Syria's central bank devalued the Syrian pound on Wednesday giving in to weeks of depreciation on the black market as new US sanctions took effect. 
 
The central bank raised the official exchange rate from 704 to 1,256 Syrian pounds to the dollar, in a statement published on its social media pages.&nbsp; 
 
The previous rate had been in force since March.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/opinions-blogs/china-shows-greater-interest-in-syria-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-and-deteriorating-ties-with-the-us-305295" hreflang="en">China shows greater interest in Syria amid coronavirus pandemic and deteriorating ties with the US</a> 
 
Earlier this month, the war-torn country's currency hit a record low on the black market of around 3,000 pounds to the dollar, sparking rare protests, before appreciating slightly after an apparent injection of dollars. 
 
On Wednesday, the rate on the parallel market stood at around 2,600 to 2,800 pounds to the dollar, traders told AFP. 
 
The devaluation comes as the United States prepares to implement new sanctions this week under the Caesar Act, targeting foreigners doing business with the Damascus government, as well as reconstruction of the country. 
 
Zaki Mehchy, a senior consulting fellow at the London-based Chatham House think tank, said the central bank was trying to minimise the gap between the official and black market rates.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/syria-records-20-new-coronavirus-cases-in-largest-single-day-increase-300964" hreflang="en">Syria records 20 new coronavirus cases in largest single-day increase</a> 
 
"It is trying to encourage people to use the official channel instead of the black market," he said. 
 
But the pound would probably continue its slide, punctuated by short periods of appreciation, he said.&nbsp; 
 
Syria's economy has been battered by nine years of war, and is now reeling from the knock-on effects of a financial crisis in neighbouring Lebanon that has stemmed the flow of dollars into government-held areas. 
 
Analysts have said the recent lows on the black market are likely due to worries ahead of the introduction of new US sanctions, and the sudden fall from grace of tycoon and cousin of the president, Rami Makhlouf, which has set other top businessmen on edge. 
 
The Damascus government has long blamed the country's economic crisis on international sanctions. 
 
Last week, President Bashar al-Assad sacked his prime minister of four years after criticism of the government's handling of the crisis. 
 
Before the conflict, the exchange rate stood at 47 Syrian pounds to the dollar.

Syria's central bank devalued the Syrian pound on Wednesday giving in to weeks of depreciation on the black market as new US sanctions took effect. The central bank raised the official exchange rate from 704 to 1,256 Syrian pounds to the dollar, in a statement published on its social media pages.

Syria's central bank devalued the Syrian pound on Wednesday giving in to weeks of depreciation on the black market as new US sanctions took effect. The central bank raised the official exchange rate from 704 to 1,256 Syrian pounds to the dollar, in a statement published on its social media pages. The previous rate had been in force since March. Also read: China shows greater interest in Syria amid coronavirus pandemic and deteriorating ties with the US Earlier this month, the war-torn country's currency hit a record low on the black market of around 3,000 pounds to the dollar, sparking rare protests, before appreciating slightly after an apparent injection of dollars. On Wednesday, the rate on the parallel market stood at around 2,600 to 2,800 pounds to the dollar, traders told AFP. The devaluation comes as the United States prepares to implement new sanctions this week under the Caesar Act, targeting foreigners doing business with the Damascus government, as well as reconstruction of the country. Zaki Mehchy, a senior consulting fellow at the London-based Chatham House think tank, said the central bank was trying to minimise the gap between the official and black market rates. Also read: Syria records 20 new coronavirus cases in largest single-day increase "It is trying to encourage people to use the official channel instead of the black market," he said. But the pound would probably continue its slide, punctuated by short periods of appreciation, he said. Syria's economy has been battered by nine years of war, and is now reeling from the knock-on effects of a financial crisis in neighbouring Lebanon that has stemmed the flow of dollars into government-held areas. Analysts have said the recent lows on the black market are likely due to worries ahead of the introduction of new US sanctions, and the sudden fall from grace of tycoon and cousin of the president, Rami Makhlouf, which has set other top businessmen on edge. The Damascus government has long blamed the country's economic crisis on international sanctions. Last week, President Bashar al-Assad sacked his prime minister of four years after criticism of the government's handling of the crisis. Before the conflict, the exchange rate stood at 47 Syrian pounds to the dollar.

Syria devalues currency as new US sanctions hit

As protests against systemic racism soar across the world, people are changing the way they look at history, with calls for a revisionist lens in narrating historical events, especially involving minorities and the historically marginalised.

Caught in the whirlwind are the British, responsible for colonising a big chunk of the world almost a century ago.

In the last couple of days, thousands of people have come out on the streets to protest against&nbsp; imperial leaders, slave traders, and wartime heroes.

From Winston Churchill to Robert Clive, people who were once called the greatest britons are now being called racists.

A lot of statues have been vandalised across the country to boycott the imperialist history. Many have been burnt, and then thrown into the nearest waterbody.

The latest statue to face the heat is that of Mahatma Gandhi’s, with protesting demanding removal of his statue from Leicester.&nbsp;According to naysayers, Gandhi was a fascist, racist, sexual predator.

An online petition demanding the statue's removal has received over 5,000 signatures.&nbsp;The petition claims that Gandhi&nbsp; used words like “uncivilised”, “savages”, and “dirty” to refer to Africans.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/gravitas-uk-protesters-say-mahatma-gandhi-was-a-racist-306139/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

How have authorities reacted to this demand?

Some experts have called the demand absurd.&nbsp;Claudia Webbe, the parliamentarian from Leicester East -&nbsp; said the petition is a “massive distraction” from the Black Lives Matter movement.

Webbe further claimed that the Black community does not want to deface the symbol of change while drawing parallels between Gandhi's peaceful protests and the BLM movement. Webbe referred to both as “forces for change”.

Violent clashes

Protests against racism snowballed into clashes across the country over the weekend, with two sets of demonstrators taking to the streets. While one sided chanted anti-racism slogans, the other screamed racial slurs.

Far-right activists said they wanted to defend historical monuments and British culture

However, the two sides clashed at the iconic Trafalgar Square, which required police intervention, who were also attacked in the process. Over 15 people were injured owing to this, and at least five people have been booked for assaulting police officers.

Britain's prime minister Boris Johnson condemned the incident. He said that those indulging in violence would have to face the law.

“What we can't accept is people hijacking peaceful demonstrations and turning them into very ugly attacks on the police or on public monuments, we can't accept that and people who do that will feel the full force of the law”, said the British PM.

As protests against systemic racism soar across the world, people are changing the way they look at history, with calls for a revisionist lens in narrating historical events, especially involving minorities and the historically marginalised.

As protests against systemic racism soar across the world, people are changing the way they look at history, with calls for a revisionist lens in narrating historical events, especially involving minorities and the historically marginalised. Caught in the whirlwind are the British, responsible for colonising a big chunk of the world almost a century ago. In the last couple of days, thousands of people have come out on the streets to protest against imperial leaders, slave traders, and wartime heroes. From Winston Churchill to Robert Clive, people who were once called the greatest britons are now being called racists. A lot of statues have been vandalised across the country to boycott the imperialist history. Many have been burnt, and then thrown into the nearest waterbody. The latest statue to face the heat is that of Mahatma Gandhi’s, with protesting demanding removal of his statue from Leicester. According to naysayers, Gandhi was a fascist, racist, sexual predator. An online petition demanding the statue's removal has received over 5,000 signatures. The petition claims that Gandhi used words like “uncivilised”, “savages”, and “dirty” to refer to Africans. How have authorities reacted to this demand? Some experts have called the demand absurd. Claudia Webbe, the parliamentarian from Leicester East - said the petition is a “massive distraction” from the Black Lives Matter movement. Webbe further claimed that the Black community does not want to deface the symbol of change while drawing parallels between Gandhi's peaceful protests and the BLM movement. Webbe referred to both as “forces for change”. Violent clashes Protests against racism snowballed into clashes across the country over the weekend, with two sets of demonstrators taking to the streets. While one sided chanted anti-racism slogans, the other screamed racial slurs. Far-right activists said they wanted to defend historical monuments and British culture However, the two sides clashed at the iconic Trafalgar Square, which required police intervention, who were also attacked in the process. Over 15 people were injured owing to this, and at least five people have been booked for assaulting police officers. Britain's prime minister Boris Johnson condemned the incident. He said that those indulging in violence would have to face the law. “What we can't accept is people hijacking peaceful demonstrations and turning them into very ugly attacks on the police or on public monuments, we can't accept that and people who do that will feel the full force of the law”, said the British PM.

Protesters in the UK want 'fascist and racist' Gandhi's statue removed, clashes ensue

UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak today spoke out about the racist abuse he faced as a child growing up in Britain, but stressed that the country has made enormous progress over time.

UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak today spoke out about the racist abuse he faced as a child growing up in Britain, but stressed that the country has made enormous progress over time. The Indian-origin finance minister said that the abuse felt far worse when it occurred in the presence of his younger siblings, as he was asked to comment on another set of far-right and anti-racism protests in London over the weekend. "It's the sort of thing that's happening on your own it's difficult enough but when I had my younger brother and sister with me at the time it was particularly upsetting; I wanted to protect them from it," he told Sky News, when asked about his experience of racist abuse. "They may just be words, but they sting in a way that other things don't.... There is something about that [racist abuse] that cuts to your core," he said. The minister stressed that violent clashes, of the kind seen during some protests in London on Saturday, were "both shocking and disgusting" and those responsible should face tough legal consequences. He said: "This has always been an open, and tolerant country and what we saw yesterday was not that. There will always be a small minority who maintain prejudice, and indeed are racist, but that is not overall the description I would ascribe to our country. "I think there's been enormous progress that our country and our society has made if I think back to the time when my grandparents first arrived, when I was growing up." Sunak, who is leading the UK's economic response to the coronavirus pandemic, went on to encourage people to support the reopening of the country's high streets from Monday when non-essential retail stores are allowed to reopen under Covid-secure conditions. The minister indicated that the government was reviewing the current two-metre social distance norm in order to assist businesses further. "People need to have the confidence that it's safe... and I can give that assurance," he said, in reference to the next phase of the easing of the UK's lockdown from Monday. "The PM has put in place a comprehensive review of the two-metre rule. We keep everything under review... I can very much understand the positive impact it will have on businesses in being able to open," he said. The senior cabinet minister once again admitted "hardship" in-store as steps unfold towards restarting the economy after months of lockdown imposed in the wake of the deadly virus, which has claimed over 41,000 lives in the UK.

Rishi Sunak speaks out on racism he faced as a child growing up in UK

A group of scientists have unearthed inconsistencies in the global body World Health Organization’s (WHO) study about the risks of contracting/spreading COVID-19 within a certain distance.

Recently, the United Kingdom announced plans to relax the two-metre physical distancing rule. Scientists warned that the study in question should not ideally be used to justify the relaxation.

After WHO earlier stipulated two metres as the ideal distance between two people, critics across the globe called it too cautionary a tale.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/coronavirus-spreading-like-wildfire-in-africa-test-kits-needed-who-305077" hreflang="en">Coronavirus spreading like wildfire in Africa, test kits needed: WHO</a>

The WHO research now being questioned claimed that a reduction in social distancing from two to one metres would increase increase the infection risk from 1.3 per cent to 2.6 per cent.

However, scientists believe the aforementioned research is short-sighted and should not be used as the blueprint to enforce distancing measures.

“The analysis of infection risk at 1 metre versus 2 metre should be treated with great caution,” Professor&nbsp;David Spiegelhalter, from Cambridge University told the Guardian. “I’m very suspicious of it”, Spiegelhalter added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/after-saying-asymptomatic-carriers-spreading-covid-19-very-rare-who-clarifies-304664" hreflang="en">After saying asymptomatic carriers spreading COVID-19 very rare, WHO clarifies</a>

Another researcher from Open University referred to WHO’s analysis as “inappropriate”, while adding that the research “should not be used in arguments about how much greater the infection risk is at 1-metre minimum distance as opposed to 2 metres”.

This brings into question the veracity of research papers published on online portals like the Lancet and New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers found that some papers are being hurriedly written and published, making the conclusions hard to process and verify.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/confusion-in-the-times-of-coronavirus-who-is-a-poor-example-to-follow-304928" hreflang="en">Confusion in the times of coronavirus: WHO is a poor example to follow</a>

The two portals mentioned above were recently forced to retract a few studies after flaws surfaced.

Boris Johnson recently said that the two metre distancing rule will be put under review.

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

A group of scientists have unearthed inconsistencies in the global body World Health Organization’s (WHO) study about the risks of contracting/spreading COVID-19 within a certain distance.

A group of scientists have unearthed inconsistencies in the global body World Health Organization’s (WHO) study about the risks of contracting/spreading COVID-19 within a certain distance. Recently, the United Kingdom announced plans to relax the two-metre physical distancing rule. Scientists warned that the study in question should not ideally be used to justify the relaxation. After WHO earlier stipulated two metres as the ideal distance between two people, critics across the globe called it too cautionary a tale. Also read: Coronavirus spreading like wildfire in Africa, test kits needed: WHO The WHO research now being questioned claimed that a reduction in social distancing from two to one metres would increase increase the infection risk from 1.3 per cent to 2.6 per cent. However, scientists believe the aforementioned research is short-sighted and should not be used as the blueprint to enforce distancing measures. “The analysis of infection risk at 1 metre versus 2 metre should be treated with great caution,” Professor David Spiegelhalter, from Cambridge University told the Guardian. “I’m very suspicious of it”, Spiegelhalter added. Also read: After saying asymptomatic carriers spreading COVID-19 very rare, WHO clarifies Another researcher from Open University referred to WHO’s analysis as “inappropriate”, while adding that the research “should not be used in arguments about how much greater the infection risk is at 1-metre minimum distance as opposed to 2 metres”. This brings into question the veracity of research papers published on online portals like the Lancet and New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers found that some papers are being hurriedly written and published, making the conclusions hard to process and verify. Also read: Confusion in the times of coronavirus: WHO is a poor example to follow The two portals mentioned above were recently forced to retract a few studies after flaws surfaced. Boris Johnson recently said that the two metre distancing rule will be put under review. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Scientists question WHO's study on relaxing social distancing norms

The death of another Black man by a police officer in the United States, Rayshard Brooks, in Atlanta has triggered a fresh wave of protests in the country against police brutality and racism.

Brooks was shot at by an officer, who succumbed to gun shot wounds in the back.

The Fulton country medical examiner’s office has ruled it as homicide, while protests continue to rage for the fourth straight week in the country.

Brooks, 27, died from blood loss and organ injuries caused by the gunshot wounds, the autopsy revealed.

The statement from the medical examiner’s office referred to the manner of death as “homicide”.

<h6><img alt="A burned Wendy’s restaurant is seen on the second day following the police shooting death of Rayshard Brooks in the restaurant parking lot June 14, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4ac1257b-f9fb-4f2a-9220-9d5f1fab23c3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_20.jpg" /> 
A burned Wendy’s restaurant is seen on the second day following the police shooting death of Rayshard Brooks in the restaurant parking lot June 14, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Allegedly, Brooks was asleep in the drive through lane of a Wendy’s restaurant in Atlanta, after which an employee called the police. In the process of this, he was shot in the back, leading to his death.

Protests soon circled a Wendy’s store and set it on fire, the visuals of which made rounds on social media.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/video-released-of-moment-man-was-shot-by-2-cops-in-atlanta-watch-it-306020/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier, George Floyd was knelt on by a police officer for almost 9 minutes which led to his death and spurred global outrage spreading as far as New Zealand and France.

Protesters in Atlanta were heard chanting “This is not a riot” while demanding justice for the murder.

The body camera footage of the police encounter with Brooks showed the conversation beginning in a friendly manner, but as officers proceeded to arrest him, there was restraint. As he fled with a taser gun, one of the officers shot him, after which he fell to the ground.

The death of another Black man by a police officer in the United States, Rayshard Brooks, in Atlanta has triggered a fresh wave of protests in the country against police brutality and racism.

The death of another Black man by a police officer in the United States, Rayshard Brooks, in Atlanta has triggered a fresh wave of protests in the country against police brutality and racism. Brooks was shot at by an officer, who succumbed to gun shot wounds in the back. The Fulton country medical examiner’s office has ruled it as homicide, while protests continue to rage for the fourth straight week in the country. Brooks, 27, died from blood loss and organ injuries caused by the gunshot wounds, the autopsy revealed. The statement from the medical examiner’s office referred to the manner of death as “homicide”. A burned Wendy’s restaurant is seen on the second day following the police shooting death of Rayshard Brooks in the restaurant parking lot June 14, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia | AFP Allegedly, Brooks was asleep in the drive through lane of a Wendy’s restaurant in Atlanta, after which an employee called the police. In the process of this, he was shot in the back, leading to his death. Protests soon circled a Wendy’s store and set it on fire, the visuals of which made rounds on social media. Earlier, George Floyd was knelt on by a police officer for almost 9 minutes which led to his death and spurred global outrage spreading as far as New Zealand and France. Protesters in Atlanta were heard chanting “This is not a riot” while demanding justice for the murder. The body camera footage of the police encounter with Brooks showed the conversation beginning in a friendly manner, but as officers proceeded to arrest him, there was restraint. As he fled with a taser gun, one of the officers shot him, after which he fell to the ground.

Brooks shooting in Atlanta was 'homicide', claims medical examiner

The Democratic National Committee's council on climate change irked party leadership when it published policy recommendations this month that ventured beyond presidential candidate Joe Biden's plan, according to three people familiar with the matter.

The party tension shows the tricky nature of climate politics as Biden seeks to court young and more progressive voters without turning off voters in energy-producing swing states like Pennsylvania and Ohio, where a boom in shale gas drilling had created blue-collar jobs.

Members of the DNC Environment and Climate Crisis Council,&nbsp;formed last year, published proposals for the party's four-year platform on June 4 in a press release, calling for up to $16 trillion in spending to shift the U.S. economy away from fossil fuels while banning hydraulic fracturing and oil and gas exports.

The council's proposals far exceed Biden's current climate plan, which bans new oil and gas permits on public lands and dedicates $1.7 trillion to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, but allows continued fracking and exports in the meantime.

Biden's campaign is updating its climate plan as it prepares for the Nov. 3 election contest against Republican President Donald Trump, a fervent advocate of fossil fuel drilling and mining who has downplayed climate change risks and unwound hundreds of environmental regulations.&nbsp;

Biden is being advised by a panel led by U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has called for a vast government-run effort to move away from fossil fuels, and John Kerry, who helped negotiate the Paris climate agreement as President Barack Obama's Secretary of State.

One senior Democrat familiar with the DNC's workings said climate council members overstepped by putting out recommendations ahead of the convention that are unlikely to be adopted in the party's platform, which will be drafted by a DNC committee by its August convention.

"It's a nonstarter," said the Democrat, who requested anonymity to discuss the matter. "Nobody takes them seriously. Joe Biden will be writing the platform for our national convention."

Two people close to the DNC said the council blindsided the party by publicly releasing the 14-page document.

"They acted like insurgents within the party trying to stake out a left flank before the convention," one of the sources said.

DNC and Biden campaign officials declined to comment.

The DNC agreed to create the council last year after angering environmental activists and progressives for declining to hold a standalone climate debate among competitors for the party's presidential nomination.

Council Chair Michelle Deatrick said the council has been in touch with both Biden's climate advisory panel and the campaign but published the recommendations ahead of the convention to help galvanize support for an aggressive plan.

"We are advocating to ensure these recommendations are adopted in the Democratic Party platform. We have strong support, and are building a coalition of environmental groups, Democratic Party groups and more," she said.

Deatrick was a campaign surrogate of Biden rival Bernie Sanders, who had released a $16 trillion climate plan last year before dropping his bid for the party nomination. Other council members include representatives and activists from conservation and environmental justice groups.

Cecil Roberts, president of the United Mineworkers Union, said the recommendations would have "political consequences."

"I can assure you that the mere issuing of this report has already cost Democrats potential votes in places like Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan," he said.

The Democratic National Committee's council on climate change irked party leadership when it published policy recommendations this month that ventured beyond presidential candidate Joe Biden's plan, according to three people familiar with the matter.

The Democratic National Committee's council on climate change irked party leadership when it published policy recommendations this month that ventured beyond presidential candidate Joe Biden's plan, according to three people familiar with the matter. The party tension shows the tricky nature of climate politics as Biden seeks to court young and more progressive voters without turning off voters in energy-producing swing states like Pennsylvania and Ohio, where a boom in shale gas drilling had created blue-collar jobs. Members of the DNC Environment and Climate Crisis Council, formed last year, published proposals for the party's four-year platform on June 4 in a press release, calling for up to $16 trillion in spending to shift the U.S. economy away from fossil fuels while banning hydraulic fracturing and oil and gas exports. The council's proposals far exceed Biden's current climate plan, which bans new oil and gas permits on public lands and dedicates $1.7 trillion to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, but allows continued fracking and exports in the meantime. Biden's campaign is updating its climate plan as it prepares for the Nov. 3 election contest against Republican President Donald Trump, a fervent advocate of fossil fuel drilling and mining who has downplayed climate change risks and unwound hundreds of environmental regulations. Biden is being advised by a panel led by U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has called for a vast government-run effort to move away from fossil fuels, and John Kerry, who helped negotiate the Paris climate agreement as President Barack Obama's Secretary of State. One senior Democrat familiar with the DNC's workings said climate council members overstepped by putting out recommendations ahead of the convention that are unlikely to be adopted in the party's platform, which will be drafted by a DNC committee by its August convention. "It's a nonstarter," said the Democrat, who requested anonymity to discuss the matter. "Nobody takes them seriously. Joe Biden will be writing the platform for our national convention." Two people close to the DNC said the council blindsided the party by publicly releasing the 14-page document. "They acted like insurgents within the party trying to stake out a left flank before the convention," one of the sources said. DNC and Biden campaign officials declined to comment. The DNC agreed to create the council last year after angering environmental activists and progressives for declining to hold a standalone climate debate among competitors for the party's presidential nomination. Council Chair Michelle Deatrick said the council has been in touch with both Biden's climate advisory panel and the campaign but published the recommendations ahead of the convention to help galvanize support for an aggressive plan. "We are advocating to ensure these recommendations are adopted in the Democratic Party platform. We have strong support, and are building a coalition of environmental groups, Democratic Party groups and more," she said. Deatrick was a campaign surrogate of Biden rival Bernie Sanders, who had released a $16 trillion climate plan last year before dropping his bid for the party nomination. Other council members include representatives and activists from conservation and environmental justice groups. Cecil Roberts, president of the United Mineworkers Union, said the recommendations would have "political consequences." "I can assure you that the mere issuing of this report has already cost Democrats potential votes in places like Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan," he said.

US Democratic Party irked by council's 'insurgent' climate plan

The United Nations Human Rights Council is set to hold a debate on the ongoing crisis of racial discrimination clubbed with “ systemic racism, police brutality, and violence against peaceful protesters”.

According to UNHRC’s latest statement, the body will analyse related events in the United States.

The issue was brought to the body’s notice by African countries, and on a request made by Burkina Faso.

The United States does not hold the membership of the 47-member UNHRC in Geneva. Two years ago the US had quit the forum for its alleged bias against Israel.

<h6><img alt="People react on Highway 395 during a demonstration against racial inequality in the aftermath of the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Washington, U.S., June 14, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="10e9d976-6fa6-4f92-811f-870b32e263cf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_19.jpg" /> 
People react on Highway 395 during a demonstration against racial inequality in the aftermath of the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Washington, US, June 14, 2020 | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

"The death of George Floyd is unfortunately not an isolated incident," said the letter which was marked to UNHRC.

The letter referred to the murder of George Floyd, who was knelt on by a police officer, following which he died on May 25 in the US city of Minneapolis. This stirred nationwide protests that have now spawned into a global movement against racial injustice and police brutality.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virus-has-exposed-deep-seated-internal-crises-in-us-putin-305979" hreflang="en">Virus has exposed deep-seated internal crises in US: Putin</a>

"The numbers of previous cases of unarmed people of African descent who met the same fate because of uncontrolled police violence are legion," the letter said.&nbsp;“The international outrage provoked by the death underlined the importance of the Human Rights Council discussing these issue”, it further&nbsp;said.

The letter also claimed that 600 activist groups and relatives of victims have demanded a special session to address racism.

Amid calls to defund the police, the Minneapolis City Council on Friday approved a resolution which would disband contemporary policing methods in favour of a community driven safety mechanism for the citizens.

Just on Friday, another Black man Rayshard Brooks was shot by the police in Atlanta, which spurred protests across the country again.

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

The United Nations Human Rights Council is set to hold a debate on the ongoing crisis of racial discrimination clubbed with “ systemic racism, police brutality, and violence against peaceful protesters”.

The United Nations Human Rights Council is set to hold a debate on the ongoing crisis of racial discrimination clubbed with “ systemic racism, police brutality, and violence against peaceful protesters”. According to UNHRC’s latest statement, the body will analyse related events in the United States. The issue was brought to the body’s notice by African countries, and on a request made by Burkina Faso. The United States does not hold the membership of the 47-member UNHRC in Geneva. Two years ago the US had quit the forum for its alleged bias against Israel. People react on Highway 395 during a demonstration against racial inequality in the aftermath of the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Washington, US, June 14, 2020 | Reuters "The death of George Floyd is unfortunately not an isolated incident," said the letter which was marked to UNHRC. The letter referred to the murder of George Floyd, who was knelt on by a police officer, following which he died on May 25 in the US city of Minneapolis. This stirred nationwide protests that have now spawned into a global movement against racial injustice and police brutality. Also read: Virus has exposed deep-seated internal crises in US: Putin "The numbers of previous cases of unarmed people of African descent who met the same fate because of uncontrolled police violence are legion," the letter said. “The international outrage provoked by the death underlined the importance of the Human Rights Council discussing these issue”, it further said. The letter also claimed that 600 activist groups and relatives of victims have demanded a special session to address racism. Amid calls to defund the police, the Minneapolis City Council on Friday approved a resolution which would disband contemporary policing methods in favour of a community driven safety mechanism for the citizens. Just on Friday, another Black man Rayshard Brooks was shot by the police in Atlanta, which spurred protests across the country again. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

UN's human rights body to examine racism and police brutality in the United States

Wendy's in Atlanta burned down by protestors after black man was slain by police

Symbols of hate are falling across the globe. In Seattle, demonstrators took control of a police district. In France, cops have taken to the streets. In New Zealand, a city has removed the statue of its namesake. WION's Palki Sharma gets you the latest on the global anti-racism movement.

Gravitas: Anti-racism protests: Statues continue to fall

Anti-racism protests in the U.K are turning political with several Indian-origin MPs now caught in the debate. The country's interior minister Priti Patel is leading the campaign of balance.

Gravitas: Anti-racism protests: Priti Patel's balancing act

Anti-racism protests have spread beyond U.S. border to the rest of the world. WION's Palki Sharma gets you some voices from the 'Black Lives Matter' movement.

Gravitas: Anti-racism protests: Stories of injustice

One of the most-widely used dictionaries, Merriam-Webster is set to change the definition of “racism” after a young black woman suggested the word should reflect the oppressive realities faced by many people of colour.

A graduate from Drake University in Iowa, Kennedy Mitchum contacted the dictionary makers to improve its definition of racism.

"I basically told them that they need to include that there's a systematic oppression upon a group of people," she told a local news outlet. "It's not just, 'Oh, I don't like someone.'"

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-votes-on-scrapping-law-which-protects-disciplinary-records-of-police-officers-304716" hreflang="en">New York votes on scrapping law which protects disciplinary records of police officers</a>

Peter Sokolowski, the editorial head of Merriam-Webster told news agency AFP that Mitchum’s request will be entertained and the meaning updated.

According to the Sokolowski, the dictionary has three available definitions of racism, and that it does touch on oppression. But with the new definition coming up, they intend to “make that even more clear in next release".

Racism is defined as "a doctrine or political program based on the assumption of racism and designed to execute its principles," and "a political or social system founded on racism” in the current edition.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nyc-police-officer-who-shoved-protester-charged-with-assault-304679" hreflang="en">NYC police officer who shoved protester charged with assault</a>

"This is the kind of continuous revision that is part of the work of keeping the dictionary up to date, based on rigorous criteria and research we employ in order to describe the language as it is actually used," Sokolowski told AFP.

Not just the word, but corollary worlds about racism will be updated to acknowledge oppression. He said, words "related to racism or have racial connotations" will be updated based on the new definition.

Additionally, he also apologised on behalf of the company for not addressing the issue sooner. "We apologize for the harm and offense we have caused in failing to address this issue sooner”.

The company has been publishing dictionaries since 1847.

One of the most-widely used dictionaries, Merriam-Webster is set to change the definition of “racism” after a young black woman suggested the word should reflect the oppressive realities faced by many people of colour.

One of the most-widely used dictionaries, Merriam-Webster is set to change the definition of “racism” after a young black woman suggested the word should reflect the oppressive realities faced by many people of colour. A graduate from Drake University in Iowa, Kennedy Mitchum contacted the dictionary makers to improve its definition of racism. "I basically told them that they need to include that there's a systematic oppression upon a group of people," she told a local news outlet. "It's not just, 'Oh, I don't like someone.'" Also read: New York votes on scrapping law which protects disciplinary records of police officers Peter Sokolowski, the editorial head of Merriam-Webster told news agency AFP that Mitchum’s request will be entertained and the meaning updated. According to the Sokolowski, the dictionary has three available definitions of racism, and that it does touch on oppression. But with the new definition coming up, they intend to “make that even more clear in next release". Racism is defined as "a doctrine or political program based on the assumption of racism and designed to execute its principles," and "a political or social system founded on racism” in the current edition. Also read: NYC police officer who shoved protester charged with assault "This is the kind of continuous revision that is part of the work of keeping the dictionary up to date, based on rigorous criteria and research we employ in order to describe the language as it is actually used," Sokolowski told AFP. Not just the word, but corollary worlds about racism will be updated to acknowledge oppression. He said, words "related to racism or have racial connotations" will be updated based on the new definition. Additionally, he also apologised on behalf of the company for not addressing the issue sooner. "We apologize for the harm and offense we have caused in failing to address this issue sooner”. The company has been publishing dictionaries since 1847.

Merriam-Webster will reframe definition of 'racism' to address oppression

Greg Glassman, the CEO of CrossFit has resigned after his comments on the US protests sparked trouble for him.

Currently, major American cities are witnessing protests over the murder of George Floyd, who was murdered by a policeman named Derek Chauvin. The officer knelt his knee on the black man’s neck for almost nine minutes, which led to his death.

He decided to resign after creating ”a rift in the CrossFit community and unintentionally hurt many of its members”, Glassman said in a statement on Tuesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/reebok-slams-crossfit-in-outrage-over-ceos-racist-tweet-304215" hreflang="en">Reebok slams CrossFit in outrage over CEO's 'racist' tweet</a>

"Those who know me know that my sole issue is the chronic disease epidemic," Glassman said.

"I know that CrossFit is the solution to this epidemic and that CrossFit HQ and its staff serve as the stewards of CrossFit affiliates worldwide. I cannot let my behavior stand in the way of HQ's or affiliates' missions”, he added.

CrossFit got involved in controversies over the past week over its silence on the murder of George Floyd, and for its failure to express solidarity with Black Lives Matter protests.

Corporations not only in the US, but across the world have openly voiced support to protesters in ending police brutality.

While referring to Floyd’s death, Glassman made a passing remark about the inclusion of racism into public health issues by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, and wrote, “Floyd-19”.

Building up on the tweet, Glassman said that the institute had failed with its coronavirus model and expressed disapproval for their “solution to racism”.

After his tweets, many brand partners like Reebok pulled out of their arrangements. Glasmman issued an apology on Sunday and asserted that the company “will not stand for racism”.

Dave Castor, the director of CrossFit games is expected to replace Glassman.

"I'm honored to take on the role of CEO of CrossFit, Inc.," Castro said in a statement.

Greg Glassman, the CEO of CrossFit has resigned after his comments on the US protests sparked trouble for him. Currently, major American cities are witnessing protests over the murder of George Floyd, who was murdered by a policeman named Derek Chauvin.

Greg Glassman, the CEO of CrossFit has resigned after his comments on the US protests sparked trouble for him. Currently, major American cities are witnessing protests over the murder of George Floyd, who was murdered by a policeman named Derek Chauvin. The officer knelt his knee on the black man’s neck for almost nine minutes, which led to his death. He decided to resign after creating ”a rift in the CrossFit community and unintentionally hurt many of its members”, Glassman said in a statement on Tuesday. Also read: Reebok slams CrossFit in outrage over CEO's 'racist' tweet "Those who know me know that my sole issue is the chronic disease epidemic," Glassman said. "I know that CrossFit is the solution to this epidemic and that CrossFit HQ and its staff serve as the stewards of CrossFit affiliates worldwide. I cannot let my behavior stand in the way of HQ's or affiliates' missions”, he added. CrossFit got involved in controversies over the past week over its silence on the murder of George Floyd, and for its failure to express solidarity with Black Lives Matter protests. Corporations not only in the US, but across the world have openly voiced support to protesters in ending police brutality. While referring to Floyd’s death, Glassman made a passing remark about the inclusion of racism into public health issues by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, and wrote, “Floyd-19”. Building up on the tweet, Glassman said that the institute had failed with its coronavirus model and expressed disapproval for their “solution to racism”. After his tweets, many brand partners like Reebok pulled out of their arrangements. Glasmman issued an apology on Sunday and asserted that the company “will not stand for racism”. Dave Castor, the director of CrossFit games is expected to replace Glassman. "I'm honored to take on the role of CEO of CrossFit, Inc.," Castro said in a statement.

Greg Glassman, CEO of CrossFit resigns after 'racist' remarks

Australian officials and leading universities on Wednesday rejected China's claims students should be "cautious" in choosing to study Down Under because of concerns over racist incidents during the coronavirus pandemic.

China had&nbsp;urged its citizens currently studying or planning to study abroad to exercise caution while considering Australia as their destination.

The advisory was the latest in an escalating dispute between Beijing and Canberra that was deepened by&nbsp;Australia's call for an independent inquiry into the origin and handling of the coronavirus in central China last year.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-citizens-against-studying-in-racist-australia-304516">China warns citizens against studying in 'racist' Australia</a>

To make its point, China referred to a series of racist incidents that targeted Asians in Australia, especially in the backdrop of COVID-19.

Australian Education Minister Dan Tehan hit back Wednesday, saying the country was a multicultural society that welcomed international visitors.

"Our success at flattening the curve means we are one of the safest countries in the world for international students to be based in right now," he said in a statement.

"We reject China's assertion that&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;is an unsafe destination for international students."

Racism toward Asians has reportedly increased during the pandemic, with the New South Wales anti-discrimination commission saying instances included people being bullied for wearing a face mask, spat at and harassed in public, and racist language written across cars and private property.

Australian universities are already facing massive losses as an indefinite coronavirus border closure locks out the foreign students who pump billions of dollars a year into the sector.

Beijing's travel advice was largely symbolic but could interfere with a proposal to create a "secure corridor" for overseas students to return to&nbsp;Australia.

Education is&nbsp;Australia's fourth-largest export -- behind iron ore, coal and natural gas --&nbsp;with more than 500,000 international students enrolled last year, bringing about Aus$37 billion into the economy.

Australian officials and leading universities on Wednesday rejected China's claims students should be "cautious" in choosing to study Down Under because of concerns over racist incidents during the coronavirus pandemic.

Australian officials and leading universities on Wednesday rejected China's claims students should be "cautious" in choosing to study Down Under because of concerns over racist incidents during the coronavirus pandemic. China had urged its citizens currently studying or planning to study abroad to exercise caution while considering Australia as their destination. The advisory was the latest in an escalating dispute between Beijing and Canberra that was deepened by Australia's call for an independent inquiry into the origin and handling of the coronavirus in central China last year. Also read: China warns citizens against studying in 'racist' Australia To make its point, China referred to a series of racist incidents that targeted Asians in Australia, especially in the backdrop of COVID-19. Australian Education Minister Dan Tehan hit back Wednesday, saying the country was a multicultural society that welcomed international visitors. "Our success at flattening the curve means we are one of the safest countries in the world for international students to be based in right now," he said in a statement. "We reject China's assertion that Australia is an unsafe destination for international students." Racism toward Asians has reportedly increased during the pandemic, with the New South Wales anti-discrimination commission saying instances included people being bullied for wearing a face mask, spat at and harassed in public, and racist language written across cars and private property. Australian universities are already facing massive losses as an indefinite coronavirus border closure locks out the foreign students who pump billions of dollars a year into the sector. Beijing's travel advice was largely symbolic but could interfere with a proposal to create a "secure corridor" for overseas students to return to Australia. Education is Australia's fourth-largest export -- behind iron ore, coal and natural gas -- with more than 500,000 international students enrolled last year, bringing about Aus$37 billion into the economy.

Australia rejects China's racism warning to students, assures safety

Schalke's American midfielder Weston McKennie has accused Donald Trump of being a racist and criticised the US president for his behaviour following the death of George Floyd, which has sparked protests around the world.

"In my eyes, he can be called racist," McKennie, a 21-year-old US international, said in an interview with German magazine Sport Bild.

"I don't think Trump is the right man for the job of president.

"I don't think he understands his responsibility to the entire country.

"I think he's ignorant. I don't support him one bit. I don't think he's a man of his word."

Floyd, who was buried on Monday, died when a white policeman kneeled on his neck in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the end of May. The death, caught on video, has sparked waves of protests in cities across the US and around the world.

Trump has adopted a tough approach to putting down the protests in US cities and he voiced his support for the police at a round table on law enforcement at the White House on Monday.

McKennie, who was born in Texas, wore an armband demanding "Justice for George" in Schalke's first league game following the death of Floyd.

French player Marcus Thuram and England international Jadon Sancho also called for justice for Floyd after scoring goals in the Bundesliga.

Last weekend, some Bundesliga clubs, including Schalke, showed solidarity with the global protests by dropping to one knee before their matches.

McKennie said he feels it is important for sportsmen and women to draw attention to the Black Lives Matter movement, which has also been supported by a host of US sports stars.

"Basically, it's important that we athletes are also committed to the fight against racism, because we have the exposure," he said.

"That's why it's up to all of us."

US goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who is on loan from Manchester City at Bundesliga side Fortuna Duesseldorf this season, agrees that sports stars should use their platform to speak out.

"It is very urgent that something is done. It is only sad that something like this had to happen first," the 25-year-old told AFP subsidiary SID.

"What happened in the video of George Floyd is simply inhuman.

"I am proud to be an American, but some of the things that have been done by the government in recent years are just not America, for me, and that has to change.

"As athletes we have a platform.

"We can really make a difference and make the world a better place."

Schalke's American midfielder Weston McKennie has accused Donald Trump of being a racist and criticised the US president for his behaviour following the death of George Floyd, which has sparked protests around the world.

Schalke's American midfielder Weston McKennie has accused Donald Trump of being a racist and criticised the US president for his behaviour following the death of George Floyd, which has sparked protests around the world. "In my eyes, he can be called racist," McKennie, a 21-year-old US international, said in an interview with German magazine Sport Bild. "I don't think Trump is the right man for the job of president. "I don't think he understands his responsibility to the entire country. "I think he's ignorant. I don't support him one bit. I don't think he's a man of his word." Floyd, who was buried on Monday, died when a white policeman kneeled on his neck in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the end of May. The death, caught on video, has sparked waves of protests in cities across the US and around the world. Trump has adopted a tough approach to putting down the protests in US cities and he voiced his support for the police at a round table on law enforcement at the White House on Monday. McKennie, who was born in Texas, wore an armband demanding "Justice for George" in Schalke's first league game following the death of Floyd. French player Marcus Thuram and England international Jadon Sancho also called for justice for Floyd after scoring goals in the Bundesliga. Last weekend, some Bundesliga clubs, including Schalke, showed solidarity with the global protests by dropping to one knee before their matches. McKennie said he feels it is important for sportsmen and women to draw attention to the Black Lives Matter movement, which has also been supported by a host of US sports stars. "Basically, it's important that we athletes are also committed to the fight against racism, because we have the exposure," he said. "That's why it's up to all of us." US goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who is on loan from Manchester City at Bundesliga side Fortuna Duesseldorf this season, agrees that sports stars should use their platform to speak out. "It is very urgent that something is done. It is only sad that something like this had to happen first," the 25-year-old told AFP subsidiary SID. "What happened in the video of George Floyd is simply inhuman. "I am proud to be an American, but some of the things that have been done by the government in recent years are just not America, for me, and that has to change. "As athletes we have a platform. "We can really make a difference and make the world a better place."

Schalke's US player Weston McKennie slams 'racist' Donald Trump

The Trump administration on Tuesday overturned an Obama-era rule that barred hunters in Alaska national preserves from baiting bear traps or killing denning bear cubs and wolf pups or other practices that have been condemned by environmental and wildlife protection groups.Under the new National Park Service rule, effective July 9, hunting on natural preserves in Alaska will be controlled by the state, which allows baiting of brown and black bears; hunting of denning black bears with artificial light, killing of denning wolves and coyotes, hunting of swimming caribou and hunting of caribou from motorboats.

The Obama administration had banned all those practices in National Parks.

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The change stems from 2017 orders issued by then-Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to provide greater recreational access for hunting and fishing in Alaksa, National Park Service spokesman Peter Christian said, acknowledging that the rule-change was unpopular.

“I would say the vast majority of people did believe this was a controversial move and were almost entirely opposed to us lifting the ban,” he said.

"The Trump administration has shockingly reached a new low in its treatment of wildlife. Allowing the killing of bear cubs and wolf pups in their dens is barbaric and inhumane. The proposed regulations cast aside a primary purpose of national preserves to conserve wildlife and wild places," Jamie Rappaport Clark, president of Defenders of Wildlife, said in a written statement.

State officials said the Obama-era rule was wrongheaded.

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“From our perspective, the Park Service was infringing on our territory,” said Eddie Grasser, director of wildlife management for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, adding that some of the hunting practices now allowed in national preserves are part of indigenous culture.

Those practices are used by only a small number of people in a few places, Grasser said.

Another pending Trump administration rule, expected to be released on Wednesday, would overturn similar restrictions in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

The Trump administration on Tuesday overturned an Obama-era rule that barred hunters in Alaska national preserves from baiting bear traps or killing denning bear cubs and wolf pups or other practices that have been condemned by environmental and wildlife protection groups.

The Trump administration on Tuesday overturned an Obama-era rule that barred hunters in Alaska national preserves from baiting bear traps or killing denning bear cubs and wolf pups or other practices that have been condemned by environmental and wildlife protection groups.Under the new National Park Service rule, effective July 9, hunting on natural preserves in Alaska will be controlled by the state, which allows baiting of brown and black bears; hunting of denning black bears with artificial light, killing of denning wolves and coyotes, hunting of swimming caribou and hunting of caribou from motorboats. The Obama administration had banned all those practices in National Parks. Also read: Canada, US set to extend border closure to end-July The change stems from 2017 orders issued by then-Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to provide greater recreational access for hunting and fishing in Alaksa, National Park Service spokesman Peter Christian said, acknowledging that the rule-change was unpopular. “I would say the vast majority of people did believe this was a controversial move and were almost entirely opposed to us lifting the ban,” he said. "The Trump administration has shockingly reached a new low in its treatment of wildlife. Allowing the killing of bear cubs and wolf pups in their dens is barbaric and inhumane. The proposed regulations cast aside a primary purpose of national preserves to conserve wildlife and wild places," Jamie Rappaport Clark, president of Defenders of Wildlife, said in a written statement. State officials said the Obama-era rule was wrongheaded. Also read: NYC police officer who shoved protester charged with assault “From our perspective, the Park Service was infringing on our territory,” said Eddie Grasser, director of wildlife management for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, adding that some of the hunting practices now allowed in national preserves are part of indigenous culture. Those practices are used by only a small number of people in a few places, Grasser said. Another pending Trump administration rule, expected to be released on Wednesday, would overturn similar restrictions in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

Trump administration ends ban on killing Alaska bear cubs, wolf pups

A New York City police officer who was recorded on video shoving a woman to the ground during a protest against police brutality was criminally charged on Tuesday over the incident.

Vincent D'Andraia, 28, who works in the 73rd precinct in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, was charged with misdemeanor assault, criminal mischief and menacing, as well as harassment, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said.

The criminal case is the first against a New York City police officer arising from two weeks of protests after the May 25 death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in Minneapolis police custody sparked worldwide protests against racism.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rest-in-power-george-floyd-buried-in-houston-amid-protests-304666" hreflang="en">'Rest in power': George Floyd buried in Houston amid protests</a>

D'Andraia, who had last week been suspended without pay, faces a maximum one-year prison term on the top count.

He made a brief appearance on Tuesday at a Brooklyn Criminal Court hearing. No bail was set. His lawyer was not available to comment.

The case arose from a May 29 protest near the Barclays Center arena in downtown Brooklyn.

Cellphone video showed D'Andraia appearing to shove 20-year-old Dounya Zayer to the ground and calling her a derogatory name.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-governor-andrew-cuomo-slams-trumps-claim-that-protester-fell-harder-than-was-pushed-304648" hreflang="en">New York Governor Andrew Cuomo slams Trump's claim that protester 'fell harder than was pushed'</a>

Zayer, who posted her own video from the incident online, has said D'Andraia shoved her after she asked him why he told her to move off the street. She said she suffered a concussion and has had seizures.

"The charges are a step in the right direction," Zayer's lawyer Tahanie Aboushi said. "Dounya was assaulted for the very reason she was protesting - police brutality."

Gonzalez said he could not tolerate excessive force toward peaceful protesters. "This is especially true of those who are sworn to protect us and uphold the law," he said.

Floyd died after a white officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeled on his neck for more than eight minutes, in an incident also recorded on video.

Chauvin was charged last week with second degree murder.

A New York City police officer who was recorded on video shoving a woman to the ground during a protest against police brutality was criminally charged on Tuesday over the incident.

A New York City police officer who was recorded on video shoving a woman to the ground during a protest against police brutality was criminally charged on Tuesday over the incident. Vincent D'Andraia, 28, who works in the 73rd precinct in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, was charged with misdemeanor assault, criminal mischief and menacing, as well as harassment, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said. The criminal case is the first against a New York City police officer arising from two weeks of protests after the May 25 death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in Minneapolis police custody sparked worldwide protests against racism. Also read: 'Rest in power': George Floyd buried in Houston amid protests D'Andraia, who had last week been suspended without pay, faces a maximum one-year prison term on the top count. He made a brief appearance on Tuesday at a Brooklyn Criminal Court hearing. No bail was set. His lawyer was not available to comment. The case arose from a May 29 protest near the Barclays Center arena in downtown Brooklyn. Cellphone video showed D'Andraia appearing to shove 20-year-old Dounya Zayer to the ground and calling her a derogatory name. Also read: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo slams Trump's claim that protester 'fell harder than was pushed' Zayer, who posted her own video from the incident online, has said D'Andraia shoved her after she asked him why he told her to move off the street. She said she suffered a concussion and has had seizures. "The charges are a step in the right direction," Zayer's lawyer Tahanie Aboushi said. "Dounya was assaulted for the very reason she was protesting - police brutality." Gonzalez said he could not tolerate excessive force toward peaceful protesters. "This is especially true of those who are sworn to protect us and uphold the law," he said. Floyd died after a white officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeled on his neck for more than eight minutes, in an incident also recorded on video. Chauvin was charged last week with second degree murder.

NYC police officer who shoved protester charged with assault

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo slammed US President Donald Trump on Tuesday. Cuomo said he was "disgusted" by Trump's claim that the 75-year-old man seen in the video "fell harder than he was pushed."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-protests-george-floyd-to-be-buried-in-houston-on-tuesday-304629" hreflang="en">Amid protests, George Floyd to be buried in Houston on Tuesday</a>

"President Trump did a tweet today that surprises me even after all the tweets he has done," Cuomo said at his daily news briefing.

"You read his tweets, you get to a point where you say, 'Well, nothing could surprise me - I've seen it all,'" Cuomo added. "And then you get surprised again. You get shocked again. You get disgusted again."

Trump suggested that the protestor, Martin Gugino could be "an ANTIFA provocateur" and staged his fall at the hands of an officer.&nbsp;

"I watched, he fell harder than was pushed," the president said on Twitter. "Was aiming scanner. Could be a set up?"

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Buffalo protester shoved by Police could be an ANTIFA provocateur. 75 year old Martin Gugino was pushed away after appearing to scan police communications in order to black out the equipment. <a href="https://twitter.com/OANN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OANN</a> I watched, he fell harder than was pushed. Was aiming scanner. Could be a set up?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1270333484528214018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The two Buffalo officers who were seen pushing him and were charged with assault on Saturday. Gugino has been hospitalized after the incident.&nbsp;

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo slammed US President Donald Trump on Tuesday. Cuomo said he was "disgusted" by Trump's claim that the 75-year-old man seen in the video "fell harder than he was pushed.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo slammed US President Donald Trump on Tuesday. Cuomo said he was "disgusted" by Trump's claim that the 75-year-old man seen in the video "fell harder than he was pushed." Also read: Amid protests, George Floyd to be buried in Houston on Tuesday "President Trump did a tweet today that surprises me even after all the tweets he has done," Cuomo said at his daily news briefing. "You read his tweets, you get to a point where you say, 'Well, nothing could surprise me - I've seen it all,'" Cuomo added. "And then you get surprised again. You get shocked again. You get disgusted again." Trump suggested that the protestor, Martin Gugino could be "an ANTIFA provocateur" and staged his fall at the hands of an officer. "I watched, he fell harder than was pushed," the president said on Twitter. "Was aiming scanner. Could be a set up?" Buffalo protester shoved by Police could be an ANTIFA provocateur. 75 year old Martin Gugino was pushed away after appearing to scan police communications in order to black out the equipment. @OANN I watched, he fell harder than was pushed. Was aiming scanner. Could be a set up? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2020 × The two Buffalo officers who were seen pushing him and were charged with assault on Saturday. Gugino has been hospitalized after the incident.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo slams Trump's claim that protester 'fell harder than was pushed'

A judge in Richmond, Virginia, on Monday issued a 10-day injunction against Governor Ralph Northam's decision to remove a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee from the city, according to the Washington Post.&nbsp;

Northam said last week that the statue should be taken down from its pedestal "as soon as possible", amid nationwide protests demanding racial equality following the death of George Floyd, a black man, in Minneapolis police custody on May 25.

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The injunction was issued by a Richmond City Circuit Court judge on Monday, the Post reported. A lawyer for the man who sought the injunction - William C. Gregory - did not immediately respond to a request for comment, nor did Northam's office.&nbsp;

Calling for the Department of General Services to remove the towering statue of Lee, Governor Northam acknowledged the move could stir anger among admirers of the commander of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia.

"Yes, that statue has been there for a long time. But it was wrong then and it is wrong now, so we're taking it down," Northam said last week.&nbsp;

At the time of the American Civil War, Virginia had been a slave-owning state, and Richmond had been the capital of the rebel Confederate states.

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Waves of protests have erupted across the United States and abroad over the death of George Floyd, who died as an police officer drove a knee into his neck while he lay on the ground with his wrists handcuffed.&nbsp;

Protesters in Richmond have defaced the statue of Lee in the past week.

It has been repeatedly vandalized in recent years, while many other Confederate statues have been removed from numerous locations across the southern United States. Civil rights activists charge they promote racism while advocates of the statues contend they are a reminder of their heritage.

A judge in Richmond, Virginia, on Monday issued a 10-day injunction against Governor Ralph Northam's decision to remove a statue of Confederate General Robert E.

A judge in Richmond, Virginia, on Monday issued a 10-day injunction against Governor Ralph Northam's decision to remove a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee from the city, according to the Washington Post. Northam said last week that the statue should be taken down from its pedestal "as soon as possible", amid nationwide protests demanding racial equality following the death of George Floyd, a black man, in Minneapolis police custody on May 25. Also read: New York to introduce a package of bills to curb police excesses The injunction was issued by a Richmond City Circuit Court judge on Monday, the Post reported. A lawyer for the man who sought the injunction - William C. Gregory - did not immediately respond to a request for comment, nor did Northam's office. Calling for the Department of General Services to remove the towering statue of Lee, Governor Northam acknowledged the move could stir anger among admirers of the commander of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. "Yes, that statue has been there for a long time. But it was wrong then and it is wrong now, so we're taking it down," Northam said last week. At the time of the American Civil War, Virginia had been a slave-owning state, and Richmond had been the capital of the rebel Confederate states. Also read: Bail raised to $1.25 million for officer charged with murdering George Floyd Waves of protests have erupted across the United States and abroad over the death of George Floyd, who died as an police officer drove a knee into his neck while he lay on the ground with his wrists handcuffed. Protesters in Richmond have defaced the statue of Lee in the past week. It has been repeatedly vandalized in recent years, while many other Confederate statues have been removed from numerous locations across the southern United States. Civil rights activists charge they promote racism while advocates of the statues contend they are a reminder of their heritage.

Virginia judge blocks governor's demand to pull down Confederate statue

The murder of George Floyd in the United States has triggered protests not only in the country, but across the world. Protesters are demanding justice for Floyd while calling for an end to systemic racism which targets black people across the globe.

Derek Chauvin, the 44-year-old police officer who knelt on Floyd was charged with second and third-degree murder, with his previous bail set at $1 million. However, on Tuesday, the bail was raised by $250,000 to $1.25 million.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-sets-1-million-bail-for-minneapolis-cop-no-dismantling-of-police-says-trump-304389">Judge sets $1 million bail for Minneapolis cop; no dismantling of police, says Trump</a>

The officer from Minneapolis appeared in front of the court via video call and was seen in an orange jumpsuit with handcuffs.

In the video that went viral after Floyd’s death, the officer was seen kneeling on the man for almost nine minutes, even when he was repeatedly telling the officer about his inability to breathe. It was only when the ambulance arrived that the officer retracted his knee from the neck. An hour later, Floyd was dead.

<h6><img alt="Visitors hold their lit phones as they pay their respects to George Floyd during a candlelight vigil at Jack Yates High School in Houston, Texas on June 8, 2020. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="faea482e-8740-4e22-bbc3-21fdff9633bf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_16.jpg" /> 
Visitors hold their lit phones as they pay their respects to George Floyd during a candlelight vigil at Jack Yates High School in Houston, Texas on June 8, 2020. | AFP</h6>

Matthew Frank, the Minnesota Assistant Attorney General has advised against giving bail to Chauvin, and fears that the former officer might flee at the slightest opportunity, given the uproar caused by his actions.

The earliest amount for bail was set at $750,000, after which it was raised to $1 million with conditions. The current bail order has no conditions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-restart-election-campaign-with-fresh-rallies-even-as-coronavirus-cases-climb-in-the-us-304426" hreflang="en">Trump to restart election campaign with fresh rallies even as coronavirus cases climb in the US</a>

The conditions envisaged in the order include no future job in law enforcement, and no contact with the victim’s family.

As the outrage grew over the death of George Floyd, Minneapolis city council on Monday decided to disband the police force, however, US President backed the police department asserting, "There won't be defunding, there won't be dismantling of our police and there is not going to be any disbanding of our police."

There were reports of arson, looting, and violence across major US cities over the last week. However, the protests have now simmered.

(With inputs from AFP and Reuters)

The murder of George Floyd in the United States has triggered protests not only in the country, but across the world. Protesters are demanding justice for Floyd while calling for an end to systemic racism which targets black people across the globe.

The murder of George Floyd in the United States has triggered protests not only in the country, but across the world. Protesters are demanding justice for Floyd while calling for an end to systemic racism which targets black people across the globe. Derek Chauvin, the 44-year-old police officer who knelt on Floyd was charged with second and third-degree murder, with his previous bail set at $1 million. However, on Tuesday, the bail was raised by $250,000 to $1.25 million. Also read: Judge sets $1 million bail for Minneapolis cop; no dismantling of police, says Trump The officer from Minneapolis appeared in front of the court via video call and was seen in an orange jumpsuit with handcuffs. In the video that went viral after Floyd’s death, the officer was seen kneeling on the man for almost nine minutes, even when he was repeatedly telling the officer about his inability to breathe. It was only when the ambulance arrived that the officer retracted his knee from the neck. An hour later, Floyd was dead. Visitors hold their lit phones as they pay their respects to George Floyd during a candlelight vigil at Jack Yates High School in Houston, Texas on June 8, 2020. | AFP Matthew Frank, the Minnesota Assistant Attorney General has advised against giving bail to Chauvin, and fears that the former officer might flee at the slightest opportunity, given the uproar caused by his actions. The earliest amount for bail was set at $750,000, after which it was raised to $1 million with conditions. The current bail order has no conditions. Also read: Trump to restart election campaign with fresh rallies even as coronavirus cases climb in the US The conditions envisaged in the order include no future job in law enforcement, and no contact with the victim’s family. As the outrage grew over the death of George Floyd, Minneapolis city council on Monday decided to disband the police force, however, US President backed the police department asserting, "There won't be defunding, there won't be dismantling of our police and there is not going to be any disbanding of our police." There were reports of arson, looting, and violence across major US cities over the last week. However, the protests have now simmered. (With inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Bail raised to $1.25 million for officer charged with murdering George Floyd

Former Team India cricketer Irfan Pathan stated that racism is not restricted to just the colour of the skin. Irfan said that stopping someone from doing something just because he followed a different faith is also a type of racism.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-not-free-of-racism-i-too-was-a-victim-chris-gayle-stands-with-black-lives-matter-302558">Also read: Cricket not free of racism, I too was a victim: Chris Gayle stands with 'Black Lives Matter'</a> 
 
Pathan took to Twitter: "Racism is not restricted to the colour of the skin. Not allowing to buy a home in a society just because u have a different faith is a part of racism too... #convenient #racism."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Racism is not restricted to the colour of the skin.Not allowing to buy a home in a society just because u have a different faith is a part of racism too... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/convenient?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#convenient</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/racism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#racism</a>
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) <a href="https://twitter.com/IrfanPathan/status/1270307506955272194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The killing of African-American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month triggered mass protests around the country and reignited the racism debate world over.

The cricketers include West Indians Chris Gayle and Darren Sammy, who has alleged that he was racially abused by some of his Sunrisers Hyderabad teammates during the 2014 IPL.

“I have played all over the world and I have been loved by many people, I have embraced all dressing rooms where I have played, so I was listening to Hasan Minhaj as to how some of the people in his culture describe black people,” Sammy said in a video posted on his Instagram account.

“This does not apply to all people, so after I found out a meaning of a certain word, I had said I was angry on finding out the meaning and it was degrading, instantly I remembered when I played for Sunrisers Hyderabad, I was being called exactly the same word which is degrading to us black people,” he added.

On the issue of racism, Irfan recently gave a statement saying that brothers from Southern India sometimes face taunts during domestic matches: "I have seen that in domestic cricket, some of our brothers who come from South India, when they come to play domestic matches in North or West India, they do sometimes get taunts, generally in first-class matches, you see a smaller crowd and when there is a smaller crowd, there is always one guy who is trying to be a joker, who is trying to be famous, he will just want to direct jibes at players and as a result, he crosses the line," Pathan told ANI.

Pathan, who retired from all forms of the game earlier this year, played 29 Tests, 120 ODIs and 24 T20s.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Team India cricketer Irfan Pathan stated that racism is not restricted to just the colour of the skin. Irfan said that stopping someone from doing something just because he followed a different faith is also a type of racism.

Former Team India cricketer Irfan Pathan stated that racism is not restricted to just the colour of the skin. Irfan said that stopping someone from doing something just because he followed a different faith is also a type of racism. Also read: Cricket not free of racism, I too was a victim: Chris Gayle stands with 'Black Lives Matter' Pathan took to Twitter: "Racism is not restricted to the colour of the skin. Not allowing to buy a home in a society just because u have a different faith is a part of racism too... #convenient #racism." Racism is not restricted to the colour of the skin.Not allowing to buy a home in a society just because u have a different faith is a part of racism too... #convenient #racism — Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) June 9, 2020 × The killing of African-American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month triggered mass protests around the country and reignited the racism debate world over. The cricketers include West Indians Chris Gayle and Darren Sammy, who has alleged that he was racially abused by some of his Sunrisers Hyderabad teammates during the 2014 IPL. “I have played all over the world and I have been loved by many people, I have embraced all dressing rooms where I have played, so I was listening to Hasan Minhaj as to how some of the people in his culture describe black people,” Sammy said in a video posted on his Instagram account. “This does not apply to all people, so after I found out a meaning of a certain word, I had said I was angry on finding out the meaning and it was degrading, instantly I remembered when I played for Sunrisers Hyderabad, I was being called exactly the same word which is degrading to us black people,” he added. On the issue of racism, Irfan recently gave a statement saying that brothers from Southern India sometimes face taunts during domestic matches: "I have seen that in domestic cricket, some of our brothers who come from South India, when they come to play domestic matches in North or West India, they do sometimes get taunts, generally in first-class matches, you see a smaller crowd and when there is a smaller crowd, there is always one guy who is trying to be a joker, who is trying to be famous, he will just want to direct jibes at players and as a result, he crosses the line," Pathan told ANI. Pathan, who retired from all forms of the game earlier this year, played 29 Tests, 120 ODIs and 24 T20s. (With inputs from agencies)

Racism not restricted to colour of skin, religious discrimination is also part of it: Irfan Pathan

A man who recently drove his car through a score of protesters in the US state of Virginia is a “leader of the Ku Klux Klan”.

Henrico Country Commonwealth’s Attorney recently told CNN that the man, Harry Rogers, is “an admitted leader of the KKK” and that he is also a “propagandist for Confederate ideology”.

The 36-year-old has been officially charged with attempt to wounding, vandalism, and assault and battery. According to media reports, he is being held without a bond. The man appeared in court on Monday, and will next appear on August 18.

As per details divulged by the Henrico Country Police Division,&nbsp; during a protest in Richmond against police brutality and the murder of George Floyd by the police, a man sped up towards protesters.

<h6><img alt="This handout mugshot obtained courtesy of the Henrico Sheriff's Department shows the booking photo of Harry Rogers in Henrico County, Virginia. Rogers,36, of Hanover, Virginia, was formally charged with attempted malicious wounding, destruction of property and assault and battery after he drove his pickup truck into a group of protesters on June 6, 2020 in Lakeside, Virginia." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1fe567f9-7d5c-4aad-a8c9-718c26c5066c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-6_4.jpg" /> 
This handout mugshot obtained courtesy of the Henrico Sheriff's Department shows the booking photo of Harry Rogers in Henrico County, Virginia. Rogers,36, of Hanover, Virginia, was formally charged with attempted malicious wounding, destruction of property and assault and battery after he drove his pickup truck into a group of protesters on June 6, 2020 in Lakeside, Virginia. | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The protest, part of the larger Black Lives Matter protests that have spurred across the globe, has brought US cities to a standstill, with outraged people asking for justice. All four officers involved in the murder have been charged, with Chauvin, the officer directly responsible for his death, facing third-degree murder charges with a bail set at $1 million.

According to the police, a vehicle had "revved their engine and drove through the protesters occupying the roadway”.

Even though no harm was caused to anyone in the protests, this reflects another anti-protest sentiment in the US. On Monday, a man rammed his car into protesters in the US city of Seattle, and then shot a bystander who suffered injuries in his arm. He later on surrendered to the police.

Similarly, Rogers was arrested and a victim suffered minor injuries, who also reportedly refused treatment when emergency services arrived on the scene.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/man-rams-car-into-a-horde-of-protesters-in-seattle-shoots-bystander-304205" hreflang="en">Man rams car into a horde of protesters in Seattle, shoots bystander</a>

"While I am grateful that the victim's injuries do not appear to be serious, an attack on peaceful protesters is heinous and despicable and we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law," Shannon Taylor, Henrico County Commonwealth's Attorney admitted in a statement.

Rogers may be charged with hate crime, given his affiliation with the Ku Klux Klan, which a hate group advocating white supremacy, with African Americans being its primary targets.

(With inputs from agencies)

A man who recently drove his car through a score of protesters in the US state of Virginia is a “leader of the Ku Klux Klan”. Henrico Country Commonwealth’s Attorney recently told CNN that the man, Harry Rogers, is “an admitted leader of the KKK” and that he is also a “propagandist for Confederate ideology”.

A man who recently drove his car through a score of protesters in the US state of Virginia is a “leader of the Ku Klux Klan”. Henrico Country Commonwealth’s Attorney recently told CNN that the man, Harry Rogers, is “an admitted leader of the KKK” and that he is also a “propagandist for Confederate ideology”. The 36-year-old has been officially charged with attempt to wounding, vandalism, and assault and battery. According to media reports, he is being held without a bond. The man appeared in court on Monday, and will next appear on August 18. As per details divulged by the Henrico Country Police Division, during a protest in Richmond against police brutality and the murder of George Floyd by the police, a man sped up towards protesters. This handout mugshot obtained courtesy of the Henrico Sheriff's Department shows the booking photo of Harry Rogers in Henrico County, Virginia. Rogers,36, of Hanover, Virginia, was formally charged with attempted malicious wounding, destruction of property and assault and battery after he drove his pickup truck into a group of protesters on June 6, 2020 in Lakeside, Virginia. | AFP The protest, part of the larger Black Lives Matter protests that have spurred across the globe, has brought US cities to a standstill, with outraged people asking for justice. All four officers involved in the murder have been charged, with Chauvin, the officer directly responsible for his death, facing third-degree murder charges with a bail set at $1 million. According to the police, a vehicle had "revved their engine and drove through the protesters occupying the roadway”. Even though no harm was caused to anyone in the protests, this reflects another anti-protest sentiment in the US. On Monday, a man rammed his car into protesters in the US city of Seattle, and then shot a bystander who suffered injuries in his arm. He later on surrendered to the police. Similarly, Rogers was arrested and a victim suffered minor injuries, who also reportedly refused treatment when emergency services arrived on the scene. Also read: Man rams car into a horde of protesters in Seattle, shoots bystander "While I am grateful that the victim's injuries do not appear to be serious, an attack on peaceful protesters is heinous and despicable and we will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law," Shannon Taylor, Henrico County Commonwealth's Attorney admitted in a statement. Rogers may be charged with hate crime, given his affiliation with the Ku Klux Klan, which a hate group advocating white supremacy, with African Americans being its primary targets. (With inputs from agencies)

Man who ran his car toward protesters in Virginia turns out to be a KKK member

Winston Churchill is considered as a celebrated statesman and a hero of the free world.&nbsp;

Churchill, the UK's wartime prime minister, saved his country and the world from a Nazi invasion.&nbsp;

However, to the outside world, he was hardly better than Hitler, and the West regarded him as a fierce imperialist. &nbsp;

Churchill's racism is well-documented and he once even wrote, "I hate Indians".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-britain-cannot-run-away-from-flames-of-racism-it-once-sowed-304356">Why Britain cannot run away from flames of racism it once sowed?</a>

"They are a beastly people with a beastly religion," he had said.&nbsp;

Not just his words, his actions too are a testimony of his racial mindset.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-protestors-vandalize-churchills-statue-demonstrations-outside-us-embassy-george-floyd-death-304337/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In 1943, Churchill engineered the Bengal famine, where wheat was exported from India for allied troops as Indians went to bed hungry.&nbsp;

He stopped all food supplies to India and was a major reason why four million people starved to death in Bengal in the same year.&nbsp;

"It's (Indians) their own fault...for breeding like rabbits," Churchill had said.&nbsp;

He was also a supporter of gas bombs and during the Arab Uprising in 1920, he lamented the 'squeamishness' of his colleagues who were not in favour of using poisoned gas against the so-called "uncivilised tribes".&nbsp;

In the same year, Churchill sent&nbsp;the blacks and tans into Ireland who were&nbsp;tasked with terrorising the Irish rebellion. &nbsp;

In 1949, Churchill also ordered the British Army to fire on the anti-Nazi protesters in Greece and also facilitated Zionism in Palestine.&nbsp;

"Palestinians were 'barbaric hordes' who are little but rabbit dung," he wrote.&nbsp;

"A stronger race, a high-grade race, a more worldly-wise race has come in and taken their place."

Churchill also planted the seed in South Africa to strip black communities from their voting rights.&nbsp;

Despite all of this, Britain is blinded by its excessive admiration of Churchill, who is also a hero of Prime Minister Boris Johnson.&nbsp;

Former PM David Cameron believes that Churchill saved "humanity as a whole".&nbsp;

The truth is Winston Churchill was a racist and his prejudice has caused millions of deaths.&nbsp;

Churchill thought that the British were "winners in a social Darwinian hierarchy". This thought is out-of-date, just like imperialism and like racism, which is another legacy of the British, needs to die. &nbsp;

As does the lionisation of Churchill.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Winston Churchill is considered as a celebrated statesman and a hero of the free world. Churchill, the UK's wartime prime minister, saved his country and the world from a Nazi invasion.

Winston Churchill is considered as a celebrated statesman and a hero of the free world. Churchill, the UK's wartime prime minister, saved his country and the world from a Nazi invasion. However, to the outside world, he was hardly better than Hitler, and the West regarded him as a fierce imperialist. Churchill's racism is well-documented and he once even wrote, "I hate Indians". Also read | Why Britain cannot run away from flames of racism it once sowed? "They are a beastly people with a beastly religion," he had said. Not just his words, his actions too are a testimony of his racial mindset. In 1943, Churchill engineered the Bengal famine, where wheat was exported from India for allied troops as Indians went to bed hungry. He stopped all food supplies to India and was a major reason why four million people starved to death in Bengal in the same year. "It's (Indians) their own fault...for breeding like rabbits," Churchill had said. He was also a supporter of gas bombs and during the Arab Uprising in 1920, he lamented the 'squeamishness' of his colleagues who were not in favour of using poisoned gas against the so-called "uncivilised tribes". In the same year, Churchill sent the blacks and tans into Ireland who were tasked with terrorising the Irish rebellion. In 1949, Churchill also ordered the British Army to fire on the anti-Nazi protesters in Greece and also facilitated Zionism in Palestine. "Palestinians were 'barbaric hordes' who are little but rabbit dung," he wrote. "A stronger race, a high-grade race, a more worldly-wise race has come in and taken their place." Churchill also planted the seed in South Africa to strip black communities from their voting rights. Despite all of this, Britain is blinded by its excessive admiration of Churchill, who is also a hero of Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Former PM David Cameron believes that Churchill saved "humanity as a whole". The truth is Winston Churchill was a racist and his prejudice has caused millions of deaths. Churchill thought that the British were "winners in a social Darwinian hierarchy". This thought is out-of-date, just like imperialism and like racism, which is another legacy of the British, needs to die. As does the lionisation of Churchill.

Was 'icon of the free world' Winston Churchill a racist?

Social media giant Facebook recently removed over 200 accounts with links to white supremacy groups in the United States.

People using these accounts encouraged people to join the protests across the country, but many asked them to carry weapons and firearms to the protests.

Facebook found that these accounts, both on Instagram and the parent company, were affiliated to Proud Boys and American Guard, two white supremacy hate groups that are already banned on the platforms.

Reportedly, the company had been monitoring these accounts for a while but took the shot when they saw how the accounts were being manipulated to incite violence in the protests.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-to-introduce-a-package-of-bills-to-curb-police-excesses-304438" hreflang="en">New York to introduce a package of bills to curb police excesses</a>

"We saw that these groups were planning to rally supporters and members to physically go to the protests and in some cases were preparing to go with weapons," said Brian Fishman, Facebook's director of counterterrorism and dangerous organizations policy, in a statement.

“Approximately”, 190 accounts were removed. No other detail was made public, like the location of the people sharing the messages or of the target audience.

Facebook prohibits hate speech on its platforms, which is why it had banned these organisations on its platforms earlier. The company further said that they will continue to monitor and prevent such accounts to resurge.

Many people linked to white supremacy groups were removed from Facebook earlier this week, after it was found that they were posing to be ANTIFA members.

The murder of George Floyd in the United States has triggered protests not only in the country, but across the world. Protesters are demanding justice for Floyd while calling for an end to systemic racism which targets black people across the globe.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bail-raised-to-125-million-for-officer-charged-with-murdering-george-floyd-304432" hreflang="en">Bail raised to $1.25 million for officer charged with murdering George Floyd</a>

The governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo recently said that state legislators are coming up with an overhaul of criminal justice, which could pave the way for nationwide reform.

In the video that went viral after Floyd’s death, the officer was seen kneeling on the man for almost nine minutes, even when he was repeatedly telling the officer about his inability to breathe. It was only when the ambulance arrived that the officer retracted his knee from the neck. An hour later, Floyd was dead.

Social media giant Facebook recently removed over 200 accounts with links to white supremacy groups in the United States. People using these accounts encouraged people to join the protests across the country, but many asked them to carry weapons and firearms to the protests.

Social media giant Facebook recently removed over 200 accounts with links to white supremacy groups in the United States. People using these accounts encouraged people to join the protests across the country, but many asked them to carry weapons and firearms to the protests. Facebook found that these accounts, both on Instagram and the parent company, were affiliated to Proud Boys and American Guard, two white supremacy hate groups that are already banned on the platforms. Reportedly, the company had been monitoring these accounts for a while but took the shot when they saw how the accounts were being manipulated to incite violence in the protests. Also read: New York to introduce a package of bills to curb police excesses "We saw that these groups were planning to rally supporters and members to physically go to the protests and in some cases were preparing to go with weapons," said Brian Fishman, Facebook's director of counterterrorism and dangerous organizations policy, in a statement. “Approximately”, 190 accounts were removed. No other detail was made public, like the location of the people sharing the messages or of the target audience. Facebook prohibits hate speech on its platforms, which is why it had banned these organisations on its platforms earlier. The company further said that they will continue to monitor and prevent such accounts to resurge. Many people linked to white supremacy groups were removed from Facebook earlier this week, after it was found that they were posing to be ANTIFA members. The murder of George Floyd in the United States has triggered protests not only in the country, but across the world. Protesters are demanding justice for Floyd while calling for an end to systemic racism which targets black people across the globe. Also read: Bail raised to $1.25 million for officer charged with murdering George Floyd The governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo recently said that state legislators are coming up with an overhaul of criminal justice, which could pave the way for nationwide reform. In the video that went viral after Floyd’s death, the officer was seen kneeling on the man for almost nine minutes, even when he was repeatedly telling the officer about his inability to breathe. It was only when the ambulance arrived that the officer retracted his knee from the neck. An hour later, Floyd was dead.

Facebook bans around 200 accounts linked to white supremacist groups for inciting violence

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