Ghazala Hashmi Could Make History With First Muslim Woman Elected To Virginia State-Wide Office in the United States
New Age Islam News Bureau
04 November 2025
· Ghazala Hashmi Could Make History With First Muslim Woman Elected To Virginia State-Wide Office in the United States
· Forugh Khosravi, Elementary School Teacher Sentenced to 15 Years for ‘Insulting’ Khamenei
· Yvette Cooper, UK Foreign Secy, Joins Saudi-British Women’s Network Majlis To Bolster Cooperation
· Pregnant Teenager Bella Culley, Accused Of Drug Trafficking Charges Freed From Georgian Prison
· FIFA Chief Welcomes Female Fans At Iranian Cup Match As Progress
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/muslim-woman-elected-virginia-united-states/d/137513
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Ghazala Hashmi Could Make History With First Muslim Woman Elected To Virginia State-Wide Office in the United States
November 3, 2025
Ghazala Hashmi, Virginia State Senator and candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, takes a selfie with a supporter in Sterling, Virginia. (CAROLINE GUTMAN/THE WASHINGTON POST/GETTY IMAGES)
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Virginia state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi could make history Tuesday night as the first Muslim woman ever elected to state-wide office in the United States.
Hashmi is running to become Virginia’s next lieutenant governor in a competitive race against Republican John Reid, a former conservative talk radio host, who could make history himself as the first openly gay Republican elected to state-wide office in the country. Virginia will also elect its first woman governor Tuesday in a two-woman contest between former Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger and Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears.
Both lieutenant governor candidates have largely steered clear of the history-making potential of their campaigns, focusing rather on the issues they hope will animate their respective parties. For Hashmi, that is a rebuke of President Donald Trump’s second term alongside boosting funding for public education; for Reid, it’s lowering taxes and regulations for business and keeping transgender girls out of girls’ sports.
In an interview Monday, Hashmi said that her final message to voters was focused on the urgency of electing leaders who would fight against the “chaos of Washington and Donald Trump,” particularly given the government shutdown and the impact of federal workers who are working without pay or were recently fired on Virginia’s economy.
At the same time, looking back on her campaign as it comes to a close, “the most gratifying part to me has been the level of excitement I’ve seen from so many people — but most especially young women and young women of diverse backgrounds,” Hashmi said. “They are excited to know that we are making history, both with Abigail and my election. They see this as opening up a new chapter in Virginia — responding to centuries of bigotry and misogyny. We are demonstrating quite effectively that women are critical and essential leaders.”
Hashmi, 61, was elected to the Virginia legislature in 2019, when she became the first Indian American and first Muslim woman ever elected to the state Senate. A community college administrator, she appealed to the area’s growing immigrant population and managed to flip a hyper-competitive district that was crucial to Democrats’ successful bid to take control of the state Senate.
At the time, Hashmi said she became motivated to run for office by Trump’s travel ban on seven majority-Muslim nations. She said she wanted to prove that she and other members of her faith belong in the United States, despite the message sent by the administration’s policy.
“It’s become an even sharper focus for me that I be able to stand up to the bigotry and the kind of division that Trump initiated in 2016 and that he continues to promote now in his second term,” Hashmi said Monday.
Hashmi was born in Hyderabad, India, and moved to the United States as a child alongside her parents, settling in small-town Georgia where her dad worked in academia. If Hashmi wins her election, she’ll become the second immigrant ever elected to statewide office in Virginia, following Earle-Sears, who was born in Jamaica.
Tuesday night could be a big night for Muslim Americans looking for representation in government: New York City could elect Zohran Mamdani as its first Muslim mayor. Like Hashmi, Mamdani is also of Indian descent.
Mamdani has spoken out against Islamophobia. Following a speech in which he described his aunt’s fear of taking the subway after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Mamdani was mocked on social media by high-profile conservative figures. Vice President JD Vance wrote, “According to Zohran the real victim of 9/11 was his auntie who got some (allegedly) bad looks.”
Hashmi too has faced attacks based on her faith, and sometimes in connection to Mamdani. In a social media post calling Mamdani her “NYC twin,” Reid said Hashmi should be questioned on what parts of his agenda she supports based on “their religious connection.” Reid said Hashmi should be pressed on “what she thinks about Sharia law influencing Virginia law.”
Hashmi pointed to comments by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin during a rally Sunday night. The governor said he wanted Spanberger “to just go home,” but when turning to Hashmi, he said, “I don’t even want her in the state,” according to reports.
Hashmi responded publicly. “I have lived in Virginia for over 30 years; my daughters were born and raised right here in Richmond,” she said on social media. “I am not surprised — but will not be deterred — by the bigotry from our Governor. Ghazala Hashmi is an American name. On Tuesday, we will show him what Virginia stands for.”
Hashmi won the Democratic nomination following a competitive primary that featured other prominent leaders in the state. Polling in the final days of the race gave her and Spanberger a strong advantage over their Republican opponents. (In Virginia, statewide candidates run independent races for public office.)
Hashmi’s opponent, Reid, became the GOP nominee without a formal nominating contest after his only rival withdrew from the race.
Reid, the first out gay candidate of either party for statewide office in Virginia, faced pressure from Youngkin to withdraw from the race over allegations that he shared explicit photos of men from a personal social media account. Reid denied those claims and stayed in the race. He argued in a lengthy video posted to social media that the effort to kick him off the ballot was based on discrimination against his sexual orientation.
Notably, Reid’s running mate, Earle-Sears, has repeatedly expressed her opposition to same-sex marriage, citing her Christian faith. Earlier this year, Earle-Sears wrote that she was “morally opposed” to a bipartisan bill that prohibits people authorized by the state to issue marriage licenses from denying them based on the sex, gender or race of the couples.
Source: 19thnews.org
https://19thnews.org/2025/11/virginia-ghazala-hashmi-muslim-woman-statewide-office/
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Forugh Khosravi, Elementary School Teacher Sentenced to 15 Years for ‘Insulting’ Khamenei
NOVEMBER 3, 2025
Forugh Khosravi, from the city of Behbahan in southwestern Khuzestan Province, was convicted on Saturday by Branch 1 of the city’s Revolutionary Court over text messages and Instagram posts deemed critical of the state
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An Iranian elementary school teacher has been sentenced to 15 years in prison on charges including “insulting” Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and communicating with foreign media.
Forugh Khosravi, from the city of Behbahan in southwestern Khuzestan Province, was convicted on Saturday by Branch 1 of the city’s Revolutionary Court over text messages and Instagram posts deemed critical of the state.
The verdict included one year for “propaganda against the system,” two years each for “insulting” Khamenei and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic, five years for “insulting sanctities,” and another five years for alleged contact with “Israeli-affiliated media, including the Iran International television network.”
Under Iran’s sentencing rules that combine multiple convictions, Khosravi will serve five years - the harshest of the sentences - rather than the full 15-year term.
Court documents cited as evidence old text messages between Khosravi and a family member, along with protest-related posts on her Instagram account, according to reports.
Revolutionary Guard Intelligence forces arrested her on July 29 after raiding her home. She was released 11 days later from Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz on bail. During the arrest, security forces also confiscated her husband’s mobile phone.
In a separate incident on June 20, agents from the Revolutionary Guard’s Intelligence Organization reportedly searched Khosravi’s home without a judicial warrant, seizing personal belongings - including her phone - and creating what witnesses described as an atmosphere of intimidation.
“Insulting” Khamenei, who has held ultimate authority in Iran since 1989, is treated as a serious offense that can result in years of imprisonment under laws shielding the supreme leader from criticism.
Authorities have intensified their crackdown on dissent since the 2022 nationwide protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody - with teachers, journalists, and activists increasingly targeted for social media posts and private messages alike.
Source: iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/women/146039-iranian-elementary-school-teacher-sentenced-to-15-years-for-insulting-khamenei/
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Yvette Cooper, UK Foreign Secy, Joins Saudi-British Women’s Network Majlis To Bolster Cooperation
November 03, 2025
RIYADH: The Saudi-British Women’s Network hosted a Women’s Majlis on Sunday in Riyadh, attended by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, to empower women and foster dialogue between the two nations.
Held at the UK Embassy to coincide with Cooper’s visit, it was the first majlis of the network, and was co-chaired by Lama Alhamawi, who is head of the diplomatic section at Arab News.
“Facilitated by the Saudi-British Women’s Network, the Women’s Majlis elevates women’s voices, creating opportunities for collaboration and cooperation and furthering Saudi-UK ties through mentorship and community on a women’s level,” said Alhamawi in a statement.
“It was truly an honor to welcome the UK’s Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, to be a part of the Women’s Majlis.
“The Saudi-British Women’s Network is not only strengthening diplomatic ties between our two nations but also actively supporting women by creating opportunities for shared dialogue and collaboration across all sectors, from education to investment,” she added.
The majlis brought together leading women who are shaping change and building cross-border connections between Saudi Arabia and the UK.
The participants included female pioneers from Saudi Arabia and the UK, spanning law, government, business and media.
The majlis also served to highlight the progress the Kingdom has made in elevating women into leadership positions under Vision 2030, offering Cooper insight into Saudi Arabia’s evolving priorities.
“Gatherings such as the Women’s Majlis truly break barriers, bringing women together to share our stories and create connections,” Alhamawi said.
The Saudi-British Women’s Network was formally established on the sidelines of the 9th Future Investment Initiative.
Alhamawi, and the network’s UK chairwoman, Rebecca Cousins, signed a memorandum of understanding in the presence of founder Atifa Shah and Rachel Reeves, chancellor of the exchequer.
“The majlis embodies what the Saudi-British Women’s Network is all about, creating a space where women can come together, share personal perspectives, and support growth,” Shah said.
“Holding our first majlis with the foreign secretary’s visit was a powerful moment that showed the value of connection and collaboration.
“The network is about building bridges between women in both countries and celebrating the role we all play in shaping a more inclusive future,” she said.
Dr. Alice Burt, deputy British ambassador, added that she was “delighted” that the first majlis was held at the British Embassy and hosted by the foreign secretary.
“It’s inspiring to see the network creating intimate spaces where Saudi and British women can connect, exchange ideas, and build lasting friendships.
“This kind of dialogue reflects the depth of friendship between our two countries and the shared commitment to supporting women’s leadership and collaboration,” she added.
The network was founded by Shah for leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to share knowledge, foster mentorship and build meaningful partnerships.
“Through our majlis’, leadership forums and sector-specific initiatives, we at the SBWN aim to create opportunities for women to grow, collaborate and contribute to the evolving relationship between Saudi Arabia and the UK,” Alhamawi added.
Source: arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2621304/saudi-arabia
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Pregnant Teenager Bella Culley, Accused Of Drug Trafficking Charges Freed From Georgian Prison
04 November 2025
Rayhan Demytrie
Pregnant teenager Bella Culley, who had admitted drug trafficking charges in Georgia, has said she felt "happy and relieved" as she was freed from prison.
The 19-year-old from Billingham, Teesside, had initially faced a possible 20 years in jail, but prosecutors made a last-minute change to the terms of a plea bargain.
Miss Culley, who walked free from court in Tbilisi arm-in-arm with her mother Lyanne Kennedy, told reporters she had not expected to be freed today.
The teenager was detained on 10 May having being arrested at Tbilisi International Airport when 12kg (26lb) of marijuana and 2kg (4.4lb) of hashish were found in her luggage.
Her lawyer Malkhaz Salakaia said prosecutors made the changes to the plea deal and, given her age and pregnancy, decided to free her.
Miss Culley's family is trying to get her passport from the police so she can leave the country as soon as possible.
When she was told she would be freed after five months and 24 days in custody, the teenager broke into a huge smile.
She then hugged her lawyer before the court proceedings went ahead with the judge asking procedural questions, including whether or Miss Culley pleaded guilty to the charge of trafficking drugs into Georgia.
She answered "yes".
Throughout the hearing she kept looking at her mother and exchanging smiles, until she was let free from the court and the pair, both crying with happiness, embraced.
Before leaving, Miss Culley, who is eight months pregnant, appeared to worry about what she was wearing.
She was heard saying, "oh my God I look awful" and "there are all these cameras".
Her lawyer also called her father for a brief conversation.
He said to her: "Hello Princess", and she replied: "I'm not in jail anymore dad".
Lawyers representing the teenager had been locked in negotiations with judicial authorities in Georgia, with details expected to be released later.
Her family had recently paid £137,000 to reduce her sentence to two years.
Miss Culley previously pleaded guilty to bringing drugs into Georgia, flying from Thailand via Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.
But said she was forced to do so by gangsters who tortured her with hot iron.
She had initially gone missing while travelling in Thailand and her lawyer said Georgian police had launched a separate criminal investigation into her coercion allegations.
Where is Georgia?
Georgia sits on the east coast of the Black Sea.
It lies to the south of Russia and also shares borders with Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The country is a former republic of the Soviet Union, regaining its independence in 1991.
At a previous hearing, she told the court: "I just wanted to travel.
"I am a good person. I am a student at university. I am a clean person. I don't do drugs."
Miss Culley had been held in pre-trial detention since May, first in stark conditions in Georgia's Rustavi Prison Number Five before being transferred to a "mother and baby" unit.
Mr Salakaia said he planned to appeal to the president of Georgia to pardon her after finalising the plea deal.
Source: bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy1870g8x7o
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FIFA chief welcomes female fans at Iranian Cup match as progress
4 Nov 2025
FIFA President Gianni Infantino calls women attending a Hazfi Cup match in Iran an encouraging development for football accessibility.
MASHHAD: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has welcomed the attendance of women and girls at a Hazfi Cup soccer match in the Iranian city of Mashhad as an encouraging development.
Female fans have faced a near-total ban from sports events in Iran since the 1979 revolution, prompting past calls for the men’s team to be excluded from the 2022 World Cup.
Infantino has pursued a policy of personal engagement with Iranian leadership and hailed the access to the Imam Reza Stadium for some women as another step forward.
He expressed his pleasure at learning about the female attendance at the match between Nassaji Mazandaran and Shahid Ghandi Yazd in a social media post.
Infantino noted this development follows last December’s top-flight match in Isfahan with 45,000 women and the 2023 Tehran Derby with 3,000 female attendees.
Women’s rights group Open Stadiums, which advocated for Iran’s World Cup exclusion, stated only limited numbers were allowed into Sunday’s lower-league match.
They also highlighted the stadium was the same location where Human Rights Watch reported women were forcibly barred from a 2022 World Cup qualifier.
Last year’s Sepahan versus Persepolis match in Isfahan was played before a crowd composed exclusively of women and girls.
That Iranian Football Federation order to exclude male fans followed insulting chants by a Sepahan cheerleader about female Persepolis fans in May 2024.
Infantino said he hopes to see more progress in opening football matches to everyone in Iran and other regions with access restrictions.
He added that FIFA’s vision is to make football available to everyone worldwide because the game belongs to all who wish to experience it.
Infantino concluded by expressing hope that these developments will continue positively through ongoing dialogue with global authorities.
Iran has already qualified for next year’s World Cup in North America. – Reuters
Source: thesun.my
https://thesun.my/sports/football/fifa-chief-welcomes-female-fans-iranian-cup-match/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/muslim-woman-elected-virginia-united-states/d/137513