ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — While France celebrated the anniversary of victory over the Nazis on Wednesday, Algeria commemorated a more somber anniversary: The crackdown by French colonial forces on Algerian independence activists the same day 79 years ago.
Both events took place on May 8, 1945.
In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron lay a wreath Wednesday at the eternal flame beneath the Napoleon-era Arc de Triomphe, honoring those killed fighting the Nazis and marking the end of World War II in Europe.
At the time of the war, Algeria was the crown jewel in France’s colonial empire, and Algerian soldiers were among those sent to fight for France in Europe. The end of World War II unleashed independence movements across the former French and British empires.
In Algiers on Wednesday, ceremonies were being held to honor demonstrators who took to the streets in the towns of Guelma, Sétif and Kherrata to call for freedom from French rule.
Stock market today: Asian shares mixed after calm day on Wall St
367 new projects inked in east China city
Malta marks World Tai Chi Day to embrace Chinese culture
China embraces AI boom, diverse application scenarios
Yamamoto goes 8 innings and Muncy hits early slam as Dodgers beat Marlins 8
Authorities name driver fatally shot by deputies in Memphis after he sped toward them
Tyler O'Neill's bloop single lifts Boston Red Sox past Chicago Cubs 5
King Charles is keen to saddle up for Trooping The Colour as he returns to public duties this week
Mexico tightens travel rules on Peruvians in a show of visa diplomacy to slow migration to US
Man Utd win FA Cup thriller against Coventry on penalties
AstraZeneca pulls COVID vaccine from European market
Authorities name driver fatally shot by deputies in Memphis after he sped toward them