france24--2020-06-03--Poland to hold presidential election on June 28, after delay due to Covid-19

Protesters hold up the European and Polish flags during a demonstration in front of the parliament in Warsaw on May 7 , 2020 .
Poles will go to the polls on June 28 in a presidential election delayed by the coronavirus , the parliament speaker said Wednesday , as surveys showed a liberal opposition candidate could oust the incumbent backed by the right-wing government .
President Andrzej Duda , long considered the hands-down election frontrunner , appeared this week to be losing support as the economic hardship triggered by the coronavirus lockdown began to bite .
Backed by the governing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party , Duda could even lose to liberal candidate and current Warsaw mayor Rafal Trzaskowski , according to the latest opinion polls .
“ I ’ m calling the presidential election ... for Sunday , June 28 , ” Parliament speaker Elzbieta Witek told reporters on Wednesday .
She echoed the date floated last week by her political ally , Jaroslaw Kaczynski , the powerful leader of the governing right-wing Law and Justice ( PiS ) party who is widely regarded as Poland 's defacto decision-maker .
The election had originally been scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the last minute by Kaczynski amid a political crisis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic .
A latecomer to the race , Trzaskowski must collect 100,000 signatures backing his candidacy within the next seven days .
The other nine candidates , including Duda , have been allowed to use the public backing and registrations they secured for the postponed May 10 ballot .
A run-off will likely be held on July 12 as no contender is expected to win more than 50 percent support for an outright first-round victory .
The PiS government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a bitter stalemate over how to proceed with the ballot , which had been mired in issues ranging from health and practical concerns to constitutional and democracy questions .
The stalemate was resolved on Tuesday when parliament adopted rules allowing both postal and conventional voting to mitigate the risk of infection during the pandemic .
Poland , a country of 38 million people with limited coronavirus testing , has recorded 24,545 confirmed cases of coronavirus , including 1,102 deaths , according to official data .
The controversy surrounding the election came within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about democratic standards in Poland .
The European Commission has launched four infringement procedures against PiS-authored judicial reforms , which it says test democracy and the rule of law by undermining judicial independence .

Poles will go to the polls on June 28 in a presidential election delayed by the coronavirus, the parliament speaker said Wednesday, as surveys showed a liberal opposition candidate could oust the incumbent backed by the right-wing government.
Protesters hold up the European and Polish flags during a demonstration in front of the parliament in Warsaw on May 7, 2020.
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President Andrzej Duda, long considered the hands-down election frontrunner, appeared this week to be losing support as the economic hardship triggered by the coronavirus lockdown began to bite.
Backed by the governing right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party, Duda could even lose to liberal candidate and current Warsaw mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, according to the latest opinion polls.
“I’m calling the presidential election... for Sunday, June 28,” Parliament speaker Elzbieta Witek told reporters on Wednesday.
She echoed the date floated last week by her political ally, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the powerful leader of the governing right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party who is widely regarded as Poland's defacto decision-maker.
The election had originally been scheduled for May 10 but was pushed back at the last minute by Kaczynski amid a political crisis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.
Rule of law
A latecomer to the race, Trzaskowski must collect 100,000 signatures backing his candidacy within the next seven days.
The other nine candidates, including Duda, have been allowed to use the public backing and registrations they secured for the postponed May 10 ballot.
A run-off will likely be held on July 12 as no contender is expected to win more than 50 percent support for an outright first-round victory.
The PiS government and the liberal opposition had spent weeks in a bitter stalemate over how to proceed with the ballot, which had been mired in issues ranging from health and practical concerns to constitutional and democracy questions.
The stalemate was resolved on Tuesday when parliament adopted rules allowing both postal and conventional voting to mitigate the risk of infection during the pandemic.
Poland, a country of 38 million people with limited coronavirus testing, has recorded 24,545 confirmed cases of coronavirus, including 1,102 deaths, according to official data.
The controversy surrounding the election came within the broader context of long-standing EU concerns about democratic standards in Poland.
The European Commission has launched four infringement procedures against PiS-authored judicial reforms, which it says test democracy and the rule of law by undermining judicial independence.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-06-04--George Floyd protests: America is at a 'turning point', philosopher Cornel West says

In an interview with FRANCE 24 , Harvard University professor Cornel West said the protest movement unleashed by the killing of George Floyd had brought America to a `` turning point '' .
He said he was elated by the quantity , the intensity and the diversity of the protests , noting that it had brought people together from every ethnic and religious background .
West said the choice was now either the ushering in of `` non-violent revolution '' to address systemic racism , or the `` American fascism '' championed by Donald Trump , warning that Trump was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ignite strife .
West , a Harvard University philosophy professor and author , commented on the reaction of US presidents past and present to the ongoing protests sparked by the death of George Floyd .
He told FRANCE 24 that he appreciated a statement by former president George W. Bush urging the need to address racism , but argued it was coming too late and that all former presidents had failed to address the issue properly .
He took aim at Barack Obama , stressing that despite appointing many `` black faces in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US president had failed to change the situation , adding that it was `` no accident '' that the Black Lives Matter movement emerged during his presidency .
West also mocked Trump for brandishing the Bible in front of a burned church , saying he was `` hijacking '' religion for political reasons .
Finally , he welcomed the protest that took place in France to demand justice for Adama Traoré , who died after an arrest by the police in 2016 .
West said it was time for France to address its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its colonial past .

In an interview with FRANCE 24, Harvard University professor Cornel West said the protest movement unleashed by the killing of George Floyd had brought America to a "turning point". He said he was elated by the quantity, the intensity and the diversity of the protests, noting that it had brought people together from every ethnic and religious background. West said the choice was now either the ushering in of "non-violent revolution" to address systemic racism, or the "American fascism" championed by Donald Trump, warning that Trump was playing the race card in order to ignite strife.
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West, a Harvard University philosophy professor and author, commented on the reaction of US presidents past and present to the ongoing protests sparked by the death of George Floyd.
He told FRANCE 24 that he appreciated a statement by former president George W. Bush urging the need to address racism, but argued it was coming too late and that all former presidents had failed to address the issue properly. He took aim at Barack Obama, stressing that despite appointing many "black faces in high places", the first black US president had failed to change the situation, adding that it was "no accident" that the Black Lives Matter movement emerged during his presidency. West also mocked Trump for brandishing the Bible in front of a burned church, saying he was "hijacking" religion for political reasons.
Finally, he welcomed the protest that took place in France to demand justice for Adama Traoré, who died after an arrest by the police in 2016. West said it was time for France to address its own "white supremacy" problem and its colonial past.
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france24--2020-06-04--US protesters welcome new charges in George Floyd killing but stay out on streets

A man holds a candle as he reacts at the scene of the death , in Minneapolis police custody , of George Floyd in Minneapolis , Minnesota , U.S. , June 3 , 2020 .
US protesters welcomed new charges brought Wednesday against Minneapolis officers in the killing of African American man George Floyd -- but thousands still marched in cities across the country for a ninth straight night , chanting against racism and police brutality .
With a key demand met , demonstrators nevertheless staged large and mainly peaceful rallies calling for deeper change in cities from New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new indictments were announced .
Pressure on President Donald Trump mounted as his former Pentagon chief Jim Mattis launched a searing broadside , accusing the Republican leader of trying to `` divide '' America during the unrest .
In Minnesota , prosecutors had initially charged 44-year-old Derek Chauvin -- the white officer filmed kneeling on Floyd 's neck for nearly nine minutes -- with third-degree murder .
But they said Wednesday they were upgrading the charge , roughly akin to manslaughter , to second-degree murder , which does not involve premeditation but carries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the scene of Floyd 's May 25 arrest for allegedly seeking to buy cigarettes with a counterfeit bill are accused of being complicit in the killing .
Tou Thao , 34 , J. Alexander Kueng , 26 , and Thomas Lane , 37 , were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder , and taken into custody .
The arrest of all four officers has been a focus for tens of thousands of protesters who have marched the streets of dozens of US cities , often defying curfews to condemn police brutality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barack Obama applauded the `` change in mindset '' he sees among Americans demanding racial justice .
He urged the nation to `` take the momentum that has been created as a society , as a country , and say 'Let 's use this ' to finally have an impact . ''
US cities including Los Angeles and Washington delayed the start of their curfews by several hours Wednesday after looting and violence had subsided the previous night , while Seattle scrapped its curfew with immediate effect .
`` For those peacefully demonstrating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to demonstrate , '' tweeted Seattle mayor Jenny Durkan .
`` We want you to continue making your voice heard . ''
But several arrests were made in New York after groups of protesters continued to march in Manhattan and Brooklyn after the city 's 8.00 pm curfew had passed .
In Manhattan , protester Brian Clark earlier said the charges were `` a good start '' but vowed demonstrators would `` exercise our right to protest until every black person gets the justice they deserve . ''
`` It 's not enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who did not give his last name .
`` This could have happened a week ago ... it was n't until people started marching on the streets and started tearing things that people started to pay attention . ''
A large group also protested at the US Capitol in Washington DC beyond curfew .
Thousands took to the streets in both Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles , where Mayor Eric Garcetti vowed to redirect $ 250 million toward black community health and education from budgets including the police department .
Floyd 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , called the arrests and new charges a `` bittersweet moment '' -- and a `` significant step forward on the road to justice . ''
They urged Americans to continue to `` raise their voices for change in peaceful ways . ''
While condemning Floyd 's death , Trump has adopted a tough stance towards the protesters , saying they include many `` bad people '' and calling on governors to `` dominate the streets . ''
`` We need law and order , '' he repeated on Wednesday .
Mattis ripped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people -- does not even pretend to try . ''
`` Instead , he tries to divide us , '' the retired Marine general said in a blistering statement posted online by The Atlantic .
Trump snapped back on Twitter , calling Mattis `` the world 's most overrated General . ''
The US president has raised the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy active duty troops to quell unrest .
But Mattis ' successor Mark Esper said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` a matter of last resort and only in the most urgent and dire of situations . ''
`` We are not in one of those situations now .
I do not support invoking the Insurrection Act , '' said the current defense secretary .
White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said Wednesday that the act remains `` a tool available '' to the president , who is facing a tough reelection battle in November .
`` The president wants to protect America 's streets , '' McEnany said , describing the criticism from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appease the DC elite . ''
Trump meanwhile denied media reports that he was rushed for his safety to the White House bunker while protests raged in the streets outside .
`` It was a false report , '' Trump told Fox News Radio , before saying that he did go into the secure area for an `` inspection '' and only for a `` tiny , little , short period of time . ''
Reports of Trump taking shelter sparked a wave of online mockery , which is believed to have contributed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a controversial visit to a partly damaged church near the White House .
Police violently dispersed mostly peaceful crowds of protesters to clear a path for Trump , and the photo opportunity was widely condemned .

US protesters welcomed new charges brought Wednesday against Minneapolis officers in the killing of African American man George Floyd -- but thousands still marched in cities across the country for a ninth straight night, chanting against racism and police brutality.
A man holds a candle as he reacts at the scene of the death, in Minneapolis police custody, of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., June 3, 2020.
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With a key demand met, demonstrators nevertheless staged large and mainly peaceful rallies calling for deeper change in cities from New York to Los Angeles, hours after the new indictments were announced.
Pressure on President Donald Trump mounted as his former Pentagon chief Jim Mattis launched a searing broadside, accusing the Republican leader of trying to "divide" America during the unrest.
In Minnesota, prosecutors had initially charged 44-year-old Derek Chauvin -- the white officer filmed kneeling on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes -- with third-degree murder.
But they said Wednesday they were upgrading the charge, roughly akin to manslaughter, to second-degree murder, which does not involve premeditation but carries stiffer penalties.
Chauvin's three colleagues at the scene of Floyd's May 25 arrest for allegedly seeking to buy cigarettes with a counterfeit bill are accused of being complicit in the killing.
Tou Thao, 34, J. Alexander Kueng, 26, and Thomas Lane, 37, were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder, and taken into custody.
The arrest of all four officers has been a focus for tens of thousands of protesters who have marched the streets of dozens of US cities, often defying curfews to condemn police brutality and demand racial justice.
Former president Barack Obama applauded the "change in mindset" he sees among Americans demanding racial justice.
He urged the nation to "take the momentum that has been created as a society, as a country, and say 'Let's use this' to finally have an impact."
'Bittersweet moment'
US cities including Los Angeles and Washington delayed the start of their curfews by several hours Wednesday after looting and violence had subsided the previous night, while Seattle scrapped its curfew with immediate effect.
"For those peacefully demonstrating tonight, please know you can continue to demonstrate," tweeted Seattle mayor Jenny Durkan. "We want you to continue making your voice heard."
But several arrests were made in New York after groups of protesters continued to march in Manhattan and Brooklyn after the city's 8.00 pm curfew had passed.
In Manhattan, protester Brian Clark earlier said the charges were "a good start" but vowed demonstrators would "exercise our right to protest until every black person gets the justice they deserve."
"It's not enough," added fellow demonstrator Elijah B., who did not give his last name.
"This could have happened a week ago... it wasn't until people started marching on the streets and started tearing things that people started to pay attention."
A large group also protested at the US Capitol in Washington DC beyond curfew.
Thousands took to the streets in both Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles, where Mayor Eric Garcetti vowed to redirect $250 million toward black community health and education from budgets including the police department.
Floyd's family, in a statement thanking protesters, called the arrests and new charges a "bittersweet moment" -- and a "significant step forward on the road to justice."
They urged Americans to continue to "raise their voices for change in peaceful ways."
'Law and order'
While condemning Floyd's death, Trump has adopted a tough stance towards the protesters, saying they include many "bad people" and calling on governors to "dominate the streets."
"We need law and order," he repeated on Wednesday.
Mattis ripped into Trump, calling him "the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people -- does not even pretend to try."
"Instead, he tries to divide us," the retired Marine general said in a blistering statement posted online by The Atlantic.
Trump snapped back on Twitter, calling Mattis "the world's most overrated General."
The US president has raised the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy active duty troops to quell unrest.
But Mattis' successor Mark Esper said that option should only be used as "a matter of last resort and only in the most urgent and dire of situations."
"We are not in one of those situations now. I do not support invoking the Insurrection Act," said the current defense secretary.
White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said Wednesday that the act remains "a tool available" to the president, who is facing a tough reelection battle in November.
"The president wants to protect America's streets," McEnany said, describing the criticism from Mattis as "a self-promotional stunt to appease the DC elite."
Trump meanwhile denied media reports that he was rushed for his safety to the White House bunker while protests raged in the streets outside.
"It was a false report," Trump told Fox News Radio, before saying that he did go into the secure area for an "inspection" and only for a "tiny, little, short period of time."
Reports of Trump taking shelter sparked a wave of online mockery, which is believed to have contributed to his decision on Monday to make a controversial visit to a partly damaged church near the White House.
Police violently dispersed mostly peaceful crowds of protesters to clear a path for Trump, and the photo opportunity was widely condemned.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-06-04--Hong Kong marks Tiananmen crackdown amid virus vigil ban

Hong Kong 's huge annual Tiananmen vigil has been banned this year because of the coronavirus Hong Kong marked China 's deadly Tiananmen crackdown on Thursday , with candle-light ceremonies set for the evening across the city after authorities banned a mass vigil at a time of seething anger over a planned new security law .
Open discussion of the brutal suppression is forbidden in mainland China , where hundreds -- by some estimates more than a thousand -- died when the Communist Party sent tanks on June 4 , 1989 to crush a student-led demonstration in Beijing calling for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ semi-autonomous Hong Kong have kept memories alive for the past three decades by holding a huge annual vigil , the only part of China where such mass displays of remembrance are possible .
This year 's service was banned on public health grounds because of the coronavirus pandemic , with authorities not allowing people to gather in groups of more than eight .
Barricades surrounded the park on Thursday that has traditionally hosted the annual ceremony .
Organisers have urged residents to skirt the ban by instead lighting candles at 8:00 pm ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be .
With Beijing planning to impose a new national security law on the finance hub that many believe will end the city 's unique freedoms , some residents on Thursday said they feared future memorials would also be blocked .
`` I do n't believe it 's because of the pandemic .
I think it 's political suppression , '' said a man surnamed Wong , 53 , who kneeled by the barricades outside Victoria Park to pay his respects to the dead before travelling to work .
`` I do worry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Crowds have swelled at Hong Kong 's Tiananmen vigils whenever fears have spiked that Beijing is prematurely stamping out the city 's own cherished freedoms , an issue that has dominated the finance hub for the past 12 months .
The city was engulfed by seven straight months of huge and often violent pro-democracy protests last year -- rallies that kicked off five days after the last annual vigil .
In response to those protests last month Beijing announced plans to impose the security law , which would cover secession , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign interference .
China says the law -- which will bypass Hong Kong 's legislature -- is needed to tackle `` terrorism '' and `` separatism '' in a restless city it now regards as a direct national security threat .
But opponents , including many Western nations , fear it will bring mainland-style political oppression to a business hub that was supposedly guaranteed freedoms and autonomy for 50 years after its 1997 handover to China from Britain .
Further inflaming tensions , China has been pushing for another law that would punish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to three years in jail .
Hong Kong 's lawmakers are expected to vote on the anthem bill on Thursday .
With the Victoria Park vigil banned , Hong Kongers are organising locally and getting creative , chiefly with the scattered candle-light ceremonies .
Online groups have sent out maps and lists of more than a dozen districts calling for people to gather for small vigils .
Seven Catholic churches have also announced plans to host a commemorative mass on Thursday evening .
Riot police have moved swiftly against protests forming in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and arresting hundreds of people .
Vigils are also planned in neighbouring Taiwan and among the Chinese diaspora in many western countries .
But in mainland China , the crackdown is greeted by an information blackout , with censors scrubbing mentions of protests and dissidents often visited by police in the days leading up to June 4 .
Police in Beijing prevented an AFP photographer from entering Tiananmen Square to record the regular pre-dawn flag-raising ceremony on Thursday .
The candle emoji has been unavailable in recent days on China 's Twitter-like Weibo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign ministry described calls by Taiwan for Beijing to apologise for the crackdown as `` complete nonsense '' .
`` The great achievements since the founding of new China over the past 70 or so years fully demonstrates that the developmental path China has chosen is completely correct , '' spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters .

As China tightens its control over Hong Kong, activists in the city defied a police ban and broke through barricades Thursday evening to mark the 31st anniversary of the crushing of a democracy movement centered on Beijing’s Tiananmen Square.
Hong Kong's huge annual Tiananmen vigil has been banned this year because of the coronavirus
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With democracy all but snuffed out in mainland China, the focus has shifted increasingly to semi-autonomous Hong Kong, where authorities for the first time banned an annual candlelight vigil marking the anniversary of the 1989 crackdown.
Police cited the need for social distancing during the coronavirus outbreak and barricaded sprawling Victoria Park to prevent people from gathering there. Beijing is taking a tougher stance following months of anti-government protests last year, in what activists see as an accelerating erosion of the city's rights and liberties.
“We all know the Hong Kong government and the Chinese government really don’t want to see the candle lights in Victoria Park,” said Wu’er Kaixi, a former student leader who was No. 2 on the government’s most-wanted list following the Tiananmen Square crackdown.
Hundreds and possibly thousands of people were killed when tanks and troops moved in on the night of June 3-4, 1989, to break up weeks of student-led protests that had spread to other cities and were seen as a threat to Communist Party rule.
03:35
“The Chinese Communists want us all to forget about what happened 31 years ago," Wu'er told the AP in Taiwan, where he lives. "But it is the Chinese government themselves reminding the whole world that they are the same government ... doing the same in Hong Kong.”
China did not intervene directly in last year's protests, despite speculation it might deploy troops, but backed the tough response of the Hong Kong police and government. It then announced last month at the annual meeting of its ceremonial legislature that it would impose national security laws on Hong Kong, circumventing the city's legislature and shocking many of its 7.5 million residents.
Beijing's Tiananmen Square, where thousands of students had gathered in 1989, was quiet and largely empty on Thursday. Police and armored vehicles stood guard on the vast space. Few pedestrians lined up at security checkpoints where they must show IDs to be allowed through as part of mass surveillance nationwide to prevent any commemoration of the event.
As has become customary, many dissidents were placed under house arrest and their communications with the outside world cut off, according to rights groups.
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson offered the government's standard defense of the 1989 crackdown.
“The Chinese government has made a clear conclusion about the political disturbance that occurred in the late 1980s," Zhao Lijian said. “The great achievements that we have achieved ... have fully demonstrated that the development path China has chosen is completely correct, which conforms to China’s national conditions and has won the sincere support of the Chinese people.”
Despite the ban on the candlelight vigil, Hong Kong was bracing for possible “pop-up” protests of the type that raged around the city last year and often led to violent confrontations between police and demonstrators.
Thousands have been arrested in the demonstrations, which were sparked by proposed legislation that could have allowed suspects to be sent to mainland China for trial.
The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic and Democratic Movements of China that organizes the annual vigil called on people to light candles at 8 p.m. (1200 GMT) and planned to livestream the commemorations on its website.
Alliance Chairman Lee Cheuk-yan and several other members of the Hong Kong Alliance gathered at Victoria Park at 6:30 p.m. (1030 GMT, 6:30 a.m. EDT), dressed in black shirts with the Chinese characters for “truth” emblazoned on the front. They lit candles and urged the public to do the same later on to mourn victims of the massacre and show their support for the democratic cause in China.
Lee then led the group of about 15 members in a candlelit procession around the park, shouting slogans including, “Stand with Hong Kong.”
“We have been doing this for 30 years, we have the right to do this, this is a peaceful procession,” he said, stating that it would be “absurd” if this behavior is criminalized.
The group later removed one of the barricades surrounding the park, and entered it to continue their procession.
On Thursday, the Hong Kong legislature passed a law making it a crime to disrespect China’s national anthem. The pro-democracy opposition, which sees the law as an infringement of freedom of expression, boycotted the vote.
“The Hong Kong government tried to please or show loyalty to Beijing and ban our gathering even before the national security law comes in. But we are determined,” Lee said at a kiosk set up by the group to distribute flyers in the busy Causeway Bay shopping district near the park.
“The ban comes amid an alarming acceleration of attacks on the autonomy of Hong Kong and the undermining of the rights and freedoms of the Hong Kong people guaranteed under Hong Kong and international law,” Sharon Hom, executive director of Human Rights in China, said in a statement.
Other vigils, virtual and otherwise, were planned elsewhere, including in Taiwan, the self-ruled island democracy whose government called again this year for Beijing to own up to the facts of the crackdown.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted criticism of China and Hong Kong for banning the vigil earlier this week before meeting with a group of Tiananmen Square survivors at the State Department.
Zhao, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said, “We urge the U.S. to abandon ideological prejudice, correct mistakes and stop interfering in China’s internal affairs in any form.”
China has released the last of those arrested for directly taking part in the Tiananmen demonstrations, but others who seek to commemorate them have been rearrested for continuing their activism.
They include Huang Qi, founder of the website 64 Tianwang that sought to expose official wrongdoing. Reportedly in failing health, he is serving a 12-year sentence after being convicted of leaking state secrets abroad.
(AP)
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france24--2020-06-04--France cancels July 14 military parade over Covid-19

France will cancel its traditional July 14 military parade this year due to coronavirus social distancing requirements , replacing it @ @ @ @ @ tribute to medical personnel at the forefront of the pandemic battle , the presidency said @ @ @ @ @ traditional march of soldiers and display of military hardware down the Champs-Elysees , this year @ @ @ @ @ ceremony at the Place de la Concorde , where the parade normally ends , it @ @ @ @ @ everywhere with you !
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France cancels July 14 military parade over Covid-19
France will cancel its traditional July 14 military parade this year due to coronavirus social distancing requirements, replacing it with a ceremony to pay tribute to medical personnel at the forefront of the pandemic battle, the presidency said Thursday.
File photo of France's traditional July 14 military parade © AFP
Text by: NEWS WIRES
Advertising Read more Rather than the traditional march of soldiers and display of military hardware down the Champs-Elysees, this year will see a much smaller ceremony at the Place de la Concorde, where the parade normally ends, it said. (AFP) Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe Take international news everywhere with you! Download the France 24 app


france24--2020-06-04--Putin declares state of emergency over Siberian diesel spill

More than 20,000 tonnes of diesel fuel has spilled into the Ambarnaya river in Siberia Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday ordered a state of emergency and criticised a subsidiary of metals giant Norilsk Nickel after a massive diesel spill into a Siberian river .
The spill of over 20,000 tonnes of diesel fuel took place on Friday .
A fuel reservoir collapsed at a power plant near the city of Norilsk , located above the Arctic Circle , and leaked into a nearby river .
During a televised video conference , Putin lambasted the head of the Norilsk Nickel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NTEK , after officials said it failed to report the incident .
`` Why did government agencies only find out about this two days after the fact ?
Are we going to learn about emergency situations from social media ?
Are you quite healthy there ? ''
Putin asked NTEK chief Sergei Lipin in an unusually stern dressing-down .
Norilsk Nickel said in a statement that NTEK had reported what happened in a `` timely and proper '' way .
Krasnoyarsk region governor Alexander Uss told Putin he only `` learned of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alarming information appeared in social media '' .
Putin said he agreed that a national state of emergency was needed to call in more resources for the cleanup effort .
Russia 's Investigative Committee , which deals with major incidents , announced that it launched three criminal probes over environmental violations and detained an employee of the power plant .
It released video footage shot on a mobile phone that appears to show fuel cascading down from the reservoir and under a fence .
World Wildlife Fund expert Alexei Knizhnikov told AFP the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleanup specialists after confirming the accident through its sources .
`` These are huge volumes , '' he said .
`` It was difficult for them to cover it up . ''
The volume of the spill is vastly larger than a major 2007 spill in the Kerch strait of the Black Sea that involved 5,000 tonnes of oil , the WWF expert said .
The Kerch spill , which at the time was the largest Russia had experienced , required the intervention of the military and hundreds of volunteers .
Knizhnikov said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so it is likely to evaporate rather than sink , but it is `` more toxic to clean up '' .
Environment Minister Dmitry Kobylkin said only the emergencies ministry could handle the cleanup , `` maybe with the involvement of the military '' .
He said that burning the fuel , which some are suggesting , was too risky .
`` It 's a very difficult situation .
I ca n't imagine burning so much fuel in an Arctic territory ...
Such a huge bonfire over such an area will be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that bore the brunt of the spill will be difficult to clean up because it is too shallow to use barges and the remote location has no roads , officials told Putin .
Norilsk Nickel said the fuel tank was damaged when supporting pillars that had `` held it in place for 30 years without difficulty '' began to sink .
Norilsk is constructed on permafrost and its infrastructure is threatened by melting ice caused by climate change .
The company has been guilty of spillage in the past .
In 2016 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dam '' at its plant washed into another local river , colouring it bright red .
It was fined less than $ 1,000 for the incident .

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday ordered a state of emergency and criticised a subsidiary of metals giant Norilsk Nickel after a massive diesel spill into a Siberian river.
More than 20,000 tonnes of diesel fuel has spilled into the Ambarnaya river in Siberia
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The spill of over 20,000 tonnes of diesel fuel took place on Friday. A fuel reservoir collapsed at a power plant near the city of Norilsk, located above the Arctic Circle, and leaked into a nearby river.
During a televised video conference, Putin lambasted the head of the Norilsk Nickel subsidiary that runs the power plant, NTEK, after officials said it failed to report the incident.
"Why did government agencies only find out about this two days after the fact? Are we going to learn about emergency situations from social media? Are you quite healthy there?" Putin asked NTEK chief Sergei Lipin in an unusually stern dressing-down.
Norilsk Nickel said in a statement that NTEK had reported what happened in a "timely and proper" way.
Krasnoyarsk region governor Alexander Uss told Putin he only "learned of the real situation" on Sunday after "alarming information appeared in social media".
Putin said he agreed that a national state of emergency was needed to call in more resources for the cleanup effort.
Russia's Investigative Committee, which deals with major incidents, announced that it launched three criminal probes over environmental violations and detained an employee of the power plant.
It released video footage shot on a mobile phone that appears to show fuel cascading down from the reservoir and under a fence.
World Wildlife Fund expert Alexei Knizhnikov told AFP the environmental group was the one who alerted cleanup specialists after confirming the accident through its sources.
"These are huge volumes," he said. "It was difficult for them to cover it up."
The volume of the spill is vastly larger than a major 2007 spill in the Kerch strait of the Black Sea that involved 5,000 tonnes of oil, the WWF expert said.
The Kerch spill, which at the time was the largest Russia had experienced, required the intervention of the military and hundreds of volunteers.
Troops could help clean-up
Knizhnikov said diesel fuel is lighter than oil, so it is likely to evaporate rather than sink, but it is "more toxic to clean up".
Environment Minister Dmitry Kobylkin said only the emergencies ministry could handle the cleanup, "maybe with the involvement of the military".
He said that burning the fuel, which some are suggesting, was too risky.
"It's a very difficult situation. I can't imagine burning so much fuel in an Arctic territory... Such a huge bonfire over such an area will be a big problem."
The Ambarnaya river that bore the brunt of the spill will be difficult to clean up because it is too shallow to use barges and the remote location has no roads, officials told Putin.
Norilsk Nickel said the fuel tank was damaged when supporting pillars that had "held it in place for 30 years without difficulty" began to sink.
Norilsk is constructed on permafrost and its infrastructure is threatened by melting ice caused by climate change.
The company has been guilty of spillage in the past. In 2016, it admitted pollutants from a "filtration dam" at its plant washed into another local river, colouring it bright red.
It was fined less than $1,000 for the incident.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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france24--2020-06-04--Nigeria's Nollywood gets creative in response to Covid-19

Nigerian actor Wole Ojo and Moroccan actress Fatym Layachi play during the shooting of the movie `` The CEO '' on September 14 , 2015 in Lagos .
As coronavirus closed businesses around the world and forced billions to stay home , Nigerian director Obi Emelonye came up with an innovative way to keep filming .
Inspired by his wife 's teleconferencing calls from their isolation in Britain , he wrote and put together a short feature about a couple separated between London and Lagos .
There was just one day for rehearsals and two for filming , and relatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their homes on two continents .
`` I said to myself , 'What if I shoot a film remotely ?
I can direct my actors and produce it from home , and the cost is zero , '' the well-known 53-year-old director told AFP .
`` I wanted to show young people that despite the countless difficulties of our profession , despite the coronavirus , you can make a film without funding , without even a real camera . ''
Inventiveness has always been a hallmark of Nigeria 's Nollywood -- the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- as it has risen from shaky homemade movies to slickly-produced blockbusters .
But now , in the face of the coronavirus crisis that has seen social distancing rules shut down shoots and cinemas closed , the sector has needed that spirit more than ever .
`` We are an endangered species , we have to be innovative and to push the boundaries , '' said Emelonye , whose short `` Heart 2 Heart '' was released for free on YouTube last month .
`` Things are very bad ?
You can make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry is riddled with contradictions .
On the surface are the red carpets , glitz and glamorous stars with millions of Instagram followers .
But underneath , much of the sector is poorly-funded , salaries are miserly and rampant piracy robs it of crucial revenues .
The arrival of the virus has dealt a major blow just as producers try to focus on higher-quality movies , cinema audiences grow and giants like Netflix push to tap into the country of 200 million , the most populous in Africa .
Moses Babatope watched in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw income evaporate over the past three months at the Filmhouse , a cinema chain he co-founded in 2012 .
`` We 've been through other difficult times , but this crisis is even worse , '' he told AFP .
Babatope estimated loses for the sector had reached over $ 9 million ( eight million euros ) so far due to the virus .
Dozens of film shoots have been put on hold or scrapped and the legion of workers in the industry -- from make-up artists to technicians to ushers -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the filming of its first original series made in Nigeria and French media giant Vivendi has delayed the opening of its first cinema in the capital Abuja .
Distributors reckon some 50,000 jobs are under threat since the sector juddered to a halt .
`` It 's going to take a while before it really starts up again , '' Babatope said .
To navigate the current troubles the industry has begun pushing its boundaries .
Producer Charles Okpaleke teamed up with two local cinema chains Genesis and Silverbird to launch open-air `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Abuja in late May saw all tickets sell out in just a few hours as viewers flocked to watched his film `` Living in Bondage '' from the comfort of their own cars .
`` COVID forces us to rethink our habits , but it is also an opportunity to try new experiences , '' Okpaleke told AFP .
Producers and directors are also looking increasingly to the release their films on online streaming services like Netflix and its local competitor Iroko TV .
And even up-and-coming industry hopefuls were given the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite the disruptions .
French start-up LAFAAC has partnered with cinema school Femis and Nigerian television channel Wazobia to offer online training to would-be scriptwriters via a mobile app .
`` Nowadays there is a huge demand for series from Subsaharan Africa despite a relative lack of training , '' said LAFAAC co-founder Francois Catala .
`` I believe that online releases are the future of Nollywood . ''

As coronavirus closed businesses around the world and forced billions to stay home, Nigerian director Obi Emelonye came up with an innovative way to keep filming.
Nigerian actor Wole Ojo and Moroccan actress Fatym Layachi play during the shooting of the movie "The CEO" on September 14, 2015 in Lagos.
Advertising Read more
Inspired by his wife's teleconferencing calls from their isolation in Britain, he wrote and put together a short feature about a couple separated between London and Lagos.
There was just one day for rehearsals and two for filming, and relatives shot the actors on mobile phones in their homes on two continents.
"I said to myself, 'What if I shoot a film remotely? I can direct my actors and produce it from home, and the cost is zero," the well-known 53-year-old director told AFP.
"I wanted to show young people that despite the countless difficulties of our profession, despite the coronavirus, you can make a film without funding, without even a real camera."
Inventiveness has always been a hallmark of Nigeria's Nollywood -- the second most prolific film industry on the planet -- as it has risen from shaky homemade movies to slickly-produced blockbusters.
But now, in the face of the coronavirus crisis that has seen social distancing rules shut down shoots and cinemas closed, the sector has needed that spirit more than ever.
"We are an endangered species, we have to be innovative and to push the boundaries," said Emelonye, whose short "Heart 2 Heart" was released for free on YouTube last month.
"Things are very bad? You can make them better!"
'Difficult times'
The Nigerian film industry is riddled with contradictions.
On the surface are the red carpets, glitz and glamorous stars with millions of Instagram followers.
But underneath, much of the sector is poorly-funded, salaries are miserly and rampant piracy robs it of crucial revenues.
The arrival of the virus has dealt a major blow just as producers try to focus on higher-quality movies, cinema audiences grow and giants like Netflix push to tap into the country of 200 million, the most populous in Africa.
Moses Babatope watched in dismay as a government order to close saw income evaporate over the past three months at the Filmhouse, a cinema chain he co-founded in 2012.
"We've been through other difficult times, but this crisis is even worse," he told AFP.
Babatope estimated loses for the sector had reached over $9 million (eight million euros) so far due to the virus.
Dozens of film shoots have been put on hold or scrapped and the legion of workers in the industry -- from make-up artists to technicians to ushers -- are going unpaid.
Netflix has suspended the filming of its first original series made in Nigeria and French media giant Vivendi has delayed the opening of its first cinema in the capital Abuja.
Distributors reckon some 50,000 jobs are under threat since the sector juddered to a halt.
"It's going to take a while before it really starts up again," Babatope said.
'New experiences'
To navigate the current troubles the industry has begun pushing its boundaries.
Producer Charles Okpaleke teamed up with two local cinema chains Genesis and Silverbird to launch open-air "Drive-in" facilities.
A first screening in Abuja in late May saw all tickets sell out in just a few hours as viewers flocked to watched his film "Living in Bondage" from the comfort of their own cars.
"COVID forces us to rethink our habits, but it is also an opportunity to try new experiences," Okpaleke told AFP.
Producers and directors are also looking increasingly to the release their films on online streaming services like Netflix and its local competitor Iroko TV.
And even up-and-coming industry hopefuls were given the opportunity to keep on honing their skills despite the disruptions.
French start-up LAFAAC has partnered with cinema school Femis and Nigerian television channel Wazobia to offer online training to would-be scriptwriters via a mobile app.
"Nowadays there is a huge demand for series from Subsaharan Africa despite a relative lack of training," said LAFAAC co-founder Francois Catala.
"I believe that online releases are the future of Nollywood."
(AFP)
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france24--2020-06-03--George Floyd effect? Protests in France against police violence

Why is # BlackLivesMatter topping Twitter trends in France ?
As the whole world watches protests in the United States @ @ @ @ @ Floyd , François Picard 's panel expresses surprise at seeing 20,000 people brave a ban @ @ @ @ @ rally over the 2016 death of 24-year-old Adama Traoré in police custody .
France abolished @ @ @ @ @ , but resentment lingers over its past and tensions between minorities and police spiked during @ @ @ @ @ the comparisons go ?

George Floyd effect? Protests in France against police violence
43:45 THE DEBATE © FRANCE 24
Why is #BlackLivesMatter topping Twitter trends in France? As the whole world watches protests in the United States over the death of George Floyd, François Picard's panel expresses surprise at seeing 20,000 people brave a ban on protesting in Paris to rally over the 2016 death of 24-year-old Adama Traoré in police custody. France abolished slavery for good in 1848, but resentment lingers over its past and tensions between minorities and police spiked during lockdown. How far do the comparisons go?


france24--2020-06-04--Cannes annnounces line-up for festival cancelled by Covid

French journalist Laurent Weil ( L ) , Cannes Film Festival 's director Thierry Fremaux ( C ) and President Pierre Lescure ( R ) talk on stage during the unveiling of the 73rd Cannes Film Festival Official Selection , in Paris , on June 3 , 2020 .
From an empty movie theater in Paris , organizers of the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday announced the films that would have played at there in May had it not been canceled by the pandemic .
The selections were an exercise in what-might-have-been for Cannes , the international French festival that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the most prestigious and glitzy annual gatherings of cinema .
Cannes , originally slated for mid-May , initially considered postponing to July but ultimately gave up on a 2020 edition .
Hearing what would have premiered on the Crosiette this year offered a tantalizing picture of a canceled Cannes .
Two films by “ 12 Years a Slave ” filmmaker Steve McQueen — “ Mangrove ” and “ Lover 's Rock ” — had been headed to Cannes , said festival director Thierry Fremaux , as was Wes Anderson 's “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Pixar film “ Soul.
” Fremaux announced 56 movies that were selected from a record 2,067 submissions that poured in despite the health crisis .
“ I can see that film is alive and kicking , ” said Fremaux , sitting on the stage of the UGC Normandie cinema in Paris alongside Cannes ' president , Pierre Lescure .
The selection announcement , usually made in an April press conference before teeming throngs of international journalists , was instead presented during a TV interview that streamed online and aired on Canal Plus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some upside : It was much quieter and Fremaux did n't have to fend off questions from various nations whose films were overlooked .
Fremaux did n't distinguish between which films had been slated for its main selection , in which some 20-25 films compete for the Palme d'Or , the Un Certain Regard sidebar or out-of-competition premieres .
Some films , he noted , opted to wait until next year 's Cannes .
The announced selection included 16 films directed by women , an increase of two from 2019 .
Cannes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Campion ) has ever won the Palme , has often come under criticism for not selecting more movies directed by women .
Spike Lee , whose previous film “ BlacKKKlansman ” premiered at Cannes , had been set to preside of the jury that would select Cannes ' top prize .
Last year , it went to Bong Joon Ho 's “ Parasite , '' which went on to win best picture at the Academy Awards .
“ This time , everyone will be able to give his or her own Palme d'Or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the selections : Francois Ozon 's “ Summer of ‘ 85 '' ; Naomi Kawase ’ s “ True Mothers ” ; Hong Sang-soo 's “ Heaven ” ; Thomas Vinterberg ’ s “ Another Round ” ; Maïwenn 's “ DNA ” ; and Sang-ho Yeon 's “ Peninsula . ''
The films will be able to brand themselves as part of the official 2020 Cannes Film Festival selection .
If accepted elsewhere , the films can still have their premieres at other fall festivals — should they happen — like those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and San Sebastian .
The Cannes label will be particularly helpful for films from lesser-known filmmakers ; 15 of the films announced Wednesday were directorial debuts .
“ We will support them , ” said Fremaux .
“ Their names are on the map now .
”

From an empty movie theater in Paris, organizers of the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday announced the films that would have played at there in May had it not been canceled by the pandemic.
French journalist Laurent Weil (L), Cannes Film Festival's director Thierry Fremaux (C) and President Pierre Lescure (R) talk on stage during the unveiling of the 73rd Cannes Film Festival Official Selection, in Paris, on June 3, 2020.
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The selections were an exercise in what-might-have-been for Cannes, the international French festival that for the last 73 years has been one of the most prestigious and glitzy annual gatherings of cinema. Cannes, originally slated for mid-May, initially considered postponing to July but ultimately gave up on a 2020 edition.
Hearing what would have premiered on the Crosiette this year offered a tantalizing picture of a canceled Cannes. Two films by “12 Years a Slave” filmmaker Steve McQueen — “Mangrove” and “Lover's Rock” — had been headed to Cannes, said festival director Thierry Fremaux, as was Wes Anderson's “The French Dispatch” and Pete Docter's Pixar film “Soul.”
Fremaux announced 56 movies that were selected from a record 2,067 submissions that poured in despite the health crisis. “I can see that film is alive and kicking,” said Fremaux, sitting on the stage of the UGC Normandie cinema in Paris alongside Cannes' president, Pierre Lescure.
The selection announcement, usually made in an April press conference before teeming throngs of international journalists, was instead presented during a TV interview that streamed online and aired on Canal Plus. Lescure noted the unprecedented situation had some upside: It was much quieter and Fremaux didn't have to fend off questions from various nations whose films were overlooked.
Fremaux didn't distinguish between which films had been slated for its main selection, in which some 20-25 films compete for the Palme d'Or, the Un Certain Regard sidebar or out-of-competition premieres. Some films, he noted, opted to wait until next year's Cannes.
The announced selection included 16 films directed by women, an increase of two from 2019. Cannes, where only one female filmmaker (Jane Campion) has ever won the Palme, has often come under criticism for not selecting more movies directed by women.
Spike Lee, whose previous film “BlacKKKlansman” premiered at Cannes, had been set to preside of the jury that would select Cannes' top prize. Last year, it went to Bong Joon Ho's “Parasite," which went on to win best picture at the Academy Awards.
“This time, everyone will be able to give his or her own Palme d'Or,” Fremaux said.
Also among the selections: Francois Ozon's “Summer of ‘85"; Naomi Kawase’s “True Mothers”; Hong Sang-soo's “Heaven”; Thomas Vinterberg’s “Another Round”; Maïwenn's “DNA”; and Sang-ho Yeon's “Peninsula."
The films will be able to brand themselves as part of the official 2020 Cannes Film Festival selection. If accepted elsewhere, the films can still have their premieres at other fall festivals — should they happen — like those in Toronto, Telluride, New York and San Sebastian. The Cannes label will be particularly helpful for films from lesser-known filmmakers; 15 of the films announced Wednesday were directorial debuts.
“We will support them,” said Fremaux. “Their names are on the map now.”
(AP)
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france24--2020-06-04--Obama speaks up in support of young Americans demanding racial justice

Former US President Barack Obama speaks during a webcast with activists on June 3 , 2020 .
Former US president Barack Obama on Wednesday applauded the `` profound '' protests by Americans demanding racial justice and said demonstrations over last week 's killing of a black man in police custody could spark nationwide reforms .
In his first video comments since George Floyd 's death on May 25 in Minneapolis triggered unrest across the country , President Donald Trump 's predecessor also urged state and local authorities to review their policies on use of force .
Obama directed his comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says have often witnessed or experienced too much violence .
`` Too often some of that violence has come from folks who were supposed to be serving and protecting you , '' Obama said in a webcast with activists .
`` I want you to know that you matter .
I want you to know that your lives matter , your dreams matter . ''
He also said that in the last few weeks , Americans have witnessed `` the kinds of epic changes and events in our country that are as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in my lifetime . ''
The 58-year-old , who remains popular among Democrats , noted the deadly upheaval of the 1960s civil rights movement , and said `` a far more representative cross-section of America '' is protesting now than as compared to half a century ago .
`` There is a change in mindset that 's taking place , a greater recognition that we can do better , '' Obama said .
Young protesters in particular have been galvanised , he said , and their motivation could serve as inspiration for broader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for us to take the momentum that has been created as a society , as a country , and say 'Let 's use this ' to finally have an impact , '' Obama said .
He also addressed the country 's local leaders , saying `` I 'm urging every mayor in this country to review your use-of-force policies with members of your community and commit to report on planned reforms . ''
Obama did not directly address Trump 's handling of the unrest , including the president 's controversial demand that authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was reportedly outraged by the use of chemical dispersants on protesters outside the White House Monday before Trump walked to a nearby church and held up a Bible .

Former US president Barack Obama on Wednesday applauded the "profound" protests by Americans demanding racial justice and said demonstrations over last week's killing of a black man in police custody could spark nationwide reforms.
Former US President Barack Obama speaks during a webcast with activists on June 3, 2020.
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In his first video comments since George Floyd's death on May 25 in Minneapolis triggered unrest across the country, President Donald Trump's predecessor also urged state and local authorities to review their policies on use of force.
Obama directed his comments at young black men and women who he says have often witnessed or experienced too much violence.
"Too often some of that violence has come from folks who were supposed to be serving and protecting you," Obama said in a webcast with activists.
"I want you to know that you matter. I want you to know that your lives matter, your dreams matter."
He also said that in the last few weeks, Americans have witnessed "the kinds of epic changes and events in our country that are as profound as anything that I've seen in my lifetime."
The 58-year-old, who remains popular among Democrats, noted the deadly upheaval of the 1960s civil rights movement, and said "a far more representative cross-section of America" is protesting now than as compared to half a century ago.
"There is a change in mindset that's taking place, a greater recognition that we can do better," Obama said.
Young protesters in particular have been galvanised, he said, and their motivation could serve as inspiration for broader change.
"It's very important for us to take the momentum that has been created as a society, as a country, and say 'Let's use this' to finally have an impact," Obama said.
He also addressed the country's local leaders, saying "I'm urging every mayor in this country to review your use-of-force policies with members of your community and commit to report on planned reforms."
Obama did not directly address Trump's handling of the unrest, including the president's controversial demand that authorities "dominate" protesters.
But Obama was reportedly outraged by the use of chemical dispersants on protesters outside the White House Monday before Trump walked to a nearby church and held up a Bible.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-06-04--Celebrities, politicians flock to George Floyd’s memorial service in Minneapolis

Reverend Al Sharpton speaks during a memorial service for George Floyd following his death in Minneapolis police custody , in Minneapolis , Minnesota , on June 4 , 2020 .
Hollywood celebrities , musicians and politicians gathered in front of the golden casket of George Floyd at a fiery memorial Thursday for the man whose death at the hands of police sparked global protests , with a civil rights leader declaring it is time for black people to demand , “ Get your knee off our necks !
” The service – the first in a series of memorials set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfolded at a sanctuary at North Central University as a judge a few blocks away set bail at $ 750,000 each for the three fired Minneapolis police officers charged with aiding and abetting murder in Floyd ’ s death .
Floyd , a 46-year-old out-of-work bouncer , died May 25 after a white police officer , Derek Chauvin , put his knee on Floyd 's neck for several minutes as he lay handcuffed on the pavement , gasping that he could n't breathe .
Chauvin has been charged with murder , and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 years in prison .
From coast to coast , and from Paris and London to Sydney and Rio de Janeiro , the chilling cellphone video of Floyd 's slow death has set off turbulent and sometimes violent demonstrations against police brutality , racism and inequality .
“ George Floyd ’ s story has been the story of black folks .
Because ever since 401 years ago , the reason we could never be who we wanted and dreamed to be is you kept your knee on our neck , ” the Rev @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eulogy .
“ It ’ s time for us to stand up in George ’ s name and say , ‘ Get your knee off our necks !
’ ” Sharpton vowed a movement to “ change the whole system of justice.
” “ Time is out for not holding you accountable !
Time is out for you making excuses !
Time is out for you trying to stall !
Time is out for empty words and empty promses !
Time is out for you filibustering and trying to stall the arm of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service drew the Rev .
Jesse Jackson , Sen. Amy Klobuchar and members of Congress , including Reps. Ilhan Omar , Sheila Jackson-Lee and Ayana Pressley .
Among the celebrities in attendance were T.I.
, Ludacris , Tyrese Gibson , Kevin Hart , Tiffany Haddish and Marsai Martin .
“ All these people came to see my brother , ” Philones Floyd told the crowd at the memorial in awe as he recounted their childhoods playing catch and eating banana-mayonnaise sandwiches .
“ That ’ s amazing to me that he touched so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touched our hearts.
” The casket was flanked by white and purple flowers , and a vibrant image was projected above the pulpit of a mural of Floyd painted at the street corner where he was seized by police on suspicion of passing a counterfeit $ 20 bill at a convenience store .
The message on the mural : “ I can breathe now.
” The sanctuary normally seats 1,000 , but because of the coronavirus outbreak , the capacity was reduced to about 500 , and mourners wore masks .
After the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Raeford , North Carolina , where he was born , for a public viewing and private family service on Saturday .
Next , a public viewing will be held Monday in Houston , where he was raised and lived most of his life .
Then a 500-person service will take place Tuesday at the Fountain of Praise church .
The farewells for Floyd come as demonstrations around the globe continue .
“ It ’ s a solidarity question .
We stand with our brothers , internationally , our sisters as well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s no different , ” Isaak Kabenge said in Stockholm .
In the U.S. , where protests had been marked by bouts of lawlessness earlier in the week , relative quiet continued for a second straight night Wednesday following a decision by prosecutors to charge the three other Minneapolis officers at the scene and file a new , more serious count of murder against Chauvin .
Meantime , in Georgia , a white father and son charged in another killing of a black man that has raised racial tensions in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ via video .
A state investigator testified that Travis McMichael was heard uttering a racist slur as he stood over the body of Ahmaud Arbery after killing him with three blasts from a pump-action shotgun .
The new charges in Minneapolis punctuated an unprecedented week in recent American history , in which largely peaceful protests took place in communities of all sizes but were rocked by bursts of violence , including deadly attacks on officers , theft , vandalism and arson .
In Minneapolis alone , more than 220 buildings were damaged or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million , city officials said .
Nationwide , more than 10,000 people have been arrested , an Associated Press tally found .
More than a dozen deaths have been reported , though the circumstances in many cases are still being sorted out .

Hollywood celebrities, musicians and politicians gathered in front of the golden casket of George Floyd at a fiery memorial Thursday for the man whose death at the hands of police sparked global protests, with a civil rights leader declaring it is time for black people to demand, “Get your knee off our necks!”
Reverend Al Sharpton speaks during a memorial service for George Floyd following his death in Minneapolis police custody, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on June 4, 2020.
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The service – the first in a series of memorials set for three cities over six days – unfolded at a sanctuary at North Central University as a judge a few blocks away set bail at $750,000 each for the three fired Minneapolis police officers charged with aiding and abetting murder in Floyd’s death.
Floyd, a 46-year-old out-of-work bouncer, died May 25 after a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, put his knee on Floyd's neck for several minutes as he lay handcuffed on the pavement, gasping that he couldn't breathe. Chauvin has been charged with murder, and he and the others could get up to 40 years in prison.
From coast to coast, and from Paris and London to Sydney and Rio de Janeiro, the chilling cellphone video of Floyd's slow death has set off turbulent and sometimes violent demonstrations against police brutality, racism and inequality.
“George Floyd’s story has been the story of black folks. Because ever since 401 years ago, the reason we could never be who we wanted and dreamed to be is you kept your knee on our neck,” the Rev. Al Sharpton said in a fierce eulogy. “It’s time for us to stand up in George’s name and say, ‘Get your knee off our necks!’”
Sharpton vowed a movement to “change the whole system of justice.”
“Time is out for not holding you accountable! Time is out for you making excuses! Time is out for you trying to stall! Time is out for empty words and empty promses! Time is out for you filibustering and trying to stall the arm of justice!” he said.
The service drew the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and members of Congress, including Reps. Ilhan Omar, Sheila Jackson-Lee and Ayana Pressley. Among the celebrities in attendance were T.I., Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson, Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish and Marsai Martin.
'I can breathe now'
“All these people came to see my brother,” Philones Floyd told the crowd at the memorial in awe as he recounted their childhoods playing catch and eating banana-mayonnaise sandwiches. “That’s amazing to me that he touched so many people’s hearts because he touched our hearts.”
The casket was flanked by white and purple flowers, and a vibrant image was projected above the pulpit of a mural of Floyd painted at the street corner where he was seized by police on suspicion of passing a counterfeit $20 bill at a convenience store. The message on the mural: “I can breathe now.”
The sanctuary normally seats 1,000, but because of the coronavirus outbreak, the capacity was reduced to about 500, and mourners wore masks.
After the Minneapolis event, his body will go to Raeford, North Carolina, where he was born, for a public viewing and private family service on Saturday.
Next, a public viewing will be held Monday in Houston, where he was raised and lived most of his life. Then a 500-person service will take place Tuesday at the Fountain of Praise church.
Global solidarity
The farewells for Floyd come as demonstrations around the globe continue.
“It’s a solidarity question. We stand with our brothers, internationally, our sisters as well, but the same thing is happening here. It’s no different,” Isaak Kabenge said in Stockholm.
In the U.S., where protests had been marked by bouts of lawlessness earlier in the week, relative quiet continued for a second straight night Wednesday following a decision by prosecutors to charge the three other Minneapolis officers at the scene and file a new, more serious count of murder against Chauvin.
Meantime, in Georgia, a white father and son charged in another killing of a black man that has raised racial tensions in the U.S. made a court appearance Thursday via video. A state investigator testified that Travis McMichael was heard uttering a racist slur as he stood over the body of Ahmaud Arbery after killing him with three blasts from a pump-action shotgun.
The new charges in Minneapolis punctuated an unprecedented week in recent American history, in which largely peaceful protests took place in communities of all sizes but were rocked by bursts of violence, including deadly attacks on officers, theft, vandalism and arson. In Minneapolis alone, more than 220 buildings were damaged or burned, with damage topping $55 million, city officials said.
Nationwide, more than 10,000 people have been arrested, an Associated Press tally found. More than a dozen deaths have been reported, though the circumstances in many cases are still being sorted out.
(AP)
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france24--2020-06-04--In prisoner swap deal, Iran releases US veteran held for nearly two years

Iranian women walk in April 2020 in the northeastern city of Mashhad , where US Navy veteran Michael White had been held .
A US Navy veteran detained in Iran for nearly two years has been released and started making his way home as part of a prisoner deal involving an American-Iranian doctor prosecuted in the United States , American officials said Thursday .
The US special envoy for Iran , Brian Hook , flew to Zurich to meet freed detainee Michael White of Imperial Beach , California .
Iran 's move to free White and the US decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit Iran , appeared a rare instance of US-Iranian cooperation , and a White House spokesman said White 's release may lead to an opening in the bitter relationship .
White had been released from an Iranian prison in mid-March on medical furlough but had been held in Iran under Swiss custody .
Switzerland looks after US interests with Tehran because the United States and Iran lack diplomatic relations .
President Donald Trump confirmed the news on Twitter , saying , `` I am to happy announce that Navy Veteran , Michael White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 683 days , is on a Swiss plane that just left Iranian Airspace .
We expect him to be home with his family in America very soon . ''
Separately , Taheri 's lawyer said the Iranian-American physician will visit family in Iran and seek medical treatment before returning to the United States as part of a US-Iranian agreement that included White 's release .
A person familiar with the matter , speaking on condition of anonymity , said White 's release followed several months of discussions between the two countries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ over US penalties imposed after Trump withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear deal and over the killing by American forces of a top Iranian general in Iraq at the beginning of this year .
“ I am blessed to announce that the nightmare is over , and my son is safely in American custody and on his way home , ” White ’ s mother , Joanne White , said in a statement .
She thanked the State Department and Bill Richardson , a former US ambassador to the United Nations and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her son ’ s case with the Iranians .
Richardson , who met with Iran 's foreign minister and ambassador to the UN about the case , said in a statement that the “ release should have and could have been done earlier , but I am glad and relieved that Mike is on his way home to get treated . ''
White had been diagnosed with coronavirus , but has been recovering .
White was detained by Iranian authorities in July 2018 while visiting a woman he had met online and fallen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of insulting Iran ’ s supreme leader and posting private information online , and was sentenced to a decade in prison .
“ Simply put , the ‘ charges ' against Michael were pretexts for a state-sponsored kidnap-for-ransom scheme , ” family spokesman Jon Franks said in a statement Thursday .
“ The tragedy of this case is Michael 's only only crime was falling in love with Iran and its people for whom he cares deeply.
” Despite widespread speculation , White ’ s release was not related to the deportation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asghari , the officials said .
White 's release was predicated on another prisoner deal , the details of which were to be released later Thursday .
In March , White was released from prison on a medical furlough as Iran struggled to cope with the coronavirus outbreak .
White was turned over to the Swiss Embassy in Tehran , which represents US interests in Iran .
He was among tens of thousands of prisoners granted medical furloughs by Iran , which was one of the first countries to be hit hard by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told The Associated Press at that time that she was especially concerned about her son ’ s health because of his battles with cancer , and Richardson called on Iran to grant him an immediate humanitarian evacuation .
Trump administration officials have repeatedly said that they consider the release of American hostages and detainees to be a priority , and in recent months stepped up public pressure demands to release White .
Last month , for instance , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo mentioned White by name and thanked Switzerland for its work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also urged Iran to release other Americans held there , including Siamak Namazi and Morad Tahbaz .
Namazi is an Iranian-American national who has been convicted of collaborating with a hostile power .
Tahbaz , an Iranian with US and British citizenship , was part of a group of environmental activists sentenced on espionage charges .
In her statement , White said her prayers were with their families and `` the families of so many other wrongfully detained Americans around the world.
” In December , Iran released a Princeton University scholar held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ widely disputed , in exchange for the release of a detained Iranian scientist .
Hook , the US special envoy , also flew to Zurich to oversee the trade of Chinese-American scholar Xiyue Wang for Massoud Soleimani , who had faced a federal trial in Georgia over charges he violated sanctions by trying to have biological material brought to Iran .
In March , the family of former FBI agent Robert Levinson , who vanished in Iran 13 years ago , said they had been informed that US officials had determined that Levinson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said how they reached that conclusion .

A US Navy veteran detained in Iran for nearly two years has been released and started making his way home as part of a prisoner deal involving an American-Iranian doctor prosecuted in the United States, American officials said Thursday.
Iranian women walk in April 2020 in the northeastern city of Mashhad, where US Navy veteran Michael White had been held.
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The US special envoy for Iran, Brian Hook, flew to Zurich to meet freed detainee Michael White of Imperial Beach, California.
Iran's move to free White and the US decision to let the doctor, Majid Taheri, visit Iran, appeared a rare instance of US-Iranian cooperation, and a White House spokesman said White's release may lead to an opening in the bitter relationship.
Iran's foreign minister confirmed both moves.
White had been released from an Iranian prison in mid-March on medical furlough but had been held in Iran under Swiss custody. Switzerland looks after US interests with Tehran because the United States and Iran lack diplomatic relations.
President Donald Trump confirmed the news on Twitter, saying, "I am to happy announce that Navy Veteran, Michael White, who has been detained by Iran for 683 days, is on a Swiss plane that just left Iranian Airspace. We expect him to be home with his family in America very soon."
Separately, Taheri's lawyer said the Iranian-American physician will visit family in Iran and seek medical treatment before returning to the United States as part of a US-Iranian agreement that included White's release.
A person familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity, said White's release followed several months of discussions between the two countries.
The two countries are at bitter odds over US penalties imposed after Trump withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear deal and over the killing by American forces of a top Iranian general in Iraq at the beginning of this year.
I am to happy announce that Navy Veteran, Michael White, who has been detained by Iran for 683 days, is on a Swiss plane that just left Iranian Airspace. We expect him to be home with his family in America very soon.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2020
“I am blessed to announce that the nightmare is over, and my son is safely in American custody and on his way home,” White’s mother, Joanne White, said in a statement. She thanked the State Department and Bill Richardson, a former US ambassador to the United Nations and onetime New Mexico governor, for raising her son’s case with the Iranians.
Richardson, who met with Iran's foreign minister and ambassador to the UN about the case, said in a statement that the “release should have and could have been done earlier, but I am glad and relieved that Mike is on his way home to get treated." White had been diagnosed with coronavirus, but has been recovering.
'Kidnap-for-ransom scheme'
White was detained by Iranian authorities in July 2018 while visiting a woman he had met online and fallen in love with. He was convicted of insulting Iran’s supreme leader and posting private information online, and was sentenced to a decade in prison.
“Simply put, the ‘charges' against Michael were pretexts for a state-sponsored kidnap-for-ransom scheme,” family spokesman Jon Franks said in a statement Thursday. “The tragedy of this case is Michael's only only crime was falling in love with Iran and its people for whom he cares deeply.”
Despite widespread speculation, White’s release was not related to the deportation to Iran this week of Iranian scientist Sirios Asghari, the officials said. White's release was predicated on another prisoner deal, the details of which were to be released later Thursday.
In March, White was released from prison on a medical furlough as Iran struggled to cope with the coronavirus outbreak. White was turned over to the Swiss Embassy in Tehran, which represents US interests in Iran. He was among tens of thousands of prisoners granted medical furloughs by Iran, which was one of the first countries to be hit hard by the pandemic.
White’s mother told The Associated Press at that time that she was especially concerned about her son’s health because of his battles with cancer, and Richardson called on Iran to grant him an immediate humanitarian evacuation.
Release of hostages a priority
Trump administration officials have repeatedly said that they consider the release of American hostages and detainees to be a priority, and in recent months stepped up public pressure demands to release White.
Last month, for instance, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo mentioned White by name and thanked Switzerland for its work on arranging the medical furlough. Pompeo also urged Iran to release other Americans held there, including Siamak Namazi and Morad Tahbaz.
Namazi is an Iranian-American national who has been convicted of collaborating with a hostile power. Tahbaz, an Iranian with US and British citizenship, was part of a group of environmental activists sentenced on espionage charges.
In her statement, White said her prayers were with their families and "the families of so many other wrongfully detained Americans around the world.”
In December, Iran released a Princeton University scholar held for three years on espionage charges, widely disputed, in exchange for the release of a detained Iranian scientist.
Hook, the US special envoy, also flew to Zurich to oversee the trade of Chinese-American scholar Xiyue Wang for Massoud Soleimani, who had faced a federal trial in Georgia over charges he violated sanctions by trying to have biological material brought to Iran.
In March, the family of former FBI agent Robert Levinson, who vanished in Iran 13 years ago, said they had been informed that US officials had determined that Levinson was probably dead. Officials have not said how they reached that conclusion.
(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS and AP)
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france24--2020-06-04--Africa's Sahel region becomes latest battleground for jihadist groups

The Sahel region of Africa , which includes Mali , Niger and Burkina Faso , is an area greatly affected @ @ @ @ @ assume that these groups , notably affiliates of al-Qaeda and the so called Islamic State @ @ @ @ @ other , but a new article published by the Center for Global Policy in Washington @ @ @ @ @ this is no longer the case .
FRANCE 24 's Wassim Nasr , the author @ @ @ @ @ The End of the Sahel Exception '' , talks about why the Sahel was the @ @ @ @ @ where the two groups al-Qaeda and IS were not fighting each other for a long @ @ @ @ @ weeks ago .
Click on the player above to watch the video .

The Sahel region of Africa, which includes Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, is an area greatly affected by jihadist militants. Many assume that these groups, notably affiliates of al-Qaeda and the so called Islamic State group, cooperate with each other, but a new article published by the Center for Global Policy in Washington, DC, argues that this is no longer the case.
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FRANCE 24's Wassim Nasr, the author of the article entitled "The End of the Sahel Exception", talks about why the Sahel was the only area in the world where the two groups al-Qaeda and IS were not fighting each other for a long time, until a few weeks ago.
Click on the player above to watch the video.
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france24--2020-06-04--Chinese, Iranian hackers targeted Biden and Trump campaigns, Google official says

Democratic U.S. presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden in New Castle , Delaware , on May 25 , 2020 .
Biden 's campaign has been targeted by Chinese hackers , according to a Google security official .
State-backed hackers from China have targeted staffers working on the U.S. presidential campaign of Joe Biden , a senior Google security official said Thursday .
The same official said Iranian hackers had also recently targeted email accounts belonging to President Donald Trump 's campaign staff .
The announcement , made on Twitter by the head of Google 's Threat Analysis Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indication of the digital spying routinely aimed at top politicians of all stripes .
Huntley said there was `` no sign of compromise '' of either campaign .
Iranian attempts to break into Trump campaign officials ' emails have been documented before .
Last year , Microsoft Corp announced that a group often nicknamed Charming Kitten had tried to break into email accounts belonging to an unnamed U.S. presidential campaign that sources identified as Trump 's .
Earlier this year , the threat intelligence company Area1 said that Russian hackers had targeted companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden 's son once served on the board .
Google declined to offer details beyond Huntley 's tweets , but the unusually public attribution is a sign of how sensitive Americans have become to digital espionage efforts aimed at political campaigns .
`` We sent the targeted users our standard government-backed attack warning and we referred this information to federal law enforcement , '' a Google spokesperson said .
The Trump and Biden campaigns did not immediately return messages .
The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nations in New York did not immediately respond to messages .

State-backed hackers from China have targeted staffers working on the U.S. presidential campaign of Joe Biden, a senior Google security official said Thursday. The same official said Iranian hackers had also recently targeted email accounts belonging to President Donald Trump's campaign staff.
Democratic U.S. presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden in New Castle, Delaware, on May 25, 2020. Biden's campaign has been targeted by Chinese hackers, according to a Google security official.
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The announcement, made on Twitter by the head of Google's Threat Analysis Group, Shane Huntley, is the latest indication of the digital spying routinely aimed at top politicians of all stripes.
Huntley said there was "no sign of compromise" of either campaign.
Iranian attempts to break into Trump campaign officials' emails have been documented before. Last year, Microsoft Corp announced that a group often nicknamed Charming Kitten had tried to break into email accounts belonging to an unnamed U.S. presidential campaign that sources identified as Trump's.
Earlier this year, the threat intelligence company Area1 said that Russian hackers had targeted companies tied to a Ukrainian gas firm where Biden's son once served on the board.
Recently TAG saw China APT group targeting Biden campaign staff & Iran APT targeting Trump campaign staff with phishing. No sign of compromise. We sent users our govt attack warning and we referred to fed law enforcement. https://t.co/ozlRL4SwhG — Shane Huntley (@ShaneHuntley) June 4, 2020
Google declined to offer details beyond Huntley's tweets, but the unusually public attribution is a sign of how sensitive Americans have become to digital espionage efforts aimed at political campaigns.
"We sent the targeted users our standard government-backed attack warning and we referred this information to federal law enforcement," a Google spokesperson said.
The Trump and Biden campaigns did not immediately return messages. The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Iranian mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to messages.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-06-04--George Floyd killing: A propaganda victory for America’s adversaries?

Leaders of America 's political adversaries have joined the international condemnation of the killing of George Floyd .
The killing of George Floyd , an unarmed black man , at the hands of Minneapolis police on May 25 has sparked global criticism not only from America ’ s allies but also its many political adversaries , for whom American police brutality and racial injustice could be a valuable propaganda tool .
“ They want to suffocate us as they suffocated this young African American , ” said Nicolas Maduro , president of Venezuela , on Monday .
“ They want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he added in a national televised address as he pointed to his neck .
The same day , Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi joined the chorus of condemnation , pointedly making his remarks in English .
“ To the American people , the world has heard your outcry over this state oppression , the world is standing with you .
The American regime is pursuing violence and bullying at home and abroad , ” he said .
Both countries have fractious relations with the US and Donald Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the subject of American criticism because of their own human rights records .
“ America ’ s adversaries are having a field day with developments in the United States .
I think they have taken advantage of this and the Trump administration is vulnerable to the criticism , ” Peter Trubowitz , director of the United States Centre at the London School of Economics , told FRANCE 24 .
“ Clearly the focus is not on a domestic audience but rather this is an opportunity to score points internationally to highlight what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Trump ’ s reaction to the protests , which has included controversial tweets and threats to deploy the army , has been the focus of much of the international condemnation .
On Monday China , which has been criticised by the US and others over the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong , accused the US and Trump of double standards .
`` Why is the US depicting the so-called Hong Kong independence movement and violence as beautiful and heroic while calling its own people who are protesting against racial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian .
“ Why is the US making groundless accusations against the Hong Kong police , who exercise restraint and civilised law enforcement , while threatening to shoot and even use the national guard against protesters in the US ?
This action by the US is the most typical example of double standards . ''
But are such statements merely political point scoring or could they have a real impact on US foreign policy goals in China and elsewhere ?
“ I think the administration is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position .
It is the anniversary of the massacre at Tiananmen Square and normally the US is in a position to really make… and I think it will , it will remind international audiences of what happened then , especially in light of what ’ s going on in Hong Kong right now , ” said Trubowitz .
“ But the problem is that given Trump ’ s own language and responses at home in the United States , they don ’ t ring true , for many people they won ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Can Trump lead in a very kind of commanding way on these issues ?
Let ’ s just put it this way : he can ’ t lead as forcefully today as he could have say maybe a week ago .
”

The killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, at the hands of Minneapolis police on May 25 has sparked global criticism not only from America’s allies but also its many political adversaries, for whom American police brutality and racial injustice could be a valuable propaganda tool.
Leaders of America's political adversaries have joined the international condemnation of the killing of George Floyd.
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“They want to suffocate us as they suffocated this young African American,” said Nicolas Maduro, president of Venezuela, on Monday. “They want to suffocate us here in the jugular,” he added in a national televised address as he pointed to his neck.
The same day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi joined the chorus of condemnation, pointedly making his remarks in English.
“To the American people, the world has heard your outcry over this state oppression, the world is standing with you. The American regime is pursuing violence and bullying at home and abroad,” he said.
Both countries have fractious relations with the US and Donald Trump’s administration in particular while also having been the subject of American criticism because of their own human rights records.
“America’s adversaries are having a field day with developments in the United States. I think they have taken advantage of this and the Trump administration is vulnerable to the criticism,” Peter Trubowitz, director of the United States Centre at the London School of Economics, told FRANCE 24.
“Clearly the focus is not on a domestic audience but rather this is an opportunity to score points internationally to highlight what they believe is hypocrisy in the American position.”
Trump’s reaction to the protests, which has included controversial tweets and threats to deploy the army, has been the focus of much of the international condemnation.
On Monday China, which has been criticised by the US and others over the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, accused the US and Trump of double standards.
"Why is the US depicting the so-called Hong Kong independence movement and violence as beautiful and heroic while calling its own people who are protesting against racial discrimination 'rioters'?” Said China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian.
“Why is the US making groundless accusations against the Hong Kong police, who exercise restraint and civilised law enforcement, while threatening to shoot and even use the national guard against protesters in the US? This action by the US is the most typical example of double standards."
But are such statements merely political point scoring or could they have a real impact on US foreign policy goals in China and elsewhere?
“I think the administration is going to find itself in a very difficult position. It is the anniversary of the massacre at Tiananmen Square and normally the US is in a position to really make… and I think it will, it will remind international audiences of what happened then, especially in light of what’s going on in Hong Kong right now,” said Trubowitz.
“But the problem is that given Trump’s own language and responses at home in the United States, they don’t ring true, for many people they won’t have the same kind of credibility.
“Can Trump lead in a very kind of commanding way on these issues? Let’s just put it this way: he can’t lead as forcefully today as he could have say maybe a week ago.”
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france24--2020-06-04--Burundi court upholds election results, rejecting claims of irregularities

Evariste Ndayishimiye , seen here at an election rally on May 16 , 2020 , will succeed President Pierre Nkurunziza , who has been in power since 2005 .
Burundi 's constitutional court on Thursday upheld the results of last month 's presidential election and rejected the complaints filed by opposition leader Agathon Rwasa , who had alleged widespread irregularities .
The court upheld the win of ruling party candidate Evariste Ndayishimiye with 68 % of the vote , with Rwasa receiving 28 % .
The court called Rwasa 's complaint unfounded and said any irregularities could not taint the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation .
Rwasa , who is also the first vice president of the National Assembly , and CNL party spokesman Therence Manirambona were not available to comment .
But Rwasa earlier told The Associated Press that he would take the matter to the East African Court of Justice based in neighboring Tanzania if he was not satisfied with the court 's decision .
Rwasa had alleged the stuffing of ballot boxes and said the electoral roll had never been published .
“ Not a single district , no single province was spared , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Burundi ’ s Catholic bishops conference also questioned the vote , saying they witnessed “ intimidation and constraints exerted by some administration officials who accompanied voters to the voting booths , the exclusion of observers from places where votes were counted , the intrusion of unauthorized persons into places where votes were counted ” and voting in the name of the dead .
Ndayishimiye , 52 , will succeed President Pierre Nkurunziza , who has been in power since 2005 .
The ruling party has said Nkurunziza will have the title “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and many believe he will wield considerable influence behind the scenes .
Ndayishimiye will be inaugurated in August .
While Rwasa 's party alleged intimidation ahead of the vote and said more than 200 supporters were arrested on election day , this election did not see the widespread demonstrations and deadly violence that marked the previous vote in 2015 after Nkurunziza decided to run for a third term that many called unconstitutional .
The deadly turmoil badly damaged global relations , and Burundi became the first country to leave the International Criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abuses .

Burundi's constitutional court on Thursday upheld the results of last month's presidential election and rejected the complaints filed by opposition leader Agathon Rwasa, who had alleged widespread irregularities.
Evariste Ndayishimiye, seen here at an election rally on May 16, 2020, will succeed President Pierre Nkurunziza, who has been in power since 2005.
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The court upheld the win of ruling party candidate Evariste Ndayishimiye with 68% of the vote, with Rwasa receiving 28%. The court called Rwasa's complaint unfounded and said any irregularities could not taint the entire electoral process in the East African nation.
Rwasa, who is also the first vice president of the National Assembly, and CNL party spokesman Therence Manirambona were not available to comment.
But Rwasa earlier told The Associated Press that he would take the matter to the East African Court of Justice based in neighboring Tanzania if he was not satisfied with the court's decision.
Rwasa had alleged the stuffing of ballot boxes and said the electoral roll had never been published. “Not a single district, no single province was spared,” he said after going to court.
Burundi’s Catholic bishops conference also questioned the vote, saying they witnessed “intimidation and constraints exerted by some administration officials who accompanied voters to the voting booths, the exclusion of observers from places where votes were counted, the intrusion of unauthorized persons into places where votes were counted” and voting in the name of the dead.
Ndayishimiye, 52, will succeed President Pierre Nkurunziza, who has been in power since 2005. The ruling party has said Nkurunziza will have the title “Supreme Guide” after he steps down, and many believe he will wield considerable influence behind the scenes.
Ndayishimiye will be inaugurated in August.
While Rwasa's party alleged intimidation ahead of the vote and said more than 200 supporters were arrested on election day, this election did not see the widespread demonstrations and deadly violence that marked the previous vote in 2015 after Nkurunziza decided to run for a third term that many called unconstitutional.
The deadly turmoil badly damaged global relations, and Burundi became the first country to leave the International Criminal Court after it started investigating allegations of abuses.
(AP)
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