france24--2020-07-13--WHO warns pandemic will get ‘worse and worse and worse’ unless countries follow Covid precautions

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , director general of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) , attends a news conference in Geneva , Switzerland on June 25 , 2020 .
The new coronavirus pandemic raging around the globe will worsen if countries fail to adhere to strict healthcare precautions , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) warned on Monday .
`` Let me be blunt , too many countries are headed in the wrong direction , the virus remains public enemy number one , '' WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual briefing from the U.N. agency 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not followed , the only way this pandemic is going to go : it is going to get worse and worse and worse.
” Global infections stand at 13 million , according to a Reuters tally , with more than half a million deaths .
Tedros , whose leadership has been heavily criticised by U.S. President Donald Trump , said that of 230,000 new cases on Sunday , 80 % were from 10 nations , and 50 % from just two countries .
The United States and Brazil are the countries worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return to the old normal for the foreseeable future ...
There is a lot to be concerned about , '' Tedros added , in some of his strongest comments of recent weeks .
WHO team in quarantine before virus investigation Tedros said the WHO had still not received formal notification of the U.S. pullout announced by Trump .
The U.S. president says the WHO pandered to China , where the COVID-19 disease was first detected , at the start of the crisis .
Trump , who wore a protective face mask for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has himself been accused by political opponents of not taking the coronavirus seriously enough , something he denies .
A WHO advance team has gone to China to investigate the origins of the new coronavirus , first discovered in the city of Wuhan .
The team 's members are in quarantine , as per standard procedure , before they begin work with Chinese scientists , WHO emergencies head Mike Ryan said .

The new coronavirus pandemic raging around the globe will worsen if countries fail to adhere to strict healthcare precautions, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Monday.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization (WHO), attends a news conference in Geneva, Switzerland on June 25, 2020.
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"Let me be blunt, too many countries are headed in the wrong direction, the virus remains public enemy number one," WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual briefing from the U.N. agency's headquarters in Geneva.
"If basics are not followed, the only way this pandemic is going to go: it is going to get worse and worse and worse.”
Global infections stand at 13 million, according to a Reuters tally, with more than half a million deaths.
Tedros, whose leadership has been heavily criticised by U.S. President Donald Trump, said that of 230,000 new cases on Sunday, 80% were from 10 nations, and 50% from just two countries.
The United States and Brazil are the countries worst hit.
"There will be no return to the old normal for the foreseeable future ... There is a lot to be concerned about," Tedros added, in some of his strongest comments of recent weeks.
WHO team in quarantine before virus investigation
Tedros said the WHO had still not received formal notification of the U.S. pullout announced by Trump. The U.S. president says the WHO pandered to China, where the COVID-19 disease was first detected, at the start of the crisis.
Trump, who wore a protective face mask for the first time in public at the weekend, has himself been accused by political opponents of not taking the coronavirus seriously enough, something he denies.
A WHO advance team has gone to China to investigate the origins of the new coronavirus, first discovered in the city of Wuhan. The team's members are in quarantine, as per standard procedure, before they begin work with Chinese scientists, WHO emergencies head Mike Ryan said.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-07-13--France raises pay for health care workers by more than €8 billion

French Health Minister Olivier Véran ( R ) , flanked by Prime Minister Jean Castex ( L ) , delivers a speech after signing wage agreements as part of talks aimed at improving working conditions , salaries and patient care in the medical sector at the Hotel Matignon in Paris on July 13 , 2020 .
The French government and unions signed an agreement Monday giving over eight billion euros in pay rises for health workers , with the prime minister admitting the move was overdue in view of the coronavirus pandemic .
During the peak of the outbreak in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers who in turn said that such gratitude rang hollow if it was not followed by concrete steps .
The bulk of the package comprises 7.5 billion euros ( $ 8.5 billion ) for pay increases for nurses and careworkers , who will get an average monthly raise of 183 euros ( $ 208 ) .
There is also 450 million euros ( $ 510 million ) for doctors intended to bolster wages for those who solely work in the public sector , a move aimed at luring them from more lucrative private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this is a historic moment for our health system , '' Prime Minister Jean Castex said after a signing ceremony that followed seven weeks of negotiations between government and unions .
`` This is first of all recognition of those who have been on the front line in the fight against this epidemic , '' he said .
`` It is also a way of catching up the delay for each and every one -- including perhaps myself -- has their share of responsibility . ''
But some unions , including the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accords , an indication that tensions over the issue may not be over .
The coronavirus epidemic has now killed over 30,000 people in France and while infection rates have fallen markedly , officials remain wary of the risk of a second wave .

The French government and unions signed an agreement Monday giving over eight billion euros in pay rises for health workers, with the prime minister admitting the move was overdue in view of the coronavirus pandemic.
French Health Minister Olivier Véran (R), flanked by Prime Minister Jean Castex (L), delivers a speech after signing wage agreements as part of talks aimed at improving working conditions, salaries and patient care in the medical sector at the Hotel Matignon in Paris on July 13, 2020.
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During the peak of the outbreak in France, people applauded every night health workers who in turn said that such gratitude rang hollow if it was not followed by concrete steps.
The bulk of the package comprises 7.5 billion euros ($8.5 billion) for pay increases for nurses and careworkers, who will get an average monthly raise of 183 euros ($208).
There is also 450 million euros ($510 million) for doctors intended to bolster wages for those who solely work in the public sector, a move aimed at luring them from more lucrative private clinics.
"No one can deny that this is a historic moment for our health system," Prime Minister Jean Castex said after a signing ceremony that followed seven weeks of negotiations between government and unions.
"This is first of all recognition of those who have been on the front line in the fight against this epidemic," he said.
"It is also a way of catching up the delay for each and every one -- including perhaps myself -- has their share of responsibility."
But some unions, including the hardline CGT, refrained from signing the accords, an indication that tensions over the issue may not be over.
The coronavirus epidemic has now killed over 30,000 people in France and while infection rates have fallen markedly, officials remain wary of the risk of a second wave.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-07-13--Embattled Mali president's son quits role in parliament amid protests

President of Mali 's son , Karim Keita , attends the presentation of four new turboprop light attack aircrafts `` Super Tucano '' at the military air base in Bamako on July 11 , 2018 .
The son of Mali 's embattled President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita , a target of popular anger in the fragile West African state , resigned as chair of the parliament 's defence committee on Monday .
Karim Keita left the role as the government faces a growing protest movement , sparked by the outcome of parliamentary elections in March and April , but whose underlying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mali 's jihadist insurgency .
Economic woes and perceived government corruption have also fuelled public anger .
A protest in the capital Bamako on Friday turned violent after protesters blocked bridges and attacked the parliament building .
Clashes persisted over the weekend and through Monday , with the protesters calling on President Boubacar to resign .
Eleven people have died and 124 have been injured since the unrest began , according to staff at a major hospital .
Karim Keita has been another target of protesters ' anger over suspicions he leads a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which AFP could not independently verify -- appear to show him enjoying himself at a party aboard a luxury yacht , for example , causing a scandal in the impoverished country of some 19 million people .
On Monday , Keita said in a statement that he would resign as parliamentary defence committee chair because he no longer wants to figure in arguments raised by political opponents .
He will continue to work as an MP , however .
New Malian Prime Minister Boubou Cisse on Saturday vowed to rapidly form a government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day '' .
Mali has struggled to contain a jihadist insurgency that first emerged in the north in 2012 before spreading to the centre of the country .
Thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed and hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes .

The son of Mali's embattled President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, a target of popular anger in the fragile West African state, resigned as chair of the parliament's defence committee on Monday.
President of Mali's son, Karim Keita, attends the presentation of four new turboprop light attack aircrafts "Super Tucano" at the military air base in Bamako on July 11, 2018.
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Karim Keita left the role as the government faces a growing protest movement, sparked by the outcome of parliamentary elections in March and April, but whose underlying causes include discontent over its handling of Mali's jihadist insurgency.
Economic woes and perceived government corruption have also fuelled public anger.
A protest in the capital Bamako on Friday turned violent after protesters blocked bridges and attacked the parliament building.
Clashes persisted over the weekend and through Monday, with the protesters calling on President Boubacar to resign.
Eleven people have died and 124 have been injured since the unrest began, according to staff at a major hospital.
Karim Keita has been another target of protesters' anger over suspicions he leads a playboy lifestyle.
Recently leaked videos -- which AFP could not independently verify -- appear to show him enjoying himself at a party aboard a luxury yacht, for example, causing a scandal in the impoverished country of some 19 million people.
On Monday, Keita said in a statement that he would resign as parliamentary defence committee chair because he no longer wants to figure in arguments raised by political opponents.
He will continue to work as an MP, however.
New Malian Prime Minister Boubou Cisse on Saturday vowed to rapidly form a government "open to facing the challenges of the day".
Mali has struggled to contain a jihadist insurgency that first emerged in the north in 2012 before spreading to the centre of the country.
Thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed and hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-07-13--Bastille Day: Muted celebrations in France under shadow of Covid-19

France celebrates its national day , Bastille Day , on Tuesday , July 14 and rehearsals have been taking place in recent days for the traditional flypast over Paris , but this year ’ s celebrations are set to be a much more muted affair following the Covid-19 pandemic .
Bastille Day celebrations usually see a vast air show and parade down the Champs-Élysées , featuring around 4,000 military personnel followed by a fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower watched by tens of thousands of spectators .
This year though , the parade will be held at the smaller Place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of participants and only around 2,500 spectators , while the fireworks display will still take place but without the public .
Those on parade will also have to take precautions to minimise the risk of spreading infection .
`` Yes , we 're wearing the masks , ” Warrant Officer Guillaum , a flight engineer , told AFP .
“ We 're lucky .
We have the only aircraft with air conditioning .
I think that for the others , it can get very hot very quickly .
Yes , we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cockpit , we ca n't distance ourselves unfortunately . ''
The scaled-down celebrations have left some in the French capital disappointed .
`` It 's a national holiday that everyone loves to celebrate .
We see everyone in the streets on the television .
Right now , of course , we understand that with the coronavirus , we ca n't do the same , and so it will be a bit weird because of that , ” Paris resident Ariana Santos told Reuters .
But this year ’ s celebrations will also be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military personnel who helped in the fight against Covid-19 , which has killed more than 30,000 people in France , including thanking the German military for helping to evacuate French patients to German hospitals at the height of the crisis .
`` We have foreign planes , including two British Typhoon planes and a German A400M .
It 's to thank our German colleagues for being committed alongside ourselves in the fight against Covid-19 , since the first evacuation with an A400M was conducted by our German colleagues , ” General Laurent Lherbette @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ And so , there will be Germans in the parade , and for them , it 's also something new since , all things considered , it 's a very French atmosphere .
”

France celebrates its national day, Bastille Day, on Tuesday, July 14 and rehearsals have been taking place in recent days for the traditional flypast over Paris, but this year’s celebrations are set to be a much more muted affair following the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Bastille Day celebrations usually see a vast air show and parade down the Champs-Élysées, featuring around 4,000 military personnel followed by a fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower watched by tens of thousands of spectators.
This year though, the parade will be held at the smaller Place de la Concorde with just half the number of participants and only around 2,500 spectators, while the fireworks display will still take place but without the public.
Those on parade will also have to take precautions to minimise the risk of spreading infection.
"Yes, we're wearing the masks,” Warrant Officer Guillaum, a flight engineer, told AFP.
“We're lucky. We have the only aircraft with air conditioning. I think that for the others, it can get very hot very quickly. Yes, we are wearing masks because obviously, in a cockpit, we can't distance ourselves unfortunately."
The scaled-down celebrations have left some in the French capital disappointed.
"It's a national holiday that everyone loves to celebrate. We see everyone in the streets on the television. Right now, of course, we understand that with the coronavirus, we can't do the same, and so it will be a bit weird because of that,” Paris resident Ariana Santos told Reuters.
But this year’s celebrations will also be used as a tribute to medical and military personnel who helped in the fight against Covid-19, which has killed more than 30,000 people in France, including thanking the German military for helping to evacuate French patients to German hospitals at the height of the crisis.
"We have foreign planes, including two British Typhoon planes and a German A400M. It's to thank our German colleagues for being committed alongside ourselves in the fight against Covid-19, since the first evacuation with an A400M was conducted by our German colleagues,” General Laurent Lherbette of the French Air Force told Reuters.
“And so, there will be Germans in the parade, and for them, it's also something new since, all things considered, it's a very French atmosphere.”
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france24--2020-07-13--‘There is the sun and sea, but that does not feed us’: Pandemic hits tourism income on Greece’s Kos

Valentini Troumouzi walks by the empty hotel pool where she used to serve tourists on the Greek island of Kos .
It ’ s an unusually calm summer on the Greek island of Kos .
The Covid-19 pandemic has led to fewer flight connections and social distancing , which in turn means many hotels are shut , a calamity for workers who depend on seasonal income .
Valentini Troumouzi has suddenly found herself unemployed .
The hotel where she worked has closed , its planned renovations to a large outdoor pool left unfinished .
Troumouzi , 46 , hasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job , and the €534 per month the Greek government has provided for unemployed seasonal workers isn ’ t enough .
“ At the beginning of the month , we wonder if we will have enough to eat , ” she told FRANCE 24 .
Past summers on the Greek island of Kos featured streets overflowing with tourists from all over the world , cruise ships in the port and yachts docked in the marina .
But today , silence reigns and everyone is worried about the future – and demand at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the player above to watch the full FRANCE 24 report .

It’s an unusually calm summer on the Greek island of Kos. The Covid-19 pandemic has led to fewer flight connections and social distancing, which in turn means many hotels are shut, a calamity for workers who depend on seasonal income.
Valentini Troumouzi walks by the empty hotel pool where she used to serve tourists on the Greek island of Kos.
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Valentini Troumouzi has suddenly found herself unemployed. The hotel where she worked has closed, its planned renovations to a large outdoor pool left unfinished. Troumouzi, 46, hasn’t been able to find a replacement job, and the €534 per month the Greek government has provided for unemployed seasonal workers isn’t enough.
“At the beginning of the month, we wonder if we will have enough to eat,” she told FRANCE 24.
Past summers on the Greek island of Kos featured streets overflowing with tourists from all over the world, cruise ships in the port and yachts docked in the marina. But today, silence reigns and everyone is worried about the future – and demand at a church-run soup kitchen is up.
Click on the player above to watch the full FRANCE 24 report.
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france24--2020-07-13--French police announce arrest of ‘darknet’ paedophilia site operator

The so-called `` darknet '' of websites can only be accessed with specific software or authorisations , ensuring anonymity for users .
French prosecutors said Monday that police had arrested a man suspected of operating paedophilia sites on secret `` darknet '' internet networks providing pornographic videos and pictures to thousands of people worldwide .
The 40-year-old arrested near the southwestern city of Bordeaux on July 7 was described by prosecutors as `` one of the 10 most-wanted targets '' of authorities fighting child sex crimes around the globe .
Bordeaux prosecutor Frederique Porterie said the suspect also appeared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the production of child pornography pictures and videos . ''
After being taken in for questioning , he was also charged with the incestuous rape of a minor as well as incestuous sexual assault of a 15-year-old , Porterie said .
The suspect admitted the charges against him , she added .
French police and investigators from its specialised anti-violence agency worked alongside the EU 's Europol police agency .
The suspect posted the images on the so-called `` darknet '' of websites that can be accessed only with specific software or authorisations @ @ @ @ @ @

French prosecutors said Monday that police had arrested a man suspected of operating paedophilia sites on secret "darknet" internet networks providing pornographic videos and pictures to thousands of people worldwide.
The so-called "darknet" of websites can only be accessed with specific software or authorisations, ensuring anonymity for users.
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The 40-year-old arrested near the southwestern city of Bordeaux on July 7 was described by prosecutors as "one of the 10 most-wanted targets" of authorities fighting child sex crimes around the globe.
Bordeaux prosecutor Frederique Porterie said the suspect also appeared to have taken "an active role in the production of child pornography pictures and videos."
After being taken in for questioning, he was also charged with the incestuous rape of a minor as well as incestuous sexual assault of a 15-year-old, Porterie said.
The suspect admitted the charges against him, she added.
French police and investigators from its specialised anti-violence agency worked alongside the EU's Europol police agency.
The suspect posted the images on the so-called "darknet" of websites that can be accessed only with specific software or authorisations, ensuring anonymity for users.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-07-13--Ivory Coast’s Vice President Duncan resigns, days after PM’s death

In this file photo taken on March 30 , 2019 , Ivory Coast 's former vice president Daniel Kablan Duncan attends a meeting with his party 's supporters in a street in Treichville , a popular district of Abidjan .
Ivory Coast Vice President Daniel Kablan Duncan has resigned , the presidency said on Monday , further unsettling the political outlook days after the sudden death of prime minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly , President Alassane Ouattara 's preferred successor .
The death last week of Gon Coulibaly , hand-picked by Ouattara to run in October 's presidential election , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a replacement candidate , a process likely to reveal internal divisions , analysts say .
Duncan is leaving for `` reasons of personal convenience '' , Patrick Achi , a top aide to Ouattara , told reporters , adding that Duncan had first tendered his resignation in February .
`` The president of the republic would like to pay tribute to a great servant of the state , a man of duty and commitment , '' Achi said .
He said Ouattara had finally accepted Duncan 's resignation last Wednesday , the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart problems , died after a cabinet meeting .
Ouattara picked Gon Coulibaly in March to represent the RHDP party in the Oct. 31 poll after announcing he would not stand for a third term .
Ouattara came to power in 2011 following an election the previous year that sparked a brief civil war when the defeated incumbent , Laurent Gbagbo , refused to concede .
Despite several years of relative peace , ethnic and regional rivalries linger , and this year 's election is seen as test of stability for Ivory Coast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and one of West Africa 's largest economies .
Following Gon Coulibaly 's death , Ouattara 's RHDP party said last week that it may ask the president to rethink his decision not to seek another term .
This could help to unify the party but would draw fierce criticism from Ouattara 's opponents , who say the constitution does not allow him to run again .

Ivory Coast Vice President Daniel Kablan Duncan has resigned, the presidency said on Monday, further unsettling the political outlook days after the sudden death of prime minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly, President Alassane Ouattara's preferred successor.
In this file photo taken on March 30, 2019, Ivory Coast's former vice president Daniel Kablan Duncan attends a meeting with his party's supporters in a street in Treichville, a popular district of Abidjan.
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The death last week of Gon Coulibaly, hand-picked by Ouattara to run in October's presidential election, has left the ruling party scrambling to find a replacement candidate, a process likely to reveal internal divisions, analysts say.
Duncan is leaving for "reasons of personal convenience", Patrick Achi, a top aide to Ouattara, told reporters, adding that Duncan had first tendered his resignation in February.
"The president of the republic would like to pay tribute to a great servant of the state, a man of duty and commitment," Achi said.
He said Ouattara had finally accepted Duncan's resignation last Wednesday, the same day Gon Coulibaly, who had longstanding heart problems, died after a cabinet meeting.
Ouattara picked Gon Coulibaly in March to represent the RHDP party in the Oct. 31 poll after announcing he would not stand for a third term.
Ouattara: Bid for third term?
Ouattara came to power in 2011 following an election the previous year that sparked a brief civil war when the defeated incumbent, Laurent Gbagbo, refused to concede.
Despite several years of relative peace, ethnic and regional rivalries linger, and this year's election is seen as test of stability for Ivory Coast, the world's top cocoa producer and one of West Africa's largest economies.
Following Gon Coulibaly's death, Ouattara's RHDP party said last week that it may ask the president to rethink his decision not to seek another term.
This could help to unify the party but would draw fierce criticism from Ouattara's opponents, who say the constitution does not allow him to run again.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-07-13--Christopher Aurier, brother to Premier League Tottenham's Serge, fatally shot in France

In this December 22 , 2009 photo , Lens defender Christopher Aurier ( L ) vies with Saint-Etienne midfielder Mouhamadou Dabo during a French L1 football match at Felix Bollaert Stadium in Lens , France .
Tottenham have confirmed the death of defender Serge Aurier 's younger brother , Christopher , who media reports in France say was fatally shot on Monday .
According to the French reports , 26-year-old Christopher Aurier was shot near a bar at 5am ( 0300 GMT ) in the southern city of Toulouse and there have been no arrests .
Christopher Aurier played for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came through the youth academy at Lens like his older brother , an Ivorian international and former Paris Saint-Germain full-back , but failed to break through at the highest level .
The English Premier League 's Tottenham said on its website that it was “ deeply saddened to confirm media reports ” of the death , but did not give a cause .
“ We are supporting Serge at this difficult time and we ask that the privacy of the player and his family is respected , ” the Premier League team said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their sincerest condolences to Serge and his family .
Our thoughts are with them all.
” Serge Aurier , a 27-year-old right back , previously played for Toulouse .
The Ivory Coast international joined Tottenham Hostpur in the summer of 2017 from PSG .
He represented his country at the 2014 World Cup .

Tottenham have confirmed the death of defender Serge Aurier's younger brother, Christopher, who media reports in France say was fatally shot on Monday.
In this December 22, 2009 photo, Lens defender Christopher Aurier (L) vies with Saint-Etienne midfielder Mouhamadou Dabo during a French L1 football match at Felix Bollaert Stadium in Lens, France.
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According to the French reports, 26-year-old Christopher Aurier was shot near a bar at 5am (0300 GMT) in the southern city of Toulouse and there have been no arrests. Christopher Aurier played for French fifth-division team Toulouse Rodéo.
He came through the youth academy at Lens like his older brother, an Ivorian international and former Paris Saint-Germain full-back, but failed to break through at the highest level.
The English Premier League's Tottenham said on its website that it was “deeply saddened to confirm media reports” of the death, but did not give a cause.
“We are supporting Serge at this difficult time and we ask that the privacy of the player and his family is respected,” the Premier League team said. “Everybody at the club sends their sincerest condolences to Serge and his family. Our thoughts are with them all.”
Serge Aurier, a 27-year-old right back, previously played for Toulouse. The Ivory Coast international joined Tottenham Hostpur in the summer of 2017 from PSG.
He represented his country at the 2014 World Cup.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP and AP)
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france24--2020-07-13--‘Redskins’ no longer: Washington NFL team changing name in response to sponsor pressure

The Washington NFL franchise announced Monday it is dropping the “ Redskins ” name and Indian head logo , bowing to recent pressure from sponsors and decades of criticism that they are offensive to Native Americans .
A new name must still be selected for one of the oldest and most storied teams in the National Football League , and it was unclear how soon that will happen .
But for now , arguably the most polarizing name in North American professional sports is gone at a time of reckoning over racial injustice , iconography and racism in the U.S @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks after owner Dan Snyder , a boyhood fan of the team who once declared he would never get rid of the name , launched a “ thorough review ” amid pressure from sponsors .
FedEx , Nike , Pepsi and Bank of America all lined up against the name , which was given to the franchise in 1933 when the team was still based in Boston .
The team said it is “ retiring ” the name and logo and that Snyder and coach Ron Rivera are working closely to develop a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came on the old letterhead with the Redskins name because the team technically retains it until a new one is chosen and approved .
Native American advocates and experts have long criticized the name they call a “ dictionary-defined racial slur.
” Over a dozen Native leaders and organizations wrote to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last week demanding an immediate end to Washington ’ s use of the name .
Goodell , who has fielded questions on the topic for years , said he supported the review .
Protests against the name predate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and , until now , he had shown no willingness to consider a change .
Strong words from sponsors — including a company run by a minority stakeholder of the team — changed the equation .
FedEx earlier this month became the first sponsor to announce it had asked the organization to change the name , particularly important because CEO Frederick Smith owns part of the team .
FedEx paid $ 205 million for the long-term naming rights to the team ’ s stadium in Landover , Maryland .
The lease at FedEx @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the name keeps open various possibilities in Maryland , Virginia and Washington for the team ’ s new stadium and headquarters .
District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser has said the name was an “ obstacle ” to Snyder building on the old RFK Stadium site , which is believed to be his preference .
The team recently started cutting ties with racist founder George Preston Marshall , removing his name from the Ring of Fame and renaming the lower bowl at FedEx Field for the team ’ s first Black player , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marshall , who renamed the Boston Braves the Redskins in 1933 and moved the team to D.C. four years later , was a segregationist and the last NFL owner to integrate his team .
The current logo shows the profile of a red-faced Native American with feathers in his hair .
Major League Baseball ’ s Atlanta Braves and the National Hockey League ’ s Chicago Blackhawks have said they have no inclination to change their names .
Some advocates would like to see all Native American names , mascots and imagery out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glory days of winning Super Bowl titles in the 1982 , 1987 and 1991 seasons under coach Joe Gibbs , Washington 's NFL team has just five playoff appearances in 21 years and no postseason victories since 2005 .
The team has lacked a nationally marketable player since Robert Griffin III ’ s short-lived stardom , and the 2020 schedule features zero prime-time games for a franchise that used to be a draw .
Re-branding with a new name and logo — and perhaps the same burgundy and gold colors — coupled with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a boon for Snyder on and off the field .
Even if a segment of the fan base opposes the change in the name of tradition , winning would more than make up for those losses .

The Washington NFL franchise announced Monday it is dropping the “Redskins” name and Indian head logo, bowing to recent pressure from sponsors and decades of criticism that they are offensive to Native Americans.
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A new name must still be selected for one of the oldest and most storied teams in the National Football League, and it was unclear how soon that will happen. But for now, arguably the most polarizing name in North American professional sports is gone at a time of reckoning over racial injustice, iconography and racism in the U.S.
The move came less than two weeks after owner Dan Snyder, a boyhood fan of the team who once declared he would never get rid of the name, launched a “thorough review” amid pressure from sponsors. FedEx, Nike, Pepsi and Bank of America all lined up against the name, which was given to the franchise in 1933 when the team was still based in Boston.
The team said it is “retiring” the name and logo and that Snyder and coach Ron Rivera are working closely to develop a new moniker and design. The announcement came on the old letterhead with the Redskins name because the team technically retains it until a new one is chosen and approved.
Native American advocates and experts have long criticized the name they call a “dictionary-defined racial slur.” Over a dozen Native leaders and organizations wrote to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last week demanding an immediate end to Washington’s use of the name. Goodell, who has fielded questions on the topic for years, said he supported the review.
Protests against the name predate Snyder buying the team in 1999, and, until now, he had shown no willingness to consider a change. Strong words from sponsors — including a company run by a minority stakeholder of the team — changed the equation.
Team's founding owner was segregationist
FedEx earlier this month became the first sponsor to announce it had asked the organization to change the name, particularly important because CEO Frederick Smith owns part of the team. FedEx paid $205 million for the long-term naming rights to the team’s stadium in Landover, Maryland.
The lease at FedEx Field expires in 2027, and dropping the name keeps open various possibilities in Maryland, Virginia and Washington for the team’s new stadium and headquarters. District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser has said the name was an “obstacle” to Snyder building on the old RFK Stadium site, which is believed to be his preference.
The team recently started cutting ties with racist founder George Preston Marshall, removing his name from the Ring of Fame and renaming the lower bowl at FedEx Field for the team’s first Black player, late Hall of Famer Bobby Mitchell. Marshall, who renamed the Boston Braves the Redskins in 1933 and moved the team to D.C. four years later, was a segregationist and the last NFL owner to integrate his team. The current logo shows the profile of a red-faced Native American with feathers in his hair.
Major League Baseball’s Atlanta Braves and the National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks have said they have no inclination to change their names. Some advocates would like to see all Native American names, mascots and imagery out of sports.
Long removed from the glory days of winning Super Bowl titles in the 1982, 1987 and 1991 seasons under coach Joe Gibbs, Washington's NFL team has just five playoff appearances in 21 years and no postseason victories since 2005. The team has lacked a nationally marketable player since Robert Griffin III’s short-lived stardom, and the 2020 schedule features zero prime-time games for a franchise that used to be a draw.
Re-branding with a new name and logo — and perhaps the same burgundy and gold colors — coupled with turning football operations over to Rivera could be a boon for Snyder on and off the field. Even if a segment of the fan base opposes the change in the name of tradition, winning would more than make up for those losses.
(AP)
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france24--2020-07-13--Amid demonstrations against gang violence and corruption in Haiti, a pastor publishes videos with ga

Amid demonstrations against gang violence and corruption in Haiti, a pastor publishes videos with gang members

One of our Observers in Port-au-Prince , Zéphirin Niepce , sent us three of the videos that are circulating on social media.In the first video , Pastor Berger Moderne filmed himself holding two large rifles , with a third slung across his chest .
He also has two small handguns strapped to his pants .
At the end of the video , one of the guns goes off , and the pastor screams and laughs as shots fire into the air.In the second video , the young pastor shows off a collection of guns lined up behind the wall behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , picking up one after the other .
Pastor Berger explains he is in Grande Ravine , a popular district south of Port au Prince.
“ We want to show people the kind of peace we want to make in the country .
It is a question of peace between the Ti Mepri ( Little Defiance in English ) [ Editor ’ s note : Ti Mepri is the leader of a prominent gang ] and the other gentlemen of Grand Ravine.
” As he films himself with the weapons against the wall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in Haiti are tired of their current quality of life.
“ They want a better life ; they want a change in the country so that people who live abroad can come and invest in the country and help those who can not support themselves , ” he says.The third video that Niepce shared with the Observers shows Pastor Berger talking with Ti Mepri , who appears with his face entirely covered by a camouflage scarf except for his eyes.Niepce contributed to an Observers Direct episode filmed in Port-au-Prince in 2018 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ influence in Haiti , including Pastor Berger.In Port-au-Prince , protests against government corruption and the impunity enjoyed by powerful gangs have taken over the streets for months .
There are nearly 100 gangs in the capital city , and many receive benefits from the government and payments from opposition parties and private sector businesses .
Crime worsened when the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti ( MINUSTAH ) ended in October 2017 .
In the past two months , there have been 54 homicides in Haiti ’ s capital , largely linked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gang members and his recent videos came as quite a shock to many in Haiti , Niepce explained.On Tuesday July 7 , the national judicial police ( DCPJ ) commissioner Jacques Lafontant issued a warrant for pastor ’ s arrest .
Pastor Berger is wanted for unlawful possession of a firearm and association with criminals.On July 9 , Pastor Berger published a new 10-minute long video where he reacts to the warrant issued against him.In the video he claims that he “ has been sent by God to create peace.
” “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good job for this country .
I decided to speak out because I want peace in this country , ” he said.
“ This government is good for nothing .
I feel that the government likes it when people destroy themselves .
The government likes it when there is destruction , looting .
The government likes it when there are kidnappings and rapes in the country .
That 's why they want to arrest me .
I am ready whenever they want because I did something good , because I preach peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Warrants should have been sent out for the thieves of PetroCaribe funds .
Not me [ Editor ’ s note : PetroCaribe refers to the program that Venezuela used to supply oil to Haiti .
In 2019 , the Supreme Court of Auditors in Haiti discovered that over 1,7 billion euros had disappeared during the program and allegedly to the benefit of President Jovenel Moïse . ]
” Two years ago , Pastor Berger Moderne was the subject of controversy when a video surfaced that captured the pastor swinging a child around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The pastor claimed that the ritual would help cure the child of an unspecified sickness.Pastor Berger founded a congregation known as “ Lamé sélès ” in creole [ in English , the Celestial Army ] .
The congregation practices a similar doctrine as the Pentecostal Church , Haitian Senator Jean-Renel Sénatus told the Observers in 2018 .
After this video was shared online by people at the ceremony , the police opened an investigation into Pastor Berger , who fled .
He was arrested , but released a week later .

HAITI
On the left, Pastor Berger posing with guns, on the right the pastor talks with a well-known gang leader
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In Haiti, videos of a pastor posing with weapons, which appeared online near the end of June, quickly gained traction on social media. The man was identified as 34-year-old Jean Gonzales Jamison Théodore, better known as “Pastor Berger Moderne” [which translates to Modern Shepherd]. In several of the videos, he is accompanied by several well-known gang members in Port-au-Prince.
One of our Observers in Port-au-Prince, Niepce Zéphirin, sent us three of the videos that are circulating on social media.
In the first video, Pastor Berger Moderne filmed himself holding two large rifles, with a third slung across his chest. He also has two small handguns strapped to his pants. At the end of the video, one of the guns goes off, and the pastor screams and laughs as shots fire into the air.
In the second video, the young pastor shows off a collection of guns lined up behind the wall behind him. He goes down the line, picking up one after the other. Pastor Berger explains he is in Grande Ravine, a popular district south of Port au Prince.
“We want to show people the kind of peace we want to make in the country. It is a question of peace between the Ti Mepri (Little Defiance in English) [Editor’s note: Ti Mepri is the leader of a prominent gang] and the other gentlemen of Grand Ravine.”
As he films himself with the weapons against the wall in the background, Pastor Berger says people in Haiti are tired of their current quality of life.
“They want a better life; they want a change in the country so that people who live abroad can come and invest in the country and help those who cannot support themselves,” he says.
The third video that Niepce shared with the Observers shows Pastor Berger talking with Ti Mepri, who appears with his face entirely covered by a camouflage scarf except for his eyes.
In this video, he is accompanied by one of the very powerful gang leaders, known by the name of Ti Mepri (Little Contempt), who was deported from the United States.
Niepce contributed to an Observers Direct episode filmed in Port-au-Prince in 2018. The first segment looked at preachers’ influence in Haiti, including Pastor Berger.
Gang violence in Haiti
In Port-au-Prince, protests against government corruption and the impunity enjoyed by powerful gangs have taken over the streets for months. There are nearly 100 gangs in the capital city, and many receive benefits from the government and payments from opposition parties and private sector businesses. Crime worsened when the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) ended in October 2017. In the past two months, there have been 54 homicides in Haiti’s capital, largely linked to gang violence.
Pastor Berger’s affiliation with gang members and his recent videos came as quite a shock to many in Haiti, Niepce explained.
People were rather surprised by this collaboration with these notorious bandits. It's like he's doing it for a joke. The fact that he appeared with thugs and gang members who are wanted by the police puts himself in danger. In fact, an arrest warrant has been issued against him.
On Tuesday July 7, the national judicial police (DCPJ) commissioner Jacques Lafontant issued a warrant for pastor’s arrest. Pastor Berger is wanted for unlawful possession of a firearm and association with criminals.
On July 9, Pastor Berger published a new 10-minute long video where he reacts to the warrant issued against him.
In the video he claims that he “has been sent by God to create peace.”
“I decided to speak out because I do a good job for this country. I decided to speak out because I want peace in this country,” he said.
“This government is good for nothing. I feel that the government likes it when people destroy themselves. The government likes it when there is destruction, looting. The government likes it when there are kidnappings and rapes in the country. That's why they want to arrest me. I am ready whenever they want because I did something good, because I preach peace. And I am not a thief. Warrants should have been sent out for the thieves of PetroCaribe funds. Not me
[Editor’s note: PetroCaribe refers to the program that Venezuela used to supply oil to Haiti. In 2019, the Supreme Court of Auditors (CSCCA) in Haiti discovered that over 1,7 billion euros had disappeared during the program and allegedly to the benefit of President Jovenel Moïse.]”
Pastor previously arrested in 2018
Two years ago, Pastor Berger Moderne was the subject of controversy when a video surfaced that captured the pastor swinging a child around by his hair during a ritual. The pastor claimed that the ritual would help cure the child of an unspecified sickness.
Pastor Berger founded a congregation known as “Lamé sélès” in creole [in English, the Celestial Army]. The congregation practices a similar doctrine as the Pentecostal Church, Haitian Senator Jean-Renel Sénatus told the Observers in 2018. After this video was shared online by people at the ceremony, the police opened an investigation into Pastor Berger, who fled. He was arrested, but released a week later.
“He could be looking for glory on social media since he does have a degree of popularity on social media sites”
When the videos first came out it was difficult to discern Pastor Berger’s motives. On social media, people in Haiti were quite shocked.
One of our Observers investigated. This person requested to remain anonymous.
The prophet is working as someone promoting the good face of the gang ‘G9 an fanmi. My sources confirmed it to me.This has nothing to do with religion beliefs, but it is 100% a political process. The motive for the videos is not religion. His behavior does not have anything to do with religion. You see the way he is posing. He is like a rapper boy. Pastor Berger said it was a peaceful video to show that the gangs are making peace...But there are gangs that are incredibly violent. People are dismembered with machetes.
In Haiti, although many people are Christian, many also practice vodou, which is a religion that came to Haiti with slaves from West Africa during the French colonial rule.
Our Observer adds:
Generally, gangs practice vodou, and Christian values do not mix well with theirs. However, mixing religious practices is evident with the Pastor’s religion (Celestial Army). Sometimes it is difficult to say if their ritual is Christian or vodou. Therefore, it is possible that his status as a pastor facilitates his connection with the gangs that are in popular and vulnerable areas that often practice this religion (Celestial Army).
Our Observer informed us that Pastor Berger is set to appear in court today. But the pastor has promised to bring a large crowd of people, including a “rara team.” Rara is a genre of music in Haiti played with instruments that people traditionally use in vodou ceremonies.
The Rara group is to attract a crowd. Usually, when there is a demonstration in Haiti, you'll always see 'rara' in it. The prophet is saying that he is going to the court tomorrow. But he made sure to have a lot of people with him. They always do it this way. So when there are a lot of people the judge will never keep him.
In Haiti, influential figures often rally a big crowd when they appear in court, according to our Observer. The crowd intimidates the judge, who can then dismiss the case. This intimidation technique is frequent in Haiti. With a large crowd, it is unlikely that Pastor Berger’s case will be prosecuted.
This article will be updated with developments.
Article by Sophie Stuber (@sophiestube)


france24--2020-07-10--How will France celebrate Bastille Day during Covid-19?

How will France celebrate Bastille Day during Covid-19 ?
Every year , France celebrates its national holiday – Bastille Day @ @ @ @ @ But this year 's festivities are going to be very different due to the global @ @ @ @ @ to happen to the traditional military parade , fireworks display and fire station balls ?
@ @ @ @ @ take a closer look in this week 's French Connections .

How will France celebrate Bastille Day during Covid-19?
06:55 FRENCH CONNECTIONS © FRANCE 24
Every year, France celebrates its national holiday – Bastille Day – on July 14. But this year's festivities are going to be very different due to the global pandemic. What's going to happen to the traditional military parade, fireworks display and fire station balls? Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot take a closer look in this week's French Connections.


france24--2020-07-14--Macron lays out Covid-19 crisis response in Bastille Day interview

French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the pandemic and his goals for the future in a televised interview on Tuesday after hosting a Bastille Day ceremony that was scaled back and recalibrated to celebrate the heroes of the coronavirus pandemic .
For the first time since 1945 , French authorities called off the annual military parade along the Champs-Élysées in Paris that usually marks the storming of the Bastille fortress at the start of the French Revolution .
Instead , just 2,000 soldiers – half the usual number – gathered at the Place de la Concorde for a pared-down ceremony in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic were given pride of place .
Macron also chose to renew another tradition , the July 14 president 's interview , to detail his plans for surmounting the devastating social and economic crisis wrought by the Covid-19 outbreak .
He abandoned the ritual after taking office three years ago with a pledge to shake up politics as usual , but his new government is now under pressure to prove it can rise to the unprecedented challenges it is facing .
Prominent doctors urged this week that face masks be mandatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appears to spreading faster in several areas as people let down their guard following the easing of France 's lockdown , which began March 17 and began lifting on May 11 .
Despite billions of euros pledged to minimise the economic damage caused by the pandemic , questions remain over how the government will foster recovery from a recession expected to destroy hundreds of thousands of jobs .
Officials said the president would address the health crisis as well as several measures to revive economic growth .
His interview was also expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost two years that remain before he faces re-election in 2022 .
Macron 's critics have accused him of initially underestimating and then mishandling the medical crisis .
He has limited himself to a few televised addresses since March , while his previous premier Édouard Philippe enjoyed a popularity boost over his perceived steady hand .
Soon after a cabinet re-shuffle last week that saw him take control of a revamped government , new Prime Minister Jean Castex riled unions by saying he would move quickly to finalise a controversial pensions overhaul that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushed ahead on the signature reform despite massive strikes over the winter that were fueled in part by the anti-government anger laid bare in the `` Yellow Vest '' protests of 2018 and 2019 .
Later on Tuesday , parks near the Eiffel Tower will be closed to crowds for the Bastille Day fireworks in Paris .
Most other cities have called off their shows altogether .

French President Emmanuel Macron said he wants masks to be required in all indoor public places starting on August 1 and acknowledged his controversial pension reform needs "reworking" as he laid out his goals for the future in a televised interview on Tuesday following a scaled-back Bastille Day ceremony.
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For the first time since 1945, French authorities called off the annual military parade along the Champs-Élysées that usually marks the storming of the Bastille fortress at the start of the French Revolution. Instead, just 2,000 soldiers – half the usual number – gathered at the Place de la Concorde for a pared-down ceremony in which workers on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic were given pride of place.
Macron chose to renew the tradition of the July 14 president's interview to detail his plans for surmounting the devastating social and economic crisis wrought by the Covid-19 outbreak. He abandoned the ritual after taking office three years ago with a pledge to shake up politics as usual, but his new government is now under pressure to prove it can rise to the unprecedented challenges it is facing.
Acknowledging signs of a resurgence of the virus that has already killed more than 30,000 people in France, Macron said he wanted face masks to be made compulsory in enclosed public spaces as of August 1 — a measure advocated by prominent doctors in recent days.
"We will be ready in the event of a second wave," the French president said, pledging to step up testing and tracing efforts. Macron also said that France would be among the first countries to receive any future vaccine developed by pharmaceutical giant Sanofi.
00:40
Pension overhaul
Macron's critics have accused him of initially underestimating and then mishandling the medical crisis. He has limited himself to a few televised addresses since March, while his previous premier Édouard Philippe enjoyed a popularity boost over his perceived steady hand.
Despite billions of euros pledged to minimise the economic damage caused by the pandemic, questions remain over how Macron's administration will foster recovery from a recession expected to destroy hundreds of thousands of jobs.
The French president said his government's "massive" recovery plan would reach €100 billion ($114 billion), on top of more than €460 billion spent so far to limit the economic damage of a costly two-month lockdown.
Macron promised subsidised contracts for youths struggling to enter the job market and payroll tax freezes for companies that hire young workers. He also advocated restraint on company dividends, tying it to the possibility that companies may ask employees to take pay cuts.
Commentary: #MacronInterview: Three people talking, at length, in close proximity, in an enclosed space, about the wisdom of mask-wearing and social distancing - without wearing masks themselves. @FRANCE24 — Douglas Herbert (@dougf24) July 14, 2020
Touching on the sensitive subject of pension reform, which saw unions stage France's longest strike in decades over the winter, the French president said the proposed reform needed "reworking" but remained necessary.
Soon after a cabinet re-shuffle last week that saw him take control of a revamped government, new Prime Minister Jean Castex had riled unions by saying he would move quickly to finalise the controversial pension overhaul, which was suspended by the Covid-19 crisis.
Macron said Castex would meet with union leaders in the coming week to renegotiate aspects of the reform, though maintaining that the proposed overhaul was "good and fair".
Green industries
The interview at the Élysée Palace was expected to set out Macron's priorities for the almost two years that remain before he faces a tough re-election battle in 2022.
The centrist president, who was elected on a neither-right-nor-left platform, vehemently rejected suggestions that his newly reshuffled cabinet leant further to the right with the appointment of Castex and the promotion of other defectors from the conservative Les Républicains party. He also defended his decision to promote former budget minister Gérald Darmanin to the interior ministry, despite him being under preliminary investigation over allegations of rape.
>> Critics say choice of Castex as new PM reveals a Macron power grab
Days after his ruling party suffered a humiliating rout in municipal elections dominated by the Greens, Macron said he wanted the fight against climate change enshrined in the French constitution "as soon as possible".
The president said his government would invest heavily in railways to boost freight and redevelop regional lines, "all of which helps to save money and slash carbon emissions". He also stated his ambition to repatriate certains industries in the wake of a pandemic that has exposed the shortcomings of globalisation.
"We won't recreate the industries of old, but we can in France become once again an industrial nation through ecology," he said, adding that new technologies such as 3D printing would help reduce the need for costly imports of raw materials "whose carbon footprint is abominable".
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france24--2020-07-14--France honours military and heroes of Covid-19 response at Bastille Day parade

France honours military and heroes of Covid-19 response at Bastille Day parade French President Emmanuel Macron hosted a Bastille Day @ @ @ @ @ rededicated to celebrating the heroes of the fight against Covid-19 , including medical workers , @ @ @ @ @ See how events unfolded on our live blog .

As it happened
France honours military and heroes of Covid-19 response at Bastille Day parade
French President Emmanuel Macron hosted a Bastille Day parade on Tuesday that was rededicated to celebrating the heroes of the fight against Covid-19, including medical workers, cashiers and postal workers. See how events unfolded on our live blog.
01:48 © Christian Hartmann, Reuters
Advertising Read more Macron said the ceremony was a "symbol of the commitment of an entire nation" in the fight against Covid-19
Just 2,000 soldiers – half the usual number – took part in the scaled-down ceremony on place de la Concorde, where several dozen doctors, nurses and others on the frontlines of the pandemic were given pride of place
The annual event marks the storming of the Bastille fortress that triggered the French Revolution in 1789. Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe Take international news everywhere with you! Download the France 24 app


france24--2020-07-14--US rejects Beijing's claims in South China Sea, stoking tensions

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force training ships JS Kashima and JS Shimayuki conduct a passing exercise ( PASSEX ) with Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan in the South China Sea , July 7 , 2020 .
Picture taken July 7 , 2020 .
The United States on Monday rejected China 's disputed claims to offshore resources in most of the South China Sea , a move that Beijing criticised as inciting tensions in the region and which highlighted an increasingly testy relationship .
China has offered no coherent legal basis for its ambitions in the South China Sea and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other Southeast Asian coastal states , U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement .
`` We are making clear : Beijing ’ s claims to offshore resources across most of the South China Sea are completely unlawful , as is its campaign of bullying to control them , '' said Pompeo , a prominent China hawk within the Trump administration .
The U.S. has long opposed China 's expansive territorial claims on the South China Sea , sending warships regularly through the strategic waterway to demonstrate freedom of navigation there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tone .
`` The world will not allow Beijing to treat the South China Sea as its maritime empire , '' Pompeo said .
The Chinese embassy in the United States said in a statement dated Tuesday that Washington 's accusation is `` completely unjustified . ''
`` Under the pretext of preserving stability , ( the U.S. ) is flexing muscles , stirring up tension and inciting confrontation in the region , '' it said .
Regional analysts said it would be vital to see whether other nations adopt the U.S. stance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might do to reinforce its position and prevent Beijing from creating `` facts on the water '' to buttress its claims .
The relationship between the United States and China has grown increasingly tense over the past six months over Beijing 's handling of the coronavirus pandemic , its tightened grip on Hong Kong and its crackdown on China 's Uighur Muslim community .
China claims 90 % of the potentially energy-rich South China Sea , but Brunei , Malaysia , the Philippines , Taiwan and Vietnam also lay claim to parts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trillion of trade passes each year .
Beijing has built bases atop atolls in the region but says its intentions are peaceful .
Beijing routinely outlines the scope of its claims with reference to the so-called nine-dashed line that encompasses about nine-tenths of the 3.5-million-square-kilometer South China Sea on Chinese maps .
`` This is basically the first time we have called it illegitimate , '' said Chris Johnson , an analyst with the Center for Strategic and International Studies .
`` It 's `` fine to put out a statement , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? ''

The United States on Monday rejected China's disputed claims to offshore resources in most of the South China Sea, a move that Beijing criticised as inciting tensions in the region and which highlighted an increasingly testy relationship.
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force training ships JS Kashima and JS Shimayuki conduct a passing exercise (PASSEX) with Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan in the South China Sea, July 7, 2020. Picture taken July 7, 2020.
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China has offered no coherent legal basis for its ambitions in the South China Sea and for years has been using intimidation against other Southeast Asian coastal states, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.
"We are making clear: Beijing’s claims to offshore resources across most of the South China Sea are completely unlawful, as is its campaign of bullying to control them," said Pompeo, a prominent China hawk within the Trump administration.
The U.S. has long opposed China's expansive territorial claims on the South China Sea, sending warships regularly through the strategic waterway to demonstrate freedom of navigation there. Monday's comments reflect a harsher tone.
"The world will not allow Beijing to treat the South China Sea as its maritime empire," Pompeo said.
The Chinese embassy in the United States said in a statement dated Tuesday that Washington's accusation is "completely unjustified."
"Under the pretext of preserving stability, (the U.S.) is flexing muscles, stirring up tension and inciting confrontation in the region," it said.
Regional analysts said it would be vital to see whether other nations adopt the U.S. stance and what, if anything, Washington might do to reinforce its position and prevent Beijing from creating "facts on the water" to buttress its claims.
The relationship between the United States and China has grown increasingly tense over the past six months over Beijing's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, its tightened grip on Hong Kong and its crackdown on China's Uighur Muslim community.
China claims 90% of the potentially energy-rich South China Sea, but Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also lay claim to parts of it, through which about $3 trillion of trade passes each year. Beijing has built bases atop atolls in the region but says its intentions are peaceful.
Beijing routinely outlines the scope of its claims with reference to the so-called nine-dashed line that encompasses about nine-tenths of the 3.5-million-square-kilometer South China Sea on Chinese maps.
"This is basically the first time we have called it illegitimate," said Chris Johnson, an analyst with the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "It's "fine to put out a statement, but what you going to do about it?"
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-07-14--Malian jihadist on trial at ICC over Timbuktu destruction, crimes against humanity

Malian Muslim militant Al-Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud arrives for his trial at the International Criminal Court ( ICC ) in The Hague , The Netherlands .
He is accused of demolishing Timbuktu 's fabled shrines , as well as for rape , torture and sex slavery .
The trial of a Malian jihadist accused of demolishing Timbuktu 's fabled shrines and unleashing a reign of terror begins at the International Criminal Court on Tuesday .
Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud , 42 , has been charged with war crimes , crimes against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The charges cover a period when Islamic fundamentalists exploited an ethnic Tuareg uprising in 2012 to take over cities in Mali 's volatile north .
Prosecutors at the tribunal in The Hague will give their opening statement against the man they described in pre-trial hearings as having `` terrorised '' local residents .
The defence and the legal representatives of alleged victims will deliver their statements at a later date when evidence is presented to the court .
Because of the coronavirus pandemic some participants in the trial will take part remotely , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would personally be in court .
Jihadists who swept into Timbuktu , dubbed the `` Pearl of the Desert '' , considered the shrines there to be idolatrous and wrecked them with pickaxes and bulldozers .
Built between the fifth and the 12th centuries by Tuareg tribes , Timbuktu has also been dubbed `` The City of 333 Saints '' who were buried there during the golden age of Islam .
ICC prosecutors said there were `` substantial grounds '' to convict Al Hassan for `` crimes against humanity ... torture , rape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inhumane acts including , inter alia , forced marriages , persecution and war crimes . ''
`` Al Hassan played an essential and undeniable role in the system of persecution established by the armed groups ... in Timbuktu , '' ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said last year .
The jihadist police imposed draconian measures on the city 's residents who lived in constant fear of `` despicable '' violence and repression , prosecutors said .
They cited an example in which a man had his hand amputated after he was accused of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second Islamist extremist to face trial at the ICC for the destruction of the Timbuktu shrines , following a 2016 landmark ruling at the world 's only permanent war crimes court .
In the court 's first case to focus on cultural destruction , the ICC judges found Ahmad al-Faqi al-Mahdi guilty of directing attacks on the UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012 .
He was sentenced to nine years in jail .
Timbuktu 's tombs were rebuilt after the jihadists were thrown out , but the city remains in the grip of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are now scarce .

The trial of a Malian jihadist accused of demolishing Timbuktu's fabled shrines and unleashing a reign of terror begins at the International Criminal Court on Tuesday.
Malian Muslim militant Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud arrives for his trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, The Netherlands. He is accused of demolishing Timbuktu's fabled shrines, as well as for rape, torture and sex slavery.
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Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud, 42, has been charged with war crimes, crimes against humanity, rape and sexual slavery.
The charges cover a period when Islamic fundamentalists exploited an ethnic Tuareg uprising in 2012 to take over cities in Mali's volatile north.
Prosecutors at the tribunal in The Hague will give their opening statement against the man they described in pre-trial hearings as having "terrorised" local residents.
The defence and the legal representatives of alleged victims will deliver their statements at a later date when evidence is presented to the court.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic some participants in the trial will take part remotely, and it was unclear whether Al Hassan would personally be in court.
Jihadists who swept into Timbuktu, dubbed the "Pearl of the Desert", considered the shrines there to be idolatrous and wrecked them with pickaxes and bulldozers.
Built between the fifth and the 12th centuries by Tuareg tribes, Timbuktu has also been dubbed "The City of 333 Saints" who were buried there during the golden age of Islam.
'Essential, undeniable role'
ICC prosecutors said there were "substantial grounds" to convict Al Hassan for "crimes against humanity... torture, rape, sexual slavery (and) other inhumane acts including, inter alia, forced marriages, persecution and war crimes."
"Al Hassan played an essential and undeniable role in the system of persecution established by the armed groups... in Timbuktu," ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said last year.
The jihadist police imposed draconian measures on the city's residents who lived in constant fear of "despicable" violence and repression, prosecutors said.
They cited an example in which a man had his hand amputated after he was accused of petty theft.
Al Hassan is the second Islamist extremist to face trial at the ICC for the destruction of the Timbuktu shrines, following a 2016 landmark ruling at the world's only permanent war crimes court.
In the court's first case to focus on cultural destruction, the ICC judges found Ahmad al-Faqi al-Mahdi guilty of directing attacks on the UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012.
He was sentenced to nine years in jail.
Timbuktu's tombs were rebuilt after the jihadists were thrown out, but the city remains in the grip of insecurity and tourists who once flocked there are now scarce.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-07-14--US Supreme Court clears way for first execution of federal prisoner in 17 years

A guard tower sits along a security fence at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute , Indiana , where Daniel Lewis Lee is set to be executed .
The Trump administration was moving ahead early Tuesday with the execution of the first federal prison inmate in 17 years after a divided Supreme Court reversed lower courts and ruled federal executions could proceed .
Daniel Lewis Lee had been scheduled to receive a lethal dose of the powerful sedative pentobarbital at 4 p.m. EDT Monday .
But a court order preventing Lee ’ s execution , issued Monday morning by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place .
A federal appeals court in Washington refused the administration ’ s plea to step in , before the Supreme Court acted by a 5-4 vote .
Still , Lee ’ s lawyers said the execution could not go forward after midnight under federal regulations .
With conservatives in the majority , the court said in an unsigned opinion that the prisoners ’ “ executions may proceed as planned.
” The four liberal justices dissented .
Two more executions are scheduled this week , Wesley Ira Purkey on Wednesday and Dustin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man , Keith Dwayne Nelson , is scheduled to be executed in August .
The Bureau of Prisons had continued with preparations for Lee ’ s execution even as lower courts paused the proceedings .
Lee , of Yukon , Okalhoma , has had access to social visitors , has visited with his spiritual adviser and has been allowed to receive mail , prison officials said .
He ’ s been under constant staff supervision .
The witnesses for Lee are expected to include three family members , his lawyers and spiritual adviser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1996 killings of gun dealer William Mueller , his wife , Nancy , and her 8-year-old daughter , Sarah Powell .
“ The government has been trying to plow forward with these executions despite many unanswered questions about the legality of its new execution protocol , ” said Shawn Nolan , one of the attorneys for the men facing federal execution .
The federal appeals court in Chicago had separately lifted an injunction on Sunday that had been put in place last week after some members of the victims ’ family argued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the coronavirus if they had to travel to attend .
The family on Monday appealed to the Supreme Court , which also denied the family ’ s claims .
The decision to move forward with the execution—and two others scheduled later in the week—during a global health pandemic that has killed more than 135,000 people in the United States and is ravaging prisons nationwide , drew scrutiny from civil rights groups as well as family of Lee ’ s victims .
Critics argue that the government is creating an unnecessary and manufactured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also likely to add a new front to the national conversation about criminal justice reform in the lead-up to the 2020 elections .
Anti-death penalty protesters began gathering in Terre Haute on Monday .
Organizer Abraham Bonowitz drove a van through the city with a sign emblazoned on the side of a trailer that read , “ “ Stop executions now !
” Because of coronavirus concerns , Bonowitz said his group , Death Penalty Action , wasn ’ t encouraging others to show up .
No more than a few dozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s symbolic , ” Bonowitz said about the protests .
“ We are just here to say that this is wrong.
” In an interview with The Associated Press last week , Attorney General William Barr said the Justice Department has a duty to carry out the sentences imposed by the courts , including the death penalty , and to bring a sense of closure to the victims and those in the communities where the killings happened .
But relatives of those killed by Lee strongly oppose that idea .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ any contention that it was being done on their behalf .
“ For us it is a matter of being there and saying , ‘ This is not being done in our name ; we do not want this , ’ ” said relative Monica Veillette .
The federal prison system has struggled in recent months to contain the exploding number of coronavirus cases behind bars .
There are currently four confirmed coronavirus cases among inmates at the Terre Haute prison , according to federal statistics , and one inmate there has died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Prisons could “ carry out these executions without being at risk.
” The agency has put a number of additional measures in place , including temperature checks and requiring witnesses to wear masks .
But on Sunday , the Justice Department disclosed that a staff member involved in preparing for the execution had tested positive for the coronavirus , but said he had not been in the execution chamber and had not come into contact with anyone on the specialized team sent to handle the execution .
The three men scheduled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given execution dates when Barr announced the federal government would resume executions last year , ending an informal moratorium on federal capital punishment as the issue receded from the public domain .
Executions on the federal level have been rare and the government has put to death only three defendants since restoring the federal death penalty in 1988 - most recently in 2003 , when Louis Jones was executed for the 1995 kidnapping , rape and murder of a young female soldier .
In 2014 , following a botched state execution in Oklahoma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department to conduct a broad review of capital punishment and issues surrounding lethal injection drugs .
The attorney general said last July that the Obama-era review had been completed , clearing the way for executions to resume .

The Trump administration was moving ahead early Tuesday with the execution of the first federal prison inmate in 17 years after a divided Supreme Court reversed lower courts and ruled federal executions could proceed.
A guard tower sits along a security fence at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, Indiana, where Daniel Lewis Lee is set to be executed.
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Daniel Lewis Lee had been scheduled to receive a lethal dose of the powerful sedative pentobarbital at 4 p.m. EDT Monday. But a court order preventing Lee’s execution, issued Monday morning by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, remained in place.
A federal appeals court in Washington refused the administration’s plea to step in, before the Supreme Court acted by a 5-4 vote. Still, Lee’s lawyers said the execution could not go forward after midnight under federal regulations.
With conservatives in the majority, the court said in an unsigned opinion that the prisoners’ “executions may proceed as planned.” The four liberal justices dissented.
Two more executions are scheduled this week, Wesley Ira Purkey on Wednesday and Dustin Lee Honken on Friday.
A fourth man, Keith Dwayne Nelson, is scheduled to be executed in August.
The Bureau of Prisons had continued with preparations for Lee’s execution even as lower courts paused the proceedings.
Lee, of Yukon, Okalhoma, has had access to social visitors, has visited with his spiritual adviser and has been allowed to receive mail, prison officials said. He’s been under constant staff supervision. The witnesses for Lee are expected to include three family members, his lawyers and spiritual adviser.
He was convicted in Arkansas of the 1996 killings of gun dealer William Mueller, his wife, Nancy, and her 8-year-old daughter, Sarah Powell.
“The government has been trying to plow forward with these executions despite many unanswered questions about the legality of its new execution protocol,” said Shawn Nolan, one of the attorneys for the men facing federal execution.
The federal appeals court in Chicago had separately lifted an injunction on Sunday that had been put in place last week after some members of the victims’ family argued they would be put at high risk for the coronavirus if they had to travel to attend. The family on Monday appealed to the Supreme Court, which also denied the family’s claims.
The decision to move forward with the execution—and two others scheduled later in the week—during a global health pandemic that has killed more than 135,000 people in the United States and is ravaging prisons nationwide, drew scrutiny from civil rights groups as well as family of Lee’s victims.
Critics argue that the government is creating an unnecessary and manufactured urgency for political gain. The developments are also likely to add a new front to the national conversation about criminal justice reform in the lead-up to the 2020 elections.
Anti-death penalty protesters began gathering in Terre Haute on Monday. Organizer Abraham Bonowitz drove a van through the city with a sign emblazoned on the side of a trailer that read, ““Stop executions now!”
Because of coronavirus concerns, Bonowitz said his group, Death Penalty Action, wasn’t encouraging others to show up. No more than a few dozen protesters were expected to join him.
“It’s symbolic,” Bonowitz said about the protests. “We are just here to say that this is wrong.”
In an interview with The Associated Press last week, Attorney General William Barr said the Justice Department has a duty to carry out the sentences imposed by the courts, including the death penalty, and to bring a sense of closure to the victims and those in the communities where the killings happened.
But relatives of those killed by Lee strongly oppose that idea. They wanted to be present to counter any contention that it was being done on their behalf.
“For us it is a matter of being there and saying, ‘This is not being done in our name; we do not want this,’” said relative Monica Veillette.
The federal prison system has struggled in recent months to contain the exploding number of coronavirus cases behind bars. There are currently four confirmed coronavirus cases among inmates at the Terre Haute prison, according to federal statistics, and one inmate there has died.
Barr said he believes the Bureau of Prisons could “carry out these executions without being at risk.” The agency has put a number of additional measures in place, including temperature checks and requiring witnesses to wear masks.
But on Sunday, the Justice Department disclosed that a staff member involved in preparing for the execution had tested positive for the coronavirus, but said he had not been in the execution chamber and had not come into contact with anyone on the specialized team sent to handle the execution.
The three men scheduled to be executed this week had also been given execution dates when Barr announced the federal government would resume executions last year, ending an informal moratorium on federal capital punishment as the issue receded from the public domain.
Executions on the federal level have been rare and the government has put to death only three defendants since restoring the federal death penalty in 1988 - most recently in 2003, when Louis Jones was executed for the 1995 kidnapping, rape and murder of a young female soldier.
In 2014, following a botched state execution in Oklahoma, President Barack Obama directed the Justice Department to conduct a broad review of capital punishment and issues surrounding lethal injection drugs.
The attorney general said last July that the Obama-era review had been completed, clearing the way for executions to resume.
(AP)
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france24--2020-07-14--US prosecutors say Epstein's ex-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell should not be granted bail

Audrey Strauss , Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York speaks alongside William F. Sweeney Jr. , Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office , at a news conference announcing charges against Ghislaine Maxwell in New York City , New York , U.S. , July 2 , 2020 .
Ghislaine Maxwell can not be trusted to be freed on bail while facing charges she helped advance Jeffrey Epstein 's sexual abuse , and deserves no `` special treatment '' because she might contract Covid-19 in jail , U.S. prosecutors said on Monday .
Prosecutors urged Maxwell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled arraignment on charges she helped the late financier recruit and eventually abuse girls from 1994 to 1997 , and lied about her role in depositions in 2016 .
Maxwell is in federal custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn .
She was arrested on July 2 in Bradford , New Hampshire , where authorities said she had been hiding out at a 156-acre ( 63-hectare ) property she bought last December .
Lawyers for Maxwell urged on Friday she be freed on $ 5 million bond , subject to home confinement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her wealth , multiple citizenships and being `` skilled at living in hiding '' made her an `` extraordinary '' flight risk .
`` The court should take the proposed bail package for what it is worth : nothing , '' prosecutors said .
Prosecutors also said Maxwell did not deserve favored treatment over detainees at the Brooklyn jail who , unlike her , have medical conditions making Covid-19 a greater risk .
Maxwell faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted .
Epstein hung himself last August 10 at age 66 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial on charges he sexually exploited dozens of girls and women from 2002 to 2005 .
In Friday 's filing , Maxwell 's lawyers said she had always denied being involved in misconduct related to Epstein .
They also said she was shielded by Epstein 's 2007 plea agreement with federal prosecutors in Miami , which covered `` any potential co-conspirators . ''
The Manhattan prosecutors called that claim `` absurd , '' saying they were not bound by the agreement , and Maxwell 's indictment covered conduct from several years earlier .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an uphill battle for bail , citing public pressure and `` the vast number of victims '' allegedly harmed by Epstein .

Ghislaine Maxwell cannot be trusted to be freed on bail while facing charges she helped advance Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse, and deserves no "special treatment" because she might contract Covid-19 in jail, U.S. prosecutors said on Monday.
Audrey Strauss, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York speaks alongside William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office, at a news conference announcing charges against Ghislaine Maxwell in New York City, New York, U.S., July 2, 2020.
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Prosecutors urged Maxwell's continued detention one day before her scheduled arraignment on charges she helped the late financier recruit and eventually abuse girls from 1994 to 1997, and lied about her role in depositions in 2016.
Maxwell is in federal custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. She was arrested on July 2 in Bradford, New Hampshire, where authorities said she had been hiding out at a 156-acre (63-hectare) property she bought last December.
Lawyers for Maxwell urged on Friday she be freed on $5 million bond, subject to home confinement with electronic monitoring.
But prosecutors said her wealth, multiple citizenships and being "skilled at living in hiding" made her an "extraordinary" flight risk.
"The court should take the proposed bail package for what it is worth: nothing," prosecutors said.
Prosecutors also said Maxwell did not deserve favored treatment over detainees at the Brooklyn jail who, unlike her, have medical conditions making Covid-19 a greater risk.
Maxwell faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted.
Epstein hung himself last August 10 at age 66 in a Manhattan jail, while awaiting trial on charges he sexually exploited dozens of girls and women from 2002 to 2005.
In Friday's filing, Maxwell's lawyers said she had always denied being involved in misconduct related to Epstein.
They also said she was shielded by Epstein's 2007 plea agreement with federal prosecutors in Miami, which covered "any potential co-conspirators."
The Manhattan prosecutors called that claim "absurd," saying they were not bound by the agreement, and Maxwell's indictment covered conduct from several years earlier.
Former prosecutor Duncan Levin said Maxwell faced an uphill battle for bail, citing public pressure and "the vast number of victims" allegedly harmed by Epstein.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-07-14--Ghislaine Maxwell denied bail after pleading not guilty to sex trafficking for Epstein

Protesters and members of the media gather outside Manhattan Federal Court during the arraignment hearing of Ghislaine Maxwell for her role in the sexual exploitation and abuse of minors by Jeffrey Epstein , New York City , July 14 , 2020 .
A U.S. judge on Tuesday denied bail for Ghislaine Maxwell , Jeffrey Epstein 's longtime associate charged with luring young girls so the late financier could sexually abuse them , after she pleaded not guilty at a hearing in which women who accused her of enabling their abuse decried her `` heinous '' actions .
U.S. District Judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's bid for bail after prosecutors portrayed the wealthy socialite as an extreme flight risk , set a trial date for July 12 , 2021 .
Prosecutors have accused Maxwell of helping Epstein recruit and eventually abuse girls as young as 14 from 1994 to 1997 and lying about her role in depositions in 2016 .
Maxwell , 58 , appeared by video from the Brooklyn jail where she is being held .
She appeared tired , with her hair pulled back , and was wearing a brown T-shirt and tortoiseshell glasses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been charged with six criminal counts , including four related to transporting minors for illegal sexual acts and two for perjury .
Prosecutors have said Maxwell faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted .
Annie Farmer , who has accused Maxwell of enabling her abuse , said during the hearing that the defendant `` has never shown any remorse for her heinous crimes '' and told the court `` the danger Maxwell poses must be taken seriously . ''
`` She is a sexual predator who groomed and abused me and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Farmer told the court .
`` Without Ghislaine , Jeffrey could not have done what he did , '' an unidentified accuser added in a statement .
This accuser said she knew Maxwell for more than 10 years and still felt threatened , adding , `` If she is out , I need to be protected . ''
Maxwell 's lawyers had sought a bail package including a $ 5 million bond and home confinement with electronic monitoring .
`` The defendant has the ability to live in hiding , she 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a federal prosecutor , said in arguing against bail .
Moe added that Maxwell has demonstrated she can `` live off the grid , indefinitely . ''
Moe said it took a year after Epstein 's arrest to find Maxwell .
Prosecutors said her wealth and multiple citizenships - American , French and British - also supported the need for continued detention .
Maxwell , Epstein 's former girlfriend and longtime associate , was arrested in Bradford , New Hampshire , where authorities said she was hiding out at a 156-acre ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December in an all-cash transaction with her identity shielded .
Maxwell has been held since July 6 at the Metropolitan Detention Center , a Brooklyn jail .
`` Not guilty , your honor , '' Maxwell said after the judge asked her how she wished to plead to the charges .
Epstein was charged in July 2019 with sexually exploiting dozens of girls and women from 2002 to 2005 at his homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach , Florida .
He hanged himself on Aug. 10 at age 66 in a Manhattan jail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by asking them about their lives , schools and families , and taking them shopping or to movies - acts , they said , that served as `` the prequel '' to Epstein 's abuse .
Epstein has been linked socially to several powerful figures including President Donald Trump , former President Bill Clinton and Britain 's Prince Andrew .
Maxwell 's lawyers also argued that bail was justified because she might contract COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus , in the Brooklyn jail .
Prosecutors said on Monday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they had to forcibly enter her home , where she hid in an interior room , and found a cellphone wrapped in tin foil in an apparent effort to evade detection .
Maxwell 's lawyer , Mark Cohen , said at the hearing that the door was open to Maxwell 's home and her cellphone was stored in a secure bag to prevent hacking by the media .

A U.S. judge on Tuesday denied bail for Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein's longtime associate charged with luring young girls so the late financier could sexually abuse them, after she pleaded not guilty at a hearing in which women who accused her of enabling their abuse decried her "heinous" actions.
Protesters and members of the media gather outside Manhattan Federal Court during the arraignment hearing of Ghislaine Maxwell for her role in the sexual exploitation and abuse of minors by Jeffrey Epstein, New York City, July 14, 2020.
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U.S. District Judge Alison Nathan in Manhattan, rejecting Maxwell's bid for bail after prosecutors portrayed the wealthy socialite as an extreme flight risk, set a trial date for July 12, 2021. Prosecutors have accused Maxwell of helping Epstein recruit and eventually abuse girls as young as 14 from 1994 to 1997 and lying about her role in depositions in 2016.
Maxwell, 58, appeared by video from the Brooklyn jail where she is being held. She appeared tired, with her hair pulled back, and was wearing a brown T-shirt and tortoiseshell glasses.
02:01
Arrested on July 2, Maxwell has been charged with six criminal counts, including four related to transporting minors for illegal sexual acts and two for perjury. Prosecutors have said Maxwell faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted.
Annie Farmer, who has accused Maxwell of enabling her abuse, said during the hearing that the defendant "has never shown any remorse for her heinous crimes" and told the court "the danger Maxwell poses must be taken seriously."
"She is a sexual predator who groomed and abused me and countless other children and young women," Farmer told the court.
"Without Ghislaine, Jeffrey could not have done what he did," an unidentified accuser added in a statement.
This accuser said she knew Maxwell for more than 10 years and still felt threatened, adding, "If she is out, I need to be protected."
'Off the grid'
Maxwell's lawyers had sought a bail package including a $5 million bond and home confinement with electronic monitoring.
"The defendant has the ability to live in hiding, she's good at it," Alison Moe, a federal prosecutor, said in arguing against bail.
Moe added that Maxwell has demonstrated she can "live off the grid, indefinitely." Moe said it took a year after Epstein's arrest to find Maxwell. Prosecutors said her wealth and multiple citizenships - American, French and British - also supported the need for continued detention.
Maxwell, Epstein's former girlfriend and longtime associate, was arrested in Bradford, New Hampshire, where authorities said she was hiding out at a 156-acre (63 hectares) property she bought in December in an all-cash transaction with her identity shielded. Maxwell has been held since July 6 at the Metropolitan Detention Center, a Brooklyn jail.
"Not guilty, your honor," Maxwell said after the judge asked her how she wished to plead to the charges.
Epstein was charged in July 2019 with sexually exploiting dozens of girls and women from 2002 to 2005 at his homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida. He hanged himself on Aug. 10 at age 66 in a Manhattan jail.
Prosecutors accused Maxwell of luring girls by asking them about their lives, schools and families, and taking them shopping or to movies - acts, they said, that served as "the prequel" to Epstein's abuse. Epstein has been linked socially to several powerful figures including President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew.
Maxwell's lawyers also argued that bail was justified because she might contract COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in the Brooklyn jail.
Prosecutors said on Monday that when FBI agents went to arrest Maxwell, they had to forcibly enter her home, where she hid in an interior room, and found a cellphone wrapped in tin foil in an apparent effort to evade detection.
Maxwell's lawyer, Mark Cohen, said at the hearing that the door was open to Maxwell's home and her cellphone was stored in a secure bag to prevent hacking by the media.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-07-14--Macron: Wearing masks ‘in enclosed public spaces’ to become mandatory in France

Wearing a face mask , French President Emmanuel Macron ( L ) greets guests flanked by Prime Minister Jean Castex at the Bastille Day military ceremony in Paris on July 14 , 2020 .
France will in the next few weeks make it compulsory for people to wear masks in shops and other enclosed public spaces to stop a resurgence of the COVID-19 outbreak , President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday .
The virus , which killed more than 30,000 people in France , has been on the decline , but Macron said it was spreading again in some places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and restaurants after a two-month lockdown .
`` We have some signs that it 's coming back a bit , '' Macron said in an interview with French broadcasters .
`` Faced with that , we must anticipate and prepare .
`` I want us , in the next few weeks , to make masks compulsory in enclosed public places .
`` I ask fellow citizens to wear masks as much as possible when they are outside , and especially so when they are in an enclosed space , '' Macron said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to wear face coverings on public transport and in public spaces where social distancing is not possible , but has not mandated the wearing of masks in shops .
Macron , speaking on the Bastille Day national holiday , also said he wanted COVID-19 testing available for everyone , without having to be referred by a doctor .
The biggest challenge France faced in the next six months was an expected wave of joblessness as firms hit by the epidemic lay off workers , he said .
He also said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact , especially on young people emerging into the workforce this summer after they finished their studies .

France will in the next few weeks make it compulsory for people to wear masks in shops and other enclosed public spaces to stop a resurgence of the COVID-19 outbreak, President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday.
Wearing a face mask, French President Emmanuel Macron (L) greets guests flanked by Prime Minister Jean Castex at the Bastille Day military ceremony in Paris on July 14, 2020.
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The virus, which killed more than 30,000 people in France, has been on the decline, but Macron said it was spreading again in some places as France opens up beaches, bars and restaurants after a two-month lockdown.
"We have some signs that it's coming back a bit," Macron said in an interview with French broadcasters. "Faced with that, we must anticipate and prepare.
"I want us, in the next few weeks, to make masks compulsory in enclosed public places.
"I ask fellow citizens to wear masks as much as possible when they are outside, and especially so when they are in an enclosed space," Macron said.
Up to now, France has required people to wear face coverings on public transport and in public spaces where social distancing is not possible, but has not mandated the wearing of masks in shops.
Macron, speaking on the Bastille Day national holiday, also said he wanted COVID-19 testing available for everyone, without having to be referred by a doctor.
04:07
The biggest challenge France faced in the next six months was an expected wave of joblessness as firms hit by the epidemic lay off workers, he said.
He also said he was working with his government to ease the impact, especially on young people emerging into the workforce this summer after they finished their studies.
(REUTERS)
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