As a second lockdown appeared inevitable amid skyrocketing coronavirus infections, the scientists advising the French government in October warned that keeping students in their classrooms meant it would take longer to tame the surge.

The government kept the schools open anyway, even as the country became an epicenter of the second wave of the coronavirus in Europe. French leaders decided that they would try to subdue the surge, while also trying to minimize economic and academic damage by keeping children learning where they do it best: in school.

Five weeks into a second nationwide lockdown, France, like much of Europe, has proved that it is possible to bring the rate of known infections down, even with schools open.

It is a lesson that has been taken up late in the United States, where Chicago, Boston, San Francisco and other cities, have made it a priority to keep bars and restaurants open — though not necessarily for indoor service or at full capacity — even as they have closed their schools.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-thought-it-could-reverse-globalisation-but-its-still-bleeding-jobs-346524">France thought it could reverse globalisation, but it’s still bleeding jobs</a>

Many European countries, including France, have made the opposite choice: keeping schools open but closing restaurants and bars.

In France, 11% of coronavirus tests are coming back positive but students have kept going to school, while New York City shut its public schools on Nov. 19, after the positive test rate reached 3%.

But recent studies have shown that young children, at least, are low transmitters of the virus, and at least some U.S. officials are reconsidering their approach: Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York abruptly decided Sunday to reopen elementary schools while keeping upper grades closed, and other districts around the country have made or announced similar moves.

Allowing schools to remain open has been one of the most significant departures from Europe’s initial lockdowns last spring.

“The first lockdown was horrible,” said Marine Huguenin, who was watching her two daughters play at a Paris park, which was filled with strollers and masked parents after school on a recent afternoon.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-in-europe-crosses-400000-as-germany-mulls-extending-partial-lockdown-till-early-spring-346074">Coronavirus death toll in Europe crosses 400,000 as Germany mulls extending partial lockdown till early spring</a>

During the earlier lockdown, the entire family was stuck inside, she said, with Huguenin and her husband looking after their children during the day, then catching up on work between 9:30 p.m. and 1 a.m.

The numbers tell the story of France’s progress so far. In early November, the number of new cases in France in a seven-day period soared to more than 80 per 100,000 people; as of Sunday it had dropped to 17 per 100,000.

“Obviously, the decline has been slower because schools are open, but we had to find a middle ground,” said Yazdan Yazdanpanah, an infectious disease specialist and a member of France’s Scientific Council, which advises the government on the pandemic. But, he added, the slower drop in infections has been offset by positive effects on education, mental health and the economy.

The trade-off has been generally well-accepted in an otherwise contentious lockdown during which an increasing number of people have challenged restrictions on movement and business.

In Paris, keeping schools open has shifted the mood in a city that lived through one of the world’s strictest lockdowns in the spring.

At the time, Paris felt like a ghost town, with every inch of the city — from small residential streets to the Champs-Élysées — deserted. This time, things seem much nearer to normal. Chairs are stacked inside closed cafes and restaurants. But neighborhoods come to life in the mornings and afternoons as parents take their children to and from school, and older students linger on sidewalks with studied indifference.

Clusters have appeared in schools throughout France, though not in “worrying numbers,” said Yazdanpanah, the infectious disease specialist.

With classrooms open, parents have been able to focus on work at home or commute to their workplaces, which has helped blunt the second lockdown’s blow to the economy.

The Bank of France estimated that economic activity in November would be 12% below normal — far less than the 31% drop experienced in April.

Most European countries, including Britain, France, Germany and Spain, have kept schools open even as the continent remains among the worst-hit. A few countries, like Austria, the Czech Republic and Italy, have closed schools, in part or in full.

In France, as in much of the world, schools shut down during the first wave in the spring as scientists tried to figure out what role children played in transmitting the virus.

The country’s 12 million students in primary and secondary schools engaged in online learning, but soon, teachers and education officials warned that many children had fallen behind.

“It reinforced our conviction to keep the schools open, for education and social reasons,” said Sophie Vénétitay, a teacher and union official.

Meanwhile, new studies suggested that despite early fears, keeping schools open, while not without risk, could be relatively safe so long as rules to limit the spread of the virus were in place.

In August, a report released by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control said evidence “indicates that closures of child care and educational institutions are unlikely to be an effective single control measure for community transmission of COVID-19.”

Most studies on transmission now suggest that children younger than 10 spread the virus less efficiently than adults do, but that teenagers become infected and spread the virus just as much as adults. So keeping high schools open safely is trickier, especially if community transmission is high — making social distancing rules even more important.

After reining in the first wave of the epidemic, France saw infections begin rising again in August as people resumed socializing and the government failed to effectively carry out public health measures of testing, tracing and isolating.

By October, infections were skyrocketing across most of Europe.

But even after a warning from his scientific advisers, President Emmanuel Macron announced that France’s schools would remain open, as nonessential businesses were ordered closed. “Our children cannot be permanently deprived of instruction, education, contact with the school system,” he said.

As a second lockdown appeared inevitable amid skyrocketing coronavirus infections, the scientists advising the French government in October warned that keeping students in their classrooms meant it would take longer to tame the surge.

As a second lockdown appeared inevitable amid skyrocketing coronavirus infections, the scientists advising the French government in October warned that keeping students in their classrooms meant it would take longer to tame the surge. The government kept the schools open anyway, even as the country became an epicenter of the second wave of the coronavirus in Europe. French leaders decided that they would try to subdue the surge, while also trying to minimize economic and academic damage by keeping children learning where they do it best: in school. Five weeks into a second nationwide lockdown, France, like much of Europe, has proved that it is possible to bring the rate of known infections down, even with schools open. It is a lesson that has been taken up late in the United States, where Chicago, Boston, San Francisco and other cities, have made it a priority to keep bars and restaurants open — though not necessarily for indoor service or at full capacity — even as they have closed their schools. Also read| France thought it could reverse globalisation, but it’s still bleeding jobs Many European countries, including France, have made the opposite choice: keeping schools open but closing restaurants and bars. In France, 11% of coronavirus tests are coming back positive but students have kept going to school, while New York City shut its public schools on Nov. 19, after the positive test rate reached 3%. But recent studies have shown that young children, at least, are low transmitters of the virus, and at least some U.S. officials are reconsidering their approach: Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York abruptly decided Sunday to reopen elementary schools while keeping upper grades closed, and other districts around the country have made or announced similar moves. Allowing schools to remain open has been one of the most significant departures from Europe’s initial lockdowns last spring. “The first lockdown was horrible,” said Marine Huguenin, who was watching her two daughters play at a Paris park, which was filled with strollers and masked parents after school on a recent afternoon. Also read| Coronavirus death toll in Europe crosses 400,000 as Germany mulls extending partial lockdown till early spring During the earlier lockdown, the entire family was stuck inside, she said, with Huguenin and her husband looking after their children during the day, then catching up on work between 9:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. The numbers tell the story of France’s progress so far. In early November, the number of new cases in France in a seven-day period soared to more than 80 per 100,000 people; as of Sunday it had dropped to 17 per 100,000. “Obviously, the decline has been slower because schools are open, but we had to find a middle ground,” said Yazdan Yazdanpanah, an infectious disease specialist and a member of France’s Scientific Council, which advises the government on the pandemic. But, he added, the slower drop in infections has been offset by positive effects on education, mental health and the economy. The trade-off has been generally well-accepted in an otherwise contentious lockdown during which an increasing number of people have challenged restrictions on movement and business. In Paris, keeping schools open has shifted the mood in a city that lived through one of the world’s strictest lockdowns in the spring. At the time, Paris felt like a ghost town, with every inch of the city — from small residential streets to the Champs-Élysées — deserted. This time, things seem much nearer to normal. Chairs are stacked inside closed cafes and restaurants. But neighborhoods come to life in the mornings and afternoons as parents take their children to and from school, and older students linger on sidewalks with studied indifference. Clusters have appeared in schools throughout France, though not in “worrying numbers,” said Yazdanpanah, the infectious disease specialist. With classrooms open, parents have been able to focus on work at home or commute to their workplaces, which has helped blunt the second lockdown’s blow to the economy. The Bank of France estimated that economic activity in November would be 12% below normal — far less than the 31% drop experienced in April. Most European countries, including Britain, France, Germany and Spain, have kept schools open even as the continent remains among the worst-hit. A few countries, like Austria, the Czech Republic and Italy, have closed schools, in part or in full. In France, as in much of the world, schools shut down during the first wave in the spring as scientists tried to figure out what role children played in transmitting the virus. The country’s 12 million students in primary and secondary schools engaged in online learning, but soon, teachers and education officials warned that many children had fallen behind. “It reinforced our conviction to keep the schools open, for education and social reasons,” said Sophie Vénétitay, a teacher and union official. Meanwhile, new studies suggested that despite early fears, keeping schools open, while not without risk, could be relatively safe so long as rules to limit the spread of the virus were in place. In August, a report released by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control said evidence “indicates that closures of child care and educational institutions are unlikely to be an effective single control measure for community transmission of COVID-19.” Most studies on transmission now suggest that children younger than 10 spread the virus less efficiently than adults do, but that teenagers become infected and spread the virus just as much as adults. So keeping high schools open safely is trickier, especially if community transmission is high — making social distancing rules even more important. After reining in the first wave of the epidemic, France saw infections begin rising again in August as people resumed socializing and the government failed to effectively carry out public health measures of testing, tracing and isolating. By October, infections were skyrocketing across most of Europe. But even after a warning from his scientific advisers, President Emmanuel Macron announced that France’s schools would remain open, as nonessential businesses were ordered closed. “Our children cannot be permanently deprived of instruction, education, contact with the school system,” he said.

Positive test rate of 11%? France’s schools remain open.

The speaker of French President Emmanuel Macron’s ruling get together has mentioned the federal government is dropping a part of a controversial invoice curbing the precise to movie on-duty police – which drew big public anger – and can re-draft it.

More than 133,000 people, including 46,000 in Paris alone, demonstrated against the draft bill and in favour of free speech on Saturday.

The rallies followed the publication of video footage of a Black man being beaten up by three police officers inside his own music studio earlier this month that Macron has branded “shameful” for France.

A provision in the draft law known as article 24, a key plank in Macron’s plans to court right-wing voters by being tougher on law and order ahead of his 2022 re-election bid, had sparked outrage in the media and on the left of his own party.

“We propose a new version of article 24 and a new version will be submitted,” Christophe Castaner, head of Macron’s Republic on the Move (LaRem) party in the lower house of parliament, told a news conference.

Article 24 did not ban outright the sharing of images of the police, but made it a crime - punishable by a year in prison and a 45,000 euro ($54,000) fine - to share them with an “obvious intention to harm”.

“DOUBTS”

French journalists and even the government’s own independent ombudsman on human rights said the article was too vague and could have a chilling effect on people wanting to expose police brutality.

The footage showing the violent arrest of Michel Zecler in his studio, which prompted international criticism, made it even less tenable for Macron to press on with article 24, French officials said.

“We acknowledge that there are doubts, which some people consider that the right to inform is under threat... That is why it is necessary to clarify it,” Castaner said.

His statement came after Macron held an emergency meeting on the bill at the Elysee palace earlier on Monday with leaders of his parliamentary majority and his tough-talking interior minister, Gerald Darmanin, a former conservative.

Many of Macron’s more centre-left followers have expressed dismay at what they see as the president’s “conservative turn” in recent months.

The stated aim of the broader “general security” bill is to provide better protection for French police officers, whose unions said were under heavy strain after months of violent “yellow vest” protests.

A new version of article 24 will be submitted at a later date, officials said, although it remained unclear when, since the bill, approved last week by the lower house, has now been sent to the upper house, where the conservatives, and not Macron’s party, have a majority.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The speaker of French President Emmanuel Macron’s ruling get together has mentioned the federal government is dropping a part of a controversial invoice curbing the precise to movie on-duty police – which drew big public anger – and can re-draft it.

The speaker of French President Emmanuel Macron’s ruling get together has mentioned the federal government is dropping a part of a controversial invoice curbing the precise to movie on-duty police – which drew big public anger – and can re-draft it. More than 133,000 people, including 46,000 in Paris alone, demonstrated against the draft bill and in favour of free speech on Saturday. The rallies followed the publication of video footage of a Black man being beaten up by three police officers inside his own music studio earlier this month that Macron has branded “shameful” for France. A provision in the draft law known as article 24, a key plank in Macron’s plans to court right-wing voters by being tougher on law and order ahead of his 2022 re-election bid, had sparked outrage in the media and on the left of his own party. “We propose a new version of article 24 and a new version will be submitted,” Christophe Castaner, head of Macron’s Republic on the Move (LaRem) party in the lower house of parliament, told a news conference. Article 24 did not ban outright the sharing of images of the police, but made it a crime - punishable by a year in prison and a 45,000 euro ($54,000) fine - to share them with an “obvious intention to harm”. “DOUBTS” French journalists and even the government’s own independent ombudsman on human rights said the article was too vague and could have a chilling effect on people wanting to expose police brutality. The footage showing the violent arrest of Michel Zecler in his studio, which prompted international criticism, made it even less tenable for Macron to press on with article 24, French officials said. “We acknowledge that there are doubts, which some people consider that the right to inform is under threat... That is why it is necessary to clarify it,” Castaner said. His statement came after Macron held an emergency meeting on the bill at the Elysee palace earlier on Monday with leaders of his parliamentary majority and his tough-talking interior minister, Gerald Darmanin, a former conservative. Many of Macron’s more centre-left followers have expressed dismay at what they see as the president’s “conservative turn” in recent months. The stated aim of the broader “general security” bill is to provide better protection for French police officers, whose unions said were under heavy strain after months of violent “yellow vest” protests. A new version of article 24 will be submitted at a later date, officials said, although it remained unclear when, since the bill, approved last week by the lower house, has now been sent to the upper house, where the conservatives, and not Macron’s party, have a majority. (With inputs from Reuters)

France’s Macron govt backtracks on plan to curb filming of police officers

An award-winning Syrian photojournalist, who was wounded in a Paris protest against police brutality said on Sunday that his ordeal reminded him of the civil war in his home country.

Ameer al-Halbi, a freelance photographer who has previously worked for AFP, was trapped for several hours after getting hurt. He was unable to go to hospital despite receiving head wounds.

AFP quoted a police source tp say that an internal administrative inquiry had been opened to determine the circumstances under which al-Halbi was hurt in the protests.

"I am better this morning," said al-Halbi, who won several international awards for his coverage of the Syrian conflict in his home city of Aleppo for AFP.

"But the shock was very heavy, especially yesterday when I found myself wounded, bleeding heavily in my face and stuck for two hours in the demonstration -- wedged between demonstrators and the police who did not want to let us out to get to hospital," he told AFP.

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"Images of Syria surged back into my head... I was aged 15 when I found myself blocked in a demonstration in Aleppo, wounded by two bullets in my hand. It was Aleppo that came back to me last (Saturday) night."

He said that when police had began a charge to disperse the crowds in Paris he was in a group of four to five photographers who were "clearly recognisable" as such.

Al-Halbi, who has also worked for Polka magazine, was seen with a bruised face and much of his head covered in bandages in AFP photos.

Christophe Deloire, secretary general of Reporters Without Borders, tweeted that the 24-year-old had been wounded at Place de la Bastille by "a police baton".

Polka Magazine and AFP both condemned the incident in statements Sunday.

"We are shocked by the injuries suffered by our colleague Ameer al-Halbi and condemn the unprovoked violence," said Phil Chetwynd, AFP's global news director, demanding that the police investigate the incident.

A statement from Polka magazine also condemned the "police aggression" against Alhalbi.

The magazine's Director of Publication Alain Genestar said the incident was "all the more shocking and reprehensible" because he was clearly identified as a press photographer.

Al-Halbi won second prize in the "Spot News" category for the World Press Photo in 2017.

(With AFP inputs)

An award-winning Syrian photojournalist, who was wounded in a Paris protest against police brutality said on Sunday that his ordeal reminded him of the civil war in his home country.

An award-winning Syrian photojournalist, who was wounded in a Paris protest against police brutality said on Sunday that his ordeal reminded him of the civil war in his home country. Ameer al-Halbi, a freelance photographer who has previously worked for AFP, was trapped for several hours after getting hurt. He was unable to go to hospital despite receiving head wounds. AFP quoted a police source tp say that an internal administrative inquiry had been opened to determine the circumstances under which al-Halbi was hurt in the protests. "I am better this morning," said al-Halbi, who won several international awards for his coverage of the Syrian conflict in his home city of Aleppo for AFP. "But the shock was very heavy, especially yesterday when I found myself wounded, bleeding heavily in my face and stuck for two hours in the demonstration -- wedged between demonstrators and the police who did not want to let us out to get to hospital," he told AFP. × "Images of Syria surged back into my head... I was aged 15 when I found myself blocked in a demonstration in Aleppo, wounded by two bullets in my hand. It was Aleppo that came back to me last (Saturday) night." He said that when police had began a charge to disperse the crowds in Paris he was in a group of four to five photographers who were "clearly recognisable" as such. Al-Halbi, who has also worked for Polka magazine, was seen with a bruised face and much of his head covered in bandages in AFP photos. Christophe Deloire, secretary general of Reporters Without Borders, tweeted that the 24-year-old had been wounded at Place de la Bastille by "a police baton". Polka Magazine and AFP both condemned the incident in statements Sunday. "We are shocked by the injuries suffered by our colleague Ameer al-Halbi and condemn the unprovoked violence," said Phil Chetwynd, AFP's global news director, demanding that the police investigate the incident. A statement from Polka magazine also condemned the "police aggression" against Alhalbi. The magazine's Director of Publication Alain Genestar said the incident was "all the more shocking and reprehensible" because he was clearly identified as a press photographer. Al-Halbi won second prize in the "Spot News" category for the World Press Photo in 2017. (With AFP inputs)

Paris: Wounded photographer says protests brought back Syria memories

Four police officers have been charged for beating and racially attacking a Black music producer,&nbsp;Michel Zecler, in his studio in Paris.

The incident came to light after video footage of Zecler being beaten by Paris Police was shared on social media platforms, which attracted a lot of criticism and raised concerns about growing&nbsp;institutionalised racism against the Black community and Arabs.

These videos had led to several protests in the city demanding justice for Zecler, and the demonstrations had led to violence and clashes between the locals and the police officials.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-shocked-to-hear-black-music-producer-being-beaten-by-french-police-officers-detained-345812">Macron 'shocked' to hear Black music producer being beaten by French police; officers detained</a>

After the numerous protests, two of the involved police officers were kept behind bars and the other two were put on conditional release. Three of the officers were charged with "willful violence by a person holding public authority" and "forgery".

The&nbsp;Paris prosecutor Remy Heitz has demanded the officers to be charged specifically with racial abuse — a growing concern that the French government wants to end on the root level.

Four accused have also been subjected to questioning by the National Police Inspectorate General (IGPN). The lawyers of the police officers have refused to comment in the media.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the government is urging locals to exercise caution and keep faith in the country's judicial system instead of rallying on the streets which has resulted in several people getting injured, including a 24-year-old, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-wounded-photographer-says-protests-brought-back-syria-memories-346312">award-winning Syrian photojournalist, Ameer al-Halbi.</a>

"We are shocked by the injuries suffered by our colleague Ameer al-Halbi and condemn the unprovoked violence," said Phil Chetwynd, AFP's global news director.

Four police officers have been charged for beating and racially attacking a Black music producer, Michel Zecler, in his studio in Paris. The incident came to light after video footage of Zecler being beaten by Paris Police was shared on social media platforms, which attracted a lot of criticism and raised concerns about growing institutionalised racism against the Black community and Arabs.

Four police officers have been charged for beating and racially attacking a Black music producer, Michel Zecler, in his studio in Paris. The incident came to light after video footage of Zecler being beaten by Paris Police was shared on social media platforms, which attracted a lot of criticism and raised concerns about growing institutionalised racism against the Black community and Arabs. These videos had led to several protests in the city demanding justice for Zecler, and the demonstrations had led to violence and clashes between the locals and the police officials. Also read| Macron 'shocked' to hear Black music producer being beaten by French police; officers detained After the numerous protests, two of the involved police officers were kept behind bars and the other two were put on conditional release. Three of the officers were charged with "willful violence by a person holding public authority" and "forgery". The Paris prosecutor Remy Heitz has demanded the officers to be charged specifically with racial abuse — a growing concern that the French government wants to end on the root level. Four accused have also been subjected to questioning by the National Police Inspectorate General (IGPN). The lawyers of the police officers have refused to comment in the media. Meanwhile, the government is urging locals to exercise caution and keep faith in the country's judicial system instead of rallying on the streets which has resulted in several people getting injured, including a 24-year-old, award-winning Syrian photojournalist, Ameer al-Halbi. "We are shocked by the injuries suffered by our colleague Ameer al-Halbi and condemn the unprovoked violence," said Phil Chetwynd, AFP's global news director.

French police charged for racially attacking Black music producer

French lawmakers on Monday announced that they would undertake a “complete rewrite” of part of a draft law which intended to restrict the filming of police officers.

Recently, the beating of a black man in the French capital had caused outrage. "We know that questions still persist" about the law, the head of Emmanuel Macron’s MPs, Christophe Castaner said at a press conference.

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The French government faced&nbsp;criticism for a law that would make it illegal to disseminate images of police officers in certain circumstances. It would have&nbsp;banned the publication of images of on-duty police officers.

Journalists, human rights activists, opposition leaders have been protesting against the proposed law.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/european-union-warns-france-over-press-freedom-as-it-pushes-security-law-344910" hreflang="en">European Union warns France over press freedom as it pushes security law</a>

On Monday, French journalists held a meeting with the interior minister over the law. However, according to them their concerns fell on deaf ears.

"We consider that the French interior minister is no longer the interlocutor of the coordination because he goes too far in his bill proposal, he goes too far in his stubbornness. He is going too far in his stubbornness," Emmanuel Poupard, secretary-general of the SNJ(National Union of Journalists), said.

"The rule of law as we know it, democracy in France, the Republic are endangered by these texts. So we appeal to the prime minister to finally restore things and to tell his minister to stop," Poupard added.

The French police have been filmed clashing with migrants recently, with visuals going viral.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/france-mulls-law-to-ban-pictures-of-police-officials-in-action-345159" hreflang="en">France mulls law to ban pictures of police officials in action</a>

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."

The European Commission&nbsp;recently referred to 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.

French lawmakers on Monday announced that they would undertake a “complete rewrite” of part of a draft law which intended to restrict the filming of police officers.

French lawmakers on Monday announced that they would undertake a “complete rewrite” of part of a draft law which intended to restrict the filming of police officers. Recently, the beating of a black man in the French capital had caused outrage. "We know that questions still persist" about the law, the head of Emmanuel Macron’s MPs, Christophe Castaner said at a press conference. The French government faced criticism for a law that would make it illegal to disseminate images of police officers in certain circumstances. It would have banned the publication of images of on-duty police officers. Journalists, human rights activists, opposition leaders have been protesting against the proposed law. Also read: European Union warns France over press freedom as it pushes security law On Monday, French journalists held a meeting with the interior minister over the law. However, according to them their concerns fell on deaf ears. "We consider that the French interior minister is no longer the interlocutor of the coordination because he goes too far in his bill proposal, he goes too far in his stubbornness. He is going too far in his stubbornness," Emmanuel Poupard, secretary-general of the SNJ(National Union of Journalists), said. "The rule of law as we know it, democracy in France, the Republic are endangered by these texts. So we appeal to the prime minister to finally restore things and to tell his minister to stop," Poupard added. The French police have been filmed clashing with migrants recently, with visuals going viral. Also read: France mulls law to ban pictures of police officials in action 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." The European Commission recently referred to 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.

France to 'rewrite' controversial bill which restricted filming police officers

In recent months, Fabrice Chabance has had plenty to keep him awake at night. Two foreign-owned factories in Saint-Florent-sur-Cher, a region of 11,000 people where he is a political leader, have announced plans to move parts of their production lines to countries with lower labor costs.

Nearly 200 jobs will be lost, a grim blow to his small industrial community in the Loire Valley. Despite efforts by President Emmanuel Macron to lure manufacturing back to France, Chabance has few illusions that the globalisation that has swept jobs away will be reversed any time soon.

“It’s a catastrophe,” said Chabance, who is worried the layoffs will fuel a broader economic malaise in the area. “The government is calling for a renewal of ‘Made in France.’ But in reality, we are going to be grappling with a stricken industrial region.”

When the coronavirus began sweeping through China and then Europe, disrupting global supply networks, Macron declared that the pandemic could be “a game changer for globalisation.” He said he wanted to create opportunities to secure supply chains and reverse a decades long trend of companies sending production to low-cost countries.

But the jobs are continuing to leave, as multinational firms relocate production from France to countries with cheaper labor and higher productivity.

At a Bridgestone factory in northern France, over 860 jobs will be cut as the Japanese tire-maker moves production to Eastern Europe. Nokia, the Finnish telecommunications company, will relocate some research and development activity from hubs outside Paris and in western France to India and Poland, threatening around 1,000 positions.

In southern France, Zodiac, a maker of inflatable boats, plans to move some production to Tunisia after bringing jobs back from a plant in China just two years ago, citing the need to save money. Other companies are mulling similar moves to rein in costs.

Government officials, led by Bruno Le Maire, the finance and economy minister, have pledged to stop the bleeding and restore job creation. At the heart of the government’s plan is a 1 billion euro ($1.2 billion) program to subsidise jobs at companies that commit to producing pharmaceuticals, electronics and other “strategic” goods on French soil.

“The COVID crisis has brutally highlighted our vulnerabilities and reinforces the urgency to succeed in a policy of industrial reconquest,” said Agnès Pannier-Runacher, the secretary of state for economy and finance. “France must once again become a great productive nation.”

So far, Pannier-Runacher said, 31 French companies have won approval to tap 140 million euros in aid to maintain the production of medicines and other goods in France rather than moving them abroad. She said the subsidies would help create around 1,800 jobs, but there was no timeline on when the hiring would start.

Whether the government can succeed in restoring even a fraction of production lost from France over decades is far from clear.

“In the context of the coronavirus, the government has talked about providing aid to bring production back to France, so people think that jobs will be returning,” said El Mouhoub Mouhoud, vice president of the University of Paris-Dauphine and a specialist on globalisation. “If anything, companies are continuing to offshore production.”

Despite political pressure, multinational firms that have closed European factories in favour of areas with cheaper labor costs appear hesitant to reverse these moves. A recent survey by the consulting company Ernst &amp; Young found that 37% of business leaders were considering bringing manufacturing services back to Europe, down from 83% in May. As Asia recovers from the pandemic, businesses have decided “not to cause further disruptions to their supply chain,” Ernst &amp; Young said.

Manufacturing has shrunk to 10% of the French economy from over a quarter in the 1960s. From steel mills to auto factories, the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs to globalisation has created social distress — and proposals by a succession of politicians to fix it.

Macron wooed voters during the 2017 presidential campaign by arguing that globalisation could be a “great opportunity” if managed correctly. He promoted business-friendly policies as a way to shield France from globalization’s threat.

There were signs that some of his policies had begun to pay off before the pandemic, especially a landmark overhaul of France’s strict labor code to create more flexibility for companies to hire and fire. Such measures helped draw pledges for billions of euros in foreign investment from companies including Coca-Cola and drugmaker AstraZeneca.

But executives say the changes did not address one of France’s lingering competitive drawbacks — labor costs that are higher than in other countries, thanks to steep payroll taxes levied to fund the generous social safety net.

At Europhane, a maker of industrial lighting in northern France, the parent company in Austria recently relocated production of a type of light bulb requiring significant labor to Britain, where André Papoular, Europhane’s president, said labor costs were 25% cheaper. The bulb, used in street lamps, represented 20% of the value of production at the French site.

Fifty-five of the firm’s 165 industrial workers were laid off, a move that Papoular said was necessary to prevent the factory from shuttering.

“The paradox in France is that we have a fantastic social security system, but it comes at a cost,” Papoular said. “The charges imposed on companies are so high that the end result is that the labor cost leads to uncompetitiveness” that allows goods made elsewhere to beat French products on price. “This is what creates the problem.”

As the pandemic whittles profit margins and accelerates losses, companies are likely to continue to look abroad for ways to cut costs, despite the government’s efforts to stem the tide.

“COVID has led to a deterioration in the financial situation of companies,” said Patrick Artus, chief economist of Paris-based Natixis bank. “They will try to improve their profitability and their financial situation, which will lead them to move production to the most attractive countries in terms of labor costs, taxes, regulations and skills.”

In recent months, Fabrice Chabance has had plenty to keep him awake at night. Two foreign-owned factories in Saint-Florent-sur-Cher, a region of 11,000 people where he is a political leader, have announced plans to move parts of their production lines to countries with lower labor costs.

In recent months, Fabrice Chabance has had plenty to keep him awake at night. Two foreign-owned factories in Saint-Florent-sur-Cher, a region of 11,000 people where he is a political leader, have announced plans to move parts of their production lines to countries with lower labor costs. Nearly 200 jobs will be lost, a grim blow to his small industrial community in the Loire Valley. Despite efforts by President Emmanuel Macron to lure manufacturing back to France, Chabance has few illusions that the globalisation that has swept jobs away will be reversed any time soon. “It’s a catastrophe,” said Chabance, who is worried the layoffs will fuel a broader economic malaise in the area. “The government is calling for a renewal of ‘Made in France.’ But in reality, we are going to be grappling with a stricken industrial region.” When the coronavirus began sweeping through China and then Europe, disrupting global supply networks, Macron declared that the pandemic could be “a game changer for globalisation.” He said he wanted to create opportunities to secure supply chains and reverse a decades long trend of companies sending production to low-cost countries. But the jobs are continuing to leave, as multinational firms relocate production from France to countries with cheaper labor and higher productivity. At a Bridgestone factory in northern France, over 860 jobs will be cut as the Japanese tire-maker moves production to Eastern Europe. Nokia, the Finnish telecommunications company, will relocate some research and development activity from hubs outside Paris and in western France to India and Poland, threatening around 1,000 positions. In southern France, Zodiac, a maker of inflatable boats, plans to move some production to Tunisia after bringing jobs back from a plant in China just two years ago, citing the need to save money. Other companies are mulling similar moves to rein in costs. Government officials, led by Bruno Le Maire, the finance and economy minister, have pledged to stop the bleeding and restore job creation. At the heart of the government’s plan is a 1 billion euro ($1.2 billion) program to subsidise jobs at companies that commit to producing pharmaceuticals, electronics and other “strategic” goods on French soil. “The COVID crisis has brutally highlighted our vulnerabilities and reinforces the urgency to succeed in a policy of industrial reconquest,” said Agnès Pannier-Runacher, the secretary of state for economy and finance. “France must once again become a great productive nation.” So far, Pannier-Runacher said, 31 French companies have won approval to tap 140 million euros in aid to maintain the production of medicines and other goods in France rather than moving them abroad. She said the subsidies would help create around 1,800 jobs, but there was no timeline on when the hiring would start. Whether the government can succeed in restoring even a fraction of production lost from France over decades is far from clear. “In the context of the coronavirus, the government has talked about providing aid to bring production back to France, so people think that jobs will be returning,” said El Mouhoub Mouhoud, vice president of the University of Paris-Dauphine and a specialist on globalisation. “If anything, companies are continuing to offshore production.” Despite political pressure, multinational firms that have closed European factories in favour of areas with cheaper labor costs appear hesitant to reverse these moves. A recent survey by the consulting company Ernst & Young found that 37% of business leaders were considering bringing manufacturing services back to Europe, down from 83% in May. As Asia recovers from the pandemic, businesses have decided “not to cause further disruptions to their supply chain,” Ernst & Young said. Manufacturing has shrunk to 10% of the French economy from over a quarter in the 1960s. From steel mills to auto factories, the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs to globalisation has created social distress — and proposals by a succession of politicians to fix it. Macron wooed voters during the 2017 presidential campaign by arguing that globalisation could be a “great opportunity” if managed correctly. He promoted business-friendly policies as a way to shield France from globalization’s threat. There were signs that some of his policies had begun to pay off before the pandemic, especially a landmark overhaul of France’s strict labor code to create more flexibility for companies to hire and fire. Such measures helped draw pledges for billions of euros in foreign investment from companies including Coca-Cola and drugmaker AstraZeneca. But executives say the changes did not address one of France’s lingering competitive drawbacks — labor costs that are higher than in other countries, thanks to steep payroll taxes levied to fund the generous social safety net. At Europhane, a maker of industrial lighting in northern France, the parent company in Austria recently relocated production of a type of light bulb requiring significant labor to Britain, where André Papoular, Europhane’s president, said labor costs were 25% cheaper. The bulb, used in street lamps, represented 20% of the value of production at the French site. Fifty-five of the firm’s 165 industrial workers were laid off, a move that Papoular said was necessary to prevent the factory from shuttering. “The paradox in France is that we have a fantastic social security system, but it comes at a cost,” Papoular said. “The charges imposed on companies are so high that the end result is that the labor cost leads to uncompetitiveness” that allows goods made elsewhere to beat French products on price. “This is what creates the problem.” As the pandemic whittles profit margins and accelerates losses, companies are likely to continue to look abroad for ways to cut costs, despite the government’s efforts to stem the tide. “COVID has led to a deterioration in the financial situation of companies,” said Patrick Artus, chief economist of Paris-based Natixis bank. “They will try to improve their profitability and their financial situation, which will lead them to move production to the most attractive countries in terms of labor costs, taxes, regulations and skills.”

France thought it could reverse globalisation, but it’s still bleeding jobs

The COVID-19 pandemic & global economic downfall has impacted every household & children too have been affected. France's Santa Clause reveals the anxieties & the worries that the children have faced during the pandemic.

France: Santa's post office receives sackful of COVID woes

The British government has struck an agreement with France to double the number of police patrolling beaches in the country's north in an attempt to stop people crossing the English Channel in small boats.

On Saturday, UK interior minister Priti Patel said that under the deal, the number of officers patrolling French beaches would double, and new equipment including drones and radar would be employed.

This year, hundreds of people, including some children, have been caught crossing to southern England from makeshift camps in northern France - navigating one of the world`s busiest shipping routes in overloaded rubber dinghies. Some migrants have drowned.

Patel said in statement that the agreement represented a step forward in the pair`s mission to make channel crossings unviable.

"Thanks to more police patrols on French beaches and enhanced intelligence sharing between our security and law enforcement agencies, we are already seeing fewer migrants leaving French beaches," she said.

The UK and France plan to continue a close dialogue to reduce migratory pressures at the shared border over the next year, she added.

Patel told UK media that French authorities had stopped 5,000 migrants from travelling to the UK so far this year. She said over the last ten years, the UK had given France 150 million pounds to tackle immigration.

She said the recent focus by authorities on stopping small boats meant they were now seeing more migrants trying to cross the Channel via lorries, and that border security was being tightened in France to try to stop that.

Many migrants appear to have turned to small boats organised by smugglers during the coronavirus pandemic because virus restrictions have reduced traffic between France and Britain.

Last month, a family from Iran, including two parents and their children aged 6 and 9, died when their boat capsised in the Channel. Their 15-month-old son is missing and presumed drowned.

Aid and human rights groups say the best way to stop the journeys is to provide safe routes for people to seek asylum in Britain.

Britain is also planning to introduce a new asylum system through legislation next year, Patel said.

The British government has struck an agreement with France to double the number of police patrolling beaches in the country's north in an attempt to stop people crossing the English Channel in small boats.

The British government has struck an agreement with France to double the number of police patrolling beaches in the country's north in an attempt to stop people crossing the English Channel in small boats. On Saturday, UK interior minister Priti Patel said that under the deal, the number of officers patrolling French beaches would double, and new equipment including drones and radar would be employed. This year, hundreds of people, including some children, have been caught crossing to southern England from makeshift camps in northern France - navigating one of the world`s busiest shipping routes in overloaded rubber dinghies. Some migrants have drowned. Patel said in statement that the agreement represented a step forward in the pair`s mission to make channel crossings unviable. "Thanks to more police patrols on French beaches and enhanced intelligence sharing between our security and law enforcement agencies, we are already seeing fewer migrants leaving French beaches," she said. The UK and France plan to continue a close dialogue to reduce migratory pressures at the shared border over the next year, she added. Patel told UK media that French authorities had stopped 5,000 migrants from travelling to the UK so far this year. She said over the last ten years, the UK had given France 150 million pounds to tackle immigration. She said the recent focus by authorities on stopping small boats meant they were now seeing more migrants trying to cross the Channel via lorries, and that border security was being tightened in France to try to stop that. Many migrants appear to have turned to small boats organised by smugglers during the coronavirus pandemic because virus restrictions have reduced traffic between France and Britain. Last month, a family from Iran, including two parents and their children aged 6 and 9, died when their boat capsised in the Channel. Their 15-month-old son is missing and presumed drowned. Aid and human rights groups say the best way to stop the journeys is to provide safe routes for people to seek asylum in Britain. Britain is also planning to introduce a new asylum system through legislation next year, Patel said.

Britain, France sign new deal to curb Channel migrant crossings

Police and demonstrators have clashed in Paris as tens of thousands took the streets to protest against new security law.

France: Protesters clash with police over 'global security' law

Forty-five migrants were rescued in the English Channel after their improvised boat found itself in trouble off Dunkirk, French authorities said.

Several of the people "appeared to be in a state of hypothermia" after being brought aboard a patrol ship, the French prefecture in charge of the Channel and North Sea said in a statement on Saturday.

The migrants were "all safe and sound" when they were put ashore in Calais in the early evening.

With busy traffic and powerful winds and currents, the Channel crossing can prove extremely dangerous for small boats despite the apparent short distance between Calais and British port Dover.

To this end, on Saturday, London and Paris signed a deal aimed at shutting down the route, which calls for French patrols to be doubled and for radar and drones to be used to spot migrant boats earlier.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-france-sign-new-deal-to-curb-channel-migrant-crossings-346134">Also read |&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/britain-france-sign-new-deal-to-curb-channel-migrant-crossings-346134" hreflang="en">Britain, France sign new deal to curb Channel migrant crossings</a>

Increasing numbers of people have attempted the sea crossing from France to Britain since 2018.

Forty-five migrants were rescued in the English Channel after their improvised boat found itself in trouble off Dunkirk, French authorities said. Several of the people "appeared to be in a state of hypothermia" after being brought aboard a patrol ship, the French prefecture in charge of the Channel and North Sea said in a statement on Saturday.

Forty-five migrants were rescued in the English Channel after their improvised boat found itself in trouble off Dunkirk, French authorities said. Several of the people "appeared to be in a state of hypothermia" after being brought aboard a patrol ship, the French prefecture in charge of the Channel and North Sea said in a statement on Saturday. The migrants were "all safe and sound" when they were put ashore in Calais in the early evening. With busy traffic and powerful winds and currents, the Channel crossing can prove extremely dangerous for small boats despite the apparent short distance between Calais and British port Dover. To this end, on Saturday, London and Paris signed a deal aimed at shutting down the route, which calls for French patrols to be doubled and for radar and drones to be used to spot migrant boats earlier. Also read | Britain, France sign new deal to curb Channel migrant crossings Increasing numbers of people have attempted the sea crossing from France to Britain since 2018.

French ship rescues 45 migrants from English Channel

A press freedom group has denounced the "unacceptable" injury of an award-winning Syrian photojournalist during a Paris protest against police brutality.

Ameer Alhalbi, a freelance photographer who worked for Polka Magazine and AFP, was covering the demonstrations over the weekend opposing police violence and the French government's new law restricting sharing images of officers.

In AFP photos Alhalbi's face appears bruised with much of his head covered in bandages.

Christophe Deloire, secretary general of Reporters Without Borders, tweeted that the 24-year-old had been wounded at Place de la Bastille by "a police baton" and condemned the violence.

"Ameer came from #Syria to #France to take refuge, like several other Syrian journalists. The land of human rights should not threaten them, but protect them," he said in a second tweet.

Deloire also noted Alhalbi had been clearly identified as a journalist.

Dimitri Beck, director of photography for Polka, said that Alhalbi had suffered a broken nose and injured forehead, and had been taken to hospital.

Alhalbi has won several international awards, including second prize in the "Spot News" category for the World Press Photo in 2017.

A press freedom group has denounced the "unacceptable" injury of an award-winning Syrian photojournalist during a Paris protest against police brutality. Ameer Alhalbi, a freelance photographer who worked for Polka Magazine and AFP, was covering the demonstrations over the weekend opposing police violence and the French government's new law restricting sharing images of officers.

A press freedom group has denounced the "unacceptable" injury of an award-winning Syrian photojournalist during a Paris protest against police brutality. Ameer Alhalbi, a freelance photographer who worked for Polka Magazine and AFP, was covering the demonstrations over the weekend opposing police violence and the French government's new law restricting sharing images of officers. In AFP photos Alhalbi's face appears bruised with much of his head covered in bandages. Christophe Deloire, secretary general of Reporters Without Borders, tweeted that the 24-year-old had been wounded at Place de la Bastille by "a police baton" and condemned the violence. "Ameer came from #Syria to #France to take refuge, like several other Syrian journalists. The land of human rights should not threaten them, but protect them," he said in a second tweet. Deloire also noted Alhalbi had been clearly identified as a journalist. Dimitri Beck, director of photography for Polka, said that Alhalbi had suffered a broken nose and injured forehead, and had been taken to hospital. Alhalbi has won several international awards, including second prize in the "Spot News" category for the World Press Photo in 2017.

Award-winning photojournalist wounded covering Paris protest

France has jailed and banned a Pakistani Imam - after he 'congratulated' a terrorist on TikTok for carrying out the stabbings in Paris back in September.

Gravitas: France jails radical Pakistani Imam

Imran Khan's campaign against French President Emmanuel Macron has led to a major diplomatic fallout for Pakistan. Reportedly, France has declined Pakistan's requests to upgrade its Mirage fighter jets and more.

Gravitas: France tightens the screws on Pakistan

Police in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-policemen-detained-after-they-beat-black-man-345966">France</a> fired tear gas shells at protesters who were demonstrating against police violence in Paris.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-macrons-make-or-break-moment-345954/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

People demanding free press took out protests in France as anger boiled into the streets as police beating of a Black music producer riled citizens.

The demonstrators have been protesting against the new security law which restricts the right of the press to broadcast images of police officers in action.

People filled the Place de la Republique in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-mulls-law-to-ban-pictures-of-police-officials-in-action-345159">Paris</a> amid the coronavirus pandemic. President Emmanuel Macron had earlier said that the images of the beating of black music producer Michel Zecler "shame us" calling it an &nbsp;"unacceptable attack". The police have meanwhile opened an investigation against four officers.&nbsp;

"France must never allow hate or racism to spread," Macron said.

The protesters marched from Place de la Republique to Place de la Bastille as public anger boiled over. In an attempt to cool tempers, PM Jean Castex had said that he would appoint a commission to redraft Article 24 but backtraced after Speaker Richard Ferrand accused the prime minister of overriding the parliament.

In Nantes, organisers said there were at least 6,000-7,000 people with 5,000 people in southern Montpellier.

The demonstrators have been calling for Article 24 to be withdrawn asserting that goes against the fundamental public freedom of the Republic.

In more headache for the Macron government, reports say trade unions and yellow vest protesters are also expected to join the protests as people in Toulouse demonstrated on Friday against police brutality.

Police in France fired tear gas shells at protesters who were demonstrating against police violence in Paris. Watch: People demanding free press took out protests in France as anger boiled into the streets as police beating of a Black music producer riled citizens.

Police in France fired tear gas shells at protesters who were demonstrating against police violence in Paris. Watch: People demanding free press took out protests in France as anger boiled into the streets as police beating of a Black music producer riled citizens. The demonstrators have been protesting against the new security law which restricts the right of the press to broadcast images of police officers in action. People filled the Place de la Republique in Paris amid the coronavirus pandemic. President Emmanuel Macron had earlier said that the images of the beating of black music producer Michel Zecler "shame us" calling it an "unacceptable attack". The police have meanwhile opened an investigation against four officers. "France must never allow hate or racism to spread," Macron said. The protesters marched from Place de la Republique to Place de la Bastille as public anger boiled over. In an attempt to cool tempers, PM Jean Castex had said that he would appoint a commission to redraft Article 24 but backtraced after Speaker Richard Ferrand accused the prime minister of overriding the parliament. In Nantes, organisers said there were at least 6,000-7,000 people with 5,000 people in southern Montpellier. The demonstrators have been calling for Article 24 to be withdrawn asserting that goes against the fundamental public freedom of the Republic. In more headache for the Macron government, reports say trade unions and yellow vest protesters are also expected to join the protests as people in Toulouse demonstrated on Friday against police brutality.

Security officials in France fire tear gas at protesters over police violence

Four policemen were detained by French authorities on Friday after they were suspected of beating and racially abusing a black music producer in Paris. French President Emmanuel Macron said that the video of the incident "shames us" and called on the police to set high standards.

Video carried by the Loopsider website shows how music producer Michel Zecler was repeatedly beaten by officers for several minutes and subjected to racial abuse as he tried to enter his music studio Saturday evening.

Celebrities including football World Cup winners Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann condemned the beating, while French star singer Aya Nakamura said she wished the producer strength, adding "thank you to those who filmed".

A presidential official said Friday that Macron, too, was "very shocked" by the images which have sparked fresh accusations of systemic racism in the French police force.

'Hit him so hard'

"They called me 'dirty nigger' several times to my face while they punched me," Zecler told reporters outside police headquarters where he lodged a formal complaint.

In one of the videos on Loopsider a neighbour who filmed the scene from above said a plainclothes policeman punched a kneeling Zecler in the face "maybe seven times".

The policeman "hit him so hard that his hand hurt", the witness said.

The incident has raised questions over the future of Paris police chief Didier Lallement, already in the spotlight after the controversial forced removal of a migrant camp in Paris earlier in the week.

It also put the government on the backfoot as it tries to push through new security legislation that would restrict the right of the media to publish the faces of police officers.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who is in charge of the police forces, told French television that the officers had tarnished the reputation of France's security forces.

'Racist motive'

The four officers, all men, were detained for questioning on Friday, a source close to the case told AFP.

The officers, who had already been suspended from duty, were being held at the National Police Inspectorate General (IGPN), and prosecutors opened an investigation into violence by a person in authority and false testimony, the source said.

Three of the four were being questioned on suspicion of "violence with a racist motive" committed intentionally in a group, prosecutors said. The fourth is being questioned on suspicion of using violence but is not accused of racism.

Zecler was initially himself detained for causing violence, but prosecutors threw out that probe and began investigating the officers instead.

"Nausea," said the front page headline in the leftist Liberation daily over a close-up picture of Zecler's swollen and bloodied face.

"The new video of a rare ferocity... adds to a problem fed over the last months by a succession of blunders and a tendency to revert to authoritarian tendencies," it said.

'Unbearable'

The death in US police custody of George Floyd in May and the Black Lives Matter movement have reverberated in France where allegations of brutality against police officers are commonplace, particularly in poor and ethnically diverse urban areas.

"The French police has a structural problem with violence committed against visible minorities," Fabien Jobard, a sociologist, told AFP.

"Unbearable video, unacceptable violence," Mbappe wrote on Twitter next to a picture of the injured producer. "Say no to racism."

The outcry comes after the lower house of parliament on Tuesday evening approved a security bill which would restrict the publication of photos or videos of police officers' faces.

Media unions say it could give police a green light to prevent journalists -- and social media users -- from &nbsp;documenting abuses.

A protest against the draft law, which has yet to pass a Senate vote, has been called for Saturday in Paris.

In a sign that the government could be preparing to backtrack, Prime Minister Jean Castex announced that he would appoint a commission to redraft Article 24 of the law that would restrict the publication of images of the police.&nbsp;

Macron swept to power in 2017 as a centrist who rallied support from across the political spectrum. But critics and even some supporters accuse him of tilting to the right as he seeks re-election in 2022.

"Already accused of attacking public freedoms through the security bill... the executive faces an accumulation of cases of violence and police abuse, the images of which have disturbed even the ruling party," said Le Monde daily.

(With AFP inputs)

Four policemen were detained by French authorities on Friday after they were suspected of beating and racially abusing a black music producer in Paris. French President Emmanuel Macron said that the video of the incident "shames us" and called on the police to set high standards.

Four policemen were detained by French authorities on Friday after they were suspected of beating and racially abusing a black music producer in Paris. French President Emmanuel Macron said that the video of the incident "shames us" and called on the police to set high standards. Video carried by the Loopsider website shows how music producer Michel Zecler was repeatedly beaten by officers for several minutes and subjected to racial abuse as he tried to enter his music studio Saturday evening. Celebrities including football World Cup winners Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann condemned the beating, while French star singer Aya Nakamura said she wished the producer strength, adding "thank you to those who filmed". A presidential official said Friday that Macron, too, was "very shocked" by the images which have sparked fresh accusations of systemic racism in the French police force. 'Hit him so hard' "They called me 'dirty nigger' several times to my face while they punched me," Zecler told reporters outside police headquarters where he lodged a formal complaint. In one of the videos on Loopsider a neighbour who filmed the scene from above said a plainclothes policeman punched a kneeling Zecler in the face "maybe seven times". The policeman "hit him so hard that his hand hurt", the witness said. The incident has raised questions over the future of Paris police chief Didier Lallement, already in the spotlight after the controversial forced removal of a migrant camp in Paris earlier in the week. It also put the government on the backfoot as it tries to push through new security legislation that would restrict the right of the media to publish the faces of police officers. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who is in charge of the police forces, told French television that the officers had tarnished the reputation of France's security forces. 'Racist motive' The four officers, all men, were detained for questioning on Friday, a source close to the case told AFP. The officers, who had already been suspended from duty, were being held at the National Police Inspectorate General (IGPN), and prosecutors opened an investigation into violence by a person in authority and false testimony, the source said. Three of the four were being questioned on suspicion of "violence with a racist motive" committed intentionally in a group, prosecutors said. The fourth is being questioned on suspicion of using violence but is not accused of racism. Zecler was initially himself detained for causing violence, but prosecutors threw out that probe and began investigating the officers instead. "Nausea," said the front page headline in the leftist Liberation daily over a close-up picture of Zecler's swollen and bloodied face. "The new video of a rare ferocity... adds to a problem fed over the last months by a succession of blunders and a tendency to revert to authoritarian tendencies," it said. 'Unbearable' The death in US police custody of George Floyd in May and the Black Lives Matter movement have reverberated in France where allegations of brutality against police officers are commonplace, particularly in poor and ethnically diverse urban areas. "The French police has a structural problem with violence committed against visible minorities," Fabien Jobard, a sociologist, told AFP. "Unbearable video, unacceptable violence," Mbappe wrote on Twitter next to a picture of the injured producer. "Say no to racism." The outcry comes after the lower house of parliament on Tuesday evening approved a security bill which would restrict the publication of photos or videos of police officers' faces. Media unions say it could give police a green light to prevent journalists -- and social media users -- from documenting abuses. A protest against the draft law, which has yet to pass a Senate vote, has been called for Saturday in Paris. In a sign that the government could be preparing to backtrack, Prime Minister Jean Castex announced that he would appoint a commission to redraft Article 24 of the law that would restrict the publication of images of the police. Macron swept to power in 2017 as a centrist who rallied support from across the political spectrum. But critics and even some supporters accuse him of tilting to the right as he seeks re-election in 2022. "Already accused of attacking public freedoms through the security bill... the executive faces an accumulation of cases of violence and police abuse, the images of which have disturbed even the ruling party," said Le Monde daily. (With AFP inputs)

France: Policemen detained after they beat black man

French police officers were caught on camera savagely beating a black music producer Michel Zecler. The reason and the reaction for this assault is not known.

French police assault black man in Paris

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

After France & Austria, Switzerland has reported a suspected act of terror. A 28-year-old 'Jihadist' attacked two women with a knife at a departmental store in Lugano. WION's Molly Gambhir gets you a report.

Gravitas: 'Jihadist' knife attack in Switzerland

France`s finance ministry has sent out notices to big tech companies liable for its digital service tax to pay the levy as planned in December, the ministry said on Wednesday.

France suspended collection of the tax, which will hit companies like Facebook and Amazon, early this year while negotiations were underway at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on an overhaul of international tax rules.

The finance ministry has long said it would collect the tax in December as planned if the talks proved unfruitful by then, which is what happened when the nearly 140 countries involved agreed last month to keep negotiating until mid 2021.

"Companies subject to the tax have received their notice to pay the 2020 instalment," a ministry official said.

France last year applied a 3% levy on revenue from digital services earned in France by companies with revenues of more than 25 million euros there and 750 million euros worldwide.

Facebook`s stance "is to ensure compliance with all tax laws in the jurisdictions where we operate", it said, adding it had received its tax bill from the French authorities.

Amazon has received a reminder from the French authorities to pay the tax, and will comply, according to a person familiar with the matter at the online retailer.

Paris has said it will withdraw the tax as soon as an OECD deal is reached to update the rules on cross-border taxation for the age of online commerce, where big internet companies can book profits in low-tax countries regardless of where their customers are.

The talks stalled as the Trump administration became reluctant to sign on to a multilateral agreement, officials have said. 
"We will levy this digital taxation mid December as we always explained to the U.S. administration," French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire told a Bloomberg event on Monday.

"Our goal remains to have an OECD agreement by the first months of 2021," he said. 
Dan Neidle, a partner at law firm Clifford Chance, was sceptical U.S. President-elect Joe Biden would agree to such a deal.

"I`m not sure why Biden would agree to something which enables U.S. corporations to pay more tax in Europe and has not many benefits to the U.S.," said Neidle.

France`s finance ministry has sent out notices to big tech companies liable for its digital service tax to pay the levy as planned in December, the ministry said on Wednesday.

France`s finance ministry has sent out notices to big tech companies liable for its digital service tax to pay the levy as planned in December, the ministry said on Wednesday. France suspended collection of the tax, which will hit companies like Facebook and Amazon, early this year while negotiations were underway at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on an overhaul of international tax rules. The finance ministry has long said it would collect the tax in December as planned if the talks proved unfruitful by then, which is what happened when the nearly 140 countries involved agreed last month to keep negotiating until mid 2021. "Companies subject to the tax have received their notice to pay the 2020 instalment," a ministry official said. France last year applied a 3% levy on revenue from digital services earned in France by companies with revenues of more than 25 million euros there and 750 million euros worldwide. Facebook`s stance "is to ensure compliance with all tax laws in the jurisdictions where we operate", it said, adding it had received its tax bill from the French authorities. Amazon has received a reminder from the French authorities to pay the tax, and will comply, according to a person familiar with the matter at the online retailer. Paris has said it will withdraw the tax as soon as an OECD deal is reached to update the rules on cross-border taxation for the age of online commerce, where big internet companies can book profits in low-tax countries regardless of where their customers are. The talks stalled as the Trump administration became reluctant to sign on to a multilateral agreement, officials have said. "We will levy this digital taxation mid December as we always explained to the U.S. administration," French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire told a Bloomberg event on Monday. "Our goal remains to have an OECD agreement by the first months of 2021," he said. Dan Neidle, a partner at law firm Clifford Chance, was sceptical U.S. President-elect Joe Biden would agree to such a deal. "I`m not sure why Biden would agree to something which enables U.S. corporations to pay more tax in Europe and has not many benefits to the U.S.," said Neidle.

France orders tech giants to pay digital tax

The French finance ministry has sent out notices to big tech firms liable for its digital service tax. Tax to hit firms like Facebook, Google, and Amazon.

France: Notices sent out to big tech companies

French Parliament has now passed a controversial "Global Security" bill that would make it a crime to film & circulate an image of Police officer's face despite protests from rights activists and journalists.

Your Story: France approves controversial "Global Security" bill

France is all set to began easing of the COVID-19 restrictions. During an address to the nation the French President Emmanuel Macron said that the worst of the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic is over in France.

French President Macron says second wave of COVID-19 pandemic is over

Migrants have being relocated in Paris and evicted from a street camp in central Paris. The "clean-up" shocked many even those within the French government. The use of force by the French police is being questioned as it comes at a time when France is mulling a new law that would ban taking pictures of police officials in action.

On Monday, French police vans arrived at a migrant camp at the Place de la Republique at the heart of the French capital where migrants mostly from Afghanistan had set up about 450 tents at the request of a local charity body. The police officials said the tents had been set up without official permission and needed to be removed.&nbsp;

However, the migrants protested but cops forecully began pulling out the tents. They shoved migrants to the ground, chased them down the streets even used teargas to disperse them. There were some journalists that got attacked as the clean-up began. The migrants did not take it lying down as they clashed with the police officials.

Footage from the site showed police and demonstrators pushing each other. Some french activists arrived at the camp and began rallying and chanted "solidarity with immigrants". They said the eviction was unnecessary and meant to hide the alleged failures of the French government in sheltering the refugees.

The French interior minister issued a statement, in a tweet Gerald Darmanin called the images of the dispersal shocking and ordered an in enquiry into what unfolded.

The French government is being criticised for a law that would make it illegal to disseminate images of police officers in certain circumstances. A law that would ban the publication of images of on-duty police officers.

Journalists, human rights activists, opposition leaders have been protesting against the proposed law.

On Monday, French journalists held a meeting with the interior minister over the law. However, according to them their concerns fell on deaf ears.

"We consider that the French interior minister is no longer the interlocutor of the coordination because he goes too far in his bill proposal, he goes too far in his stubbornness. He is going too far in his stubbornness," Emmanuel Poupard, secretary-general of the SNJ(National Union of Journalists), said.

"The rule of law as we know it, democracy in France, the Republic are endangered by these texts. So we appeal to the prime minister to finally restore things and to tell his minister to stop," Poupard added.

The French police have been filmed clashing with migrants with visuals going viral. The controversy is set to explode with some turbulent times ahead for France.

Migrants have being relocated in Paris and evicted from a street camp in central Paris. The "clean-up" shocked many even those within the French government. The use of force by the French police is being questioned as it comes at a time when France is mulling a new law that would ban taking pictures of police officials in action.

Migrants have being relocated in Paris and evicted from a street camp in central Paris. The "clean-up" shocked many even those within the French government. The use of force by the French police is being questioned as it comes at a time when France is mulling a new law that would ban taking pictures of police officials in action. On Monday, French police vans arrived at a migrant camp at the Place de la Republique at the heart of the French capital where migrants mostly from Afghanistan had set up about 450 tents at the request of a local charity body. The police officials said the tents had been set up without official permission and needed to be removed. However, the migrants protested but cops forecully began pulling out the tents. They shoved migrants to the ground, chased them down the streets even used teargas to disperse them. There were some journalists that got attacked as the clean-up began. The migrants did not take it lying down as they clashed with the police officials. Footage from the site showed police and demonstrators pushing each other. Some french activists arrived at the camp and began rallying and chanted "solidarity with immigrants". They said the eviction was unnecessary and meant to hide the alleged failures of the French government in sheltering the refugees. The French interior minister issued a statement, in a tweet Gerald Darmanin called the images of the dispersal shocking and ordered an in enquiry into what unfolded. The French government is being criticised for a law that would make it illegal to disseminate images of police officers in certain circumstances. A law that would ban the publication of images of on-duty police officers. Journalists, human rights activists, opposition leaders have been protesting against the proposed law. On Monday, French journalists held a meeting with the interior minister over the law. However, according to them their concerns fell on deaf ears. "We consider that the French interior minister is no longer the interlocutor of the coordination because he goes too far in his bill proposal, he goes too far in his stubbornness. He is going too far in his stubbornness," Emmanuel Poupard, secretary-general of the SNJ(National Union of Journalists), said. "The rule of law as we know it, democracy in France, the Republic are endangered by these texts. So we appeal to the prime minister to finally restore things and to tell his minister to stop," Poupard added. The French police have been filmed clashing with migrants with visuals going viral. The controversy is set to explode with some turbulent times ahead for France.

France mulls law to ban pictures of police officials in action

Paris police representatives on Monday (November 23) inaugurated a campaign of school visits that aims to educate pupils on reflexes against the novel coronavirus, which has already claimed tens of thousands of lives in France.

Paris police teaches pupils 'good reflexes' against COVID-19

When <a href="wionews.com/topics/imran-khan">Imran Khan </a>became prime minister of Pakistan in 2018, he promised of creating a 'Naya Pakistan' or a 'New Pakistan'.&nbsp;

Khan said Pakistan will become an Islamic welfare state, provide jobs to 10 million people and restore nation's tattered image abroad.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-imran-khan-is-helpless-before-hardliners-344976/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Now is the time to understand what happened to these promises.&nbsp;

The cricketer-turned-politician first gave in to the whims and fancies of the Pakistani military. He was then accused of being a puppet in the hands of the Chinese government. The welfare state that he vowed was never built.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-tens-of-thousands-mourners-gather-for-funeral-of-cleric-who-endorsed-blasphemy-terrorised-minorities-344517">Pak: Tens of thousands mourners gather for funeral of cleric who endorsed blasphemy, terrorised minorities</a>

However, when things were seen that they couldn't get any worse, Khan decided to surrender to the nation's religious extremists.&nbsp;

Let's go back to 2018 when Pakistan's top court acquitted Asia Bibi of blasphemy charges.&nbsp;

Bibi, who was arrested in June 2009, should have been free after the Supreme Court's order, but she was kept in protective custody.&nbsp;

This was because religious hardliners took to the streets of Pakistan, organised violent protests and some even threatened to kill her. The protests paralysed Pakistan for three days.&nbsp;

The Christian woman had to wait another year to fly out to Canada, reunite with her family and finally feel freedom.

Fast forward to November 2020. Pakistan is once again held hostage by religious hardliners and the government again seems helpless.&nbsp;

Last weekend, extremist religious cleric, Khadim Hussain Rizvi organised a protest against the republication of the Prophet's cartoons in France.&nbsp;

His followers first assembled at Rawalpindi and then reached Islamabad border.&nbsp;

In a moments time, both the cities were virtually besieged, not just for hours, but for two days, with communication services shut down.&nbsp;

The helpless government instead signed an agreement with Rizvi's party.&nbsp;

Last week, the Pakistani government bowed down to hardlines who had taken to streets against French President Emmanuel Macron.&nbsp;

Khan was compelled to sign a deal with hardliners to cut diplomatic ties with Paris.&nbsp;

The government promised to enact legislation which would ultimately lead to the expulsion of the French Ambassador from Pakistan.&nbsp;

It also promised to have French products boycotted at a government level.&nbsp;

Can Pakistan snap ties with France?

France is one of the most important members of the European Union and Pakistan's top trade partners.&nbsp;

A 2016 study showed that Pakistan's import from France amounts to about 9 per cent of its total import from EU.

Several critical military equipment of Pakistan comes from France, which include Mirage fighter jet, Agosta-90B submarines, Minehunters, among others.&nbsp;

Pakistan gave in to the demands of a religious extremist and this explains the country's priorities at a time when troubles inside the country keep on rising.&nbsp;

Some of these include intensifying Covid-19 crisis, the biggest decline in Pakistan's stock exchange in 10 years, food inflation, and unemployment, among others.

The country also faces the risk of getting blacklisted in the terror financing issue.&nbsp;

Let's take a look at some of the figures.&nbsp;

According to the World Bank, Pakistan's real GDP growth is estimated to have declined from 1.9 per cent in FY 2019 to -1.5 per cent in FY20.&nbsp;

Pakistan rupee has depreciated 13.8 per cent against the US dollar in FY20.&nbsp;

Its export values contracted 7.5 per cent and external debt has grown to 38.2 per cent of the GDP.&nbsp;

Instead of addressing these worrisome figures, Khan is busy allowing fundamentalists to set its agenda.&nbsp;

There have been protests against France in other countries, but those countries' leaders did not bow down to these invisible forces as Khan did.&nbsp;

In which part of the world, a democratically elected party has struck a deal with extremists on the country's foreign policies.&nbsp;

By putting military, then China and now extremists first, the Imran Khan govt is betraying those people because of whom he came to power.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

When Imran Khan became prime minister of Pakistan in 2018, he promised of creating a 'Naya Pakistan' or a 'New Pakistan'. Khan said Pakistan will become an Islamic welfare state, provide jobs to 10 million people and restore nation's tattered image abroad.

When Imran Khan became prime minister of Pakistan in 2018, he promised of creating a 'Naya Pakistan' or a 'New Pakistan'. Khan said Pakistan will become an Islamic welfare state, provide jobs to 10 million people and restore nation's tattered image abroad. Watch | Now is the time to understand what happened to these promises. The cricketer-turned-politician first gave in to the whims and fancies of the Pakistani military. He was then accused of being a puppet in the hands of the Chinese government. The welfare state that he vowed was never built. Also read | Pak: Tens of thousands mourners gather for funeral of cleric who endorsed blasphemy, terrorised minorities However, when things were seen that they couldn't get any worse, Khan decided to surrender to the nation's religious extremists. Let's go back to 2018 when Pakistan's top court acquitted Asia Bibi of blasphemy charges. Bibi, who was arrested in June 2009, should have been free after the Supreme Court's order, but she was kept in protective custody. This was because religious hardliners took to the streets of Pakistan, organised violent protests and some even threatened to kill her. The protests paralysed Pakistan for three days. The Christian woman had to wait another year to fly out to Canada, reunite with her family and finally feel freedom. Fast forward to November 2020. Pakistan is once again held hostage by religious hardliners and the government again seems helpless. Last weekend, extremist religious cleric, Khadim Hussain Rizvi organised a protest against the republication of the Prophet's cartoons in France. His followers first assembled at Rawalpindi and then reached Islamabad border. In a moments time, both the cities were virtually besieged, not just for hours, but for two days, with communication services shut down. The helpless government instead signed an agreement with Rizvi's party. Last week, the Pakistani government bowed down to hardlines who had taken to streets against French President Emmanuel Macron. Khan was compelled to sign a deal with hardliners to cut diplomatic ties with Paris. The government promised to enact legislation which would ultimately lead to the expulsion of the French Ambassador from Pakistan. It also promised to have French products boycotted at a government level. Can Pakistan snap ties with France? France is one of the most important members of the European Union and Pakistan's top trade partners. A 2016 study showed that Pakistan's import from France amounts to about 9 per cent of its total import from EU. Several critical military equipment of Pakistan comes from France, which include Mirage fighter jet, Agosta-90B submarines, Minehunters, among others. Pakistan gave in to the demands of a religious extremist and this explains the country's priorities at a time when troubles inside the country keep on rising. Some of these include intensifying Covid-19 crisis, the biggest decline in Pakistan's stock exchange in 10 years, food inflation, and unemployment, among others. The country also faces the risk of getting blacklisted in the terror financing issue. Let's take a look at some of the figures. According to the World Bank, Pakistan's real GDP growth is estimated to have declined from 1.9 per cent in FY 2019 to -1.5 per cent in FY20. Pakistan rupee has depreciated 13.8 per cent against the US dollar in FY20. Its export values contracted 7.5 per cent and external debt has grown to 38.2 per cent of the GDP. Instead of addressing these worrisome figures, Khan is busy allowing fundamentalists to set its agenda. There have been protests against France in other countries, but those countries' leaders did not bow down to these invisible forces as Khan did. In which part of the world, a democratically elected party has struck a deal with extremists on the country's foreign policies. By putting military, then China and now extremists first, the Imran Khan govt is betraying those people because of whom he came to power.

After military and China, Imran Khan government now surrenders to extremists

France has asked Pakistan to take back comments that compared President Emmanuel Macron to Nazis. The comment was made by a Pakistani minister. British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak said that Christmas this year will not be 'normal' in light of coronavirus pandemic. In Syria, 14 pro-Iran militia fighters were killed in an Israeli airstrike, said a report. Afghan Vice President has vowed to track those behind Kabul terror attack. Read this and more.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blatant-lies-france-asks-pakistan-to-withdraw-comments-that-compared-macron-to-nazis-344721">'Blatant lies': France asks Pakistan to withdraw comments that compared Macron to Nazis</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blatant-lies-france-asks-pakistan-to-withdraw-comments-that-compared-macron-to-nazis-344721"><img alt="Macron" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c4e9d647-a320-469a-8747-119dd530c7fb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/macron%20main.JPG" /></a>

France's foreign ministry said that the remarks by the minister were 'hateful' and 'blatant lies', demanding Pakistan to 'rectify' the statements

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-normal-christmas-this-year-says-britains-finance-minister-rishi-sunak-344710">No 'normal' Christmas this year, says Britain's Finance Minister Rishi Sunak</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-normal-christmas-this-year-says-britains-finance-minister-rishi-sunak-344710"><img alt="Sunak" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c751cb90-aabf-4050-851c-97086bef6644" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Rishi%20Sunak.JPG" /></a> 
 
Sunak's comments came after the government affirmed that there will be a tougher set of restrictions after the current lockdown ends on December 2

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-14-pro-iran-fighters-killed-in-israeli-airstrikes-says-report-344707">Syria: 14 pro-Iran fighters killed in Israeli airstrikes, says report</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-14-pro-iran-fighters-killed-in-israeli-airstrikes-says-report-344707"><img alt="Syria" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89266dc5-793d-4af9-93ba-ef4dde32b534" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Syria%20airstrikes.JPG" /></a> 
 
More than 10 strikes hit positions of Iran-backed militias outside the border town of Albu Kamal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-israel-over-its-role-in-syria-344713">Iran warns Israel over its role in Syria</a>

<img alt="Syria airstrike" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7353cbde-ae26-45ad-935e-105480354190" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Syria.JPG" />

Israel, which views Tehran as its biggest security threat, has repeatedly attacked Iranian targets and those of allied militia in Syria, where Tehran has backed President Bashar al-Assad and his forces against rebels and militants since 2012

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-vp-vows-to-track-those-behind-kabul-terror-attack-344699">Afghan VP vows to track those behind Kabul terror attack</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-vp-vows-to-track-those-behind-kabul-terror-attack-344699"><img alt="Afghanistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="85bd4a6f-a280-4a81-8ae6-6d03fe75ea81" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Afghanistan_1.JPG" /></a> 
 
The attack that took place on Saturday saw rockets being fired in densely populated areas of Kabul, including in and around the heavily fortified Green Zone.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasal-spray-that-aims-to-fight-covid-19-other-respiratory-illness-gets-million-dollar-funding-344698">Nasal spray that aims to fight Covid-19, other respiratory illness gets million-dollar funding</a>

<img alt="Coronavirus nasal spray" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="37fe87de-3dc0-463b-a22b-ef764f1406c3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/nasal%20spray.JPG" />

 
If the technology turns out successful, other than coronavirus, infections like common cold and influenza can also be dealt with

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/women-who-killed-afghan-official-with-promises-of-sex-released-with-taliban-prisoners-344648">Women who killed Afghan official with promises of sex, released with Taliban prisoners</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/women-who-killed-afghan-official-with-promises-of-sex-released-with-taliban-prisoners-344648"><img alt="Woman afghanistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bb8bf47-db32-4506-92b3-7b302cf0df36" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/woman.JPG" /></a> 
The two were also infamous for brutal murders, other than their 'honeytrap' killings

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dutch-cull-almost-200000-chickens-after-bird-flu-outbreak-344695">Dutch cull almost 200,000 chickens after bird flu outbreak</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dutch-cull-almost-200000-chickens-after-bird-flu-outbreak-344695"><img alt="Dutch chickens" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e86f610a-a98e-4597-8e5a-2e481b549bd9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/dutch.JPG" /></a> 
 
Seasonal bird flu has been detected at various farms around the Netherlands since October, blamed mainly on migratory birds.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/couple-collects-5000-gifts-for-donations-this-christmas-344704">Couple collects 5,000 gifts for donations this Christmas</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/couple-collects-5000-gifts-for-donations-this-christmas-344704"><img alt="Christmas" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f542f1df-59a4-4d07-850c-55c6152ccaf8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Christmas.JPG" /></a> 
 
The couple, who run the popular TikTok channel The Smithy Family, initially decided to buy 60 gifts for Christmas for needy people but were surprised to see how people supported their efforts

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-join-annual-taiwan-protest-anger-focussed-on-us-pork-344692">Thousands join annual Taiwan protest, anger focussed on US pork</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-join-annual-taiwan-protest-anger-focussed-on-us-pork-344692"><img alt="Taiwan pork" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7ba1e039-c607-4643-a3e9-079ebbf1f4af" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/taiwan_2.JPG" /></a> 
 
Taiwan`s main opposition party the Kuomintang (KMT) rallied its supporters to join in the march for the first time, having mounted an increasingly strident campaign against the pork move, which it says threatens food safety.

France has asked Pakistan to take back comments that compared President Emmanuel Macron to Nazis. The comment was made by a Pakistani minister. British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak said that Christmas this year will not be 'normal' in light of coronavirus pandemic.

France has asked Pakistan to take back comments that compared President Emmanuel Macron to Nazis. The comment was made by a Pakistani minister. British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak said that Christmas this year will not be 'normal' in light of coronavirus pandemic. In Syria, 14 pro-Iran militia fighters were killed in an Israeli airstrike, said a report. Afghan Vice President has vowed to track those behind Kabul terror attack. Read this and more. 'Blatant lies': France asks Pakistan to withdraw comments that compared Macron to Nazis France's foreign ministry said that the remarks by the minister were 'hateful' and 'blatant lies', demanding Pakistan to 'rectify' the statements No 'normal' Christmas this year, says Britain's Finance Minister Rishi Sunak Sunak's comments came after the government affirmed that there will be a tougher set of restrictions after the current lockdown ends on December 2 Syria: 14 pro-Iran fighters killed in Israeli airstrikes, says report More than 10 strikes hit positions of Iran-backed militias outside the border town of Albu Kamal Iran warns Israel over its role in Syria Israel, which views Tehran as its biggest security threat, has repeatedly attacked Iranian targets and those of allied militia in Syria, where Tehran has backed President Bashar al-Assad and his forces against rebels and militants since 2012 Afghan VP vows to track those behind Kabul terror attack The attack that took place on Saturday saw rockets being fired in densely populated areas of Kabul, including in and around the heavily fortified Green Zone. Nasal spray that aims to fight Covid-19, other respiratory illness gets million-dollar funding If the technology turns out successful, other than coronavirus, infections like common cold and influenza can also be dealt with Women who killed Afghan official with promises of sex, released with Taliban prisoners The two were also infamous for brutal murders, other than their 'honeytrap' killings Dutch cull almost 200,000 chickens after bird flu outbreak Seasonal bird flu has been detected at various farms around the Netherlands since October, blamed mainly on migratory birds. Couple collects 5,000 gifts for donations this Christmas The couple, who run the popular TikTok channel The Smithy Family, initially decided to buy 60 gifts for Christmas for needy people but were surprised to see how people supported their efforts Thousands join annual Taiwan protest, anger focussed on US pork Taiwan`s main opposition party the Kuomintang (KMT) rallied its supporters to join in the march for the first time, having mounted an increasingly strident campaign against the pork move, which it says threatens food safety.

Top 10 World news: Macron fumes over 'Nazi' jibe, Iran warns Israel, and more!

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 given an ultimatum to French Council of Muslim Faith. Earlier this week. Macron along with French interior minister met leaders of French Council of Muslim Faith and requested them to accept a charter that seeks to oppose political Islam. The council has been given 15 days and there are signs that the charter will be accepted.

The council has already agreed to set up a national body in France that will oversee accredition of Imams in the country.

Through the charter, France wants to underline two things

<ol>
	<li>Islam is a religion and not a political movement</li>
	<li>There will be no foreign interference among French Muslim communities</li>
</ol>

Sentiments in France and Muslim countries have run high ever since the terror attacks over caricatures of Prophet Mohammed took place in recent months. France has been firm on its stand saying that it will guard values of the republic while there have been calls to boycott French goods in Muslim countries.

On Friday, Macron even <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-and-russia-promoting-anti-france-sentiment-says-emmanuel-macron-344353">accused Turkey and Russia</a> of promoting anti-French sentiment in Africa by funding people who whip-up resentment against France through media.

Macron's government has also prepared a bill to prevent radicalisation. This was proposed earlier this year. Some tough measures have been proposed. Homeschooling will be restricted to discourage Madrasa styled education. There is provision for harsh punishment for those who intimidate public officials on legal grounds. The proposed law also wants children to have an identification number. A number that can be used to ensure that they are attending school. Parents who will break this law could face up to six months in prison, as well as large fines.

Macron's crackdown on radical Islam is being welcomed but he is getting his share of criticism too.&nbsp;

As per a new security law tabled by his government, filming the police will be banned. Anyone found in violation of the provision can be fined up to USD 53,000 and/or sent to jail for a year.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-and-russia-promoting-anti-france-sentiment-says-emmanuel-macron-344353">Turkey and Russia promoting anti-France sentiment, says Emmanuel Macron</a>

&nbsp;Those critcising the provision are saying that it will limit free speech. Journalists are slamming the prosposal.

French interior minister defended his government in French parliament.&nbsp;

"Journalists will be able to film, citizens will be able to film. What we don't want is calls to murder. We may have a difference on this point, but let's also debate normally by reading the text without fantasy," he said.

However, his assurances seem hollow. Because when he was defending the proposal in parliament --- there were protests outside the french national assembly.&nbsp;

A journalist who was covering the demonstration was arrested for filming protests. As per reports, the journalist was arrested even after he presented his credentials to the law enforcement officials.

Journalists and human rights groups took to the streets this week in Paris to voiced their opposition for the proposed security law. They said that citizens could lose their powers to keep the powerful in check.

Local police may get more autonomy because of the new security law. There is also talk of expanding the use of surveillance drones in high crime areas.

&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron has given an ultimatum to French Council of Muslim Faith. Earlier this week. Macron along with French interior minister met leaders of French Council of Muslim Faith and requested them to accept a charter that seeks to oppose political Islam.

French President Emmanuel Macron has given an ultimatum to French Council of Muslim Faith. Earlier this week. Macron along with French interior minister met leaders of French Council of Muslim Faith and requested them to accept a charter that seeks to oppose political Islam. The council has been given 15 days and there are signs that the charter will be accepted. The council has already agreed to set up a national body in France that will oversee accredition of Imams in the country. Through the charter, France wants to underline two things Islam is a religion and not a political movement There will be no foreign interference among French Muslim communities Sentiments in France and Muslim countries have run high ever since the terror attacks over caricatures of Prophet Mohammed took place in recent months. France has been firm on its stand saying that it will guard values of the republic while there have been calls to boycott French goods in Muslim countries. On Friday, Macron even accused Turkey and Russia of promoting anti-French sentiment in Africa by funding people who whip-up resentment against France through media. Macron's government has also prepared a bill to prevent radicalisation. This was proposed earlier this year. Some tough measures have been proposed. Homeschooling will be restricted to discourage Madrasa styled education. There is provision for harsh punishment for those who intimidate public officials on legal grounds. The proposed law also wants children to have an identification number. A number that can be used to ensure that they are attending school. Parents who will break this law could face up to six months in prison, as well as large fines. Macron's crackdown on radical Islam is being welcomed but he is getting his share of criticism too. As per a new security law tabled by his government, filming the police will be banned. Anyone found in violation of the provision can be fined up to USD 53,000 and/or sent to jail for a year. Also Read | Turkey and Russia promoting anti-France sentiment, says Emmanuel Macron Those critcising the provision are saying that it will limit free speech. Journalists are slamming the prosposal. French interior minister defended his government in French parliament. "Journalists will be able to film, citizens will be able to film. What we don't want is calls to murder. We may have a difference on this point, but let's also debate normally by reading the text without fantasy," he said. However, his assurances seem hollow. Because when he was defending the proposal in parliament --- there were protests outside the french national assembly. A journalist who was covering the demonstration was arrested for filming protests. As per reports, the journalist was arrested even after he presented his credentials to the law enforcement officials. Journalists and human rights groups took to the streets this week in Paris to voiced their opposition for the proposed security law. They said that citizens could lose their powers to keep the powerful in check. Local police may get more autonomy because of the new security law. There is also talk of expanding the use of surveillance drones in high crime areas.

France gives ultimatum to French Council of Muslim Faith

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