Clashes and Protests in Ferguson

Protests in the city of Ferguson in Missouri, USA, have led to clashes between demonstrators and riot police since Monday, December 3rd. At least twelve buildings in the city have been set on fire. According to CNN, protesters threw stones and bottles at police officers, and riot forces used tear gas to counter the demonstrators. While most protesters engaged in peaceful demonstrations, some resorted to looting shops. CNN reports that some individuals asked the media not to film these scenes, and a stone hit one of the network's journalists. The protests in Ferguson began on Monday following the acquittal of a police officer responsible for the death of a Black teenager in the city. This police officer shot 18-year-old Michael Brown twelve times last August. The main center of this unrest occurred in the Ferguson area of St. Louis. According to The Guardian, Ferguson police officials say at least 29 people have been arrested. Reuters also reports that angry protesters have flooded the streets of Ferguson, highlighting tensions in a predominantly Black city where the power structure is held by white individuals. According to this news agency, gunfire has caused police forces to hide behind their vehicles. Michael Brown's family expressed that they are 'deeply disappointed' by the court's ruling. They also stated, 'While we understand that many share our pain, we ask you to express your disappointment in a way that can have a positive impact.' President Barack Obama has also urged protesters to avoid violence and asked police forces to exercise restraint. He stated in a televised conference, 'We must understand that the situation in Ferguson reflects a broader challenge that we as a nation continue to face. The reality is that in many areas of this country, there is deep mistrust between police and communities of color.' News agencies report that protests in other cities across America have generally been peaceful. In this context, there are concerns about an increase in protests following the death of a person in St. Louis after the court ruling, with Ferguson becoming a scene of protest and conflict.