France rolls out targeted fuel aid as truckers stage Paris protest

The French government has pledged targeted support for industries hit by surging fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East, while warning that broad, across-the-board financial relief is no longer sustainable. This comes as truck and bus drivers drivers staged a "go slow" protest in Paris.


Issued on: 30/03/2026 - RFI

Parked buses and trucks near police vehicles ahead of a demonstration by lorry and coach drivers to block the French capital's Boulevard Peripherique ring road, in eastern Paris, on 30 March 2026. AFP - STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN

Speaking on Monday, Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot stressed that while the French state would “do everything” to support struggling sectors, public finances limit how far it can go. “The cheque book can no longer be used for all our fellow citizens,” he said, adding that aid must now be carefully directed.

The remarks come as road hauliers ramp up pressure on the government, staging a so-called “snail operation” protest in Paris.

Police said between 150 and 200 coaches and lorries were expected to crawl along the capital’s ring road between 10:00am and 12:00pm, causing significant disruption but remaining under police supervision.

Targeted support under scrutiny

The government last week unveiled a €70 million support package for April aimed at cushioning the blow from rising fuel costs. Of this, €50 million is earmarked for the road transport sector, equating to a subsidy of 20 cents per litre.

Tabarot defended the measures, underlining the strategic importance of transport to the French economy. “We need them,” he said, noting that the movement of goods and passengers accounts for 90 percent of transport activity in the country.

However, many in the sector argue the aid falls short of what is needed to offset rapidly rising costs. Hauliers have been particularly vocal, warning that smaller operators risk going under if prices remain elevated.

The minister also pointed to shared responsibility across the supply chain, suggesting that clients and upstream shippers should contribute more to easing the pressure.

No price cap – but flexibility promised

Meanwhile, France’s Finance Minister Roland Lescure signalled that while direct price controls are off the table, other interventions remain possible. In an interview with La Tribune Dimanche newswpaper, he described the €70 million package as significant, but ruled out introducing a cap on fuel prices.

Instead, he indicated that regulating profit margins could still be considered if necessary.

A broader international response is also under discussion. The minister is set to chair a videoconference on Monday with counterparts from the G7, alongside energy ministers and central bankers, reflecting growing concern among major economies over the impact of the crisis.

French officials have repeatedly emphasised the uncertainty surrounding the situation. “We have no clear timeline for this crisis,” Tabarot said, adding that support measures would be adjusted depending on how events in the Middle East unfold.

For now, the government is walking a careful line – offering targeted relief while urging restraint, even as pressure mounts from sectors feeling the immediate strain of rising fuel costs.

(with newswires)

Who is Paris's newly sworn-in mayor, Emmanuel Grégoire?

Emmanuel Grégoire begins his first day in office as mayor of Paris on Monday, a week after beating rival Rachida Dati in the second round of local elections. The 48-year-old Socialist now steps into the limelight after years in the shadow of his political mentors. So who is he and what are his plans for the French capital?


Issued on: 30/03/2026 -  RFI

Newly elected Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire looks on during a 'farewell thank you' ceremony of Paris outgoing Mayor Anne Hidalgo at the Paris City Hall in Paris on 25 March 2026. © AFP - JOEL SAGET

Grégoire was officially sworn in on Sunday, having won 50.5 percent of the vote – beating conservative contender and former culture minister Dati, on 41.5 percent, while Sophia Chikirou of the hard left got just over 8 percent.

Shortly after winning office, he took a bike ride through the streets of Paris towards City Hall, in a nod to his promise to make the French capital (even) greener.

Succeeding fellow Socialist Party member Anne Hidalgo, who held the post for 12 years, he now heads the 163-seat Paris city council – the country's largest – and will handle a budget of €10.5 billion.

Grégoire was little known to the general public before the election campaign. He has been described as a long-distance runner in Paris politics, having spent two decades as a loyal Socialist party insider behind the scenes.

Grégoire was born in Les Lilas, an eastern suburb of Paris, in 1977. He studied political science in Bordeaux and joined the Socialist Party in 2002, aged 24.

He worked in the medical and healthcare sector before going into politics full time.

In 2010 he became chief of staff of Paris’s then-mayor, Bertrand Delanoë, then worked in the prime minister’s office under Socialist president François Hollande.

He was first elected to the Paris City Council in 2014 and became Hidalgo’s first deputy mayor from 2018 to 2024, handling key portfolios including the budget, urban policy and public services.

He was elected an MP in 2024, and last year launched his bid for mayor.

Rivalry within the left

Despite being the Socialist Party's pick to succeed Hidalgo, a dispute between the two almost derailed his bid.

“Anne Hidalgo didn’t back me. She did everything she could to torpedo my candidacy. I am neither her candidate, nor her heir,” Grégoire told broadcaster Franceinfo last month, without elaborating.

He acknowledged their closely shared views about the future of Paris, but said his approach was “different" – describing himself as “available, accessible and always listening".

Having initially supported another Socialist figure as her successor, Hidalgo did ultimately endorse Grégoire.

At the city level, Grégoire led a broad left-ecologist political coalition of Socialists, Greens and Communists. But he refused any alliance with the hard-left party France Unbowed (LFI), led by firebrand Jean-Luc Mélenchon.

LFI had been a traditional ally of other left-wing parties, but the alliance collapsed as political rivals accused its politicians of tolerating anti-Semitic rhetoric. Some critics also blamed the hard left for fuelling tensions after a far-right militant was beaten to death in Lyon last month.

Ahead of the runoff, LFI candidate Chikirou offered to join forces with Grégoire against Dati, but he declined, saying they did not share the same “values".

Housing Parisians, not just tourists

Grégoire put housing at the centre of his election campaign, repeatedly declaring: “Airbnb is my enemy."

“I’m fine with Parisians renting out their primary residence when they go on vacation. But I don’t want entire neighborhoods in Paris to be emptied of their residents because apartments are used exclusively to house tourists,” he said.

With Paris long one of the world’s top tourist destinations, tens of thousands of apartments are used as tourist rentals instead of being available to Parisians, he noted, pledging to create 60,000 new social and affordable housing units as mayor.

“We have the same problems in Paris as in New York, San Francisco, cities with which I have worked a lot on these issues,” Grégoire told the news agency AP. “What happens if we don’t regulate? Speculation drives residents out.”

He also vowed to fight overcrowding at sites such as the Louvre Museum and the Montmartre neighbourhood, by urging tourists to experience lesser-visited locations

Continuing his predecessor's green policies, Grégoire has promised to further increase the number of cycle lanes and make the River Seine cleaner.

He also vowed Paris would resist the right and far right in the lead-up to next year's presidential election.

"Paris will be the heart of the resistance against this alliance of the right, which seeks to take away what we hold most precious and fragile – the simple joy of living together," he said last Sunday, shortly after the exit polls showed he was set to become the 48th mayor of the city.

(with AP)

New Paris mayor promises urgent action over alleged sexual abuse in schools

Paris's newly elected mayor, Emmanuel Grégoire, says tackling sexual abuse in the city's after-school programmes is his "absolute priority", promising changes in management and rapid decisions.


Issued on: 30/03/2026 - RFI

Families gathered in front of City Hall on 21 March, 2026, to denounce alleged sexual violence in Paris's after-school services. © Joséphine GRUWE-COURT / AFPTV

Officially sworn in by the Paris Council on Sunday, Grégoire said Monday that after-school services were the "absolute priority" of the start of his term.

"There will be decisions taken in the very first hours of this day, others in the days ahead, and others over a longer timeframe," he told franceinfo public radio, adding that management changes would be made "at every level".

Grégoire's comments follow cases of alleged child abuse in after-school services in France, particularly in the capital.

A report by France Inter radio in early March claimed that three lawsuits had been filed against a Parisian pre-school employee for alleged rapes against minors. Despite the complaints, the employee was transferred to another school rather than being suspended.

In 2025, 19 after-school staff members working for the City of Paris were suspended following reports of sexual misconduct.

The Paris prosecutor's office opened 15 investigations into sexual assaults in pre-schools involving children under the age of five.

'We must overturn the table'

Grégoire acknowledged there had been failures at multiple levels, including poor judgment by school or after-school directors, errors higher up the chain of command, and cases where the full gravity of events only became clear after the fact.

In his inaugural address to the 163-member Paris Council on Sunday, the mayor had already called for zero tolerance and a full review of all recruitment procedures.

"The first battle is after-school provision," he declared. "We must start from scratch. We must overturn the table. We must identify those who are guilty. We must protect our children."

He said any staff member suspected of abuse must face immediate suspension.

"At no point should a youth worker suspected of sexual violence not be immediately suspended," he said.

Parents demand independent audit

The new mayor faces mounting pressure. A collective of 751 parents from seven schools in the 7th and 15th arrondissements wrote to Grégoire on Sunday, demanding an independent audit, comprehensive child protection measures, clear communication with families, and full accountability of responsibility.

In response, Grégoire said he would appoint an external adviser to evaluate what had gone wrong and monitor compliance with procedures. He also promised to publish detailed statistics on cases across Paris schools "as soon as possible".

The mayor is due to meet campaigning groups MeTooEcole and SOS Périscolaire later on Monday.

Child abuse became a key topic during the Paris electoral campaign, and critics accused Grégoire of having done nothing to tackle the issue.

In his defence, he said that he had no longer been in charge at City Hall since 2024, when he became an MP.

Grégoire recently revealed he was a victim of sexual abuse himself while in primary school, aged around nine or 10.

"This is the story of a child who … was sexually abused for several months during after-school activities at a municipal swimming pool," he told France Inter last year. "At the time, I couldn’t find the strength, the means, or the words to express that pain and suffering."

Trial begins over alleged hit squad network linked to French Masonic lodge

A complex criminal trial has opened in Paris, where 22 people are set to appear in court over allegations of murder, attempted murder and other serious offences linked to a Masonic lodge accused of operating as a covert mafia network.


Issued on: 30/03/2026 - RFI

Defendant Pierre Lebris arrives for the opening of the so-called Athanor trial, in which 22 people are facing a wide range of charges, including murder, centred on the Athanor Masonic lodge accused of running hit squads, at the Assize Court in the Tribunal Judiciaire courthouse in Paris, on 30 March 2026. 

AFP - THOMAS SAMSON

Court proceedings, which got underway on Monday, are expected to run for at least three months, with seven of the defendants – including former intelligence agents, soldiers and business figures – facing the possibility of life imprisonment if convicted.

At the heart of the case is the Athanor Masonic Lodge in the Paris suburb of Puteaux. Prosecutors allege that the lodge served as a hub for a tightly organised network that carried out violent acts ranging from assaults to contract killings.

Among those in the dock are at least four freemasons, alongside four officers from France’s DGSE external intelligence agency, three police officers, six business executives, and professionals including a doctor and an engineer. Most of the accused, aged between 30 and 73, have no prior criminal records – a detail that has added to the intrigue surrounding the case.

The alleged ringleaders – Jean-Luc Bagur, Frederic Vaglio and Daniel Beaulieu – are all linked to the Athanor lodge and are accused of orchestrating a series of crimes through a structured chain of command. They, along with Beaulieu’s associate Sébastien Leroy, face the most severe penalties.

From botched plot to major investigation

The case first came to light following a failed contract killing in July 2020. Two members of France’s parachute regiment were arrested near the home of business coach Marie-Helene Dini while in possession of weapons.

Under questioning, the pair claimed they believed they had been tasked by the state to eliminate Dini, alleging she had ties to the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad.

Investigators quickly uncovered links to Bagur, a business rival of Dini and the 69-year-old “venerable master” of the Athanor lodge. According to prosecutors, Bagur commissioned the hit for a fee of €70,000, allegedly passing the task through Vaglio to a network overseen by Beaulieu, a former agent with the French secret service.

Leroy, described as the operational leader of the group, later admitted in custody that he and his associates had carried out numerous violent acts on behalf of the network. These allegedly included robberies, assaults and at least one murder – that of racing driver Laurent Pasquali, whose body was discovered in a forest in 2018.

Prosecutors say the group’s activities escalated over time – evolving from acts of revenge to more organised and lethal operations. One alleged incident involved industrial espionage, in which a businesswoman was attacked and her computer stolen. In another, a car was set ablaze after its owner reportedly uncovered financial irregularities linked to Bagur.

Troubling questions

As the trial unfolds, it is expected to shine a light not only on the alleged crimes but also on the unusual composition of the group – which includes individuals from law enforcement, intelligence and professional sectors.

Leroy has told investigators he believed he was acting in the interests of the state throughout, claiming he had been misled by Beaulieu and encouraged to think he was working towards becoming an informant.

For Marie-Helene Dini, the intended target of the 2020 plot, the case is deeply unsettling. Her lawyer, Jean-William Vezinet, has described it as “terrifying”, noting that many of those implicated were figures entrusted with public responsibility.

Uncertainty remains over what testimony Beaulieu will be able to provide. His lawyer has said he suffered lasting impairments after an apparent suicide attempt while in custody, including difficulties with concentration.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, the trial is also being seen as an opportunity for the French justice system to demonstrate its thoroughness and independence – particularly given the sensitive roles held by some of the accused.

(with newswires)

Murder trial involving Freemasons, French secret agents opens in Paris court


A Paris court on Monday began hearings in a major trial involving 22 suspects accused of murder and other serious crimes on behalf of a mafia network inside the Athanor Masonic Lodge in the Paris suburb of Puteaux. The accused include police officers, former French intelligence agents and businessmen.


Issued on: 30/03/2026 
By: FRANCE 24

Businesswoman Marie-Helene Dini (L), the alleged target of a failed assassination attempt, enters a Paris court with her lawyer Jean-William Vezinet on March 30, 2026. © Thomas Samson, AFP

Twenty-two people went on trial in France on Monday on charges of murder and other serious crimes centred on members of a Masonic lodge accused of running hit squads.

Thirteen of the defendants face life imprisonment.

Those in the dock include four military personnel from France's foreign intelligence service (DGSE), two police officers, a retired domestic intelligence officer, a security guard and two business executives.

They are accused of the murder of a racing driver, the attempted murders of a business coach and a trade unionist, aggravated assault and criminal conspiracy – all on behalf of a mafia network inside the former Athanor Masonic Lodge in the Paris suburb of Puteaux.

Several freemasons from the 20 or so members of the lodge are in the dock.

Most of the accused, aged between 30 and 73, have no previous criminal records.

Five of the suspects are in custody and 16 are under judicial supervision, while one woman is appearing in court as a free person.

The alleged ringleaders are Athanor Freemasons Jean-Luc Bagur, Frédéric Vaglio and Daniel Beaulieu. They face life in jail if convicted.

So does Beaulieu's right-hand man Sébastien Leroy, who is accused of carrying out the trio's dirty work himself or through a hit-man network.

The case was triggered by a botched contract killing in July 2020, when two members of France's parachute regiment were arrested in possession of weapons near the home of business coach Marie-Hélène Dini.

Under questioning, they said they thought they had been asked to murder Dini on behalf of the French state on the grounds that she worked for Israeli spy agency Mossad.
Escalating crimes

Investigators discovered a link to Bagur, who is a business coach rival of Dini's as well as being the 69-year-old "venerable master" of the Athanor lodge.

Investigators say Bagur asked fellow Freemason Vaglio to arrange to have his rival eliminated for a fee of €70,000 ($80,600).

Vaglio, a 53-year-old entrepreneur, allegedly acted as the intermediary between the big boss and a hit squad working for fellow Athanor Freemason Beaulieu, a retired agent for the domestic intelligence service (DGSI).

The leader of the hit squad, Leroy, admitted in police custody that he or his associates carried out most of the Athanor mafia's assaults, robberies and murders – including the killing of a racing car driver.

As time went on, the crimes ordered by the Freemason mafia escalated from petty revenge attacks to homicide.

In a case of industrial espionage, Leroy's gang allegedly assaulted a businesswoman in the street and snatched her computer.

The car of one of Bagur's associates went up in flames in 2019 after she discovered evidence of financial fraud within his company.

In 2018, the body of racing driver Laurent Pasquali was found in a forest.

He had been bumped off, according to French media, allegedly for not paying a debt he owed to friends of Vaglio's.

'Terrifying'

Leroy, who left the military to become a security guard, told police he thought he had been acting all the time on behalf of the government.

He complained that Beaulieu had "manipulated" him and dangled the idea of him becoming an informant for the DGSI spy agency.

"What my client found terrifying is the fact that the key figures in this case – police officers, former DGSI agents and Freemasons – are precisely the people who are supposed to act for the good of society," said Dini's lawyer Jean-William Vezinet.

It is unclear what information the prosecution may be able to elicit from Beaulieu.

He made an apparent attempt to kill himself in police custody, which left him disabled and with "impaired concentration", his lawyer told AFP.

The trial is expected to run for at least three months.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

Wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propaganda_Due

Propaganda Due - Wikipedia

Propaganda Due was a Masonic lodge, founded in 1877, within the tradition of Continental Freemasonry and under the authority of Grand Orient of Italy.

Ebsco.comwww.ebsco.com/research-starters/law/italian-justice-minister-resigns-because-crime-connection

Italian Justice Minister Resigns Because of Crime Connection | Law

On March 17, 1981, a significant event unfolded in Italy when the nation's financial police raided the villa of Licio Gelli, a businessman with deep ties to ...

Oup.comacademic.oup.com/bjc/article/63/5/1165/6965895

The Secret Nexus. A Case Study of Deviant Masons, Mafia and ...

Dec 30, 2022 ... Abstract. This paper wishes to explore some characteristics of the relevant interconnections between mafias/mafiosi and masonic ...

Washingtonpost.comwww.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1981/05/26/scandal-erupts-over-italian-masonic-lodge/4145524c-dd67-4a52-8428-caeabd027524/

Scandal Erupts Over Italian Masonic Lodge - The Washington Post

May 25, 1981 ... A mushrooming scandal involving a secret Masonic lodge had forced the justice minister to resign and threatened the reputations of a large group of politicians.

Cia.govwww.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/DOC_0000408010.pdf

Italy's "P-2" Masonic Lodge Scandal--Its Likely Implications - CIA

Jun 1, 1981 ... The scandal currently dominating Italian politics revolves around allegations that a large number of key government, military, business, ...

Time.comtime.com/archive/6856428/italy-a-grand-masters-conspiracy/

Italy: A Grand Master's Conspiracy - TIME

Jun 8, 1981 ... The bizarre scandal that rocked the country last week and toppled the four-party coalition government of Prime Minister Arnaldo Forlani.

Politico.euwww.politico.eu/article/licio-gelli-freemason-mafia-linked-to-conspiracies-dies/

Licio Gelli, freemason linked to conspiracies, dies - POLITICO

Dec 16, 2015 ... Licio Gelli, the mastermind behind a notorious Italian masonic lodge with links to some of Italy's biggest scandals of the 20th century, has died at the age of...

Tandfonline.comwww.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01639625.2023.2190001

Protection and Obedience. Deviant Masonry, Corruption, and Mafia ...

This paper will investigate the pathological dimension of potential interplays among deviant masons and political-institutional actors in a variety of cases ...

Nytimes.comwww.nytimes.com/1981/05/24/world/italian-elite-embroiled-in-a-scandal.html

ITALIAN ELITE EMBROILED IN A SCANDAL - The New York Times

May 24, 1981 ... Italy's Justice Minister, Adolfo Sarti, resigned today following reports linking him to a powerful, secret Masonic lodge that has been implicated in a variety&...

Bbc.comwww.bbc.com/culture/article/20250611-the-mysterious-murder-of-gods-banker-roberto-calvi

'It involved the Mafia, Freemasonry and the Vatican': The ... - BBC

Jun 16, 2025 ... In June 1982, the BBC reported on the death of Italian banker Roberto Calvi, whose body was found in central London.

Captain of Russian 'shadow tanker' sentenced to one year in French prison

A French court has handed down a one-year prison sentence and issued an arrest warrant for the Chinese captain of a tanker suspected of being part of Russia’s so-called 'shadow fleet', in a case that highlights Europe’s growing efforts to enforce sanctions at sea.


Issued on: 30/03/2026 - RFI

The Chinese captain of the Boracay, a tanker from the Russian shadow fleet that was seized in September by the French navy off the coast of Brittany, was sentenced on 30 March 2026 to one year in prison by the Brest criminal court for 'failing to comply with orders.' AFP - DAMIEN MEYER

Chen Zhangjie, 39, was sentenced in absentia on Monday after failing to comply with French naval orders to stop his vessel, the Boracay, during an incident in September.

The court in the western city of Brest also imposed a fine of €150,000, underlining the seriousness with which authorities are treating alleged sanctions evasion.

The Boracay was intercepted by the French navy before being boarded and inspected. It was later released along with its crew, prompting a sharp reaction from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who described the operation as "piracy".

Despite the diplomatic tension, the ruling signals a firm stance from French authorities as scrutiny intensifies around maritime activities linked to Moscow.

Shadow fleet under scrutiny

The tanker had claimed to be sailing under a Benin flag and is believed to be part of a network of vessels used to transport Russian oil in ways that may circumvent Western sanctions imposed following the invasion of Ukraine.

These so-called shadow fleets have become an increasing focus for European governments, who are keen to close loopholes in enforcement.

According to an informed French source and the captain’s lawyer, two employees of a Russian private security company were also on board at the time of the interception. Their reported role was to represent Russian interests and gather intelligence, adding another layer of intrigue to the case.

The European Union has already blacklisted 598 vessels suspected of participating in such operations, banning them from European ports and maritime services.

The Brest court’s decision is therefore part of a broader effort to ensure that these measures carry real consequences.

French prosecutor seeks penalty for captain in Russian shadow fleet test case

Wider security concerns

Beyond sanctions enforcement, the Boracay has also drawn attention for its alleged links to a series of unexplained drone flights over Denmark last year. These incidents formed part of a wider pattern of drone sightings and airspace violations across Europe that have often been attributed to Russian activity.

No formal connection has been established between the tanker and the drone activity, and Moscow has consistently denied any involvement. Still, the overlap of maritime and aerial security concerns has heightened unease among European officials.

While the case against Chen Zhangjie centres on non-compliance with naval orders, it reflects a much larger geopolitical picture – one in which maritime routes, energy supplies and security risks are increasingly intertwined.

(with newswires)

Amnesty warns of 'serious risks' to certain fans during 2026 World Cup

Human rights campaign group Amnesty International warned on Monday that certain fans travelling to the United States, Mexico and Canada for the World Cup face serious risks from immigration and customs officers (ICE) as well as border guards (CBP).


Issued on: 30/03/2026 - RFI

A federal agent watches as police officers respond to a protest at a warehouse purchased by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for use as a detention center, in Salt Lake City, Utah, US 18 March, 2026. REUTERS - Jim Urquhart

By: Paul Myers

In the report Humanity Must Win: defending rights, tackling repression at the 2026 Fifa World Cup, Amnesty says neither World Cup organisers Fifa nor the US authorities have provided any guarantees that supporters will be safe from ethnic profiling, indiscriminate raids, unlawful detention and deportation.

"None of the three US draft host city human rights plans so far published provide any mention of how people will be protected from such threats," the report says.

"Indeed, the acting director of Ice has told [US] Congress that the agency will be 'a key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup.'"

In June 2018, the US, Mexico and Canada beat off Morocco's bid to stage the 2026 World Cup.

The tournament will start on 11 June with a match between Mexico and South Africa at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Two other venues in Mexico will be used along with Vancouver and Toronto in Canada and 11 in the US including the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford which will host the final on 19 July. Some 6.5 million fans from across the globe are expected to attend the tournament.

Since Fifa awarded co-hosting rights, the administration of Donald Trump has taken power in the US and fulfilled election campaign pledges to crackdown on illegal immigration.

The Amnesty report says analysis of official government data conducted by the New York Times estimates that ICE and CBP deported more than 500,000 people in 2025 – Trump's first year as president – including 230,000 arrested inside the US and 270,000 at the border.

"As of 19 March 2026, Ice had also signed 1,544 287(g) agreements with state and local law enforcement agencies, including in World Cup host cities Dallas, Houston and Miami, deputising their officers to enforce immigration law and allowing for local jails to be used for immigration detention," the Amnesty report adds.

"Amnesty International has also documented immigration detention conditions in the Krome North Service Processing Center and the Everglades Detention Facility – also known as "Alligator Alcatraz" – within 20 and 50 miles of Fifa’s Miami headquarters, respectively."

The Amnesty report also highlights the US government's attack on the rights of LGBTQI+ people, particularly in relation to transgender and gender-diverse people.
Anti-discrimination protocol

The England LGBTQI+ fans’ group and a network of European LGBTQI+ fans’ groups say they will not have a visible presence at matches in the US.

Trans youth also face persistent discrimination in Canada, says the report, while Mexico is considered to be the second most dangerous country in the world for transgender people, with 59 transfemicides recorded in 2024.

"In football, homophobic chanting has also been a persistent problem in matches involving the Mexican, US and Canadian national teams, leading to match suspensions and sanctions imposed by FIFA on the Mexican Football Federation," the report says.

Conflict and controversy hang over World Cup as 100-day countdown kicks off

Amnesty says it wants authorities to take effective measures to protect LGBTQI+ people from discrimination, harassment and abuse via anti-discrimination campaigns and proper use of Fifa’s anti-discrimination protocol during matches.

It also wants Fifa, governments and host cities to guarantee the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly inside and outside World Cup venues during the tournament.

As well as calling for an end to indiscriminate raids, ethnic profiling, arbitrary arrests, mass detention and unlawful deportations in the US, Amnesty says it wants public guarantees that World Cup events, venues and gatherings will not be targeted for immigration enforcement.

It also says organisers should make sure host city human rights plans are updated and tightened up to provide comprehensive protections for fans, players, journalists, workers and local communities.

"With just weeks to go until kick-off, Fifa's claim that "Football Unites the World" sits in stark contrast to the divisive and repressive practices of governments who host its flagship tournament," the report says,

"This World Cup is very far from the "medium risk" tournament that Fifa once judged it to be, and urgent efforts are needed to bridge the growing gap between the tournament’s original promise and today’s reality."

(with newswires)

The Paradox Of Popular Mobilization: Bangladesh’s Gen Z And Electoral Reality – Analysis

Protest in Bangladesh. Photo Credit: Rayhan9d, Wikipedia Commons

March 30, 2026 
Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS)
By Imran Ahmed


Bangladesh’s Gen Z-led protest movement reshaped the country’s political landscape and placed institutional reform, electoral governance and constitutional change at the centre of national political debate and public discourse. Yet despite the momentum generated by the uprising, youth-led political formations struggled to translate that energy into electoral success. The results of the February 2026 election suggest that while the protests transformed the political agenda, established political actors retained structural advantages within the electoral arena.

Established parties possess long-standing networks, disciplined party structures and well-developed grassroots mobilisation channels. The resurgence of Jamaat-e-Islami illustrates this dynamic. Despite years of marginalisation, the party was able to re-enter the political arena and compete effectively once the political environment shifted. By contrast, newer formations emerging directly from protest mobilisation lacked this comparable institutional depth. The National Citizen’s Party (NCP), formed by leaders associated with the uprising, attempted to transform the legitimacy and symbolism of the protests into a political platform.

However, building durable political organisations capable of contesting elections requires time, organisational infrastructure, and local networks that protest movements often do not immediately possess. This organisational gap posed a significant obstacle for youth-led actors. When the NCP attempted to address this weakness by aligning with Jamaat-e-Islami, the move produced internal tensions, divisions and disillusionment. This weakened its ability to sustain a clear and distinct political identity in an increasingly competitive electoral field.

Secondly, the political landscape after the uprising was also highly fragmented and shaped in part by shifting alliances, the choice of some 51 different political parties and the absence of the Awami League. Moreover, youth-led groups faced competition not only from established parties and their coalitions but also from a large number of independent candidates which further dispersed political competition. This prevented the consolidation of support around any single youth-led movement and diluted the electoral impact of the protest movement’s momentum.


Thirdly, institutional features of the election itself further complicated the situation. The parliamentary election was held alongside a national referendum on constitutional reform. Voters were asked to approve or reject a package of reforms through a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ vote. This design shifted attention away from individual party platforms. Instead of focusing on the minutiae of competing political programmes, the electoral debate increasingly centred on whether voters supported or opposed the broader reform agenda. In this context, the distinct political offerings of newer youth-led actors became somewhat subsumed as the election became less about competing visions from emerging actors and more about which political forces would oversee the reform process.

These dynamics do not necessarily indicate that the Gen Z protests failed. On the contrary, the decision to hold the parliamentary election alongside a national referendum on constitutional reforms reflects the extent to which these issues had moved to the centre of political debate. In this sense, the protests were so successful in redefining the political agenda that they also created opportunities for established parties to instrumentalise that agenda and use it to reinvent themselves. Jamaat-e-Islami again provides a pertinent example. The post-uprising environment allowed the party to shed its image as a controversial and, for many, sinister relic of the old political order, and present itself as a reform-minded alternative to status quo politics.

Finally, while it remains difficult to determine precisely how younger voters behaved electorally, the overall outcome of the election points to a broader pattern in voter preferences. The strong performance of an established party such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party suggests trust in actors with organisational experience and governing capacity. While support for the referendum indicates that the demand for political change is a central, defining political concern. What this reveals is that voters were not just choosing between change and continuity, but also between competing approaches to managing change.

About the author: Dr Imran Ahmed is a Research Fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS), an autonomous research institute at the National University of Singapore (NUS). He can be contacted at iahmed@nus.edu.sg. The author bears full responsibility for the facts cited and opinions expressed in this paper.

Source: This article was published by the Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS),


Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS)

The Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS) was established in July 2004 as an autonomous research institute at the National University of Singapore (NUS). ISAS is dedicated to research on contemporary South Asia. The Institute seeks to promote understanding of this vital region of the world, and to communicate knowledge and insights about it to policy makers, the business community, academia and civil society, in Singapore and beyond.

Sri Lanka Under Pressure Over Iranian Navy Ship Hiding From US

March 30, 2026
EurActiv
By Matthew Karnitschnig

(EurActiv) — Weeks after an Iranian vessel fleeing the US Navy sought refuge in Sri Lanka, authorities are still grappling with how to handle the uninvited guests.

The IRIS Bushehr, a logistics ship, first requested entry on 4 March following the sinking of an Iranian frigate – IRIS Dena – in the vicinity by US forces. The two Iranian ships were returning home from a naval exercise with India.

Sri Lankan authorities initially denied Bushehr’s request. The crew then issued a distress call, citing mechanical failure, though Sri Lankan naval officers found no evidence to support the claim, according to security officials who briefed Euractiv.

Despite the refusal, the ship proceeded into Sri Lankan waters carrying more than 200 Iranian crew, including armed Iranian personnel – prompting immediate concerns among local officials over sovereignty and security.

After docking near the Port of Colombo, many crew members reportedly sought asylum, according to people familiar with the situation.

Tensions between Colombo and Tehran have since escalated, security officials say. Iran’s military attaché in Sri Lanka assumed control of the vessel, limiting access for local authorities. The continued presence of armed personnel aboard has been viewed by some officials in Sri Lanka as a breach of sovereignty.

Authorities are also wary of potential pressure from Washington over the harbouring of Iranian personnel who may possess valuable intelligence, the officials added.

With the Bushehr now located at Trincomalee harbour, Sri Lanka faces mounting pressure to clarify its position – particularly regarding foreign military presence on its territory and its broader diplomatic alignment amid escalating geopolitical tensions.

Sri Lankan government officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

Responding To The US–Israel Vs Iran War: Indonesia’s Board Of Peace Dilemma Intensifies – Analysis


Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto at the inaugural meeting of the newly formed Board of Peace in Washington. Photo Credit: instagram.com/prabowo

March 30, 2026 
 360info
By Teuku Rezasyah


Indonesia faces a strategic choice as pressure mounts at home to withdraw from US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace amid the escalating US–Israel–Iran conflict. Former minister for Politics, Legal and Security Affairs and Vice President candidate Professor Mahfud MD recently noted that leaving the BoP would likely not cause significant losses and could be done easily if the government is “not being held hostage”.

President Prabowo Subianto may therefore need to reassess Indonesia’s decisions, especially as the country is increasingly viewed as aligning with US interests—from joining the BoP to signing one-sided trade agreements with Washington. This perception raises concerns that Indonesia is losing its independence in global affairs and drifting away from its long‑standing, free‑and‑active foreign policy.

At the same time, President Prabowo has expressed readiness to “evaluate” Indonesia’s role in the BoP. Indonesia has offered to mediate between the US and Iran, but the chances of success remain low. Instead, the current situation should prompt the government to reconsider whether the BoP framework is still relevant and effective for Indonesia’s foreign‑policy goals.

Indonesia’s options within the Board of Peace

Indonesia’s role in the BoP during the ongoing conflict in West Asia will likely follow several directions.

First, Indonesia is trying to maintain neutrality by offering to facilitate dialogue and urging all parties to prioritise diplomacy. The Iranian Embassy in Jakarta welcomed this offer, although no concrete steps have followed. Iran’s ambassador stated that both Indonesia and Iran are influential middle powers with the potential to promote peace, and that closer cooperation could strengthen regional stability.

Indonesia has also increased communication with Middle Eastern countries, shown by its intensified diplomatic engagement with Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

Second, Indonesia is expected to remain in the BoP despite criticism and calls to withdraw. President Prabowo has assured local Islamic clerics that if he sees no benefit for Palestine and finds that it is not in line with Indonesia’s national interests, he will withdraw. The government views the BoP as an important platform for addressing the Israel–Palestine issue, allowing Indonesia to defend Palestinian interests even though Palestine is not represented on the board.

Third, the conflict presents an opportunity for Indonesia to strengthen its image as a peace‑oriented country. If Indonesia succeeds in facilitating dialogue, it could position itself as a balancing actor contributing to global stability. Mediation efforts may also help ease economic pressures, especially with rising oil prices.

Indonesia’s membership in the BoP as a strategic tool

Although withdrawing from the BoP may appear to be an option, Indonesia would likelylose bargaining power with the United States if it left. Indonesia’s long‑standing strategy is to avoid conflict with major powers such as China and the US while gaining selective advantages, especially in trade negotiations.

This raises a key question: would Indonesia’s geopolitical position become too closely tied to the US? The answer is complex. Indonesia’s trade, investment, and import ties with the US already limit its freedom to some extent. Its BoP membership and efforts to maintain good relations with Washington reflect a cautious approach aimed at avoiding clashes with a major power.

Openly criticising US actions in Iran could also disrupt Indonesia’s diplomatic agenda, particularly within the BoP. Offering mediation allows Indonesia to maintain balance and promote de‑escalation without directly confronting Washington.

Indonesia is navigating a difficult situation during the US-Israel vs. Iran conflict while trying to assert itself as a middle power committed to peace in BoP even as it faces criticism and economic pressures. This issue is important because Indonesia—long a supporter of Palestine and without diplomatic ties to Israel—is now part of a platform where unlikely actors appear together.

As Indonesia considers reviewing its BoP membership, the decision will shape its future position in the board and its efforts to support Palestinian self‑determination.

About the author and editors:

Teuku Rezasyah teaches International Relations at Padjadjaran University in Bandung and works as a policy consultant for the Indonesian government and parliament.

Ria Ernunsari, Sr. Commissioning Editor, 360info
Samrat Choudhury, Commissioning Editor, 360info

Source: This article was published by 360.info

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