Paris (AFP) – Narges Mohammadi, the Iranian 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, says her body may be weakened from her long imprisonment but she still has a mind of “steel”, according to an interview published Thursday.
'Mind of steel': Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi defiant despite imprisonment
Asian stocks begin year on cautious note
Hong Kong (AFP) – Asian stocks began 2025 mostly in the red on Thursday after worries about US interest rates, tariffs, and China’s economy gave Wall Street the holiday blues for a fourth straight session.
Andreeva, Mpetshi Perricard showcase Australian Open potential
Brisbane (Australia) (AFP) – Rising stars Mirra Andreeva of Russia and Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard underlined their Australian Open potential with impressive wins at the Brisbane International on Thursday.
Leeds and Burnley held to draws as Windass hits Wednesday wonder strike
London (AFP) – English Championship leaders Leeds had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers following a frantic finish to their New Year’s Day clash at Elland Road.
Saudi executes at least 338 people in 2024: AFP tally
Dubai (AFP) – Saudi Arabia has put six Iranians to death for drug trafficking, the interior ministry said Wednesday, after a year in which it carried out a record number of executions, according to an AFP tally of official reports.
11 years on, Syria protesters demand answers on abducted activists
Douma (Syria) (AFP) – A few dozen protesters gathered in the Syrian city of Douma on Wednesday demanding answers about the fate of four prominent activists abducted more than a decade ago.
Migrants crossing Channel to UK in 2024 soar by 25 percent
London (AFP) – 36RU3N2
Seko Fofana joins Rennes after Saudi Arabia stint
Rennes (France) (AFP) – Ivorian international Seko Fofana has signed a four-and-a-half year deal with Rennes, the Ligue 1 club announced Wednesday, after 18 months playing in Saudi Arabia.
Milan says no to all outdoor smoking in Italy's toughest ban
Milan (Italy) (AFP) – Smokers in Italy’s financial and fashion capital of Milan risk being fined for lighting up on city streets or crowded public areas, after the country’s toughest ban came into effect on Wednesday.
Brazil's Amazon saw highest number of fires in 17 years: agency
Rio de Janeiro (AFP) – Brazil’s Amazon rainforest experienced its highest number of fires in 17 years in 2024, government data published Wednesday showed, after the vast biome suffered months of a lengthy drought.
