Season of discontent: protests flare around the world

In at least four countries hit by recent violent protests, the main reason for the uprising is economic. Governments in Chile and Ecuador have incurred their people's wrath after trying to raise fares and end fuel subsidies.

Student arrested during Hong Kong protests had butter knife, says university — Pro-China protesters wave a Chinese national flag at a shopping mall in Hong Kong (AP Photo)

Another day, another protest. On Monday it was Bolivia – angry people clashed with police after the political opposition said it had been cheated in an election won by incumbent President Evo Morales. Last week, the streets of the Chilean capital Santiago descended into chaos, as demonstrators enraged by a hike in public transport fares looted stores, set a bus alight and prompted the president to declare a state of emergency.