Sexual Violence In Israeli Jails: 38% Of Female Guards Assaulted By Security Prisoners
New Age Islam News Bureau
03 April 2024
·
Sexual Violence In Israeli Jails: 38% Of Female Guards
Assaulted By Security Prisoners
·
Bushra Bibi Given 'Poison' In Bani Gala Sub-Jail,
Alleges Imran Khan
·
Women Entrepreneurs Shine At Special Ramadan Bazaar In
Pakistani Capital
·
Supreme Court To Review Kerala Verdict On Muslim Women's
Unilateral Right To Divorce
·
BJP To Hire Muslim Women To Thwart Bogus Voters Under
Burqa
·
Activist Sepideh Qolyian’s Second Book, Of Disgrace and
Literature, Written in Prison
·
Australian Woman of Mizo Descent Killed While Delivering
Aid in Gaza
Compiled by New Age Islam News
Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/sexual-violence-israeli-jails-female-guards/d/132071
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Sexual
Violence In Israeli Jails: 38% Of Female Guards Assaulted By Security Prisoners
This file photo shows Palestinian women behind bars
at a detention center in the Israeli occupied territories. (Photo via Twitter)
-----
APRIL
2, 2024
A
worrying 38% of female prison guards say they've been sexually assaulted by
Palestinian security prisoners, a report of Israel Prison Service's operations
published in November 2022 revealed.
As
such, Israel’s State Comptroller, Matanyahu Englman, criticized on Tuesday the
IDF for reportedly ordering female Cadets in Officers' Course to guard Nukhba
terrorists.
Englman
said such orders were in stark contrast with the 2022 female soldiers'
protection report.
Engleman:
'The writing is on the wall'
“It
is not possible to accept the fact that after the State of Israel was hurt in
the past by imprisoned terrorists who sexually harassed female prison guards,
female cadets in the IDF will be tasked with guarding terrorists who were
complicit in sexual crimes on October 7.
“If
we add recent evidence that the hostages experienced sexual harassment - the
writing is on the wall,” Engelman added.
The
comptroller also called on the Defense Minister and Chief of Staff to forgo the
decision and avoid unnecessary risk to female soldiers.
In
2021, following renewed complaints, the police reopened its investigation into
the Gilboa prison affair regarding events that occured in 2014-2017 in which
Gilboa prison wardens stated they had been pimped out by an intelligence
officer to Fatah prisoner Muhammad Atallah.
In
2023, State Attorney Amit Aisman submitted an indictment pending a hearing for
former Gilboa Prison commander Bassem Kashkosh and former intelligence officer
Rani Basha for failing duties and breach of trust.
In
response, an IDF spokesperson said on Wednesday that the IDF ensures the
security and welfare of its people by any necessary means. Military detention
facilities are overseen by commanders who enforce regulations and detention
conditions. The spokesperson added that the 38% figure refers to past
complaints (2022) of female soldiers who served in the IDF, and this model was
discontinued.
The
IDF acknowledged two exceptional incidents at the Temim Prison, which were
immediately addressed. Prisoners staying in military facilities are only
temporary. The spokesperson clarified that the Israel Prison Service is the
national prison authority responsible for enforcing terrorist detention.
Source:
jpost.com
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-794978
---
Bushra Bibi Given 'Poison' In Bani Gala Sub-Jail,
Alleges Imran Khan
P Bushra Bibi
------
April
02, 2024
RAWALPINDI:
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan Tuesday told the court that
his wife Bushra Bibi was poisoned at the Bani Gala sub-jail and sought its
order for an inquiry into the incident.
The
PTI founder made the claim during a hearing of the £190 million settlement case
in Rawalpindi's Adiala jail. Khan informed the accountability court judge that
the former first lady had marks on her skin and tongue after "being
poisoned".
He
also urged the court to order for complete medical checkup of Bushra. Khan
said: “I know who is behind it."
He
insisted that the medical examination of the former first lady should be done
by Dr Asim Yunus, a doctor at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and
Research Centre, Geo News reported.
At
this, the court directed Khan to submit a written application seeking the
medical examination of Bushra Bibi.
In
February this year, the PTI expressed grave concern over what it claimed
serious threats to the life and health of Bushra, who has been put under house
arrest at Bani Gala. PTI Women Wing President Kanwal Shauzab pointed out that
Bushra had serious health issues due to the harmful and substandard food being
provided to her.
PTI
lawyer Naeem Haider Panjutha had claimed that Bushra’s “health worsened and she
got mouth ulcers after she was given a spicy meal” during her house arrest.
Bushra
was placed under house arrest at her husband’s Islamabad mansion after she and
her husband were convicted of graft allegations. Khan and his wife were
sentenced to 14 years in jail in a case that relates to accusations the
ex-premier undervalued gifts from a state repository and gained profits from
selling them while he held the country’s top office.
'Toilet
cleaner mixed in food'
During
her interaction with journalists before the court appearance, the former first
lady claimed that “three drops of toilet cleaner” were mixed in her food on the
eve of Shab-e-Meraj. She revealed that the food and water served by the jail
authority tasted bitter.
Responding
to a question, Bushra said that “someone” had told her in jail that toilet
cleaner was mixed in her food. She, however, refused to disclose the name of
the official.
“My
eyes swell up, I feel pain in my chest and stomach,” the former first lady
claimed.
Research
showed that the health of a toilet cleaner victim worsens after one month, she
insisted.
Bushra
further said that the windows at Bani Gala were kept closed earlier but now
they are open for some time.
Source:
thenews.com.pk
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1174976-bushra-bibi-given-poison-in-bani-gala-sub-jail-imran-khan
---
Women
entrepreneurs shine at special Ramadan bazaar in Pakistani capital
April
03, 2024
SAIMA
SHABBIR
ISLAMABAD:
Women entrepreneurs have created a buzz at a three-day Ramadan bazaar being
held in Pakistan’s federal capital of Islamabad, arriving from all corners of
the country to sell handmade clothing, bags, jewelry and other festive items.
The
“Empower Women, Empower Nation” bazaar has been organized by the Rawalpindi
Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RWCCI), which invited woman
entrepreneurs from all over Pakistan to display and sell products from their
respective regions.
Organized
outside the city’s Centaurus Mall, the special bazaar will run from April 1-3
and features more than 30 stalls.
“We
have come from Multan to Islamabad because we always get a very good response
from Islamabad,” Haseena Begum, an entrepreneur selling handmade embroidered
bags, told Arab News as she attended to customers visiting her stall.
“We
also attract good customers from Islamabad for online [shopping] and we want to
be called [into events] like this so that our handmade work sells out here.”
RWCCI
President Sabohi Hussain said the primary objective of the event was to promote
women entrepreneurs who operated from home.
“These
ladies belong to remote areas. Some of them are from Multan, Gilgit, Hunza, and
other remote areas,” she told Arab News. “We are promoting them, we are guiding
them, we are teaching them, training them for international and national
exhibitions.”
Rubab
Ghazanfar, an entrepreneur from the Dera Ghazi Khan district who was selling a
range of semi-stitched, unstitched and stitched garments, said all her clothes
were handmade.
“These
events are much appreciated for the opportunity they provide us,” she told Arab
News. “In this holy month of Ramadan, may Allah grant us all success here.”
Ayesha
Ikhlas from Rawalpindi said she was excited about the opportunity to exhibit
her new clothing and cosmetics line right outside a major mall in Islamabad.
“It
is a good opportunity for those who have just launched new businesses, they can
start their business in a good way here,” she told Arab News.
Sadia
Hashmi, a visitor, said all handmade items at the bazaar were “very lovely,”
especially the jewelry, and being sold at reasonable prices.
“I
am standing at a stall that has jewelry which is designed by the woman
herself,” she said. “It is beautifully designed and I like it very much.”
Source:
arabnews.com
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2487256/pakistan
---
Supreme
Court to review Kerala verdict on Muslim women's unilateral right to divorce
Apr 3, 2024
Kanu
Sarda
The
Supreme Court has agreed to examine a plea challenging the Kerala High Court
judgment that gave Muslim women the absolute right to seek a divorce through
'Khula'.
‘Khula’
is a form of divorce under the Muslim Personal Law.
A
bench of Justices AS Bopanna and Sanjay Kumar issued a notice while hearing the
challenge brought by the Kerala Muslim Jamaat and a private individual. They
are challenging the Kerala High Court judgment in a Matrimonial Appeal, wherein
the high court dealt with a challenge to a divorce decree granted to a Muslim
wife under the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act.
The
high court had ruled that the right to terminate the marriage is a Muslim
wife's absolute right, conferred on her by the Holy Quran and not subject to
the acceptance or will of her husband.
The
high court also stated that all forms of extra-judicial divorce referred to in
Section 2 of the Shariat Act, except Faskh, were available to Muslim women.
The
judgment was then challenged, and a review petition was filed, which was also
dismissed.
While
dismissing the review, the high court noted that the will of a wife could not
be linked to the will of a husband who may not agree to the divorce. It stated
that the right to invoke ‘Khula’ is granted to a Muslim woman by the Quran and
would be rendered ineffective if subjected to the husband's will.
"In
the absence of any mechanism in the country to recognise the termination of
marriage at the instance of the wife when the husband refuses to give consent,
the court can simply hold that ‘Khula’ can be invoked without the conjunction
of the husband," the high court said.
Source:
indiatoday.in
https://www.indiatoday.in/law/story/supreme-court-to-examine-kerala-hc-verdict-on-muslim-women-absolute-right-to-divorce-through-khula-2522710-2024-04-03
---
BJP
to hire Muslim women to thwart bogus voters under burqa
APRIL 03, 2024
The
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) plans to hire women from the Muslim community to
prevent bogus voting under the garb of the burqa. While the strategy highlights
the ruling party's suspicion of fake voting by people in Muslim-dominated
areas, it also shows how it aims to not disturb the balance, according to a
report on the News18 Hindi website. By
empowering Muslim women to oversee voting activities and prevent instances of
fake voting, the BJP aims to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process
in these areas, according to a report on the News18 Hindi website.
The
BJP's initiative to train Muslim women as agents at polling booths is geared
towards enhancing transparency and reducing instances of fake voting. These
trained women will have a crucial role in detecting any suspicious activity,
especially among individuals wearing masks or burqas, by verifying their voter
ID cards and other authorised documents. By ensuring strict adherence to
electoral regulations, which may involve the removal of face coverings for
identification purposes, the BJP aims to preserve the integrity of the
democratic process and inspire trust in the electoral system.
The
BJP Minority Morcha, the driving force behind this initiative, has highlighted
its primary focus on areas of Western Uttar Pradesh, where the party alleges
incidents of fake voting have been reported in previous elections.
Notably,
several parts of Western UP, which are set to vote in the first phase on April
19, have substantial Muslim populations. For instance, in constituencies like Moradabad and Rampur,
Muslims constitute nearly half of the total electorate, while in areas such as
Saharanpur and Kairana, the Muslim community represents approximately 38
percent to 42 percent of the electorate.
The
BJP's minority wing initiated the "Shukriya Modi Bhaijaan" or
"Thanks Brother Modi" campaign in January as part of its efforts to
attract Muslim women to the saffron party ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Reports
suggest that the most significant aspect of this campaign lies in the active
participation of Muslim women are actively joining the BJP due to the initiatives
of both the Central and State Governments, while also undergoing training to
prevent any losses to the BJP caused by fake voting. Samreen Fatima, a Muslim
woman interviewed by News18 Hindi, emphasised that Prime Minister Narendra Modi
and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath have not discriminated in government
schemes. Muslim women have benefited from schemes such as Ujjwala gas
connection and Pradhan Mantri Awas.
Muslim
women highlighted PM Modi's slogan of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka
Vishwas, Sabka Prayas" as a distinguishing factor that sets him apart from
other leaders in India and around the world. They express confidence that under
Modi's leadership, inclusive development is achievable.
Source:
moneycontrol.com
https://www.moneycontrol.com/elections/lok-sabha-election/lok-sabha-elections-2024-bjp-to-hire-muslim-women-in-up-to-thwart-bogus-voters-under-burqa-article-12567721.html
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Activist Sepideh Qolyian’s Second Book, Of Disgrace and
Literature, Written in Prison
APRIL
2, 2024
ROMINA
EZADPANAH
Sepideh
Qolyian, a civil activist, faced her initial arrest in February 2017 for her
involvement in civil activities.
Subsequently,
in 2019, amidst labour protests in Khuzestan province and the strike of
Haft-Tappeh refinery workers, she was temporarily released after posting bail.
However,
before serving her five-year sentence, she encountered multiple arrests.
Through
various media outlets, she shed light on the tortures inflicted upon prisoners.
Instances
of abuse included men beating women, verbal insults and obscenities directed at
women, prolonged interrogations, eavesdropping on private conversations, and
restricting access to telephones for external communication.
Women
were coerced into wearing underwear within confinement, subjected to extreme
temperatures, and humiliated through public strip searches in prison yards as a
means of punishment and deterrence.
Additionally,
forced confessions captured on camera were commonplace.
Qolyian
wrote a book detailing her detention experiences in the Dezful Intelligence
Department and Sepidar Women's Prison in Ahvaz.
Her
book, published by IranWire, received significant acclaim from readers.
In
her latest work, also published by IranWire, Qolyian delves into further
encounters from Ahvaz, Bushehr, and Evin prisons.
Through
ten narratives and recipes for popular sweets among prisoners, she encapsulates
their plight and resilience.
Having
spent over five years in prison, Qolyian faced additional sentences, including
two years for insulting the leader of the Islamic Republic.
Nonetheless,
she utilized her time behind bars to pursue education, earning a bachelor's
degree in law through correspondence courses.
Currently,
she is preparing to sit for the criminal law master's entrance exam and the bar
exam.
In
the introduction of her book, Qolyian reflects on her journey through the
Islamic Republic, viewing it as an opportunity to construct something new—a
testament to her commitment to shaping a better future for Iran.
She
emphasizes the need to prevent the resurgence of oppression and tyranny,
highlighting the dangers of unchecked political power and the importance of
accountability.
In
an interview with IranWire, Qolyian delved into the thematic core of her book,
focusing on scandal, the personal space afforded to prisoners for writing,
maintaining a balance between reality and imagination, and the emotional
rollercoaster of the writing process.
Congratulations
on the release of your second book. Tell us about it.
I
still find it surreal to refer to it as a book. There are moments when I catch
myself thinking, "A book? When did that happen?" Then I remind
myself, "Well, my collection of cooking recipes."
It's
amusing how it's now my turn to lull you to sleep with tales! Nonetheless, I
sincerely appreciate your attentive reading and being the first person with
whom I'll discuss the book.
Indeed,
women have always been deemed scandalous. This has been my reality, shared by
countless other women I've encountered.
Life
has dealt me its fair share of hardships, and they persist to this day. Have
you ever endured such severe beatings that you were unable to walk for days
simply because of a photograph interrogators showed your family? Such
experiences are not common among men.
Being
a woman comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when you're expected
to meet a stranger's gaze and feign laughter.
I've
lived every second under the weight of scandal, especially now that my entire
life is under constant surveillance by cameras. I once wondered if I'd ever
experience a romantic kiss again after regaining my freedom.
The
answer I gave myself: Never! How can I be certain there isn't a hidden camera
in my bedroom, accessible to interrogators? The scandal feels suffocating as if
it's ringing in our ears!
Who
do you envision as the audience for your book? Did you have a specific
demographic in mind while writing, such as young readers or activists, and were
you conveying a particular message to them?
I
have a duty—a commitment—to the women I've shared life with.
Documenting
their experiences is a crucial aspect of this commitment. I wish for everyone
to read this book, even those who harbor animosity towards me.
I
envision receiving messages like, "You're a son of a bi*ch! Your pumpkin
tart was terrible."
To
which I'll reply later, "I apologize, my friend. I am a human being, but
not a son of a bi*ch. Let's write letters to each other."
I
hope a young girl, possibly facing future arrest with uncertain release, will
read this and understand that abortion is a woman's right—a right unjustly
stripped from her.
I
want her to grasp that the seemingly impossible is achievable, especially for
women. These sentiments aren't merely written from my heart; they encapsulate
everything within it.
I've
written these words to be recorded, to be read, and for the narratives and
traumas of women's detention, torture, and imprisonment to be widely
acknowledged.
My
intention is to convey our commitment to resist bitterness, even amidst
adversity.
In
the concluding section of the book, there's a brief reference to the political
and social events surrounding April 2021. However, notably absent is any
mention of the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement and its associated
endeavors. Could you please clarify when this book was written?
I
was incarcerated in Bushehr prison from February 2021 to September 2021.
In
the initial stages of my narrative, I occasionally referenced Bushehr and the
women I encountered there.
To
be more specific, I chronicled the quarantine episode involving 16 Kurdish
women and 8 children.
During
that period, the Kurdish women had just been released, and the section in
question had been repurposed for quarantine. I wrote these accounts in November
2021.
To
be precise, the actual writing process took about 20 days, although the concept
of narrating through baking sweets in prison had been brewing in my mind long
before I put pen to paper.
This
is why we initiated a confectionery workshop in Bushehr and endeavored to
sustain it.
Throughout
the narrative, I continually allude to Bushehr and its inhabitants. Bushehr
remains a significant presence until the conclusion of the book.
However,
all the narratives pertain to events preceding November 2021, and I refrained
from altering the text.
Notably,
my interview with Narges Mohammadi corresponds to a brief medical leave from
Bushehr prison.
Despite
developing a closer bond with Nargis during my time in Evin, I resisted
altering the interview, fearing that any changes might inadvertently alter the
mood established in the original text.
I
reasoned with myself, deciding to leave any additional ideas for future
endeavors.
While
I haven't yet addressed events occurring after November 2021, rest assured, I
intend to do so. My mind is brimming with countless ideas, ready to take flight
at the right moment.
How
can one create a private and personal space conducive to writing and nurturing
ideas while incarcerated?
You
see, I am the youngest child in a large nomadic family. Growing up amidst
family disputes and resolving clan issues has become second nature to me.
Throughout
my childhood, I yearned for a space of my own—a sanctuary where I could pretend
to be a unicorn prancing before a mirror that casts rainbows.
Consequently,
I've grown accustomed to the absence of privacy. Indeed, adjusting to this
aspect of prison life has been the most challenging.
However,
my upbringing has endowed me with a remarkable ability to concentrate in any
environment.
Whether
lightning strikes or conflicts
arise from every direction, I can effortlessly
immerse myself in baking sweets and documenting people's stories. If you seek
further insight into this, I encourage you to consult Bahareh Hedayat.
As
you were writing, how did events occurring outside the narrative space—whether
bitter or sweet experiences within the confines of prison or personal and
impersonal occurrences in the broader political and social sphere—affect your
writing process?
These
facets are deeply intertwined and inseparable. Despite never stepping outside
prison walls, the memory of my arrest feels as fresh as if it were yesterday,
as though I inhabit both the streets and the minds of people around me.
At
times, I even question whether I am truly imprisoned, and the slightest taste
of freedom sends tremors through my hands and thoughts.
Throughout
the day, my mind often wanders to what I would do if I were liberated tomorrow.
I
envision inviting people to gather at the Dezful Bridge. The boundary between
prison life and the world beyond blurs, leaving me feeling incredibly close yet
agonizingly distant from the freedom I crave.
Have
you and your friends in prison experimented with all the sweet recipes in the
prison workshop, and are these recipes truly derived from prison experiences?
I
prepared sweets for all the inmates at Sepidar, Evin, and Bushehr prisons.
Anyone
who claims otherwise is simply not telling the truth; I made sure everyone
received sweets, even if I had to insist.
I
crafted over 100 varieties of sweets and 70 types of cakes for birthdays,
special occasions, and gatherings.
All
the recipes were developed during my time in prison, despite my lack of
culinary talent.
However,
in Qarchak prison, as I was assigned to the kitchen, I couldn't bake sweets.
Instead, I cooked meals for all the inmates there.
No
one can deny enjoying Sepideh's cooking during my time in Qarchak, just as no
one in Bushehr can say they missed out on Sepideh's cookies.
In
the same introduction, as well as in the various explanations provided in the
media before its release, you mentioned that your stories about incarcerated
women are documentary in nature, and out of respect, you altered the time,
place, and some names. How did you manage to maintain your distance from the
narrative while utilizing a first-person narrator, and how did you strike a
balance between imagination and reality?
All
the names in the book are real, except for one woman's name, which remains
undisclosed and could potentially be hers.
This
alteration was made for personal reasons. The names mentioned throughout the
narratives are authentic, and each story is grounded in reality.
However,
imagination adds flavor to our lives. For instance, when I speak of the moving
island and how we've sheltered it, it's purely a product of imagination. In
prison, we are often compelled to navigate a blend of fantasy and reality, a
mindset ingrained in our daily existence.
In
prison, where reality often feels surreal, we find ourselves compelled to
infuse our narratives with even more imagination than what is typical outside
its confines.
By
creating this distance between reality and imagination, I aim to prompt
discussions about integration. Otherwise, the lines between the two become
indistinguishable.
Who
do you prefer not to read your book?
Why
would I wish for anyone not to read? I want everyone to read, even my
interrogators. I want them to read every line meticulously and take notes.
I
hope that ordinary people will read it as well. Everyone should read it, and as
I've mentioned before, criticism is also welcomed.
In
the introduction of the book, you took another bold step by including a phone
number, encouraging readers to reach out to you through it, suggesting that
it's safer than corresponding through traditional prison channels. Are you not
concerned about possibly causing a problem?
Thank
you for appreciating the decision. Personally, I don't perceive it as
particularly bold; rather, it aligns with my nomadic approach.
Additionally,
I'll be including an email address for easier and more accessible
communication. However, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of observing
strict security measures.
I
eagerly await your letters and stories and hope to connect with you. Rest
assured, no two-legged man can trace my whereabouts!
I
must stress, though, that while I'm keen to receive your correspondence, please
refrain from disclosing any personal information through these channels.
Anonymity is paramount in our exchanges.
Source:
iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/women/126888-of-disgrace-and-literature-an-activists-second-book-written-in-prison/
---
Australian
Woman of Mizo Descent Killed While Delivering Aid in Gaza
April
03, 2024
New
Delhi: An Australian woman of Indian descent was killed when an Israeli
airstrike hit the convoy she was travelling in. Lalzawmi Frankcom (43), the
deceased woman, was one of the six international aid workers with the World
Central Kitchen, which has been providing humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
Israeli
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that Israeli forces carried out
the strike that killed seven aid workers in Gaza, including Frankcom.
“Unfortunately
over the last day there was a tragic incident of an unintended strike of our
forces on innocent people in the Gaza Strip,” he said in a statement, according
to The Indian Express, on Tuesday. He said that officials “will do everything
for this not to happen again”.
Australian
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese demanded full accountability from the Israeli
government. “This is someone who was volunteering overseas to provide aid
through this charity for people who are suffering tremendous deprivation in
Gaza. And this is just completely unacceptable,” he said.
Frankcom’s
father is an Australian while her mother hails from Mizoram in India.
One
of Frankcom’s cousins said, according to PTI, “We are heartbroken because we
were so proud of her and the remarkable work she was doing worldwide. The last
time she visited Mizoram, she expressed her deep passion for helping others and
travelling around the world.”
Israel’s
attack on the aid workers has received international condemnation.
Source:
thewire.in
https://thewire.in/world/australian-indian-killed-gaza
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/sexual-violence-israeli-jails-female-guards/d/132071