france24--2020-02-21--Spread of coronavirus slows in China, but deaths abroad increase

Passengers leave LAX after arriving from Shanghai , China , after a positive case of the coronavirus was announced in the Orange County suburb of Los Angeles , California , U.S. , January 26 , 2020 .
China on Thursday touted a big drop in new virus infections as proof its epidemic control efforts are working , but the toll grew abroad with deaths in Japan and South Korea .
Fatalities in China hit 2,118 as 114 more people died , but health officials reported the lowest number of new cases in nearly a month , including in hardest-hit Hubei @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been infected by the new coronavirus in China , and hundreds more in over 25 countries .
The number of deaths outside mainland China climbed to 11 .
Japan 's toll rose to three as a man and a woman in their 80s who had been aboard a quarantined cruise ship died , while fears there mounted over other passengers who disembarked the Diamond Princess after testing negative .
South Korea reported its first death , and the number of infections in the country nearly doubled Thursday to 104 .
Iran reported two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
Deaths have previously been confirmed in France , the Philippines , Taiwan and Hong Kong .
Chinese officials say their drastic containment efforts , including quarantining tens of millions of people in Hubei and restricting movements in cities nationwide , have started to pay off .
Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone about the virus with leaders in South Korea and Pakistan , state news agency Xinhua said .
South Korean President Moon Jae-in `` chose to call to express sympathies and support '' regarding the outbreak , Xinhua said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact on bilateral ties will only be temporary .
Xi told Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan that their two countries `` are true friends and good brothers , '' and that combating the virus is his government 's top priority .
At a special meeting on the virus with Southeast Asian countries in Laos , China 's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said results `` show that our control efforts are working . ''
Although more than 600 new infections were reported Thursday in Hubei 's capital Wuhan , it was the lowest daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the 1,749 new cases the day before .
The national figure has fallen for three straight days .
Chinese authorities placed the city of 11 million under quarantine on January 23 and quickly locked down the rest of the province in the days that followed .
Wuhan authorities this week carried out door-to-door checks on residents , with the local Communist Party chief warning that officials would be `` held accountable '' if any infections were missed .
Cities far from the epicentre have limited the number of people who can leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ villages have sealed off access to outsiders .
In Japan , critics slammed the government 's quarantine measures imposed on the Diamond Princess .
The huge vessel moored in Yokohama is the biggest coronavirus cluster outside the Chinese epicentre , with 634 cases confirmed among passengers and crew .
Another 13 people on board the ship were diagnosed with the virus Thursday , Japan 's health ministry said .
Still , passengers were disembarking after negative tests and having completed a 14-day quarantine period -- packing into yellow buses and leaving for stations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Kobe University slammed the quarantine procedures on board as `` completely chaotic '' in rare criticism from a Japanese academic .
`` The cruise ship was completely inadequate in terms of infection control , '' said Kentaro Iwata in videos he has since deleted .
South Korea , meanwhile , announced 51 new cases , with more than 40 in a cluster centred on the Shincheonji Church of Jesus , an entity often seen as a cult .
The infections apparently came from a 61-year-old woman who first developed a fever on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services before being diagnosed .
Authorities were investigating whether she visited a hospital where a long-term patient contracted the virus and later died .
Beyond Asia , citizen backlash was growing over fears of contagion .
Iraq on Thursday clamped down on travel to and from neighboring Iran , with Iraq 's health ministry announcing people in Iran were barred from entering the country `` until further notice . ''
The move came after Iran confirmed three new coronavirus cases following the deaths of two elderly men .
And in Ukraine , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over government plans to quarantine evacuees from coronavirus-hit China at the site .
Six buses with the evacuees arrived at the medical center in Novi Sanzhary , in the central Poltava region , escorted by police .
Angry demonstrators lit fires and pelted the buses with rocks , breaking at least three windows .
Because of the virus outbreak , airlines operating in the Asia-Pacific region stand to lose a combined $ 27.8 billion of revenue , the International Air Transport Association said .
This is the first time since 2003 that demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO Alexandre de Juniac said .

China on Thursday touted a big drop in new virus infections as proof its epidemic control efforts are working, but the toll grew abroad with deaths in Japan and South Korea.
Passengers leave LAX after arriving from Shanghai, China, after a positive case of the coronavirus was announced in the Orange County suburb of Los Angeles, California, U.S., January 26, 2020.
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Fatalities in China hit 2,118 as 114 more people died, but health officials reported the lowest number of new cases in nearly a month, including in hardest-hit Hubei province.
More than 74,000 people have been infected by the new coronavirus in China, and hundreds more in over 25 countries.
The number of deaths outside mainland China climbed to 11.
Japan's toll rose to three as a man and a woman in their 80s who had been aboard a quarantined cruise ship died, while fears there mounted over other passengers who disembarked the Diamond Princess after testing negative.
South Korea reported its first death, and the number of infections in the country nearly doubled Thursday to 104.
Iran reported two deaths on Wednesday and three new cases Thursday. Deaths have previously been confirmed in France, the Philippines, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Chinese officials say their drastic containment efforts, including quarantining tens of millions of people in Hubei and restricting movements in cities nationwide, have started to pay off.
Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone about the virus with leaders in South Korea and Pakistan, state news agency Xinhua said.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in "chose to call to express sympathies and support" regarding the outbreak, Xinhua said. Xi told him the epidemic's impact on bilateral ties will only be temporary.
Xi told Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan that their two countries "are true friends and good brothers," and that combating the virus is his government's top priority.
At a special meeting on the virus with Southeast Asian countries in Laos, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said results "show that our control efforts are working."
Although more than 600 new infections were reported Thursday in Hubei's capital Wuhan, it was the lowest daily tally since late January and well down from the 1,749 new cases the day before.
The national figure has fallen for three straight days.
Chinese authorities placed the city of 11 million under quarantine on January 23 and quickly locked down the rest of the province in the days that followed.
Wuhan authorities this week carried out door-to-door checks on residents, with the local Communist Party chief warning that officials would be "held accountable" if any infections were missed.
Cities far from the epicentre have limited the number of people who can leave their homes for groceries, while rural villages have sealed off access to outsiders.
'Chaotic' cruise quarantine
In Japan, critics slammed the government's quarantine measures imposed on the Diamond Princess.
The huge vessel moored in Yokohama is the biggest coronavirus cluster outside the Chinese epicentre, with 634 cases confirmed among passengers and crew.
Another 13 people on board the ship were diagnosed with the virus Thursday, Japan's health ministry said.
Still, passengers were disembarking after negative tests and having completed a 14-day quarantine period -- packing into yellow buses and leaving for stations and airports.
An infectious diseases specialist at Kobe University slammed the quarantine procedures on board as "completely chaotic" in rare criticism from a Japanese academic.
"The cruise ship was completely inadequate in terms of infection control," said Kentaro Iwata in videos he has since deleted.
South Korea, meanwhile, announced 51 new cases, with more than 40 in a cluster centred on the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, an entity often seen as a cult.
The infections apparently came from a 61-year-old woman who first developed a fever on February 10 and attended at least four services before being diagnosed.
Authorities were investigating whether she visited a hospital where a long-term patient contracted the virus and later died.
Growing concern abroad
Beyond Asia, citizen backlash was growing over fears of contagion.
Iraq on Thursday clamped down on travel to and from neighboring Iran, with Iraq's health ministry announcing people in Iran were barred from entering the country "until further notice."
The move came after Iran confirmed three new coronavirus cases following the deaths of two elderly men.
And in Ukraine, a crowd clashed with police outside a hospital over government plans to quarantine evacuees from coronavirus-hit China at the site.
Six buses with the evacuees arrived at the medical center in Novi Sanzhary, in the central Poltava region, escorted by police.
Angry demonstrators lit fires and pelted the buses with rocks, breaking at least three windows.
Because of the virus outbreak, airlines operating in the Asia-Pacific region stand to lose a combined $27.8 billion of revenue, the International Air Transport Association said.
This is the first time since 2003 that demand for air travel has declined, IATA CEO Alexandre de Juniac said.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-02-21--After Gomorrah: The Naples housing estate hoping to erase its mafia past

A symbol of the power of the Neapolitan mafia , the `` Vele '' buildings in the Scampia neighbourhood are to be demolished .
A way for the southern Italian city to put its mafia past behind it , as FRANCE 24 's team reports .
Built between 1963 and 1980 to accommodate nearly 40,000 people from the poorest neighbourhoods of Naples , the sail-shaped tower blocks known as `` Vele '' ( `` sails '' in Italian ) have long symbolised the influence of the Camorra , the Neapolitan mafia .
They even became the setting for the acclaimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For their architect Franz di Salvo , the Vele were supposed to recreate the atmosphere of downtown Naples , with its alleys and its neighbourhoods .
In other words , a good place to live .
But this utopia was not to be .
Some of the money for construction was misappropriated , while the buildings remained unfinished , then fell into disrepair and were abandoned by their inhabitants .
After an earthquake in the region in 1980 , hundreds of homeless families decided to squat the vacant apartments .
The Camorra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ web .
In the space of a few years , heroin , cocaine and crack invaded the streets .
By the 2000s , Scampia had become the largest drug supermarket in Europe .
The Italian government and the Naples city authorities took time to react , but in 2009 , a large-scale anti-mafia plan took on the Camorra clans .
In the middle of the district , the Scampia police station now takes pride of place , like a look-out post .
`` In ten years , we 've cut drug sales by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lorenzo Stabile .
In the midst of this drug war , some 200 families are still squatting in the Vele .
They pay no rent , have no municipal services , and have to illegally plug into the city ’ s electricity and water networks to survive .
`` We ’ re like ghosts , '' sighs one resident .

A symbol of the power of the Neapolitan mafia, the "Vele" buildings in the Scampia neighbourhood are to be demolished. A way for the southern Italian city to put its mafia past behind it, as FRANCE 24's team reports.
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Built between 1963 and 1980 to accommodate nearly 40,000 people from the poorest neighbourhoods of Naples, the sail-shaped tower blocks known as "Vele" ("sails" in Italian) have long symbolised the influence of the Camorra, the Neapolitan mafia. They even became the setting for the acclaimed film and TV series "Gomorrah".
For their architect Franz di Salvo, the Vele were supposed to recreate the atmosphere of downtown Naples, with its alleys and its neighbourhoods. In other words, a good place to live. But this utopia was not to be. Some of the money for construction was misappropriated, while the buildings remained unfinished, then fell into disrepair and were abandoned by their inhabitants.
After an earthquake in the region in 1980, hundreds of homeless families decided to squat the vacant apartments. The Camorra also infiltrated the area and wove its web. In the space of a few years, heroin, cocaine and crack invaded the streets. By the 2000s, Scampia had become the largest drug supermarket in Europe.
The Italian government and the Naples city authorities took time to react, but in 2009, a large-scale anti-mafia plan took on the Camorra clans. In the middle of the district, the Scampia police station now takes pride of place, like a look-out post. "In ten years, we've cut drug sales by 90 percent", says Police Superintendent Lorenzo Stabile.
In the midst of this drug war, some 200 families are still squatting in the Vele. They pay no rent, have no municipal services, and have to illegally plug into the city’s electricity and water networks to survive. "We’re like ghosts," sighs one resident.
View of Scampia's "Vele" © FRANCE 24
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france24--2020-02-21--Algerians gather in capital to mark anniversary of 'Hirak' protest movement

Algerians raising a national flag shout slogans during their weekly anti-government demonstration in the capital Algiers on February 21 , 2020 .
Algeria this weekend marks a year since the birth of an unprecedented protest movement known as `` Hirak '' -- one that quickly forced an ailing president from power and is now looking to maintain momentum .
Anti-regime protesters have designated Friday and Saturday a landmark moment , mobilising to `` disqualify the system 's agenda of self-renewal , and to lay the foundations for a new republic . ''
By noon , thousands of demonstrators including women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the central post office in Algiers , the assembly point for weekly protests .
Anti-riot police were deployed but did not disperse the crowd , which chanted `` We have come to celebrate , we have come to free you '' and `` We 're not going to stop . ''
Checkpoints were installed on roads into the city , according to social media , complicating access to the commemoration for Algerians outside the capital .
But this did not stop Bashir , 50 , from travelling 150 kilometres ( 95 miles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first anniversary of Hirak and to renew the movement 's demands . ''
Protests first erupted on February 22 last year , in response to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announcing he intended a run for a fifth term -- despite being debilitated by a 2013 stroke .
Less than six weeks later , he stepped down after losing the support of the then-army chief in the face of enormous weekly demonstrations .
But despite hordes -- diplomats said `` millions '' -- turning out after Bouteflika 's fall to demand an overhaul of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a political stranglehold in the months that followed .
The election of Abdelmadjid Tebboune , once a prime minister under Bouteflika , as president in December appears to have reinforced the regime 's hand and further stalled the protest movement .
But many boycotted the poll -- even the official turnout was below 40 percent -- and demonstrators remain numerous .
On Thursday evening , Tebboune paid homage to the protest movement in an interview with local media , promising to implement `` all of its demands '' after it prevented the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But in a manifesto published Thursday , organisations from the Hirak movement called for `` continued mobilisation '' to force out members of the old guard , arguing that they could not oversee the process of reform .
They denounced the state taking `` repressive measures '' against journalists , activists and protests .
Algerians `` want their country ruled and managed with transparency '' by `` accountable officials , an independent judiciary and a parliament that is not a rubber stamp body , '' they wrote .
Dalia Ghanem , a researcher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Beirut , argued things in Algeria appeared much as before .
`` Soldiers have returned to their barracks , civilians are in power , so there is a democratic and constitutional facade , '' she said .
`` Tebboune is just the civilian face of a regime that remains in the hands of the military . ''
But `` the capacity of the regime to adapt without really changing , and its resilience , will be tested in the coming years , '' she contended .
It will dole out political handouts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but an economic crisis caused by low oil prices will limit its largesse and hence its scope to maintain social peace .
The protest movement , meanwhile , has plenty of rethinking ahead , if it is to maintain momentum .
The size of marches across the country on Friday and Saturday will represent a key test of the spontaneous , leaderless and youth-dominated movement .
Will it grasp President Tebboune 's extended hand and risk being swallowed up by the regime ?
Or does it need to gear itself up for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposing its own divisions and contradictions ?
But whatever the challenges ahead , Hirak has already forced change on Algeria 's political order , in a context where real opposition was consistently hindered , gagged and co-opted during Bouteflika 's two decades at the helm .
And above all , in maintaining an overwhelmingly peaceful line , the movement has `` succeeded in ensuring there has been no bloody confrontation or brutal repression , '' said historian Karima Direche .
This marks a contrast with other countries , and also Algeria 's own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congregating every Friday for the last year -- women , men , Berbers ... Muslim Brothers and secularists -- in the streets is extraordinary '' , said Ghanem .
`` A wall of fear ... has been destroyed by this new , heavily politicised generation , which knows what it wants , '' she added .
Direche sees the coming year as allowing `` stock-taking of what Algerians want collectively '' .
If the movement succeeds , `` Algeria could become a case study '' , Direche hopes , with much resting on @ @ @ @

Algeria this weekend marks a year since the birth of an unprecedented protest movement known as "Hirak" -- one that quickly forced an ailing president from power and is now looking to maintain momentum.
Algerians raising a national flag shout slogans during their weekly anti-government demonstration in the capital Algiers on February 21, 2020.
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Anti-regime protesters have designated Friday and Saturday a landmark moment, mobilising to "disqualify the system's agenda of self-renewal, and to lay the foundations for a new republic."
By noon, thousands of demonstrators including women and children were gathered peacefully in front of the central post office in Algiers, the assembly point for weekly protests.
Anti-riot police were deployed but did not disperse the crowd, which chanted "We have come to celebrate, we have come to free you" and "We're not going to stop."
04:00
Checkpoints were installed on roads into the city, according to social media, complicating access to the commemoration for Algerians outside the capital.
But this did not stop Bashir, 50, from travelling 150 kilometres (95 miles) from Ain Defla "to celebrate the first anniversary of Hirak and to renew the movement's demands."
Protests first erupted on February 22 last year, in response to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announcing he intended a run for a fifth term -- despite being debilitated by a 2013 stroke.
Less than six weeks later, he stepped down after losing the support of the then-army chief in the face of enormous weekly demonstrations.
But despite hordes -- diplomats said "millions" -- turning out after Bouteflika's fall to demand an overhaul of the entire system, the military maintained a political stranglehold in the months that followed.
The election of Abdelmadjid Tebboune, once a prime minister under Bouteflika, as president in December appears to have reinforced the regime's hand and further stalled the protest movement.
But many boycotted the poll -- even the official turnout was below 40 percent -- and demonstrators remain numerous.
02:04
On Thursday evening, Tebboune paid homage to the protest movement in an interview with local media, promising to implement "all of its demands" after it prevented the "total collapse" of the country.
But in a manifesto published Thursday, organisations from the Hirak movement called for "continued mobilisation" to force out members of the old guard, arguing that they could not oversee the process of reform.
They denounced the state taking "repressive measures" against journalists, activists and protests.
Algerians "want their country ruled and managed with transparency" by "accountable officials, an independent judiciary and a parliament that is not a rubber stamp body," they wrote.
Challenges
Dalia Ghanem, a researcher at the Carnegie Middle East Center based in Beirut, argued things in Algeria appeared much as before. "Soldiers have returned to their barracks, civilians are in power, so there is a democratic and constitutional facade," she said.
"Tebboune is just the civilian face of a regime that remains in the hands of the military."
But "the capacity of the regime to adapt without really changing, and its resilience, will be tested in the coming years," she contended.
It will dole out political handouts through limited reforms, she said, but an economic crisis caused by low oil prices will limit its largesse and hence its scope to maintain social peace.
The protest movement, meanwhile, has plenty of rethinking ahead, if it is to maintain momentum.
The size of marches across the country on Friday and Saturday will represent a key test of the spontaneous, leaderless and youth-dominated movement.
Will it grasp President Tebboune's extended hand and risk being swallowed up by the regime?
Or does it need to gear itself up for an institutional game, with the risk of exposing its own divisions and contradictions?
New order
But whatever the challenges ahead, Hirak has already forced change on Algeria's political order, in a context where real opposition was consistently hindered, gagged and co-opted during Bouteflika's two decades at the helm.
And above all, in maintaining an overwhelmingly peaceful line, the movement has "succeeded in ensuring there has been no bloody confrontation or brutal repression," said historian Karima Direche.
This marks a contrast with other countries, and also Algeria's own past experience.
"To see Algerians congregating every Friday for the last year -- women, men, Berbers... Muslim Brothers and secularists -- in the streets is extraordinary", said Ghanem.
"A wall of fear... has been destroyed by this new, heavily politicised generation, which knows what it wants," she added.
Direche sees the coming year as allowing "stock-taking of what Algerians want collectively".
If the movement succeeds, "Algeria could become a case study", Direche hopes, with much resting on the coming year.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-02-21--Polls close in Iran elections with conservatives seen tightening grip

Iranians voted Friday for a new parliament which conservatives are expected to dominate , with turnout seen as a key measure of support for the country 's leadership as sanctions weigh on the economy and isolate the country diplomatically .
Polls closed in Iran at midnight local time after multiple extensions , the news agencies Tasnim and Fars reported .
There was no official announcement on voter turnout .
The vote had been due to end at 1430 GMT , but it was extended at least five times and finally closed at 2030 GMT to allow a maximum number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disqualification of some 9,000 potential candidates , most of them reformists and moderates , by the powerful Guardian Council had raised the possibility of lower-than-usual turnout .
Reporting from the capital , Tehran , FRANCE 24 ’ s Reza Sayah said the Guardian Council this year had barred around 90 sitting moderate or reformist lawmakers , leading many Iranians to question whether Friday ’ s vote was a legitimate democratic exercise .
“ Analysts say this apparent purge of reformists is an indication that Iran ’ s establishment is reshaping the government from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reformists who wanted to open relations with the West , who wanted the [ 2015 ] nuclear deal , to one that now will be dominated by conservatives and hardliners who are going to take a much more firm stance against the US , implementing more anti-US policies , which doesn ’ t bode well for what ’ s left of the nuclear deal and improved relations with the West , ” noted Sayah .
Iranians have seen the price of basic goods skyrocket , inflation and unemployment rise and the local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement and imposed tough sanctions .
Wary of the growing frustration on the streets , Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had urged Iranians to vote .
Speaking to reporters shortly after he cast his ballot in Tehran Friday , Khamenei noted that , “ Anyone who cares about Iran 's national interests should participate in the election . ''
Around 7,000 candidates were running in 208 constituencies for the 290-seat chamber .
> > Read more on moderates sidelined in Iran 's elections Washington slaps new sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high this year following a US airstrike which killed Iran ’ s top general , Qassem Soleimani .
The strike led to a confrontation in which Iranian forces accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane after it took off from Tehran , killing all 176 people on board .
Most of those killed were Iranian .
The shoot-down , and attempts by officials to initially conceal the cause of the crash , sparked public anger and protests in Iran , which were violently put down by the administration .
On Thursday , Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charge of vetting candidates , including Ahmad Jannati , a powerful cleric .
`` The Trump administration will not tolerate the manipulation of elections to favour the regime 's malign agenda , '' said US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin .
The Guardian Council slammed the sanctions , saying they showed US disdain for democracy .
`` America 's regime has shown through illegal sanctions ... on members of the Guardian Council that it has nothing to do with democracy , '' said its spokesman Abbas Ali Kadkhodaee , who was among those hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even more determined to safeguard the people 's vote , '' he tweeted .
'People are not hopeful' Turnout in Friday 's elections is widely viewed as a critical test of the legitimacy of Iran 's democratic process with the state unleashing all stops to encourage Iranians to vote .
On the eve of the elections , state media aired a short clip showing votes transforming into torpedoes hitting enemy navy ships closing in on Iran .
Hessameddin Ashena , a senior adviser to President Hassan Rouhani , warned on Twitter that abstention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the possibility of a military aggression '' .
Turnout in Iran 's past 10 elections averaged 60.5 percent , according to the interior ministry .
The Guardian Council said it expected at least 50 percent of registered voters to cast ballots .
Many voters , however , voiced disinterest .
`` We voted for Mr Rouhani with a dream , and then we did n't achieve anything .
So , in my opinion , people are not hopeful any more , '' said Mohammed , who spoke from his carpet shop and only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't want to vote , because it wo n't fix our problems and is of no use , and this election is only a formality just so they can show to the world that they are chosen by the nation , while it is not so , '' said Pari Aghazadeh , a fashion designer .
Apart from the parliament , voters were also called upon to choose replacements for deceased members of the Assembly of Experts , a 88-strong clerical body that appoints and monitors the supreme leader .

Iranians voted Friday for a new parliament which conservatives are expected to dominate, with turnout seen as a key measure of support for the country's leadership as sanctions weigh on the economy and isolate the country diplomatically.
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Polls closed in Iran at midnight local time after multiple extensions, the news agencies Tasnim and Fars reported. There was no official announcement on voter turnout.
The vote had been due to end at 1430 GMT, but it was extended at least five times and finally closed at 2030 GMT to allow a maximum number of people to cast their ballots.
The disqualification of some 9,000 potential candidates, most of them reformists and moderates, by the powerful Guardian Council had raised the possibility of lower-than-usual turnout.
Reporting from the capital, Tehran, FRANCE 24’s Reza Sayah said the Guardian Council this year had barred around 90 sitting moderate or reformist lawmakers, leading many Iranians to question whether Friday’s vote was a legitimate democratic exercise.
“Analysts say this apparent purge of reformists is an indication that Iran’s establishment is reshaping the government from one that was led by the moderates and reformists who wanted to open relations with the West, who wanted the [2015] nuclear deal, to one that now will be dominated by conservatives and hardliners who are going to take a much more firm stance against the US, implementing more anti-US policies, which doesn’t bode well for what’s left of the nuclear deal and improved relations with the West,” noted Sayah.
02:38
Iranians have seen the price of basic goods skyrocket, inflation and unemployment rise and the local currency plummet since US President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement and imposed tough sanctions.
Wary of the growing frustration on the streets, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had urged Iranians to vote.
Speaking to reporters shortly after he cast his ballot in Tehran Friday, Khamenei noted that, “Anyone who cares about Iran's national interests should participate in the election."
Around 7,000 candidates were running in 208 constituencies for the 290-seat chamber.
>> Read more: Moderates sidelined in Iran's elections
01:10
New US sanctions
Tensions with the US hit an all-time high this year following a US airstrike which killed Iran’s top general, Qassem Soleimani. The strike led to a confrontation in which Iranian forces accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane after it took off from Tehran, killing all 176 people on board. Most of those killed were Iranian.
The shoot-down, and attempts by officials to initially conceal the cause of the crash, sparked public anger and protests in Iran, which were violently put down by the administration.
On Thursday, Washington slapped sanctions on five Iranian officials in charge of vetting candidates, including Ahmad Jannati, a powerful cleric.
"The Trump administration will not tolerate the manipulation of elections to favour the regime's malign agenda," said US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
The Guardian Council slammed the sanctions, saying they showed US disdain for democracy.
"America's regime has shown through illegal sanctions... on members of the Guardian Council that it has nothing to do with democracy," said its spokesman Abbas Ali Kadkhodaee, who was among those hit with sanctions.
"We are now even more determined to safeguard the people's vote," he tweeted.
'People are not hopeful'
Turnout in Friday's elections is widely viewed as a critical test of the legitimacy of Iran's democratic process with the state unleashing all stops to encourage Iranians to vote.
On the eve of the elections, state media aired a short clip showing votes transforming into torpedoes hitting enemy navy ships closing in on Iran.
Hessameddin Ashena, a senior adviser to President Hassan Rouhani, warned on Twitter that abstention "increases (among other things) the possibility of a military aggression".
01:14
Turnout in Iran's past 10 elections averaged 60.5 percent, according to the interior ministry.
The Guardian Council said it expected at least 50 percent of registered voters to cast ballots.
Many voters, however, voiced disinterest.
"We voted for Mr Rouhani with a dream, and then we didn't achieve anything. So, in my opinion, people are not hopeful any more," said Mohammed, who spoke from his carpet shop and only gave one name.
"I honestly don't want to vote, because it won't fix our problems and is of no use, and this election is only a formality just so they can show to the world that they are chosen by the nation, while it is not so," said Pari Aghazadeh, a fashion designer.
Apart from the parliament, voters were also called upon to choose replacements for deceased members of the Assembly of Experts, a 88-strong clerical body that appoints and monitors the supreme leader.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP and AP)
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france24--2020-02-21--Week in Review: Sanctions in Tehran, France’s sex tape scandal, and a Champs-Elysées makeover

The Paris mayoral race heated up this week with the release of a sex tape and a new conservative entering the fray .
In Tehran , medical centres have been hit hard by US sanctions , we look back at the tragedy of France 's `` stolen children '' and Ethiopian migrants trek 2,000 kilometres into Saudi Arabia via Yemen .
Beyond rockets and air strikes : The Israeli-Palestinian trade war Israel blocked Palestinian exports from leaving the territories on February 9 in another chapter of the trade war they have been fighting since September , when the Palestinian Authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The battle threatens both Israeli farmers and particularly the already fragile Palestinian economy .
Just for tourists ?
Paris aims to draw locals back to Champs-Élysées Often called “ the world 's most beautiful avenue ” , the French capital 's iconic Champs-Élysées thoroughfare draws millions of visitors each year .
But with most Parisians shunning the area , residents have been invited to pitch in on an ambitious “ re-enchantment ” plan aimed at luring them back .
Conservative Rachida Dati has imposed herself as Socialist incumbent Anne Hidalgo ’ s biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Analysts say Dati , the right-wing Républicains ’ candidate , has a strong chance of bringing the French right back from the dead in the City of Lights .
Macron unveils curbs on foreign imams in France in bid to combat ‘ separatism ’ French President Emmanuel Macron has announced measures to end a programme that allowed foreign countries to send imams and teachers to France in a bid to crackdown on what he called the risk of `` separatism '' .
French parliament seeks €1 million from former PM Fillon in 'fake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seek more than €1 million in damages from conservative former prime minister François Fillon and his co-accused over the public funds that were allegedly paid to Fillon ’ s wife for a fake post she occupied , a lawyer for the National Assembly said .
French ski resort angers ecologists by using helicopters to transport snow A French ski resort has angered ecologists by using helicopters to transfer snow to its lower slopes after a mild winter left them devoid of the white stuff .
Russian political performance artist Pyotr Pavlensky finds himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after publishing a sex tape of a leading Paris mayoral candidate online .
But it is just the latest in a long line of provocative stunts from the artist , which have included nailing his scrotum to the ground outside Moscow ’ s Red Square and setting fire to the headquarters of Russia ’ s Federal Security Service .
French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a series of measures to combat what he called “ Islamist separatism ” in a speech Tuesday in one of France ’ s neglected suburbs in the eastern city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his plan is a strong police presence in underprivileged communities .
Face masks vs coronavirus : How effective are they ?
From expensive filtration devices to homemade coverings , face masks have become almost ubiquitous in Hong Kong in the wake of China 's coronavirus outbreak .
Experts say the choice of mask could make a big difference to its effectiveness .
US sanctions ‘ targeting ’ patients , say doctors at Iranian cancer hospital Medical staff at Iran ’ s top cancer hospital tell FRANCE 24 their patients are paying the price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s health system struggles to cope under crippling US sanctions .
The economy tops the agenda as Iran heads to the polls in Friday ’ s general elections .
People all over the world have been sharing a video they claim shows a woman killed by police in China for trying to escape quarantine for the COVID-19 virus , which has infected more than 70,000 people in the country thus far .
The propagation of this video is evidence of the online hysteria about the virus ; however , our team took a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the video itself tells an entirely different story .
The Afghan army has been mired in a decades-long war against the Taliban , ever since the United States invaded the country in 2001 .
Corruption is also rife in the country 's military .
Photos sent to the FRANCE 24 Observers team shine a light on poor organisation and the difficulties that Afghan troops face , from insufficient food and pay to a lack of suitable clothing .
On top of these practical problems , soldiers also face a strategic disadvantage : the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last few years to better weapons .
Our Perspective guest is Mike Duncan , the voice behind the award-winning podcasts `` The History of Rome '' and `` Revolutions '' .
Duncan also wrote the New York Times bestseller `` The Storm Before the Storm '' and is currently working on a new book about the Marquis de Lafayette .
He spoke to us about why he became a podcaster , how much work he puts into each episode , and why he sees parallels between ancient Rome and the present day when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inequality .
Between 1963 and 1982 , more than 2,000 youngsters were taken from the French territory of Reunion Island in the to repopulate rural areas of mainland France .
Some were orphans , but others had parents who signed release papers , not always understanding they would never see their children again .
We explore the tragedy of France 's `` stolen children '' .
The Ethiopian migrants who make the desperate journey to Saudi Arabia via Yemen Every day , thousands of Ethiopians set off on foot on a desperate 2,000-kilometre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arabia .
Their route takes them across the Djibouti desert , the Red Sea and Yemen , a country ravaged by civil war .
Every year , hundreds die of exhaustion in the desert or drown while crossing the Gulf of Aden .
Those who make it to Yemen , often having starved for days on end , are easy prey for the local mafia who kidnap them for ransom .
Our reporters followed these migrants on their journey and documented , with exclusive footage , the extent of human trafficking .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still shrug at sex scandals in politics ?
France has traditionally taken pride in being somewhat of an exception when it comes to caring , or not caring , about the private lives of its politicians .
This lax attitude has been called into question recently by the so-called Griveaux scandal .
Benjamin Griveaux , a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron , pulled out of the Paris mayoral race following the release of a sex tape .
So are we witnessing the `` Americanisation '' of French politics ?
Is the atmosphere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what role does social media play in all this ?
In this edition , we report on the public outrage over the brutal murder of a young Mexican woman that has highlighted the extent of femicide in Mexico .
Plus , the latest figures from the World Economic Forum reveal that in terms of economic participation , the gender gap will take 257 years to close ; we talk to economist Anne Boring on what steps governments and companies need to urgently take to speed up the process .
We also look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to heal sexual assault victims in France .
YOU ARE HERE An engineer turned marshal , Vauban is one of the most famous names of 17th century France .
His citadels with their signature forms played a crucial role in King Louis XIV 's strategy to defend France .
Vauban 's work owes much to his native land , the Morvan , where his memory is still very much alive .
The largest flow of African migrants trying to escape to a better life in Europe is moving via one country : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , others come by force , and Libya is now described as a `` purgatory '' where migrants face appalling conditions , sexual abuse , torture and becoming victims of human traffickers –before facing the deadliest stretch of the Mediterranean Sea .
Our guest Caroline Gluck , senior external relations officer for the UNHCR Libya operation , tells us more .

WEEK IN REVIEW
The Paris mayoral race heated up this week with the release of a sex tape and a new conservative entering the fray. In Tehran, medical centres have been hit hard by US sanctions, we look back at the tragedy of France's "stolen children" and Ethiopian migrants trek 2,000 kilometres into Saudi Arabia via Yemen.
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ARTICLES
Beyond rockets and air strikes: The Israeli-Palestinian trade war
Israel blocked Palestinian exports from leaving the territories on February 9 in another chapter of the trade war they have been fighting since September, when the Palestinian Authority banned Israeli veal from its territories. The battle threatens both Israeli farmers and particularly the already fragile Palestinian economy.
palestinians © AFP Hazem Bader,
Just for tourists? Paris aims to draw locals back to Champs-Élysées
Often called “the world's most beautiful avenue”, the French capital's iconic Champs-Élysées thoroughfare draws millions of visitors each year. But with most Parisians shunning the area, residents have been invited to pitch in on an ambitious “re-enchantment” plan aimed at luring them back.
Champs-Élysées © PCA-Stream
Conservative Rachida Dati launches bid to unseat Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo
Conservative Rachida Dati has imposed herself as Socialist incumbent Anne Hidalgo’s biggest opponent in the Paris mayoral elections. Analysts say Dati, the right-wing Républicains’ candidate, has a strong chance of bringing the French right back from the dead in the City of Lights.
Les Républicains candidate for the 2020 Paris mayoral election Rachida Dati poses during a photo session in the French capital on November 25, 2019. © Joel Saget, AFP © Joel Saget, AFP
Macron unveils curbs on foreign imams in France in bid to combat ‘separatism’
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced measures to end a programme that allowed foreign countries to send imams and teachers to France in a bid to crackdown on what he called the risk of "separatism".
French parliament seeks €1 million from former PM Fillon in 'fake jobs' scandal
The French parliament will seek more than €1 million in damages from conservative former prime minister François Fillon and his co-accused over the public funds that were allegedly paid to Fillon’s wife for a fake post she occupied, a lawyer for the National Assembly said.
France's former prime minister François Fillon has been hit by a series of scandals. © AFP archive © AFP archive
French ski resort angers ecologists by using helicopters to transport snow
A French ski resort has angered ecologists by using helicopters to transfer snow to its lower slopes after a mild winter left them devoid of the white stuff.
A helicopter transports snow to the lower slopes of the Luchon-Superbagnères ski resort in southwestern France on February 15, 2020. © AFP - Anne-Christine Poujoulat © AFP - Anne-Christine Poujoulat
VIDEO REPORTS
Pyotr Pavlensky: The Russian artist behind France's sex tape scandal
Russian political performance artist Pyotr Pavlensky finds himself at the centre of a French scandal after publishing a sex tape of a leading Paris mayoral candidate online. But it is just the latest in a long line of provocative stunts from the artist, which have included nailing his scrotum to the ground outside Moscow’s Red Square and setting fire to the headquarters of Russia’s Federal Security Service.
Community policing part of Macron’s plan to ‘reclaim’ neglected suburbs
French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a series of measures to combat what he called “Islamist separatism” in a speech Tuesday in one of France’s neglected suburbs in the eastern city of Mulhouse. A significant part of his plan is a strong police presence in underprivileged communities.
Face masks vs coronavirus: How effective are they?
From expensive filtration devices to homemade coverings, face masks have become almost ubiquitous in Hong Kong in the wake of China's coronavirus outbreak. Experts say the choice of mask could make a big difference to its effectiveness.
ON THE GROUND
US sanctions ‘targeting’ patients, say doctors at Iranian cancer hospital
Medical staff at Iran’s top cancer hospital tell FRANCE 24 their patients are paying the price of geopolitical strategies as the country’s health system struggles to cope under crippling US sanctions. The economy tops the agenda as Iran heads to the polls in Friday’s general elections.
THE OBSERVERS
Did police kill a woman escaping a COVID-19 quarantine in China?
People all over the world have been sharing a video they claim shows a woman killed by police in China for trying to escape quarantine for the COVID-19 virus, which has infected more than 70,000 people in the country thus far. The propagation of this video is evidence of the online hysteria about the virus; however, our team took a closer look, and found out that the video itself tells an entirely different story.
screengrab of a video that was shared widely on Twitter. © creengrabs of a video that was shared widely on Twitter.
‘We haven't eaten for days’: Afghan soldiers suffer amid widespread corruption
The Afghan army has been mired in a decades-long war against the Taliban, ever since the United States invaded the country in 2001. Corruption is also rife in the country's military. Photos sent to the FRANCE 24 Observers team shine a light on poor organisation and the difficulties that Afghan troops face, from insufficient food and pay to a lack of suitable clothing. On top of these practical problems, soldiers also face a strategic disadvantage: the Taliban has had increasing access over the last few years to better weapons.
TV SHOWS ONLINE
PERSPECTIVE
History podcaster Mike Duncan on offering a practical guide to revolutions
Our Perspective guest is Mike Duncan, the voice behind the award-winning podcasts "The History of Rome" and "Revolutions". Duncan also wrote the New York Times bestseller "The Storm Before the Storm" and is currently working on a new book about the Marquis de Lafayette. He spoke to us about why he became a podcaster, how much work he puts into each episode, and why he sees parallels between ancient Rome and the present day when it comes to the dangers of economic inequality.
REVISITED
France's 'stolen children' make emotional return to native Reunion Island
Between 1963 and 1982, more than 2,000 youngsters were taken from the French territory of Reunion Island in the to repopulate rural areas of mainland France. Some were orphans, but others had parents who signed release papers, not always understanding they would never see their children again. We explore the tragedy of France's "stolen children".
REPORTERS
The Ethiopian migrants who make the desperate journey to Saudi Arabia via Yemen
Every day, thousands of Ethiopians set off on foot on a desperate 2,000-kilometre trek in the hope of reaching Saudi Arabia. Their route takes them across the Djibouti desert, the Red Sea and Yemen, a country ravaged by civil war. Every year, hundreds die of exhaustion in the desert or drown while crossing the Gulf of Aden. Those who make it to Yemen, often having starved for days on end, are easy prey for the local mafia who kidnap them for ransom. Our reporters followed these migrants on their journey and documented, with exclusive footage, the extent of human trafficking.
ENCORE
Margaret Atwood: ‘The people who suppress women also pretend there is no climate crisis’
Multi award-winning Canadian author Margaret Atwood is often cited as one of the most powerful and prophetic voices writing today. She’s the creator of contemporary literature's most chilling dystopia: Gilead in "The Handmaid's Tale". The feminist icon won last year’s Booker Prize for "The Testaments", alongside Bernardine Evaristo's "Girl, Woman, Other". Atwood sat down with FRANCE 24's Janira Gomez at the Hay Festival Cartagena in Colombia.
ENCORE! © FRANCE 24
FRENCH CONNECTIONS
The end of insouciance: Do the French still shrug at sex scandals in politics?
France has traditionally taken pride in being somewhat of an exception when it comes to caring, or not caring, about the private lives of its politicians. This lax attitude has been called into question recently by the so-called Griveaux scandal. Benjamin Griveaux, a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, pulled out of the Paris mayoral race following the release of a sex tape. So are we witnessing the "Americanisation" of French politics? Is the atmosphere becoming more puritanical and moralising? And what role does social media play in all this?
THE 51%
Mexico City killing: Brutal murder sparks public outrage on gender violence
In this edition, we report on the public outrage over the brutal murder of a young Mexican woman that has highlighted the extent of femicide in Mexico. Plus, the latest figures from the World Economic Forum reveal that in terms of economic participation, the gender gap will take 257 years to close; we talk to economist Anne Boring on what steps governments and companies need to urgently take to speed up the process. We also look at how the sport of fencing is being used to heal sexual assault victims in France.
YOU ARE HERE
The legacy of France's Vauban, a master fortress builder
An engineer turned marshal, Vauban is one of the most famous names of 17th century France. His citadels with their signature forms played a crucial role in King Louis XIV's strategy to defend France. Vauban's work owes much to his native land, the Morvan, where his memory is still very much alive.
THE INTERVIEW
Libya migrant crisis: A humanitarian emergency
The largest flow of African migrants trying to escape to a better life in Europe is moving via one country: Libya. Although some arrive by choice, others come by force, and Libya is now described as a "purgatory" where migrants face appalling conditions, sexual abuse, torture and becoming victims of human traffickers –before facing the deadliest stretch of the Mediterranean Sea. Our guest Caroline Gluck, senior external relations officer for the UNHCR Libya operation, tells us more.
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-02-21--French Olympian on sex abuse: 'We want athletes and victims to speak out'

Olympic sprinter Ayodelé Ikuesan talks to FRANCE 24 about ways to tackle sex abuse in French sport .
France 's sports minister on Friday announced the first of a raft of measures aimed at combating sex abuse in sport .
FRANCE 24 asked Olympic sprinter Ayodelé Ikuesan what she thinks needs to be done to address the scourge .
Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu has been on the attack since skaters , starting with Olympic gold medallist Sarah Abitbol , went public earlier this year saying they had been sexually abused as minors .
Convening a national convention on the subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduce tougher checks on the two million volunteers who run French amateur sport as part of a campaign against sex abuse .
`` Our system has been flawed for too long , on all levels .
Let 's not wait , let 's act now , '' the minister told delegates gathered in Paris , before chiding the sports federations that failed to show up for the event .
Maracineanu , who plans to present a detailed roadmap in May , also said she was doubling the staff of a ministerial listening unit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
French sport has been rattled since Abitbol , a 10-time national skating champion , released a book in January in which she accused her former coach of raping her in the early 1990s , when she was aged 15 to 17 .
On the same day Abitbol released her book , sports daily L ’ Equipe ran a lengthy report into sexual abuse in skating , swimming and tennis .
`` I never imagined that I would speak out without shame , ” Abitabol said on Friday , addressing the convention in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it 's my greatest victory , my Olympic gold medal , '' she added .
FRANCE 24 asked Olympic sprinter Ayodelé Ikuesan what measures she thinks are required to root out sex abuse from French sport .

France's sports minister on Friday announced the first of a raft of measures aimed at combating sex abuse in sport. FRANCE 24 asked Olympic sprinter Ayodelé Ikuesan what she thinks needs to be done to address the scourge.
Olympic sprinter Ayodelé Ikuesan talks to FRANCE 24 about ways to tackle sex abuse in French sport.
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Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu has been on the attack since skaters, starting with Olympic gold medallist Sarah Abitbol, went public earlier this year saying they had been sexually abused as minors.
Convening a national convention on the subject on Friday, Maracineanu said she would introduce tougher checks on the two million volunteers who run French amateur sport as part of a campaign against sex abuse.
"Our system has been flawed for too long, on all levels. Let's not wait, let's act now," the minister told delegates gathered in Paris, before chiding the sports federations that failed to show up for the event.
Maracineanu, who plans to present a detailed roadmap in May, also said she was doubling the staff of a ministerial listening unit where victims or others can report problems.
French sport has been rattled since Abitbol, a 10-time national skating champion, released a book in January in which she accused her former coach of raping her in the early 1990s, when she was aged 15 to 17.
On the same day Abitbol released her book, sports daily L’Equipe ran a lengthy report into sexual abuse in skating, swimming and tennis.
"I never imagined that I would speak out without shame,” Abitabol said on Friday, addressing the convention in Paris. “Shame turns into pride, it's my greatest victory, my Olympic gold medal," she added.
FRANCE 24 asked Olympic sprinter Ayodelé Ikuesan what measures she thinks are required to root out sex abuse from French sport.
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-02-21--Jury in Weinstein rape trial indicates it is divided on most serious charge

A courtroom sketch of Harvey Weinstein and his lawyer Donna Rotunno listening as Judge James Burke instructs the jury to keep deliberating .
The jury in disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein 's rape trial hinted Friday it was struggling to reach an agreement on the most serious charge of predatory sexual assault .
On day four of deliberations , the 12 jurors asked Judge James Burke whether they could be hung on one or both of the top counts but unanimous on the other three .
Weinstein , 67 , faces life in prison if the jury of seven men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexual assault in New York .
The jury is considering five counts against the fallen film producer : two of predatory sexual assault , two of rape and one of engaging in a criminal sexual act .
The jury must reach unanimous verdicts on each count , although if they find him guilty of the most serious charges , they do not need to consider the lesser ones .
On Friday , the jurors submitted a written question to Burke asking whether they could be hung on the predatory sexual assault charges but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexual act .
Burke told them to take more time after lead prosecutor Joan Illuzzi-Orbon said the state was not willing to accept a partial verdict at the moment .
`` Please resume your deliberations , '' he said , without directly answering their question .
The defense said it was OK with a partial verdict .
Testimony of 'Sopranos ' actress key to most serious charges The charges relate to ex-actress Jessica Mann and former production assistant Mimi Haleyi .
Mann , 34 , says Weinstein raped her in March 2013 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sex on her in July 2006 .
To convict on predatory sexual assault , they must believe one or both of the women plus `` The Sopranos '' actress Annabella Sciorra who says Weinstein raped her almost 30 years ago .
Sciorra 's allegation is too old to prosecute as an individual crime but she was included on the indictment to bolster the prosecution 's claim that Weinstein was a seasoned sexual predator .
More than 80 women have accused the `` Pulp Fiction '' producer of sexual misconduct since allegations against him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 .
Weinstein maintains that all his sexual relationships have been consensual .

The jury in disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein's rape trial hinted Friday it was struggling to reach an agreement on the most serious charge of predatory sexual assault.
A courtroom sketch of Harvey Weinstein and his lawyer Donna Rotunno listening as Judge James Burke instructs the jury to keep deliberating.
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On day four of deliberations, the 12 jurors asked Judge James Burke whether they could be hung on one or both of the top counts but unanimous on the other three.
Weinstein, 67, faces life in prison if the jury of seven men and five women convict him of predatory sexual assault in New York.
The jury is considering five counts against the fallen film producer: two of predatory sexual assault, two of rape and one of engaging in a criminal sexual act.
The jury must reach unanimous verdicts on each count, although if they find him guilty of the most serious charges, they do not need to consider the lesser ones.
On Friday, the jurors submitted a written question to Burke asking whether they could be hung on the predatory sexual assault charges but reach decisions on rape and the criminal sexual act.
Burke told them to take more time after lead prosecutor Joan Illuzzi-Orbon said the state was not willing to accept a partial verdict at the moment.
"Please resume your deliberations," he said, without directly answering their question.
The defense said it was OK with a partial verdict.
Testimony of 'Sopranos' actress key to most serious charges
The charges relate to ex-actress Jessica Mann and former production assistant Mimi Haleyi.
Mann, 34, says Weinstein raped her in March 2013, while Haleyi alleges he forcibly performed oral sex on her in July 2006.
To convict on predatory sexual assault, they must believe one or both of the women plus "The Sopranos" actress Annabella Sciorra who says Weinstein raped her almost 30 years ago.
Sciorra's allegation is too old to prosecute as an individual crime but she was included on the indictment to bolster the prosecution's claim that Weinstein was a seasoned sexual predator.
More than 80 women have accused the "Pulp Fiction" producer of sexual misconduct since allegations against him ignited the #MeToo movement in October 2017.
Weinstein maintains that all his sexual relationships have been consensual.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-02-21--Northern Italy towns order schools, businesses shut over coronavirus outbreak

A street in the northern Italian town of Codogno , where officials have told residents to stay home and suspend public activities amid a spike in cases of coronavirus .
The number of people in Italy infected with the new virus from China more than quadrupled Friday due to an emerging cluster of cases in the country 's north that prompted officials to order schools , restaurants and businesses to close .
Many of the 14 new cases represented the first infections in Italy acquired through secondary contagion and brought the country 's total to 17 .
The cluster was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around Lodi , in the Lombardy region , said the Lombardy regional health chief Giulio Gallera .
The first to fall ill was a 38-year-old Italian who met with someone who had returned from China on Jan. 21 without presenting any symptoms of the new virus , health authorities said .
That person was being kept in isolation and appears to present antibodies to the virus .
The 38-year-old is now hospitalized in critical condition .
His wife and a friend of his also tested positive for the virus .
Three patients at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with flu-like symptoms on Feb. 18 also have infections , as do five nurses and doctors .
Another three people , who frequented the same cafe in the Lombardy region , also tested positive Friday in addition to the eight people at Codogno hospital , Gallera said .
Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza said Italy is now seeing the same sort of `` cluster '' of cases that Germany and France have seen .
He defended the precautionary measures Italy took previously , noting that Italy remains the lone European country to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hong Kong , Macau and Taiwan .
“ We had the highest measures in Europe , '' he said .
In response to the emerging cluster , the mayor of Codogno ordered schools , public buildings , restaurants and coffee shops closed .
The Italian health ministry ordered anyone who came into direct contact with the first three people who tested positive to be quarantined for 14 days .
About 150 people , including medical personnel , were in isolation undergoing tests .
The Health Ministry advised area residents to stay home as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ town , Casalpusterlengo , ordered local schools closed through Tuesday .
A third town , where the infected couple live , Castiglione d ’ Adda , said its libraries , public offices , gyms and garbage depots would be closed as a health precaution .
`` In other parts of the world , and also in China , it has been demonstrated that this system ( of self-isolation ) helps in a substantial way to block the spread , ” Lombardy regional president Attilio Fontana said .
“ But we must not let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Codogno hospital closed its emergency room , and staff were seen wearing masks as movers brought in new beds and furniture as the quarantine got under way .
The manager who traveled to China remains asymptomatic but was put into isolation at another hospital , Gallera said .
Rome ’ s infectious disease hospital is currently caring for three other people who were infected , including a Chinese couple from hard-hit Wuhan and an Italian who is now testing “ persistently negative ” for the virus after two weeks of anti-viral treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italians were having a hard time finding protective face masks .
A sampling of Milan pharmacies reported selling out weeks ago , as did a pharmacist in Codogno .

The first European to succumb to the coronavirus has died in Italy, just hours after 10 towns were locked down following a flurry of new cases.
A street in the northern Italian town of Codogno, where officials have told residents to stay home and suspend public activities amid a spike in cases of coronavirus.
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A 78-year-old Italian from the Veneto region who had tested positive for the virus died in hospital, where he had recovered some 10 days earlier for an unrelated health issue, Italy's health minister said.
Adriano Trevisan, a retired bricklayer from the village of Vo' Euganeo near Padua, had been diagnosed with the virus on an initial test, but the definitive results were still outstanding. A 67-year-old from the same village as Trevisan has also tested positive.
Veneto region head Luca Zaia said earlier Friday "a sanitary ring" would be created around Vo' Euganeo, and all 3,300 inhabitants would be tested.
Fifteen other new cases represented the first infections in Italy acquired through secondary contagion and brought the country's total to 17. The cluster was located in a handful of tiny towns around Lodi, in the Lombardy region, said the Lombardy regional health chief Giulio Gallera.
Five doctors and 10 other people tested positive for the virus in Lombardy, after apparently frequenting the same bar and group of friends, authorities said at a press conference.
Over 50,000 people have been asked to stay at home in the areas concerned, while all public activities such as carnival celebrations, church masses and sporting events have been banned for up to a week.
Health ministry issues quarantine order
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte declared "everything is under control", and stressed the government was maintaining "an extremely high level of precaution".
Streets in the 10 Italian towns were deserted, with only a few people seen abroad, and signs showing public spaces closed.
In Casalpusterlengo, a large electronic message board outside the town hall read "Coronavirus: the population is invited to remain indoors as a precaution".
Health Minister Roberto Speranza said authorities were working out exactly who those with the virus had been in contact with and screening them all, "as the most effective way to contain the virus".
The first town to be shuttered was Codogno, with a population of 15,000, where three people tested positive for the virus, including a 38-year-old man and his wife, who is eight months pregnant.
Three others there have tested positive to a first novel coronavirus test and are awaiting their definitive results.
Codogno Mayor Francesco Passerini said the news of the cases "has sparked alarm" throughout the town south of Milan.
The 38-year-old, who works for Unilever in Lodi, was in a serious condition in intensive care.
'Extremely worried'
He had dined earlier this month with a man who had visited China in January, and had later shown flu-like symptoms, but has since tested negative for the virus, Italian media said.
A football friend of his, the son of a bar owner in Codogno, has also tested positive, along with three regulars at the bar.
The three, all of whom are retired, live in the small town of Castiglione d'Adda. The mayor there said the locals were "extremely worried" about the spread of the deadly disease.
Some 250 people were being placed in isolation after coming into contact with the new cases, according to the Lombardy region, and 60 worker at Unilever have been tested for the virus.
Trenord regional railway said its trains would no longer be stopping in three stations in the affected area.
Three other cases of the virus in Italy are being treated in isolation at the Spallanzani Institute in Rome.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP, AP)
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france24--2020-02-21--Week-long ‘reduction in violence’ starts in Afghanistan, boosting peace hopes

File photo of Taliban members at the 2019 Afghanistan peace talks in Qatar .
A week-long partial truce came into effect across Afghanistan early Saturday , with the Taliban , the US and Afghan forces all signed up to a lull that could be a turning point in the long conflict .
If the so-called `` reduction in violence '' holds , it will be a major step towards withdrawing US troops after more than 18 years -- and launching Afghanistan into an uncertain future .
Both US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the Taliban issued statements saying they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February 29 in Doha , following the one-week partial truce .
`` Upon a successful implementation of this understanding , signing of the US-Taliban agreement is expected to move forward , '' Pompeo said , adding that talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government would `` start soon thereafter '' .
Afghanistan 's National Security Council spokesman Javed Faisal and Taliban sources said a `` reduction in violence '' between US , Taliban and Afghan security forces had been agreed .
The United States has been in talks with the Taliban for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal in which it would pull out thousands of troops in return for Taliban security guarantees and a promise to hold peace talks with the government in Kabul .
A reduction in violence would show the Taliban can control their forces and demonstrate good faith ahead of any signing , which would see the Pentagon withdraw about half of the 12,000-13,000 troops currently in Afghanistan .
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said Friday that the partial truce would start at midnight .
`` Our next steps on the peace process will depend on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in violence , '' Ghani , who this week secured a second term in office , said in a televised address .
`` The Afghan security forces will remain on active defence status during the week '' .
In a statement , the Taliban said warring parties would `` create a suitable security situation '' ahead of a deal signing .
The Taliban 's political spokesman , Suhail Shaheen , separately tweeted that the agreement would see `` all '' foreign forces leave Afghanistan .
But a senior US administration official stressed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
For now at least , the US wants to leave troops in Afghanistan on a counter-terrorism mission to fight jihadists such as the Islamic State group .
The reduction of US forces `` is very much tied to delivery on the commitments that ( the Taliban ) have made , '' the US official told reporters .
One Taliban source in Pakistan said that if an agreement was signed February 29 , talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government , needed to cement a broader peace deal , would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The international community hailed the announcement , with NATO saying the deal could make way for `` sustainable peace , '' while Russia labelled it an `` important event '' for the ending the war .
Pakistan , which helped facilitate the talks between the US and the militants , also welcomed the news .
In southern Kandahar province , which is seen as the Taliban 's heartland , one insurgent told AFP he had received orders to stand down .
But another Taliban commander based in Kandahar , Hafiz Saeed Hedayat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refrain from attacking major cities and highways .
`` This means maybe the violence will continue in the districts , '' Hedayat said .
Taliban expert Rahimullah Yusufzai said the move signalled a change in thinking for both the Taliban and the US after years of fighting .
`` Both sides have shown their commitment to sign the peace deal , and it 's a big development , '' he said .
The US and the Taliban have been tantalisingly close to a deal before , only to see President Donald Trump nix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The attempt to stem Afghanistan 's bloodshed is laced with complications , including the fear that competing forces could exploit a lull to secure a battlefield advantage .
The reduction in violence is `` still just the first step '' , Andrew Watkins , a senior analyst with the International Crisis Group , told AFP .
`` Those talks will be a tough road of their own , but are the best avenue to peaceful settlement to Afghanistan 's conflict . ''
On Thursday , the deputy leader of the Taliban said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a deal with Washington .
`` That we stuck with such turbulent talks with the enemy we have fought bitterly for two decades , even as death rained from the sky , testifies to our commitment to ending the hostilities , '' Sirajuddin Haqqani wrote in an opinion piece in The New York Times .
Haqqani is also head of the Haqqani network , a US-designated terror group that is one of the most dangerous factions fighting Afghan and US-led NATO forces in Afghanistan .
Since the US-led invasion of Afghanistan after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America has spent more than $ 1 trillion in fighting and rebuilding in Afghanistan .
About 2,400 US soldiers have been killed , along with unknown tens of thousands of Afghan troops , Taliban fighters and Afghan civilians .

A week-long partial truce came into effect across Afghanistan early Saturday, with the Taliban, the US and Afghan forces all signed up to a lull that could be a turning point in the long conflict.
File photo of Taliban members at the 2019 Afghanistan peace talks in Qatar.
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If the so-called "reduction in violence" holds, it will be a major step towards withdrawing US troops after more than 18 years -- and launching Afghanistan into an uncertain future.
Both US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the Taliban issued statements saying they had agreed to sign an accord on February 29 in Doha, following the one-week partial truce.
"Upon a successful implementation of this understanding, signing of the US-Taliban agreement is expected to move forward," Pompeo said, adding that talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government would "start soon thereafter".
Afghanistan's National Security Council spokesman Javed Faisal and Taliban sources said a "reduction in violence" between US, Taliban and Afghan security forces had been agreed.
The United States has been in talks with the Taliban for more than a year to secure a deal in which it would pull out thousands of troops in return for Taliban security guarantees and a promise to hold peace talks with the government in Kabul.
A reduction in violence would show the Taliban can control their forces and demonstrate good faith ahead of any signing, which would see the Pentagon withdraw about half of the 12,000-13,000 troops currently in Afghanistan.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said Friday that the partial truce would start at midnight.
"Our next steps on the peace process will depend on the evaluation of the week of the reduction in violence," Ghani, who this week secured a second term in office, said in a televised address.
"The Afghan security forces will remain on active defence status during the week".
In a statement, the Taliban said warring parties would "create a suitable security situation" ahead of a deal signing.
The Taliban's political spokesman, Suhail Shaheen, separately tweeted that the agreement would see "all" foreign forces leave Afghanistan.
01:42
But a senior US administration official stressed that any withdrawal would be "conditions based."
For now at least, the US wants to leave troops in Afghanistan on a counter-terrorism mission to fight jihadists such as the Islamic State group.
The reduction of US forces "is very much tied to delivery on the commitments that (the Taliban) have made," the US official told reporters.
One Taliban source in Pakistan said that if an agreement was signed February 29, talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government, needed to cement a broader peace deal, would be slated to start on March 10.
The international community hailed the announcement, with NATO saying the deal could make way for "sustainable peace," while Russia labelled it an "important event" for the ending the war.
Pakistan, which helped facilitate the talks between the US and the militants, also welcomed the news.
Stand down
In southern Kandahar province, which is seen as the Taliban's heartland, one insurgent told AFP he had received orders to stand down.
But another Taliban commander based in Kandahar, Hafiz Saeed Hedayat, said he had only been ordered to refrain from attacking major cities and highways.
"This means maybe the violence will continue in the districts," Hedayat said.
Taliban expert Rahimullah Yusufzai said the move signalled a change in thinking for both the Taliban and the US after years of fighting.
"Both sides have shown their commitment to sign the peace deal, and it's a big development," he said.
The US and the Taliban have been tantalisingly close to a deal before, only to see President Donald Trump nix it at the eleventh hour in September.
The attempt to stem Afghanistan's bloodshed is laced with complications, including the fear that competing forces could exploit a lull to secure a battlefield advantage.
The reduction in violence is "still just the first step", Andrew Watkins, a senior analyst with the International Crisis Group, told AFP.
"Those talks will be a tough road of their own, but are the best avenue to peaceful settlement to Afghanistan's conflict."
'Bringing peace'
On Thursday, the deputy leader of the Taliban said the insurgents were "fully committed" to a deal with Washington.
"That we stuck with such turbulent talks with the enemy we have fought bitterly for two decades, even as death rained from the sky, testifies to our commitment to ending the hostilities," Sirajuddin Haqqani wrote in an opinion piece in The New York Times.
Haqqani is also head of the Haqqani network, a US-designated terror group that is one of the most dangerous factions fighting Afghan and US-led NATO forces in Afghanistan.
Since the US-led invasion of Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001 attacks, America has spent more than $1 trillion in fighting and rebuilding in Afghanistan.
About 2,400 US soldiers have been killed, along with unknown tens of thousands of Afghan troops, Taliban fighters and Afghan civilians.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-02-21--Director Todd Haynes explores deadly corporate cover-ups in 'Dark Waters'

Tipped as an emerging talent of the `` New Queer Cinema '' in the 1990s , Todd Haynes consolidated that @ @ @ @ @ Julianne Moore for his 1995 film `` Safe '' and subsequently with 1998 's `` @ @ @ @ @ Christian Bale and Jonathan Rhys Meyers .
By the turn of the century he 'd @ @ @ @ @ , with cult classics `` Far From Heaven '' and `` Carol '' prompting critical @ @ @ @ @ a leading feminist filmmaker .
Haynes has now turned his attention to the true-life story @ @ @ @ @ Became DuPont ’ s Worst Nightmare '' , the nickname given to Robert Bilott by @ @ @ @ @ from 2016 .
Bilott is the central character of Hayne 's latest film `` Dark @ @ @ @ @ whose moral compass prompts him to delve into the `` forever chemicals '' scandal and @ @ @ @ @ ongoing class action lawsuit .
The director sat down with FRANCE 24 's Olivia Salazar-Winspear @

Director Todd Haynes explores deadly corporate cover-ups in 'Dark Waters'
12:41 ENCORE! © FRANCE 24
Tipped as an emerging talent of the "New Queer Cinema" in the 1990s, Todd Haynes consolidated that reputation by teaming up with Julianne Moore for his 1995 film "Safe" and subsequently with 1998's "The Velvet Goldmine" starring Christian Bale and Jonathan Rhys Meyers. By the turn of the century he'd graduated to full-blown indie darling, with cult classics "Far From Heaven" and "Carol" prompting critical acclaim and establishing him as a leading feminist filmmaker.


france24--2020-02-21--In Iran, petrol prices are so high that people have resorted to stealing it

Drivers fill up their cars with petrol and then drive away without paying ...
While petrol station attendents run after them , flinging stones at their vehicles .
This has become a common sight in Iran , after the government implemented a hike in the price of petrol .
On social media , Iranians are sharing videos of thefts caught on CCTV cameras around the country .
In November 2019 , authorities in Iran increased the price of petrol by 200 per cent , triggering huge protests , which were violently put down by the government .
More than 1,500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ > WATCH OUR INVESTIGATION INTO THE POLICE KILLINGS : Iran ’ s Hidden Slaughter : a video investigation by the France 24 Observers Since the new regulations , filling up a 40-litre petrol tank can cost as much as 120,000 tomans [ around 9 euros ] , making it an unaffordable luxury in a country where most people earn the minimum wage or less , which is 1,500,000 tomans [ around 100 euros ] .
A month after the sudden spike in prices , videos began circulating online showing the consequences of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up their tanks and then trying to get away .
Video taken in Qom , a town 140km to the south of Tehran .
Video taken in Chouchtar , in south-west Iran .
But workers at petrol stations aren ’ t having it .
The videos also capture them running after the cars and throwing rocks at the vehicles ; an act of revenge that could be expensive for the thieves .
Repairing a broken car window could cost between 220,000 to 450,000 tomans [ between 15 and 31 euros ] .
Video @ @ @ @ @ @ @

IRAN
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Drivers fill up their cars with petrol and then drive away without paying... While petrol station attendents run after them, flinging stones at their vehicles. This has become a common sight in Iran, after the government implemented a hike in the price of petrol. On social media, Iranians are sharing videos of thefts caught on CCTV cameras around the country.
In November 2019, authorities in Iran increased the price of petrol by 200 per cent, triggering huge protests, which were violently put down by the government. More than 1,500 people died during those protests.
>> WATCH OUR INVESTIGATION INTO THE POLICE KILLINGS: Iran’s Hidden Slaughter: a video investigation by the France 24 Observers
Since the new regulations, filling up a 40-litre petrol tank can cost as much as 120,000 tomans [around 9 euros], making it an unaffordable luxury in a country where most people earn the minimum wage or less, which is 1,500,000 tomans [around 100 euros].
A month after the sudden spike in prices, videos began circulating online showing the consequences of the government’s decision: drivers filling up their tanks and then trying to get away.
Video taken in Qom, a town 140km to the south of Tehran.
Video taken in Chouchtar, in south-west Iran.
But workers at petrol stations aren’t having it. The videos also capture them running after the cars and throwing rocks at the vehicles; an act of revenge that could be expensive for the thieves. Repairing a broken car window could cost between 220,000 to 450,000 tomans [between 15 and 31 euros].
Video taken in Andimechk in south-west Iran.
‘If there’s money missing from the till, the employee has to pay it out of his own pocket’
Our Observer Hossein [not his real name] is the owner of a petrol station in a town 150km from Tehran. He says that the thefts only started after the price increase.
The owners of petrol stations aren’t insured for thefts. It’s the employee’s responsibility to stop them happening. At the end of the day, employees have to hand over the exact amount of money that is equivalent to the petrol they’ve sold. If money is missing, they have to make up the difference themselves. So imagine if one driver does that every week in a petrol station. The petrol station worker, whose salary is around 1,500,000 to 1,800,000 tomans a month [103-124 euros], loses a quarter of their salary! Throwing rocks at the rear windows of the cars might seem like a harsh retaliatory action, but it’s logical too. The employees do this to prevent the thefts from happening again and so stop them losing their own salary. If they didn’t do it, drivers would feel emboldened to come back and fill their tanks again and again. The type of people who drive off without paying are usually young men between 20 and 30 years old, who drive in fairly standard middle class cars – not fancy new models, nor old bangers. For example, they’ll be in Peugeot 206 or Samands [a vehicle that is very common in Iran]. I couldn’t tell you exactly how often it happens. Some weeks it doesn’t happen at all, and then other weeks there will be three thefts in one week. Maybe it seems like a minor thing but it really affects the income of our workers. One thing I can say with absolute certainty is that it has become really common ever since the government increased the price of petrol. Before that it happened but only rarely.
According to Iranian media, inflation has reached 41% a month since the petrol price hike. Even before the price rise, more than 55% of Iranians lived under the poverty line, earning less than 3,400,000 tomans [235 euros] a month.


france24--2020-02-22--First European coronavirus deaths in Italy send towns into lockdown

Ten Italian towns remain in lockdown and residents warned to keep out of an emergency room on Saturday as a second death from coronavirus sparked fears throughout the region .
The victim was a female resident in Milan 's Lombardy region , ANSA said .
Her reported death comes hours after a 77-year-old man died overnight near Padua , in the nearby Veneto region .
He was the first local person in Europe to die from the coronavirus .
ANSA reported that the new victim was a woman .
No further information was immediately available .
Italy 's health minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday , Adriano Trevisan , had been admitted to hospital 10 days earlier for an unrelated health issue .
He was one of two people in the Veneto region with the virus , where another confirmed case overnight in a 53-year-old man brought that number to three , president of the Veneto region , Luca Zaia told Rai24 news .
Veneto region head Luca Zaia said earlier Friday `` a sanitary ring '' would be created around Vo ' Euganeo , and all 3,300 inhabitants would be tested In Lombardy , 16 other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus and the region took immediate measures to isolate affected areas .
It was not immediately clear whether the victim on Saturday was part of that group , or a new case .
Over 50,000 people have been asked to stay at home in the areas concerned , while all public activities such as carnival celebrations , church masses and sporting events have been banned for up to a week .
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte declared `` everything is under control '' , and stressed the government was maintaining `` an extremely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 10 Italian towns were deserted , with only a few people seen abroad , and signs showing public spaces closed .
In Casalpusterlengo , a large electronic message board outside the town hall read `` Coronavirus : the population is invited to remain indoors as a precaution '' .
Health Minister Roberto Speranza said authorities were working out exactly who those with the virus had been in contact with and screening them all , `` as the most effective way to contain the virus '' .
The first town to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 15,000 , where three people tested positive for the virus , including a 38-year-old man and his wife , who is eight months pregnant .
The 38-year-old , who works for Unilever in Lodi , was in a serious condition in intensive care .
He had dined earlier this month with a man who had visited China in January , and had later shown flu-like symptoms , but has since tested negative for the virus , Italian media said .
A football friend of his , the son of a bar owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , along with three regulars at the bar .
The three , all of whom are retired , live in the small town of Castiglione d'Adda .
The mayor there said the locals were `` extremely worried '' about the spread of the deadly disease .
Some 250 people were being placed in isolation after coming into contact with the new cases , according to the Lombardy region , and 60 workers at Unilever have been tested for the virus .
Trenord regional railway said its trains would no longer be stopping in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Three other cases of the virus in Italy are being treated in isolation at the Spallanzani Institute in Rome .

Ten Italian towns remain in lockdown and residents warned to keep out of an emergency room on Saturday as a second death from coronavirus sparked fears throughout the region.
A resident wearing a protective respiratory mask looks on in a street of Codogno, southeast of Milan, on February 22, 2020.
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The victim was a female resident in Milan's Lombardy region, ANSA said. Her reported death comes hours after a 77-year-old man died overnight near Padua, in the nearby Veneto region. He was the first local person in Europe to die from the coronavirus.
ANSA reported that the new victim was a woman. No further information was immediately available.
Italy's health minister said that the man who died on Friday, Adriano Trevisan, had been admitted to hospital 10 days earlier for an unrelated health issue.
He was one of two people in the Veneto region with the virus, where another confirmed case overnight in a 53-year-old man brought that number to three, president of the Veneto region, Luca Zaia told Rai24 news.
03:20
Veneto region head Luca Zaia said earlier Friday "a sanitary ring" would be created around Vo' Euganeo, and all 3,300 inhabitants would be testedIn Lombardy, 16 other people were discovered to have caught the virus and the region took immediate measures to isolate affected areas.It was not immediately clear whether the victim on Saturday was part of that group, or a new case.Over 50,000 people have been asked to stay at home in the areas concerned, while all public activities such as carnival celebrations, church masses and sporting events have been banned for up to a week.
Health ministry issues quarantine order
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte declared "everything is under control", and stressed the government was maintaining "an extremely high level of precaution".
Streets in the 10 Italian towns were deserted, with only a few people seen abroad, and signs showing public spaces closed.
In Casalpusterlengo, a large electronic message board outside the town hall read "Coronavirus: the population is invited to remain indoors as a precaution".
Health Minister Roberto Speranza said authorities were working out exactly who those with the virus had been in contact with and screening them all, "as the most effective way to contain the virus".
The first town to be shuttered was Codogno, with a population of 15,000, where three people tested positive for the virus, including a 38-year-old man and his wife, who is eight months pregnant.
The 38-year-old, who works for Unilever in Lodi, was in a serious condition in intensive care.
'Extremely worried'
He had dined earlier this month with a man who had visited China in January, and had later shown flu-like symptoms, but has since tested negative for the virus, Italian media said.
A football friend of his, the son of a bar owner in Codogno, has also tested positive, along with three regulars at the bar.
The three, all of whom are retired, live in the small town of Castiglione d'Adda. The mayor there said the locals were "extremely worried" about the spread of the deadly disease.
Some 250 people were being placed in isolation after coming into contact with the new cases, according to the Lombardy region, and 60 workers at Unilever have been tested for the virus. Trenord regional railway said its trains would no longer be stopping in three stations in the affected area.
Three other cases of the virus in Italy are being treated in isolation at the Spallanzani Institute in Rome.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP, AP, REUTERS)
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