Melissa Amezcua is a journalist based in Mexico City. Experienced in breaking news, gender, migration, human rights and culture and around the globe. Have covered international events. Delivers work on time and verified.

Alan Partridge and the Backstop

15 Apr 2019  |  popula.com  |  English  |  Northern Ireland

Steve Coogan's portrayal of Alan Partridge in his new show serves as a satirical lens through which the complexities and absurdities of Brexit, particularly the Northern Irish backstop, are examined. The article critiques the polarized political landscape in the UK, highlighting the ignorance and radicalization that have emerged post-Brexit vote. It underscores the importance of the backstop as an insurance policy to prevent chaos in Northern Ireland, while criticizing hardline Brexiteers and the Conservative Party for their stance against it. The piece also touches on the cultural and historical context, referencing the Good Friday Agreement and the resurgence of the IRA.

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Mark Francois Alan Partridge Steve Coogan Martin Brennan Theresa May Jacob Rees-Mogg Winston Churchill Margaret Thatcher

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Mhari Aurora is an NCTJ qualified multimedia journalist based in London, currently working at Yahoo News UK.

As the concrete crisis spreads to our courts and prisons

17 Mar 2024  |  Sky News  |  English  |  Government Accountability

The article discusses the ongoing issue of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in UK hospitals. NHS England CFO and deputy CEO, Julian Kelly, was unable to provide a definite deadline for the eradication of RAAC, only stating a commitment to do so by 2035. Full structural surveys are yet to be completed to assess the extent of the issue. The Public Accounts select committee expressed frustration over the lack of investment in hospital infrastructure and questioned the safety of hospitals with RAAC. The article also touches on the government's promise to build 40 new hospitals by 2030, which is now expected to result in only 32. The committee criticized the slow progress and lack of transparency in the project. The Labour chair, Dame Meg Hillier, emphasized the need to avoid past mistakes in the new hospital building program.

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Mark Francois Julian Kelly Shona Dunn Boris Johnson Meg Hillier Rishi Sunak

I am an experienced multimedia journalist based in Brussels, Belgium.

I've been a journalist in print, radio and television for nearly 20 years, the last 8+ specialising in EU policy, legislation and current affairs. As well as an address book packed with insider sources and contacts in Brussels,...

Brussels sealed the deal… but can Sunak sell it?

27 Feb 2023  |  www.theneweuropean.co.uk  |  English  |  EU Relations

The article discusses the recent Brexit deal announced by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The deal aims to address issues related to the Northern Ireland Protocol, with a focus on pragmatic solutions like the red lane/green lane system for goods crossing the Irish Sea. However, significant challenges remain, including opposition from hardline Conservatives and the DUP, as well as skepticism from the EU. The article highlights the complexities of the negotiations, the potential impact of Boris Johnson's legacy, and the EU's cautious optimism. The EU is eager for a quick resolution to move on to other pressing issues like the war in Ukraine, energy costs, and the climate crisis.

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Mark Francois Rishi Sunak Ursula von der Leyen Jacob Rees-Mogg David McAllister Boris Johnson Liz Truss Nicholas Whyte Sean Kelly Peter Burke Jeffrey Donaldson

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Esperanza Balaguer is a journalist from Spain based in New York, United States of America. I work as a freelance reporter writing in Spanish about politics, economy, culture and social movements. I arrived to NYC last September to cover the presidential campaign and the elections. I still write ...

The Social Calendar of the Billionaire: The Events They Never Miss

27 Mar 2024  |  www.expansion.com  |  Spanish  |  Billionaires

The article outlines the annual social calendar of billionaires, detailing the exclusive events they attend worldwide. These events include the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Super Bowl, Art Basel in Hong Kong, the Masters Tournament in Augusta, the Cannes Film Festival, Royal Ascot, the Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference, Burning Man, the Monaco Yacht Show, the Frieze Art Fair in London, the Debutante Ball in Paris, and New Year's celebrations in Saint Barth. The article highlights the luxurious lifestyles of the ultra-wealthy, their interactions at these events, and the significant financial transactions and networking that occur.

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François-Henri Pinault Mark Zuckerberg Bill Gates Larry Fink Taylor Swift Travis Kelce Rob Walton David Tepper Stanley Kroenke Jerry Jones David Solomon Jeff Bezos Josh Harris Jerry Yang Neil Shen Adam Kwok Paul Allen Warren Buffett Warren Stephens David Ziff Stanley Druckenmiller Salma Hayek Rupert Murdoch Sergey Brin Larry Page Eric Schmidt Dustin Moskowitz Garrett Camp Ray Dalio Steve Wynn Pier Luigi Loro Piana Laurence Graff Gabrielle Bacon Ivy Getty Sophia Penske Elena de Orleans Akshita Bhanj Deo Autumn Whitaker True Whitaker Ava Phillipe Araminta Mellon Kayla Rockefeller Laila Blavatnik Amanda Hearst David Geffen Barry Diller Diane von Furstenberg Bernard Arnault Roman Abramovich Orlando Bloom Prince Beyoncé Orlando Bloom Rupert Murdoch

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Phoebe Cooke is a freelance journalist based in London.

Who is Mr Stop Brexit Steve Bray? Meet activist who blared D:Ream’s Things Can Only Get Better over Rishi Sunak’s speech

23 May 2024  |  The Sun  |  English  |  Political Activism

Steve Bray, known as Mr Stop Brexit, is a political activist from Port Talbot, Wales, renowned for his anti-Brexit protests. He gained notoriety for disrupting political interviews and recently played D:Ream's 'Things Can Only Get Better' during Rishi Sunak's election speech to troll the Conservatives. Bray, who quit his job to become a full-time activist, has been banned from protesting outside Parliament and Whitehall. His actions have sparked discussions about censorship and media coverage of protests.

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Mark Francois Steve Bray Jacob Rees-Mogg Rishi Sunak Ben Bradshaw Joey D'Urso

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James Crisp is a journalist based in Brussels, Belgium. He is the Brussels correspondent for the Daily Telegraph, covering the EU, Belgium and Brexit. Over the last seven years, he has covered EU politics, financial services and energy regulation for MLex, EurActiv, The Sun and the New Statesman. ...

Calls to strip Fujitsu of £355m Brexit border contract over Post Office scandal unless it pays up

04 Oct 2023  |  Yahoo Entertainment  |  English  |  Government Contracts

Senior politicians are calling for Fujitsu to be stripped of its £355 million Brexit border contract unless it compensates postmasters affected by the Horizon IT scandal. The Japanese multinational, which won the contract for the Trader Support Service (TSS) in 2020, is under pressure to pay up following Rishi Sunak's announcement to exonerate postmasters. Politicians in London and Belfast demand accountability and threaten to freeze further deals with Fujitsu. The TSS, crucial for post-Brexit trade in Northern Ireland, is expected to continue beyond 2024, despite the controversy.

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Mark Francois Rishi Sunak Lord Dodds Doug Beattie Nigel Farage David Jones

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Frida Dahmani is a journalist based in Tunis, Tunisia.

Biologiste de formation, Frida Dahmani a effectué l’essentiel de son parcours dans les domaines de la communication et de l’édition avant d’intégrer, en 2008 le groupe Jeune Afrique en tant que correspondante du groupe à Tunis. A ce titre, ...

Palestine: the chronology of agreement attempts

07 Oct 2023  |  JeuneAfrique.com  |  French  |  Middle East Peace Process

The article outlines the historical timeline of attempts to establish peace in the Israel-Palestine conflict, starting from the early 20th century with the Sykes-Picot Agreement and the Balfour Declaration, through various significant accords and resolutions, including the Oslo Accords and the Camp David Summits. It highlights the repeated failures to achieve lasting peace, the shifting political dynamics, and the ongoing struggles, culminating in the recent 'Al-Aqsa Flood' operation by Hamas. The narrative underscores the complex interplay of colonial legacies, international diplomacy, and regional politics.

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François-Georges Picot Sir Mark Sykes Lord Arthur Balfour Lord Lionel Rothschild Haïm Weizmann Fayçal ibn Hussein Malcolm MacDonald Yitzhak Rabin Yasser Arafat Ehoud Barak Bill Clinton George W. Bush Mahmoud Abbas Ehoud Olmert

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I'm a multimedia reporter and writer. I have covered social change, conflict and rights in more than ten countries across the Middle East and Europe while based out of London, Rome and the West Bank.

I'm experienced across all aspects of digital journalism - from filing breaking news to ...

Renewed fears May running down clock as Brexit deadline nears

13 Feb 2019  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  EU Relations

British Prime Minister Theresa May faces scrutiny over her Brexit strategy, with accusations of running down the clock to force MPs into supporting her deal. The EU remains firm on not changing the withdrawal agreement, while the UK government seeks more time for negotiations. Critics, including Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, describe May's approach as evasive and costly. The European Research Group fears a long delay could lead to Brexit's cancellation. Economic indicators show a slowdown amid Brexit uncertainty.

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Mark Francois Theresa May Olly Robbins Stephen Barclay Jeremy Corbyn Maddy Thimont Jack

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Nick Gutteridge is a freelance journalist based in Brussels, Belgium.

Calls to strip Fujitsu of £355m Brexit border contract over Post Office scandal unless it pays up

12 Jan 2024  |  The Telegraph  |  English  |  Government Contracts

Senior politicians are calling for Fujitsu to be stripped of its £355 million Brexit border contract unless it compensates postmasters affected by the Horizon IT scandal. The Japanese multinational, which won the contract for the Trader Support Service (TSS) in 2020, faces pressure from both London and Belfast politicians to contribute to the compensation package. The TSS, a significant post-Brexit trading arrangement, is set to continue beyond 2024. Despite the Windsor Framework reducing border checks, the DUP continues to boycott power-sharing in Stormont. Leading Brexiteers and conservative MPs also demand that Fujitsu be barred from future government contracts until it addresses the compensation issue.

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Mark Francois Rishi Sunak Lord Dodds Doug Beattie Nigel Farage David Jones

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**Available for EU CoronaVirus coverage from home studio**

Dave Keating is an American journalist covering European politics. Having previously covered US politics in Washington, Dave specializes in drawing comparisons between the American federal system and the European Union.

Dave has ...

An overdose of Atlanticism has put Europeans at risk

02 Oct 2023  |  davekeating.substack.com  |  English  |  NATO

The article discusses the risks Europe faces due to its heavy reliance on the United States, particularly in the context of potential political instability in the US and the possibility of Donald Trump returning to power. It argues that Europe's military dependence on the US is unsustainable and that European countries need to pursue greater sovereignty and independence. The piece critiques the prevailing Atlanticist ideology, which emphasizes close ties with the US, and suggests that Europe should prepare for a future where it cannot rely on American support. The article highlights the need for Europe to develop its own defense capabilities and reduce its reliance on the US, especially in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the potential for a shift in US foreign policy.

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François Hollande Mark Milley Donald Trump Giorgia Meloni Joe Biden Norbert Röttgen Jacek Saryusz-Wolski Ulrich Speck Emmanuel Macron

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Jack Losh is a journalist and filmmaker whose focus spans conflict, conservation, humanitarian issues and traditional cultures. With over a decade of experience across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, he has been shortlisted for a Royal Television Society Award and Europe’s top war ...

In Central Africa, Russia Won the War—but It’s Losing the Peace

21 Aug 2021  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  International Relations

In the Central African Republic (CAR), Russian mercenaries and federal troops are using brutal tactics, including secret jails, to suppress rebel sympathies, leading to severe human rights abuses and exacerbating the conflict. Despite initial military successes, Russia's heavy-handed approach is destabilizing the region further, with civilians caught in the crossfire. The Wagner Group, a Russian private military company, is heavily involved, and their actions are drawing international criticism. The situation is deteriorating, with increasing violence, arbitrary arrests, and a crackdown on political and media freedoms, raising concerns about the future stability of CAR.

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Mark Bellamy François Bozizé Hans De Marie Heungoup Jonathan Cohen Alexander Clarkson Sergey Lavrov Faustin-Archange Touadéra Vladimir Putin

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Evan Maguire is a  student journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

The Best Reads of 2021

01 Dec 2021  |  spectator.org  |  English  |  Recommendations

The article provides a curated list of book recommendations for 2021, featuring works that cater to conservative readers. Highlights include Andrew Roberts' biography of George III, Jonathan Franzen's novel 'Crossroads,' and Josh Cohen's 'How to Live. What to Do.' The recommendations span various genres, from historical biographies to literary fiction, and reflect the authors' conservative perspectives. The article also critiques left-wing ideologies and praises works that align with conservative values.

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François Mauriac Mark Levin Andrew Roberts George III Winston Churchill Jonathan Franzen David Foster Wallace Sally Rooney General Pytor Wrangel Josh Cohen Wallace Stevens Lewis Carroll F. Scott Fitzgerald Harper Lee Kazuo Ishiguro Roberto de Mattei St. Pope Pius V Julia Meloni Carlo Maria Martini Godfried Danneels Walter Kasper Cormac Murphy-O’Connor Achille Silvestrini Jorge Mario Bergoglio Francis Bret Baier Catherine Whitney Ulysses S. Grant John Fund Hans von Spakovsky Count Moïse de Camondo Nissim de Camondo Edmund de Waal

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Multi-media reporter and news producer covering politics, conflict, and society in the Middle East and around the world. 

Visit my digital portfolio at **** to view a selection of my work.

Monte Carlo before Leo, Ringo and Grace

13 Jul 2016  |  Washington Post  |  English  |  Monte Carlo

Mark Braude's 'Making Monte Carlo' delves into the history of Monte Carlo, revealing the unsavory dealings and strategic developments that transformed it from a dusty fishing village into a glamorous destination. François Blanc played a pivotal role in this transformation by leveraging Monaco's unique legal status on gambling and creating an illusion of exclusivity. The book covers Monte Carlo's evolution up to the 1929 Monaco Grand Prix, highlighting key figures and events but omitting later historical developments such as World War II and Grace Kelly's marriage into the Grimaldi family.

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Mark Braude François Blanc Grace Kelly Hereditary Princess Charlotte Ringo Starr Leonardo DiCaprio

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I have experience in writing and production skills across all genres and platforms, including, but not limited to, features, exposes, data investigations and editorials. I have strong technical command of the English language and familiarity with a wide range of styles. I’m committed to maintaining ...

Solicitor loses court fight against NSW Bar over mental health findings

05 Oct 2023  |  www.lawyersweekly.com.au  |  English  |  Mental Health

Solicitor Connie Louise Picos has lost her legal battle against the NSW Bar Association, which refused to grant her a practising certificate due to mental health findings and concerns about her conduct. The NSW Supreme Court dismissed her applications, finding no procedural unfairness or jurisdictional error in the Bar's decision. Despite holding a solicitor’s practising certificate and disputing the mental health findings with her own doctor's report, the court upheld the Bar's discretionary powers to deny her application.

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Justice Francois Kunc Justice Mark Leeming Connie Louise Picos Justice Fabian Gleeson Justice Anthony Payne Justice Jeremy Kirk

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Assa Samaké-Roman is a journalist based in Edinburgh, Scotland, covering politics and culture for the French and British media.

Labour’s snub to EU young people scheme betrays next generation

28 Aug 2024  |  www.thenational.scot  |  English  |  UK Politics

The article criticizes the Labour Party for not supporting a proposed EU youth mobility scheme, which would allow young people to live, work, study, or volunteer in EU countries. It argues that Labour's decision is based on outdated fears of appearing too pro-European and ignores the changing public sentiment post-Brexit. The piece highlights the potential benefits of the scheme for young people and urges Labour to embrace it as a step towards restoring lost opportunities and fostering cooperation with Europe.

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Mark François Priti Patel Nigel Farage

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Michele Spatari is a documentary photographer and videographer based in Barcelona, Spain. He has spent most of his professional life between Johannesburg and Addis Ababa, working from more than 20 countries and covering the most important events in the region. 

Michele documentary practice has ...

The dazzling beauty of Karoo drag

10 Jun 2023  |  www.news24.com  |  English  |  Travel

In South Africa's Karoo region, the Karroo Theatrical Hotel hosts a weekly drag show that brings excitement to Steytlerville. Peter Frankopan discusses his new book on global history and human impact on the environment. Natasha Williams is recognized for her top-rated Lelie of Saron wines. Orlando Pirates-themed rooms are launched at Marriott's Protea Hotel Fire & Ice. Dr. Mark Bowes offers a unique dental experience. Hyundai's updated Palisade SUV is reviewed. Françoise Gilot, Pablo Picasso's former mistress and an accomplished artist, passed away at 101. News24's lifestyle editor explores groin grooming with the Lawn Mower 4.0. The Bank, a chic 4-star hotel, is recommended for work and leisure travelers.

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Françoise Gilot Mark Bowes Mark Hinds Jacques Rabie Peter Frankopan Natasha Williams Phumudzo Manenzhe Latoyah Mei Janine Van der Post Pablo Picasso Herman Eloff

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Thibault Spirlet is a London-based journalist specialising in human rights. He has worked for the likes of @Daily_Express, @factal, @POLITICOEurope & 
@AFP on subjects ranging from US/European politics to the Russia-Ukraine war. Since leaving his latest job as news reporter at Daily Express, he ...

UK lawmakers, defense chief clash over looming defense spending cuts

27 Mar 2024  |  Defense News  |  English  |  Military Budget

UK lawmakers and Defense Secretary Grant Shapps are at odds over the perceived cuts to the defense budget for 2024-2025. Shapps argues that the budget will see a real-terms increase when accounting for supplementary funds for Ukraine aid and ammunition stockpiles. However, members of the parliamentary Defence Committee, including Mark Francois and Jeremy Quin, contend that the core defense budget is set to decrease by £2.5 billion, excluding the Ukraine funds. The debate highlights concerns over the Ministry of Defence's readiness for high-intensity conflict, as noted in recent reports by the Defence and Public Accounts Committees.

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Mark Francois Grant Shapps Jeremy Quin

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Jerome is The Times Africa Correspondent, based in Nairobi. Before that he lived in Afghanistan and worked for various newspapers and broadcasters.

Bomb blast detectives find ‘British parts’ in Russian drones fired at Ukraine

24 Feb 2024  |  The Sun  |  English  |  International Relations

Detectives investigating bomb blasts have found suspected British parts in Russian drones used against Ukraine. Andriy Kulchytskyi from the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise identified English writing on a motor of an Iranian Shahed-M drone and suspected that some engines were made in England. Former Armed Forces Minister Mark Francois expressed concern over the possibility of British parts being used, although confirmation is pending. Previous investigations suggested that the engines might have been reverse-engineered in Iran from a British part.

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Mark Francois Andriy Kulchytskyi

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Bruno Waterfield is Brussels correspondent for The Times. He has been reporting on European affairs for almost 20 years, first from Westminster and then from the capital of the EU. He reported for the Daily Telegraph from Brussels from 2007 to 2015.

Israel bombed ambulance ‘carrying Hamas fighters’ — Gaza war as it happened

11 Nov 2023  |  www.thetimes.co.uk  |  English  |  Humanitarian Crisis

The Times reports on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, highlighting a reported Israeli airstrike on an ambulance, international calls for a ceasefire, and the US's stance on the conflict. Palestinian officials claim over 9,200 deaths due to Israeli airstrikes, while Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu refuses a ceasefire without the return of hostages. US Secretary of State Blinken emphasizes the need for humanitarian aid in Gaza and supports Israel's right to self-defense. The article also covers protests in London, the situation of British nationals in Gaza, and the broader regional implications of the conflict, including statements from Hezbollah's leader and the UN's concern over potential genocide.

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François Zimeray Mark Harper Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Antonio Guterres Antony Blinken Joe Biden Binyamin Netanyahu Yoav Gallant Pat Ryder Hassan Nasrallah Suella Braverman Rishi Sunak Keir Starmer Humza Yousaf Nadia El-Nakla Ibrahim Assalia Tom Tugendhat Leo Varadkar Michael D Higgins Elizabeth Throssell Noura Al Kaabi Gilad Erdan Dani Dayan Josef Schuster

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Erin Zaleski is a versatile journalist based in Paris specializing in France, travel, features, culture, human rights, politics, and international news. She covered the 2015 terror attacks in Paris, as well as politics, features, and entertainment. She has written for Newsweek, Agence France-Presse,...

Clint Eastwood’s New Film About American Heroes Could Free the ISIS Villain

09 Feb 2018  |  www.thedailybeast.com  |  English  |  Judicial Process

The article discusses Clint Eastwood's new film, 'The 15:17 to Paris,' which portrays the thwarted 2015 terrorist attack on a Thalys train. The film stars the real-life American heroes who stopped the attack, but it has faced criticism in France for potentially influencing the ongoing judicial process against the attacker, Ayoub El Khazzan. Critics argue that the film's release could blur the lines between cinematic storytelling and judicial truth, complicating the legal proceedings. The article highlights the broader context of terrorism in France and the complex reality behind the events depicted in the film.

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François Hollande Mark Magoolian Clint Eastwood Ayoub El Khazzan Spencer Stone Alek Skarlatos Anthony Sadler Aurélie Mayembo Sarah Mauger-Poliak Redouane Sebbar Bilal Chatra Abdelhamid Abaaoud Stéphane Lacombe

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