Thousands of people across France marched against what organisers said was going influence of the far-right ideas ahead of presidential elections due next year.

Members of more than 100 left-leaning organisations participated in 'Liberty March' in about 140 cities and towns across the country.

The march was the first opportunity for the left to come out in the streets after a year and a half of Covid-19 restrictions.

Organisers reported 70,000 in Paris and 150,000 around the nation.

The protester vented against issues like recent legislation that they say chips away at liberties. A recently-passed law that could see prosecutions for publishing footage of police officers in action was criticised.

Far-right ideas "are no longer the monopoly of far-right parties and ... have now largely penetrated the political class," said Benoit Hamon, who was a Socialist presidential candidate in 2017.

In Paris, hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon had flour thrown in his face as he spoke to reporters.

The move against the veteran politician, who has been accused of fuelling conspiracy theories ahead of next year's elections, came days after President Emmanuel Macron was slapped in the face while shaking hands with people on a regional visit.

Group partaking included Socialists, Communists, ecologists and unions, among others.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of people across France marched against what organisers said was going influence of the far-right ideas ahead of presidential elections due next year. Members of more than 100 left-leaning organisations participated in 'Liberty March' in about 140 cities and towns across the country.

Thousands of people across France marched against what organisers said was going influence of the far-right ideas ahead of presidential elections due next year. Members of more than 100 left-leaning organisations participated in 'Liberty March' in about 140 cities and towns across the country. The march was the first opportunity for the left to come out in the streets after a year and a half of Covid-19 restrictions. Organisers reported 70,000 in Paris and 150,000 around the nation. The protester vented against issues like recent legislation that they say chips away at liberties. A recently-passed law that could see prosecutions for publishing footage of police officers in action was criticised. Far-right ideas "are no longer the monopoly of far-right parties and ... have now largely penetrated the political class," said Benoit Hamon, who was a Socialist presidential candidate in 2017. In Paris, hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon had flour thrown in his face as he spoke to reporters. The move against the veteran politician, who has been accused of fuelling conspiracy theories ahead of next year's elections, came days after President Emmanuel Macron was slapped in the face while shaking hands with people on a regional visit. Group partaking included Socialists, Communists, ecologists and unions, among others. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands protest far-right ideas in France

The authority said that a company in a dominant position is subject to a particular responsibility, that of not undermining competition.

France fines Google USD 268 million for unfair practices in online ads

According to the website where the letter was posted, the text has already received more than 211,000 supporting signatures.

'Civil war is brewing in France': Soldiers warns President Emmanuel Macron

France is nearing the end of a third national lockdown imposed to try and tame a severe third wave of infections.

France to reopen cafes, bars, museums from May

Authorities argue that daily numbers of new infections have started decreasing in the country, providing encouraging signs about the impact of restrictions that were imposed at the beginning of the month.

France reopens schools as virus patients numbers peak

The 6am-7pm curfew was also extended from the 19 regions including Paris to all of mainland France and Corsica.

France: Schools, Non-essential shops to remain shut

President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party rallied around the law, with 347 National Assembly lawmakers voting in favour, 151 against and 65 abstaining.

France's lower house passes Anti-Radicalism bill

A child has been born for the first time in France after a uterus transplant, the hospital who carried on the procedure said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The baby girl weighed 1.845 kgs (4.059 pounds) during birth and was born on Friday, according to the team at the Foch hospital outside Paris.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/9000-baby-deaths-at-church-run-homes-irish-pm-sorry-for-profound-wrong-356523">9000 baby deaths at church-run homes: Irish PM sorry for 'profound wrong'</a>

"Mother and baby are doing well," Jean-Marc Ayoubi, head of gynaecology, obstetrics and reproductive medicine at the hospital, told news agency AFP.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/woman-in-singapore-gives-birth-to-baby-with-covid-19-antibodies-346195">Woman in Singapore gives birth to baby with COVID-19 antibodies</a>

A cutting-edge procedure is used to transplant a healthy uterus into a woman whose own is damaged or missing.

Births following a uterus transplant are rare.&nbsp;

Deborah, the 36-year-old mother, was born without a uterus as she suffered from Rokitansky Syndrome, a rare condition which one in about 4,500 women faces.&nbsp;

The same team that delivered her baby also carried on her uterus transplant in March 2019 after her then 57-year-old mother decided to donate her own.&nbsp;

The first-ever birth following a uterus transplant happened in 2014 in Sweden.&nbsp;

Such rare births have been recorded in the US and Brazil too, but remain a rarity.&nbsp;

These cases offer hope to women who suffer from reproductive diseases and are forced to choose adoption or surrogacy.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A child has been born for the first time in France after a uterus transplant, the hospital who carried on the procedure said on Wednesday. The baby girl weighed 1.

A child has been born for the first time in France after a uterus transplant, the hospital who carried on the procedure said on Wednesday. The baby girl weighed 1.845 kgs (4.059 pounds) during birth and was born on Friday, according to the team at the Foch hospital outside Paris. Also read | 9000 baby deaths at church-run homes: Irish PM sorry for 'profound wrong' "Mother and baby are doing well," Jean-Marc Ayoubi, head of gynaecology, obstetrics and reproductive medicine at the hospital, told news agency AFP. Also read | Woman in Singapore gives birth to baby with COVID-19 antibodies A cutting-edge procedure is used to transplant a healthy uterus into a woman whose own is damaged or missing. Births following a uterus transplant are rare. Deborah, the 36-year-old mother, was born without a uterus as she suffered from Rokitansky Syndrome, a rare condition which one in about 4,500 women faces. The same team that delivered her baby also carried on her uterus transplant in March 2019 after her then 57-year-old mother decided to donate her own. The first-ever birth following a uterus transplant happened in 2014 in Sweden. Such rare births have been recorded in the US and Brazil too, but remain a rarity. These cases offer hope to women who suffer from reproductive diseases and are forced to choose adoption or surrogacy.

First-ever child born in France following mother's uterus transplant

France is relying on the AstraZeneca shot to accelerate a vaccination campaign criticised for a slow start.

French government to withdraw financial aid from restaurants who operates illegaly

French President Emmanuel Macron said on his Twitter account that France needs to adapt its laws to better protect children from sexual violence.

'France will tighten law on incest', says French President Emmanuel Macron

France has passed a law protecting the countryside's "sensory heritage" from attempts to stifle the everyday aspects of rural life from newcomers looking for peace and quiet.

No longer will lily-livered weekending urbanites be able to complain about the smell of pigs or slurry-spreading, or indeed the thrill being jolted awake by a cockerel's full-throated call.&nbsp;

All this came about because of a spate of court cases by neo-rurals outraged to discover the country could be noisy, smelly and full of stubborn hicks.

Senators in France voted to approve a bill that was proposed after a string of court cases that pitted villagers against vacationers or second-home owners who complained of animal noises.

"The countryside is this music, the rustling of branches and leaves, and cries that form an architecture when we close our eyes," Senator Pierre-Antoine Levi told his colleagues before the&nbsp;vote.

A rooster named Maurice in southwest&nbsp;France&nbsp;was a cause celebré for activists fighting to preserve the countryside in the face of residents claiming that loud animal noises were a nuisance.

Maurice's owner won the case in September 2019, and months later, a court in western&nbsp;France&nbsp;ruled in favour of a duck and geese farmer who was sued by her neighbour for the animals' quacking.

Lawmakers said the legislation would stem the threat to&nbsp;France's agricultural lands, as urbanisation expands.

The law also protects singing cicadas, croaking frogs, whirring tractors, and church bells, among rural sounds and smells.

France has passed a law protecting the countryside's "sensory heritage" from attempts to stifle the everyday aspects of rural life from newcomers looking for peace and quiet.

France has passed a law protecting the countryside's "sensory heritage" from attempts to stifle the everyday aspects of rural life from newcomers looking for peace and quiet. No longer will lily-livered weekending urbanites be able to complain about the smell of pigs or slurry-spreading, or indeed the thrill being jolted awake by a cockerel's full-throated call. All this came about because of a spate of court cases by neo-rurals outraged to discover the country could be noisy, smelly and full of stubborn hicks. Senators in France voted to approve a bill that was proposed after a string of court cases that pitted villagers against vacationers or second-home owners who complained of animal noises. "The countryside is this music, the rustling of branches and leaves, and cries that form an architecture when we close our eyes," Senator Pierre-Antoine Levi told his colleagues before the vote. A rooster named Maurice in southwest France was a cause celebré for activists fighting to preserve the countryside in the face of residents claiming that loud animal noises were a nuisance. Maurice's owner won the case in September 2019, and months later, a court in western France ruled in favour of a duck and geese farmer who was sued by her neighbour for the animals' quacking. Lawmakers said the legislation would stem the threat to France's agricultural lands, as urbanisation expands. The law also protects singing cicadas, croaking frogs, whirring tractors, and church bells, among rural sounds and smells.

'Sensory heritage': France passes law protecting sounds and smells of countryside

French President Emmanuel Macron 'can't handle its criticism' says Opposition parties. In a weird statement, Macron took a jibe over natives, says 'The people in France have a habit of criticising the govt', he also added that 'France is a nation of 66 million prosecutors'

'France is a nation of 66 Million prosecutors', jibes President Macron over critics

France is understood to be considering to exit Mali, the country in which it sent troops to prevent jihadists from taking over. It faces tough choices over how to keep pursuing Islamist extremists without becoming bogged down in a potentially unwinnable war.

In past 10 days, five French soldiers have been killed in roadside bombs. This brought to 50 the number of troops killed across the Sahel since France launched a campaign to clear northern Mali of jihadists in January 2013

Latest victims included Sergeant Yvonne Huynh, the first female soldier killed since the French intervention began. 
Her death Saturday, claimed by a group linked to al-Qaeda, coincided with a massacre across the border in western Niger, where unidentified gunmen killed around 100 villagers in one of the region's worst atrocities.

Shifting public mood

In the past year, the French have killed the leader of the notorious al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb group, Abdelmalek Droukdel, as well as one of the military leaders of the al-Qaeda affiliated Group to Support Islam and Muslims (GSIM).

Anxious to avoid becoming mired in a long Afghan-style conflict, Paris is preparing to announce a withdrawal of the 600 additional troops it deployed to the Sahel last year.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-massive-rave-party-with-little-social-distancing-causes-concern-353915">France: Massive rave party with little social distancing causes concern</a> 
 
Defence sources have told AFP that President Emmanuel Macron would like to go further in reducing the number of French troops in the Sahel region before the next presidential election in April/May 2022.

"Up until now the French have not really questioned France's role in the Sahel. But you have to be very careful. Public opinion can change very quickly," a government source told AFP.

Buying time

In a sign that the Sahel mission could become a domestic political football, some opposition politicians have already begun to question the wisdom of staying the course.

"War in Mali: for how much longer?" the hard-left France Unbowed party queried on Monday.

"The more we help Mali the more it collapses," said Marc-Antoine Perouse de Montclos of France's Institute of Development Research (IRD).

(With AFP inputs)

France is understood to be considering to exit Mali, the country in which it sent troops to prevent jihadists from taking over. It faces tough choices over how to keep pursuing Islamist extremists without becoming bogged down in a potentially unwinnable war.

France is understood to be considering to exit Mali, the country in which it sent troops to prevent jihadists from taking over. It faces tough choices over how to keep pursuing Islamist extremists without becoming bogged down in a potentially unwinnable war. In past 10 days, five French soldiers have been killed in roadside bombs. This brought to 50 the number of troops killed across the Sahel since France launched a campaign to clear northern Mali of jihadists in January 2013 Latest victims included Sergeant Yvonne Huynh, the first female soldier killed since the French intervention began. Her death Saturday, claimed by a group linked to al-Qaeda, coincided with a massacre across the border in western Niger, where unidentified gunmen killed around 100 villagers in one of the region's worst atrocities. Shifting public mood In the past year, the French have killed the leader of the notorious al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb group, Abdelmalek Droukdel, as well as one of the military leaders of the al-Qaeda affiliated Group to Support Islam and Muslims (GSIM). Anxious to avoid becoming mired in a long Afghan-style conflict, Paris is preparing to announce a withdrawal of the 600 additional troops it deployed to the Sahel last year. Also Read | France: Massive rave party with little social distancing causes concern Defence sources have told AFP that President Emmanuel Macron would like to go further in reducing the number of French troops in the Sahel region before the next presidential election in April/May 2022. "Up until now the French have not really questioned France's role in the Sahel. But you have to be very careful. Public opinion can change very quickly," a government source told AFP. Buying time In a sign that the Sahel mission could become a domestic political football, some opposition politicians have already begun to question the wisdom of staying the course. "War in Mali: for how much longer?" the hard-left France Unbowed party queried on Monday. "The more we help Mali the more it collapses," said Marc-Antoine Perouse de Montclos of France's Institute of Development Research (IRD). (With AFP inputs)

France seeks exit strategy from Mali after eight-year campaign

After a massive rave party in northwestern France, the Macron government has decided to impose night curfew in 15 northeastern and southeastern areas which will be starting from 6 pm, instead of 8 pm every night.

France imposes night curfew in 15 regions to contain COVID-19 cases

Dozens of&nbsp;cars were set on fire&nbsp;across Strasbourg, France after groups of vandals flouted an 8 pm curfew order&nbsp;as New Year’s Eve celebrations once again turned violent, the French Interior Ministry said on Friday.

Several police officers and firefighters were injured, and 40 vandals, some of them minors, were arrested.

According to Annie Bregal, Bas-Rhin’s director of public security&nbsp;in Strasbourg, ''In addition to a nationwide 8 pm curfew and a number of street closures in Strasbourg, fireworks had been banned for the entire month of December. Local police also set up “mobile forces” in “strategic locations” across the city''.

Smoldering cars, as well as those fully engulfed in flames, were seen in videos posted to social media, in some cases setting off loud blasts as the vehicles’ fuel ignited.

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Every New Year’s Eve nervous car owners across France cross their fingers in the hope they can start the New Year with their vehicle intact.

That’s because of a longstanding French tradition that sees youths in certain parts of cities torching scores of cars.

Car burnings are regular occurrences in poor suburbs that ring France’s big cities, but the arson is especially prevalent during New Year’s Eve revelry.

The custom of setting vehicles alight on New Year's Eve reportedly began in the east of the country, around Strasbourg, in the 1990s, in the city's poorer neighbourhoods.

It was then quickly adopted by youths in cities across the country.

Cars are often set ablaze whenever there is an outbreak of social disorder, as seen in the 2005 riots when hundreds of vehicles were torched.

Dozens of cars were set on fire across Strasbourg, France after groups of vandals flouted an 8 pm curfew order as New Year’s Eve celebrations once again turned violent, the French Interior Ministry said on Friday.

Dozens of cars were set on fire across Strasbourg, France after groups of vandals flouted an 8 pm curfew order as New Year’s Eve celebrations once again turned violent, the French Interior Ministry said on Friday. Several police officers and firefighters were injured, and 40 vandals, some of them minors, were arrested. According to Annie Bregal, Bas-Rhin’s director of public security in Strasbourg, ''In addition to a nationwide 8 pm curfew and a number of street closures in Strasbourg, fireworks had been banned for the entire month of December. Local police also set up “mobile forces” in “strategic locations” across the city''. Smoldering cars, as well as those fully engulfed in flames, were seen in videos posted to social media, in some cases setting off loud blasts as the vehicles’ fuel ignited. #Strasbourg #France Demonstrations turned violent as rioters set fire to approximately 30 vehicles in Strasbourg, France. pic.twitter.com/cZ66fdP4bw — Shane B. Murphy (@shanermurph) January 1, 2021 × Every New Year’s Eve nervous car owners across France cross their fingers in the hope they can start the New Year with their vehicle intact. That’s because of a longstanding French tradition that sees youths in certain parts of cities torching scores of cars. Car burnings are regular occurrences in poor suburbs that ring France’s big cities, but the arson is especially prevalent during New Year’s Eve revelry. The custom of setting vehicles alight on New Year's Eve reportedly began in the east of the country, around Strasbourg, in the 1990s, in the city's poorer neighbourhoods. It was then quickly adopted by youths in cities across the country. Cars are often set ablaze whenever there is an outbreak of social disorder, as seen in the 2005 riots when hundreds of vehicles were torched.

France: Dozens of cars torched on New Year’s Eve by rioters on violence spree

France had initially hoped to be able to lift many of its lockdown rules on December 15th - allowing people to travel to visit friends and family over the holidays.

French govt to impose a curfew from 8 pm to 6 am for 3 weeks

France is developing bionic soldiers resistant to pain with microchip-enhanced brain power and superior hearing.

The country's ethical committee of the armed forces ministry gave approval in order for France to keep up with countries which are already working on similar projects.&nbsp;

Research is also being done to create pills which will keep soldiers awake for long periods and surgery to improve their hearing.&nbsp;

Potential areas to be explored include implants to increase soldiers’ “cerebral capacity” and to make them immune to stress. Drugs to improve service member’s mental resilience in the event they were captured are also being considered.

French scientists are also looking to create implants which enable army headquarters to remotely track the location of soldiers.&nbsp;And they are also trying to devise drugs which will make soldiers resistant to pain or be able to tolerate being held in isolation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The report warned that the French army could fall behind other countries which have already begun research into similar fields.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-intel-chief-says-china-has-created-biologically-enhanced-super-soldiers-347331">US intel chief says China has created biologically enhanced super soldiers</a>

Without enabling research into technologies such as these, the French armed forces would be at a disadvantage compared to other countries’ militaries, the report added.

However, the committee did lay out an ethical framework for hypothetical interventions, saying they should not jeopardise soldiers’ “humanity” and their ability to reintegrate into civilian life.

Florence Parly, the French armed forces minister, who asked the committee to consider the issue of “augmented” soldiers in January, said that the “invasive” modifications were not part of the&nbsp;army’s current plans.

<form action-xhr="/internal-api/newsletter-component/submit/lite" amp-access="NOT loggedIn" custom-validation-reporting="interact-and-submit" id="reg-lite-form" method="post" novalidate="" on="valid:AMP.setState({liteRegValid: false});invalid:AMP.setState({liteRegValid: true})" target="_top" verify-xhr="/internal-api/newsletter-component/verify">Earlier,&nbsp;US director of national intelligence, John Ratcliffe, said that China is already trying to find ways to make artificially enhanced soldiers and has already started testing.</form>

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France is developing bionic soldiers resistant to pain with microchip-enhanced brain power and superior hearing. The country's ethical committee of the armed forces ministry gave approval in order for France to keep up with countries which are already working on similar projects.

France is developing bionic soldiers resistant to pain with microchip-enhanced brain power and superior hearing. The country's ethical committee of the armed forces ministry gave approval in order for France to keep up with countries which are already working on similar projects. Research is also being done to create pills which will keep soldiers awake for long periods and surgery to improve their hearing. Potential areas to be explored include implants to increase soldiers’ “cerebral capacity” and to make them immune to stress. Drugs to improve service member’s mental resilience in the event they were captured are also being considered. French scientists are also looking to create implants which enable army headquarters to remotely track the location of soldiers. And they are also trying to devise drugs which will make soldiers resistant to pain or be able to tolerate being held in isolation. The report warned that the French army could fall behind other countries which have already begun research into similar fields. Also read: US intel chief says China has created biologically enhanced super soldiers Without enabling research into technologies such as these, the French armed forces would be at a disadvantage compared to other countries’ militaries, the report added. However, the committee did lay out an ethical framework for hypothetical interventions, saying they should not jeopardise soldiers’ “humanity” and their ability to reintegrate into civilian life. Florence Parly, the French armed forces minister, who asked the committee to consider the issue of “augmented” soldiers in January, said that the “invasive” modifications were not part of the army’s current plans. Earlier, US director of national intelligence, John Ratcliffe, said that China is already trying to find ways to make artificially enhanced soldiers and has already started testing.

France is developing bionic soldiers resistant to pain

French Prime Minister&nbsp;Jean Castex on Wednesday defended the anti-extremism bill combatting "radical Islamism" as the ''law of freedom''.

After a spate of attacks, which critics fear risks targeting all Muslims, France argues the legislation is needed to shore up the country's staunchly secular system but the plan has further stirred up social tensions over the consequences for Europe's largest Muslim community.

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"The enemy of the Republic is a political ideology called radical Islamism, which aims to divide the French among themselves," Prime Minister Jean Castex told Wednesday's edition of Le Monde.

France argues&nbsp;that rather than targeting Muslims the anti-extremism bill aims&nbsp;to "free Muslims from the growing grip of radical Islamism".

The legislation will be discussed at a cabinet meeting at the Elysee Palace with Castex announcing the outcome in the early afternoon.

It&nbsp;has&nbsp;been criticised by Muslim leaders including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan while on Tuesday the US envoy on international religious freedom said he was concerned by the bill.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-gives-ultimatum-to-french-council-of-muslim-faith-344419">France gives ultimatum to French Council of Muslim Faith</a>

"There can be constructive engagements that I think can be helpful and not harmful," Ambassador Sam Brownback told reporters.

"When you get heavy-handed, the situation can get worse," he said.

'Strengthen republican values'

The text was originally titled the "anti-separatism" bill, using a term President Emmanuel Macron&nbsp;uses to describe ultra-conservative Muslims withdrawing from mainstream society.&nbsp;

Following criticism of that term, it is now called a "draft law to strengthen republican values", mostly secularism and freedom of expression.

The law was in the pipeline before the murder in October of Samuel Paty, a junior high school teacher who was attacked in the street and beheaded after showing cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed in a class.

But the killing, committed by an 18-year old Chechen after a virulent social media campaign against the teacher, gave fresh impetus to the bill, prompted the inclusion of the specific crimes of online hate speech and divulging personal information on the internet.

Paty's death is one in a string of jihadist-inspired attacks in France this year including a knife assault outside the former offices of the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine and deadly stabbings at a church in the Mediterranean city of Nice.

The draft law sets out stricter criteria for authorising home schooling of children over three years old in a bid to prevent parents taking their children out of public schools and enrolling them in underground Islamic facilities.

Doctors, meanwhile, would be fined or jailed if they performed a virginity test on girls.

Polygamy is already outlawed in France, but the new law would also ban authorities from issuing residency papers to polygamous applicants.

It would also require city hall officials to interview couples separately prior to their wedding to make sure that they were not forced into marriage.

'Open provocation'

Macron has become a figure of hate in some Muslim countries, with some boycotting French products, after saying that the right to blaspheme would always be guaranteed in France and that Islam was "in crisis".

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called the draft law an "open provocation", while scholars at Egypt's prestigious Sunni Islamic institution, Al-Azhar, called Macron's views "racist".

Macron has also been forced onto the defensive by critical headlines in influential English-language media, such as the Financial Times and New York Times.

Muslims in France -- the former colonies of which include predominantly Muslim countries in north and west Africa as well as the Middle East -- are estimated at nearly four million, about six percent of the population.

Once, as is expected, the cabinet backs the draft law, it heads to parliament at the start of next year for what promises to be a heated debate.

France's state council, which advises the government and the National Assembly on future laws, has already signalled that some parts of the bill, especially on education, may clash with the principle of freedom of choice enshrined in the French constitution.

&nbsp;

French Prime Minister Jean Castex on Wednesday defended the anti-extremism bill combatting "radical Islamism" as the ''law of freedom''. After a spate of attacks, which critics fear risks targeting all Muslims, France argues the legislation is needed to shore up the country's staunchly secular system but the plan has further stirred up social tensions over the consequences for Europe's largest Muslim community.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex on Wednesday defended the anti-extremism bill combatting "radical Islamism" as the ''law of freedom''. After a spate of attacks, which critics fear risks targeting all Muslims, France argues the legislation is needed to shore up the country's staunchly secular system but the plan has further stirred up social tensions over the consequences for Europe's largest Muslim community. "The enemy of the Republic is a political ideology called radical Islamism, which aims to divide the French among themselves," Prime Minister Jean Castex told Wednesday's edition of Le Monde. France argues that rather than targeting Muslims the anti-extremism bill aims to "free Muslims from the growing grip of radical Islamism". The legislation will be discussed at a cabinet meeting at the Elysee Palace with Castex announcing the outcome in the early afternoon. It has been criticised by Muslim leaders including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan while on Tuesday the US envoy on international religious freedom said he was concerned by the bill. Also read: France gives ultimatum to French Council of Muslim Faith "There can be constructive engagements that I think can be helpful and not harmful," Ambassador Sam Brownback told reporters. "When you get heavy-handed, the situation can get worse," he said. 'Strengthen republican values' The text was originally titled the "anti-separatism" bill, using a term President Emmanuel Macron uses to describe ultra-conservative Muslims withdrawing from mainstream society. Following criticism of that term, it is now called a "draft law to strengthen republican values", mostly secularism and freedom of expression. The law was in the pipeline before the murder in October of Samuel Paty, a junior high school teacher who was attacked in the street and beheaded after showing cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed in a class. But the killing, committed by an 18-year old Chechen after a virulent social media campaign against the teacher, gave fresh impetus to the bill, prompted the inclusion of the specific crimes of online hate speech and divulging personal information on the internet. Paty's death is one in a string of jihadist-inspired attacks in France this year including a knife assault outside the former offices of the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine and deadly stabbings at a church in the Mediterranean city of Nice. The draft law sets out stricter criteria for authorising home schooling of children over three years old in a bid to prevent parents taking their children out of public schools and enrolling them in underground Islamic facilities. Doctors, meanwhile, would be fined or jailed if they performed a virginity test on girls. Polygamy is already outlawed in France, but the new law would also ban authorities from issuing residency papers to polygamous applicants. It would also require city hall officials to interview couples separately prior to their wedding to make sure that they were not forced into marriage. 'Open provocation' Macron has become a figure of hate in some Muslim countries, with some boycotting French products, after saying that the right to blaspheme would always be guaranteed in France and that Islam was "in crisis". Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called the draft law an "open provocation", while scholars at Egypt's prestigious Sunni Islamic institution, Al-Azhar, called Macron's views "racist". Macron has also been forced onto the defensive by critical headlines in influential English-language media, such as the Financial Times and New York Times. Muslims in France -- the former colonies of which include predominantly Muslim countries in north and west Africa as well as the Middle East -- are estimated at nearly four million, about six percent of the population. Once, as is expected, the cabinet backs the draft law, it heads to parliament at the start of next year for what promises to be a heated debate. France's state council, which advises the government and the National Assembly on future laws, has already signalled that some parts of the bill, especially on education, may clash with the principle of freedom of choice enshrined in the French constitution.

Enemy of the Republic is political ideology called radical Islamism: French PM Castex

France will build a new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to replace its Charles de Gaulle carrier by 2038, French President Emmanuel Macron announced Tuesday.

Macron framed the decision to use nuclear reactors to propel the future warship as part of France's climate strategy, stressing its lower emissions compared to diesel fuel used in other vessels.

Speaking at a nuclear facility in the Burgundy town of Le Creusot, he said "I have decided that the future aircraft carrier of our country and our Navy will be, like the Charles de Gaulle, nuclear powered

One of his advisers noted that having an aircraft carrier also helps France project its global influence. Only a few countries in the world maintain huge, costly vessels.

The new French aircraft carrier will be about 70,000 tons and 300 meters long (985ft), roughly 1.5 times the size of the Charles de Gaulle, which has been deployed for international military operations in Iraq and Syria in recent years, according to French presidential advisers.

Its catapults will be electro-magnetic, and American-made, and the ship will be designed to accommodate next-generation warplanes and serve until around 2080, the advisers said.

They didn't provide a price tag but French media estimate it will cost around 7 billion euros (8.4 billion US dollars).

Macron also pledged 500 million euros (605 million US dollars) in investment in the nuclear industry and a separate fund to modernise it and promised "progress" on the persistent problem of how to permanently get rid of nuclear waste.

France&nbsp;has said it will cut its reliance on nuclear energy to 50% from 75% by 2035 and has yet to make a final decision on whether to build next-generation EPR nuclear reactors.

That is due by 2023, by which time state-controlled utility EDF's Flamanville 3 EPR project should be up and running, but Macron said he wanted to make a big push on preparations by next year.

"The preparatory studies around the construction of new reactors are key and I want them to continue and be wrapped up in the coming months," Macron said during a visit to nuclear components maker Framatome, part of EDF.

Nuclear reactors provide the majority of France's electricity, but many reactors are aging and delays have dogged new-generation reactors.

Macron, who is co-hosting a global video summit on Saturday to mark the fifth anniversary of the Paris climate accord, said France also must do more to develop wind, solar, hydrogen and other renewable energies.

France will build a new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to replace its Charles de Gaulle carrier by 2038, French President Emmanuel Macron announced Tuesday. Macron framed the decision to use nuclear reactors to propel the future warship as part of France's climate strategy, stressing its lower emissions compared to diesel fuel used in other vessels.

France will build a new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to replace its Charles de Gaulle carrier by 2038, French President Emmanuel Macron announced Tuesday. Macron framed the decision to use nuclear reactors to propel the future warship as part of France's climate strategy, stressing its lower emissions compared to diesel fuel used in other vessels. Speaking at a nuclear facility in the Burgundy town of Le Creusot, he said "I have decided that the future aircraft carrier of our country and our Navy will be, like the Charles de Gaulle, nuclear powered One of his advisers noted that having an aircraft carrier also helps France project its global influence. Only a few countries in the world maintain huge, costly vessels. The new French aircraft carrier will be about 70,000 tons and 300 meters long (985ft), roughly 1.5 times the size of the Charles de Gaulle, which has been deployed for international military operations in Iraq and Syria in recent years, according to French presidential advisers. Its catapults will be electro-magnetic, and American-made, and the ship will be designed to accommodate next-generation warplanes and serve until around 2080, the advisers said. They didn't provide a price tag but French media estimate it will cost around 7 billion euros (8.4 billion US dollars). Macron also pledged 500 million euros (605 million US dollars) in investment in the nuclear industry and a separate fund to modernise it and promised "progress" on the persistent problem of how to permanently get rid of nuclear waste. France has said it will cut its reliance on nuclear energy to 50% from 75% by 2035 and has yet to make a final decision on whether to build next-generation EPR nuclear reactors. That is due by 2023, by which time state-controlled utility EDF's Flamanville 3 EPR project should be up and running, but Macron said he wanted to make a big push on preparations by next year. "The preparatory studies around the construction of new reactors are key and I want them to continue and be wrapped up in the coming months," Macron said during a visit to nuclear components maker Framatome, part of EDF. Nuclear reactors provide the majority of France's electricity, but many reactors are aging and delays have dogged new-generation reactors. Macron, who is co-hosting a global video summit on Saturday to mark the fifth anniversary of the Paris climate accord, said France also must do more to develop wind, solar, hydrogen and other renewable energies.

France to build nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, says Macron

This is a make-or-break moment for French President Emmanuel Macron. He is trying to transform France. He is facing protests at home and outside. Will Macron be able to set an example for the world or will he slip?

Gravitas: Macron's make or break moment

The practice is banned in countries such as Bangladesh, but legal in others such as the United States.

Your Story: Questions raised over French plan to ban virginity tests

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

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

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

France debates virginity testing as activists fear violent repercussions for women

The European Commission on Monday responded to a question about France's draft security law by warning that news media must be able to "work freely".

French journalists and press freedom advocates have protested against the planned law, which would limit the right to film or photograph on-duty police officers.

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It will also&nbsp;make it harder to hold police accountable for abuses such as excessive use of force - a growing public concern. The offence would carry a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a 45,000-euro ($53,000) fine.

EU spokesman Christian Wigand said "The commission does not comment on draft laws, but it goes without saying that in a period of crisis it is more important than ever that journalists must be able to do their jobs freely and in complete safety."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blatant-lies-france-asks-pakistan-to-withdraw-comments-that-compared-macron-to-nazis-344721" hreflang="en">France asks Pakistan to withdraw comments that compared Macron to Nazis</a>

"As is always the case, the commission reserves the right to examine the final legislation in order to verify that it conforms to EU law," he added.

Last Tuesday, two journalists were detained in a protest that led to clashes with police as lawmakers in the National Assembly began debating the bill, which is backed by President Emmanuel Macron's party and its parliamentary allies.

The bill passed its first reading on Friday and there will be a second reading on Tuesday. It then goes to the Senate for further debate before it can become law.

An amendment drafted by the government and approved on Friday modified the article in question, 24, to add the phrase "without prejudice to the right to inform".

Prime Minister Jean Castex said this would "remove any ambiguity on the intention to guarantee respect for public freedoms while better protecting those, police and gendarmes, who ensure the protection of the population".

In practice, this law would restrict the publication of photos or videos taken of police officers' faces while carrying out their duties in public spaces, and in many cases an officer's face would have to be blurred.&nbsp;

Media unions say this could give police a green light to prevent journalists from doing their work and potentially documenting abuses by security forces.

Members of protest movements such as the "Yellow Vests" and "Extinction Rebellion", who faced a robust police response to street demonstrations -- have also denounced the draft law. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Prison term, big fine

Article 24 of the draft law foresees a one-year prison term and a 45,000-euro ($54,000) fine for publishing images that officers object to, but officials insist their target is not press freedom.

Instead, police are concerned about social media campaigns that expose individual officers.

Police say they risk great personal threat in the line of duty, and dozens have been injured in clashes with protesters in recent years.

An attack on a police station outside Paris last month by dozens of people armed with fireworks and steel bars spurred the government into taking measures.

"Ensuring the security of all those living in Europe is a key priority for the Commission and we are working hand-in-hand with the member states," Wigand said.&nbsp;

"When drafting their security legislation, member states must respect the principle of proportionality and strike the right balance between guaranteeing public security and protecting citizens' rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression, media freedom, freedom of association, privacy and access to information."

The European Commission on Monday responded to a question about France's draft security law by warning that news media must be able to "work freely". French journalists and press freedom advocates have protested against the planned law, which would limit the right to film or photograph on-duty police officers.

The European Commission on Monday responded to a question about France's draft security law by warning that news media must be able to "work freely". French journalists and press freedom advocates have protested against the planned law, which would limit the right to film or photograph on-duty police officers. It will also make it harder to hold police accountable for abuses such as excessive use of force - a growing public concern. The offence would carry a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a 45,000-euro ($53,000) fine. EU spokesman Christian Wigand said "The commission does not comment on draft laws, but it goes without saying that in a period of crisis it is more important than ever that journalists must be able to do their jobs freely and in complete safety." Also read: France asks Pakistan to withdraw comments that compared Macron to Nazis "As is always the case, the commission reserves the right to examine the final legislation in order to verify that it conforms to EU law," he added. Last Tuesday, two journalists were detained in a protest that led to clashes with police as lawmakers in the National Assembly began debating the bill, which is backed by President Emmanuel Macron's party and its parliamentary allies. The bill passed its first reading on Friday and there will be a second reading on Tuesday. It then goes to the Senate for further debate before it can become law. An amendment drafted by the government and approved on Friday modified the article in question, 24, to add the phrase "without prejudice to the right to inform". Prime Minister Jean Castex said this would "remove any ambiguity on the intention to guarantee respect for public freedoms while better protecting those, police and gendarmes, who ensure the protection of the population". In practice, this law would restrict the publication of photos or videos taken of police officers' faces while carrying out their duties in public spaces, and in many cases an officer's face would have to be blurred. Media unions say this could give police a green light to prevent journalists from doing their work and potentially documenting abuses by security forces. Members of protest movements such as the "Yellow Vests" and "Extinction Rebellion", who faced a robust police response to street demonstrations -- have also denounced the draft law. Prison term, big fine Article 24 of the draft law foresees a one-year prison term and a 45,000-euro ($54,000) fine for publishing images that officers object to, but officials insist their target is not press freedom. Instead, police are concerned about social media campaigns that expose individual officers. Police say they risk great personal threat in the line of duty, and dozens have been injured in clashes with protesters in recent years. An attack on a police station outside Paris last month by dozens of people armed with fireworks and steel bars spurred the government into taking measures. "Ensuring the security of all those living in Europe is a key priority for the Commission and we are working hand-in-hand with the member states," Wigand said. "When drafting their security legislation, member states must respect the principle of proportionality and strike the right balance between guaranteeing public security and protecting citizens' rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression, media freedom, freedom of association, privacy and access to information."

European Union warns France over press freedom as it pushes security law

Journalists and activists have raised concerns over a new bill by the French government, aimed at ushering in the so-called “global security” law

Press freedom, civil liberties concerns over French security bill

Thousands of people marched in French cities on Saturday to protest a draft law that limits filming of on-duty police officials.

The protesters say that the law will curb press freedom. The biggest gathering took place near Eiffel Tower in Paris. Police were deployed in large numbers. The protesters included media representatives, members of 'yellow vest' and 'extinction rebellion' movements. There were also individuals that waved flags of communist and green parties and trade unions.

French parliament approved an amended "comprehensive security" law last Friday that would criminalise publication of images of on duty police officers with the intent of harming their "physical or psychological integrity".

In practice, the law would restrict the publication of photos or videos taken of police officers' faces while in action.

In many cases an officer's face would have to be blurred.&nbsp;

Journalist unions said that the police may misuse the law to prevent them from doing their job. They further said that it will be harder for them to document excesses committed by members of the security forces.

An amendment clarifies that press freedom should in no way be hindered by the proposed measures.

French media are also concerned about potential rights abuse via the use of drones to watch demonstrations and facial recognition programmes linked to surveillance cameras.

French police have been taken to task in recent years for alleged brutality meted out to protesters and criminal suspects, especially those from black, Arab or other minorities.

In the northern city of Lille, around 1,000 demonstrators turned out, one of whom carried an English-language sign that said "Orwell was right" in a reference to the dystopian novel "1984".

Others marched in the Brittany city of Rennes and in Montpellier on the Mediterranean coast, where some chanted: "Put down your arms and we'll put down our telephones."&nbsp;

Article 24 of the draft law foresees a one-year prison term and a 45,000-euro ($54,000) fine for spreading images that show officers faces or allow them to be identified when such images harm their "physical or psychological integrity".

Social media campaigns that expose individual officers are targets of the proposed legislation.

Police say they risk great personal threat in the line of duty, and dozens have been injured in clashes with protesters in recent years.

An attack on a police station outside Paris last month by dozens of people armed with fireworks and steel bars spurred the government into taking measures.

Thousands of people marched in French cities on Saturday to protest a draft law that limits filming of on-duty police officials. The protesters say that the law will curb press freedom.

Thousands of people marched in French cities on Saturday to protest a draft law that limits filming of on-duty police officials. The protesters say that the law will curb press freedom. The biggest gathering took place near Eiffel Tower in Paris. Police were deployed in large numbers. The protesters included media representatives, members of 'yellow vest' and 'extinction rebellion' movements. There were also individuals that waved flags of communist and green parties and trade unions. French parliament approved an amended "comprehensive security" law last Friday that would criminalise publication of images of on duty police officers with the intent of harming their "physical or psychological integrity". In practice, the law would restrict the publication of photos or videos taken of police officers' faces while in action. In many cases an officer's face would have to be blurred. Journalist unions said that the police may misuse the law to prevent them from doing their job. They further said that it will be harder for them to document excesses committed by members of the security forces. An amendment clarifies that press freedom should in no way be hindered by the proposed measures. French media are also concerned about potential rights abuse via the use of drones to watch demonstrations and facial recognition programmes linked to surveillance cameras. French police have been taken to task in recent years for alleged brutality meted out to protesters and criminal suspects, especially those from black, Arab or other minorities. In the northern city of Lille, around 1,000 demonstrators turned out, one of whom carried an English-language sign that said "Orwell was right" in a reference to the dystopian novel "1984". Others marched in the Brittany city of Rennes and in Montpellier on the Mediterranean coast, where some chanted: "Put down your arms and we'll put down our telephones." Article 24 of the draft law foresees a one-year prison term and a 45,000-euro ($54,000) fine for spreading images that show officers faces or allow them to be identified when such images harm their "physical or psychological integrity". Social media campaigns that expose individual officers are targets of the proposed legislation. Police say they risk great personal threat in the line of duty, and dozens have been injured in clashes with protesters in recent years. An attack on a police station outside Paris last month by dozens of people armed with fireworks and steel bars spurred the government into taking measures.

Protests in French cities against new security law

French President Emmanuel Macron has issued an 'ultimatum' to Muslim leaders - giving them 15 days to accept a 'charter of republican values'. But, Macron's moves to tackle radicalism have triggered a new controversy. Molly Gambhir tells you more

Gravitas: Emmanuel Macron issues 'ultimatum' to Muslim Leaders

Taking on Emmanuel Macron is proving to be a mistake for Imran Khan & Recep Erdogan. EU Parliamentarians are mulling sanctions against Pakistan & Turkey. Can the two countries afford getting sanctioned?

Gravitas: Will EU sanction Turkey & Pakistan?

French President Emmanuel Macron led Armistice Day commemorations at Place Clemenceau in Paris.

Macron leads Armistice Day commemorations in France

Concerns over security and immigration have increased in France after the knife attack at a church in Nice on October 29 saw three people killed.

France’s PM vows to fight relentlessly against radical Islam

Does Emmanuel Macron want to introduce a 'uniform civil code' in France? What implications will his new law have on other countries? Is France setting a precedent for secular democracies to follow?

Gravitas: What is Macron's plan to counter radical Islam?

7000 soldiers are now guarding schools and places of worship in France. French Interior Minister says the country is at war with an enemy 'that's both inside & outside' - as the Islamist backlash against Emmanuel Macron continues.

Gravitas: Emmanuel Macron says France is under attack

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