Deadly prison van escape sparks manhunt in France

Hello. Today our France correspondent Hugh Schofield reports on the deadly escape of an inmate in Normandy, which led to an ongoing manhunt. We're also following large protests in Georgia - the Caucasian country -against what opponents are calling the "Russian law". I sprinkled some art coverage throughout the newsletter, which features a royal painting and a Ghanaian musician you might have heard of.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Georgians protest 'Russian law'

Thousands have braved the rain to protest in front of Georgia's parliament. Credit: BBC

Riot police have moved in on thousands of protesters in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, after its parliament passed a divisive "foreign agent" law. Demonstrators called the text of the legislation a "direct threat to Georgian democracy".

What is the law driving people to the streets?

The law requires non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and independent media to register as organisations "bearing the interests of a foreign power" if they receive more than 20% of their funding from foreign donors. Receiving such a label would mean they could be monitored by the authorities, be forced to share sensitive information or face hefty fines.

Why are critics calling it the "Russian law"?

That's because it resembles legislation that was passed in Russia in 2012, and which the Russian government has since used to silence voices challenging the Kremlin, including media organisations and prominent personalities.

Why are demonstrators flying the EU flag?

Georgia is on course to become an EU member country - something 80% of Georgians support. But the bloc has warned that the "foreign agents" law could be a "serious obstacle" to membership. So Georgians see their country at a crossroads: on one side is Russia - their former ruler in Soviet times - and on the other is the European Union. Looking out at the sea of blue flags that have taken over the central squares and avenues of Georgia in recent weeks, the people's preference seems clear.

The context: Eyewitnesses at recent protests have accused some police officers of physically attacking protesters. Sandro Gvindadze reports from Tbilisi.

THE BIG PICTURE

What's behind sprint's race divide?

Su Bingtian (far left) finished sixth at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Credit: Getty Images

What made Usian Bolt so fast? And why are the sprinters lining up on the starting blocks of 100m finals so often black men and women? There are no straight answers to these questions, although there have been many theories. How important are genetics, and what is just a self-fulfilling prophecy? Ben Bloom investigates.

And finally... in Ghana

Stevie Wonder has received Ghanaian citizenship. The American musician was honoured with a ceremony that fell on his birthday, on Monday. In 1975, the legendary singer considered quitting music and moving to the West African country. Thankfully, we've had 50 years of songs since then.