france24--2020-05-25--Macron govt faces tough talks on French hospital revamp in wake of Covid-19

Staff at the Robert Ballanger hospital in Aulnay-sous-Bois , north of Paris , pictured on April 30 , 2020 .
The French health ministry is set to open negotiations on Monday with healthcare personnel over a suite of reforms to hospitals and nursing homes .
Some health workers already doubt that the reforms will live up to the “ massive ” investment promised by President Emmanuel Macron .
French Health Minister Olivier Véran has set expectations high for his first meeting with medical personnel over the future of the French healthcare system .
“ We ’ ll go fast , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said on Wednesday as he outlined his plans for reform .
The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the weaknesses of France 's cherished healthcare system , which has seen its capacities cut and the burden on staff increased over the last several years .
In late March , French President Emmanuel Macron promised a “ massive ” new investment plan for public hospitals , with an eye to improving pay and working conditions for staff as well as patient capacity .
On Monday , the health ministry will hold its first meeting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unions and advocacy groups representing medical personnel .
To grease the wheels , the government has picked an ally to oversee the negotiations : Nicole Notat , a former head of the moderate CFDT labour union and a supporter of Macron during his 2017 presidential campaign .
Notat has promised to seek the widest possible consensus in negotiations and to refrain from expressing her own positions .
Not all parties have welcomed her pick , however .
“ This choice is a negative signal , ” wrote Dr. Jérôme Marty , head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter .
Marty highlights Notat ’ s support in 1995 for reforms to the Social Security system under then prime minister Alain Juppé .
The government backed down on key provisions of the reforms after they provoked the largest strike movement in France since 1968 .
However , it passed measures seeking to reduce the overall deficits of the Social Security system , which also funds hospitals .
Critics say the budget cuts took a heavy toll on hospitals .
The controversy over Notat adds to what are already likely to be tense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whose grievances date back long before the current pandemic .
The negotiations also come after the government ’ s promise of Covid-19 bonuses for health workers met with a tepid response .
Véran has since told the French weekly Journal du Dimanche that he wants to increase salaries , a longstanding demand from health workers .
President Macron for his part has promised to end the “ pauperisation ” of medical personnel .
Currently , salaries for French nurses start around €1,500 per month — among the lowest in the OECD , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this measure .
In a recent poll commissioned by a private hospitals ’ federation , 55 % of respondents said they supported increasing health workers ’ pay .
Véran has said he wants to increase salaries in hospitals and nursing homes to “ at least the European average ” .
Unions , however , are worried that the pay hike will only apply to nurses .
In an interview with the Journal du Dimanche , Frédéric Valletoux , president of the French Hospital Federation ( FHF ) , also urged the government to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public and the private sector , which weakens [ public ] hospitals ” .
The government has also put working hours on the table , saying it wants to remove the “ straightjacket that prevents those who would like to work more from doing so ” .
This , too , is a demand put forward by the FHF .
Since 2002 , French health personnel have officially been limited to a regular 35-hour workweek — a rule that unions are adamant about protecting .
They say that working hours are already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insufficient staffing prevents health workers from taking their mandated paid time off to make up for the overtime .
According to the SNPI nurses ’ union , the hospital system for the Paris region alone owes its staff 1 million days of paid time off .
Valletoux , of the FHF , notes that thirty percent of positions in French hospitals are not staffed .
“ Hospitals are the biggest medical desert in France , ” he says , adopting a phrase normally used to refer to rural areas where health workers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that boosting pay and improving career paths will help attract more personnel .
“ Thirty percent of new nursing graduates leave the profession within five years , ” says Thierry Amouroux , spokesperson for the SNPI .
The unions blames working conditions but also inadequate management of human resources .
Staffing shortages lead to bed closures .
They also require hospitals to hire temporary workers , who are paid higher than their salaried counterparts .
Staffing shortages and saturation of activity have emerged in recent years years as the main challenges for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctors to resign in protest .
In December , one intensive care doctor told FRANCE 24 he had resigned because he no longer wanted to “ walk on a tightrope without a safety net ” .
Despite the 1995 reforms , French hospital debt today is close to €30 billion .
Before Covid-19 hit , the government had agreed to pay off a third of this debt under the annual Social Security funding bill ( PLFSS ) .
On Wednesday , Véran offered to slightly increase that sum to €13 million over three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet been specified for the “ massive ” investment plan Macron promised in March .
A further area being considered for reform is the widely criticised model known as “ activity-based payment ” , implemented in 2003 .
Under this model , hospitals bill Social Security for each medical procedure , which is coded with a given fee .
Critics say the model is dangerous because it incites hospitals to carry out more procedures than might be necessary or to prioritise the best-paid ones to help balance their books .
Others argue that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for profitability ” .
In a manifesto published on May 13 , a group of MPs , including former members of Macron ’ s party , proposed reducing the share of hospital funding dependent on this scheme .
Véran said he wanted the hospital revamp plan to be included in the next Social Security budget in September .
Trade unions have already called this timeline into question .
“ If everything has to be completed by July 15 , the room for manoeuvre for negotiations will be very limited , ” a union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocacy groups are planning national demonstrations on June 16 .
“ We will stick to our demands , ” the Inter-Urgences collective warned on Twitter .
This article has been translated from the original in French .

The French health ministry is set to open negotiations on Monday with healthcare personnel over a suite of reforms to hospitals and nursing homes. Some health workers already doubt that the reforms will live up to the “massive” investment promised by President Emmanuel Macron.
Staff at the Robert Ballanger hospital in Aulnay-sous-Bois, north of Paris, pictured on April 30, 2020.
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French Health Minister Olivier Véran has set expectations high for his first meeting with medical personnel over the future of the French healthcare system.
“We’ll go fast, we’ll go strong,” he said on Wednesday as he outlined his plans for reform. The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the weaknesses of France's cherished healthcare system, which has seen its capacities cut and the burden on staff increased over the last several years.
In late March, French President Emmanuel Macron promised a “massive” new investment plan for public hospitals, with an eye to improving pay and working conditions for staff as well as patient capacity. On Monday, the health ministry will hold its first meeting to discuss the reforms with 300 representatives of unions and advocacy groups representing medical personnel.
To grease the wheels, the government has picked an ally to oversee the negotiations: Nicole Notat, a former head of the moderate CFDT labour union and a supporter of Macron during his 2017 presidential campaign. Notat has promised to seek the widest possible consensus in negotiations and to refrain from expressing her own positions.
Not all parties have welcomed her pick, however.
“This choice is a negative signal,” wrote Dr. Jérôme Marty, head of the UFML doctors’ union, on Twitter. Marty highlights Notat’s support in 1995 for reforms to the Social Security system under then prime minister Alain Juppé. The government backed down on key provisions of the reforms after they provoked the largest strike movement in France since 1968. However, it passed measures seeking to reduce the overall deficits of the Social Security system, which also funds hospitals. Critics say the budget cuts took a heavy toll on hospitals.
The controversy over Notat adds to what are already likely to be tense negotiations between the government and medical personnel, whose grievances date back long before the current pandemic.
Salary hikes
The negotiations also come after the government’s promise of Covid-19 bonuses for health workers met with a tepid response. Véran has since told the French weekly Journal du Dimanche that he wants to increase salaries, a longstanding demand from health workers. President Macron for his part has promised to end the “pauperisation” of medical personnel.
Currently, salaries for French nurses start around €1,500 per month — among the lowest in the OECD, putting France 28th out of 32 on this measure. In a recent poll commissioned by a private hospitals’ federation, 55% of respondents said they supported increasing health workers’ pay.
Véran has said he wants to increase salaries in hospitals and nursing homes to “at least the European average”. Unions, however, are worried that the pay hike will only apply to nurses.
In an interview with the Journal du Dimanche, Frédéric Valletoux, president of the French Hospital Federation (FHF), also urged the government to “reduce the gap in pay between the public and the private sector, which weakens [public] hospitals”.
Working hours
The government has also put working hours on the table, saying it wants to remove the “straightjacket that prevents those who would like to work more from doing so”. This, too, is a demand put forward by the FHF.
Since 2002, French health personnel have officially been limited to a regular 35-hour workweek — a rule that unions are adamant about protecting. They say that working hours are already much longer in practice, and that insufficient staffing prevents health workers from taking their mandated paid time off to make up for the overtime. According to the SNPI nurses’ union, the hospital system for the Paris region alone owes its staff 1 million days of paid time off.
Hospitals the ‘biggest medical desert in France’
Valletoux, of the FHF, notes that thirty percent of positions in French hospitals are not staffed.
“Hospitals are the biggest medical desert in France,” he says, adopting a phrase normally used to refer to rural areas where health workers are lacking. Macron’s government hopes that boosting pay and improving career paths will help attract more personnel.
“Thirty percent of new nursing graduates leave the profession within five years,” says Thierry Amouroux, spokesperson for the SNPI. The unions blames working conditions but also inadequate management of human resources.
Staffing shortages lead to bed closures. They also require hospitals to hire temporary workers, who are paid higher than their salaried counterparts.
Staffing shortages and saturation of activity have emerged in recent years years as the main challenges for the health system in France, leading some doctors to resign in protest. In December, one intensive care doctor told FRANCE 24 he had resigned because he no longer wanted to “walk on a tightrope without a safety net”.
Funding
Despite the 1995 reforms, French hospital debt today is close to €30 billion. Before Covid-19 hit, the government had agreed to pay off a third of this debt under the annual Social Security funding bill (PLFSS). On Wednesday, Véran offered to slightly increase that sum to €13 million over three years.
Meanwhile, no sum has yet been specified for the “massive” investment plan Macron promised in March.
A further area being considered for reform is the widely criticised model known as “activity-based payment”, implemented in 2003. Under this model, hospitals bill Social Security for each medical procedure, which is coded with a given fee. Critics say the model is dangerous because it incites hospitals to carry out more procedures than might be necessary or to prioritise the best-paid ones to help balance their books. Others argue that it pushes hospitals into a “race for profitability”.
In a manifesto published on May 13, a group of MPs, including former members of Macron’s party, proposed reducing the share of hospital funding dependent on this scheme.
Timeline
Véran said he wanted the hospital revamp plan to be included in the next Social Security budget in September. Trade unions have already called this timeline into question.
“If everything has to be completed by July 15, the room for manoeuvre for negotiations will be very limited,” a union official told AFP.
Healthcare unions and advocacy groups are planning national demonstrations on June 16.
“We will stick to our demands,” the Inter-Urgences collective warned on Twitter.
This article has been translated from the original in French.
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france24--2020-05-26--China to set individual privacy rights in first civil code

A security member wearing a mask following the coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) outbreak keeps watch during the second plenary session of the National People 's Congress ( NPC ) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing , China , on May 25 , 2020 .
China is poised to enshrine individuals ' rights to privacy and personal data for the first time , a symbolic first step as more of the country of 1.4 billion people becomes digitised - and more vulnerable to leaks and hacks .
The legislation is part of China 's first civil code @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is being deliberated during the annual meeting of parliament , which began on Friday after a delay of more than two months due to the coronavirus .
According to a recent draft , an individual has a right to privacy and to have their personal information protected .
Data collectors have a duty to protect an individual 's personal information and can not obtain , disclose or conduct transactions of such data without consent .
The push to shore up data privacy in China is widely seen as an effort to protect and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and place safeguards on the movement of valuable Chinese data overseas .
The legislation will need to be followed by detailed regulation spelling out how those rights will be protected , and this gives no protection from increasingly pervasive surveillance by a government that wields total control over the country 's digital sphere .
Nevertheless , lawyers and legal experts say the recognition of digital privacy rights is an important first step allowing individuals who suffer from leaks to seek readdress .
`` When the law has n't set a definition for personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are very hard to resolve because there 's no way to sue , '' said Xu Ke , a professor at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing .
The legislation places China among a minority of countries building legal frameworks governing individual data privacy , although individual protections currently in place are not as strong as Europe 's General Data Protection Regulations , said Chen Lei , a law professor at the City University of Hong Kong .
Legal experts say existing Chinese laws do not provide adequate protection for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ punishment for companies responsible for breaches .
Chinese courts also have been inconsistent on privacy cases , which some blamed on inadequate regulations and guidance for a rigid court system that limits judges ' scope to make new interpretations in law .
In one high-profile case , a group of 42 people sued Amazon in 2017 for breach of their personal data by scammers .
Yanming , one of those who sued the U.S. e-commerce giant , said he fell victim when a person called him with the exact order number for products @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a problem and offered a refund , luring Yanming to a phishing website planted within Amazon 's website that siphoned 247,000 yuan ( $ 34,627 ) from Yanming 's account .
Chinese courts have ruled twice against Yanming - who requested his last name be withheld for privacy - and the other plaintiffs , however , stating that a criminal case must take place first before a civil case can start .
`` The court 's decision is such that companies wo n't value personal information protection , or digital safety practices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victims ' lawyer .
Parliament plans to roll out separate legislation specifically on protection of personal information later this year , and lawyers say Beijing needs to set stronger penalties for breaches or leaks in order to provide effective protection .
`` ( The civil code ) will help , whether from the perspective of civil suits , or from the perspective of safeguarding rights for the victim , it 's more clear , and for the courts this is a clearer standard , '' said Wang .

China is poised to enshrine individuals' rights to privacy and personal data for the first time, a symbolic first step as more of the country of 1.4 billion people becomes digitised - and more vulnerable to leaks and hacks.
A security member wearing a mask following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak keeps watch during the second plenary session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on May 25, 2020.
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The legislation is part of China's first civil code, a sweeping package of laws that is being deliberated during the annual meeting of parliament, which began on Friday after a delay of more than two months due to the coronavirus.
According to a recent draft, an individual has a right to privacy and to have their personal information protected.
Data collectors have a duty to protect an individual's personal information and cannot obtain, disclose or conduct transactions of such data without consent.
The push to shore up data privacy in China is widely seen as an effort to protect and legitimize the country's fast-growing internet sector and place safeguards on the movement of valuable Chinese data overseas.
The legislation will need to be followed by detailed regulation spelling out how those rights will be protected, and this gives no protection from increasingly pervasive surveillance by a government that wields total control over the country's digital sphere.
Nevertheless, lawyers and legal experts say the recognition of digital privacy rights is an important first step allowing individuals who suffer from leaks to seek readdress.
"When the law hasn't set a definition for personal information, then a lot of disputes are very hard to resolve because there's no way to sue," said Xu Ke, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.
The legislation places China among a minority of countries building legal frameworks governing individual data privacy, although individual protections currently in place are not as strong as Europe's General Data Protection Regulations, said Chen Lei, a law professor at the City University of Hong Kong.
Legal experts say existing Chinese laws do not provide adequate protection for individuals because they don't impose significant punishment for companies responsible for breaches.
Chinese courts also have been inconsistent on privacy cases, which some blamed on inadequate regulations and guidance for a rigid court system that limits judges' scope to make new interpretations in law.
In one high-profile case, a group of 42 people sued Amazon in 2017 for breach of their personal data by scammers.
Yanming, one of those who sued the U.S. e-commerce giant, said he fell victim when a person called him with the exact order number for products he purchased. The person said there was a problem and offered a refund, luring Yanming to a phishing website planted within Amazon's website that siphoned 247,000 yuan ($34,627) from Yanming's account.
Chinese courts have ruled twice against Yanming - who requested his last name be withheld for privacy - and the other plaintiffs, however, stating that a criminal case must take place first before a civil case can start.
"The court's decision is such that companies won't value personal information protection, or digital safety practices," said Wang Congwei, the victims' lawyer.
Parliament plans to roll out separate legislation specifically on protection of personal information later this year, and lawyers say Beijing needs to set stronger penalties for breaches or leaks in order to provide effective protection.
"(The civil code) will help, whether from the perspective of civil suits, or from the perspective of safeguarding rights for the victim, it's more clear, and for the courts this is a clearer standard," said Wang.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-05-25--WHO halts study of Trump-touted hydroxychloriquine for Covid-19

The WHO 's chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus saying here on May 19 , 2020 , that there were `` 106,000 cases reported to WHO – the most in a single day since the outbreak began '' .
The World Health Organization said Monday it had temporarily suspended clinical trials of hydroxychloriquine as a potential treatment for COVID-19 being carried out across a range of countries as a precautionary measure .
The decision came after publication last week of a study in The Lancet which indicated that using the drug on COVID-19 patients could increase their chances of dying , WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press conference .
Tedros said that the executive group of the so-called Solidarity Trial , in which hundreds of hospitals across several countries have enrolled patients to test several possible treatments for the novel coronavirus , had as a precaution suspended trials using that drug .
`` The Executive Group has implemented a temporary pause of the hydroxychloroquine arm within the Solidarity Trial while the safety data is reviewed by the Data Safety Monitoring Board , '' Tedros said .
`` The other arms of the trial are continuing , '' he stressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arthritis but pronouncement from public figures including US President Donald Trump -- who announced last week he is taking the drug -- has prompted governments to bulk buy the medicine .
Brazil 's health minister also recommended last week using hydroxychloroquine , as well as the anti-malarial chloroquine , to treat even mild COVID-19 cases .
The Lancet study found that both drugs can produce potentially serious side effects , particularly heart arrhythmia .
And neither drug benefitted patients hospitalised with COVID-19 , according to a Lancet study , which looked at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals .
Tedros stressed Monday that the two drugs `` are accepted as generally safe for use in patients with autoimmune diseases or malaria . ''
WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan told Monday 's briefing that the WHO-backed Solidarity Trial had been looking only at the effects of hydroxychloroquine and not chloroquine .
The decision on suspending enrolment for trials using hydroxychloroquine was `` a temporary measure '' , she said .
`` We 're just acting by precaution , '' WHO emergencies chief Michael Ryan agreed .
The COVID-19 pandemic , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has killed nearly 350,000 people worldwide and infected almost 5.5 million , according to an AFP tally using official sources .
While there is still no approved treatment or vaccine for the novel coronavirus , drastic measures that at one point saw half of humanity under lockdown have pushed down transmission rates in a number of countries .
As many nations begin to gradually lift restrictions , the WHO on Monday stressed the need to keep up with physical distancing measures and to scale up efforts to test and detect cases .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alert , '' WHO expert Maria Van Kerkhove said , stressing that `` even countries that have seen a decline in cases must remain ready . ''
She warned that studies using antibody tests to determine how many people have been infected and might have some level of immunity `` indicate that a large proportion of the population remains susceptible . ''
`` The virus will take the opportunity to amplify if it can , '' she said .
Ryan agreed , urging countries to `` continue to put in place ... a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a downward trajectory and that we do n't have an immediate second peak . ''
He warned against the idea that the pandemic might move in natural seasonal waves , stressing that the reason transmission is going down in a number of countries was the drastic measures put in place .
`` My concern right now is that people might be assuming that the current rapid infections represents a natural seasonality , '' he said .
`` Making an assumption that it is on a downward trajectory , and the next danger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I think that would be a dangerous assumption . ''
`` If we take the pressure off the virus then the virus can bounce back , '' he said .

The World Health Organization said Monday it had temporarily suspended clinical trials of hydroxychloroquine as a potential treatment for COVID-19 being carried out across a range of countries as a precautionary measure.
The WHO's chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus saying here on May 19, 2020, that there were "106,000 cases reported to WHO – the most in a single day since the outbreak began".
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The decision came after publication last week of a study in The Lancet which indicated that using the drug on COVID-19 patients could increase their chances of dying, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual press conference.
Tedros said that the executive group of the so-called Solidarity Trial, in which hundreds of hospitals across several countries have enrolled patients to test several possible treatments for the novel coronavirus, had as a precaution suspended trials using that drug.
"The Executive Group has implemented a temporary pause of the hydroxychloroquine arm within the Solidarity Trial while the safety data is reviewed by the Data Safety Monitoring Board," Tedros said.
"The other arms of the trial are continuing," he stressed.
Hydroxychloroquine is normally used to treat arthritis but pronouncement from public figures including US President Donald Trump -- who announced last week he is taking the drug -- has prompted governments to bulk buy the medicine.
Brazil's health minister also recommended last week using hydroxychloroquine, as well as the anti-malarial chloroquine, to treat even mild COVID-19 cases.
The Lancet study found that both drugs can produce potentially serious side effects, particularly heart arrhythmia.
And neither drug benefitted patients hospitalised with COVID-19, according to a Lancet study, which looked at the records of 96,000 patients across hundreds of hospitals.
Tedros stressed Monday that the two drugs "are accepted as generally safe for use in patients with autoimmune diseases or malaria."
WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan told Monday's briefing that the WHO-backed Solidarity Trial had been looking only at the effects of hydroxychloroquine and not chloroquine.
The decision on suspending enrolment for trials using hydroxychloroquine was "a temporary measure", she said.
"We're just acting by precaution," WHO emergencies chief Michael Ryan agreed.
'Dangerous assumption'?
The COVID-19 pandemic, which began late last year in China, has killed nearly 350,000 people worldwide and infected almost 5.5 million, according to an AFP tally using official sources.
While there is still no approved treatment or vaccine for the novel coronavirus, drastic measures that at one point saw half of humanity under lockdown have pushed down transmission rates in a number of countries.
As many nations begin to gradually lift restrictions, the WHO on Monday stressed the need to keep up with physical distancing measures and to scale up efforts to test and detect cases.
"All countries need to remain on high alert," WHO expert Maria Van Kerkhove said, stressing that "even countries that have seen a decline in cases must remain ready."
She warned that studies using antibody tests to determine how many people have been infected and might have some level of immunity "indicate that a large proportion of the population remains susceptible."
"The virus will take the opportunity to amplify if it can," she said.
Ryan agreed, urging countries to "continue to put in place ... a comprehensive strategy to ensure that we continue on a downward trajectory and that we don't have an immediate second peak."
He warned against the idea that the pandemic might move in natural seasonal waves, stressing that the reason transmission is going down in a number of countries was the drastic measures put in place.
"My concern right now is that people might be assuming that the current rapid infections represents a natural seasonality," he said.
"Making an assumption that it is on a downward trajectory, and the next danger point is sometime in October or November, I think that would be a dangerous assumption."
"If we take the pressure off the virus then the virus can bounce back," he said.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-05-26--Two Chile govt ministers test positive as country sees record Covid-19 cases

A health worker helps a colleague down from an ambulance outside a hospital in Santiago , Chile , on May 15 , 2020 , amid the new coronavirus pandemic .
Chile registered a new high for coronavirus cases on Monday , with nearly 5,000 infections in 24 hours , including two ministers in President Sebastian Pinera 's government .
Health authorities announced 4,895 new infections in the South American country and 43 deaths .
Public Works Minister Alfredo Moreno and Energy Minister Juan Carlos Jobet said they were among those with the disease .
`` I have been informed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days ago was positive , '' Moreno said on Twitter , adding that he had no symptoms so far .
The 63-year-old minister had placed himself in quarantine after one of his staff tested positive .
Jobet also tested positive after starting to quarantine preventatively on Saturday , `` when he experienced mild symptoms , which could be associated with the disease , '' a statement from the Energy Ministry said .
The 44-year-old minister `` has had no direct contact with President Sebastian Pinera or other cabinet members in recent days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how he became infected .
Three other ministers , who had self-quarantined after being in contact with infected people , all tested negative and resumed work .
Chile suffered a surge in infections last week , prompting the government to order the lockdown of Santiago .
The capital is the main focus of the pandemic in Chile , with 90 percent of the country 's 74,000 cases .
Last week , the Senate was closed after three senators tested positive for the coronavirus .
Sessions were held by video conference .

Chile registered a new high for coronavirus cases on Monday, with nearly 5,000 infections in 24 hours, including two ministers in President Sebastian Pinera's government.
A health worker helps a colleague down from an ambulance outside a hospital in Santiago, Chile, on May 15, 2020, amid the new coronavirus pandemic.
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Health authorities announced 4,895 new infections in the South American country and 43 deaths.
Public Works Minister Alfredo Moreno and Energy Minister Juan Carlos Jobet said they were among those with the disease.
"I have been informed that the COVID-19 test I had a few days ago was positive," Moreno said on Twitter, adding that he had no symptoms so far.
The 63-year-old minister had placed himself in quarantine after one of his staff tested positive.
Jobet also tested positive after starting to quarantine preventatively on Saturday, "when he experienced mild symptoms, which could be associated with the disease," a statement from the Energy Ministry said.
The 44-year-old minister "has had no direct contact with President Sebastian Pinera or other cabinet members in recent days," the statement said, without specifying how he became infected.
Three other ministers, who had self-quarantined after being in contact with infected people, all tested negative and resumed work.
Chile suffered a surge in infections last week, prompting the government to order the lockdown of Santiago.
The capital is the main focus of the pandemic in Chile, with 90 percent of the country's 74,000 cases.
Last week, the Senate was closed after three senators tested positive for the coronavirus. Sessions were held by video conference.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-05-26--'Africa will be strong': Galaxy of superstars hold virtual Covid-19 concert

Senegalese superstar Youssou N'Dour joined a galaxy of African talent for a virtual concert to raise awareness over the coronavirus pandemic Senegalese superstar Youssou N'Dour and Grammy-winner Angelique Kidjo were among a galaxy of African talent brought together for a virtual concert to raise awareness of the coronavirus pandemic .
More than 100 artists and celebrities from across the continent and the diaspora took part in the WAN Show broadcast online by the Worldwide Afro Network and carried by 200 African channels on Monday to mark Africa Day .
`` After COVID-19 , Africa will be great , Africa will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Malian kora star and hip-hop artist Sidiki Diabate said at the launch of the virtual concert .
The event was modelled after the `` One World : Together At Home '' concert in April that brought together Taylor Swift and the Rolling Stones playing from their homes .
Malian Afro-pop star Salif Keita , Congolese singer Fally Ipupa , Nigeria 's Wizkid , Femi Kuti , Senegalese rapper Awadi , Ivory Coast 's Magic System and Beninese singer Zeynab were among the stars performing from their living rooms , studio or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line : `` Together as one . ''
The highlight of the evening was a remote duet between `` Seven Seconds '' star N'Dour and Coldplay 's Chris Martin , who sang `` A Sky Full of Stars . ''
`` I never thought in a million years I 'd see Youssou sing on a Coldplay track , '' viewer Awacham tweeted .
`` I am optimistic , culture is at the beginning and at the end of everything , '' said N'Dour , sponsor of the evening , which aimed `` first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , but also to say that in many areas nothing will ever be the same again '' .
Brazilian artist Carlinhos Brown , Guadeloupean band Kassav ' and Jamaica 's The Wailers Band , formed by the remaining members of Bob Marley 's group , were among other stars taking part .
Jamaican reggae and ska legend Jimmy Cliff recorded `` a message in these uncertain times '' .
`` The time has come again for us Africans to show the world who we are .
Those in the continent and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be together as one , '' he said .
Other celebrities and personalities including French actor Omar Sy , former Ghanaian president Jerry Rawlings and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also joined in .
`` Africa is a continent of rich history , culture uniqueness and dynamism .
Africa must rise above this as we have done with every previous challenge , '' said Rawlings .
`` Together as one I know we shall overcome and if music is the food of love let us play on . ''
Africa is so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than expected and has recorded around 115,000 COVID-19 cases and 3,500 deaths .
The pandemic has killed more than 344,000 people worldwide .
`` How sad to be stuck in the land of joy and good humour , '' joked French-born Tunisian comedian Samia Orosemane , who is currently in Ivory Coast due to the pandemic .
`` I would so much have liked to return to Paris where people are fighting for toilet paper , '' she said .
However , the evening sometimes took a more political turn .
Benin-born Hollywood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over vaccine trials in Africa .
`` Time for self-preservation , time to be attentive , time to stay vigilant from any Westerners coming to test their vaccine on us , '' said the `` Blood Diamond '' and `` Guardians of the Galaxy '' star .
`` Deceit can be powerful but truth is even more powerful , '' he said .
British supermodel Naomi Campbell called for Africans to come together .
`` We face an extraordinary challenge but we can not afford to be spectators .
We must show our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to overcome this and grow stronger from it , '' she said .
`` Use your voice to call our leaders in Africa to use this crisis as a moment to build our solidarity and deal with deep structural issues that affect our nations and their economies . ''

Senegalese superstar Youssou N'Dour and Grammy-winner Angelique Kidjo were among a galaxy of African talent brought together for a virtual concert to raise awareness of the coronavirus pandemic.
Senegalese superstar Youssou N'Dour joined a galaxy of African talent for a virtual concert to raise awareness over the coronavirus pandemic
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More than 100 artists and celebrities from across the continent and the diaspora took part in the WAN Show broadcast online by the Worldwide Afro Network and carried by 200 African channels on Monday to mark Africa Day.
"After COVID-19, Africa will be great, Africa will be strong. Together we are unbeatable," Malian kora star and hip-hop artist Sidiki Diabate said at the launch of the virtual concert.
The event was modelled after the "One World: Together At Home" concert in April that brought together Taylor Swift and the Rolling Stones playing from their homes.
Malian Afro-pop star Salif Keita, Congolese singer Fally Ipupa, Nigeria's Wizkid, Femi Kuti, Senegalese rapper Awadi, Ivory Coast's Magic System and Beninese singer Zeynab were among the stars performing from their living rooms, studio or garden, ending their songs with the line: "Together as one."
The highlight of the evening was a remote duet between "Seven Seconds" star N'Dour and Coldplay's Chris Martin, who sang "A Sky Full of Stars."
"I never thought in a million years I'd see Youssou sing on a Coldplay track," viewer Awacham tweeted.
"I am optimistic, culture is at the beginning and at the end of everything," said N'Dour, sponsor of the evening, which aimed "first to raise awareness of the fight against the pandemic, but also to say that in many areas nothing will ever be the same again".
Africa and its diaspora together for a new outlook.
Thanks to Chris Martin @coldplay and all the artists over the world to join us #TOGETHERASONE #TOGETHERISWAN #IAmWan #JeSuisWan
Register on our website : https://t.co/cGIkMFqhPl pic.twitter.com/2hBfA6861C — WAN (@WANbyUbiz) May 20, 2020
Brazilian artist Carlinhos Brown, Guadeloupean band Kassav' and Jamaica's The Wailers Band, formed by the remaining members of Bob Marley's group, were among other stars taking part.
Jamaican reggae and ska legend Jimmy Cliff recorded "a message in these uncertain times".
"The time has come again for us Africans to show the world who we are. Those in the continent and in the diaspora, it is time to be together as one," he said.
'We shall overcome'
Other celebrities and personalities including French actor Omar Sy, former Ghanaian president Jerry Rawlings and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also joined in.
"Africa is a continent of rich history, culture uniqueness and dynamism. Africa must rise above this as we have done with every previous challenge," said Rawlings.
"Together as one I know we shall overcome and if music is the food of love let us play on."
Africa is so far coping with the global health crisis better than expected and has recorded around 115,000 COVID-19 cases and 3,500 deaths.
The pandemic has killed more than 344,000 people worldwide.
"How sad to be stuck in the land of joy and good humour," joked French-born Tunisian comedian Samia Orosemane, who is currently in Ivory Coast due to the pandemic.
"I would so much have liked to return to Paris where people are fighting for toilet paper," she said.
However, the evening sometimes took a more political turn.
Benin-born Hollywood actor Djimon Hounsou spoke about the controversy over vaccine trials in Africa.
"Time for self-preservation, time to be attentive, time to stay vigilant from any Westerners coming to test their vaccine on us," said the "Blood Diamond" and "Guardians of the Galaxy" star.
"Deceit can be powerful but truth is even more powerful," he said.
British supermodel Naomi Campbell called for Africans to come together.
"We face an extraordinary challenge but we cannot afford to be spectators. We must show our resilience and share our commitment as Africans to overcome this and grow stronger from it," she said.
"Use your voice to call our leaders in Africa to use this crisis as a moment to build our solidarity and deal with deep structural issues that affect our nations and their economies."
(AFP)
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france24--2020-05-26--US author Joyce Carol Oates wins France's richest book prize

US writer Joyce Carol Oates poses during a photocall at the 36th American Film Festival , in Deauville , France , on September 9 , 2010 .
US writer Joyce Carol Oates , so often a bridesmaid for the Nobel literature prize , won France 's richest books prize Monday .
The Cino del Duca World Prize , which is worth 200,000 euros ( $ 218,000 ) , is often seen as a stepping stone to the Nobel , with Andrei Sakharov , Mario Vargas Llosa and the French novelist Patrick Modiano all winning it before going on to Nobel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including her novel `` Blonde '' , which chronicled the inner life of Marilyn Monroe , have been finalists for the Pulitzer Prize , without ever winning .
However , the 81-year-old has won the US National Book Award and a host of other accolades for her more than 60 novels , short story collections , plays and a memoir , `` Lost Landscape '' .
Regularly tipped for the Nobel , Oates has been hailed for fearlessly walking into some of the most contentious debates in US society , with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Martyrs '' , turning on the murder of a doctor in an abortion clinic .
An avid Twitter user , she shares pictures of her cats in between frequent digs at US President Donald Trump , who she has branded a `` lunatic '' .
`` Every day he 's setting these little fires all over '' while a `` more dangerous fire ... is corroding away , one by one , the things that we hold dear , '' she said last year .
The prize is named after an Italian-born businessman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Institut de France , which includes the Academie Francaise , the guardian of the French language and its official dictionary .
It was due to be handed to Oates in Paris next month but the ceremony has been cancelled because of the coronavirus .

US writer Joyce Carol Oates, so often a bridesmaid for the Nobel literature prize, won France's richest books prize Monday.
US writer Joyce Carol Oates poses during a photocall at the 36th American Film Festival, in Deauville, France, on September 9, 2010.
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The Cino del Duca World Prize, which is worth 200,000 euros ($218,000), is often seen as a stepping stone to the Nobel, with Andrei Sakharov, Mario Vargas Llosa and the French novelist Patrick Modiano all winning it before going on to Nobel glory.
Five of Oates' books, including her novel "Blonde", which chronicled the inner life of Marilyn Monroe, have been finalists for the Pulitzer Prize, without ever winning.
However, the 81-year-old has won the US National Book Award and a host of other accolades for her more than 60 novels, short story collections, plays and a memoir, "Lost Landscape".
Regularly tipped for the Nobel, Oates has been hailed for fearlessly walking into some of the most contentious debates in US society, with her novel, "A Book of American Martyrs", turning on the murder of a doctor in an abortion clinic.
An avid Twitter user, she shares pictures of her cats in between frequent digs at US President Donald Trump, who she has branded a "lunatic".
"Every day he's setting these little fires all over" while a "more dangerous fire... is corroding away, one by one, the things that we hold dear," she said last year.
hard to see why a part-time corrupt & incompetent President is not more desirable than full-time. am I missing something? https://t.co/bHAwuhDxhZ — Joyce Carol Oates (@JoyceCarolOates) May 25, 2020
The prize is named after an Italian-born businessman, film producer and philanthropist and run by the Institut de France, which includes the Academie Francaise, the guardian of the French language and its official dictionary.
It was due to be handed to Oates in Paris next month but the ceremony has been cancelled because of the coronavirus.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-05-26--‘A pretty boring contest’: Will Covid-19 saliva ban take shine off cricket?

Australia 's star bowler Mitchell Starc pictured during a cricket test match against Pakistan in Adelaide on December 1 , 2019 .
A coronavirus-linked ban on using saliva to shine the ball has caused widespread concern among cricketers , with Australian paceman Mitchell Starc warning on Tuesday that the sport risks becoming `` pretty boring '' if ball-tampering rules are not relaxed .
The International Cricket Council ( ICC ) is set to implement the controversial ban in June after receiving medical advice that spit poses a Covid-19 transmission risk .
The decision touches on a sensitive and hotly debated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ball to move in the air , deceiving the batsman , by shining or polishing one side using sweat or saliva .
Starc , widely regarded as the preeminent swing bowler in the Australian team , said swinging the ball in such a manner was a crucial part of the contest between bowler and batsman .
`` We do n't want to lose that or make it less even , so there needs to be something in place to keep that ball swinging , '' he told reporters in an online press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be watching it and kids are n't going to want to be bowlers , ” Starc explained .
`` In Australia in the last couple of years we 've had some pretty flat wickets , and if that ball 's going straight it 's a pretty boring contest , '' he added .
Talk of cricket-ball maintenance has long been a fixture of the sport .
It has frequently veered into illicit territory , most recently with the 2018 ball-tampering scandal that saw high-profile Australian players suspended for using sandpaper to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and make it swing more .
Anil Kumble , chairman of the ICC cricket committee , said this week that the saliva ban was only intended to be a temporary measure during the coronavirus crisis .
The former Indian Test spinner suggested cricket regulators did not want to open the door to using foreign substances to alter the condition of the ball .
Starc said he understood such reluctance , given the clear rules that exist against ball tampering .
But he said if bowlers were disadvantaged by a saliva ban , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 30-year-old said ground staff could be ordered not to produce batsman-friendly flat wickets , or ball-tampering rules could be changed allowing a substance such as wax could be applied to the ball .
`` It 's an unusual time for the world and if they 're going to remove saliva shining for a portion of time they need to think of something else for that portion of time as well , '' he said .
This could be achieved either `` with the wickets not being as flat or at least considering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Australian cricket ball manufacturer Kookaburra is developing a wax applicator that allows players to shine the ball without using saliva .
It has said its “ pocket-size sponge applicator ” will be ready by June .
However , the new device will require regulatory approval , since cricket rules explicitly state that bowlers can not use “ artificial substances ” to alter the condition of the ball .

A coronavirus-linked ban on using saliva to shine the ball has caused widespread concern among cricketers, with Australian paceman Mitchell Starc warning on Tuesday that the sport risks becoming "pretty boring" if ball-tampering rules are not relaxed.
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The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to implement the controversial ban in June after receiving medical advice that spit poses a Covid-19 transmission risk.
The decision touches on a sensitive and hotly debated issue in cricket: Bowlers traditionally get the ball to move in the air, deceiving the batsman, by shining or polishing one side using sweat or saliva.
Starc, widely regarded as the preeminent swing bowler in the Australian team, said swinging the ball in such a manner was a crucial part of the contest between bowler and batsman.
"We don't want to lose that or make it less even, so there needs to be something in place to keep that ball swinging," he told reporters in an online press conference.
"Otherwise people aren't going to be watching it and kids aren't going to want to be bowlers,” Starc explained.
"In Australia in the last couple of years we've had some pretty flat wickets, and if that ball's going straight it's a pretty boring contest," he added.
Ball tampering
Talk of cricket-ball maintenance has long been a fixture of the sport. It has frequently veered into illicit territory, most recently with the 2018 ball-tampering scandal that saw high-profile Australian players suspended for using sandpaper to rough up one side of the ball and make it swing more.
Anil Kumble, chairman of the ICC cricket committee, said this week that the saliva ban was only intended to be a temporary measure during the coronavirus crisis.
The former Indian Test spinner suggested cricket regulators did not want to open the door to using foreign substances to alter the condition of the ball.
👉 Use of saliva to shine ball is prohibited, sweat allowed
👉 Local umpires to be used for international fixtures
The ICC Cricket Committee has made recommendations for measures to be implemented for the return of international cricket 👇 — ICC (@ICC) May 18, 2020
Starc said he understood such reluctance, given the clear rules that exist against ball tampering.
But he said if bowlers were disadvantaged by a saliva ban, they should be given more leeway elsewhere.
Applying wax
The 30-year-old said ground staff could be ordered not to produce batsman-friendly flat wickets, or ball-tampering rules could be changed allowing a substance such as wax could be applied to the ball.
"It's an unusual time for the world and if they're going to remove saliva shining for a portion of time they need to think of something else for that portion of time as well," he said.
This could be achieved either "with the wickets not being as flat or at least considering this shining wax", he added.
Australian cricket ball manufacturer Kookaburra is developing a wax applicator that allows players to shine the ball without using saliva. It has said its “pocket-size sponge applicator” will be ready by June.
However, the new device will require regulatory approval, since cricket rules explicitly state that bowlers cannot use “artificial substances” to alter the condition of the ball.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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france24--2020-05-26--Marseille confirm Villas-Boas to stay on as coach in bid to quell fan revolt

Andre Villas-Boas will coach Marseille in the Champions League next season , the French club has rushed to announce amid mounting disquiet among fans alarmed by reports the Portuguese was set to leave after just one year in charge .
`` After several discussions in recent days with Frank McCourt and Jacques-Henri Eyraud , Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed that he wants to continue working with OM next season , '' the club , formally known as Olympique de Marseille ( OM ) , told AFP on Monday .
L'Equipe , France 's main sport daily , also wrote that Villas-Boas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` unanimous '' support of his players and management pledges to invest in the squad as key factors in his decision .
Last week , Marseille offered Villas-Boas — whose existing deal runs until the end of next season — a two-year contract extension as doubts persisted over his future at the club following the departure of right-hand man and sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta .
Villas-Boas , 42 , led the former European champions to second place behind Paris Saint-Germain in the most recent Ligue 1 season , which was ended early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who are owned by American tycoon Frank McCourt , are therefore set to feature in the Champions League next season , Europe ’ s top-tier club competition , for the first time since 2013/14 .
However , the former Porto , Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur coach has expressed concern about the club 's ability to invest in new signings this summer , with experts noting that the current squad is ill-equipped for the challenges of Champions League football .
Confirmation that Villas-Boas — who is popular with Marseille fans — will remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups castigated the board for what they called `` years of ruinous management '' .
In a joint statement , fans also criticised the system of refunds for seat-holders deprived of matches after the Ligue 1 season was ended prematurely due to the coronavirus .
One option proposed by the club was for ticket holders to forgo a refund and donate the money instead to help its finances .
`` It seemed logical to us a month ago to give this money to the club to help it through a difficult period , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` However information since then has led us to question this .
It 's clear that we are in financial difficulty due to years of ruinous management.
” They added : `` Is it really up to us to shore up the incompetence of our directors or the shortcomings of our players ?
” After listing further grievances the letter concluded : `` Management get out !
Come on Marseille ! ''
Marseille last won the French title in 2010 .
On Sunday , Eyraud , the club president , announced via social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business director '' and his determination to build up the club despite all the current problems .

Andre Villas-Boas will coach Marseille in the Champions League next season, the French club has rushed to announce amid mounting disquiet among fans alarmed by reports the Portuguese was set to leave after just one year in charge.
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"After several discussions in recent days with Frank McCourt and Jacques-Henri Eyraud, Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed that he wants to continue working with OM next season," the club, formally known as Olympique de Marseille (OM), told AFP on Monday.
L'Equipe, France's main sport daily, also wrote that Villas-Boas had chosen to stay on, citing the "unanimous" support of his players and management pledges to invest in the squad as key factors in his decision.
Last week, Marseille offered Villas-Boas — whose existing deal runs until the end of next season — a two-year contract extension as doubts persisted over his future at the club following the departure of right-hand man and sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta.
André Villas-Boas to stay at Marseille, according to L’Équipe. The support of the players and guarantees of reinforcements from the club, are said to have been key factors in his decision. https://t.co/XvGHMurB6c — Rui Miguel Martins (@futebolfactory) May 25, 2020
Villas-Boas, 42, led the former European champions to second place behind Paris Saint-Germain in the most recent Ligue 1 season, which was ended early because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Marseille, who are owned by American tycoon Frank McCourt, are therefore set to feature in the Champions League next season, Europe’s top-tier club competition, for the first time since 2013/14.
However, the former Porto, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur coach has expressed concern about the club's ability to invest in new signings this summer, with experts noting that the current squad is ill-equipped for the challenges of Champions League football.
‘Ruinous management’
Confirmation that Villas-Boas — who is popular with Marseille fans — will remain in charge came just hours after supporters groups castigated the board for what they called "years of ruinous management".
In a joint statement, fans also criticised the system of refunds for seat-holders deprived of matches after the Ligue 1 season was ended prematurely due to the coronavirus. One option proposed by the club was for ticket holders to forgo a refund and donate the money instead to help its finances.
"It seemed logical to us a month ago to give this money to the club to help it through a difficult period," the fans wrote on Monday. "However information since then has led us to question this. It's clear that we are in financial difficulty due to years of ruinous management.”
They added: "Is it really up to us to shore up the incompetence of our directors or the shortcomings of our players?”
After listing further grievances the letter concluded: "Management get out! Come on Marseille!"
Marseille last won the French title in 2010. On Sunday, Eyraud, the club president, announced via social media his intention to hire a "business director" and his determination to build up the club despite all the current problems.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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france24--2020-05-26--Top 14 ‘bubble is bursting’ as rugby’s richest league faces Covid-19 uncertainty

A decade of unprecedented spending by France 's richest rugby clubs has helped bring the likes of New Zealand flyhalf Dan Carter ( right ) to the Top 14 .
The big spending power that brought the likes of Dan Carter and Jonny Wilkinson to France is fast eroding , leading rugby agents have warned , as the coronavirus pandemic dampens the enthusiasm of Top 14 clubs .
The likes of Rugby World Cup winners Handre Pollard , Eben Etzebeth and Cheslin Kolbe have contracts with sides in the French league , following in the footsteps of a roll call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Matt Giteau .
Several leading unions , including New Zealand and South Africa , have announced significant pay cuts for their players , potentially paving the way for more signings by big-spending French clubs .
However , the impact of Covid-19 has restricted Top 14 outfits from adding to their squads .
`` The bubble is bursting .
Right now , the clubs are taking notice of the reality .
They 're living outside of their means , '' Damien Dussault , who represents Fiji 's Olympic gold medallist Semi Kunatani , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for players , the discussions do n't ever really stop .
They are slow right now because some teams do n't know their budgets , some do n't know when they 'll restart playing , '' he added .
South Africa Rugby said in May their players would lose up to 43 percent of their income , and they allowed individuals to look for contracts abroad .
Two weeks ago Springboks ' World Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit was linked with Montpellier in a 3.7 million euro ( $ 4.03 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side denied the reports and the loose forward signed a one-season contract extension with the Stormers instead .
`` I 'm interested in Du Toit .
But until now I have n't had any contact with him .
And right now the moment is n't right to talk about recruitment , '' owner Mohed Altrad told newspaper Midi Olympique last week .
Du Toit 's fellow World Cup winners in Boks captain Siya Kolisi , props Frans Malherbe and Steven Kitshoff as well as Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am were also offered to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Despite a hefty salary cap of 11.3 million euros , Top 14 ’ s transfer market has been hampered by a reduction in ticket sale income from last season , a potential loss of sponsors and the general uncertainty caused by the pandemic .
`` There are quite a lot of players but right now the clubs have n't got the space in the budget or in the salary cap , '' agent Laurent Quaglia said .
`` There are deals which could be done but are n't done because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been announced were signed a long time ago , '' Quaglia , who helped bring Australia 's Kurtley Beale to Racing 92 , added .
The other Paris club Stade Francais , which boasted the competition ’ s biggest budget last year with 40 millions euros , have kept their business to a minimum for the coming campaign having signed Argentina pair Nicolas Sanchez and Pablo Matera last summer .
`` Transfers , recruitment are pretty much at a stop , when normally it 's all finished by now , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told AFP earlier this month .
He added : `` We 're not in absolute emergency , but we need clarity on things . ''

The big spending power that brought the likes of Dan Carter and Jonny Wilkinson to France is fast eroding, leading rugby agents have warned, as the coronavirus pandemic dampens the enthusiasm of Top 14 clubs.
A decade of unprecedented spending by France's richest rugby clubs has helped bring the likes of New Zealand flyhalf Dan Carter (right) to the Top 14.
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The likes of Rugby World Cup winners Handre Pollard, Eben Etzebeth and Cheslin Kolbe have contracts with sides in the French league, following in the footsteps of a roll call of names that includes Carter, Wilkinson and Matt Giteau.
Several leading unions, including New Zealand and South Africa, have announced significant pay cuts for their players, potentially paving the way for more signings by big-spending French clubs.
However, the impact of Covid-19 has restricted Top 14 outfits from adding to their squads.
"The bubble is bursting. Right now, the clubs are taking notice of the reality. They're living outside of their means," Damien Dussault, who represents Fiji's Olympic gold medallist Semi Kunatani, told AFP.
"On the market for players, the discussions don't ever really stop. They are slow right now because some teams don't know their budgets, some don't know when they'll restart playing," he added.
>> As Wilkinson bows out, France salutes a beloved foe
South Africa Rugby said in May their players would lose up to 43 percent of their income, and they allowed individuals to look for contracts abroad.
Two weeks ago Springboks' World Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit was linked with Montpellier in a 3.7 million euro ($4.03 million) three-year deal. But the billionaire-backed side denied the reports and the loose forward signed a one-season contract extension with the Stormers instead.
"I'm interested in Du Toit. But until now I haven't had any contact with him. And right now the moment isn't right to talk about recruitment," owner Mohed Altrad told newspaper Midi Olympique last week.
Du Toit's fellow World Cup winners in Boks captain Siya Kolisi, props Frans Malherbe and Steven Kitshoff as well as Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am were also offered to French outfits, but to no avail.
'We need clarity’
Despite a hefty salary cap of 11.3 million euros, Top 14’s transfer market has been hampered by a reduction in ticket sale income from last season, a potential loss of sponsors and the general uncertainty caused by the pandemic.
"There are quite a lot of players but right now the clubs haven't got the space in the budget or in the salary cap," agent Laurent Quaglia said.
"There are deals which could be done but aren't done because of the health situation. All the deals that have been announced were signed a long time ago," Quaglia, who helped bring Australia's Kurtley Beale to Racing 92, added.
The other Paris club Stade Francais, which boasted the competition’s biggest budget last year with 40 millions euros, have kept their business to a minimum for the coming campaign having signed Argentina pair Nicolas Sanchez and Pablo Matera last summer.
"Transfers, recruitment are pretty much at a stop, when normally it's all finished by now," the Paris-based club's general manager Thomas Lombard told AFP earlier this month.
He added: "We're not in absolute emergency, but we need clarity on things."
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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france24--2020-05-26--Hong Kong's leader says China's security law will not affect city's rights, freedoms

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam , wearing a mask due to the ongoing global outbreak of the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) , speaks during a news conference in Hong Kong , China May 26 , 2020 .
China 's plans to impose a new security law on Hong Kong will `` only target a handful of lawbreakers '' , the city 's leader said Tuesday , as she tried to reassure international businesses and investors rattled by the proposal .
Beijing wants to enact legislation banning `` secession , subversion , terrorism and foreign interference '' in the international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often-violent pro-democracy protests last year .
Many Hong Kongers , business groups and Western nations fear the proposal could be a death blow to the city 's treasured freedoms and usher in an end to the semi-autonomous city passing its own laws .
The announcement of plans for the new law -- which will be written by Beijing and bypass Hong Kong 's legislature -- sparked the biggest drop on the city 's stock exchange in five years on Friday .
But Carrie Lam said fears the city 's business-friendly freedoms were at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Hong Kong 's freedoms will be preserved and Hong Kong 's vibrancy and the core values in terms of the rule of law , the independence of the judiciary , the various rights and freedoms enjoyed by people , will continue to be there , '' Lam told reporters .
The proposed law , she added , `` only targets a handful of law-breakers ... it protects the vast majority of law-abiding , peace-loving residents '' .
Hong Kong was upended last year by seven months of huge and often violent pro-democracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fears that Beijing is chipping away at the city 's freedoms .
Millions took to the streets for rallies that routinely ended with clashes between riot police and smaller groups of militant protesters wielding petrol bombs .
Beijing portrays the protests as a foreign-backed plot to destabilise the motherland and has justified the security law as a way to crack down on `` terrorism '' and calls for independence .
Protesters say their rallies are the only way to voice opposition in a city with no universal suffrage .
Thousands of protesters took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security law announcement and were dispersed by tear gas and water cannon in the worst clashes in months .
The precise wording of the security law has yet to be revealed but China 's rubber stamp parliament previewed initial details last week .
It is expected to approve a draft of the law on Thursday and analysts say it could be implemented some time in the summer .
Of particular concern is a provision allowing Chinese security agents to operate in Hong Kong , with fears it could spark a crackdown on those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Subversion laws are routinely wielded against critics on the mainland .
Asked by a reporter whether mainland police would be able to arrest protesters in Hong Kong , Lam dismissed the question as `` your imagination '' .
She said anti-government protests would continue to be allowed `` if it is done in a legal way '' but did not elaborate on what views would be considered illegal under the new law .

China's plans to impose a new security law on Hong Kong will "only target a handful of lawbreakers", the city's leader said Tuesday, as she tried to reassure international businesses and investors rattled by the proposal.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, wearing a mask due to the ongoing global outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), speaks during a news conference in Hong Kong, China May 26, 2020.
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Beijing wants to enact legislation banning "secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference" in the international finance hub after months of massive, often-violent pro-democracy protests last year.
Many Hong Kongers, business groups and Western nations fear the proposal could be a death blow to the city's treasured freedoms and usher in an end to the semi-autonomous city passing its own laws.
The announcement of plans for the new law -- which will be written by Beijing and bypass Hong Kong's legislature -- sparked the biggest drop on the city's stock exchange in five years on Friday.
But Carrie Lam said fears the city's business-friendly freedoms were at risk were "totally groundless".
"Hong Kong's freedoms will be preserved and Hong Kong's vibrancy and the core values in terms of the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, the various rights and freedoms enjoyed by people, will continue to be there," Lam told reporters.
The proposed law, she added, "only targets a handful of law-breakers... it protects the vast majority of law-abiding, peace-loving residents".
Hong Kong was upended last year by seven months of huge and often violent pro-democracy protests, sparked by years of rising fears that Beijing is chipping away at the city's freedoms.
Millions took to the streets for rallies that routinely ended with clashes between riot police and smaller groups of militant protesters wielding petrol bombs.
Beijing portrays the protests as a foreign-backed plot to destabilise the motherland and has justified the security law as a way to crack down on "terrorism" and calls for independence.
Protesters say their rallies are the only way to voice opposition in a city with no universal suffrage.
Thousands of protesters took to the streets on Sunday after the security law announcement and were dispersed by tear gas and water cannon in the worst clashes in months.
The precise wording of the security law has yet to be revealed but China's rubber stamp parliament previewed initial details last week.
It is expected to approve a draft of the law on Thursday and analysts say it could be implemented some time in the summer.
Of particular concern is a provision allowing Chinese security agents to operate in Hong Kong, with fears it could spark a crackdown on those voicing dissent against China's communist rulers.
Subversion laws are routinely wielded against critics on the mainland.
Asked by a reporter whether mainland police would be able to arrest protesters in Hong Kong, Lam dismissed the question as "your imagination".
She said anti-government protests would continue to be allowed "if it is done in a legal way" but did not elaborate on what views would be considered illegal under the new law.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-05-25--Covid-19: France's health workers to get ‘significant’ pay rises

A picture taken by a nurse at the Hotel-Dieu de France Hospital shows colleagues posing for a selfie picture in the coronavirus section .
Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said Monday that health workers would soon get hefty pay increases as part of an overhaul of France 's hospital system in response to the coronavirus crisis .
`` I can say without any ambiguity , the increase will be significant , '' Philippe said while kicking off consultations with doctors and nurses that are expected to conclude in July .
Health workers have long complained about low salaries and insufficient staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series of strikes over the past year to demand funding increases .
In recent weeks , many have insisted that the nightly rounds of applause for caregivers treating COVID-19 patients would begin to ring hollow if the government did not back up the public recognition of their work with additional resources .
Starting pay for a nurse , for example , stands at 1,500 euros ( $ 1,600 ) , one of the lowest levels in the OECD group of developed economies .
Philippe promised `` massive investments '' as well as `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules on working hours and scheduling to ensure that healthcare workers remain motivated despite the strains of their jobs .
`` The key word here is pragmatism .
I can not say now what these discussions will lead to , but I 've said that we must remove all constraints , whatever they are , '' he said .
The government had already promised last November an additional 1.5 billion euros for hospitals over the next three years , including bonuses for thousands of nurses , in the face of growing anger over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state also pledged to absorb 10 billion euros of hospital debt , giving the system the ability to take on new loans for investments .
`` We must do more , '' Philippe acknowledged Monday , without providing any figure on potential spending .
`` I believe this crisis requires us not to change our goals , but to step up our pace , '' he said .
The coronavirus outbreak has killed over 28,000 people in France , though the number of daily deaths has fallen sharply since the peak of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announce next week a further loosening of the lockdown imposed in mid-March , which currently limits people from travelling more than 100 kilometres ( 60 miles ) from their homes .
Restaurants , bars and cinemas also remain closed , though they could be allowed to re-open with strict social distancing restrictions in areas where the number of COVID-19 cases has remained limited .

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said Monday that health workers would soon get hefty pay increases as part of an overhaul of France's hospital system in response to the coronavirus crisis.
A picture taken by a nurse at the Hotel-Dieu de France Hospital shows colleagues posing for a selfie picture in the coronavirus section.
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"I can say without any ambiguity, the increase will be significant," Philippe said while kicking off consultations with doctors and nurses that are expected to conclude in July.
Health workers have long complained about low salaries and insufficient staff at French hospitals, leading to a series of strikes over the past year to demand funding increases.
In recent weeks, many have insisted that the nightly rounds of applause for caregivers treating COVID-19 patients would begin to ring hollow if the government did not back up the public recognition of their work with additional resources.
Starting pay for a nurse, for example, stands at 1,500 euros ($1,600), one of the lowest levels in the OECD group of developed economies.
Philippe promised "massive investments" as well as "radical changes" that could include new rules on working hours and scheduling to ensure that healthcare workers remain motivated despite the strains of their jobs.
"The key word here is pragmatism. I cannot say now what these discussions will lead to, but I've said that we must remove all constraints, whatever they are," he said.
The government had already promised last November an additional 1.5 billion euros for hospitals over the next three years, including bonuses for thousands of nurses, in the face of growing anger over heavy workloads and staff shortages.
The state also pledged to absorb 10 billion euros of hospital debt, giving the system the ability to take on new loans for investments.
"We must do more," Philippe acknowledged Monday, without providing any figure on potential spending.
"I believe this crisis requires us not to change our goals, but to step up our pace," he said.
The coronavirus outbreak has killed over 28,000 people in France, though the number of daily deaths has fallen sharply since the peak of the outbreak.
The government is expected to announce next week a further loosening of the lockdown imposed in mid-March, which currently limits people from travelling more than 100 kilometres (60 miles) from their homes.
Restaurants, bars and cinemas also remain closed, though they could be allowed to re-open with strict social distancing restrictions in areas where the number of COVID-19 cases has remained limited.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-05-26--Protesters in Ecuador march against Covid-19 job and wage cuts

A protester holds an Ecuadorean flag during a demonstration in Quito against wage and budget cuts imposed by the government to tackle the coronavirus pandemic .
Demonstrators defied coronavirus restrictions to march in cities across Ecuador on Monday in protest against President Lenin Moreno 's drastic economic measures to tackle the crisis .
Moreno last week announced public spending cuts including the closure of state companies and embassies around the world , but trade unions Monday said workers were paying a disproportionate price compared to Ecuador 's elite .
`` This protest is because the government is firing workers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mecias Tatamuez , head of the county 's largest union , the Unitary Front of Workers ( FUT ) , told reporters at a march in Quito .
Around 2,000 people marched in the capital , waving flags and banners and shouting anti-government slogans .
The protesters wore masks and respected distancing measures recommended against the spread of the coronavirus that has caused at least 3,200 deaths in the country , making it South America 's worst hit nation per capita .
Authorities say more than 2,000 further deaths are likely linked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several other cities , including Guayaquil , the epicenter of Ecuador 's health crisis , where union leaders said hundreds marched through the city .
Moreno ordered the closure of Ecuadoran embassies , a reduction in diplomatic staff and scrapped seven state companies as part of measures designed to save some $ 4 billion .
He also announced the liquidation of the TAME airline , which has lost more than $ 400 million over the last five years .
The government says the pandemic has so far cost the economy at least $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been cut by 25 percent , with an accompanying 16 percent pay cut .
Moreno said on Sunday that 150,000 people had lost their jobs because of the coronavirus .
Ecuador was struggling economically before the pandemic hit , due to high debt and its dependence on oil .
The IMF predicts that the economy will shrink by 6.3 percent this year , the sharpest drop of any country in South America .

Demonstrators defied coronavirus restrictions to march in cities across Ecuador on Monday in protest against President Lenin Moreno's drastic economic measures to tackle the crisis.
A protester holds an Ecuadorean flag during a demonstration in Quito against wage and budget cuts imposed by the government to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
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Moreno last week announced public spending cuts including the closure of state companies and embassies around the world, but trade unions Monday said workers were paying a disproportionate price compared to Ecuador's elite.
"This protest is because the government is firing workers to avoid making the rich pay," Mecias Tatamuez, head of the county's largest union, the Unitary Front of Workers (FUT), told reporters at a march in Quito.
Around 2,000 people marched in the capital, waving flags and banners and shouting anti-government slogans.
The protesters wore masks and respected distancing measures recommended against the spread of the coronavirus that has caused at least 3,200 deaths in the country, making it South America's worst hit nation per capita. Authorities say more than 2,000 further deaths are likely linked to the virus.
Demonstrations took place in several other cities, including Guayaquil, the epicenter of Ecuador's health crisis, where union leaders said hundreds marched through the city.
Moreno ordered the closure of Ecuadoran embassies, a reduction in diplomatic staff and scrapped seven state companies as part of measures designed to save some $4 billion.
He also announced the liquidation of the TAME airline, which has lost more than $400 million over the last five years.
The government says the pandemic has so far cost the economy at least $8 billion.
Public sector working hours have been cut by 25 percent, with an accompanying 16 percent pay cut.
Moreno said on Sunday that 150,000 people had lost their jobs because of the coronavirus.
Ecuador was struggling economically before the pandemic hit, due to high debt and its dependence on oil.
The IMF predicts that the economy will shrink by 6.3 percent this year, the sharpest drop of any country in South America.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-05-26--Convicted murderer could be re-elected as Suriname votes

Suriname 's President Desi Bouterse remains confident his party will hold onto power in upcoming parliamentary elections People in Suriname went to the polls on Monday with strongman President Desi Bouterse seeking a third term , battling to hold onto power months after being convicted of the murder of political opponents .
The former military dictator turned politician has dominated his tiny South American country for four decades but polls suggested his National Democratic Party ( NDP ) was likely to lose its majority in the 51-member parliament which elects the president .
Voting was extended by two hours beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closing , with many voters still lining up to cast their ballots .
At some polling stations , voters had stood in line for up to three hours .
First results were not expected until Tuesday .
Local election observer groups reported irregularities at several polling stations , including the names of deceased people on the voter rolls .
`` It is chaos .
With every election you have spots , but these are like a big pool of oil that spreads in the sea , '' said Jennifer Van Dijk-Silos , chairwoman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the extension .
Earlier , the 74-year-old Bouterse and his wife Ingrid Waaldring were among the first people to vote at a school in the capital Paramaribo , surrounded by supporters and media .
Authorities lifted a partial coronavirus lockdown for the day and voters lined up at 1.5-meter ( five-foot ) intervals before the polls opened .
However , a ban on public transportation remained in place , meaning people in rural areas had difficulties getting to vote , relying on political parties to help them .
`` Just a few more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Bouterse 's main rival Chandrikapersad Santokhi as he walked from his house to vote .
An IDOS survey predicted the NDP 's overall share will fall from 26 seats to between 14 and 17 , with opposition parties claiming 12 of the 17 seats in the capital .
Bouterse is a controversial figure who last year was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a military court for ordering executions during a previous military dictatorship .
He first took power in a 1980 coup and in 1982 allegedly rounded up and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , journalists and businessmen .
The incident , known as the `` December killings , '' was investigated by Santokhi , who now leads the main opposition Progressive Reform Party ( VHP ) .
Bouterse appealed his conviction and the case was postponed until June due to the coronavirus pandemic .
In a separate case in 1999 , a court in the Netherlands -- Suriname 's former ruler -- sentenced Bouterse to 11 years in prison in absentia for cocaine smuggling , a charge he denies .
Just over 380,000 people were eligible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South American nation of 600,000 people .
Many voters turned out in their party 's colors or wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the faces of candidates .
`` I 'm a true NDP in heart and soul , '' he told AFP .
`` I want this party to continue the development path it has taken , continue their development plans for this country . ''
The NDP campaigned on its strong track record of substantially increasing social welfare , introducing mandatory health and pension insurances , carrying out major infrastructure projects and granting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though , accuse the Bouterse administration of numerous corruption scandals and have warned that the country can not afford the NDP 's spending .
`` The current government , NDP , has made a big mess of it in the past 10 years .
Things are not going well in the country , '' said Consuela Prade , 34 , who said she was still undecided as to which opposition party to vote for .
Special coronavirus measures meant officials dabbed blue ink on the voters ' fingers with an ear swab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an ink pot .
A special mobile polling station was set up at the Zorghotel in Paramaribo for 187 people in coronavirus quarantine .
The Organization of American States and the Caribbean Community are monitoring voting in the country , where ballots are often cast along ethnic lines .
Many parties have publicly ruled out a coalition with the NDP as they blame the Bouterse administration for a financial crisis in the gold-and-oil-exporting nation .
While a party or coalition needs only a simple majority to take control of the National Assembly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ votes to be elected .

People in Suriname went to the polls on Monday with strongman President Desi Bouterse seeking a third term, battling to hold onto power months after being convicted of the murder of political opponents.
Suriname's President Desi Bouterse remains confident his party will hold onto power in upcoming parliamentary elections
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The former military dictator turned politician has dominated his tiny South American country for four decades but polls suggested his National Democratic Party (NDP) was likely to lose its majority in the 51-member parliament which elects the president.
Voting was extended by two hours beyond the 7:00 pm (2200 GMT) closing, with many voters still lining up to cast their ballots.
At some polling stations, voters had stood in line for up to three hours. First results were not expected until Tuesday.
Local election observer groups reported irregularities at several polling stations, including the names of deceased people on the voter rolls.
"It is chaos. With every election you have spots, but these are like a big pool of oil that spreads in the sea," said Jennifer Van Dijk-Silos, chairwoman of the Independent Electoral Bureau, confirming the extension.
Earlier, the 74-year-old Bouterse and his wife Ingrid Waaldring were among the first people to vote at a school in the capital Paramaribo, surrounded by supporters and media.
Authorities lifted a partial coronavirus lockdown for the day and voters lined up at 1.5-meter (five-foot) intervals before the polls opened.
However, a ban on public transportation remained in place, meaning people in rural areas had difficulties getting to vote, relying on political parties to help them.
"Just a few more hours then we have liberated Suriname," said Bouterse's main rival Chandrikapersad Santokhi as he walked from his house to vote.
An IDOS survey predicted the NDP's overall share will fall from 26 seats to between 14 and 17, with opposition parties claiming 12 of the 17 seats in the capital.
'Heart and soul'
Bouterse is a controversial figure who last year was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a military court for ordering executions during a previous military dictatorship.
He first took power in a 1980 coup and in 1982 allegedly rounded up and executed 15 political opponents, including lawyers, journalists and businessmen. The incident, known as the "December killings," was investigated by Santokhi, who now leads the main opposition Progressive Reform Party (VHP).
Bouterse appealed his conviction and the case was postponed until June due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In a separate case in 1999, a court in the Netherlands -- Suriname's former ruler -- sentenced Bouterse to 11 years in prison in absentia for cocaine smuggling, a charge he denies.
Just over 380,000 people were eligible to vote in this Dutch-speaking and ethnically-diverse South American nation of 600,000 people.
Many voters turned out in their party's colors or wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the faces of candidates.
Rudy Cederburg, a senior citizen, wore purple and white, with purple sport shoes.
"I'm a true NDP in heart and soul," he told AFP. "I want this party to continue the development path it has taken, continue their development plans for this country."
The NDP campaigned on its strong track record of substantially increasing social welfare, introducing mandatory health and pension insurances, carrying out major infrastructure projects and granting property to the landless.
Opposition parties, though, accuse the Bouterse administration of numerous corruption scandals and have warned that the country cannot afford the NDP's spending.
"The current government, NDP, has made a big mess of it in the past 10 years. Things are not going well in the country," said Consuela Prade, 34, who said she was still undecided as to which opposition party to vote for.
Voting along ethnic lines
Special coronavirus measures meant officials dabbed blue ink on the voters' fingers with an ear swab rather than letting them dip their fingers in an ink pot.
A special mobile polling station was set up at the Zorghotel in Paramaribo for 187 people in coronavirus quarantine.
The Organization of American States and the Caribbean Community are monitoring voting in the country, where ballots are often cast along ethnic lines.
Many parties have publicly ruled out a coalition with the NDP as they blame the Bouterse administration for a financial crisis in the gold-and-oil-exporting nation.
While a party or coalition needs only a simple majority to take control of the National Assembly, a president requires two-thirds of the votes to be elected.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-05-27--Four US police officers fired after one of them killed a black man by kneeling on his neck

Four Minneapolis police officers were fired on Tuesday , a day after a bystander 's cell phone video captured one of them kneeling on the neck of an unarmed black man who later died in a hospital , the city 's mayor said .
A video of the Monday evening incident showed an officer pressing his knee into the neck of the man who was later identified as George Floyd , according to Mayor Jacob Frey .
`` He should not have died .
What we saw was horrible , completely and utterly messed up , '' Frey said during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later announced on Twitter that the four responding officers involved in the apprehension of Floyd were terminated .
`` This is the right call , '' he wrote .
A series of police-involved shootings and killings of black men in recent years have triggered mass protests across the country and led to the formation of the Black Lives Matter movement , which has demanded an end to an unjustified use of lethal force in minority communities .
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the death , the Minneapolis Police Department said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said police officers responded to a call at 8 p.m. local time about a forgery in progress .
The officers found the suspect , Floyd , aged in his 40s , in a car , it added .
After he exited the car , a physical altercation between the officers and Floyd ensued .
When they handcuffed him , Floyd appeared to be in medical distress .
An ambulance took the suspect to the hospital , where he died a short time later , police said .
No weapons were involved and no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to police .

A video of a handcuffed black man dying while a Minneapolis officer knelt on his neck for more than five minutes sparked a fresh furor in the US over police treatment of African Americans Tuesday.
Protesters gather at the scene where George Floyd, an unarmed black man, was arrested by police officers before dying in hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 26, 2020.
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Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey fired four police officers following the death in custody of George Floyd on Monday as the suspect was pressed shirtless onto a Minneapolis street, one officer's knee on his neck.
"Your knee in my neck. I can't breathe... Mama. Mama," Floyd pleaded.
Bystanders filmed the scene as Floyd, thought to be in his 40s, slowly grew silent and motionless, unable to move even as the officers taunted him to "get up and get in the car."
00:27
Floyd was taken to hospital where he was later declared dead.
Frey expressed outrage as calls rose for the officers to be prosecuted for murder.
"What I saw was wrong at every level," he said of the video.
"For five minutes, we watched as a white officer pressed his knee into the neck of a black man," Frey said.
"Being black in America should not be a death sentence."
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump said he had been retained by Floyd's family.
Crump said in a statement that Floyd had been stopped by police over a forgery accusation, a charge often used for writing bad checks or using fake banknotes for purchases.
"This abusive, excessive and inhumane use of force cost the life of a man who was being detained by the police for questioning on a non-violent charge," he said.
Floyd's death recalled the 2014 choking death of New Yorker Eric Garner by police, who was being detained for illegally selling cigarettes.
'Pure evil'
His death helped spark the nationwide Black Lives Matter movement.
Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said he had passed the case to the FBI for investigation, which could turn it into a federal rights violation case.
But there were mounting calls for the officers' arrest on homicide charges.
"This is pure evil," tweeted Nekima Levy Armstrong, an African American Minneapolis civil rights attorney.
"Those same officers need to be charged and convicted of murder," she said.
Floyd's death comes on the heels of two other deaths of African-Americans that involved police wrongdoing.
On March 13 in Louisville, three white Kentucky policemen forced their way into the home of a black woman, Breonna Taylor, and shot her in a drug investigation.
And police and prosecutors in Brunswick, Georgia allegedly covered up the killing of a young black jogger by the son of a retired investigator for local law enforcement.
The police allegedly withheld for two months a video showing Ahmaud Arbery, 25, being followed and then shot with a shotgun in broad daylight.
The families of Arbery and Taylor are also being represented by Crump.
The American Civil Liberties Union said the Minneapolis case showed that US police continue to use harsh treatment on African Americans accused of minor charges.
"This tragic video shows how little meaningful change has emerged to prevent police from taking the lives of black people," said ACLU policing specialist Paige Fernandez.
"Even in places like Minneapolis, where chokeholds are technically banned, black people are targeted by the police for low-level offenses and are subjected to unreasonable, unnecessary violence," she said in a statement.
(AFP)
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