Part 8/11:
In response to the protests, the government resorted to discrediting the movement publicly, suggesting attempts were being made by foreign powers to destabilize the country. This rhetoric aimed to undermine the legitimacy of the demonstrators, framing them as pawns in a larger geopolitical game.
Despite social pressure and some concessions – like the publication of documents relating to the construction project and pledges for increased funding for universities – many of the protesters' core demands remained unmet. Furthermore, reports of resistance from both citizens and public figures sowed the seeds for continued unrest.