<p>Two French Mirage fighter jets reportedly crashed mid-air on Wednesday&nbsp;(Aug 14)&nbsp;morning in France’s north-eastern region, triggering the launch of a massive search and rescue operation. The jets collided on the border between Vosges and Meurthe-et-Moselle, south of Colombey-les-Belles.</p>

<p>Local media reported that while one pilot, who ejected just before the crash, was found injured but conscious, two other pilots involved in the accident couldn’t be located. Among those still unaccounted for are a student pilot and his instructor.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj5-eDrx_SHAxWTRWcHHWnaL7oQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/macrons-intimate-kiss-and-hug-with-sports-minister-at-olympics-causes-stir-netizens-call-it-indecent-745765" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/trending/macrons-intimate-kiss-and-hug-with-sports-minister-at-olympics-causes-stir-netizens-call-it-indecent-745765&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj5-eDrx_SHAxWTRWcHHWnaL7oQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">Macron's intimate kiss and hug with sports minister at Olympics causes stir, netizens call it 'indecent'</a></strong></p>

<p>In a post on X, the officials in the Prefet de Vosges region urged the members of the public to avoid the area, where emergency services were being rushed. Media reports said teams of police, firefighters, and the forestry service had joined the rescue efforts.</p>

<p>"Aircraft accident in the Harmonville sector, the departmental operational centre is activated in support of the armed forces to coordinate rescue operations. Avoid the area and follow the instructions of the authorities," said Prefet de Vosges region in a post on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj5-eDrx_SHAxWTRWcHHWnaL7oQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-from-a-banker-to-the-youngest-president-of-france-738657" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-from-a-banker-to-the-youngest-president-of-france-738657&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj5-eDrx_SHAxWTRWcHHWnaL7oQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">Emmanuel Macron: From a banker to the youngest President of France</a></strong></p>

<p>It is believed that the two aircraft involved in the crash came from nearby Ochey Air Base 133. The crash happened in a remote, difficult-to-reach area, making relief efforts difficult and slow. The two aircraft were returning from a refuelling mission in Germany.</p>

<p>“An accident involving two Rafales from the Rafale 3/4 “Aquitaine” Transformation Squadron took place in Meurthe et Moselle,” the French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu said in a statement. “One of the pilots has been found, he is safe and sound. The search is still ongoing. Thanks to our armed forces as well as to the gendarmes mobilized in the search and to secure the area.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two French Mirage fighter jets reportedly crashed mid-air on Wednesday (Aug 14) morning in France’s north-eastern region, triggering the launch of a massive search and rescue operation.

Two French Mirage fighter jets reportedly crashed mid-air on Wednesday (Aug 14) morning in France’s north-eastern region, triggering the launch of a massive search and rescue operation. The jets collided on the border between Vosges and Meurthe-et-Moselle, south of Colombey-les-Belles. Local media reported that while one pilot, who ejected just before the crash, was found injured but conscious, two other pilots involved in the accident couldn’t be located. Among those still unaccounted for are a student pilot and his instructor. Also read: Macron's intimate kiss and hug with sports minister at Olympics causes stir, netizens call it 'indecent' In a post on X, the officials in the Prefet de Vosges region urged the members of the public to avoid the area, where emergency services were being rushed. Media reports said teams of police, firefighters, and the forestry service had joined the rescue efforts. "Aircraft accident in the Harmonville sector, the departmental operational centre is activated in support of the armed forces to coordinate rescue operations. Avoid the area and follow the instructions of the authorities," said Prefet de Vosges region in a post on X. Also read: Emmanuel Macron: From a banker to the youngest President of France It is believed that the two aircraft involved in the crash came from nearby Ochey Air Base 133. The crash happened in a remote, difficult-to-reach area, making relief efforts difficult and slow. The two aircraft were returning from a refuelling mission in Germany. “An accident involving two Rafales from the Rafale 3/4 “Aquitaine” Transformation Squadron took place in Meurthe et Moselle,” the French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu said in a statement. “One of the pilots has been found, he is safe and sound. The search is still ongoing. Thanks to our armed forces as well as to the gendarmes mobilized in the search and to secure the area.” (With inputs from agencies)

Two French Mirage fighter jets crash mid-air, search launched for two missing pilots

<p>A Franco-Swiss airport was evacuated on Friday (July 26) due to a security threat. This comes after Paris witnessed&nbsp;rail disruptions caused by arson attacks.</p>

<p>Following a security-related evacuation, EuroAirport Basel, an international airport&nbsp;situated on the French side of the border, announced a phased resumption of flight operations on its website.</p>

<p>Earlier, the Basel-Mulhouse airport said that it had been evacuated and closed "for safety reasons".</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics/news-french-high-speed-rail-network-sabotaged-ahead-of-paris-olympics-opening-ceremony-744333">French high-speed rail network sabotaged ahead of Olympics opening ceremony</a></p>

<p>The evacuation came as France grappled&nbsp;with widespread rail disruptions caused by arson attacks.</p>

<p>The disruptions come ahead of the&nbsp;Olympics opening ceremony in Paris which&nbsp;is scheduled to take place&nbsp;on Friday evening.</p>

<h2><strong>Rail network sabotaged</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in the day, the high-speed rail network in France was disrupted by "malicious acts" including arson, just hours before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, according to media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several high-speed TGV lines had been hit to the west, north, and east of Paris, and queues formed at Gare Montparnasse station in the city.</p>

<p>In a statement, the&nbsp;French state railway company SNCF said, "Last night, the SNCF was the victim of several acts of vandalism on the Atlantic, Northern, and Eastern high-speed lines. Fires were deliberately set to damage our installations."</p>

<p>Around 800,000 passengers have reportedly&nbsp;been affected by the disruption.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/45000-police-10000-soldiers-and-2000-private-security-cover-highlight-paris-olympics-2024-opening-ceremony-744335" target="_blank">45,000 police, 10,000 soldiers and 2,000 private security cover highlight Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony</a></strong></p>

<p>French Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete strongly condemned "these criminal actions which will compromise the vacation departures of many French people."</p>

<p>Taking to his social media handle, the minister wrote, "Co-ordinated malicious acts targeted several TGV lines last night and will seriously disrupt traffic until this weekend."</p>

<h2><strong>Train sabotage won't disrupt Olympics opening: Mayor</strong></h2>

<p>Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has assured the public that the sabotage of the TGV rail network will not impact the&nbsp;opening ceremony.</p>

<p>"The unacceptable act of sabotage has not disrupted transportation within the French capital", Hidalgo said, speaking to reporters in Spanish after meeting Spain's King Felipe VI, as reported by news agency AFP.</p>

<h2><strong>Massive security arrangement</strong></h2>

<p>An unprecedented security operation will be in place for the parade, with 45,000 police officers, 10,000 soldiers, and 2,000 private security personnel safeguarding the route along the River Seine, its banks, and nearby landmarks.</p>

<p><strong>Video |&nbsp;Paris 2024: Exclusive: Balaji eyes doubles glory in Paris</strong></p>

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<p>More than 10,500 athletes will compete in the Paris&nbsp;Olympics, 100 years since the French capital city last hosted&nbsp;the Games. The initial matches&nbsp;started on Wednesday and the first of the 329 gold medals will be awarded on Saturday.</p>

<p>The closing ceremony will take place on August&nbsp;11.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A Franco-Swiss airport was evacuated on Friday (July 26) due to a security threat. This comes after Paris witnessed rail disruptions caused by arson attacks. Following a security-related evacuation, EuroAirport Basel, an international airport situated on the French side of the border, announced a phased resumption of flight operations on its website.

A Franco-Swiss airport was evacuated on Friday (July 26) due to a security threat. This comes after Paris witnessed rail disruptions caused by arson attacks. Following a security-related evacuation, EuroAirport Basel, an international airport situated on the French side of the border, announced a phased resumption of flight operations on its website. Earlier, the Basel-Mulhouse airport said that it had been evacuated and closed "for safety reasons". Also read: French high-speed rail network sabotaged ahead of Olympics opening ceremony The evacuation came as France grappled with widespread rail disruptions caused by arson attacks. The disruptions come ahead of the Olympics opening ceremony in Paris which is scheduled to take place on Friday evening. Rail network sabotaged Earlier in the day, the high-speed rail network in France was disrupted by "malicious acts" including arson, just hours before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, according to media reports. Several high-speed TGV lines had been hit to the west, north, and east of Paris, and queues formed at Gare Montparnasse station in the city. In a statement, the French state railway company SNCF said, "Last night, the SNCF was the victim of several acts of vandalism on the Atlantic, Northern, and Eastern high-speed lines. Fires were deliberately set to damage our installations." Around 800,000 passengers have reportedly been affected by the disruption. Also read | 45,000 police, 10,000 soldiers and 2,000 private security cover highlight Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony French Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete strongly condemned "these criminal actions which will compromise the vacation departures of many French people." Taking to his social media handle, the minister wrote, "Co-ordinated malicious acts targeted several TGV lines last night and will seriously disrupt traffic until this weekend." Train sabotage won't disrupt Olympics opening: Mayor Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has assured the public that the sabotage of the TGV rail network will not impact the opening ceremony. "The unacceptable act of sabotage has not disrupted transportation within the French capital", Hidalgo said, speaking to reporters in Spanish after meeting Spain's King Felipe VI, as reported by news agency AFP. Massive security arrangement An unprecedented security operation will be in place for the parade, with 45,000 police officers, 10,000 soldiers, and 2,000 private security personnel safeguarding the route along the River Seine, its banks, and nearby landmarks. Video | Paris 2024: Exclusive: Balaji eyes doubles glory in Paris × More than 10,500 athletes will compete in the Paris Olympics, 100 years since the French capital city last hosted the Games. The initial matches started on Wednesday and the first of the 329 gold medals will be awarded on Saturday. The closing ceremony will take place on August 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Paris Olympics 2024: Franco-Swiss airport evacuated just hours before opening ceremony

<p>A 40-year-old man was arrested Monday (Jul 15) by French authorities after he stabbed an on-duty soldier at the Gare de l’Est station in northern Paris. The attack came just two weeks ahead of the beginning of the Olympic Games in the capital city. The soldier suffered a knife wound between the shoulder blades and was out of danger, said Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on social media. The suspect has now been placed in psychiatric care, local media reported.</p>

<p>Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu paid tribute to the injured soldier, saying, “Thoughts to the soldier injured tonight at the Gare de l’Est” in a post on X.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: US to deploy long-range weapons to Germany; France, Italy &amp; Germany to develop long-range missiles</strong></p>

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<p>The soldier was part of a special military operation unit deployed around sensitive areas in Paris following the 2015 Islamist attacks on the satirical Charlie Hebdo newspaper.</p>

<h2><strong>Motivation for the attack</strong></h2>

<p>Public prosecutors are investigating the case as attempted murder as they seek to establish “the circumstances and the motivation”. The man, born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, became a French national in 2006, according to police sources.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwig2oWEvquHAxWMjq8BHehFKigQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-from-a-banker-to-the-youngest-president-of-france-738657" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-from-a-banker-to-the-youngest-president-of-france-738657&amp;ved=2ahUKEwig2oWEvquHAxWMjq8BHehFKigQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">Emmanuel Macron: From a banker to the youngest President of France</a></strong></p>

<p>According to one source quoted by news agencies, the man attacked the soldier as "the French military kills people in his country”. At the moment of the attack, he shouted ‘God is great’ in French, according to another source.</p>

<h2><strong>Suspect linked to a 2018 murder</strong></h2>

<p>The suspect was previously placed in psychiatric care in 2018 after his name emerged in a murder case. At that time, the man stabbed a 22-year-old to death at the Chatelet-les-Halles metro station in central Paris. But a court ruling, seen by news agency AFP, said he was never tried for the murder as he couldn't be held responsible due to diminished responsibility.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A 40-year-old man was arrested Monday (Jul 15) by French authorities after he stabbed an on-duty soldier at the Gare de l’Est station in northern Paris. The attack came just two weeks ahead of the beginning of the Olympic Games in the capital city.

A 40-year-old man was arrested Monday (Jul 15) by French authorities after he stabbed an on-duty soldier at the Gare de l’Est station in northern Paris. The attack came just two weeks ahead of the beginning of the Olympic Games in the capital city. The soldier suffered a knife wound between the shoulder blades and was out of danger, said Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on social media. The suspect has now been placed in psychiatric care, local media reported. Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu paid tribute to the injured soldier, saying, “Thoughts to the soldier injured tonight at the Gare de l’Est” in a post on X. Watch: US to deploy long-range weapons to Germany; France, Italy & Germany to develop long-range missiles × The soldier was part of a special military operation unit deployed around sensitive areas in Paris following the 2015 Islamist attacks on the satirical Charlie Hebdo newspaper. Motivation for the attack Public prosecutors are investigating the case as attempted murder as they seek to establish “the circumstances and the motivation”. The man, born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, became a French national in 2006, according to police sources. Also read: Emmanuel Macron: From a banker to the youngest President of France According to one source quoted by news agencies, the man attacked the soldier as "the French military kills people in his country”. At the moment of the attack, he shouted ‘God is great’ in French, according to another source. Suspect linked to a 2018 murder The suspect was previously placed in psychiatric care in 2018 after his name emerged in a murder case. At that time, the man stabbed a 22-year-old to death at the Chatelet-les-Halles metro station in central Paris. But a court ruling, seen by news agency AFP, said he was never tried for the murder as he couldn't be held responsible due to diminished responsibility. (With inputs from agencies)

DR Congo-born man attacks French soldier in Paris for 'killing his countrymen', detained

<p>Four migrants have died while trying to cross the English Channel on an inflatable boat from France to the UK, French authorities said Friday.</p>

<p>The migrants' vessel capsized and punctured off the coast of Boulogne-sur-Mer, in northern France, the prefecture responsible for the region said in a statement. Sixty-three people were rescued by the French coast guard.</p>

<p>The prefecture said a French navy patrol boat spotted the overcrowded vessel early Friday as it deflated off the French coast. Several people were “drifting in the water while others were still clinging to the broken rubber dingy," the statement said.</p>

<p>Navy vessels, a fishing boat and a Navy helicopter joined the effort. Survivors were brought to the shore in Boulogne to receive medical attention and temporary shelter, the statement also said.</p>

<p>Migrants trying to reach the UK&nbsp;risk drowning as they try to cross the busy English Channel, often aboard crowded, unseaworthy boats.</p>

<p>French maritime officials responsible for the Channel and the North Sea have warned anyone who plans to cross the Channel to reconsider due to the many risks involved in the perilous journey. The channel is one of the busiest waterways in the world, with more than 600 commercial ships sailing through it daily, officials said, adding that weather conditions are often difficult due to strong winds that prevail 120 days a year.</p>

<p>"It's dangerous even when the sea seems calm," they said in a statement.</p>

<p>Friday's tragedy in the channel comes amid a continuing flow of people making the journey to the UK&nbsp;The latest figures from Britain’s Home Office, which deals with immigration issues, show that 419 people made the journey across the Channel from France to the UK&nbsp;in six boats on Tuesday, taking the provisional total for 2024 to date to 14,058.</p>

<p>Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who took over earlier this month after the Labour Party’s election victory, has launched a Border Security Command designed to crack down on people-smuggling gangs orchestrating the crossings. A commander for the new entity has not yet been appointed.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-crossbow-attack-man-suspected-of-killing-3-women-formally-arrested-740254">UK crossbow attack: Man suspected of killing 3 women formally arrested</a></strong></p>

<p>“The further loss of life in the Channel...is truly awful. My thoughts are with all those affected,″ Cooper wrote. “Criminal gangs are making vast profit from putting lives at risk. We are accelerating action with international partners to pursue and bring down dangerous smuggler gangs.”</p>

<p>The leader of Britain's anti-immigrant Reform UK party, Nigel Farage, underscored the pressure to address the issue in a post on X Friday.</p>

<p>“The new government had better start moving fast,” he said.</p>

<p>Last month, British authorities rescued 80 migrants at sea after a small boat got into difficulty while crossing the English Channel from France.</p>

<p>An estimated 30,000 people made the crossing in 2023, according to UK&nbsp;government figures.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


Four migrants have died while trying to cross the English Channel on an inflatable boat from France to the UK, French authorities said Friday. The migrants' vessel capsized and punctured off the coast of Boulogne-sur-Mer, in northern France, the prefecture responsible for the region said in a statement.

Four migrants have died while trying to cross the English Channel on an inflatable boat from France to the UK, French authorities said Friday. The migrants' vessel capsized and punctured off the coast of Boulogne-sur-Mer, in northern France, the prefecture responsible for the region said in a statement. Sixty-three people were rescued by the French coast guard. The prefecture said a French navy patrol boat spotted the overcrowded vessel early Friday as it deflated off the French coast. Several people were “drifting in the water while others were still clinging to the broken rubber dingy," the statement said. Navy vessels, a fishing boat and a Navy helicopter joined the effort. Survivors were brought to the shore in Boulogne to receive medical attention and temporary shelter, the statement also said. Migrants trying to reach the UK risk drowning as they try to cross the busy English Channel, often aboard crowded, unseaworthy boats. French maritime officials responsible for the Channel and the North Sea have warned anyone who plans to cross the Channel to reconsider due to the many risks involved in the perilous journey. The channel is one of the busiest waterways in the world, with more than 600 commercial ships sailing through it daily, officials said, adding that weather conditions are often difficult due to strong winds that prevail 120 days a year. "It's dangerous even when the sea seems calm," they said in a statement. Friday's tragedy in the channel comes amid a continuing flow of people making the journey to the UK The latest figures from Britain’s Home Office, which deals with immigration issues, show that 419 people made the journey across the Channel from France to the UK in six boats on Tuesday, taking the provisional total for 2024 to date to 14,058. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who took over earlier this month after the Labour Party’s election victory, has launched a Border Security Command designed to crack down on people-smuggling gangs orchestrating the crossings. A commander for the new entity has not yet been appointed. Also read: UK crossbow attack: Man suspected of killing 3 women formally arrested “The further loss of life in the Channel...is truly awful. My thoughts are with all those affected,″ Cooper wrote. “Criminal gangs are making vast profit from putting lives at risk. We are accelerating action with international partners to pursue and bring down dangerous smuggler gangs.” The leader of Britain's anti-immigrant Reform UK party, Nigel Farage, underscored the pressure to address the issue in a post on X Friday. “The new government had better start moving fast,” he said. Last month, British authorities rescued 80 migrants at sea after a small boat got into difficulty while crossing the English Channel from France. An estimated 30,000 people made the crossing in 2023, according to UK government figures. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

English Channel crossing: Four migrants die, dozens rescued after boat capsizes

<p>As President Emmanuel Macron and a left-wing alliance attempt to thwart the far-right, at least 200 candidates have withdrawn before France's runoff election.</p>

<p>The opponents are expecting that by strategically withdrawing candidacy to consolidate vote before the runoff, Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party won't receive the majority of 289 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly.</p>

<p>At least 200 candidates have already withdrawn before Tuesday's 6:00 pm&nbsp;(1600 GMT) deadline for second-round registration, almost all of them were left-wing or affiliated with Macron's centrist party, according to AFP.</p>

<p>More than 70 of the candidates who have chosen to withdraw from the campaign are from Macron's camp, while more than 110 are from the left-wing New Popular Front.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reform-uk-candidate-resigns-joins-tories-condemns-partys-racist-misogynistic-culture-737207">Reform UK candidate resigns, joins Tories, condemns party's 'racist, misogynistic,' culture</a></strong></p>

<p>A party official informed local media that a far-right candidate also resigned over an old social media image in which she was seen wearing a Nazi cap.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After President Emmanuel Macron's bet on a snap election backfired, putting his centrist camp in a meagre third place behind a hurriedly created left-wing coalition, while Marine Le Pen's RN emerged victorious in Sunday's (June 30) first-round vote.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-snap-polls-voters-cast-their-ballots-in-new-caledonia-737215">France Snap Polls: Voters cast their ballots in New Caledonia</a></strong></p>

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<p>In the first round, just 76 lawmakers were elected outright, nearly all of them from the extremes of the right and left.</p>

<p>Runoff elections between two or three candidates will decide the future of the remaining 501 seats in the second round.</p>

<p>It was initially unclear if Macron's allies would withdraw in favour of better-placed rival candidates from Jean-Luc Melenchon's radical left-wing France Unbowed (LFI) party.</p>

<p>Macron did, however, state that the primary goal was keeping the RN out of power and that LFI candidates could be backed if needed at a closed-door ministerial meeting at the Elysee Palace on Monday.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As President Emmanuel Macron and a left-wing alliance attempt to thwart the far-right, at least 200 candidates have withdrawn before France's runoff election. The opponents are expecting that by strategically withdrawing candidacy to consolidate vote before the runoff, Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party won't receive the majority of 289 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly.

As President Emmanuel Macron and a left-wing alliance attempt to thwart the far-right, at least 200 candidates have withdrawn before France's runoff election. The opponents are expecting that by strategically withdrawing candidacy to consolidate vote before the runoff, Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party won't receive the majority of 289 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly. At least 200 candidates have already withdrawn before Tuesday's 6:00 pm (1600 GMT) deadline for second-round registration, almost all of them were left-wing or affiliated with Macron's centrist party, according to AFP. More than 70 of the candidates who have chosen to withdraw from the campaign are from Macron's camp, while more than 110 are from the left-wing New Popular Front. Also read: Reform UK candidate resigns, joins Tories, condemns party's 'racist, misogynistic,' culture A party official informed local media that a far-right candidate also resigned over an old social media image in which she was seen wearing a Nazi cap. After President Emmanuel Macron's bet on a snap election backfired, putting his centrist camp in a meagre third place behind a hurriedly created left-wing coalition, while Marine Le Pen's RN emerged victorious in Sunday's (June 30) first-round vote. Watch | France Snap Polls: Voters cast their ballots in New Caledonia × In the first round, just 76 lawmakers were elected outright, nearly all of them from the extremes of the right and left. Runoff elections between two or three candidates will decide the future of the remaining 501 seats in the second round. It was initially unclear if Macron's allies would withdraw in favour of better-placed rival candidates from Jean-Luc Melenchon's radical left-wing France Unbowed (LFI) party. Macron did, however, state that the primary goal was keeping the RN out of power and that LFI candidates could be backed if needed at a closed-door ministerial meeting at the Elysee Palace on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

French runoff elections: 200 candidates withdraw as Macron, left-wing alliance battle far-right

<p>French police fatally shot an armed man who was trying to set fire to a synagogue in the northern city of Rouen, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Friday (May 17).</p>

<p>"National police in Rouen neutralised early this morning an armed individual who clearly wanted to set fire to the city's synagogue," Darmanin wrote on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Incendier une synagogue, c'est vouloir intimider tous les Juifs.<br />
<br />
Une nouvelle fois, on veut faire peser un climat de terreur sur les Juifs de notre pays.<br />
<br />
Combattre l'antisémitisme, c'est défendre la République.<br />
<br />
Merci aux forces de l'ordre pour leur intervention rapide. <a href="https://t.co/3Dxoy7g1qA">https://t.co/3Dxoy7g1qA</a></p>
— Yonathan Arfi (@Yonathan_Arfi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Yonathan_Arfi/status/1791367010229621161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to a&nbsp;source, the man was armed with a knife and an iron bar, he approached police, who then fired. The individual died, as reported by AFP.</p>

<p>France has the largest Jewish community of a country after Israel and the United States, as well as Europe's largest Muslim community.</p>

<p>Police responded at 6:45 am (0445 GMT) to reports of "fire near the synagogue", a police source said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/torrential-rains-kill-4-in-houston-over-900000-without-high-alert-sounded-722322">Torrential rains kill 4 in Houston, over 900,000 without power</a></p>

<p>"It is not only the Jewish community that is affected. It is the entire city of Rouen that is bruised and in shock," Rouen Mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol wrote on X.</p>

<p>He said there were no victims other than the attacker.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, two separate investigations have been launched, one into the synagogue fire and another into the circumstances surrounding the death of the man shot by the police, according to Rouen prosecutors.</p>

<p>An investigation by France's police inspectorate general is standard procedure whenever a person is killed by the police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The man had threatened a police officer with a knife, prompting the officer to use his service weapon, the Rouen prosecutor stated.</p>

<p>The dead man was not immediately identified, a police source said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-icj-south-africa-alleges-israel-stepping-up-genocide-in-gaza-tel-aviv-slams-biased-and-false-claims-722456">At ICJ, South Africa alleges Israel is 'stepping up' genocide in Gaza</a></p>

<p>There have been tensions in France in the wake of the October 7 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel, followed by the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip.</p>

<p>"Attempting to burn a synagogue is an attempt to intimidate all Jews. Once again, there is an attempt to impose a climate of terror on the Jews of our country. Combating anti-Semitism means defending the Republic," Yonathan Arfi, the president of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France (CRIF) wrote on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Incendier une synagogue, c'est vouloir intimider tous les Juifs.<br />
<br />
Une nouvelle fois, on veut faire peser un climat de terreur sur les Juifs de notre pays.<br />
<br />
Combattre l'antisémitisme, c'est défendre la République.<br />
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Merci aux forces de l'ordre pour leur intervention rapide. <a href="https://t.co/3Dxoy7g1qA">https://t.co/3Dxoy7g1qA</a></p>
— Yonathan Arfi (@Yonathan_Arfi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Yonathan_Arfi/status/1791367010229621161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile the authorities are also grappling with the worst violence in decades in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


French police fatally shot an armed man who was trying to set fire to a synagogue in the northern city of Rouen, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Friday (May 17).

French police fatally shot an armed man who was trying to set fire to a synagogue in the northern city of Rouen, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Friday (May 17). "National police in Rouen neutralised early this morning an armed individual who clearly wanted to set fire to the city's synagogue," Darmanin wrote on X. Incendier une synagogue, c'est vouloir intimider tous les Juifs. Une nouvelle fois, on veut faire peser un climat de terreur sur les Juifs de notre pays. Combattre l'antisémitisme, c'est défendre la République. Merci aux forces de l'ordre pour leur intervention rapide. https://t.co/3Dxoy7g1qA — Yonathan Arfi (@Yonathan_Arfi) May 17, 2024 × According to a source, the man was armed with a knife and an iron bar, he approached police, who then fired. The individual died, as reported by AFP. France has the largest Jewish community of a country after Israel and the United States, as well as Europe's largest Muslim community. Police responded at 6:45 am (0445 GMT) to reports of "fire near the synagogue", a police source said. Also read: Torrential rains kill 4 in Houston, over 900,000 without power "It is not only the Jewish community that is affected. It is the entire city of Rouen that is bruised and in shock," Rouen Mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol wrote on X. He said there were no victims other than the attacker. Notably, two separate investigations have been launched, one into the synagogue fire and another into the circumstances surrounding the death of the man shot by the police, according to Rouen prosecutors. An investigation by France's police inspectorate general is standard procedure whenever a person is killed by the police. The man had threatened a police officer with a knife, prompting the officer to use his service weapon, the Rouen prosecutor stated. The dead man was not immediately identified, a police source said. Also read: At ICJ, South Africa alleges Israel is 'stepping up' genocide in Gaza There have been tensions in France in the wake of the October 7 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel, followed by the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip. "Attempting to burn a synagogue is an attempt to intimidate all Jews. Once again, there is an attempt to impose a climate of terror on the Jews of our country. Combating anti-Semitism means defending the Republic," Yonathan Arfi, the president of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France (CRIF) wrote on X. Incendier une synagogue, c'est vouloir intimider tous les Juifs. Une nouvelle fois, on veut faire peser un climat de terreur sur les Juifs de notre pays. Combattre l'antisémitisme, c'est défendre la République. Merci aux forces de l'ordre pour leur intervention rapide. https://t.co/3Dxoy7g1qA — Yonathan Arfi (@Yonathan_Arfi) May 17, 2024 × Meanwhile the authorities are also grappling with the worst violence in decades in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia. (With inputs from agencies)

Police kill man trying to burn down synagogue in France

<p>Saudi Arabia’s request to President Emmanuel Macron to erect an “Olympic village” by Napoleon’s tomb, Les Invalides, has set the cat among the pigeons in French politics.</p>

<p>Both radical left and right-wing parties in the country have vehemently opposed the proposal after a minister confirmed that Paris was looking favourably at Riyadh’s request to install a national pavilion, another push by the Arab nation to cement its position as the global sporting hub.</p>

<h2><strong>Why Les Invalides?</strong></h2>

<p>Olympic archery events are slated to be held in the long Esplanade Park of Les Invalides. Some events will be held by the iconic Eiffel Tower.</p>

<p>Macron's administration kept mum on the Saudi proposal until Nathalie Serre, a conservative MP, demanded information in a ­parliamentary question. Answering the question, French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed that the government was giving it a “sympathetic view”.</p>

<p>“Saudi Arabia is committed to ­respecting the security and financial measures of Les Invalides” and that Riyadh was an “important defence partner”. Many countries were ­setting up national pavilions in Paris for the games, he was quoted as saying.</p>

<h2><strong>Why the controversy?</strong></h2>

<p>The idea of the pavilion, which would be erected in May and last for four months, is being seen as an attempt to breach the country’s historic treasure by the opposition.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;France changes its abortion laws after US repeals Roe vs Wade; Catholic groups oppose</strong></p>

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<p>Nathalie Serre pointed out that a foreign state’s ‘pavilion’ in “an archi­tectural treasure, full of symbolism and our country’s history” would be out of place.</p>

<p>She said it would be egregious since Saudi Arabia is involved, “because of its human rights record.” “But even if it were a Danish or ­Canadian village, it would be the same,” she added.</p>

<p>Two biggest opposition parties — the right-wing populist National ­Rally led by Marine Le Pen and France Unbowed, the radical left party of Jean-Luc Mélenchon—also criticised the move.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjq8Ym_wdqEAxVwwjgGHUAZDZkQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-french-army-chief-hails-india-as-a-key-partner-calling-for-increased-military-cooperation-695311" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-french-army-chief-hails-india-as-a-key-partner-calling-for-increased-military-cooperation-695311&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjq8Ym_wdqEAxVwwjgGHUAZDZkQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">Exclusive: French army chief hails India as a key partner, calls for increased military cooperation</a></strong></p>

<p>“When you have a Chanel fashion show, it doesn’t last four months and we’re not appropriating anything other than the beauty of the place. There are some things that are not for sale and in my view Les Invalides is one of them.”</p>

<p>The defence ministry is now in damage control mode.</p>

<p>It said the deal was dependent “on strict conditions that the Saudis have not yet accepted, which must ensure the security and solemnity of the site and the peace of the resident pensioners”.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Saudi Arabia’s request to President Emmanuel Macron to erect an “Olympic village” by Napoleon’s tomb, Les Invalides, has set the cat among the pigeons in French politics.

Saudi Arabia’s request to President Emmanuel Macron to erect an “Olympic village” by Napoleon’s tomb, Les Invalides, has set the cat among the pigeons in French politics. Both radical left and right-wing parties in the country have vehemently opposed the proposal after a minister confirmed that Paris was looking favourably at Riyadh’s request to install a national pavilion, another push by the Arab nation to cement its position as the global sporting hub. Why Les Invalides? Olympic archery events are slated to be held in the long Esplanade Park of Les Invalides. Some events will be held by the iconic Eiffel Tower. Macron's administration kept mum on the Saudi proposal until Nathalie Serre, a conservative MP, demanded information in a parliamentary question. Answering the question, French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed that the government was giving it a “sympathetic view”. “Saudi Arabia is committed to respecting the security and financial measures of Les Invalides” and that Riyadh was an “important defence partner”. Many countries were setting up national pavilions in Paris for the games, he was quoted as saying. Why the controversy? The idea of the pavilion, which would be erected in May and last for four months, is being seen as an attempt to breach the country’s historic treasure by the opposition. Watch: France changes its abortion laws after US repeals Roe vs Wade; Catholic groups oppose × Nathalie Serre pointed out that a foreign state’s ‘pavilion’ in “an architectural treasure, full of symbolism and our country’s history” would be out of place. She said it would be egregious since Saudi Arabia is involved, “because of its human rights record.” “But even if it were a Danish or Canadian village, it would be the same,” she added. Two biggest opposition parties — the right-wing populist National Rally led by Marine Le Pen and France Unbowed, the radical left party of Jean-Luc Mélenchon—also criticised the move. Also read: Exclusive: French army chief hails India as a key partner, calls for increased military cooperation “When you have a Chanel fashion show, it doesn’t last four months and we’re not appropriating anything other than the beauty of the place. There are some things that are not for sale and in my view Les Invalides is one of them.” The defence ministry is now in damage control mode. It said the deal was dependent “on strict conditions that the Saudis have not yet accepted, which must ensure the security and solemnity of the site and the peace of the resident pensioners”. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Not for sale,’ Macron under fire over Saudi proposal to build Olympic pavilion by Napoleon’s tomb

<p>The Eiffel Tower, one of the world's top tourist attractions, was closed Monday (Feb 19) after staff went on strike, unions told AFP.</p>

<p>The strike, which was called to protest over the way the monument is managed financially, could be extended, they said.</p>

<p>The tower's operator, SETE, said on its website that "visits of the monument will be disrupted on Monday".</p>

<p>It advised ticket holders to check its website before showing up, or to postpone their visit. E-ticket holders were asked to check their e-mails for further information.</p>

<p>The stoppage is the second strike at the Eiffel Tower within two months for the same reason.</p>

<p>Unions have criticised operator SETE for its business model that they say is based on an inflated estimate of future visitor numbers, while under-estimating construction costs.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw2tt_aTY-wJFjQArQ2ZYlFI" data-ved="2ahUKEwi5svqdubeEAxWub2wGHSENAPYQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-cleaver-attack-paris-police-shoot-dead-sudan-born-man-691272" jsname="YKoRaf">France cleaver attack: Paris police shoot dead Sudan-born man</a></strong></p>

<p>The Eiffel Tower -- Paris's most famous landmark -- attracts nearly seven million visitors a year, around three-quarters of them foreigners, according to its website.</p>

<p>During the Covid pandemic numbers dropped sharply due to closures and travel restrictions, but recovered to 5.9 million in 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Paris witnesses more protests, sheep, dairy farmers hit streets asking for compensation</strong></p>

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<p>Visitor numbers to Paris are expected to swell this summer as the French capital hosts the Olympic Games.</p>

<p>In a joint statement, the CGT and FO unions called on the city of Paris "to be reasonable with their financial demands to ensure the survival of the monument and the company operating it".<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Eiffel Tower, one of the world's top tourist attractions, was closed Monday (Feb 19) after staff went on strike, unions told AFP. The strike, which was called to protest over the way the monument is managed financially, could be extended, they said.

The Eiffel Tower, one of the world's top tourist attractions, was closed Monday (Feb 19) after staff went on strike, unions told AFP. The strike, which was called to protest over the way the monument is managed financially, could be extended, they said. The tower's operator, SETE, said on its website that "visits of the monument will be disrupted on Monday". It advised ticket holders to check its website before showing up, or to postpone their visit. E-ticket holders were asked to check their e-mails for further information. The stoppage is the second strike at the Eiffel Tower within two months for the same reason. Unions have criticised operator SETE for its business model that they say is based on an inflated estimate of future visitor numbers, while under-estimating construction costs. Also read: France cleaver attack: Paris police shoot dead Sudan-born man The Eiffel Tower -- Paris's most famous landmark -- attracts nearly seven million visitors a year, around three-quarters of them foreigners, according to its website. During the Covid pandemic numbers dropped sharply due to closures and travel restrictions, but recovered to 5.9 million in 2022. Watch: Paris witnesses more protests, sheep, dairy farmers hit streets asking for compensation × Visitor numbers to Paris are expected to swell this summer as the French capital hosts the Olympic Games. In a joint statement, the CGT and FO unions called on the city of Paris "to be reasonable with their financial demands to ensure the survival of the monument and the company operating it". (With inputs from agencies)

Paris's Eiffel Tower faces closure over staff strike

French President Emmanuel Macron named Gabriel Attal as the country’s new prime minister, as he seeks to set a fresh course ahead of the summer’s European Union elections. Gabriel Attal, at 34, became France’s youngest Prime Minister, and the first to be openly gay.

France's new government announced with only one major change in foreign ministry

Gabriel Attal was named Tuesday as France’s youngest-ever prime minister, as President Emmanuel Macron seeks a fresh start for the rest of his term amid growing political pressure from the far right. Macron’s office announced the appointment in a statement. Attal, 34, rose to prominence as the government spokesman and education minister.

French President Macron appoints 34-year-old Gabriel Attal as Prime Minister

303 passengers predominantly Indians found themselves at the centre of a high-stakes legal showdown in France. The passengers detained by the French authorities are back in India. Out of 303, around 276 Indians are back in their country.

India-France row: Gujarat & Punjab police forms teams to probe suspected 'illegal migration'

Plane with Indians, grounded in France over suspected human trafficking, lands in Mumbai. A plane carrying 276 Indian passengers landed in Mumbai on December 26 morning after it was grounded in France for four days pending an investigation into possible human trafficking

Plane grounded in France over trafficking concerns lands in Mumbai

France grounded plane with Indians lands in Mumbai

303 passengers predominantly Indians found themselves at the centre of a high-stakes legal showdown in France the passengers had been detained by the French authorities over grave suspicions of human trafficking.

Grounded plane with Indian passengers to land in Mumbai: Report

303 passengers predominantly Indians found themselves at the centre of a high-stakes legal showdown in France the passengers had been detained by the French authorities over grave suspicions of human trafficking. Keep watching this interview with Anne Elisabeth Moutet, Columnist at the London Telegraph.

Grounded plane with 303 Indian passengers flies out of France, to land in Mumbai: Report

Lawmakers in the French parliament passed legislation on Tuesday that will bring in stricter controls on migration.

French parliament adopts government's controversial immigration bill

France passed the controversial Immigration Bill. The Bill secures a policy win for President Emmanuel Macron. Bill passed amid deep division in Emmanuel Macron's party.

France passes controversial Immigration Bill, Macron's parliament majority wobbles

<p>A Paris judge on Monday (Oct 23) charged two men suspected of having links with the Islamist gunman who killed two Swedish football fans in Brussels last week, reported AFP.</p>

<p>The men were charged with forming a terror group and getting involved in murder linked to a terror plot. France's anti-terror prosecutor's office said that both men were placed in detention.</p>

<p>The two men were amongst four people arrested by French authorities over the last week following a deadly attack in Brussels. All of them were suspected of having links with Abdesalem Lassoued, the terrorist behind the killing of two fans just before the start of a Belgium-Sweden international football match.</p>

<p>Out of those four, two were released without charges.</p>

<p>French prosecutors said they opened a formal investigation into a suspected "criminal terrorist conspiracy" after receiving information on the case from the Belgian judiciary.</p>

<h2><strong>About Abdesalem Lassoued</strong></h2>

<p>BBC reported that Abdesalem Lassoued had earlier escaped from prison in Tunisia and sought refuge in Europe.</p>

<p>He had been sentenced to 26 years in prison in 2005 for crimes including attempted murder. In 2011, he is believed to have escaped prison and arrived on the Italian island of Lampedusa.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Belgium justice minister resigns after deadly Brussels attack</strong></p>

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<p>He applied for asylum in Belgium. His application was rejected and since then, authorities around Europe have failed to keep track.</p>

<p>The Tunisian authorities had asked Belgium to return Lassoued home in August 2022. Belgian officials received the extradition request but failed to process it.</p>

<p>The man was eventually shot dead by French police Tuesday morning (Oct 17) after he killed two fans.</p>

<h2><strong>Resignation by Belgium's Justice Minister</strong></h2>

<p>Belgium's Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne resigned Friday (Oct 20) after issuing an apology to the families of the victims.</p>

<p>"I sincerely want to apologise to the victims and their loved ones," Mr Van Quickenborne said during his resignation speech. "I am not looking for any excuses."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brussels-attack-belgian-justice-minister-resigns-says-he-sought-extradition-of-killer-649406"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Brussels attack: Belgian justice minister resigns, says he sought extradition of killer</strong></a></p>

<p>He said he wanted to take "political responsibility for this unacceptable mistake".</p>

<p>Brussels public prosecutor Tim De Wolf blamed understaffing in his office for the failure to act on the extradition request.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A Paris judge on Monday (Oct 23) charged two men suspected of having links with the Islamist gunman who killed two Swedish football fans in Brussels last week, reported AFP.

A Paris judge on Monday (Oct 23) charged two men suspected of having links with the Islamist gunman who killed two Swedish football fans in Brussels last week, reported AFP. The men were charged with forming a terror group and getting involved in murder linked to a terror plot. France's anti-terror prosecutor's office said that both men were placed in detention. The two men were amongst four people arrested by French authorities over the last week following a deadly attack in Brussels. All of them were suspected of having links with Abdesalem Lassoued, the terrorist behind the killing of two fans just before the start of a Belgium-Sweden international football match. Out of those four, two were released without charges. French prosecutors said they opened a formal investigation into a suspected "criminal terrorist conspiracy" after receiving information on the case from the Belgian judiciary. About Abdesalem Lassoued BBC reported that Abdesalem Lassoued had earlier escaped from prison in Tunisia and sought refuge in Europe. He had been sentenced to 26 years in prison in 2005 for crimes including attempted murder. In 2011, he is believed to have escaped prison and arrived on the Italian island of Lampedusa. Watch: Belgium justice minister resigns after deadly Brussels attack × He applied for asylum in Belgium. His application was rejected and since then, authorities around Europe have failed to keep track. The Tunisian authorities had asked Belgium to return Lassoued home in August 2022. Belgian officials received the extradition request but failed to process it. The man was eventually shot dead by French police Tuesday morning (Oct 17) after he killed two fans. Resignation by Belgium's Justice Minister Belgium's Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne resigned Friday (Oct 20) after issuing an apology to the families of the victims. "I sincerely want to apologise to the victims and their loved ones," Mr Van Quickenborne said during his resignation speech. "I am not looking for any excuses." Also read: Brussels attack: Belgian justice minister resigns, says he sought extradition of killer He said he wanted to take "political responsibility for this unacceptable mistake". Brussels public prosecutor Tim De Wolf blamed understaffing in his office for the failure to act on the extradition request. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Two men charged by French judge over deadly attack in Brussels last week

<p>A French journalist was detained on Tuesday (September 19) for allegedly accessing state secrets unlawfully in 2021. She was arrested by the DGSI, France's domestic intelligence agency; a move that drew condemnation from journalists and rights groups.</p>

<p>Non-profit newsroom Disclose denounced the move as an "unacceptable attack on the secrecy of sources," which was immediately backed by the Society of Journalists and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). “We fear that the DGSI's actions will undermine the secrecy of the sources," RSF said.</p>

<h2><strong>What triggered the arrest?</strong></h2>

<p>In November 2021, investigative website Disclose released a series of articles based on a trove of confidential documents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These documents revealed how information gathered from a covert French counter-intelligence operation in Egypt, code-named "Sirli," was used by the Egyptian government to carry out what was described as "a campaign of arbitrary killings" targeting smugglers operating along the Libyan border.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH:&nbsp;French court upholds ban on Muslim abayas in schools, says 'no serious harm'</strong></p>

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<p>According to the initial reports by Disclose, French forces were implicated in at least 19 bombings against smugglers in the region between 2016 and 2018. Despite warnings from officials within the French government, the operation itself remained unchallenged, as per Disclose's findings.</p>

<p>In response to the publication of these articles, France's Ministry of the Armed Forces lodged a complaint citing "violation of national defence secrecy." Subsequently, in July 2022, a case was initiated by the Paris prosecutor's office, which was later transferred to the DGSI.</p>

<h2><strong>Freedom of press under question in France</strong></h2>

<p>Virginie Marquet, a lawyer for Lavrilleux and Disclose, said that the actions against the French journalist undermine the confidentiality of the media sources.</p>

<p>"I am appalled and worried about the escalation in attacks on the freedom to inform, and the coercive measures taken against the Disclose journalist," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This search risks seriously undermining the confidentiality of journalists' sources," she said, adding that Lavrilleux had "only revealed information in the public interest".</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-flat-out-refuses-to-welcome-migrants-from-lampedusa-637695"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;France flat out refuses to `welcome` migrants from Lampedusa</strong></a></p>

<p>France’s move to arrest the journalist is sure to attract more scrutiny into the declining freedom of press in the country, and prompt questions in French media over the country’s alleged role in and record on human rights in Egypt.</p>

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A French journalist was detained on Tuesday (September 19) for allegedly accessing state secrets unlawfully in 2021. She was arrested by the DGSI, France's domestic intelligence agency; a move that drew condemnation from journalists and rights groups.

A French journalist was detained on Tuesday (September 19) for allegedly accessing state secrets unlawfully in 2021. She was arrested by the DGSI, France's domestic intelligence agency; a move that drew condemnation from journalists and rights groups. Non-profit newsroom Disclose denounced the move as an "unacceptable attack on the secrecy of sources," which was immediately backed by the Society of Journalists and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). “We fear that the DGSI's actions will undermine the secrecy of the sources," RSF said. What triggered the arrest? In November 2021, investigative website Disclose released a series of articles based on a trove of confidential documents. These documents revealed how information gathered from a covert French counter-intelligence operation in Egypt, code-named "Sirli," was used by the Egyptian government to carry out what was described as "a campaign of arbitrary killings" targeting smugglers operating along the Libyan border. WATCH: French court upholds ban on Muslim abayas in schools, says 'no serious harm' × According to the initial reports by Disclose, French forces were implicated in at least 19 bombings against smugglers in the region between 2016 and 2018. Despite warnings from officials within the French government, the operation itself remained unchallenged, as per Disclose's findings. In response to the publication of these articles, France's Ministry of the Armed Forces lodged a complaint citing "violation of national defence secrecy." Subsequently, in July 2022, a case was initiated by the Paris prosecutor's office, which was later transferred to the DGSI. Freedom of press under question in France Virginie Marquet, a lawyer for Lavrilleux and Disclose, said that the actions against the French journalist undermine the confidentiality of the media sources. "I am appalled and worried about the escalation in attacks on the freedom to inform, and the coercive measures taken against the Disclose journalist," she said. "This search risks seriously undermining the confidentiality of journalists' sources," she said, adding that Lavrilleux had "only revealed information in the public interest". Also read: France flat out refuses to `welcome` migrants from Lampedusa France’s move to arrest the journalist is sure to attract more scrutiny into the declining freedom of press in the country, and prompt questions in French media over the country’s alleged role in and record on human rights in Egypt. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

France detains journalist for revealing ‘state secret’, slammed by rights groups

The killing of a teenager by a police officer in France has led to clashes for five days in a row, though the scale of the violence has partially decreased and there are still many issues to resolve. French President Emmanuel Macron has evaluated the steps taken so far to prevent further escalation of the violence.

Unrest in France eases | Clashes intensifies in Sudan

Protesters shot fireworks at French police and set cars ablaze in a Paris suburb, hours after President Emmanuel Macron slammed the "inexcusable" fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy during a traffic stop on Tuesday morning.

Unrest in France: 40,000 police officials deployed across France

Paris is burning. For the third night running, pitched battles are being fought in the suburbs of Paris. But even as riots continue across france, the French President Emmanuel Macron has been missing in action. He was spotted, instead grooving to a selection of Elton John hits. Macron is now trying to reformulate a plan to contain the chaos as he will be holding a new crisis meeting today. For this he will have to cut short a trip to Brussels where he is attending a European Union Summit.

Protest rage on for third night in France as President Macron attends Elton John concert

France's top court has said that the country's Football Federation is entitled to ban hijabs in professional matches the Court ruled against a group of Muslim players who had appeared against the ban a French Football Federation ban has for players from wearing headscarfs and other religious symbols in official matches as well as in competitions it organizes it is not in line with the recommendations of the FIFA which authorizes players to compete at International level with headstuffs.

France court upholds football hijab ban

Emmanuel Macron's keynote speech was interrupted by protesters yesterday, overshadowing the first official visit to the Netherlands by a French president in 23 years. At the beginning of Macron's speech in The Hague, protesters yelled "Where is French democracy?" and unfurled banners. Macron has faced violent rallies and strikes at home over pensions reforms, as witnessed by AFP journalists. The two-day trip got off to a turbulent start for other reasons as well, with Macron coming under fire for his contentious statements that Europe cannot be a "follower" of either Washington or Beijing in regards to Taiwan.

Pension protest: Shadow of Paris follows Emmanuel Macron in the Netherlands

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