A man was shot Monday as a heavily armed militia group attempted to defend a statue from US protestors in New Mexico, officials and media reports said.

Monuments linked to colonialism and slavery are being toppled and removed globally as worldwide anti-racism protests continue after the death in US police custody of George Floyd, an unarmed black man.

Albuquerque city protesters were demanding the removal of a statue of the state's 16th-century governor, Spanish conquistador Juan de Onate, according to local media.

As they tried to pull down the sculpture, a small group of right-wing militia members tried to protect it and clashes erupted, the Albuquerque Journal reported.

The victim is believed to be in a critical but stable condition, police said.

Police were investigating reports "about vigilante groups possibly instigating this violence," city police chief Michael Geier said in a Twitter statement.

"If this is true will be holding them accountable to the fullest extent of the law, including federal hate group designation and prosecution," he said.

Images in US media showed&nbsp;police&nbsp;apprehending a number of men, some dressed in camouflage gear with guns.

"The heavily armed individuals who flaunted themselves at the protest, calling themselves a 'civil guard', were there for one reason: To menace protesters, to present an unsanctioned show of unregulated force," said New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement posted on Twitter.

"Let me (be) clear: There is absolutely no space in New Mexico for any violent would-be 'militia' seeking to terrorize New Mexicans," she added.

Albuquerque's Mayor Tim Keller said on Twitter that the statue had been temporarily removed to contain the risk to public safety.

A man was shot Monday as a heavily armed militia group attempted to defend a statue from US protestors in New Mexico, officials and media reports said. Monuments linked to colonialism and slavery are being toppled and removed globally as worldwide anti-racism protests continue after the death in US police custody of George Floyd, an unarmed black man.

A man was shot Monday as a heavily armed militia group attempted to defend a statue from US protestors in New Mexico, officials and media reports said. Monuments linked to colonialism and slavery are being toppled and removed globally as worldwide anti-racism protests continue after the death in US police custody of George Floyd, an unarmed black man. Albuquerque city protesters were demanding the removal of a statue of the state's 16th-century governor, Spanish conquistador Juan de Onate, according to local media. As they tried to pull down the sculpture, a small group of right-wing militia members tried to protect it and clashes erupted, the Albuquerque Journal reported. The victim is believed to be in a critical but stable condition, police said. Police were investigating reports "about vigilante groups possibly instigating this violence," city police chief Michael Geier said in a Twitter statement. "If this is true will be holding them accountable to the fullest extent of the law, including federal hate group designation and prosecution," he said. Images in US media showed police apprehending a number of men, some dressed in camouflage gear with guns. "The heavily armed individuals who flaunted themselves at the protest, calling themselves a 'civil guard', were there for one reason: To menace protesters, to present an unsanctioned show of unregulated force," said New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement posted on Twitter. "Let me (be) clear: There is absolutely no space in New Mexico for any violent would-be 'militia' seeking to terrorize New Mexicans," she added. Albuquerque's Mayor Tim Keller said on Twitter that the statue had been temporarily removed to contain the risk to public safety.

Man shot at US colonial statue protest

British &nbsp;Prime Minister Boris Johnson has termed the ongoing row over the removal of statues of historical figures as a "distortion of our history".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-burn-down-wendys-in-atlanta-after-police-shooting-305850" hreflang="en">Protesters burn down Wendy's in Atlanta after police shooting</a>

"If we start purging the record and removing the images of all but those whose attitudes conform to our own, we are engaged in a great lie, a distortion of our history," Johnson wrote in The Telegraph.&nbsp;

Boris Johnson also defended the former prime minister Winston Churchill and said it was &nbsp;"absurd and deplorable" that the monument was in danger.

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The statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square is a permanent reminder of his achievement in saving this country – and the whole of Europe – from a fascist and racist tyranny. 1/8
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"He was a hero, and I expect I am not alone in saying that I will resist with every breath in my body any attempt to remove that statue from Parliament Square, and the sooner his protective shielding comes off the better," he said.

Meanwhile, authorities in London have boarded up the statue ahead of expected rival demonstrations by anti-racism and far-right protestors.

A protective plywood screen has been erected around Churchill's statue outside Parliament. Authorities also fenced off the nearby Cenotaph, a memorial to Britain's war dead.

Monuments have become a major focus of contention in demonstrations sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer who knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes.

Several other statues have been defaced around the country.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has termed the ongoing row over the removal of statues of historical figures as a "distortion of our history". Also read: Protesters burn down Wendy's in Atlanta after police shooting "If we start purging the record and removing the images of all but those whose attitudes conform to our own, we are engaged in a great lie, a distortion of our history," Johnson wrote in The Telegraph.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has termed the ongoing row over the removal of statues of historical figures as a "distortion of our history". Also read: Protesters burn down Wendy's in Atlanta after police shooting "If we start purging the record and removing the images of all but those whose attitudes conform to our own, we are engaged in a great lie, a distortion of our history," Johnson wrote in The Telegraph. Boris Johnson also defended the former prime minister Winston Churchill and said it was "absurd and deplorable" that the monument was in danger. The statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square is a permanent reminder of his achievement in saving this country – and the whole of Europe – from a fascist and racist tyranny. 1/8 — Boris Johnson #StayAlert (@BorisJohnson) June 12, 2020 × "He was a hero, and I expect I am not alone in saying that I will resist with every breath in my body any attempt to remove that statue from Parliament Square, and the sooner his protective shielding comes off the better," he said. Meanwhile, authorities in London have boarded up the statue ahead of expected rival demonstrations by anti-racism and far-right protestors. A protective plywood screen has been erected around Churchill's statue outside Parliament. Authorities also fenced off the nearby Cenotaph, a memorial to Britain's war dead. Monuments have become a major focus of contention in demonstrations sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer who knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes. Several other statues have been defaced around the country.

British PM Boris Johnson defends Churchill and terms removing of statues 'distortion of our history'

As nations begin to topple statues of controversial figures in the wake of anti-racism protests, French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday said that France would not "take down any of its statues".&nbsp;

"The Republic will not wipe away any trace or any name from its history. It will not forget any of its works. It will not take down any of its statues but lucidly look at our history and our memory together," Macron said, in an address to the nation.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meet-adama-traore-whose-death-identical-to-george-floyd-is-triggering-protests-in-france-304278">Meet Adama Traore, whose death identical to George Floyd is triggering protests in France</a>

He said this was particularly important in Africa, where French colonial rule in several nations is being observed as a subject of anger for many people.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-police-to-ban-chokehold-arrest-as-protest-anger-mounts-304399">France police to ban chokehold arrest as protest anger mounts</a>

France and Africa need to collectively find a "present and a future that is possible on both sides of the Mediterranean", Macron said.&nbsp;

In many countries, including the UK, New Zealand, statues that are a symbol of racism, slavery are being taken down after the worldwide protests sparked following the death of George Floyd, an African American in the US.&nbsp;

Anti-racism protests erupted in France too in recent weeks and the demonstrators are also demanding justice for Adama Traore, a black man who died in France in 2016.&nbsp;

Macron said that France will be "uncompromising against racism, anti-Semitism and discrimination" and added that new measures would be taken for "equality".

"It is necessary to unite around Republican patriotism. We are a nation where everyone -- whatever their origin and religion -- can find their place," Macron said.

"Is this true everywhere and for everyone? No."&nbsp;

French President also supported the nation's police force, which is often accused of practicing racism, saying they "deserve public support and the recognition of the nation for their work".

As nations begin to topple statues of controversial figures in the wake of anti-racism protests, French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday said that France would not "take down any of its statues".

As nations begin to topple statues of controversial figures in the wake of anti-racism protests, French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday said that France would not "take down any of its statues". "The Republic will not wipe away any trace or any name from its history. It will not forget any of its works. It will not take down any of its statues but lucidly look at our history and our memory together," Macron said, in an address to the nation. Also read | Meet Adama Traore, whose death identical to George Floyd is triggering protests in France He said this was particularly important in Africa, where French colonial rule in several nations is being observed as a subject of anger for many people. Also read | France police to ban chokehold arrest as protest anger mounts France and Africa need to collectively find a "present and a future that is possible on both sides of the Mediterranean", Macron said. In many countries, including the UK, New Zealand, statues that are a symbol of racism, slavery are being taken down after the worldwide protests sparked following the death of George Floyd, an African American in the US. Anti-racism protests erupted in France too in recent weeks and the demonstrators are also demanding justice for Adama Traore, a black man who died in France in 2016. Macron said that France will be "uncompromising against racism, anti-Semitism and discrimination" and added that new measures would be taken for "equality". "It is necessary to unite around Republican patriotism. We are a nation where everyone -- whatever their origin and religion -- can find their place," Macron said. "Is this true everywhere and for everyone? No." French President also supported the nation's police force, which is often accused of practicing racism, saying they "deserve public support and the recognition of the nation for their work".

Emmanuel Macron says France will not take down any of its statues

Patrick Hutchinson has been hailed as a hero after a picture surfaced of him carrying an injured far-right protester during the clashes between the police and rival groups in London on Saturday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-of-yet-another-black-man-in-atlanta-reignites-protests-across-us-305927" hreflang="en">Death of yet another black man in Atlanta reignites protests across US</a>

According to the picture, the white man was seen on Hutchinson's shoulders clutching his head while flanked by police in riot gear.

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The man had been set upon on the steps leading to the Royal Festival Hall in central London and badly beaten before other protesters stepped in to protect him, Reuters journalists at the scene said.

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Patrick Hutchinson, the black man who carried a suspected far-right protester to safety in a viral photo captured by <a href="https://twitter.com/Reuters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Reuters</a> during protests in London, says he and his friends ‘did what we had to do’ <a href="https://t.co/JWv17pv0d4">https://t.co/JWv17pv0d4</a> <a href="https://t.co/0eStlC1pUF">pic.twitter.com/0eStlC1pUF</a>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swiss-women-get-loud-to-demand-equal-treatment-305869" hreflang="en">Swiss women get loud to demand equal treatment</a>

During an interview with Channel 4, Hutchinson said that the man’s life was "under threat"&nbsp;as the crowds of people became "almost like a stampede"&nbsp;on Saturday.

He continued: "People were trying to protect him, but unsuccessfully. And then the guys went in there, they sort of put a little cordon around him to stop him receiving any more physical harm. He was under physical harm. His life was under threat."&nbsp;

"And whilst they did that I thought, 'well if he stays here he’s not going to make it'. So I just went under, scooped him up and put him on my shoulders and sort of started marching towards the police with him whilst all the guys were sort of surrounding me and protecting me and the guy I had on my shoulder."

"I could actually feel strikes and hits as I was carrying him, so these guys were probably taking some of that themselves on their person."

Protests broke out after George Floyd's death providing&nbsp;momentum to the "Black Lives Matter" movement.&nbsp;

Floyd died in Minneapolis on May 25 after having a knee pressed into his neck for around nine minutes by a policeman.&nbsp;

Patrick Hutchinson has been hailed as a hero after a picture surfaced of him carrying an injured far-right protester during the clashes between the police and rival groups in London on Saturday.

Patrick Hutchinson has been hailed as a hero after a picture surfaced of him carrying an injured far-right protester during the clashes between the police and rival groups in London on Saturday. Also read: Death of yet another black man in Atlanta reignites protests across US According to the picture, the white man was seen on Hutchinson's shoulders clutching his head while flanked by police in riot gear. The man had been set upon on the steps leading to the Royal Festival Hall in central London and badly beaten before other protesters stepped in to protect him, Reuters journalists at the scene said. Patrick Hutchinson, the black man who carried a suspected far-right protester to safety in a viral photo captured by @Reuters during protests in London, says he and his friends ‘did what we had to do’ https://t.co/JWv17pv0d4 pic.twitter.com/0eStlC1pUF — Reuters (@Reuters) June 15, 2020 × Also read: Swiss women get loud to demand equal treatment During an interview with Channel 4, Hutchinson said that the man’s life was "under threat" as the crowds of people became "almost like a stampede" on Saturday. He continued: "People were trying to protect him, but unsuccessfully. And then the guys went in there, they sort of put a little cordon around him to stop him receiving any more physical harm. He was under physical harm. His life was under threat." "And whilst they did that I thought, 'well if he stays here he’s not going to make it'. So I just went under, scooped him up and put him on my shoulders and sort of started marching towards the police with him whilst all the guys were sort of surrounding me and protecting me and the guy I had on my shoulder." "I could actually feel strikes and hits as I was carrying him, so these guys were probably taking some of that themselves on their person." Protests broke out after George Floyd's death providing momentum to the "Black Lives Matter" movement. Floyd died in Minneapolis on May 25 after having a knee pressed into his neck for around nine minutes by a policeman.

Black protester rescues injured white man during anti-racist protest in UK

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned "racist thuggery" after far-right protesters clashed in&nbsp;London&nbsp;on Saturday with anti-racist demonstrators and police trying to keep the two sides apart.

Fights broke out between groups outside Waterloo station, with fireworks thrown before police cordoned off areas. On a nearby bridge, stones were lobbed at police. Sporadic skirmishes continued in parts of the city centre.

"Racist thuggery has no place on our streets," Johnson said on Twitter. "Anyone attacking our police will be met with the full force of the law."

Earlier in the day, small bands of protesters jostled and tossed bottles and cans in Trafalgar Square. Far-right groups shouted racial slurs at the anti-racism protesters, and some tried to use metal crash barriers to break through police lines.

The Metropolitan Police said they arrested more than 100 people for offences including violent disorder and assault on police, and that six officers had suffered minor injuries. The ambulance service said it had treated 15 people.

"It is clear that far-right groups are causing violence and disorder in central&nbsp;London, I urge people to stay away," Mayor Sadiq Khan said on Twitter.

In a brief respite to the animosity after the clashes near Waterloo, pictures showed a man identified by the crowd as a far-right protester being carried to safety by a Black Lives Matter protester.

The police, who had already imposed a restriction calling for all demonstrations to end by 5 p.m., urged people to disperse.

Police also said they would investigate after images on social media appeared to show a man urinating on PC Keith Palmer's memorial. Palmer, a police officer, was stabbed to death in an attack outside Parliament in 2017.

There have been demonstrations around the world against racism and police abuses since the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month. In British cities tens of thousands of people have marched peacefully during previous days of protest.

In&nbsp;London&nbsp;the demonstrators numbered fewer on Saturday than in recent days, after announcements by far-right groups that they would converge on the city centre prompted anti-racism activists to cancel a planned march and instead call for scattered protests.

Statues of historical figures including Winston Churchill were boarded up to prevent them from becoming flashpoints or being defaced by protesters who say such monuments celebrate racists.

'My culture under attack'

In and around Parliament Square, hundreds of people wearing football shirts, describing themselves as patriots and chanting "England, England" gathered alongside military veterans to guard the Cenotaph war memorial.

The far-right groups said they wanted to defend British culture, in particular historical monuments, after the toppling of the statue of a 17th century slave trader in the port city of Bristol during an anti-racism protest last weekend sparked calls for others to come down.

"Winston Churchill, he's one of our own," they also chanted, near the statue of the World War Two leader, which last weekend was sprayed with graffiti reading: "Churchill was a racist".

"My culture is under attack. This is my culture and my English history: why should Churchill be boarded up? Why is the Cenotaph attacked? It is not right," said David Allen, one of the protesters.

While Churchill is admired by many for his role in defeating Nazi Germany, some in the anti-racism movement have called for more scrutiny of his overall legacy, noting he expressed racist and anti-Semitic views.

On Friday Johnson called it "absurd and shameful" that the Churchill statue was at risk of attack. "Yes, he sometimes expressed opinions that were and are unacceptable to us today, but he was a hero," he said.

Protests took place in other countries on Saturday, including in several Australian cities, Taipei, Zurich and Paris.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned "racist thuggery" after far-right protesters clashed in London on Saturday with anti-racist demonstrators and police trying to keep the two sides apart.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned "racist thuggery" after far-right protesters clashed in London on Saturday with anti-racist demonstrators and police trying to keep the two sides apart. Fights broke out between groups outside Waterloo station, with fireworks thrown before police cordoned off areas. On a nearby bridge, stones were lobbed at police. Sporadic skirmishes continued in parts of the city centre. "Racist thuggery has no place on our streets," Johnson said on Twitter. "Anyone attacking our police will be met with the full force of the law." Earlier in the day, small bands of protesters jostled and tossed bottles and cans in Trafalgar Square. Far-right groups shouted racial slurs at the anti-racism protesters, and some tried to use metal crash barriers to break through police lines. The Metropolitan Police said they arrested more than 100 people for offences including violent disorder and assault on police, and that six officers had suffered minor injuries. The ambulance service said it had treated 15 people. "It is clear that far-right groups are causing violence and disorder in central London, I urge people to stay away," Mayor Sadiq Khan said on Twitter. In a brief respite to the animosity after the clashes near Waterloo, pictures showed a man identified by the crowd as a far-right protester being carried to safety by a Black Lives Matter protester. The police, who had already imposed a restriction calling for all demonstrations to end by 5 p.m., urged people to disperse. Police also said they would investigate after images on social media appeared to show a man urinating on PC Keith Palmer's memorial. Palmer, a police officer, was stabbed to death in an attack outside Parliament in 2017. There have been demonstrations around the world against racism and police abuses since the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month. In British cities tens of thousands of people have marched peacefully during previous days of protest. In London the demonstrators numbered fewer on Saturday than in recent days, after announcements by far-right groups that they would converge on the city centre prompted anti-racism activists to cancel a planned march and instead call for scattered protests. Statues of historical figures including Winston Churchill were boarded up to prevent them from becoming flashpoints or being defaced by protesters who say such monuments celebrate racists. 'My culture under attack' In and around Parliament Square, hundreds of people wearing football shirts, describing themselves as patriots and chanting "England, England" gathered alongside military veterans to guard the Cenotaph war memorial. The far-right groups said they wanted to defend British culture, in particular historical monuments, after the toppling of the statue of a 17th century slave trader in the port city of Bristol during an anti-racism protest last weekend sparked calls for others to come down. "Winston Churchill, he's one of our own," they also chanted, near the statue of the World War Two leader, which last weekend was sprayed with graffiti reading: "Churchill was a racist". "My culture is under attack. This is my culture and my English history: why should Churchill be boarded up? Why is the Cenotaph attacked? It is not right," said David Allen, one of the protesters. While Churchill is admired by many for his role in defeating Nazi Germany, some in the anti-racism movement have called for more scrutiny of his overall legacy, noting he expressed racist and anti-Semitic views. On Friday Johnson called it "absurd and shameful" that the Churchill statue was at risk of attack. "Yes, he sometimes expressed opinions that were and are unacceptable to us today, but he was a hero," he said. Protests took place in other countries on Saturday, including in several Australian cities, Taipei, Zurich and Paris.

Johnson condemns 'thuggery' after far-right protests in London

Protesters shut down a major highway in Atlanta on Saturday and burned down a Wendy's restaurant where a black man was shot dead by police as he tried to escape arrest, an incident likely to fuel more nationwide tensions over race and police tactics.

The restaurant was in flames for more than 45 minutes before fire crews arrived to extinguish the blaze, protected by a line of police officers, local television showed. By that time the building was reduced to charred rubble next to a gas station.

Other demonstrators marched onto Interstate-75, stopping traffic, before police used a line of squad cars to hold them back.

The city's police chief, Erika Shields, resigned earlier on Saturday over the shooting on Friday night of 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks, which was captured on video. 
The police department has fired the officer who allegedly shot and killed Brooks, police spokesman Carlos Campos said late on Saturday. Another officer involved in the incident was put on administrative leave. Both of the officers were white.

Brooks' death followed weeks of demonstrations in major cities across the United States sparked by the death of George Floyd, an African American who died on May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while detaining him.

The Atlanta officer fired after Friday's incident was identified by the police department as Garrett Rolfe, who joined the department in October 2013. The officer placed on administrative duty is Devin Bronsan, who was hired in September 2018.

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said she had accepted the prompt resignation of police chief Shields.

"I do not believe that this was a justified use of deadly force and have called for the immediate termination of the officer," Bottoms said at an afternoon news conference. 
Brooks was the father of a young daughter who was celebrating her birthday on Saturday, his lawyers said.

Near the scene of the shooting, street protests began on Saturday, with more than 100 people calling for the officers to be charged criminally in the case.

PARKING LOT

Friday's shooting came after police were called to the Wendy's over reports that Brooks had fallen asleep in the drive-thru line. Officers attempted to take him into custody after he failed a field sobriety test, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

A bystander's video showed Brooks struggling with two officers on the ground outside the Wendy's before breaking free and running across the parking lot with what appears to be a police TASER in his hand.

A second videotape from the restaurant's cameras shows Brooks turning as he runs and possibly aiming the TASER at the pursuing officers before one of them fires his gun and Brooks falls to the ground.

Brooks ran the length of about six cars when he turned back toward an officer and pointed what he had in his hand at the policeman, Vic Reynolds, director of the GBI, told a press conference.

"At that point, the Atlanta officer reaches down and retrieves his weapon from his holster, discharges it, strikes Mr. Brooks there on the parking lot and he goes down," Reynolds said. 
Lawyers representing the family of Brooks told reporters that Atlanta police had no right to use deadly force even if he had fired the TASER, a non-lethal weapon, in their direction.

"You can't shoot somebody unless they are pointing a gun at you," attorney Chris Stewart said.

Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard, Jr., said in an emailed statement that his office "has already launched an intense, independent investigation of the incident" while it awaits the findings of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Bottoms said Shields, a white woman appointed police chief in December 2016, would be replaced by deputy chief Rodney Bryant, a black man who will serve as interim chief.

Protesters shut down a major highway in Atlanta on Saturday and burned down a Wendy's restaurant where a black man was shot dead by police as he tried to escape arrest, an incident likely to fuel more nationwide tensions over race and police tactics.

Protesters shut down a major highway in Atlanta on Saturday and burned down a Wendy's restaurant where a black man was shot dead by police as he tried to escape arrest, an incident likely to fuel more nationwide tensions over race and police tactics. The restaurant was in flames for more than 45 minutes before fire crews arrived to extinguish the blaze, protected by a line of police officers, local television showed. By that time the building was reduced to charred rubble next to a gas station. Other demonstrators marched onto Interstate-75, stopping traffic, before police used a line of squad cars to hold them back. The city's police chief, Erika Shields, resigned earlier on Saturday over the shooting on Friday night of 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks, which was captured on video. The police department has fired the officer who allegedly shot and killed Brooks, police spokesman Carlos Campos said late on Saturday. Another officer involved in the incident was put on administrative leave. Both of the officers were white. Brooks' death followed weeks of demonstrations in major cities across the United States sparked by the death of George Floyd, an African American who died on May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while detaining him. The Atlanta officer fired after Friday's incident was identified by the police department as Garrett Rolfe, who joined the department in October 2013. The officer placed on administrative duty is Devin Bronsan, who was hired in September 2018. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said she had accepted the prompt resignation of police chief Shields. "I do not believe that this was a justified use of deadly force and have called for the immediate termination of the officer," Bottoms said at an afternoon news conference. Brooks was the father of a young daughter who was celebrating her birthday on Saturday, his lawyers said. Near the scene of the shooting, street protests began on Saturday, with more than 100 people calling for the officers to be charged criminally in the case. PARKING LOT Friday's shooting came after police were called to the Wendy's over reports that Brooks had fallen asleep in the drive-thru line. Officers attempted to take him into custody after he failed a field sobriety test, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. A bystander's video showed Brooks struggling with two officers on the ground outside the Wendy's before breaking free and running across the parking lot with what appears to be a police TASER in his hand. A second videotape from the restaurant's cameras shows Brooks turning as he runs and possibly aiming the TASER at the pursuing officers before one of them fires his gun and Brooks falls to the ground. Brooks ran the length of about six cars when he turned back toward an officer and pointed what he had in his hand at the policeman, Vic Reynolds, director of the GBI, told a press conference. "At that point, the Atlanta officer reaches down and retrieves his weapon from his holster, discharges it, strikes Mr. Brooks there on the parking lot and he goes down," Reynolds said. Lawyers representing the family of Brooks told reporters that Atlanta police had no right to use deadly force even if he had fired the TASER, a non-lethal weapon, in their direction. "You can't shoot somebody unless they are pointing a gun at you," attorney Chris Stewart said. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard, Jr., said in an emailed statement that his office "has already launched an intense, independent investigation of the incident" while it awaits the findings of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Bottoms said Shields, a white woman appointed police chief in December 2016, would be replaced by deputy chief Rodney Bryant, a black man who will serve as interim chief.

Protesters burn down Wendy's in Atlanta after police shooting

Police in London have arrested a 28-year-old man after an individual was photographed on Saturday apparently urinating on a memorial to a police officer killed while defending Parliament from a terrorist attack in 2017.

The man was arrested north of London "on suspicion of outraging public decency" -- even as over 100 others were arrested after violence broke out as far-right groups targetted anti-racism Black Lives Matter protests.

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Parliament Square -- some of them chanted "England" during clashes, and said the counter-protest was intended to "protect" statues around Parliament Square, including that of wartime prime minister Winston Churchill.

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel described the behaviour as "thoroughly unacceptable thuggery."

There have been demonstrations around the world against racism and police abuses since the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month. In British cities, tens of thousands of people have marched peacefully during previous days of protest.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/churchills-picture-mysteriously-vanishes-from-list-of-british-pms-google-to-explore-why-305777">Also read |&nbsp;Churchill's picture mysteriously vanishes from list of British PMs; Google to 'explore' why</a>

In London, the demonstrators numbered fewer on Saturday than in recent days, after announcements by far-right groups that they would converge on the city centre prompted anti-racism activists to cancel a planned march and instead call for scattered protests.

Statues of historical figures including Winston Churchill were boarded up to prevent them from becoming flashpoints or being defaced by protesters who say such monuments celebrate racists.

In Trafalgar Square, officers formed barriers between BLM and far-right groups, as authorities in the UK capital urged people to stay away from the protests, given the high likelihood of violence.

The Mayor of London's office said: "The statues of Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi are being temporarily covered for their protection. All other statues in Parliament Square and Trafalgar Square remain under review and we will put protection in place should the need arise."

Meanwhile, thousands of people gathered in central Paris to protest against police brutality -- an issue symbolised in France by the 2016 death in custody of Adama Traoré, a young black man.

Saturday's protests were organised by 17 groups, including the family's "Truth for Adama" campaign.

A large crowd of protesters also gathered in Perth in Western Australia for a rally in support of the Black Lives Matters movement Saturday.

The rally, organised by First Nations Elders, aims to draw attention to and end violence against Aboriginal people in police custody and to end state sponsored racism.

Saturday's rally to support the Black Lives Matter movement in Sydney was made illegal by a court injunction over pandemic public health concerns.

Police in London have arrested a 28-year-old man after an individual was photographed on Saturday apparently urinating on a memorial to a police officer killed while defending Parliament from a terrorist attack in 2017.

Police in London have arrested a 28-year-old man after an individual was photographed on Saturday apparently urinating on a memorial to a police officer killed while defending Parliament from a terrorist attack in 2017. The man was arrested north of London "on suspicion of outraging public decency" -- even as over 100 others were arrested after violence broke out as far-right groups targetted anti-racism Black Lives Matter protests. Hundreds of protesters gathered in Parliament Square -- some of them chanted "England" during clashes, and said the counter-protest was intended to "protect" statues around Parliament Square, including that of wartime prime minister Winston Churchill. UK Home Secretary Priti Patel described the behaviour as "thoroughly unacceptable thuggery." There have been demonstrations around the world against racism and police abuses since the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month. In British cities, tens of thousands of people have marched peacefully during previous days of protest. Also read | Churchill's picture mysteriously vanishes from list of British PMs; Google to 'explore' why In London, the demonstrators numbered fewer on Saturday than in recent days, after announcements by far-right groups that they would converge on the city centre prompted anti-racism activists to cancel a planned march and instead call for scattered protests. Statues of historical figures including Winston Churchill were boarded up to prevent them from becoming flashpoints or being defaced by protesters who say such monuments celebrate racists. In Trafalgar Square, officers formed barriers between BLM and far-right groups, as authorities in the UK capital urged people to stay away from the protests, given the high likelihood of violence. The Mayor of London's office said: "The statues of Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi are being temporarily covered for their protection. All other statues in Parliament Square and Trafalgar Square remain under review and we will put protection in place should the need arise." Meanwhile, thousands of people gathered in central Paris to protest against police brutality -- an issue symbolised in France by the 2016 death in custody of Adama Traoré, a young black man. Saturday's protests were organised by 17 groups, including the family's "Truth for Adama" campaign. A large crowd of protesters also gathered in Perth in Western Australia for a rally in support of the Black Lives Matters movement Saturday. The rally, organised by First Nations Elders, aims to draw attention to and end violence against Aboriginal people in police custody and to end state sponsored racism. Saturday's rally to support the Black Lives Matter movement in Sydney was made illegal by a court injunction over pandemic public health concerns.

Man arrested on suspicion of urinating on London memorial

Milan residents on Sunday woke up to find a statue of Italian journalist Indro Montanelli vandalised -- covered in red paint with the words 'racist, rapist' -- written on its base.&nbsp;

The statue of Indro Montanelli, located at the central Milan park named after the prominent right-wing Italian journalist and writer who died in 2001, was constructed in the year 2006.

Paint was thrown over the bronze monument, with the words "racist, rapist" sprayed on the base, in reference to the fact that Montanelli bought a 12-year-old Eritrean girl as his wife while serving in the Second Italo-Ethiopian War in 1936.

The incident occurred on the night of June 13, three days after anti-fascist activists wrote a public letter calling on Milan mayor Beppe Sala to remove the statue, in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter protests that have broken out across the world following the killing of George Floyd, a black man, in Minneapolis, US.

The letter called on the city to remove the statue and rename the public gardens after "someone who is more worthy to represent the history and memory of our city."

To this end, Italian politicians and intellectuals had leapt to the defence of Montanelli.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/churchills-picture-mysteriously-vanishes-from-list-of-british-pms-google-to-explore-why-305777">Also read |&nbsp;Churchill's picture mysteriously vanishes from list of British PMs; Google to 'explore' why</a>

A police investigation is now underway into the incident.

There have been demonstrations around the world against racism and police abuses since the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis, USA last month.

Statues of historical figures including Winston Churchill were boarded up to prevent them from becoming flashpoints or being defaced by protesters who say such monuments celebrate racists.

Milan residents on Sunday woke up to find a statue of Italian journalist Indro Montanelli vandalised -- covered in red paint with the words 'racist, rapist' -- written on its base.

Milan residents on Sunday woke up to find a statue of Italian journalist Indro Montanelli vandalised -- covered in red paint with the words 'racist, rapist' -- written on its base. The statue of Indro Montanelli, located at the central Milan park named after the prominent right-wing Italian journalist and writer who died in 2001, was constructed in the year 2006. Paint was thrown over the bronze monument, with the words "racist, rapist" sprayed on the base, in reference to the fact that Montanelli bought a 12-year-old Eritrean girl as his wife while serving in the Second Italo-Ethiopian War in 1936. The incident occurred on the night of June 13, three days after anti-fascist activists wrote a public letter calling on Milan mayor Beppe Sala to remove the statue, in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter protests that have broken out across the world following the killing of George Floyd, a black man, in Minneapolis, US. The letter called on the city to remove the statue and rename the public gardens after "someone who is more worthy to represent the history and memory of our city." To this end, Italian politicians and intellectuals had leapt to the defence of Montanelli. Also read | Churchill's picture mysteriously vanishes from list of British PMs; Google to 'explore' why A police investigation is now underway into the incident. There have been demonstrations around the world against racism and police abuses since the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis, USA last month. Statues of historical figures including Winston Churchill were boarded up to prevent them from becoming flashpoints or being defaced by protesters who say such monuments celebrate racists.

'Racist, rapist' written on Montanelli statue in Milan

Australian police have arrested two women after a statue of British explorer James Cook was defaced. Cook was the captain of the first Western ship to reach the east coast of Australia.&nbsp;

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/wendys-in-atlanta-burned-down-by-protestors-after-black-man-was-slain-by-police-305740" hreflang="en">Wendy's in Atlanta burned down by protestors after black man was slain by police</a>

Before the arrests, the New South Wales police were alerted to graffiti on Cook's statue in Hyde Park in the central district of Sydney just after 4 a.m. (2000 GMT on Saturday).&nbsp;

The women carried a bag containing several spray-paint cans, as per the police statement. They were refused bail and will be charged with the destroying and damaging property, it said.

From Cecil Rhodes in England to Christopher Columbus in the United States and King Leopold II in Belgium, statues of empire builders have been under attack in recent weeks around the world, sometimes from the descendants of those they once colonised.

The defaced statue was cleaned on Sunday morning by the council workers.&nbsp;

The anti-racism protestors demand that the legacies of some of the architects of Europe's empire-building be revisited and their statues are taken down.

Australian police have arrested two women after a statue of British explorer James Cook was defaced. Cook was the captain of the first Western ship to reach the east coast of Australia.

Australian police have arrested two women after a statue of British explorer James Cook was defaced. Cook was the captain of the first Western ship to reach the east coast of Australia. Also see: Wendy's in Atlanta burned down by protestors after black man was slain by police Before the arrests, the New South Wales police were alerted to graffiti on Cook's statue in Hyde Park in the central district of Sydney just after 4 a.m. (2000 GMT on Saturday). The women carried a bag containing several spray-paint cans, as per the police statement. They were refused bail and will be charged with the destroying and damaging property, it said. From Cecil Rhodes in England to Christopher Columbus in the United States and King Leopold II in Belgium, statues of empire builders have been under attack in recent weeks around the world, sometimes from the descendants of those they once colonised. The defaced statue was cleaned on Sunday morning by the council workers. The anti-racism protestors demand that the legacies of some of the architects of Europe's empire-building be revisited and their statues are taken down.

Two protestors in Australia arrested as they deface Captain Cook's statue

Thousands of people took the knee outside the US consulate in Auckland Sunday as New Zealanders demonstrated for a second week to support the Black Lives Matter movement and highlight local discrimination issues.

As Michael Jackson's "They Don't Care About Us" played in the background, the protesters chanted "No justice, no peace" and "Ain't no power like the power of the people, because the power of the people don't stop".

In Wellington, more than 2,000 people marched on parliament after gathering in the city centre to hear speeches on racial bias within the police, New Zealand's high Maori imprisonment rates and the push to remove statues of colonisers.

The city of Hamilton has already torn down a statue of the colonial military commander it was named after following threats from anti-racism protesters to topple the bronze sculpture of Captain John Fane Charles Hamilton, who they accused of murder.

The protests are part of a worldwide movement following the killing in the United States of African-American man George Floyd who died after a white policeman knelt on his neck for several minutes.

"George Floyd doesn't have any more breaths left, it's our job to ensure that wasn't in vain," social justice activist Julia Whaipooti told the crowd in Auckland.

Auckland University social sciences professor Camille Nakhid said there was a "knee on the neck" of indigenous people and people of colour throughout New Zealand.

"We have longer waiting lines out of hospital. We are less likely to get medicines that we need... when they gentrify our neighbourhoods and we have to move to suburbs that have poor transportation, less access to employment, less access to healthcare, that is a knee on our necks," she added.

"Our indigenous people, our black people, our people of colour... we see you, we acknowledge you. Let us collectively put our arms around each other, embrace each other, and help push those damn knees off our necks."

Thousands of people took the knee outside the US consulate in Auckland Sunday as New Zealanders demonstrated for a second week to support the Black Lives Matter movement and highlight local discrimination issues.

Thousands of people took the knee outside the US consulate in Auckland Sunday as New Zealanders demonstrated for a second week to support the Black Lives Matter movement and highlight local discrimination issues. As Michael Jackson's "They Don't Care About Us" played in the background, the protesters chanted "No justice, no peace" and "Ain't no power like the power of the people, because the power of the people don't stop". In Wellington, more than 2,000 people marched on parliament after gathering in the city centre to hear speeches on racial bias within the police, New Zealand's high Maori imprisonment rates and the push to remove statues of colonisers. The city of Hamilton has already torn down a statue of the colonial military commander it was named after following threats from anti-racism protesters to topple the bronze sculpture of Captain John Fane Charles Hamilton, who they accused of murder. The protests are part of a worldwide movement following the killing in the United States of African-American man George Floyd who died after a white policeman knelt on his neck for several minutes. "George Floyd doesn't have any more breaths left, it's our job to ensure that wasn't in vain," social justice activist Julia Whaipooti told the crowd in Auckland. Auckland University social sciences professor Camille Nakhid said there was a "knee on the neck" of indigenous people and people of colour throughout New Zealand. "We have longer waiting lines out of hospital. We are less likely to get medicines that we need... when they gentrify our neighbourhoods and we have to move to suburbs that have poor transportation, less access to employment, less access to healthcare, that is a knee on our necks," she added. "Our indigenous people, our black people, our people of colour... we see you, we acknowledge you. Let us collectively put our arms around each other, embrace each other, and help push those damn knees off our necks."

New Zealand protesters take knee outside US consulate

Riot police fired tear gas to prevent thousands of anti-racism protesters marching through central Paris on Saturday, as a wave of anger continued to sweep the world following the death of African American George Floyd.

The protesters gathered in Place de la Republique, where the crowd chanted "No justice, no peace" and some climbed the statue of Marianne, who personifies the French Republic. Police refused organisers permission to proceed to the Opera House.

The protest was generally peaceful but after three hours skirmishes broke out. Organisers urged protesters with children to leave as riot police charged pockets of protesters and projectiles were thrown at police lines.

The outrage generated by Floyd's death in Minneapolis last month has resonated in France, in particular in deprived city suburbs where rights groups say that accusations of brutal treatment by French police of residents of often immigrant background remain largely unaddressed.

Assa Traore, sister of 24-year-old Adama Traore, who died near Paris in 2016 after police detained him, addressed Saturday's protest.

"The death of George Floyd has a strong echo in the death in France of my little brother," she said. "What's happening in the United States is happening in France. Our brothers are dying."

Traore's family say he was asphyxiated when three officers held him down with the weight of their bodies. Authorities say the cause of his death is unclear.

One banner carried by the crowd in the Place de la Republique read: "I hope I don’t get killed for being black today". Another carried a message for the government: "If you sow injustice, you reap a revolt."

Earlier this week, Interior Minister Christophe Castaner acknowledged there were "proven suspicions of racism" within French law enforcement agencies.

His remarks drew condemnation from police unions, which said officers were being scapegoated for deep-rooted social ills. Police have held their own protests in cities across France this week.

Ahead of the protest, in the ethnically diverse Paris suburb of Belleville, one man of Algerian descent said he had been the victim of police violence but he doubted institutional racism ran through the force.

"I've been insulted, hit even. But the police aren't all the same," he told Reuters TV, identifying himself as Karim. "Unfortunately, this minority is hurting the police."

Far-right activists unfurled a banner with the words "anti-white racism" from the rooftop of a building overlooking the protest. Residents emerged onto their balconies and ripped it up using with knives and scissors, to cheers from below.

Protests took place in other countries on Saturday, including in several Australian cities, Taipei, Zurich and London.

Riot police fired tear gas to prevent thousands of anti-racism protesters marching through central Paris on Saturday, as a wave of anger continued to sweep the world following the death of African American George Floyd.

Riot police fired tear gas to prevent thousands of anti-racism protesters marching through central Paris on Saturday, as a wave of anger continued to sweep the world following the death of African American George Floyd. The protesters gathered in Place de la Republique, where the crowd chanted "No justice, no peace" and some climbed the statue of Marianne, who personifies the French Republic. Police refused organisers permission to proceed to the Opera House. The protest was generally peaceful but after three hours skirmishes broke out. Organisers urged protesters with children to leave as riot police charged pockets of protesters and projectiles were thrown at police lines. The outrage generated by Floyd's death in Minneapolis last month has resonated in France, in particular in deprived city suburbs where rights groups say that accusations of brutal treatment by French police of residents of often immigrant background remain largely unaddressed. Assa Traore, sister of 24-year-old Adama Traore, who died near Paris in 2016 after police detained him, addressed Saturday's protest. "The death of George Floyd has a strong echo in the death in France of my little brother," she said. "What's happening in the United States is happening in France. Our brothers are dying." Traore's family say he was asphyxiated when three officers held him down with the weight of their bodies. Authorities say the cause of his death is unclear. One banner carried by the crowd in the Place de la Republique read: "I hope I don’t get killed for being black today". Another carried a message for the government: "If you sow injustice, you reap a revolt." Earlier this week, Interior Minister Christophe Castaner acknowledged there were "proven suspicions of racism" within French law enforcement agencies. His remarks drew condemnation from police unions, which said officers were being scapegoated for deep-rooted social ills. Police have held their own protests in cities across France this week. Ahead of the protest, in the ethnically diverse Paris suburb of Belleville, one man of Algerian descent said he had been the victim of police violence but he doubted institutional racism ran through the force. "I've been insulted, hit even. But the police aren't all the same," he told Reuters TV, identifying himself as Karim. "Unfortunately, this minority is hurting the police." Far-right activists unfurled a banner with the words "anti-white racism" from the rooftop of a building overlooking the protest. Residents emerged onto their balconies and ripped it up using with knives and scissors, to cheers from below. Protests took place in other countries on Saturday, including in several Australian cities, Taipei, Zurich and London.

Anti-racism protesters clash with police in Paris

Statues are falling one after another - from Colston to Churchill to Columbus.

We reported this yesterday and asked you why&nbsp;India should not rethink its symbols of hate.

A lot of you appreciated our report, but some of you questioned whether we are trying to instigate violence.

No, we are not. We are reporting, raising relevant questions and addressing tough subjects. This is the beauty of a free press. This is what makes a democracy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/topple-the-racists-a-map-showing-all-of-the-racist-statues-in-britain-305219">Also read|&nbsp;'Topple the Racists': A map showing all of the 'racist' statues in Britain</a>

India is one, as are the countries where the statues are falling. If the people of some countries are raising their voice against prejudice, if they want to do away with injustice, how are they wrong? Unless, of course, there is violence and bloodshed -- which is always wrong.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-more-statues-fall-as-anti-racism-protests-spread-305244/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The protest against racism continues as we speak. The demonstrators are attacking symbols of hate. More statues have been damaged and torn down -- three&nbsp;of Christopher Columbus in Virginia, Boston and Minnesota.

In Boston, the statue of Columbus was beheaded.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-edward-colston-statue-retrieved-as-many-more-monuments-set-to-be-reviewed-305056">Also read|&nbsp;UK: Edward Colston statue retrieved as many more monuments set to be reviewed</a>

Why Columbus? In schools, we were taught he discovered the new world. Sure. No one is taking that away from him, but the discoverer apparently also brought racism to America.

Spray-painted on one of the damaged statues are the words "Columbus represents genocide".

In Virginia, demonstrators tore down a monument of Jefferson Davis. He was the President of the confederate states -- the states that promoted slavery, racism and oppression of the Blacks.

Statues of Confederate&nbsp;soldiers were beheaded in Portsmouth. A few hours later, one of the structures was pulled down.

In England, authorities removed the statue of Robert Baden-Powell. He was once considered among the 13-most influential Britons in the 20th century. Then came the Black Lives Matter movement, and turns out Powell was racist, a supporter of Nazi Germany and fascist too.

In Belgium, a statue of Leopold II was daubed with paint and another was sprayed with graffiti.

An online petition against the King has passed 64,000 signatures, which says Leopold killed more than 10 million Congolese. This was during his 23-year reign over the colony.

These falling statues are telling us stories we had never heard of, at least most of us did not. How many of us had heard of Edward Colston, and that he transported 84,000 slaves from Africa to America?

His statue, by the way, has been fished out of the water in Bristol. How many of us took note of Churchill's racism, or heard of Robert Milligan?

Truth does not trigger violence, the suppression of truth does.

Statues are falling one after another - from Colston to Churchill to Columbus. We reported this yesterday and asked you why India should not rethink its symbols of hate.

Statues are falling one after another - from Colston to Churchill to Columbus. We reported this yesterday and asked you why India should not rethink its symbols of hate. A lot of you appreciated our report, but some of you questioned whether we are trying to instigate violence. No, we are not. We are reporting, raising relevant questions and addressing tough subjects. This is the beauty of a free press. This is what makes a democracy. Also read| 'Topple the Racists': A map showing all of the 'racist' statues in Britain India is one, as are the countries where the statues are falling. If the people of some countries are raising their voice against prejudice, if they want to do away with injustice, how are they wrong? Unless, of course, there is violence and bloodshed -- which is always wrong. The protest against racism continues as we speak. The demonstrators are attacking symbols of hate. More statues have been damaged and torn down -- three of Christopher Columbus in Virginia, Boston and Minnesota. In Boston, the statue of Columbus was beheaded. Also read| UK: Edward Colston statue retrieved as many more monuments set to be reviewed Why Columbus? In schools, we were taught he discovered the new world. Sure. No one is taking that away from him, but the discoverer apparently also brought racism to America. Spray-painted on one of the damaged statues are the words "Columbus represents genocide". In Virginia, demonstrators tore down a monument of Jefferson Davis. He was the President of the confederate states -- the states that promoted slavery, racism and oppression of the Blacks. Statues of Confederate soldiers were beheaded in Portsmouth. A few hours later, one of the structures was pulled down. In England, authorities removed the statue of Robert Baden-Powell. He was once considered among the 13-most influential Britons in the 20th century. Then came the Black Lives Matter movement, and turns out Powell was racist, a supporter of Nazi Germany and fascist too. In Belgium, a statue of Leopold II was daubed with paint and another was sprayed with graffiti. An online petition against the King has passed 64,000 signatures, which says Leopold killed more than 10 million Congolese. This was during his 23-year reign over the colony. These falling statues are telling us stories we had never heard of, at least most of us did not. How many of us had heard of Edward Colston, and that he transported 84,000 slaves from Africa to America? His statue, by the way, has been fished out of the water in Bristol. How many of us took note of Churchill's racism, or heard of Robert Milligan? Truth does not trigger violence, the suppression of truth does.

Suppression of truth triggers violence - falling statues tell a story

Anti-racism protestors have drawn up a "hit list" of dozens of monuments across the country they believe should be removed - including one in Cambridge.

Black Lives Matter supporters have produced an interactive map called ‘Topple the Racists' which identifies where controversial statues and memorials stand.

'Topple The Racists' has identified dozens of landmarks from Sir Walter Raleigh Gilbert's Bodmin Beacon to Lord Kitchener's memorial in the Orkney Islands that they say need to be removed 'so that Britain can finally face the truth about its past'.

The May 25 killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the global wave of anti-racist protests that followed has reignited a campaign to remove statues and other symbols honouring Confederate leaders.

Many defend the monuments as tributes to the war dead and part of the country's history, and vigorously oppose their removal despite their association with slavery and racism.

Anti-racism protestors have drawn up a "hit list" of dozens of monuments across the country they believe should be removed - including one in Cambridge. Black Lives Matter supporters have produced an interactive map called ‘Topple the Racists' which identifies where controversial statues and memorials stand.

Anti-racism protestors have drawn up a "hit list" of dozens of monuments across the country they believe should be removed - including one in Cambridge. Black Lives Matter supporters have produced an interactive map called ‘Topple the Racists' which identifies where controversial statues and memorials stand. 'Topple The Racists' has identified dozens of landmarks from Sir Walter Raleigh Gilbert's Bodmin Beacon to Lord Kitchener's memorial in the Orkney Islands that they say need to be removed 'so that Britain can finally face the truth about its past'. The May 25 killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the global wave of anti-racist protests that followed has reignited a campaign to remove statues and other symbols honouring Confederate leaders. Many defend the monuments as tributes to the war dead and part of the country's history, and vigorously oppose their removal despite their association with slavery and racism.

'Topple the Racists': A map showing all of the 'racist' statues in Britain

US President Donald Trump will address searing anger over racism and police brutality during a trip to Texas on Thursday but his main focus is rapidly shifting to a more personal problem -- his troubled reelection campaign.

The Republican has struggled to find the right tone to address the explosion of protests against years of police abuses and what many African-American leaders, and others, say is systemic racism.

That crisis, coupled with the economic devastation of the COVID-19 shutdown -- and the fact that the pandemic continues to kill about 1,000 people a day -- has left the country crying out for healing.

Trump, whose political style is built largely on fierce division and exciting his right-wing base, is due to address those national anxieties when he holds a roundtable meeting in Dallas.

The theme announced by the White House -- "Transition to Greatness: Restoring, Rebuilding, and Renewing" -- promotes the image of Trump as an optimistic, can-do businessman president.

But with anger in the streets, nervousness across the economic landscape, and fear of the coronavirus lingering everywhere, living up to it will be a tall order.

Critics say he is incapable, pointing to the contrast between shows of empathy from previous presidents during crises and Trump's instinct for fighting and insulting foes, even in the midst of calamity.

"For weeks we've seen President Trump run away from a meaningful conversation on systemic racism and police brutality. Instead, he's further divided our country," Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Thursday.

"Today's trip to Texas won't change any of that. President Trump is more interested in photo-ops than offering a healing voice as our nation mourns."

With his poll numbers underwater five months ahead of election day, Trump seems unlikely to change tack.

Despite the extraordinary turmoil, his base remains loyal and he has made clear his priority is getting back on the campaign trail.

Immediately after his remarks in Dallas, the president heads to his first campaign fundraiser since the COVID-19 lockdown began -- a $580,600 per couple event. Then he flies to his golf course resort in New Jersey for the weekend, another post-COVID first.

Next Friday, he will restart his mothballed series of rallies -- raucous, often two-hour love fests between Trump the entertainer-in-chief and thousands of his most loyal supporters -- with an event in Oklahoma.

The choice of Texas for Thursday's trip is notable because this has been a Republican state for decades but things are changing. Trump won narrowly in 2016 and a Quinnipiac poll last week put him only one percentage point ahead of Biden.

In 2016, polls and politics watchers in general got it wrong about Trump, who ran a chaotic campaign against the ultra-professional Hillary Clinton yet still scored a famous electoral college win.

This has left many election watchers gun-shy. Even so, current polls make grim reading for the Republican.

The FiveThirtyEight.com average shows Trump's approval rating at just 41 percent, having taken a big hit from his handling of the COVID-19 and race crises.

The realclearpolitics.com average for a presidential election match-up puts Biden at 49.8 to Trump's 41.7.

Worse for Trump -- given his hope of repeating his electoral college win, even if losing the overall popular vote -- Biden leads in almost every swing state.

US President Donald Trump will address searing anger over racism and police brutality during a trip to Texas on Thursday but his main focus is rapidly shifting to a more personal problem -- his troubled reelection campaign.

US President Donald Trump will address searing anger over racism and police brutality during a trip to Texas on Thursday but his main focus is rapidly shifting to a more personal problem -- his troubled reelection campaign. The Republican has struggled to find the right tone to address the explosion of protests against years of police abuses and what many African-American leaders, and others, say is systemic racism. That crisis, coupled with the economic devastation of the COVID-19 shutdown -- and the fact that the pandemic continues to kill about 1,000 people a day -- has left the country crying out for healing. Trump, whose political style is built largely on fierce division and exciting his right-wing base, is due to address those national anxieties when he holds a roundtable meeting in Dallas. The theme announced by the White House -- "Transition to Greatness: Restoring, Rebuilding, and Renewing" -- promotes the image of Trump as an optimistic, can-do businessman president. But with anger in the streets, nervousness across the economic landscape, and fear of the coronavirus lingering everywhere, living up to it will be a tall order. Critics say he is incapable, pointing to the contrast between shows of empathy from previous presidents during crises and Trump's instinct for fighting and insulting foes, even in the midst of calamity. "For weeks we've seen President Trump run away from a meaningful conversation on systemic racism and police brutality. Instead, he's further divided our country," Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Thursday. "Today's trip to Texas won't change any of that. President Trump is more interested in photo-ops than offering a healing voice as our nation mourns." With his poll numbers underwater five months ahead of election day, Trump seems unlikely to change tack. Despite the extraordinary turmoil, his base remains loyal and he has made clear his priority is getting back on the campaign trail. Immediately after his remarks in Dallas, the president heads to his first campaign fundraiser since the COVID-19 lockdown began -- a $580,600 per couple event. Then he flies to his golf course resort in New Jersey for the weekend, another post-COVID first. Next Friday, he will restart his mothballed series of rallies -- raucous, often two-hour love fests between Trump the entertainer-in-chief and thousands of his most loyal supporters -- with an event in Oklahoma. The choice of Texas for Thursday's trip is notable because this has been a Republican state for decades but things are changing. Trump won narrowly in 2016 and a Quinnipiac poll last week put him only one percentage point ahead of Biden. In 2016, polls and politics watchers in general got it wrong about Trump, who ran a chaotic campaign against the ultra-professional Hillary Clinton yet still scored a famous electoral college win. This has left many election watchers gun-shy. Even so, current polls make grim reading for the Republican. The FiveThirtyEight.com average shows Trump's approval rating at just 41 percent, having taken a big hit from his handling of the COVID-19 and race crises. The realclearpolitics.com average for a presidential election match-up puts Biden at 49.8 to Trump's 41.7. Worse for Trump -- given his hope of repeating his electoral college win, even if losing the overall popular vote -- Biden leads in almost every swing state.

Struggling to unite country, Trump reopens re-election campaign

ICC has said that it will take a "common sense approach" if any sort of on-field protests takes place over the killing of George Floyd when the sports resumes next month.&nbsp;

Several cricketers have taken to streets and social media to vent out their anger over the killing of an unarmed African American in Minneapolis.&nbsp;

ICC normally acts against players who take a political stand. But the board released a statement which read: &nbsp;"The ICC stands against racism and is proud of the diversity of our sport.

"We support players using their platform to appropriately express their support for a more equitable society.

"We will exercise a common-sense approach to the implementation of regulations in relation to this issue and they will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the match officials."

Kneeling has become a symbol to stat that "Black Lives Matter" and the West Indies captain Jason Holder will consider whether to take the knee when they start their three-Test tour in England in July.

England's pacer spearhead Jofra Archer was racially abused by a fan during a Test against New Zealand. During an interview with Daily Mail newspaper he said: "As an individual, I've always been one for speaking out, especially if something bothers you. My personal view is that you should never keep things bottled up because racism is not okay."

ICC has said that it will take a "common sense approach" if any sort of on-field protests takes place over the killing of George Floyd when the sports resumes next month.

ICC has said that it will take a "common sense approach" if any sort of on-field protests takes place over the killing of George Floyd when the sports resumes next month. Several cricketers have taken to streets and social media to vent out their anger over the killing of an unarmed African American in Minneapolis. ICC normally acts against players who take a political stand. But the board released a statement which read: "The ICC stands against racism and is proud of the diversity of our sport. "We support players using their platform to appropriately express their support for a more equitable society. "We will exercise a common-sense approach to the implementation of regulations in relation to this issue and they will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the match officials." Kneeling has become a symbol to stat that "Black Lives Matter" and the West Indies captain Jason Holder will consider whether to take the knee when they start their three-Test tour in England in July. England's pacer spearhead Jofra Archer was racially abused by a fan during a Test against New Zealand. During an interview with Daily Mail newspaper he said: "As an individual, I've always been one for speaking out, especially if something bothers you. My personal view is that you should never keep things bottled up because racism is not okay."

ICC to use 'common sense' if players resort to on-field protest at Floyd death

In Spain 1975, dictator Francisco Franco died after years of ill health. Political repression and promotion of patriarchy. Soon, all his statues were removed.

&nbsp;In Germany 1945, when Hitler's dictatorship came to a dramatic end. Germany got rid of all Nazi symbols. The&nbsp;Swastika in Nuremberg was one of them.

The job was not too tough. They say Hitler was against statues. They are for the dead, he would say. But when Hitler died, the Germans wanted to build none. And there were not too many to destroy. Ukraine was not half as fortunate.

It had to topple 5,500 structures when it embarked on the journey to get rid of all of Lenin's statutes. Sometimes leaders did not even have to bite the dust for their statues to fall.&nbsp;

In Egypt 2011, the flames of hatred engulfed many of president Hosni Mubarak's symbols.

But who gets to define hate? And whose hate?

There are nearly 1.4 billion people in India and there are that many versions of hate.

The United States has almost 329 million definitions of hate. If all of them were to be taken into account there would be no structures standing.

Here is an estimate,

771, that's just the number of confederate statues in the US include symbols and the number becomes 1,741.

60, that's how many statues protesters in the UK Want to take down

Indian cities are filled with imperial statues and structures. Mughal monuments spread across its land. There are forts, &nbsp;British buildings, the Parliament building, the country's railway system. These are all symbols of India's past.

Not all of them are heritage, some of them are symbols of hate.&nbsp;

But how much of history can someone erase and how far will one go?

Alternatively, let these symbols be. Let them be a reminder of history. One, that no one cannot afford to repeat. Let them remind people of the heroes they do not want. The atrocities we cannot be silent spectators too.

The Gregorian Dictum calls statues, the books of the illiterate. They are the prism to the past. But if the past starts interfering with the present. And comes in the way of the future.

&nbsp;

In Spain 1975, dictator Francisco Franco died after years of ill health. Political repression and promotion of patriarchy. Soon, all his statues were removed. In Germany 1945, when Hitler's dictatorship came to a dramatic end.

In Spain 1975, dictator Francisco Franco died after years of ill health. Political repression and promotion of patriarchy. Soon, all his statues were removed. In Germany 1945, when Hitler's dictatorship came to a dramatic end. Germany got rid of all Nazi symbols. The Swastika in Nuremberg was one of them. The job was not too tough. They say Hitler was against statues. They are for the dead, he would say. But when Hitler died, the Germans wanted to build none. And there were not too many to destroy. Ukraine was not half as fortunate. It had to topple 5,500 structures when it embarked on the journey to get rid of all of Lenin's statutes. Sometimes leaders did not even have to bite the dust for their statues to fall. In Egypt 2011, the flames of hatred engulfed many of president Hosni Mubarak's symbols. But who gets to define hate? And whose hate? There are nearly 1.4 billion people in India and there are that many versions of hate. The United States has almost 329 million definitions of hate. If all of them were to be taken into account there would be no structures standing. Here is an estimate, 771, that's just the number of confederate statues in the US include symbols and the number becomes 1,741. 60, that's how many statues protesters in the UK Want to take down Indian cities are filled with imperial statues and structures. Mughal monuments spread across its land. There are forts, British buildings, the Parliament building, the country's railway system. These are all symbols of India's past. Not all of them are heritage, some of them are symbols of hate. But how much of history can someone erase and how far will one go? Alternatively, let these symbols be. Let them be a reminder of history. One, that no one cannot afford to repeat. Let them remind people of the heroes they do not want. The atrocities we cannot be silent spectators too. The Gregorian Dictum calls statues, the books of the illiterate. They are the prism to the past. But if the past starts interfering with the present. And comes in the way of the future.

Statues: A hero's memoir or dark page in history?

Australian tennis ace Nick Kyrgios called the ATP "selfish" on Thursday for going ahead with plans for the US Open despite country's coronavirus situation and nation-wide anti-racism protests.&nbsp;

Kyrgios said that it is too early to begin the Grand Slam. The Aussie joined other players including Novak Djokovic for expressing disagreement on the move.&nbsp;

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The ATP is trying to make the US Open go ahead. Selfish with everything going on at the moment. Obviously Covid, but also with the riots, together we need to overcome these challenges before tennis returns in my opinion. <a href="https://t.co/tEHPvr4miB">https://t.co/tEHPvr4miB</a>
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"The ATP is trying to make the US Open go ahead. Selfish with everything going on at the moment," Kyrgios said on Twitter.&nbsp;

"Obviously Covid, but also with the riots. Together we need to overcome these challenges before tennis returns in my opinion."

"Obviously Covid, but also with the riots. Together we need to overcome these challenges before tennis returns in my opinion."

Earlier, Novak Djokovic said that he might skip his tour to North America and will restart his tennis season in Europe, he complained about "severe" measures being put in place at the US Open.&nbsp;

He said: "Most of the players I've talked to so far have a rather negative view of the possibility of going."

Spanish tennis ace and reigning US Open champion Rafa Nadal expressed similar feelings. Top-ranked woman Ashleigh Barty has also voiced caution about resuming tennis too soon.

Australian tennis ace Nick Kyrgios called the ATP "selfish" on Thursday for going ahead with plans for the US Open despite country's coronavirus situation and nation-wide anti-racism protests.

Australian tennis ace Nick Kyrgios called the ATP "selfish" on Thursday for going ahead with plans for the US Open despite country's coronavirus situation and nation-wide anti-racism protests. Kyrgios said that it is too early to begin the Grand Slam. The Aussie joined other players including Novak Djokovic for expressing disagreement on the move. The ATP is trying to make the US Open go ahead. Selfish with everything going on at the moment. Obviously Covid, but also with the riots, together we need to overcome these challenges before tennis returns in my opinion. https://t.co/tEHPvr4miB — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 11, 2020 × "The ATP is trying to make the US Open go ahead. Selfish with everything going on at the moment," Kyrgios said on Twitter. "Obviously Covid, but also with the riots. Together we need to overcome these challenges before tennis returns in my opinion." "Obviously Covid, but also with the riots. Together we need to overcome these challenges before tennis returns in my opinion." Earlier, Novak Djokovic said that he might skip his tour to North America and will restart his tennis season in Europe, he complained about "severe" measures being put in place at the US Open. He said: "Most of the players I've talked to so far have a rather negative view of the possibility of going." Spanish tennis ace and reigning US Open champion Rafa Nadal expressed similar feelings. Top-ranked woman Ashleigh Barty has also voiced caution about resuming tennis too soon.

Nick Kyrgios calls ATP 'selfish' for going ahead with US Open

Floats, all-night parties and parades may be out, but the LGBTQ community is returning to its roots by teaming up with black activists for Pride month celebrations in the United States.

While the coronavirus epidemic has forced the cancellation of traditional Pride events in June, US&nbsp;gay groups are using virtual gatherings to amplify the voices of people of color, whose demands for social justice are taking the nation by storm.

"Pride started as a riot that was led by two women of color at Stonewall 51 years ago," said Sarah Kate Ellis, chief executive of LGBTQ group GLAAD. "It is part protest, part celebration. I am thrilled that we can really be an ally and can be a presenter of pushing for change and locking arms with the Black Lives Matter movement."

Riots at the Stonewall Inn in New York in 1969 were spearheaded by transgender activists Marsha P. Johnson, who was black, and Latina Sylvia Rivera.

This year, GLAAD has turned plans for an online drag celebration into a "more substantive discussion around black queer lives," Ellis said.

J. August Richards, a gay black actor on television's "Council of Dads," said he doesn't mind missing out on the usual celebrations because of the momentum from protests sparked by the death of African American George Floyd after a white police kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes.

"Right now, this uprising that is occurring - my entire attention is consumed by it," Richards said.

Nevertheless, he is delighted that the LGBTQ community has thrown its weight behind black causes.

"I think it's amazing and I pray it doesn't end here. I hope there is a continued conversation and a continued inclusion," he said.

Not everyone has been so welcoming. Plans by LA Pride to team up with Black Lives Matter for a gathering in Los Angeles were shelved after black activists said they hadn't been sufficiently consulted. Instead, black LGBTQ leaders are organizing a solidarity march to protest racial injustice, and LA Pride is supporting the effort.

But other initiatives are multiplying. Some 100 black, gay executives and entrepreneurs gathered this week for a virtual leadership forum on topics like health and social justice organized by Emil Wilbekin, founder of the Native Son black gay empowerment group.

"Black gay men are stepping up and leading. And I think it's our time, not just to lead, but to actually be the light and to empower our own community," said Wilbekin.

Floats, all-night parties and parades may be out, but the LGBTQ community is returning to its roots by teaming up with black activists for Pride month celebrations in the United States.

Floats, all-night parties and parades may be out, but the LGBTQ community is returning to its roots by teaming up with black activists for Pride month celebrations in the United States. While the coronavirus epidemic has forced the cancellation of traditional Pride events in June, US gay groups are using virtual gatherings to amplify the voices of people of color, whose demands for social justice are taking the nation by storm. "Pride started as a riot that was led by two women of color at Stonewall 51 years ago," said Sarah Kate Ellis, chief executive of LGBTQ group GLAAD. "It is part protest, part celebration. I am thrilled that we can really be an ally and can be a presenter of pushing for change and locking arms with the Black Lives Matter movement." Riots at the Stonewall Inn in New York in 1969 were spearheaded by transgender activists Marsha P. Johnson, who was black, and Latina Sylvia Rivera. This year, GLAAD has turned plans for an online drag celebration into a "more substantive discussion around black queer lives," Ellis said. J. August Richards, a gay black actor on television's "Council of Dads," said he doesn't mind missing out on the usual celebrations because of the momentum from protests sparked by the death of African American George Floyd after a white police kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. "Right now, this uprising that is occurring - my entire attention is consumed by it," Richards said. Nevertheless, he is delighted that the LGBTQ community has thrown its weight behind black causes. "I think it's amazing and I pray it doesn't end here. I hope there is a continued conversation and a continued inclusion," he said. Not everyone has been so welcoming. Plans by LA Pride to team up with Black Lives Matter for a gathering in Los Angeles were shelved after black activists said they hadn't been sufficiently consulted. Instead, black LGBTQ leaders are organizing a solidarity march to protest racial injustice, and LA Pride is supporting the effort. But other initiatives are multiplying. Some 100 black, gay executives and entrepreneurs gathered this week for a virtual leadership forum on topics like health and social justice organized by Emil Wilbekin, founder of the Native Son black gay empowerment group. "Black gay men are stepping up and leading. And I think it's our time, not just to lead, but to actually be the light and to empower our own community," said Wilbekin.

Gay Pride embraces its roots by teaming up with US black activists

Amazon is announcing a one-year moratorium on allowing law enforcement to use its controversial Rekognition facial recognition platform.

Amazon bans police from using its facial recognition technology

The Black Lives Matter protest that has spilled over on the streets of America, has put many things into perspective. A lot of pop culture content from the past are now coming under scrutiny about the way it represented the African-American community. 
 
One of the most popular shows of our times, 'Friends' has been a point of discussion in last couple of years over its lack of representation. The shows six lead characters were all white and only one of the characters dated people of colour.

<h3><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/gone-with-the-wind-pulled-down-from-hbo-max-amid-anti-racism-protests-304739">'Gone With The Wind' pulled down from HBO Max amid anti-racism protests</a></h3>

Now, weighing in on the current discussion around representation, the show's writer and creator Marta Kauffman has said the show would have been very different if it was made in present times. 
 
Speaking at a virtual TV festival in Texas, Kauffman said that if she had her time again, she "would've made very different decisions". 
 
According to media reports, she became tearful when asked what she wished she had known at the beginning of her career in television. 
 
"I wish I knew then what I know today. Sorry, I just wish I knew then what I know now. I would've made very different decisions. 
 
"I mean, we've always encouraged people of diversity in our company, but I didn't do enough and now all I can think about is, what can I do?" 
 
Kauffman added, "What can I do differently? How can I run my show in a new way? And that's something I not only wish I knew when I started slow running, but I wish I knew all the way up through last year." 
 
Last year David Schwimmer, who played Ross in the hit series, too had addressed the criticism around the show and said to The Guardian, "One of the first girlfriends I had on the show was an Asian American woman and later I dated African American women. That was a very conscious push on my part." 
 
Lisa Kudrow who played Phoebe in the show, last month had stated that it was "progressive" at the time but would not feature an all-white cast if it was made today. 
 
Kauffman along with co-creator David Crane and the six leads are gearing up for an unscripted reunion episode that will be streamed on HBO Max.

The Black Lives Matter protest that has spilled over on the streets of America, has put many things into perspective. A lot of pop culture content from the past are now coming under scrutiny about the way it represented the African-American community.

The Black Lives Matter protest that has spilled over on the streets of America, has put many things into perspective. A lot of pop culture content from the past are now coming under scrutiny about the way it represented the African-American community. One of the most popular shows of our times, 'Friends' has been a point of discussion in last couple of years over its lack of representation. The shows six lead characters were all white and only one of the characters dated people of colour. 'Gone With The Wind' pulled down from HBO Max amid anti-racism protests Now, weighing in on the current discussion around representation, the show's writer and creator Marta Kauffman has said the show would have been very different if it was made in present times. Speaking at a virtual TV festival in Texas, Kauffman said that if she had her time again, she "would've made very different decisions". According to media reports, she became tearful when asked what she wished she had known at the beginning of her career in television. "I wish I knew then what I know today. Sorry, I just wish I knew then what I know now. I would've made very different decisions. "I mean, we've always encouraged people of diversity in our company, but I didn't do enough and now all I can think about is, what can I do?" Kauffman added, "What can I do differently? How can I run my show in a new way? And that's something I not only wish I knew when I started slow running, but I wish I knew all the way up through last year." Last year David Schwimmer, who played Ross in the hit series, too had addressed the criticism around the show and said to The Guardian, "One of the first girlfriends I had on the show was an Asian American woman and later I dated African American women. That was a very conscious push on my part." Lisa Kudrow who played Phoebe in the show, last month had stated that it was "progressive" at the time but would not feature an all-white cast if it was made today. Kauffman along with co-creator David Crane and the six leads are gearing up for an unscripted reunion episode that will be streamed on HBO Max.

'Friends' co-creator Marta Kauffman admits the series did not have enough diversity

The Belgian port of Antwerp has removed a statue of King Leopold II on Tuesday after it was painted and vandalised by anti-racism protestors.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mnuchin-says-us-recovery-has-begun-will-gain-strength-in-third-and-fourth-quarters-304870" hreflang="en">Mnuchin says US recovery has begun, will gain strength in third and fourth quarters</a>

Earlier, nearly 30,000 people in Belgium had signed a couple of petitions to remove statues King Leopold II, their colonial-era ruler. His troops decimated Congo in the late 1800s. This move was inspired by global protests raged by the death of unarmed black American George Floyd.&nbsp;

According to Johan Vermant, a spokesman for Antwerp's mayor Bart de Wever, said: "The statue was seriously vandalised last week and needs to be restored by the Middelheim sculpture museum."

But he added that it probably would not be returned to its public pedestal next to a church in the Antwerp district of Ekeren.

"Because of the renovation work planned for 2023 in the square in which it was placed, the statue will not be replaced. It will probably become part of the museum collection."

A series of protests broke out in the United States and some European countries after the death of George Floyd on May 25 after a police officer knelt on his neck.&nbsp;

In the Belgian city of Ghent, a bust of Leopold II was covered in red paint which read "I can't breathe" which were the final words of Floyd.&nbsp;

According to many Belgian youths, they are ashamed of Leopold's massacre in Congo that killed millions after colonising it between 1885 and 1908 continues to be honoured. Congolese were shot by troops for resisting slavery and some were sent to Human zoo in Belgium.&nbsp;

The Belgian port of Antwerp has removed a statue of King Leopold II on Tuesday after it was painted and vandalised by anti-racism protestors. Also read: Mnuchin says US recovery has begun, will gain strength in third and fourth quarters Earlier, nearly 30,000 people in Belgium had signed a couple of petitions to remove statues King Leopold II, their colonial-era ruler.

The Belgian port of Antwerp has removed a statue of King Leopold II on Tuesday after it was painted and vandalised by anti-racism protestors. Also read: Mnuchin says US recovery has begun, will gain strength in third and fourth quarters Earlier, nearly 30,000 people in Belgium had signed a couple of petitions to remove statues King Leopold II, their colonial-era ruler. His troops decimated Congo in the late 1800s. This move was inspired by global protests raged by the death of unarmed black American George Floyd. According to Johan Vermant, a spokesman for Antwerp's mayor Bart de Wever, said: "The statue was seriously vandalised last week and needs to be restored by the Middelheim sculpture museum." But he added that it probably would not be returned to its public pedestal next to a church in the Antwerp district of Ekeren. "Because of the renovation work planned for 2023 in the square in which it was placed, the statue will not be replaced. It will probably become part of the museum collection." A series of protests broke out in the United States and some European countries after the death of George Floyd on May 25 after a police officer knelt on his neck. In the Belgian city of Ghent, a bust of Leopold II was covered in red paint which read "I can't breathe" which were the final words of Floyd. According to many Belgian youths, they are ashamed of Leopold's massacre in Congo that killed millions after colonising it between 1885 and 1908 continues to be honoured. Congolese were shot by troops for resisting slavery and some were sent to Human zoo in Belgium.

Belgium takes down statues of King Leopold II after anti-racist protests

Anti-racism protesters in the English city of Bristol tore down the controversial statue of slave trader Edward Colston

Protesters in Bristol bring down Edward Colston's statue

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday said that the coronavirus situation in the world is deteriorating and warned nations against complacency.&nbsp;

The WHO has said that it has recorded the highest single-day spike in coronavirus cases after a surge in the American continents.&nbsp;

Coronavirus has infected over 7 million people globally, as per data from the Johns Hopkins University. Currently, 7,006,436 people have had the virus, while 402,699 people have lost their lives to the pandemic, which went global six months ago.

The five worst-affected countries according to JHU tracker are US (1,940,468), Brazil (691,758), Russia (467,073), United Kingdom (287,621), followed by India (257,486).

The WHO has urged protestors around to world to do it safely keeping the pandemic in mind.&nbsp;

"Although the situation in Europe is improving, globally it is worsening," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual news conference in Geneva.

"More than 100,000 cases have been reported on nine of the past 10 days. Yesterday, more than 136,000 cases were reported -- the most in a single day so far."

Ghebreyesus said that 75 per cent of these cases came from 10 countries which mostly consist from South America and South Asia.&nbsp;

Tedros warned countries where the situation was improving. He said, &nbsp;"The biggest threat is now complacency", adding that "most people globally are still susceptible to infection".

"More than six months into this pandemic, this is not the time for any country to take its foot off the pedal," he said.

Mass protests against racism have broken out in the United States and many European countries after the killing of George Floyd. These protests have sparked fears of a second wave of the virus.&nbsp;

To which WHO chief said: "WHO fully supports equality and the global movement against racism. We reject discrimination of all kinds."

"We encourage all those protesting around the world to do so safely.

"As much as possible, keep at least one metre from others, clean your hands, cover your cough and wear a mask if you attend a protest."

"Stay home if you are sick and contact a health care provider," he added.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday said that the coronavirus situation in the world is deteriorating and warned nations against complacency. The WHO has said that it has recorded the highest single-day spike in coronavirus cases after a surge in the American continents.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday said that the coronavirus situation in the world is deteriorating and warned nations against complacency. The WHO has said that it has recorded the highest single-day spike in coronavirus cases after a surge in the American continents. Coronavirus has infected over 7 million people globally, as per data from the Johns Hopkins University. Currently, 7,006,436 people have had the virus, while 402,699 people have lost their lives to the pandemic, which went global six months ago. The five worst-affected countries according to JHU tracker are US (1,940,468), Brazil (691,758), Russia (467,073), United Kingdom (287,621), followed by India (257,486). The WHO has urged protestors around to world to do it safely keeping the pandemic in mind. "Although the situation in Europe is improving, globally it is worsening," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual news conference in Geneva. "More than 100,000 cases have been reported on nine of the past 10 days. Yesterday, more than 136,000 cases were reported -- the most in a single day so far." Ghebreyesus said that 75 per cent of these cases came from 10 countries which mostly consist from South America and South Asia. Tedros warned countries where the situation was improving. He said, "The biggest threat is now complacency", adding that "most people globally are still susceptible to infection". "More than six months into this pandemic, this is not the time for any country to take its foot off the pedal," he said. Mass protests against racism have broken out in the United States and many European countries after the killing of George Floyd. These protests have sparked fears of a second wave of the virus. To which WHO chief said: "WHO fully supports equality and the global movement against racism. We reject discrimination of all kinds." "We encourage all those protesting around the world to do so safely. "As much as possible, keep at least one metre from others, clean your hands, cover your cough and wear a mask if you attend a protest." "Stay home if you are sick and contact a health care provider," he added.

Coronavirus situation around the world 'worsening', warns WHO

George Floyd will be buried in Houston on Tuesday. The burial will take place two weeks after he was killed when a white police officer knelt on his neck.

On Monday, thousands of mourners passed by the casket of George Floyd during a public visitation for Floyd at the Fountain of Praise church. During the six hours of service, mourners wore masks due to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

"I'm glad he got the send-off he deserved," Marcus Williams, a 46-year-old black resident of Houston, said outside. "I want the police killings to stop. I want them to reform the process to achieve justice, and stop the killing."

Floyd's funeral ceremony will be a private affair and the 46-year-old will be buried next to his mother.&nbsp;

The murder of George Floyd in the United States has triggered protests not only in the country but across the world. Protesters are demanding justice for Floyd while calling for an end to systemic racism which targets black people across the globe.

In the video that went viral after Floyd’s death, the officer was seen kneeling on the man for almost nine minutes, even when he was repeatedly telling the officer about his inability to breathe. It was only when the ambulance arrived that the officer retracted his knee from the neck. An hour later, Floyd was dead.

Derek Chauvin, the 44-year-old police officer who knelt on Floyd was charged with second and third-degree murder, with his previous bail set at $1 million. However, on Tuesday, the bail was raised by $250,000 to $1.25 million.

The officer from Minneapolis appeared in front of the court via video call and was seen in an orange jumpsuit with handcuffs.

George Floyd will be buried in Houston on Tuesday. The burial will take place two weeks after he was killed when a white police officer knelt on his neck. On Monday, thousands of mourners passed by the casket of George Floyd during a public visitation for Floyd at the Fountain of Praise church.

George Floyd will be buried in Houston on Tuesday. The burial will take place two weeks after he was killed when a white police officer knelt on his neck. On Monday, thousands of mourners passed by the casket of George Floyd during a public visitation for Floyd at the Fountain of Praise church. During the six hours of service, mourners wore masks due to the coronavirus pandemic. "I'm glad he got the send-off he deserved," Marcus Williams, a 46-year-old black resident of Houston, said outside. "I want the police killings to stop. I want them to reform the process to achieve justice, and stop the killing." Floyd's funeral ceremony will be a private affair and the 46-year-old will be buried next to his mother. The murder of George Floyd in the United States has triggered protests not only in the country but across the world. Protesters are demanding justice for Floyd while calling for an end to systemic racism which targets black people across the globe. In the video that went viral after Floyd’s death, the officer was seen kneeling on the man for almost nine minutes, even when he was repeatedly telling the officer about his inability to breathe. It was only when the ambulance arrived that the officer retracted his knee from the neck. An hour later, Floyd was dead. Derek Chauvin, the 44-year-old police officer who knelt on Floyd was charged with second and third-degree murder, with his previous bail set at $1 million. However, on Tuesday, the bail was raised by $250,000 to $1.25 million. The officer from Minneapolis appeared in front of the court via video call and was seen in an orange jumpsuit with handcuffs.

Amid protests, George Floyd to be buried in Houston on Tuesday

Several white locals in North Carolina washed feet of black priests during a prayer session held for George Floyd, it has sparked an online debate.&nbsp;

The ritual was organised by pastors Faith and Soboma Wokoma in Cary, North Carolina, it was held to commemorate George Floyd. Floyd was killed after a white police officer in Minneapolis knelt on his knees. The killing sparked massive violent protests across the American cities.&nbsp;

The protestors including activists of 'Black Lives Matter' observed eight minutes 46 seconds of silence, this is the same length of time when the white police officer knelt on Floyd's neck before he was killed.&nbsp;

After observing silence, white police officers and other white attendees were seen kneeling before the priests and washing their feet. These pictures were widely circulated on social media.&nbsp;

According to a biblical story, the "washing of feet" ceremony is held because Jesus used to cleanse his disciples' feet. It represents humility and love. But these pictures were not received well by many online users and fell victim to divisive comments.&nbsp;

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ANOTHER VIEW OF CARY AND APEX COPS WASHING FEET <a href="https://t.co/J8zsJ7teI2">pic.twitter.com/J8zsJ7teI2</a>
— The_Real_Fly (@The_Real_Fly) <a href="https://twitter.com/The_Real_Fly/status/1269764359846322176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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White protesters wash the feet of black protest organizers and beg for forgiveness in Cary, North Carolina. <a href="https://t.co/SbZFZjbOLq">pic.twitter.com/SbZFZjbOLq</a>
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) <a href="https://twitter.com/stillgray/status/1269710294546124800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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One of the netizens called it "mass psychosis and brain-washing."

While others said that washing someone's feet is an inherent practice in the south.&nbsp;

Several white locals in North Carolina washed feet of black priests during a prayer session held for George Floyd, it has sparked an online debate. The ritual was organised by pastors Faith and Soboma Wokoma in Cary, North Carolina, it was held to commemorate George Floyd.

Several white locals in North Carolina washed feet of black priests during a prayer session held for George Floyd, it has sparked an online debate. The ritual was organised by pastors Faith and Soboma Wokoma in Cary, North Carolina, it was held to commemorate George Floyd. Floyd was killed after a white police officer in Minneapolis knelt on his knees. The killing sparked massive violent protests across the American cities. The protestors including activists of 'Black Lives Matter' observed eight minutes 46 seconds of silence, this is the same length of time when the white police officer knelt on Floyd's neck before he was killed. After observing silence, white police officers and other white attendees were seen kneeling before the priests and washing their feet. These pictures were widely circulated on social media. According to a biblical story, the "washing of feet" ceremony is held because Jesus used to cleanse his disciples' feet. It represents humility and love. But these pictures were not received well by many online users and fell victim to divisive comments. ANOTHER VIEW OF CARY AND APEX COPS WASHING FEET pic.twitter.com/J8zsJ7teI2 — The_Real_Fly (@The_Real_Fly) June 7, 2020 × White protesters wash the feet of black protest organizers and beg for forgiveness in Cary, North Carolina. pic.twitter.com/SbZFZjbOLq — Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) June 7, 2020 × One of the netizens called it "mass psychosis and brain-washing." While others said that washing someone's feet is an inherent practice in the south.

White residents in North Carolina wash black preists' feet during prayers for George Floyd

Donald Trump has reiterated his demands for NFL players to stand during the national anthem, saying any player who kneels would be "disrespecting" the United States.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-were-wrong-nfl-commissioner-regrets-stance-on-player-protests-condemns-racism-303953">'We were wrong': NFL commissioner regrets stance on player protests, condemns racism</a>

On Friday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell admitted the league had botched its handling of player protests started by former San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick, indicating the league would now support "peaceful protests" by players.

Responding to Goodell's statement on Twitter late Sunday, Trump asked whether the NFL would now allow players to kneel during the anthem.&nbsp;

"Could it be even remotely possible that in Roger Goodell's rather interesting statement of peace and reconciliation, he was intimating that it would now be O.K. for the players to KNEEL, or not to stand, for the National Anthem, thereby disrespecting our Country &amp; our Flag?" Trump asked in his post.

NFL players who have knelt during the playing of the national anthem have repeatedly made it clear they are protesting racial injustice and police brutality, and not, as Trump and other conservative critics suggest, the United States or the military.

Trump ignited a firestorm of controversy with the NFL in 2017 when he said Kaepernick and other players kneeling were "sons of bitches" who should be fired.

The NFL later banned players from taking a knee in a 2018 policy directive which required players to "stand and show respect for the flag" before kick-off. That policy was later put on hold.

With a recent wave of protests sweeping across the United States following the shocking death of a black man in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25, Goodell said in a statement on Friday that the league had been wrong not to listen to the protests by its players.

"We, the National Football League, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people," Goodell said.

"We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest."

Donald Trump has reiterated his demands for NFL players to stand during the national anthem, saying any player who kneels would be "disrespecting" the United States.

Donald Trump has reiterated his demands for NFL players to stand during the national anthem, saying any player who kneels would be "disrespecting" the United States. Also read: 'We were wrong': NFL commissioner regrets stance on player protests, condemns racism On Friday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell admitted the league had botched its handling of player protests started by former San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick, indicating the league would now support "peaceful protests" by players. Responding to Goodell's statement on Twitter late Sunday, Trump asked whether the NFL would now allow players to kneel during the anthem. "Could it be even remotely possible that in Roger Goodell's rather interesting statement of peace and reconciliation, he was intimating that it would now be O.K. for the players to KNEEL, or not to stand, for the National Anthem, thereby disrespecting our Country & our Flag?" Trump asked in his post. NFL players who have knelt during the playing of the national anthem have repeatedly made it clear they are protesting racial injustice and police brutality, and not, as Trump and other conservative critics suggest, the United States or the military. Trump ignited a firestorm of controversy with the NFL in 2017 when he said Kaepernick and other players kneeling were "sons of bitches" who should be fired. The NFL later banned players from taking a knee in a 2018 policy directive which required players to "stand and show respect for the flag" before kick-off. That policy was later put on hold. With a recent wave of protests sweeping across the United States following the shocking death of a black man in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25, Goodell said in a statement on Friday that the league had been wrong not to listen to the protests by its players. "We, the National Football League, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people," Goodell said. "We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest."

Donald Trump responds to NFL chief's protest statement

Churchill, slave trader Edward Colston's statues vandalised amid protests in UK

New York's Mayor Bill de Blasio has lifted a curfew on Sunday that he had imposed during anti-racism protests in the city.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uniformed-military-personnel-deployed-at-wh-grounds-as-anti-racism-protests-in-us-enter-day-12-303944" hreflang="en">Uniformed military personnel deployed at WH grounds as anti-racism protests in US enter Day 12</a>&nbsp;

The Mayor took to Twitter to announce the end of curfew "effective immediately", he said: "Yesterday and last night we saw the very best of our city."

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New York City: We are lifting the curfew, effective immediately. Yesterday and last night we saw the very best of our city. 
 
Tomorrow we take the first big step to restart. Keep staying safe. Keep looking out for each other.
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCMayor/status/1269585607090733062?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A curfew between 8:00 pm to 5:00 am was imposed in New York City for the first time in 75 years. And the curfew has ended on the eve of the city's reopening that is scheduled on Monday. The city will reopen after being forced to stay at home for two months due to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

On Monday, New York will step into phase one of the state's plan to restart economic activities. America's most populous city was shut due to an outbreak of the virus that caused over 21,000 confirmed and probable deaths.

According to the "Phase one" of easing the shutdown, construction and manufacturing will resume and retail stores will be allowed limited in-store and curbside pickup.

Bill de Blasio extended the curfew on June 2 and moved it up to start more than 20 minutes before the sunset because many high-profile stores were looted by the protestors.&nbsp;

These protestors were protesting against the police killing of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, in Minneapolis.

New York's Mayor Bill de Blasio has lifted a curfew on Sunday that he had imposed during anti-racism protests in the city. Also read: Uniformed military personnel deployed at WH grounds as anti-racism protests in US enter Day 12 The Mayor took to Twitter to announce the end of curfew "effective immediately", he said: "Yesterday and last night we saw the very best of our city.

New York's Mayor Bill de Blasio has lifted a curfew on Sunday that he had imposed during anti-racism protests in the city. Also read: Uniformed military personnel deployed at WH grounds as anti-racism protests in US enter Day 12 The Mayor took to Twitter to announce the end of curfew "effective immediately", he said: "Yesterday and last night we saw the very best of our city." New York City: We are lifting the curfew, effective immediately. Yesterday and last night we saw the very best of our city. Tomorrow we take the first big step to restart. Keep staying safe. Keep looking out for each other. — Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) June 7, 2020 × A curfew between 8:00 pm to 5:00 am was imposed in New York City for the first time in 75 years. And the curfew has ended on the eve of the city's reopening that is scheduled on Monday. The city will reopen after being forced to stay at home for two months due to the coronavirus pandemic. On Monday, New York will step into phase one of the state's plan to restart economic activities. America's most populous city was shut due to an outbreak of the virus that caused over 21,000 confirmed and probable deaths. According to the "Phase one" of easing the shutdown, construction and manufacturing will resume and retail stores will be allowed limited in-store and curbside pickup. Bill de Blasio extended the curfew on June 2 and moved it up to start more than 20 minutes before the sunset because many high-profile stores were looted by the protestors. These protestors were protesting against the police killing of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, in Minneapolis.

Curfew in New York city lifted 'effective immediately', says Mayor Bill de Blasio