NEWS OF THE DAY
From Around the World
1 Germany raids: Special forces raided apartments across the country Sunday in connection with allegations that at least eight people were involved in creating a far-right terrorist organization, the federal prosecutor’s office said. The sweep targeted members of the far-right Reichsbuerger movement. Authorities searched homes in Berlin, Brandenburg and the eastern state of Thuringia. Authorities were also investigating the killings of some people and say the group may have procured weapons to enforce their goals. No one was detained during the raids.
2 Mideast violence: The chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court raised concerns Sunday that Israel and Hamas may have committed war crimes during the recent flareup of violence in the Gaza Strip. In a statement, Fatou Bensouda’s office expressed “grave concern” over the shootings of Palestinians by Israeli troops during mass protests along Gaza’s border with Israel. Her office said that Israel’s “violence against civilians — in a situation such as one prevailing in Gaza” may constitute war crimes. But in an apparent reference to Gaza’s Hamas rulers, she also said “the use of civilian presence for the purpose of shielding military activities” could also be a war crime. Palestinian health officials say at least 31 people have been killed by Israeli fire, including 25 people killed during protests. 3 Remains recovered: Libyan authorities have found the remains of three children abducted for ransom more than two years ago, in a case that highlighted the security deterioration in the country since the 2011 uprising that overthrew dictator Moammar Khadafy. The children, a girl and two boys ranging from 5 to 12 years old, were kidnapped by armed men on their way to school in December 2015 in the coastal town of Surman. The children were related to a prominent businessman, Reyad al-Shershari. Last month, the police said they raided a hideout of the gang behind the abduction, killing some members in an exchange of fire. Libya’s al-Wasat news website reported that a gang member held in custody helped lead authorities to the remains of the children.
4 Pakistan rally: Thousands of people from Pakistan’s tribes rallied Sunday in the city of Peshawar, demanding the release of suspects being held by authorities on alleged links to militants. An estimated 15,000 people attended the rally organized by the Movement for Protection of Pashtuns group. Organizer Manzoor Pashteen said the group is calling for the “right to live without fear.” Participants also demanded that authorities and the army clear mines planted during operations in their area.
5 Prince diplomacy: The crown prince of Saudi Arabia arrived Sunday in Paris on his first official visit to France, which is hoping to profit from his shakeup of the conservative kingdom. No big weapons contracts are expected to be signed during the visit of Mohammed bin Salman, but a “strategic partnership” is to be announced Tuesday with French President Emmanuel Macron. The 32-year-old heir to the Saudi throne, now at the center of the kingdom’s power structure, has instigated major reforms to shed the kingdom’s austere image. Demonstrators will greet the prince with protests over the Saudi-led coalition’s air strikes in Yemen to fight Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Prince Mohammed comes to France after a nearly three-week-long trip to the United States, preceded by a threeday visit to Britain.