Stories from Paris · France

French investigating judges have ordered a trial in the case of Ivan Colonna's death in prison. Colonna, suspected of murdering a Corsican nationalist activist, was beaten and suffocated to death in Arles prison in 2022.

French ministers are preparing support plans for May, with some to be renewed and others improved, to address ongoing situations. The government aims to prolong aid, potentially increasing it from 20 to 30-35 euro cents per liter, following discussions with the European Commission. Support is also being considered for the BTP sector, particularly SMEs with fewer than 20 employees facing increased costs.

A former scientific advisor to the Créade is demanding increased transparency and investigations regarding cancer rates linked to Chernobyl. The advisor claims a pathology exists that may be caused by radioactive iodine from the 1986 disaster. Data indicates a peak of 14 times the normal cancer cases in the PACA region, including Corsica. The request calls for more rigorous epidemiological studies to confirm these links. Current authorities are being urged to address potential sanitary dysfunctions and regulatory failures from 40 years ago. French experts are demanding greater transparency regarding the health consequences of the Chernobyl disaster. The call for transparency comes amid ongoing discussions about the long-term health impacts and the need for comprehensive data.

Paris theaters are showcasing a three-actor adaptation of Dostoevsky's story about a student who kills, performed in under two hours. Additionally, a monologue based on Daniel Pennac's novella, featuring Olivier Saladin as Dr. Gérard Galvant, is being performed. The play depicts a night shift in an emergency room and highlights the actor's comedic talent.

Prison agents in France have called for a general strike on Monday to protest severe prison overcrowding. Prison guards are blocking establishments across France in a 'dead prison' day to highlight the untenable situation. The union UFAP-UNESA describes the situation as out of control. The Ufap-Unsa union highlighted that the record for prison overpopulation has been broken. There is a reported shortage of 5,000 prison guards. Unions describe a total abandonment by the state for both inmates and staff. The conditions in cells, described as crowded with three inmates and infested with cockroaches, contribute to the stress. The La Santé prison in Paris has an occupancy rate of 220%, with over 170 inmates sleeping on mattresses on the floor in cells designed for three people. This overcrowding leads to increased tensions, accidents, health risks, and sick days for guards.

The quality of lyrics in French music is highlighted, with specific praise for the band Feu! Chatterton. The band's singer, Arthur Théboul, also writes poetry. The discussion touches on the artistic merit of lyrics and the overall splendor of French chanson. The series features a brilliant script and an impeccable cast, delivering suspense in a patriarchal and misogynistic France. The plot involves a former police officer, a prefect concerned with his reputation, and the first female lawyer defending an accused victim. The first translation of Pushkin into French appeared in Europe. Marie-Mey, who highly praised Pushkin in her public and journalistic works, once placed him above Byron. She considered him the greatest European poet of the early 19th century.

The new season of the French police series 'Brigade des Mineurs,' starring Léo Mathéhi, has premiered on TF1. The show focuses on child protection and features new storylines and developments. The series is noted for its respectful portrayal of children as individuals.

Renaissance party holds approximately 16 million euros in cash reserves. This financial position provides Gabriel Atta with the means to pursue a presidential candidacy. The party is noted as one of the few with funding. Atta is described as having the necessary resources to carry out a campaign. This liquidity supports potential political campaigns or operations.

The Brigitte Bardot Foundation holds a fortune exceeding 200 million euros. Tensions have arisen regarding the foundation's assets following the death of Brigitte Bardot at the end of the year. The foundation serves as a prominent entity in animal protection efforts in France. Libération reported on the scale of the foundation's wealth and the ongoing disputes. Discussions center on her Saint-Tropez home, La Madrague, which was donated to the foundation to secure public utility status. However, the foundation must reportedly pay 50% of the assets to Bardot's son as part of the inheritance requirements. The dispute arises from the capital minimums required for the foundation's legal standing. Tensions have arisen regarding the management of this heritage following the death of icon Aurélien de Vernois late last year.

A program has been established to assist US scientists who wish to leave America due to the political climate under the Trump administration.