bbc--2020-06-03--'It is good that Lewis, as a sports superstar, speaks out' - Wolff backs Hamilton over Floyd views

Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has backed Lewis Hamilton for speaking out on racism and diversity following the civil unrest in the United States .
Hamilton said on Tuesday that he was `` completely overcome with rage '' at events following George Floyd 's death .
Wolff said : `` Lewis is a supporter of minorities .
I learned a lot from him .
`` He asked me once : 'Have you ever had the active thought that you are white ? '
I said I had never thought about it .
He said : ' I think about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , F1 's first black driver , has been deeply affected by the death of 46-year-old African-American man George Floyd in police custody , after an officer knelt on his neck for several minutes .
The incident has sparked demonstrations across the US .
Wolff said : `` It is very hard for us to comprehend how difficult it is [ as a black man ] and I am happy he has come out so vocal .
He is one of the ambassadors of this sport and I think it 's good .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ what discrimination looked like as a young child '' having spent part of his childhood living with a Jewish family after his own fell into difficulties .
`` Sometimes it needs events to trigger a massive wave of support for any minority , '' Wolff added .
`` It is good that Lewis , as a sports superstar , speaks out in a sport that is dominated by white males . ''
• 'Footballers should take a knee ' - Kick It Out Wolff , speaking on a conference call following the announcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next month , also addressed the issue of Mercedes ' future driver line-up .
Both Hamilton and his team-mate Valtteri Bottas are out of contract at the end of the year and four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel is on the market after being told Ferrari would not offer him a new contract .
Wolff said he `` did n't want to discount Sebastian '' but emphasised that his `` priority '' lay with Hamilton and Bottas and Mercedes protege George Russell , who drives for Williams .
Wolff said he was `` keeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' following the announcement the team was up for sale after making a £13m loss last year .
Hamilton is expected to stay at Mercedes , although Wolff emphasised that they had not yet sat down to discuss a new contract .
`` There is a lot of trust , '' Wolff said .
`` We have been together for a long time and never did we have to take the contract out and read what was written in them .
So when racing resumes we will spend some time together and dig @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers and the rights and hopefully have something pretty soon . ''
He denied he was paying `` lip service '' to Vettel , but implied he was not Mercedes ' first choice as a partner for Hamilton .
`` We owe it to a four-time world champion not to come out and say straight away no , '' Wolff said .
`` We have a fantastic line-up .
But one may decide he does n't go on racing any more .
`` This is why I did n't want to come out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I would n't do it to him as a driver to be that blunt and I have seen black swans when no-one expects - look at Nico Rosberg ( who retired unexpectedly after winning the world title with Mercedes in 2016 ) .
`` In that respect we are keeping our options open and of course concentrating our discussions on current drivers . ''

Wolff has overseen all of Hamilton's five F1 titles with Mercedes
Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has backed Lewis Hamilton for speaking out on racism and diversity following the civil unrest in the United States.
Hamilton said on Tuesday that he was "completely overcome with rage" at events following George Floyd's death.
Wolff said: "Lewis is a supporter of minorities. I learned a lot from him.
"He asked me once: 'Have you ever had the active thought that you are white?' I said I had never thought about it. He said: 'I think about it every day.'"
Hamilton, F1's first black driver, has been deeply affected by the death of 46-year-old African-American man George Floyd in police custody, after an officer knelt on his neck for several minutes.
The incident has sparked demonstrations across the US.
Wolff said: "It is very hard for us to comprehend how difficult it is [as a black man] and I am happy he has come out so vocal. He is one of the ambassadors of this sport and I think it's good."
Wolff said he had "seen what discrimination looked like as a young child" having spent part of his childhood living with a Jewish family after his own fell into difficulties.
"Sometimes it needs events to trigger a massive wave of support for any minority," Wolff added. "It is good that Lewis, as a sports superstar, speaks out in a sport that is dominated by white males."
Vettel at Mercedes?
Vettel is currently without a drive in F1 for 2021
Wolff, speaking on a conference call following the announcement that the F1 season is to re-start next month, also addressed the issue of Mercedes' future driver line-up.
Both Hamilton and his team-mate Valtteri Bottas are out of contract at the end of the year and four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel is on the market after being told Ferrari would not offer him a new contract.
Wolff said he "didn't want to discount Sebastian" but emphasised that his "priority" lay with Hamilton and Bottas and Mercedes protege George Russell, who drives for Williams.
Wolff said he was "keeping a close eye on the Williams situation" following the announcement the team was up for sale after making a £13m loss last year.
Hamilton is expected to stay at Mercedes, although Wolff emphasised that they had not yet sat down to discuss a new contract.
"There is a lot of trust," Wolff said. "We have been together for a long time and never did we have to take the contract out and read what was written in them. So when racing resumes we will spend some time together and dig the contract out and look at the numbers and the rights and hopefully have something pretty soon."
He denied he was paying "lip service" to Vettel, but implied he was not Mercedes' first choice as a partner for Hamilton.
"We owe it to a four-time world champion not to come out and say straight away no," Wolff said. "We have a fantastic line-up. But one may decide he doesn't go on racing any more.
"This is why I didn't want to come out in June and say no to Sebastian. I wouldn't do it to him as a driver to be that blunt and I have seen black swans when no-one expects - look at Nico Rosberg (who retired unexpectedly after winning the world title with Mercedes in 2016).
"In that respect we are keeping our options open and of course concentrating our discussions on current drivers."


bbc--2020-06-03--'Snake' Ford used me as 'pawn' during 2015 World Cup - Burgess

Sam Burgess has called his then-Bath coach Mike Ford `` a snake '' and accused him of using Burgess as a `` pawn '' to play politics during England 's dire 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign .
The ex-rugby league star , now 31 , was included in England 's World Cup squad nine months after his union debut .
`` Mike Ford wanted the England coaching job , '' Burgess told the House of Rugby podcast .
`` I had to tell him I could n't play for him anymore .
I 'd lost respect for him . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ following the World Cup after just one season in union , claims Ford stoked controversy around his selection by discussing the issue in the media despite Burgess ' requests not to .
`` I just felt that people behind the scenes were playing a deeper game , '' explained Burgess .
He also said that the presence of Ford 's son George in the squad became problematic .
Ford was selected at fly-half for England 's opening win against Fiji , but was only on the bench for their second match against Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Owen Farrell preferred at 10 .
`` With George , Mike kind of infiltrated the camp - that is my take on it , '' added Burgess .
`` After me starting against Wales , my relationship with George completely changed , he would n't talk to me , he was a bit sulky .
`` Knowing what I know now , I see the politics .
George came on with 10 minutes to go to keep Mike and George happy .
We did n't need him on , we had the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led 25-18 in the 70th minute when Burgess was brought off for Ford , but went on to to lose 28-25 .
A subsequent 33-13 defeat by Australia , which neither Burgess nor Ford started , ensured the hosts would not progress beyond the pool stages .
Burgess returned to Australian rugby league side South Sydney Rabbitohs in the aftermath of the tournament , after just one year of a three-year deal with Bath .
`` I went back to Bath and I could n't sit in the same room as Mike .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Burgess .
`` I went straight into his office and said 'Mike I do n't trust you , I think you have been playing games behind my back , you have used me as a bit of a pawn in your game of chess , I ca n't put my boots on and play for you every week ' .
`` I will never forget his face when I said , ' I ca n't respect you , I think you are a bit of a snake . '
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him . ''
Both Mike and George Ford , who played for Bath at the time , were critical of Burgess ' decision to leave , with Mike saying he lacked `` the stomach '' to fight for his future in rugby union .
Ford , who was England 's defence coach at the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups , had initially been one of the favourites to replace Lancaster after the World Cup , before Australian Eddie Jones was appointed instead .
Burgess retired from rugby league in October , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australian media and as part of the backroom staff at the Rabbitohs .
BBC Sport has contacted Leicester - where Mike and George Ford coach and play respectively - for comment .

Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Mike Ford (left) and Sam Burgess' relationship broke down over the course of the 2015 Rugby World Cup
Sam Burgess has called his then-Bath coach Mike Ford "a snake" and accused him of using Burgess as a "pawn" to play politics during England's dire 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign.
The ex-rugby league star, now 31, was included in England's World Cup squad nine months after his union debut.
"Mike Ford wanted the England coaching job," Burgess told the House of Rugby podcast. external-link
"I had to tell him I couldn't play for him anymore. I'd lost respect for him."
Burgess, who returned to rugby league following the World Cup after just one season in union, claims Ford stoked controversy around his selection by discussing the issue in the media despite Burgess' requests not to.
"I just felt that people behind the scenes were playing a deeper game," explained Burgess.
He also said that the presence of Ford's son George in the squad became problematic.
Ford was selected at fly-half for England's opening win against Fiji, but was only on the bench for their second match against Wales, with Burgess brought into midfield and Owen Farrell preferred at 10.
"With George, Mike kind of infiltrated the camp - that is my take on it," added Burgess.
"After me starting against Wales, my relationship with George completely changed, he wouldn't talk to me, he was a bit sulky.
"Knowing what I know now, I see the politics. George came on with 10 minutes to go to keep Mike and George happy. We didn't need him on, we had the team to finish the game."
England led 25-18 in the 70th minute when Burgess was brought off for Ford, but went on to to lose 28-25.
England's defeat by Australia left them with only a dead rubber pool game to play against Uruguay
A subsequent 33-13 defeat by Australia, which neither Burgess nor Ford started, ensured the hosts would not progress beyond the pool stages.
Burgess returned to Australian rugby league side South Sydney Rabbitohs in the aftermath of the tournament, after just one year of a three-year deal with Bath.
"I went back to Bath and I couldn't sit in the same room as Mike. It was pretty hot to be honest," said Burgess.
"I went straight into his office and said 'Mike I don't trust you, I think you have been playing games behind my back, you have used me as a bit of a pawn in your game of chess, I can't put my boots on and play for you every week'.
"I will never forget his face when I said, 'I can't respect you, I think you are a bit of a snake.' I remember the quiver that I got from him."
Both Mike and George Ford, who played for Bath at the time, were critical of Burgess' decision to leave, with Mike saying he lacked "the stomach" to fight for his future in rugby union.
Ford, who was England's defence coach at the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups, had initially been one of the favourites to replace Lancaster after the World Cup, before Australian Eddie Jones was appointed instead.
Burgess retired from rugby league in October, and is working as a pundit in the Australian media and as part of the backroom staff at the Rabbitohs.
Neither Mike nor George Ford wished to comment on Burgess' claims when contacted by BBC Sport.


bbc--2020-06-03--George Floyd: Michael Jordan, Jadon Sancho, Serena Williams speak out, past protests and why this ti

George Floyd: Michael Jordan, Jadon Sancho, Serena Williams speak out, past protests and why this time might be different

Athletes around the world have been speaking out in response to the death of black American George Floyd .
Floyd @ @ @ @ @ being arrested by police outside a shop in Minneapolis last month .
Footage showed a @ @ @ @ @ neck for more than eight minutes while he was pinned to the floor .
He @ @ @ @ @ I ca n't breathe '' and pronounced dead later in hospital .
BBC Sport 's @ @ @ @ @ of the reaction and discusses the history of American sports stars speaking out against `` @ @ @ @ @ MORE : 'Enough is enough ' - Welsh sprinter Gordon says racism is a daily @ @ @

Athletes around the world have been speaking out in response to the death of black American George Floyd.
Floyd, 46, died after being arrested by police outside a shop in Minneapolis last month. Footage showed a white officer kneeling on his neck for more than eight minutes while he was pinned to the floor. He was heard repeatedly saying "I can't breathe" and pronounced dead later in hospital.
BBC Sport's Nesta McGregor rounds up some of the reaction and discusses the history of American sports stars speaking out against "ingrained racism".
WATCH MORE: 'Enough is enough' - Welsh sprinter Gordon says racism is a daily issue for him
Video available to UK users only.


bbc--2020-06-03--Viewpoint: US must confront its Original Sin to move forward

Following the death of George Floyd while under arrest , protests have consumed America and onlookers have wondered how one of the most powerful countries in the world could descend into such chaos .
Despite being defined by race , American society does not spend much time analysing the history of our racial divisions , and America prefers to believe in the inevitable progression towards racial equality .
The election of Barack Obama in 2008 fed into this narrative of progress , but Donald Trump 's presidential victory in 2016 was seen as a step backwards , coming after a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's divisive past as a form of progress .
Floyd 's death now appears to be the tipping point for an exhausted , racially divided nation still in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic and the economic cost that followed .
• ' I lost my best friend in a police shooting' • Three facts that help explain anger in the US Floyd 's cries of `` I ca n't breathe '' echoed the cries of Eric Garner , who was choked by police on a New York City sidewalk in 2014 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ oppressive past we work to forget regardless of whether it is six years ago , 60 years ago , the 1860s , or 1619 when some of the first slaves arrived in America .
To a large extent , America 's neglect of the past and belief in progress has left many Americans unaware of the severity and scope of our racial tensions , and as a result many Americans lack the words to articulate our current turmoil .
Recently , I have used the word ethnocide meaning `` the destruction of culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America 's past and present racial tensions , and this language also helps articulate the uniqueness of America 's race problem .
In 1941 , Raphael Lemkin , a Polish Jew and distinguished lawyer , immigrated to the United States as he fled the Nazis .
While in America he implored the American government to stop the Nazis from killing his people , and as his words fell on deaf ears , he realized he needed to create a new word to describe the unique horror befalling his people .
In 1944 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lemkin intended for the words to be interchangeable but over time they diverged .
Genocide became the destruction of a people and their culture , and this word radically changed the world for the better .
Ethnocide became the destruction of culture while keeping the people , and has been ignored for decades .
Recently , ethnocide has been used to describe the plight of indigenous people against colonization , but regarding America , ethnocide also pertains to the transatlantic slave trade and the founding of the nation .
From the beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colonisers destroyed the culture of African people , but kept their bodies in order to create the chattel slavery system that became the economic and social foundation of the United States .
Colonisers prevented Africans from speaking their languages and practicing their religions .
Tribal and familial bonds were broken , and African people could no longer identify as Igbo , Yoruba , and Malian .
Instead de-cultured names such as nigger , negro , coloured , and black were stamped upon African people .
Additionally , Europeans identified themselves as white , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was created to sustain that division .
One drop of black or African blood meant that a person could not be white .
In America , whiteness became a zero-sum identity that was maintained by systemic racial division .
Interracial marriage was still illegal in much of America until the Loving vs Virginia decision in 1967 .
• Behind the legacy of America 's blackface • Viewpoint : Why racial incidents are part of America From colonisation to the formation of the United States , America has created countless laws and policies to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whites forged by ethnocide .
These American norms , extending to housing , education , employment , healthcare , law enforcement and environmental protections including clean drinking water , have disproportionately harmed African Americans and other communities of colour in order to sustain racial division and white dominance .
George Floyd 's murder represents a continuation of the systemic criminalisation and oppression of black life in America that has always been the American norm dating back to Jim Crow , segregation ( which means apartheid ) , and slavery .
When the Confederacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the South , seceded from the United States , they launched the Civil War to defend the immoral institution of slavery .
After losing the Civil War , these states were readmitted back into the United States .
To this day , many Americans , and especially America hate groups , still celebrate Confederate soldiers and politicians as heroes , and there are monuments and memorials dedicated to them across America .
Despite the American South losing the Civil War in 1865 , American president Andrew Johnson pardoned Confederate soldiers , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the newly-reunited America .
The influence of former slave owners and Confederates contributed to erasing the rights that African Americans won in the 1860s including citizenship and the right to vote .
The political campaign to remove African American rights was called the Redeemers movement , and it was led former slave-owners and Confederates , who wanted to redeem the South by returning it to the norms of chattel slavery .
The Redeemers and `` Make America Great Again '' derive from America 's oppressive , ethnocidal school of thought .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups such as the Ku Klux Klan that were made up of former Confederate soldiers .
The KKK , and many other white supremacist groups , terrorised and lynched black Americans , and they also prevented them from voting to help ensure that Redeemer candidates won elected office .
The terrorists became the government .
By the start of the 20th Century the Redeemers had succeeded in undoing the racial equality progress of the post-Civil War Reconstruction era , and now Jim Crow segregation became the norm of the American South .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ferguson made `` separate but equal '' the new law of the land , and America again became a legal apartheid state .
According to the Equal Justice Initiative 's 2017 report Lynching in America , over 4,400 lynchings of African Americans occurred from 1877-1950 .
That is more than a lynching a week for 74 years .
During Jim Crow , America could not legally deny black people their humanity , but they could deny them the services that are afforded to human beings .
Black people were denied education , housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` know their place '' as a perpetually subjugated people .
Large prisons were erected on former plantations , and black people were arrested for minor crimes and given long prison sentences doing manual labour on the same land their ancestors were forced to work as enslaved people .
As a result of Jim Crow , millions of African Americans fled the neo-slavery and terror of the South during the Great Migration , and racial tensions spread across America as other American cities did not welcome these domestic refugees .
This is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where prior to the Civil War enslaved African Americans escaped the South and sought refuge in Canada and the Northern parts of America .
The civil rights movement of the 1960s effectively ended Jim Crow , and African Americans began reclaiming the rights , specifically voting rights and freedom of movement , they had previously won in the 1860s , but it is a long road to dismantle systemic and legalised racism and segregation .
Obama 's election in 2008 was a monumental event in American society , but it did not magically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's social fabric and the 2012 killing of Trayvon Martin , 17 , helped launch the Black Lives Matter movement to national attention .
Trayvon was shot and killed by George Zimmerman as he walked home in his own neighbourhood because Zimmerman thought he looked suspicious .
Martin was unarmed .
Zimmerman pled self-defence and a jury found him not guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter .
Trayvon was one of countless African Americans killed by America 's ethnocidal society that sanctions terror from both the government and civilians .
The unjust killing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racist vigilantes remained the norm during Obama 's presidency , but now the black community could record and document these crimes on video , and had a president who would defend them .
Obama famously said : `` If I had a son , he 'd look like Trayvon . ''
The emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement and other protests under Obama occurred because black Americans were confident that the White House would listen to their cries of `` I ca n't breathe '' and make American society finally equitable and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fallen on deaf ears and tensions have escalated .
America has much work to do to fix our racial tensions because our divisions and inequality are forged in our ethnocidal roots .
We need to reform the policing of nation nearly the size of a continent with over 300 million people , but we also need to make our education , healthcare , and housing systems , and every facet of our democracy more equitable .
Additionally , truth and reconciliation commissions , a national apology , reparations , holding evildoers accountable , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heal after a genocide , the linguistic sibling of ethnocide , will help America change course and forge equality and justice .
• Should the term 'racist ' be redefined ?
• The awkward questions about slavery from US tourists Also , America has rarely criminalised white supremacist hate and terror and instead has spent centuries normalising white terrorist groups , celebrating them as heroes , and letting them decide if their actions are evil or not .
This is why the Confederacy is still celebrated today .
Europe did not allow fascists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were good or not , but America has always given this luxury to racist slave-owners and their generational apologists and offspring .
This must change .
Rwanda , Germany , and South Africa have reckoned with their troubled past to make a better future , but America has long preferred to ignore the past , and proclaim the inevitability of progress .
America today must define and confront the Original Sin of slavery , ethnocide , and the cultural destruction it has inflicted upon all Americans , past and present .
Otherwise we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and will continue our regression .
Barrett is a writer , journalist and filmmaker focusing on race , culture and politics

Lemkin intended for the words to be interchangeable but over time they diverged. Genocide became the destruction of a people and their culture, and this word radically changed the world for the better. Ethnocide became the destruction of culture while keeping the people, and has been ignored for decades. Recently, ethnocide has been used to describe the plight of indigenous people against colonisation, but regarding America, ethnocide also pertains to the transatlantic slave trade and the founding of the nation.


bbc--2020-06-03--George Floyd: What has Trump done for black jobs, poverty and crime?

As protests continue across the US over the death of an African-American man , George Floyd , President Donald Trump has said he 's done `` more for the black community than any president since Abraham Lincoln '' .
He tweeted that he had delivered the lowest African-American unemployment , poverty and crime rates in US history .
So how has he done ?
1 .
Is African-American unemployment the lowest in history ?
The African-American unemployment rate reached 16.7 % in April this year - the highest since March 2010 .
It 's spiked sharply because of the huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US economy .
And this has disproportionately affected African-Americans - their unemployment rate is two percentage points higher than the overall figure .
But it 's worth saying it went as low as 5.5 % in September last year - the lowest figure recorded since the US Department of Labor started collecting these statistics in the 1970s .
Prior to the coronavirus crisis , there had been a consistent downward trend in African-American unemployment under President Trump .
But it 's a trend which began under President Barack Obama , who saw the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % during his two terms in office from 2009 until 2017 .
However , there remains a disparity in wages between different groups in the US .
The average income of African-American households is almost 60 % less than white households , with growth stalling under President Trump , according to the latest statistics .
2 .
Is the African-American poverty rate at a record low ?
In 2018 , the latest data available , the African-American poverty rate was 20.8 % - which is the lowest on record , beating the previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 1960s .
That represents 8.9 million African-Americans in poverty , according to the US Census Bureau .
The US Census Bureau calculates poverty by judging that if a family 's total income is less than the family 's needs , then every person in that family is considered to be in poverty .
Black poverty also came down under President Obama , and was 21.8 % in 2016 - his last full year in office .
3 .
Is crime committed by African-Americans lower than ever ?
This is hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime statistics gathered by the FBI , but there is n't comprehensive data categorised by race .
Violent crime overall has fallen under President Trump , continuing a trend which started after a peak in 1991 .
When you look at the number of African-Americans arrested - which can give some indication - you can see arrests have come down over recent years .
They 've remained relatively steady for the last four years .
In 2018 , the latest available data , 2,115,381 African-Americans were arrested , according to FBI statistics .

The US Census Bureau calculates poverty by judging that if a family's total income is less than the family's needs, then every person in that family is considered to be in poverty.


bbc--2020-06-04--George Floyd death: Trump ex-defence chief Mattis attacks president

Ex-US Defence Secretary James Mattis has denounced President Donald Trump , saying he deliberately stokes division .
He said he was `` angry and appalled '' by Mr Trump 's handling of ongoing protests over the death of African American George Floyd at the hands of police .
Mr Mattis berated Mr Trump 's `` abuse of authority '' - and backed protesters seeking to uphold American values , as did ex-President Barack Obama .
Mr Trump has described Mr Mattis repeatedly as an `` overrated general '' .
Mr Mattis quit in 2018 after Mr Trump decided to pull @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has remained mostly silent since then , until his rebuke of the Trump administration was published in The Atlantic magazine on Wednesday .
• WATCH : 'This is why we are protesting' • CRIME AND JUSTICE : How are African-Americans treated ?
• HOW IT HAPPENED : The last moments of his life In response to the fresh criticism , Mr Trump posted a series of tweets in which he claimed to have fired Mr Mattis .
`` I did n't like his `` leadership '' style or much else about him , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
`` Glad he is gone ! ''
The row comes as new charges were brought against all of the sacked police officers present at Mr Floyd 's death in the city of Minneapolis .
The charge against Derek Chauvin has been elevated to second-degree murder while the other three officers , previously uncharged , face counts of aiding and abetting murder .
The death has sparked huge protests across the US in recent days .
The vast majority of demonstrations over the past nine days have been peaceful , but some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposed in a number of cities .
What did Mattis say ?
`` Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people - does not even pretend to try , '' Mr Mattis wrote in The Atlantic .
`` Instead , he tries to divide us . ''
He continued : `` We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort .
We are witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership . ''
Mr Mattis also addressed the recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must not be distracted by a small number of lawbreakers , '' Mr Mattis wrote .
`` The protests are defined by tens of thousands of people of conscience who are insisting that we live up to our values ... as a nation . ''
The retired general - whose resignation letter in December 2018 was full of implied criticism of the president 's foreign policy - also condemned the use of the military in response to the protests .
`` Never did I dream that troops ... would be ordered under any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their fellow citizens , '' he said .
`` Militarising our response , as we witnessed in Washington DC , sets up a conflict ... between the military and civilian society , '' he added .
Mr Mattis was referring to an incident earlier this week when peaceful protesters were dispersed with tear gas and rubber bullets from a park close to the White House .
Mr Trump then crossed the park for a photo-op at a historic church that had been damaged by fire in the unrest .
This provoked sharp criticism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who accused the president of aggressively targeting the demonstrators for the purpose of posing for photographs .
In his latest comments , Mr Mattis derided the `` bizarre photo-op '' and said clearing the park of demonstrators beforehand was an `` abuse of executive authority '' .
Mr Trump has repeatedly questioned whether the protesters were peaceful and , in an earlier tweet , he said `` people liked my walk to this historic place of worship '' .
And in an interview with his former press secretary Sean Spicer on Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit .
He said it was `` handled really well '' and `` religious leaders loved it '' .
What was Mr Obama 's reaction to the protests ?
Former President Barack Obama said it was vital to channel the momentum built up in the recent protests to bring about change .
In his first video comments since Mr Floyd 's death , he said the demonstrations were as profound as anything he 'd seen in his lifetime , and called on Americans to seize the chance to deal with the underlying problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that violence has come from folks who were supposed to be serving and protecting you , '' Mr Obama said .
`` I want you to know that you matter .
I want you to know that your lives matter , your dreams matter . ''
`` There is a change in mindset that 's taking place , a greater recognition that we can do better , '' he added .
Mr Obama did not comment directly on Mr Trump 's handling of the unrest , although he urged mayors around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Duchess of Sussex has also issued a personal message about Mr Floyd 's death , saying his life mattered and recent events had been devastating .
Protests over the death continued in dozens of cities on Wednesday night despite widespread curfews .
They have been largely peaceful , with cities such as Los Angeles and Chicago relaxing their restrictions amid hopes that the worst of the violence had passed .
A post-mortem examination has revealed that Floyd had the coronavirus in early April .
But officials stressed that this played no role @ @ @ @

George Floyd dies after police arrest Image caption Tributes to George Floyd at a makeshift memorial Image copyright by Getty Images George Floyd dies after being arrested by police outside a shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Footage shows a white officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeling on Mr Floyd’s neck for several minutes while he is pinned to the floor. Mr Floyd is heard repeatedly saying "I can’t breathe". He is pronounced dead later in hospital.
Protests begin Image caption Demonstrators in Minneapolis Image copyright by AFP Four officers involved in the arrest of George Floyd are fired. Protests begin as the video of the arrest is shared widely on social media. Hundreds of demonstrators take to the streets of Minneapolis and vandalise police cars and the police station with graffiti.
Protests spread Image caption Protesters lie on the streets in Portland, Oregon Image copyright by Reuters Protests spread to other cities including Memphis and Los Angeles. In some places, like Portland, Oregon, protesters lie in the road, chanting "I can’t breathe". Demonstrators again gather around the police station in Minneapolis where the officers involved in George Floyd’s arrest were based and set fire to it. The building is evacuated and police retreat.
Trump tweets Image caption President Trump tweets about the unrest Image copyright by Reuters President Trump blames the violence on a lack of leadership in Minneapolis and threatens to send in the National Guard in a tweet. He follows it up in a second tweet with a warning "when the looting starts, the shooting starts". The second tweet is hidden by Twitter for "glorifying violence".
CNN reporter arrested Image caption Members of a CNN crew are arrested at a protest Image copyright by Reuters A CNN reporter, Omar Jimenez, is arrested while covering the Minneapolis protest. Mr Jimenez was reporting live when police officers handcuffed him. A few minutes later several of his colleagues are also arrested. They are all later released once they are confirmed to be members of the media. Derek Chauvin charged with murder Image caption Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin after being charged over the death of George Floyd Image copyright by Getty Images Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, 44, is charged with murder and manslaughter. The charges carry a combined maximum 35-year sentence.
Sixth night of protests Image caption Demonstrators set fire to rubbish in New York Image copyright by Reuters Violence spreads across the US on the sixth night of protests. A total of at least five people are reported killed in protests from Indianapolis to Chicago. More than 75 cities have seen protests. At least 4,400 people have been arrested. Curfews are imposed across the US to try to stem the unrest.
Trump threatens military response Image caption Trump posing with a Bible outside a boarded-up church Image copyright by EPA President Trump threatens to send in the military to quell growing civil unrest. He says if cities and states fail to control the protests and "defend their residents" he will deploy the army and "quickly solve the problem for them". Mr Trump poses in front of a damaged church shortly after police used tear gas to disperse peaceful protesters nearby.
Eighth night of protests Image caption George Floyd’s family joined protesters in Houston Image copyright by Getty Tens of thousands of protesters again take to the streets. One of the biggest protests is in George Floyd’s hometown of Houston, Texas. Many defy curfews in several cities, but the demonstrations are largely peaceful.
Memorial service for George Floyd Image caption Mourners gather to remember George Floyd Image copyright by Getty A memorial service for George Floyd is held in Minneapolis. Those gathered in tribute stand in silence for eight minutes, 46 seconds, the amount of time Mr Floyd is alleged to have been on the ground under arrest. Hundreds attended the service, which heard a eulogy from civil rights activist Rev Al Sharpton.
International protests Image caption Protester addresses crowds in Australia Image copyright by Getty As the US saw another weekend of protests, with tens of thousands marching in Washington DC, anti-racism demonstrations were held around the world. In Australia, there were major protests in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane that focused on the treatment of indigenous Australians. There were also demonstrations in France, Germany, Spain and the UK. In Bristol, protesters tore down the statue of a 17th century slave trader and threw it into the harbour.


bbc--2020-06-04--Curtis Hayes: Man behind the protest plea that moved America

In a viral video from Charlotte , North Carolina , Curtis Hayes implored two generations of protester to `` find @ @ @ @ @ express their pain over police killings of African Americans .
Hayes spoke to the BBC @ @ @ @ @ next generation will have to rethink how they inspire change in the wake of George @ @ @ @ @ also said it 's the job of white Americans to challenge each other to help @ @ @

In a viral video from Charlotte, North Carolina, Curtis Hayes implored two generations of protester to "find a better way" to express their pain over police killings of African Americans.
Hayes spoke to the BBC about why he believes the next generation will have to rethink how they inspire change in the wake of George Floyd's death.
Hayes also said it's the job of white Americans to challenge each other to help society grow.


bbc--2020-06-04--Madeleine McCann 'assumed dead' by German prosecutors

Madeleine McCann is `` assumed to be dead '' say German prosecutors , who are investigating the disappearance of the British girl .
A 43-year-old German man is being investigated on suspicion of murder , the German public prosecutor added .
The suspect , who has not been named , is currently in prison .
He is believed to have been in the area where Madeleine was last seen , when she disappeared as a three-year-old in Portugal in 2007 .
Police are appealing for the public 's help in solving the case , after they announced they had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents , Kate and Gerry McCann , felt the latest development was `` potentially very significant '' , the family 's spokesman said .
Clarence Mitchell , who has represented the family since the three-year-old 's disappearance , said that in 13 years he could n't `` recall an instance when the police had been so specific about an individual '' .
He told BBC Breakfast : `` Of all the thousands of leads and potential suspects that have been mentioned in the past , there has never been something as clear cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but three , police forces . ''
• In Pictures : The search for Madeleine McCann The Met Police , who are working with German and Portuguese police , said the case remained a `` missing persons '' investigation because it does not have `` definitive evidence '' as to whether Madeleine is alive or not .
However , German investigators - who are due to give an update later - have classed it as a murder inquiry .
`` There is reason to assume that there are other persons , apart from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the course of the crime and maybe also of the place where the body was left , '' said German police .
The suspect , who is not being named because of German court privacy rules , has been described as white with short blond hair and about 6ft ( 1.8m ) tall with a slim build at the time .
Police have also released photos of two vehicles - a VW camper van and a Jaguar car - which are believed to be linked to the man , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Madeleine vanished in 2007 , the suspect transferred the Jaguar to someone else 's name .
On Wednesday , Germany 's federal criminal police office ( BKA ) - which is leading this stage of the case - said the man was serving a jail sentence in Germany for a sex crime .
He has `` numerous '' previous convictions for `` sexual abuse of children '' , the office added .
Madeleine went missing shortly before her fourth birthday from an apartment in Praia da Luz on the evening of 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with friends at a nearby tapas bar .
Her disappearance sparked a huge and costly police hunt across much of Europe - the most recent Metropolitan Police investigation , which began in 2011 , has cost more than £11m .
Det Ch Insp Mark Cranwell , who is in charge of the Met investigation , said the suspect , then aged 30 , frequented the Algarve between 1995 and 2007 , staying for `` days upon end '' in his camper van and living a `` transient lifestyle '' .
He was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McCann family was staying when she disappeared and received a phone call at 7.32pm , which ended at 8.02pm .
Madeleine is believed to have disappeared between 9.10pm and 10pm that evening .
Police have released details of the suspect 's phone number ( +351 912 730 680 ) and the number which dialled him ( +351 916 510 683 ) , and said any information about these numbers could be `` critical '' .
Det Ch Insp Cranwell said the caller was a `` key witness '' and should get in touch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ details about the suspect , he added : `` Some people will know the man we are describing today , the suspect in our investigation .
I 'm appealing to you directly .
`` You may know , you may be aware of some of the things he has done .
He may have confided in you about the disappearance of Madeleine .
`` More than 13 years have passed and your loyalties may have changed .
`` This individual is in prison and we are conscious that some people may have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now is the time to come forward . ''
German police said the suspect is thought to have worked jobs including as a waiter , but also committed burglaries in hotels and holiday resorts and dealt drugs .
Christian Hoppe , from the German police , said the suspect may have broken into an apartment before spontaneously kidnapping Madeleine .
The joint appeal from the British , German and Portuguese police includes a £20,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person responsible of Madeleine 's disappearance .
Jim Gamble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protection officer in the UK 's first police investigation into Madeleine 's disappearance , said it was the first time in 13 years `` when I actually dare to hope '' .
He told the BBC News Channel the `` circumstantial evidence '' that had been shared by the police made the new suspect a `` really significant person of interest '' .
He said he believed the man `` came to light a number of years ago '' but was only being made public now because it was a `` painstaking '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of chaos '' after the initial investigation had been `` bungled '' .
Is this the breakthrough ?
Is this German prisoner the man who can unlock the mystery ?
It certainly has the feel of a significant development - police have used those very words .
Evidence , according to detectives , places the man near the scene ; the re-registering of his car the next day is undoubtedly suspicious .
And his criminal record , disclosed by the German police , is a disturbing guide as to what his motivations might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been so many false trails in the case before - clues , sightings and suspects that led nowhere .
Three years ago , during the last major police appeal , Scotland Yard said it was working on one final `` critical '' line of inquiry .
Now , we 're told there 's another one .
That may explain why Met detectives - who 've been involved in the case for nine years - are being rather more cautious than their German counterparts .
In a statement , the McCanns , from Rothley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We would like to thank the police forces involved for their continued efforts in the search for Madeleine .
`` All we have ever wanted is to find her , uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice .
`` We will never give up hope of finding Madeleine alive , but whatever the outcome may be , we need to know as we need to find peace . ''
Police said the suspect was one of 600 people that detectives on the UK inquiry , known as Operation Grange , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not been a suspect .
After a 10-year anniversary appeal in 2017 , `` significant '' fresh information about him was provided .
Since then , Met detectives have carried out `` extensive inquiries '' in Portugal and Germany to gather more details about him .
The force said it was trying to `` prove or disprove '' his involvement in the case and retained an `` open mind '' .
Those with information can contact the Operation Grange incident room on 020 7321 9251 .
• 3 May 2007 : Alarm is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missing • September 2007 : Kate and Gerry McCann are made `` arguidos '' - formal suspects - in their daughter 's disappearance • July 2008 : Portuguese police halt their investigation and lift the `` arguido '' status of the McCanns and another man , Robert Murat • May 2011 : Prime Minister David Cameron asks the Metropolitan Police to help investigate .
A two-year review follows • July 2013 : Scotland Yard says it has `` new evidence and new witnesses '' in the case and opens a formal investigation into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Detectives in Portugal reopen the investigation , citing `` new lines of inquiry '' • January 2014 : British detectives fly to Portugal amid claims they are planning to make arrests • December 2014 : Detectives question 11 people who it was thought may have information on the case • September 2015 : The British government discloses that the investigation has cost more than £10m • February 2017 : Portugal 's Supreme Court dismisses a long-running libel case against Goncalo Amaral , former head of the local police investigation , ruling that his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Madeleine 's body , is protected by freedom of expression laws • April 2017 : The only four official suspects investigated by police are ruled out of the investigation but senior officers say they are pursuing a `` significant line of inquiry '' • November 2018 : An extra £150,000 is granted to continue the investigation .
It is the latest in a series of six-month extensions which take the cost of Operation Grange to an estimated £11.75m • March 2019 : Netflix screens an eight-part documentary about Madeleine 's disappearance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the film , feel it could `` potentially hinder '' the police investigation • June 2019 : The UK government says it will fund the Met Police inquiry , which began in 2011 , until March 2020 • June 2020 : Police reveal that a 43-year-old German prisoner has been identified as a suspect in Madeleine 's disappearance

"Of all the thousands of leads and potential suspects that have been mentioned in the past, there has never been something as clear cut as that from not just one, but three police forces", he said.


bbc--2020-06-04--Australian man interrupts PM Morrison to say 'get off my lawn'

A local resident has interrupted a press briefing by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to complain that onlookers were trampling @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Morrison had been announcing a scheme to offer subsidies to residents on home @ @

A local resident has interrupted a press briefing by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to complain that onlookers were trampling on his recently reseeded lawn.
Mr Morrison had been announcing a scheme to offer subsidies to residents on home renovations.


bbc--2020-06-04--South Korean balloons: Plans to stop people sending cross-border messages

The South Korean government plans to stop people sending balloons with anti-North Korean messages across the border .
The announcement came after Kim Yo-jong - sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un - said recent balloon-senders were `` human scum '' .
For years , activists and defectors have sent messages criticising the North and its leadership across the border .
But the South Korean government said the balloons caused `` tension '' .
One group told the BBC they had no plans to stop - and had another one million leaflets on order .
In the past , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and even chocolate .
In 2014 North Korean soldiers attempted to shoot them down - leading to an exchange of fire across the border .
The North has also sent its own leaflets on helium balloons across the border in the past , demanding - among other things - an end to `` further hostilities or stupid actions '' .
What did Kim Yo-jong say about the balloons ?
Kim Yo-jong - who holds a powerful position in the North Korean government - issued a long statement on Thursday , blaming `` defectors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I wonder if the world knows what kind of riff-raff those foolish defectors are , '' said the statement , translated by KCNA Watch .
`` Human scum - little short of wild animals who betrayed their own homeland - are engrossed in such unbecoming acts ... they are sure to be called mongrel dogs as they bark in where they should not . ''
Ms Kim then said the `` owners of the mongrel dogs '' - that is , the South Korean government - should be held to account @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military pact , shut down the North-South liaison office , and withdraw from the joint-venture Kaesong Industrial Park .
How did the South react ?
The South Korean government said it was planning legislation against the balloons , which they called `` tension-causing '' .
`` Actually , most of the leaflets have been found in our territory , causing environmental pollution and increasing burden on local people to get rid of them , '' said Ministry of Unification spokesperson Yoh Sang-key .
`` Any act that could pose a threat to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be stopped . ''
What do the balloon senders say ?
Park Sang-hak , the chairman of Fighters for a Free North Korea , said they were undeterred - and had recently ordered another one million leaflets .
His group sent leaflets across the border 11 times last year , and three times this year .
The latest was on 31 May - which led to Kim Yo-jong 's furious reaction .
• What the North Korean 'leaflet bombs ' say '' We in South Korea have our own sovereignty , and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights - and one of them is freedom of speech , '' said Mr Park .
`` I , Park Sang-hak , am not living in Pyongyang nor am I a slave to the Kim family dictatorship .
I am a South Korean citizen .
`` The unification ministry has been trying to make this law for the last 15 years .
Please go ahead .
We are fine .
We live in a 5G world now .
`` If the leaflets get blocked , then we will send drones .
They can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not be stopped .
The voice of 45,000 defectors who seek truth will continue . ''
This is not a good look .
North Korea makes a demand - and hours later , South Korea complies .
These balloon launches have always been a sore point between the two sides .
Seoul is trying to re-establish ties with Pyongyang after a year of very little contact .
There 's even a push to amend a law which would allow North Korean firms to do businesses in South Korean territory .
The long-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that engaging with North Korea will eventually lead to better human rights for its people .
But it 's a tricky line to navigate .
South Korea is home to those who 've escaped the North Korean regime .
They promised them shelter .
Most defectors have endured incredible hardship to win the right to free speech .
And by appearing to comply with Kim Yo-jong 's demands so quickly , it may make some defectors wonder whose side South Korea is really on .

"Human scum - little short of wild animals who betrayed their own homeland - are engrossed in such unbecoming acts... they are sure to be called mongrel dogs as they bark in where they should not."


bbc--2020-06-04--Tiananmen anniversary: Hong Kongers mark crackdown despite ban

People across Hong Kong are finding ways to mark the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown , despite the official vigil being banned .
On 4 June 1989 troops and tanks opened fire on pro-democracy protesters in Beijing - estimates of the dead vary from a few hundred to several thousand .
Tens of thousands of people normally mark the anniversary in Hong Kong .
But this year - as Beijing proposed a new security law for the city - the vigil was banned for virus reasons .
• What were the Tiananmen Square protests about ?
Police told local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deployed to stop smaller or impromptu commemorations .
Hong Kong and Macau are the only parts of China allowed to mark the killings .
On the mainland , references to the crackdown are banned , and the government mentions it rarely - if at all .
Meanwhile , Hong Kong legislators have approved a controversial law that makes it a criminal offence to disrespect the Chinese national anthem .
Thursday 's vote was delayed after two pro-democracy lawmakers threw a foul-smelling liquid on to the floor of the legislature .
Police and firefighters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chamber was cleaned before voting took place .
The MPs said they were protesting against the growing power of the Chinese Communist Party in Hong Kong and marking the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown .
It was the second such protest at the Legislative Council in recent days .
Last week a pro-democracy MP threw rotten plants on to the floor of the chamber , saying it symbolised the decay of Hong Kong 's political system .
What is planned in Hong Kong on Thursday ?
The Hong Kong Alliance - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published a timetable for a home-based commemoration .
They are asking people to light a candle at 20:00 local time `` no matter where you are '' , followed by a minute 's silence , songs , and `` chanting of slogans '' .
They also want to send delegates to Victoria Park in small groups that comply with social-distancing rules .
Groups of up to eight are allowed to gather in Hong Kong under the territory 's virus rules .
But police sources told the South China Morning Post that if different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , they would be moved on .
Some pro-democracy activists marked the anniversary outside a Hong Kong prison on Wednesday evening .
What is the proposed security law ?
The Chinese government wants a new security law for Hong Kong , which would make it a crime to undermine Beijing 's authority .
The law could also see China installing its own security agencies in the city for the first time .
Critics fear the law would remove Hong Kong 's freedoms and mean the end of the `` one country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • China 's new law : Why is Hong Kong worried ?
They also fear the bill could mean no more Tiananmen Square vigils in Hong Kong - even after the virus threat has eased .
The draft law was passed by China 's rubber-stamp parliament , the National People 's Congress , and is expected to come into force by September .
The proposal sparked renewed protests in Hong Kong .
When the city last tried to introduce a national security law in 2003 , it backed down after public anger .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The national anthem bill - approved by the parliament , known as the Legislative Council , on Thursday - is separate to the national security law .
Last month , there was chaos in parliament as pro-Beijing lawmakers attempted to push it through .
In recent years , the Chinese anthem has been booed more frequently before the Hong Kong national football team 's matches .
Pro-democracy protesters occupied Tiananmen Square in April 1989 and began the largest political demonstration in communist China 's history .
They lasted six weeks , with as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On the night of 3 June tanks moved in and troops opened fire , killing and injuring many unarmed people in and around the square .
With estimates varying from the hundreds to even 10,000 , China has never given an official figure for how many people died .

It was the second such protest at the Legislative Council in recent days. Last week a pro-democracy MP threw rotten plants on to the floor of the chamber, saying it symbolised the decay of Hong Kong's political system.


bbc--2020-06-04--India outrage after pregnant elephant dies eating 'firecracker fruit'

Wildlife officials in India are investigating the death of a pregnant elephant from allegedly eating a pineapple containing firecrackers .
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said the government had taken a `` serious note of the killing '' .
The incident in Kerala caused outrage after a forest official posted about the death on social media .
India is home to some 27,000 wild elephants .
Another 2,500 elephants are held in captivity .
Mr Javadekar tweeted that the government would probe the killing .
The Kerala forest department said on Thursday that `` several suspects '' were being questioned in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said there was no `` conclusive evidence '' to link the death to firecrackers .
The incident has sparked outrage on social media .
Ratan Tata , chairman of Tata Sons and one of India 's leading businessmen , said `` justice needs to prevail '' .
Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli described the killing as a `` cowardly act '' .
The 15-year-old pachyderm , which was two months pregnant , apparently strayed into a village near the Silent Valley National Park in Palakkad district last week and ate a pineapple containing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forest official Mohan Krishnan said the firecrackers exploded in the animal 's mouth and the elephant walked for days in pain before dying on 27 May , standing in a river .
He wrote that the animal `` did n't harm a single human being even when she ran in searing pain in the streets of the village '' .
`` When I saw her , she was standing in the river without making any noise .
She was possibly getting some relief from immersing her trunk and mouth into the water , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A senior local forest official said the elephant stood in water for four days even as wildlife workers and vets tried to save her .
`` We tried our best to save the lives of both the mother and the child , but we failed , '' KK Sunil Kumar told the BBC .
However , it is not clear whether the elephant was fed the firecracker spiked fruit or accidentally ate it .
Farmers often scatter such fruits in the area to keep animals - mainly wild boar and pigs - away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Reports say that elephants are at risk when they stray into human settlements to look for food .
`` People are getting into conflicts and they resort to different mitigation methods - they put up electric fences , build trenches or become more brutal and use a crude bomb [ to keep the animals away ] , '' OP Nammeer , a professor of wildlife at Kerala Agriculture University , told the Mint newspaper .

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bbc--2020-06-04--Philippines drugs war: UN report criticises 'permission to kill'

Thousands of people have been killed amid `` near impunity '' for offenders in the war the Philippines has waged on illegal drugs since 2016 , the UN says .
His drugs crackdown has been marked by high-level rhetoric that can be seen as `` permission to kill '' , the report said , urging an independent investigation .
The administration has in the past rejected all criticism of its policies and denies the killings are illegal .
Official figures show more than 8,000 people were killed in the war on drugs since Mr Duterte took office in 2016 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as high .
The report found that most victims are young poor urban males and that police , who do not need search or arrest warrants to conduct house raids , systematically force suspects to make self-incriminating statements or risk facing lethal force .
What does the report say ?
The 26-page report , prepared by Michelle Bachelet , the United Nation 's High Commissioner for Human Rights , examined nearly 900 written submissions from human rights defenders , journalists , trade unionists and the Duterte administration .
In one section , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ note contained `` ominous '' and `` ill-defined language '' such as `` neutralising '' suspects , and that coupled with `` rhetoric at high levels calling for the killings of drug offenders '' , it was taken as a permission by the police to kill .
`` In the context of the campaign against illegal drugs , there has been near impunity for such violations . ''
According to the UN , statements from the highest levels of government had `` risen to the level of incitement to violence '' and `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The report suggests that `` the human rights situation in the Philippines is marked by an overarching focus on public order and national security , including countering terrorism and illegal drugs '' and that this was `` often at the expense of human rights , due process rights , the rule of law and accountability '' .
What does the Duterte administration say ?
It is not the first time his government has been criticised for its brutality in cracking down on drugs and crime .
But so far the Duterte @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and when the UN voted to launch its investigation , Manila branded the probe as a `` travesty '' .
According to the UN report , there has been only one conviction for murder despite thousands having been killed .
Rodrigo Duterte won the presidency on a platform of crushing crime and fixing the country 's drugs crisis .
Despite the many killings he remains very popular in the country .
But for the UN report 's co-author Ravina Shamdasani , positive opinion polls should not be used to justify bloody campaigns like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a duty under its constitution and under human rights law to protect people from human rights violations , '' Ms Shamdasani said .
`` Just because it is popular does not make it right . ''
This hard-hitting report is likely to irk Rodrigo Duterte , but not necessarily change his approach to human rights .
After all this is the man who in 2018 told a UN special rapporteur to `` go to hell '' for allegedly `` interfering '' in his country 's affairs .
Just this week , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president secured the passage of a controversial `` Anti-Terrorism Act '' , cited in the report as potentially risking the erosion of citizens ' constitutional and legal protections .
The government has always insisted Mr Duterte 's actions reflect the will of the people who elected him .
Manila 's liberal elite continue to revile the president 's violent rhetoric , but I 've also met many people here who love his strongman style .
In January an opinion poll by Social Weather Stations delivered Mr Duterte a net satisfaction rating of 72 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drug war ?
President Rodrigo Duterte launched his anti-narcotics campaign after taking office in 2016 to deal with a rampant drug problem .
`` On the basis of information reviewed , the drug campaign-related killings appear to have a widespread and systematic character .
The most conservative figure , based on government data , suggests that since July 2016 , 8,663 people have been killed - with other estimates of up to triple that number , '' the UN report said .
The OHCHR said it ultimately could not verify the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 2018 , the country 's Commission on Human Rights ( CHR ) estimated the number of drug-war killings could be as high as 27,000 .
• How many have died in Philippines drugs war ?
• The woman who kills drug dealers for a living • Duterte : The 'strongman ' of the Philippines Officially , the police say they kill only in self-defence - for example , during drug-bust operations .
Following the report , the UN 's High Commissioner for Human Rights is calling for an independent and effective domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that , should there be no credible response within the Philippines , her office would support other methods including `` international accountability measures '' .
The UN human rights office is not the only body investigating the alleged human rights violations in the country .
A separate probe is currently under way by the International Criminal Court , also looking into accusations of crimes committed during the war on illegal drugs .
In the absence of thorough investigations into the killings , impunity continues for the perpetrators , the report said .

But so far the Duterte administration has always rejected allegations of wrongdoing and when the UN voted to launch its investigation, Manila branded the probe as a "travesty". According to the UN report, there has been only one conviction for murder despite thousands having been killed.


bbc--2020-06-04--Stalled vaccine programmes 'putting children's lives at risk'

Millions of children could die from preventable disease because of severe disruptions to vaccination programmes caused by coronavirus , experts warn .
At least 68 countries have been affected - with some stopping vaccination campaigns completely .
The World Health Organization advised many countries to suspend vaccinations to help slow the spread of coronavirus .
But now it is one of several groups expressing concern about the long-term impact .
United Nations Children 's Fund ( Unicef ) , the Sabin Vaccine Institute and Gavi , the Vaccine Alliance are also worried thousands of children every day could die needlessly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccination services have been so badly disrupted , including : • parents ' fear of catching Covid-19 if they leave the house • health workers being diverted to deal with the pandemic '' Measles is on the rise , diphtheria , cholera , '' United Nations Children 's Fund ( Unicef ) executive director Henrietta Fore says .
`` So this is going to be a real problem .
`` As a world , we had conquered many of these preventable diseases for children . ''
Now , there are grave concerns these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a usually packed clinic in Niger 's capital , Naimey , the waiting room is quiet .
There have been almost 1,000 Covid-19 cases reported in the country .
But polio , which can cause paralysis or even death , is also making a comeback - four new cases have been reported since February .
Zeinabou Tahirou sits in a pink headscarf and a blue face mask , cradling her baby girl , Fadila .
`` I was so scared to come here , because of the coronavirus , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told me how important these immunisations are , and also what I need to do to stay safe - like washing my hands all the time . ''
At least 80 million under the age of one are at risk Estimated number of babies missing routine vaccinations because of the coronavirus pandemic : Source : The World Health Organization , Unicef , Sabin Vaccine Institute and Gavi , the Vaccine Alliance Recent modelling by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests disruption to these kinds of crucial health services for women and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as 6,000 additional children dying every day .
`` What we fully expect is these diseases will come roaring back , '' WHO immunisation and vaccines department head Kate O'Brien says .
`` And what that means ... is that we 're going to see deaths of children in numbers that are unprecedented in recent times . ''
But this potentially devastating situation can still be prevented , `` if governments act now '' .
The warnings come as global leaders meet virtually for the Global Vaccine Summit , on Thursday , hosted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and donor organisations will be asked to pledge $ 7.4bn ( £5.8bn ) to ensure Gavi , the Vaccine Alliance can continue delivering lifesaving vaccines to some of the poorest communities in the world , both during the pandemic and beyond .
Its leader , Dr Seth Berkley , says ensuring routine vaccination systems are up and running again as soon as possible , is crucial .
`` When you have a big effect on vaccine [ services ] like this , it takes some time to rebuild some of the systems around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As we rapidly move towards having Covid-19 vaccines available , these are the same systems we will use to deliver those vaccines as well . ''
• RISK AT WORK : How exposed is your job ?
• SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?

Countries and donor organisations will be asked to pledge $7.4bn (£5.8bn) to ensure Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance can continue delivering lifesaving vaccines to some of the poorest communities in the world, both during the pandemic and beyond.


bbc--2020-06-04--Thousand of cinemas in China under threat of closure

More than 40 % of cinemas in China could go bust , according to a bleak report by the China Film Association .
Having been temporary closed during the virus pandemic , audiences may struggle to return , the association says .
Millions of Chinese have enjoyed watching movies online during cinema closures thanks to a wide range of streaming services .
As a result , thousands could shut permanently in a `` massive bloodbath '' predicts one Chinese business expert .
There are now more than 12,000 cinemas in China , according to market research firm IBISWorld .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past decade as China has embraced movie-going .
But four out of 10 said they `` are very likely to close '' in the near future , according to the China Film Association survey .
This could mean nearly 5,000 cinemas going bust as a result of the pandemic .
Cinemas have been among the last venues to reopen in China as lockdown measures are gradually lifted .
The Chinese government said that cinemas , along with other indoor entertainment venues , could reopen with limited bookings .
• Will virus lockdowns change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why cinemas will bounce back from the Coronavirus crisis - BBC Culture In the first quarter of 2020 , China 's box office takings have fallen significantly , according to the film association .
Small cinemas with fewer than 500 seats suffered the most , with revenues only reaching 10 % of those taken during the same period last year .
If cinema re-openings are delayed until October , annual revenues would plunge by 91 % across the board , the association predicts .
Last year , China generated 64.2bn yuan ( £7.2bn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flocked to cinemas .
Shaun Rein , founder of the China Market Research Group , believes a major challenge will be the growing strength of China 's online movie sector , which is hugely competitive with platforms such as Iqiyi , Youkou and Tencent Video .
He said subscriptions were cheap at around $ 2 a month for a basic package , while movie tickets often sell for $ 20 .
`` Chinese players are just so cheap , often because they are subsidised as they are owned by giant internet players like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
`` Aside from fears over catching Covid-19 , consumers wo n't go back to cinemas anytime soon as the digital offerings are too good and cheap , '' He also predicted more pain for cinemas if film companies start to launch direct-to-digital offerings and charge higher prices for online movie releases on a pay-as-you-go basic on top of subscription rates .
`` I expect the cinema sector to face a massive bloodbath and many will go out of business , '' he added .
Another challenge is getting people back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new films , with production curtailed due to travel and social restrictions .
`` We hear about 20 % of local productions have begun or resumed physical work , with the balance postponed or in financial difficulty related to the Covid-19 outbreak , '' said Rance Pow , chief executive of Artisan Gateway , an Asian film industry consultant .
`` So that complicates the timing and recovery of cinemas as well ; 'must see ' films will be needed like never before to bolster the industry recovery '' .
Some have warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 30bn yuan this year , including the National Film Administration , a government body .
Others are less pessimistic about the fortunes of China 's cinemas .
`` The predictions are dire , but I 'm more optimistic , '' said Chris Fenton , a former motion picture president and author of Feeding the Dragon .
He points to the Chinese government 's desire to have a world-class film industry and largest market in the world .
`` Plus the Chinese have embraced movie-going into the cultural fabric of society .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about .
That urge to visit cinemas regularly has not waned '' .

But four out of 10 said they "are very likely to close" in the near future, according to the China Film Association survey. This could mean nearly 5,000 cinemas going bust as a result of the pandemic.


bbc--2020-06-03--Prince Charles: I got away lightly with coronavirus

The Prince of Wales has said he `` got away with it quite lightly '' when he contracted coronavirus at the beginning of the UK 's epidemic in March .
Prince Charles , 71 , self-isolated after testing positive for the virus and only experienced mild symptoms .
Speaking to Sky News , he said : `` I was lucky in my case ... but I 've had it , and I can so understand what other people have gone through . ''
He expressed sympathy with those who had lost family or friends .
`` I feel particularly for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have been unable to be with them at the time .
That , to me , is the most ghastly thing , '' the prince said .
`` But in order to prevent this happening to so many more people , I 'm so determined to find a way out of this . ''
Prince Charles , who is the heir to the throne , recovered from coronavirus after spending his seven days of quarantine at his Birkhall home on the royal Balmoral estate .
The Duchess of Cornwall , 72 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
He said : `` I ca n't tell you how much I sympathise with the way that everyone has had to endure with this unbelievably testing and challenging time . ''
The prince said the experience made him more determined to `` push and shout and prod '' as he called for nature to return to the `` centre of our economy '' .
`` Before this , nature has just been pushed to the peripheries , we 've exploited and dug up and cut down everything as if there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't matter . ''
Without learning from the pandemic , he said we may face a similar threat in future : `` The more we erode the natural world , the more we destroy biodiversity , the more we expose ourselves to this kind of danger .
`` We 've had these other disasters with Sars and Ebola and goodness knows what else , all of these things are related to the loss of biodiversity .
So we have to find a way this time to put nature back at the centre .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopefully - `` the Great Reset '' : a great opportunity to seize something good from this crisis .
Prince Charles is not the only environmental voice out there ; from those marvelling at the sound of birdsong these past few months , to those urging a shift to sustainable transport , there is a green wave that the prince is surfing .
The prince is no mere follower of fashion ; he has ( as he once put it in a broadcast chat with his son Prince Harry ) been `` banging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than four decades now .
It means his words on the subject are often dismissed as same-old , same-old .
But there is new urgency in this interview , and a bluntness ; catastrophes , he says , concentrate the mind .
The current generation and those that have come before have , he says , acted as if there is no tomorrow .
And there is controversy .
Not everyone sees the planet as a sick patient in need of care .
Others , charged with the herculean task of restoring shattered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade-offs around environmental protection and quickly getting people back into jobs .
Prince Charles has mellowed with age ; no longer does he toss policy hand grenades into the public sphere .
But on the future of the earth his passion still burns bright .
And it is clear that he believes a moment has arrived when change is possible ; he is determined to try and drive that change .
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"We've had these other disasters with Sars and Ebola and goodness knows what else, all of these things are related to the loss of biodiversity. So we have to find a way this time to put nature back at the centre."


bbc--2020-06-04--George Floyd's daughter, 6, is 'proof he was good'

Tanker driven at US protesters in Minneapolis The driver was pulled from the truck by demonstrators , before being taken @ @ @ @ @ .

Roxie Washington, the mother of Gianna, six, broke down in tears at a press conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
George Floyd's death has sparked huge protests across the US against racism and police killings of black Americans.


bbc--2020-06-03--'You audition for a show only for it to get cancelled’

Elliot Swann caught his mum spying through the kitchen window as he practised ballet in their garden .
Despite still being physically closed , ArtsEd , the London-based acting conservatory where Elliot studies musical theatre , has powered on virtually since the start of the coronavirus lockdown .
Alongside classmates on Zoom meetings , Elliot , 21 , drills voice practices and dance moves on the garden decking , and taps away in the bathroom of his parents ' house in Hampshire .
But will there be any work for him and his fellow students after they graduate this summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , acting students around the world are making their first foray into the business , performing in person for agents , casting directors and producers , hoping to sign on with a talent agency , or even pick up their first paid work .
But with theatres still closed , and TV and movie filming on hold , the acting world is currently an industry on pause .
`` All of our work has stopped , '' says James Calleri , who casts Broadway and regional theatre in New York as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has just been cleared . ''
Mr Calleri , who also runs the graduate acting programme at New York 's Columbia University , would normally have taken graduating students on an industry tour of Los Angeles back in April .
They would have performed for some of the big showbiz decision makers .
But all Columbia 's acting school showcases were cancelled , indefinitely .
`` We were going to push to September , but the problem is that theatres are so debilitated right now , '' Mr Calleri says .
`` They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is going to be like after lockdown . ''
Any auditions that are still taking place have moved to home recordings or `` self tapes '' that are emailed off .
Back in Hampshire , Elliot has made it though five rounds of recalls for a West End show .
`` The good thing is you get a second chance , '' he says .
`` You can watch it back , and if you want , you can do it again . ''
Elliot 's professors are also happy to give feedback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out , something that would not be possible with in-person auditions .
`` The [ movie and TV ] businesses have been moving auditions to self tapes for some time , but I think plays and musicals will head that way too , even after the virus , '' says Chris Hocking , the principal of ArtsEd .
`` Everyone is trying to help these graduates .
We have worked hard so that the students have industry contact throughout their training . ''
What continues for Elliot is a waiting game .
An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win the job .
`` Especially now , '' he says , `` because everything is extended .
And many tours have had to cancel because of the lockdown .
`` There is every chance you might be auditioning for a show , you could get cast , and then a couple of weeks later they 'll say , ' I 'm really sorry , it 's been cancelled . '
'' Elliot knows he is lucky to be getting seen .
Many new graduates are not getting any industry face-time .
Racheal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Acting , says their graduates were due to have a final day of performance for agents and casting directors back in March .
But a day before the show , the lockdown restrictions were announced , and it was cancelled .
`` Some students had signed , but others had not , and would have been hoping for more opportunities , as we had two musicals left to perform , '' she says .
The staff at Guildford have continued to do everything possible to get self tapes to agents .
Luckily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in an effort to support this year 's graduates , but there is very little work available .
`` I really feel for these students , whose introduction to the industry is so compromised , '' says Ms Owens .
A missed in-person performance can make life especially difficult for young actors with an offbeat style , or unusual looks , that might not come across well in a short self tape , plus resumé ( CV ) and headshot .
Such performers are more likely to win over agents and casting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young actors impress , however they are able to audition , how long will it be before the industry can return to some sort of normal ?
James Calleri wonders how the practical experience of going to the theatre would work with social distancing .
Producers might sell out a 1,200-seat Broadway theatre , but if 600 people sit in every other seat in order to socially distance , shows will fail to recoup costs , he points out .
In smaller theatres , social distancing would be impossible .
`` The class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , '' he says .
`` I feel like the industry knows that and hopefully will try and look out for them . ''
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• Seed sales soar as more of us become budding gardeners Alex Butler , who runs the New York boutique agency Henderson Hogan , warns his recent signings that things are n't going to get better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'Look , if you are in this for the long haul , come to the city , get your apartment , your day job and your classes set up .
Once things go back , we can gear up . '
'' But it could be a long wait .
Mr Butler says he would love for Broadway to reopen in September but fears curtains may not rise until next year .
Still , he thinks that sometime down the road , if young actors coming out of school this year can hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audition for these shows .
`` People working on Broadway might decide they are done with the business , or if they are touring , their spouses wo n't want them to go on the road anymore , '' he says .
New York casting director Alison Franck , who casts Broadway , touring and regional musical theatre shows , says that actors have always needed to be creative and resilient .
Those attributes are needed now more than ever , because many will struggle to get agents straight away .
`` These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their own , '' she says .
`` And I think the ones who figure this out may often end up being more successful in the long run . ''
Elliot understands how hard the current situation is , but he is ready to dig in .
He believes the industry will come back `` stronger than ever '' .
Acting has been his dream for his whole life .
`` I 'm absolutely in it for the long haul , '' he says .

"We were going to push to September, but the problem is that theatres are so debilitated right now," Mr Calleri says. "They don't even know what their life is going to be like after lockdown."


bbc--2020-06-04--Vote for the greatest striker since 2000 - last 16

Goals win matches .
Or , so they say anyway .
But who has been the best European striker of the 21st century so far ?
It 's a tough one .
In fact , there 's only one way to decide - a tournament !
BBC Sport journalists have shortlisted 32 players and they will face off in a knockout competition until you pick the ultimate winner .
To be included on the shortlist , players must have scored at least 20 goals in three seasons and their international pedigree and success has also been taken into account .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hat and some enthralling clashes have come out including an all-English tie between Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen and an all-Spanish clash between Raul and Fernando Torres !
Throughout Thursday 4 June , BBC Sport will ask people to vote for their winners in this page while running a live text commentary to share the results from each round and people 's memories of the strikers , using # besteurostriker .
Here 's the planned schedule for the day : It 's over to you .
The results for the first round are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's your turn to vote for who you want to progress to the quarter-final below ...

Last updated on .From the section Football
It's official. Cristiano Ronaldo is the best European striker of the 21st century so far - well, according to you anyway.
BBC Sport journalists shortlisted 32 players, who faced off in a day-long knockout competition until you picked the ultimate winner.
To be included on the shortlist, players must have scored at least 20 goals in three seasons and their international pedigree and success has also been taken into account.
The ties were drawn from a hat and throughout Thursday 4 June, BBC Sport asked people to vote for their winners in this page while running a live text commentary to share the results from each round and people's memories of the strikers, using #besteurostriker.
The final was between Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo, and it was the Portuguese who took the title.
You can see how the day's voting went below.
If you are viewing this page on the BBC News app please click here to vote.
Semi-final results
Match 1: Del Piero v Henry - Henry wins with 83%
Match 2: Ronaldo v Lewandowski - Ronaldo wins with 78%
Quarter-final results
Match 1: Del Piero v Villa - Del Piero wins with 56%
Match 2: Henry v Ibrahimovic - Henry 77%
Match 3: Rooney v Ronaldo - Ronaldo 89%
Match 4: Van Persie v Robert Lewandowski - Lewandowski 70%
Last 16 results
Match 1: Mbappe v Del Piero - Del Piero wins 65%
Match 2: Villa v Costa - Villa 83%
Match 3: Dzeko v Henry - Henry 97%
Match 4: Ibrahimovic v Shearer - Ibrahimovic 51%
Match 5: Rooney v Larsson - Rooney 70%
Match 6: Totti v Ronaldo - Ronaldo 89%
Match 7: Van Persie v Benzema - Van Persie 73%
Match 8: Lewandowski v Raul - Lewandowski 62%
Last 32 results:
Match 1: Mbappe v Kane - Mbappe wins 58%
Match 2: Bale v Del Piero - Del Piero 72%
Match 3: Villa v Lukaku - Villa 90%
Match 4: Huntelaar v Costa - Costa 66%
Match 5: Di Natale v Dzeko - Dzeko 63%
Match 6: Henry v Trezeguet - Henry 97%
Match 7: Ibrahimovic v Shevchenko - Zlatan 76%
Match 8: Shearer v Muller - Shearer 77%
Mach 9: Rooney v Owen - Rooney 72%
Match 10: Larsson v Mandzukic - Larsson 77%
Match 11: Kluivert v Totti - Totti 71%
Match 12: Ronaldo v Van Nistelrooy - Ronaldo 90%
Match 13: Toni v Van Persie - Van persie 90%
Match 14: Benzema v Berbatov - Benzema 66%
Match 15: Klose v Lewandowski - Lewandowski 78%
Match 16: Raul v Torres - Raul 70%


bbc--2020-06-04--Brees 'part of the problem' - team-mate responds to 'hurtful and insensitive' comments

New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins says team-mate Drew Brees is `` part of the problem '' for his `` hurtful '' opposition to NFL kneeling protests .
Former NFL star Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the US national anthem in 2016 to highlight racial injustice .
`` Drew , unfortunately you 're somebody that does n't understand their privilege , '' said Jenkins .
`` You do n't understand the potential you have to actually be an advocate for the people that you call brothers .
`` You do n't understand the history and why people like me - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grandfathers fought for this country ...
I still protested - not against the national anthem - but against what was happening in America and what the fabric of this country stands for . ''
It comes in the wake of global protests held following the death of George Floyd , an unarmed black man , while being restrained by a white police officer in Minneapolis on 25 May .
Many athletes have also supported Kaepernick , who was frozen out of the league after his protest and has been unemployed since being released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview with Yahoo , Brees said he will not be happy if NFL players take a knee in protest during the 2020 season .
`` I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country , '' said the 41-year-old , who holds several NFL records and is one of the biggest names in the sport .
`` Is everything right with our country right now ?
No , it is not .
We still have a long way to go .
`` But I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and showing respect to the flag with your hand over your heart , is it shows unity . ''
In an emotional video , Jenkins said : `` While the world tells you that you 're not worthy , that your life does n't matter , the last place you want to hear it from are the guys that you go to war with , that you consider to be allies and to be your friends .
`` Even though we 're team-mates , I ca n't let this slide .
`` Drew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how hurtful , how insensitive your comments are you are part of the problem , '' said 32-year-old Jenkins .
`` The whole country is on fire and the first thing that you do is to criticise one 's peaceful protest .
That was years ago when we were trying to signal a sign for help , to signal for our allies , our white brothers and sisters , the people we consider to be friends to get involved .
It was ignored . ''

Brees has thrown 547 touchdown passes - more than any quarterback in NFL history
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees says "it breaks my heart to know the pain I have caused" following his opposition to NFL kneeling protests.
Brees was criticised, including by team-mate Malcolm Jenkins, for saying such protests would be "disrespecting the flag" of the United States.
Former NFL star Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the US national anthem in 2016 to highlight racial injustice.
Brees said his comments lacked "awareness, compassion or empathy".
It comes in the wake of global protests held following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, while being restrained by a white police officer in Minneapolis on 25 May.
Many athletes have also supported Kaepernick, who was frozen out of the league after his protest and has been unemployed since being released by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017.
"I made comments that were insensitive and completely missed the mark on the issues we are facing right now as a country," said Brees in an apology on Instagram. external-link
"Instead, those words have become divisive and hurtful and have misled people into believing that somehow I am an enemy. This could not be further from the truth, and is not an accurate reflection of my heart or my character."
Brees said he wanted to apologise to his "friends, team-mates, the City of New Orleans, the black community, NFL community and anyone I hurt".
"I am sick about the way my comments were perceived yesterday, but I take full responsibility and accountability," he added.
"I recognise that I should do less talking and more listening... and when the black community is talking about their pain, we all need to listen. For that, I am very sorry and I ask your forgiveness."
Jenkins, who posted his emotional response on social media, returned for a second spell at New Orleans Saints this year
In response to comments made by Brees on Wednesday in an interview with Yahoo, external-link Saints safety Jenkins said his team-mate was "part of the problem".
"Drew, unfortunately you're somebody that doesn't understand their privilege," said 32-year-old Jenkins in an emotional video on social meda. external-link
"You don't understand the potential you have to actually be an advocate for the people that you call brothers.
"You don't understand the history and why people like me - people with my skin colour - whose grandfathers fought for this country... I still protested - not against the national anthem - but against what was happening in America and what the fabric of this country stands for."
Jenkins added: "While the world tells you that you're not worthy, that your life doesn't matter, the last place you want to hear it from are the guys that you go to war with, that you consider to be allies and to be your friends.
"Even though we're team-mates, I can't let this slide.
"Drew Brees, if you don't understand how hurtful, how insensitive your comments are you are part of the problem.
"The whole country is on fire and the first thing that you do is to criticise one's peaceful protest. That was years ago when we were trying to signal a sign for help, to signal for our allies, our white brothers and sisters, the people we consider to be friends to get involved. It was ignored."


bbc--2020-06-04--Gauff demands change in emotional speech

Sixteen-year-old American tennis player Coco Gauff has given an emotional speech at a Black Lives Matter protest saying she `` demands change now '' .
Gauff , one of the sport 's rising stars , urged people to vote and speak out against racism , adding : `` If you are choosing silence , you are choosing the side of the oppressor . ''
Protests have been held across the United States and globally since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
Gauff has repeatedly spoken out since .
• Onuoha says he does not feel safe in US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest T-shirt Speaking in her hometown of Delray Beach , Florida , Gauff said it is `` sad '' she was protesting against the `` same thing '' her grandmother did `` 50-plus years ago '' .
`` We must first love each other , no matter what , '' Gauff added .
`` I have spent all week having tough conversations and trying to educate my non-black friends about how they can help the movement .
`` Second , we need to take action .
`` I am not of the age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands to vote for my future , my brothers ' future and for your future so that is one way to make change .
`` Third , you need to use your voice no matter how big or small your platform is , you need to use your voice .
`` I saw a Dr [ Martin Luther ] King quote that said the silence of the good people is worse than the brutality of the bad people . ''
She added : `` It breaks my heart because I 'm fighting for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm fighting for the future of my future kids .
I 'm fighting for the future of my future grandchildren . ''
Gauff rose to fame last year when she beat five-time champion Venus Williams at Wimbledon aged 15 in a run to the fourth round .
• Alerts : Get tennis news sent to your phone

Last updated on .From the section Tennis
Gauff was speaking at a peaceful protest in Florida
Sixteen-year-old American tennis player Coco Gauff has given an emotional speech at a Black Lives Matter protest saying she "demands change now".
Gauff, one of the sport's rising stars, urged people to vote and speak out against racism, adding: "If you are choosing silence, you are choosing the side of the oppressor."
Protests have been held across the United States and globally since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Gauff has repeatedly spoken out since.
Speaking in her hometown of Delray Beach, Florida, Gauff said it is "sad" she was protesting against the "same thing" her grandmother did "50-plus years ago".
"We must first love each other, no matter what," Gauff added external-link .
"I have spent all week having tough conversations and trying to educate my non-black friends about how they can help the movement.
"Second, we need to take action.
"I am not of the age to vote - it is in your hands to vote for my future, my brothers' future and for your future so that is one way to make change.
"Third, you need to use your voice no matter how big or small your platform is, you need to use your voice.
"I saw a Dr [Martin Luther] King quote that said the silence of the good people is worse than the brutality of the bad people."
She added: "It breaks my heart because I'm fighting for the future for my brothers. I'm fighting for the future of my future kids. I'm fighting for the future of my future grandchildren."
Gauff rose to fame last year when she beat five-time champion Venus Williams at Wimbledon aged 15 in a run to the fourth round.