A modeling scout linked to Jeffrey Epstein has been found dead in France. Daniel Siaad, 69, was discovered at his home while French authorities were investigating allegations of rape, human trafficking, and sexual violence. His name reportedly appeared thousands of times in U.S. Justice Department documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Officials have launched an investigation into the cause of death, with a postmortem examination underway. His death is expected to renew global attention on the Epstein network and ongoing investigations.

Epstein-Linked modeling Scout Daniel Siaad found dead in France | Epstein Scandal takes new twist

French cyber crime police are investigating a ransomware attack against the Grand Palais exhibition hall in Paris where Olympic events including fencing and Taekwondo are being held, Paris prosecutors said on Tuesday.

French police probe ransomware attack on Olympic venue |

France is investigating suspected Russian interference after five full-sized coffins covered with the French tricolour were found at the Eiffel Tower over the weekend. Three people were arrested on Monday (Jun 3) after the coffins with the words “French soldiers from Ukraine” written on them were found near the Eiffel Tower.&nbsp;

<h2>What we know about the incident</h2>

Three men were seen arriving in a van near the Eiffel Tower around 9:00 am (local time) on Saturday (Jun 1). The police later found coffins allegedly placed by them containing sacks of plaster.&nbsp;

The three men were formally put under investigation on Monday. Each of the coffins, as per reports, was inscribed with the words “French soldiers in the Ukraine”.&nbsp;

It is believed that the inscription is referring to French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement who raised the possibility of sending Western troops to Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia. Moscow has since called the suggestion “dangerous”. Media reports citing sources suggested that Paris will soon&nbsp;send military trainers to Kyiv.&nbsp;

The French police quickly arrested the driver allegedly involved in the incident who said that he had been paid around $44 by two others to transport the coffins. He told the police he had arrived in Paris only the day before from Bulgaria.

The two others were later found at Bercy coach station in central Paris where they were reportedly planning to take a bus to Berlin.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foreign-national-detained-in-romania-for-throwing-molotov-cocktail-outside-israeli-embassy-728374">Foreign national detained in Romania for throwing molotov cocktail outside Israeli embassy</a>

The duo reportedly told the police that they had been paid around $436 to leave the coffins. The two suspects – a German and a Ukrainian – had travelled to France separately.&nbsp;

A report by French newspaper Le Monde citing a memo from the French domestic intelligence service, the DGSE, suggested the operation was coordinated by the Russian intelligence agency, FSB.&nbsp;

Le Monde citing security sources also said that the three men had been in contact with a man suspected of having sprayed red hands on the Paris Shoah Memorial, a Holocaust museum, last month.

<h2>Zelensky’s visit</h2>

The incident near the Eiffel Tower&nbsp;took place days before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was due in France for the 80th anniversary of D-day which will take place on June 6, when Allied soldiers landed in Normandy to drive out Nazi German forces during World War Two.&nbsp;

The two leaders are expected to hold talks in Paris the next day. Last week, Ukraine’s top commander said he signed paperwork allowing French military instructors to visit Ukrainian training centres soon.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

France is investigating suspected Russian interference after five full-sized coffins covered with the French tricolour were found at the Eiffel Tower over the weekend.

France is investigating suspected Russian interference after five full-sized coffins covered with the French tricolour were found at the Eiffel Tower over the weekend. Three people were arrested on Monday (Jun 3) after the coffins with the words “French soldiers from Ukraine” written on them were found near the Eiffel Tower. What we know about the incident Three men were seen arriving in a van near the Eiffel Tower around 9:00 am (local time) on Saturday (Jun 1). The police later found coffins allegedly placed by them containing sacks of plaster. The three men were formally put under investigation on Monday. Each of the coffins, as per reports, was inscribed with the words “French soldiers in the Ukraine”. It is believed that the inscription is referring to French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement who raised the possibility of sending Western troops to Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia. Moscow has since called the suggestion “dangerous”. Media reports citing sources suggested that Paris will soon send military trainers to Kyiv. The French police quickly arrested the driver allegedly involved in the incident who said that he had been paid around $44 by two others to transport the coffins. He told the police he had arrived in Paris only the day before from Bulgaria. The two others were later found at Bercy coach station in central Paris where they were reportedly planning to take a bus to Berlin. Also Read | Foreign national detained in Romania for throwing molotov cocktail outside Israeli embassy The duo reportedly told the police that they had been paid around $436 to leave the coffins. The two suspects – a German and a Ukrainian – had travelled to France separately. A report by French newspaper Le Monde citing a memo from the French domestic intelligence service, the DGSE, suggested the operation was coordinated by the Russian intelligence agency, FSB. Le Monde citing security sources also said that the three men had been in contact with a man suspected of having sprayed red hands on the Paris Shoah Memorial, a Holocaust museum, last month. Zelensky’s visit The incident near the Eiffel Tower took place days before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was due in France for the 80th anniversary of D-day which will take place on June 6, when Allied soldiers landed in Normandy to drive out Nazi German forces during World War Two. The two leaders are expected to hold talks in Paris the next day. Last week, Ukraine’s top commander said he signed paperwork allowing French military instructors to visit Ukrainian training centres soon. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian interference suspected after coffins covered in French tricolour found near Eiffel Tower

A thousand police arrived in New Caledonia from France and streets were relatively calm after a week of unrest, the French High Commission said on Monday, but roads were blocked by protesters and the airport remained shut, stranding tourists. Watch in for more details!

Protestors block New Caledonia roads as French police pour in

French police on Friday detained Algerian international Youcef Atal, who plays for Ligue 1 football side Nice, in a probe into suspected "justification of terrorism" after he published a social media post on the Israel-Hamas war, prosecutors said. Last month the 27-year-old defender was banned for seven matches over the post, which he quickly deleted and for which he subsequently issued an apology.

The public prosecutor in Nice opened a probe following a request from the local prefect and mayor of Nice. The arrest means Atal can now be questioned by police in detention and could be charged, or released with no further immediate action taken, once the detention period expires. &nbsp;

Atal had already been suspended by his club "until further notice". Despite the player's apology, OGC Nice said that it decided to "take immediate" action, "prior" to any sanctions that might be taken by sporting or judicial bodies, "given the nature of the publication shared and its seriousness".

In mid-October, the Nice public prosecutor announced the opening of an investigation into "justification of terrorism." Atal has been criticised for sharing a video from a Palestinian preacher on Instagram, purportedly calling for violence against Jewish people.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/2025-champions-trophy-venue-likely-to-change-as-bcci-remains-firm-on-not-travelling-to-pakistan-reports-663408">2025 Champions Trophy venue likely to change as BCCI remains firm on not travelling to Pakistan - Reports</a>

AFP was unable to independently verify its content. France, which has large Jewish and Muslim populations, ramped up security after Hamas launched massive attacks on Israel on October 7.&nbsp;

Israeli officials say the attacks killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and about 240 people were taken hostage. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas and its retaliatory air and ground offensive in the Gaza Strip has killed nearly 15,000 people, thousands of them children, according to the Hamas government of the Palestinian territory.

French police on Friday detained Algerian international Youcef Atal, who plays for Ligue 1 football side Nice, in a probe into suspected "justification of terrorism" after he published a social media post on the Israel-Hamas war, prosecutors said.

French police on Friday detained Algerian international Youcef Atal, who plays for Ligue 1 football side Nice, in a probe into suspected "justification of terrorism" after he published a social media post on the Israel-Hamas war, prosecutors said. Last month the 27-year-old defender was banned for seven matches over the post, which he quickly deleted and for which he subsequently issued an apology. The public prosecutor in Nice opened a probe following a request from the local prefect and mayor of Nice. The arrest means Atal can now be questioned by police in detention and could be charged, or released with no further immediate action taken, once the detention period expires. Atal had already been suspended by his club "until further notice". Despite the player's apology, OGC Nice said that it decided to "take immediate" action, "prior" to any sanctions that might be taken by sporting or judicial bodies, "given the nature of the publication shared and its seriousness". In mid-October, the Nice public prosecutor announced the opening of an investigation into "justification of terrorism." Atal has been criticised for sharing a video from a Palestinian preacher on Instagram, purportedly calling for violence against Jewish people. Also Read: 2025 Champions Trophy venue likely to change as BCCI remains firm on not travelling to Pakistan - Reports AFP was unable to independently verify its content. France, which has large Jewish and Muslim populations, ramped up security after Hamas launched massive attacks on Israel on October 7. Israeli officials say the attacks killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and about 240 people were taken hostage. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas and its retaliatory air and ground offensive in the Gaza Strip has killed nearly 15,000 people, thousands of them children, according to the Hamas government of the Palestinian territory.

French Police detain Youcef Atal for posting social media post on Israel-Hamas war

According to a report by Reuters citing French police sources, the Eiffel Tower in the capital city of Paris was evacuated and closed to the public on Saturday (August 12) as a precautionary measure following a bomb threat. However, after two hours or so visitors were allowed back inside, the news agency was told.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

Visitors were cleared from the three floors and the square under the monument shortly after 1:30 pm (local time), according to a report by AFP.&nbsp;

It added, that SETE, the body that runs the site, said bomb disposal experts as well as police were scouring the area, including a restaurant located on one of the floors.

“It’s a usual procedure in this kind of situation which however is rare,” a spokeswoman told the Paris-based news agency.

According to a report by Le Parisien, a French daily newspaper, a large security perimeter had been established, traffic diverted and the monument was also evacuated.&nbsp;

However, two hours or so later, a French police source told Reuters, “It was a false alarm, people can go back inside”.&nbsp;

<h2>Visitors irked by brief closure</h2>

Some of the tourists, who came in droves during the peak summer season at the iconic Paris monument, said they were irked by the two-hour closure, as per Reuters. This was after they waited in a nearly 100-metre queue at one of the entrances before the threat was called off.

The last bomb threat called in at the Eiffel Tower was in September 2020 and was an anonymous call made to the police that prompted an evacuation of the tower, which also lasted about two hours.&nbsp;

Notably, France’s most emblematic symbol, the Eiffel Tower drew 6.2 million visitors last year. The monument has a police station at the foot of the south pillar and every visitor has to undergo security checks before entry.&nbsp;

Construction work on the tower began in January 1887 and was finished on March 31, 1889.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

According to a report by Reuters citing French police sources, the Eiffel Tower in the capital city of Paris was evacuated and closed to the public on Saturday (August 12) as a precautionary measure following a bomb threat.

According to a report by Reuters citing French police sources, the Eiffel Tower in the capital city of Paris was evacuated and closed to the public on Saturday (August 12) as a precautionary measure following a bomb threat. However, after two hours or so visitors were allowed back inside, the news agency was told. What happened? Visitors were cleared from the three floors and the square under the monument shortly after 1:30 pm (local time), according to a report by AFP. It added, that SETE, the body that runs the site, said bomb disposal experts as well as police were scouring the area, including a restaurant located on one of the floors. “It’s a usual procedure in this kind of situation which however is rare,” a spokeswoman told the Paris-based news agency. According to a report by Le Parisien, a French daily newspaper, a large security perimeter had been established, traffic diverted and the monument was also evacuated. However, two hours or so later, a French police source told Reuters, “It was a false alarm, people can go back inside”. Visitors irked by brief closure Some of the tourists, who came in droves during the peak summer season at the iconic Paris monument, said they were irked by the two-hour closure, as per Reuters. This was after they waited in a nearly 100-metre queue at one of the entrances before the threat was called off. The last bomb threat called in at the Eiffel Tower was in September 2020 and was an anonymous call made to the police that prompted an evacuation of the tower, which also lasted about two hours. Notably, France’s most emblematic symbol, the Eiffel Tower drew 6.2 million visitors last year. The monument has a police station at the foot of the south pillar and every visitor has to undergo security checks before entry. Construction work on the tower began in January 1887 and was finished on March 31, 1889. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Eiffel Tower in Paris briefly evacuated after bomb threat: Reports

The French government released an official decree&nbsp;on Sunday (July 9) announcing a ban on the sale, possession and transport of fireworks over the July 14 weekend. This comes over a week after France witnessed six nights of riots and unrest over the killing of a 17-year-old teenager by a police officer at a traffic stop.

<h2>What did the French government say?</h2>

The French government decree published in the Official Journal or Journal Officiel on Sunday stated, “In order to prevent the risk of serious disturbances to public order during the July 14 festivities, the sale, possession, transport and use of pyrotechnical articles and fireworks is banned until July 15 inclusively.”&nbsp;

However, the ban does not extend to professionals or municipalities that are organising traditional fireworks for the Bastille Day celebrations, the statement added. The decree also came into effect immediately.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-mayors-call-for-anti-riot-rally-amid-relative-calm-lower-arrests-611421">France: Mayors call for anti-riot rally amid relative calm, less arrests</a>

This also comes a day after French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, in an interview with the daily newspaper Le Parisien said that the government would deploy “massive means to protect the French” during the national holiday, amid worries of a possible resurgence of rioting and&nbsp;went on to call July 13-14 as “sensitive days”.&nbsp;

<h2>Recent riots and protests in France</h2>

According to reports, fireworks were among some of the weapons used against the French police by the protesters and rioters amid the six-night unrest following the fatal shooting of a teenager of North African descent, Nahel M. The incident has since renewed long-standing complaints of discrimination, police violence and systemic racism among law enforcement in France.

Over the six days of unrest and riots across multiple cities in France, more than 3,700 protesters were arrested, including at least 1,160 minors, after they lit thousands of cars on fire, attacked schools, town halls, police stations, banks and businesses, and set nearly a thousand buildings.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-are-using-nahel-as-excuse-fatally-shot-teens-grandmother-hits-out-at-violent-protesters-611123">'They are using Nahel as excuse': Fatally shot teen's grandmother hits out at violent protesters</a>

Days after the rioting eased across France, the police also banned a march, on Saturday, for the 24-year-old Black man, Adama Traore, who died in police custody in 2016. However, at least 2,000 protesters <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-officials-ban-march-for-black-man-who-died-in-police-after-recent-riots-613431">defied the ban</a> and gathered in central Paris’ Place de la Republique but were dispersed by the police and later seen peacefully marching towards Boulevard Magenta instead.&nbsp;

According to reports, at least 30 similar demonstrations and protests have been planned across France over the weekend, including the cities of Lille, Marseille, Nantes and Strasbourg.

<h2>Bastille Day celebrations</h2>

Notably, while fireworks are an annual feature of Bastille Day celebrations, they are also used during protests in the country and have sparked concerns amid French authorities. Bastille Day, which is France’s national day, is celebrated every year on July 14 with fireworks across the country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The French government released an official decree on Sunday (July 9) announcing a ban on the sale, possession and transport of fireworks over the July 14 weekend.

The French government released an official decree on Sunday (July 9) announcing a ban on the sale, possession and transport of fireworks over the July 14 weekend. This comes over a week after France witnessed six nights of riots and unrest over the killing of a 17-year-old teenager by a police officer at a traffic stop. What did the French government say? The French government decree published in the Official Journal or Journal Officiel on Sunday stated, “In order to prevent the risk of serious disturbances to public order during the July 14 festivities, the sale, possession, transport and use of pyrotechnical articles and fireworks is banned until July 15 inclusively.” However, the ban does not extend to professionals or municipalities that are organising traditional fireworks for the Bastille Day celebrations, the statement added. The decree also came into effect immediately. ALSO READ | France: Mayors call for anti-riot rally amid relative calm, less arrests This also comes a day after French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, in an interview with the daily newspaper Le Parisien said that the government would deploy “massive means to protect the French” during the national holiday, amid worries of a possible resurgence of rioting and went on to call July 13-14 as “sensitive days”. Recent riots and protests in France According to reports, fireworks were among some of the weapons used against the French police by the protesters and rioters amid the six-night unrest following the fatal shooting of a teenager of North African descent, Nahel M. The incident has since renewed long-standing complaints of discrimination, police violence and systemic racism among law enforcement in France. Over the six days of unrest and riots across multiple cities in France, more than 3,700 protesters were arrested, including at least 1,160 minors, after they lit thousands of cars on fire, attacked schools, town halls, police stations, banks and businesses, and set nearly a thousand buildings. ALSO READ | 'They are using Nahel as excuse': Fatally shot teen's grandmother hits out at violent protesters Days after the rioting eased across France, the police also banned a march, on Saturday, for the 24-year-old Black man, Adama Traore, who died in police custody in 2016. However, at least 2,000 protesters defied the ban and gathered in central Paris’ Place de la Republique but were dispersed by the police and later seen peacefully marching towards Boulevard Magenta instead. According to reports, at least 30 similar demonstrations and protests have been planned across France over the weekend, including the cities of Lille, Marseille, Nantes and Strasbourg. Bastille Day celebrations Notably, while fireworks are an annual feature of Bastille Day celebrations, they are also used during protests in the country and have sparked concerns amid French authorities. Bastille Day, which is France’s national day, is celebrated every year on July 14 with fireworks across the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

France bans the sale of fireworks for Bastille Day celebration after riots

According to reports, hundreds&nbsp;defied a police ban,&nbsp;on Saturday (July 8) to hold&nbsp;a march against violence by the country’s police which was supposed to take place in central Paris to honour the 24-year-old Black man who died in police custody in 2016. This comes days after France was rocked by six nights of riots and unrest over the killing of a 17-year-old teenager by a police officer at a traffic stop.

<h2>Why did the French&nbsp;officials ban Paris march?</h2>

A report by Reuters said&nbsp;that hundreds of protesters defied the ban on a march&nbsp;for&nbsp;Adama Traore. The decision to ban the planned protest called by the victim Traore’s family on Saturday in central Paris’ Place de la Republique was announced by the French capital city’s police department which cited risks to public order and “context of tensions”.&nbsp; 
 
Subsequently,&nbsp;the crowd gathered at&nbsp;Place de la Republique was dispersed by the police and seen marching towards&nbsp;Boulevard Magenta instead, where several hundred people were reportedly marching peacefully.&nbsp;

This comes after the initial march was to take place in Beaumont-sur-Oise, another Paris suburb, where Traore died in 2016. The ban was upheld by a French court, on Friday, which prompted the organisers to change the location of the march to central Paris instead.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-mayors-call-for-anti-riot-rally-amid-relative-calm-lower-arrests-611421">France: Mayors call for anti-riot rally amid relative calm, less arrests</a>

Traore’s older sister, Assa Traore, after Friday’s court decision took to Twitter and confirmed the change of location and said, “The government has decided to add fuel to the fire (and) not to respect the death of my little brother.”&nbsp;

The head of the Paris police, Laurent Nuñez, said that the march would “likely to attract radical elements with a view to committing acts of violence; the reasons which led the prefect of Val-d’Oise to ban the gathering.”&nbsp;

The circumstances under which the 24-year-old Black Frenchman died in police custody were similar to the killing of George Floyd in the United States. The march was to take place in memory of Traore who his family allege was pinned to the ground by officers and died of asphyxiation.&nbsp;

<h2>France reels from riots&nbsp;</h2>

The timing of the recent march has seemingly raised alarm among French authorities as the country is still reeling from the six nights of unrest and violent riots which broke out on June 27 after a police officer allegedly fatally shot a 17-year-old at a traffic stop near Paris.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;France riots: who is Nahel M and why are people protesting in France?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-riots-who-is-nahel-m-and-why-are-people-protesting-in-france-wion-wideangle-613298/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The death of the teenager of North African descent, Nahel M., renewed long-standing complaints of discrimination, police violence and systemic racism among law enforcement in France. According to recent reports, the 17-year-old was driving a sports car without a licence in a Paris suburb. The policeman accused, according to prosecutors, acknowledged firing a lethal shot at Nahel, and is currently under formal investigation for voluntary homicide.&nbsp;

However, the officer’s lawyer reportedly said that the shot was aimed at the driver’s leg but was bumped when the car drove off, leading him to shoot towards his chest but did not intend to kill the teenager.&nbsp;

Over the six days of unrest and riots across multiple cities in France, more than 3,700 protesters were arrested, including at least 1,160 minors, after they lit thousands of cars on fire, attacked schools, town halls, police stations, banks and businesses, and set nearly a thousand buildings.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-riots-macron-leaves-eu-summit-early-says-social-media-must-help-quell-unrest-610615">France riots: Macron leaves EU summit early, says social media must help quell unrest</a>

The largest employer federation in France, Medef, said the cost of the riots would be more than $1.1 billion after around 200 businesses were looted, and 300 bank branches and 250 tobacco stores were destroyed. The estimate does not include the damage to schools, town halls or community centres.

<h2>Fresh protests planned across France&nbsp;</h2>

According to reports, at least 30 similar demonstrations and protests have been planned across France over the weekend, including the cities of Lille, Marseille, Nantes and Strasbourg.

<h2>France calls UN remarks on racial profiling ‘excessive’</h2>

French authorities and politicians including President Emmanuel Macron have long denied institutional racism in the country’s law enforcement agencies.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-social-media-responsible-for-fueling-the-riots-in-france-611206">Is social media responsible for fueling the riots in France?</a> 
 
The recent protests also prompted the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), a body of 18 independent experts, to release a statement on Friday, and said that France should make it a priority to address “the structural and systemic causes of racial discrimination, including in law enforcement”.&nbsp;

However, the French foreign ministry, on Saturday said that the remarks made by the UN committee are “excessive” and “unfounded,” adding that “Any ethnic profiling by law enforcement is banned in France…the struggle against excesses in racial profiling has intensified.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

According to reports, hundreds defied a police ban, on Saturday (July 8) to hold a march against violence by the country’s police which was supposed to take place in central Paris to honour the 24-year-old Black man who died in police custody in 2016.

According to reports, hundreds defied a police ban, on Saturday (July 8) to hold a march against violence by the country’s police which was supposed to take place in central Paris to honour the 24-year-old Black man who died in police custody in 2016. This comes days after France was rocked by six nights of riots and unrest over the killing of a 17-year-old teenager by a police officer at a traffic stop. Why did the French officials ban Paris march? A report by Reuters said that hundreds of protesters defied the ban on a march for Adama Traore. The decision to ban the planned protest called by the victim Traore’s family on Saturday in central Paris’ Place de la Republique was announced by the French capital city’s police department which cited risks to public order and “context of tensions”. Subsequently, the crowd gathered at Place de la Republique was dispersed by the police and seen marching towards Boulevard Magenta instead, where several hundred people were reportedly marching peacefully. This comes after the initial march was to take place in Beaumont-sur-Oise, another Paris suburb, where Traore died in 2016. The ban was upheld by a French court, on Friday, which prompted the organisers to change the location of the march to central Paris instead. ALSO READ | France: Mayors call for anti-riot rally amid relative calm, less arrests Traore’s older sister, Assa Traore, after Friday’s court decision took to Twitter and confirmed the change of location and said, “The government has decided to add fuel to the fire (and) not to respect the death of my little brother.” The head of the Paris police, Laurent Nuñez, said that the march would “likely to attract radical elements with a view to committing acts of violence; the reasons which led the prefect of Val-d’Oise to ban the gathering.” The circumstances under which the 24-year-old Black Frenchman died in police custody were similar to the killing of George Floyd in the United States. The march was to take place in memory of Traore who his family allege was pinned to the ground by officers and died of asphyxiation. France reels from riots The timing of the recent march has seemingly raised alarm among French authorities as the country is still reeling from the six nights of unrest and violent riots which broke out on June 27 after a police officer allegedly fatally shot a 17-year-old at a traffic stop near Paris. ALSO WATCH | France riots: who is Nahel M and why are people protesting in France? The death of the teenager of North African descent, Nahel M., renewed long-standing complaints of discrimination, police violence and systemic racism among law enforcement in France. According to recent reports, the 17-year-old was driving a sports car without a licence in a Paris suburb. The policeman accused, according to prosecutors, acknowledged firing a lethal shot at Nahel, and is currently under formal investigation for voluntary homicide. However, the officer’s lawyer reportedly said that the shot was aimed at the driver’s leg but was bumped when the car drove off, leading him to shoot towards his chest but did not intend to kill the teenager. Over the six days of unrest and riots across multiple cities in France, more than 3,700 protesters were arrested, including at least 1,160 minors, after they lit thousands of cars on fire, attacked schools, town halls, police stations, banks and businesses, and set nearly a thousand buildings. ALSO READ | France riots: Macron leaves EU summit early, says social media must help quell unrest The largest employer federation in France, Medef, said the cost of the riots would be more than $1.1 billion after around 200 businesses were looted, and 300 bank branches and 250 tobacco stores were destroyed. The estimate does not include the damage to schools, town halls or community centres. Fresh protests planned across France According to reports, at least 30 similar demonstrations and protests have been planned across France over the weekend, including the cities of Lille, Marseille, Nantes and Strasbourg. France calls UN remarks on racial profiling ‘excessive’ French authorities and politicians including President Emmanuel Macron have long denied institutional racism in the country’s law enforcement agencies. ALSO READ | Is social media responsible for fueling the riots in France? The recent protests also prompted the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), a body of 18 independent experts, to release a statement on Friday, and said that France should make it a priority to address “the structural and systemic causes of racial discrimination, including in law enforcement”. However, the French foreign ministry, on Saturday said that the remarks made by the UN committee are “excessive” and “unfounded,” adding that “Any ethnic profiling by law enforcement is banned in France…the struggle against excesses in racial profiling has intensified.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hundreds defy protest ban in Paris, hold march for Black man who died in police custody

A protestor in France had to get his testicle amputated after a police officer hit him in the groin. Videos and images circulating in French media show a police officer hitting the man between the legs, and then leaving. The 26-year-old victim has been identified as a French engineer, who was reportedly taking pictures when the police hit him. Lawyer Lucie Simon is now suing the French police on behalf of her client for “voluntary violence that led to mutilation by a person vested with public authority”. The lawyer informed that the engineer was still in the hospital. As per the lawyer, the man is in great shock and keeps asking why he was wounded.

<h2>Paris Police order an inquiry into the incident</h2>

Paris Police Chief Laurent Nunez has ordered an inquiry into the incident after backlash grew in the media over the excessive use of force by Paris police. Olivier Veran, a spokesperson of the French government, expressed regret over the incident and said, “he felt empathy for the young man.”&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-are-french-labor-unions-holding-nationwide-strikes-over-macrons-pension-reforms-554414">EXPLAINED: Why are French labour unions holding nationwide strikes over Macron`s pension reforms?</a>

<h2>Why are protests happening in France?</h2>

Protests across France have erupted in response to President Emmanuel Macron’s plans to extend the retirement age from 62 to 64. The government said around 80,000 people took part in the protests on Thursday. However, a hard-left organisation CGT Union claimed around 400,000 protestors hit the streets in the French capital.

Watch:&nbsp;France protests against pension reforms

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-protests-against-pension-reforms-trade-unions-announce-another-strike-554295/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Troubled history of French police over excessive use of force</h2>

It’s not uncommon for the French police to use excessive force against peaceful protesters. In 2020, a massive controversy broke out after three police officers were seen beating a black music producer. Surprisingly, the French government has taken steps to empower its security agencies without ensuring adequate transparency and accountability. In 2021, the Emmanuel Macron administration passed a “global security law” which gave absolute enforcement powers to agencies that many feared could have hindered transparency in police operations. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

A protestor in France had to get his testicle amputated after a police officer hit him in the groin. Videos and images circulating in French media show a police officer hitting the man between the legs, and then leaving.

A protestor in France had to get his testicle amputated after a police officer hit him in the groin. Videos and images circulating in French media show a police officer hitting the man between the legs, and then leaving. The 26-year-old victim has been identified as a French engineer, who was reportedly taking pictures when the police hit him. Lawyer Lucie Simon is now suing the French police on behalf of her client for “voluntary violence that led to mutilation by a person vested with public authority”. The lawyer informed that the engineer was still in the hospital. As per the lawyer, the man is in great shock and keeps asking why he was wounded. Paris Police order an inquiry into the incident Paris Police Chief Laurent Nunez has ordered an inquiry into the incident after backlash grew in the media over the excessive use of force by Paris police. Olivier Veran, a spokesperson of the French government, expressed regret over the incident and said, “he felt empathy for the young man.” Also Read | EXPLAINED: Why are French labour unions holding nationwide strikes over Macron`s pension reforms? Why are protests happening in France? Protests across France have erupted in response to President Emmanuel Macron’s plans to extend the retirement age from 62 to 64. The government said around 80,000 people took part in the protests on Thursday. However, a hard-left organisation CGT Union claimed around 400,000 protestors hit the streets in the French capital. Watch: France protests against pension reforms × Troubled history of French police over excessive use of force It’s not uncommon for the French police to use excessive force against peaceful protesters. In 2020, a massive controversy broke out after three police officers were seen beating a black music producer. Surprisingly, the French government has taken steps to empower its security agencies without ensuring adequate transparency and accountability. In 2021, the Emmanuel Macron administration passed a “global security law” which gave absolute enforcement powers to agencies that many feared could have hindered transparency in police operations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Man loses his testicle after violent confrontation with the French police, Paris police chief orders inquiry

French prosecutors conducted a search at the headquarters of President Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance Party in connection to an ongoing investigation on Wednesday. Reuters reported that the investigation concerned the use of consulting firms by the French government since 2017.

According to a report in a report in Le Parisien newspaper, the offices of consulting company McKinsey were also searched by the National Financial Prosecutors’ Office.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-slams-chinas-lac-intrusion-attempt-lauds-indias-de-escalation-efforts-542868">UN chief calls for de-escalation in tensions at Tawang between India and China</a>

"It's normal for the judiciary to investigate freely and independently to shed all the light on this subject," a Renaissance spokesman, Loic Signor, told AFP in the aftermath of the search.

He added that the party is ready "to provide all useful information on the campaigns”. McKinsey also confirmed that the search was conducted and they will be cooperating with the authorities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-explosions-reported-from-kyiv-following-drone-attack-says-mayor-542893">Ukraine defence shot down 13 kamikaze drones targeting Kyiv, claims Zelensky</a>

The allegations over false election campaign accounting as well as favouritism and conspiracy has been dominating the political scene in France since the probe was launched earlier this year. The Prosecutor’s Office also told reporters that certain companies were favoured when it comes to government contracts with the total outlays reaching more than $1.1 billion.

The controversy did not include the name of President Emmanuel Macron specifically but he has been facing pressure from the opposition regarding the matter. France has strict rules and regulations when it comes to financing of election campaigns and in the past decade, various political parties have come under the scanner for discrepancies in their numbers.

Even the former French president Nicolas Sarkozy was sentenced to prison for one year in 2021 for illegal financing related to his presidential campaign in 2012.

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

French prosecutors conducted a search at the headquarters of President Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance Party in connection to an ongoing investigation on Wednesday.

French prosecutors conducted a search at the headquarters of President Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance Party in connection to an ongoing investigation on Wednesday. Reuters reported that the investigation concerned the use of consulting firms by the French government since 2017. According to a report in a report in Le Parisien newspaper, the offices of consulting company McKinsey were also searched by the National Financial Prosecutors’ Office. Also read | UN chief calls for de-escalation in tensions at Tawang between India and China "It's normal for the judiciary to investigate freely and independently to shed all the light on this subject," a Renaissance spokesman, Loic Signor, told AFP in the aftermath of the search. He added that the party is ready "to provide all useful information on the campaigns”. McKinsey also confirmed that the search was conducted and they will be cooperating with the authorities. Also read | Ukraine defence shot down 13 kamikaze drones targeting Kyiv, claims Zelensky The allegations over false election campaign accounting as well as favouritism and conspiracy has been dominating the political scene in France since the probe was launched earlier this year. The Prosecutor’s Office also told reporters that certain companies were favoured when it comes to government contracts with the total outlays reaching more than $1.1 billion. The controversy did not include the name of President Emmanuel Macron specifically but he has been facing pressure from the opposition regarding the matter. France has strict rules and regulations when it comes to financing of election campaigns and in the past decade, various political parties have come under the scanner for discrepancies in their numbers. Even the former French president Nicolas Sarkozy was sentenced to prison for one year in 2021 for illegal financing related to his presidential campaign in 2012. (With inputs from agencies)

French police raid Emmanuel Macron's party offices over campaign funds controversy

French footballer Paul Pogba reportedly informed the police that his brother Matheus Pogba is part of a multi-million euro blackmail attempt. The Juventus star had claimed that an organised gang targeted him for extortion and also threatened him.&nbsp;

In the latest development, a source close to the case told the news agency AFP on Sunday (August 28) that the French police have opened an investigation into claims by Pogba.&nbsp;

Pogba's brother Mathias posted an unsettling video on social media in four languages—French, Italian, English and Spanish. In the video, he said that he had "explosive" information and promised "great revelations" about the 2018 World Cup winner.&nbsp;

Mathias also mentioned he would release unknown facts about Pogba's Frech teammate Kylian Mbappe.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paul-pogbas-brother-vows-to-make-explosive-revelations-about-juventus-star-and-mbappe-in-bizarre-video-510903">Paul Pogba's brother vows to make 'explosive' revelations about Juventus star and Mbappe in bizarre video</a>&nbsp;

The star midfielder issued a statement signed by his lawyers, his mother Yeo Moriba and current agent Rafaela Pimenta stating that the videos published on Saturday night "are unfortunately no surprise".&nbsp;

The statement read: "They are in addition to threats and extortion attempts by an organised gang against Paul Pogba. The competent bodies in Italy and France were informed a month ago and there will be no further comments in relation to the ongoing investigation."&nbsp;

What did Mathias say?&nbsp;

Mathias Pogba promised "great revelations about (his) brother Paul Pogba and his agent Rafaela Pimenta". Notably, Rafaela took over as head of the company of former agent Mino Raiola who died in April.&nbsp;

The 32-year-old said the "whole world, as well as my brother's fans, and even more so the French team and Juventus, my brother's team-mates and his sponsors deserve to know certain things".&nbsp;

Mathias Pogba, who is also a professional footballer, also said that people needed to decide whether his brother "deserves his place in the French team and the honour of playing in the World Cup. If he deserves to be a starter at Juventus."&nbsp;

Mathias didn't mention any source or add substance to his claims but concluded by stating that "all this is likely to be explosive.&nbsp;

WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-cristiano-ronaldo-hilariously-pranks-rio-ferdinand-ahead-of-southampton-clash-510906">Cristiano Ronaldo hilariously pranks Rio Ferdinand ahead of Southampton clash</a>&nbsp;

Sources say...

AFP reported that according to two sources close to the Pogba family, large sums of money are being demanded from Paul Pogba.&nbsp;

He is asked to pay the amount in order to avoid the dissemination of the allegedly compromising videos.&nbsp;

France Info reported that Paul Pogba told investigators he had been threatened by "childhood friends and two hooded men armed with assault rifles". They are demanding 13 million euros from him for "services provided".&nbsp;

Mathias' reaction

Mathias Pogba, late Sunday, reacted to all the developments related to the news. "Paul, you really wanted to shut me up and lie and send me to prison," wrote Mathias.&nbsp;

"You left me in the hole, while running away and you want to play the innocent. When all is said people will see that there is no bigger coward, bigger traitor and bigger hypocrite than you on this earth," he added.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

French footballer Paul Pogba reportedly informed the police that his brother Matheus Pogba is part of a multi-million euro blackmail attempt. The Juventus star had claimed that an organised gang targeted him for extortion and also threatened him.

French footballer Paul Pogba reportedly informed the police that his brother Matheus Pogba is part of a multi-million euro blackmail attempt. The Juventus star had claimed that an organised gang targeted him for extortion and also threatened him. In the latest development, a source close to the case told the news agency AFP on Sunday (August 28) that the French police have opened an investigation into claims by Pogba. Pogba's brother Mathias posted an unsettling video on social media in four languages—French, Italian, English and Spanish. In the video, he said that he had "explosive" information and promised "great revelations" about the 2018 World Cup winner. Mathias also mentioned he would release unknown facts about Pogba's Frech teammate Kylian Mbappe. ALSO READ | Paul Pogba's brother vows to make 'explosive' revelations about Juventus star and Mbappe in bizarre video The star midfielder issued a statement signed by his lawyers, his mother Yeo Moriba and current agent Rafaela Pimenta stating that the videos published on Saturday night "are unfortunately no surprise". The statement read: "They are in addition to threats and extortion attempts by an organised gang against Paul Pogba. The competent bodies in Italy and France were informed a month ago and there will be no further comments in relation to the ongoing investigation." What did Mathias say? Mathias Pogba promised "great revelations about (his) brother Paul Pogba and his agent Rafaela Pimenta". Notably, Rafaela took over as head of the company of former agent Mino Raiola who died in April. The 32-year-old said the "whole world, as well as my brother's fans, and even more so the French team and Juventus, my brother's team-mates and his sponsors deserve to know certain things". Mathias Pogba, who is also a professional footballer, also said that people needed to decide whether his brother "deserves his place in the French team and the honour of playing in the World Cup. If he deserves to be a starter at Juventus." Mathias didn't mention any source or add substance to his claims but concluded by stating that "all this is likely to be explosive. WATCH | Cristiano Ronaldo hilariously pranks Rio Ferdinand ahead of Southampton clash Sources say... AFP reported that according to two sources close to the Pogba family, large sums of money are being demanded from Paul Pogba. He is asked to pay the amount in order to avoid the dissemination of the allegedly compromising videos. France Info reported that Paul Pogba told investigators he had been threatened by "childhood friends and two hooded men armed with assault rifles". They are demanding 13 million euros from him for "services provided". Mathias' reaction Mathias Pogba, late Sunday, reacted to all the developments related to the news. "Paul, you really wanted to shut me up and lie and send me to prison," wrote Mathias. "You left me in the hole, while running away and you want to play the innocent. When all is said people will see that there is no bigger coward, bigger traitor and bigger hypocrite than you on this earth," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

French police open probe after Paul Pogba claims his brother is part of a multi-million-euro blackmail attempt

Saint Etienne and Auxerre locked horns with each other in the relegation playoffs on Sunday (May 29) at the&nbsp;Geoffroy-Guichard, France. In what was a riveting clash, which saw both sides at 1-1 after full-time, the match went in favour of Auxerre courtesy of a 5-4 scoreline in the penalties.&nbsp;

Following the result,&nbsp;Saint-Etienne -- one of France's biggest clubs -- were relegated from Ligue 1 and it led to a widespread reaction from the ardent fans. The fans of the club stormed onto the pitch to attack before the French police had to intervene and use the tear gas to stem the trouble. Here's the video of the disturbance caused by the fans the moment Saint Etienne were relegated after the penalty shootout:

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-fans-caused-initial-problems-at-champions-league-final-claims-french-minister-483483">Liverpool fans caused initial problems at Champions League final, claims French minister</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Saint-Etienne fans invade the pitch to attack their players after relegation.😱 
 
<a href="https://t.co/qlEFQqjL9N">pic.twitter.com/qlEFQqjL9N</a>
— BRGoals (@BRGoals) <a href="https://twitter.com/BRGoals/status/1531005013899857920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpools-andy-robertson-slams-organisers-for-champions-league-final-chaos-483213">Liverpool's Andy Robertson slams organisers for Champions League final chaos</a>

The first leg of Saint Etienne-Auxerre had also ended in a 1-1 stalemate. After the second leg also ended in a tie, after 90 minutes, the action moved to the shooouts. As soon as the result came out, the Saint Etienne fans were out in the middle to create a huge ruckus.&nbsp;

As a result, the&nbsp;players of both teams took refuge in the changing rooms, however, the&nbsp;Prime Video television footage from the tunnel displayed&nbsp;players, stewards and staff coughing from tear gas used by the police in order to disperse the invaders.

Saint Etienne and Auxerre locked horns with each other in the relegation playoffs on Sunday (May 29) at the Geoffroy-Guichard, France. In what was a riveting clash, which saw both sides at 1-1 after full-time, the match went in favour of Auxerre courtesy of a 5-4 scoreline in the penalties.

Saint Etienne and Auxerre locked horns with each other in the relegation playoffs on Sunday (May 29) at the Geoffroy-Guichard, France. In what was a riveting clash, which saw both sides at 1-1 after full-time, the match went in favour of Auxerre courtesy of a 5-4 scoreline in the penalties. Following the result, Saint-Etienne -- one of France's biggest clubs -- were relegated from Ligue 1 and it led to a widespread reaction from the ardent fans. The fans of the club stormed onto the pitch to attack before the French police had to intervene and use the tear gas to stem the trouble. Here's the video of the disturbance caused by the fans the moment Saint Etienne were relegated after the penalty shootout: ALSO READ | Liverpool fans caused initial problems at Champions League final, claims French minister Saint-Etienne fans invade the pitch to attack their players after relegation.😱 pic.twitter.com/qlEFQqjL9N — BRGoals (@BRGoals) May 29, 2022 × ALSO READ | Liverpool's Andy Robertson slams organisers for Champions League final chaos The first leg of Saint Etienne-Auxerre had also ended in a 1-1 stalemate. After the second leg also ended in a tie, after 90 minutes, the action moved to the shooouts. As soon as the result came out, the Saint Etienne fans were out in the middle to create a huge ruckus. As a result, the players of both teams took refuge in the changing rooms, however, the Prime Video television footage from the tunnel displayed players, stewards and staff coughing from tear gas used by the police in order to disperse the invaders.

Tear gas used by French cops as Saint-Etienne fans attack their players after Ligue 1 relegation - WATCH

A man dressed in a ninja costume, wielding a sword, was shot by the French police after he attacked two female officers in Paris.

The incident took place near a petrol station in the northwestern France of Cherbourg city on Thursday.

According to reports, the attacker&nbsp;had stolen a vehicle and caused an accident, following which two policewomen were called in&nbsp;at the site.

When the police officers approached the assailant, both of them were attacked by his word, resulting in an injury in the face for one police officer and the chin for the other.

The man— dressed in black in the style of traditional Japanese ninja fighters — was shot three times by the officers and was flown to hospital by helicopter in serious condition.

The two police officers involved are in good condition, authorities said.

French Interior Minister Gérard Darmanin expressed his support for the police force.

"While intervening in a vehicle theft in Cherbourg, two police officers were injured," Darmanin tweeted, adding, “(My) support to the national police."

Cherbourg's mayor Benoît Arrivé also expressed his gratitude for the work of the police, saying, "All my support to the forces of order."

Last month, a policeman in the French Rivera city of Cannes survived a knife attack after an assailant approached four officers outside the police station who were preparing to go on control.

The assailant approached the officers asking for information before opening the door of the vehicle they were in and stabbing one of the officers in the chest with a knife. The attacker then attempted to stab a second officer before he was neutralized.

(With inputs from agencies)

A man dressed in a ninja costume, wielding a sword, was shot by the French police after he attacked two female officers in Paris. The incident took place near a petrol station in the northwestern France of Cherbourg city on Thursday.

A man dressed in a ninja costume, wielding a sword, was shot by the French police after he attacked two female officers in Paris. The incident took place near a petrol station in the northwestern France of Cherbourg city on Thursday. According to reports, the attacker had stolen a vehicle and caused an accident, following which two policewomen were called in at the site. When the police officers approached the assailant, both of them were attacked by his word, resulting in an injury in the face for one police officer and the chin for the other. The man— dressed in black in the style of traditional Japanese ninja fighters — was shot three times by the officers and was flown to hospital by helicopter in serious condition. The two police officers involved are in good condition, authorities said. French Interior Minister Gérard Darmanin expressed his support for the police force. "While intervening in a vehicle theft in Cherbourg, two police officers were injured," Darmanin tweeted, adding, “(My) support to the national police." Cherbourg's mayor Benoît Arrivé also expressed his gratitude for the work of the police, saying, "All my support to the forces of order." Last month, a policeman in the French Rivera city of Cannes survived a knife attack after an assailant approached four officers outside the police station who were preparing to go on control. The assailant approached the officers asking for information before opening the door of the vehicle they were in and stabbing one of the officers in the chest with a knife. The attacker then attempted to stab a second officer before he was neutralized. (With inputs from agencies)

Man dressed as ninja shot by French cops after attacking two policewomen with sword

Residents of a small French town laid cards and flowers on Saturday at the scene where a "very kind" and "gentle" policewoman was seriously wounded in a knife attack the day before, the latest in a spate of attacks on officers.&nbsp;

The attacker, 39-year-old French citizen Ndiaga Dieye who was known to police and a diagnosed schizophrenic, stabbed the woman in La Chapelle-sur-Erdre near the western city of Nantes on Friday.

He then seized her firearm and fled, holding a young woman hostage for several hours before wounding two police officers during a shootout in which he was shot dead.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-approves-air-france-lufthansa-routes-which-avoid-belarus-airspace-388285" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-approves-air-france-lufthansa-routes-which-avoid-belarus-airspace-388285&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjO9ubyrO_wAhUA8HMBHWUgA-wQFjAEegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3kQZBMC-n9rR5T7aieVAdc" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-approves-air-france-lufthansa-routes-which-avoid-belarus-airspace-388285" target="_blank">Russia approves Air&nbsp;France, Lufthansa routes which avoid Belarus</a>

In La Chapelle-sur-Erdre, Ines said she had often interacted with policewoman Katell Lereec, who had life-threatening injuries but is now out of danger.

"I am still very upset. I am very saddened for her, because she does not deserve this," the 77-year-old said.

"She is very, very kind, she is gentle, even when she speaks she speaks softly," she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-reimposes-strict-covid-curbs-on-travel-from-uk-387998" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/france-reimposes-strict-covid-curbs-on-travel-from-uk-387998&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiP8-CEre_wAhUiheYKHdnfBCI4ChAWMAF6BAgBEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw1b5XbDTCkJNiwj5qZRajzQ" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-reimposes-strict-covid-curbs-on-travel-from-uk-387998" target="_blank">France&nbsp;reimposes strict Covid curbs on travel from UK</a>

"We attack people like that who protect us. Who are we going to be protected by if we attack these people?"

Dieye had 19 previous convictions and had spent almost half his life in prison, where he was diagnosed as schizophrenic and had become radicalised.&nbsp;

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said Dieye had been on a watch-list of potential terrorist sympathisers.

Since Dieye finished serving his most recent jail sentence on March 22, he had found work and housing due to an integration association in La Chapelle-sur-Erdre.

His lawyer Vincent de la Morandiere said "it was a failure of the judicial system".

"He started serving time in prison at 17, he was convicted all the time and it didn't work," he added.

"He went back and forth between the concrete of the prison and the concrete of the city."

Dieye's most serious conviction was kidnapping and robbery after tying up an elderly couple and covering them with a blanket before searching their house in 2013.

His lawyer said he was "very uncommunicative" despite a family "who sacrificied themselves to try to help him".&nbsp;

Nantes prosecutor Pierre Sennes said that, depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations, the case was likely to be handed over to the anti-terror prosecutors.

Lereec, born in 1974, has a grown-up son, the town's mayor said.

She was recruited "as a youth worker at the end of the 1990s on social mediation missions," before taking the municipal police exam, mayor Fabrice Roussel said.

A hairdresser who runs a salon behind the police station said Lereec is "doing well, we've heard from her colleague, we can't wait to see her again".

The latest bloodshed comes after several attacks on police in France, leading officers to demand better protection and harsher punishments for attacks against them.

Residents of a small French town laid cards and flowers on Saturday at the scene where a "very kind" and "gentle" policewoman was seriously wounded in a knife attack the day before, the latest in a spate of attacks on officers.

Residents of a small French town laid cards and flowers on Saturday at the scene where a "very kind" and "gentle" policewoman was seriously wounded in a knife attack the day before, the latest in a spate of attacks on officers. The attacker, 39-year-old French citizen Ndiaga Dieye who was known to police and a diagnosed schizophrenic, stabbed the woman in La Chapelle-sur-Erdre near the western city of Nantes on Friday. He then seized her firearm and fled, holding a young woman hostage for several hours before wounding two police officers during a shootout in which he was shot dead. Also read | Russia approves Air France, Lufthansa routes which avoid Belarus In La Chapelle-sur-Erdre, Ines said she had often interacted with policewoman Katell Lereec, who had life-threatening injuries but is now out of danger. "I am still very upset. I am very saddened for her, because she does not deserve this," the 77-year-old said. "She is very, very kind, she is gentle, even when she speaks she speaks softly," she added. Also read | France reimposes strict Covid curbs on travel from UK "We attack people like that who protect us. Who are we going to be protected by if we attack these people?" Dieye had 19 previous convictions and had spent almost half his life in prison, where he was diagnosed as schizophrenic and had become radicalised. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said Dieye had been on a watch-list of potential terrorist sympathisers. Since Dieye finished serving his most recent jail sentence on March 22, he had found work and housing due to an integration association in La Chapelle-sur-Erdre. His lawyer Vincent de la Morandiere said "it was a failure of the judicial system". "He started serving time in prison at 17, he was convicted all the time and it didn't work," he added. "He went back and forth between the concrete of the prison and the concrete of the city." Dieye's most serious conviction was kidnapping and robbery after tying up an elderly couple and covering them with a blanket before searching their house in 2013. His lawyer said he was "very uncommunicative" despite a family "who sacrificied themselves to try to help him". Nantes prosecutor Pierre Sennes said that, depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations, the case was likely to be handed over to the anti-terror prosecutors. Lereec, born in 1974, has a grown-up son, the town's mayor said. She was recruited "as a youth worker at the end of the 1990s on social mediation missions," before taking the municipal police exam, mayor Fabrice Roussel said. A hairdresser who runs a salon behind the police station said Lereec is "doing well, we've heard from her colleague, we can't wait to see her again". The latest bloodshed comes after several attacks on police in France, leading officers to demand better protection and harsher punishments for attacks against them.

France hails 'gentle' policewoman stabbed in attack

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has suspended a senior policeman over a New Year card that has been deemed to be extremely racist. The action has come just when the police force has been facing accusations of prejudice towards Arabs and blacks.&nbsp;

The New Year card in question was sent by a police station outside Paris. The cartoon on the card has a white policeman who is asking a black man to come closer. The policeman has a taser in his hands.

"Come closer. My taser is recharging in the cigarette lighter," says the slogan in the cartoon, below which is written, "the commissioner and the police... wish you a very happy 2021."

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on Twitter that an investigation into the matter had been launched. The police commissioner will be questioned. He has been suspended. Identity of the police commissioner has not been revealed.

The cartoon "shocked a lot of people due to the racist connotations," said an interior ministry official, who asked not to be named. "It is incomprehensible."

French police have been under fire over repeated instances where black or Arab suspects have been roughly arrested or beaten, prompting accusations of institutionalised racism in the force.

The beating of black music producer Michel Zecler in November prompted a storm of controversy, with four police charged over the assault.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has suspended a senior policeman over a New Year card that has been deemed to be extremely racist. The action has come just when the police force has been facing accusations of prejudice towards Arabs and blacks.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has suspended a senior policeman over a New Year card that has been deemed to be extremely racist. The action has come just when the police force has been facing accusations of prejudice towards Arabs and blacks. The New Year card in question was sent by a police station outside Paris. The cartoon on the card has a white policeman who is asking a black man to come closer. The policeman has a taser in his hands. "Come closer. My taser is recharging in the cigarette lighter," says the slogan in the cartoon, below which is written, "the commissioner and the police... wish you a very happy 2021." Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on Twitter that an investigation into the matter had been launched. The police commissioner will be questioned. He has been suspended. Identity of the police commissioner has not been revealed. The cartoon "shocked a lot of people due to the racist connotations," said an interior ministry official, who asked not to be named. "It is incomprehensible." French police have been under fire over repeated instances where black or Arab suspects have been roughly arrested or beaten, prompting accusations of institutionalised racism in the force. The beating of black music producer Michel Zecler in November prompted a storm of controversy, with four police charged over the assault.

French police officer suspended over 'racist' new year card

Three French police officers were shot dead and a fourth wounded when a man opened fire at a house in a remote village.

The man suspected of killing the police officers&nbsp;has been "discovered dead," Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced Wednesday.

In a Twitter post, Darmanin did not give further details of how the 48-year-old man died, but said he was heading to the scene near Saint-Just, a village south of the city of Clermont-Ferrand.

The mayor of the nearby French town of Saint-Just said police were called to a report of domestic violence in the village in central France, some 180 km (114 miles) west of the city of Lyon.

Mayor Francois Chautard said special forces were on the scene following the fatal shooting in the village, said media.

When police arrived a 48-year-old man starting shooting at them and then set fire to the house, according to media reports.

The woman, who was the reported victim of domestic violence, sought refuge on the roof of the house and was rescued safely by police.

Police approached the house shortly after midnight and were targetted by gunfire. A police operation was still underway in the village, said French television service BFMTV.

The gunman initially shot and killed one officer and wounded another, before setting fire to the house.

Two further officers, responding to the scene, were then fired on and killed, according to the Clermont-Ferrand prosecutor's office.

The gunman is said to be known to authorities for charges relating to child custody issues.

Firefighters are also on site attempting to control the blaze.

Three French police officers were shot dead and a fourth wounded when a man opened fire at a house in a remote village. The man suspected of killing the police officers has been "discovered dead," Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced Wednesday.

Three French police officers were shot dead and a fourth wounded when a man opened fire at a house in a remote village. The man suspected of killing the police officers has been "discovered dead," Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced Wednesday. In a Twitter post, Darmanin did not give further details of how the 48-year-old man died, but said he was heading to the scene near Saint-Just, a village south of the city of Clermont-Ferrand. The mayor of the nearby French town of Saint-Just said police were called to a report of domestic violence in the village in central France, some 180 km (114 miles) west of the city of Lyon. Mayor Francois Chautard said special forces were on the scene following the fatal shooting in the village, said media. When police arrived a 48-year-old man starting shooting at them and then set fire to the house, according to media reports. The woman, who was the reported victim of domestic violence, sought refuge on the roof of the house and was rescued safely by police. Police approached the house shortly after midnight and were targetted by gunfire. A police operation was still underway in the village, said French television service BFMTV. The gunman initially shot and killed one officer and wounded another, before setting fire to the house. Two further officers, responding to the scene, were then fired on and killed, according to the Clermont-Ferrand prosecutor's office. The gunman is said to be known to authorities for charges relating to child custody issues. Firefighters are also on site attempting to control the blaze.

Three police officials shot dead in central France; suspect found dead

After weeks of continuous protests by the locals in France, the French police has also taken to streets to raise their voices against the proposed changes in the new security bill.

Police officers in the capital city, Paris, organised a rally to denounce the French&nbsp;President Emmanuel Macron and stood outside the&nbsp;iconic Place de l'Etoile in their official uniforms.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-shocked-to-hear-black-music-producer-being-beaten-by-french-police-officers-detained-345812">&nbsp;Macron 'shocked' to hear Black music producer being beaten by French police; officers detained</a>

The roads surrounding the area illuminated with the blue lights of their police cars as the officers stood peacefully while chanting slogans against the government's decision.

These protests were organised to denounce Macron's recent hit at the local police alleging them of being harsher and questioning their policing. He had also vowed to personally intervene in the matter if things do not get better. He had penned a letter explaining his plans of bringing reforms in training in a few key areas, mainly:&nbsp;police training, supervision, resources, video footage of interventions, inspections, and relations with the wider population.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nice-church-attack-21-year-old-tunisian-man-charged-over-fatal-stabbings-348182">Nice church attack: 21-year-old Tunisian man charged over fatal stabbings</a>

This decision was taken after a few images and videos were circulated on the&nbsp;internet in which the police officers&nbsp;can be seen beating unarmed locals.

The police officers claim the revisiting of the security law will hinder in their protection as they, too, get harassed and so does their family. "I speak on behalf of the colleagues who are behind me, who suffer every day outside, who are molested, burned, abused, harassed," a local agency quoted a police officer.

French police officers have been staging small protests against Emmanuel Macron, and they reportedly plan to continue to organise more of such protests till the time the President assures their safety too.

After weeks of continuous protests by the locals in France, the French police has also taken to streets to raise their voices against the proposed changes in the new security bill.

After weeks of continuous protests by the locals in France, the French police has also taken to streets to raise their voices against the proposed changes in the new security bill. Police officers in the capital city, Paris, organised a rally to denounce the French President Emmanuel Macron and stood outside the iconic Place de l'Etoile in their official uniforms. Also read| Macron 'shocked' to hear Black music producer being beaten by French police; officers detained The roads surrounding the area illuminated with the blue lights of their police cars as the officers stood peacefully while chanting slogans against the government's decision. These protests were organised to denounce Macron's recent hit at the local police alleging them of being harsher and questioning their policing. He had also vowed to personally intervene in the matter if things do not get better. He had penned a letter explaining his plans of bringing reforms in training in a few key areas, mainly: police training, supervision, resources, video footage of interventions, inspections, and relations with the wider population. Also read| Nice church attack: 21-year-old Tunisian man charged over fatal stabbings This decision was taken after a few images and videos were circulated on the internet in which the police officers can be seen beating unarmed locals. The police officers claim the revisiting of the security law will hinder in their protection as they, too, get harassed and so does their family. "I speak on behalf of the colleagues who are behind me, who suffer every day outside, who are molested, burned, abused, harassed," a local agency quoted a police officer. French police officers have been staging small protests against Emmanuel Macron, and they reportedly plan to continue to organise more of such protests till the time the President assures their safety too.

French police protest against Emmanuel Macron's security bill

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

The French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed sadness and said he is "very shocked" to hear about a Black man being beaten up by the Paris police.

A video and images started circulating on the internet where a Black music producer can be seen being beaten up by Paris police for apparently not wearing a face mask.

The French authorities are now investigating the matter. The incident took place inside the entrance of a building. The victim has been identified as&nbsp;Michel, who is a music producer. He claims he was walking on the street without a face mask, and quickly entered his music studio's entrance when he saw local police taking rounds. He claims to have done so to avoid getting a fine. However, the police officers, allegedly, chased him in the building and then started assaulting him and racially abused him.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-debates-virginity-testing-as-activists-fear-violent-repercussions-for-women-345554">France debates virginity testing as activists fear violent repercussions for women</a>

The two police officers have been detained and&nbsp;will further be sanctioned if the alleged wrongdoing is confirmed, the&nbsp;Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told the local media.

The investigation is also using the CCTV videos and the images and videos shot through an onlooker's mobile phone — which have already been circulated on various social media platforms.

Stepping outdoors without a face mask is not allowed in France now, especially after a recent surge in coronavirus cases that has sent the whole country into a second lockdown to contain the spread of the deadly virus. While people are being urged to not step out, it is compulsory to wear a face mask if they do plan to go outdoors.

The French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed sadness and said he is "very shocked" to hear about a Black man being beaten up by the Paris police. A video and images started circulating on the internet where a Black music producer can be seen being beaten up by Paris police for apparently not wearing a face mask.

The French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed sadness and said he is "very shocked" to hear about a Black man being beaten up by the Paris police. A video and images started circulating on the internet where a Black music producer can be seen being beaten up by Paris police for apparently not wearing a face mask. The French authorities are now investigating the matter. The incident took place inside the entrance of a building. The victim has been identified as Michel, who is a music producer. He claims he was walking on the street without a face mask, and quickly entered his music studio's entrance when he saw local police taking rounds. He claims to have done so to avoid getting a fine. However, the police officers, allegedly, chased him in the building and then started assaulting him and racially abused him. Also read| France debates virginity testing as activists fear violent repercussions for women The two police officers have been detained and will further be sanctioned if the alleged wrongdoing is confirmed, the Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told the local media. The investigation is also using the CCTV videos and the images and videos shot through an onlooker's mobile phone — which have already been circulated on various social media platforms. Stepping outdoors without a face mask is not allowed in France now, especially after a recent surge in coronavirus cases that has sent the whole country into a second lockdown to contain the spread of the deadly virus. While people are being urged to not step out, it is compulsory to wear a face mask if they do plan to go outdoors.

Macron 'shocked' to hear Black music producer being beaten by French police; officers detained

Thousands of people protested in Paris on Saturday against a bill that would make it a crime to circulate an image of a police officer's face with the intention that they should be harmed.

The offence would carry a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a 45,000-euro ($53,000) fine.

Supporters say police officers and their families need protection from harassment, both online and in person when off duty. Opponents, however, say the law would infringe journalists' freedom to report, and make it harder to hold police accountable for abuses such as excessive use of force - a growing public concern.

To this end, rights activists, trade unionists and journalists chanted "Everybody wants to film the police!" and "Freedom!" on the Trocadero Square in western Paris.

The police, on their part, wearing riot gear stood by around the square.

Similar demonstrations were planned in Marseille, Lille, Montpellier, Rennes, Saint-Etienne and Nice.

In Paris, police clashed with demonstrators at the end of the protest. By 7:45 p.m., 23 people had been arrested and a police officer slightly injured, the police prefecture tweeted.

Last Tuesday, two journalists were detained in a protest that led to clashes with police as lawmakers in the National Assembly began debating the bill, which is backed by President Emmanuel Macron's party and its parliamentary allies.

The bill passed its first reading on Friday and there will be a second reading on Tuesday. It then goes to the Senate for further debate before it can become law.

An amendment drafted by the government and approved on Friday modified the article in question, 24, to add the phrase "without prejudice to the right to inform".

Prime Minister Jean Castex said this would "remove any ambiguity on the intention to guarantee respect for public freedoms while better protecting those, police and gendarmes, who ensure the protection of the population".

Thousands of people protested in Paris on Saturday against a bill that would make it a crime to circulate an image of a police officer's face with the intention that they should be harmed.

Thousands of people protested in Paris on Saturday against a bill that would make it a crime to circulate an image of a police officer's face with the intention that they should be harmed. The offence would carry a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a 45,000-euro ($53,000) fine. Supporters say police officers and their families need protection from harassment, both online and in person when off duty. Opponents, however, say the law would infringe journalists' freedom to report, and make it harder to hold police accountable for abuses such as excessive use of force - a growing public concern. To this end, rights activists, trade unionists and journalists chanted "Everybody wants to film the police!" and "Freedom!" on the Trocadero Square in western Paris. The police, on their part, wearing riot gear stood by around the square. Similar demonstrations were planned in Marseille, Lille, Montpellier, Rennes, Saint-Etienne and Nice. In Paris, police clashed with demonstrators at the end of the protest. By 7:45 p.m., 23 people had been arrested and a police officer slightly injured, the police prefecture tweeted. Last Tuesday, two journalists were detained in a protest that led to clashes with police as lawmakers in the National Assembly began debating the bill, which is backed by President Emmanuel Macron's party and its parliamentary allies. The bill passed its first reading on Friday and there will be a second reading on Tuesday. It then goes to the Senate for further debate before it can become law. An amendment drafted by the government and approved on Friday modified the article in question, 24, to add the phrase "without prejudice to the right to inform". Prime Minister Jean Castex said this would "remove any ambiguity on the intention to guarantee respect for public freedoms while better protecting those, police and gendarmes, who ensure the protection of the population".

Thousands protest against French bill to curb identification of police

French police Monday raided radical Islamist groups in the aftermath of the beheading of a history teacher who had shown his pupils satirical cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed.

Tens of thousands of people took part in rallies countrywide to honour teacher Samuel Paty and defend freedom of expression, including the right to show cartoons regarded by many Muslims as insulting.

The swoop on Islamist networks is reported to have been designed to send a message that "enemies of the Republic" would not enjoy "a minute's respite".

Sources said individuals targetted in the police operation were known to the police for radical preachings or hate speech on social media.

The government is also likely to tighten the noose on NGOs with links to Islamist networks, including the high-profile Anti-Islamophobia Collective.

"Islamists should not be allowed sleep soundly in our country," President Emmanuel Macron told a meeting of key ministers Sunday to discuss a response to the attack.

The attack has drawn parallels with the 2015 massacre at Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine, where 12 people, including several cartoonists, were gunned down for publishing images of the prophet.

That attack -- the first in a string of assaults that have killed over 240 people in France -- brought over a million people onto the streets of Paris to denounce extremism.

Samuel Paty, 47, was murdered on his way home from the school where he taught in a suburb northwest of Paris on Friday afternoon.

A photo of the teacher and a message confessing to his murder was found on the mobile phone of his killer, an 18-year-old Chechen man Abdullakh Anzorov, who was shot dead by police.

Anzorov's family from the predominantly Muslim Russian republic of Chechnya arrived in France to seek asylum when he was six.

Four members of his family are being held for questioning.

They are among 11 people being held over the attack, including a known Islamist militant and the father of one of Paty's pupils who had railed against him online and called for his dismissal.

The two men had issued a "fatwa" against Paty, using the term for an Islamic edict that was famously used to describe the 1989 death sentence handed down against writer Salman Rushdie by Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini.

Paty, who was praised by pupils and parents as a dedicated teacher, had shown the Mohammed cartoons to his civics class.

Friday's attack was the second of its kind since a trial started last month over the Charlie Hebdo killings.

The magazine republished the controversial cartoons in the run-up to the trial, and last month a young Pakistani man wounded two people with a meat cleaver outside Charlie Hebdo's former office.

(with inputs)

French police Monday raided radical Islamist groups in the aftermath of the beheading of a history teacher who had shown his pupils satirical cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed.

French police Monday raided radical Islamist groups in the aftermath of the beheading of a history teacher who had shown his pupils satirical cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed. Tens of thousands of people took part in rallies countrywide to honour teacher Samuel Paty and defend freedom of expression, including the right to show cartoons regarded by many Muslims as insulting. The swoop on Islamist networks is reported to have been designed to send a message that "enemies of the Republic" would not enjoy "a minute's respite". Sources said individuals targetted in the police operation were known to the police for radical preachings or hate speech on social media. The government is also likely to tighten the noose on NGOs with links to Islamist networks, including the high-profile Anti-Islamophobia Collective. "Islamists should not be allowed sleep soundly in our country," President Emmanuel Macron told a meeting of key ministers Sunday to discuss a response to the attack. The attack has drawn parallels with the 2015 massacre at Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine, where 12 people, including several cartoonists, were gunned down for publishing images of the prophet. That attack -- the first in a string of assaults that have killed over 240 people in France -- brought over a million people onto the streets of Paris to denounce extremism. Samuel Paty, 47, was murdered on his way home from the school where he taught in a suburb northwest of Paris on Friday afternoon. A photo of the teacher and a message confessing to his murder was found on the mobile phone of his killer, an 18-year-old Chechen man Abdullakh Anzorov, who was shot dead by police. Anzorov's family from the predominantly Muslim Russian republic of Chechnya arrived in France to seek asylum when he was six. Four members of his family are being held for questioning. They are among 11 people being held over the attack, including a known Islamist militant and the father of one of Paty's pupils who had railed against him online and called for his dismissal. The two men had issued a "fatwa" against Paty, using the term for an Islamic edict that was famously used to describe the 1989 death sentence handed down against writer Salman Rushdie by Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini. Paty, who was praised by pupils and parents as a dedicated teacher, had shown the Mohammed cartoons to his civics class. Friday's attack was the second of its kind since a trial started last month over the Charlie Hebdo killings. The magazine republished the controversial cartoons in the run-up to the trial, and last month a young Pakistani man wounded two people with a meat cleaver outside Charlie Hebdo's former office. (with inputs)

French police raid Islamist groups after teacher's beheading

Rwandan genocide suspect Felicien Kabuga, who is accused of funding militias that massacred about 800,000 people, was arrested on Saturday near Paris after 26 years on the run, the French justice ministry said.

The 84-year-old, who is&nbsp;Rwanda's most-wanted man and had a $5 million US&nbsp;bounty on his head, was living under a false identity in a flat in Asnieres-Sur-Seine, according to the ministry.

French gendarmes arrested him at 0530 GMT on Saturday, the ministry said.

Kabuga was indicted in 1997 on seven criminal counts including genocide, complicity in genocide and incitement to commit genocide, all in relation to the 1994&nbsp;Rwanda&nbsp;genocide, according to the UN-established International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT).

Rwanda's two main ethnic groups are the Hutus and Tutsis, who have historically had an antagonistic relationship and fought a civil war in the early 1990s.

A Hutu businessman, Kabuga is accused of funding the militias that massacred some 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus over a span of 100 days in 1994.

"Since 1994, Felicien Kabuga, known to have been the financier of&nbsp;Rwanda&nbsp;genocide, had with impunity stayed in Germany, Belgium, Congo-Kinshasa, Kenya, or Switzerland,"

the statement said.

The arrest paves the way for bringing the fugitive in front of the Paris Appeal Court and later to the international court in The Hague, it added.

Two other&nbsp;Rwandan genocide suspects, Augustin Bizimana and Protais Mpiranya, are still being pursued by international justice.

"The arrest of Félicien Kabuga today is a reminder that those responsible for genocide can be brought to account, even twenty-six years after their crimes," IRMCT's Chief Prosecutor Serge Brammertz said in a statement immediately after the arrest.

He added the arrest was the result of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in France and other countries including the US,&nbsp;Rwanda, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and others.

Kabuga was responsible for making purchases of large quantities of machetes, hoes, and other agricultural implements in the knowledge that they would be used as weapons of murder during the genocide, according to a UN news website.

Rwandan genocide suspect Felicien Kabuga, who is accused of funding militias that massacred about 800,000 people, was arrested on Saturday near Paris after 26 years on the run, the French justice ministry said.

Rwandan genocide suspect Felicien Kabuga, who is accused of funding militias that massacred about 800,000 people, was arrested on Saturday near Paris after 26 years on the run, the French justice ministry said. The 84-year-old, who is Rwanda's most-wanted man and had a $5 million US bounty on his head, was living under a false identity in a flat in Asnieres-Sur-Seine, according to the ministry. French gendarmes arrested him at 0530 GMT on Saturday, the ministry said. Kabuga was indicted in 1997 on seven criminal counts including genocide, complicity in genocide and incitement to commit genocide, all in relation to the 1994 Rwanda genocide, according to the UN-established International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT). Rwanda's two main ethnic groups are the Hutus and Tutsis, who have historically had an antagonistic relationship and fought a civil war in the early 1990s. A Hutu businessman, Kabuga is accused of funding the militias that massacred some 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus over a span of 100 days in 1994. "Since 1994, Felicien Kabuga, known to have been the financier of Rwanda genocide, had with impunity stayed in Germany, Belgium, Congo-Kinshasa, Kenya, or Switzerland," the statement said. The arrest paves the way for bringing the fugitive in front of the Paris Appeal Court and later to the international court in The Hague, it added. Two other Rwandan genocide suspects, Augustin Bizimana and Protais Mpiranya, are still being pursued by international justice. "The arrest of Félicien Kabuga today is a reminder that those responsible for genocide can be brought to account, even twenty-six years after their crimes," IRMCT's Chief Prosecutor Serge Brammertz said in a statement immediately after the arrest. He added the arrest was the result of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in France and other countries including the US, Rwanda, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and others. Kabuga was responsible for making purchases of large quantities of machetes, hoes, and other agricultural implements in the knowledge that they would be used as weapons of murder during the genocide, according to a UN news website.

Rwanda genocide suspect Kabuga arrested by French police

French police shot and killed on Wednesday a man who attacked police officers with a knife in the city of La Courneuve in a northern suburb of Paris, news agency Reuters reported quoting a&nbsp;police source.

The attack took place around 1430pm GMT when police officers were on bike patrol, the source said.

The source could not elaborate on the knife attacker's motives.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

French police shot and killed on Wednesday a man who attacked police officers with a knife in the city of La Courneuve in a northern suburb of Paris, news agency Reuters reported quoting a police source.

French police shot and killed on Wednesday a man who attacked police officers with a knife in the city of La Courneuve in a northern suburb of Paris, news agency Reuters reported quoting a police source. The attack took place around 1430pm GMT when police officers were on bike patrol, the source said. The source could not elaborate on the knife attacker's motives. (With inputs from Reuters)

French police shoot dead a knife attacker in north of Paris: Report

French police on Tuesday cleared the last migrant tent camp in northeast Paris, moving 427 people to shelters as part of a plan to take migrants off the streets.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-cant-host-everyone-says-macron-in-new-toughening-of-migration-stance-251947">'France can't host everyone,' says Macron in new toughening of migration stance</a>

The migrants, who included four women, were living in&nbsp;266 tents and makeshift shelters in a canal-side camp "strewn with waste and refuse, overrun by rats and giving off a pestilent and foul-smelling odour of urine and excrement", according to the authorities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-signals-tougher-line-on-immigration-250237">Bourgeois have no problem with immigration, they don't come up against it: Macron</a>

The operation to tear down the camp began at 6:00 am (0500 GMT) and lasted two hours, the regional prefecture said.

Dozens of informal settlements have sprung up in recent years around the French capital.

Many of the migrants have their sights on the northern Channel port of Calais, a jump-off point for crossings to Britain.

The authorities regularly tear down the camps, saying they pose a health hazard.

Last week, police moved more than 1,400 migrants, including 93 children, from another camp in northern Paris.

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner had promised to clear all migrant camps from the city by the end of last year, in part by opening more shelters for asylum seekers but also by deporting those whose claims are rejected.

Police are being deployed to ensure migrants do not return to the razed camps or set up new ones.

"We are not going to resume a never-ending cycle of evacuations followed by new installations," Paris police chief Didier Lallement said last week.

But critics say that unless the government provides long-term lodgings or the prospect of legal residency, many migrants will just return to the streets.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../venezuelas-juan-guaido-meets-emmanuel- macron-on-charm-offensive-276546">Emmanuel Macron</a> said last year that France must end its "lax" approach to immigration.

French police on Tuesday cleared the last migrant tent camp in northeast Paris, moving 427 people to shelters as part of a plan to take migrants off the streets.

French police on Tuesday cleared the last migrant tent camp in northeast Paris, moving 427 people to shelters as part of a plan to take migrants off the streets. Also read: 'France can't host everyone,' says Macron in new toughening of migration stance The migrants, who included four women, were living in 266 tents and makeshift shelters in a canal-side camp "strewn with waste and refuse, overrun by rats and giving off a pestilent and foul-smelling odour of urine and excrement", according to the authorities. Also read: Bourgeois have no problem with immigration, they don't come up against it: Macron The operation to tear down the camp began at 6:00 am (0500 GMT) and lasted two hours, the regional prefecture said. Dozens of informal settlements have sprung up in recent years around the French capital. Many of the migrants have their sights on the northern Channel port of Calais, a jump-off point for crossings to Britain. The authorities regularly tear down the camps, saying they pose a health hazard. Last week, police moved more than 1,400 migrants, including 93 children, from another camp in northern Paris. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner had promised to clear all migrant camps from the city by the end of last year, in part by opening more shelters for asylum seekers but also by deporting those whose claims are rejected. Police are being deployed to ensure migrants do not return to the razed camps or set up new ones. "We are not going to resume a never-ending cycle of evacuations followed by new installations," Paris police chief Didier Lallement said last week. But critics say that unless the government provides long-term lodgings or the prospect of legal residency, many migrants will just return to the streets. President Emmanuel Macron said last year that France must end its "lax" approach to immigration.

French police clear last migrant camp in north Paris

French police started evacuating migrants on Thursday from an illegal campsite in northern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-cilic-raonic-make-winning-starts-at-paris-masters-federer-withdraws-258577">Paris</a>, the local police force said in a statement, as the government aims to show it is taking a tougher stance on illegal immigration.

The police said it would be moving between 200-300 people from the illegal site in northern Paris' Porte d'Aubervilliers, and putting them up in shelters.

Since the closure of a huge migrant camp in Calais in 2016, many refugees have moved to Paris. Authorities have repeatedly dismantled illegal campsites only to see them pop up again in different areas a few months later.

Earlier this month, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-seeks-ukraine-progress-from-putin-in-rare-pre-g7-talks-243465">President Emmanuel Macron</a>'s government pledged to clear out some migrant tent camps, impose quotas for migrant workers and deny newly-arrived asylum seekers access to non-urgent healthcare, in a response to voters' concerns about immigration.

French police started evacuating migrants on Thursday from an illegal campsite in northern Paris, the local police force said in a statement, as the government aims to show it is taking a tougher stance on illegal immigration.

French police started evacuating migrants on Thursday from an illegal campsite in northern Paris, the local police force said in a statement, as the government aims to show it is taking a tougher stance on illegal immigration. The police said it would be moving between 200-300 people from the illegal site in northern Paris' Porte d'Aubervilliers, and putting them up in shelters. Since the closure of a huge migrant camp in Calais in 2016, many refugees have moved to Paris. Authorities have repeatedly dismantled illegal campsites only to see them pop up again in different areas a few months later. Earlier this month, President Emmanuel Macron's government pledged to clear out some migrant tent camps, impose quotas for migrant workers and deny newly-arrived asylum seekers access to non-urgent healthcare, in a response to voters' concerns about immigration.

French police evacuates migrants from northern Paris campsite

Thousands of French police officers demonstrated in Paris Wednesday for better working conditions, against the backdrop of a spike in suicides in the force and allegations of police brutality that have sapped morale.

The demonstration was the biggest by the police in years, reflecting the frustration among officers after a year of battling weekly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-paris-police-deployed-over-yellow-vest-clash-fears-250913">"yellow vest" protests </a>that have regularly turned violent.

Many of the officers, who gathered in plainclothes at Bastille Square for a "march of anger" through eastern Paris, complained of a lack of recognition and support from both the state and the public.

"We are the dregs of society," Frederic Govin, an officer from a riot police unit in northern France, told AFP bitterly.

Over the past few years, the police have held several protests over violent attacks on officers during anti-government protests as well as during operations in high-rise housing estates, where youths periodically clash with the police.

A key theme in Wednesday's protest was the sharp rise this year in the number of police taking their own lives.

Cyril Benoit, an officer with 20 years of service, told AFP that the weekly yellow vest protests had stretched an already strained force to the limit.

In the past two years, one officer in his riot police unit in the central town of Auxerre committed suicide and another attempted to take her own life, he said.

So far this year 49 officers have killed themselves, up from a total of 35 in 2018, according to interior ministry figures.

Benoit blamed the malaise on "physical and psychological fatigue" as well as increased pressure from senior officers to meet targets.

"There's always been a bit of pressure on the police but never like this," he said.

Under French law, the police are not allowed to strike or demonstrate while on duty.

Some officers told AFP they had been given leave by their station chiefs to skip work to attend the protest.

"I see colleagues crying," Antoine, a 40-year-old policeman with 15 years of crime-fighting to his name, told AFP.

He accused the government of failing to defend officers in the face of recurring allegations of brutality, particularly against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-100-arrested-in-paris-yellow-vest-protests-251045">yellow vest protesters</a>, dozens of whom have been seriously injured by rubber bullets and stun grenades.

"Television keeps replaying videos of (allegedly brutal) police actions but you don't see the paving stone that flew overhead seconds before," Antoine said.

The police have also opposed a major overhaul of the pensions system, which could come of their perks scrapped.

"There is a deep sense of discontent", David Le Bars, general secretary of the SCPN-Unsa union said, describing an "ailing force."

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner has assured that the dangerous conditions faced by the police will be factored into the pension reforms.

He has also pointed to the money ploughed into the force under President Emmanuel Macron - more than a billion euros since the centrist leader took office in 2017, according to the minister.

During campaigning for president Macron pledged to hire an extra 10,000 police over the course of his five-year term.

But the new recruits cannot come fast enough for a force facing 23 million unpaid overtime hours, according to a count by Le Parisien newspaper in mid-September.

In the past few years, the number of protests by the police -- once a rare event -- have increased.

In October 2016, hundreds of officers, some in uniform, staged wildcat protests in several cities over several consecutive nights after youths in a Paris suburb tried to set fire to a police car with two officers inside, seriously injuring them.

Earlier that year, a police car was also firebombed on the sidelines of a separate police demonstration over anti-police violence.

Thousands of French police officers demonstrated in Paris Wednesday for better working conditions, against the backdrop of a spike in suicides in the force and allegations of police brutality that have sapped morale.

Thousands of French police officers demonstrated in Paris Wednesday for better working conditions, against the backdrop of a spike in suicides in the force and allegations of police brutality that have sapped morale. The demonstration was the biggest by the police in years, reflecting the frustration among officers after a year of battling weekly "yellow vest" protests that have regularly turned violent. Many of the officers, who gathered in plainclothes at Bastille Square for a "march of anger" through eastern Paris, complained of a lack of recognition and support from both the state and the public. "We are the dregs of society," Frederic Govin, an officer from a riot police unit in northern France, told AFP bitterly. Over the past few years, the police have held several protests over violent attacks on officers during anti-government protests as well as during operations in high-rise housing estates, where youths periodically clash with the police. A key theme in Wednesday's protest was the sharp rise this year in the number of police taking their own lives. Cyril Benoit, an officer with 20 years of service, told AFP that the weekly yellow vest protests had stretched an already strained force to the limit. In the past two years, one officer in his riot police unit in the central town of Auxerre committed suicide and another attempted to take her own life, he said. So far this year 49 officers have killed themselves, up from a total of 35 in 2018, according to interior ministry figures. Benoit blamed the malaise on "physical and psychological fatigue" as well as increased pressure from senior officers to meet targets. "There's always been a bit of pressure on the police but never like this," he said. Under French law, the police are not allowed to strike or demonstrate while on duty. Some officers told AFP they had been given leave by their station chiefs to skip work to attend the protest. "I see colleagues crying," Antoine, a 40-year-old policeman with 15 years of crime-fighting to his name, told AFP. He accused the government of failing to defend officers in the face of recurring allegations of brutality, particularly against yellow vest protesters, dozens of whom have been seriously injured by rubber bullets and stun grenades. "Television keeps replaying videos of (allegedly brutal) police actions but you don't see the paving stone that flew overhead seconds before," Antoine said. The police have also opposed a major overhaul of the pensions system, which could come of their perks scrapped. "There is a deep sense of discontent", David Le Bars, general secretary of the SCPN-Unsa union said, describing an "ailing force." Interior Minister Christophe Castaner has assured that the dangerous conditions faced by the police will be factored into the pension reforms. He has also pointed to the money ploughed into the force under President Emmanuel Macron - more than a billion euros since the centrist leader took office in 2017, according to the minister. During campaigning for president Macron pledged to hire an extra 10,000 police over the course of his five-year term. But the new recruits cannot come fast enough for a force facing 23 million unpaid overtime hours, according to a count by Le Parisien newspaper in mid-September. In the past few years, the number of protests by the police -- once a rare event -- have increased. In October 2016, hundreds of officers, some in uniform, staged wildcat protests in several cities over several consecutive nights after youths in a Paris suburb tried to set fire to a police car with two officers inside, seriously injuring them. Earlier that year, a police car was also firebombed on the sidelines of a separate police demonstration over anti-police violence.

'I see colleagues crying': Ailing French police force hit by officer protests

French riot police used water cannons and tear gas on Saturday to disperse <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-march-near-biarritz-demanding-action-from-g7-leaders-245340">anti-capitalism protesters in Bayonne</a>, near the resort of Biarritz where President Emmanuel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-would-tax-french-wine-in-response-to-digital-tax-245250">Macron and G7 nation allies</a> were meeting for a three-day summit.

A police helicopter circled as dozens of protesters, some hurling stones, shouted slogans and abuse at the lines of police in the Basque town's historic centre.

The protesters shouted, "Everybody hates the police" and "anti, anti-anti-capitalists" as the mood took a darker turn from peaceful protests earlier in the day in an authorised march on the French-Spanish border.

Roiled by months of anti-government protests this year, France has deployed more than 13,000 police to ensure protesters get nowhere near US President Donald Trump and other leaders. Authorities designated two counter-summit "villages" and the morning protest about 30 kilometres from the summit.

Thousands of anti-globalisation activists, Basque separatists and "yellow vest" protesters walked from the French town of Hendaye to Irun in Spain, waving banners calling for climate action, gay rights and a fairer economic model.

"The top capitalist leaders are here and we have to show them that the fight continues," said Alain Missana, 48, an electrician wearing a yellow vest - symbol of the anti-government demonstrations that have been held in France for months.

"It's more money for the rich and nothing for the poor. We see the Amazonian forests burning and the Arctic melting. The leaders will hear us," he said.

Four police officers were lightly wounded on Friday after protesters fired a homemade mortar near the anti-G7 gathering in Hendaye. Police arrested 17 people for hiding their faces.

Activists in the counter-summit villages have this week united from France, the Basque region straddling the French-Spanish border and beyond to confront a rich-poor divide they say is growing due to the cynicism of world leaders.

"The counter-G7 demonstration is in this Basque region and we want people to see we are part of it," said Alfredo Akuna, a 46-year-old engineer from San Sebastián in northern Spain who wore traditional Basque clothing.

"We're involved in many movements including anti-capitalism and anti-fascism so it's important to be here to show that."

French riot police used water cannons and tear gas on Saturday to disperse anti-capitalism protesters in Bayonne, near the resort of Biarritz where President Emmanuel Macron and G7 nation allies were meeting for a three-day summit.

French riot police used water cannons and tear gas on Saturday to disperse anti-capitalism protesters in Bayonne, near the resort of Biarritz where President Emmanuel Macron and G7 nation allies were meeting for a three-day summit. A police helicopter circled as dozens of protesters, some hurling stones, shouted slogans and abuse at the lines of police in the Basque town's historic centre. The protesters shouted, "Everybody hates the police" and "anti, anti-anti-capitalists" as the mood took a darker turn from peaceful protests earlier in the day in an authorised march on the French-Spanish border. Roiled by months of anti-government protests this year, France has deployed more than 13,000 police to ensure protesters get nowhere near US President Donald Trump and other leaders. Authorities designated two counter-summit "villages" and the morning protest about 30 kilometres from the summit. Thousands of anti-globalisation activists, Basque separatists and "yellow vest" protesters walked from the French town of Hendaye to Irun in Spain, waving banners calling for climate action, gay rights and a fairer economic model. "The top capitalist leaders are here and we have to show them that the fight continues," said Alain Missana, 48, an electrician wearing a yellow vest - symbol of the anti-government demonstrations that have been held in France for months. "It's more money for the rich and nothing for the poor. We see the Amazonian forests burning and the Arctic melting. The leaders will hear us," he said. Four police officers were lightly wounded on Friday after protesters fired a homemade mortar near the anti-G7 gathering in Hendaye. Police arrested 17 people for hiding their faces. Activists in the counter-summit villages have this week united from France, the Basque region straddling the French-Spanish border and beyond to confront a rich-poor divide they say is growing due to the cynicism of world leaders. "The counter-G7 demonstration is in this Basque region and we want people to see we are part of it," said Alfredo Akuna, a 46-year-old engineer from San Sebastián in northern Spain who wore traditional Basque clothing. "We're involved in many movements including anti-capitalism and anti-fascism so it's important to be here to show that."

French police fire tear gas, water cannons at anti-G7 protesters

French&nbsp;police&nbsp;have&nbsp;arrested&nbsp;three&nbsp;people, including a 24-year-old computer science student of Algerian nationality, in connection with last week's&nbsp;bomb&nbsp;blast in Lyon that injured 13 people, authorities said.

The case is being handled as a terrorism investigation given the circumstances of the attack, committed in broad daylight, and the use of an explosive device capable of hitting a large number of people with screws and metal balls packed into a bag.

A&nbsp;police&nbsp;source said the&nbsp;three&nbsp;arrested were the student, who does not have a&nbsp;police&nbsp;record, a minor who studies at a high school in&nbsp;Lyon&nbsp;and is also of Algerian nationality, and a woman.

The Paris prosecutors' office said that minor was a member of the main suspect's family circle. No information was provided about the woman.

French&nbsp;Interior Minister Christophe Castaner also announced the&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;of the man on Twitter but did not provide further details on the suspect or where he was&nbsp;arrested.

Security camera footage of the incident shows a partially masked suspect wheeling a bicycle to the scene, before leaving a bag outside a branch of a popular bakery chain.

DNA traces were found on the remains of the parcel, according to a source close to the investigation.

Another source said the judicial&nbsp;police&nbsp;arrested the man on the street after having tailed him.

They decided not to&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;him at his apartment, the source said, for fear that there could still be some triacetone triperoxide or TATP, the powerful but unstable homemade explosive that was used in the attack.

French police have arrested three people, including a 24-year-old computer science student of Algerian nationality, in connection with last week's bomb blast in Lyon that injured 13 people, authorities said.

French police have arrested three people, including a 24-year-old computer science student of Algerian nationality, in connection with last week's bomb blast in Lyon that injured 13 people, authorities said. The case is being handled as a terrorism investigation given the circumstances of the attack, committed in broad daylight, and the use of an explosive device capable of hitting a large number of people with screws and metal balls packed into a bag. A police source said the three arrested were the student, who does not have a police record, a minor who studies at a high school in Lyon and is also of Algerian nationality, and a woman. The Paris prosecutors' office said that minor was a member of the main suspect's family circle. No information was provided about the woman. French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner also announced the arrest of the man on Twitter but did not provide further details on the suspect or where he was arrested. Security camera footage of the incident shows a partially masked suspect wheeling a bicycle to the scene, before leaving a bag outside a branch of a popular bakery chain. DNA traces were found on the remains of the parcel, according to a source close to the investigation. Another source said the judicial police arrested the man on the street after having tailed him. They decided not to arrest him at his apartment, the source said, for fear that there could still be some triacetone triperoxide or TATP, the powerful but unstable homemade explosive that was used in the attack.

French police arrest three over Lyon bomb blast

French police fired tear gas to push back protesters who tried to march towards the European Parliament building in the eastern city of Strasbourg on Saturday, on the 24th consecutive weekend of protests against President Emmanuel Macron's policies.

The so-called 'yellow vests'&nbsp;protesters were back on the streets across France two days after Macron outlined policy proposals including tax cuts worth around $5.58 billion&nbsp;in response to the protests.

Around 2,000 protesters gathered near the seat of European Union institutions in Strasbourg, where organisers had planned to make the protest international by symbolically marching to the parliament building, a month ahead of EU-wide parliamentary elections.

The protests, named after motorists' high-visibility jackets, began in November over fuel tax increases but has morphed into a sometimes violent revolt against politicians and a government they see as out of touch.

French police fired tear gas to push back protesters who tried to march towards the European Parliament building in the eastern city of Strasbourg on Saturday, on the 24th consecutive weekend of protests against President Emmanuel Macron's policies.

French police fired tear gas to push back protesters who tried to march towards the European Parliament building in the eastern city of Strasbourg on Saturday, on the 24th consecutive weekend of protests against President Emmanuel Macron's policies. The so-called 'yellow vests' protesters were back on the streets across France two days after Macron outlined policy proposals including tax cuts worth around $5.58 billion in response to the protests. Around 2,000 protesters gathered near the seat of European Union institutions in Strasbourg, where organisers had planned to make the protest international by symbolically marching to the parliament building, a month ahead of EU-wide parliamentary elections. The protests, named after motorists' high-visibility jackets, began in November over fuel tax increases but has morphed into a sometimes violent revolt against politicians and a government they see as out of touch.

French police scuffle with 'yellow vest' protesters who tried to march towards European Parliament

French police on Saturday said that they have arrested over 100 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-needs-tax-cuts-in-response-to-yellow-vests-pm-208807">''yellow&nbsp;vest'' protestors in Paris</a> after thousands of demonstrators took to&nbsp;streets for the 23rd week of anti-government marches.

The Police headquarters reported 126 arrests and 11,000 checks on individual protestors.

Clashes broke out during the protests where demonstrators threw rocks at the police and some set fire to motorcycles in the centre of the French capital.

In response, the police used anti-riot grenades and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

The city was on high alert after Christophe Castaner, the interior minister, said domestic intelligence services had informed him of a potential return of rioters intent on wreaking havoc in Paris, Toulouse, Montpellier and Bordeaux, in a repeat of violent protests on March 16.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-to-answer-yellow-vest-protests-next-week-through-press-conference-211916">French President Emmanuel Macron</a> will hold a press conference on Thursday next week and will make an announcement in response to ''yellow vest'' protests.

The press conference is due to take place on Thursday next week at 6:00 pm (local time). It will start with a speech followed by questions from journalists.

French police on Saturday said that they have arrested over 100 ''yellow vest'' protestors in Paris after thousands of demonstrators took to streets for the 23rd week of anti-government marches.

French police on Saturday said that they have arrested over 100 ''yellow vest'' protestors in Paris after thousands of demonstrators took to streets for the 23rd week of anti-government marches. The Police headquarters reported 126 arrests and 11,000 checks on individual protestors. Clashes broke out during the protests where demonstrators threw rocks at the police and some set fire to motorcycles in the centre of the French capital. In response, the police used anti-riot grenades and tear gas to disperse the crowd. The city was on high alert after Christophe Castaner, the interior minister, said domestic intelligence services had informed him of a potential return of rioters intent on wreaking havoc in Paris, Toulouse, Montpellier and Bordeaux, in a repeat of violent protests on March 16. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron will hold a press conference on Thursday next week and will make an announcement in response to ''yellow vest'' protests. The press conference is due to take place on Thursday next week at 6:00 pm (local time). It will start with a speech followed by questions from journalists.

French police arrest over 100 'yellow vest' demonstrators as protests resume

french-police

French Police, News on French Police, stories on French Police, articles on French Police, French Police stories at Wion, French Police news, French Police latest news

french police

Epstein-Linked modeling Scout Daniel Siaad found dead in France | Epstein Scandal takes new twist

Epstein-Linked modeling Scout Daniel Siaad found dead in France | Epstein Scandal takes new twist

French police probe ransomware attack on Olympic venue |

Russian interference suspected after coffins covered in French tricolour found near Eiffel Tower

Protestors block New Caledonia roads as French police pour in

French Police detain Youcef Atal for posting social media post on Israel-Hamas war

Eiffel Tower in Paris briefly evacuated after bomb threat: Reports

France bans the sale of fireworks for Bastille Day celebration after riots

Hundreds defy protest ban in Paris, hold march for Black man who died in police custody

Man loses his testicle after violent confrontation with the French police, Paris police chief orders inquiry

French police raid Emmanuel Macron's party offices over campaign funds controversy

French police open probe after Paul Pogba claims his brother is part of a multi-million-euro blackmail attempt

Tear gas used by French cops as Saint-Etienne fans attack their players after Ligue 1 relegation - WATCH

Man dressed as ninja shot by French cops after attacking two policewomen with sword

France hails 'gentle' policewoman stabbed in attack

French police officer suspended over 'racist' new year card

Three police officials shot dead in central France; suspect found dead

French police protest against Emmanuel Macron's security bill

French police charged for racially attacking Black music producer

Macron 'shocked' to hear Black music producer being beaten by French police; officers detained

Thousands protest against French bill to curb identification of police

French police raid Islamist groups after teacher's beheading

Rwanda genocide suspect Kabuga arrested by French police

French police shoot dead a knife attacker in north of Paris: Report

French police clear last migrant camp in north Paris

French police evacuates migrants from northern Paris campsite