Photo : REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
10 January 2022, Monday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #94
IN FOCUS
By Ashwin Dhanabalan
The rising cases of femicide in France
The recent killings on New Year's Eve
On 02 January, French feminist campaigners such as #NousToutes, Féminicides Par Compagnons ou Ex and Fédération Nationale Solidarité Femmes called on the government to take action on the rising cases of femicide in the country. The outcry was part of a more significant movement as France witnessed three killings on 01 January. In the three cases, the perpetrators were allegedly the victim's current partners or former partners.
According to reports by the police, in the first case, a 56-year-old woman was found dead with a knife in her chest in Labry, northeast of France. In the second case, a 28-year-old female was found stabbed to death in Samur, the country's western region. She was a military recruit and is speculated to have been killed by her 21-year-old male partner, also a soldier. In the last case, a 45-year-old woman was found dead in a car trunk in Nice, southeast of France.
Rising cases of femicide in France and Europe
The new year's killings have brought the rising cases of femicide to the forefront of France and Europe. In the case of France, the country saw a drop in cases of femicide in 2020 as the number of women killed was 90, while in 2019, the number of females killed was 146. Though the statistics seem optimistic, UN data from September 2020 suggested otherwise as France saw a 30 percent increase in calls and reports on domestic violence. Moreover, one should always remember that every number was a human and, more importantly, a living, breathing woman. In Europe, France also remains the country with the highest number of femicides per capita.
Cases of violence against women have been spiking over the last few years, bringing outrage from countries across Europe. For example, Greece recorded 17 instances of femicides in 2021; the government also faced backlash for rejecting the opposition's amendment regarding the institutional recognition of the term ‘femicide’. In the UK, the case of Sarah Everad highlighted the culture of misogyny within policing in the country. Meanwhile, the Pope has been actively addressing the issues of gender-based violence, and the increase of crime against women across the world as even Italy saw 90 cases of violence against women.
Campaigners’ call for tougher action and the government response
The recent cases brought a wave of activists accusing Macron's government of failing to handle the cases. The feminist group #NousToutes accused Macron's government of "scandalously" remaining silent on the recent killings. The group further stated that they denounced "the silence of Emmanuel Macron and the government in the face of sexist and sexual violence in France". The only response from the French government was Prime minister Jean Castex's comments on the measures the government had undertaken, saying: "This includes setting up a 24/7 emergency hotline and sensitivity training for 90,000 police officers to improve the handling of mistreatment complaints from women." He further announced that France had planned on spending close to EUR 1 billion to implement measures to fight domestic violence and introduce school programs like "equality week" to spread awareness.
References:
Laura Smith-Spark, Niamh Kennedy and Joseph Ataman, “Three women brutally killed in one day in France, in 'unbearable' start to new year,” CNN, 08 January 2022.
"France vows action on femicide after 3 more women killed," Deutsche Welle, 04 January 2022.
Kim Willsher, "New Year's Day killings spark call for action to tackle violence against women in France," The Guardian, 03 January 2022.
Sophie Gorman, "French police face disciplinary hearings amid high numbers of femicide," France24, 03 January 2022.
Tamar Shiloh Vidon, "France announces sharp drop in femicides, but NGOs say it's too early to rejoice," France24, 03 February 2021.
IN BRIEF
By Joeana Cera Matthews and Padmashree Anandhan
AUSTRIA
Former Chancellor Kurz appointed as ECTR co-chairman
On 09 January, former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz was appointed as the new co-chairman of the European Council on Tolerance and Reconciliation (ECTR). According to the ECTR’s official website, the international NGO works against “such evils as extremism, racism, antisemitism and xenophobia”. Responding to Kurz’s appointment, ECTR founder Moshe Kantor tweeted: “We could not have found a better person to lead with passion, wisdom and determination against today's global challenges.” Kurz replied to the announcement via an ECTR statement, saying: “It is a great honor to join such an important organization which works against extremism and for greater tolerance across Europe.” The former chancellor had resigned from his post as he was faced with allegations of corruption and wrongdoing. (“Austria′s former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz joins anti-racism NGO,” Deutsche Welle, 09 January 2022)
ITALY
The Scala dei Turchi found to be damaged with red iron oxide powder
On 09 January, the renowned white limestone Scala dei Turchi cliff in Sicily was found to be ruined with red iron oxide powder, upon which an investigation has been initiated to track down the responsible perpetrators. The site, which was an entry for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) world heritage status in 2019, is one of most visited tourist spots of Italy. The chief prosecutor of the Agrigento region, Luigi Patronaggio, is leading the investigation to trace the perpetrators. (Angela Giuffrida, “Italy’s Scala dei Turchi cliffs defaced with red powder,” The Guardian, 09 January 2022)
SERBIA
Prime Minister Brnabić extends support to Djokovic
On 08 January, Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić backed tennis player Novak Djokovic who is being held in Australian immigration detention over concerns regarding his vaccination credentials. Djokovic’s visa has been invalidated over these concerns. Brnabić, responding to Serbian media, stated that there were “positive” talks underway and added: “The Serbian government is ready to provide all the guarantees necessary for Novak to be allowed to enter Australia, the Serbian president is also involved.” The case concerning this issue will be heard on 10 January. Djokovic, competing for his 21st Grand Slam title, was to participate in the Australian Open starting on 17 January. (Samuel Stolton, “Serbian PM pledges support for Djokovic in Australia spat,” POLITICO, 09 January 2022)
REGIONAL
EU’s Home Affairs Commission proposes legislation against child sexual abuse
On 09 January, EU’s Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson proposed to pass a legislation to detect, report and remove child sexual abuse on digital platforms. According to Johansson, five companies similar to Meta (former Facebook) accounted for 95 percent of the offences. She said: “I will propose legislation in the coming months that will require companies to detect, report, and remove child sexual abuse… during the pandemic, when more perpetrators were at home in isolation, the demand for material depicting child sexual abuse increased, in some EU member countries even by up to 25 percent.” The Commissioner has called for cooperation at global and the European level against child sexual abuse. (“EU to step up fight against child abuse content,” Deutsche Welle, 09 January 2022)
COVID-19
France: New COVID-19 rule sparks protests
On 08 January, COVID-19 protests were held by anti-vaxxers across France against President Emmanuel Macron’s warning to stiffen the COVID-19 rules. The protests witnessed more than 100,000 people marching against the new restriction. The French government has proposed a law, where the COVID-19 negative test is to be replaced by mandatory vaccine certificates which will be the token of access for entry into restaurants, theaters and bars. The protestor who took part in the march expressed that their freedom had been taken away and that they were being treated unequally. (“We’ll piss you off’: French anti-vaccine protesters rally against Macron,” The Guardian, 08 January 2022)
Europe sees a wave of COVID-19 protests
On 09 January, a wave of COVID-19 protests was witnessed in Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany and Austria. The protests were sparked due to the new rules established by governments mandating its citizens to take booster shots. Among the EU countries, Austria showed the highest participation with more than 40,000 people gathering against compulsory vaccinations. The Czech Republic’s new government has even considered scrapping the vaccine mandate for those above the age of 60 to curb protests. Among all the European countries, Germany is experiencing the greatest number of protests ranging across various cities including Hamburg, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf and Koblenz. (“Thousands protest COVID curbs in Europe amid omicron surge,” Deutsche Welle, 09 January 2022)
INTERNATIONAL
Russia: Ryabkov and Sherman to meet on 10 January
On 10 January, the US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman will meet with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov in Geneva. The diplomat-level talks will primarily focus on the Russian demands regarding the Ukraine crisis, the restrictions on military exercises and the possibility of missile deployments in the region. On 09 January, the two ministers met ahead of the talks over dinner. On the same day, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken commented on the imminent talks in an interview with CNN, saying: “There are two paths before us. There’s a path of dialogue and diplomacy to try to resolve some of these differences and avoid a confrontation. The other path is confrontation and massive consequences for Russia if it renews its aggression on Ukraine. We’re about to test the proposition about which path President Putin’s prepared to take.” Given the significant absence of the EU from the scheduled negotiations, France’s European Affairs Minister Clément Beaune commented: “Europeans shouldn’t be absent from the negotiation table.” The US-Russia talks will be followed by the NATO-Russia Council on 12 January and the meeting of the OSCE’s permanent council on 13 January in Brussels and Vienna, respectively. (Julian Borger, “Ukraine's fate hangs in balance as 'critical' week of talks begins,” The Guardian, 09 January 2022; “US ready to discuss curbing military exercises in Ukraine talks with Russia,” The Guardian, 08 January 2022)
Geneva Talks: Blinken, Ryabkov doubtful of “breakthrough”
On 09 January, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated ahead of the Geneva talks between the US and Russia that he did not expect any “breakthrough in the coming week”. He was speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union”. Meanwhile, Interfax cited Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov saying it was “naive” if one predicted “progress, let alone quick progress”. He added: “We will not agree to any concession. That is completely excluded… We are disappointed with the signals coming in the last few days from Washington but also from Brussels.” There was significant tension between the two sides ahead of the scheduled talks with Blinken citing Kazakhstan's case and warning: “One lesson of recent history is that once Russians are in your house, it's sometimes very difficult to get them to leave.” The Russian Foreign Ministry was quick to respond via its Telegram channel: “If Antony Blinken loves history lessons so much, then he should take the following into account: when Americans are in your house, it can be difficult to stay alive and not be robbed or raped.” The Russian response can be subject to the US Uniform Code of Military Justice leading to a court-martial for violating conduct. (Jordan Wolman, “Blinken sets limits on US talks with Russia,” POLITICO, 09 January 2022; “Russia says not hopeful ahead of talks with US over Ukraine,” Deutsche Welle, 09 January 2022; “Ukraine-Russia crisis: US refuses to draw down troops,” Deutsche Welle, 08 January 2022)