No sign of new protests in Iran as a hard-line cleric calls for executions and threatens Trump

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A cleric leading prayers in Iran’s capital has demanded the death penalty for detained protesters, showing the hard-line rage gripping the Islamic Republic. Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami’s sermon Friday was carried by Iranian state radio and sparked chants from those gathered for prayers. Executions and the killing of peaceful protesters are red lines laid down by Trump for possible military action against Iran. Khatami’s remarks also offered the first nationwide counts of damage done during the demonstrations that began Dec. 28 over Iran’s ailing economy. Iran cut off access to the internet Jan. 8 and intensified a bloody crackdown on all dissent. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency on Friday put the death toll from the crackdown at 2,797.

Cuba launches mass demonstration to decry US attack on Venezuela

HAVANA (AP) — Tens of thousands of Cubans have gathered in Havana to protest the killing of 32 Cuban officers in Venezuela. The demonstration took place Friday at the “José Martí Anti-Imperialist” plaza across from the U.S. Embassy. The crowd demanded the release of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, who was arrested by the U.S. on Jan. 3. Cuba’s Foreign Ministry described the protest as a response to threats against peace and sovereignty. President Miguel Díaz-Canel attended the event. The protest follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent demands for Cuba to negotiate with him amid tightened sanctions and economic struggles.

A South Korean court sentences Yoon to 5 years in prison

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A South Korean court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison on some charges related to his imposition of martial law. The verdict is the first against Yoon in the eight criminal trials over the decree he issued in late 2024 and other allegations. The most significant charge against him alleges that he led a rebellion in connection with his martial law enforcement and it carries a potential death penalty. The Seoul Central District Court in the case decided Friday sentenced him for other charges like his defiance of authorities’ attempts to detain him and his alleged fabrication of official documents.

Canada agrees to cut tariff on Chinese EVs in return for lower tariffs on Canadian farm products

BEIJING (AP) — Canada has agreed to cut its 100% tariff on Chinese electric cars in return for lower tariffs on Canadian farm products. Prime Minister Mark Carney made the announcement Friday after two days of meetings with Chinese leaders. He says there will be an initial annual cap of 49,000 vehicles on Chinese EV exports to Canada, growing to 70,000 over five years. China will reduce its tariff on the major Canadian export of canola seeds from about 84% to about 15%. Carney and Chinese leader Xi Jinping pledged earlier Friday to improve relations between their two nations after years of acrimony.