, while an education network warns cuts to classroom facilities and computer programs could deepen inequality. Local Accountability: Cape Town residents and activists oppose a proposed R114-million N2 safety wall, arguing the money should address housing and community safety needs. Climate Response: A Philippine civil society group criticized the president’s advice to store rainwater in buckets, calling for concrete government measures ahead of a predicted Super El Niño.

India’s Voter-Roll Crisis: Tens of thousands protested alleged “vote theft,” citing the deletion of 130 million names from voter rolls and demanding the election chief’s resignation. Police detained demonstrators, while the Delhi High Court sought a report on an activist’s alleged confinement before a protest. Public Land: A federal judge condemned the Trump administration for cutting more than 400 trees at a Washington golf course despite an understanding to pause major work while a preservation lawsuit proceeds. Local Government: Seven London councils now say they will limit cooperation with immigration raids unless legally required, including restricting data-sharing and working with activist groups on migrant support. Jail Oversight: New York’s Rikers Island jail is set to miss its 2027 closure deadline, disappointing advocates as replacement facilities lag and reports of violence and poor conditions persist. Ocean Protection: Experts at the Nairobi Convention’s COP12 urged governments to turn regional pledges into laws, budgets and enforceable conservation measures, warning that implementation and funding remain major obstacles.

India’s Protest Crackdown: Opposition leaders plan a Supreme Court march over alleged voter-roll irregularities as Delhi faces fresh security restrictions. Activists and journalists say police detained thousands over the weekend; the Cockroach Janta Party is demanding a date for its protest within 24 hours. Digital Rights: Rights groups say Türkiye blocked at least 1,270 X accounts in September, reaching a combined 35 million followers, and urge the government to end censorship orders. Nigeria’s Police Reform: A proposal to let states establish police forces is advancing, but critics warn separate legislation could hinder NGOs and rights groups documenting abuses. Girls’ Education: FAWE-Liberia will support 650 marginalized young people with tuition, stipends and training; women are expected to make up 80% of recipients. ICC Accountability: A civil society commission warns US sanctions on the International Criminal Court could cut off legal support for families seeking justice in the Philippines’ drug-war case, set for trial in November.

Civil Liberties: Delhi police detained thousands during protests over voter-roll changes, with activists and journalists among those held. Courts ordered the release of detained protesters, while the UN rights office raised concerns; India rejected its remarks as interference. Electoral Rights: Rahul Gandhi called for an opposition march to the Supreme Court, but Chief Justice Surya Kant declined a meeting, saying the issues should be raised through a court petition. Climate Accountability: Brazilian prosecutors, alongside an NGO, are seeking $108 million from Shell over deadly 2024 floods, arguing the company should answer for its contribution to climate change. Child Protection: UNICEF says child marriage in Nepal has fallen over the past decade, but girls from the poorest households remain at greatest risk and the country is off track to meet its 2030 goal. Public Integrity: South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit says it recovered assets, prevented losses and helped set aside contracts worth R28.5 billion in 2025/26.

Civil Liberties: Indian police detained thousands of protesters in Delhi as the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party demanded Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over voter-roll revisions. A court released three party leaders on a one-year peace condition; opposition parties plan another protest Monday. The UN urged India to release anyone arbitrarily detained, but the government called its concerns interference in domestic affairs. Local Conflict: The death toll from fresh Kuki-Naga clashes in Manipur has risen to nine. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh called for restraint and ordered steps to restore peace. Environmental Oversight: Activists are seeking a halt to new data centres in Andhra Pradesh over concerns about pressure on water supplies. Google says its planned Visakhapatnam facility will use air cooling after a water assessment found local watershed pressures.