Apple will update its iPhone 12 in France after fears about radiation, the country’s digital minister says.
Jean-Noel Barrot said Apple would deliver a software update for users in the country in the coming days.
Sales of iPhone 12 were halted in France after a regulator detected too much electromagnetic radiation. Apple was told to fix the issue.
The firm said the new update would only apply to users in France, where it said a specific testing protocol existed.
The American tech giant suggested the radiation findings were a result of that testing regime, and that it was “not a safety concern”.
The planned update raises questions over Apple’s plans for iPhone 12, which was released just three years ago, in other countries.
Mr Barrot said that the radio frequency regulator (ANFR) would test the new update to check its compliance before iPhone 12 is allowed back on sale in the country.
The World Health Organization has previously sought to allay fears about radiation emitted by mobile phones.
It says on its website there is no evidence to conclude that exposure to low level electromagnetic fields is harmful to humans.
In a statement sent to AFP news agency, Apple said the radiation finding in France was “related to a specific testing protocol used by French regulators and not a safety concern”.
It said the iPhone 12 complied with emissions rules worldwide, but it would “issue a software update for users in France to accommodate the protocol used by French regulators”.
France’s Education Ministry has announced that it would be banning Muslim students from wearing the abaya to state-run schools. The ban on this religious clothing comes ahead of the back-to-school season. As per Education Minister Gabriel Attal, wearing abayas to school violates the state’s secular law.
France’s Education Ministry has announced that it would be banning Muslim students from wearing the abaya to state-run schools. The ban on this religious clothing comes ahead of the back-to-school season.
French Education Minister Gabriel Attal announced the ban during an interview with TF1 TV. The education minister stated that he would be passing on “clear rules at a national level” to school heads, and principals before they reopen for the new session on September 4, 2023.
In 2004, France passed a law with banned students from wearing religious signs or items to schools. This banned the hijab, catholic crosses, Jewish kippas, etc. In 2010 a full ban was passed on wearing veils in public.
France has been known for imposing strict bans on religious items in state-run schools since the 19th century. Back then, the government had banned students from wearing any traditional catholic clothing or items to school with them.
West African defense chiefs are planning a potential military intervention in Niger if the coup authorities do not restore the overthrown government by Sunday, indicating the possibility of a major regional war.
The conflict also draws in middle powers, France and Russia, on opposite sides of the Niger coup, although none have directly challenged the other.
Abdel-Fatau Musah, the commissioner for political affairs, peace, and security in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said about the military plans being drawn up as a signal to the Niger-Burkina Faso-Mali (N-BF-M) grouping “All the elements of an eventual intervention have been worked out, including the resources, the how and when,” according to a report in Al Jazeera.
Musah made the statement at the close of a three-day meeting in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. ECOWAS has already imposed sanctions on Niger and said it could authorize using force if the coup leaders do not restore power to elected President Mohamed Bazoum by Sunday.
Nigeria is leading the charge against Niger in the ECOWAS, with Abuja already having cut off electricity supply to Niamey.
The 15-member body also sent a delegation to Niger on Thursday seeking an “amicable resolution,” but a source in the entourage said a meeting at the airport with the military’s representatives yielded no breakthrough, the report added.
The Niger coup and its backing by Burkina Faso and Mali against the ECOWAS represents a broader pushback against France and an attraction towards Russia. It has been in the making since last year when protests against Paris broke out in its former colonies in the Sahel.
Russia-Africa Summit
The events in the Sahel also nearly coincide with the Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, where the entire continent openly sought engagement with Russia and either directly or indirectly expressed disillusionment with global politics unfairly skewed in the affluent West’s favor.
Niger protests
But what was stunning was the leaders of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Eritrea, Uganda, and Burkina Faso’s charismatic coup leader and army officer, Captain Ibrahim Traore, openly attacking the West.
They slammed its hegemonistic policies; “neo-colonial” exploitation that has perpetuated poverty in the continent; mentioned its slave trade over five centuries; imposed sanctions on vulnerable countries as a retaliatory measure; and expressed gratitude towards the former Soviet Union for backing its post-War anti-Colonial anti-Apartheid freedom struggles from European powers.
The Kremlin has released the full transcript of the addresses by various African heads of state in the summit meeting and their separate bilateral meetings with President Vladimir Putin.
‘Russia Involved But Not Interfering’
The current emerging conflict, however, threatens to engulf the entire Sahel region and possibly spread to parts of the Maghreb if Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali (N-BF-M) clash with Nigeria and France. While Paris and Moscow will not directly clash in the possible regional war, even an initial backing of opposing camps will cause substantial devastation before the two powers arrange a truce.
Russia has attempted to contain the conflict since it has not interfered in the events and the anti-French protests, as observed in official US White House and National Security Council (NSC) statements. Such an act would otherwise prompt its Western rivals to respond and lead to an escalatory spiral of counteractions, which, even if diplomatic, can precipitate a military conflict between the ECOWAS and N-BF-M.
But what marks the episode is the growing anti-French protests and pro-Russia demonstrations over the last year in Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DCR), and the Central African Republic (CAR).
France Failed To Provide Security
CNN quoted Nigerien protestors, who cited the running criticism of still enduring France’s paternalistic colonial attitude that still dictates the country’s policies. A French colony for more than 50 years before its independence in 1960, diplomatic ties between the two countries were strong before the coup.
“But many Nigeriens believe France has continued to act as imperial power when dealing with Niger, robbing it of natural resources and dictating how its leaders steer the economy. Niger is one of the world’s poorest countries and receives hundreds of millions of dollars each year in assistance,” CNN said.
Supporters wave Nigerien’s flags as they rally in support of Niger’s junta in front of the National Assembly in Niamey on July 30, 2023. Photograph:(AFP)
Niger’s military leaders who carried out the coup have claimed that the toppled government of Mohamed Bazoum has authorised France to carry out a military intervention at the presidential palace and free the ousted president.
“In its search for ways and means to intervene militarily in Niger, France with the complicity of some Nigeriens, held a meeting with the chief of staff of the Nigerien national guard to obtain the necessary political and military authorisation needed,” a statement by the military junta was read out on national television, according to AFP news agency.
Niger was a French colony for more than 50 years before its independence in 1960. Diplomatic ties between the two countries were strong before the last week’s putsch.
Macron vows immediate action
Though France hasn’t declared that it will carry out any military attacks, President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday vowed “immediate” action if French citizens or interests were attacked in Niger.
On Monday, the French foreign ministry while responding to the allegations denied that it was intervening militarily in the West African nation.
It said that it was focused on securing its nationals’ safety, a day after thousands of demonstrators rallied outside the country’s embassy in Niamey, setting a door to the embassy ablaze.
“It’s wrong,” Catherine Colonna told BFM news channel of the allegations, adding it was still “possible” and “necessary” to restore ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to power.
Anti-French and pro-Russian influence growing
The demonstration reflects anti-French sentiment that runs high in the former African colony, with Russian and Chinese influence growing.
According to local news agencies, anti-French and pro-Russian slogans were shouted at the rallies on Sunday.
Protesters, some carrying Russian flags, said France had failed to shield them against the jihadists, whereas Russia would be a stronger ally.
Crackdown on Bazoum’s party
On July 26, Niger’s presidential guard detained Bazoum, who is perceived as an ally of Western powers, following which General Abdourahamane Tchiani declared himself to be the national leader.
Also read | Niger coup: Ousted prez seen for 1st time since detention, meets Chad’s leader
On Monday, several ministers of Bazoum’s party were reportedly arrested.
Niger is the world’s seventh-biggest producer of uranium, the radioactive metal widely used for nuclear energy and treating cancer.
Shops, public buildings and parked cars have been torched and smashed, ITV News’ Europe Editor James Mates reports from Paris
Travel warnings have been issued to British tourists hoping to travel to France after widespread protests across the nation continue.
All bus and tram services in the country were ordered to stop from 9pm Friday, amid ongoing riots after a police officer fatally shot a 17-year-old boy.
France’s Interior Ministry said that by early on Saturday, there were 994 arrests made overnight across the country.
At least nine arrests were made in the Parisian suburb of Nanterre, and authorities said those who were arrested had petrol jerry cans and Molotov cocktails.
Protesters have been clashing with police across the country. Credit: AP
Interior minister Gerald Darmanin ordered a nationwide night-time shutdown of all public buses and trams in response to the riots and added 5,000 police to the streets, increasing the number to 45,000 overall.
President Emmanuel Macron has appealed to parents to keep children off the streets and blamed social media for fueling violence.
Elsewhere, the British government has warned travellers there may be disruptions to road travel and local transport provision may be reduced.
It also said some local governments in France may impose curfews.
“You should monitor the media, avoid areas where riots are taking place, check the latest advice with operators when travelling and follow the advice of the authorities,” the government website advises.
A spokesperson for Eurostar told ITV News earlier on Friday evening: “Our services to France are currently running as scheduled and normal ticket conditions apply.
Charred cars and bus are pictured in Lyon, central France. Credit: AP
“We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates on Eurostar.com and Twitter if this changes.”
The teenager, identified by lawyers as Nael M, was killed by a gunshot and died at the scene on Tuesday in a Parisian suburb.
A police officer was detained on suspicion of manslaughter, according to the local prosecutor’s office.
The boy’s funeral is being held by friends and family on Saturday in Nael’s hometown.
Riots have taken place since June 27 and originally started in Nanterre, but the fiery clashes quickly spread as far afield as Brussels, Marseille, and Lyon.
Shops, public buildings and parked cars have been torched and smashed.
A person reacts while a police officer holds a baton during protests following the death of Nahel, a 17-year-old teenager killed by a French police officer in Nanterre during a traffic stop, in Paris, France, July 2, 2023. REUTERS/Nacho Doce
Rioting across France appeared to be less intense on Saturday, as tens of thousands of police had been deployed in cities across the country after the funeral of a teenager of North African descent, whose shooting by police sparked nationwide unrest.
President Emmanuel Macron postponed a state visit to Germany that was due to begin on Sunday to handle the worst crisis for his leadership since the “Yellow Vest” protests paralysed much of France in late 2018.
Some 45,000 police were on the streets with specialised elite units, armoured vehicles and helicopters brought in to reinforce its three largest cities, Paris, Lyon and Marseille.
At 0145 (2345 GMT) Sunday morning, the situation was calmer than the previous four nights, although there was some tension in central Paris and sporadic clashes in the Mediterranean cities of Marseille, Nice and the eastern city of Strasbourg.
The biggest flashpoint was in Marseille where police fired tear gas and fought street battles with youths around the city centre late into the night.
In Paris, police increased security at the city’s landmark Champs Elysees avenue after a call on social media to gather there. The street, usually packed with tourists, was lined with security forces carrying out spot checks. Shop facades were boarded up to prevent potential damage and pillaging.
The interior ministry said 1,311 people had been arrested on Friday night, compared with 875 the previous night, although it described the violence as “lower in intensity”. Police said almost 200 people had been arrested nationwide on Saturday.
Local authorities all over the country announced bans on demonstrations, ordered public transport to stop running in the evening and some imposed overnight curfews.
The unrest, a blow to France’s global image just a year from holding the Olympic Games, will add political pressure on Macron.
He had already faced months of anger and sometimes violent demonstrations across the country after pushing through a pension overhaul.
Postponement of the state visit to Germany is the second time this year he has had to cancel a high-level event because of the domestic situation in France. In March, he cancelled King Charles’s planned state visit.
FUNERAL OF TEENAGER
Nahel, a 17-year-old of Algerian and Moroccan parents, was shot by a police officer during a traffic stop on Tuesday in the Paris suburb of Nanterre.
For the funeral, several hundred people lined up to enter Nanterre’s grand mosque. Volunteers in yellow vests stood guard, while a few dozen bystanders watched from across the street.
Some of the mourners, their arms crossed, said “God is Greatest” in Arabic, as they spanned the boulevard in prayer.
Marie, 60, said she had lived in Nanterre for 50 years and there had always been problems with the police.
Emmanuel Macron in China: The French leader’s aims include preserving and rebalancing China’s trade ties with Europe as well as safeguarding French interests in the Asia-Pacific region
Emmanuel Macron will look to stand firm on Ukraine during talks with his counterpart Xi Jinping
French President Emmanuel Macron hopes to dissuade Beijing from supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while also using his visit from Wednesday to forge closer ties with a crucial trade and geopolitical partner.
Macron will look to stand firm on Ukraine during talks with his counterpart Xi Jinping and offer “another path” from the directly confrontational tone often heard from Washington, an official from his office told reporters before the three-day trip.
The French leader’s aims include preserving and rebalancing China’s trade ties with Europe as well as safeguarding French interests in the Asia-Pacific region, where Paris sees itself as a player through its overseas territories and military deployments.
Macron will land in Beijing at around 3:30 pm (0730 GMT) and then meet French residents in the capital, before talks on Thursday with Chinese leaders and a state dinner in the evening.
He will travel to Guangzhou in southern China to meet local students on Friday, taking with him a broad delegation of top politicians, business leaders and even celebrities, including composer Jean-Michel Jarre.
– ‘Nerve centre’ –
Macron, 45, will also be eyeing France’s footprint across the entire Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
Around 1.6 million citizens live in French overseas territories there, from La Reunion off Madagascar’s east coast to New Caledonia northeast of Australia and the dozens of Pacific islands of French Polynesia.
Thanks to its vast population, abundant natural resources and economic heft, the Asia-Pacific has become “the nerve centre of the planet”, said Cedric Perrin, co-author of a French Senate report on the region.
France hopes its vast economic zone and 7,000 deployed troops can lend it a seat at the table as tensions mount on several fronts, including with nuclear-armed North Korea and between China and the United States over the self-governed island of Taiwan.
More than 3000 police officers are set to confront up 1,500 “violent activists” from among a crowd of 10,000 protesters today.
Explosive demostrations have already begun at Saint Solines in central France, where climate activists are staging a “high-risk” protest against new agricultural irrigation infrastructure. The protest is distinct from the pension reform outcry that has blighted the country and seen widespread violence.
Despite the global focus on the pension reform demonstrations, reports suggest that the police’s greatest concern is the Saint Solines protest.
Video footage from the scene shows protesters throwing petrol bombs and burning police vehicles.
Flying objects pepper the battered line of vehicles as smoke billows into the air.
This comes in the wake of a humiliating postponement of King Charles III’s state visit to France, amid the ongoing violence in the country over Emmanuel Macron’s pension reforms.
A former French ambassador to the UK, Sylvie Bermann, said it would have been “impossible” for Mr Macron to have hosted the King during civil unrest in the country.
Demostrations began when the decision was taken to force through contentious pension reforms, which would see the working age increase to 64 from 62.
French prime minister Élisabeth Borne employed a special constitutional power, called Article 49:3, to force through the reforms without a vote.
In response, centrist politicians tabled a no-confidence motion. However, the motion fell short of the 287 votes needed.
Had it passed, Mr Macron would have had to hold fresh elections or name a new government.
Several police vehicles were on fire (Image: Visegrád 24)
The French president insisted that the reforms are necessary as their current pension scheme is unaffordable.
But this isn’t a view that is universally accepted across the National Assembly.
Generation Frexit President Charles Henri-Gallois told Express.co.uk that the outcry “means he does not have control of his country anymore. He can no longer pretend it’s business as usual.
“He has no more legitimacy in France or across the rest of the world.”
Images of the town hall of Bordeaux – a city the King and Queen Consort were due to visit – set alight by protesters on Thursday evening were symbolic of the ire felt by many at the reforms.
Mr Macron is said to have spoken with the King to relay the reasons for needing to postpone the scheduled trip in a move that is being seen as embarrassing for the French leader.
At a press conference on Friday, the president said the four-day state visit was likely to be rescheduled for the beginning of summer.
Ms Bermann told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme it was a “real frustration” to have to delay Charles’ visit after a breakthrough in cross-Channel relations.
Mr Macron, whose opponents have long-accused him of being a president of the rich, was being interviewed as violent protests and strikes take place across France.
Emmanuel Macron took his watch off during an interview. Pic: LCI
French President Emmanuel Macron has been criticised after removing his expensive watch during a television interview about pension changes.
Violent protests and strikes are taking place across France after Mr Macron pushed through a law raising the retirement age by two years to 64 without a vote in parliament.
The clip of Mr Macron taking off his watch during the interview, which was broadcast on French news channels, has gone viral with political opponents suggesting it shows he is out of touch.
In the clip, the French leader uses his hands to express himself while talking before he puts them both under the table.
When he brings his hands back on to the table the watch is missing.
The French leader’s representatives have reportedly claimed he took the watch off because it was “clinking on the table”.
Clemence Guette, an MP for the opposition left-wing La France Insoumise party, tweeted that while Mr Macron was claiming minimum wage earners had unprecedented purchasing power, “the final image” was him “removing his pretty luxury watch”.
Farida Amrani, also an MP for La France Insoumise, said: “The president of the rich has never worn his name so well.”
Social media users had claimed the watch was worth up to €80,000 (£70,500) but the Elysee Palace has told French media this is incorrect.
Macron while asking for sacrifices from the French people realizes he is wearing a € 80,000 watch and like a magician makes it disappear under the table. Unworthy. pic.twitter.com/zRiQWFAR1M
