france24--2020-09-18--Red Bull heir to be prosecuted for hit-and-run: Thai AG

Red Bull heir Vorayuth 'Boss ' Yoovidhya will be prosecuted for reckless driving over a fatal hit-and-run after crashing his Ferrari ( pictured being inspected by police in 2012 ) The heir to the Red Bull billions will be indicted for reckless driving and cocaine use in a fatal hit-and-run , Thailand 's attorney general said Friday , following public outrage after his charges were dropped in July .
Vorayuth `` Boss '' Yoovidhya was accused of killing a police officer in 2012 after crashing his Ferrari in Bangkok , a case which has dragged on for years .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Attorney General abruptly dropped charges against him despite having seven years remaining on the statute of limitations .
The move prompted outcry from Thais who saw it as another example of impunity enjoyed by the kingdom 's elite -- pressuring authorities to re-investigate the case .
Following a fresh probe from the attorney general 's office , it announced Friday they will be prosecuting Vorayuth .
`` Significant new evidence has appeared in this case which can be used to prosecute the suspect , Vorayuth `` Boss '' Yoovidhya , under the charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to a statement .
`` The suspect will also be charged with using cocaine . ''
As the grandson to Red Bull co-founder Chaleo Yoovidhya , the 38-year-old is part of a clan which boasts a net worth of $ 20.2 billion -- making it Thailand 's second richest family , according to Forbes .
After his previous charges were dropped , Thais took to Twitter to express anger using the hashtag # BoycottRedbull .
Besides the attorney general 's probe , police also opened a re-investigation .
A new arrest warrant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heir , who fled the country in 2017 on a private jet .
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha 's office also launched an investigation which concluded last month that the entire investigation had been `` compromised '' , with police officers , attorney generals and political figures involved to `` weaken the case '' .
Public outrage over the case comes at a particularly tense period for the government as a burgeoning pro-democracy movement has gathered pace with near-daily protests across the country .
Protesters have carried cardboard cut-outs of Red Bull 's logo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Prayut , which enjoys close alliances with the kingdom 's billionaire clans .

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The heir to the Red Bull billions will be indicted for reckless driving and cocaine use in a fatal hit-and-run, Thailand's attorney general said Friday, following public outrage after his charges were dropped in July.
Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya was accused of killing a police officer in 2012 after crashing his Ferrari in Bangkok, a case which has dragged on for years.
In July, Thailand's Office of the Attorney General abruptly dropped charges against him despite having seven years remaining on the statute of limitations.
The move prompted outcry from Thais who saw it as another example of impunity enjoyed by the kingdom's elite -- pressuring authorities to re-investigate the case.
Following a fresh probe from the attorney general's office, it announced Friday they will be prosecuting Vorayuth.
"Significant new evidence has appeared in this case which can be used to prosecute the suspect, Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya, under the charges of reckless driving causing death," according to a statement.
"The suspect will also be charged with using cocaine."
As the grandson to Red Bull co-founder Chaleo Yoovidhya, the 38-year-old is part of a clan which boasts a net worth of $20.2 billion -- making it Thailand's second richest family, according to Forbes.
After his previous charges were dropped, Thais took to Twitter to express anger using the hashtag #BoycottRedbull.
Besides the attorney general's probe, police also opened a re-investigation. A new arrest warrant was issued last month for the fugitive heir, who fled the country in 2017 on a private jet.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha's office also launched an investigation which concluded last month that the entire investigation had been "compromised", with police officers, attorney generals and political figures involved to "weaken the case".
Public outrage over the case comes at a particularly tense period for the government as a burgeoning pro-democracy movement has gathered pace with near-daily protests across the country.
Protesters have carried cardboard cut-outs of Red Bull's logo to symbolise their anger at the administration of Prayut, which enjoys close alliances with the kingdom's billionaire clans.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-18--Duplantis vaults into history and gives athletics a new star

Armand Duplantis has pole-vaulted into history aged just 20 , eclipsing the outdoor world record of Sergey Bubka that has stood since 1994 to give track and field a fresh-faced new star .
The ease with which Duplantis sailed over the bar set at 6.15 metres in the warm Rome air on Thursday suggests there will be more records to come .
The American-born Swede known as `` Mondo '' was already the overall world record holder , breaking the mark in indoor meetings on consecutive weekends in February , the second , in Glasgow , raised it to 6.18m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without wind , mean that for purists the outdoor record is the mark that really counts .
The coronavirus pandemic disrupted his early season but at meetings in Monaco , Stockholm , Lausanne and Brussels , Duplantis cleared six metres , showing a new record was within reach .
`` I think I 'm still up in the clouds right now , '' he said after his history-making jump in Rome .
`` It 's surreal , it 's surreal , it 's a super-crazy feeling when everything lines up like that and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Ukrainian Bubka broke the world record on 17 occasions in the 1980s and 1990s , famously edging the mark up by one centimetre on no fewer than nine occasions between 1988 and 1994 so he could collect a bonus each time .
Duplantis said he had wanted to erase any doubt that he was the best vaulter in history both indoors and out .
`` There was kind of this confusion between the indoor and outdoor record , it 's kind of merged .
I already had the world record but I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best outdoors . ''
Born and raised in Louisiana , Duplantis is a photogenic new star in a sport searching for star quality since the retirement of Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt in 2017 .
His exuberant celebrations and looks straight out of a teenage romantic film mean he fits the bill .
Coached by his American father Greg , a former pole vaulter , Duplantis is a product of a track and field-crazy family which had their own vaulting apparatus in the garden .
His older brother Andreas vaulted for Sweden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sibling Antoine dropped pole vault in favour of baseball .
Armand spent summers with his Swedish grandparents , keeping the link with his former heptathlete mother 's home country .
He started pole vaulting , which requires the speed and strength of sprinter and the flexibility of a gymnast , when he was four years old .
He announced his talent to the world when he cleared 5.90m aged just 17 at the Texas Relays in Austin in 2017 .
He turned professional last year after one season on a scholarship at Louisiana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spree , Duplantis recognises he needs to take the gold medal at the re-arranged Tokyo Olympics next year .
He was pipped to a first senior world title by American Sam Kendricks in Doha last year .
`` If you want to be remembered as the best ever , you have to get it right when the moment is right and when you really need to , '' he said .
`` So when it comes time for the Olympics , World Championships , even the next European Championships , I will go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be on top of the podium . ''

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Armand Duplantis has pole-vaulted into history aged just 20, eclipsing the outdoor world record of Sergey Bubka that has stood since 1994 to give track and field a fresh-faced new star.
The ease with which Duplantis sailed over the bar set at 6.15 metres in the warm Rome air on Thursday suggests there will be more records to come.
The American-born Swede known as "Mondo" was already the overall world record holder, breaking the mark in indoor meetings on consecutive weekends in February, the second, in Glasgow, raised it to 6.18m.
But the favourable conditions indoors, without wind, mean that for purists the outdoor record is the mark that really counts.
The coronavirus pandemic disrupted his early season but at meetings in Monaco, Stockholm, Lausanne and Brussels, Duplantis cleared six metres, showing a new record was within reach.
"I think I'm still up in the clouds right now," he said after his history-making jump in Rome. "It's surreal, it's surreal, it's a super-crazy feeling when everything lines up like that and you do a really good performance."
Ukrainian Bubka broke the world record on 17 occasions in the 1980s and 1990s, famously edging the mark up by one centimetre on no fewer than nine occasions between 1988 and 1994 so he could collect a bonus each time.
Duplantis said he had wanted to erase any doubt that he was the best vaulter in history both indoors and out.
"There was kind of this confusion between the indoor and outdoor record, it's kind of merged. I already had the world record but I wanted to clear everything up and be the best outdoors."
- Athletic family -
Born and raised in Louisiana, Duplantis is a photogenic new star in a sport searching for star quality since the retirement of Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt in 2017.
His exuberant celebrations and looks straight out of a teenage romantic film mean he fits the bill.
Coached by his American father Greg, a former pole vaulter, Duplantis is a product of a track and field-crazy family which had their own vaulting apparatus in the garden.
His older brother Andreas vaulted for Sweden at various age-group championships, while another sibling Antoine dropped pole vault in favour of baseball.
Armand spent summers with his Swedish grandparents, keeping the link with his former heptathlete mother's home country.
He started pole vaulting, which requires the speed and strength of sprinter and the flexibility of a gymnast, when he was four years old.
He announced his talent to the world when he cleared 5.90m aged just 17 at the Texas Relays in Austin in 2017.
He turned professional last year after one season on a scholarship at Louisiana State University.
After his world record spree, Duplantis recognises he needs to take the gold medal at the re-arranged Tokyo Olympics next year. He was pipped to a first senior world title by American Sam Kendricks in Doha last year.
"If you want to be remembered as the best ever, you have to get it right when the moment is right and when you really need to," he said.
"So when it comes time for the Olympics, World Championships, even the next European Championships, I will go there and get it done and try to be on top of the podium."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-18--Belarus abuses require 'strongest' response: opposition leader to UN

Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya speaks via video message to an urgent debate of the UN Human Rights Council Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya urged the international community to react to abuses in her country `` in the strongest terms '' , during an address to the UN Human Rights Council on Friday .
Tikhanovskaya , who has taken shelter in neighbouring Lithuania after coming under official pressure , spoke via video message during a rare urgent debate before the council .
`` The situation in Belarus demands immediate international attention , '' she said , adding that the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respect `` human dignity and basic human rights ... means the international community has a right to react in strongest terms . ''
The full-day debate , requested by the European Union , is focusing on violations in Belarus , and in particular the crackdown on protests over the disputed re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko .
Unprecedented demonstrations broke out in the country after Lukashenko , who has ruled the ex-Soviet state for 26 years , claimed to have defeated Tikhanovskaya with 80 percent of the vote on August 9 .
Lukashenko , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` war '' with some neighbouring countries , has refused to step down and has turned to Russia for support .
His security forces have detained thousands of protesters , many of whom have accused police of beatings and torture .
Several people have died in the crackdown .
`` The scope and the brutality of the extensive force used by the regime is in clear violation of all international norms , '' Tikhanovskaya said .
Her message was repeatedly interrupted by objections from Belarus Ambassador Yuri Ambrazevich , who told the council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ substance ... on the events that are taking place today . ''
Ambrazevich and his counterparts from Russia , Venezuela and China also voiced multiple objections to a statement by UN deputy rights chief Nada Al-Nashif and Anais Marin , the UN special rapporteur on the rights situation in Belarus , saying they had no place in the debate .
Marin told the council that more than 10,000 people had been `` abusively arrested for taking part in peaceful protests '' , and lamented that `` over 500 cases of torture , committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to us . ''
`` I have been informed of allegations of rape , electrocution , and other forms of physical and psychological torture , '' she told the council via video link , adding that the perpetrators appeared to be acting with `` impunity '' .
Ambrazevich meanwhile slammed the `` lopsided picture of reality presented by the losers in the election , '' in his country , rejecting allegations of abuse by authorities and insisting that protesters had been violent , and had injured numerous police .
Friday 's debate is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a draft resolution tabled by the EU decrying numerous allegations of `` torture and cruel , inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment by law enforcement and prison officers , including in prisons and detention centres , which urgently require an independent investigation . ''
It also expresses concern over widespread attacks , harassment and intimidation targeting the political opposition , rights defenders and journalists , and attacks on the media through the revocation of foreign media accreditations and internet shutdowns .
The draft text calls on Belarusian authorities to `` enable independent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of human rights violations in the context of the election , '' and `` to guarantee access to justice and redress for victims as well as full accountability of the perpetrators . ''
And it calls on the office of UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet to closely monitor the situation in the country and to present her conclusions in a report during the next council session in March 2021 .
Bachelet has condemned the alleged torture or ill-treatment , including of children , by the authorities in their response to the demonstrations in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an independent investigation .
Discussions on Friday will mark only the sixth time in the council 's 14-year history that it has agreed to hold an `` urgent debate '' , which is a special debate agreed upon within a regular session of the council .
During its last session in June , the council held an urgent debate over racism and police brutality following unrest in the United States and beyond over George Floyd 's death .

Geneva (AFP) –
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Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya urged the international community to react to abuses in her country "in the strongest terms", during an address to the UN Human Rights Council on Friday.
Tikhanovskaya, who has taken shelter in neighbouring Lithuania after coming under official pressure, spoke via video message during a rare urgent debate before the council.
"The situation in Belarus demands immediate international attention," she said, adding that the country's violation of its international obligations to respect "human dignity and basic human rights... means the international community has a right to react in strongest terms."
The full-day debate, requested by the European Union, is focusing on violations in Belarus, and in particular the crackdown on protests over the disputed re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko.
Unprecedented demonstrations broke out in the country after Lukashenko, who has ruled the ex-Soviet state for 26 years, claimed to have defeated Tikhanovskaya with 80 percent of the vote on August 9.
Lukashenko, who on Thursday warned of a possible "war" with some neighbouring countries, has refused to step down and has turned to Russia for support.
His security forces have detained thousands of protesters, many of whom have accused police of beatings and torture. Several people have died in the crackdown.
- 'Brutality' -
"The scope and the brutality of the extensive force used by the regime is in clear violation of all international norms," Tikhanovskaya said.
Her message was repeatedly interrupted by objections from Belarus Ambassador Yuri Ambrazevich, who told the council it had "no relevance on the substance... on the events that are taking place today."
Ambrazevich and his counterparts from Russia, Venezuela and China also voiced multiple objections to a statement by UN deputy rights chief Nada Al-Nashif and Anais Marin, the UN special rapporteur on the rights situation in Belarus, saying they had no place in the debate.
Marin told the council that more than 10,000 people had been "abusively arrested for taking part in peaceful protests", and lamented that "over 500 cases of torture, committed by state agents, have been reported to us."
"I have been informed of allegations of rape, electrocution, and other forms of physical and psychological torture," she told the council via video link, adding that the perpetrators appeared to be acting with "impunity".
Ambrazevich meanwhile slammed the "lopsided picture of reality presented by the losers in the election," in his country, rejecting allegations of abuse by authorities and insisting that protesters had been violent, and had injured numerous police.
Friday's debate is expected to end with a vote on a draft resolution tabled by the EU decrying numerous allegations of "torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment by law enforcement and prison officers, including in prisons and detention centres, which urgently require an independent investigation."
It also expresses concern over widespread attacks, harassment and intimidation targeting the political opposition, rights defenders and journalists, and attacks on the media through the revocation of foreign media accreditations and internet shutdowns.
- 'Independent investigation' -
The draft text calls on Belarusian authorities to "enable independent, transparent and impartial investigations into all allegations of human rights violations in the context of the election," and "to guarantee access to justice and redress for victims as well as full accountability of the perpetrators."
And it calls on the office of UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet to closely monitor the situation in the country and to present her conclusions in a report during the next council session in March 2021.
Bachelet has condemned the alleged torture or ill-treatment, including of children, by the authorities in their response to the demonstrations in Belarus, and has also called for an independent investigation.
Discussions on Friday will mark only the sixth time in the council's 14-year history that it has agreed to hold an "urgent debate", which is a special debate agreed upon within a regular session of the council.
During its last session in June, the council held an urgent debate over racism and police brutality following unrest in the United States and beyond over George Floyd's death.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-18--Thiago bids emotional farewell to Bayern ahead of Liverpool move

Spain midfielder Thiago Alcantara says he leaves Bayern Munich for Liverpool fulfilled but the decision had been the most difficult of his career Thiago Alcantara says agreeing to leave Champions League winners Bayern Munich for English champions Liverpool was the most difficult decision of his career .
Thiago is due to undergo a medical later on Friday before sealing a move that will reportedly cost Liverpool an initial fee of £20 million ( $ 26 million ) , with a further £5 million to follow in add-ons .
The 29-year-old Spain international is believed to have agreed a four-year deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bayern since 2013 but with a year left on his contract he had stalled over signing an extension .
Thiago enjoyed a trophy-filled stay in Germany and was Bayern 's most influential player in their Champions League final victory over Paris Saint Germain last month .
In a message posted on Twitter , he said leaving Bayern had been a gut-wrenching decision .
`` I have made the most difficult decision of my sports career , '' Thiago wrote .
`` I will close this chapter on this wonderful club where I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Triumphs , joy and also hard times .
`` But what I am most proud of is that I arrived in Munich as a young man filled with dreams and now I will leave completely fulfilled with a club , a history and a culture . ''
As well as winning the Champions League , Thiago earned seven Bundesliga titles , four German Cups and the Club World Cup during his time at Bayern .
Thiago said he had decided to leave because he wanted fresh challenges before his career ends .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tradition that I am now saying goodbye to , but which I will never forget , '' he said .
`` I have experienced fantastic moments : in this city ... .with my Bavarian family who treated me so well and loved me every second .
`` My decision is purely of a sporting nature .
As a soccer player I want new challenges to develop myself further .
`` Bavaria will always be my home .
Thank you FC Bayern . ''
`` 'Kloppo ' ( Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp ) is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person , '' Flick said .
`` It was very emotional today when he said goodbye . ''

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Thiago Alcantara says agreeing to leave Champions League winners Bayern Munich for English champions Liverpool was the most difficult decision of his career.
Thiago is due to undergo a medical later on Friday before sealing a move that will reportedly cost Liverpool an initial fee of £20 million ($26 million), with a further £5 million to follow in add-ons.
The 29-year-old Spain international is believed to have agreed a four-year deal with Liverpool.
He had been at Bayern since 2013 but with a year left on his contract he had stalled over signing an extension.
Thiago enjoyed a trophy-filled stay in Germany and was Bayern's most influential player in their Champions League final victory over Paris Saint Germain last month.
In a message posted on Twitter, he said leaving Bayern had been a gut-wrenching decision.
"I have made the most difficult decision of my sports career," Thiago wrote.
"I will close this chapter on this wonderful club where I have grown as a player for seven years. Triumphs, joy and also hard times.
"But what I am most proud of is that I arrived in Munich as a young man filled with dreams and now I will leave completely fulfilled with a club, a history and a culture."
As well as winning the Champions League, Thiago earned seven Bundesliga titles, four German Cups and the Club World Cup during his time at Bayern.
Thiago said he had decided to leave because he wanted fresh challenges before his career ends.
"Here I learned to love a tradition that I am now saying goodbye to, but which I will never forget," he said.
"I have experienced fantastic moments: in this city....with my Bavarian family who treated me so well and loved me every second.
"My decision is purely of a sporting nature. As a soccer player I want new challenges to develop myself further.
"Bavaria will always be my home. Thank you FC Bayern."
Bayern boss Hansi Flick paid tribute to Thiago on Thursday.
"'Kloppo' (Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp) is getting a top player and a great person," Flick said.
"It was very emotional today when he said goodbye."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-18--1,000 fans allowed in Italian stadiums from Sunday - sports minister

Juventus fans could only celebrate their club 's ninth consecutive Italian title outside the Allianz Stadium Up to 1,000 fans will be allowed at open-air sports events in Italy , sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora said on Friday , on the eve of the return of Serie A football .
The change will come on Sunday , meaning Saturday 's opening Serie A games ( Fiorentina v Torino Verona v Roma ) will be behind closed doors but nine-time reigning Serie A champions Juventus could kick off their season against Sampdoria on Sunday in Turin with fans .
Spadafora only mentioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italian Open running in Rome until Monday .
`` From the semi-finals and finals , 1,000 spectators can be present at all sports competitions which take place outdoors and which scrupulously respect sanitary rules , '' the minister said .
Organisers who want to partially reopen stadiums will have to respect `` rules laid down for spacing , masks , seat reservations , '' the minister said .
He said the decision would be officially confirmed `` in the next few hours '' and called it `` a first step , but a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in sport , which we hope for soon . ''
The organisers of the Masters 1000 in Rome , where Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal is returning to competition after more than six months , had denounced a `` huge injustice '' to have to play behind closed doors , while the French Open , which begins in less than ten days , will be able to welcome spectators .
Football clubs had also been demanding an end to the financially crippling lockdown and a gradual reopening of stadiums after more than six @ @

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Up to 1,000 fans will be allowed at open-air sports events in Italy, sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora said on Friday, on the eve of the return of Serie A football.
The change will come on Sunday, meaning Saturday's opening Serie A games (Fiorentina v Torino Verona v Roma) will be behind closed doors but nine-time reigning Serie A champions Juventus could kick off their season against Sampdoria on Sunday in Turin with fans.
Spadafora only mentioned tennis, with the WTA and ATP Italian Open running in Rome until Monday.
"From the semi-finals and finals, 1,000 spectators can be present at all sports competitions which take place outdoors and which scrupulously respect sanitary rules," the minister said.
Organisers who want to partially reopen stadiums will have to respect "rules laid down for spacing, masks, seat reservations," the minister said.
He said the decision would be officially confirmed "in the next few hours" and called it "a first step, but a significant step towards a return to normality in sport, which we hope for soon."
The organisers of the Masters 1000 in Rome, where Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal is returning to competition after more than six months, had denounced a "huge injustice" to have to play behind closed doors, while the French Open, which begins in less than ten days, will be able to welcome spectators.
Football clubs had also been demanding an end to the financially crippling lockdown and a gradual reopening of stadiums after more than six months.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-18--Thai students vow 'peaceful' protest on monarchy reform

The kingdom has seen near-daily gatherings from youth-led groups since mid-July demanding a complete overhaul of the administration of Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha , a former army chief behind the 2014 coup A pro-democracy protest expected to draw thousands of young Thais onto the streets this weekend will again demand reform to the country 's unassailable and hugely wealthy monarchy , a prominent student leader said Friday .
The kingdom has seen near-daily gatherings from youth-led groups since mid-July demanding a complete overhaul of the administration of Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha , a former army chief behind the 2014 coup .
Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest since the coup , kicking off at Bangkok 's Thammasat University and continuing through Sunday when protesters have pledged to march to the nearby Government House -- a move authorities have warned against .
`` We are peaceful , but there could be tension this weekend , '' Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul , a prominent Thammasat student leader , said Friday .
She vowed that protesters will repeat their call for reforms to the kingdom 's ultra-powerful monarchy , a once-taboo topic in Thailand due to draconian royal defamation laws .
`` The plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to modernise it , to adapt it to our society , '' she said .
Sitting at the head of the royal family is the ultra-wealthy King Maha Vajiralongkorn , whose influence permeates every aspect of Thai society .
The kingdom has long seen a cycle of violent protests and coups , with the arch-royalist military stepping in to stage more than a dozen putsches since the end of royal absolutism in 1932 .
But the latest wave of student-led demonstrations have been peaceful , while their unprecedented calls for frank and public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the kingdom .
They are also demanding a rewrite to a 2017 military-scripted constitution , which they say tilted last year 's election in Prayut 's favour , and for the government to stop `` harassing '' political opponents .
Veteran protest leaders of different political stripes urged restraint from the government on Thursday evening -- a rare show of solidarity from previously warring factions .
`` We believe that if the government does not start violence , there will be no deaths , '' said Jatuporn Prompan , a leader of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which supported ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra .
`` When people want political change , they only have one way , which is street protest , '' said Pipob Thongchai , a former leader of the People Alliance for Democracy -- more commonly known as the `` Yellow Shirts '' , who are pro-royalist and anti-Thaksin .
Authorities have so far arrested more than two dozen student protesters , charging them with sedition before releasing them on bail .
Prayut has in the past warned that Thailand could be `` engulfed in flames '' if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Thursday he urged against large gatherings , saying it could increase the risk of a second coronavirus wave in the kingdom .
Thailand has seen a low virus toll , but its tourism-reliant economy has taken a beating due to pandemic border closures .
`` Sparking a new wave could cause a bad impact ...
The protests will cause a delay in our economic recovery , '' Prayut said in a televised address .
Police said they will deploy 10,000 officers around the area to monitor the weekend 's protest .

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A pro-democracy protest expected to draw thousands of young Thais onto the streets this weekend will again demand reform to the country's unassailable and hugely wealthy monarchy, a prominent student leader said Friday.
The kingdom has seen near-daily gatherings from youth-led groups since mid-July demanding a complete overhaul of the administration of Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha, a former army chief behind the 2014 coup.
Saturday's demonstration is expected to be the biggest since the coup, kicking off at Bangkok's Thammasat University and continuing through Sunday when protesters have pledged to march to the nearby Government House -- a move authorities have warned against.
"We are peaceful, but there could be tension this weekend," Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, a prominent Thammasat student leader, said Friday.
She vowed that protesters will repeat their call for reforms to the kingdom's ultra-powerful monarchy, a once-taboo topic in Thailand due to draconian royal defamation laws.
"The plan is not to destroy the monarchy but to modernise it, to adapt it to our society," she said.
Sitting at the head of the royal family is the ultra-wealthy King Maha Vajiralongkorn, whose influence permeates every aspect of Thai society.
The kingdom has long seen a cycle of violent protests and coups, with the arch-royalist military stepping in to stage more than a dozen putsches since the end of royal absolutism in 1932.
But the latest wave of student-led demonstrations have been peaceful, while their unprecedented calls for frank and public discussions about the monarchy have sent shockwaves through the kingdom.
They are also demanding a rewrite to a 2017 military-scripted constitution, which they say tilted last year's election in Prayut's favour, and for the government to stop "harassing" political opponents.
Veteran protest leaders of different political stripes urged restraint from the government on Thursday evening -- a rare show of solidarity from previously warring factions.
"We believe that if the government does not start violence, there will be no deaths," said Jatuporn Prompan, a leader of the so-called "Red Shirts", which supported ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
"When people want political change, they only have one way, which is street protest," said Pipob Thongchai, a former leader of the People Alliance for Democracy -- more commonly known as the "Yellow Shirts", who are pro-royalist and anti-Thaksin.
Authorities have so far arrested more than two dozen student protesters, charging them with sedition before releasing them on bail.
Prayut has in the past warned that Thailand could be "engulfed in flames" if the student movement goes too far.
On Thursday he urged against large gatherings, saying it could increase the risk of a second coronavirus wave in the kingdom.
Thailand has seen a low virus toll, but its tourism-reliant economy has taken a beating due to pandemic border closures.
"Sparking a new wave could cause a bad impact... The protests will cause a delay in our economic recovery," Prayut said in a televised address.
Police said they will deploy 10,000 officers around the area to monitor the weekend's protest.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-18--Hasidic Jewish pilgrims leave Ukraine border over virus ban

At least 1,000 Orthodox-Jewish believers were camped out this week in no-man 's land between Ukrainian and Belarusian border crossings ahead of Jewish New Year celebrations Hundreds of Hasidic Jewish pilgrims , who had massed along the Belarusian border attempting to enter Ukraine , began leaving Friday after Kiev upheld an entry ban to guard against the coronavirus .
At least 1,000 Orthodox-Jewish believers were camped out this week in no-man 's land between Ukrainian and Belarusian border crossings ahead of Jewish New Year celebrations which begin Friday and last until Sunday .
Tens of thousands of Hasidic Jews travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every Jewish New Year to visit the tomb of Rabbi Nahman , the founder of the Breslov Hasidic movement .
The standoff between the pilgrims and armed Ukrainian security services sparked tensions at the Novi Yarylovychi border crossing and inflamed a diplomatic row between Minsk and Kiev .
Ukrainian border guard spokesman Andriy Demchenko said the number of believers hoping to enter Ukraine was steadily decreasing .
`` There are about 700 pilgrims in front of the Ukrainian checkpoint , '' compared to around 1,000 on Thursday , he told AFP .
Demchenko @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make the journey to Uman understood that `` the entry-ban decision will not be revised '' .
Belarus , which earlier said the pilgrims should be allowed to visit holy sites in Ukraine , confirmed that some religious believers had given up hope of being allowed to make the crossing .
Belarus 's state border committee representative , Anton Bychkovskiy , said that the numbers of pilgrims at border posts `` were on the decline '' .
The believers -- mainly Israeli , but also American and French -- departed for Uman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Israeli governments last month urged them not to travel because of the pandemic .
An Israeli minister on Thursday called on those massed on the border to return home and uphold quarantine rules on arrival in Israel .
Kiev closed its borders for most of the month of September citing a growing number of coronavirus infections , but the pilgrims attempted to bypass the restrictions by travelling through Belarus .
Ukrainian border guards announced Friday they had arrested several pilgrims , including Israeli and US citizens , trying to enter the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Kiev has reported more than 169,000 cases of coronavirus and 3,468 fatalities .
On Thursday , officials registered a record one-day increase in infections .
The standoff on the border aggravated already strained ties between Kiev and Minsk , which have traded barbs over disputed presidential elections in Belarus last month .
Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko earlier told his officials to negotiate a travel corridor with Ukraine and offered to provide buses to transport religious believers to holy sites in Ukraine .
Kiev in turn accused Belarusian authorities of giving false hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eventually be allowed to travel to Uman .
Both Ukraine and Israel are keen to avoid a spike in coronavirus infections .
Israel is poised to impose a second nationwide lockdown on Friday to tackle one of the world 's highest coronavirus infection rates , despite public protests over the new blow to the economy .
The three-week shutdown from 1100 GMT starts just hours before Rosh Hashana , the Jewish New Year .
Meanwhile , up to 3,000 Hasidic Jews have arrived in Uman for the celebrations entering Ukraine before the ban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tightened security near Rabbi Nachman 's tomb where pilgrims have congregated .

Kiev (AFP) –
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Hundreds of Hasidic Jewish pilgrims, who had massed along the Belarusian border attempting to enter Ukraine, began leaving Friday after Kiev upheld an entry ban to guard against the coronavirus.
At least 1,000 Orthodox-Jewish believers were camped out this week in no-man's land between Ukrainian and Belarusian border crossings ahead of Jewish New Year celebrations which begin Friday and last until Sunday.
Tens of thousands of Hasidic Jews travel to the central Ukrainian city of Uman every Jewish New Year to visit the tomb of Rabbi Nahman, the founder of the Breslov Hasidic movement.
The standoff between the pilgrims and armed Ukrainian security services sparked tensions at the Novi Yarylovychi border crossing and inflamed a diplomatic row between Minsk and Kiev.
Ukrainian border guard spokesman Andriy Demchenko said the number of believers hoping to enter Ukraine was steadily decreasing.
"There are about 700 pilgrims in front of the Ukrainian checkpoint," compared to around 1,000 on Thursday, he told AFP.
Demchenko added that he hoped those still seeking to make the journey to Uman understood that "the entry-ban decision will not be revised".
Belarus, which earlier said the pilgrims should be allowed to visit holy sites in Ukraine, confirmed that some religious believers had given up hope of being allowed to make the crossing.
Belarus's state border committee representative, Anton Bychkovskiy, said that the numbers of pilgrims at border posts "were on the decline".
- Diplomatic spat -
The believers -- mainly Israeli, but also American and French -- departed for Uman this year even though both the Ukrainian and Israeli governments last month urged them not to travel because of the pandemic.
An Israeli minister on Thursday called on those massed on the border to return home and uphold quarantine rules on arrival in Israel.
Kiev closed its borders for most of the month of September citing a growing number of coronavirus infections, but the pilgrims attempted to bypass the restrictions by travelling through Belarus.
Ukrainian border guards announced Friday they had arrested several pilgrims, including Israeli and US citizens, trying to enter the country illegally from Hungary, Poland and Romania.
Kiev has reported more than 169,000 cases of coronavirus and 3,468 fatalities. On Thursday, officials registered a record one-day increase in infections.
The standoff on the border aggravated already strained ties between Kiev and Minsk, which have traded barbs over disputed presidential elections in Belarus last month.
Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko earlier told his officials to negotiate a travel corridor with Ukraine and offered to provide buses to transport religious believers to holy sites in Ukraine.
Kiev in turn accused Belarusian authorities of giving false hope to the Hasidic pilgrims that they would eventually be allowed to travel to Uman.
Both Ukraine and Israel are keen to avoid a spike in coronavirus infections. Israel is poised to impose a second nationwide lockdown on Friday to tackle one of the world's highest coronavirus infection rates, despite public protests over the new blow to the economy.
The three-week shutdown from 1100 GMT starts just hours before Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year.
Meanwhile, up to 3,000 Hasidic Jews have arrived in Uman for the celebrations entering Ukraine before the ban, police said.
Law enforcement has tightened security near Rabbi Nachman's tomb where pilgrims have congregated.
burs-jbr/as/spm
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-18--Belarus unrest: UN Human Rights Council debates violence & arrests

Protesters are being tortured in police stations across Belarus , where authorities have failed to open investigations , human rights @ @ @ @ @ holding a press conference in Geneva where alleged victims spoke by video link from Minsk @ @ @ @ @ Zarocostas tells us more .

Belarus unrest: UN Human Rights Council debates violence & arrests
02:33
Protesters are being tortured in police stations across Belarus, where authorities have failed to open investigations, human rights experts said on Wednesday, holding a press conference in Geneva where alleged victims spoke by video link from Minsk. FRANCE 24's John Zarocostas tells us more.


france24--2020-09-18--Coronavirus cases top 30 million worldwide

# Coronavirus infections topped 30 million around the globe on Thursday as the World Health Organization warned of `` alarming @ @ @ @ @ Europe and cautioned against shortening quarantine periods .

Coronavirus cases top 30 million worldwide
01:04
#Coronavirus infections topped 30 million around the globe on Thursday as the World Health Organization warned of "alarming rates of transmission" across Europe and cautioned against shortening quarantine periods.


france24--2020-09-18--Israel imposes second virus lockdown hours before holiday

An ultra-Orthodox Jew prays at Jerusalem 's Western Wall hours before a second coronavirus lockdown goes into force across Israel coinciding with the Jewish high holidays Israel is poised to impose a second nationwide lockdown on Friday to tackle one of the world 's highest coronavirus infection rates , despite public protests over the new blow to the economy .
The three-week shutdown from 2:00 pm ( 1100 GMT ) starts just hours before Rosh Hashana , the Jewish new year , and will extend through other key religious holidays , including Yom Kippur and Sukkot .
Prime Minister Benjamin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with no choice but to impose a lockdown .
`` The health system has raised the red flag ... We did everything we could to strike a balance between the health needs and needs of the economy , '' he said in a televised address on Thursday .
While the government was praised for its initial handling of the pandemic , implementing a strict lockdown in March , many Israelis have expressed frustration at the cabinet 's perceived mismanagement of the health crisis in recent months .
`` We do not close a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headline in the top-selling daily Yediot Aharonot on Friday , which featured interviews with doctors , economists and teachers all opposed to the lockdown .
Erez Berenbaum , director of Assuta hospital in the coastal city of Ashdod , said the `` lack of clarity in the instructions will lead to defiance among Israelis '' .
On the eve of the lockdown , authorities were still deciding on the details , with a rule ordering residents to stay within 500 metres ( yards ) of their homes extended late on Thursday to one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the limit was set at 100 metres .
There are numerous exceptions to the new distance rule , including people going out to buy medicine or food , as well as to attend a funeral or circumcision ceremony .
Bars were packed in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on Thursday evening , despite Israel having the world 's second-highest infection rate based on an AFP tally of the past two weeks .
Israel has ramped up testing and on Thursday 5,238 positive cases were recorded out of 56,986 tests processed .
Coronavirus has killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population of nine million .
The government has branded numerous cities `` red '' for their high infection rates , including Netanya and Rishon Letzion , near Tel Aviv , and various neighbourhoods of Jerusalem , including the Old City .
Although economic activity usually slows during the Jewish high holidays , many in Israel fear the financial fallout of the second lockdown .
Netanyahu 's government had tried various measures in recent months to avoid a full shutdown , such as weekend closures , but has repeatedly backtracked in the face of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coalition attempted to imposed localised lockdowns in places with high infection rates , only to downgrade the measure to curfews and school closures .
Netanyahu has faced weeks of public protests against his leadership and on Thursday hundreds of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv against the second lockdown .
`` The economy is in free-fall , people are losing their jobs , they 're depressed , '' said protester Yael , 60 , who lost her job at an architecture firm in the crisis .
`` And all this for what ?
For @ @ @

Jerusalem (AFP) –
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Israel is poised to impose a second nationwide lockdown on Friday to tackle one of the world's highest coronavirus infection rates, despite public protests over the new blow to the economy.
The three-week shutdown from 2:00 pm (1100 GMT) starts just hours before Rosh Hashana, the Jewish new year, and will extend through other key religious holidays, including Yom Kippur and Sukkot.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the government had been left with no choice but to impose a lockdown.
"The health system has raised the red flag... We did everything we could to strike a balance between the health needs and needs of the economy," he said in a televised address on Thursday.
While the government was praised for its initial handling of the pandemic, implementing a strict lockdown in March, many Israelis have expressed frustration at the cabinet's perceived mismanagement of the health crisis in recent months.
"We do not close a country this way," ran a headline in the top-selling daily Yediot Aharonot on Friday, which featured interviews with doctors, economists and teachers all opposed to the lockdown.
Erez Berenbaum, director of Assuta hospital in the coastal city of Ashdod, said the "lack of clarity in the instructions will lead to defiance among Israelis".
On the eve of the lockdown, authorities were still deciding on the details, with a rule ordering residents to stay within 500 metres (yards) of their homes extended late on Thursday to one kilometre.
During the first lockdown, the limit was set at 100 metres.
There are numerous exceptions to the new distance rule, including people going out to buy medicine or food, as well as to attend a funeral or circumcision ceremony.
- Financial fallout -
Bars were packed in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on Thursday evening, despite Israel having the world's second-highest infection rate based on an AFP tally of the past two weeks.
Israel has ramped up testing and on Thursday 5,238 positive cases were recorded out of 56,986 tests processed.
Coronavirus has killed 1,169 people in Israel out of a population of nine million.
The government has branded numerous cities "red" for their high infection rates, including Netanya and Rishon Letzion, near Tel Aviv, and various neighbourhoods of Jerusalem, including the Old City.
Although economic activity usually slows during the Jewish high holidays, many in Israel fear the financial fallout of the second lockdown.
Netanyahu's government had tried various measures in recent months to avoid a full shutdown, such as weekend closures, but has repeatedly backtracked in the face of opposition.
Earlier this month, the coalition attempted to imposed localised lockdowns in places with high infection rates, only to downgrade the measure to curfews and school closures.
Netanyahu has faced weeks of public protests against his leadership and on Thursday hundreds of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv against the second lockdown.
"The economy is in free-fall, people are losing their jobs, they're depressed," said protester Yael, 60, who lost her job at an architecture firm in the crisis.
"And all this for what? For nothing!"
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-18--Bolivia interim president withdraws from presidential race with socialists ahead in polls

Bolivia interim president withdraws from presidential race with socialists ahead in polls Bolivia 's conservative interim president , Jeanine Anez @ @ @ @ @ month ’ s general election on Thursday , a move that should strengthen other candidates @ @ @ @ @ party of ex-leader Evo Morales .

Bolivia interim president withdraws from presidential race with socialists ahead in polls
01:24
Bolivia's conservative interim president, Jeanine Anez, pulled out of next month’s general election on Thursday, a move that should strengthen other candidates running against the front-running socialist party of ex-leader Evo Morales.


france24--2020-09-18--Van Morrison rails against virus restrictions in new songs

Music legend Van Morrison said on Friday he has recorded three `` protest songs '' against the UK government 's coronavirus lockdown measures , in which he reportedly accuses scientists of `` making up crooked facts '' .
The Northern Irish singer-songwriter will release the new tracks -- named `` Born To Be Free '' , `` As I Walked Out '' , and `` No More Lockdown '' -- at two-week intervals from September 25 .
`` Morrison makes it clear in his new songs how unhappy he is with the way the government has taken away personal freedoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website announcing the releases .
In one of the trio of records , the musician sings : `` No more government overreach / No more fascist bullies / Disturbing our peace . ''
In another , he sings : `` No more taking of our freedom / And our God given rights / Pretending it 's for our safety / When it 's really to enslave . ''
Morrison also claims scientists are `` making up crooked facts '' to justify the restrictions , the BBC reported .
Morrison said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what to do or think '' .
`` The government is doing a great job of that already .
`` It 's about freedom of choice , I believe people should have the right to think for themselves . ''
The `` Brown Eyed Girl '' singer had already stirred controversy last month when reportedly urging people to `` fight the pseudoscience '' around Covid-19 , before he staged several socially distanced performances in England .
`` It 's not economically viable to do socially distanced gigs , '' he said , urging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me on this '' .
Britain has been the worst-hit country in Europe by the coronavirus pandemic , and is currently seeing a resurgence in cases after a months-long lockdown earlier this year .
Morrison said he will debut his new songs later this month in shows at the London Palladium theatre , and make them available for download and streaming .

London (AFP) –
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Music legend Van Morrison said on Friday he has recorded three "protest songs" against the UK government's coronavirus lockdown measures, in which he reportedly accuses scientists of "making up crooked facts".
The Northern Irish singer-songwriter will release the new tracks -- named "Born To Be Free", "As I Walked Out", and "No More Lockdown" -- at two-week intervals from September 25.
"Morrison makes it clear in his new songs how unhappy he is with the way the government has taken away personal freedoms," a statement said on his website announcing the releases.
In one of the trio of records, the musician sings: "No more government overreach / No more fascist bullies / Disturbing our peace."
In another, he sings: "No more taking of our freedom / And our God given rights / Pretending it's for our safety / When it's really to enslave."
Morrison also claims scientists are "making up crooked facts" to justify the restrictions, the BBC reported.
Morrison said in a statement that he was "not telling people what to do or think".
"The government is doing a great job of that already.
"It's about freedom of choice, I believe people should have the right to think for themselves."
The "Brown Eyed Girl" singer had already stirred controversy last month when reportedly urging people to "fight the pseudoscience" around Covid-19, before he staged several socially distanced performances in England.
"It's not economically viable to do socially distanced gigs," he said, urging the music industry "to fight with me on this".
Britain has been the worst-hit country in Europe by the coronavirus pandemic, and is currently seeing a resurgence in cases after a months-long lockdown earlier this year.
Morrison said he will debut his new songs later this month in shows at the London Palladium theatre, and make them available for download and streaming.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-18--Islamic State claims killing of French aid workers in Niger

Islamic State has credited its West Africa affiliate for killing six French aid workers and their Nigerien guide and driver @ @ @ @ @ Niger on August 9 , according to a statement published by the site Intelligence Group @ @ @ @ @ 's Nadia Massih explains .

Islamic State claims killing of French aid workers in Niger
03:16
Islamic State has credited its West Africa affiliate for killing six French aid workers and their Nigerien guide and driver at a giraffe reserve in Niger on August 9, according to a statement published by the site Intelligence Group on Thursday. FRANCE 24's Nadia Massih explains.


france24--2020-09-18--Solskjaer asked England not to pick Greenwood before Covid-19 breach

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed he asked England not to pick Mason Greenwood before the Manchester United forward was withdrawn from the squad after breaching coronavirus protocols .
Greenwood and Manchester City 's Phil Foden were forced to fly home from Iceland earlier this month after they were caught mixing with local women in the England hotel .
The pair had just made their England debuts in the Nations League victory over Iceland when video footage emerged of their breach of the bio-secure bubble which had been set up to avoid contact with the virus .
England boss Gareth Southgate admitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ axed them from the subsequent match in Denmark .
But United manager Solskjaer defended Greenwood and said he warned England that the 18-year-old needed a rest before the start of the new season .
`` Yeah , of course I speak to Mason and I 've spoken to Mason , '' Solskjaer said .
`` Of course , what we speak about and discuss will be between the two of us .
`` The kid had a fantastic season .
He 's just come through .
You come to the end of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weeks off and he 's called up to the national team .
`` I have to be honest enough to say I tried my best to give him a rest over the summer .
That the club asked specifically and pointed out that he should have had a rest .
`` He needs it mentally and physically after that season he had .
First thing that happens is : one - he 's called up , and two - he 's right there in the press .
`` We 've done whatever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will keep on helping him .
I know that when he comes back into the daily routine of the club and what we do to him , he 'll be fine . ''
Greenwood has been training with United after passing coronavirus tests and Solskjaer confirmed the striker is in contention to feature in United 's Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on Saturday .
`` Yeah , he 's part of the group .
With the testing and Covid protocols , he trained by himself for a little while .
We had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible he was with us .
He 's a big part of this group , '' Solskjaer said .
`` This is where he feels at home .
He 's not comfortable , we challenge him , we 've got people looking after him .
`` We have to understand he 's an 18-year-old kid who needs managing . ''
Earlier in the close-season , United captain Harry Maguire was handed a suspended 21-month sentence by a Greek court after being found guilty of assaulting a police officer , resisting arrest and attempted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Mykonos .
Maguire denied the offences and has launched an appeal which nullifies the conviction , but the defender still lost his place in the England squad for the Iceland and Denmark matches .
Confident Maguire can focus on football despite the off-field distraction , Solskjaer said : `` The process will keep on going .
Knowing Harry , he 's a very strong character so hopefully he can put that apart .
`` Naturally , as a human being it will be in the back of his mind what 's happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 've just got to see how it develops . ''
United have spent most of the close-season in an unsuccessful attempt to sign Borussia Dortmund forward Jadon Sancho .
The deal is still not completely dead according to reports , but Solskjaer would only confirm that United are still looking to strengthen after signing just Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek so far .
`` You know I ca n't say anything about other clubs ' players out of respect to them .
I ca n't speculate .
But we understand that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need to develop what we have , two - we 're also looking to strengthen the team , of course we are , '' Solskjaer said .
`` I 've been in dialogue with the club .
Of course , we 're always discussing and hopefully let 's see if we can bring anyone in . ''

London (AFP) –
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed he asked England not to pick Mason Greenwood before the Manchester United forward was withdrawn from the squad after breaching coronavirus protocols.
Greenwood and Manchester City's Phil Foden were forced to fly home from Iceland earlier this month after they were caught mixing with local women in the England hotel.
The pair had just made their England debuts in the Nations League victory over Iceland when video footage emerged of their breach of the bio-secure bubble which had been set up to avoid contact with the virus.
England boss Gareth Southgate admitted he couldn't understand their behaviour and axed them from the subsequent match in Denmark.
But United manager Solskjaer defended Greenwood and said he warned England that the 18-year-old needed a rest before the start of the new season.
"Yeah, of course I speak to Mason and I've spoken to Mason," Solskjaer said. "Of course, what we speak about and discuss will be between the two of us.
"The kid had a fantastic season. He's just come through. You come to the end of the season and we've had less than two weeks off and he's called up to the national team.
"I have to be honest enough to say I tried my best to give him a rest over the summer. That the club asked specifically and pointed out that he should have had a rest.
"He needs it mentally and physically after that season he had. First thing that happens is: one - he's called up, and two - he's right there in the press.
"We've done whatever we can to protect him and I will keep on helping him. I know that when he comes back into the daily routine of the club and what we do to him, he'll be fine."
Greenwood has been training with United after passing coronavirus tests and Solskjaer confirmed the striker is in contention to feature in United's Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
"Yeah, he's part of the group. With the testing and Covid protocols, he trained by himself for a little while. We had some tests done and as soon as possible he was with us. He's a big part of this group," Solskjaer said.
"This is where he feels at home. He's not comfortable, we challenge him, we've got people looking after him.
"We have to understand he's an 18-year-old kid who needs managing."
- 'Strong character' -
Earlier in the close-season, United captain Harry Maguire was handed a suspended 21-month sentence by a Greek court after being found guilty of assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest and attempted bribery during an incident on the island of Mykonos.
Maguire denied the offences and has launched an appeal which nullifies the conviction, but the defender still lost his place in the England squad for the Iceland and Denmark matches.
Confident Maguire can focus on football despite the off-field distraction, Solskjaer said: "The process will keep on going. Knowing Harry, he's a very strong character so hopefully he can put that apart.
"Naturally, as a human being it will be in the back of his mind what's happened this summer, and apart from that you've just got to see how it develops."
United have spent most of the close-season in an unsuccessful attempt to sign Borussia Dortmund forward Jadon Sancho.
The deal is still not completely dead according to reports, but Solskjaer would only confirm that United are still looking to strengthen after signing just Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek so far.
"You know I can't say anything about other clubs' players out of respect to them. I can't speculate. But we understand that to get even further; one - we need to develop what we have, two - we're also looking to strengthen the team, of course we are," Solskjaer said.
"I've been in dialogue with the club. Of course, we're always discussing and hopefully let's see if we can bring anyone in."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-18--US Open virus success points way for Tokyo Games: wheelchair tennis champ

The successful staging of the US Open Grand Slam proves that next year 's Olympics and Paralympics can be held safely despite the coronavirus pandemic , wheelchair tennis champion Shingo Kunieda said on Friday .
The 24-time Grand Slam singles champion , widely considered the best player wheelchair tennis has seen , said the US Open 's ability to stave off the virus was a hopeful sign for next year 's postponed Games .
Although France 's Benoit Paire tested positive after entering the Grand Slam 's bio-secure 'bubble ' , there were no clusters of cases and the tournament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York .
`` The US Open ... ended safely without making a cluster happen .
I think this showed a step toward '' holding the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo , Kunieda told reporters via videolink .
The world number one and three-time Paralympics gold medallist , who captured his seventh US Open men 's singles title on Sunday , held an online meeting with Tokyo 2020 organisers to discuss anti-virus measures .
The 2020 Games were postponed in a historic decision earlier this year because of the coronavirus pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be held from July 23 , 2021 .
Top officials have spoken openly about the possibility of cancelling the Games altogether , as the pandemic continues to rage .
But Kunieda said he took heart from his experiences in New York .
`` If measures are taken firmly , international competitions can be held safely .
I think the US Open is a good example , '' which Tokyo organisers should learn , he told an online news conference .
`` If measures are taken firmly , athletes can take part in competitions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Kunieda added .
Kunieda briefed Tokyo 2020 organisers about the US Open 's frequent virus tests and strict isolation measures at hotels and the venue .
He urged the Tokyo officials to adopt stringent measures against the virus , which he described as `` the most important key '' to the Games ' success .
Earlier this month , Japanese officials and Tokyo 2020 organisers began talks on the mammoth task of how to hold the Olympics safely while the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage .

Tokyo (AFP) –
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The successful staging of the US Open Grand Slam proves that next year's Olympics and Paralympics can be held safely despite the coronavirus pandemic, wheelchair tennis champion Shingo Kunieda said on Friday.
The 24-time Grand Slam singles champion, widely considered the best player wheelchair tennis has seen, said the US Open's ability to stave off the virus was a hopeful sign for next year's postponed Games.
Although France's Benoit Paire tested positive after entering the Grand Slam's bio-secure 'bubble', there were no clusters of cases and the tournament went off smoothly behind closed doors in New York.
"The US Open... ended safely without making a cluster happen. I think this showed a step toward" holding the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Kunieda told reporters via videolink.
The world number one and three-time Paralympics gold medallist, who captured his seventh US Open men's singles title on Sunday, held an online meeting with Tokyo 2020 organisers to discuss anti-virus measures.
The 2020 Games were postponed in a historic decision earlier this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, with a potentially scaled-down version set to be held from July 23, 2021.
Top officials have spoken openly about the possibility of cancelling the Games altogether, as the pandemic continues to rage. But Kunieda said he took heart from his experiences in New York.
"If measures are taken firmly, international competitions can be held safely. I think the US Open is a good example," which Tokyo organisers should learn, he told an online news conference.
"If measures are taken firmly, athletes can take part in competitions comfortably. This is very important," Kunieda added.
Kunieda briefed Tokyo 2020 organisers about the US Open's frequent virus tests and strict isolation measures at hotels and the venue.
He urged the Tokyo officials to adopt stringent measures against the virus, which he described as "the most important key" to the Games' success.
Earlier this month, Japanese officials and Tokyo 2020 organisers began talks on the mammoth task of how to hold the Olympics safely while the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-19--Reed loves a good fight and US Open gives him one

Patrick Reed enjoys grinding his way through a difficult golf course and Friday 's second round of the US Open at Winged Foot gave him just the challenge he wanted .
The 2018 Masters champion fired a level par 70 to seize the lead at four-under 136 , one stroke ahead of US compatriot Bryson DeChambeau after 36 holes at Mamaroneck , New York .
Tenth-ranked Reed four times in his round answered a bogey by making a birdie within two holes .
Despite finding only five fairways , Reed blasted out of deep rough and bunkers to rescue pars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course he says sets up well for him .
`` It 's just because I love the grind , '' Reed said .
`` I love getting in there .
I love when it 's hard , when you have to be creative on all different golf shots . ''
At the par-4 first hole , Reed chose to bounce an 8-iron onto the green instead of risk landing a 9-iron shot on a slopey green .
`` Try to bounce it up there , '' Reed said .
`` Kind of using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than sit there and aim and shoot . ''
It 's those sorts of choices Reed thrives upon .
`` You 're out there attacking the golf course .
This golf course you have to think about every little thing off of tee shots , iron shots , putts , everything , '' Reed said .
There 's less chatting with playing partners and more focus on the job at hand and how best to approach tasks .
`` You do n't really hang out with the guys , '' Reed said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure out where you 're trying to play this course and kind of put it together like a puzzle .
`` There 's not as much talking going on at the US Open as there is other golf tournaments because it 's a premium on every single golf shot .
You let up once and you 're going to make a mess of the golf course . ''
Reed felt Friday was a day where he could have done better .
`` Any time you play in the US Open , you know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those days that things just are n't quite going your way , '' Reed said .
`` I felt like today was that day .
`` I felt like I left a decent amount of shots out there , felt like I was a little loose with some shots off the tee and also irons , and to be able to feel like that and come out and shoot even par , it 's definitely a positive and makes you feel good going into the weekend . ''
Confidence is high , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is on form at a course where it is dearly prized .
`` I feel good .
I feel ready to go out and put myself in position hopefully tomorrow to have a chance late on Sunday , '' Reed said .
`` The biggest thing is I feel like the game is where it needs to be .
I feel good .
I just need to tighten a few things up here or there , but the short game is sharp , and when I play around a place like this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @

New York (AFP) –
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Patrick Reed enjoys grinding his way through a difficult golf course and Friday's second round of the US Open at Winged Foot gave him just the challenge he wanted.
The 2018 Masters champion fired a level par 70 to seize the lead at four-under 136, one stroke ahead of US compatriot Bryson DeChambeau after 36 holes at Mamaroneck, New York.
Tenth-ranked Reed four times in his round answered a bogey by making a birdie within two holes. Despite finding only five fairways, Reed blasted out of deep rough and bunkers to rescue pars and give himself birdie chances on a course he says sets up well for him.
"It's just because I love the grind," Reed said. "I love getting in there. I love when it's hard, when you have to be creative on all different golf shots."
At the par-4 first hole, Reed chose to bounce an 8-iron onto the green instead of risk landing a 9-iron shot on a slopey green.
"Try to bounce it up there," Reed said. "Kind of using my eyes and being more creative rather than sit there and aim and shoot."
It's those sorts of choices Reed thrives upon.
"You're out there attacking the golf course. This golf course you have to think about every little thing off of tee shots, iron shots, putts, everything," Reed said.
There's less chatting with playing partners and more focus on the job at hand and how best to approach tasks.
"You don't really hang out with the guys," Reed said. "You're too busy trying to figure out where you're trying to play this course and kind of put it together like a puzzle.
"There's not as much talking going on at the US Open as there is other golf tournaments because it's a premium on every single golf shot. You let up once and you're going to make a mess of the golf course."
Reed felt Friday was a day where he could have done better.
"Any time you play in the US Open, you know that you're going to have one of those days that things just aren't quite going your way," Reed said. "I felt like today was that day.
"I felt like I left a decent amount of shots out there, felt like I was a little loose with some shots off the tee and also irons, and to be able to feel like that and come out and shoot even par, it's definitely a positive and makes you feel good going into the weekend."
Confidence is high, Reed says, because his short game is on form at a course where it is dearly prized.
"I feel good. I feel ready to go out and put myself in position hopefully tomorrow to have a chance late on Sunday," Reed said.
"The biggest thing is I feel like the game is where it needs to be. I feel good. I just need to tighten a few things up here or there, but the short game is sharp, and when I play around a place like this, that's what you need."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-19--US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies at 87: court

Progressive icon and doyenne of the US Supreme Court , Ruth Bader Ginsburg , has died at the age of 87 after a battle with pancreatic cancer , the court announced Friday .
Ginsburg , affectionately known as the Notorious RBG , passed away `` this evening surrounded by her family at her home in Washington , DC , '' the court said in a statement .
Only the second woman ever appointed to the Supreme Court , her death less than two months before a high-stakes presidential election will likely see President Donald Trump move quickly to name her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to confirm the nomination at record speed , cementing a conservative majority on the court which has final say on a number of the touchiest subjects dividing America -- from abortion to firearms , civil rights to the death penalty .
Ginsburg , born in Brooklyn , New York in 1933 , served on the court for 27 years .
`` Our Nation has lost a jurist of historic stature , '' Chief Justice John Roberts was quoted as saying in the court statement .
`` We at the Supreme Court have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mourn , but with confidence that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we knew her -- a tireless and resolute champion of justice . ''

Washington (AFP) –
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Progressive icon and doyenne of the US Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, has died at the age of 87 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, the court announced Friday.
Ginsburg, affectionately known as the Notorious RBG, passed away "this evening surrounded by her family at her home in Washington, DC," the court said in a statement.
Only the second woman ever appointed to the Supreme Court, her death less than two months before a high-stakes presidential election will likely see President Donald Trump move quickly to name her successor.
The Republican-led Senate is equally likely to confirm the nomination at record speed, cementing a conservative majority on the court which has final say on a number of the touchiest subjects dividing America -- from abortion to firearms, civil rights to the death penalty.
Ginsburg, born in Brooklyn, New York in 1933, served on the court for 27 years.
"Our Nation has lost a jurist of historic stature," Chief Justice John Roberts was quoted as saying in the court statement.
"We at the Supreme Court have lost a cherished colleague. Today we mourn, but with confidence that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we knew her -- a tireless and resolute champion of justice."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-19--US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies from pancreatic cancer, age 87

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , a stalwart liberal on the US Supreme Court since 1993 , died on Friday at age 87 , the court said , giving President Donald Trump a chance to expand its conservative majority with a third appointment at a time of deep divisions in America with a presidential election looming .
Ginsburg , a champion of women ’ s rights who became an icon for American liberals , died at her home in Washington of complications from metastatic pancreatic cancer , the court said in a statement .
She was surrounded by her family , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dramatically alter the ideological balance of the court , which currently has a 5-4 conservative majority , by moving it further to the right .
“ Our Nation has lost a jurist of historic stature , ” Chief Justice John Roberts said in a statement .
“ We at the Supreme Court have lost a cherished colleague .
Today we mourn , but with confidence that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we knew her — a tireless and resolute champion of justice.
” Trump , seeking re-election on Nov. 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifetime posts on the court , Neil Gorsuch in 2017 and Brett Kavanaugh in 2018 .
Supreme Court appointments require Senate confirmation , and Trump ’ s fellow Republicans control the chamber .
Supreme Court justices , who receive lifetime appointments , play an enormous role in shaping US policies on hot-button issues like abortion , LGBT rights , gun rights , religious liberty , the death penalty and presidential powers .
For example , the court in 1973 legalized abortion nationwide — a decision that some conservatives are eager to overturn — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States .
Ginsburg , who rose from a working class upbringing in New York City 's borough of Brooklyn and prevailed over systematic sexism in the legal ranks to become one of America 's best-known jurists , was appointed to the Supreme Court by Democratic President Bill Clinton in 1993 .
She provided key votes in landmark rulings securing equal rights for women , expanding gay rights and safeguarding abortion rights .
Ginsburg had experienced a series of health issues including bouts with pancreatic cancer in 2019 and lung cancer in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer in 2009 and colon cancer in 1999 .
She disclosed on July 17 , 2020 , that she had a recurrence of cancer .
Ginsburg was the oldest member of the court and the second-longest serving among its current justices behind Clarence Thomas .
She was the second woman ever named to the court , after Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was appointed 12 years earlier .
The Senate confirmation battle over a Trump nominee to replace Ginsburg is likely to be fierce — at a time of social unrest in the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats lack the votes to block him unless some Republican senators join them .
Trump on Sept. 9 unveiled a list of potential nominees to fill any future Supreme Court vacancies in a move aimed at bolstering support among conservative voters .
One of the first fights will be whether the Senate should confirm a new justice until election , less than two months away , is decided .
National Public Radio reported on Friday that Ginsburg before her death dictated a statement to her granddaughter Clara Spera , saying , `` My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be replaced until a new president is installed . ''
When conservative Justice Antonin Scalia died in February 2016 , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refused to allow the Senate to consider Democratic President Barack Obama 's nominee to fill the vacancy , Merrick Garland , in an action with little precedent in U.S. history .
While McConnell in 2016 said a Supreme Court nomination should not be taken up during an election year , in 2019 he made clear that the Senate would allow Trump , a fellow Republican , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accusations of hypocrisy .
On Twitter , US Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said , `` The American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court Justice .
Therefore , this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president . ''
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham , who would preside over confirmation hearings of her successor on the court , called Ginsburg `` a trailblazer who possessed tremendous passion for her causes . ''
Trump , who as a presidential candidate in 2016 called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him in media interviews , will get a chance to reshape the court like no other president since Ronald Reagan , who made three appointments during his eight years in office in the 1980s , moving the court to the right .
Trump and McConnell have made moving the federal judiciary to the right a top priority .
Another Trump appointment would give the Supreme Court a 6-3 conservative majority , meaning that for the liberal justices to prevail in any case they would need to have two of the conservatives join them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to step down early in Obama 's second term to allow him to appoint a younger liberal to replace her who could serve decades on the court .
Even with a conservative majority on the court , Trump came out on the losing end of several key rulings in June and July 2020 , including decisions rejecting his claim of absolute presidential immunity from criminal investigation .
With Conservative Chief Justice John Roberts playing a key role , the court also ruled against Trump in expanding LGBT rights , invalidating a restrictive Louisiana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an immigration program created by Obama .
During the 2016 campaign , Trump promised to appoint justices who would overturn the 1973 landmark Roe v. Wade ruling legalizing abortion nationwide .
It would take about a month for Trump and Senate Republicans to pick and confirm a replacement , said Daniel Epps , a law professor and former Supreme Court clerk .
`` I would be surprised if the president and Senate Republicans do n't try to fill the seat , '' said Epps , of Washington University School of Law .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump will likely replace Ginsburg with another woman , Epps , said , and might use the opportunity to rally his base of social conservatives .
A private interment service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery , the court said , but did not specify a date .

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a stalwart liberal on the US Supreme Court since 1993, died on Friday at age 87, the court said, giving President Donald Trump a chance to expand its conservative majority with a third appointment at a time of deep divisions in America with a presidential election looming.
US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg participates in taking a new family photo with her fellow justices at the Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., USA, June 1, 2017.
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Ginsburg, a champion of women’s rights who became an icon for American liberals, died at her home in Washington of complications from metastatic pancreatic cancer, the court said in a statement. She was surrounded by her family, the court said.
Her death just over six weeks before Election Day is likely to set off a heated battle over whether President Donald Trump should nominate, and the Republican-led Senate should confirm, her replacement, or if the seat should remain vacant until the outcome of his race against Democrat Joe Biden is known. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said late Friday that the Senate will vote on Trump’s pick to replace Ginsburg, even though it’s an election year.
The Senate and the nation mourn the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the conclusion of her extraordinary American life.
My full statement: pic.twitter.com/NOwYLhDxIk — Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) September 19, 2020
Trump called Ginsburg an “amazing woman” and did not mention filling her vacant Supreme Court seat when he spoke to reporters following a rally in Bemidji, Minnesota. The White House said in a statement that the flag was at half-staff in the justice’s honour.
Biden called Ginsburg an “American hero” on Twitter and told reporters, “The voters should pick the president, and the president should pick the justice for the Senate to consider.” He made the comment after McConnell said the chamber would vote on a potential Trump nominee.
01:10
Chief Justice John Roberts mourned Ginsburg’s passing. “Our Nation has lost a jurist of historic stature,” Roberts said in a statement. “We at the Supreme Court have lost a cherished colleague. Today we mourn, but with confidence that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we knew her – a tireless and resolute champion of justice.”
Trump, seeking re-election on November 3, has already appointed two conservatives to lifetime posts on the court, Neil Gorsuch in 2017 and Brett Kavanaugh in 2018. Supreme Court appointments require Senate confirmation, and Trump’s fellow Republicans control the chamber.
Supreme Court justices play an enormous role in shaping US policies on hot-button issues such as abortion, LGBT rights, gun rights, religious liberty, the death penalty and presidential powers. For example, the court in 1973 legalised abortion nationwide – a decision that some conservatives are eager to overturn – and in 2015 allowed same-sex marriage across the United States.
Ginsburg, who rose from a working-class upbringing in New York City's borough of Brooklyn and prevailed over systematic sexism in the legal ranks to become one of America's best-known jurists, was appointed to the Supreme Court by Democratic President Bill Clinton in 1993. She provided key votes in landmark rulings securing equal rights for women, expanding gay rights and safeguarding abortion rights.
This picture says all you need to know about RBG.
Her all-male class at law school. Though only 5’1” she was a giant amongst men. pic.twitter.com/kQ8RLgf2Uk — Ashly Perez (@itsashlyperez) September 19, 2020
Ginsburg had experienced a series of health issues including bouts with pancreatic cancer in 2019 and lung cancer in 2018, a previous bout with pancreatic cancer in 2009 and colon cancer in 1999. She disclosed on July 17, 2020, that she had a recurrence of cancer.
Ginsburg was the oldest member of the court and the second-longest serving among its current justices behind Clarence Thomas. She was the second woman ever named to the court, after Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was appointed 12 years earlier.
Confirmation battle
The Senate confirmation battle over a Trump nominee to replace Ginsburg is likely to be fierce – at a time of social unrest in the United States during the coronavirus pandemic – though Democrats lack the votes to block him unless some Republican senators join them.
Trump on September 9 unveiled a list of potential nominees to fill any future Supreme Court vacancies in a move aimed at bolstering support among conservative voters.
One of the first fights will be whether the Senate should confirm a new justice until election, less than two months away, is decided.
National Public Radio reported on Friday that Ginsburg before her death dictated a statement to her granddaughter Clara Spera, saying, "My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed."
07:07
When conservative Justice Antonin Scalia died in February 2016, Senate Majority Leader McConnell refused to allow the Senate to consider Democratic President Barack Obama's nominee to fill the vacancy, Merrick Garland, in an action with little precedent in US history. While McConnell in 2016 said a Supreme Court nomination should not be taken up during an election year, in 2019 he made clear that the Senate would allow Trump, a fellow Republican, to fill an election-year vacancy, drawing Democratic accusations of hypocrisy.
On Twitter, US Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said, "The American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court Justice. Therefore, this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president."
The American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court Justice. Therefore, this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president. — Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) September 18, 2020
The tweet was a direct quote of a statement McConnell made in 2016.
Reached by phone late Friday, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, declined to disclose any plans. On Twitter, he called Ginsburg "a trailblazer who possessed tremendous passion for her causes".
It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Justice Ginsburg.
Justice Ginsburg was a trailblazer who possessed tremendous passion for her causes. She served with honor and distinction as a member of the Supreme Court. — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) September 19, 2020
Trump, who as a presidential candidate in 2016 called on Ginsburg to resign after she criticised him in media interviews, will get a chance to reshape the court like no other president since Ronald Reagan, who made three appointments during his eight years in office in the 1980s, moving the court to the right.
Trump and McConnell have made moving the federal judiciary to the right a top priority. Another Trump appointment would give the Supreme Court a 6-3 conservative majority, meaning that for the liberal justices to prevail in any case they would need to have two of the conservatives join them.
Some liberal activists had urged Ginsburg to step down early in Obama's second term to allow him to appoint a younger liberal to replace her who could serve decades on the court.
Even with a conservative majority on the court, Trump came out on the losing end of several key rulings in June and July 2020, including decisions rejecting his claim of absolute presidential immunity from criminal investigation. With Conservative Chief Justice John Roberts playing a key role, the court also ruled against Trump in expanding LGBT rights, invalidating a restrictive Louisiana abortion law and blocking him from rescinding an immigration programme created by Obama.
During the 2016 campaign, Trump promised to appoint justices who would overturn the 1973 landmark Roe v. Wade ruling legalising abortion nationwide.
It would take about a month for Trump and Senate Republicans to pick and confirm a replacement, said Daniel Epps, a law professor and former Supreme Court clerk.
"I would be surprised if the president and Senate Republicans don't try to fill the seat," said Epps, of Washington University School of Law. "They probably have the votes."
Trump will likely replace Ginsburg with another woman, Epps, said, and might use the opportunity to rally his base of social conservatives.
A private interment service for Ruth Bader Ginsburg will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, the court said, but did not specify a date.
(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS and AP)
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france24--2020-09-18--Tiger ready for rest before defending Masters, Zozo titles

Tiger Woods departed Winged Foot disappointed and frustrated after missing the cut Friday at the 120th US Open , but already looking forward to defending his Masters title in November .
The 15-time major winner fired a seven-over par 77 on Friday at the famed Mamaroneck , New York , layout to finish on 10-over 150 , four strokes beyond the cut line .
`` It 's frustrating that I 'm not going to be here for the weekend , '' Woods said .
`` It feels like the way the golf course is changing , anybody who makes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ championship .
I did n't get myself that opportunity .
`` It 's never easy to not be playing for the championship on the weekend .
The whole goal of entering an event is to win , and when I do n't give myself that opportunity over the weekend , it does n't feel good . ''
What 's next for Woods is some rest and recovery time .
`` Well , probably I 'm not going to be swinging a club for a little bit , '' Woods said .
`` Take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and get back after it .
The next time Woods tees off in a major it will be in November when he has his long-delayed opportunity to defend last year 's Masters title .
Woods captured the green jacket in April 2019 but because of the coronavirus pandemic has had to wait until November 12-15 to return to Augusta National .
Woods , ranked 21st , last won a title at the 2019 Zozo Championship in Japan last October .
Due to the coronavirus pandemic , he will defend that title next month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same course where he hosted the World Golf Challenge event for many years .
With 82 career US PGA titles , Woods has matched the all-time tour record for all-time victories won by Sam Snead and both Zozo and the Masters offer chances to claim the record before the US star celebrates his 45th birthday in December .
`` There 's still one more major to go , and my title defense at Sherwood , '' Woods said .
`` We have a couple big , big things ahead of us .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his surgically repaired back held up through the challenge posed by the US Open course , but was unhappy with how he hit the ball off the tees .
`` Physically it was frustrating that I did n't drive the ball as well as I needed to , '' Woods said .
`` Iron play was pretty much the way it has been .
It has been good , and I finally putted well .
`` But on this golf course it 's imperative that you hit fairways , and I did not @ @ @ @

New York (AFP) –
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Tiger Woods departed Winged Foot disappointed and frustrated after missing the cut Friday at the 120th US Open, but already looking forward to defending his Masters title in November.
The 15-time major winner fired a seven-over par 77 on Friday at the famed Mamaroneck, New York, layout to finish on 10-over 150, four strokes beyond the cut line.
"It's frustrating that I'm not going to be here for the weekend," Woods said. "It feels like the way the golf course is changing, anybody who makes the cut has the opportunity to win this championship. I didn't get myself that opportunity.
"It's never easy to not be playing for the championship on the weekend. The whole goal of entering an event is to win, and when I don't give myself that opportunity over the weekend, it doesn't feel good."
What's next for Woods is some rest and recovery time.
"Well, probably I'm not going to be swinging a club for a little bit," Woods said. "Take a little break. And then refocus and get back after it.
The next time Woods tees off in a major it will be in November when he has his long-delayed opportunity to defend last year's Masters title.
Woods captured the green jacket in April 2019 but because of the coronavirus pandemic has had to wait until November 12-15 to return to Augusta National.
Woods, ranked 21st, last won a title at the 2019 Zozo Championship in Japan last October. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, he will defend that title next month at Sherwood Country Club in California, the same course where he hosted the World Golf Challenge event for many years.
With 82 career US PGA titles, Woods has matched the all-time tour record for all-time victories won by Sam Snead and both Zozo and the Masters offer chances to claim the record before the US star celebrates his 45th birthday in December.
"There's still one more major to go, and my title defense at Sherwood," Woods said. "We have a couple big, big things ahead of us."
Woods did not talk about how his surgically repaired back held up through the challenge posed by the US Open course, but was unhappy with how he hit the ball off the tees.
"Physically it was frustrating that I didn't drive the ball as well as I needed to," Woods said. "Iron play was pretty much the way it has been. It has been good, and I finally putted well.
"But on this golf course it's imperative that you hit fairways, and I did not do that."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-18--Colombian police charged with killing that sparked riots

Friends and relatives carry the coffin of the attorney Javier Ordonez in Bogota , on September 16 , 2020 .
Two police officers have been charged with Ordonez 's death , which triggered riots in the capital and othe cities Colombian prosecutors on Friday charged two police officers with torture and aggravated homicide after the death of a man in custody sparked deadly rioting in the capital and other cities .
The two police involved in the arrest of Javier Ordonez , who was repeatedly tasered before dying later in custody , were charged with `` torture and aggravated homicide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barbosa said .
Five other police officers are under investigation in the case .
Thirteen people were killed in the protests , most from gunshot wounds , according to Bogota 's leftist mayor , Claudia Lopez , who accused police of firing on the protesters .
Public outrage was fueled by a video of Ordonez pleading with police as he lay on the ground being repeatedly shocked by the taser .
A lawyer for the victim 's family claimed the 43-year-old engineer had died later at a police station , after being brutally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cities of Medellin and Cali wounded more than 500 people , including 285 civilians and 315 police .
Defense Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo was forced to apologize for the death of Ordonez , a father of two .

Bogota (AFP) –
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Colombian prosecutors on Friday charged two police officers with torture and aggravated homicide after the death of a man in custody sparked deadly rioting in the capital and other cities.
The two police involved in the arrest of Javier Ordonez, who was repeatedly tasered before dying later in custody, were charged with "torture and aggravated homicide," prosecutor's office official Francisco Barbosa said.
Five other police officers are under investigation in the case.
Thirteen people were killed in the protests, most from gunshot wounds, according to Bogota's leftist mayor, Claudia Lopez, who accused police of firing on the protesters.
Public outrage was fueled by a video of Ordonez pleading with police as he lay on the ground being repeatedly shocked by the taser.
A lawyer for the victim's family claimed the 43-year-old engineer had died later at a police station, after being brutally beaten.
Riots which also hit the cities of Medellin and Cali wounded more than 500 people, including 285 civilians and 315 police.
Authorities said 95 police stations were vandalized.
Defense Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo was forced to apologize for the death of Ordonez, a father of two.
© 2020 AFP