Nourah bint Saeed al-Qahtani a Saudi Woman Gets 45-Year Prison Term for Social Media Posts
New
Age Islam News Bureau
31
August 2022
•
Taliban Orders Shops to Refuse Selling Things to Women without Hijab
•
Iran Using Surveillance Cameras To Identify Women Breaking Hijab Rule
•
More Than Half Million Pregnant Women among Flood-Hit in Dire Need of Care:
UNFPA
•
High Marks from Saudi Women as Aerial Yoga Trend Takes Off In the Kingdom
•
'Unislamic, Draconian': Free Muslim Women of Talaq-e-Hasan Clutches Too, Says
Plea To SC
•
Rise in Divorces Prompts Marriage Age Change for Women From 16 To 18 In Kedah
•
Delegation from AJBWC participates in Working Women's Second Arab Forum in Oman
•
Attendees of UNSC Call to Uphold Rights of Afghan Women, Girls
•
Rights Activists in Istanbul Voice Out Against Women Rights Violations in
Afghanistan
•
Muslim Student Thrashed Allegedly For Befriending A Girl From The Hindu
Community In Karnataka
Compiled
by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/nourah-qahtani-saudi-woman/d/127846
--------
Nourah
bint Saeed al-Qahtani a Saudi Woman Gets 45-Year Prison Term for Social Media
Posts
Nourah
bint Saeed Al-Qahtani [@taj_rights/Twitter]
-----
30
August 2022
Saudi
Arabia has sentenced a woman to 45 years in prison for her social media posts,
a rights group says, marking the latest example of a major crackdown on Twitter
users led by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS).
Nourah
bint Saeed al-Qahtani was convicted by the Saudi Specialized Criminal Court on
charges of "using the internet to tear the (Saudi Arabia’s) social
fabric" and "violating public order” via social media",
Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN) said in a statement on Tuesday, citing
court documents.
The
Washington-based organization, which was founded by slain Saudi dissident
journalist Jamal Khashoggi, said Qahtani was convicted under the kingdom's
Counter-Terrorism and Anti-Cyber Crime Law.
DAWN
also noted that little is known about Qahtani, including her age or the
circumstances around her arrest and conviction. She does not appear to have an
active Twitter account.
Qahtani's
conviction came a few weeks after Salma al-Shehab, a mother of two young
children and a student at Leeds University in Britain, was sentenced to 34
years in prison for having a Twitter account and for following and retweeting
the critics of the kingdom.
She
was on holiday in Saudi Arabia in January 2021 and had planned to return to the
United Kingdom when she was detained.
The
latest cases came after US President Joe Biden paid a controversial visit to
Saudi Arabia in July and fist-bumped the Saudi crown prince despite his earlier
promise to make the Saudis the “pariah that they are” over human rights abuses,
in particular the killing of Khashoggi on the direct orders of the crown
prince.
Abdullah
Alaoudh, the director for the Gulf region at Dawn, said Saudi authorities
appear to have imprisoned Qahtani for “simply tweeting her opinions.”
“It
is impossible not to connect the dots between Crown Prince Mohammed bin
Salman’s meeting with [US] President [Joe] Biden last month in Jeddah and the
uptick in the repressive attacks against anyone who dares criticize the crown
prince or the Saudi government for well-documented abuses,” Alaoudh said.
He
went on to say that in both the Shebab and Qahtani cases, Saudi authorities
used "abusive" laws to target and punish Saudi citizens for
criticizing the government on Twitter.
"Only
weeks after this month's shocking 34-year sentence of Salma al-Shehab, Qahtani's
45-year sentence... shows how emboldened Saudi authorities feel to punish even
the mildest criticism from its citizens," he said.
Ever
since Mohammed bin Salman became Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader in 2017, the
kingdom has arrested hundreds of activists, bloggers, intellectuals and others
for their political activism, showing almost zero tolerance for dissent even in
the face of international condemnation of the crackdown.
Muslim
scholars have been executed and women’s rights campaigners have been put behind
bars and tortured as freedom of expression, association, and belief continue to
be denied by the kingdom's authorities.
Over
the past years, Riyadh has also redefined its anti-terrorism laws to target
activism.
Source:
Press TV
--------
Taliban
Orders Shops to Refuse Selling Things to Women without Hijab
Image:
AP
----
By
Saqalain Eqbal
30
Aug 2022
The
Taliban Ministry of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice officials have
allegedly warned shopkeepers in Mazar-e-Sharif, the provincial capital of Balkh
province in northern Afghanistan, not to sell anything to women who are not
wearing hijab, according to the local sources.
The
shopkeepers were informed of the new order, according to the sources, on Monday
morning, August 29, in the famous Blue Mosque of Mazar-e-Sharif city and they
were warned of the consequences if they failed to obey the order.
Shopkeepers
stated that serious action will be taken against them if they sell products to
women who do not wear hijab, as per the new order. They have also been ordered
to close their shops during the prayer and attend the congregation.
In
Takhar province in northern Afghanistan, during the previous week, it was
reported that Taliban forces purportedly used whips to take several shopkeepers
to congregational prayers.
Additionally,
a written directive was delivered to the shops and inhabitants of Kabul’s 7th
district stating that they had to be present in the congregation during the
prayer and that anyone absent will not have the right to complain.
The
Taliban’s Ministry of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice previously
declared that all Afghan women must wear the hijab.
The
Taliban statement that mandated hijab for Afghan women preferred the
all-encompassing blue burqa, Chadari which became a global icon of the
Taliban’s prior extremist tenure from 1996 to 2001, as a suitable covering.
Source:
Khaama Press
https://www.khaama.com/taliban-orders-shops-to-refuse-selling-things-to-women-without-hijab-354769/
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Iran
Using Surveillance Cameras To Identify Women Breaking Hijab Rule
August
30, 2022
An
Iranian official says footage from surveillance cameras in public places such
as subways will be used to help identify and fine women who fail to adhere to
the country's mandatory hijab rule.
In
a video published on social media, Mohammad Saleh Hashemi Golpayegani said this
measure is based on the July 5 order by President Ebrahim Raisi to enforce the
so-called hijab and chastity law. It is the first time that an official in Iran
has publicly admitted the presence of facial recognition technology in public
surveillance cameras.
Golpayegani
is the secretary of Iran's Headquarters for Enjoining Right and Forbidding
Evil, which is responsible for determining and enforcing behavioral models in
society.
Golpayegani
has previously said that women who publish their pictures without a hijab on
the Internet will be deprived of some social rights for a period of six months
to one year.
Authorities
in Iran are increasingly cracking down on women deemed to be in violation of
wearing the hijab, which is mandatory in public in Iran.
In
recent weeks, women judged not to be in compliance have been barred from
entering government offices, banks, or riding on public transportation.
The
notorious Guidance Patrols, or morality police, have become increasingly active
and violent. Videos have emerged on social media appearing to show officers
detaining women, forcing them into vans, and whisking them away.
The
hijab -- the head covering worn by Muslim women -- became compulsory in public
for Iranian women and girls over the age of 9 after the 1979 Islamic
Revolution.
Many
Iranian women have flouted the rule over the years and pushed the boundaries of
what officials say is acceptable clothing.
Source:
Rferl
https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-surveillance-cameras-identify-women-hijab-rules/32010957.html
--------
More
than half million pregnant women among flood-hit in dire need of care: UNFPA
Amin
Ahmed
August
31, 2022
ISLAMABAD:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), a sexual and reproductive health
agency, has painted a bleak picture of women affected by the unprecedented
floods as it said that at least 650,000 pregnant women, of whom 73,000 are
expected to deliver next month, in the flood-affected areas are in dire need of
maternal health service.
The
UN agency also warned that many women and girls were at an increased risk of
gender-based violence (GBV) as almost one million houses were damaged in
the floods that spelled suffering for millions across Pakistan.
“Up
to 73,000 women expected to deliver next month will need skilled birth
attendants, newborn care, and support,” the agency said, adding that
pregnancies and childbirth cannot wait for emergencies or natural disasters to
be over as this is when a woman and baby are vulnerable and need the most care.
“UNFPA
is on the ground, working with partners, to ensure that pregnant women and new
mothers continue receiving life-saving services even under the most
challenging conditions,” acting UNFPA Pakistan Representative Dr Bakhtior
Kadirov said.
UNHCR
asks world to step up support for flood victims
According
to the UN agency, over 1,000 health facilities were either partially or fully
damaged in Sindh, whereas 198 health facilities were damaged in the affected
districts in Balochistan. The damage to roads and bridges also compromised
girls’ and women’s access to health facilities, it added.
“We
will continue supporting health facilities with the equipment and human
resources to be fully operational despite the challenging humanitarian
conditions,” said Dr Kadirov.
In
a bid to ramp up its emergency response, the UNFPA Pakistan procured 8,311
dignity kits, 7,411 newborn baby kits, and 6,412 clean delivery kits for
immediate delivery to Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab.
Editorial:
Looming shortages
The
UN agency said it was also prioritising gender-based violence prevention and
response services, including medical and psychosocial support to the
survivors of GBV.
UNHCR
appeals for more help
As
the UNHCR has delivered relief items in the worst-hit areas of Balochistan
and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi
asked the international community to step up its support and help Pakistan’s
response to the catastrophe.
“Rain
and floods have been catastrophic for millions of people. We urgently need
global support and solidarity for Pakistan in these dire times,’’ said Filippo
Grandi.
Over
30 million people in Pakistan have been affected by torrential rains and
flash floods across the country, leaving 6.4 million people in need of
immediate support. Since June, hundreds of thousands have been displaced by the
floods, and are now living in camps, or with host families.
So
far, UNHCR has provided refugee villages, as well as host communities, with
more than 71,000 emergency relief items, including tents, plastic
tarpaulins, sanitary products, cooking stoves, blankets, solar lamps, and
sleeping mats.
In
addition, UNHCR delivered 10,000 sacks to help households build up defences
around their homes. “This assistance to date amounts to over $1.5 million, but
much more aid is needed,” its press release said.
Source:
Dawn
--------
High
marks from Saudi women as Aerial yoga trend takes off in the Kingdom
RAHAF
JAMBI
August
30, 2022
RIYADH:
Hovering a few feet above the ground, flying weightlessly and defying the laws
of gravity is attracting women to practice the art of aerial yoga.
In
an aerial yoga class, similar poses to yoga done on the mat are performed, but
instead of using your body weight to support yourself, you use a silk hammock
suspended from the ceiling.
Sarah
Farhoud, a Saudi aerial fitness freelancer and yoga teacher, was introduced to
aerial yoga classes while she was in medical school. “I used to go to do yoga
and relax, and for a change, I decided to take an aerial class, and I never
looked back,” Farhoud told Arab News.
She
loved the sport so much that she became a freelance instructor in 2016 and has
been taking aerial fitness classes in multiple studios across Riyadh.
“Girls
are interested, and they like the challenge. They trust the hammock, and they
do not fear being upside down. They are encouraged to take harder poses and
they trust their bodies. I think the new generation is more courageous and
excited,” she said.
The
hammock is designed to help you increase your flexibility and strength while
enabling you to perform more difficult poses without putting additional strain
on your shoulders, spine or head.
“If
your life is stressful, try aerial yoga as a way to break up your routine and
rediscover the joy of being upside down, using the fabric to lift you to the
other side, or using it as a swing. I’ve attended many classes where everyone
is laughing and giggling because they’re having a good time, and you can allow
yourself to take a deep breath and enjoy the moment,” Farhoud said.
She
believes that Vision 2030 will encourage more studios to open and make sports
more inclusive and accessible for everyone by opening parks and community
centers.
Roa
Al-Sahhaf, an aerial yoga instructor, was in Paris when she was introduced to
aerial yoga and decided to take it back home.
“I
tried aerial for the first time in Paris, and when I came back to Saudi Arabia
I couldn’t find it anywhere in Jeddah, so I decided to open one in Jeddah. It
started as a home studio, and then I started giving classes to other gyms.
Eventually, in 2018, I opened my own studio named Aerial Arts in Saudi Arabia,”
Al-Sahhaf told Arab News.
Al-Sahhaf
noticed that there was a high demand for the sport, but there were not enough
instructors.
“The
high demand was after 2017 when it was permitted to open licensed ladies’ gyms.
I got the TOT (the Training of Trainers) from Cirque Fitness USA. Today, we
have 508 certified instructors in aerial hammock, silks, and hoop by aerial
arts in Saudi Arabia,” she said.
Al-Sahhaf
said that many people enjoy trying new things and that aerial yoga can be more
popular than traditional yoga due to its greater difficulty and the enjoyment
people gain from it.
“Aerial
is like a water sport. It’s good for people who are not flexible or who have
roughness in the knees or fragility in the disc. It’s good for people who can’t
do any kind of sport because the hammock lifts so much weight off them,”
Al-Sahhaf said.
“It’s
like doing an exercise with another person, and by the end of the session we
always give a meditation (exercise) so they can be tangled around the hammock
and meditate,” she said. “It gives them a great feeling.”
Yoga
is gaining popularity as a fitness trend in Saudi Arabia, and the Ministry of
Commerce approved the teaching and practice of yoga as a sport in the Kingdom
in November 2017.
“The
facilities have improved a lot in the fields of licensing, support,
sponsorship, and we are happy with this,” Al-Sahhaf said.
Source:
Arab News
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2153351/saudi-arabia
--------
'Unislamic,
draconian': Free Muslim women of talaq-e-hasan clutches too, says plea to SC
August
31, 2022
Considered
close to the BJP-RSS dispensation, Firoz Bakht Ahmed, formerly chancellor of
the Maulana Azad National Urdu University and grandnephew of Maulana Abul Kalam
Azad, has approached the Supreme Court for a ban on talaq-e-hasan, a form of
divorce by which a Muslim man can divorce his wife by pronouncing talaq once
every month over a three-month period. He insisted, the perpetrators of this
form of talaq should be jailed for 10-years.
Calling
the practice of talaq-e-hasan or talaq-e-husna "void and
unconstitutional", Ahmed cited a petition filed by Benazeer Heena, a
journalist, before the Apex Court, stating that the curse is similar to triple
talaq, "cured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi", though regretting,
the bane of talaq-e-hasan continues to "haunt and horrify Muslim
women."
In
an email alert to Counterview, Ahmed, who approached the Supreme Court through
his counsel Atulesh Kumar, said, "The only difference between triple talaq
and talaq-e-hasan is the gap of three months, whereas triple talaq is given in
one sitting... It is high time that Muslim women come out of the clutches of
this draconian practice."
Seeking
directions from the court to the Union of India to frame guidelines for uniform
grounds and procedures for divorce for all citizens, Ahmed claimed,
"Talaq-e-hasan and other forms of unilateral extra judicial talaq are an
evil plague similar to 'sati'... Many poor women in Muslim society are leading
a pathetic and pitiable life owing to the practice." Hence there should be
"complete ban on talaq-e-hasan and other forms of unilateral
extra-judicial talaqs."
Even
though Benazeer filed her case with the Apex Court soon after receiving her
first divorce notice in May this year, after which she was got second the third
notices, regreted Ahmed, the court appeared to believe there is "no
urgency in the matter".
First,
she was declined the request and asked her to make an application before the
registrar instead. On receiving her final notice of talaq, the court did list
the matter, but told her counsel, Anand, to seek instruction from the
petitioner, Benazeer, whether she was open to divorce by mutual consent if
"meher" was taken care of.
Claiming
that talaq in Islam is "the most heinous and horrendous act/ crime in the
eyes of Allah", Ahmed cites the case of Sahaba, a follower of Prophet
Muhammad, who approached Him to divorce his wife. The Prophet asked him the
reason. Sahaba made many complaints against his wife. The Prophet then asked
him if his wife just had any one good quality. Sahaba, a truthful man,
responded that she did have a good quality.
At
that point, the Prophet advised the Sahaba, “Look here, if your wife has 99
(ninety nine) negative qualities but just one good quality, shun thinking about
divorcing her and spend the rest of your life with her just focusing on that single
good quality and treat her as your dutiful wife as Allah considers the sin of
divorce to be one of the most pugnacious, unpalatable and unpleasant among all
sons committed by humans."
Based
on this anecdote, Bhakht said, all forms of unilateral extra-judicial talaqs,
including talaq-e-hasan/ talaq-e-husna, are void and unconstitutional, are
arbitrary and irrational sans compassion. They also lack concern for Articles
14, 15, 21 & 25 of the Constitution of India. The court to the Union of
India should frame guidelines for gender neutral, religion neutral, uniform
grounds for divorce and its procedure for all citizens, he added.
Source:
Counte Rview
https://www.counterview.net/2022/08/unislamic-draconian-free-muslim-women.html
--------
Rise
In Divorces Prompts Marriage Age Change For Women From 16 To 18 In Kedah
31
Aug 2022
ALOR
SETAR: The move to raise the minimum marriage age for Muslim women to 18 in
Kedah was made following a spike in divorce cases, said state exco for
religion, education and human resource Datuk Najmi Ahmad.
He
said the decision was important in view of the many teenagers who got married
despite not being mature enough for such a relationship.
“There
are also many divorce cases among Muslims now, so the decision was made to
manage this issue, and at the same time protect their well-being,” he said when
contacted.
On
July 18, the Kedah state assembly passed an amendment to the Islamic Family Law
Enactment Bill, raising the age of marriage for women from 16 to 18.
Penang
social development and non-Islam religious affairs committee chairman Chong Eng
said the state planned to amend its law on child marriages.
The
matter would be raised at the state assembly as soon as possible, she said.
“It
is on our agenda (to amend the law) and I think the state excos have been
waiting for it to be presented.
“The
matter is now under the purview of the state legal officer and I think we can
bring it up at the next sitting soon,” she said.
Chong
Eng lauded the Kedah state government for doing the right thing, adding that
the move should be emulated by the other states.
Pelajar
Bukan Pengantin, a loose coalition of NGO and activists pushing for the
eradication of child marriage in Malaysia, welcomed the amendment by the Kedah
state government.
“This
is a positive step which all other states can look into,” said its spokeperson Melissa
Akhir, adding however that it should also apply to male Muslims in Kedah.
“It
is clear that children, defined in the Child Act as all persons below 18, are
not suited for marriage yet,” she said, explaining that their physical and
mental health were not ready yet for them to become spouses and parents.
“Children
should not be giving birth and taking care of babies, as they themselves are
still developing and are in need of nurturing of their minds and bodies,” she
said in a statement.
The
child rights consultant said Kedah and Selangor are one step closer in showing
how serious Malaysia is in prioritising children’s rights to achieve their best
potential.
Source:
The Star
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/08/31/rise-in-divorces-prompts-marriage-age-change
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Delegation
from AJBWC participates in Working Women's Second Arab Forum in Oman
30-08-2022
MUSCAT,
30th August, 2022 (WAM) -- A delegation from the Ajman Business Women Council
(AJBWC) participated in the activities of the second Arab Forum for Working
Women under the theme of "Businesswomen’s Future in Digital
Economies", held over two days in the Governorate of Dhofar and organised
by the Ministry of Labour in cooperation with the Arab Labour Organisation
(ALO).
The
delegation participating in the forum activities was headed by Dr. Amna Khalifa
Al Ali, Board member of the Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and Chairwoman
of the AJBWC, Mona Saqr Al Matrooshi, Wafa Hassan Al Shamsi, Board members of
the AJBWC, Abeer Eid Al Faraj, Director of the AJBWC's Office, and Zamzam Al
Shehhi, Senior Executive in the AJBWC.
Dr.
Al Ali stressed the importance of the forum and its role in enhancing the
contributions of Arab women in the private sector and the digital economy. The
forum aims to monitor best practices and possibilities for developing training
platforms for the digital economy, providing a platform to diversify channels
of support directed to women, raising awareness of the importance of
e-commerce, and increasing investment in digital and technological projects.
She
stated that the AJBWC is keen to intensify its external participation within
its strategic plan for increasing the means of support directed to the AJBWC
members and entrepreneurs in general by reviewing best practices and upgrading
the services, initiatives, and projects implemented by the AJBWC to enhance the
quality of life and increase the levels of individual and family happiness
through diversifying means of economic empowerment.
During
the forum's activities, Dr. Al Ali presented a working paper titled "Women
Entrepreneurship in the Digital Economies", as part of the theme of
building the capacities of female entrepreneurs, under "Digital Education
and Training".
The
AJBWC Chairperson stated that the economy is affected, in general, by many
successive variables, including "continuous change, rapid development in
all aspects of life due to the flow of knowledge, and successive recent
discoveries and technology," which directly affect the growth and
development of micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
She
pointed to the vital role of educational and training institutions and the need
to keep pace with the requirements of economic sector developments and project
development, by developing patterns and means of education and training
methods, in addition to benefitting from the capabilities of information and
communication technologies (ICT), qualifying students for the modern
requirements, developing technical skills through the activation of the
e-learning applications, and the development of the training cadres
professionally and technically.
Dr.
Al Ali enumerated the advantages of e-training platforms, including flexibility
and the possibility of breaking the barrier of geographical distance and saving
time and resources. During the presentation, she also referred to the
relationship between entrepreneurship and modern technologies in the success of
projects and business growth and sustainability.
She
added, "The COVID-19 pandemic had a major role in transforming national
and institutional innovation strategies and accelerating the reliance on modern
technologies." She praised the efforts of many UAE institutions in
supporting the trend towards using technology and digital technology in all
sectors, especially the economic sector, and enhancing the benefit of
entrepreneurs from this orientation.
At
the conclusion of the working paper, she recommended the need to educate and
encourage women to take advantage of the investment opportunities available in
the digital economy and to motivate business women councils and women
institutions to engage in organising digital projects while developing academic
programmes and scientific and training specialisations on e-commerce and
digital projects in universities and scientific and training institutes to
prepare a generation of women and girls able to innovate, transfer knowledge,
and invest in the projects that rely on taking advantage of modern
technologies.
Source:
WAM
http://wam.ae/en/details/1395303078871
--------
Attendees
of UNSC Call to Uphold Rights of Afghan Women, Girls
Aug
31 2022
Attendees
at the UN Security Council Meeting, including Norway, China, the UN
representatives in Afghanistan, and the head of the Afghanistan Permanent
Mission to the UN, stressed the need to uphold women's right to employment and
education.
Naseer
Ahmad Faiq, Chargé d'Affaires of the Afghanistan Permanent Mission to the UN,
said that UN should have a role beyond the coordination and distribution of
humanitarian aid.
“I
call on the Taliban to protect and respect the fundamental human rights of all
citizens of Afghanistan without prejudice based on gender, ethnic and religious
identity. This includes reopening girls’ schools and restoring women’s full
human rights,” Faiq said.
While
speaking at the conference, Markus Potzel, the UN deputy special envoy for
Afghanistan, said that not upholding human rights, especially the rights of
women and girls, is the reason the Islamic Emirate has not been recognized by
the international community.
“First,
the current regime in Afghanistan has not been recognized by any member of the international
community. The reasons for that are clear. The international community has
norms regarding human rights, especially those of women and girls;
representative governance; and international collective security. Afghanistan
is part of this international system and the Taliban need to adhere to their
international obligations but instead request recognition based on the fact
that they have secured territorial control,” Potzel said.
Martin
Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency
Relief Coordinator, briefed the council, saying that Afghanistan’s de facto
leaders must do their part, female humanitarian aid workers must be allowed to
work unhindered and girls must be allowed to continue their education. “There
are many musts,” he said, “but there are many opportunities — the path is
clear, and the dangers equally so,” said UN aid chief Martin Griffiths.
Women’s
rights activists calling for support of girls’ education asked the
international community to put more pressure on the Islamic Emirate.
"We
hope that the United Nations Security Council meeting will result in maximum
pressure on the ruling group to reopen the doors of girls' schools,” said
Maryam Arween, a women’s rights activist.
"The
reopening of girls' schools depends on changing the world's opinions and
actions towards the Taliban,” said Farah Mustafawi, another women’s rights
activist.
The
Islamic Emirate said that the rights of citizens have been respected, based on
Islamic laws.
"Rights
are also interpreted differently in different countries; I believe that any
understanding of rights used in the West cannot be used in Afghanistan. We are
committed to Sharia-compliant women's rights for all, and we work to ensure
that people's rights are upheld,” said Zabiullah Mujahid, spokesman of the
Islamic Emirate.
A
year has passed, but it is still unclear when schools will reopen and women
will start working, although several countries around the world previously
voiced their concerns in a number of international meetings.
Source:
Tolo News
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-179625
--------
Rights
activists in Istanbul voice out against women rights violations in Afghanistan
30
August, 2022
Kabul
[Afghanistan], August 30 (ANI): Amid rising atrocities against Afghan women and
violation of their fundamental rights, several human rights activists held a
gathering in Istanbul recently and urged the international community to address
their issues, especially young girls and their access to education under the
Taliban regime in Afghanistan.
The
remark comes as Afghan women and girls continue to suffer under the Islamic
Emirate leadership since the takeover last August.
“For
how long will the problem of Afghan women continue like this?” questioned Asifa
Saba, a human rights defender who attended the event, as Khaama Press quoted.
However,
condemning the situation of women in Afghanistan, another women’s rights
defender said, “The gathering, which took place in Ankara, will not bring any
result and I am sure it was just at the level of a meeting,” said Zholia Parsa.
“There
has been no attention toward the situation of Afghanistan’s women,” she said.
The
United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) released a report the
previous month, outlining the human rights situation in Afghanistan since the
Taliban takeover.
The
report summarized UNAMA’s findings with regards to the protection of civilians,
extrajudicial killings, torture and ill-treatment, arbitrary arrests and detentions,
the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, fundamental freedoms and the
situation in places of detention, according to Khaama Press.
The
Taliban regime in Afghanistan has drawn heavy criticism across the world for a
decree banning girls from schools above grade six.
A
decision taken by the Taliban prevented girls from returning to secondary
school which meant that a generation of girls will not complete their full 12
years of basic education. At the same time, access to justice for victims of gender-based
violence has been limited by the dissolution of dedicated reporting pathways,
justice mechanisms and shelters.
Earlier,
UN Rights Chief, Michele Bachelet also expressed concern over alleged Human
Rights Violations and abuses against civilians in the northern provinces,
including arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, and torture, calling on
all parties to the conflict to “observe restraint and to fully respect
international human rights law”.
“Restrictions
on freedom of opinion and expression, the right to peaceful assembly, and the
right to participate in public affairs have all had a chilling effect on
individuals and communities,” the chief stated.
Despite
Taliban authorities’ repeated commitments to respect human rights, civic space
has shrunk rapidly and dramatically since their return to Kabul.
The
plight of Afghan women has continued to be deplorable in the country. Contrary
to the Taliban’s claims, girls were stopped from going to school beyond sixth
grade on March 23 and a decree against the women’s dress code was issued after
a month. There are restrictions on movement, education and freedom of
expression of women posing a threat to their survival.
Not
only this, the lack of female healthcare workers has prevented the women from
accessing basic medical facilities, and the international donors, who fund 90
per cent of health clinics, are hesitant to send money because of their fear of
the funds being misused.
Around
80 per cent of women working in the media have lost their jobs, and almost 18
million women in the country are struggling for health, education and social
rights. (ANI)
Source:
The Print
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Muslim
Student Thrashed Allegedly For Befriending A Girl From The Hindu Community In
Karnataka
Aug
31, 2022
A
Muslim student from the Dakshina Kannada area was reported to have been
assaulted, allegedly by his classmates for befriending a girl from the Hindu
community. The incident took place at the Sullia town in Karnataka - about 300
km from the state capital of Bengaluru - and a case has been registered against
the accused.
Several
accused - Deekshith, Dhanush, Prajwal, Thanuj, Akshay, Mokshith, Goutham -
among others have been named in the case. Mohd Sanif, the student who was
assaulted, reached out to the police and filed a complaint against his
classmates on Tuesday who had thrashed him up for talking to a girl who belongs
to the Hindu community, news agency ANI reported.
Mohd
Sanif was brutally thrashed by the accused and he was severely injured. More
details of the incident and the arrests are yet to be known.
The
coastal Karnataka region has seen several cases in the recent past. In April
this year, a Muslim youth who was driving his auto rickshaw was reportedly
assaulted by a right-wing group for giving a ride to a Hindu woman at
Siribagilu village in Dakshina Kannada district. In July this year, another
right-wing group had also barged into a pub in Mangalore and objected to girl
students partying late in the night. The students were forced to leave the pub.
Source:
Hindustan Times
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