A man was arrested on Thursday (August 17) after he jumped off Paris' iconic Eiffel Tower with a parachute on, said the monument's operator and the police.

The man, who as per news agency AFP was an experienced climber, entered the monument's perimeter shortly after 5.00 am (0300 GMT), well before its official opening.

According to the site's operator Sete, even though the guards immediately noticed the man, he was quick enough to get to the top of the tower before anyone could catch hold of him, carrying the parachute in a backpack.

The moment he got around the top of the 330-metre-high structure, he jumped.

Police said that the man landed in a nearby stadium where he was arrested for putting the lives of others in danger.

"This kind of irresponsible action puts people working at or below the tower in danger," Sete said in a statement.

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The tower, which usually opens at 9:00 am, was slightly delayed due to the incident, said the operator Sete, further adding that it had filed criminal charges against the man.

<h2>Drunk American tourists found sleeping atop Eiffel Tower after dodging security</h2>

Two drunken tourists from the United States were on Monday (Aug 13) discovered sleeping atop the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris after evading security the night before, said the monument's operator on Tuesday.

Security guards awakened the men "early morning" at the time they were making their routine rounds before the famous tourist spot's opening time at 9:00 am, news agency AFP cited publicly-owned Eiffel Tower operator Sete as saying.

They "appear to have got stuck because of how drunk they were," as per a Paris prosecutor.

The drunk American men had spent their outlawed night under the stars in an area which is generally not open to the public between the tower's second and third levels, but "did not pose any apparent threat," Sete further said.

As per a police source, the tourists jumped security barriers while climbing down the stairs from the tower's top after paying for the entry ticket around 10:40 pm on Sunday.

Firefighters, including a specialist unit for recovering people from dangerous heights, were sent to recover the intruders, the police source further added.

Both men were brought to the police station in Paris' seventh district for interrogation, while Sete said that they would file a criminal complaint against the interlopers.

The incident delayed the famous site's opening to the public for around an hour on Monday morning.

Last week, the Eiffel Tower was evacuated twice on the same day following hoax bomb alerts.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A man was arrested on Thursday (August 17) after he jumped off Paris' iconic Eiffel Tower with a parachute on, said the monument's operator and the police. The man, who as per news agency AFP was an experienced climber, entered the monument's perimeter shortly after 5.

A man was arrested on Thursday (August 17) after he jumped off Paris' iconic Eiffel Tower with a parachute on, said the monument's operator and the police. The man, who as per news agency AFP was an experienced climber, entered the monument's perimeter shortly after 5.00 am (0300 GMT), well before its official opening. According to the site's operator Sete, even though the guards immediately noticed the man, he was quick enough to get to the top of the tower before anyone could catch hold of him, carrying the parachute in a backpack. The moment he got around the top of the 330-metre-high structure, he jumped. Police said that the man landed in a nearby stadium where he was arrested for putting the lives of others in danger. "This kind of irresponsible action puts people working at or below the tower in danger," Sete said in a statement. Also read: Woman climbs into Rome’s historic Trevi Fountain to fill water bottle The tower, which usually opens at 9:00 am, was slightly delayed due to the incident, said the operator Sete, further adding that it had filed criminal charges against the man. Drunk American tourists found sleeping atop Eiffel Tower after dodging security Two drunken tourists from the United States were on Monday (Aug 13) discovered sleeping atop the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris after evading security the night before, said the monument's operator on Tuesday. Security guards awakened the men "early morning" at the time they were making their routine rounds before the famous tourist spot's opening time at 9:00 am, news agency AFP cited publicly-owned Eiffel Tower operator Sete as saying. They "appear to have got stuck because of how drunk they were," as per a Paris prosecutor. The drunk American men had spent their outlawed night under the stars in an area which is generally not open to the public between the tower's second and third levels, but "did not pose any apparent threat," Sete further said. As per a police source, the tourists jumped security barriers while climbing down the stairs from the tower's top after paying for the entry ticket around 10:40 pm on Sunday. Firefighters, including a specialist unit for recovering people from dangerous heights, were sent to recover the intruders, the police source further added. Both men were brought to the police station in Paris' seventh district for interrogation, while Sete said that they would file a criminal complaint against the interlopers. The incident delayed the famous site's opening to the public for around an hour on Monday morning. Last week, the Eiffel Tower was evacuated twice on the same day following hoax bomb alerts. (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.

Man jumps off the Eiffel Tower with parachute, gets arrested

Two drunken tourists from the United States were on Monday (Aug 13) discovered sleeping atop the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris after evading security the night before, said the monument's operator on Tuesday.

Security guards awakened the men "early morning" at the time they were making their routine rounds before the famous tourist spot's opening time at 9:00 am, news agency AFP cited publicly-owned Eiffel Tower operator Sete as saying.

They "appear to have got stuck because of how drunk they were," as per a Paris prosecutor.

The drunk American men had spent their outlawed night under the stars in an area which is generally not open to the public between the tower's second and third levels, but "did not pose any apparent threat," Sete further said.

As per a police source, the tourists jumped security barriers while climbing down the stairs from the tower's top after paying for the entry ticket around 10:40 pm on Sunday.

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Firefighters, including a specialist unit for recovering people from dangerous heights, were sent to recover the intruders, the police source further added.

Both men were brought to the police station in Paris' seventh district for interrogation, while Sete said that they would file a criminal complaint against the interlopers.

The incident delayed the famous site's opening to the public for around an hour on Monday morning.

<h2>Bomb threats force evacuation</h2>

On Saturday (August 12), the Eiffel Tower was evacuated and closed to the public as a precautionary measure following a bomb threat for nearly two hours.

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 released a statement saying that “It was a false alarm, people can go back inside”.&nbsp;

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. 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;

On Monday, an email with a bomb threat against the 330-metre (1080 feet) steel tower was sent to three Paris police stations but police advised against evacuating it.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
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Two drunken tourists from the United States were on Monday (Aug 13) discovered sleeping atop the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris after evading security the night before, said the monument's operator on Tuesday.

Two drunken tourists from the United States were on Monday (Aug 13) discovered sleeping atop the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris after evading security the night before, said the monument's operator on Tuesday. Security guards awakened the men "early morning" at the time they were making their routine rounds before the famous tourist spot's opening time at 9:00 am, news agency AFP cited publicly-owned Eiffel Tower operator Sete as saying. They "appear to have got stuck because of how drunk they were," as per a Paris prosecutor. The drunk American men had spent their outlawed night under the stars in an area which is generally not open to the public between the tower's second and third levels, but "did not pose any apparent threat," Sete further said. As per a police source, the tourists jumped security barriers while climbing down the stairs from the tower's top after paying for the entry ticket around 10:40 pm on Sunday. Also read: Hillary Clinton felt 'great profound sadness' over Donald Trump's multiple legal woes Firefighters, including a specialist unit for recovering people from dangerous heights, were sent to recover the intruders, the police source further added. Both men were brought to the police station in Paris' seventh district for interrogation, while Sete said that they would file a criminal complaint against the interlopers. The incident delayed the famous site's opening to the public for around an hour on Monday morning. Bomb threats force evacuation On Saturday (August 12), the Eiffel Tower was evacuated and closed to the public as a precautionary measure following a bomb threat for nearly two hours. 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 released a statement saying that “It was a false alarm, people can go back inside”. 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. 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. On Monday, an email with a bomb threat against the 330-metre (1080 feet) steel tower was sent to three Paris police stations but police advised against evacuating it. (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.

Drunk American tourists found sleeping atop Eiffel Tower after dodging security

The Eiffel Tower and also its surroundings in the French Capital Paris were evacuated and this was done as a precautionary measure following a bomb threat. Now the French police have said that this was a false alarm and people were allowed to go back inside after the bomb disposal experts gone through the tower.

False bomb alarm prompts brief Eiffel Tower closure in Paris, France

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; 
 
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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

A pre-Olympic swimming competition in Paris was cancelled, due to poor water quality in the river Seine, casting a doubt over the French government's plan to clean up the river before next summer. The event was going to serve as a test for next year's Paris Olympics.

Seine river pollution fears trigger Olympics swimming test's cancellation

Five people were injured on Saturday in an explosion at a residential building in the north of Paris, police and emergency services said.

The blast recalled another in the French capital in June, when three people died in an explosion that caused a building to burst into flames and collapse in an area near the centre of the city popular with tourists.

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Saturday's blast in the 18th Arrondissement was less powerful and was not followed by a fire, but still shattered the windows of the building, whose facade had recently been renovated, an AFP journalist at the scene reported.

The five injured were taken to hospital and the building's other inhabitants were evacuated.

Prosecutors said they had opened an investigation into the source of the explosion, which was thought to be an accident.

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A waiter at the nearby Fulano restaurant told AFP there had been "a big bang and a cloud of dust that filled the entire street".

In January 2019, four people, two of them firefighters, died and 66 were injured when an explosion caused by a gas leak destroyed a building near the centre of Paris. 
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Five people were injured on Saturday in an explosion at a residential building in the north of Paris, police and emergency services said. The blast recalled another in the French capital in June, when three people died in an explosion that caused a building to burst into flames and collapse in an area near the centre of the city popular with tourists.

Five people were injured on Saturday in an explosion at a residential building in the north of Paris, police and emergency services said. The blast recalled another in the French capital in June, when three people died in an explosion that caused a building to burst into flames and collapse in an area near the centre of the city popular with tourists. ALSO READ | France: At least 30 injured, two missing after suspected gas explosion sparks fire in Paris Saturday's blast in the 18th Arrondissement was less powerful and was not followed by a fire, but still shattered the windows of the building, whose facade had recently been renovated, an AFP journalist at the scene reported. The five injured were taken to hospital and the building's other inhabitants were evacuated. Prosecutors said they had opened an investigation into the source of the explosion, which was thought to be an accident. ALSO READ | Woman's body found in rubble six days after Paris building blast A waiter at the nearby Fulano restaurant told AFP there had been "a big bang and a cloud of dust that filled the entire street". In January 2019, four people, two of them firefighters, died and 66 were injured when an explosion caused by a gas leak destroyed a building near the centre of Paris. 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.

Five injured in explosion at residential building in Paris

Heavy rainfall in the French capital has dwindled Paris' plans on testing the readiness for swimmers to take a dip and participate in a race in the River Seine at next year's Summer Olympics.

On Friday (4 August), a training session, that was planned for swimmers who were aiming to take part in a race this weekend in the river, was called off due to the declining water quality which dropped below acceptable standards, said the international governing body of swimming announced.

That can most likely happen when rains cause overflows of untreated waste into the Seine.

The French government is set to spend around $1.6 billion on the Seine regeneration project.

According to the officials, the water-management projects will make the pollution issues caused by storms less frequent.

World Aquatics released a statement saying that after days of rains, “The water quality in the Seine has currently fallen below acceptable standards for safeguarding swimmers’ health,” as per AP reports.

It further said that a call on whether the Open Water Swimming World Cup, which was scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, will follow more water-quality tests.

The competition, which will be among a raft of events, has been organised to test Paris’ Olympic plans.

<h2>River Seine to be venue for marathon swimming at Games next summer &nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

Paris' River Seine has been chosen as the venue for marathon swimming at the Games next summer.

Banned for almost 100 years due to filthy water, three Olympic and Paralympic events, triathlon, marathon swimming and Para-triathlon will take place in the river and by the year 2025, three open-air swimming areas will be accessible from the quayside.

The water quality of the river drastically declined in all these years due to industrial sewage and the sanitation demands of the growing population in the French capital.

The declining water quality affected the aquatic life to a point where in the 1960s only three species of fish were recorded in Paris.&nbsp;

Swimming in the Seine was banned in the year 1923.

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<h2>Three swimming areas to open on the Seine</h2>

Over the last 20 years, the advancements that have been made have resulted in a sharp decline of faecal bacteria entering the river.

"But the difficulty has been in eradicating those last few percentage points to ensure it can be officially classified as clean," the BBC quoted Samuel Colin-Canivez, chief engineer for sanitation at Paris city hall as saying.

The government is now building a huge reservoir underground that will help in storing run-off in times of heavy rainfall.

"Up to now, the Seine has been the safety valve for the sewage system. If we didn't occasionally allow wastewater into the river, it would have backed up into people's homes," Colin-Canivez added.

"Now a tunnel will bring the overflow to the reservoir, where it can be stored for a day or two - the time for the system to settle down again. Then it will be drained as normal to the treatment centres," he further said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Heavy rainfall in the French capital has dwindled Paris' plans on testing the readiness for swimmers to take a dip and participate in a race in the River Seine at next year's Summer Olympics.

Heavy rainfall in the French capital has dwindled Paris' plans on testing the readiness for swimmers to take a dip and participate in a race in the River Seine at next year's Summer Olympics. On Friday (4 August), a training session, that was planned for swimmers who were aiming to take part in a race this weekend in the river, was called off due to the declining water quality which dropped below acceptable standards, said the international governing body of swimming announced. That can most likely happen when rains cause overflows of untreated waste into the Seine. The French government is set to spend around $1.6 billion on the Seine regeneration project. According to the officials, the water-management projects will make the pollution issues caused by storms less frequent. World Aquatics released a statement saying that after days of rains, “The water quality in the Seine has currently fallen below acceptable standards for safeguarding swimmers’ health,” as per AP reports. It further said that a call on whether the Open Water Swimming World Cup, which was scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, will follow more water-quality tests. The competition, which will be among a raft of events, has been organised to test Paris’ Olympic plans. River Seine to be venue for marathon swimming at Games next summer Paris' River Seine has been chosen as the venue for marathon swimming at the Games next summer. Banned for almost 100 years due to filthy water, three Olympic and Paralympic events, triathlon, marathon swimming and Para-triathlon will take place in the river and by the year 2025, three open-air swimming areas will be accessible from the quayside. The water quality of the river drastically declined in all these years due to industrial sewage and the sanitation demands of the growing population in the French capital. The declining water quality affected the aquatic life to a point where in the 1960s only three species of fish were recorded in Paris. Swimming in the Seine was banned in the year 1923. Also read: Sweden: 100 detained, over 50 injured as riot breaks out over Eritrean festival Three swimming areas to open on the Seine Over the last 20 years, the advancements that have been made have resulted in a sharp decline of faecal bacteria entering the river. "But the difficulty has been in eradicating those last few percentage points to ensure it can be officially classified as clean," the BBC quoted Samuel Colin-Canivez, chief engineer for sanitation at Paris city hall as saying. The government is now building a huge reservoir underground that will help in storing run-off in times of heavy rainfall. "Up to now, the Seine has been the safety valve for the sewage system. If we didn't occasionally allow wastewater into the river, it would have backed up into people's homes," Colin-Canivez added. "Now a tunnel will bring the overflow to the reservoir, where it can be stored for a day or two - the time for the system to settle down again. Then it will be drained as normal to the treatment centres," he further said. (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.

Degrading quality of water due to heavy rains tests Paris' readiness for Olympics

Too hot for the Olympics? Paris 2024 Olympics organisers remain vigilant as blistering temperatures bake Europe.

Europe heatwave worries Paris 2024 organisers

A military coup took place on July 26th in Niger. The military took power and Niger’s president Mohamed Bazoum, who was a staunch ally of the West was ousted. While the west is aghast - not everyone is hostile to the coup in Niger. Amid a rising Russia sentiment in the region, Junta led Burkina Faso and Mali have declared that any foreign military intervention in Niger against coup leaders would be considered a declaration of war against them, too.

262 evacuees from Niger lands in Paris and Rome

An armed gang who dressed in stylish cloths allegedly robbed a luxury store in the French capital city, on Tuesday (August 1) and stole millions of dollars worth of goods in broad daylight, said police and prosecutors, according to AFP. The store in question was of the luxury jewellery and watch brand Piaget located in central Paris.&nbsp;

<h2>What do we know so far?</h2>

According to initial reports, the incident took place at 1:00 pm (local time) and the robbery involved at least three people, and one of them was said to be armed. The alleged criminals took off with their bounty which is reportedly estimated at between $11 million and $16.5 million.&nbsp;

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The report by AFP, citing a police source, said no one was hurt. According to reports, the supposedly armed gang allegedly kept the staff members at gunpoint throughout the ordeal.&nbsp;

The heist was carried out by “two men in suits and a woman in a dress”, according to a report by the British newspaper, Daily Express.&nbsp;

Terrified customers were forced to the ground while the gang ordered staff to direct them to the store’s most expensive displays, where they grabbed as many goods as they could before escaping on motorbikes, reported The Daily Mail, citing sources. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/captured-on-camera-body-cam-footage-from-biggest-jewellery-heist-in-us-history-reveals-unknown-facts-613098">Captured on camera: Body cam footage from biggest jewellery heist in US history reveals unknown facts</a>

The store is located in the heart of the French capital, Rue de la Paix, which is also home to several other high-end jewellery brands.

The Paris prosecutor’s office said that they have launched an investigation into the incident on the charges of “armed robbery by an organising gang” and “kidnapping”. Images from the site show the store, which is also near the famous Place Vendome, surrounded by the police.&nbsp;

Piaget, founded in Switzerland, makes luxury watches and high-end jewellery, the prices of which can be as much as tens of thousands of dollars.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-rs85-million-heist-a-rs10-fruit-drink-lands-daku-haseena-in-police-net-606097">After million-dollar heist, a fruit drink lands 'Daku Haseena' in police net</a>

<h2>Previous incidents</h2>

This is not the first high-profile heist to have occurred in the Paris neighbourhood as just earlier this year, in April, three people on motorbikes robbed the nearby Bulgari outlet and stole several millions of dollars worth of jewellery.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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An armed gang who dressed in stylish cloths allegedly robbed a luxury store in the French capital city, on Tuesday (August 1) and stole millions of dollars worth of goods in broad daylight, said police and prosecutors, according to AFP.

An armed gang who dressed in stylish cloths allegedly robbed a luxury store in the French capital city, on Tuesday (August 1) and stole millions of dollars worth of goods in broad daylight, said police and prosecutors, according to AFP. The store in question was of the luxury jewellery and watch brand Piaget located in central Paris. What do we know so far? According to initial reports, the incident took place at 1:00 pm (local time) and the robbery involved at least three people, and one of them was said to be armed. The alleged criminals took off with their bounty which is reportedly estimated at between $11 million and $16.5 million. ALSO READ | Germany: Five convicted for $123 million Dresden Green Vault jewel heist. Here's what happened The report by AFP, citing a police source, said no one was hurt. According to reports, the supposedly armed gang allegedly kept the staff members at gunpoint throughout the ordeal. The heist was carried out by “two men in suits and a woman in a dress”, according to a report by the British newspaper, Daily Express. Terrified customers were forced to the ground while the gang ordered staff to direct them to the store’s most expensive displays, where they grabbed as many goods as they could before escaping on motorbikes, reported The Daily Mail, citing sources. ALSO READ | Captured on camera: Body cam footage from biggest jewellery heist in US history reveals unknown facts The store is located in the heart of the French capital, Rue de la Paix, which is also home to several other high-end jewellery brands. The Paris prosecutor’s office said that they have launched an investigation into the incident on the charges of “armed robbery by an organising gang” and “kidnapping”. Images from the site show the store, which is also near the famous Place Vendome, surrounded by the police. Piaget, founded in Switzerland, makes luxury watches and high-end jewellery, the prices of which can be as much as tens of thousands of dollars. ALSO READ | After million-dollar heist, a fruit drink lands 'Daku Haseena' in police net Previous incidents This is not the first high-profile heist to have occurred in the Paris neighbourhood as just earlier this year, in April, three people on motorbikes robbed the nearby Bulgari outlet and stole several millions of dollars worth of jewellery. (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.

Stylish, armed robbers storm luxury watch shop, steal over $16 million in Paris heist

Thousands of pro-junta demonstrators took to the streets on Sunday and gathered outside the French embassy in Niger's capital city Niamey after Paris suspended development aid as well as budgetary support to Niger over this week's military coup against President Mohamed Bazoum, as per news agency AFP reports.

Some protesters ripped off and stamped on a plaque bearing the words "Embassy of France in Niger". They further replaced it with Niger and Russian flags, while shouting "Long live Russia", "Long live Putin" and "Down with France".

France, while condemning the violence that erupted around its embassy in Niger, demanded the local authorities safeguard the building.

"Nigerien forces have an obligation to ensure the security of our diplomatic missions and consulates as part of the Vienna convention," the French foreign ministry said, condemning "all violence against diplomatic missions".

"We call on them to immediately fulfil this obligation". &nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-suspends-development-aid-and-budgetary-support-to-niger-620679">France suspends development aid and budgetary support to Niger</a>

<h2>'Will not tolerate any attack against France and its interests,' says French President Emmanuel Macron</h2>

France issued a warning saying that it would retaliate if its citizens were attacked in Niger after protesters tried to enter its embassy in the capital.

"Should anyone attack French nationals, the army, diplomats and French interests, they will see France respond in an immediate and intractable manner," the French president's office said, adding that French President Emmanuel Macron "will not tolerate any attack against France and its interests".

"France also supports all regional initiatives" aimed at "restoring constitutional order" and the return of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum, Macron's office said, as the West African regional bloc ECOWAS was readying to discuss the Niger coup during a summit in Nigeria. &nbsp;

<h2>African Union, EU intensify pressure on Niger coup leaders</h2>

The African Union's Peace and Security Council, in a communique after a meeting on the coup on Friday, demanded, "military personnel to immediately and unconditionally return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority, within a maximum period of fifteen (15) days."

It condemned&nbsp;in the "strongest terms possible" the act to overthrow the elected government and also expressed deep concern over the "alarming resurgence" of military coups in Africa.

The European Union's diplomatic chief Josep Borrell on Saturday released a statement saying that the coalition would not recognise the putschists and further announced the suspension of security cooperation with Niger.

"The European Union does not recognise and will not recognise the authorities from the putsch in Niger," Borrell said in a statement.

"All cooperation in the security field is suspended indefinitely with immediate effect" in addition to the end to budgetary aid, he added.

Bazoum "remains the only legitimate president of Niger", the statement said, further calling for his immediate release and holding the coup leaders to account for the safety of him and his family.

Borrell said the EU was ready to back future decisions taken by West Africa's regional bloc, "including the adoption of sanctions".

(With inputs from agencies)

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Thousands of pro-junta demonstrators took to the streets on Sunday and gathered outside the French embassy in Niger's capital city Niamey after Paris suspended development aid as well as budgetary support to Niger over this week's military coup against President Mohamed Bazoum, as per news agency AFP reports.

Thousands of pro-junta demonstrators took to the streets on Sunday and gathered outside the French embassy in Niger's capital city Niamey after Paris suspended development aid as well as budgetary support to Niger over this week's military coup against President Mohamed Bazoum, as per news agency AFP reports. Some protesters ripped off and stamped on a plaque bearing the words "Embassy of France in Niger". They further replaced it with Niger and Russian flags, while shouting "Long live Russia", "Long live Putin" and "Down with France". France, while condemning the violence that erupted around its embassy in Niger, demanded the local authorities safeguard the building. "Nigerien forces have an obligation to ensure the security of our diplomatic missions and consulates as part of the Vienna convention," the French foreign ministry said, condemning "all violence against diplomatic missions". "We call on them to immediately fulfil this obligation". Also Read: France suspends development aid and budgetary support to Niger 'Will not tolerate any attack against France and its interests,' says French President Emmanuel Macron France issued a warning saying that it would retaliate if its citizens were attacked in Niger after protesters tried to enter its embassy in the capital. "Should anyone attack French nationals, the army, diplomats and French interests, they will see France respond in an immediate and intractable manner," the French president's office said, adding that French President Emmanuel Macron "will not tolerate any attack against France and its interests". "France also supports all regional initiatives" aimed at "restoring constitutional order" and the return of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum, Macron's office said, as the West African regional bloc ECOWAS was readying to discuss the Niger coup during a summit in Nigeria. African Union, EU intensify pressure on Niger coup leaders The African Union's Peace and Security Council, in a communique after a meeting on the coup on Friday, demanded, "military personnel to immediately and unconditionally return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority, within a maximum period of fifteen (15) days." It condemned in the "strongest terms possible" the act to overthrow the elected government and also expressed deep concern over the "alarming resurgence" of military coups in Africa. The European Union's diplomatic chief Josep Borrell on Saturday released a statement saying that the coalition would not recognise the putschists and further announced the suspension of security cooperation with Niger. "The European Union does not recognise and will not recognise the authorities from the putsch in Niger," Borrell said in a statement. "All cooperation in the security field is suspended indefinitely with immediate effect" in addition to the end to budgetary aid, he added. Bazoum "remains the only legitimate president of Niger", the statement said, further calling for his immediate release and holding the coup leaders to account for the safety of him and his family. Borrell said the EU was ready to back future decisions taken by West Africa's regional bloc, "including the adoption of sanctions". (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.

Demonstrators protest outside French embassy in Niger capital after Paris suspends development aid

The River Seine in Paris will very soon witness swimmers and divers back after almost a century as it is in the final stage of a historic clean-up, as per BBC reports.

Banned for almost 100 years due to filthy water, the government is set to spend around $1.6 billion on the Seine regeneration project that is being hailed universally as a success.

As per BBC reports, three Olympic and Paralympic events, triathlon, marathon swimming and Para-triathlon will take place in the river and by the year 2025, three open-air swimming areas will be accessible from the quayside.

"When people see athletes swimming in the Seine with no health problems, they'll be confident themselves to start going back in the Seine," the BBC quoted Pierre Rabadan, deputy Paris mayor in charge of the Olympics as saying. "It's our contribution for the future."

The water quality of the river drastically declined in all these years due to industrial sewage and the sanitation demands of the growing population in the French capital.

The declining water quality affected the aquatic life to a point where in the 1960s only three species of fish were recorded in Paris.&nbsp;

Swimming in the Seine was banned in the year 1923.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-prime-minister-justin-trudeau-to-shuffle-his-cabinet-tomorrow-reports-619347"> Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to shuffle his cabinet tomorrow: Reports</a>

<h2>Three swimming areas to open on the Seine</h2>

Over the last 20 years, the advancements that have been made have resulted in a sharp decline of faecal bacteria entering the river.

"But the difficulty has been in eradicating those last few percentage points to ensure it can be officially classified as clean," the BBC quoted Samuel Colin-Canivez, chief engineer for sanitation at Paris city hall as saying.

The government is now building a huge reservoir underground that will help in storing run-off in times of heavy rainfall.

"Up to now, the Seine has been the safety valve for the sewage system. If we didn't occasionally allow wastewater into the river, it would have backed up into people's homes," Colin-Canivez added.

"Now a tunnel will bring the overflow to the reservoir, where it can be stored for a day or two - the time for the system to settle down again. Then it will be drained as normal to the treatment centres," he further said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The River Seine in Paris will very soon witness swimmers and divers back after almost a century as it is in the final stage of a historic clean-up, as per BBC reports.

The River Seine in Paris will very soon witness swimmers and divers back after almost a century as it is in the final stage of a historic clean-up, as per BBC reports. Banned for almost 100 years due to filthy water, the government is set to spend around $1.6 billion on the Seine regeneration project that is being hailed universally as a success. As per BBC reports, three Olympic and Paralympic events, triathlon, marathon swimming and Para-triathlon will take place in the river and by the year 2025, three open-air swimming areas will be accessible from the quayside. "When people see athletes swimming in the Seine with no health problems, they'll be confident themselves to start going back in the Seine," the BBC quoted Pierre Rabadan, deputy Paris mayor in charge of the Olympics as saying. "It's our contribution for the future." The water quality of the river drastically declined in all these years due to industrial sewage and the sanitation demands of the growing population in the French capital. The declining water quality affected the aquatic life to a point where in the 1960s only three species of fish were recorded in Paris. Swimming in the Seine was banned in the year 1923. Also read: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to shuffle his cabinet tomorrow: Reports Three swimming areas to open on the Seine Over the last 20 years, the advancements that have been made have resulted in a sharp decline of faecal bacteria entering the river. "But the difficulty has been in eradicating those last few percentage points to ensure it can be officially classified as clean," the BBC quoted Samuel Colin-Canivez, chief engineer for sanitation at Paris city hall as saying. The government is now building a huge reservoir underground that will help in storing run-off in times of heavy rainfall. "Up to now, the Seine has been the safety valve for the sewage system. If we didn't occasionally allow wastewater into the river, it would have backed up into people's homes," Colin-Canivez added. "Now a tunnel will bring the overflow to the reservoir, where it can be stored for a day or two - the time for the system to settle down again. Then it will be drained as normal to the treatment centres," he further said. (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.

Seine river in Paris to finally open for swimmers and divers after Olympics, says mayor

UNESCO on Sunday released a statement condemning Russia's "brazen" attack on Ukraine's Odesa, which targeted many sites in the port city's World Heritage Centre.

"UNESCO is deeply dismayed and condemns in the strongest terms the brazen attack carried out by the Russian forces, which hit several cultural sites in the city centre of Odesa, home to the World Heritage property 'The Historic Centre of Odesa'", the Paris-based body said in a statement.

The Russian strike, which is also the latest attack on the Black Sea city and one of Ukraine's most important ports after Moscow pulled out of a grain deal that allowed Kyiv to export its grain, claimed the lives of at least two people.

UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay said the attack marked "an escalation of violence against (the) cultural heritage of Ukraine".

The strike damaged the Transfiguration Cathedral, originally built in 1794 under imperial Russian rule, demolished under Soviet leader Stalin in 1936 and rebuilt in the 1990s following the Soviet Union collapse.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-meets-lukashenko-first-time-since-wagner-mutiny-618606">Putin meets Lukashenko for first time since Wagner mutiny</a>

<h2>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vows retaliation</h2>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday (July 23) vowed "retaliation" against Russia after the historic port of Odesa was attacked by Moscow with projectiles, claiming the lives of two people and damaging an Orthodox cathedral. &nbsp;

"Missiles against peaceful cities, against residential buildings, a cathedral. There will definitely be retaliation against Russian terrorists for Odesa. They will feel this retaliation," Zelensky said.&nbsp;

Ukraine released a statement saying that 19 missiles were launched by Russia on Odesa overnight.

At least two people lost their lives and 19 others suffered injuries, which included four children as residential and religious infrastructure suffered damage in an attack, informed the governor of the region on Sunday (July 23).

"Odesa: another night attack of the monsters. Unfortunately, we have one civilian killed as a result of the nighttime terrorist attack by Russians on Odesa," said Oleg Kiper on Telegram. Earlier, he had said that there were "18 victims, including four children," in an attack launched by Russia at 3:00 am (0000 GMT).

"Fourteen people were hospitalised in the city's hospitals, three of them were children," he stated. He added that the attack also led to "damage to civilian infrastructure, residential buildings and a religious institution".

(With inputs from agencies)

 
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UNESCO on Sunday released a statement condemning Russia's "brazen" attack on Ukraine's Odesa, which targeted many sites in the port city's World Heritage Centre.

UNESCO on Sunday released a statement condemning Russia's "brazen" attack on Ukraine's Odesa, which targeted many sites in the port city's World Heritage Centre. "UNESCO is deeply dismayed and condemns in the strongest terms the brazen attack carried out by the Russian forces, which hit several cultural sites in the city centre of Odesa, home to the World Heritage property 'The Historic Centre of Odesa'", the Paris-based body said in a statement. The Russian strike, which is also the latest attack on the Black Sea city and one of Ukraine's most important ports after Moscow pulled out of a grain deal that allowed Kyiv to export its grain, claimed the lives of at least two people. UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay said the attack marked "an escalation of violence against (the) cultural heritage of Ukraine". The strike damaged the Transfiguration Cathedral, originally built in 1794 under imperial Russian rule, demolished under Soviet leader Stalin in 1936 and rebuilt in the 1990s following the Soviet Union collapse. Also read: Putin meets Lukashenko for first time since Wagner mutiny Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vows retaliation Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday (July 23) vowed "retaliation" against Russia after the historic port of Odesa was attacked by Moscow with projectiles, claiming the lives of two people and damaging an Orthodox cathedral. "Missiles against peaceful cities, against residential buildings, a cathedral. There will definitely be retaliation against Russian terrorists for Odesa. They will feel this retaliation," Zelensky said. Ukraine released a statement saying that 19 missiles were launched by Russia on Odesa overnight. At least two people lost their lives and 19 others suffered injuries, which included four children as residential and religious infrastructure suffered damage in an attack, informed the governor of the region on Sunday (July 23). "Odesa: another night attack of the monsters. Unfortunately, we have one civilian killed as a result of the nighttime terrorist attack by Russians on Odesa," said Oleg Kiper on Telegram. Earlier, he had said that there were "18 victims, including four children," in an attack launched by Russia at 3:00 am (0000 GMT). "Fourteen people were hospitalised in the city's hospitals, three of them were children," he stated. He added that the attack also led to "damage to civilian infrastructure, residential buildings and a religious institution". (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.

UNESCO condemns Russia's 'brazen' strike on Odesa

Champion-in-waiting Jonas Vingegaard leads the Tour de France peloton into Paris on Sunday on the final day of a storied race animated by a tense tussle with two-time former winner Tadej Pogacar.

The winners jerseys for the various disciplines will be awarded -- yellow for overall champion Vingegaard, white for Pogacar as best youngster, Giulio Ciccone polka dot for best climber and Jasper Philipsen the green for his four sprint finish wins.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-womens-wc-amalie-vangsgaards-90th-minute-winner-stuns-china-as-denmark-celebrate-return-in-style-618486">FIFA Women's WC: Amalie Vangsgaard's 90th minute winner stuns China as Denmark celebrate return in style</a>

Vingegaard, the champion also in 2022, described the race as "the best in the world" after three intense weeks that started in Bilbao on July 1.

Pogacar constantly attacked in the rolling hills of the Basque Country.

But Vingegaard stunned the Slovenian in the Pyrenees to take a lead of just under a minute before his rival constantly clawed back seconds here and there in the vineyards of Bordeaux and Beaujolais and on the highlight July 14 ascent of the Puy de Dome.

The race was decided over a quartet of Alpine stages in week three, where Vingegaard looked stronger but bided his time until a sizzling time trial shattered his rival.

On the Queen stage climb to the chic &nbsp;Courchevel ski resort Pogacar snapped, as Vingegaard skipped away to take a lead of over seven minutes.

<h2>- 'It ain't over til it's over' -</h2>

Vingegaard said he felt "euphoric" after surviving Saturday's penultimate stage to virtually clinch his second successive title.

After crossing the line high in the Vosges, Vingegaard now only needs to ride into Paris to pull on the yellow jersey beneath the Arc de Triomphe as winner of the world's greatest bike race again.

"It ain't over til it's over, so the feeling now is even more euphoric than when I took the big lead on stage 17," said the Jumbo-Visma rider.

"The Tour de France is the greatest race in the world," beamed the 26-year-old.

"There's something so special about it and I can tell you I'll be back again next year to try and win it again."

Pogacar won the 20th stage but Denmark's Vingegaard leads the Slovenian by 7min 29sec ahead of Sunday's ceremonial ride to the finish line on the Champs Elysees.

"I don't know what happened to me. I took on too much this year and after two weeks I started to look as white as this shirt," said runner-up Pogacar, pointing to his best under-25 rider's white jersey.

Runner-up to Pogacar in 2021, the softly-spoken Vingegaard was the only rider to challenge the Slovenian prodigy in the high mountains.

In 2022, he went one step higher and won the title at altitude, and it proved to be the case again in 2023.

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Champion-in-waiting Jonas Vingegaard leads the Tour de France peloton into Paris on Sunday on the final day of a storied race animated by a tense tussle with two-time former winner Tadej Pogacar.

Champion-in-waiting Jonas Vingegaard leads the Tour de France peloton into Paris on Sunday on the final day of a storied race animated by a tense tussle with two-time former winner Tadej Pogacar. The winners jerseys for the various disciplines will be awarded -- yellow for overall champion Vingegaard, white for Pogacar as best youngster, Giulio Ciccone polka dot for best climber and Jasper Philipsen the green for his four sprint finish wins. Also Read: FIFA Women's WC: Amalie Vangsgaard's 90th minute winner stuns China as Denmark celebrate return in style Vingegaard, the champion also in 2022, described the race as "the best in the world" after three intense weeks that started in Bilbao on July 1. Pogacar constantly attacked in the rolling hills of the Basque Country. But Vingegaard stunned the Slovenian in the Pyrenees to take a lead of just under a minute before his rival constantly clawed back seconds here and there in the vineyards of Bordeaux and Beaujolais and on the highlight July 14 ascent of the Puy de Dome. The race was decided over a quartet of Alpine stages in week three, where Vingegaard looked stronger but bided his time until a sizzling time trial shattered his rival. On the Queen stage climb to the chic Courchevel ski resort Pogacar snapped, as Vingegaard skipped away to take a lead of over seven minutes. - 'It ain't over til it's over' - Vingegaard said he felt "euphoric" after surviving Saturday's penultimate stage to virtually clinch his second successive title. After crossing the line high in the Vosges, Vingegaard now only needs to ride into Paris to pull on the yellow jersey beneath the Arc de Triomphe as winner of the world's greatest bike race again. "It ain't over til it's over, so the feeling now is even more euphoric than when I took the big lead on stage 17," said the Jumbo-Visma rider. "The Tour de France is the greatest race in the world," beamed the 26-year-old. "There's something so special about it and I can tell you I'll be back again next year to try and win it again." Pogacar won the 20th stage but Denmark's Vingegaard leads the Slovenian by 7min 29sec ahead of Sunday's ceremonial ride to the finish line on the Champs Elysees. "I don't know what happened to me. I took on too much this year and after two weeks I started to look as white as this shirt," said runner-up Pogacar, pointing to his best under-25 rider's white jersey. Runner-up to Pogacar in 2021, the softly-spoken Vingegaard was the only rider to challenge the Slovenian prodigy in the high mountains. In 2022, he went one step higher and won the title at altitude, and it proved to be the case again in 2023. 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.

Defending champion Jonas Vingegaard leads Tour de France back to Paris

As Europe bakes, organisers of the Paris 2024 Olympic games are paying attention to long-term weather models. France has escaped the worst of the blazing temperatures so far the world meteorological organization said that the heatwave which has engulfed the northern hemisphere is set to intensify. Next year's Olympic games will be held in Paris between 26 July and 11 August.

The Paris 2024 Olympic games organisers pay attention to long-term weather polls

About 107 years ago in 1916, 15 years before New Delhi arrived on the global map as India's capital -- that too under British imperial rule -- the Indian troops <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cast-from-the-past-indians-who-died-protecting-france-615813">marched down</a> Champs-Elysee avenue in Paris after a decisive fight against German forces during the First World War. Thousands of Indians, albeit while serving the British imperial army, laid their lives on French land and those ultimate sacrifices reverberated this week in the French capital during its National Day celebrations in which India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the Guest of Honour.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/14/366868-untitled-design-2023-07-14t170630744.png?imwidth=1920" />French President Emmanuel Macron meets India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Paris during Bastille Day Celebrations on July 14, 2023 | @EmmanuelMacron/Twitter

Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron watched French and Indian soldiers march down the tree-lined Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, while French-made Rafale fighter jets India bought in 2015 took part in a fly-past over the Arc de Triomphe.

Hailing defence as an important pillar of India-France ties, Modi said: "We will now focus on co-production and&nbsp;co-development for fighter jets and submarines, not just for India but also for other friendly countries."

France has been one of India's closest partners in Europe for decades. It was the only Western nation not to impose sanctions on New Delhi after India conducted nuclear tests in 1998.

The Paris-New Delhi bonhomie dominated the news cycle this week.&nbsp;

Read this and more in The Capitals this week.&nbsp;

<h2>Jakarta, Indonesia</h2>

<img alt="Foreign Ministers of ASEAN nations met in Jakarta this week | Reuters" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="88e7d27e-a553-4800-ac59-b1e0dbfb9b43" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-07-16T231503.589.png" />

Sporting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/blinken-jaishankar-sport-fancy-shirts-emerge-as-homies-of-asean-meet-615700">fancy shirts</a>, the Asian 'homies' met in Jakarta in a collective albeit indirect show of resistance against China's maritime assertion in the South China Sea. But worldwide, the spotlight was put on the reiteration of the condemnation of ongoing violence in Myanmar, and its collective condemnation by Southeast Asian foreign ministers.&nbsp;

But since top diplomats from China, the United States and Russia were among those who joined the Association of South East Asian Nations' Regional Forum (ARF), the broad-based agendas were hijacked by geopolitical flare-ups, consisting of a theatre for rebukes and diplomatic squabbles.

Myanmar, one of the bloc's 10 members, has been beset by fighting since the military seized power in early 2021 before unleashing a bloody crackdown on pro-democracy opponents.

<h2>Islamabad, Pakistan</h2>

New Delhi in the past has accused Pakistan of harbouring an Ivy League of terrorists. India's foreign minister Dr S. Jaishankar last month addressed his Pakistani counterpart as 'spokesperson and justifier of a terrorism industry'.

New Delhi could now add cautious-praiser-of-terrorism phrase for Pakistan in its vocabulary to slam Islamabad's credentials of exporting terrorism across Indian borders.

Islamabad came up with a 'cautious' praise for Kabul's Taliban's rulers, who have been described as constituents of a regime that harbours terrorism.

Asif Durrani, Pakistan's special representative on Afghanistan, told Voice of America that Afghanistan’s interim rulers recently initiated certain steps to address Pakistan’s cross-border terror concerns.

"It's a serious issue. But steps are being taken to neutralise the TTP. We should also understand that it will take a while, but the process has been initiated," Durrani said in response to a recent Taliban announcement that TTP militants were being moved away from Afghan areas bordering Pakistan.

"That is a step the Afghan government is taking, so we have to wait and see the results. It is now in the initial stages, so it would be too early to comment," said the envoy. "But if this relocation of the TTP can actually happen and lead to peace along our borders, it would be a significant development and we would welcome it."

<h2>Vilnius, Lithuania</h2>

Before Russian President Vladimir Putin announced war on Ukraine in February 2022, Russia's land border with US-led NATO ran up to 754 miles. Today, it stands at 1,584 miles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had hoped, as NATO leaders met for a summit at a former Soviet Republic's capital, for an additional expansion of Russia's land borders with NATO nations with Ukraine making up for the latest addition. It did not happen.

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As the alliance meet furthered in Vilnius, an image of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky standing alone, amid a sea of NATO leaders made way for a caption game on social media, an eerie reflection that his demands weren't met.&nbsp;

"We will be in a position to extend an invitation to Ukraine to join the alliance when allies agree and conditions are met," the NATO declaration said.

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About 107 years ago in 1916, 15 years before New Delhi arrived on the global map as India's capital -- that too under British imperial rule -- the Indian troops marched down Champs-Elysee avenue in Paris after a decisive fight against German forces during the First World War.

About 107 years ago in 1916, 15 years before New Delhi arrived on the global map as India's capital -- that too under British imperial rule -- the Indian troops marched down Champs-Elysee avenue in Paris after a decisive fight against German forces during the First World War. Thousands of Indians, albeit while serving the British imperial army, laid their lives on French land and those ultimate sacrifices reverberated this week in the French capital during its National Day celebrations in which India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the Guest of Honour. French President Emmanuel Macron meets India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Paris during Bastille Day Celebrations on July 14, 2023 | @EmmanuelMacron/Twitter Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron watched French and Indian soldiers march down the tree-lined Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, while French-made Rafale fighter jets India bought in 2015 took part in a fly-past over the Arc de Triomphe. Hailing defence as an important pillar of India-France ties, Modi said: "We will now focus on co-production and co-development for fighter jets and submarines, not just for India but also for other friendly countries." France has been one of India's closest partners in Europe for decades. It was the only Western nation not to impose sanctions on New Delhi after India conducted nuclear tests in 1998. The Paris-New Delhi bonhomie dominated the news cycle this week. Read this and more in The Capitals this week. Jakarta, Indonesia Sporting fancy shirts, the Asian 'homies' met in Jakarta in a collective albeit indirect show of resistance against China's maritime assertion in the South China Sea. But worldwide, the spotlight was put on the reiteration of the condemnation of ongoing violence in Myanmar, and its collective condemnation by Southeast Asian foreign ministers. But since top diplomats from China, the United States and Russia were among those who joined the Association of South East Asian Nations' Regional Forum (ARF), the broad-based agendas were hijacked by geopolitical flare-ups, consisting of a theatre for rebukes and diplomatic squabbles. Myanmar, one of the bloc's 10 members, has been beset by fighting since the military seized power in early 2021 before unleashing a bloody crackdown on pro-democracy opponents. Islamabad, Pakistan New Delhi in the past has accused Pakistan of harbouring an Ivy League of terrorists. India's foreign minister Dr S. Jaishankar last month addressed his Pakistani counterpart as 'spokesperson and justifier of a terrorism industry'. New Delhi could now add cautious-praiser-of-terrorism phrase for Pakistan in its vocabulary to slam Islamabad's credentials of exporting terrorism across Indian borders. Islamabad came up with a 'cautious' praise for Kabul's Taliban's rulers, who have been described as constituents of a regime that harbours terrorism. Asif Durrani, Pakistan's special representative on Afghanistan, told Voice of America that Afghanistan’s interim rulers recently initiated certain steps to address Pakistan’s cross-border terror concerns. "It's a serious issue. But steps are being taken to neutralise the TTP. We should also understand that it will take a while, but the process has been initiated," Durrani said in response to a recent Taliban announcement that TTP militants were being moved away from Afghan areas bordering Pakistan. "That is a step the Afghan government is taking, so we have to wait and see the results. It is now in the initial stages, so it would be too early to comment," said the envoy. "But if this relocation of the TTP can actually happen and lead to peace along our borders, it would be a significant development and we would welcome it." Vilnius, Lithuania Before Russian President Vladimir Putin announced war on Ukraine in February 2022, Russia's land border with US-led NATO ran up to 754 miles. Today, it stands at 1,584 miles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had hoped, as NATO leaders met for a summit at a former Soviet Republic's capital, for an additional expansion of Russia's land borders with NATO nations with Ukraine making up for the latest addition. It did not happen. ‘Not a part of the cool kids league’ https://t.co/MWG7CWVfx1 — Rahesha Sehgal (@SehgalRahesha) July 12, 2023 × As the alliance meet furthered in Vilnius, an image of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky standing alone, amid a sea of NATO leaders made way for a caption game on social media, an eerie reflection that his demands weren't met. "We will be in a position to extend an invitation to Ukraine to join the alliance when allies agree and conditions are met," the NATO declaration said. 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.

The Capitals: Delhi's 'defence' march with Paris, Kyiv fails its NATO admission for now, and more

The French government has come up with a pathbreaking idea to encourage people to repair and reuse clothing items instead of throwing them. AFP reported Wednesday that people in France might soon get monetary incentives for having their clothes and shoes repaired.

The motive of the campaign is to stop people from throwing 700,000 tonnes of clothes every year, two-thirds of which end&nbsp;up in landfills.

"From October, consumers will be able to be supported in the repair of their clothes and shoes," Secretary of State for Ecology Berangere Couillard said Tuesday. She also invited “all sewing workshops and shoemakers to join the system."

<h2>How much bonus will be paid?</h2>

Consumers seeking repair of their clothing items would be paid from a 154 million euro fund set up to cover the&nbsp;period ranging from 2023-2028. Customers will be able to claim seven euros ($7.7) for getting a heel mended and 10-25 euros for getting their clothing items repaired.

Couillard added that "the goal is to support those who do the repairs," referring to those who do sewing and brands that offer repair services.

<h2>How sustainable is the fashion industry?</h2>

Eco-organisation Refashion, which has been instructed by the French government to set up the refund scheme, noted that about 3.3 billion pieces of clothing, shoes and household linen were put on the market in 2022.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Sources: First batch of French missiles already in Ukraine

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Ensuring sustainability in the textile sector is important as it is one of the biggest culprits of greenhouse gas emissions globally. The French government initiated a plan in late 2022 to transform its textile sector to make it as eco-friendly as possible.

<h2>Fashion industry and pollution</h2>

It might come as a surprise, but the fashion industry is responsible for approximately 10 per cent of the total global carbon emissions generated each year. This percentage is even higher than the combined emissions from maritime shipping and international flights. Unfortunately, the situation is predicted to worsen, with fashion's emissions of harmful greenhouse gases expected to increase by over 50 per cent by the year 2030.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-bans-the-sale-of-fireworks-for-bastille-day-celebration-after-riots-613618">Also read:&nbsp;France bans the sale of fireworks for Bastille Day celebration after riots</a>

In addition to its carbon footprint, the fashion sector, which includes cotton farming, consumes an enormous amount of water. Approximately 93 billion cubic metres of water is used by the industry annually, accounting for four&nbsp;per cent of the world's total freshwater consumption. To put this into perspective, the production of a single pair of jeans alone requires a staggering 3,781 litres of water.&nbsp;

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The French government has come up with a pathbreaking idea to encourage people to repair and reuse clothing items instead of throwing them. AFP reported Wednesday that people in France might soon get monetary incentives for having their clothes and shoes repaired.

The French government has come up with a pathbreaking idea to encourage people to repair and reuse clothing items instead of throwing them. AFP reported Wednesday that people in France might soon get monetary incentives for having their clothes and shoes repaired. The motive of the campaign is to stop people from throwing 700,000 tonnes of clothes every year, two-thirds of which end up in landfills. "From October, consumers will be able to be supported in the repair of their clothes and shoes," Secretary of State for Ecology Berangere Couillard said Tuesday. She also invited “all sewing workshops and shoemakers to join the system." How much bonus will be paid? Consumers seeking repair of their clothing items would be paid from a 154 million euro fund set up to cover the period ranging from 2023-2028. Customers will be able to claim seven euros ($7.7) for getting a heel mended and 10-25 euros for getting their clothing items repaired. Couillard added that "the goal is to support those who do the repairs," referring to those who do sewing and brands that offer repair services. How sustainable is the fashion industry? Eco-organisation Refashion, which has been instructed by the French government to set up the refund scheme, noted that about 3.3 billion pieces of clothing, shoes and household linen were put on the market in 2022. Watch: Sources: First batch of French missiles already in Ukraine × Ensuring sustainability in the textile sector is important as it is one of the biggest culprits of greenhouse gas emissions globally. The French government initiated a plan in late 2022 to transform its textile sector to make it as eco-friendly as possible. Fashion industry and pollution It might come as a surprise, but the fashion industry is responsible for approximately 10 per cent of the total global carbon emissions generated each year. This percentage is even higher than the combined emissions from maritime shipping and international flights. Unfortunately, the situation is predicted to worsen, with fashion's emissions of harmful greenhouse gases expected to increase by over 50 per cent by the year 2030. Also read: France bans the sale of fireworks for Bastille Day celebration after riots In addition to its carbon footprint, the fashion sector, which includes cotton farming, consumes an enormous amount of water. Approximately 93 billion cubic metres of water is used by the industry annually, accounting for four per cent of the world's total freshwater consumption. To put this into perspective, the production of a single pair of jeans alone requires a staggering 3,781 litres of water. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Get paid for getting clothes repaired: French govt’s new plan to rein in textile waste

In a bid to reduce pollution in France's capital city of Paris, authorities will force owners of larger and heavier cars, such as Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), to pay more for parking.

In a bid to reduce pollution in France's capital city of Paris, authorities will force owners of larger and heavier cars, such as Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), to pay more for parking. The increase in parking fees would come into effect on 1 January 2024. Electric Vehicles (EVs) and those with large families requiring a bigger vehicle are expected to be exempted from this increase, a report by The Guardian on Tuesday (July 11) said. The measure was approved by Paris councillors in a unanimous vote last month. “We would like the city of Paris to change the pricing of paid parking to make it progressive according to the weight and size of vehicles,” Frédéric Badina-Serpette, a councillor from the EELV ecology party said. Badina-Serpette added the aim of the measure was to focus on "auto-besity...the inexorable growth in the weight and size of vehicles circulating in our cities, and particularly in Paris.” Number of SUVs in Paris up by 60% The number of SUVs in Paris has increased by 60 per cent over the last four years and they make up 15 per cent of the 1.15 million vehicles parked in the capital city every evening, according to officials. The officials hope that increasing the fees would put a brake on the increase (in SUVs) and encourage the ownership of lighter vehicles, The Guardian report further said. David Belliard, a deputy mayor responsible for the public space and mobility policy, said SUVs are incongruous in an urban environment. Belliard pointed out that SUVs are absolutely useless in Paris. "They are dangerous, cumbersome and use too many resources to manufacture," the deputy mayor added. 'Number of SUVs rising because...': Drivers' group A drivers' group, meanwhile, said that the number of SUVs in France has risen because of larger families buying them to replace their people carriers. Pierre Chasseray, a spokesperson for 40 Millions d’Automobilistes, told Le Parisien that SUVs are family vehicles used for going away at weekends or on a holiday. "We’re pandering to a tiny minority of the very urban population who have decided to make the SUV the symbol of the battle against pollution,” Chasseray said. 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.

Paris to force SUV owners to pay more for parking to tackle 'auto-besity'

Donations for the French police officer, who shot dead 17-year-old Nahel in the Paris suburb of Nanterre for fleeing a traffic check triggering nationwide protests across the country, have been halted as the fund reached more than 1.6 million euros ($1.7 million).&nbsp;

French far-right media personality Jean Messiha, who was the one behind launching the initiative on GoFundMe.com, on Wednesday said that he had closed the campaign in accordance with the policeman's family as it had reached "a comfortable level".

An ultra-nationalist and former adviser to anti-immigration politicians Marine Le Pen and Eric Zemmour, Messiha launched the crowdfunding campaign last week sparking controversy and calls for GoFundMe to suspend the collection.

The mother of the victim, Nahel M, who was shot dead by the French policeman last week, launched legal action against Messiha.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fundraising-campaign-for-french-police-officer-who-shot-teenager-tops-donations-given-to-victims-family-612407">Fundraising campaign for French police officer who shot teenager tops donations given to victim's family</a>

"A complaint has been lodged today for fraud by a group, misuse of personal data and conspiracy in these crimes against Jean Messiha and everyone identified in the investigation as taking part in these offences," her lawyer Yassine Bouzrou said in a statement, as quoted by news agency AFP.

Several left-wing lawmakers have also launched legal action in an attempt to close the fund.

<h2>Funds for French police officer top donations given to victim's family</h2>

The amount raised for the police officer exceeded the donations made to the teenager's family, sparking outrage among many French nationals.

The crowdfunding, which was launched on the US platform GoFundMe by French far-right media personality Jean Messiha, received more than 72,000 private donations.

"This police officer is the victim of a national witch-hunt and it is a disgrace," Messiha tweeted.

"The fact that it was someone close to the far right who launched this fund does not, without doubt, help to calm things down," said French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne.

A video of the incident being circulated on social media showed two police officers beside the car, a Mercedes AMG, with one shooting as the driver pulled away.

Another teenager in the car has claimed the officers who stopped Nahel hit him with the butts of their pistols, and a voice can be heard on the video shouting: "You are going to get a bullet in the head."

Messiha said the fund was "a cry from French people to demand order, a cry of love for their security forces."

(With inputs from the agencies)

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Donations for the French police officer, who shot dead 17-year-old Nahel in the Paris suburb of Nanterre for fleeing a traffic check triggering nationwide protests across the country, have been halted as the fund reached more than 1.

Donations for the French police officer, who shot dead 17-year-old Nahel in the Paris suburb of Nanterre for fleeing a traffic check triggering nationwide protests across the country, have been halted as the fund reached more than 1.6 million euros ($1.7 million). French far-right media personality Jean Messiha, who was the one behind launching the initiative on GoFundMe.com, on Wednesday said that he had closed the campaign in accordance with the policeman's family as it had reached "a comfortable level". An ultra-nationalist and former adviser to anti-immigration politicians Marine Le Pen and Eric Zemmour, Messiha launched the crowdfunding campaign last week sparking controversy and calls for GoFundMe to suspend the collection. The mother of the victim, Nahel M, who was shot dead by the French policeman last week, launched legal action against Messiha. Also read: Fundraising campaign for French police officer who shot teenager tops donations given to victim's family "A complaint has been lodged today for fraud by a group, misuse of personal data and conspiracy in these crimes against Jean Messiha and everyone identified in the investigation as taking part in these offences," her lawyer Yassine Bouzrou said in a statement, as quoted by news agency AFP. Several left-wing lawmakers have also launched legal action in an attempt to close the fund. Funds for French police officer top donations given to victim's family The amount raised for the police officer exceeded the donations made to the teenager's family, sparking outrage among many French nationals. The crowdfunding, which was launched on the US platform GoFundMe by French far-right media personality Jean Messiha, received more than 72,000 private donations. "This police officer is the victim of a national witch-hunt and it is a disgrace," Messiha tweeted. "The fact that it was someone close to the far right who launched this fund does not, without doubt, help to calm things down," said French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. A video of the incident being circulated on social media showed two police officers beside the car, a Mercedes AMG, with one shooting as the driver pulled away. Another teenager in the car has claimed the officers who stopped Nahel hit him with the butts of their pistols, and a voice can be heard on the video shouting: "You are going to get a bullet in the head." Messiha said the fund was "a cry from French people to demand order, a cry of love for their security forces." (With inputs from the 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: Donations for policeman who shot dead teenager in Paris suburb halted

French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting of mayors on Tuesday said the peak of riots had passed. However, he added he was still cautious to call an end to the violence.

"Is it a permanent return to calm? I will be cautious, but the peak that we've seen in previous days has passed," Macron said, according to a report by news agency AFP.

Macron had met with hundreds of French officials on Tuesday to get to the depth of the reason behind the country's descent into violence after a teenager was shot dead by the police in the Paris suburb of Nanterre for fleeing a traffic check.

The meeting with more than 300 mayors came after authorities reported a much calmer night across the country.

"We all want a lasting, republican order," Macron said. "That's the absolute priority."

At the gathering of mayors, Macron was hoping to "start the painstaking, long-term work needed to understand the deeper reasons that led to these events", an official at the president's office said.

Macron pitched the idea of handing out quick-fire fines to the parents of children caught for destruction or theft.

"With the first crime, we need to find a way of sanctioning the families financially and easily," he said, according to comments reported by the Parisien newspaper.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-extends-jens-stoltenbergs-tenure-as-chief-of-alliance-by-a-year-611955">NATO extends Jens Stoltenberg's tenure as chief of alliance by a year</a>

<h2>Mayors call for anti-riot rally amid relative calm</h2>

Around 150 people were arrested overnight across France in connection with the violent protests that broke out since the killing of a 17-year-old teenager by a police officer at a traffic stop, said the interior ministry, on Monday (July 3). Meanwhile, France’s mayors called on public and elected officials to hold a rally against the nearly week-long riots. This comes amid the first signs of the unrest easing emerge with lower arrests and violence witnessed.

The government deployed up to 45,000 police officers onto the streets across the country overnight on Sunday to quell the unrest. The unrest follows the fatal shooting of Nahel, a 17-year-old teenager of North African descent, on Tuesday, by a police officer at a traffic stop.

In a statement on Monday, an association of the country’s mayors said that “everywhere in France is the scene of serious unrest, which targets republican symbols with extreme violence.”

This also comes a day after an attack on conservative mayor Vincent Jeanbrun of L'Hay-les-Roses’ home outside Paris.

(With inputs from agencies)

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French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting of mayors on Tuesday said the peak of riots had passed. However, he added he was still cautious to call an end to the violence.

French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting of mayors on Tuesday said the peak of riots had passed. However, he added he was still cautious to call an end to the violence. "Is it a permanent return to calm? I will be cautious, but the peak that we've seen in previous days has passed," Macron said, according to a report by news agency AFP. Macron had met with hundreds of French officials on Tuesday to get to the depth of the reason behind the country's descent into violence after a teenager was shot dead by the police in the Paris suburb of Nanterre for fleeing a traffic check. The meeting with more than 300 mayors came after authorities reported a much calmer night across the country. "We all want a lasting, republican order," Macron said. "That's the absolute priority." At the gathering of mayors, Macron was hoping to "start the painstaking, long-term work needed to understand the deeper reasons that led to these events", an official at the president's office said. Macron pitched the idea of handing out quick-fire fines to the parents of children caught for destruction or theft. "With the first crime, we need to find a way of sanctioning the families financially and easily," he said, according to comments reported by the Parisien newspaper. Also read: NATO extends Jens Stoltenberg's tenure as chief of alliance by a year Mayors call for anti-riot rally amid relative calm Around 150 people were arrested overnight across France in connection with the violent protests that broke out since the killing of a 17-year-old teenager by a police officer at a traffic stop, said the interior ministry, on Monday (July 3). Meanwhile, France’s mayors called on public and elected officials to hold a rally against the nearly week-long riots. This comes amid the first signs of the unrest easing emerge with lower arrests and violence witnessed. The government deployed up to 45,000 police officers onto the streets across the country overnight on Sunday to quell the unrest. The unrest follows the fatal shooting of Nahel, a 17-year-old teenager of North African descent, on Tuesday, by a police officer at a traffic stop. In a statement on Monday, an association of the country’s mayors said that “everywhere in France is the scene of serious unrest, which targets republican symbols with extreme violence.” This also comes a day after an attack on conservative mayor Vincent Jeanbrun of L'Hay-les-Roses’ home outside Paris. (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.

French President Emmanuel Macron in meeting of mayors says 'peak' of riots has passed

The riots in France are showing no prospects of respite. Cars are engulfed in flames, showrooms are being vandalised & tear gas is thrown open on protesters. France is burning because of the violent protests in the aftermath of the police killing of a teen. Nahel, a 17-year-old teenager, was shot dead by police in Nanterre during a traffic stop. The incident sparked outrage among citizens of France. Social media acted as fuel in this blaze of violence.

The role of social media platforms in fuelling riots in France

On the 27th of June, 17-year-old Nahel was shot in the chest from point-blank range by the French police in the Parisian suburb of Nanterre. His crime was that he hadn't stopped during a routine police check. The teenager had no criminal record. This killing by the police has now sparked a wave of unrest which the French police have been simply unable to clamp down on. French president Emmanuel Macron has deemed the shooting to death of the teenager as inexcusable. But this is not the only shooting to death incident by the French police during a routine traffic check. There have been spates of incidents in the last 18 months where the record of the French police has been called into question. Why are incidents of deadly police shootings in France on the rise? Rohit wellington brings you this report.

Successive nights of violent unrest in France

The police officer currently under investigation for fatally shooting a 17-year-old that triggered nationwide protests across France has had a fund collection for him, topping over $1 million in donations. A row has now broken out over the collection, with the protesters arguing that it now 'pays to kill innocent teenagers'.&nbsp;

Jean Messiha, a former adviser to the French far-right politician Marine Le Pen, set up the campaign on GoFundMe&nbsp;which has raised nearly $1.05 million (963,000 euros) so far.&nbsp;

"Support for the family of the Nanterre policeman, Florian.M who has done his job and is now paying a high price. Support him MASSIVELY and support our law enforcement!" reads the description of the donation page which had an initial target of $55,000.&nbsp;

Notably, a similar collection to help the family of&nbsp;Nahel Merzouk, the teenager shot by the French officer had only managed to collect $218,000&nbsp;-&nbsp;nearly five times less than&nbsp;Florian's.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-are-using-nahel-as-excuse-fatally-shot-teens-grandmother-hits-out-at-violent-protesters-611123">Also read |&nbsp;'They are using Nahel as excuse': Fatally shot teen's grandmother hits out at violent protesters</a>

<h2>Politicians criticise the fund collection&nbsp;</h2>

Olivier Faure, head of the Socialist Party, called on GoFundMe to close the fundraiser, accusing the platform of “hosting a pot of shame”.

“You maintain an already gaping fracture by participating in support of a police officer indicted for intentional homicide. Close!” said Faure.&nbsp;

Manon Aubry, a France Unbowed MEP, echoed a similar demand.&nbsp;

“More than a million euros collected on the initiative of a far-right polemicist [Messiha] in support of a police officer who kills a teenager. The message? It pays to kill a young Arab,” Aubry tweeted.

“Jean Messiha blows on the embers. It is a generator of riots. The pot of several hundred thousand euros for the police officer indicted in the homicide of young Nahel is indecent and scandalous," wrote&nbsp;Eric Bothorel&nbsp;of the ruling Renaissance party.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;France unrest: Fifth night of riots after police shoot teen

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<h2>GoFundMe remains adamant&nbsp;</h2>

Despite the public backlash, GoFundMe said it will not take the campaign down as it did not violate any French law. It argued that the&nbsp;money would not go to fund the police officer’s legal fees or defence.

“The money will be directly given to the family, which has been added as a beneficiary,” a&nbsp;spokesperson for GoFundMe told the French magazine Capital.

Notably, French law prohibits the “opening of or public announcement of subscriptions whose purpose is to compensate for fines, costs and damages awarded by judicial sentences in criminal and correctional matters”. If the rule is broken, it entails a six-month prison sentence or a $50,000 fine.&nbsp;

Around 45,000 police personnel are currently patrolling the streets of France with reinforcements consisting of specialised elite units, and armoured vehicles,&nbsp;in an attempt to restore calm.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The police officer currently under investigation for fatally shooting a 17-year-old that triggered nationwide protests across France has had a fund collection for him, topping over $1 million in donations.

The police officer currently under investigation for fatally shooting a 17-year-old that triggered nationwide protests across France has had a fund collection for him, topping over $1 million in donations. A row has now broken out over the collection, with the protesters arguing that it now 'pays to kill innocent teenagers'. Jean Messiha, a former adviser to the French far-right politician Marine Le Pen, set up the campaign on GoFundMe which has raised nearly $1.05 million (963,000 euros) so far. "Support for the family of the Nanterre policeman, Florian.M who has done his job and is now paying a high price. Support him MASSIVELY and support our law enforcement!" reads the description of the donation page which had an initial target of $55,000. Notably, a similar collection to help the family of Nahel Merzouk, the teenager shot by the French officer had only managed to collect $218,000 - nearly five times less than Florian's. Also read | 'They are using Nahel as excuse': Fatally shot teen's grandmother hits out at violent protesters Politicians criticise the fund collection Olivier Faure, head of the Socialist Party, called on GoFundMe to close the fundraiser, accusing the platform of “hosting a pot of shame”. “You maintain an already gaping fracture by participating in support of a police officer indicted for intentional homicide. Close!” said Faure. Manon Aubry, a France Unbowed MEP, echoed a similar demand. “More than a million euros collected on the initiative of a far-right polemicist [Messiha] in support of a police officer who kills a teenager. The message? It pays to kill a young Arab,” Aubry tweeted. “Jean Messiha blows on the embers. It is a generator of riots. The pot of several hundred thousand euros for the police officer indicted in the homicide of young Nahel is indecent and scandalous," wrote Eric Bothorel of the ruling Renaissance party. Also watch | France unrest: Fifth night of riots after police shoot teen × GoFundMe remains adamant Despite the public backlash, GoFundMe said it will not take the campaign down as it did not violate any French law. It argued that the money would not go to fund the police officer’s legal fees or defence. “The money will be directly given to the family, which has been added as a beneficiary,” a spokesperson for GoFundMe told the French magazine Capital. Notably, French law prohibits the “opening of or public announcement of subscriptions whose purpose is to compensate for fines, costs and damages awarded by judicial sentences in criminal and correctional matters”. If the rule is broken, it entails a six-month prison sentence or a $50,000 fine. Around 45,000 police personnel are currently patrolling the streets of France with reinforcements consisting of specialised elite units, and armoured vehicles, in an attempt to restore calm. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

France unrest: GoFundMe drive raises over $1 million for cop who killed teen

Unrest in France made headlines for close to a week. In a matter of days, the world witnessed the anger which the French people held against the authorities. Our first report on the show today delved deeper into the anti-police and anti-government riots in France. What really made the French furious here's a report.

France Riots: What is French President Macron doing wrong?

Unrest in France made headlines for close to a week. In a matter of days, the world witnessed the anger which the French people held against the authorities. Our first report on the show today delved deeper into the anti-police and anti-government riots in France. What really made the French furious? To know more watch this interview with War Correspondent and Analyst, Elijah J Magnier.

France Riots: French police and the charge of racism

Hello and welcome. This is The Capitals.

The divisions of our diverse world were in full display in the capitals across the world.

From two European capitals&nbsp;— Paris and Stockholm&nbsp;— the ripples of an act of police violence and a purported demonstration in the name of freedom of speech were felt worldwide. While in a Paris suburb, a policeman was seen shooting a teenager, stoking violent protests in and beyond France, in Stockholm the burning of holy Quran outside a mosque on one of the holiest days in Islam sparked outrage worldwide.

The act performed in Stockholm by a group of demonstrators will mar Sweden's bid to enter US-led NATO amid Russian offensive in Ukraine, analysts said. 
 
Read this and more, in The Capitals.

<h2>Paris, France</h2>

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"You are going to get a bullet to your head", Nahel M, 17, was told by a policeman in Nanterre, a Paris suburb earlier this week after his vehicle was stopped for violation of one of the traffic rules.

As per video doing the rounds, the police officer then appears to fire as the car abruptly drives off before gradually coming to a stop.&nbsp;

Police initially reported that Sahel&nbsp;was shot after driving his car at police. But footage of the incident authenticated by multiple news outlets proved that to be false.

The incident has sparked five straight nights of violent unrest in Paris and cities across France that have seen protesters clash with police and massive damage to the public property. Thousands have been arrested so far.&nbsp;

Over the weekend, a mayor's house was car-rammed and ransacked.

The incident has reignited debate over violent policing patterns in France, especially in the areas with minority population.&nbsp;

More than 40,000 police officers mobilised to patrol cities across the country. Since Tuesday, more than 2,000 people have been detained and more than 500 law enforcement personnel&nbsp;have been injured.

<h2>Stockholm, Sweden</h2>

For months since the beginning of war in Ukraine, there have been repeated attempts by Sweden and nations deemed its supporters to ensure its entry to NATO, a US-led military alliance that has played chief role in conflicts worldwide over past three decades.

But an act done in the name of freedom of speech has now put the months of efforts into a standstill. A group of demonstrators this week were allowed by a Swedish court to burn a copy of holy Quran. Sweden is now condemned by the Muslim world&nbsp;— including by Turkey, a NATO member&nbsp;— for allowing the burning of the holy book.

The timing of the burning of Islam’s holy book, during the important Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, has further angered Muslims in many countries, who were celebrating the holiday that marks the end of the hajj pilgrimage.

In the incident in Stockholm on Wednesday, two men, watched by a crowd of people, tore pages out of a Quran and burned them outside a mosque.

In an application for the permit, one of the men said he wanted to express his opinion about the Quran by tearing it up and burning it. The police had granted a permit for the demonstration after a Swedish court ruled that banning it would harm the notions of right to freedom of speech.

<h2>Vatican City, Vatican</h2>

Pope Francis on Friday granted an audience to the wife of Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks who is behind bars in Britain and is battling extradition to the United States.

"The Holy Father has received in audience Mrs. Stella Assange, with family members," a Vatican statement said, with no further details.

Stella Assange is fronting the campaign to have her husband freed. While it was not immediately clear that is Assange's matter&nbsp;was discussed, the meeting is being interpreted as another attempt by Stella to highlight her husband's incarceration.

<h2>Washington DC, United States</h2>

<img src="http://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/01/363685-untitled-design-2023-07-01t154045258.png" />

In Washington DC, the US President Joe Biden's off-the-cuff remarks ended up boosting extremist Taliban government in Kabul.&nbsp;

Biden said that Washington is getting the help from Afghanistan's Taliban government to 'end' Al-Qaeda threat. Biden's seemingly off-the-cuff remark contradicts a UN report released last month that said&nbsp;Taliban maintains "strong and symbiotic" ties with Al-Qaeda, and that late Osama bin Laden's terror group "is rebuilding operational capability" on Afghan soil.

Biden was leaving a press conference on Friday on the US Supreme Court's decision to block his student debt relief programme when a reporter asked if he admitted to mistakes during the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

"No, no. All the evidence is coming back," he replied, according to a White House transcript.

"Do you remember what I said about Afghanistan? I said al Qaeda would not be there. I said it wouldn't be there. I said we'd get help from the Taliban. What's happening now? What's going on? Read your press. I was right."

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Hello and welcome. This is The Capitals. The divisions of our diverse world were in full display in the capitals across the world. From two European capitals — Paris and Stockholm — the ripples of an act of police violence and a purported demonstration in the name of freedom of speech were felt worldwide.

Hello and welcome. This is The Capitals. The divisions of our diverse world were in full display in the capitals across the world. From two European capitals — Paris and Stockholm — the ripples of an act of police violence and a purported demonstration in the name of freedom of speech were felt worldwide. While in a Paris suburb, a policeman was seen shooting a teenager, stoking violent protests in and beyond France, in Stockholm the burning of holy Quran outside a mosque on one of the holiest days in Islam sparked outrage worldwide. The act performed in Stockholm by a group of demonstrators will mar Sweden's bid to enter US-led NATO amid Russian offensive in Ukraine, analysts said. Read this and more, in The Capitals. Paris, France "You are going to get a bullet to your head", Nahel M, 17, was told by a policeman in Nanterre, a Paris suburb earlier this week after his vehicle was stopped for violation of one of the traffic rules. As per video doing the rounds, the police officer then appears to fire as the car abruptly drives off before gradually coming to a stop. Police initially reported that Sahel was shot after driving his car at police. But footage of the incident authenticated by multiple news outlets proved that to be false. The incident has sparked five straight nights of violent unrest in Paris and cities across France that have seen protesters clash with police and massive damage to the public property. Thousands have been arrested so far. Over the weekend, a mayor's house was car-rammed and ransacked. The incident has reignited debate over violent policing patterns in France, especially in the areas with minority population. More than 40,000 police officers mobilised to patrol cities across the country. Since Tuesday, more than 2,000 people have been detained and more than 500 law enforcement personnel have been injured. Stockholm, Sweden For months since the beginning of war in Ukraine, there have been repeated attempts by Sweden and nations deemed its supporters to ensure its entry to NATO, a US-led military alliance that has played chief role in conflicts worldwide over past three decades. But an act done in the name of freedom of speech has now put the months of efforts into a standstill. A group of demonstrators this week were allowed by a Swedish court to burn a copy of holy Quran. Sweden is now condemned by the Muslim world — including by Turkey, a NATO member — for allowing the burning of the holy book. The timing of the burning of Islam’s holy book, during the important Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, has further angered Muslims in many countries, who were celebrating the holiday that marks the end of the hajj pilgrimage. In the incident in Stockholm on Wednesday, two men, watched by a crowd of people, tore pages out of a Quran and burned them outside a mosque. In an application for the permit, one of the men said he wanted to express his opinion about the Quran by tearing it up and burning it. The police had granted a permit for the demonstration after a Swedish court ruled that banning it would harm the notions of right to freedom of speech. Vatican City, Vatican Pope Francis on Friday granted an audience to the wife of Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks who is behind bars in Britain and is battling extradition to the United States. "The Holy Father has received in audience Mrs. Stella Assange, with family members," a Vatican statement said, with no further details. Stella Assange is fronting the campaign to have her husband freed. While it was not immediately clear that is Assange's matter was discussed, the meeting is being interpreted as another attempt by Stella to highlight her husband's incarceration. Washington DC, United States In Washington DC, the US President Joe Biden's off-the-cuff remarks ended up boosting extremist Taliban government in Kabul. Biden said that Washington is getting the help from Afghanistan's Taliban government to 'end' Al-Qaeda threat. Biden's seemingly off-the-cuff remark contradicts a UN report released last month that said Taliban maintains "strong and symbiotic" ties with Al-Qaeda, and that late Osama bin Laden's terror group "is rebuilding operational capability" on Afghan soil. Biden was leaving a press conference on Friday on the US Supreme Court's decision to block his student debt relief programme when a reporter asked if he admitted to mistakes during the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. "No, no. All the evidence is coming back," he replied, according to a White House transcript. "Do you remember what I said about Afghanistan? I said al Qaeda would not be there. I said it wouldn't be there. I said we'd get help from the Taliban. What's happening now? What's going on? Read your press. I was right." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

The Capitals: Stockholm allows Quran burning, Julian Assange receives attention from Vatican

In France where the scale of violence has partially reduced as of now situations still remain tense on the ground. French President Emmanuel Macron took stock of the measures that have been taken to ensure that the violence does not escalate. Now this comes after the country saw five consecutive days of clashes triggered by the killing of a teenager by a police official.

France riots: Violence subsides partially, as women march to demand end of violence

A young man lost his life after falling from the roof of a store in northwestern France on Friday during the overnight protests prompted by the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old by a police officer in the Paris suburb of Nanterre for fleeing a traffic check, said police.

The man, who as per news agency AFP reports, is said to be nearly 20 years old, smashed through the roof of a supermarket that according to the prosecutors, wasn't the target of any looting.

<h2>France to deploy 45,000 cops&nbsp;to deal with night rioting</h2>

On Friday, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin released a statement ahead of an expected fourth consecutive night of protests saying that the country is increasing the number of police officers to 45,000 nationwide in order to deal with any demonstrations.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier in the day announced the mobilisation of more police to contain the riots.

There had been "unacceptable exploitation of a death of an adolescent" in some quarters, Macron said.

"Additional means" would be mobilised by the interior ministry beyond the 40,000 officers deployed nationwide on Thursday, he said.&nbsp;

Earlier, around 40,000 police and gendarmes -- along with elite Raid and GIGN units -- were deployed in several cities overnight, with curfews imposed in municipalities around Paris and bans on public gatherings in Lille and Tourcoing in the country's north.

Also read: <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 latest figures from the interior ministry on Friday afternoon showed that 875 people were arrested overnight. More than 200 police officers were injured.

<h2>French police officer apologises to victim's family</h2>

The policeman who had shot dead a teenager in the Paris suburb of Nanterre for failing to comply with an order to stop his car on Tuesday, triggering protests across the country, has apologised to the victim's family while in custody, said his lawyer.

"The first words he pronounced were to say sorry and the last words he said were to say sorry to the family," Laurent-Franck Lienard told BFMTV late Thursday.

"He is devastated, he doesn't get up in the morning to kill people," Lienard said. "He didn't want to kill him."

A video of the incident being circulated on social media showed two police officers beside the car, a Mercedes AMG, with one shooting as the driver pulled away.

Lienard said the police officer was "extremely shocked by the violence of this video".

The officer has been charged with voluntary homicide and remanded in custody.

<h2>Mother of victim says policeman saw 'an Arab face'</h2>

The mother of the teenager who was killed by the French police officer said that she thought the death of her son was racially motivated.

"I don't blame the police, I blame one person: the one who took the life of my son," Mounia told the France 5 channel in her first media interview since the shooting on Tuesday morning.

"I have friends who are officers. They are completely behind me... they don't agree with what happened," she said.

She further said that the 38-year-old policeman could have used other ways to tame his son, who was driving a Mercedes without a licence.

"He didn't need to kill my son. A bullet? So close to his chest? No, no," the single mother, described as a worker in the medical sector, told the channel in tears.

The officer "saw an Arab face, a little kid, and wanted to take his life," she said.

"How long is this going to go on for? How many other children are going to go like this? How many mothers will find themselves like me?" she added.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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A young man lost his life after falling from the roof of a store in northwestern France on Friday during the overnight protests prompted by the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old by a police officer in the Paris suburb of Nanterre for fleeing a traffic check, said police.

A young man lost his life after falling from the roof of a store in northwestern France on Friday during the overnight protests prompted by the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old by a police officer in the Paris suburb of Nanterre for fleeing a traffic check, said police. The man, who as per news agency AFP reports, is said to be nearly 20 years old, smashed through the roof of a supermarket that according to the prosecutors, wasn't the target of any looting. France to deploy 45,000 cops to deal with night rioting On Friday, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin released a statement ahead of an expected fourth consecutive night of protests saying that the country is increasing the number of police officers to 45,000 nationwide in order to deal with any demonstrations. French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier in the day announced the mobilisation of more police to contain the riots. There had been "unacceptable exploitation of a death of an adolescent" in some quarters, Macron said. "Additional means" would be mobilised by the interior ministry beyond the 40,000 officers deployed nationwide on Thursday, he said. Earlier, around 40,000 police and gendarmes -- along with elite Raid and GIGN units -- were deployed in several cities overnight, with curfews imposed in municipalities around Paris and bans on public gatherings in Lille and Tourcoing in the country's north. Also read: France riots: Macron leaves EU summit early, says social media must help quell unrest The latest figures from the interior ministry on Friday afternoon showed that 875 people were arrested overnight. More than 200 police officers were injured. French police officer apologises to victim's family The policeman who had shot dead a teenager in the Paris suburb of Nanterre for failing to comply with an order to stop his car on Tuesday, triggering protests across the country, has apologised to the victim's family while in custody, said his lawyer. "The first words he pronounced were to say sorry and the last words he said were to say sorry to the family," Laurent-Franck Lienard told BFMTV late Thursday. "He is devastated, he doesn't get up in the morning to kill people," Lienard said. "He didn't want to kill him." A video of the incident being circulated on social media showed two police officers beside the car, a Mercedes AMG, with one shooting as the driver pulled away. Lienard said the police officer was "extremely shocked by the violence of this video". The officer has been charged with voluntary homicide and remanded in custody. Mother of victim says policeman saw 'an Arab face' The mother of the teenager who was killed by the French police officer said that she thought the death of her son was racially motivated. "I don't blame the police, I blame one person: the one who took the life of my son," Mounia told the France 5 channel in her first media interview since the shooting on Tuesday morning. "I have friends who are officers. They are completely behind me... they don't agree with what happened," she said. She further said that the 38-year-old policeman could have used other ways to tame his son, who was driving a Mercedes without a licence. "He didn't need to kill my son. A bullet? So close to his chest? No, no," the single mother, described as a worker in the medical sector, told the channel in tears. The officer "saw an Arab face, a little kid, and wanted to take his life," she said. "How long is this going to go on for? How many other children are going to go like this? How many mothers will find themselves like me?" she added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

France: Young man dies after falling from roof of store during protests over teen's killing

After the fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old boy, 45 000 officers and light armoured vehicles have been deployed in France to deal with the fourth night of violent protests. President Emmanuel Macron has so far refrained from issuing a state of emergency, but he has left an EU summit in Brussels early to attend his second cabinet crisis meeting in two days.

France deploys 45,000 police after riots over teen's death

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: A total of 667 people were arrested overnight in France amid protests that erupted for the third consecutive night over the deadly police shooting of 17-year-old boy that took place in the Paris suburb of Nanterre on Tuesday.

Third night of violence in France: Protesters burn cars & clash with cops | WION Speed News

Cities across France witnessed chaos after a police officer fatally shot a teenager of North African descent during a traffic stop near Paris. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

French police fatally shot teenager

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