International News
France Police Arrest Hundreds In Fifth Night Of Riots
The French government announced on Sunday that additional arrests had been made during a fifth consecutive night of riots triggered by the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old by the police.
As tensions escalated, law enforcement authorities dispatched extra personnel to cities across the country that had become hotspots for unrest.
The demonstrators, primarily consisting of underage individuals, have set cars on fire, caused damage to infrastructure, and engaged in confrontations with the police, expressing their deep-seated anger following the officer’s point-blank shooting of Nahel M. during an attempt to escape a traffic stop on Tuesday.
The incident, which was captured on video and widely shared on social media, has intensified public outrage over police violence targeting minority communities, revealing the significant racial tensions prevalent in France.
In the aftermath of Nahel’s funeral in his hometown near Paris, the interior ministry reported that the police had conducted 719 arrests overnight, although this number is still considered a preliminary count. It follows a previous night where approximately 1,300 arrests were made.
According to official reports, a total of 45 police officers or gendarmes sustained injuries during the unrest.
Additionally, there were 577 vehicles set ablaze, 74 buildings deliberately ignited, and 871 fires intentionally started in streets and other public areas.
Although the nationwide figures indicated a general decrease in tensions throughout the country, law enforcement authorities still documented several incidents that occurred during the period.
The mayor of a town located south of Paris reported that rioters had deliberately crashed a car into his residence, resulting in injuries to his wife and one of his children. Furthermore, the assailants set a fire at the scene.
“Last night the horror and disgrace reached a new level,” said the mayor, Vincent Jeanbrun, while prosecutors said they were investigating the incident for attempted murder.
A considerable force of 45,000 police officers was deployed throughout France, mirroring the previous night’s deployment. Additional backup was sent to the areas that had experienced riots in the preceding days, such as Lyon, Grenoble, and Marseille.
Within this total number, 7,000 officers were concentrated in Paris and its surrounding suburbs, with particular attention paid to securing the iconic tourist destination, the Champs Elysees avenue in central Paris, as there were calls on social media to bring the unrest to the heart of the capital.
The significant presence of law enforcement personnel proved instrumental in maintaining control over the situation, according to Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin.
“A calmer night thanks to the resolute action of the security forces,” he tweeted early Sunday.
In Marseille, a city that has witnessed severe clashes and looting during the recent unrest, police took action to disperse groups of youths on Saturday evening along Canebiere, the main avenue in the city center, as reported by AFP journalists.
In response to the escalating situation, several towns have declared overnight curfews to curb the violence and maintain public safety.
The ongoing protests have become a new crisis for President Emmanuel Macron, who had been striving to proceed with his second term after successfully navigating through months of protests that erupted in January, primarily concerning the proposed increase in the pensions age.
The gravity of the situation was further highlighted when President Macron made the decision to postpone his state visit to Germany, originally scheduled to begin on Sunday, in order to address the domestic issues arising from the unrest.
President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to take sweeping actions against what he described as “transgender lunacy,” signaling a push to reverse policies protecting transgender individuals in schools, sports, and the military.
Speaking at the AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, Trump outlined his administration’s priorities, stating, “I will sign executive orders to end child sexual mutilation, get transgender out of the military, and out of our elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.”
READ MORE: Ex-IMF Chief, Rodrigo Rato Jailed For Money Laundering, Fraud
He also vowed to “keep men out of women’s sports” and asserted, “It will be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female.”
The president-elect’s remarks come amid growing national debate over transgender rights, with states divided over issues such as gender-affirming medical care and the inclusion of books addressing transgender topics in schools.
The controversy escalated last week when Congress passed a defense budget provision blocking funding for certain gender-affirming care for the children of service members.
Trump’s speech drew strong reactions, with critics warning that his policies could strip essential protections from transgender individuals.
Civil rights advocates have raised concerns about the implications of these proposals on marginalized communities.
In addition to his focus on cultural issues, Trump used the event to outline his vision for the nation under his leadership.
He described his presidency as a turning point, promising to address international conflicts and restore American dominance.
“On January 20, the United States will turn the page forever on four long, horrible years of failure, incompetence, national decline, and we will inaugurate a new era of peace, prosperity, and national greatness,” Trump declared, referring to his upcoming swearing-in.
He pledged to end the war in Ukraine, stabilize the Middle East, and avert global conflict. “I will stop the chaos in the Middle East, and I will prevent, I promise, World War III,” he said.
The president-elect also reiterated his commitment to reclaiming control of the Panama Canal and combating crime linked to illegal immigration.
“I can proudly proclaim that the golden age of America is upon us,” Trump concluded.
A Madrid court on Friday handed down a sentence of more than four years in prison to Rodrigo Rato, the former chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Spain’s ex-economy minister.
Rato was convicted of multiple charges, including tax crimes, money laundering, and corruption.
READ MORE: NCDMB Rewards Winners Of 2024 Edition National Undergraduate Essay Competition
The court found Rato guilty of “three offences against the treasury, one offence of money laundering, and one offence of corruption between individuals,” according to an official statement.
Details shortly………..
South Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol has been banned from leaving the country, the Justice Ministry confirmed Monday, following a week of political chaos triggered by his brief declaration of martial law.
The ban marks the first time a sitting president has faced such a restriction in the nation’s history.
Recall that on December 3, Yoon ordered special forces and helicopters to the National Assembly in an attempt to impose martial law.
RELATED NEWS: Martial Law: South Korea Opposition Files Impeachment Motion Against President Yoon
Lawmakers swiftly overturned the decree, forcing Yoon to rescind the order. Although he survived an impeachment motion on Saturday, public anger has continued to mount, with large protests demanding his resignation.
Authorities are now investigating Yoon and his close allies for their roles in last week’s events, including allegations of insurrection.
Among those facing travel bans are former Defense Minister Kim Yong-Hyun, who is in custody, and former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min.
General Park An-su, who led the martial law operation, and Defence Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung have also been barred from leaving the country.
General Park was questioned by investigators on Monday as the probe intensified.
Yoon’s impeachment failed after members of his ruling People Power Party (PPP) walked out of the National Assembly, denying the opposition the required two-thirds majority.
In exchange for their support, Yoon reportedly agreed to delegate his powers to the prime minister and the PPP chairman.
“This is an unlawful, unconstitutional act of a second insurrection and a second coup,” said Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the opposition Democratic Party.
Critics argue that Yoon’s decision to hand power to unelected officials violates the constitution.
“It seems to resemble an unconstitutional soft coup,” said Kim Hae-won, a constitutional law professor at Pusan National University.
“Their attitude of placing themselves above the constitution mirrors that of insurrectionist Yoon Suk Yeol,” added Park Chan-dae.
Despite Yoon’s apology for the “anxiety and inconvenience” caused by his martial law order, his approval rating has plummeted to 11%, according to a recent Gallup poll.
Opposition leaders have announced plans for a second impeachment vote on Saturday, with massive protests expected outside the National Assembly.
The PPP’s claim that Yoon can remain in office while delegating his powers to party officials has also been widely criticized.
“If there are issues with the president, the constitution lays out clear procedures, such as suspension or impeachment,” said Professor Kim Hae-won.
The ongoing crisis has raised concerns about South Korea’s leadership amid tensions with nuclear-armed North Korea.
The Defense Ministry confirmed Monday that Yoon remains the official commander in chief, despite questions about his authority.
“Legally, (control of military forces) currently lies with the commander in chief,” said Defense Ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-Kyou.
Christmas: Shettima Assures Of FG’s Commitment To Citizens’ Welfare
Obi’s Inspiring Christmas Message Of Hope For Women’s Football
Yuletide: Adeleke Rejoices With Christians
Archbishop Martins Champions Clamour For Better Life For Nigerians
Tinubu Sends Hearty Christmas Greetings To Christians Worldwide
Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Others Dazzle Fans At Flytime Music Festival 2024
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
