There is a tense situation in France amid protests and curfew. In view of this, the Indian Embassy in Paris has issued an advisory for Indian citizens living in France and traveling there. The embassy has appealed to the people to remain alert, avoid going to the protest sites and follow the instructions of the local administration.
In the advisory, Indian citizens have been advised to stay away from crowded areas and avoid gathering of large number of people at one place. The Embassy has also said that Indians living in France should keep themselves informed about the situation through local news, so that any untoward situation can be avoided.
Indian Embassy released contact numbers
In case of any emergency in France, Indian citizens can contact the concerned Indian Mission.
– Indian Embassy, Paris
– Phone: +33 6 48 34 00 63
– Email: cons.paris@mea.gov.in
– Consulate General of India, Marseille
– Phone: +33 7 43 16 25 59
– Email: cgo.marseille@mea.gov.in
The embassy has appealed to the citizens to follow the guidelines issued by the local administration and avoid relying on any kind of rumour.
Macron’s claim – AI was used in violent protests
French President Emmanuel Macron has claimed that fake pictures and videos created with Artificial Intelligence (AI) were used during violent protests in the country. He said that through these pictures and videos, wrong information was spread about the situation in France.
Speaking to reporters in Doha during a visit to the Gulf countries, Macron said that some people and foreign leaders made irresponsible statements based on material that depicted events in France that did not actually happen.
The Elysee Palace, the French presidential office, broadcast the conversation live. Macron also said he had found no evidence of foreign interference behind the weekend’s violent incidents.
Macron said – riots are not related to any particular religion
Macron rejected claims of linking the violence in France to any one religion. He said that some pictures created with the help of AI on social media showed as if a crowd of migrants and Islamists had attacked France. According to Macron, these claims were false and misrepresented actual events.
He also expressed concern over tampering with information at the international level. Macron said that such misleading material can influence people’s thinking and create misconceptions about the events taking place in the country.
Macron said – no need to panic, situation under control
There has also been criticism in France regarding the government’s response and Macron’s recent address. Critics say that the President did not clarify the future strategy in his address. At the same time, some people have also raised questions on Macron’s Middle East tour.
US President Donald Trump has described Marine Le Pen, the main leader of the right-wing camp in the upcoming presidential elections in France, as a conservative leader.
Before returning to France from Doha, Macron expressed confidence that the situation in the country is under control. He said that there is no reason for panic or restlessness and he is fulfilling his responsibilities as President.