Kurdish Protesters Clash with Police in Paris

A man holds a flag of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) during protests in Republic Square in Paris, in protest against the killing of 3 Kurds in the French capital (Reuters)
A man holds a flag of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) during protests in Republic Square in Paris, in protest against the killing of 3 Kurds in the French capital (Reuters)
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Kurdish Protesters Clash with Police in Paris

A man holds a flag of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) during protests in Republic Square in Paris, in protest against the killing of 3 Kurds in the French capital (Reuters)
A man holds a flag of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) during protests in Republic Square in Paris, in protest against the killing of 3 Kurds in the French capital (Reuters)

Clashes broke out for a second day in Paris on Saturday between police and members of the Kurdish community angry at the killing on Friday of three members of their community.

Cars were overturned, at least one vehicle was burned and small fires set alight near Republic Square, the traditional venue for demonstrations in the city where Kurds earlier held a peaceful protest.

Clashes broke out as some demonstrators left the square, throwing projectiles at police who responded with tear gas. Skirmishes continued for around two hours before the protesters dispersed.

A gunman carried out the killings at a Kurdish cultural center and nearby cafe on Friday in a busy part of Paris' 10th district, stunning a community preparing to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the unresolved murder of three activists, Reuters reported.

Police arrested a 69-year-old man who the authorities said had recently been freed from detention while awaiting trial for a saber attack on a migrant camp in Paris a year ago.

Following questioning of the suspect, investigators had added a suspected racist motive to initial accusations of murder and violence with weapons, the prosecutor's office said on Saturday.

After an angry crowd clashed with police on Friday afternoon, the Kurdish democratic council in France (CDK-F) organized a gathering on Saturday at Republic Square.

Hundreds of Kurdish protesters, joined by politicians including the mayor of Paris' 10th district, waved flags and listened to tributes to the victims.



US House Speaker Johnson Sees No Immediate Russia Sanctions Action

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., arrives for an early morning strategy session with the Republican Conference, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP)
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., arrives for an early morning strategy session with the Republican Conference, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP)
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US House Speaker Johnson Sees No Immediate Russia Sanctions Action

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., arrives for an early morning strategy session with the Republican Conference, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP)
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., arrives for an early morning strategy session with the Republican Conference, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP)

US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson said on Tuesday he does not think the US Congress should consider sanctions on Russia until after President Donald Trump's 50-day deadline for Moscow to end the war in Ukraine.

"We were talking about sanctioning Russia," the Louisiana Republican said at a weekly news conference.

"But I think the House and the Senate agree that the White House having given that deadline of 50 days, we need to allow the commander-in-chief and the administration and the secretary of defense and the Pentagon to do what they're going to do, and we'll see how that plays out," Johnson said.

Some members of Congress have been pushing for stiff sanctions on Russia, including a Senate bill with 85 co-sponsors from both parties that would impose 500% tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium and other exports.

China and India account for about 70% of Russia's international energy business, which helps fund its war effort.

However, the Republican leaders of the Senate and House have said they will not bring any sanctions legislation up for a vote without Trump's approval.

Trump on July 14 threatened stiff sanctions on Russia and countries that buy Russian oil, but gave Moscow 50 days to agree to a ceasefire deal.

Johnson called for an end to the war.

"We need peace, over there. It's gone on too long. Too many innocent people are dying. And we don't want further American involvement in this at all," he said.