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This Happened

This Happened - February 11: Walk To Freedom

Nelson Mandela was released from prison on this day in 1990.


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Why was Nelson Mandela imprisoned?

Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for his role in the resistance against the South African government's system of apartheid, a system of racial segregation and discrimination. He was arrested in 1962 and charged with sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government. He was sentenced to life in prison.

Who was the President of South Africa when Nelson Mandela was released from prison?

F.W. de Klerk was the President of South Africa when Nelson Mandela was released from prison.

How was Nelson Mandela received upon his release?

Nelson Mandela was greeted as a hero upon his release, with thousands of people gathering to celebrate his freedom. His release was seen as a significant step towards the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era in South African history.

What role did Nelson Mandela play in the post-apartheid South Africa?

After his release, Nelson Mandela played a key role in the negotiations to end apartheid and the establishment of a democratic government in South Africa. He later served as the President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He is widely regarded as the father of the nation and a symbol of reconciliation and forgiveness.

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Photo of hundreds of people taking part in the Mahabaruni bathing festival in West Tootpara, Bangladesh.

People flock to the Mahabaruni bathing festival in West Tootpara, Bangladesh. About one million pilgrims are estimated to have taken part in this 200-year-old “sacred bath” ritual.

Emma Albright, Ginevra Falciani, Inès Mermat, Hugo Perrin and Anne-Sophie Goninet

👋 Sawubona!*

Welcome to Monday, where Chinese leader Xi Jinping lands in Moscow for talks with Vladimir Putin, banking stocks and bonds hit a new low despite UBS’ rescue of Credit Suisse, and about one million pilgrims take part in a “sacred bath” ceremony in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Paul Molga in French daily Les Echos looks at the vicious circle between climate change and earthquakes.

[*Zulu, South Africa]

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