Latest news with #Nîmes
France 24
04-08-2025
- Politics
- France 24
Are French cities' youth curfews effective in curbing drug-related violence?
The city of Nîmes in southern France is famous for its Roman arenas. Yet it has recently become the theatre for a series of shootings linked to the drug trade. First there was a shooting in a public square in the neighbourhood of Pissevin which left bullet marks on a nearby building and elevator door. Then there was the gruesome discovery of the partially charred, bullet-riddled body of a 19-year-old man in a nearby village. This violence, along with other shootings in broad daylight, led authorities in Nîmes on July 18 to enforce a curfew on young people. In doing so, they are following the example of French towns like Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine north of Paris and Villecresnes in the capital's southeastern suburbs. The ban, which prohibits anyone under 16 from being outside between 9pm and 6am in the most-affected areas of the city, is meant to prevent youth from 'being exposed to violence' and to 'contain tensions', according to a press release. These curfews – whose effectiveness is difficult to assess – are regularly challenged via the justice system, particularly by French rights group LDH (Ligue des droits de l'homme). Cinderella policy fails to stem urban violence Yet resorting to curfews fails to address structural issues like the police's inability to operate in some of France's most troubled neighbourhoods, some experts say. They claim the measure is more of a communication strategy for the authorities rather than an effective social policy. The problem of 'applying the law in certain poor neighbourhoods like Pissevin in Nîmes remains', Thomas Sauvadet, a sociologist and expert on youth delinquency at Paris Est Créteil University, says. 'The level of delinquency and criminality, whether economically motivated or not, makes police action difficult." Béziers, 120 kilometres southwest of Nîmes, also imposed a nighttime curfew for children under 13 last year. Its far-right mayor Robert Ménard decided to extend the measure last March to anyone under 15 in certain areas. "No 10-year-old out on the street at 2am is up to anything but mischief," Ménard said in 2024. Despite the ban, Béziers is still witness to scenes of shocking violence. In July, some 50 individuals in balaclavas lured police into a sensitive neighbourhood and then attacked them with fireworks, local media reported. The curfew is of course 'a communication strategy on the part of the public authorities', Laurent Mucchielli, a sociologist and research director at France's national reseach centre (CNRS) specialising in delinquency and security policy, says. 'They need to show they are doing something.' 'A curfew is not easy to enforce in neighbourhoods where the police only intervene in an offensive mode, and in urban configurations where their presence is quickly spotted by lookouts who alert the drug dealers,' Mucchielli says. Lack of perspectives Among the many factors that push young people into delinquency are a lack of perspectives, inter-familial violence, and difficulties at school which later lead to problems in accessing the job market, experts say. 'Let's not forget that it's easier for drug dealers to involve young people in their business because there are many teenagers in these poor neighbourhoods who left school early and have no qualifications,' Mucchielli says. 'Their parents are part of the 40 percent of the French population who can't afford to leave their homes to go on vacation, and they see this activity as 'a way out', or at least as a way to live a little better.' The adolescents and young adults who work as petits mains, or runners, in the illegal drug trade take enormous legal and personal risks. They prepare and deliver illegal drugs in exchange for modest payments while risking their lives and exposing themselves to legal action if they get caught. Their superiors higher up the ladder, on the other hand, can make hundreds of thousands of euros per day through their drug-dealing operations. After staking out their turf, they defend it tooth and nail from both the police and any competitors they perceive as a threat to their business. Mucchielli thinks that the police should be reinforced in order to better pursue those at the top of the drug-dealing chain, rather than going after petty drug-dealers. He also recommends rapidly resolving homicide attempts. 'The level of impunity is truly worrying. It terrifies inhabitants – and rightly so. And the youths who possess firearms and use them are generally over 16' – meaning the curfew does not apply to them.
BBC News
22-07-2025
- BBC News
French citiesimpose curfews on children after drug violence
A number of French cities have imposed night-time curfews on young people following a spate of violence linked to drug trafficking.Nîmes in the south was the latest to bring in measures, which authorities said were meant to prevent under 16s from being "exposed to violence" and to "contain tensions". Additional police units will also be sent the course of the last month several shootings - one in broad daylight - left one person dead and several week the body of a 19-year-old man was found partially burned on the outskirts of Nîmes. Announcing the curfew – in force between 21:00 and 06:00 – mayor Jean-Paul Fournier said the situation had become "untenable" and that drug traffickers had created a "climate of fear and terror".Deputy mayor Richard Schieven said the curfew would protect minors not involved in the drug trade "but also those aged 12 or 13 who are exploited by drug traffickers".Béziers, 120km (75 miles) to the south-west, has had a curfew in place for children under 13 between 23:00 and 06:00 since last year and expanded it to under 15s in certain areas last March. "No 10-year-old out on the street at 02:00 is up to anything but mischief," said mayor Robert Ménard in the measures, Béziers continues to be plagued by violence. At the weekend balaclava-clad youths lured police and then attacked them with fireworks, local media reported.A similar incident occurred in Limoges in southwestern France. The city has also imposed curfew measures for under 13s for the duration of the summer holidays – but following violence involving 100 people at the weekend Mayor Émile Roger Lombertie said the results of the measures were "not good"."We had disturbances by young people, nobody managed to intercept and arrest them, and the curfew was useless," Lombertie said, adding that more police was needed to enforce the years ago the there was outrage in Nimes when a 10-year-old boy was killed by a bullet in the Pissevin area of the latest developments confirm a growing trend that has seen drug violence expand beyond Marseille – the long-time epicentre of gang wars in to the interior ministry, 110 people died in France and more than 300 others were wounded in drug-related violence in Minister Gérard Darmanin and Justice Minister Bruno Retailleau have long insisted on the need to fight the scourge of the drugs this year they steered a bill through parliament which resulted in two maximum-security jails for drug barons, a new, dedicated branch of the prosecutors' office, extra powers for investigators, and a special, protected status for said on Tuesday that "the first 17 drug-traffickers, among them the most dangerous in our country", were transferred to a high-security jail at Vendin-le-Vieil in northern France.A wave of arson and gun attacks at French prisons in the spring was widely pinned on drugs gangs hitting back at the government's crackdown.
Saba Yemen
26-03-2025
- Health
- Saba Yemen
Researchers: Vitamin D dose to change MS patients lives
Paris - Saba: French researchers conducted a new study to explore the effect of vitamin D on patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and early stages of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The study, published in the journal JAMA, aimed to evaluate the role of high doses of cholecalciferol (a form of vitamin D) in modifying the disease course, with a focus on safety and efficacy as a single treatment. The team from CHU Nîmes, the University of Montpellier, and several MS treatment centers in France discovered that oral administration of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) at a dose of 100,000 IU every two weeks significantly reduced disease activity in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and early relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). MS typically begins with an acute attack affecting the central nervous system, such as optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, or brainstem syndromes. These initial symptoms are collectively called clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), however, they do not always lead to the development of MS. Risk factors for relapse and transformation of clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) into clinically confirmed MS include: Oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid High number of perivenular lesions on MRI Early age at symptom onset Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased disease activity, but previous studies on the effects of vitamin D supplementation have been conflicting. Because of its immunomodulatory effects, vitamin D has been primarily tested as an adjunct to interferon beta. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vitamin D as monotherapy in recent-onset clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). In the DLay MS randomized clinical trial, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared the effect of high-dose cholecalciferol versus placebo in untreated patients with CIS. The study included 316 participants aged 18–55 who had symptoms of clinically isolated syndrome within 90 days prior to the study and had vitamin D levels less than 100 nmol/L. During the trial, researchers divided the participants into two groups. The first group received 100,000 IU of cholecalciferol every two weeks (163 participants). The second group received a placebo (153 participants). The trial lasted 24 months, and disease activity, such as relapse or the appearance of new lesions, was assessed using MRI. The results showed that disease activity occurred in 60.3% of patients in the vitamin D group compared to 74.1% in the placebo group. The median time to onset of disease activity was significantly longer with vitamin D (432 days versus 224 days). MRI showed improvement in all secondary parameters favoring vitamin D, including a reduction in contrast-enhancing lesions (18.6% vs. 34.0%). High-dose cholecalciferol reduced disease activity in clinically isolated syndrome and early relapsing-remitting MS. These findings support further research into the use of high-dose vitamin D as an adjunctive therapy, especially in cases where access to disease-modifying therapies is limited. The researchers are seeking to conduct future studies on the use of vitamin D as a complementary therapy, particularly in patients with severe vitamin D deficiency. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Al-Ahram Weekly
27-01-2025
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Handball - France vs. Egypt: A familiar clash! - Omni sports
At the end of July, Egypt came heartbreakingly close to a historic first victory over France in international competition, leading until the penultimate second. Despite their remarkable consistency at the highest level - reaching six consecutive quarterfinals since 2019 - the African champions have consistently fallen short against the six-time world champions in World Championships or the Olympic Games. History offers little comfort for Egypt. The only two times they reached the semifinals (2001 World Championship and 2020 Olympics), it was France who ended their dreams. "The Egyptian game is very structured, blending power, with their towering players, and a finely tuned style influenced by the Spanish school of thought. We're expecting a monumental battle," said France's head coach Guillaume Gille. Gille's squad is not underestimating their opponents. Despite a perfect record in the first two rounds—six wins from six, underscoring their growing form—France is keeping a low profile. The sting of their Olympic failure still lingers, and while they are eager to make amends, they know they are yet to face a true test in this tournament. Egypt battle hardships Egypt, on the other hand, has already navigated three stern challenges. They opened with an impressive win against Croatia on home soil (28-24), securing top spot in Group H. However, a slip against Iceland (24-27) in the main round opener was followed by a narrow recovery against Slovenia (26-25). Rotating their squad to conserve energy, they labored against a modest Cape Verde side (31-24). But the Pharaohs are up against it. Under head coach Juan Carlos Pastor, a 2005 World Champion with Spain, Egypt has been beset by injuries to key players, leaving their squad depleted for this decisive clash. "Despite the injuries, I'm confident," said Khaled Fathy, Egypt's newly appointed federation president. "We can beat France. Our goal has always been to win a medal." Injuries have hit Egypt hard. Yahia El-Deraa (Veszprem), Mohab Said Abdelhak (Nîmes), and Hassan Kaddah (Kielce) were ruled out before the tournament. Montpellier's Ahmed Hesham suffered a knee injury against Croatia and has been sidelined since, leaving Parisian Yahia Omar to lead the offense almost single-handedly, with an impressive tally of 30 goals so far. Seif El-Deraa of Limoges, Yahia El-Deraa's younger brother and a key playmaker, along with Mohammad Sanad of Nîmes, are among the few remaining key players, bolstering Egypt's hopes. France adjusts to a new era France, too, has undergone a transformation since their Olympic triumph, adapting to life without icons Nikola Karabatic, Vincent Gérard, and Valentin Porte, all of whom retired. Injuries have also forced adjustments, but the squad seems to be peaking at just the right time. With 36 goals to his name, Dika Mem has formed a devastating left-handed partnership with Nedim Remili, driving France's offense. Rising star Thibaut Briet has stepped up impressively, while Elohim Prandi continues his recovery from shoulder surgery in November. "This quarterfinal promises to be a real test," admitted Luka Karabatic. Elsewhere in the last eight, Croatia faces Hungary, with the winner set to meet either France or Egypt in the semifinals, while Denmark takes on Brazil, and Portugal faces Germany. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
27-01-2025
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
2025 Handball World Champs - France vs. Egypt: A familiar clash! - Omni sports
At the end of July, Egypt came heartbreakingly close to a historic first victory over France in international competition, leading until the penultimate second. Despite their remarkable consistency at the highest level - reaching six consecutive quarterfinals since 2019 - the African champions have consistently fallen short against the six-time world champions in World Championships or the Olympic Games. History offers little comfort for Egypt. The only two times they reached the semifinals (2001 World Championship and 2020 Olympics), it was France who ended their dreams. "The Egyptian game is very structured, blending power, with their towering players, and a finely tuned style influenced by the Spanish school of thought. We're expecting a monumental battle," said France's head coach Guillaume Gille. Gille's squad is not underestimating their opponents. Despite a perfect record in the first two rounds—six wins from six, underscoring their growing form—France is keeping a low profile. The sting of their Olympic failure still lingers, and while they are eager to make amends, they know they are yet to face a true test in this tournament. Egypt battle hardships Egypt, on the other hand, has already navigated three stern challenges. They opened with an impressive win against Croatia on home soil (28-24), securing top spot in Group H. However, a slip against Iceland (24-27) in the main round opener was followed by a narrow recovery against Slovenia (26-25). Rotating their squad to conserve energy, they labored against a modest Cape Verde side (31-24). But the Pharaohs are up against it. Under head coach Juan Carlos Pastor, a 2005 World Champion with Spain, Egypt has been beset by injuries to key players, leaving their squad depleted for this decisive clash. "Despite the injuries, I'm confident," said Khaled Fathy, Egypt's newly appointed federation president. "We can beat France. Our goal has always been to win a medal." Injuries have hit Egypt hard. Yahia El-Deraa (Veszprem), Mohab Said Abdelhak (Nîmes), and Hassan Kaddah (Kielce) were ruled out before the tournament. Montpellier's Ahmed Hesham suffered a knee injury against Croatia and has been sidelined since, leaving Parisian Yahia Omar to lead the offense almost single-handedly, with an impressive tally of 30 goals so far. Seif El-Deraa of Limoges, Yahia El-Deraa's younger brother and a key playmaker, along with Mohammad Sanad of Nîmes, are among the few remaining key players, bolstering Egypt's hopes. France adjusts to a new era France, too, has undergone a transformation since their Olympic triumph, adapting to life without icons Nikola Karabatic, Vincent Gérard, and Valentin Porte, all of whom retired. Injuries have also forced adjustments, but the squad seems to be peaking at just the right time. With 36 goals to his name, Dika Mem has formed a devastating left-handed partnership with Nedim Remili, driving France's offense. Rising star Thibaut Briet has stepped up impressively, while Elohim Prandi continues his recovery from shoulder surgery in November. "This quarterfinal promises to be a real test," admitted Luka Karabatic. Elsewhere in the last eight, Croatia faces Hungary, with the winner set to meet either France or Egypt in the semifinals, while Denmark takes on Brazil, and Portugal faces Germany. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Short link:
