Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Britain cannot "photoshop" its cultural landscape and complex history as doing so would be a distortion of its past, amid an ongoing row over the removal of statues of historical figures.

"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,"&nbsp;Johnson said.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/churchill-slave-trader-edward-colstons-statues-vandalised-amid-protests-in-uk-304261">Churchill, slave trader Edward Colston's statues vandalised amid protests in UK</a>

Johnson also defended Winston Churchill and said it was "absurd and deplorable" that the former prime minister's monument should have been in any danger.

"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.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-dismantles-historical-artefacts-of-racism-monuments-become-sites-of-protest-304777">World dismantles historical artefacts of racism, monuments become sites of protest</a>

Many monuments of historical figures&nbsp;have been boarded up&nbsp;as anti-racism protesters taking to the streets following the death of African-American George Floyd, have put statues at the forefront of their challenge to Britain's imperialist past.

Earlier this month, a statue of Edward Colston, who made a fortune in the 17th century from the slave trade, was&nbsp;torn down in the port city of Bristol&nbsp;and thrown into harbour.

Johnson is an admirer and biographer of Churchill, and some of those close to him say he wants to emulate him.

But Churchill expressed racist and anti-Semitic views and critics blame him for denying food to India during the 1943 famine which killed more than two million people - aspects of his legacy which some say are not scrutinised enough.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Britain cannot "photoshop" its cultural landscape and complex history as doing so would be a distortion of its past, amid an ongoing row over the removal of statues of historical figures.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Britain cannot "photoshop" its cultural landscape and complex history as doing so would be a distortion of its past, amid an ongoing row over the removal of statues of historical figures. "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 said. Also see: Churchill, slave trader Edward Colston's statues vandalised amid protests in UK Johnson also defended Winston Churchill and said it was "absurd and deplorable" that the former prime minister's monument should have been in any danger. "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. Also read: World dismantles historical artefacts of racism, monuments become sites of protest Many monuments of historical figures have been boarded up as anti-racism protesters taking to the streets following the death of African-American George Floyd, have put statues at the forefront of their challenge to Britain's imperialist past. Earlier this month, a statue of Edward Colston, who made a fortune in the 17th century from the slave trade, was torn down in the port city of Bristol and thrown into harbour. Johnson is an admirer and biographer of Churchill, and some of those close to him say he wants to emulate him. But Churchill expressed racist and anti-Semitic views and critics blame him for denying food to India during the 1943 famine which killed more than two million people - aspects of his legacy which some say are not scrutinised enough.

UK PM Boris Johnson defends Churchill, criticises 'distortion of history'

The US embassy in South Korea has taken down a Black Lives Matter banner, reportedly after pressure from US leaders.

The large banner went up on Saturday but was removed on Monday.

US media said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and President Donald Trump were unhappy with the display.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-embassy-in-seoul-displays-black-lives-matter-banner-in-support-of-anti-racism-protests-305757">US embassy in Seoul displays 'Black Lives Matter' banner in support of anti-racism protests</a>

People have marched around the world as part of the Black Lives Matter demonstrations&nbsp;following the death of George Floyd in the US last month.

After taking the banner down, the embassy said it did not intend to "support or encourage donations to any specific organisation".

Black Lives Matter is both a rallying cry for protesters, and a&nbsp;non-profit organisation&nbsp;"whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on black communities".

When the banner was originally displayed on Saturday, the embassy tweeted a photo of it, along with a message of support both in Korean and English.

"The US Embassy stands in solidarity with fellow Americans grieving and peacefully protesting to demand positive change,"&nbsp;the embassy tweet said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
“We will never forget.” The U.S. Embassy is proud to honor the Korean War veterans who fought and sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom by displaying a banner on our Chancery this month. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KoreanWar70Years?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KoreanWar70Years</a> <a href="https://t.co/AsDaqbl0hP">pic.twitter.com/AsDaqbl0hP</a>
— U.S. Embassy Seoul (@USEmbassySeoul) <a href="https://twitter.com/USEmbassySeoul/status/1272714808236707841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

"Our #BlackLivesMatter banner shows our support for the fight against racial injustice and police brutality as we strive to be a more inclusive and just society."

The ambassador, Harry Harris, also tweeted a picture of the banner,&nbsp;saying: "USA is a free and diverse nation... from that diversity we gain our strength."

But two days later the banner came down. A rainbow flag, symbolising gay rights, was also removed.

On Tuesday, the embassy posted a picture of a new banner, honouring Korean War veterans.

The US embassy in South Korea has taken down a Black Lives Matter banner, reportedly after pressure from US leaders. The large banner went up on Saturday but was removed on Monday.

The US embassy in South Korea has taken down a Black Lives Matter banner, reportedly after pressure from US leaders. The large banner went up on Saturday but was removed on Monday. US media said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and President Donald Trump were unhappy with the display. Also read: US embassy in Seoul displays 'Black Lives Matter' banner in support of anti-racism protests People have marched around the world as part of the Black Lives Matter demonstrations following the death of George Floyd in the US last month. After taking the banner down, the embassy said it did not intend to "support or encourage donations to any specific organisation". Black Lives Matter is both a rallying cry for protesters, and a non-profit organisation "whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on black communities". When the banner was originally displayed on Saturday, the embassy tweeted a photo of it, along with a message of support both in Korean and English. "The US Embassy stands in solidarity with fellow Americans grieving and peacefully protesting to demand positive change," the embassy tweet said. “We will never forget.” The U.S. Embassy is proud to honor the Korean War veterans who fought and sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom by displaying a banner on our Chancery this month. #KoreanWar70Years pic.twitter.com/AsDaqbl0hP — U.S. Embassy Seoul (@USEmbassySeoul) June 16, 2020 × "Our #BlackLivesMatter banner shows our support for the fight against racial injustice and police brutality as we strive to be a more inclusive and just society." The ambassador, Harry Harris, also tweeted a picture of the banner, saying: "USA is a free and diverse nation... from that diversity we gain our strength." But two days later the banner came down. A rainbow flag, symbolising gay rights, was also removed. On Tuesday, the embassy posted a picture of a new banner, honouring Korean War veterans.

US embassy in South Korea takes down Black Lives Matter banner

After Minneapolis, the city of Atlanta is burning and there have been violent clashes and the residents of the cities are out on the streets. They are asking the same question, can a black person breath. Watch report.

Fresh wave of protests in Atlanta after 27-yr-old black man killed at Wendy's drive through

Real Madrid defender Marcelo showed his support to the Black Lives Matter campaign by taking a knee after he scored a goal for his club against Eibar.&nbsp;

The Brazilian star put the Spanish giants 3-0 up in just 37 minutes on Sunday evening.&nbsp;

Protests broke out after George Floyd's death giving momentum to the Black Lives Matter movement. Many football clubs and players have been seen taking the knee against police injustice and racial inequality.&nbsp;

Floyd died in Minneapolis after having a knee pressed into his neck for around nine minutes while being in police custody last month.&nbsp;

Players like Jadon Sancho, Marcus Thuram and Achraf Hakimi were seen taking the knee to show solidarity to the movement.&nbsp;

In the Premier League, teams like Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal have taken the knee during their whole-squad training sessions.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlackLivesMatter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlackLivesMatter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayersTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayersTogether</a> <a href="https://t.co/aFXNw9eIVF">pic.twitter.com/aFXNw9eIVF</a>
— Jordan Henderson (@JHenderson) <a href="https://twitter.com/JHenderson/status/1271489869517332480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Premier League released a statement, which read: "We, the Players, stand together with the singular objective of eradicating racial prejudice wherever it exists, to bring about a global society of inclusion, respect, and equal opportunities for All, regardless of their colour or creed.

"This symbol is a sign of unity from all Players, all Staff, all Clubs, all Match Officials and the Premier League #blacklivesmatter #playerstogether." &nbsp;

Real Madrid defender Marcelo showed his support to the Black Lives Matter campaign by taking a knee after he scored a goal for his club against Eibar. The Brazilian star put the Spanish giants 3-0 up in just 37 minutes on Sunday evening.

Real Madrid defender Marcelo showed his support to the Black Lives Matter campaign by taking a knee after he scored a goal for his club against Eibar. The Brazilian star put the Spanish giants 3-0 up in just 37 minutes on Sunday evening. Protests broke out after George Floyd's death giving momentum to the Black Lives Matter movement. Many football clubs and players have been seen taking the knee against police injustice and racial inequality. Floyd died in Minneapolis after having a knee pressed into his neck for around nine minutes while being in police custody last month. Players like Jadon Sancho, Marcus Thuram and Achraf Hakimi were seen taking the knee to show solidarity to the movement. In the Premier League, teams like Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal have taken the knee during their whole-squad training sessions. #BlackLivesMatter #PlayersTogether pic.twitter.com/aFXNw9eIVF — Jordan Henderson (@JHenderson) June 12, 2020 × Premier League released a statement, which read: "We, the Players, stand together with the singular objective of eradicating racial prejudice wherever it exists, to bring about a global society of inclusion, respect, and equal opportunities for All, regardless of their colour or creed. "This symbol is a sign of unity from all Players, all Staff, all Clubs, all Match Officials and the Premier League #blacklivesmatter #playerstogether."

Real Madrid star Marcelo takes a knee to show solidarity to Black Lives Matter campaign

About 3,500 people joined a Black Lives Matter protest in Tokyo on Sunday (June 14), according to event organisers, marking a second weekend of massive anti-racism and anti-police brutality protests globally triggered by the death of George Floyd in the United States.

Thousands of protesters brave the rain to join Japan Black Lives Matter march

Atlanta police on Sunday quickly released body-camera and other footage that captured the shooting death of a black man by a white officer

US: Atlanta Police Chief resigns after latest fatal shooting

A group of scientists have unearthed inconsistencies in the global body World Health Organization’s (WHO) study about the risks of contracting/spreading COVID-19 within a certain distance.

Recently, the United Kingdom announced plans to relax the two-metre physical distancing rule. Scientists warned that the study in question should not ideally be used to justify the relaxation.

After WHO earlier stipulated two metres as the ideal distance between two people, critics across the globe called it too cautionary a tale.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/coronavirus-spreading-like-wildfire-in-africa-test-kits-needed-who-305077" hreflang="en">Coronavirus spreading like wildfire in Africa, test kits needed: WHO</a>

The WHO research now being questioned claimed that a reduction in social distancing from two to one metres would increase increase the infection risk from 1.3 per cent to 2.6 per cent.

However, scientists believe the aforementioned research is short-sighted and should not be used as the blueprint to enforce distancing measures.

“The analysis of infection risk at 1 metre versus 2 metre should be treated with great caution,” Professor&nbsp;David Spiegelhalter, from Cambridge University told the Guardian. “I’m very suspicious of it”, Spiegelhalter added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/after-saying-asymptomatic-carriers-spreading-covid-19-very-rare-who-clarifies-304664" hreflang="en">After saying asymptomatic carriers spreading COVID-19 very rare, WHO clarifies</a>

Another researcher from Open University referred to WHO’s analysis as “inappropriate”, while adding that the research “should not be used in arguments about how much greater the infection risk is at 1-metre minimum distance as opposed to 2 metres”.

This brings into question the veracity of research papers published on online portals like the Lancet and New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers found that some papers are being hurriedly written and published, making the conclusions hard to process and verify.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/confusion-in-the-times-of-coronavirus-who-is-a-poor-example-to-follow-304928" hreflang="en">Confusion in the times of coronavirus: WHO is a poor example to follow</a>

The two portals mentioned above were recently forced to retract a few studies after flaws surfaced.

Boris Johnson recently said that the two metre distancing rule will be put under review.

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

A group of scientists have unearthed inconsistencies in the global body World Health Organization’s (WHO) study about the risks of contracting/spreading COVID-19 within a certain distance.

A group of scientists have unearthed inconsistencies in the global body World Health Organization’s (WHO) study about the risks of contracting/spreading COVID-19 within a certain distance. Recently, the United Kingdom announced plans to relax the two-metre physical distancing rule. Scientists warned that the study in question should not ideally be used to justify the relaxation. After WHO earlier stipulated two metres as the ideal distance between two people, critics across the globe called it too cautionary a tale. Also read: Coronavirus spreading like wildfire in Africa, test kits needed: WHO The WHO research now being questioned claimed that a reduction in social distancing from two to one metres would increase increase the infection risk from 1.3 per cent to 2.6 per cent. However, scientists believe the aforementioned research is short-sighted and should not be used as the blueprint to enforce distancing measures. “The analysis of infection risk at 1 metre versus 2 metre should be treated with great caution,” Professor David Spiegelhalter, from Cambridge University told the Guardian. “I’m very suspicious of it”, Spiegelhalter added. Also read: After saying asymptomatic carriers spreading COVID-19 very rare, WHO clarifies Another researcher from Open University referred to WHO’s analysis as “inappropriate”, while adding that the research “should not be used in arguments about how much greater the infection risk is at 1-metre minimum distance as opposed to 2 metres”. This brings into question the veracity of research papers published on online portals like the Lancet and New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers found that some papers are being hurriedly written and published, making the conclusions hard to process and verify. Also read: Confusion in the times of coronavirus: WHO is a poor example to follow The two portals mentioned above were recently forced to retract a few studies after flaws surfaced. Boris Johnson recently said that the two metre distancing rule will be put under review. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Scientists question WHO's study on relaxing social distancing norms

The death of another Black man by a police officer in the United States, Rayshard Brooks, in Atlanta has triggered a fresh wave of protests in the country against police brutality and racism.

Brooks was shot at by an officer, who succumbed to gun shot wounds in the back.

The Fulton country medical examiner’s office has ruled it as homicide, while protests continue to rage for the fourth straight week in the country.

Brooks, 27, died from blood loss and organ injuries caused by the gunshot wounds, the autopsy revealed.

The statement from the medical examiner’s office referred to the manner of death as “homicide”.

<h6><img alt="A burned Wendy’s restaurant is seen on the second day following the police shooting death of Rayshard Brooks in the restaurant parking lot June 14, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4ac1257b-f9fb-4f2a-9220-9d5f1fab23c3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_20.jpg" /> 
A burned Wendy’s restaurant is seen on the second day following the police shooting death of Rayshard Brooks in the restaurant parking lot June 14, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Allegedly, Brooks was asleep in the drive through lane of a Wendy’s restaurant in Atlanta, after which an employee called the police. In the process of this, he was shot in the back, leading to his death.

Protests soon circled a Wendy’s store and set it on fire, the visuals of which made rounds on social media.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/video-released-of-moment-man-was-shot-by-2-cops-in-atlanta-watch-it-306020/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier, George Floyd was knelt on by a police officer for almost 9 minutes which led to his death and spurred global outrage spreading as far as New Zealand and France.

Protesters in Atlanta were heard chanting “This is not a riot” while demanding justice for the murder.

The body camera footage of the police encounter with Brooks showed the conversation beginning in a friendly manner, but as officers proceeded to arrest him, there was restraint. As he fled with a taser gun, one of the officers shot him, after which he fell to the ground.

The death of another Black man by a police officer in the United States, Rayshard Brooks, in Atlanta has triggered a fresh wave of protests in the country against police brutality and racism.

The death of another Black man by a police officer in the United States, Rayshard Brooks, in Atlanta has triggered a fresh wave of protests in the country against police brutality and racism. Brooks was shot at by an officer, who succumbed to gun shot wounds in the back. The Fulton country medical examiner’s office has ruled it as homicide, while protests continue to rage for the fourth straight week in the country. Brooks, 27, died from blood loss and organ injuries caused by the gunshot wounds, the autopsy revealed. The statement from the medical examiner’s office referred to the manner of death as “homicide”. A burned Wendy’s restaurant is seen on the second day following the police shooting death of Rayshard Brooks in the restaurant parking lot June 14, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia | AFP Allegedly, Brooks was asleep in the drive through lane of a Wendy’s restaurant in Atlanta, after which an employee called the police. In the process of this, he was shot in the back, leading to his death. Protests soon circled a Wendy’s store and set it on fire, the visuals of which made rounds on social media. Earlier, George Floyd was knelt on by a police officer for almost 9 minutes which led to his death and spurred global outrage spreading as far as New Zealand and France. Protesters in Atlanta were heard chanting “This is not a riot” while demanding justice for the murder. The body camera footage of the police encounter with Brooks showed the conversation beginning in a friendly manner, but as officers proceeded to arrest him, there was restraint. As he fled with a taser gun, one of the officers shot him, after which he fell to the ground.

Brooks shooting in Atlanta was 'homicide', claims medical examiner

The Democratic National Committee's council on climate change irked party leadership when it published policy recommendations this month that ventured beyond presidential candidate Joe Biden's plan, according to three people familiar with the matter.

The party tension shows the tricky nature of climate politics as Biden seeks to court young and more progressive voters without turning off voters in energy-producing swing states like Pennsylvania and Ohio, where a boom in shale gas drilling had created blue-collar jobs.

Members of the DNC Environment and Climate Crisis Council,&nbsp;formed last year, published proposals for the party's four-year platform on June 4 in a press release, calling for up to $16 trillion in spending to shift the U.S. economy away from fossil fuels while banning hydraulic fracturing and oil and gas exports.

The council's proposals far exceed Biden's current climate plan, which bans new oil and gas permits on public lands and dedicates $1.7 trillion to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, but allows continued fracking and exports in the meantime.

Biden's campaign is updating its climate plan as it prepares for the Nov. 3 election contest against Republican President Donald Trump, a fervent advocate of fossil fuel drilling and mining who has downplayed climate change risks and unwound hundreds of environmental regulations.&nbsp;

Biden is being advised by a panel led by U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has called for a vast government-run effort to move away from fossil fuels, and John Kerry, who helped negotiate the Paris climate agreement as President Barack Obama's Secretary of State.

One senior Democrat familiar with the DNC's workings said climate council members overstepped by putting out recommendations ahead of the convention that are unlikely to be adopted in the party's platform, which will be drafted by a DNC committee by its August convention.

"It's a nonstarter," said the Democrat, who requested anonymity to discuss the matter. "Nobody takes them seriously. Joe Biden will be writing the platform for our national convention."

Two people close to the DNC said the council blindsided the party by publicly releasing the 14-page document.

"They acted like insurgents within the party trying to stake out a left flank before the convention," one of the sources said.

DNC and Biden campaign officials declined to comment.

The DNC agreed to create the council last year after angering environmental activists and progressives for declining to hold a standalone climate debate among competitors for the party's presidential nomination.

Council Chair Michelle Deatrick said the council has been in touch with both Biden's climate advisory panel and the campaign but published the recommendations ahead of the convention to help galvanize support for an aggressive plan.

"We are advocating to ensure these recommendations are adopted in the Democratic Party platform. We have strong support, and are building a coalition of environmental groups, Democratic Party groups and more," she said.

Deatrick was a campaign surrogate of Biden rival Bernie Sanders, who had released a $16 trillion climate plan last year before dropping his bid for the party nomination. Other council members include representatives and activists from conservation and environmental justice groups.

Cecil Roberts, president of the United Mineworkers Union, said the recommendations would have "political consequences."

"I can assure you that the mere issuing of this report has already cost Democrats potential votes in places like Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan," he said.

The Democratic National Committee's council on climate change irked party leadership when it published policy recommendations this month that ventured beyond presidential candidate Joe Biden's plan, according to three people familiar with the matter.

The Democratic National Committee's council on climate change irked party leadership when it published policy recommendations this month that ventured beyond presidential candidate Joe Biden's plan, according to three people familiar with the matter. The party tension shows the tricky nature of climate politics as Biden seeks to court young and more progressive voters without turning off voters in energy-producing swing states like Pennsylvania and Ohio, where a boom in shale gas drilling had created blue-collar jobs. Members of the DNC Environment and Climate Crisis Council, formed last year, published proposals for the party's four-year platform on June 4 in a press release, calling for up to $16 trillion in spending to shift the U.S. economy away from fossil fuels while banning hydraulic fracturing and oil and gas exports. The council's proposals far exceed Biden's current climate plan, which bans new oil and gas permits on public lands and dedicates $1.7 trillion to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, but allows continued fracking and exports in the meantime. Biden's campaign is updating its climate plan as it prepares for the Nov. 3 election contest against Republican President Donald Trump, a fervent advocate of fossil fuel drilling and mining who has downplayed climate change risks and unwound hundreds of environmental regulations. Biden is being advised by a panel led by U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has called for a vast government-run effort to move away from fossil fuels, and John Kerry, who helped negotiate the Paris climate agreement as President Barack Obama's Secretary of State. One senior Democrat familiar with the DNC's workings said climate council members overstepped by putting out recommendations ahead of the convention that are unlikely to be adopted in the party's platform, which will be drafted by a DNC committee by its August convention. "It's a nonstarter," said the Democrat, who requested anonymity to discuss the matter. "Nobody takes them seriously. Joe Biden will be writing the platform for our national convention." Two people close to the DNC said the council blindsided the party by publicly releasing the 14-page document. "They acted like insurgents within the party trying to stake out a left flank before the convention," one of the sources said. DNC and Biden campaign officials declined to comment. The DNC agreed to create the council last year after angering environmental activists and progressives for declining to hold a standalone climate debate among competitors for the party's presidential nomination. Council Chair Michelle Deatrick said the council has been in touch with both Biden's climate advisory panel and the campaign but published the recommendations ahead of the convention to help galvanize support for an aggressive plan. "We are advocating to ensure these recommendations are adopted in the Democratic Party platform. We have strong support, and are building a coalition of environmental groups, Democratic Party groups and more," she said. Deatrick was a campaign surrogate of Biden rival Bernie Sanders, who had released a $16 trillion climate plan last year before dropping his bid for the party nomination. Other council members include representatives and activists from conservation and environmental justice groups. Cecil Roberts, president of the United Mineworkers Union, said the recommendations would have "political consequences." "I can assure you that the mere issuing of this report has already cost Democrats potential votes in places like Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan," he said.

US Democratic Party irked by council's 'insurgent' climate plan

27-year-old Rayshard Brooks of Atlanta was shot by an Atlanta Police officer as they attempted to arrest him and later died at a hospital after surgery.

Video released of moment man was shot by 2 cops in Atlanta; Watch it

A 46-year-old Indian-American software engineer turned socialist is at the forefront of "Black Lives Matter" protests in Seattle to permanently oust city police officials from the downtown area that has now been designated the "Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone" (CHAZ), according to media reports.

Kshama Sawant, the Seattle City Councilwoman, is encouraging activists in the CHAZ "to hold out on giving back the precinct to cops or allowing officers inside the barricaded region", according to Fox News. 
 
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>

Widespread protests have been taking place for weeks across the US following the death of 46-year-old African American George Floyd in Minneapolis while he was in police custody. Protesters have sparred with police for weeks.

Pune-born Sawant urged protesters to hold strong to the six-block region they've designated a "no cop" zone, the report said.

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>

Kshama Sawant has said she will introduce legislation to convert the precinct into "a community centre for restorative justice."

"Our movement needs to urgently ensure East Precinct is not handed back to police but is turned over permanently into community control. My office is bringing legislation to convert East Precinct into a community centre for restorative justice," she tweeted on Friday.

On Tuesday, she also participated in demonstrations calling to defund the police and allowed over a thousand demonstrators into City Hall in a late-night protest calling for Mayor Jenny Durkan to resign.

She said she did it to show City Hall belongs to the people and she wanted the diverse group of demonstrators to be heard in the halls of power, Komonews.com reported.

More than 1,000 protesters spent an hour talking about defunding the Seattle Police Department, banning chemical weapon use by police, and railing on Mayor Jenny Durkan, demanding she step down immediately, the report said.

Even though social distancing was non-existent, everyone wore masks and the evening remained peaceful. Assistant Police Chief Deanna Nollette also says no laws were broken, so officers did not respond, it added.

Born to Vasundhara and H T Ramanujam in 1973, Ms Sawant grew up in Mumbai where she later studied computer science and graduated with a BS from the University of Mumbai in 1994.

Ms Sawant married and moved to the United States. After moving to the United States Ms Sawant decided to abandon the computer engineering field.

She began to pursue study in economics due to what she described as her own "questions of economic inequality." She entered the economics programme at North Carolina State University where she earned a PhD. She became a United States citizen in 2010.

Ms Sawant joined the Socialist Alternative in 2006 and became a councilwoman in 2013 after defeating a 16-year incumbent Democrat Richard Conlin to become the first socialist elected in a major US city in decades.

A 46-year-old Indian-American software engineer turned socialist is at the forefront of "Black Lives Matter" protests in Seattle to permanently oust city police officials from the downtown area that has now been designated the "Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone" (CHAZ), according to media reports.

A 46-year-old Indian-American software engineer turned socialist is at the forefront of "Black Lives Matter" protests in Seattle to permanently oust city police officials from the downtown area that has now been designated the "Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone" (CHAZ), according to media reports. Kshama Sawant, the Seattle City Councilwoman, is encouraging activists in the CHAZ "to hold out on giving back the precinct to cops or allowing officers inside the barricaded region", according to Fox News. Also read | Meet Adama Traore, whose death identical to George Floyd is triggering protests in France Widespread protests have been taking place for weeks across the US following the death of 46-year-old African American George Floyd in Minneapolis while he was in police custody. Protesters have sparred with police for weeks. Pune-born Sawant urged protesters to hold strong to the six-block region they've designated a "no cop" zone, the report said. Also read | France police to ban chokehold arrest as protest anger mounts Kshama Sawant has said she will introduce legislation to convert the precinct into "a community centre for restorative justice." "Our movement needs to urgently ensure East Precinct is not handed back to police but is turned over permanently into community control. My office is bringing legislation to convert East Precinct into a community centre for restorative justice," she tweeted on Friday. On Tuesday, she also participated in demonstrations calling to defund the police and allowed over a thousand demonstrators into City Hall in a late-night protest calling for Mayor Jenny Durkan to resign. She said she did it to show City Hall belongs to the people and she wanted the diverse group of demonstrators to be heard in the halls of power, Komonews.com reported. More than 1,000 protesters spent an hour talking about defunding the Seattle Police Department, banning chemical weapon use by police, and railing on Mayor Jenny Durkan, demanding she step down immediately, the report said. Even though social distancing was non-existent, everyone wore masks and the evening remained peaceful. Assistant Police Chief Deanna Nollette also says no laws were broken, so officers did not respond, it added. Born to Vasundhara and H T Ramanujam in 1973, Ms Sawant grew up in Mumbai where she later studied computer science and graduated with a BS from the University of Mumbai in 1994. Ms Sawant married and moved to the United States. After moving to the United States Ms Sawant decided to abandon the computer engineering field. She began to pursue study in economics due to what she described as her own "questions of economic inequality." She entered the economics programme at North Carolina State University where she earned a PhD. She became a United States citizen in 2010. Ms Sawant joined the Socialist Alternative in 2006 and became a councilwoman in 2013 after defeating a 16-year incumbent Democrat Richard Conlin to become the first socialist elected in a major US city in decades.

Indian-American Kshama Sawant leads 'Black lives matter' protests in Seattle

The United Nations Human Rights Council is set to hold a debate on the ongoing crisis of racial discrimination clubbed with “ systemic racism, police brutality, and violence against peaceful protesters”.

According to UNHRC’s latest statement, the body will analyse related events in the United States.

The issue was brought to the body’s notice by African countries, and on a request made by Burkina Faso.

The United States does not hold the membership of the 47-member UNHRC in Geneva. Two years ago the US had quit the forum for its alleged bias against Israel.

<h6><img alt="People react on Highway 395 during a demonstration against racial inequality in the aftermath of the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Washington, U.S., June 14, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="10e9d976-6fa6-4f92-811f-870b32e263cf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_19.jpg" /> 
People react on Highway 395 during a demonstration against racial inequality in the aftermath of the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Washington, US, June 14, 2020 | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

"The death of George Floyd is unfortunately not an isolated incident," said the letter which was marked to UNHRC.

The letter referred to the murder of George Floyd, who was knelt on by a police officer, following which he died on May 25 in the US city of Minneapolis. This stirred nationwide protests that have now spawned into a global movement against racial injustice and police brutality.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virus-has-exposed-deep-seated-internal-crises-in-us-putin-305979" hreflang="en">Virus has exposed deep-seated internal crises in US: Putin</a>

"The numbers of previous cases of unarmed people of African descent who met the same fate because of uncontrolled police violence are legion," the letter said.&nbsp;“The international outrage provoked by the death underlined the importance of the Human Rights Council discussing these issue”, it further&nbsp;said.

The letter also claimed that 600 activist groups and relatives of victims have demanded a special session to address racism.

Amid calls to defund the police, the Minneapolis City Council on Friday approved a resolution which would disband contemporary policing methods in favour of a community driven safety mechanism for the citizens.

Just on Friday, another Black man Rayshard Brooks was shot by the police in Atlanta, which spurred protests across the country again.

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

The United Nations Human Rights Council is set to hold a debate on the ongoing crisis of racial discrimination clubbed with “ systemic racism, police brutality, and violence against peaceful protesters”.

The United Nations Human Rights Council is set to hold a debate on the ongoing crisis of racial discrimination clubbed with “ systemic racism, police brutality, and violence against peaceful protesters”. According to UNHRC’s latest statement, the body will analyse related events in the United States. The issue was brought to the body’s notice by African countries, and on a request made by Burkina Faso. The United States does not hold the membership of the 47-member UNHRC in Geneva. Two years ago the US had quit the forum for its alleged bias against Israel. People react on Highway 395 during a demonstration against racial inequality in the aftermath of the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Washington, US, June 14, 2020 | Reuters "The death of George Floyd is unfortunately not an isolated incident," said the letter which was marked to UNHRC. The letter referred to the murder of George Floyd, who was knelt on by a police officer, following which he died on May 25 in the US city of Minneapolis. This stirred nationwide protests that have now spawned into a global movement against racial injustice and police brutality. Also read: Virus has exposed deep-seated internal crises in US: Putin "The numbers of previous cases of unarmed people of African descent who met the same fate because of uncontrolled police violence are legion," the letter said. “The international outrage provoked by the death underlined the importance of the Human Rights Council discussing these issue”, it further said. The letter also claimed that 600 activist groups and relatives of victims have demanded a special session to address racism. Amid calls to defund the police, the Minneapolis City Council on Friday approved a resolution which would disband contemporary policing methods in favour of a community driven safety mechanism for the citizens. Just on Friday, another Black man Rayshard Brooks was shot by the police in Atlanta, which spurred protests across the country again. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

UN's human rights body to examine racism and police brutality in the United States

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

Several people gathered at Palmdale city council chambers on Friday seeking answers to queries raised on the death of a 24-year-old black man who was found hanging from a tree in northern Los Angeles County last week.

A passerby had noticed Robert L Fuller hanging from a tree in Palmdale, California.

Palmdale city, about 60 miles from Los Angeles, described it as "an alleged death by suicide."

"Sadly, it is not the first such incident since the COVID-19 pandemic began," the city said in a statement that included information on resources for mental health.

When a spokesperson for the sheriff's department announced the preliminary findings of Fuller's death during the news conference, outraged crowds demanded an investigation.

Attendees asked for camera footage of the incident, but a city official said there's none.&nbsp;

The city issued a statement saying it understands the community's call for a full investigation into the death.

An investigation into the matter is underway.

This has happened amid demonstrations around the world against racism and police abuses since the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis 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.

Several people gathered at Palmdale city council chambers on Friday seeking answers to queries raised on the death of a 24-year-old black man who was found hanging from a tree in northern Los Angeles County last week.

Several people gathered at Palmdale city council chambers on Friday seeking answers to queries raised on the death of a 24-year-old black man who was found hanging from a tree in northern Los Angeles County last week. A passerby had noticed Robert L Fuller hanging from a tree in Palmdale, California. Palmdale city, about 60 miles from Los Angeles, described it as "an alleged death by suicide." "Sadly, it is not the first such incident since the COVID-19 pandemic began," the city said in a statement that included information on resources for mental health. When a spokesperson for the sheriff's department announced the preliminary findings of Fuller's death during the news conference, outraged crowds demanded an investigation. Attendees asked for camera footage of the incident, but a city official said there's none. The city issued a statement saying it understands the community's call for a full investigation into the death. An investigation into the matter is underway. This has happened amid demonstrations around the world against racism and police abuses since the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis 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.

Black man found hanging from a tree in Los Angeles county; community seeks answers

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

Anti-racism protests took place around the world on Sunday (June 14), prompted by the killing of George Floyd last month in America.

Black Lives Matter protests spread across the world

Thousands of protesters in Tokyo took part in a Black Lives Matter march on Sunday, calling for an end to racial discrimination and police abuse after the killing of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month.

Demonstrators marched through the streets of the capital's Shibuya and Harajuku districts chanting and holding up signs spelling out slogans such as "Racism Is A Pandemic" and "No Justice No Peace".

"It is not enough to just send our prayers," Shu Fukui, a 22-year-old university graduate, told Reuters. "We need to change society, not only for George Floyd, but also for those who died in the past."

Organisers said about 3,500 people took part in the protest. Police did not disclose an estimate.

Protests have gripped major U.S. cities and spread around the world since footage from May 25 showing a white police officer kneeling on Floyd's neck to pin him to the ground for a whole nine minutes went viral.

In Atlanta on Saturday more protests erupted after a black man was shot dead by police as he tried to escape arrest. Demonstrators shut down a major highway and burned down the Wendy`s restaurant where he was killed. 
Some protesters at the Tokyo march said Japan needed to own up to its own problems with race.

"In Japan, there are far-right people who discriminate against other races. And Koreans and Chinese in Japan are exposed to a lot of hate speech," said Naho Ida, 44. "These things must not be allowed and we need to oppose this."

Public broadcaster NHK last week apologised and deleted from its Twitter feed an animated video about the U.S. protests that sparked online outrage for its depiction of African Americans.

Thousands of protesters in Tokyo took part in a Black Lives Matter march on Sunday, calling for an end to racial discrimination and police abuse after the killing of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month.

Thousands of protesters in Tokyo took part in a Black Lives Matter march on Sunday, calling for an end to racial discrimination and police abuse after the killing of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month. Demonstrators marched through the streets of the capital's Shibuya and Harajuku districts chanting and holding up signs spelling out slogans such as "Racism Is A Pandemic" and "No Justice No Peace". "It is not enough to just send our prayers," Shu Fukui, a 22-year-old university graduate, told Reuters. "We need to change society, not only for George Floyd, but also for those who died in the past." Organisers said about 3,500 people took part in the protest. Police did not disclose an estimate. Protests have gripped major U.S. cities and spread around the world since footage from May 25 showing a white police officer kneeling on Floyd's neck to pin him to the ground for a whole nine minutes went viral. In Atlanta on Saturday more protests erupted after a black man was shot dead by police as he tried to escape arrest. Demonstrators shut down a major highway and burned down the Wendy`s restaurant where he was killed. Some protesters at the Tokyo march said Japan needed to own up to its own problems with race. "In Japan, there are far-right people who discriminate against other races. And Koreans and Chinese in Japan are exposed to a lot of hate speech," said Naho Ida, 44. "These things must not be allowed and we need to oppose this." Public broadcaster NHK last week apologised and deleted from its Twitter feed an animated video about the U.S. protests that sparked online outrage for its depiction of African Americans.

Black Lives Matter protesters march through Tokyo

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

Google has said it would explore why the picture of Britain’s World War II leader Winston Churchill disappeared from a top search results list of former UK prime ministers -- as protesters call for his statue to be torn down.

The wartime leader is the only prime minister to be left without a photo.&nbsp;

Clement Attlee, Neville Chamberlain and Stanley Baldwin, who all served before Churchill, are still displayed with their images. Adolf Hitler's picture is also still displaying on the search engine.

<img alt="Google image" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="39d108b3-6abc-4ff3-94d2-94620d51c075" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/gooogle%20image.jpg" />

To this end, the search giant said the photo’s removal from its horizontal list atop search results for former British premiers was due to an automatic update and “not purposeful”, but apologised “for any concern”.&nbsp;The search engine has claimed the image disappeared due to an update, and said it would be resolved 'as rapidly as possible'.

“We’re aware an image for Sir Winston Churchill is missing from his knowledge graph entry on Google,” the firm’s search liaison arm said on Twitter.

“We apologise for any concern. This was not purposeful &amp; will be resolved. Images in such panels are automatically created &amp; updated. During an update, they can briefly disappear.”

“We’ll want to explore exactly why an automatic update caused it to disappear &amp; see if there are any improvements in those systems to address.”

"We don't have an exact time for when Churchill's Knowledge Graph image will be restored, but it will be as rapidly done as possible."

His image is not showing up in the UK, US, Australia, South Africa, and other countries, according to social media users.

All this has come amid an escalating row over whether Churchill should be commemorated in parliament square.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-icon-of-the-free-world-winston-churchill-a-racist-304370">Also read |&nbsp;Was 'icon of the free world' Winston Churchill a racist?</a>

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.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/statues-of-churchill-gandhi-at-risk-of-attack-by-anti-racism-protestors-uk-pm-terms-it-shameful-305413">Also read |&nbsp;Statues of Churchill, Gandhi at risk of attack by anti-racism protestors; UK PM terms it shameful</a>

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.

Google has said it would explore why the picture of Britain’s World War II leader Winston Churchill disappeared from a top search results list of former UK prime ministers -- as protesters call for his statue to be torn down.

Google has said it would explore why the picture of Britain’s World War II leader Winston Churchill disappeared from a top search results list of former UK prime ministers -- as protesters call for his statue to be torn down. The wartime leader is the only prime minister to be left without a photo. Clement Attlee, Neville Chamberlain and Stanley Baldwin, who all served before Churchill, are still displayed with their images. Adolf Hitler's picture is also still displaying on the search engine. To this end, the search giant said the photo’s removal from its horizontal list atop search results for former British premiers was due to an automatic update and “not purposeful”, but apologised “for any concern”. The search engine has claimed the image disappeared due to an update, and said it would be resolved 'as rapidly as possible'. “We’re aware an image for Sir Winston Churchill is missing from his knowledge graph entry on Google,” the firm’s search liaison arm said on Twitter. “We apologise for any concern. This was not purposeful & will be resolved. Images in such panels are automatically created & updated. During an update, they can briefly disappear.” “We’ll want to explore exactly why an automatic update caused it to disappear & see if there are any improvements in those systems to address.” "We don't have an exact time for when Churchill's Knowledge Graph image will be restored, but it will be as rapidly done as possible." His image is not showing up in the UK, US, Australia, South Africa, and other countries, according to social media users. All this has come amid an escalating row over whether Churchill should be commemorated in parliament square. Also read | Was 'icon of the free world' Winston Churchill a racist? 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. Also read | Statues of Churchill, Gandhi at risk of attack by anti-racism protestors; UK PM terms it shameful 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.

Churchill's picture mysteriously vanishes from list of British PMs; Google to 'explore' why

The US embassy in Seoul tweeted a picture of its mission building draped with a huge Black Lives Matter banner to show support to the anti-racism campaigns across the world.&nbsp;

"The U.S. Embassy stands in solidarity with fellow Americans grieving and peacefully protesting to demand positive change. Our #BlackLivesMatter banner shows our support for the fight against racial injustice and police brutality as we strive to be a more inclusive &amp; just society," the embassy tweeted on Saturday, along with the picture of the banner in black and white.

The American Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris retweeted the message and wrote: "The USA is a free and diverse nation... from that diversity we gain our strength."

Last year, the embassy was seen displaying a rainbow banner in support of the LGBTQ community.

A sweeping global reassessment of history and racism triggered by the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while detaining him.

The US embassy in Seoul tweeted a picture of its mission building draped with a huge Black Lives Matter banner to show support to the anti-racism campaigns across the world.

The US embassy in Seoul tweeted a picture of its mission building draped with a huge Black Lives Matter banner to show support to the anti-racism campaigns across the world. "The U.S. Embassy stands in solidarity with fellow Americans grieving and peacefully protesting to demand positive change. Our #BlackLivesMatter banner shows our support for the fight against racial injustice and police brutality as we strive to be a more inclusive & just society," the embassy tweeted on Saturday, along with the picture of the banner in black and white. The American Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris retweeted the message and wrote: "The USA is a free and diverse nation... from that diversity we gain our strength." Last year, the embassy was seen displaying a rainbow banner in support of the LGBTQ community. A sweeping global reassessment of history and racism triggered by the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while detaining him.

US embassy in Seoul displays 'Black Lives Matter' banner in support of anti-racism protests

Donald Trump has postponed his planned election rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the scene of one of the&nbsp;worst race massacres in US history, amid outcry over its clash with the Juneteenth holiday marking the end of US slavery.

The gathering, which had also caused alarm among health officials tackling the coronavirus pandemic – was to be held on 19 June, the anniversary of the day in 1865 when a general read out Abraham Lincoln’s emancipation proclamation in Texas, freeing slaves in the last un-emancipated state.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-defends-holding-first-rally-in-months-on-juneteenth-in-tulsa-305494">Trump defends holding first rally in months on Juneteenth in Tulsa</a>

On Friday night, the US president reversed his decision to hold a rally then as a “celebration” of that day, pushing it back one day to “honour requests” from the African American community.

The change came as Trump further stoked controversy over race issues and policing by saying that chokeholds sounded “so innocent and so perfect”, and once again claimed he has been the best president for black Americans, only partially conceding that Abraham Lincoln may have surpassed him.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-says-police-generally-should-not-use-choke-holds-305497">US President Trump says police generally should not use choke holds</a>

As Black Lives Matter protests reverberate around the US and the world, the choice of date had been criticised as incendiary given the historic symbolism of the Tulsa race massacre in which up to 300 black Americans were killed by white mobs.

Donald Trump has postponed his planned election rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the scene of one of the worst race massacres in US history, amid outcry over its clash with the Juneteenth holiday marking the end of US slavery.

Donald Trump has postponed his planned election rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the scene of one of the worst race massacres in US history, amid outcry over its clash with the Juneteenth holiday marking the end of US slavery. The gathering, which had also caused alarm among health officials tackling the coronavirus pandemic – was to be held on 19 June, the anniversary of the day in 1865 when a general read out Abraham Lincoln’s emancipation proclamation in Texas, freeing slaves in the last un-emancipated state. Also read: Trump defends holding first rally in months on Juneteenth in Tulsa On Friday night, the US president reversed his decision to hold a rally then as a “celebration” of that day, pushing it back one day to “honour requests” from the African American community. The change came as Trump further stoked controversy over race issues and policing by saying that chokeholds sounded “so innocent and so perfect”, and once again claimed he has been the best president for black Americans, only partially conceding that Abraham Lincoln may have surpassed him. Also read: US President Trump says police generally should not use choke holds As Black Lives Matter protests reverberate around the US and the world, the choice of date had been criticised as incendiary given the historic symbolism of the Tulsa race massacre in which up to 300 black Americans were killed by white mobs.

Trump delays Oklahoma rally after decry of massacre on Juneteenth

Over 200 black women have signed an open letter to presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden urging him to pick a black woman as his running mate.

Biden has said he would choose a woman to be his vice presidential nominee, and has named several black women&nbsp;he may pick to be on the ticket.

The letter is the latest sign of the public pressure Biden and his campaign are facing to select a woman of color to be on the Democratic ticket in November.

The letter reads, "We urge you to seize this historic opportunity to choose a Black woman running mate who will fight for the issues that matter most to the American people and help deliver a decisive victory and a successful Biden presidency."

It adds the women listed "have the experience, qualifications and principled core values of a true leader that would make for the right partner to help catapult the Democrats to victory in November."

The letter, signed by black women working in both the public and private sectors, lists several potential candidates: former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, California Rep. Karen Bass, Florida Rep. Val Demings, Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge, California Sen. Kamala Harris, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and former national security adviser Susan Rice.

Signers include actors Vanessa Williams, Latanya Richardson Jackson and Pauletta Washington, the former chairman and president of the US Tennis Association, Katrina Adams, the former editor-in-chief of Essence magazine, Susan Taylor, and the first female African American president of Spelman College, Johnnetta Cole.

Abrams has said she would be honoured to accept the position and that she would make an "excellent running mate".

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan have also all been mentioned in conversations by the former vice president as potential candidates.

Biden said earlier this month that he expects the group that will vet the potential candidates for vice president will be formed by May 1 and that the list of contenders will be narrowed down sometime in July.

Only two women have been vice presidential nominees for a major party in the US: former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin in 2008 and former New York Rep. Geraldine Ferraro in 1984.

Over 200 black women have signed an open letter to presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden urging him to pick a black woman as his running mate. Biden has said he would choose a woman to be his vice presidential nominee, and has named several black women he may pick to be on the ticket.

Over 200 black women have signed an open letter to presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden urging him to pick a black woman as his running mate. Biden has said he would choose a woman to be his vice presidential nominee, and has named several black women he may pick to be on the ticket. The letter is the latest sign of the public pressure Biden and his campaign are facing to select a woman of color to be on the Democratic ticket in November. The letter reads, "We urge you to seize this historic opportunity to choose a Black woman running mate who will fight for the issues that matter most to the American people and help deliver a decisive victory and a successful Biden presidency." It adds the women listed "have the experience, qualifications and principled core values of a true leader that would make for the right partner to help catapult the Democrats to victory in November." The letter, signed by black women working in both the public and private sectors, lists several potential candidates: former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, California Rep. Karen Bass, Florida Rep. Val Demings, Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge, California Sen. Kamala Harris, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and former national security adviser Susan Rice. Signers include actors Vanessa Williams, Latanya Richardson Jackson and Pauletta Washington, the former chairman and president of the US Tennis Association, Katrina Adams, the former editor-in-chief of Essence magazine, Susan Taylor, and the first female African American president of Spelman College, Johnnetta Cole. Abrams has said she would be honoured to accept the position and that she would make an "excellent running mate". Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan have also all been mentioned in conversations by the former vice president as potential candidates. Biden said earlier this month that he expects the group that will vet the potential candidates for vice president will be formed by May 1 and that the list of contenders will be narrowed down sometime in July. Only two women have been vice presidential nominees for a major party in the US: former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin in 2008 and former New York Rep. Geraldine Ferraro in 1984.

Joe Biden urged to pick a black woman as running mate

Anti-racism protests held across Africa following the black man George Floyd's death in United States of America. Watch this video to know more.

Anti-racism protests held across Africa following the black man's death in US

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

black-lives-matter

Black Lives Matter, News on Black Lives Matter, stories on Black Lives Matter, articles on Black Lives Matter, Black Lives Matter stories at Wion, Black Lives Matter news, Black Lives Matter latest news

black lives-matter