News

The former defender of Grozny's "Ahmat" team, Andrey Semyonov, highly praised the performance level of forward Lechi Sadulaev. This was reported by Euro-football.ru. He emphasized that he is very pleased with the player's development. According to Semyonov, he saw Sadulaev when he was a young boy, and now he has become a great player. These thoughts were quoted by the publication "Chempionat." Semyonov also stated that Sadulaev would be an excellent asset for any Russian club. It was noted that besides teams like CSKA and "Zenit," which have recently shown interest in the player, he could also be a valuable player for other clubs. The 25-year-old Sadulaev was trained at the "Ahmat" academy. Last season, he played in 35 matches, scored 2 goals, and provided 4 assists. His market value is approximately 3.5 million euros.

A new Regulation on the procedure for assigning and paying one-time material assistance to citizens released from penal institutions in Uzbekistan has been officially approved. This was reported by Upl.uz. The press service of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan announced that this government decision was adopted on July 16, 2025. The process of applying for material assistance, reviewing applications, and assigning assistance will be carried out through the "E-probation" information system. To receive assistance, the applicant must personally apply to the district or city probation departments within one month from the day they are released from the penal institution. The authorized body will notify the applicant about the assignment of assistance within one working day and provide the details of a commercial bank for receiving the payment. After receiving the notification, the beneficiary can apply to any branch of the commercial bank within one month. For this, an identification document or a certificate confirming their release from serving the sentence is required. For information: the amount of assistance is set at six times the established value.

The Moscow "Spartak" football club has extended the contract with 17-year-old forward midfielder Nikita Massalyga. This was reported by Euro-football.ru. The club's press service provided official information about this. Massalyga is a graduate of the Krasnoyarsk football school and joined "Spartak" two years ago. He made his debut last season while defending the honor of the "red-white" team in the Russian Premier League (RPL). In the summer of 2025, Massalyga fully participated in the preseason training camps with the senior team. In a statement, the club's press service expressed hopes for achieving significant victories together with Nikita. "Spartak" will start the new season in the RPL with a match against the Mahachkala "Dinamo" team next weekend.

According to Gennady Orlov, the "Orenburg" club was rightly returned to the Russian Premier League during the season. This was reported by Euro-football.ru. He stated that this decision was made based on sports performance and was correct. In an interview with "RB Sport," Orlov said, "It had to be done this way because they were in first place based on sports results. There was talk about Ural, but as far as I understand, such a situation was not provided for in the regulations," he said. It is worth noting that the "Orenburg" club was officially returned to the Russian Premier League last week due to the referee controversy surrounding Moscow's "Torpedo." The Ural club has been preparing for the new season throughout the summer. Last season, they finished in 15th place in the Premier League and are now getting ready to participate in the PARI league. Sports analysts believe that it will be difficult for "Orenburg" to secure high positions in the new season. Their task is to stabilize the team and find their place in the new competition. Thus, the main goal for the team is to be competitive and strengthen their position in the league.

Former CSKA Moscow player Aleksandr Grishin shared his thoughts on "Orenburg." This was reported by Euro-football.ru. He emphasized that the club was returned to the RPL in an irregular manner due to the situation related to Moscow's "Torpedo." According to Grishin, strong teams select players, while "Orenburg" is forced to gather only the remaining players. Perhaps other clubs can also assist with players, but it is currently difficult for "Orenburg" to achieve serious results with the existing squad. It is worth noting that "Orenburg" finished in 15th place at the end of last season and left the RPL. Throughout the summer, the Ural club prepared for the PARI league, but in the last week, due to the disqualification of "Torpedo," Orenburg was returned to the RPL. This situation was also discussed regarding its potential impact on the team's future games. Additionally, experts will monitor how the team performs in the new season. Overall, the current situation is complex for "Orenburg," and they need to direct their efforts correctly.

The Russian Football Union has announced the appointments of referees for the first round of Premier League matches. This was reported by Euro-football.ru. A group of referees led by Vasiliy Kazartsev will officiate the match between Spartak and Makhachkala's Dynamo. Video assistant referees Andrey Fisenko (VAR) and Pavel Shadykhanov (AVAR) will assist. The main referee for the match between Zenit and Rostov will be Rafael Shafeyev. He will be assisted by Vitaliy Meshkov (VAR) if necessary, with Roman Galimov (AVAR) as his assistant. Another group of referees, led by Yan Bobrovskiy, will officiate the opening match of the season between Dynamo and Baltika on Friday. Kirill Levnikov has been appointed as the video assistant referee, with Anton Frolov as his assistant. Other referee appointments can be found in the official announcement of the Russian Football Union.

Rashid Rahimov, the head coach of the "Rubin" team, shared his thoughts on the goals for the new season. This was reported by Euro-football.ru. According to him, the team is currently striving for high results, but there is no solid backup. Rahimov emphasized that there is a desire to rise to a higher level, but significant transfers have not been made. At the end of the last season, "Rubin" secured seventh place in the Russian Premier League, finishing the season safely. The team includes Albanian player Mirlind Daku, who was one of the second-best scorers last season. In the first round of the new season, "Rubin" will face the "Akhmat" team. This match will take place on July 20, Sunday. The team is aiming for good results in the new season and aims to present itself well in front of the fans. The management and coaches are working on strengthening the squad and further solidifying the team. In the new season, "Rubin" will strive to improve its performance and aim for higher positions.

The wing defender of Moscow's "Spartak" team, Markinyos, commented on changing his game number. This was reported by Euro-football.ru. Now the forward will take the field with the number ten on his back. Markinyos stated that he linked this decision to a promise he made to his late father. He said, "This promise was to my father, who passed away last year. He wanted to see me wearing the number ten jersey at 'Spartak'," he told the "Match TV" channel. It is worth noting that Markinyos joined "Spartak" a year ago. He moved to Moscow from Budapest's "Ferencváros" club. The footballer is 25 years old. Last season, he played in 36 matches for the team, scoring 2 goals and providing 12 assists. The Brazilian player was named "Spartak's" best player at the end of the season.

Commentator and expert Konstantin Genich shared his thoughts on Grozny's "Ahmat" team. This was reported by Euro-football.ru. According to him, the club is capable of showing unexpected results in the new season of the Russian Premier League. The "Ahmat" team has strengthened its squad well. The team includes players like Samorodov and Sadulaev, as well as Konate who has rejoined and Mansilya who has been brought in. Genich emphasized that these players will strengthen the team in the "Comment.Shou" program. In the summer season, Aleksandr Storojuk was appointed as the head coach of the "Ahmat" team. He previously worked at "Krasnodar" and the "Arsenal" club in Tula. Sergey Tashuev left the head coach position in place of Storojuk. In the first round of the new season, "Ahmat" will host Kazan's "Rubin" team at home. The team's participation in the new season is eagerly awaited by fans. We hope that "Ahmat" will achieve good results and solidify its position in the Russian Premier League.

Former US President Donald Trump announced that Coca-Cola is ready to change the composition of its beverages sold in the US. This was reported by Zamin.uz. According to him, the company could use natural cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup. So far, this information has not been officially confirmed. On July 16, Trump announced this news on the Truth Social social network and expressed gratitude to the leaders of Coca-Cola. He expressed confidence that this step would bring positive results. At the same time, the company's press service stated in a comment to CNN that no official decision has been made regarding such a change at this time. They mentioned that they would provide specific information about new products soon, taking Trump's initiative into account. The standard Coca-Cola composition in the US market currently uses high fructose corn syrup. Trump's proposal aligns with the campaign to remove artificial additives from food products in the country. According to Reuters, US Health Secretary Robert Kennedy emphasized that high fructose products are contributing to childhood obesity and general health problems, advocating for the removal of these substances from food. Medical experts recommend limiting the consumption of any type of added sugar. Scientific studies have not identified a significant difference in the effects of cane sugar and fructose syrup on the body. Interestingly, Donald Trump is known as a fan of Diet Coke, a beverage he pays attention to in his diet. There was even a special button in his Oval Office to call for this drink.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is facing a disagreement with the team's head coach Xabi Alonso. This was reported by Euro-football.ru. According to the Spanish publication Sport, the club's leader and coach do not share the same opinion on the matter of acquiring a new midfielder. Alonso does not want to be like Carlo Ancelotti. The young coach wants to have an influence on transfer decisions. He wishes to see a new midfielder in the team and has suggested players like Angelo Stiller, Nicolo Barella, or Kes Smith. However, these candidates have not convinced Perez. The Real president is only ready to buy a reliable player – for example, Rodrigo. At the same time, Perez understands the necessity of strengthening the team. He is increasingly taking this matter seriously after being dissatisfied with the results seen in the Club World Cup, where Real lost 0:4 to PSG in the semifinals.

Football expert Alexander Bubnov has high hopes for the Kazan team "Rubin". This was reported by Euro-football.ru. In his opinion, this club may show unexpected results in the new season of the Russian Premier League. Bubnov stated that the "Rubin" team is even capable of competing for a place in the top three of the tournament. Currently, most people do not believe that "Rubin" will make it to the top three, but the expert is confident about it. Last season, "Rubin" finished in seventh place in the Russian Premier League. The Kazan team, under the guidance of coach Rashid Rahimov, ensured a safe conclusion to the season. Rahimov also noted that due to insufficient efforts to strengthen the team earlier, they achieved results above their level. For this reason, "Rubin's" participation in the next season will attract the attention of many fans and experts. The team's potential and performance in the new season are expected to be interesting for football enthusiasts.

Former football player Yevgeny Lovchev shared his thoughts on Zenit player Maxim Glushenkov and pointed out his shortcomings. This was reported by Euro-football.ru. According to him, Maxim has a complex character, and his mood changes constantly. Sometimes he approaches playing on the field with great enthusiasm and tries to prove himself, but at other times, conflicts with others may arise. The expert noted that Glushenkov communicates well with the Brazilian players of the St. Petersburg team, but the changes in his mood may hinder him from showing consistent results. Last season, in the Russian Premier League, he played 20 matches for Zenit, scoring 9 goals and providing 5 assists. Additionally, according to Transfermarkt, the 25-year-old forward's transfer value is estimated to be around 14 million euros. Therefore, managing his mood and improving his relationships with the team are crucial for the player to fully realize his potential. This will serve as a foundation for his future successes. The opinions of experts about Maxim Glushenkov's game and character are important for the balance and results within the team.

Commentator and expert Konstantin Genich shared his thoughts on St. Petersburg's Zenit team. This was reported by Euro-football.ru. In his opinion, there are no weak points in this team. Genich stated that if coach Semak fully utilizes the players' capabilities and selects the right lineup, it will be difficult to stop the Zenit team. He said this in the new "Comment.Show" program. To remind you, in the new season, Zenit will start with a match against the Rostov team at home. The match is scheduled for Sunday, July 20. Last season, Zenit finished second in the Russian Premier League and came close to reaching the Russian Cup superfinal. Additionally, on May 25, 2025, it will be the hundredth anniversary of the Zenit team. This team holds an important place in Russian football and always strives to achieve high results.

Kiril Levnikov has been recognized as the best referee of the last season by the Russian Football Championship. This was reported by Euro-football.ru. The information was provided in the ranking published on the organization's official website. Artem Chistyakov took second place, while Sergey Ivanov secured the third position. Vitaliy Meshkov is in fourth place, Aleksey Sukhoy in fifth, and Pavel Kukuyan in sixth. The top ten is completed by Sergey Karasyov, Vladimir Moskalyov, Yevgeniy Kukulyak, and Vasiliy Kazartsev. The new season of the Russian Premier League will start on Friday, July 18. In the first match of the season, the Moscow "Dynamo" team will face "Baltika" at home. This will be the first official match for the new coach Valeriy Karpin.

Former "Fakel" team goalkeeper Vitaliy Gudiyev compared two coaches. This was reported by Euro-football.ru. They were Sergey Tashuev and Vadim Yevseyev, who previously worked with the "Fakel" team. According to Gudiyev, the styles of these two coaches differ significantly. Tashuev is known as a somewhat closed and strict personality, coming from the former Soviet school. Yevseyev, on the other hand, was capable of improving the atmosphere within the team; he was always in a positive mood but also showed firmness when necessary. Both worked with "Fakel" during the years they played in the Russian Premier League. Last season, "Fakel" finished in 16th place and was relegated under coach Igor Shalimov. Additionally, ahead of the new season, Gudiyev joined the "Akron" club from the city of Tolyatti, which is considered a mid-level team in the Russian Premier League. This news was an important event for football fans.

Russian sports commentator Gennady Orlov expressed his thoughts on the possibility of Esekyel Barko leaving the Moscow "Spartak" club. This was reported by Euro-football.ru. According to Orlov, Barko was the best player of the team last season and accelerated the attacks. There can be no two opinions about this. However, if Barko wants to leave, he should be allowed to go. It was previously reported that Barko's wife wants him to move to a Latin American club. During this transfer window, the midfielder has come under the interest of Brazil's "Flamengo" club. Barko's contract with "Spartak" is valid until 2027. According to Transfermarkt, the player's value is estimated at 14 million euros. This situation is an important decision for the team, and his future depends on negotiations between the club and the player. Barko's departure could impact "Spartak's" attacking line, so the club's management must make a careful decision.

Deku, the sports director of the "Barcelona" team, held a meeting with one of the representatives of Xavi Simons, the forward midfielder of "RB Leipzig". This was reported by Euro-football.ru. So far, there are no discussions about transfer negotiations. The director of the "blue-granate" team assessed the player's current situation and established initial contact with his representatives. This was done with the aim of exploring market options more deeply in the future. The Spanish publication Sport provided information about this event on its pages. The Transfermarkt portal values 22-year-old Xavi Simons at 70 million euros. The player previously trained in the "Barcelona" youth team before moving to the "PSG" club. Currently, various options related to his career and future are being considered. Deku's meeting is aimed at better understanding the player's potential and assessing future transfer opportunities.

Former coach Viktor Gancharenko revealed the reasons why Aleksandr Koksharov was unable to complete all matches last season. This was reported by Euro-football.ru. According to him, the player underwent an unsuccessful surgery in Moscow. Later, he attempted to recover from this procedure in Austria. Currently, his condition has improved, and he is expected to return to the field. Gancharenko shared his thoughts on this in an interview with the publication "Championat." Gancharenko left the "Pari NN" club at the end of the season. Under his leadership, the team remained in the RPL, but lost to "Sochi" in the playoff matches of the competition. In the summer, Belarusian specialist Aleksey Shpilevskiy took over the club's management. At the same time, Gancharenko's potential management of new teams in the RPL is raising many questions in the football world. Additionally, the former coach is generating interest among players and specialists. Overall, his activities and impact on teams are still a topic of discussion.

In the first half of 2025, Uzbekistan ranked among the 25 safest countries in the world according to analyses conducted by international experts. This was reported by Zamin.uz. In the global safety ranking compiled by the Numbeo platform, our country secured the 25th place among 148 countries with a score of 73.4. This ranking is based on the personal opinions and daily experiences of the population, differing from official statistics. The ranking takes into account indicators such as safety when going out, crime rates, theft, physical assaults, and instances of violence. The safety index is rated from 0 to 100, where a higher score indicates stability and peace in the country. Uzbekistan's crime index stands at 26.6, indicating that citizens feel relatively safe. Interestingly, Uzbekistan performed better than many developed countries, including Japan, France, and Germany. Among Central Asian countries, our nation is also leading. For example, Kazakhstan participated in the ranking at 73rd place with a score of 54.4, while Kyrgyzstan ranked 101st with a score of 48. These indicators confirm Uzbekistan's regional leadership in the field of security. At the top of the ranking are countries like the United Arab Emirates, Andorra, and Qatar, which have implemented strict measures in their security policies. At the lowest ranks are politically and socially unstable countries such as Haiti, Papua New Guinea, and Venezuela. These countries have high crime rates, posing risks to both the population and tourists. Officials attribute this achievement to the improvement of law enforcement activities in recent years, strengthening preventive measures, and increasing public oversight. Additionally, a high safety index is considered a significant factor in enhancing tourism, investment, and international reputation. The ability of the Uzbek population to walk freely in the streets, enjoy leisure at night, and send children to school without worry reflects the level of peace and security in the country. Therefore, it can be concluded that the population of our country feels relatively calm and secure.

Apple presented its new flagship smartphones, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models, in September. This was reported by Zamin.uz. These devices have been significantly updated not only in terms of internal capabilities but also in appearance. One of the biggest changes is that the rear camera module now spans the entire width of the body. The sensor layout remains the same as before, but the LiDAR and flash are now located on opposite sides. Apple has abandoned the titanium body and returned to an aluminum body. Aluminum dissipates heat 20 times more efficiently than before. The body is fully metal, with a Ceramic Shield glass area on the back for wireless charging. The front panel uses the new Ceramic Shield 2, which is three times stronger. Additionally, an anti-reflective coating has been applied to the screen surface. In terms of internal power, the new Apple A19 Pro chip is installed. It features a 6-core processor and a 6-core graphics processor, and with the second-generation Dynamic Caching technology, it operates 40% faster than before in long-lasting tasks. For the first time in Pro models, a vapor chamber cooling system has been introduced, with the aluminum body aiding this process. The camera system has also been significantly upgraded. Now there are full 48-megapixel main, ultra-wide, and telephoto cameras. The telephoto camera offers 8x optical zoom, as well as 4x mode and 3D stabilization functionality. The front camera is 18 megapixels and equipped with Center Stage technology. Additionally, video recording in ProRes RAW format has been added, which is an important innovation for those engaged in video editing. Regarding battery life, the iPhone 17 Pro model offers 33 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max works for 39 hours. Charging the devices from 0 to 50 percent takes only 20 minutes. The prices are set as follows: iPhone 17 Pro at $1099, and iPhone 17 Pro Max at $1199. The devices will go on sale from September 19. The color options include Silver, Deep Blue, and Cosmic Orange. New TechWoven cases and Crossbody Strap accessories have been introduced. Whether Apple has truly reached the “Pro” level with these updates is a topic of discussion among users. The new models offer high levels of power and quality, which will help strengthen their position in the market.

A 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, Irina Zarutska, was stabbed to death on a train in North Carolina. This was reported by Zamin.uz. The police arrested 34-year-old Decarlos Brown, who attacked the woman, and charged him with murder. The incident was recorded on video and widely shared on social media, causing significant public outrage. The city mayor called the incident a failure of the judicial system and promised measures to enhance safety on public transport. Zarutska's family stated that she had fled the war in 2022 and come to the United States, quickly adapting to her new life. She was interested in art, loved animals, and lived happily with her family. The incident also sparked political debates. Some criticized that Brown, despite having been previously convicted of serious crimes, had been released. The state leader called for more effective measures against crime. This event once again prompted discussions in society about safety and justice issues.

Apple company recently introduced the new iPhone 17 smartphone. This was reported by Zamin.uz. As a result of conversations with sellers at the "Malika" market in Tashkent, approximate prices for these new models have been determined. It has been revealed that iPhone 17 smartphones will be available for sale in Uzbekistan starting from September 23. Prices vary depending on the memory capacity and device features. For example, the 256 gigabyte model of the iPhone 17 is estimated to cost around 16 million 250 thousand soms. Models with larger memory capacity are priced higher. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max versions have even more features and capabilities, with prices starting from 23 million soms and approaching 50 million soms. These new smartphones are expected to generate significant interest in the Uzbekistan market. Memory capacity and budget are important factors for buyers when choosing the most suitable option. Additionally, full warranty and service options are expected to be provided at official sales points. The release of the new iPhone 17 models in Uzbekistan will bring innovations and increase competition in the smartphone market.

Recently, many rumors have been spreading about the relationship between the famous Turkish actress Hande Erchel and entrepreneur Hakan Sabanji. This was reported by Zamin.uz. In particular, news about the couple's divorce has sparked great interest among fans. Hakan Sabanji, who spoke for the first time on the Gel Konuşalım program, responded to the claims regarding their relationship. Although he did not want to talk extensively about his personal life, he clarified some of the rumors. Hakan Sabanji emphasized that he does not want to discuss the issue of divorce because it concerns their private life. He also stated that the rumors about infidelity are completely unfounded. Earlier, Hande Erchel had deleted all photos with Sabanji from her social media pages. This became the basis for reports in the Turkish press about their divorce. The famous journalist Birsen Altuntaş highlighted that there are serious disagreements between the couple, but the official divorce has not yet occurred. Nevertheless, Hande and Hakan still follow each other on social media. While some fans hope for the restoration of their relationship, others speculate that this process might simply be publicity for the media.

An unusual and interesting event took place in the city of Szekszárd, Hungary – the 18th International Grave Digging Championship. This was reported by Zamin.uz. This competition was organized by the country's Grave Diggers Association based on a clear plan and order. The event served to enhance the prestige of the profession. Participants took part in teams of two. They were given two hours. During this time, each team had to dig a grave measuring 200x80 centimeters and 160 centimeters deep. These rules required not only skill but also attention and speed from the participants. At the end of the championship, the Parakletosz Nonprofit team was declared the winner. This team won the championship for the second consecutive year, demonstrating their thorough preparation and high professional level. According to the organizers, such competitions not only raise the prestige of the profession but also introduce the younger generation to professional specialists up close. They also help participants develop teamwork skills and the ability to work in a healthy competitive environment. These events are of great importance for improving professional qualifications and further developing the field.

Famous footballer Edgar Davids, who played for Juventus in past years, learned that his acquaintance Nabila Habibi committed theft. This was reported by Euro-football.ru. The ad.nl portal provided information about this. According to the publication, Davids found out several years later that his painting collection had been stolen. He had entrusted the collection to a trusted person. For a while, Habibi also lived in his house. While Davids believed the collection was kept in a safe place, Habibi stole 37 paintings, pawned them at various pawnshops, and received approximately 30 thousand euros. In 2017, when Habibi was unable to repay her debts, the pawnshops gained the right to sell the paintings. One of the buyers saw Davids' name on the back of a painting and contacted him through social networks. After that, Davids filed a lawsuit. Habibi admitted to the theft. Earlier, she had faced problems related to criminal cases and had left her acquaintance after taking 3500 euros from him.

The general secondary education system in Uzbekistan is undergoing fundamental changes. This was reported by Upl.uz. The country has officially begun implementing a 12-year education model. This was announced by the press service of the Ministry of Preschool and School Education. In the near future, a normative legal document confirming these innovations is expected to be signed. This decision was made as part of a comprehensive program to reform the education sector. The program was presented to the president on September 8 and envisions a systematic renewal of all stages from preschool to higher education. The transition to 12-year education is being carried out to align with international experience. The results of the PISA study conducted in 2022 showed that in 85% of countries considered leaders in education, the number of school years is exactly 12. The introduction of the new model will allow adapting curricula to international standards and also enable students to be well-prepared for subsequent stages of education and vocational training. The updated system structure will be as follows: the first year is designated as a preparatory stage for 6-year-old children, which is considered part of primary education. Primary education will last a total of 5 years, including 1 year of preparation and 4 years of primary school. The next stage is basic general secondary education, covering grades 5 to 9 and lasting 5 years. The final 2 years constitute complete general secondary education, which will be conducted in schools, academic lyceums, specialized military schools, or technical colleges. To ensure a smooth transition process and create the necessary infrastructure, about 3,600 new schools will be built and more than a thousand state kindergartens will be opened. It is precisely in these institutions that the updated preparatory program for the youngest students will be piloted. An interesting point is that information about the transition to 12-year education had been actively discussed on social networks since 2023. However, at that time, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education officially denied these claims, emphasizing that the 11-year education system was in effect. The current decision shows that approaches at the state level have been reconsidered and there is political will to implement large-scale reforms. In the history of independent Uzbekistan, a 12-year education system has existed before. From 2010 to 2017, education was organized based on a 9+3 scheme, where students who completed grade 9 were required to continue their studies at vocational colleges and academic lyceums.

One of the largest demonstrations in history took place in the city of London. This was reported by Zamin.uz. According to information, approximately 1.5 million people took to the streets under the slogan "Unite the Kingdom." This large rally began in the Sazerk district located on the southern bank of the Thames River. The demonstrators headed towards the city center, moving towards the Whitehall government building. They crossed Westminster Bridge and gathered on the street in front of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's headquarters, which was the main assembly point. According to the organizers, this major movement was organized by Tommy Robinson, the founder of the English Defence League movement. People gathered on the streets of London carried various placards, slogans, and calls. Observers noted that this demonstration could have a serious impact on the political processes of the United Kingdom. Moreover, the demonstration was recognized as a historic event not only because of the number of participants but also due to its organization and political diversity. This movement is expected to mark the beginning of a new era in the country's political environment. Widely supported by the residents of London, this demonstration became a vivid example of political activism and unity.