Pictures of the Year: Soldiers Play Chess with Molotov Cocktails, Protests in Iran, Argentina Crowned Champions

BBC News Agency has selected and highlighted some of the most striking photographs of the year. The images showcase Ukrainian soldiers playing chess with Molotov cocktails, Iranian women protesting, demonstrations in China against COVID-19 restrictions, forest fires in Spain and the USA, migrants risking their lives to reach the United States, and more.

A man sits under the scorching sun, holding a beautiful pastel umbrella. Ignoring the columns of smoke on either side, he has blocked the highway, preventing entrance to the northern Chilean city of Iquique near the Bolivian border, where groups of migrants organized protests.

On September 16, 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died under suspicious circumstances in a Tehran hospital, prompting women worldwide to cut their hair in protest against the Iranian government. Iranians claim the girl died as a result of brutal police beating.

Ukrainian soldiers are seen playing chess with Molotov cocktails, which are makeshift explosives.

In California, USA, one of the houses completely burned down due to forest fires.

In July 2022, NASA released a stunning image capturing the breath of young stars in the nearby Kilia nebula.

A group of asylum seekers from Central America embarked on a dangerous journey towards the United States in June 2022.

Forest fire in Spain.

In July 2022, environmental activists from the Just Stop Oil group staged protests in museums, gluing themselves to famous paintings while demanding the UK government halt new fossil fuel licensing and production.

Protests in China against COVID-19 restrictions.

Elon Musk at Twitter.

In the summer of 2022, the US Supreme Court decided to overturn its earlier ruling that guaranteed a woman’s right to abortion, provoking a massive outcry from pro-choice supporters.

Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8. The photo captures her grandchild observing the funeral procession.

Argentina crowned World Cup Champions.