More attacks on French soil are likely as France is engaged in a "war against Islamist ideology", its interior minister said on Friday.

Earlier, a knife-wielding Tunisian man shouting "Allahu akbar" (God is greatest) beheaded a woman and killed two other people in a church in the French city of nice on Thursday before being shot and taken away by police.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/47-year-old-man-in-police-custody-over-alleged-links-with-nice-church-killer-338980" hreflang="en">47-year-old man in police custody over alleged links with Nice church killer</a>

"We are in a war against an enemy that is both inside and outside," Gerald Darmanin told RTL radio.

Darmanin said France needs to reel in ''rampant Islamism which is arming people ideologically.''

"We need to understand that there have been and there will be other events such as these terrible attacks," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-labels-mahathirs-tweet-on-france-for-violating-rules-and-glorifying-violence-338821">Twitter labels Mahathir's tweet on France for violating rules and 'glorifying violence'</a>

The Tunisian man who killed three people in a french church only recently arrived in Europe, officials say.

The suspect, 21, had an Italian red cross-document, issued after he arrived on the Italian island of Lampedusa by migrant boat last month.

He was shot by police and is in critical condition. One of the victims was "virtually beheaded", said the french chief anti-terrorism prosecutor.

President Emmanuel Macron said it was an "Islamist terrorist attack".&nbsp;France has raised its terror alert system to the maximum level following the incident in Nice, which left three people dead.&nbsp;

More attacks on French soil are likely as France is engaged in a "war against Islamist ideology", its interior minister said on Friday. Earlier, a knife-wielding Tunisian man shouting "Allahu akbar" (God is greatest) beheaded a woman and killed two other people in a church in the French city of nice on Thursday before being shot and taken away by police.

More attacks on French soil are likely as France is engaged in a "war against Islamist ideology", its interior minister said on Friday. Earlier, a knife-wielding Tunisian man shouting "Allahu akbar" (God is greatest) beheaded a woman and killed two other people in a church in the French city of nice on Thursday before being shot and taken away by police. Also read: 47-year-old man in police custody over alleged links with Nice church killer "We are in a war against an enemy that is both inside and outside," Gerald Darmanin told RTL radio. Darmanin said France needs to reel in ''rampant Islamism which is arming people ideologically.'' "We need to understand that there have been and there will be other events such as these terrible attacks," he added. Also read: Twitter labels Mahathir's tweet on France for violating rules and 'glorifying violence' The Tunisian man who killed three people in a french church only recently arrived in Europe, officials say. The suspect, 21, had an Italian red cross-document, issued after he arrived on the Italian island of Lampedusa by migrant boat last month. He was shot by police and is in critical condition. One of the victims was "virtually beheaded", said the french chief anti-terrorism prosecutor. President Emmanuel Macron said it was an "Islamist terrorist attack". France has raised its terror alert system to the maximum level following the incident in Nice, which left three people dead.

'We are in a war': French minister says country must brace itself for attacks fueled by 'Islamist ideology'

France on Sunday urged Middle Eastern countries to stop retail companies from boycotting French products.

Stores in Muslim-majority nations boycott French goods

French health authorities said the country has reached over 1.04 million confirmed coronavirus cases, becoming the second country in Western Europe after Spain to reach that number of known infections.

Parisians adapt to restrictions during dance classes

Muslims at a mosque in a Paris suburb held a minute of silence led by vocal Imam Hussen Chalghoumi after Friday (October 22) prayers to pay homage to a teacher beheaded for showing caricatures of Prophet Mohammad.

Samuel Paty was murdered on October&nbsp;16 in broad daylight outside his school in a middle-class Paris suburb by an 18-year-old of Chechen origin. Police shot the attacker dead.

Paty's murder last week has prompted outrage in a country where the separation of church and state is fiercely defended by many. It has also exposed divisions in a society where a vocal minority in the Muslim community feels its practice of the religion is being targeted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slain-teacher-martyr-for-freedom-of-expression-says-french-imam-336624">Slain teacher 'martyr for freedom of expression, says French imam</a>

Chalghoumi, who has shown his support for Paty's showing of the caricatures in class, and who has spoken out against Islamism, was wearing a bulletproof vest on Friday. He said he has been wearing protection during big events for the past 10 years, as he had received death threats.

"(The teacher) is a martyr for freedom of expression, and a wise man who has taught tolerance, civilisation, and respect for others," Chalghoumi said.

"We need to end the victimisation discourse. We all have rights in France, like everyone else. Parents should tell their children about the good that exists in the&nbsp;Republic," he added, asserting,"If parents don't do that well they need to be punished."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/paris-attack-locals-gather-to-pray-for-the-decapitated-parisian-teacher-336062">Paris attack: Locals gather to pray for the decapitated Parisian teacher</a>

There was a heavy police presence at the mosque on Friday, as Muslims went in to pray.

Police were ordered to protect mosques in the cities of Bordeaux and Beziers in southwestern&nbsp;France, following threats or acts of violence.

The teenager who killed Paty had sought to avenge his victim's use of caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad in a class on freedom of expression. Muslims believe that any depiction of the Prophet is blasphemous.

Muslims at a mosque in a Paris suburb held a minute of silence led by vocal Imam Hussen Chalghoumi after Friday (October 22) prayers to pay homage to a teacher beheaded for showing caricatures of Prophet Mohammad.

Muslims at a mosque in a Paris suburb held a minute of silence led by vocal Imam Hussen Chalghoumi after Friday (October 22) prayers to pay homage to a teacher beheaded for showing caricatures of Prophet Mohammad. Samuel Paty was murdered on October 16 in broad daylight outside his school in a middle-class Paris suburb by an 18-year-old of Chechen origin. Police shot the attacker dead. Paty's murder last week has prompted outrage in a country where the separation of church and state is fiercely defended by many. It has also exposed divisions in a society where a vocal minority in the Muslim community feels its practice of the religion is being targeted. Also read: Slain teacher 'martyr for freedom of expression, says French imam Chalghoumi, who has shown his support for Paty's showing of the caricatures in class, and who has spoken out against Islamism, was wearing a bulletproof vest on Friday. He said he has been wearing protection during big events for the past 10 years, as he had received death threats. "(The teacher) is a martyr for freedom of expression, and a wise man who has taught tolerance, civilisation, and respect for others," Chalghoumi said. "We need to end the victimisation discourse. We all have rights in France, like everyone else. Parents should tell their children about the good that exists in the Republic," he added, asserting,"If parents don't do that well they need to be punished." Also see: Paris attack: Locals gather to pray for the decapitated Parisian teacher There was a heavy police presence at the mosque on Friday, as Muslims went in to pray. Police were ordered to protect mosques in the cities of Bordeaux and Beziers in southwestern France, following threats or acts of violence. The teenager who killed Paty had sought to avenge his victim's use of caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad in a class on freedom of expression. Muslims believe that any depiction of the Prophet is blasphemous.

French mosque holds prayer in tribute to Samuel Paty

The killer of French history teacher Samuel Paty, who murdered for showing&nbsp;cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed in class, has contact&nbsp;with a Russian-speaking jihadist in Syria.

Seven people have been charged with being complicit in a "terrorist murder" after 18-year-old Chechen Abdullakh Anzorov beheaded Paty on the outskirts of Paris on Friday, including two teenagers who helped him identify the teacher.

France paid homage to Paty on Wednesday, with President Emmanuel Macron saying that the history and geography teacher had been slain by "cowards" for representing the secular, democratic values of the French Republic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-to-dissolve-pro-hamas-muslim-group-macron-vows-action-against-islamist-extremism-336882">France to dissolve pro-Hamas Muslim group; Macron vows action against Islamist extremism</a>

"Islamists want to take our future," Macron said. "They will never have it."

Traced to Idlib

Le Parisien newspaper reported on Thursday that Anzorov's suspected contact had been located through an IP address traced back to Idlib, a jihadist holdout in northwestern Syria.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-teachers-murderer-reportedly-paid-students-outside-school-to-identify-paty-336964">French teacher's murderer reportedly paid students outside school to identify Paty</a>

The teenagers who pointed out Paty to his killer in return for 300-350 euros ($356-$414) were charged late Wednesday over the killing. &nbsp;

The parent of one of Paty's students, who started the social media campaign against the teacher even though his daughter was not in class when the cartoons were shown, was also charged.

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Also charged was a known Islamist radical who helped the father stir up outrage against Paty.

The other three facing prosecutions are friends of Anzorov, one of who allegedly drove him to the scene of the crime while another accompanied him to purchase a weapon.

Two of them also face charges of being complicit in terrorist murder while the third was charged with a lesser offence, the anti-terrorist prosecutor's office said.

'Murdered for his teachings'&nbsp;

Paty, 47, became the target of an online hate campaign over his choice of lesson material -- the same images which unleashed a bloody assault by Islamist gunmen on the Paris offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in January 2015.

Police have carried out dozens of raids since the crime, while the government has ordered the six-month closure of a mosque outside Paris and dissolved the Sheikh Yassin Collective, a group they said supported Hamas.

The French government has also earmarked for dissolution more than 50 other organisations it accuses of having links to radical Islam.

Paty's beheading was the second knife attack in the name of avenging the Prophet Mohammed since a trial of alleged accomplices in the Charlie Hebdo attack started last month.

The killing has prompted an outpouring of emotion in France, with tens of thousands taking part in rallies countrywide in defence of free speech and the right to mock religion.

"We will not give up cartoons," Macron vowed at Wednesday's ceremony at the Sorbonne University in Paris.

An opinion poll by the Ifop institute on Thursday found that nearly 80 per cent of those questioned said it was appropriate for teachers to use cartoons making fun of religion in the classroom.

UNICEF director-general Audrey Azoulay on Thursday said that "a teacher has been murdered for his teachings".

Azoulay told a virtual education summit that she wanted to "pay tribute to this teacher, and all the other teachers in the world who take risks educating our children and young people".

The killer of French history teacher Samuel Paty, who murdered for showing cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed in class, has contact with a Russian-speaking jihadist in Syria.

The killer of French history teacher Samuel Paty, who murdered for showing cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed in class, has contact with a Russian-speaking jihadist in Syria. Seven people have been charged with being complicit in a "terrorist murder" after 18-year-old Chechen Abdullakh Anzorov beheaded Paty on the outskirts of Paris on Friday, including two teenagers who helped him identify the teacher. France paid homage to Paty on Wednesday, with President Emmanuel Macron saying that the history and geography teacher had been slain by "cowards" for representing the secular, democratic values of the French Republic. Also read: France to dissolve pro-Hamas Muslim group; Macron vows action against Islamist extremism "Islamists want to take our future," Macron said. "They will never have it." Traced to Idlib Le Parisien newspaper reported on Thursday that Anzorov's suspected contact had been located through an IP address traced back to Idlib, a jihadist holdout in northwestern Syria. Also read: French teacher's murderer reportedly paid students outside school to identify Paty The teenagers who pointed out Paty to his killer in return for 300-350 euros ($356-$414) were charged late Wednesday over the killing. The parent of one of Paty's students, who started the social media campaign against the teacher even though his daughter was not in class when the cartoons were shown, was also charged. Also charged was a known Islamist radical who helped the father stir up outrage against Paty. The other three facing prosecutions are friends of Anzorov, one of who allegedly drove him to the scene of the crime while another accompanied him to purchase a weapon. Two of them also face charges of being complicit in terrorist murder while the third was charged with a lesser offence, the anti-terrorist prosecutor's office said. 'Murdered for his teachings' Paty, 47, became the target of an online hate campaign over his choice of lesson material -- the same images which unleashed a bloody assault by Islamist gunmen on the Paris offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in January 2015. Police have carried out dozens of raids since the crime, while the government has ordered the six-month closure of a mosque outside Paris and dissolved the Sheikh Yassin Collective, a group they said supported Hamas. The French government has also earmarked for dissolution more than 50 other organisations it accuses of having links to radical Islam. Paty's beheading was the second knife attack in the name of avenging the Prophet Mohammed since a trial of alleged accomplices in the Charlie Hebdo attack started last month. The killing has prompted an outpouring of emotion in France, with tens of thousands taking part in rallies countrywide in defence of free speech and the right to mock religion. "We will not give up cartoons," Macron vowed at Wednesday's ceremony at the Sorbonne University in Paris. An opinion poll by the Ifop institute on Thursday found that nearly 80 per cent of those questioned said it was appropriate for teachers to use cartoons making fun of religion in the classroom. UNICEF director-general Audrey Azoulay on Thursday said that "a teacher has been murdered for his teachings". Azoulay told a virtual education summit that she wanted to "pay tribute to this teacher, and all the other teachers in the world who take risks educating our children and young people".

France teacher attack: Samuel Paty's killer had 'contact' with jihadist in Syria

Samuel Paty, the 47-year old history teacher beheaded by a suspected Islamist last week, will posthumously get France's highest award, the "Legion d'Honneur", education minister Jean-Michel Blanquer told BFM TV on Tuesday.

Paty was murdered on Friday in broad daylight outside his school in a middle-class Paris suburb by an 18-year-old of Chechen origin. Police shot the attacker dead.

The teenager sought to avenge his victim's use of caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad in a class on freedom of expression. Muslims believe that any depiction of the Prophet is blasphemous.

The murder shocked France, and carried echoes of the attack five years ago on the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. Public figures called the killing an attack on the Republic and on French values.

A national ceremony in honour of Paty will be held at Paris' Sorbonne university on Wednesday.

Samuel Paty, the 47-year old history teacher beheaded by a suspected Islamist last week, will posthumously get France's highest award, the "Legion d'Honneur", education minister Jean-Michel Blanquer told BFM TV on Tuesday.

Samuel Paty, the 47-year old history teacher beheaded by a suspected Islamist last week, will posthumously get France's highest award, the "Legion d'Honneur", education minister Jean-Michel Blanquer told BFM TV on Tuesday. Paty was murdered on Friday in broad daylight outside his school in a middle-class Paris suburb by an 18-year-old of Chechen origin. Police shot the attacker dead. The teenager sought to avenge his victim's use of caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad in a class on freedom of expression. Muslims believe that any depiction of the Prophet is blasphemous. The murder shocked France, and carried echoes of the attack five years ago on the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. Public figures called the killing an attack on the Republic and on French values. A national ceremony in honour of Paty will be held at Paris' Sorbonne university on Wednesday.

Paris teacher attack: Beheaded Samuel Paty will get France's highest honour

Two days after a Russian-born Islamist beheaded a teacher, the French government is preparing to expel 231 foreigners for suspected extremist religious beliefs. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fatwa-was-launched-against-beheaded-teacher-french-minister-336365">Also read | Fatwa was launched against beheaded teacher: French minister</a>

French history teacher Samuel Paty was beheaded on Friday outside his school in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, in the northern Paris suburbs, by an 18-year-old man who was subsequently shot dead by police.

The attacker, who witnesses said shouted “Allahu Akbar,” or “God is great” after beheading Paty, was shot dead by responding police officers. 
 
Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/paris-attack-locals-gather-to-pray-for-the-decapitated-parisian-teacher-336062">Paris attack: Locals gather to pray for the decapitated Parisian teacher</a>

Paty had shown his class cartoons published by the magazine Charlie Hebdo, which was attacked by Muslim extremists in 2015 over the caricatures — leaving 12 people dead and prompting massive demonstrations at the time.

The killing sparked outrage in France, and drew condemnation from President Emmanuel Macron and political parties.

France defines extremists as “people who, engaged in a process of radicalisation, are likely to want to go abroad to join terrorist groups or take part in terrorist activities.”

President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist government has been under pressure from conservative and far-right parties to take a tougher stance on non-nationals deemed to pose a security threat.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin asked local prefects to order the expulsions at a meeting on Sunday afternoon, according to the source and Europe 1.

Of the total number of suspects, 180 people are currently in prison and 51 were due to be arrested in the next hours, the police union source said.

Darmanin also asked his ministry’s services to examine more closely the requests of people wishing to obtain the status of refugee in France, the source said.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Two days after a Russian-born Islamist beheaded a teacher, the French government is preparing to expel 231 foreigners for suspected extremist religious beliefs. Also read | Fatwa was launched against beheaded teacher: French minister French history teacher Samuel Paty was beheaded on Friday outside his school in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, in the northern Paris suburbs, by an 18-year-old man who was subsequently shot dead by police.

Two days after a Russian-born Islamist beheaded a teacher, the French government is preparing to expel 231 foreigners for suspected extremist religious beliefs. Also read | Fatwa was launched against beheaded teacher: French minister French history teacher Samuel Paty was beheaded on Friday outside his school in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, in the northern Paris suburbs, by an 18-year-old man who was subsequently shot dead by police. The attacker, who witnesses said shouted “Allahu Akbar,” or “God is great” after beheading Paty, was shot dead by responding police officers. Also see| Paris attack: Locals gather to pray for the decapitated Parisian teacher Paty had shown his class cartoons published by the magazine Charlie Hebdo, which was attacked by Muslim extremists in 2015 over the caricatures — leaving 12 people dead and prompting massive demonstrations at the time. The killing sparked outrage in France, and drew condemnation from President Emmanuel Macron and political parties. France defines extremists as “people who, engaged in a process of radicalisation, are likely to want to go abroad to join terrorist groups or take part in terrorist activities.” President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist government has been under pressure from conservative and far-right parties to take a tougher stance on non-nationals deemed to pose a security threat. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin asked local prefects to order the expulsions at a meeting on Sunday afternoon, according to the source and Europe 1. Of the total number of suspects, 180 people are currently in prison and 51 were due to be arrested in the next hours, the police union source said. Darmanin also asked his ministry’s services to examine more closely the requests of people wishing to obtain the status of refugee in France, the source said. (With inputs from Reuters)

231 'radicalised' foreign nationals will be expelled from the country: France

French interior minister&nbsp;Gerald Darmanin said on Monday that a fatwa has been launched against&nbsp;the beheaded&nbsp;teacher who&nbsp;had shown caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed in class.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-president-macron-teacher-beheaded-as-he-talked-freedom-of-expression-336298/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

''The father of a schoolgirl and a known Islamist militant had urged the killing of a Samuel Patty, French history&nbsp;teacher,'' Darmanin said in an interview.

"They apparently launched a fatwa against the teacher," minister Gerald Darmanin told a radio channel.

He added that&nbsp;over 80 investigations had been launched for online hate speech following the killing of the teacher, who had been the target of vitriolic attacks on the internet.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Pas une minute de répit pour les ennemis de la République. 
 
👉+ de 80 enquêtes ouvertes pour haine en ligne suite à l’attentat de vendredi. 
👉 51 structures associatives verront toute la semaine des visites des services de l’Etat et plusieurs d’entres elles seront dissoutes. <a href="https://t.co/r7F8UOTHJH">pic.twitter.com/r7F8UOTHJH</a>
— Gérald DARMANIN (@GDarmanin) <a href="https://twitter.com/GDarmanin/status/1318085682028490752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the&nbsp;French police on Monday raided the homes of "dozens" of Islamist militants three days after the decapitation.&nbsp;

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/paris-attack-locals-gather-to-pray-for-the-decapitated-parisian-teacher-336062">Paris attack: Locals gather to pray for the decapitated Parisian teacher</a>

Earlier, thousands of people gathered across France on Sunday to support teachers and defend freedom of expression.

His assailant was shot dead by French police as they tried to arrest him, police and prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said they were treating the incident as "a murder linked to a terrorist organisation" and related to a "criminal association with terrorists". An anti-terror probe has been launched into the incident.

The assault happened on the outskirts of Paris at around 5 pm (1500 GMT) near a school in Conflans Saint-Honorine, a western suburb of the French capital.

The attack comes only days after a follower of the Islamic State militant group who attacked a police officer outside Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris with a hammer was sentenced to 28 years in jail.

The allegations are similar to charges brought last month against a 25-year old Pakistani man who wounded two people in a meat cleaver attack to avenge the publication of caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed by the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo.

French interior minister Gerald Darmanin said on Monday that a fatwa has been launched against the beheaded teacher who had shown caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed in class.

French interior minister Gerald Darmanin said on Monday that a fatwa has been launched against the beheaded teacher who had shown caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed in class. ''The father of a schoolgirl and a known Islamist militant had urged the killing of a Samuel Patty, French history teacher,'' Darmanin said in an interview. "They apparently launched a fatwa against the teacher," minister Gerald Darmanin told a radio channel. He added that over 80 investigations had been launched for online hate speech following the killing of the teacher, who had been the target of vitriolic attacks on the internet. Pas une minute de répit pour les ennemis de la République. 👉+ de 80 enquêtes ouvertes pour haine en ligne suite à l’attentat de vendredi. 👉 51 structures associatives verront toute la semaine des visites des services de l’Etat et plusieurs d’entres elles seront dissoutes. pic.twitter.com/r7F8UOTHJH — Gérald DARMANIN (@GDarmanin) October 19, 2020 × Meanwhile, the French police on Monday raided the homes of "dozens" of Islamist militants three days after the decapitation. Also see| Paris attack: Locals gather to pray for the decapitated Parisian teacher Earlier, thousands of people gathered across France on Sunday to support teachers and defend freedom of expression. His assailant was shot dead by French police as they tried to arrest him, police and prosecutors said. Prosecutors said they were treating the incident as "a murder linked to a terrorist organisation" and related to a "criminal association with terrorists". An anti-terror probe has been launched into the incident. The assault happened on the outskirts of Paris at around 5 pm (1500 GMT) near a school in Conflans Saint-Honorine, a western suburb of the French capital. The attack comes only days after a follower of the Islamic State militant group who attacked a police officer outside Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris with a hammer was sentenced to 28 years in jail. The allegations are similar to charges brought last month against a 25-year old Pakistani man who wounded two people in a meat cleaver attack to avenge the publication of caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed by the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo.

Fatwa was launched against beheaded teacher: French minister

In France, several hundred teachers gather in front of the rectorate in Rennes, Brittany, to pay tribute to the history teacher beheaded in a Paris suburb by a young Chechen Russian man.

French teacher beheaded: Students recall history teacher as being king, Teachers pay tribute

Streets of Paris and eight big cities wore a deserted look as people refrained from Saturday night partying in light of coronavirus curfew that was newly brought into effect. The curfew is being enforced to stem a second wave of coronavirus infection that has been causing a record daily number of new cases.

"On Saturday night we used to go out all the time. We organised many things and now that's over. At 9 p.m. we must go home. That's the time when we used to go out," 22-year old Jeanne Baudin, said while sitting on a terrace with friends.

French President Emmanuel Macron last week ordered nightly curfews in cities where the coronavirus was the most active, saying it was spreading at parties and private gatherings and action was needed or else hospitals risked being overwhelmed. Under the new curfew rules citizens in the cities will not be allowed to come outdoors between 9 pm and 6 am each night.

Surveys have revealed that people largely support the new restrictions. But restaurant managers have cautioned about possible losses to the sector that has already taken a hit owing to previous lockdowns.

"There will surely be employees who will lose their jobs, several restaurants will go bankrupt," said Stefano Anselmo, 44, manager of Italian restaurant Bianco in Paris. "It's a disaster." He was quoted by Reuters.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chechen-accused-in-france-beheading-no-longer-had-links-with-russia-embassy-says-336080">Chechen accused in France beheading no longer had links with Russia, embassy says</a>

However, public opinion seems to be for restrictions.

"For restaurateurs I understand that it is difficult but there is a moment when it is necessary to make a balance between public health and economic health," Bastien Delaunay, a 22-year-old law student told Reuters.

The curfews will last four weeks.

(With Reuters inputs) 
&nbsp;

Streets of Paris and eight big cities wore a deserted look as people refrained from Saturday night partying in light of coronavirus curfew that was newly brought into effect.

Streets of Paris and eight big cities wore a deserted look as people refrained from Saturday night partying in light of coronavirus curfew that was newly brought into effect. The curfew is being enforced to stem a second wave of coronavirus infection that has been causing a record daily number of new cases. "On Saturday night we used to go out all the time. We organised many things and now that's over. At 9 p.m. we must go home. That's the time when we used to go out," 22-year old Jeanne Baudin, said while sitting on a terrace with friends. French President Emmanuel Macron last week ordered nightly curfews in cities where the coronavirus was the most active, saying it was spreading at parties and private gatherings and action was needed or else hospitals risked being overwhelmed. Under the new curfew rules citizens in the cities will not be allowed to come outdoors between 9 pm and 6 am each night. Surveys have revealed that people largely support the new restrictions. But restaurant managers have cautioned about possible losses to the sector that has already taken a hit owing to previous lockdowns. "There will surely be employees who will lose their jobs, several restaurants will go bankrupt," said Stefano Anselmo, 44, manager of Italian restaurant Bianco in Paris. "It's a disaster." He was quoted by Reuters. Also Read | Chechen accused in France beheading no longer had links with Russia, embassy says However, public opinion seems to be for restrictions. "For restaurateurs I understand that it is difficult but there is a moment when it is necessary to make a balance between public health and economic health," Bastien Delaunay, a 22-year-old law student told Reuters. The curfews will last four weeks. (With Reuters inputs)

No party: Paris streets deserted on Saturday night as curfew kicks in

Terror struck France, this time with the gruesome beheading of a history teacher in a street in a Paris suburb. The suspected attacker was shot and killed by police.

History teacher beheaded in France: Teacher showed Prophet caricatures

A history teacher had been beheaded in France after discussing caricatures of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad in class. The suspected attacker was shot and killed by police.

Teacher beheaded in Paris; Macron calls it Islamist terrorist attack

Former French&nbsp;president Nicolas&nbsp;Sarkozy has been charged over&nbsp;financing his 2007 election campaign with money from late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, according to&nbsp;prosecutors.

The move made Sarkozy, who ruled from 2007 to 2012 and is still an influential behind-the-scenes player on the political right, the target of an inquiry into alleged cash handovers and wire transfers between Tripoli and Paris in the months before he won power.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sarkozy-mounts-fightback-in-libya-probe-36848">Sarkozy mounts fightback in Libya probe</a>

It marked a dramatic acceleration in an inquiry that had largely faded in the news since it was opened five years ago, shortly after the 63-year-old left office.

Sarkozy, who has persistently denied claims that he accepted millions of euros from Gaddafi, some of it delivered in cash-stuffed suitcases, had&nbsp;vowed to clear his name, even if it takes years.

"We have the right to appeal. I will appeal these judicial restrictions," his lawyer Thierry Herzog told RTL radio, saying he believed the measures were aimed at humiliating the rightwinger.

After two days of questioning in police custody over allegations that first surfaced during a French-led intervention in Libya in 2011, Sarkozy was charged with corruption, illegal campaign financing and concealment of Libyan public money.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-sarkozy-told-he-suspected-of-taking-gaddafi-election-money-36674">France's Sarkozy told he is suspected of taking Gaddafi election money</a>

Judges had barred Sarkozy from travelling to four countries including Libya and forbade him from talking to nine other people caught up in the five-year investigation, including two former ministers.&nbsp;

Among those he is banned from meeting are former interior minister Claude Gueant -- who is suspected of receiving some of the cash -- and former Brice Hortefeux, a close friend who held several senior posts in Sarkozy's administration.

Sarkozy had&nbsp;been released from police custody but put under judicial supervision.&nbsp;In French legal jargon, he was officially "placed under investigation" - a step judicial investigators can take if they have serious grounds for suspecting an offence. Being placed under investigation often but not always leads to trial.

It was the second major investigation for Sarkozy, who also faced charges of illicit campaign spending overruns during his failed re-election bid in 2012.

The latest case concerns accusations by a Franco-Lebanese businessman, Ziad Takieddine, who says he helped funnel 5 million euros ($6 million) from Gaddafi's intelligence chief to Sarkozy's campaign chief ahead of the 2007 election.

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been charged over financing his 2007 election campaign with money from late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, according to prosecutors.

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been charged over financing his 2007 election campaign with money from late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, according to prosecutors. The move made Sarkozy, who ruled from 2007 to 2012 and is still an influential behind-the-scenes player on the political right, the target of an inquiry into alleged cash handovers and wire transfers between Tripoli and Paris in the months before he won power. Also read: Sarkozy mounts fightback in Libya probe It marked a dramatic acceleration in an inquiry that had largely faded in the news since it was opened five years ago, shortly after the 63-year-old left office. Sarkozy, who has persistently denied claims that he accepted millions of euros from Gaddafi, some of it delivered in cash-stuffed suitcases, had vowed to clear his name, even if it takes years. "We have the right to appeal. I will appeal these judicial restrictions," his lawyer Thierry Herzog told RTL radio, saying he believed the measures were aimed at humiliating the rightwinger. After two days of questioning in police custody over allegations that first surfaced during a French-led intervention in Libya in 2011, Sarkozy was charged with corruption, illegal campaign financing and concealment of Libyan public money. Also read: France's Sarkozy told he is suspected of taking Gaddafi election money Judges had barred Sarkozy from travelling to four countries including Libya and forbade him from talking to nine other people caught up in the five-year investigation, including two former ministers. Among those he is banned from meeting are former interior minister Claude Gueant -- who is suspected of receiving some of the cash -- and former Brice Hortefeux, a close friend who held several senior posts in Sarkozy's administration. Sarkozy had been released from police custody but put under judicial supervision. In French legal jargon, he was officially "placed under investigation" - a step judicial investigators can take if they have serious grounds for suspecting an offence. Being placed under investigation often but not always leads to trial. It was the second major investigation for Sarkozy, who also faced charges of illicit campaign spending overruns during his failed re-election bid in 2012. The latest case concerns accusations by a Franco-Lebanese businessman, Ziad Takieddine, who says he helped funnel 5 million euros ($6 million) from Gaddafi's intelligence chief to Sarkozy's campaign chief ahead of the 2007 election.

Former France president Sarkozy charged over Libyan campaign financing

A police station in suburban Paris came under attack by about 40 unidentified people on Saturday night (local time). The mob was armed with metal bars and it was using fireworks as mortars. People wanted to enter the police station but were not able to do so. &nbsp;

"Violent attack last night on the police station of Champigny with mortar shots and various projectiles. No police officer was injured," the Paris police headquarters said on Twitter.

The police station is located in Champigny-Sur-Marne, about 15 km southeast of central Paris.

The police posted a video of the attack. The video showed a barrage of fireworks going off in the direction of the police station.

"It was an organised attack of about 40 people who wanted to do battle," Champigny Mayor Laurent Jeanne told BFM. "For a few days it has been tense with people who have a certain willingness to do battle with the police. It`s anti-police sentiment. We weren`t far off from a disaster."

There were no arrests.

A spate of public safety incidents across France since the end of the COVID-19 lockdown in mid-May has put the government on heightened alert for increases in crime amid the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.

President Emmanuel Macron, who faces a presidential election in less than two years, has been criticised by opponents over crime and public safety since he took power in 2017 and opinion polls show that the public see his government as weakest on those issues.

(With Reuters inputs)

A police station in suburban Paris came under attack by about 40 unidentified people on Saturday night (local time). The mob was armed with metal bars and it was using fireworks as mortars.

A police station in suburban Paris came under attack by about 40 unidentified people on Saturday night (local time). The mob was armed with metal bars and it was using fireworks as mortars. People wanted to enter the police station but were not able to do so. "Violent attack last night on the police station of Champigny with mortar shots and various projectiles. No police officer was injured," the Paris police headquarters said on Twitter. The police station is located in Champigny-Sur-Marne, about 15 km southeast of central Paris. The police posted a video of the attack. The video showed a barrage of fireworks going off in the direction of the police station. "It was an organised attack of about 40 people who wanted to do battle," Champigny Mayor Laurent Jeanne told BFM. "For a few days it has been tense with people who have a certain willingness to do battle with the police. It`s anti-police sentiment. We weren`t far off from a disaster." There were no arrests. A spate of public safety incidents across France since the end of the COVID-19 lockdown in mid-May has put the government on heightened alert for increases in crime amid the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. President Emmanuel Macron, who faces a presidential election in less than two years, has been criticised by opponents over crime and public safety since he took power in 2017 and opinion polls show that the public see his government as weakest on those issues. (With Reuters inputs)

Mob of 40 attacks police station in Paris suburb

A France startup puts recycled hair to good use, Chateau of Versailles turns into a salon. Watch this report to get more on this!

Chateau of Versailles turn into a salon: Startup puts recycled hair to good use

The French President wants to monitor foreign funding to mosques and introduce a certificate program for French imams. WION's Palki tells you how Macron's plans could become a template for Europe.

Gravitas: Emmanuel Macron's plan to 'reorganise' Islam

Region near French-Italian border is battling floods as storm Alex hit the area on Saturday. The storm has caused heavy flooding. The floods have damaged homes and swept away roads. Storm Alex ravaged several villages around Nice on the French Riviera.

Meteo France said that 450mm (17.7 inches) of rain was recorded over 24 hours in some areas, which is the equivalent of close to four months of rain at this time of the year.

A fireman died and 19 people were missing in France and Italy

Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi called it the worst flooding disaster in the area for more than a century after flying over the worst-hit area by helicopter.

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&nbsp;

"The roads and about 100 houses were swept away or partially destroyed," he told French news channel BFM.

At least eight people were missing in France, authorities said. These included two firemen whose vehicle was carried away by a swollen river, according to local witnesses cited by several French media.

A fireman was killed by a falling tree in the Valle d'Aosta region, while three people travelling in a van were swept away by floodwaters in Val Roya on the border with France.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/storm-alex-batters-southeastern-france-several-go-missing-332251">Storm Alex batters southeastern France, several go missing</a> 
 
Six German trekkers were among the missing after failing to return from a trip in the mountains in the province of Cuneo.

In northwest Italy, several roads and bridges have been swept away.

Eric Ciotti, a member of French parliament who is from one of the worst affected villages in the area, Saint-Martin-Vésubie, said several villages were cut off as they are located in steep-sided valleys of the mountainous region.

Lockdown in Paris

France is having to battle floods just as it moves to impose lockdown to contain coronavirus. Although French President Emmanuel Macron has said that there would not be any nationwide lockdown,&nbsp;

Health Minister Olivier Veran said on Thursday the Paris region was set to be placed on maximum COVID-19 alert from as soon as Monday as cases rise.

Veran said the Paris region had passed all three of the government’s criteria for being put on the highest level of alert. In the past 24 hours, the coronavirus infection rate had surpassed 250 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

(With agency inputs)

Region near French-Italian border is battling floods as storm Alex hit the area on Saturday. The storm has caused heavy flooding. The floods have damaged homes and swept away roads.

Region near French-Italian border is battling floods as storm Alex hit the area on Saturday. The storm has caused heavy flooding. The floods have damaged homes and swept away roads. Storm Alex ravaged several villages around Nice on the French Riviera. Meteo France said that 450mm (17.7 inches) of rain was recorded over 24 hours in some areas, which is the equivalent of close to four months of rain at this time of the year. A fireman died and 19 people were missing in France and Italy Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi called it the worst flooding disaster in the area for more than a century after flying over the worst-hit area by helicopter. × "The roads and about 100 houses were swept away or partially destroyed," he told French news channel BFM. At least eight people were missing in France, authorities said. These included two firemen whose vehicle was carried away by a swollen river, according to local witnesses cited by several French media. A fireman was killed by a falling tree in the Valle d'Aosta region, while three people travelling in a van were swept away by floodwaters in Val Roya on the border with France. Also Read | Storm Alex batters southeastern France, several go missing Six German trekkers were among the missing after failing to return from a trip in the mountains in the province of Cuneo. In northwest Italy, several roads and bridges have been swept away. Eric Ciotti, a member of French parliament who is from one of the worst affected villages in the area, Saint-Martin-Vésubie, said several villages were cut off as they are located in steep-sided valleys of the mountainous region. Lockdown in Paris France is having to battle floods just as it moves to impose lockdown to contain coronavirus. Although French President Emmanuel Macron has said that there would not be any nationwide lockdown, Health Minister Olivier Veran said on Thursday the Paris region was set to be placed on maximum COVID-19 alert from as soon as Monday as cases rise. Veran said the Paris region had passed all three of the government’s criteria for being put on the highest level of alert. In the past 24 hours, the coronavirus infection rate had surpassed 250 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. (With agency inputs)

France battles floods, Paris stares at COVID-19 lockdown

A Pakistan-born teenager has admitted to stabbing two people with a meat cleaver outside the former Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo magazine

Paris knife attack suspect is of Pakistani origin

Hijab (veil) has been a topic of much debate in France for a long time. Those who oppose it say that it is emblematic of women's oppression and has no place in the liberal French society. Those who favour choice argue that what a woman chooses to wear out of her free will is not anybody else's business. The debate has taken a centrestage yet again and both sides are locking horns once again. Two incidents rekindled the war of words that has been going on for decades.

Last week, a member of French President Emmanuel Macron walked out of National Assembly after she noticed that one of the students present for the hearing was donning a veil

“As a Member of Parliament and a feminist, committed to Republican values, to laicite and women’s rights, I cannot accept someone who enters a National Assembly hearing wearing a hijab, which for me remains a mark of submission,” read the translation of Anne-Christine Lang's tweet in French. She posted the tweet shortly after leaving the hearing mid-session.

Maryam Pougetoux, the 21-year-old student was attending the hearing as a representative of a student's union that and was part of a discussion on shielding young people from Covid-19.

Lang, the leader from Macron's party received support as well as criticism from across the political spectrum.

Another incident prepared the ground for comeback of debate over hijab in French society. A French journalist attempted to connect a food video made by a woman in hijab with terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

The journalist, from a right-leaning newspaper Le Figaro magazine received flak for turning a simple food blog into a political debate.

In France, wearing a hijab is banned in schools and for public servants at their workplace.

Other than hijab, burkini is something that has had people arguing with each other in France. In 2016, when French police made a woman remove a burkini she was wearing on a beach in Nice, the incident was met with incredulity, outrage on one side and insistence on adherence to law on the other. Nice, at that time, had banned the burkini.

Hijab (veil) has been a topic of much debate in France for a long time. Those who oppose it say that it is emblematic of women's oppression and has no place in the liberal French society.

Hijab (veil) has been a topic of much debate in France for a long time. Those who oppose it say that it is emblematic of women's oppression and has no place in the liberal French society. Those who favour choice argue that what a woman chooses to wear out of her free will is not anybody else's business. The debate has taken a centrestage yet again and both sides are locking horns once again. Two incidents rekindled the war of words that has been going on for decades. Last week, a member of French President Emmanuel Macron walked out of National Assembly after she noticed that one of the students present for the hearing was donning a veil “As a Member of Parliament and a feminist, committed to Republican values, to laicite and women’s rights, I cannot accept someone who enters a National Assembly hearing wearing a hijab, which for me remains a mark of submission,” read the translation of Anne-Christine Lang's tweet in French. She posted the tweet shortly after leaving the hearing mid-session. Maryam Pougetoux, the 21-year-old student was attending the hearing as a representative of a student's union that and was part of a discussion on shielding young people from Covid-19. Lang, the leader from Macron's party received support as well as criticism from across the political spectrum. Another incident prepared the ground for comeback of debate over hijab in French society. A French journalist attempted to connect a food video made by a woman in hijab with terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The journalist, from a right-leaning newspaper Le Figaro magazine received flak for turning a simple food blog into a political debate. In France, wearing a hijab is banned in schools and for public servants at their workplace. Other than hijab, burkini is something that has had people arguing with each other in France. In 2016, when French police made a woman remove a burkini she was wearing on a beach in Nice, the incident was met with incredulity, outrage on one side and insistence on adherence to law on the other. Nice, at that time, had banned the burkini.

In France, fierce debate over hijab begins again

Yellow vest protests' made a comeback in France as protesters tussled with police on streets of Paris on Saturday. The police fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and made arrests. More than 250 protesters were arrested by the police on Saturday.

Yellow vest protests hit global headlines in late 2018 as protesters wearing yellow jackets/ shirts took to streets in France. The protesters showed their anger against fuel taxes and cost of living.

The anti-government protests were curbed by coronavirus lockdown this year.

By midday on Saturday, hundreds of demonstrators had gathered at the starting points of two authorised marches in Paris.

While one cortege proceeded without incident, the other march was aborted as police clashed with groups who left the designated route and set fire to waste bins and a car.

Some protesters wore black clothes and carried the flag of an anti-fascist movement, suggesting the presence of radical demonstrators dubbed “black blocks” often blamed for violence at street marches in France.

The police repeatedly used tear gas to counter small groups of roaming protesters, before they dispersed towards the end of the afternoon.

Police had made 256 arrests by 6 p.m. (1600 GMT), with many for carrying items like tools that could be used as weapons.

Yellow vest protests' made a comeback in France as protesters tussled with police on streets of Paris on Saturday. The police fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and made arrests.

Yellow vest protests' made a comeback in France as protesters tussled with police on streets of Paris on Saturday. The police fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and made arrests. More than 250 protesters were arrested by the police on Saturday. Yellow vest protests hit global headlines in late 2018 as protesters wearing yellow jackets/ shirts took to streets in France. The protesters showed their anger against fuel taxes and cost of living. The anti-government protests were curbed by coronavirus lockdown this year. By midday on Saturday, hundreds of demonstrators had gathered at the starting points of two authorised marches in Paris. While one cortege proceeded without incident, the other march was aborted as police clashed with groups who left the designated route and set fire to waste bins and a car. Some protesters wore black clothes and carried the flag of an anti-fascist movement, suggesting the presence of radical demonstrators dubbed “black blocks” often blamed for violence at street marches in France. The police repeatedly used tear gas to counter small groups of roaming protesters, before they dispersed towards the end of the afternoon. Police had made 256 arrests by 6 p.m. (1600 GMT), with many for carrying items like tools that could be used as weapons.

'Yellow vest protests' make comeback in France, police fire tear gas to disperse crowd

France has reported more than 20 killings of&nbsp;horses and many more injuries in recent weeks, in a campaign of attacks on the animals that appears to have begun at the start of the year and accelerated last month.

A 50-year-old jobless man was arrested in eastern France as part of an investigation into a spate of killings and mutilations of&nbsp;horses across the country.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin and Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie on Monday&nbsp;reassured&nbsp;horse&nbsp;breeders as inquiries into attacks mount.

Over the past weeks the country has been shocked by a succession of mutilations of over 150 horses that have seen ears sliced off, genitals cut and skin lacerated.

However, the&nbsp;motivation for&nbsp;the perpetrators remains a mystery. Hatred of animals? Inspiration by a warped sect? A macabre challenge spreading on social media? Or might the causes sometimes be natural?&nbsp;

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Investigators have no firm leads. According to the authorities, the attacks are by multiple perpetrators whose methods vary nationwide, further complicating the picture.

The issue of cattle mutilation dates back to&nbsp;1606 when&nbsp;mysterious livestock deaths were first documented. Sheep, horses, cats, dogs, and many more have been victims of such heinous acts ever since.

Nearly 100 sheeps were slaughtered in the London and thousands of cow murders have happened in the US since the 1970s.

The FBI conducted investigations on cattle mutilation in the US midwest but the truth remains elusive till date.

But for countries like China, animal cruelty is a celebration. For instance, every year, three thousand dogs are butchered and boiled alive at the Yulin dog eating festival where they are erved as some freak-show culinary delicacy.

France has reported more than 20 killings of horses and many more injuries in recent weeks, in a campaign of attacks on the animals that appears to have begun at the start of the year and accelerated last month.

France has reported more than 20 killings of horses and many more injuries in recent weeks, in a campaign of attacks on the animals that appears to have begun at the start of the year and accelerated last month. A 50-year-old jobless man was arrested in eastern France as part of an investigation into a spate of killings and mutilations of horses across the country. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin and Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie on Monday reassured horse breeders as inquiries into attacks mount. Over the past weeks the country has been shocked by a succession of mutilations of over 150 horses that have seen ears sliced off, genitals cut and skin lacerated. However, the motivation for the perpetrators remains a mystery. Hatred of animals? Inspiration by a warped sect? A macabre challenge spreading on social media? Or might the causes sometimes be natural? × Investigators have no firm leads. According to the authorities, the attacks are by multiple perpetrators whose methods vary nationwide, further complicating the picture. The issue of cattle mutilation dates back to 1606 when mysterious livestock deaths were first documented. Sheep, horses, cats, dogs, and many more have been victims of such heinous acts ever since. Nearly 100 sheeps were slaughtered in the London and thousands of cow murders have happened in the US since the 1970s. The FBI conducted investigations on cattle mutilation in the US midwest but the truth remains elusive till date. But for countries like China, animal cruelty is a celebration. For instance, every year, three thousand dogs are butchered and boiled alive at the Yulin dog eating festival where they are erved as some freak-show culinary delicacy.

Horses in France falling prey to grisly mutilations

French President Macron has set an example by upholding free speech. A day after Charlie Hebdo republished controversial cartoons of the Prophet, Macron said the French have the Right to Blaspheme.

Gravitas: The Charlie Hebdo trial

&nbsp;France&nbsp;reported 7,379 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Friday, the most since lockdown, in what the health ministry described as an exponential surge just days before millions of children are due to return to school for the first time since March.

The daily tally was just shy of the record 7,578 high set on March 31, at the peak of an initial wave of COVID-19 infections that paralysed Europe. The surge has raised the possibility that the government could be forced to shut the country down again.

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"We're doing everything to avoid another lockdown, and in particular a nationwide lockdown," President Emmanuel Macron told journalists earlier on Friday. He added it would be dangerous to rule out any scenario.

In a weekly review of the pandemic, the health ministry said the country was seeing an "exponential progression of virus transmission".

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/paris-plages-seines-open-air-cinema-creates-magic-for-french-movie-lovers-314930">Paris Plages: Seine's open-air cinema creates magic for French movie lovers</a>

Like other hard-hit western European countries,&nbsp;France&nbsp;imposed a sudden and strict lockdown in March, during which most residents were confined to their homes. The restrictions were gradually lifted from May 11 after infections sharply dropped.

The authorities are now searching for ways to limit the spread of the disease without a new lockdown. On Friday, Parisians were ordered to wear masks at all times outdoors in the capital.

The reopening of schools on Tuesday next week has been widely anticipated as a major step back towards normality. More than 12 million children will return to school, most for the first time in more than five months.

So far, the rapid increase in case numbers has yet to lead to a similar surge in hospitalisations or deaths. The ministry reported 20 new COVID-19 deaths on Friday, raising the cumulative total to 30,596. The number of people in hospital with the disease was unchanged at 4,535 and the number in intensive care rose by six to 387.

Authorities say the virus is now spreading among younger people who are less likely to show severe symptoms.

Two weeks after&nbsp;France's lockdown ended on May 11, the number of daily new infections fell to a low of 115 and a seven-day average low of 272. But as the country gradually reopened restaurants, museums and shopping malls, the number of new confirmed cases rose to about 500 per day by the end of June.

That doubled to around 1,000 per day by the end of July, doubled again to around 2,000 by mid-August, and surged above 5,000 this week.

France reported 7,379 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Friday, the most since lockdown, in what the health ministry described as an exponential surge just days before millions of children are due to return to school for the first time since March.

France reported 7,379 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Friday, the most since lockdown, in what the health ministry described as an exponential surge just days before millions of children are due to return to school for the first time since March. The daily tally was just shy of the record 7,578 high set on March 31, at the peak of an initial wave of COVID-19 infections that paralysed Europe. The surge has raised the possibility that the government could be forced to shut the country down again. "We're doing everything to avoid another lockdown, and in particular a nationwide lockdown," President Emmanuel Macron told journalists earlier on Friday. He added it would be dangerous to rule out any scenario. In a weekly review of the pandemic, the health ministry said the country was seeing an "exponential progression of virus transmission". Also see: Paris Plages: Seine's open-air cinema creates magic for French movie lovers Like other hard-hit western European countries, France imposed a sudden and strict lockdown in March, during which most residents were confined to their homes. The restrictions were gradually lifted from May 11 after infections sharply dropped. The authorities are now searching for ways to limit the spread of the disease without a new lockdown. On Friday, Parisians were ordered to wear masks at all times outdoors in the capital. The reopening of schools on Tuesday next week has been widely anticipated as a major step back towards normality. More than 12 million children will return to school, most for the first time in more than five months. So far, the rapid increase in case numbers has yet to lead to a similar surge in hospitalisations or deaths. The ministry reported 20 new COVID-19 deaths on Friday, raising the cumulative total to 30,596. The number of people in hospital with the disease was unchanged at 4,535 and the number in intensive care rose by six to 387. Authorities say the virus is now spreading among younger people who are less likely to show severe symptoms. Two weeks after France's lockdown ended on May 11, the number of daily new infections fell to a low of 115 and a seven-day average low of 272. But as the country gradually reopened restaurants, museums and shopping malls, the number of new confirmed cases rose to about 500 per day by the end of June. That doubled to around 1,000 per day by the end of July, doubled again to around 2,000 by mid-August, and surged above 5,000 this week.

France sees nearly 7,400 new daily coronavirus cases in exponential surge

Britain on Saturday urged France to get tougher on stopping migrants using the Channel to reach the UK, with one minister saying the crossings were "unacceptably high".

The call came after Border Force figures showed 96 migrants were intercepted by police on Friday.

Twenty four hours earlier, official figures showed at least 202 migrants managed to cross to Britain in 20 boats, a single-day record.

"The number of illegal small boat crossings we are seeing from France is unacceptably high," said immigration compliance minister Chris Philp.

"And migrants continue to arrive in Calais to make the crossing. The French have to take tougher action."

Earlier this month, the interior ministers of France and Britain signed an agreement to create a new joint police intelligence unit to combat migrant traffickers and reduce the number of illegal Channel crossings.

Reports claim that more than 3,400 people have made the crossing so far this year.

In 2019, 2,758 migrants were rescued by the French and British authorities while trying to make the crossing, four times more than in 2018, according to French officials.

Britain on Saturday urged France to get tougher on stopping migrants using the Channel to reach the UK, with one minister saying the crossings were "unacceptably high".

Britain on Saturday urged France to get tougher on stopping migrants using the Channel to reach the UK, with one minister saying the crossings were "unacceptably high". The call came after Border Force figures showed 96 migrants were intercepted by police on Friday. Twenty four hours earlier, official figures showed at least 202 migrants managed to cross to Britain in 20 boats, a single-day record. "The number of illegal small boat crossings we are seeing from France is unacceptably high," said immigration compliance minister Chris Philp. "And migrants continue to arrive in Calais to make the crossing. The French have to take tougher action." Earlier this month, the interior ministers of France and Britain signed an agreement to create a new joint police intelligence unit to combat migrant traffickers and reduce the number of illegal Channel crossings. Reports claim that more than 3,400 people have made the crossing so far this year. In 2019, 2,758 migrants were rescued by the French and British authorities while trying to make the crossing, four times more than in 2018, according to French officials.

UK urges France for 'tougher action' on Channel migrants

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