Algerian MPs have passed a law that declares France's colonisation of the country a state crime and demands reparations and an apology.

Algiers

Algeria's parliament has approved a bill that formally declares the French colonisation of Algeria a state crime. The legislation also calls for an official apology and reparations from France, citing acts such as torture, nuclear testing, and resource exploitation committed during the colonial period.

French President Emmanuel Macron has previously acknowledged the colonial era as a crime against humanity but has not issued an official apology. While the new law is not legally binding for France, analysts suggest it represents a significant shift in the relationship between the two countries.

Algeria passes law declaring French colonisation a state crime

As Algerian MPs gathered in Parliament on Wednesday, they opened the session with a rendition of the national anthem. Shortly afterwards, they passed a bill declaring French colonisation of Algeria a crime of state, and demanding an apology and reparations. The law provides a list of crimes committed by French colonisers, including torture, nuclear testing and the plunder of resources. French President Emmanuel Macron has previously acknowledged colonisation of Algeria as a crime against humanity, but he stopped short of offering an apology. The bill isn't legally binding for France, but analysts say it marks a significant break in relations between the two countries.

Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Christmas Mass Wednesday evening where he described the celebration as a feast of "faith, charity and hope". He reminded the faithful that refusing to help the poor and vulnerable is comparable to rejecting God altogether.

Rome

Pope Leo reminds believers to help the poor in first Christmas mass

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signaled progress in a Ukraine-Russia peace plan, after he told journalists about a new draft that would include a free economic zone and demilitarization. Holly Williams has the latest.

Kyiv

Zelenskyy signals progress with Ukraine-Russia peace plan

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Washington

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Brasília

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Moscow

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Paris

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Ukraine Invasion

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London

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New York

U.S., Venezuela in war of words at UNSC over military strikes

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Bristol

Two dead, several missing after nursing home explosion in Pennsylvania

A Delaware state trooper was killed Tuesday during a shooting at a Wilmington DMV, the Delaware State Police said. The state's governor confirmed the shooter is also dead.

Wilmington

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Haymana

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Bolton

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Parijs

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Kiev

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Nuuk

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Council of the City of Sydney

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Beijing

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Caracas

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Bekkersdal

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Islamabad

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Breakdown