Six individuals, including four clinical experts, have been imprisoned for 28 months for harvesting organs from patients in southeast China.&nbsp;Three of the specialists were assigned organ acquirement officials at their separate clinics.&nbsp;

Families in Anhui territory in China were fooled into marking counterfeit assent structures for organ harvesting.

The middle individuals' court in Bengpu, a city in Anhui territory, seen the pack as blameworthy of collecting organs from 11 patients somewhere in the range of 2017 and 2018, imprisoning them for somewhere in the range of 10 and 28 months, the report said.&nbsp;

While the sentences were passed on in July, and an allure dismissed the next month, subtleties of the case were just uncovered as of late by Shi Xianglin, child of one of the people in question.&nbsp;

According to court documents provided by Shi, Yang Suxun, previous top of the emergency unit Huaiyuan province individuals' clinic, distinguished targets, generally auto accident casualties or patients with extreme cerebrum harm.&nbsp;

Yang at that point moved toward the patients' families and convinced them to consent to give organs and afterward sent the lab test results to his assistants in Nanjing.&nbsp;

When an appropriate applicant had been distinguished, the specialists at that point made a trip from Nanjing to Huaiyuan province to get the families to sign what they accepted were genuine assent structures.&nbsp;

The dead patients were then hurriedly worked on in a conveyance van masked as an emergency vehicle and without the presence of staff from the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) or the patients' family members as needed under the law.&nbsp;

As per the world wellbeing association, the RCSC has been charged by China's service of wellbeing to run the organ gift framework. It additionally goes about as a guard dog to guarantee everything is finished by the law.&nbsp;

Referring to court records, thepaper.cn&nbsp;said that Huang Xinli, a previous organ acquirement boss at Nanjing drum tower emergency clinic, performed 10 of the 11 organ reaping activities. Another specialist lu sen, additionally an organ acquirement official at Jiangsu common individuals' clinic, was answerable for the leftover one.&nbsp;

Huang was helped by wang Hailiang, a specialist who worked at Jiangsu common individuals clinic and Nanjing drum tower medical clinic from 2015 to 2018 where he had filled in as an organ obtainment contact official.&nbsp;

Two assistants – Huang Chaoyang, who conveyed the organs, and driver ou yang – were likewise imprisoned for similar wrongdoing.&nbsp;

The six were seen as liable for "offending a body" – an energise that can convey to three years in prison. The specialists were likewise found to have circumvented the official authorisation framework and adulterated clinical records.&nbsp;

The ring was separated by police in April 2018 after Shi, who was left in a trance-like state close by his mom Li Ping after a fender bender, recorded a protest.

Six individuals, including four clinical experts, have been imprisoned for 28 months for harvesting organs from patients in southeast China. Three of the specialists were assigned organ acquirement officials at their separate clinics.

Six individuals, including four clinical experts, have been imprisoned for 28 months for harvesting organs from patients in southeast China. Three of the specialists were assigned organ acquirement officials at their separate clinics. Families in Anhui territory in China were fooled into marking counterfeit assent structures for organ harvesting. The middle individuals' court in Bengpu, a city in Anhui territory, seen the pack as blameworthy of collecting organs from 11 patients somewhere in the range of 2017 and 2018, imprisoning them for somewhere in the range of 10 and 28 months, the report said. While the sentences were passed on in July, and an allure dismissed the next month, subtleties of the case were just uncovered as of late by Shi Xianglin, child of one of the people in question. According to court documents provided by Shi, Yang Suxun, previous top of the emergency unit Huaiyuan province individuals' clinic, distinguished targets, generally auto accident casualties or patients with extreme cerebrum harm. Yang at that point moved toward the patients' families and convinced them to consent to give organs and afterward sent the lab test results to his assistants in Nanjing. When an appropriate applicant had been distinguished, the specialists at that point made a trip from Nanjing to Huaiyuan province to get the families to sign what they accepted were genuine assent structures. The dead patients were then hurriedly worked on in a conveyance van masked as an emergency vehicle and without the presence of staff from the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) or the patients' family members as needed under the law. As per the world wellbeing association, the RCSC has been charged by China's service of wellbeing to run the organ gift framework. It additionally goes about as a guard dog to guarantee everything is finished by the law. Referring to court records, thepaper.cn said that Huang Xinli, a previous organ acquirement boss at Nanjing drum tower emergency clinic, performed 10 of the 11 organ reaping activities. Another specialist lu sen, additionally an organ acquirement official at Jiangsu common individuals' clinic, was answerable for the leftover one. Huang was helped by wang Hailiang, a specialist who worked at Jiangsu common individuals clinic and Nanjing drum tower medical clinic from 2015 to 2018 where he had filled in as an organ obtainment contact official. Two assistants – Huang Chaoyang, who conveyed the organs, and driver ou yang – were likewise imprisoned for similar wrongdoing. The six were seen as liable for "offending a body" – an energise that can convey to three years in prison. The specialists were likewise found to have circumvented the official authorisation framework and adulterated clinical records. The ring was separated by police in April 2018 after Shi, who was left in a trance-like state close by his mom Li Ping after a fender bender, recorded a protest.

Chinese doctors jailed for harvesting of organs from patients

Azerbaijani lawmakers on Thursday&nbsp;slammed&nbsp;French Senate's vote on the Nagorno-Karabakh&nbsp;dispute it backed the breakaway region's independence claim.

Several dozen people protested in front of the French embassy in the capital, Baku, on Thursday, chanting ''France, be fair!''

&nbsp;The country's Foreign Ministry said in a statement late Wednesday that the document can only be seen "as a provocation." Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev denounced the resolution Thursday as a ''piece of paper adopted to serve narrow political ambitions," and said that France's ''open pro-Armenian position... Has become one of the main factors hindering the peaceful resolution of the conflict."

Azerbaijan's parliament urged the country's government to reach out to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in order to revoke France's mandate as a co-chair of the Minsk Group set up by the Organization to mediate the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

They also urged Baku to revise its "political... and economic relations" with France.

The French upper house on Wednesday adopted a non-binding resolution calling on France to recognise the ethnic Armenian enclave of Azerbaijan as an independent state.

The move came after Armenia agreed to a peace deal earlier this month that ended weeks of fresh fighting over Karabakh, which broke from Baku's control during a war in the early 1990s.

France is a home of a large and influential Armenian diaspora.&nbsp;

Along with Russia and the United States, France co-chairs the Minsk Group, which has led talks seeking a solution to the conflict for decades but has failed to achieve a lasting agreement.

Later on Thursday, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry summoned French ambassador, Zacharie Gross, and handed him a note of protest.

"Azerbaijan categorically rejects the Senate's resolution, which contradicts the United Nations Charter," the ministry said in a statement.

Parliament speaker Sahiba Gafarova said a "dirty political campaign against Azerbaijan" had been organised in the French Senate and that Azerbaijani lawmakers had to respond.&nbsp;

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had praised the French resolution as "historic".&nbsp;

Nagorno-Karabakh lies within Azerbaijan but has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since 1994. That war left Nagorno-Karabakh itself and substantial surrounding territory in Armenian hands.

Heavy fighting that erupted in late September marked the biggest escalation of a long-simmering conflict between the two ex-Soviet nations.

Under the Moscow-brokered peace agreement -- which leaves Karabakh's future political status in limbo -- Armenia is losing control of parts of the enclave's territory as well as seven surrounding districts of Azerbaijan it held since the 1990s.

The Armenian separatists are retaining control over most of Karabakh's territory and some 2,000 Russian peacekeepers have deployed along frontline areas and to protect a land link connecting Karabakh with Armenia.&nbsp;

Nagorno-Karabakh's declaration of independence from Azerbaijan has not been recognised by any country, including Armenia, which strongly backs its separatist authorities.

Azerbaijani lawmakers on Thursday slammed French Senate's vote on the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute it backed the breakaway region's independence claim. Several dozen people protested in front of the French embassy in the capital, Baku, on Thursday, chanting ''France, be fair!

Azerbaijani lawmakers on Thursday slammed French Senate's vote on the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute it backed the breakaway region's independence claim. Several dozen people protested in front of the French embassy in the capital, Baku, on Thursday, chanting ''France, be fair!'' The country's Foreign Ministry said in a statement late Wednesday that the document can only be seen "as a provocation." Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev denounced the resolution Thursday as a ''piece of paper adopted to serve narrow political ambitions," and said that France's ''open pro-Armenian position... Has become one of the main factors hindering the peaceful resolution of the conflict." Azerbaijan's parliament urged the country's government to reach out to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in order to revoke France's mandate as a co-chair of the Minsk Group set up by the Organization to mediate the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. They also urged Baku to revise its "political... and economic relations" with France. The French upper house on Wednesday adopted a non-binding resolution calling on France to recognise the ethnic Armenian enclave of Azerbaijan as an independent state. The move came after Armenia agreed to a peace deal earlier this month that ended weeks of fresh fighting over Karabakh, which broke from Baku's control during a war in the early 1990s. France is a home of a large and influential Armenian diaspora. Along with Russia and the United States, France co-chairs the Minsk Group, which has led talks seeking a solution to the conflict for decades but has failed to achieve a lasting agreement. Later on Thursday, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry summoned French ambassador, Zacharie Gross, and handed him a note of protest. "Azerbaijan categorically rejects the Senate's resolution, which contradicts the United Nations Charter," the ministry said in a statement. Parliament speaker Sahiba Gafarova said a "dirty political campaign against Azerbaijan" had been organised in the French Senate and that Azerbaijani lawmakers had to respond. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had praised the French resolution as "historic". Nagorno-Karabakh lies within Azerbaijan but has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since 1994. That war left Nagorno-Karabakh itself and substantial surrounding territory in Armenian hands. Heavy fighting that erupted in late September marked the biggest escalation of a long-simmering conflict between the two ex-Soviet nations. Under the Moscow-brokered peace agreement -- which leaves Karabakh's future political status in limbo -- Armenia is losing control of parts of the enclave's territory as well as seven surrounding districts of Azerbaijan it held since the 1990s. The Armenian separatists are retaining control over most of Karabakh's territory and some 2,000 Russian peacekeepers have deployed along frontline areas and to protect a land link connecting Karabakh with Armenia. Nagorno-Karabakh's declaration of independence from Azerbaijan has not been recognised by any country, including Armenia, which strongly backs its separatist authorities.

Azerbaijan slams French Senate's vote on Nagorno-Karabakh; urges removal from mediation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Pune-based Serum Institute of India on November 28,&nbsp;a senior official said on Thursday.

The&nbsp;Serum&nbsp;Institute of India, the world's largest manufacturer of vaccines by volume,&nbsp;has partnered with global pharma giant AstraZeneca and Oxford University for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccine</a>.

According to&nbsp;Serum's Chief Executive Adar Poonawalla, it will&nbsp;first focus on supplying AstraZeneca Plc's COVID-19 vaccine to Indians before distributing it to other countries.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/90-efficacy-of-oxfords-coronavirus-vaccine-came-from-younger-group-345535" hreflang="en">90% efficacy of Oxford's coronavirus vaccine came from younger group</a>

The Central Drug Standard Control Organisation has granted permission for the manufacture of the COVID-19 vaccine for the pre-clinical test, examination, and analysis to seven firms, two of which are the Serum Institute of India (SII) and the Gennova Biopharmaceuticals.

"We have received a confirmation about PM Modi's visit to the Serum Institute of India on Saturday, but his minute-to-minute program is yet to be received," Pune Divisional Commissioner Saurabh Rao said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/serum-institute-to-focus-on-supplying-covid-19-vaccine-to-india-first-344956">Serum Institute to focus on supplying COVID-19 vaccine to India first</a>

On Tuesday, Rao said there was a possibility of the PM's visit to Pune, and if that happens, it would be aimed at reviewing the status of the vaccine candidate for coronavirus infection and to know about its launch, production and distribution mechanisms.

Rao had also informed that ambassadors and envoys from 100 countries will visit the Serum Institute of India and the Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd here on December 4.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;and Oxford University have acknowledged a manufacturing error that is raising questions about preliminary results of their experimental COVID-19 vaccine.

AstraZeneca is likely to run an additional global trial to assess the efficacy of its COVID-19 vaccine, its chief executive Pascal Soriot was quoted as saying on Thursday after questions over the results from its late-stage study.

Instead of adding the trial arm to an ongoing US&nbsp;process, a new study would be run to evaluate a lower dosage that performed better than a full amount in AstraZeneca's studies, Soriot said.

On November 23, British-Swedish drug maker AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford had said that the Coronavirus vaccine they are developing is 70.4 per cent effective, on an average, in preventing COVID-19, as per the interim analysis of its late-stage clinical trials conducted in the UK and Brazil.

A statement describing the error made no mention of why some study participants didn't receive as much vaccine in the first of two shots as expected.

In a surprise, the group of volunteers that got a lower dose seemed to be much better protected than the volunteers who got two full doses.

In the low-dose group, AstraZeneca said, the vaccine appeared to be 90 per cent effective.

In the group that got two full doses, the vaccine appeared to be 62 per cent effective.

But the way in which the results were arrived at and reported by the companies has led to pointed questions from experts.

The partial results announced on Monday are from large ongoing studies in the UK and Brazil designed to determine the optimal dose of vaccine, as well as examine safety and effectiveness.

Multiple combinations and doses were tried in the volunteers.

They were compared to others who were given a meningitis vaccine or a saline shot.

The dose of AstraZeneca Plc's Covid antibody that demonstrated the most significant level of adequacy was tried in a more youthful populace than a greater portion that indicated less viability, as per the top of the US&nbsp;Activity Warp Speed program.&nbsp;

The vaccine being&nbsp;developed by&nbsp;Oxford University was 90 per cent&nbsp;viable when a half-portion was given before a full-portion booster, the partners said&nbsp;on Monday.

However, that system was controlled to members in a gathering whose age was covered at 55, Warp Speed's Moncef Slaoui said Tuesday in a call with columnists.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Pune-based Serum Institute of India on November 28, a senior official said on Thursday. The Serum Institute of India, the world's largest manufacturer of vaccines by volume, has partnered with global pharma giant AstraZeneca and Oxford University for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Pune-based Serum Institute of India on November 28, a senior official said on Thursday. The Serum Institute of India, the world's largest manufacturer of vaccines by volume, has partnered with global pharma giant AstraZeneca and Oxford University for the COVID-19 vaccine. According to Serum's Chief Executive Adar Poonawalla, it will first focus on supplying AstraZeneca Plc's COVID-19 vaccine to Indians before distributing it to other countries. Also read: 90% efficacy of Oxford's coronavirus vaccine came from younger group The Central Drug Standard Control Organisation has granted permission for the manufacture of the COVID-19 vaccine for the pre-clinical test, examination, and analysis to seven firms, two of which are the Serum Institute of India (SII) and the Gennova Biopharmaceuticals. "We have received a confirmation about PM Modi's visit to the Serum Institute of India on Saturday, but his minute-to-minute program is yet to be received," Pune Divisional Commissioner Saurabh Rao said. Also read: Serum Institute to focus on supplying COVID-19 vaccine to India first On Tuesday, Rao said there was a possibility of the PM's visit to Pune, and if that happens, it would be aimed at reviewing the status of the vaccine candidate for coronavirus infection and to know about its launch, production and distribution mechanisms. Rao had also informed that ambassadors and envoys from 100 countries will visit the Serum Institute of India and the Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd here on December 4. Meanwhile, AstraZeneca and Oxford University have acknowledged a manufacturing error that is raising questions about preliminary results of their experimental COVID-19 vaccine. AstraZeneca is likely to run an additional global trial to assess the efficacy of its COVID-19 vaccine, its chief executive Pascal Soriot was quoted as saying on Thursday after questions over the results from its late-stage study. Instead of adding the trial arm to an ongoing US process, a new study would be run to evaluate a lower dosage that performed better than a full amount in AstraZeneca's studies, Soriot said. On November 23, British-Swedish drug maker AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford had said that the Coronavirus vaccine they are developing is 70.4 per cent effective, on an average, in preventing COVID-19, as per the interim analysis of its late-stage clinical trials conducted in the UK and Brazil. A statement describing the error made no mention of why some study participants didn't receive as much vaccine in the first of two shots as expected. In a surprise, the group of volunteers that got a lower dose seemed to be much better protected than the volunteers who got two full doses. In the low-dose group, AstraZeneca said, the vaccine appeared to be 90 per cent effective. In the group that got two full doses, the vaccine appeared to be 62 per cent effective. But the way in which the results were arrived at and reported by the companies has led to pointed questions from experts. The partial results announced on Monday are from large ongoing studies in the UK and Brazil designed to determine the optimal dose of vaccine, as well as examine safety and effectiveness. Multiple combinations and doses were tried in the volunteers. They were compared to others who were given a meningitis vaccine or a saline shot. The dose of AstraZeneca Plc's Covid antibody that demonstrated the most significant level of adequacy was tried in a more youthful populace than a greater portion that indicated less viability, as per the top of the US Activity Warp Speed program. The vaccine being developed by Oxford University was 90 per cent viable when a half-portion was given before a full-portion booster, the partners said on Monday. However, that system was controlled to members in a gathering whose age was covered at 55, Warp Speed's Moncef Slaoui said Tuesday in a call with columnists.

Coronavirus vaccine tracker: PM Modi to visit Serum Institute of India on November 28

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson appointed Dan Rosenfield, a business consultant and former treasury official, as his new chief of staff on Thursday.

Dan Rosenfield will formally take over the prime minister's office on January 1, according to a Downing Street statement, potentially handing him a poisoned chalice as Britain quits a post-Brexit transition period out of the European Union.

Since 2016, Rosenfield has been global head of corporate clients for Hakluyt, a London-based strategic advisory firm that was founded by former operatives of Britain's foreign intelligence agency, MI6.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnsons-adviser-cummings-quits-with-immediate-effect-report-343045">UK PM Johnson's adviser Cummings quits with 'immediate effect': Report</a>

Johnson is reshaping his senior team of advisers following the dramatic departure of Dominic Cummings earlier this month.

Cummings was seen as the driving force behind Johnson's strategy on Brexit and most other policies, and his exit has been billed as a chance for a 'reset' for the British leader.

There was speculation that Johnson would opt for a senior politician such as former finance minister Sajid Javid as chief of staff.&nbsp;But instead he has favoured behind-the-scenes experience in the low-key Rosenfield, suggesting a more consensual style after Cummings.

Rosenfield joins from Hakluyt, a strategic advisory firm for businesses and investors, where he has been global head of corporate clients and head of the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;business since 2016, the government said.

He previously worked at Bank of America as a managing director of investment banking, and spent over a decade working in the finance ministry where he served as a senior aide to former finance ministers Alistair Darling and George Osborne.

He is also chairman of World Jewish Relief, the leading humanitarian charity for Britain's Jewish community.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson appointed Dan Rosenfield, a business consultant and former treasury official, as his new chief of staff on Thursday. Dan Rosenfield will formally take over the prime minister's office on January 1, according to a Downing Street statement, potentially handing him a poisoned chalice as Britain quits a post-Brexit transition period out of the European Union.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson appointed Dan Rosenfield, a business consultant and former treasury official, as his new chief of staff on Thursday. Dan Rosenfield will formally take over the prime minister's office on January 1, according to a Downing Street statement, potentially handing him a poisoned chalice as Britain quits a post-Brexit transition period out of the European Union. Since 2016, Rosenfield has been global head of corporate clients for Hakluyt, a London-based strategic advisory firm that was founded by former operatives of Britain's foreign intelligence agency, MI6. Also read| UK PM Johnson's adviser Cummings quits with 'immediate effect': Report Johnson is reshaping his senior team of advisers following the dramatic departure of Dominic Cummings earlier this month. Cummings was seen as the driving force behind Johnson's strategy on Brexit and most other policies, and his exit has been billed as a chance for a 'reset' for the British leader. There was speculation that Johnson would opt for a senior politician such as former finance minister Sajid Javid as chief of staff. But instead he has favoured behind-the-scenes experience in the low-key Rosenfield, suggesting a more consensual style after Cummings. Rosenfield joins from Hakluyt, a strategic advisory firm for businesses and investors, where he has been global head of corporate clients and head of the UK business since 2016, the government said. He previously worked at Bank of America as a managing director of investment banking, and spent over a decade working in the finance ministry where he served as a senior aide to former finance ministers Alistair Darling and George Osborne. He is also chairman of World Jewish Relief, the leading humanitarian charity for Britain's Jewish community.

Boris Johnson appoints Dan Rosenfield as new chief of staff after aide's stormy exit

Sri Lanka Thursday extended a ban on non-essential imports such as vehicles as it battles a foreign currency crisis, despite EU claims it violates international trade regulations.

The ban was announced by the finance ministry in March as the local currency plunged and the economy reeled from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and last year's Easter Sunday bombings.

"The restrictions are primarily because of the difficult situation we are in (regarding balance of payments)," the central bank's economic research director Chandranath Amarasekara said.

"The import ban on high-value items like vehicles and agricultural produce will be extended for another year to save foreign exchange as well as to encourage local agriculture."

The government had said that the prohibition, which also covers spare parts, machinery and household appliances, would only last until the end of this year.

The ban has led to shortages of tyres as well as spices such as turmeric, a key ingredient in local cuisine.

The European Union said last week that the restrictions were having a negative impact on Sri Lankan and European businesses, and on foreign direct investment.

"Such measures impair Sri Lanka's efforts to become a regional hub and negatively impact Sri Lankan exports," the EU said in a statement.

"(A) prolonged import ban is not in line with World Trade Organization regulations."

But central bank governor W. D. Lakshman said the EU's comments were "an overreaction".

"At a time when we are trying to deal with a balance of payments problem, even WTO rules allow us to do certain things to meet the... challenge."

Sri Lanka's imports fell to $13.1 billion in January-October from $16.4 billion in the corresponding period last year.

The economy contracted by an unprecedented 1.7 percent in the first quarter of this year, after a 2.3 percent economic expansion last year.

Global ratings agency Moody's downgraded Sri Lanka's sovereign credit rating in September, saying the island nation could struggle to service its huge foreign debt.

aj/grk/mtp

Sri Lanka Thursday extended a ban on non-essential imports such as vehicles as it battles a foreign currency crisis, despite EU claims it violates international trade regulations.

Sri Lanka Thursday extended a ban on non-essential imports such as vehicles as it battles a foreign currency crisis, despite EU claims it violates international trade regulations. The ban was announced by the finance ministry in March as the local currency plunged and the economy reeled from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and last year's Easter Sunday bombings. "The restrictions are primarily because of the difficult situation we are in (regarding balance of payments)," the central bank's economic research director Chandranath Amarasekara said. "The import ban on high-value items like vehicles and agricultural produce will be extended for another year to save foreign exchange as well as to encourage local agriculture." The government had said that the prohibition, which also covers spare parts, machinery and household appliances, would only last until the end of this year. The ban has led to shortages of tyres as well as spices such as turmeric, a key ingredient in local cuisine. The European Union said last week that the restrictions were having a negative impact on Sri Lankan and European businesses, and on foreign direct investment. "Such measures impair Sri Lanka's efforts to become a regional hub and negatively impact Sri Lankan exports," the EU said in a statement. "(A) prolonged import ban is not in line with World Trade Organization regulations." But central bank governor W. D. Lakshman said the EU's comments were "an overreaction". "At a time when we are trying to deal with a balance of payments problem, even WTO rules allow us to do certain things to meet the... challenge." Sri Lanka's imports fell to $13.1 billion in January-October from $16.4 billion in the corresponding period last year. The economy contracted by an unprecedented 1.7 percent in the first quarter of this year, after a 2.3 percent economic expansion last year. Global ratings agency Moody's downgraded Sri Lanka's sovereign credit rating in September, saying the island nation could struggle to service its huge foreign debt. aj/grk/mtp

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka extends import ban despite EU protest

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the&nbsp;West of meddling&nbsp;in Belarus and&nbsp;pledged&nbsp;support to embattled&nbsp;President Lukashenko.

It comes as Lavrov&nbsp;met strongman leader Lukashenko who has faced months of protests over his disputed re-election.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/belarus-over-900-protestors-arrested-by-police-during-anti-government-protest-343511/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Lavrov sent regards from President Vladimir Putin who bestowed a $1.5 billion loan on&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;earlier in September in a gesture of support for Lukashenko.&nbsp;Russia is a traditional ally of&nbsp;Belarus.

Sergei Lavrov held talks with Lukashenko and other top officials in the capital Minsk, in the latest show of Russia's support for authorities in its ex-Soviet neighbour.

Thousands of protesters demanding Lukashenko's resignation have taken to the streets of Minsk every weekend since an August 9 election that saw the 66-year-old claim a sixth term in office.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belaruss-lukashenko-and-son-put-on-sanctions-list-of-european-union-341210">Belarus's Lukashenko and son put on sanctions list of European Union</a>

Protesters believe political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, 38, who took her jailed husband's place in the presidential race, was the true winner.

Moscow has continued to back Lukashenko since the protests erupted, with several meetings between senior officials from both sides in recent months.

Speaking at a press conference with his Belarusian counterpart Vladimir Makei, Lavrov accused the United States and several European countries of "gross interference" in the domestic affairs of Belarus.

"The wise Belarusian people are able to sort themselves out without any outside prompting and intrusive offers of unsolicited mediation," Lavrov said.

Lukashenko has accused Western countries of orchestrating the demonstrations and conspiring to have him removed after 26 years in power.&nbsp;

Lavrov said the West is "using dirty methods of so-called colour revolutions, including manipulating public opinion, supporting forces that are openly anti-government and promoting their radicalisation".

Several Western leaders have refused to recognise the results of the election and voiced support for Tikhanovskaya, who fled to EU member Lithuania shortly after the vote.&nbsp;

The European Union has slapped sanctions on Lukashenko and a number of his allies citing election rigging and a violent police crackdown on demonstrators.&nbsp;

Belarus police detained thousands of protesters in the first days of the demonstrations, with many reporting torture and abuse in custody.&nbsp;

They have continued to regularly arrest demonstrators and opposition figures, and several people have died during the protests.&nbsp;

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the West of meddling in Belarus and pledged support to embattled President Lukashenko. It comes as Lavrov met strongman leader Lukashenko who has faced months of protests over his disputed re-election.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the West of meddling in Belarus and pledged support to embattled President Lukashenko. It comes as Lavrov met strongman leader Lukashenko who has faced months of protests over his disputed re-election. Lavrov sent regards from President Vladimir Putin who bestowed a $1.5 billion loan on Belarus earlier in September in a gesture of support for Lukashenko. Russia is a traditional ally of Belarus. Sergei Lavrov held talks with Lukashenko and other top officials in the capital Minsk, in the latest show of Russia's support for authorities in its ex-Soviet neighbour. Thousands of protesters demanding Lukashenko's resignation have taken to the streets of Minsk every weekend since an August 9 election that saw the 66-year-old claim a sixth term in office. Also read: Belarus's Lukashenko and son put on sanctions list of European Union Protesters believe political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, 38, who took her jailed husband's place in the presidential race, was the true winner. Moscow has continued to back Lukashenko since the protests erupted, with several meetings between senior officials from both sides in recent months. Speaking at a press conference with his Belarusian counterpart Vladimir Makei, Lavrov accused the United States and several European countries of "gross interference" in the domestic affairs of Belarus. "The wise Belarusian people are able to sort themselves out without any outside prompting and intrusive offers of unsolicited mediation," Lavrov said. Lukashenko has accused Western countries of orchestrating the demonstrations and conspiring to have him removed after 26 years in power. Lavrov said the West is "using dirty methods of so-called colour revolutions, including manipulating public opinion, supporting forces that are openly anti-government and promoting their radicalisation". Several Western leaders have refused to recognise the results of the election and voiced support for Tikhanovskaya, who fled to EU member Lithuania shortly after the vote. The European Union has slapped sanctions on Lukashenko and a number of his allies citing election rigging and a violent police crackdown on demonstrators. Belarus police detained thousands of protesters in the first days of the demonstrations, with many reporting torture and abuse in custody. They have continued to regularly arrest demonstrators and opposition figures, and several people have died during the protests.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accuses West of interfering in Belarus

China wields patriotic education to tame Hong Kong's rebellious youth

Thousands of volunteers are flocking to research hospitals across Pakistan to join final-stage clinical trials of a Chinese-made vaccine for the coronavirus.

It is the first time Pakistan has participated in such a trial, which comes amid a string of positive vaccine announcements by Western pharmaceutical companies this month.

The vaccine is being developed by CanSinoBio and the Beijing Institute of Biotechnology China.

"I have volunteered myself for a noble cause that will help humanity," said a volunteer at Islamabad's Shifa hospital, where hundreds of participants are being paid about $50 for their trouble.

Others should "step forward and take part in this noble cause which will save lives," he added.

For years, China has focused much of its attention in Pakistan on mammoth development projects, bankrolling the construction of roads, power plants and a strategic port.&nbsp;

Beijing has now tapped one of its closest allies to participate in the vaccine trials, despite Pakistan's chequered history with inoculation campaigns.

"We hope to have some findings ready about the accuracy and efficacy of the vaccine in two to three months," Ejaz Ahmad Khan, the principal researcher overseeing the trial in Pakistan, told AFP.

Officials said Pakistan has already inoculated about 7,000 of the 10,000 participants expected to receive a jab.

The trials come with intensive care wards across the country nearing capacity as a second, deadlier wave of the coronavirus spreads and officials struggle to counter public indifference to the pandemic.

The country has confirmed more than 382,000 cases including over 7,800 deaths since the virus arrived in late February.

Less than a year after the coronavirus that has claimed 1.4 million lives began spreading across the globe, a number of highly promising Covid-19 vaccines are on the cusp of release.

Four separate drug makers have recently announced that their vaccines are effective for most people.&nbsp;

Due to lingering suspicions over vaccines, Pakistan is one of just two countries where polio continues to spread, sparking fears that a new drive to inoculate the population against the coronavirus will fail.&nbsp;

The Chinese vaccine is also undergoing phase 3 trials -- or large-scale testing on humans -- in several other nations including China, Russia, Chile, Argentina and Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Thousands of volunteers are flocking to research hospitals across Pakistan to join final-stage clinical trials of a Chinese-made vaccine for the coronavirus. It is the first time Pakistan has participated in such a trial, which comes amid a string of positive vaccine announcements by Western pharmaceutical companies this month.

Thousands of volunteers are flocking to research hospitals across Pakistan to join final-stage clinical trials of a Chinese-made vaccine for the coronavirus. It is the first time Pakistan has participated in such a trial, which comes amid a string of positive vaccine announcements by Western pharmaceutical companies this month. The vaccine is being developed by CanSinoBio and the Beijing Institute of Biotechnology China. "I have volunteered myself for a noble cause that will help humanity," said a volunteer at Islamabad's Shifa hospital, where hundreds of participants are being paid about $50 for their trouble. Others should "step forward and take part in this noble cause which will save lives," he added. For years, China has focused much of its attention in Pakistan on mammoth development projects, bankrolling the construction of roads, power plants and a strategic port. Beijing has now tapped one of its closest allies to participate in the vaccine trials, despite Pakistan's chequered history with inoculation campaigns. "We hope to have some findings ready about the accuracy and efficacy of the vaccine in two to three months," Ejaz Ahmad Khan, the principal researcher overseeing the trial in Pakistan, told AFP. Officials said Pakistan has already inoculated about 7,000 of the 10,000 participants expected to receive a jab. The trials come with intensive care wards across the country nearing capacity as a second, deadlier wave of the coronavirus spreads and officials struggle to counter public indifference to the pandemic. The country has confirmed more than 382,000 cases including over 7,800 deaths since the virus arrived in late February. Less than a year after the coronavirus that has claimed 1.4 million lives began spreading across the globe, a number of highly promising Covid-19 vaccines are on the cusp of release. Four separate drug makers have recently announced that their vaccines are effective for most people. Due to lingering suspicions over vaccines, Pakistan is one of just two countries where polio continues to spread, sparking fears that a new drive to inoculate the population against the coronavirus will fail. The Chinese vaccine is also undergoing phase 3 trials -- or large-scale testing on humans -- in several other nations including China, Russia, Chile, Argentina and Saudi Arabia.

Pakistanis join final trials for China-made vaccine

China on Thursday announced that Premier Li Keqiang will attend the 19th meeting of the council of the heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states to be held under India's chairmanship on Monday.

India will host the virtual meeting of the Heads of the Government of the eight-member bloc on November 30.

Premier Li will take part in the Heads of the Government meeting, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian announced at a media briefing.

Zhao said Li and other leaders will hold in-depth communication and exchange on deepening SCO cooperation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

They will also build more consensus on cooperation and formulate more practical measures to seek greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation and national development strategies and regional cooperation initiatives, he said.

They will also discuss measures to enhance economic, trade, investment, production capacity, connectivity, culture and people to people cooperation, push national economic recovery, improve people's livelihood and promote faster and better development of SCO, he said.

On November 10, Russia organised the heads of state summit of the SCO through a video link which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping among others.

He said the recent summit of the SCO delivered fruitful results. Leaders of the participating countries drew up a blueprint and charted a course for organisations development in the next stage, Zhao said.

About the SCO, he said that since its founding 19 years ago, the SCO has maintained a sound and stable development momentum and successfully placed a new path of cooperation and development for regional organisations.

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as ''complex and profound evolution''&nbsp;of the regional and international landscape, the SCO has an even more important mission to safeguard regional security and stability and promote development and prosperity of all countries, he said.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members in 2017.

China on Thursday announced that Premier Li Keqiang will attend the 19th meeting of the council of the heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states to be held under India's chairmanship on Monday.

China on Thursday announced that Premier Li Keqiang will attend the 19th meeting of the council of the heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states to be held under India's chairmanship on Monday. India will host the virtual meeting of the Heads of the Government of the eight-member bloc on November 30. Premier Li will take part in the Heads of the Government meeting, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian announced at a media briefing. Zhao said Li and other leaders will hold in-depth communication and exchange on deepening SCO cooperation amid the COVID-19 pandemic. They will also build more consensus on cooperation and formulate more practical measures to seek greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation and national development strategies and regional cooperation initiatives, he said. They will also discuss measures to enhance economic, trade, investment, production capacity, connectivity, culture and people to people cooperation, push national economic recovery, improve people's livelihood and promote faster and better development of SCO, he said. On November 10, Russia organised the heads of state summit of the SCO through a video link which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping among others. He said the recent summit of the SCO delivered fruitful results. Leaders of the participating countries drew up a blueprint and charted a course for organisations development in the next stage, Zhao said. About the SCO, he said that since its founding 19 years ago, the SCO has maintained a sound and stable development momentum and successfully placed a new path of cooperation and development for regional organisations. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as ''complex and profound evolution'' of the regional and international landscape, the SCO has an even more important mission to safeguard regional security and stability and promote development and prosperity of all countries, he said. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members in 2017.

Chinese Premier Li to attend SCO Heads of Government meet hosted by India

A Turkish court on Thursday jailed 337 former pilots and other suspects for life in one of the largest trials stemming from the bloody 2016 coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

They were convicted of crimes including murder, trying to overthrow the constitutional order, and attempting to assassinate&nbsp;Erdogan.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-coup-anniversary-in-speech-erdogan-threatens-to-chop-off-traitors-heads-17955">Turkey coup anniversary: Erdogan threatens to 'chop off traitors' heads in speech</a>

More than 250 people were killed on July 15, 2016, when Turkey witnessed the bloodiest coup attempt in its political history. Rogue soldiers commandeered warplanes, helicopters and tanks and sought to take control of state institutions and overthrow the government of President Tayyip Erdogan.

<img alt="F" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="963b6546-5ecd-44af-a6f2-df7c7d898246" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2811%29_29.jpg" />

In picture: Thousands of ordinary citizens took to the streets to oppose the attempted coup in Turkey/Reuters

The trial was the highest profile of dozens of court cases targeting thousands of people accused of involvement in the coup attempt, which Ankara blamed on supporters of the US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen.

Former air force commander Akin Ozturk and others at the Akinci air base near Ankara were accused of directing the coup and bombing government buildings, including parliament, and attempting to kill Erdogan.

<img alt="F" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ddd99503-a238-4394-8c82-77be99e9cf51" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/e373c36a960b4778a992a3d6f95c0782_18.jpeg" />

In picture:&nbsp;US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen at his home in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania [Charles Mostoller/Reuters]

Four ringleaders, dubbed "civilian imams" over ties to Gulen's network, were given 79 aggravated life sentences for charges of attempting to assassinate the president, murder, and seeking to overthrow the constitutional order, state-owned Anadolu news agency said.

F-16 warplane pilots were also among those given aggravated life sentences - the severest punishment in Turkish courts - meaning there is no possibility of parole.

Turkey's then-military chief and now defence minister Hulusi Akar and other commanders were held captive for several hours at the base on the night of the coup. A total of 475 people were on trial, 365 of them in custody.

Sustained crackdown

The 79-year-old cleric Gulen, who was once an ally of Erdogan and has denied any role in the coup, was one of six defendants being tried in absentia. Their dossiers were separated from the main trial, media reports said.

The government declared a state of emergency in&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;- a NATO member and candidate for European Union membership - after the failed coup and carried out a large-scale crackdown which alarmed Ankara's Western allies.

Some 292,000 people have been detained over alleged links to Gulen, nearly 100,000 of them jailed pending trial, Anadolu cited Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu as saying.

Some 150,000 civil servants were sacked or suspended after the coup, with some 20,000 expelled from the military. Courts have handed down more than 2,500 life sentences.

Four years on, police operations targeting suspects accused of links to Gulen continue on a regular basis.

The government has said the crackdown was needed given the security challenges which&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;has faced to root out a network of Gulen supporters deeply embedded in the state apparatus.

A Turkish court on Thursday jailed 337 former pilots and other suspects for life in one of the largest trials stemming from the bloody 2016 coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

A Turkish court on Thursday jailed 337 former pilots and other suspects for life in one of the largest trials stemming from the bloody 2016 coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. They were convicted of crimes including murder, trying to overthrow the constitutional order, and attempting to assassinate Erdogan. Also read| Turkey coup anniversary: Erdogan threatens to 'chop off traitors' heads in speech More than 250 people were killed on July 15, 2016, when Turkey witnessed the bloodiest coup attempt in its political history. Rogue soldiers commandeered warplanes, helicopters and tanks and sought to take control of state institutions and overthrow the government of President Tayyip Erdogan. In picture: Thousands of ordinary citizens took to the streets to oppose the attempted coup in Turkey/Reuters The trial was the highest profile of dozens of court cases targeting thousands of people accused of involvement in the coup attempt, which Ankara blamed on supporters of the US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen. Former air force commander Akin Ozturk and others at the Akinci air base near Ankara were accused of directing the coup and bombing government buildings, including parliament, and attempting to kill Erdogan. In picture: US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen at his home in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania [Charles Mostoller/Reuters] Four ringleaders, dubbed "civilian imams" over ties to Gulen's network, were given 79 aggravated life sentences for charges of attempting to assassinate the president, murder, and seeking to overthrow the constitutional order, state-owned Anadolu news agency said. F-16 warplane pilots were also among those given aggravated life sentences - the severest punishment in Turkish courts - meaning there is no possibility of parole. Turkey's then-military chief and now defence minister Hulusi Akar and other commanders were held captive for several hours at the base on the night of the coup. A total of 475 people were on trial, 365 of them in custody. Sustained crackdown The 79-year-old cleric Gulen, who was once an ally of Erdogan and has denied any role in the coup, was one of six defendants being tried in absentia. Their dossiers were separated from the main trial, media reports said. The government declared a state of emergency in Turkey - a NATO member and candidate for European Union membership - after the failed coup and carried out a large-scale crackdown which alarmed Ankara's Western allies. Some 292,000 people have been detained over alleged links to Gulen, nearly 100,000 of them jailed pending trial, Anadolu cited Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu as saying. Some 150,000 civil servants were sacked or suspended after the coup, with some 20,000 expelled from the military. Courts have handed down more than 2,500 life sentences. Four years on, police operations targeting suspects accused of links to Gulen continue on a regular basis. The government has said the crackdown was needed given the security challenges which Turkey has faced to root out a network of Gulen supporters deeply embedded in the state apparatus.

Turkey announces life imprisonment for convicts in 'bloodiest coup' against Erdogan

Cyclonic storm Nivar clobbers south India; power supply disrupted in several cities

France is split over plans to ban virginity testing, with some campaigners calling the procedure barbaric and others warning of violent repercussions for some Muslim women.

Women in at least 20 countries are subjected to virginity tests, sometimes by force, as families, lovers, or potential employers use them to assess their virtue, honour, or social value, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/your-story-france-approves-controversial-global-security-bill-345346/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In Europe, the tests are issued in Belgium, the Netherlands, Britain, Sweden, and Spain, according to the WHO.

Virginity tests in France are&nbsp;most commonly used by Muslims and also by some Roma families who want proof of virginity pre-wedlock.

<img alt="F" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99d389e2-b419-494b-a007-337d31824d21" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%288%29_41.jpg" />

In picture: Women protest in France against&nbsp;virginity testing/Reuters

The United Nations says the test is painful, inaccurate, and a violation of human rights, with no place in modern society.

But not everyone agrees, with some experts predicting unintended fallout from France’s proposed ban, which is part of a wider Islamic separatism bill due in parliament next month.

Doctors say it could mean women paying excessive fees for illegal tests or risking violent repercussions from family members, partners, or putative in-laws if they lack proof.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-notices-sent-out-to-big-tech-companies-345491/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“Penalising doctors is to close the only door for patients, where they could have found help and advice,” said Ghada Hatem-Gantzer, a gynaecologist in Paris and chief medic at the Maison des Femmes, a local women’s violence shelter.

“It is undoubtedly promoting a black market for certificates that dubious pharmacies will charge dearly for,” she added.

Before issuing a virginity certificate, a doctor usually inspects a woman’s hymen – the thin tissue that may partially cover her vagina – checking for tears or measuring the opening.

It is not clear how many tests are carried out each year, but doctors say they mostly check teenaged girls or young women, often under family pressure.

“There is no data, either official or unofficial, on the number of requests for virginity certificates,” said Martine Hatchuel, another Paris-based gynaecologist.

“Personally I have around two to four requests per year…almost always very young girls brought by their mothers.”

Doctors say single women fear rejection if they cannot show a certificate to families where traditional gender expectations hold sway when it comes to sex before marriage.

“Their motivation is always: ‘it is my parents/my step family/my in-laws who demand it, if it were up to me I wouldn’t ask for anything,’” said Hatem-Gantzer.

But she said the girls and young women who came to her were unanimous in declaring: “‘I don’t want to stay an old maid.’”

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/legitimising-violence-emmanuel-macron-slams-reports-calling-france-islamophobic-343406">&nbsp;'Legitimising violence': Emmanuel Macron slams reports calling France islamophobic</a>

Muslims

The French government does not collect such data but think tanks and statistical groups say France has Europe’s largest Muslim minority: about 5 million or 7-8 per cent&nbsp;of the population.

Virginity certificates can help protect women who are suspected of having illicit sex from possible retribution, said Liza Hammer of Collectif Nta Rajel, a French feminist collective for North African emigrees.

“If you want to deal with this issue then women must be taken care of, not prevented from having a piece of paper they need to save their lives,” she said.

Under draft legislation, President Emmanuel Macron is proposing a year in prison and a 15,000-euro ($17,875) fine for any medical professional who issues a virginity certificate.

The rules are part of legislation aimed at reinforcing secular values and fighting what Macron calls an “Islamist separatism” that he said threatens to overrun some communities.

France’s interior and health ministries were not available for comment.

Violent reprisals

While not in favour of the tests, doctors and women’s rights groups worry that some girls and women might fall victim to abuse without a certificate to attest to their virginity.

“In certain extreme situations, the only way out for women is to break up with their family or to turn to the virginity (testing) market,” the French abortion advice group ANCIC said in a statement.

“Professionals need to make the choice that seems the most ethical to them,” the association said.

In an open letter to a French newspaper, a group of 10 doctors called the tests barbaric, backward and sexist.

But they said that banning them could be still worse if doctors fear women might be at risk without their certification.

“To prevent that (test being carried out) would be a disservice to the cause of the patient,” they said.

Better education would do more than a ban to end traditional gender constraints, said ANCIC, the abortion group.

Punishing doctors does not address the root cause - fear and ignorance in Muslim communities, said the group of doctors.

Claudia Garcia-Moreno, the WHO’s lead on Violence against Women, agreed, saying “culturally sensitive” education must go hand in hand with any ban to prevent tests from going underground.

“It needs to include women and girls understanding their rights and protections,” she said.

For Hatem-Gantzer, who sees the fallout from virginity fights first hand at her Paris shelter, a ban will not quickly change such deeply-entrenched attitudes.

“Our only way out is to educate young people relentlessly and to meet their parents to convince them. It’s more tiring and expensive than banning, but it’s more effective,” she said.

France is split over plans to ban virginity testing, with some campaigners calling the procedure barbaric and others warning of violent repercussions for some Muslim women.

France is split over plans to ban virginity testing, with some campaigners calling the procedure barbaric and others warning of violent repercussions for some Muslim women. Women in at least 20 countries are subjected to virginity tests, sometimes by force, as families, lovers, or potential employers use them to assess their virtue, honour, or social value, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In Europe, the tests are issued in Belgium, the Netherlands, Britain, Sweden, and Spain, according to the WHO. Virginity tests in France are most commonly used by Muslims and also by some Roma families who want proof of virginity pre-wedlock. In picture: Women protest in France against virginity testing/Reuters The United Nations says the test is painful, inaccurate, and a violation of human rights, with no place in modern society. But not everyone agrees, with some experts predicting unintended fallout from France’s proposed ban, which is part of a wider Islamic separatism bill due in parliament next month. Doctors say it could mean women paying excessive fees for illegal tests or risking violent repercussions from family members, partners, or putative in-laws if they lack proof. “Penalising doctors is to close the only door for patients, where they could have found help and advice,” said Ghada Hatem-Gantzer, a gynaecologist in Paris and chief medic at the Maison des Femmes, a local women’s violence shelter. “It is undoubtedly promoting a black market for certificates that dubious pharmacies will charge dearly for,” she added. Before issuing a virginity certificate, a doctor usually inspects a woman’s hymen – the thin tissue that may partially cover her vagina – checking for tears or measuring the opening. It is not clear how many tests are carried out each year, but doctors say they mostly check teenaged girls or young women, often under family pressure. “There is no data, either official or unofficial, on the number of requests for virginity certificates,” said Martine Hatchuel, another Paris-based gynaecologist. “Personally I have around two to four requests per year…almost always very young girls brought by their mothers.” Doctors say single women fear rejection if they cannot show a certificate to families where traditional gender expectations hold sway when it comes to sex before marriage. “Their motivation is always: ‘it is my parents/my step family/my in-laws who demand it, if it were up to me I wouldn’t ask for anything,’” said Hatem-Gantzer. But she said the girls and young women who came to her were unanimous in declaring: “‘I don’t want to stay an old maid.’” Also read| 'Legitimising violence': Emmanuel Macron slams reports calling France islamophobic Muslims The French government does not collect such data but think tanks and statistical groups say France has Europe’s largest Muslim minority: about 5 million or 7-8 per cent of the population. Virginity certificates can help protect women who are suspected of having illicit sex from possible retribution, said Liza Hammer of Collectif Nta Rajel, a French feminist collective for North African emigrees. “If you want to deal with this issue then women must be taken care of, not prevented from having a piece of paper they need to save their lives,” she said. Under draft legislation, President Emmanuel Macron is proposing a year in prison and a 15,000-euro ($17,875) fine for any medical professional who issues a virginity certificate. The rules are part of legislation aimed at reinforcing secular values and fighting what Macron calls an “Islamist separatism” that he said threatens to overrun some communities. France’s interior and health ministries were not available for comment. Violent reprisals While not in favour of the tests, doctors and women’s rights groups worry that some girls and women might fall victim to abuse without a certificate to attest to their virginity. “In certain extreme situations, the only way out for women is to break up with their family or to turn to the virginity (testing) market,” the French abortion advice group ANCIC said in a statement. “Professionals need to make the choice that seems the most ethical to them,” the association said. In an open letter to a French newspaper, a group of 10 doctors called the tests barbaric, backward and sexist. But they said that banning them could be still worse if doctors fear women might be at risk without their certification. “To prevent that (test being carried out) would be a disservice to the cause of the patient,” they said. Better education would do more than a ban to end traditional gender constraints, said ANCIC, the abortion group. Punishing doctors does not address the root cause - fear and ignorance in Muslim communities, said the group of doctors. Claudia Garcia-Moreno, the WHO’s lead on Violence against Women, agreed, saying “culturally sensitive” education must go hand in hand with any ban to prevent tests from going underground. “It needs to include women and girls understanding their rights and protections,” she said. For Hatem-Gantzer, who sees the fallout from virginity fights first hand at her Paris shelter, a ban will not quickly change such deeply-entrenched attitudes. “Our only way out is to educate young people relentlessly and to meet their parents to convince them. It’s more tiring and expensive than banning, but it’s more effective,” she said.

France debates virginity testing as activists fear violent repercussions for women

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