Millions raised for the "Freedom Convoy" protest against COVID measures will be refunded or redirected to charities, the crowdfunding platform said, after police reports of "unlawful activity."Millions raised for the "Freedom Convoy" protest against COVID measures will be refunded or redirected to charities, the crowdfunding platform said, after police reports of "unlawful activity."

Some automotive giants have been forced to halt operations as anti-coronavirus mandate protesters block supply lines between Canada and US. Copycat protests have also spread to New Zealand, Australia and France.

"Freedom Convoy" protests are still paralysing the Canadian capital Ottawa. The truckers are also blocking the busiest international crossing in North America. The Ambassador Bridge between Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario carries a fourth of all trade between Canada and the US. Canadian lawmakers are becoming increasingly worried about the economic effects of the protests against vaccine mandates and other Covid-19 restrictions. Our correspondents François Rihouay, Joanne Profeta and Gloria Henriquez report.

Protesters opposed to COVID curbs continue to hamper trade and everyday life across Canada as demonstrations grow. Police say safety concerns have limited their capacity to disperse the protests.

Back in June 2019, the provincial government in Quebec adopted a secularism law, known as Bill 21. The law bars some government employees in positions of authority, such as teachers, from wearing religious signs while on the job. In December 2021, the law was applied for the first time. A Muslim teacher who wears a hijab was removed from her job and reassigned to an administrative position. The decision has sparked controversy and polarised Canadians.

The week began with Emmanuel Macron heading to Moscow for what he hopes will be the start of the long road to de-escalation over Ukraine.

A judge in Canada has ordered protesters to stop blocking a bridge between Canada and the US city of Detroit. The dayslong demonstration has snarled trade and sparked worries from Washington.

The trucker-led protesters occupying the Canadian capital Ottawa show no sign of backing down, despite a newly invoked state of emergency that grants sweeping police powers to try to end the protest over Covid-19 rules. FRANCE 24's Peter O'Brien tells us more about the standoff.

For a second day, police have moved in to disperse the so-called "freedom convoy" near the Parliament. Downtown Ottawa has been occupied by protesters and their trucks since late last month.

Police and protesters have clashed for a second time outside Parliament as plans for new infrastructure projects, funded by the United States, were debated by lawmakers.

Canada's parliament has voted to extend emergency powers for police. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned that there were plans to revive the so-called "freedom convoy."

Nepal's parliament is due to restart debate on a controversial US aid grant. Lawmakers were hoping to ratify the measure last week. But the discussion was postponed because of massive protests and opposition from some members of the ruling coalition.