Stories from France

The closed platform Coco, previously associated with sexual violence, aggression, and homophobic content, has reappeared under the name Co-Colombe. French authorities are investigating the founder of the 'Coco' platform, Italian national Isaac Steidel, for multiple offenses. Cyber gendarmes are working to determine who operates the new 'Cocoland' site used to access discussion rooms. Officials stated that current cyber investigation capabilities for police and justice systems are insufficient. The issue is described as a political and financial resource problem rather than a purely technical one. The investigation aims to increase reactivity and the ability to sanction platforms that do not remove illegal content. Laura Slimani of the Fondation des femmes referred to the 'online rape academy' in relation to the Coco site.

French Ligue 1 clubs are facing a total annual deficit of 466 million euros following transfers. While Paris Saint-Germain's budget is reported at 850 million euros, this figure does not represent the broader financial situation of French clubs.

Mail distribution has resumed in Venissieux near Lyon following a suspension caused by a series of shootings in recent days. The service had been previously halted due to the incidents.

A trial regarding Tran To Nga's allegations against US chemical corporations over Agent Orange responsibility is scheduled for June 16 in Paris, France. The 85-year-old defendant has maintained her pursuit of the case following a 2021 first-instance court ruling and a 2024 appeal. Tran To Nga stated she will continue to pursue the lawsuit until justice is served. A Paris prosecutor has requested an intentional homicide trial for a driver involved in a fatal collision with cyclist Paul Vary. The incident occurred in the Madeleine district following an altercation with an automobile carrying a passenger. According to the Paris prosecutor's office, the collision was not accidental. The incident occurred approximately one and a half years ago. An international meeting dedicated to the two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict is scheduled to take place in Paris on June 12.

International art expert and independent dealer Christophe Cunicli is under investigation for his role in an art trafficking network. Cunicli allegedly sold a sarcophagus to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for $4 million.

Presenter Laurence Boccolini will return to television on Tuesday, May 19, at 21:15 on W9. She will host the first episode of a new musical program titled 'On est la chanson'. The show will feature 12 personalities alongside the host. Boccolini previously left public service broadcasting in October.

France requires 25,000 additional prison places to combat current overcrowding issues. The source noted that current efforts to meet standards have faced delays. Meeting these requirements would necessitate investment, with costs estimated at 50,000 rather than 15,000. Nicolas Sarkozy must testify in an appeal hearing regarding allegations of Libyan campaign financing for his 2007 presidential bid. He is expected to respond to accusations from former collaborator Claude Guérant. Guérant claims the former president was aware of contacts with the Libyan clan. The hearing has been ongoing for seven weeks. Former President Nicolas Sarkozy must testify in an appeals court this Wednesday regarding alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 campaign.

Airbus has requested an extension for the deadline to install secondary cockpit barriers on A220 aircraft. The request follows delays related to certification processes and supply-chain issues.

An Alliance France Tourisme survey indicates that 50% of French citizens intend to remain in France for their summer holidays. This represents a decrease from last year, when 50% planned to travel abroad. The report notes that 40% of citizens plan to travel abroad. The survey comes amid discussions regarding fuel accessibility and high gasoline prices exceeding 2 euros per liter. This represents a 15-point increase compared to last year. Travelers cited rising costs and flight cancellation risks as primary reasons for the shift. One family noted that trips to Greece or southern Spain would cost approximately 800 euros, prompting them to remain domestic.

A metro station near the Louvre in Paris was closed over the weekend. The closure was caused by a swarm of insects, according to the report. At least 10,000 bees were reported at the scene after they swarmed a bicycle left near a fence. An apiarist required approximately one hour to remove the swarm. The source reported at least 10,000 bees were present under the station area. The incident occurred near a fence where a cyclist was present. More than 10 metro stations in Paris will close today due to May Day demonstrations. The closures are scheduled to begin in the afternoon. The stations will not provide rail services during the period. The main parade in Paris is scheduled to depart at 14:00. Demonstrations have already begun in other French cities, including Rennes.