Thousands of protesters gathered on Saturday in cities across Australia, shouting slogans in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. The protests were also aimed at raising awareness of the mistreatment of indigenous people.

Rallies in the cities of Brisbane, Darwin and Perth drew a smaller turnout than a month ago in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Another protest is planned in Sydney on Sunday, a month since the first Black Lives Matter rallies in Australia.

The organisers said the protests were a continuation of global protests unleashed by the death of African-American George Floyd in police custody in the US city of Minneapolis in late May.

Television broadcast images of protesters shouting, “Always was, always will be Aboriginal land” and, “No justice, no peace, no racist police”.

Thousands of protesters gathered on Saturday in cities across Australia, shouting slogans in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. The protests were also aimed at raising awareness of the mistreatment of indigenous people.

Thousands of protesters gathered on Saturday in cities across Australia, shouting slogans in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. The protests were also aimed at raising awareness of the mistreatment of indigenous people. Rallies in the cities of Brisbane, Darwin and Perth drew a smaller turnout than a month ago in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Another protest is planned in Sydney on Sunday, a month since the first Black Lives Matter rallies in Australia. The organisers said the protests were a continuation of global protests unleashed by the death of African-American George Floyd in police custody in the US city of Minneapolis in late May. Television broadcast images of protesters shouting, “Always was, always will be Aboriginal land” and, “No justice, no peace, no racist police”.

Thousands rally across Australia in Black Lives Matter protests

Jamaica has suspended the use of a badge representing one of the highest British royal honours after anti-racism protesters decried its imagery of a white angel standing on the head of Satan depicted as a chained man with dark skin.

The Order of St Michael and St George badge is an honour the Queen typically awards to British ambassadors and senior Foreign Office officials and royal representatives throughout the Commonwealth.

Protesters in Jamaica and elsewhere have likened the image to George Floyd, the Black American who was killed last month after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.

Clyde Williams, a Jamaican lawyer who was one of the first to raise the issue on social media, said the badge’s imagery was a clear depiction of “white supremacy.”

The Queen’s Representative to Jamaica said he had requested that the imagery on the badge be “changed to reflect an inclusive image of the shared humanity of all peoples.”

A British online petition calling for its redesign has garnered more than 15,000 signatures.

Also, in the wake of the global reckoning with racism, Jamaicans have staged a couple of protests, launched petitions agitating for changes to rectify remnants of colonialism and reignited discussions about becoming a separate republic from the monarchy.

Jamaica became independent from Britain in 1962, however, it is still a part of the Commonwealth of Nations, which is mostly composed of territories of the former British Empire. Successive administrations on the island have talked of also dropping Queen Elizabeth as head of state but never put it to a vote.

(with inputs from Reuters)

Jamaica has suspended the use of a badge representing one of the highest British royal honours after anti-racism protesters decried its imagery of a white angel standing on the head of Satan depicted as a chained man with dark skin.

Jamaica has suspended the use of a badge representing one of the highest British royal honours after anti-racism protesters decried its imagery of a white angel standing on the head of Satan depicted as a chained man with dark skin. The Order of St Michael and St George badge is an honour the Queen typically awards to British ambassadors and senior Foreign Office officials and royal representatives throughout the Commonwealth. Protesters in Jamaica and elsewhere have likened the image to George Floyd, the Black American who was killed last month after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Clyde Williams, a Jamaican lawyer who was one of the first to raise the issue on social media, said the badge’s imagery was a clear depiction of “white supremacy.” The Queen’s Representative to Jamaica said he had requested that the imagery on the badge be “changed to reflect an inclusive image of the shared humanity of all peoples.” A British online petition calling for its redesign has garnered more than 15,000 signatures. Also, in the wake of the global reckoning with racism, Jamaicans have staged a couple of protests, launched petitions agitating for changes to rectify remnants of colonialism and reignited discussions about becoming a separate republic from the monarchy. Jamaica became independent from Britain in 1962, however, it is still a part of the Commonwealth of Nations, which is mostly composed of territories of the former British Empire. Successive administrations on the island have talked of also dropping Queen Elizabeth as head of state but never put it to a vote. (with inputs from Reuters)

Jamaica suspends use of British royal emblem after anti-racism protests

A Canadian court convicted a white police officer on Friday of beating a young black man in Toronto in 2016.

Michael Theriault, who was off-duty at the time of the attack, was charged with his brother Christian of aggravated assault and obstruction of justice after beating Dafonte Miller and hitting him with a metal pipe.&nbsp;

Miller, then 19, lost an eye in the attack on December 28, 2016.

A judge from the Ontario Superior Court found Michael Theriault guilty of a lesser charge of common assault, while his brother was acquitted.

Both men had pleaded not guilty and said they acted in self-defence, claiming Miller was robbing cars prior to the altercation. &nbsp;

The ruling comes against a backdrop of demonstrations denouncing racism and police violence as part of widespread protests over the killing of African-American George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Theriault is due to be sentenced on July 15.

A Canadian court convicted a white police officer on Friday of beating a young black man in Toronto in 2016. Michael Theriault, who was off-duty at the time of the attack, was charged with his brother Christian of aggravated assault and obstruction of justice after beating Dafonte Miller and hitting him with a metal pipe.

A Canadian court convicted a white police officer on Friday of beating a young black man in Toronto in 2016. Michael Theriault, who was off-duty at the time of the attack, was charged with his brother Christian of aggravated assault and obstruction of justice after beating Dafonte Miller and hitting him with a metal pipe. Miller, then 19, lost an eye in the attack on December 28, 2016. A judge from the Ontario Superior Court found Michael Theriault guilty of a lesser charge of common assault, while his brother was acquitted. Both men had pleaded not guilty and said they acted in self-defence, claiming Miller was robbing cars prior to the altercation. The ruling comes against a backdrop of demonstrations denouncing racism and police violence as part of widespread protests over the killing of African-American George Floyd in Minneapolis. Theriault is due to be sentenced on July 15.

White Canadian cop convicted of beating black teenager

Police were making enquiries and a local airport suspended banner-towing operations on Tuesday after a plane flew over Manchester City's stadium trailing the message 'White Lives Matter Burnley' at the start of a Premier League game on Monday.

The incident caused widespread offence, occurring shortly after players and officials took a knee in support of the 'Black Lives Matter' movement.

Stephen Smith, manager of Blackpool Airport to the north-west of Manchester, said in a statement that the airport and local council stood against racism and had been outraged by what happened.

"The message was offensive and the action reprehensible. The decision to fly the banner was taken entirely by the banner flying company without the knowledge or approval of the airport or Blackpool Council," he said.

"Blackpool Airport are investigating the banner operator in question and further action will be taken by the Board tomorrow," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-force-against-dc-protesters-to-issue-order-on-us-monuments-308072">Also read |&nbsp;Trump threatens force against DC protesters, to issue order on US monuments</a>

"Following an emergency review this morning Blackpool Airport will suspend all banner towing operations at the airport with immediate effect and we would suggest that other airports should also consider this approach."

Lancashire police said in a statement that they were making enquiries about the incident which occurred at the start of Manchester City's 5-0 win over Burnley.

"We will then be in a position to make an assessment as to whether any criminal offences have taken place," said Chief Superintendent Russ Procter.

The Premier League has joined the international movement to protest racial injustice following the death of George Floyd, a Black man, while in Minneapolis police custody last month.

All of the players in the 12 Premier League games since the restart of the season after the COVID-19 stoppage have worn 'Black Lives Matter' on their shirts in place of their names. 
&nbsp;

Police were making enquiries and a local airport suspended banner-towing operations on Tuesday after a plane flew over Manchester City's stadium trailing the message 'White Lives Matter Burnley' at the start of a Premier League game on Monday.

Police were making enquiries and a local airport suspended banner-towing operations on Tuesday after a plane flew over Manchester City's stadium trailing the message 'White Lives Matter Burnley' at the start of a Premier League game on Monday. The incident caused widespread offence, occurring shortly after players and officials took a knee in support of the 'Black Lives Matter' movement. Stephen Smith, manager of Blackpool Airport to the north-west of Manchester, said in a statement that the airport and local council stood against racism and had been outraged by what happened. "The message was offensive and the action reprehensible. The decision to fly the banner was taken entirely by the banner flying company without the knowledge or approval of the airport or Blackpool Council," he said. "Blackpool Airport are investigating the banner operator in question and further action will be taken by the Board tomorrow," he added. Also read | Trump threatens force against DC protesters, to issue order on US monuments "Following an emergency review this morning Blackpool Airport will suspend all banner towing operations at the airport with immediate effect and we would suggest that other airports should also consider this approach." Lancashire police said in a statement that they were making enquiries about the incident which occurred at the start of Manchester City's 5-0 win over Burnley. "We will then be in a position to make an assessment as to whether any criminal offences have taken place," said Chief Superintendent Russ Procter. The Premier League has joined the international movement to protest racial injustice following the death of George Floyd, a Black man, while in Minneapolis police custody last month. All of the players in the 12 Premier League games since the restart of the season after the COVID-19 stoppage have worn 'Black Lives Matter' on their shirts in place of their names.

Airport suspends banner towing after 'White Lives Matter' incident

The Mayor of the city of Leicester has committed to protecting the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the heart of the central England city. This comes in the aftermath of an online petition created to save the under-threat monument. It attracted over 6,000 signatures.

Mayor Peter Soulsby confirmed his support for the monument in his response to a letter from former Indian-origin Leicester East MP Keith Vaz, who has been leading a campaign ever since an online petition called for the statue's removal last week.

Similar initiatives are being undertaken by local authorities around the UK in the wake of anti-racism Black Lives Matter protests targeting statues with a dubious slave trade history.

The bronze statue, which captures the leader of the Indian freedom struggle in his characteristic walking stride in the city's famous Belgrave Road Golden Mile, came into focus with a "Remove the Gandhi Statue in Leicester" online petition last week alleging that Gandhi was a 'facist, racist and sexual predator'.

A counter petition launched on Change.Org this week, "Save the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Leicester", has since attracted thousands of signatures in support within days.

The sculpture by Kolkata artist Gautam Pal was unveiled in 2006 following a fundraising drive by Indian charity Samanwaya Pariwar.

Statues up and down the UK have become a focal point of protests in recent days, with London Mayor Sadiq Khan ordering covers for sculptures at Parliament Square in the UK capital following graffiti attacks directed at some of the monuments.

The Mayor of London's office confirmed that following discussions with the Metropolitan Police, the Gandhi and South African anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela's statues at the square are to be uncovered.

The statue of former UK PM Winston Churchill in the same square had already been uncovered on Thursday in time for French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to London. 
&nbsp;

The Mayor of the city of Leicester has committed to protecting the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the heart of the central England city. This comes in the aftermath of an online petition created to save the under-threat monument.

The Mayor of the city of Leicester has committed to protecting the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the heart of the central England city. This comes in the aftermath of an online petition created to save the under-threat monument. It attracted over 6,000 signatures. Mayor Peter Soulsby confirmed his support for the monument in his response to a letter from former Indian-origin Leicester East MP Keith Vaz, who has been leading a campaign ever since an online petition called for the statue's removal last week. Similar initiatives are being undertaken by local authorities around the UK in the wake of anti-racism Black Lives Matter protests targeting statues with a dubious slave trade history. The bronze statue, which captures the leader of the Indian freedom struggle in his characteristic walking stride in the city's famous Belgrave Road Golden Mile, came into focus with a "Remove the Gandhi Statue in Leicester" online petition last week alleging that Gandhi was a 'facist, racist and sexual predator'. A counter petition launched on Change.Org this week, "Save the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Leicester", has since attracted thousands of signatures in support within days. The sculpture by Kolkata artist Gautam Pal was unveiled in 2006 following a fundraising drive by Indian charity Samanwaya Pariwar. Statues up and down the UK have become a focal point of protests in recent days, with London Mayor Sadiq Khan ordering covers for sculptures at Parliament Square in the UK capital following graffiti attacks directed at some of the monuments. The Mayor of London's office confirmed that following discussions with the Metropolitan Police, the Gandhi and South African anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela's statues at the square are to be uncovered. The statue of former UK PM Winston Churchill in the same square had already been uncovered on Thursday in time for French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to London.

Leicester Mayor promises to protect city's Gandhi statue

Protesters have toppled the only statue of a Confederate general in the US capital and set it on fire.

The incident comes on Juneteenth, the day marking the end of slavery in the United States, amid continuing anti-racism demonstrations following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Demonstrators wrapped the 11-foot statue of Albert Pike with chains before the high granite pedestal fell backward, landing in a pile of dust.&nbsp;

They then set a bonfire and stood around it in a circle as the statue burned, chanting, "No justice, no peace!" and "No racist police!"&nbsp;

President Donald Trump quickly tweeted about the toppling, calling out DC Mayor Muriel Bowser.

"The D.C. Police are not doing their job as they watch a statue be ripped down &amp; burn. These people should be immediately arrested. A disgrace to our Country!"&nbsp;he wrote.

After the statue fell, most protesters returned peacefully to Lafayette Park near the White House.

There have been protests against racism and police brutality across the country and around the world since George Floyd, a Black man, died in Minneapolis police custody last month.&nbsp;

Some of the focus has been calls for authorities take down monuments honoring figures from the pro-slavery Confederate side in the American Civil War.

The statue toppling in Washington took place at the end of a day when thousands of people marched through US cities in Juneteenth observances commemorating the abolition of slavery.

Protesters have toppled the only statue of a Confederate general in the US capital and set it on fire. The incident comes on Juneteenth, the day marking the end of slavery in the United States, amid continuing anti-racism demonstrations following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Protesters have toppled the only statue of a Confederate general in the US capital and set it on fire. The incident comes on Juneteenth, the day marking the end of slavery in the United States, amid continuing anti-racism demonstrations following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Demonstrators wrapped the 11-foot statue of Albert Pike with chains before the high granite pedestal fell backward, landing in a pile of dust. They then set a bonfire and stood around it in a circle as the statue burned, chanting, "No justice, no peace!" and "No racist police!" President Donald Trump quickly tweeted about the toppling, calling out DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. "The D.C. Police are not doing their job as they watch a statue be ripped down & burn. These people should be immediately arrested. A disgrace to our Country!" he wrote. After the statue fell, most protesters returned peacefully to Lafayette Park near the White House. There have been protests against racism and police brutality across the country and around the world since George Floyd, a Black man, died in Minneapolis police custody last month. Some of the focus has been calls for authorities take down monuments honoring figures from the pro-slavery Confederate side in the American Civil War. The statue toppling in Washington took place at the end of a day when thousands of people marched through US cities in Juneteenth observances commemorating the abolition of slavery.

Statue of Confederate general toppled in Washington, Trump calls it a 'disgrace'

US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened unspecified action against any protesters at his weekend Tulsa, Oklahoma, re-election rally in a warning that his campaign said was not directed at peaceful demonstrators.

"Any protesters, anarchists, agitators, looters or lowlifes who are going to Oklahoma please understand, you will not be treated like you have been in New York, Seattle, or Minneapolis. It will be a much different scene!" Trump tweeted.

Marc Lotter, a spokesman for Trump's campaign, said Trump was referring to agitators and not peaceful protesters.

"The president supports peaceful protests and people who are exercising their First Amendment rights," Lotter told MSNBC in an interview following the tweet. "If we see what we've seen in other cities with rioting, looting, setting buildings on fire and physical violence, then that's going to be something that's going to be met by police."

The rally is Trump's first major re-election event in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic that shuttered much of the country and comes amid weeks of civil unrest over the treatment of African Americans and growing protests over racism and policing.

Trump faced sharp backlash over a tweet during protests following the recent death of George Floyd, an African-American man in Minneapolis, that said "when the looting starts, the shooting starts." The phrase evoked a white segregationist who was Miami mayor in the 1960s, though the president later said he was unaware of its origins.

The Rev. Al Sharpton, a civil rights activist who was scheduled to keynote a Juneteenth event in Tulsa later on Friday, called Trump's tweet "provocative" and "disrespectful," especially following the recent deaths of Floyd and another African-American man, Rayshard Brooks, in Atlanta.

"To have a threat like that you're provoking an incident, and you're provoking an interaction that is unnecessary," Sharpton told MSNBC in a separate interview.

US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened unspecified action against any protesters at his weekend Tulsa, Oklahoma, re-election rally in a warning that his campaign said was not directed at peaceful demonstrators.

US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened unspecified action against any protesters at his weekend Tulsa, Oklahoma, re-election rally in a warning that his campaign said was not directed at peaceful demonstrators. "Any protesters, anarchists, agitators, looters or lowlifes who are going to Oklahoma please understand, you will not be treated like you have been in New York, Seattle, or Minneapolis. It will be a much different scene!" Trump tweeted. Marc Lotter, a spokesman for Trump's campaign, said Trump was referring to agitators and not peaceful protesters. "The president supports peaceful protests and people who are exercising their First Amendment rights," Lotter told MSNBC in an interview following the tweet. "If we see what we've seen in other cities with rioting, looting, setting buildings on fire and physical violence, then that's going to be something that's going to be met by police." The rally is Trump's first major re-election event in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic that shuttered much of the country and comes amid weeks of civil unrest over the treatment of African Americans and growing protests over racism and policing. Trump faced sharp backlash over a tweet during protests following the recent death of George Floyd, an African-American man in Minneapolis, that said "when the looting starts, the shooting starts." The phrase evoked a white segregationist who was Miami mayor in the 1960s, though the president later said he was unaware of its origins. The Rev. Al Sharpton, a civil rights activist who was scheduled to keynote a Juneteenth event in Tulsa later on Friday, called Trump's tweet "provocative" and "disrespectful," especially following the recent deaths of Floyd and another African-American man, Rayshard Brooks, in Atlanta. "To have a threat like that you're provoking an incident, and you're provoking an interaction that is unnecessary," Sharpton told MSNBC in a separate interview.

Trump warns protesters to face 'different scene' at his Oklahoma rally

Anti-racism activists poured red paint on a statue of an Italian colonial-era general and pasted over the name of a street in Rome on Friday to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States.

Early in the morning, the activists from a group calling itself the "Let's Remain Human Network" changed a street sign from Via Amba Aradam to Via George Floyd and Bilal Ben Messaud.

Amba Aradam was the location of a battle that took place in 1936 when Italian colonial forces defeated Ethiopian warriors with mustard gas, tanks, and heavy artillery.

Floyd died in Minneapolis after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while detaining him on May 25. His death has triggered worldwide protests against racism and police brutality.

Messaud was a migrant who died last month while trying to swim ashore from a ship off the coast of Sicily.

The same group took responsibility for splashing red paint on a statue of Antonio Baldissera, a 19th century general in Italy's colonial forces in Abyssinia, now part of Ethiopia.

The group said in a post on Facebook that it was protesting against "structural racism" and that the actions were part of a campaign "to dismantle the symbols of colonialism" in Rome.

Meanwhile, the latest target of activists in Amsterdam is a statue of a top officer of the Dutch East India Company who in the 17th century founded the city that is now Indonesia's capital, Jakarta.&nbsp;

Protests calling for the removal of the statue of Jan Pieterszoon Coen and a counter-demonstration supporting it are planned for Friday evening.

Coen is honoured since the late 19th century as a colonial ruler and leading light in the Dutch East India Company trading powerhouse. But he is also reviled as the "butcher of Banda" for a bloody 1621 assault on a group of islands in order to secure a monopoly on spices grown there.

Prior to this, two protests in Amsterdam drew thousands of participants. A statue of Piet Hein, a colonial era mariner widely regarded as a hero, was daubed with red paint and the word "killer" last week.

(with inputs from agencies)

Anti-racism activists poured red paint on a statue of an Italian colonial-era general and pasted over the name of a street in Rome on Friday to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States.

Anti-racism activists poured red paint on a statue of an Italian colonial-era general and pasted over the name of a street in Rome on Friday to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States. Early in the morning, the activists from a group calling itself the "Let's Remain Human Network" changed a street sign from Via Amba Aradam to Via George Floyd and Bilal Ben Messaud. Amba Aradam was the location of a battle that took place in 1936 when Italian colonial forces defeated Ethiopian warriors with mustard gas, tanks, and heavy artillery. Floyd died in Minneapolis after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while detaining him on May 25. His death has triggered worldwide protests against racism and police brutality. Messaud was a migrant who died last month while trying to swim ashore from a ship off the coast of Sicily. The same group took responsibility for splashing red paint on a statue of Antonio Baldissera, a 19th century general in Italy's colonial forces in Abyssinia, now part of Ethiopia. The group said in a post on Facebook that it was protesting against "structural racism" and that the actions were part of a campaign "to dismantle the symbols of colonialism" in Rome. Meanwhile, the latest target of activists in Amsterdam is a statue of a top officer of the Dutch East India Company who in the 17th century founded the city that is now Indonesia's capital, Jakarta. Protests calling for the removal of the statue of Jan Pieterszoon Coen and a counter-demonstration supporting it are planned for Friday evening. Coen is honoured since the late 19th century as a colonial ruler and leading light in the Dutch East India Company trading powerhouse. But he is also reviled as the "butcher of Banda" for a bloody 1621 assault on a group of islands in order to secure a monopoly on spices grown there. Prior to this, two protests in Amsterdam drew thousands of participants. A statue of Piet Hein, a colonial era mariner widely regarded as a hero, was daubed with red paint and the word "killer" last week. (with inputs from agencies)

'Black Lives Matter' spurs scrutiny of colonial past in Italy, The Netherlands

Quaker Oats is retiring the Aunt Jemima brand and logo, acknowledging its racial origins.

In a statement provided to CNN Business, the Pepsi-owned company said, "As we work to make progress toward racial equality through several initiatives, we also must take a hard look at our portfolio of brands and ensure they reflect our values and meet our consumers' expectations."

This is happening in the aftermath of the nationwide, rather global, reckoning on race following the death of George Floyd, a black man, in police custody.

The news was first reported by NBC News.

The more than 130-year-old brand's origin and logo is based off the song "Old Aunt Jemima" from a minstrel show performer and reportedly sung by slaves. The company's website said the logo started in 1890 and was based on Nancy Green, a "storyteller, cook and missionary worker." However, the website fails to mention Green was born into slavery.

The brand was earlier also called out for racist past. In a 2015 opinion piece published in the New York Times, Cornell University professor Riché Richardson said the logo is "very much linked to Southern racism."

Richardson said the Aunt Jemima logo is based on a "'mammy,' a devoted and submissive servant who eagerly nurtured the children of her white master and mistress while neglecting her own."

The company also ran racist ads for several decades, with actresses personifying the mammy stereotype.

In 2017, the husband of the late B&nbsp;Smith called on the company to change it and said it was the epitome of "female humiliation."

The Aunt Jemima brand was purchased by Quaker Oats in 1926. PepsiCo bought Quaker Oats in 2001.

 
&nbsp;

Quaker Oats is retiring the Aunt Jemima brand and logo, acknowledging its racial origins. In a statement provided to CNN Business, the Pepsi-owned company said, "As we work to make progress toward racial equality through several initiatives, we also must take a hard look at our portfolio of brands and ensure they reflect our values and meet our consumers' expectations.

Quaker Oats is retiring the Aunt Jemima brand and logo, acknowledging its racial origins. In a statement provided to CNN Business, the Pepsi-owned company said, "As we work to make progress toward racial equality through several initiatives, we also must take a hard look at our portfolio of brands and ensure they reflect our values and meet our consumers' expectations." This is happening in the aftermath of the nationwide, rather global, reckoning on race following the death of George Floyd, a black man, in police custody. The news was first reported by NBC News. The more than 130-year-old brand's origin and logo is based off the song "Old Aunt Jemima" from a minstrel show performer and reportedly sung by slaves. The company's website said the logo started in 1890 and was based on Nancy Green, a "storyteller, cook and missionary worker." However, the website fails to mention Green was born into slavery. The brand was earlier also called out for racist past. In a 2015 opinion piece published in the New York Times, Cornell University professor Riché Richardson said the logo is "very much linked to Southern racism." Richardson said the Aunt Jemima logo is based on a "'mammy,' a devoted and submissive servant who eagerly nurtured the children of her white master and mistress while neglecting her own." The company also ran racist ads for several decades, with actresses personifying the mammy stereotype. In 2017, the husband of the late B Smith called on the company to change it and said it was the epitome of "female humiliation." The Aunt Jemima brand was purchased by Quaker Oats in 1926. PepsiCo bought Quaker Oats in 2001.

Aunt Jemima brand acknowledges its racist past; will be retired

A Georgia prosecutor is expected to announce on Wednesday whether a former Atlanta police officer will face any charges in the shooting of Rayshard Brooks at a Wendy's parking lot last week in the United States.

The case has entered the national conversation about police use of force and racial justice for African-Americans that started after George Floyd's death during an arrest by a white police officer in Minneapolis on May 25.

Fulton County District Attorney has said that if he charges former officer Garrett Rolfe it would likely be for murder or felony murder, as he believed Brooks posed no threat and gunning him down was an unreasonable use of force.

In addition to murder charges, voluntary manslaughter is also a possibility.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hes-going-to-change-the-world-george-floyd-hailed-at-funeral-304921">Also read | 'He's going to change the world': George Floyd hailed at funeral</a>

Brooks, 27, was reported asleep in a car in the drive-thru lane of a Wendy's on Friday, blocking traffic. A restaurant employee called 911, saying that a man wouldn't move the vehicle and appeared intoxicated.

After interaction with Rolfe and a second officer at the scene, Devin Brosnan, Brooks tussled with police and took off running with one of their Taser guns, as depicted in security and police video.

An autopsy conducted on Sunday showed that Brooks was shot twice in the back and died from blood loss and organ injuries, and the medical examiner's office ruled the death a homicide.

Multiple demonstrations ensued and the Wendy's was destroyed by fire during a protest over the weekend.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-burn-down-wendys-in-atlanta-after-police-shooting-305850">Also read | Protesters burn down Wendy's in Atlanta after police shooting</a>

Rolfe was fired from the force on Saturday and Brosnan was placed on administrative duties.&nbsp;

(with inputs from Reuters)

A Georgia prosecutor is expected to announce on Wednesday whether a former Atlanta police officer will face any charges in the shooting of Rayshard Brooks at a Wendy's parking lot last week in the United States.

A Georgia prosecutor is expected to announce on Wednesday whether a former Atlanta police officer will face any charges in the shooting of Rayshard Brooks at a Wendy's parking lot last week in the United States. The case has entered the national conversation about police use of force and racial justice for African-Americans that started after George Floyd's death during an arrest by a white police officer in Minneapolis on May 25. Fulton County District Attorney has said that if he charges former officer Garrett Rolfe it would likely be for murder or felony murder, as he believed Brooks posed no threat and gunning him down was an unreasonable use of force. In addition to murder charges, voluntary manslaughter is also a possibility. Also read | 'He's going to change the world': George Floyd hailed at funeral Brooks, 27, was reported asleep in a car in the drive-thru lane of a Wendy's on Friday, blocking traffic. A restaurant employee called 911, saying that a man wouldn't move the vehicle and appeared intoxicated. After interaction with Rolfe and a second officer at the scene, Devin Brosnan, Brooks tussled with police and took off running with one of their Taser guns, as depicted in security and police video. An autopsy conducted on Sunday showed that Brooks was shot twice in the back and died from blood loss and organ injuries, and the medical examiner's office ruled the death a homicide. Multiple demonstrations ensued and the Wendy's was destroyed by fire during a protest over the weekend. Also read | Protesters burn down Wendy's in Atlanta after police shooting Rolfe was fired from the force on Saturday and Brosnan was placed on administrative duties. (with inputs from Reuters)

Decision pending on charges in Atlanta police shooting death of Rayshard Brooks

Demonstrators in Richmond tore down another Confederate statue in the city on Tuesday night.

The Howitzers Monument located near Virginia Commonwealth University's Monroe Park campus was toppled after protesters used a rope to pull it down from its pedestal.

It's the third Confederate statue, and the fourth monument, to be torn down by demonstrators in Virginia since international protests erupted following the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after he was pinned to the pavement by a white Minneapolis officer who knelt on his neck.&nbsp;

Statues of Confederate president Jefferson Davis and Confederate Gen. Williams Carter Wickham as well as of Christopher Columbus were toppled by demonstrators in recent weeks.

A video from the Richmond Times-Dispatch showed the paint-splattered statue face down on the ground as the rain continued overnight in Virginia's capital city.

Protesters in Richmond started their march Tuesday night advocating for the removal of all Confederate statues, establishing a civilian review board over police actions and defunding the police.

The Howitzers Monument showed a Confederate artilleryman standing in front of a gun. It was erected in 1892 to memorialise the city's Civil War artillery unit.

Demonstrators in Richmond tore down another Confederate statue in the city on Tuesday night. The Howitzers Monument located near Virginia Commonwealth University's Monroe Park campus was toppled after protesters used a rope to pull it down from its pedestal.

Demonstrators in Richmond tore down another Confederate statue in the city on Tuesday night. The Howitzers Monument located near Virginia Commonwealth University's Monroe Park campus was toppled after protesters used a rope to pull it down from its pedestal. It's the third Confederate statue, and the fourth monument, to be torn down by demonstrators in Virginia since international protests erupted following the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after he was pinned to the pavement by a white Minneapolis officer who knelt on his neck. Statues of Confederate president Jefferson Davis and Confederate Gen. Williams Carter Wickham as well as of Christopher Columbus were toppled by demonstrators in recent weeks. A video from the Richmond Times-Dispatch showed the paint-splattered statue face down on the ground as the rain continued overnight in Virginia's capital city. Protesters in Richmond started their march Tuesday night advocating for the removal of all Confederate statues, establishing a civilian review board over police actions and defunding the police. The Howitzers Monument showed a Confederate artilleryman standing in front of a gun. It was erected in 1892 to memorialise the city's Civil War artillery unit.

Protesters in Richmond, US tear down another Confederate statue

Protesters shut down a major highway in Atlanta on Saturday and burned down a Wendy's restaurant where a black man was shot dead by police as he tried to escape arrest, an incident likely to fuel more nationwide tensions over race and police tactics.

The restaurant was in flames for more than 45 minutes before fire crews arrived to extinguish the blaze, protected by a line of police officers, local television showed. By that time the building was reduced to charred rubble next to a gas station.

Other demonstrators marched onto Interstate-75, stopping traffic, before police used a line of squad cars to hold them back.

The city's police chief, Erika Shields, resigned earlier on Saturday over the shooting on Friday night of 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks, which was captured on video. 
The police department has fired the officer who allegedly shot and killed Brooks, police spokesman Carlos Campos said late on Saturday. Another officer involved in the incident was put on administrative leave. Both of the officers were white.

Brooks' death followed weeks of demonstrations in major cities across the United States sparked by the death of George Floyd, an African American who died on May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while detaining him.

The Atlanta officer fired after Friday's incident was identified by the police department as Garrett Rolfe, who joined the department in October 2013. The officer placed on administrative duty is Devin Bronsan, who was hired in September 2018.

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said she had accepted the prompt resignation of police chief Shields.

"I do not believe that this was a justified use of deadly force and have called for the immediate termination of the officer," Bottoms said at an afternoon news conference. 
Brooks was the father of a young daughter who was celebrating her birthday on Saturday, his lawyers said.

Near the scene of the shooting, street protests began on Saturday, with more than 100 people calling for the officers to be charged criminally in the case.

PARKING LOT

Friday's shooting came after police were called to the Wendy's over reports that Brooks had fallen asleep in the drive-thru line. Officers attempted to take him into custody after he failed a field sobriety test, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

A bystander's video showed Brooks struggling with two officers on the ground outside the Wendy's before breaking free and running across the parking lot with what appears to be a police TASER in his hand.

A second videotape from the restaurant's cameras shows Brooks turning as he runs and possibly aiming the TASER at the pursuing officers before one of them fires his gun and Brooks falls to the ground.

Brooks ran the length of about six cars when he turned back toward an officer and pointed what he had in his hand at the policeman, Vic Reynolds, director of the GBI, told a press conference.

"At that point, the Atlanta officer reaches down and retrieves his weapon from his holster, discharges it, strikes Mr. Brooks there on the parking lot and he goes down," Reynolds said. 
Lawyers representing the family of Brooks told reporters that Atlanta police had no right to use deadly force even if he had fired the TASER, a non-lethal weapon, in their direction.

"You can't shoot somebody unless they are pointing a gun at you," attorney Chris Stewart said.

Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard, Jr., said in an emailed statement that his office "has already launched an intense, independent investigation of the incident" while it awaits the findings of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Bottoms said Shields, a white woman appointed police chief in December 2016, would be replaced by deputy chief Rodney Bryant, a black man who will serve as interim chief.

Protesters shut down a major highway in Atlanta on Saturday and burned down a Wendy's restaurant where a black man was shot dead by police as he tried to escape arrest, an incident likely to fuel more nationwide tensions over race and police tactics.

Protesters shut down a major highway in Atlanta on Saturday and burned down a Wendy's restaurant where a black man was shot dead by police as he tried to escape arrest, an incident likely to fuel more nationwide tensions over race and police tactics. The restaurant was in flames for more than 45 minutes before fire crews arrived to extinguish the blaze, protected by a line of police officers, local television showed. By that time the building was reduced to charred rubble next to a gas station. Other demonstrators marched onto Interstate-75, stopping traffic, before police used a line of squad cars to hold them back. The city's police chief, Erika Shields, resigned earlier on Saturday over the shooting on Friday night of 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks, which was captured on video. The police department has fired the officer who allegedly shot and killed Brooks, police spokesman Carlos Campos said late on Saturday. Another officer involved in the incident was put on administrative leave. Both of the officers were white. Brooks' death followed weeks of demonstrations in major cities across the United States sparked by the death of George Floyd, an African American who died on May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while detaining him. The Atlanta officer fired after Friday's incident was identified by the police department as Garrett Rolfe, who joined the department in October 2013. The officer placed on administrative duty is Devin Bronsan, who was hired in September 2018. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said she had accepted the prompt resignation of police chief Shields. "I do not believe that this was a justified use of deadly force and have called for the immediate termination of the officer," Bottoms said at an afternoon news conference. Brooks was the father of a young daughter who was celebrating her birthday on Saturday, his lawyers said. Near the scene of the shooting, street protests began on Saturday, with more than 100 people calling for the officers to be charged criminally in the case. PARKING LOT Friday's shooting came after police were called to the Wendy's over reports that Brooks had fallen asleep in the drive-thru line. Officers attempted to take him into custody after he failed a field sobriety test, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. A bystander's video showed Brooks struggling with two officers on the ground outside the Wendy's before breaking free and running across the parking lot with what appears to be a police TASER in his hand. A second videotape from the restaurant's cameras shows Brooks turning as he runs and possibly aiming the TASER at the pursuing officers before one of them fires his gun and Brooks falls to the ground. Brooks ran the length of about six cars when he turned back toward an officer and pointed what he had in his hand at the policeman, Vic Reynolds, director of the GBI, told a press conference. "At that point, the Atlanta officer reaches down and retrieves his weapon from his holster, discharges it, strikes Mr. Brooks there on the parking lot and he goes down," Reynolds said. Lawyers representing the family of Brooks told reporters that Atlanta police had no right to use deadly force even if he had fired the TASER, a non-lethal weapon, in their direction. "You can't shoot somebody unless they are pointing a gun at you," attorney Chris Stewart said. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard, Jr., said in an emailed statement that his office "has already launched an intense, independent investigation of the incident" while it awaits the findings of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Bottoms said Shields, a white woman appointed police chief in December 2016, would be replaced by deputy chief Rodney Bryant, a black man who will serve as interim chief.

Protesters burn down Wendy's in Atlanta after police shooting

Thousands of protesters in Tokyo took part in a Black Lives Matter march on Sunday, calling for an end to racial discrimination and police abuse after the killing of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month.

Demonstrators marched through the streets of the capital's Shibuya and Harajuku districts chanting and holding up signs spelling out slogans such as "Racism Is A Pandemic" and "No Justice No Peace".

"It is not enough to just send our prayers," Shu Fukui, a 22-year-old university graduate, told Reuters. "We need to change society, not only for George Floyd, but also for those who died in the past."

Organisers said about 3,500 people took part in the protest. Police did not disclose an estimate.

Protests have gripped major U.S. cities and spread around the world since footage from May 25 showing a white police officer kneeling on Floyd's neck to pin him to the ground for a whole nine minutes went viral.

In Atlanta on Saturday more protests erupted after a black man was shot dead by police as he tried to escape arrest. Demonstrators shut down a major highway and burned down the Wendy`s restaurant where he was killed. 
Some protesters at the Tokyo march said Japan needed to own up to its own problems with race.

"In Japan, there are far-right people who discriminate against other races. And Koreans and Chinese in Japan are exposed to a lot of hate speech," said Naho Ida, 44. "These things must not be allowed and we need to oppose this."

Public broadcaster NHK last week apologised and deleted from its Twitter feed an animated video about the U.S. protests that sparked online outrage for its depiction of African Americans.

Thousands of protesters in Tokyo took part in a Black Lives Matter march on Sunday, calling for an end to racial discrimination and police abuse after the killing of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month.

Thousands of protesters in Tokyo took part in a Black Lives Matter march on Sunday, calling for an end to racial discrimination and police abuse after the killing of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month. Demonstrators marched through the streets of the capital's Shibuya and Harajuku districts chanting and holding up signs spelling out slogans such as "Racism Is A Pandemic" and "No Justice No Peace". "It is not enough to just send our prayers," Shu Fukui, a 22-year-old university graduate, told Reuters. "We need to change society, not only for George Floyd, but also for those who died in the past." Organisers said about 3,500 people took part in the protest. Police did not disclose an estimate. Protests have gripped major U.S. cities and spread around the world since footage from May 25 showing a white police officer kneeling on Floyd's neck to pin him to the ground for a whole nine minutes went viral. In Atlanta on Saturday more protests erupted after a black man was shot dead by police as he tried to escape arrest. Demonstrators shut down a major highway and burned down the Wendy`s restaurant where he was killed. Some protesters at the Tokyo march said Japan needed to own up to its own problems with race. "In Japan, there are far-right people who discriminate against other races. And Koreans and Chinese in Japan are exposed to a lot of hate speech," said Naho Ida, 44. "These things must not be allowed and we need to oppose this." Public broadcaster NHK last week apologised and deleted from its Twitter feed an animated video about the U.S. protests that sparked online outrage for its depiction of African Americans.

Black Lives Matter protesters march through Tokyo

A woman has been caught on video harassing a Filipino American woman as she exercised at a Southern California park, the latest in a string of racist incidents widely shared on social media.

The footage was recorded on Wednesday by a young woman in the coastal city of Torrance and has been&nbsp;viewed thousands of times online.

"Get the f*** out of this world, get the f*** out of this state and go back to whatever f****** Asian country you belong in," the woman says in the video.

The clip captures part of the encounter with an unidentified older woman, who is seen yelling at the younger Filipino American woman for allegedly blocking stairs to exercise.

"You're going to get your a** kicked by my family," the older woman says in the video.&nbsp;

"This is not your place! This is not your home! We do not want you here."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-know-if-her-life-needed-to-be-torn-apart-what-mr-cooper-thinks-of-his-now-famous-racist-encounter-with-a-white-lady-301647">Also read |&nbsp;'Don’t know if her life needed to be torn apart': What Mr Cooper thinks of his now-famous racist encounter with a white lady</a> 
​ 
The encounter comes in the wake of anti-racism protests following the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd, a black man.

"I was minding my own business," the Filipino American woman said.&nbsp;

"I thought this would never happen to me. I thought if you just mind your business, nothing could happen."

"I don't feel safe here now," she said. "It was somewhere I called home because it reminds me of Hawaii, where I was born and raised, and now I just don't even want to go out."

"So, I was working out -- I like to jump on the stairs and just go side to side, so I was just doing that -- and all of a sudden I see her and she goes around another Asian lady doing Tai Chi and then walks down those stairs and then goes up my stairs and then comes back down and kind of like nudges me on my left shoulder, and that's when I said, 'Oh Jesus,'" she said.

"And then she went back up on to the stairs and started yelling at me," she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-residents-in-north-carolina-wash-black-preists-feet-during-prayers-for-george-floyd-304362">Also read |&nbsp;White residents in North Carolina wash black preists' feet during prayers for George Floyd</a>

The woman filed a criminal threat report on Thursday and an investigation is underway.

According to census data, 36.6% of Torrance's population identifies as Asian. It is the second largest racial group in the city, which is home to one of the largest Japanese American populations in the United States.

(with inputs from CNN)

A woman has been caught on video harassing a Filipino American woman as she exercised at a Southern California park, the latest in a string of racist incidents widely shared on social media.

A woman has been caught on video harassing a Filipino American woman as she exercised at a Southern California park, the latest in a string of racist incidents widely shared on social media. The footage was recorded on Wednesday by a young woman in the coastal city of Torrance and has been viewed thousands of times online. "Get the f*** out of this world, get the f*** out of this state and go back to whatever f****** Asian country you belong in," the woman says in the video. The clip captures part of the encounter with an unidentified older woman, who is seen yelling at the younger Filipino American woman for allegedly blocking stairs to exercise. "You're going to get your a** kicked by my family," the older woman says in the video. "This is not your place! This is not your home! We do not want you here." Also read | 'Don’t know if her life needed to be torn apart': What Mr Cooper thinks of his now-famous racist encounter with a white lady The encounter comes in the wake of anti-racism protests following the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd, a black man. "I was minding my own business," the Filipino American woman said. "I thought this would never happen to me. I thought if you just mind your business, nothing could happen." "I don't feel safe here now," she said. "It was somewhere I called home because it reminds me of Hawaii, where I was born and raised, and now I just don't even want to go out." "So, I was working out -- I like to jump on the stairs and just go side to side, so I was just doing that -- and all of a sudden I see her and she goes around another Asian lady doing Tai Chi and then walks down those stairs and then goes up my stairs and then comes back down and kind of like nudges me on my left shoulder, and that's when I said, 'Oh Jesus,'" she said. "And then she went back up on to the stairs and started yelling at me," she said. Also read | White residents in North Carolina wash black preists' feet during prayers for George Floyd The woman filed a criminal threat report on Thursday and an investigation is underway. According to census data, 36.6% of Torrance's population identifies as Asian. It is the second largest racial group in the city, which is home to one of the largest Japanese American populations in the United States. (with inputs from CNN)

Another American captured on video harassing a non-white woman exercising in a park

US President Donald Trump has sought to dismiss fears that he might not leave office willingly if he lost the election in November, but said if he failed to get reelected, it would be a "bad thing" for the country.

His comments aired on Friday appear to be the first time he has publically committed to doing so.

"Certainly, if I don't win, I don't win," Trump told Fox News in an interview that was aired on Friday. If he does not win the election scheduled for November 3, Trump continued, "you go on, do other things."

Trump went on to say that if he loses the election: "I think it would be a very bad thing for our country."

In the presidential election, Trump, a Republican, is expected to face the Democratic Party's presumptive candidate and former vice president Joe Biden.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-delays-oklahoma-rally-after-decry-of-massacre-on-juneteenth-305547">Also read |&nbsp;Trump delays Oklahoma rally after decry of massacre on Juneteenth</a>

After three years of relative peace and prosperity, Trump is in danger of being overwhelmed by cascading disasters: the coronavirus pandemic, which has taken more than 100,000 lives, an economic slump that has cost 40 million jobs, and rising social unrest after the custodial killing of African-American George Floyd.

Floyd, a 46-year-old man died after a white police officer knelt on his neck in Minneapolis on May 25, sparking widespread protests across the US and several other countries.

The protests against racial injustice have quickly spread deep into white, small-town America, notably throughout parts of the US that delivered the presidency for Trump.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-says-police-generally-should-not-use-choke-holds-305497">Also read |&nbsp;US President Trump says police generally should not use choke holds</a>

US President Donald Trump has sought to dismiss fears that he might not leave office willingly if he lost the election in November, but said if he failed to get reelected, it would be a "bad thing" for the country.

US President Donald Trump has sought to dismiss fears that he might not leave office willingly if he lost the election in November, but said if he failed to get reelected, it would be a "bad thing" for the country. His comments aired on Friday appear to be the first time he has publically committed to doing so. "Certainly, if I don't win, I don't win," Trump told Fox News in an interview that was aired on Friday. If he does not win the election scheduled for November 3, Trump continued, "you go on, do other things." Trump went on to say that if he loses the election: "I think it would be a very bad thing for our country." In the presidential election, Trump, a Republican, is expected to face the Democratic Party's presumptive candidate and former vice president Joe Biden. Also read | Trump delays Oklahoma rally after decry of massacre on Juneteenth After three years of relative peace and prosperity, Trump is in danger of being overwhelmed by cascading disasters: the coronavirus pandemic, which has taken more than 100,000 lives, an economic slump that has cost 40 million jobs, and rising social unrest after the custodial killing of African-American George Floyd. Floyd, a 46-year-old man died after a white police officer knelt on his neck in Minneapolis on May 25, sparking widespread protests across the US and several other countries. The protests against racial injustice have quickly spread deep into white, small-town America, notably throughout parts of the US that delivered the presidency for Trump. Also read | US President Trump says police generally should not use choke holds

Trump says he'll leave peacefully if he loses election in November, but it'll be 'bad' for US

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday it was "absurd and shameful" that a statue of Winston Churchill was at risk of attack by protestors, some of whom daubed the words "was a racist" at an earlier anti-racism demonstration.

Monuments have become major focus&nbsp;of contention in demonstrations sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer who knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes.

"It is absurd and shameful that this national monument should today be at risk of attack by violent protestors," the British leader wrote on Twitter.

"Yes, he sometimes expressed opinions that were and are unacceptable to us today, but he was a hero, and he fully deserves his memorial. We cannot now try to edit or censor our past. We cannot pretend to have a different history," he said, calling on people to avoid protests planned this weekend.

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The statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square is a permanent reminder of his achievement in saving this country – and the whole of Europe – from a fascist and racist tyranny. 1/8
— Boris Johnson #StayAlert (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1271388180193914880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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But it is clear that the protests have been sadly hijacked by extremists intent on violence. The attacks on the police and indiscriminate acts of violence which we have witnessed over the last week are intolerable and they are abhorrent. 7/8
— Boris Johnson #StayAlert (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1271388186976059396?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, authorities in London have boarded up the statue ahead of expected rival demonstrations by anti-racism and far-right protestors.

A protective plywood screen has been erected around Churchill's statue outside Parliament. Authorities also fenced off the nearby Cenotaph, a memorial to Britain's war dead.

Several other statues have been defaced around the country.

The statue of Mahatma Gandhi in London's Parliament Square has also been covered and boarded up ahead of another set of planned protests.

The Mayor's office confirmed that Gandhi's statue is also among the monuments being protected. Graffiti with the word "racist" near the statue at Parliament Square, which wasn't on the actual plinth as in the case of Churchill's sculpture, had evoked some anguish on social media among Indian diaspora groups.

Since then, a new petition calling for the removal of another Gandhi statue in the UK city of Leicester has attracted thousands of signatures, also triggering countering reactions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/activists-remove-statue-of-belgian-colonial-king-leopold-ii-in-brussels-305403">Also read |&nbsp;Activists remove statue of Belgian colonial King Leopold II in Brussels</a>

Earlier, a statue of slave trader Edward Colston was hauled from its plinth by protestors in the English port city of Bristol on Sunday and dumped in the harbour.

A Black Lives Matter group in London said it was calling off a planned protest on Saturday because the presence of far-right activists would make it unsafe. Another anti-racism protest Friday is set to go ahead.

&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday it was "absurd and shameful" that a statue of Winston Churchill was at risk of attack by protestors, some of whom daubed the words "was a racist" at an earlier anti-racism demonstration.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday it was "absurd and shameful" that a statue of Winston Churchill was at risk of attack by protestors, some of whom daubed the words "was a racist" at an earlier anti-racism demonstration. Monuments have become major focus of contention in demonstrations sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer who knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes. "It is absurd and shameful that this national monument should today be at risk of attack by violent protestors," the British leader wrote on Twitter. "Yes, he sometimes expressed opinions that were and are unacceptable to us today, but he was a hero, and he fully deserves his memorial. We cannot now try to edit or censor our past. We cannot pretend to have a different history," he said, calling on people to avoid protests planned this weekend. The statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square is a permanent reminder of his achievement in saving this country – and the whole of Europe – from a fascist and racist tyranny. 1/8 — Boris Johnson #StayAlert (@BorisJohnson) June 12, 2020 × But it is clear that the protests have been sadly hijacked by extremists intent on violence. The attacks on the police and indiscriminate acts of violence which we have witnessed over the last week are intolerable and they are abhorrent. 7/8 — Boris Johnson #StayAlert (@BorisJohnson) June 12, 2020 × Meanwhile, authorities in London have boarded up the statue ahead of expected rival demonstrations by anti-racism and far-right protestors. A protective plywood screen has been erected around Churchill's statue outside Parliament. Authorities also fenced off the nearby Cenotaph, a memorial to Britain's war dead. Several other statues have been defaced around the country. The statue of Mahatma Gandhi in London's Parliament Square has also been covered and boarded up ahead of another set of planned protests. The Mayor's office confirmed that Gandhi's statue is also among the monuments being protected. Graffiti with the word "racist" near the statue at Parliament Square, which wasn't on the actual plinth as in the case of Churchill's sculpture, had evoked some anguish on social media among Indian diaspora groups. Since then, a new petition calling for the removal of another Gandhi statue in the UK city of Leicester has attracted thousands of signatures, also triggering countering reactions. Also read | Activists remove statue of Belgian colonial King Leopold II in Brussels Earlier, a statue of slave trader Edward Colston was hauled from its plinth by protestors in the English port city of Bristol on Sunday and dumped in the harbour. A Black Lives Matter group in London said it was calling off a planned protest on Saturday because the presence of far-right activists would make it unsafe. Another anti-racism protest Friday is set to go ahead.

Statues of Churchill, Gandhi at risk of attack by anti-racism protestors; UK PM terms it shameful

President Donald Trump defended his decision to resume campaign rallies next week on a day marking the end of US&nbsp;slavery and at the site of a black massacre 100 years ago, saying it would be a celebration.

The Republican president drew criticism for scheduling the rally on June 19, known as Juneteenth, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where white mobs attacked black citizens and businesses in one of the country’s bloodiest outbreaks of racist violence.

The rally will take place amid a backdrop of widespread protests against racism in the country after the death of a 46-year-old black man at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, who is accused of murdering him. Trump has been criticized for trying to militarize the US&nbsp;response to the protests.

"Think about it as a celebration," Trump told Fox News in an interview broadcast on Friday, in which he then boasted about the size of his campaign rallies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-campaign-says-supporters-should-attend-his-rally-at-their-own-risk-305266">Also read |&nbsp;Trump campaign says supporters should attend his rally at 'their own risk'</a>

In the interview, Trump denied the Juneteenth date for the rally was on purpose.

The Fox interviewer, an African American, later said she was not sure if he was aware of the painful history of Tulsa to black Americans because her questions in the interview, which took place on Thursday, focused on the Juneteenth aspect of the visit.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States in 1865 and is celebrated as African Americans’ Independence Day.

"This isn`t just a wink to white supremacists - he's throwing them a welcome home party,” Senator Kamala Harris, a contender to be Joe Biden`s vice presidential pick, said on Twitter on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-plans-to-sidestep-another-arms-pact-to-sell-more-us-drones-305386">Also read |&nbsp;Trump plans to sidestep another arms pact to sell more US drones</a>

On Thursday, the Republican Party scheduled Trump`s speech accepting the Republican presidential nomination in Jacksonville on August&nbsp;27. That day will mark the 60th anniversary of what is called "Ax Handle Saturday," when a white mob wielding ax handles began a riot over black youth attempting to order food from a whites-only lunch counter in the Florida city.

President Donald Trump defended his decision to resume campaign rallies next week on a day marking the end of US slavery and at the site of a black massacre 100 years ago, saying it would be a celebration.

President Donald Trump defended his decision to resume campaign rallies next week on a day marking the end of US slavery and at the site of a black massacre 100 years ago, saying it would be a celebration. The Republican president drew criticism for scheduling the rally on June 19, known as Juneteenth, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where white mobs attacked black citizens and businesses in one of the country’s bloodiest outbreaks of racist violence. The rally will take place amid a backdrop of widespread protests against racism in the country after the death of a 46-year-old black man at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, who is accused of murdering him. Trump has been criticized for trying to militarize the US response to the protests. "Think about it as a celebration," Trump told Fox News in an interview broadcast on Friday, in which he then boasted about the size of his campaign rallies. Also read | Trump campaign says supporters should attend his rally at 'their own risk' In the interview, Trump denied the Juneteenth date for the rally was on purpose. The Fox interviewer, an African American, later said she was not sure if he was aware of the painful history of Tulsa to black Americans because her questions in the interview, which took place on Thursday, focused on the Juneteenth aspect of the visit. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States in 1865 and is celebrated as African Americans’ Independence Day. "This isn`t just a wink to white supremacists - he's throwing them a welcome home party,” Senator Kamala Harris, a contender to be Joe Biden`s vice presidential pick, said on Twitter on Thursday. Also read | Trump plans to sidestep another arms pact to sell more US drones On Thursday, the Republican Party scheduled Trump`s speech accepting the Republican presidential nomination in Jacksonville on August 27. That day will mark the 60th anniversary of what is called "Ax Handle Saturday," when a white mob wielding ax handles began a riot over black youth attempting to order food from a whites-only lunch counter in the Florida city.

'Think about it as a celebration': Trump on Juneteenth rally

A statue of Belgium's King Leopold II was removed from its plinth by activists in Brussels during Thursday night.

A Reuters journalist found only an empty plinth in the Auderghem neighbourhood on Friday and no sign of the statue of the king, who ruled the Congo Free State for much of his reign from 1865 to 1909.

Statues of the colonial-era monarch, whose troops killed and maimed millions of people in Congo, have become a focus of anger and debate in Belgium amid worldwide protests that followed the killing of black American George Floyd on May 25.

A number of representations of Leopold II have been vandalised, with statues burnt and daubed in red paint.

Separately, a statue of King Baudouin - Belgium's second-longest reigning monarch after Leopold II - was found smeared bright red in a park in front of Brussels' Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula on Friday. The word "reparation" was painted on the back.

The municipality of Auderghem had a few days ago removed a sentence from a memorial that honoured "those who brought civilisation to Congo".

Demonstrations have swept the United States and there have been smaller protests across Europe since Floyd's death in police custody in Minneapolis.

A statue of Belgium's King Leopold II was removed from its plinth by activists in Brussels during Thursday night. A Reuters journalist found only an empty plinth in the Auderghem neighbourhood on Friday and no sign of the statue of the king, who ruled the Congo Free State for much of his reign from 1865 to 1909.

A statue of Belgium's King Leopold II was removed from its plinth by activists in Brussels during Thursday night. A Reuters journalist found only an empty plinth in the Auderghem neighbourhood on Friday and no sign of the statue of the king, who ruled the Congo Free State for much of his reign from 1865 to 1909. Statues of the colonial-era monarch, whose troops killed and maimed millions of people in Congo, have become a focus of anger and debate in Belgium amid worldwide protests that followed the killing of black American George Floyd on May 25. A number of representations of Leopold II have been vandalised, with statues burnt and daubed in red paint. Separately, a statue of King Baudouin - Belgium's second-longest reigning monarch after Leopold II - was found smeared bright red in a park in front of Brussels' Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula on Friday. The word "reparation" was painted on the back. The municipality of Auderghem had a few days ago removed a sentence from a memorial that honoured "those who brought civilisation to Congo". Demonstrations have swept the United States and there have been smaller protests across Europe since Floyd's death in police custody in Minneapolis.

Activists remove statue of Belgian colonial King Leopold II in Brussels

A statue of Christopher Columbus in Richmond, US was torn down by anti-racism protestors, set on fire and then thrown into a lake.

A sign that reads -- Columbus represents genocide -- was placed on the spray-painted foundation that once held the statue after it was removed from its pedestal in the city's Byrd Park around 8:30 pm on Tuesday by protestors using several ropes.

Its toppling comes amid national protests over the death of George Floyd and several days after a statue of Confederate General Williams Carter Wickham was pulled from its pedestal in Monroe Park by demonstrators who also used ropes to tear it down.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-removes-slave-trader-robert-milligans-statue-outside-london-museum-304708">Also read |&nbsp;Britain removes slave trader Robert Milligan's statue outside London museum</a>

"We have to start where it all began. We have to start with the people who stood first on this land," activist Chelsea Higgs-Wise said during her speech to a crowd gathered at Byrd Park about the struggles of indigenous people and African-Americans in America.&nbsp;

The Columbus statue was dedicated in Richmond in December 1927, and had been the first statue of Christopher Columbus erected in the South.

<img alt="statue of Christopher Columbus in Richmond" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="18722506-46ef-43d7-8117-095d4d41e1c5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/christopher-columbus.jpg" /> 
Beheaded statue of Christopher Columbus in Richmond

Native American advocates have long pressed states to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day over concerns that Columbus spurred centuries of genocide against indigenous populations in the Americas.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/british-street-artist-banksy-unveils-new-artwork-for-toppled-statue-of-slave-trader-304722">Also read |&nbsp;British street artist Banksy unveils new artwork for toppled statue of slave trader</a>

Elsewhere, protestors in Portsmouth, Virginia, covered a Confederate monument in the city with trash bags and sheets Wednesday, several hours after the city's council members had a meeting to figure out ways to relocate it.

A white sheet that read "BLM" covered the fence in front of the monument hours after the Portsmouth city council met Tuesday to discuss who owns the figure. The question about who owns the monument has been the main roadblock in the city's years-long quest to remove it.

A statue of Christopher Columbus in Richmond, US was torn down by anti-racism protestors, set on fire and then thrown into a lake. A sign that reads -- Columbus represents genocide -- was placed on the spray-painted foundation that once held the statue after it was removed from its pedestal in the city's Byrd Park around 8:30 pm on Tuesday by protestors using several ropes.

A statue of Christopher Columbus in Richmond, US was torn down by anti-racism protestors, set on fire and then thrown into a lake. A sign that reads -- Columbus represents genocide -- was placed on the spray-painted foundation that once held the statue after it was removed from its pedestal in the city's Byrd Park around 8:30 pm on Tuesday by protestors using several ropes. Its toppling comes amid national protests over the death of George Floyd and several days after a statue of Confederate General Williams Carter Wickham was pulled from its pedestal in Monroe Park by demonstrators who also used ropes to tear it down. Also read | Britain removes slave trader Robert Milligan's statue outside London museum "We have to start where it all began. We have to start with the people who stood first on this land," activist Chelsea Higgs-Wise said during her speech to a crowd gathered at Byrd Park about the struggles of indigenous people and African-Americans in America. The Columbus statue was dedicated in Richmond in December 1927, and had been the first statue of Christopher Columbus erected in the South. Beheaded statue of Christopher Columbus in Richmond Native American advocates have long pressed states to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day over concerns that Columbus spurred centuries of genocide against indigenous populations in the Americas. Also read | British street artist Banksy unveils new artwork for toppled statue of slave trader Elsewhere, protestors in Portsmouth, Virginia, covered a Confederate monument in the city with trash bags and sheets Wednesday, several hours after the city's council members had a meeting to figure out ways to relocate it. A white sheet that read "BLM" covered the fence in front of the monument hours after the Portsmouth city council met Tuesday to discuss who owns the figure. The question about who owns the monument has been the main roadblock in the city's years-long quest to remove it.

Statue of Christopher Columbus in US toppled, thrown in lake by anti-racism protestors

Two London police officers were attacked in an incident caught on video by a few people, sparking condemnation from the UK's Home Secretary and the city's mayor.

The video later went viral on the social media.&nbsp;

The recorded clip showed a male officer being pinned to the ground and kicked, before a female officer intervenes. The said squabble is played out between the two officers and a group of men.

To this end, Home Secretary Priti Patel wrote on Twitter that the attack was "sickening, shocking &amp; disgraceful."

"We are not society's punchbags," the Metropolitan Police Federation's chairman Ken Marsh added in a statement. "On this occasion our colleagues are thankfully only reporting minor injuries -- but the reality is it could have been much worse."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/statue-of-scout-founder-to-be-taken-down-in-britain-in-wake-of-anti-racism-protests-305103">Also read |&nbsp;Statue of scout founder to be taken down in Britain in wake of anti-racism protests</a>

The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Thursday that two men have been arrested.

The attacks have come following peaceful anti-racism protests across the UK throughout the weekend -- perpetuated by the death of George Floyd, a black man, at the hands of a white police officer who knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes. The anti-racism protests later spread far and wide.

The unrest saw tens of thousands take to the streets in London and other UK cities and some clashes between police and activists.

London's Mayor Sadiq Khan has supported the protests, but he condemned the small number of demonstrators who were involved in tense scenes with officers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-edward-colston-statue-retrieved-as-many-more-monuments-set-to-be-reviewed-305056">Also read |&nbsp;UK: Edward Colston statue retrieved as many more monuments set to be reviewed</a>

Two London police officers were attacked in an incident caught on video by a few people, sparking condemnation from the UK's Home Secretary and the city's mayor.

Two London police officers were attacked in an incident caught on video by a few people, sparking condemnation from the UK's Home Secretary and the city's mayor. The video later went viral on the social media. The recorded clip showed a male officer being pinned to the ground and kicked, before a female officer intervenes. The said squabble is played out between the two officers and a group of men. To this end, Home Secretary Priti Patel wrote on Twitter that the attack was "sickening, shocking & disgraceful." "We are not society's punchbags," the Metropolitan Police Federation's chairman Ken Marsh added in a statement. "On this occasion our colleagues are thankfully only reporting minor injuries -- but the reality is it could have been much worse." Also read | Statue of scout founder to be taken down in Britain in wake of anti-racism protests The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Thursday that two men have been arrested. The attacks have come following peaceful anti-racism protests across the UK throughout the weekend -- perpetuated by the death of George Floyd, a black man, at the hands of a white police officer who knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes. The anti-racism protests later spread far and wide. The unrest saw tens of thousands take to the streets in London and other UK cities and some clashes between police and activists. London's Mayor Sadiq Khan has supported the protests, but he condemned the small number of demonstrators who were involved in tense scenes with officers. Also read | UK: Edward Colston statue retrieved as many more monuments set to be reviewed

Two London police officers attacked in shocking incident

England would soon remove a statue of Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide scouting movement, the latest memorial to be taken down in the wake of anti-racism protests sparked by the death of George Floyd.

The demonstrations sweeping across the United States and Europe have reignited a debate about monuments to those involved in Britain's imperialist past.

Poole council said the statue of Baden-Powell, a British Boer War hero, would be moved from its location on the quay of the seaside town to storage on Thursday while there were discussions with local communities about its future.

Baden-Powell is widely hailed for setting up the scout movement which boasts 54 million members worldwide. In a poll in 2007, he was voted the 13th most influential person in the United Kingdom in the 20th century. But critics say he held racist views and was a supporter of Adolf Hitler and fascism.

His statue, which was erected just over a decade ago, currently looks across the harbour to Brownsea Island where he started the scout movement in 1907.

A spokesman for the Scouts said the organisation was looking forward to discussing the matter with the council "to make an informed decision on what happens next".

"The Scout movement is resolute in its commitment to inclusion and diversity and members continually reflect and challenge ourselves in how we live our values," he said.

On Sunday, protesters in Bristol, western England, pulled down a statue of 17th Century slave trader Edward Colston and threw it into the harbour. It was retrieved on Thursday and the local council said it would be displayed in a museum.

Other memorials have also since been removed and councils run by the opposition Labour Party said they would review the "appropriateness of local monuments and statues" on public land.

(with inputs from Reuters)

England would soon remove a statue of Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide scouting movement, the latest memorial to be taken down in the wake of anti-racism protests sparked by the death of George Floyd.

England would soon remove a statue of Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide scouting movement, the latest memorial to be taken down in the wake of anti-racism protests sparked by the death of George Floyd. The demonstrations sweeping across the United States and Europe have reignited a debate about monuments to those involved in Britain's imperialist past. Poole council said the statue of Baden-Powell, a British Boer War hero, would be moved from its location on the quay of the seaside town to storage on Thursday while there were discussions with local communities about its future. Baden-Powell is widely hailed for setting up the scout movement which boasts 54 million members worldwide. In a poll in 2007, he was voted the 13th most influential person in the United Kingdom in the 20th century. But critics say he held racist views and was a supporter of Adolf Hitler and fascism. His statue, which was erected just over a decade ago, currently looks across the harbour to Brownsea Island where he started the scout movement in 1907. A spokesman for the Scouts said the organisation was looking forward to discussing the matter with the council "to make an informed decision on what happens next". "The Scout movement is resolute in its commitment to inclusion and diversity and members continually reflect and challenge ourselves in how we live our values," he said. On Sunday, protesters in Bristol, western England, pulled down a statue of 17th Century slave trader Edward Colston and threw it into the harbour. It was retrieved on Thursday and the local council said it would be displayed in a museum. Other memorials have also since been removed and councils run by the opposition Labour Party said they would review the "appropriateness of local monuments and statues" on public land. (with inputs from Reuters)

Statue of scout founder to be taken down in Britain in wake of anti-racism protests

The Democratic-led US House of Representatives took up the issues of police violence and racial injustice in America on Wednesday in the first congressional hearing since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis sparked protests around the world.

George Floyd's death on May 25 after a policeman knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes was the latest in a string of killings of African-American men and women by police that have sparked anger on America's streets and fresh calls for reforms.

One day after burying his brother in Houston, Philonise Floyd appeared in person before a House hearing, where he described the anguish of watching a video of George's death and demanded lawmakers address the systemic problems in law enforcement.

"Justice for George," Floyd's 42-year-old brother Philonise&nbsp;told reporters on his way into the hearing venue.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hes-going-to-change-the-world-george-floyd-hailed-at-funeral-304921">Also read |&nbsp;'He's going to change the world': George Floyd hailed at funeral</a>

"I'm here to ask you to make it stop. Stop the pain," a tearful Philonise Floyd, 42, said in testimony before the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee. "George called for help and he was ignored. Please listen to the call I'm making to you now, to the calls of our family and the calls ringing on the streets of all the world."

"I can't tell you the kind of pain you feel when you watch... your big brother, who you looked up to your whole entire life, die -- die begging for his mom," he added.

"Maybe by speaking with you today, I can make sure that his death will not be in vain."

Video of the shocking abuse went viral, and protests -- some violent, most peaceful -- erupted from coast to coast in some of the most serious US civil unrest in generations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/statue-of-christopher-columbus-in-us-toppled-thrown-in-lake-by-anti-racism-protestors-304863">Also read |&nbsp;Statue of Christopher Columbus in US toppled, thrown in lake by anti-racism protestors</a>

"The nation demands and deserves meaningful change," House Judiciary Committee Jerrold Nadler said at the start of the hearing in the US Capitol.

Lawmakers were expected to hear urgent pleas from civil rights advocates for strong reforms and more funding for social services in minority communities, as well as vocal support for police from three witnesses called by Republicans. Some witnesses and lawmakers were set to participate by video link to ensure social distancing during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The Judiciary panel is preparing to shepherd a sweeping Democratic package of legislation aimed at combating police violence and racial injustice, to the House floor by July 4, and is expected to hold further hearings next week to prepare the bill for a full House vote.

The Fraternal Order of Police has welcomed the bill's introduction, saying in a statement that further discussions could produce a law capable of having a positive impact on law enforcement and policing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-votes-on-scrapping-law-which-protects-disciplinary-records-of-police-officers-304716">Also read |&nbsp;New York votes on scrapping law which protects disciplinary records of police officers</a>

The Republican-led Senate Judiciary Committee will hold its own hearing next Tuesday.

The hearing also provided a platform for House Republicans, who have responded to protests by underscoring their support for police and accusing Democrats of wanting to cut off police funding, which top Democrats oppose.

The House Judiciary Committee's top Republican, Jim Jordan, acknowledged that it was "time for a real discussion" about police treatment of African Americans, in the latest sign that Republicans also want to make changes to the system.

"It's as wrong as wrong can be," Jordan told Philonise Floyd about George Floyd's death, "and your brother's killers will face justice."

(with inputs from agencies)

The Democratic-led US House of Representatives took up the issues of police violence and racial injustice in America on Wednesday in the first congressional hearing since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis sparked protests around the world.

The Democratic-led US House of Representatives took up the issues of police violence and racial injustice in America on Wednesday in the first congressional hearing since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis sparked protests around the world. George Floyd's death on May 25 after a policeman knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes was the latest in a string of killings of African-American men and women by police that have sparked anger on America's streets and fresh calls for reforms. One day after burying his brother in Houston, Philonise Floyd appeared in person before a House hearing, where he described the anguish of watching a video of George's death and demanded lawmakers address the systemic problems in law enforcement. "Justice for George," Floyd's 42-year-old brother Philonise told reporters on his way into the hearing venue. Also read | 'He's going to change the world': George Floyd hailed at funeral "I'm here to ask you to make it stop. Stop the pain," a tearful Philonise Floyd, 42, said in testimony before the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee. "George called for help and he was ignored. Please listen to the call I'm making to you now, to the calls of our family and the calls ringing on the streets of all the world." "I can't tell you the kind of pain you feel when you watch... your big brother, who you looked up to your whole entire life, die -- die begging for his mom," he added. "Maybe by speaking with you today, I can make sure that his death will not be in vain." Video of the shocking abuse went viral, and protests -- some violent, most peaceful -- erupted from coast to coast in some of the most serious US civil unrest in generations. Also read | Statue of Christopher Columbus in US toppled, thrown in lake by anti-racism protestors "The nation demands and deserves meaningful change," House Judiciary Committee Jerrold Nadler said at the start of the hearing in the US Capitol. Lawmakers were expected to hear urgent pleas from civil rights advocates for strong reforms and more funding for social services in minority communities, as well as vocal support for police from three witnesses called by Republicans. Some witnesses and lawmakers were set to participate by video link to ensure social distancing during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The Judiciary panel is preparing to shepherd a sweeping Democratic package of legislation aimed at combating police violence and racial injustice, to the House floor by July 4, and is expected to hold further hearings next week to prepare the bill for a full House vote. The Fraternal Order of Police has welcomed the bill's introduction, saying in a statement that further discussions could produce a law capable of having a positive impact on law enforcement and policing. Also read | New York votes on scrapping law which protects disciplinary records of police officers The Republican-led Senate Judiciary Committee will hold its own hearing next Tuesday. The hearing also provided a platform for House Republicans, who have responded to protests by underscoring their support for police and accusing Democrats of wanting to cut off police funding, which top Democrats oppose. The House Judiciary Committee's top Republican, Jim Jordan, acknowledged that it was "time for a real discussion" about police treatment of African Americans, in the latest sign that Republicans also want to make changes to the system. "It's as wrong as wrong can be," Jordan told Philonise Floyd about George Floyd's death, "and your brother's killers will face justice." (with inputs from agencies)

'Stop the pain', says George Floyd's brother in first congressional hearing since his death

The White House on Wednesday defended US President Donald Trump's promotion of an unsubstantiated conspiracy theory about a 75-year-old protestor injured by police in Buffalo, saying it was Trump's "prerogative" to raise questions about the incident.

The protestor, Martin Gugino, was shoved by police and critically injured when he approached them during a march against racism and police brutality in an incident that was captured on video and led to criminal charges against the officers involved. It was one of many protests after George Floyd, a black man, died on May 25 in Minneapolis after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.

Trump, offering no evidence, tweeted on Tuesday that Gugino's fall could be a "set up" with ties to the anti-fascist movement antifa. Trump and other Republicans have sought to blame violence that has flared at some protests on antifa despite little evidence.

Trump cited a report by One America News Network, which also offered no evidence. The OANN piece was narrated by a Russian native who has worked for the Kremlin-controlled Sputnik news outlet, according to the Daily Beast and the New York Times.

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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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To this end, White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany told Fox News on Wednesday: "The president was just raising some questions, some legitimate ones, about that particular interaction. And it's his prerogative to do so." 
&nbsp; 
Democrats and other critics have slammed Trump's tweet and urged the president to apologise, while numerous Republicans in Congress and Trump's chief of Staff Mark Meadows declined to comment.

A lawyer for Gugino called Trump's statement "dark, dangerous, and untrue," according to media reports. Gugino told USA TODAY he had "no comment other than Black Lives Matter" and that he has been released from intensive care and "should recover eventually."

Buffalo Police Officers Aaron Torgalski and Robert McCabe face felony assault charges over the incident.

The White House on Wednesday defended US President Donald Trump's promotion of an unsubstantiated conspiracy theory about a 75-year-old protestor injured by police in Buffalo, saying it was Trump's "prerogative" to raise questions about the incident.

The White House on Wednesday defended US President Donald Trump's promotion of an unsubstantiated conspiracy theory about a 75-year-old protestor injured by police in Buffalo, saying it was Trump's "prerogative" to raise questions about the incident. The protestor, Martin Gugino, was shoved by police and critically injured when he approached them during a march against racism and police brutality in an incident that was captured on video and led to criminal charges against the officers involved. It was one of many protests after George Floyd, a black man, died on May 25 in Minneapolis after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Trump, offering no evidence, tweeted on Tuesday that Gugino's fall could be a "set up" with ties to the anti-fascist movement antifa. Trump and other Republicans have sought to blame violence that has flared at some protests on antifa despite little evidence. Trump cited a report by One America News Network, which also offered no evidence. The OANN piece was narrated by a Russian native who has worked for the Kremlin-controlled Sputnik news outlet, according to the Daily Beast and the New York Times. 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 × To this end, White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany told Fox News on Wednesday: "The president was just raising some questions, some legitimate ones, about that particular interaction. And it's his prerogative to do so." Democrats and other critics have slammed Trump's tweet and urged the president to apologise, while numerous Republicans in Congress and Trump's chief of Staff Mark Meadows declined to comment. A lawyer for Gugino called Trump's statement "dark, dangerous, and untrue," according to media reports. Gugino told USA TODAY he had "no comment other than Black Lives Matter" and that he has been released from intensive care and "should recover eventually." Buffalo Police Officers Aaron Torgalski and Robert McCabe face felony assault charges over the incident.

White House defends Trump's conspiracy theory tweet on Buffalo protestor

A toppled statue of a 17th Century English slave trader will be retrieved from the harbour and exhibited in a museum, Bristol City Council said on Wednesday.

Anti-racism protestors pulled down the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol on Sunday and threw it into the harbour, triggering a debate about Britain's imperial past -- while protesting over the weekend against the killing of 46-year-old African-American George Floyd in the US.

Bristol mayor Marvin Rees said Colston's statue would be retrieved and displayed alongside Black Lives Matter placards from the recent protest so the 300 year story of slavery and the fight for racial equality could be better understood.

The pulling down of Colston's figure was followed by a statue of Robert Milligan, an 18th century slave trader, being removed from its plinth outside a London museum on Tuesday after officials decided it was no longer acceptable to the local community.

The statue stood in front of the Museum of London Docklands.

Elsewhere, hundreds of protestors in Oxford rallied outside the university's Oriel College on Tuesday (local time) to demand the removal of a statue of Cecil Rhodes, reported CNN. The long-running campaign to remove the statue was reinvigorated after the recent Black Lives Matter protests across the world following the death of George Floyd.

The death of George Floyd on May 25 in the US has sparked a worldwide movement against police brutality, racism and social injustice, as a video showing a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeling on Floyd's neck after the latter had been arrested, was widely circulated online on the next day.

A toppled statue of a 17th Century English slave trader will be retrieved from the harbour and exhibited in a museum, Bristol City Council said on Wednesday. Anti-racism protestors pulled down the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol on Sunday and threw it into the harbour, triggering a debate about Britain's imperial past -- while protesting over the weekend against the killing of 46-year-old African-American George Floyd in the US.

A toppled statue of a 17th Century English slave trader will be retrieved from the harbour and exhibited in a museum, Bristol City Council said on Wednesday. Anti-racism protestors pulled down the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol on Sunday and threw it into the harbour, triggering a debate about Britain's imperial past -- while protesting over the weekend against the killing of 46-year-old African-American George Floyd in the US. Bristol mayor Marvin Rees said Colston's statue would be retrieved and displayed alongside Black Lives Matter placards from the recent protest so the 300 year story of slavery and the fight for racial equality could be better understood. The pulling down of Colston's figure was followed by a statue of Robert Milligan, an 18th century slave trader, being removed from its plinth outside a London museum on Tuesday after officials decided it was no longer acceptable to the local community. The statue stood in front of the Museum of London Docklands. Elsewhere, hundreds of protestors in Oxford rallied outside the university's Oriel College on Tuesday (local time) to demand the removal of a statue of Cecil Rhodes, reported CNN. The long-running campaign to remove the statue was reinvigorated after the recent Black Lives Matter protests across the world following the death of George Floyd. The death of George Floyd on May 25 in the US has sparked a worldwide movement against police brutality, racism and social injustice, as a video showing a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeling on Floyd's neck after the latter had been arrested, was widely circulated online on the next day.

Toppled statue of English slave trader to be moved to a museum

National Football League (NFL) Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league made mistakes in not listening to players, in a video on Friday denouncing racism in the United States amid widespread protests over police brutality against black people.

"We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest," said Goodell. "We, the National Football League, believe black lives matter."

The NFL has been locked in an ongoing debate with players over kneeling protests during the customary pre-game playing of the national anthem. The practice was popularized by quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who is black, in 2016 to protest racial injustice and police brutality.

Kaepernick, who in 2013 led the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl but lost to the Baltimore Ravens, filed a grievance against the league in 2017, claiming collusion as no teams signed him after he parted ways with the Niners. The NFL and Kaepernick settled in 2019.

"Protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality and oppression of black players, coaches, fans and staff," said Goodell. "I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve."

The NFL sent the video out just hours after US President Donald Trump renewed his call for an end to kneeling protests during the national anthem.

"We should be standing up straight and tall, ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart," Trump wrote on Twitter. "There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag - NO KNEELING!"

The statement was a response to quarterback Drew Brees, who apologised this week for equating the kneeling protest with disrespecting the American flag.

On Thursday, several players, including reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, appeared in a video on social media calling for the league to "admit wrong in silencing" players and to support protests.

"How many times do we need to ask you to listen to your players?" Chiefs player Tyrann Mathieu said in the video.

The league also faced criticism earlier this year when just one of five head-coaching vacancies went to a non-white candidate in the most recent hiring cycle, and last month the NFL introduced rules designed to boost racial diversity among coaching staffs.

National Football League (NFL) Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league made mistakes in not listening to players, in a video on Friday denouncing racism in the United States amid widespread protests over police brutality against black people.

National Football League (NFL) Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league made mistakes in not listening to players, in a video on Friday denouncing racism in the United States amid widespread protests over police brutality against black people. "We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest," said Goodell. "We, the National Football League, believe black lives matter." The NFL has been locked in an ongoing debate with players over kneeling protests during the customary pre-game playing of the national anthem. The practice was popularized by quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who is black, in 2016 to protest racial injustice and police brutality. Kaepernick, who in 2013 led the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl but lost to the Baltimore Ravens, filed a grievance against the league in 2017, claiming collusion as no teams signed him after he parted ways with the Niners. The NFL and Kaepernick settled in 2019. "Protests around the country are emblematic of the centuries of silence, inequality and oppression of black players, coaches, fans and staff," said Goodell. "I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve." The NFL sent the video out just hours after US President Donald Trump renewed his call for an end to kneeling protests during the national anthem. "We should be standing up straight and tall, ideally with a salute, or a hand on heart," Trump wrote on Twitter. "There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag - NO KNEELING!" The statement was a response to quarterback Drew Brees, who apologised this week for equating the kneeling protest with disrespecting the American flag. On Thursday, several players, including reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, appeared in a video on social media calling for the league to "admit wrong in silencing" players and to support protests. "How many times do we need to ask you to listen to your players?" Chiefs player Tyrann Mathieu said in the video. The league also faced criticism earlier this year when just one of five head-coaching vacancies went to a non-white candidate in the most recent hiring cycle, and last month the NFL introduced rules designed to boost racial diversity among coaching staffs.

'We were wrong': NFL commissioner regrets stance on player protests, condemns racism

Thousands of people took to the streets in European and Asian cities on Saturday, demonstrating in support of US protests against police brutality.

The rolling, global protests reflect rising anger over police treatment of ethnic minorities, sparked by the May 25 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis after a white officer detaining him knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes with fellow officers beside him.

Protestors were expected to gather in Washington for a huge demonstration on Saturday as demonstrations across the United States entered a 12th day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-lives-matter-protestors-rally-at-trump-golf-resort-in-florida-303905">Also read |&nbsp;'Black Lives Matter' protestors rally at Trump golf resort in Florida</a>

BRITAIN

After a largely peaceful protest in London, a few demonstrators near British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's residence threw bottles at police, and mounted officers charged push protestors back.

Earlier, more than a thousand protestors had marched past the US Embassy, blocking traffic and holding placards.

Many thousands had also crowded into the square outside parliament, holding placards reading "Black Lives Matter", ignoring government advice to avoid large gatherings due to the risk from the coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-racism-protestors-clash-with-mounted-police-in-britain-303913">Also read |&nbsp;Anti-racism protestors clash with mounted police in Britain</a>

GERMANY

Police in the German city of Hamburg used pepper spray on protestors and said they were ready to deploy water cannons. One officer was injured, they added.

Several hundred "hooded and aggressive people" had put officers under pressure in the city centre, police said, tweeting: "Attacks on police officers are unacceptable!"

In Berlin, demonstrators filled the central Alexanderplatz square, while there was also a protest in Warsaw.

FRANCE

In Paris the authorities banned demonstrations planned outside the US Embassy and on the lawns near the Eiffel Tower.

However, several hundred protestors, some holding "Black Lives Matters" signs, gathered on Place de la Concorde, close to the Embassy. Police had installed a long barrier across the square to prevent access to the embassy, which is also close to the Elysee presidential palace.

AUSTRALIA

In Brisbane, one of several Australian cities where rallies were held, police estimated 10,000 people joined a peaceful protest, wearing masks and holding "Black Lives Matter" placards. Many wrapped themselves in indigenous flags, calling for an end to police mistreatment of indigenous Australians.

Banners and slogans have focused not just on George Floyd but on a string of other controversies in different countries as well as mistreatment of minorities in general.

In Sydney, a last-minute court decision overruling a ban imposed because of the coronavirus allowed several thousand people to march, with a heavy police presence.

JAPAN

In Tokyo, marchers protested against what they said was police mistreatment of a Kurdish man who says he was stopped while driving and shoved to the ground. Organisers said they were also marching in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

SOUTH KOREA

In Seoul, dozens of South Korean activists and foreign residents gathered, some wearing black masks with "Can't breathe" in Korean, echoing George Floyd's final words as he lay on the ground.

THAILAND

In Bangkok, activists avoided coronavirus restrictions by going online, asking for video and photos of people wearing black, raising their fists and holding signs, and explaining why they supported the Black Lives Matter movement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-europe-and-asia-embrace-black-lives-matter-movement-303834">Also read |&nbsp;Australia, Europe and Asia embrace 'Black Lives Matter' movement</a>

Thousands of people took to the streets in European and Asian cities on Saturday, demonstrating in support of US protests against police brutality. The rolling, global protests reflect rising anger over police treatment of ethnic minorities, sparked by the May 25 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis after a white officer detaining him knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes with fellow officers beside him.

Thousands of people took to the streets in European and Asian cities on Saturday, demonstrating in support of US protests against police brutality. The rolling, global protests reflect rising anger over police treatment of ethnic minorities, sparked by the May 25 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis after a white officer detaining him knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes with fellow officers beside him. Protestors were expected to gather in Washington for a huge demonstration on Saturday as demonstrations across the United States entered a 12th day. Also read | 'Black Lives Matter' protestors rally at Trump golf resort in Florida BRITAIN After a largely peaceful protest in London, a few demonstrators near British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's residence threw bottles at police, and mounted officers charged push protestors back. Earlier, more than a thousand protestors had marched past the US Embassy, blocking traffic and holding placards. Many thousands had also crowded into the square outside parliament, holding placards reading "Black Lives Matter", ignoring government advice to avoid large gatherings due to the risk from the coronavirus. Also read | Anti-racism protestors clash with mounted police in Britain GERMANY Police in the German city of Hamburg used pepper spray on protestors and said they were ready to deploy water cannons. One officer was injured, they added. Several hundred "hooded and aggressive people" had put officers under pressure in the city centre, police said, tweeting: "Attacks on police officers are unacceptable!" In Berlin, demonstrators filled the central Alexanderplatz square, while there was also a protest in Warsaw. FRANCE In Paris the authorities banned demonstrations planned outside the US Embassy and on the lawns near the Eiffel Tower. However, several hundred protestors, some holding "Black Lives Matters" signs, gathered on Place de la Concorde, close to the Embassy. Police had installed a long barrier across the square to prevent access to the embassy, which is also close to the Elysee presidential palace. AUSTRALIA In Brisbane, one of several Australian cities where rallies were held, police estimated 10,000 people joined a peaceful protest, wearing masks and holding "Black Lives Matter" placards. Many wrapped themselves in indigenous flags, calling for an end to police mistreatment of indigenous Australians. Banners and slogans have focused not just on George Floyd but on a string of other controversies in different countries as well as mistreatment of minorities in general. In Sydney, a last-minute court decision overruling a ban imposed because of the coronavirus allowed several thousand people to march, with a heavy police presence. JAPAN In Tokyo, marchers protested against what they said was police mistreatment of a Kurdish man who says he was stopped while driving and shoved to the ground. Organisers said they were also marching in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. SOUTH KOREA In Seoul, dozens of South Korean activists and foreign residents gathered, some wearing black masks with "Can't breathe" in Korean, echoing George Floyd's final words as he lay on the ground. THAILAND In Bangkok, activists avoided coronavirus restrictions by going online, asking for video and photos of people wearing black, raising their fists and holding signs, and explaining why they supported the Black Lives Matter movement. Also read | Australia, Europe and Asia embrace 'Black Lives Matter' movement

Thousands across the world join 'Black Lives Matter' movement

Two Buffalo police officers were charged with assault, after a video showed them shoving a 75-year-old protestor in recent demonstrations over the death of George Floyd to the ground.

The demonstrators in Buffalo were, like those across the country, calling for racial justice after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody.

Robert McCabe and Aaron Torgalski, who surrendered on Saturday morning, pleaded not guilty to second-degree assault. They were released without bail.

McCabe and Torgalski shoved the man down hard enough for him to fall backward and hit his head on the sidewalk.

The video taken by a reporter from local public radio station WBFO and posted on its website and Twitter account shows the white-haired man approaching a line of officers in riot gear. One officer pushes him with a baton and a second one with his hand. The sound of a crack is heard and then blood trickles from the man's head. The man was identified as long-time activist Martin Gugino.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-shows-police-in-buffalo-new-york-shoving-75-year-old-man-to-ground-303477">Also read | Video shows police in Buffalo, New York, shoving 75-year-old man to ground</a>

The man's identity, Martin Gugino, was confirmed by Cuomo's office. Gugino is hospitalised in serious but stable condition, authorities said.

The officers had been suspended without pay. If convicted of the felony assault charge, they face up to seven years in prison.

The video of the encounter sparked outrage online as demonstrators take to cities across the country to protest racial injustice sparked by the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white police officer pressed a knee into his neck for several minutes.

But at least 57 Buffalo police officers who were angered over their fellow officers' suspensions stepped down from the department's crowd control unit Friday. 
The resigning officers did not leave their jobs altogether.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/buffalo-officers-quit-special-team-after-two-suspended-for-shoving-75-year-old-to-ground-303743">Also read | Buffalo officers quit special team after two suspended for shoving 75-year old to ground</a>

Two Buffalo police officers were charged with assault, after a video showed them shoving a 75-year-old protestor in recent demonstrations over the death of George Floyd to the ground.

Two Buffalo police officers were charged with assault, after a video showed them shoving a 75-year-old protestor in recent demonstrations over the death of George Floyd to the ground. The demonstrators in Buffalo were, like those across the country, calling for racial justice after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody. Robert McCabe and Aaron Torgalski, who surrendered on Saturday morning, pleaded not guilty to second-degree assault. They were released without bail. McCabe and Torgalski shoved the man down hard enough for him to fall backward and hit his head on the sidewalk. The video taken by a reporter from local public radio station WBFO and posted on its website and Twitter account shows the white-haired man approaching a line of officers in riot gear. One officer pushes him with a baton and a second one with his hand. The sound of a crack is heard and then blood trickles from the man's head. The man was identified as long-time activist Martin Gugino. Also read | Video shows police in Buffalo, New York, shoving 75-year-old man to ground The man's identity, Martin Gugino, was confirmed by Cuomo's office. Gugino is hospitalised in serious but stable condition, authorities said. The officers had been suspended without pay. If convicted of the felony assault charge, they face up to seven years in prison. The video of the encounter sparked outrage online as demonstrators take to cities across the country to protest racial injustice sparked by the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white police officer pressed a knee into his neck for several minutes. But at least 57 Buffalo police officers who were angered over their fellow officers' suspensions stepped down from the department's crowd control unit Friday. The resigning officers did not leave their jobs altogether. Also read | Buffalo officers quit special team after two suspended for shoving 75-year old to ground

Two Buffalo police officers charged with assault in shoving 75-year old to ground

About a 100 protestors gathered at US President Donald Trump's golf resort just outside Miami, on Saturday, in solidarity with the 'Black Lives Matter' movement.

The protest was organised by Latinos -- in which many carried signs that said 'Vote Him Out'.

A separate sign -- 'Don't Be A Bunker Boy' -- was a reference to reports that Trump went into the White House bunker when protests in Washington got more violent.

Several hundred people also gathered in downtown Miami for a march with plans for a bigger rally later in the day. The march was peaceful and led by a pastor who read Bible verses before everyone set out.

George Floyd's death on May 25 -- at the hands of a white police officer who knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes -- has become the latest flashpoint for rage over police brutality against African Americans, propelling the issue of race to the top of the political agenda ahead of the US presidential election on November 3.

US President Donald Trump on Friday criticised protestors who resorted to kneeling down during the national anthem, after NFL quarterback Drew Brees apologised for remarks he made about the practice.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-kneeling-trump-criticises-anti-racism-protests-during-us-anthem-303755">Also read | 'NO KNEELING': Trump criticises anti-racism protests during US anthem</a>

The kneeling pose, popularised by NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, has become a symbol of the fight for racial justice in the United States.

Floyd, a Houston native who had worked security for various nightclubs, was unarmed when taken into custody outside a corner market where an employee had reported to police that a man matching his description tried to pay for cigarettes with a counterfeit bill.

The protests have since reached other countries and continents.

In the United States on Friday, prominent Democratic politicians adopted the slogans of the protests and announced reforms, as tensions remained high in major cities after days of largely peaceful protests that saw sporadic violence.

Protestors in Canada chanted "Stand up to Trump!" to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as he joined thousands at an anti-racism rally on Friday and knelt alongside them thrice -- a gesture used to protest against police brutality and the treatment of African-Americans by police.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stand-up-to-trump-canada-protestors-shout-to-trudeau-at-anti-racism-rally-303734">Also read | 'Stand up to Trump!' Canada protestors shout to Trudeau at anti-racism rally</a>

Thousands took to the streets across Australia on Saturday, as did hundreds in Japan and South Korea to support US protests against police brutality.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-europe-and-asia-embrace-black-lives-matter-movement-303834">Also read | Australia, Europe and Asia embrace 'Black Lives Matter' movement</a>

Asia-Pacific demonstrations, however, were limited by social-distancing curbs aiming at stopping the novel coronavirus pandemic.

About a 100 protestors gathered at US President Donald Trump's golf resort just outside Miami, on Saturday, in solidarity with the 'Black Lives Matter' movement.

About a 100 protestors gathered at US President Donald Trump's golf resort just outside Miami, on Saturday, in solidarity with the 'Black Lives Matter' movement. The protest was organised by Latinos -- in which many carried signs that said 'Vote Him Out'. A separate sign -- 'Don't Be A Bunker Boy' -- was a reference to reports that Trump went into the White House bunker when protests in Washington got more violent. Several hundred people also gathered in downtown Miami for a march with plans for a bigger rally later in the day. The march was peaceful and led by a pastor who read Bible verses before everyone set out. George Floyd's death on May 25 -- at the hands of a white police officer who knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes -- has become the latest flashpoint for rage over police brutality against African Americans, propelling the issue of race to the top of the political agenda ahead of the US presidential election on November 3. US President Donald Trump on Friday criticised protestors who resorted to kneeling down during the national anthem, after NFL quarterback Drew Brees apologised for remarks he made about the practice. Also read | 'NO KNEELING': Trump criticises anti-racism protests during US anthem The kneeling pose, popularised by NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, has become a symbol of the fight for racial justice in the United States. Floyd, a Houston native who had worked security for various nightclubs, was unarmed when taken into custody outside a corner market where an employee had reported to police that a man matching his description tried to pay for cigarettes with a counterfeit bill. The protests have since reached other countries and continents. In the United States on Friday, prominent Democratic politicians adopted the slogans of the protests and announced reforms, as tensions remained high in major cities after days of largely peaceful protests that saw sporadic violence. Protestors in Canada chanted "Stand up to Trump!" to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as he joined thousands at an anti-racism rally on Friday and knelt alongside them thrice -- a gesture used to protest against police brutality and the treatment of African-Americans by police. Also read | 'Stand up to Trump!' Canada protestors shout to Trudeau at anti-racism rally Thousands took to the streets across Australia on Saturday, as did hundreds in Japan and South Korea to support US protests against police brutality. Also read | Australia, Europe and Asia embrace 'Black Lives Matter' movement Asia-Pacific demonstrations, however, were limited by social-distancing curbs aiming at stopping the novel coronavirus pandemic.

'Black Lives Matter' protestors rally at Trump golf resort in Florida

Racism and bigotry are not welcome in the United States and the US military, according to US Forces Korea commander Army Gen Robert Abrams.

These comments have come amid the nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd, a black man whose death on May 25 -- at the hands of a white police officer who knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes -- has become the latest flashpoint for rage over police brutality against African Americans, propelling the issue of race to the top of the political agenda ahead of the US presidential election on November 3.

“We should all be outraged and ashamed at the killing of George Floyd &amp; others by police. I know I am,” Abrams tweeted Friday.&nbsp;

“We should be equally outraged against racism and bigotry that continues. To be clear—there is NO place for it in our country and NO place for it in our military. ZERO.”

Abrams added he has spent the past week speaking privately with black service members so they could share their concerns with him.

“The pain is deep and real. These are not isolated cases of discrimination and bigotry... it is in many places,” Abrams said. “...and what I heard is heartbreaking...we can and must do better. We cannot sit by and hope that ‘they’ fix it. Things will not improve by themselves. It takes action...by ‘us’. We need to start right here where we are.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uniformed-military-personnel-deployed-at-wh-grounds-as-anti-racism-protests-in-us-enter-day-12-303944">Also read |&nbsp;Uniformed military personnel deployed at WH grounds as anti-racism protests in US enter Day 12</a>

For service members, that means taking action within one’s squad or platoon — all the way up to USFK headquarters. Additionally, he said to examine the composition of one’s formation and note if there is a lack of diversity. Not only will increased diversity help wipe out bigotry, but it will increase formation effectiveness, he said.

“If you don’t think there is a problem, you might be part of the problem,” Abrams said.&nbsp;

“Have the courage to start the conversation.”

“Last and most importantly, we need to do less talking the talk, and start walking the walk in our daily actions that demonstrates our commitment to our values and dignity and respect for everyone,” Abrams said. “Together we’re stronger. You can make a difference. Let’s commit to it.”

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1/7 
We should all be outraged and ashamed at the killing of George Floyd &amp; others by police. I know I am. 
 
We should be equally outraged against racism and bigotry that continues. To be clear—there is NO place for it in our country and NO place for it in our military. ZERO.
— Robert Abrams (@DogFaceSoldier) <a href="https://twitter.com/DogFaceSoldier/status/1268817068528300032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Reports say 36 per cent of all active-duty service members have personally seen examples of white supremacy and racism within the military.

This is the first time any US military personnel has mentioned about racism on a public platform.

Talking of racism, tens of thousands of demonstrators marched in Washington and other cities in the United States on Saturday to demand an end to the issue of race and brutality by US law enforcement as protests over the killing of a black man by Minneapolis police entered a 12th day.

In addition, thousands of people took to the streets in European and Asian cities on Saturday, demonstrating in support of US protests against police brutality.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-across-the-world-join-black-lives-matter-movement-303918">Also read |&nbsp;Thousands across the world join 'Black Lives Matter' movement</a>

Racism and bigotry are not welcome in the United States and the US military, according to US Forces Korea commander Army Gen Robert Abrams. These comments have come amid the nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd, a black man whose death on May 25 -- at the hands of a white police officer who knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes -- has become the latest flashpoint for rage over police brutality against African Americans, propelling the issue of race to the top of the political agenda ahead of the US presidential election on November 3.

Racism and bigotry are not welcome in the United States and the US military, according to US Forces Korea commander Army Gen Robert Abrams. These comments have come amid the nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd, a black man whose death on May 25 -- at the hands of a white police officer who knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes -- has become the latest flashpoint for rage over police brutality against African Americans, propelling the issue of race to the top of the political agenda ahead of the US presidential election on November 3. “We should all be outraged and ashamed at the killing of George Floyd & others by police. I know I am,” Abrams tweeted Friday. “We should be equally outraged against racism and bigotry that continues. To be clear—there is NO place for it in our country and NO place for it in our military. ZERO.” Abrams added he has spent the past week speaking privately with black service members so they could share their concerns with him. “The pain is deep and real. These are not isolated cases of discrimination and bigotry... it is in many places,” Abrams said. “...and what I heard is heartbreaking...we can and must do better. We cannot sit by and hope that ‘they’ fix it. Things will not improve by themselves. It takes action...by ‘us’. We need to start right here where we are.” Also read | Uniformed military personnel deployed at WH grounds as anti-racism protests in US enter Day 12 For service members, that means taking action within one’s squad or platoon — all the way up to USFK headquarters. Additionally, he said to examine the composition of one’s formation and note if there is a lack of diversity. Not only will increased diversity help wipe out bigotry, but it will increase formation effectiveness, he said. “If you don’t think there is a problem, you might be part of the problem,” Abrams said. “Have the courage to start the conversation.” “Last and most importantly, we need to do less talking the talk, and start walking the walk in our daily actions that demonstrates our commitment to our values and dignity and respect for everyone,” Abrams said. “Together we’re stronger. You can make a difference. Let’s commit to it.” 1/7 We should all be outraged and ashamed at the killing of George Floyd & others by police. I know I am. We should be equally outraged against racism and bigotry that continues. To be clear—there is NO place for it in our country and NO place for it in our military. ZERO. — Robert Abrams (@DogFaceSoldier) June 5, 2020 × Reports say 36 per cent of all active-duty service members have personally seen examples of white supremacy and racism within the military. This is the first time any US military personnel has mentioned about racism on a public platform. Talking of racism, tens of thousands of demonstrators marched in Washington and other cities in the United States on Saturday to demand an end to the issue of race and brutality by US law enforcement as protests over the killing of a black man by Minneapolis police entered a 12th day. In addition, thousands of people took to the streets in European and Asian cities on Saturday, demonstrating in support of US protests against police brutality. Also read | Thousands across the world join 'Black Lives Matter' movement

Racism not welcome in American military ranks, says US Forces Korea commander

Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched in Washington and other cities in the United States on Saturday to demand an end to racism and brutality by US law enforcement as protests over the killing of a black man by Minneapolis police entered a 12th day.

George Floyd, the black man, died on May 25 after a Minneapolis policeman knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. His killing, recorded in excruciating detail on a bystander's cellphone, has led to a wave of protests and national soul-searching over the country's legacy of violence and mistreatment of African Americans and other minorities.

As in previous days, the protests in cities from California to New York and Washington involved a series of loosely organised marches.

A second memorial service for Floyd was held in a North Carolina town where he was born. Hundreds lined up at a church in Raeford to pay their respects during a public viewing, and a private service for the family was conducted later in the day.

Floyd's first memorial was held on Friday in Minneapolis. His funeral is scheduled on Tuesday in Houston.

WASHINGTON

The protest in the nation's capital was shaping up as the largest of the marches seen this week in cities and smaller towns nationwide, as well as in countries around the world. It coincided with a second memorial service for George Floyd.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-racism-protestors-clash-with-mounted-police-in-britain-303913">Also read |&nbsp;Anti-racism protestors clash with mounted police in Britain</a>

As many as six buses unloaded hundreds of uniformed military personnel, most wearing body armour and carrying shields, at the White House grounds. Military Humvees were parked on tree-lined city streets.

Uniformed officers were out in smaller numbers than earlier in the week and generally assumed a more relaxed posture, wearing patrol uniforms rather than body armor and helmets.

Local media has forecast that tens of thousands would turn out in the US capital, despite the risks still posed by the coronavirus, which ravaged the country over the past two months and still presents a deadly threat.

Thousands gathered at the Lincoln Memorial and elsewhere before converging on the White House. A moving throng of people marched past the George Washington University Hospital chanting "Hands up, Don't shoot!" "We March for hope, not for hate," and "I can't breathe!"

That last chant echoed protests from New York in 2014, when Eric Garner died in police custody after an officer used a banned chokehold on him. Garner and Floyd are part of a long line of black men and women killed by white officers.

Demonstrators in Washington appeared to be from diverse backgrounds and were dressed for the 90 degree heat. A group wore hospital worker's clothing and held signs with slogans including "White Coats 4 Black Lives" and "I Love Being Black."

Protesters assembled on H Street NW and the newly rechristened Black Lives Matter Plaza, a strip leading up to the White House where the city painted "Black Lives Matter" in huge yellow letters on the pavement on Friday in defiance of President Donald Trump.

It was near the spot where US Park Police triggered outrage on Monday evening by firing smoke grenades and chemical irritant "pepper balls" before charging into peaceful protesters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-across-the-world-join-black-lives-matter-movement-303918">Also read |&nbsp;Thousands across the world join 'Black Lives Matter' movement</a>

Afterward, Trump walked from the White House to the front of a nearby church and posed holding a Bible, a gesture criticized by many Democrats and even some members of Trump's Republican Party.

On Saturday, the area had an atmosphere akin to a block party before the crowd marched toward downtown. People coloured in giant tributes to Floyd, while songs such as "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond and "Alright" by Kendrick Lamar blared through speakers. 
The demonstrators included families and people of all ages carrying signs saying "Fed up," "All lives do not matter until black lives do," and "My black son matters."

NEW YORK

In New York, a large crowd of protestors crossed the Brooklyn Bridge into lower Manhattan on Saturday afternoon, marching up a deserted Broadway, where many of the shops were boarded up, according to social media posts.

Thousands of others gathered in Harlem near the northwest corner of Central Park to march downtown, about 100 blocks, to the city's Washington Square Park.

SAN FRANCISCO

A diverse crowd of thousands of demonstrators tied up the iconic Golden Gate Bridge with the acquiescence of authorities on Saturday.

Tow trucks held off car traffic in both directions, and police directed vehicles caught in the middle of the bridge to go around protesters who eventually moved off the roadway peacefully.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-lives-matter-protestors-rally-at-trump-golf-resort-in-florida-303905">Also read |&nbsp;'Black Lives Matter' protestors rally at Trump golf resort in Florida</a>

LOS ANGELES

Protestors organised by Refuse Fascism LA took over Hollywood Boulevard, chanting “Revolution, nothing less!” And in San Diego, more than 3,000 people marched downtown while a caravan of 300 cars moved past the state university there.

PHILADELPHIA

In Philadelphia, demonstrators gathered on the steps of Philadelphia Art Museum steps chanting, "No justice, No peace." Others marched along Benjamin Franklin Parkway, through John F Kennedy Plaza, and around Philadelphia City Hall.

CALIFORNIA

In California, the country's most populous state, demonstrations occurred in many cities including Los Angeles and San Francisco, where protesters briefly blocked traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge as motorists honked in solidarity.

PORTLAND

Police in Portland, Oregon, became the latest city to order a tactical change -- it won't use tear gas on the protestors -- amid the ongoing nationwide movement against police brutality.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler directed the city's police chief to stop using tear gas "unless there is a serious and immediate threat to life safety, and there is no other viable alternative for dispersal."

(with inputs from agencies)

Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched in Washington and other cities in the United States on Saturday to demand an end to racism and brutality by US law enforcement as protests over the killing of a black man by Minneapolis police entered a 12th day.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched in Washington and other cities in the United States on Saturday to demand an end to racism and brutality by US law enforcement as protests over the killing of a black man by Minneapolis police entered a 12th day. George Floyd, the black man, died on May 25 after a Minneapolis policeman knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. His killing, recorded in excruciating detail on a bystander's cellphone, has led to a wave of protests and national soul-searching over the country's legacy of violence and mistreatment of African Americans and other minorities. As in previous days, the protests in cities from California to New York and Washington involved a series of loosely organised marches. A second memorial service for Floyd was held in a North Carolina town where he was born. Hundreds lined up at a church in Raeford to pay their respects during a public viewing, and a private service for the family was conducted later in the day. Floyd's first memorial was held on Friday in Minneapolis. His funeral is scheduled on Tuesday in Houston. WASHINGTON The protest in the nation's capital was shaping up as the largest of the marches seen this week in cities and smaller towns nationwide, as well as in countries around the world. It coincided with a second memorial service for George Floyd. Also read | Anti-racism protestors clash with mounted police in Britain As many as six buses unloaded hundreds of uniformed military personnel, most wearing body armour and carrying shields, at the White House grounds. Military Humvees were parked on tree-lined city streets. Uniformed officers were out in smaller numbers than earlier in the week and generally assumed a more relaxed posture, wearing patrol uniforms rather than body armor and helmets. Local media has forecast that tens of thousands would turn out in the US capital, despite the risks still posed by the coronavirus, which ravaged the country over the past two months and still presents a deadly threat. Thousands gathered at the Lincoln Memorial and elsewhere before converging on the White House. A moving throng of people marched past the George Washington University Hospital chanting "Hands up, Don't shoot!" "We March for hope, not for hate," and "I can't breathe!" That last chant echoed protests from New York in 2014, when Eric Garner died in police custody after an officer used a banned chokehold on him. Garner and Floyd are part of a long line of black men and women killed by white officers. Demonstrators in Washington appeared to be from diverse backgrounds and were dressed for the 90 degree heat. A group wore hospital worker's clothing and held signs with slogans including "White Coats 4 Black Lives" and "I Love Being Black." Protesters assembled on H Street NW and the newly rechristened Black Lives Matter Plaza, a strip leading up to the White House where the city painted "Black Lives Matter" in huge yellow letters on the pavement on Friday in defiance of President Donald Trump. It was near the spot where US Park Police triggered outrage on Monday evening by firing smoke grenades and chemical irritant "pepper balls" before charging into peaceful protesters. Also read | Thousands across the world join 'Black Lives Matter' movement Afterward, Trump walked from the White House to the front of a nearby church and posed holding a Bible, a gesture criticized by many Democrats and even some members of Trump's Republican Party. On Saturday, the area had an atmosphere akin to a block party before the crowd marched toward downtown. People coloured in giant tributes to Floyd, while songs such as "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond and "Alright" by Kendrick Lamar blared through speakers. The demonstrators included families and people of all ages carrying signs saying "Fed up," "All lives do not matter until black lives do," and "My black son matters." NEW YORK In New York, a large crowd of protestors crossed the Brooklyn Bridge into lower Manhattan on Saturday afternoon, marching up a deserted Broadway, where many of the shops were boarded up, according to social media posts. Thousands of others gathered in Harlem near the northwest corner of Central Park to march downtown, about 100 blocks, to the city's Washington Square Park. SAN FRANCISCO A diverse crowd of thousands of demonstrators tied up the iconic Golden Gate Bridge with the acquiescence of authorities on Saturday. Tow trucks held off car traffic in both directions, and police directed vehicles caught in the middle of the bridge to go around protesters who eventually moved off the roadway peacefully. Also read | 'Black Lives Matter' protestors rally at Trump golf resort in Florida LOS ANGELES Protestors organised by Refuse Fascism LA took over Hollywood Boulevard, chanting “Revolution, nothing less!” And in San Diego, more than 3,000 people marched downtown while a caravan of 300 cars moved past the state university there. PHILADELPHIA In Philadelphia, demonstrators gathered on the steps of Philadelphia Art Museum steps chanting, "No justice, No peace." Others marched along Benjamin Franklin Parkway, through John F Kennedy Plaza, and around Philadelphia City Hall. CALIFORNIA In California, the country's most populous state, demonstrations occurred in many cities including Los Angeles and San Francisco, where protesters briefly blocked traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge as motorists honked in solidarity. PORTLAND Police in Portland, Oregon, became the latest city to order a tactical change -- it won't use tear gas on the protestors -- amid the ongoing nationwide movement against police brutality. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler directed the city's police chief to stop using tear gas "unless there is a serious and immediate threat to life safety, and there is no other viable alternative for dispersal." (with inputs from agencies)

Uniformed military personnel deployed at WH grounds as anti-racism protests in US enter Day 12

The mayor of Washington, DC, had the slogan "Black Lives Matter" painted in massive yellow letters on a street leading to the White House on Friday in tribute to victims of police brutality as she sparred with US President Donald Trump.

Streets around the White House have been a focus of demonstrations that have swept the nation to protest the May 25 death of Floyd, 46, after a white police officer pinned him to the ground with a knee to the neck for nearly nine minutes.

Protests have also rocked cities including Atlanta, Denver, Detroit and Los Angeles, as well as many smaller communities.

Mayor Muriel Bowser's defiant message came as tensions remained high across the nation over the death of a black man, George Floyd, in Minneapolis police custody nearly two weeks ago, prompting political leaders in the city and elsewhere to announce new restrictions on law enforcement.

"Breonna Taylor, on your birthday, let us stand with determination," Bowser, a Democrat, wrote on Twitter in reference to a 26-year-old black woman who was shot dead by Louisville, Kentucky police in March.&nbsp;

"Determination to make America the land it ought to be."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-formally-clinches-us-democratic-nomination-303760">Also read |&nbsp;Joe Biden formally clinches US Democratic nomination</a>

Bowser and Trump, a Republican, are at odds over the president's use of federal law enforcement agencies and military police to put down demonstrations. US Park Police fired smoke grenades and chemical irritant "pepper balls" to break up a protest on Monday night so Trump could walk from the White House to a nearby church for a photo opportunity. 
"We want troops from out-of-state, out of Washington, DC," Bowser, who has called for the District of Columbia to be granted US statehood, told reporters on Thursday.

The city also installed a street sign for "Black Lives Matter Plaza" at the intersection of H and 16th Streets.

"The incompetent Mayor of Washington, D.C., @MayorBowser, who's budget is totally out of control and is constantly coming back to us for 'handouts', is now fighting with the National Guard, who saved her from great embarrassment," Trump responded on Twitter.&nbsp;

"If she doesn't treat these men and women well, then we'll bring in a different group of men and women!"

Bowser, who is black, represents a city that is 47% black, according to Census data.

She has said she is fine with DC National Guard helping to keep order in Washington, but is examining all legal options to reverse the deployment of federal forces from elsewhere.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stand-up-to-trump-canada-protestors-shout-to-trudeau-at-anti-racism-rally-303734">Also read |&nbsp;'Stand up to Trump!' Canada protestors shout to Trudeau at anti-racism rally</a>

Trump, who is seeking re-election in November, was cheered on Friday by an unexpected jump in US employment in May, defying predictions of further job losses inflicted by the pandemic.

"What's happened to our country and what you now see has been happening is the greatest thing that could happen for race relations, for the African-American community, for the Asian-American, for the Hispanic-American community, for women, for everything," Trump said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-its-a-great-day-for-george-floyd-in-an-unprepared-address-303748">Also read |&nbsp;Trump says it's a 'great day' for George Floyd in an unprepared address</a>

Further demonstrations were planned for Washington, DC on Saturday, and memorial services were expected over the next several days. Floyd's funeral is planned for Tuesday.

(with inputs from agencies)

The mayor of Washington, DC, had the slogan "Black Lives Matter" painted in massive yellow letters on a street leading to the White House on Friday in tribute to victims of police brutality as she sparred with US President Donald Trump.

The mayor of Washington, DC, had the slogan "Black Lives Matter" painted in massive yellow letters on a street leading to the White House on Friday in tribute to victims of police brutality as she sparred with US President Donald Trump. Streets around the White House have been a focus of demonstrations that have swept the nation to protest the May 25 death of Floyd, 46, after a white police officer pinned him to the ground with a knee to the neck for nearly nine minutes. Protests have also rocked cities including Atlanta, Denver, Detroit and Los Angeles, as well as many smaller communities. Mayor Muriel Bowser's defiant message came as tensions remained high across the nation over the death of a black man, George Floyd, in Minneapolis police custody nearly two weeks ago, prompting political leaders in the city and elsewhere to announce new restrictions on law enforcement. "Breonna Taylor, on your birthday, let us stand with determination," Bowser, a Democrat, wrote on Twitter in reference to a 26-year-old black woman who was shot dead by Louisville, Kentucky police in March. "Determination to make America the land it ought to be." Also read | Joe Biden formally clinches US Democratic nomination Bowser and Trump, a Republican, are at odds over the president's use of federal law enforcement agencies and military police to put down demonstrations. US Park Police fired smoke grenades and chemical irritant "pepper balls" to break up a protest on Monday night so Trump could walk from the White House to a nearby church for a photo opportunity. "We want troops from out-of-state, out of Washington, DC," Bowser, who has called for the District of Columbia to be granted US statehood, told reporters on Thursday. The city also installed a street sign for "Black Lives Matter Plaza" at the intersection of H and 16th Streets. "The incompetent Mayor of Washington, D.C., @MayorBowser, who's budget is totally out of control and is constantly coming back to us for 'handouts', is now fighting with the National Guard, who saved her from great embarrassment," Trump responded on Twitter. "If she doesn't treat these men and women well, then we'll bring in a different group of men and women!" Bowser, who is black, represents a city that is 47% black, according to Census data. She has said she is fine with DC National Guard helping to keep order in Washington, but is examining all legal options to reverse the deployment of federal forces from elsewhere. Also read | 'Stand up to Trump!' Canada protestors shout to Trudeau at anti-racism rally Trump, who is seeking re-election in November, was cheered on Friday by an unexpected jump in US employment in May, defying predictions of further job losses inflicted by the pandemic. "What's happened to our country and what you now see has been happening is the greatest thing that could happen for race relations, for the African-American community, for the Asian-American, for the Hispanic-American community, for women, for everything," Trump said. Also read | Trump says it's a 'great day' for George Floyd in an unprepared address Further demonstrations were planned for Washington, DC on Saturday, and memorial services were expected over the next several days. Floyd's funeral is planned for Tuesday. (with inputs from agencies)

Street outside White House painted 'Black Lives Matter Plaza'

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