Muslim Personal Law Board Not to Support Any Political Party in Upcoming Elections, Calling for Voting Out Forces That Spread Hatred
New Age Islam News Bureau
04 October 2023
India
·
Don’t Need ‘Miya’ (Muslims) Votes For 10 Years:
Assam CM
·
107 MPs and MLAs Have Hate Speech Cases Against
Them: Association for Democratic Reforms
·
Kerala CPI(M) Leader's Remark On Headscarf
Lands Party In Soup; Left Party Rejects Statement
·
Jammu and Kashmir: Two jawans injured in
gunfight with militants in Rajouri’s forests
·
Over 1,000 arrested as Assam begins second
round of crackdown against child marriage
·
Misunderstood visa rules prevent Indian expats’
entry into Saudi Arabia
------
Africa
·
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi thanks
Aqila Saleh for adopting “inclusive electoral laws”
·
Niger says 29 soldiers killed
in attack, rejects Algerian mediation
·
Paramilitary shells kill 10
civilians in Khartoum: activists
·
Tunisia: Opponents in pre-trial
detention boycott investigating judge
·
Nigerian Police Arraign 14
Residents In Abuja For Raising False Alarm 'Over Disappearance Of Their Private
Parts'
·
Two Nigerian journalists
charged with cybercrime over corruption reports
-------
Arab World
·
Saudis Get Decades-Long Prison
Terms Over Critical Online Posts
·
Yemen economy tanks as talks
fail to restore truce: NGOs
·
Qatar pledges $2mn to boost
Islamic Organisation for Food Security programmes
·
Saudi Ministry of Islamic
Affairs Holds Closing Ceremony of Quran Memorization Competition in Bangladesh
--------
Mideast
·
Israel on Alert After Islamic
Jihad Launches Military Exercises in Gaza
·
Israeli Settlers Invade Al-Aqsa
Mosque Amid Strict Restrictions on Palestinians
·
Dozens of Takfiris killed as
Syria bombs terrorist bases
·
Israeli Forces Prevent Waqf
Employees from Entering Jerusalem's Aqsa Mosque
·
1,000 held in Turkish crackdown
on militants after Ankara bombing
·
16 Afghan refugees detained by
Turkish police in Amasya
--------
North America
·
CAIR Condemns Distribution of
Racist KKK Propaganda in Tennessee
·
US thanks Qatar for help in
mediating a landmark prisoner swap deal with Iran
·
US House ousts Kevin McCarthy
as leader in historic vote
-------
Pakistan
·
Bushra
Bibi, Wife of Ex-PM Imran Khan, Moves IHC For Imran’s Protection
·
Special court adjourns cipher
case hearing till Oct 9 after PTI objects to in-camera trial
·
Unknown assailants attack
policemen deployed outside PTI's Insaf House in Karachi
·
Ten Terrorists Killed In
Security Forces’ Operation In Tank
·
Imran’s nephew in army custody:
LHC asks about possibility of father, son meeting
·
Pak calls for peaceful
resolution of Kashmir dispute
·
Pakistan calls for collective
efforts against transnational crimes
·
ECP to hear three petitions
against Imran on 10th
·
Cipher case trial to be held in
Adiala jail
·
Nawaz to return with protective
bail, surrender to court after: Sana
--------
South Asia
·
Pakistani Police Detain Over
Thousand Afghan Migrants: Embassy
·
Mujahid Rejects McCaul's
Comments on Al-Qaeda
·
Muttaqi Leads Delegation to
China to Attend Trans-Himalaya Forum
·
US facilitates reunification of
Afghan children with families
·
Mine explosion kills 2 children
in Afghanistan’s Jawzjan
·
PM returns home after wrapping
up USA, UK tour
·
Concern over move to expel
‘illegal’ Afghans
--------
Southeast Asia
·
Mohd Na’im: Scholars Urged to
Use social media To Draw Youngsters to Islamic Teachings
·
Muhyiddin files application to
set aside money laundering charges, seeks DNAA
·
Pahang MB Wan Rosdy refutes
rumours of state BN reps defecting if Perikatan wins Pelangai
·
21 nabbed by Johor police in
anti-gambling op
·
Indonesia to deport two Chinese
nationals wanted in murder case
·
Cops arrest S’wak mother-son
duo for suspected drug trafficking
-------
Europe
·
Pope Francis opens big Vatican
meeting as battle lines are drawn on his reform project
Compiled by
New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/aimplb-election-hatred-political/d/130822
-----
Muslim
Personal Law Board Not To Support Any Political Party In Upcoming Elections,
Calling For Voting Out Forces That Spread Hatred
JS
Ifthekhar: 3rd October 2023
Hyderabad:
In the run-up to elections, when political parties vie for support and
endorsements from various groups and organizations, the All India Muslim
Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has chosen to remain neutral. This influential
Muslim panel has made it abundantly clear that it will not be taking sides in
the upcoming elections nor endorsing any political party. Instead, it likes to
focus on a message of unity and social harmony, calling for voting out forces
that spread hatred.
The
AIMPLB, under the leadership of its president, Maulana Khalid Saifullah
Rahmani, has resolved to maintain a steadfast commitment to its core mission of
safeguarding the personal laws and rights of Muslims in India. Therefore its
stance on elections transcends political considerations and delves into the
realm of social responsibility.
By
refraining from endorsing any specific political party or candidate, the Board
would like to ensure that it remains an impartial and inclusive organization.
This position is in tune with the democratic ethos of the country, where every
citizen has the right to make their own political choices based on their
beliefs and values.
MS
Education Academy
“The
Board wants to underscore the importance of electing leaders and parties that
prioritize social cohesion and national unity over divisive rhetoric,” is all
that Maulana Rahmani would say.
The
Board’s decision not to instruct Muslims on how to vote reflects a commitment
to the democratic principles of individual agency and choice. It trusts the
electorate to make informed decisions based on their own assessment of
candidates and parties, rather than imposing a top-down endorsement. By
advocating removal of hate-driven forces, it sends a powerful message that goes
beyond politics and underscores the importance of unity in a diverse democracy.
Stick to
Sharia
Under
the present situation when attempts are being made to interfere in the personal
laws of the community, Maulana Rahmani wants Muslims to strictly adhere to the
Sharia principles. They should voluntarily enforce the Sharia doctrine in their
life no matter what law the government enacts. Be it marriage, divorce, khula
or inheritance Muslims should follow the Sharia in letter and spirit. Sharia
has fixed the share of sons to double that of daughters in inheritance. If the
law of the land says otherwise Muslim women should insist on taking only that
much share which Sharia gives them, even if there is a worldly loss. “Such a
spirit towards Sharia needs to be developed in these challenging times when
attempts are on to deprive Muslims of their personal laws,” he remarked.
He
called on the community to work to build bridges of friendship with fellow
countrymen. Every Muslim should develop good relations with at least five
non-Muslim brethren. They should engage with members of other faiths and share
their joys and sorrows. In keeping with the Islamic morals, they should respect
elders, women and show compassion to children belonging to other religions.
This will create a ripple effect of goodwill across the country in a short span
of time. Such a move will also dispel
misconceptions about Islam and help build a tolerant society.
Citing
the example of the Prophet of Islam, he called the community to reach out to
the oppressed regardless of their beliefs. In matters of human rights, Islam
doesn’t make any distinction on the basis of religion. Wherever there are riots
be it in Gujarat or Manipur, Muslims should stand by the victims. Muslims are
not the only oppressed community in India. Other minorities, particularly
Dalits, are also being targeted. The condition of Dalits is more pitiable as
they are not even considered human. Even if a Dalit becomes the country’s
President, he can’t enter the temple.
“This is an insult to humanity and it is the duty of Muslims to stand by
all those who are wronged,” Maulana Rahmani said.
Source: siasat.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.siasat.com/muslim-personal-law-board-not-to-support-any-political-party-in-upcoming-elections-2711940/
------
Libya's
Sharia Research and Studies Council says using term gender is "Haram"
03/10/2023
The
Libyan Sharia Research and Studies Council of the Fatwa House decided to
prohibit the use of the term "gender", rendering it as
"Haram".
The
Council said that, after reviewing the reports referred to it regarding the
widespread of the term “gender,” it had decided to ban the use of the term
because it contained "meanings that contradict common human nature and the
provisions of Islamic law, such as permitting perversion, homosexuality,
adultery, abortion, annulment of marriage, divorce, and inheritance, destroying
the family, and calling for changing Allah's creation."
The
decision called on the relevant authorities in Libya to prevent the use of the
term “gender,” “sex kind, in any way, especially in government departments and
official documents, while issuing deterrent regulations and legislation for
anyone who would violate the law that is derived from Islam.
The
Council's statement called on the Ministries of Education, Information, Youth, Justice,
Social Affairs, Women, and Health; not to circulate these terms, and to play
their role in "fortifying society, and purifying curricula and media
materials from these terms."
The
statement also stressed the importance of the role of preachers, bloggers,
writers, mentors, and teachers in providing advice, awareness, and guidance, by
preventing the use of these terms, and warning of their danger.
It
called on the security and police authorities to carry out their duty in
pursuing violators and those who call for "these satanic terms and actions
in accordance with applicable legislation."
Source: libyaobserver.ly
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://libyaobserver.ly/news/libyas-sharia-research-and-studies-council-says-using-term-gender-haram
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Imam
Mohammed Bin Saud University Creates Department For Cinema And Theater
Image used for illustrative purposes, Saudi students attend a class at
the Technology College in Riyadh in this October 30, 2010. Fahad Shadeed,
Reuters
Reuters Images
------
October
03, 2023
RIYADH —
Imam Mohammed bin Saud Islamic University of Riyadh has approved the creation
of the Department of Cinema and Theater in the College of Media and
Communication. This is part of the comprehensive academic restructuring of the
university.
The
restructuring included the creation of the Department of Cybersecurity in the
College of Computer and Information Sciences; Department of Early Childhood in
the College of Education; Department of Industrial Engineering in the College
of Engineering; and Department of Psychiatry and Department of Radiology in the
College of Medicine.
The
university also approved amending the name of the College of Economics and
Administrative Sciences to be called College of Business with the creation of
the Marketing Department in the same college itself.
The
university also decided to merge the Higher Institute for Da’wah and Ihtisab
with the College of Fundamentals of Religion under the name of the College of
Fundamentals of Religion and Da’wah, with the establishment of the Department
of Intellectual Studies and the Department of Da’wah and Monitoring therein, in
addition to approving the establishment of the Translation Department in the
College of Languages and Translation.
The
university spokesman said in a statement on the X account on Monday that merger
of some scientific departments in some colleges within the new comprehensive
academic structure of the university will not affect the existing academic
programs and the track of male and female students.
It is
noteworthy that the university announced last year its plans to launch the
first bachelor’s degree in cinema and theatre in 2023. Prince Saad bin Saud,
dean of the College of Media and Communication, had revealed then that the
introduction of the new course would be in line with Saudi customs and culture
and tend to realize the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030 related to
improving the quality of life. The new degree would have a direct positive
impact on the cinema and theatre industry in the Kingdom, he pointed out.
Source: saudigazette.com.sa
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/636426/SAUDI-ARABIA/Imam-Mohammed-bin-Saud-University-creates-department-for-cinema-and-theater
-------
Benjamin
Netanyahu Vows No Tolerance for Attacks on Believers After a Video Showed
Jewish Worshippers Spitting Toward Christian Pilgrims
The Old City remains at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as
well as tensions between the world’s three major monotheistic faiths. (AP)
------
October
04, 2023
JERUSALEM:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday vowed “zero tolerance” for
attacks on believers, after a video showed Jewish worshippers spitting toward
Christian pilgrims in Jerusalem’s Old City.
“I
strongly condemn any attempt to inflict harm on worshippers, and we will take
urgent steps against such actions,” said Netanyahu, whose coalition government
including ultra-Orthodox and far-right parties is one of the most right-wing in
Israel’s history.
“Offensive
behavior toward worshippers is a desecration and is unacceptable. We will show
zero tolerance toward any harm to worshippers,” he said without referring to
any specific attack.
His
remarks came a day after a video on social media showed ultra-Orthodox Jews
spitting on the ground as pilgrims carried crosses along Jerusalem’s Via
Dolorosa — the route Christians believe Jesus walked before being crucified.
AFP was
unable to immediately verify the video, which followed the publication of
similar footage of Jews insulting or acting aggressively toward Christians in
the Old City.
After
capturing it in 1967, Israel annexed east Jerusalem, including the Old City, in
a move never recognized by the international community.
The Old
City remains at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as well as
tensions between the world’s three major monotheistic faiths.
Last
month the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop PierbattistaPizzaballa, said
that while attacks on Christians in the Old City were “not a new phenomenon,”
they had been more frequent “in the recent period.”
Pizzaballa,
who Pope Francis anointed as a cardinal on Saturday, said there were many
reasons for the increase, including education.
“There
are some movements, some rabbis also, who are inciting on this, or at least
approving of this,” he said.
“We have
not to forget the past relations between Jews and Christians were not simple,
to be diplomatic, and all this creates this context,” he added.
The
archbishop also said the frequency of “this phenomenon... is connected,
temporarily at least, with this (Israeli) government.”
In a
statement issued on Tuesday, the rabbi of the Western Wall, Shmuel Rabinowitz,
condemned in “the strongest terms the violence against believers in the Old
City and all forms of violence.”
“We must
do everything in our power to preserve the delicate fabric of the Old City,” he
said, addressing “the leaders of all religions.”
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2385016/middle-east
-------
CAIR-Chicago
Condemns Student Quran Burning in Naperville, Exposes RSS Hindutva Connection
October
3, 2023
Ismail
Allison
(CHICAGO,
ILLINOIS, 10/3/2023) – The Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic
Relations (CAIR-Chicago) today condemned a reported Quran-burning incident by a
student in Naperville, Illinois, and warned of a troubling connection to the
Islamophobic and extremist RSS Hindutva movement that has been
internationally-condemned for its anti-minority ideology and human rights
abuses.
The
incident reportedly occurred over the summer and was only recently posted to
social media. CAIR-Chicago is not naming the student at this time.
Quran
burnings have been on the rise in the U.S. and Europe in recent years at the
hands of extremists wishing to express their hatred of Muslims. Recent burnings
in Sweden caused diplomatic fallout and threatened the unity of NATO.
In a
statement, Ahmed Rehab, executive director of CAIR-Chicago said.
“This
particular incident is not an isolated arbitrary act, but allegedly part of a
larger trend of Hindutva-inspired Islamophobia playing out in Naperville and
other communities, and it is high time it is confronted. It is a stark reminder
of the impact of ideological extremism quietly imported into America and the
need to address it urgently.
“The
Muslim Student Association (MSA) and the broader school community are
understandably hurt in the wake of this incident. Regardless of when and where
hate incidents take place, if they are at the hands of members of the school
family, it is the responsibility of educational institutions to ensure a safe
environment for all students, and not wash their hands of that sacred duty.
“We
stand ready to work with local Hindu leaders to stave off extremism and promote
interfaith dialogue and harmony. It is imperative to identify who is
radicalizing the youth in our communities and take measures to prevent such
incidents.”
“In
these challenging times, CAIR-Chicago remains committed to advocating for the
rights and safety of all communities. We call on everyone to join us in
promoting tolerance, respect, and unity.”
He noted
that two years ago, CAIR-Chicago monitored a concerted effort by
Hindutva-organized opposition to the construction of a Naperville mosque, a
project that was eventually granted permission. Opposition included Hindutva
bots and individuals from outside the local community flooding the city’s
website with anti-Mosque comments. (NOTE: the student who committed the Quran
burning reportedly commented twice in opposition to the mosque).
Rehab
said CAIR-Chicago is also demanding a public apology from the student
responsible for the Quran burning and is urging the school administration to
arrange a meeting with Muslim students and community leaders to foster a healing
process.
CAIR is
America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission
is to enhance the understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American
Muslims.
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-chicago-condemns-student-quran-burning-in-naperville-exposes-rss-hindutva-connection/
--------
India
Don’t
need ‘Miya’ (Muslims)votes for 10 years: Assam CM
October
3, 2023
By
Muslim Mirror Staff
Assam
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stirred controversy with his recent
remarks regarding the ‘Miya’ community’s voting preferences. The ‘Miya’
community, comprising Bengali-speaking or Bengal-origin Muslims in Assam, found
themselves at the center of a political storm as Sarma suggested that the BJP
does not need their votes for the next decade. He stated that this exclusion is
contingent upon certain reforms within the community, such as addressing child
marriage.
In a
recent statement to reporters, Sarma said, “BJP will do public welfare, and
they will support us, but they don’t need to vote for us. There is no harm in
supporting us. Let them shout ‘zindabad’ for Himanta Biswa Sarma, Narendra
Modi, and BJP.”
However,
he went on to clarify that his call for the community to withhold their votes
was not permanent. “When elections come, I myself will request them not to vote
for us. When you will follow family planning, stop child marriage, and shed
fundamentalism, then you vote for us. To complete these, it will take 10 years.
We will seek votes after 10 years, not now,” Sarma said.
The
chief minister outlined specific conditions that ‘Miya’ community members
should meet before considering voting for the BJP. These conditions include
having no more than two or three children, ensuring their daughters receive an
education, refraining from child marriage, and embracing Sufism while
abandoning ‘fundamentalism’.
“When
these conditions are fulfilled, I will go with you to ‘char’ to seek votes,” Sarma
told the journalists.
Responding
to concerns about the lack of proper schools in some ‘char’ areas, Sarma
promised immediate action. “It can’t happen that minority students won’t get a
chance to study. We will open seven colleges in minority areas in the coming
days,” he said.
Source: muslimmirror.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://muslimmirror.com/eng/dont-need-miya-votes-for-10-years-assam-cm-himanta-biswa-sarma/
------
107 MPs
and MLAs have hate speech cases against them:Association for Democratic Reforms
04th
October 2023
By
Express News Service
NEW
DELHI: A total of 107 MPs and MLAs have hate speech cases against them and 480
candidates with such cases have contested elections in the last five years,
according to poll rights body Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
The ADR
and National Election Watch (NEW) have analysed the self-sworn affidavits of
all the incumbent MPs and MLAs, besides the unsuccessful candidates in the
Assembly and Lok Sabha polls held in the country in the said period.
The
analysis reveals that many of the MPs and MLAs, who are designated lawmakers,
have actually declared cases related to "hate speech" against
themselves.
The
analysis is based on the affidavits submitted by the MPs and MLAs prior to the
last election they contested.
According
to the analysis, 33 MPs have declared cases related to hate speech against
themselves -- seven from Uttar Pradesh, four from Tamil Nadu, three each from
Bihar, Karnataka and Telangana, two each from Assam, Gujarat, Maharashtra and
West Bengal and one each from Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Odisha and
Punjab.
In the
last five years, 480 candidates with declared cases related to hate speech have
contested elections to state assemblies, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the
ADR said.
It said
22 MPs with cases related to hate speech are from the ruling Bharatiya Janata
Party (BJP), two from the Congress and one each from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP),
AIMIM, AIUDF, DMK, MDMK, PMK, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and the
VCK, besides one Independent MP.
Seventy-four
MLAs have declared cases related to hate speech against themselves.
Nine
each are from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, six each from Andhra Pradesh,
Maharashtra and Telangana, five each from Assam and Tamil Nadu, four each from
Delhi, Gujarat and West Bengal, three each from Jharkhand and Uttarakhand, two
each from Karnataka, Punjab, Rajasthan and Tripura and one each from Madhya
Pradesh and Odisha.
Twenty
MLAs with cases related to hate speech against them are from the BJP, 13 from
the Congress, six from the AAP, five each from the SP and YSRCP, four each from
the DMK and RJD, three each from the AITC and SHS, two from the AIUDF and one
each from the AIMIM, CPI(M), NCP, SuheldevBharatiya Samaj Party, TDP, Tipra
Motha Party and TRS, besides two Independent MLAs.
(With
inputs from PTI)
Source: newindianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/oct/04/107-mps-and-mlas-have-hate-speech-cases-against-them-adr-2620492.html
------
Kerala
CPI(M) leader's remark on headscarf lands party in soup; Left party rejects
statement
03rd
October 2023
By PTI
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
An alleged controversial remark made by a senior CPI(M) leader regarding the
traditional headscarf worn by Muslim women in Kerala has landed the ruling
party in soup with several religious outfits and scholars coming out against
it.
As the
issue triggered a huge political row, the Marxist party rejected the comment by
K Anil Kumar, a state committee member, saying the choice of clothing is the
fundamental right of an individual and there was no need for the party to
express any opinion on that.
The
opposition Congress strongly criticized the ruling party and termed his
statements as "inappropriate and absurd".
Later in
the day, Anil Kumar in a Facebook post said he would uphold his party's stand
in the matter.
While
speaking at a recent event organised by esSENSE Global, an atheist outfit,
Kumar said that it was due to the influence of the Marxist party that the women
of the Muslim-dominated Malappuram district had abandoned "thattam",
the headscarf.
Irked by
his remarks, "Samastha," an influential Sunni scholars' body, said
the CPI(M)'s "double standards" have been exposed through this.
AbdusamadPookkottur,
a prominent leader of Samastha, alleged that apostasy was the crux of the Left
party and that it was approaching minorities for votes.
IUML
leaders K M Shaji and KPA Majeed also joined the scholars' body in denouncing
the CPI (M) over Anil Kumar's statement.
In a
hard-hitting Facebook post, Shaji, a staunch critic of the Marxist party
leadership, alleged that the party has prepared two teams: one to go among
rationalists to speak against the believers and another to take part in the
meetings of believers and praise them.
He asked
the religious community whether they "still want to believe that Communism
is innocent."
Majeed,
who is also a senior MLA of the IUML, slammed the Left party through his social
media handle, saying Anil Kumar's remarks had exposed the real intentions of
its leadership.
The IUML
leader questioned the rationale behind linking free thinking with the
abandonment of the headscarf.
He also
alleged that the atheist event, in which the controversial speech was made, was
organised by a "Sangh Parivar-sponsored" person.
"Our
headscarf-clad children are enough to expose your (CPI-M's) hypocrisy," he
added in the FB post.
IUML
state general secretary PMA Salam accused the Marxist Party of 'infringing' on
religious beliefs and wondered who had abandoned "thattam" in
Malappuram.
Even
those belonging to the current generation were wearing headscarves, he told
reporters in Malappuram.
Meanwhile,
an independent LDF MLA and a fellow traveller of CPI (M), K T Jaleel, rejected
Anil Kumar's claims and said not wearing "thattam" could not be
considered as a sign of progress.
"Presenting
personal opinion as that of the party will lead to misunderstanding," the
former minister said in a Facebook post.
The
Congress used the opportunity to target the CPI(M) politically on the matter,
with senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly, V.
D
Satheesan condemned the remarks of Anil Kumar, saying what to wear and eat were
part of the personal freedom of an individual and no one had the right to
dictate their terms.
The
statement of the Left leader that the abandonment of the headscarf was an
achievement of the CPI (M) was a blatant invasion of the faith and personal
freedom of individuals, he said.
"What
is the difference between the BJP government, which has banned hijab, and the
CPI (M), which views the abandonment of headscarves as a party gain?"
Satheesan asked.
With the
party leadership facing flak from various quarters, CPI (M) state secretary M V
Govindan said what Anil Kumar said was not the opinion or stand of the party.
When
reporters asked about the row, he said dressing was the personal right of
individuals, which was upheld by the Constitution.
"The
party has already made its stand clear on the matter when the hijab row cropped
up. There is no need for any person to infringe on such matters, intervene, or
raise any criticism against them," Govindan categorically said.
Senior
Left leader and LDF Convenor E P Jayarajan also rejected Kumar's remarks and
said it was a "mistake".
Dressing
was the personal choice of individuals, and the CPI (M) was a party that
extended support to it, he said.
In a
Facebook post, Anil Kumar said the explanation given by the party secretary was
his opinion, and he would uphold the party stand on the issue.
After
the CPI(M) "rectified" Anil Kumar's remarks, the BJP accused the
CPI(M) of "becoming a slave to organised religious forces."
In a
Facebook post, BJP state Chief K Surendran alleged that the party was not
bothered about "protocols and principles" when it came to the matter
of the vote bank.
Accusing
the Left party of having 'double standards' on religious matters, he also took
a dig at the CPI(M), saying the party -led government's interference in
Sabarimala rituals was a renaissance and Lord Ganesha was a myth for them.
But
triple talaq was part of religious beliefs, and the uniform civil code was an
encroachment of religious freedom for CPI (M), he added.
Source: newindianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2023/oct/03/kerala-cpim-leaders-remark-on-headscarf-lands-party-in-soup-left-party-rejects-statement-2620487.html
-----
Jammu
and Kashmir: Two jawans injured in gunfight with militants in Rajouri’s forests
04.10.23
Muzaffar
Raina
A
gunfight with militants in Rajouri’s forests in Jammu and Kashmir has left two
soldiers injured and sparked fears of another long operation as militants take
refuge in the rough terrain and dense vegetation.
Official
sources said the operation was launched on Monday afternoon but the gunfight
started during the night, injuring two jawans. They said the army was using
sophisticated drones and choppers to track the movement of militants, believed
to be two or three in number.
A police
officer said the operation had already dragged on for 30 hours by Tuesday
evening but he hoped it would not drag on for days like the recent Kokernag
operation
that lasted for eight days.
The
Kokernag gunfight had led to the death of a colonel, a major, a deputy
superintendent of police and a soldier last month.
The
operation in Rajouri is another example of a shift in militant strategy to take
their battle against the security establishment from the plains to the
mountains.
Officials
said a joint team of the army and Jammu and Kashmir police cordoned off the
Broh and Soom forest belts in Rajaori’sKalakote on Monday following information
about suspicious movements.
The
militants opened fire on the troops as they tried to break the cordon.
Additional troops were rushed to the area on Tuesday to lay a siege around a
large area to prevent the militants from escaping.
Jammu
police chief and additional director of police Mukesh Singh on Tuesday rushed
from Jammu to Rajouri, around 200km away, to monitor the operation on the
ground, officials said.
Director-general
of police Dilbagh Singh recently said two to three groups of militants are
active in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, also called the Pir
Panchal region.
The
region has witnessed the highest militancy-related incidents in Jammu and
Kashmir this year.
The
militants have carried out several high-profile attacks in the region this
year,
killing seven members of the minority Hindi community in one attack and 10
jawans in two separate attacks.
More
than two dozen militants were also killed there in different gunfights.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/two-jawans-injured-after-gunfight-with-militants-in-rajouris-forests-in-jammu-and-kashmir/cid/1970845
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Over
1,000 arrested as Assam begins second round of crackdown against child marriage
04.10.23
Umanand
Jaiswal
Over
1,000 persons have been arrested since Monday night in the second round of a
statewide crackdown against child marriage in Assam.
The
first round of the crackdown, launched in February as part of the BJP-led state
government’s efforts to end the menace of child marriage within five years, had
seen the arrest of at least 3,141 persons for either marrying underage girls or
facilitating such marriages.
The
legal age of marriage in India is 18 for females and 21 for males.
Assam
chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who took to X to announce the crackdown on
Tuesday, said the number of persons arrested by the state police in the
“massive crackdown” against child marriage “now stands at 1039 by 1.01 pm”.
In an
earlier tweet, the number of people arrested in the special operation that
started “in the early dawn hours” stood at over 800.
Sarma
had revealed in January his government’s intent to end child marriage within
five years, the trigger being the findings of the National Family Health Survey
(NHFS)-5 conducted between 2019 and 2020 by the Centre.
The
survey revealed the percentage of underage mothers or pregnant girls in the
state at an “alarming” 11.7 per cent, much higher than the national average of
6.8 per cent, reflecting “rampant” child marriage, a root cause of high
maternal mortality rate and infant mortality rate in Assam.
A month
after taking over as chief minister in May 2021, Sarma had asserted his
government’s intention to check the population growth, identifying increasing
numbers as the root causes of poverty, unemployment and encroachment of land.
The
number of people arrested from various districts since Monday, according to the
police, included 192 from Dhubri, around 150 from Barpeta, 39 from Bongaigaon,
34 from Cachar district, 28 from Goalpara district and six from Sonitpur
district.
However,
no break-up of the community they belonged to was provided.
In the
crackdown carried out in February, around 60 per cent of the arrested were
reportedly from the Muslim community, mostly Bengali-speaking, and the
remaining belonged to the Hindu and other communities. Assam’s Muslims are
estimated to constitute over 34 per cent of the total 3.2 crore population.
A police
officer said the arrested people have been booked either under the Protection
Of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act), 2012, or the Prohibition of
Child Marriage Act, 2006.
The
chief minister had said in January that men marrying girls under 14 years would
be booked under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act
(POCSO Act), 2012, and those marrying girls between 14 and 18 years of age,
will be booked under Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
The
chief minister had also said in February that the crackdown was not directed at
any specific community and that people from minority communities were
supportive of the move.
The
crackdown comes a day after Sarma said the ruling BJP does not want the vote of
the ‘Miya’ living in the char areas for the next 10 years till they reform
themselves by ending practices such as child marriage. Bengali-speaking Muslims
are referred to as Miya in the state.
The
arrests have triggered concern and worry among the affected families as was the
case last time.
Two
women, a Hindu and a Muslim from lower Assam, told the media on Tuesday that
they wanted the government to release their husband and brother respectively.
The
Hindu woman said her husband was the only earning member in the family. She
said she and her baby girl “cannot survive” without her husband. The Muslim
woman, whose brother was arrested, shared similar sentiments.
Source: telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/assam-begins-second-round-of-crackdown-against-child-marriage-over-1000-arrested/cid/1970884
------
Misunderstood
visa rules prevent Indian expats’ entry into Saudi Arabia
Irfan
Mohammed: 4th October 2023
Jeddah:
Mohammed Zeeshan (name changed), a 28-year-old from Hyderabad, recently
embarked on a journey to Riyadh, bidding farewell to his wife and family at
Hyderabad airport. His friends and relatives eagerly gathered at King Khalid International
Airport’s Terminal 2, awaiting his arrival in the early morning hours.
As
passengers disembarked from the flight, Zeeshan was notably absent. Minutes
turned into hours, and anxiety grew as he remained unaccounted for. His phone
was unreachable, leaving his family and friends in a state of panic. Despite
their best efforts, they were unable to obtain any information regarding his
whereabouts.
Passengers
sent back
The
following day brought clarity to the situation: Zeeshan had indeed arrived in Riyadh
but was denied entry into the Kingdom, ultimately being sent back to Hyderabad.
He was not alone; several other passengers on the flight who were former
residents of Saudi Arabia faced a similar fate.
Zeeshan
was fortunate to be repatriated directly to Hyderabad. In contrast, others
found themselves in cities like Cochin, Delhi, or Mumbai, where they had to
arrange their own funds for return tickets and onward journeys to Hyderabad.
This
incident highlights the pressing need for former residents of Saudi Arabia,
particularly those who left abruptly during the Covid-19 pandemic, to
understand the re-entry procedures into the oil-rich Kingdom.
3-year
re-entry visa rule
Thousands
of NRIs travelled back to India during the Covid-19 pandemic on exit re-entry
visas and stayed away for nearly three years. While many attempted to settle in
India, their efforts were often unsuccessful, compelling them to return to
Saudi Arabia for a second stint.
According
to Saudi laws, expats visit their home countries exiting on re-entry visas, and
fail to return before their visas expire, will be banned from entering the
kingdom for three years.
All of
these returning Indians believed they could re-enter Saudi Arabia once the
three-year interval period had elapsed. This belief was further bolstered by
the endorsement of new visas.
However,
it’s crucial to note that the three-year period is not calculated from the date
of departure, as many mistakenly assume. Rather, it is three years from the
expiration of the exit and re-entry visa.
“It’s
not three years since the date of departure as mostly mistaken, it is three
years since the expiration of exit and re-exit visa,” explained a source who is
familiar with procedures.
Previous
overstay
There
exists a difference between the date of departure and the expiration date of
the exit and re-entry visa, a fact that some returning Indians overlook.
Furthermore, some individuals travelling back through deportation processes
were banned from re-entering the Kingdom.
For instance,
a young woman travelling on a visiting visa to join her husband was denied
entry due to overstaying during her previous visit. Similarly, a Telangana
pilgrim arriving on a Hajj visa faced a ban due to previous circumstances.
With the
introduction of biometric data for visa endorsements, Saudi Arabia’s entry
rules can be more effectively enforced, allowing ineligible travellers to be
identified and prevented from embarking on their journeys from India itself.
Source: siasat.com
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https://www.siasat.com/misunderstood-visa-rules-prevent-expats-entry-into-saudi-arabia-2712505/
------
Africa
Saif
al-Islam Gaddafi thanks Aqila Saleh for adopting “inclusive electoral laws”
03/10/2023
Saif Gaddafi
thanked, Monday, Parliament Speaker Agila Saleh and members of the 6+6
Committee for what they did in drafting the electoral laws that “do not exclude
anyone,” as he put it.
Gaddafi
said in a written statement reported by his media, “I extend my thanks to Sir
Aqila Saleh, Speaker of Parliament, and all brothers, members of the 6+6
Committee, for what they have done in drafting the electoral laws that do not
exclude anyone, despite all the pressure, threats, and temptations.”
He considered that “a new chapter will begin
in history of Libya.”
Aqila
Saleh had confirmed that the law that was approved does not exclude anyone who
meets the known conditions for candidacy, whether civilian or military, which
will allow Saif al-Islam Gaddafi and Khalifa Haftar to run in the elections,
and in the event of not winning, the candidate will return to his previous job.
Source: libyaobserver.ly
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https://libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/saif-al-islam-gaddafi-thanks-aqila-saleh-adopting-inclusive-electoral-laws
--------
Niger
says 29 soldiers killed in attack, rejects Algerian mediation
October
03, 2023
NIAMEY:
At least 29 Niger soldiers were killed in an ambush by insurgents near the
country’s border with Mali, the Defense Ministry said, the deadliest attack
since the military seized power in a coup in July.
Separately,
the Niger junta denied it had accepted an offer by Algeria to act as a mediator
to solve its political crisis, even though Algeria had said on Monday it had
received official notification of Niger’s acceptance.
Niger
and its neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso, also run by military governments that
seized power in coups, are all battling militants linked to Al-Qaeda and
Daesh who have killed thousands and
displaced over 2 million people in the Sahel region. They signed a security
pact last month promising to defend each other against rebels or aggressors.
The
attack in Niger took place as soldiers were returning from operations against
the militants. They were targeted by more than 100 assailants in vehicles and
on motor-bikes using explosive devices and suicide bombers.
“The
provisional toll of the attack is as follows: 29 soldiers fell in battle and
two were wounded,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement read on Niger
national television, adding that several dozen assailants were killed.
It did
not specify which group was responsible or when exactly the ambush occurred,
but said the military operation took place between Sept. 26 and Oct. 2.
Three
days of national mourning have been declared.
The
spate of coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger since 2020 was partly driven by
frustrations among the military and citizens over insecurity. But the violence
has increased just as the juntas are kicking out foreign troops that were
previously helping fight the militants. United Nations peacekeepers are also
leaving.
Insurgents,
many with links to Islamic Daesh, have been particularly active along the
Mali-Niger border since French and UN troops left southeast Mali, ending
crucial air reconnaissance support. West Africa’s regional bloc and Western
powers have called on Niger to rapidly restore constitutional rule. But the
junta has been dragging its feet.
The
junta said in a statement on Monday that it was surprised by the Algeria’s
assertion that Niger had agreed for it to act as mediator, and that it rejected
its conclusions.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2384921/world
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Paramilitary
shells kill 10 civilians in Khartoum: activists
October
04, 2023
PORT
SUDAN, Sudan: Paramilitary artillery that struck a mosque and other civilian
buildings in the Sudanese capital killed 10 people on Tuesday, local activists
said.
It is
the latest incident in which multiple civilians have been killed in Khartoum
during nearly six months of war between Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah
Al-Burhan and his former deputy, Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary
commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.
A local
resistance committee said “10 civilians were killed and 11 wounded in artillery
shelling by the Rapid Support Forces in Al-Samrab neighborhood,” across the
Blue Nile river to the north of central Khartoum.
The
committee is one of many groups that used to organize pro-democracy protests
and now provide assistance during the war.
“Some
shells fell on a mosque, a health center, and citizens’ homes,” the committee
said by telephone to AFP in the eastern city of Port Sudan.
On
September 12 a medical source told AFP that “17 civilians were killed” by
paramilitaries in northern Khartoum, where witnesses reported RSF shelling.
Those
deaths came two days after at least 51 people were killed and dozens wounded in
air strikes on a southern Khartoum market, according to United Nations human
rights chief Volker Turk.
The
worst of the violence has been concentrated in Khartoum and the western region
of Darfur, but North Kordofan — a crossroads between the capital and Darfur —
has also seen fighting.
Nearly
7,500 people have been killed in Sudan since the conflict broke out on April
15, according to a conservative estimate from the Armed Conflict Location &
Event Data project.
Battles
have displaced almost 4.3 million people within Sudan, in addition to around
1.2 million more who have fled across borders, UN figures show.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2384991/middle-east
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Tunisia:
Opponents in pre-trial detention boycott investigating judge
October
03, 2023
A group
of six Tunisian opponents, who claim to be political prisoners of the Kais Said
regime and in pre-trial detention since last February for an alleged case of conspiracy
against state security denounced on Tuesday a judicial masquerade and announced
their boycott of the investigating judge and all measures he has taken.
"I
can no longer accept this situation, because this situation denies that I am a
citizen. Based on the foundations of human rights, I am now deprived of these
rights. So I'm very sad and very angry about this situation," Chaima Issa,
member of the FSN.
In a
statement, the detainees, members of the National Salvation Front which brings
together political parties of different ideologies and independent militants
against what they call a coup d'état, accuse the authorities of pressuring the
judges in charge of these cases with veiled threats after the president has
assured that those who acquitted them are his accomplices.
"We
have passed the phase of harassment. They are firmly trying to silence
opponents, free men and women. But as you can see, it's no use. They won't
succeed," added Samir Dilou, lawyer.
According
to the NSF president, one of the judges, did not conduct a serious
investigation despite the extension of pre-trial detention limited by the Penal
Code to a maximum of 14 months and issued arrest warrants without legal basis
and automatically rejected numerous release requests without legal cause.
Among
the signatories are the former leader of the Ettakatol party, Khayam Turki, of
Spanish nationality, the former vice-president of Ennahda, Abdelhamid Jelassi,
the co-founder of the Democratic Current party, Ghazi Chaouachi, the general
secretary of the Republican Party, Issam Chebbi, the constitutionalist Jaouhar
Ben M'barek and the former executive member of the late Nidaa Tounes party,
Ridha Belhaj.
Since
the beginning of the year, the authorities have arrested some 30 politicians,
businessmen and judges, most of whom belong to the Islamist party Ennahda,
which has been the main political force over the past decade, after the 2011
revolution.
Source: africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2023/10/03/tunisia-opponents-in-pre-trial-detention-boycott-investigating-judge/
------
Nigerian
Police Arraign 14 Residents In Abuja For Raising False Alarm 'Over
Disappearance Of Their Private Parts'
October
4, 2023
The
Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arraigned at least 14 suspects for giving false
information and inciting public disturbance through the alleged disappearance
of a male private organ in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Haruna
Garba, the FCT commissioner of police, said this on Tuesday, adding that over
10 cases of purported disappearance of male organs across the territory, as
well as an increase in mob action by enraged teenagers were recorded.
Garba
stated that 14 individuals who claimed their male organs had vanished were
escorted to the hospital, where physicians confirmed that their masculinity was
still intact and active.
As a
result, they were accused in court of spreading false information and inciting
public disorder.
The FCT
police chief also urged citizens not to raise the alarm about organ
disappearances if they were unsure since this could lead to undesirable mob
activities and the injuring of innocent people.
Haruna
said, “I wish to seize this opportunity to appeal to the residents of FCT to warn
their wards and children to desist from raising false alarms.
“In
addition, they are enjoined not to resort to jungle justice or mob action as
innocent lives may be lost in the process.
“In the
same vein, I wish to advise residents of the FCT to be wary of the kind of
vehicles they board. It is advised that they should board painted taxis from
designated motor parks. It is risky to board an unpainted taxi otherwise known
as ‘kabu-kabu’ as they may fall victims of these robbers known as one chance. I
want to reiterate my commitment and willingness to always work with you to
defeat crime in the Federal Capital Territory.”
Source: saharareporters.com
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https://saharareporters.com/2023/10/04/nigerian-police-arraign-14-residents-abuja-raising-false-alarm-over-disappearance-their
------
Two
Nigerian journalists charged with cybercrime over corruption reports
October
4, 2023
Authorities
in Nigeria should swiftly drop all charges against journalists Aiyelabegan
AbdulRazaq and Oluwatoyin Bolakale and allow them to work freely, the Committee
to Protect Journalists said on Tuesday.
On 11
September, police officers detained AbdulRazaq and Bolakale, publishers of the
independent news websites Just Event Online and The Satcom Media respectively,
over their critical reporting about a local politician, according to the two
journalists and their lawyer TaofiqOlateju, all of whom spoke with CPJ.
According
to the charge sheet, reviewed by CPJ, the 9 September articles contained
allegations of abuse of office by Jumoke Gafar, the former principal private
secretary to north-central Kwara State governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who is
not related to the journalist.
On 13
September, the two journalists were charged with cyberstalking—punishable by up
to three years in jail and a 7 million naira (US$9,024) fine—and
conspiracy—which carries a penalty of up to seven years in jail—under the
Cybercrimes Act, according to the two journalists, their lawyer, and the charge
sheet.
On 20
September, the court granted the journalists bail and set a hearing date for
October 4, the journalists and their lawyer said.
Messrs
AbdulRazaq and Bolakale told CPJ that officers at the police headquarters in
the state capital, Ilorin, called them in for questioning about their sources
on September 11 and they explained that their reports were based on a press
release from a political lobby group, which they had cited. The journalists
said the police asked them for a contact for the signatory of the press
release, which they were unable to provide.
“Authorities
in Nigeria should swiftly drop all charges against journalists Aiyelabegan
Babatunde AbdulRazaq and Oluwatoyin Luqman Bolakale and allow them to work
without intimidation,” said Angela Quintal, CPJ Africa Program Coordinator, in
Durban, South Africa. “Yet again we see Nigeria’s cybercrime law being abused
to prosecute the press and the police intimidating journalists to reveal their
sources. When will lawmakers act to ensure journalism is not criminalized?”
The
Satcom Media published an article on September 18 retracting its original
report and adding that “we never aimed at tarnishing the image of Ms Jumoke
Gafar.” Just Event Online published the same message on its Facebook page. Just
Event Online was offline at the time of publication, which AbdulRazaq said was
due to a network issue unrelated to the case.
At the
time of publication, The Satcom Media’s original report was still online.
The
chairperson of the Association of Kwara Online Media Practitioners, Shola
Taofeek, said the police also asked a third journalist, OyewaleOyelola,
managing editor of the Factual Times news website, to come to the station but
he went into hiding for fear of being detained. The outlet also published an
article on 9 September about Ms Gafar, based on the same press release.
Kwara
State police spokesperson Okasanmi Ajayi told CPJ that he was aware of the case
but could not comment because it was before the court. CPJ’s calls and text
messages to Ms Gafar requesting comment did not receive a reply.
Source: premiumtimesng.com
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https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/630566-two-nigerian-journalists-charged-with-cybercrime-over-corruption-reports.html
-------
Arab World
Saudis
get decades-long prison terms over critical online posts
04
October 2023
Saudi
Arabia has ramped up its crackdown on social media activists, handing down
decades-long prison sentences for those posting online comments critical of the
kingdom’s policies.
Back in
August, the Saudi Specialized Criminal Court sentenced 18-year-old high school
student Manar al-Gafiri to 18 years in prison, reported the rights advocacy
group ALQST, which documents human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia.
Carlos
de las Heras, a specialist on Saudi Arabia at Amnesty International, said
Gafiri was underage when she was arrested for her X (formerly Twitter) posts in
support of Saudi political prisoners and “human rights defenders, especially
women who demand equal rights.”
This and
other cases indicate “a worrying increase over the last year of repression
against those who use the internet to express opposition,” he added.
In
another controversial ruling, the Saudi Specialized Criminal Court sentenced
retired professor Muhammad al-Ghamdi, 54, to death on July 10 for his criticism
of the royal family on X and YouTube video sharing platform.
This is
while Ghamdi had a total of 10 followers on his two X accounts, according to
Human Rights Watch (HRW).
During a
recent interview with Fox News, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
confirmed the death sentence against the professor, saying, “[This conviction]
embarrasses us. But I can’t tell a judge [to ignore] the law. That would go
against the rule of law.”
A Saudi
court has sentenced a retired teacher to death for online posts, critical of
the ruling family, his brother said.
In
August 2022, the same Saudi court raised the prison sentence against the PhD
student Salma al-Shehab from six to 34 years over a tweet that allegedly
contained a subtle criticism of a new Saudi public transportation contract.
The
sentence handed to the 35-year-old woman was later reduced to 27 years.
Another
court also sentenced Nourah al-Qahtani to 45 years in imprison for the alleged
use of the internet “to break the social fabric.”
In 2022,
Amnesty International said 15 people had been sentenced to between 10 and 45
years in Saudi jails for their peaceful online activities.
Ali
al-Ahmed, founder of the Institute for Persian Gulf Affairs think tank, said
the sentences against internet users are only one visible face of a widespread
repression against critics of the Saudi government.
“Most of
the time we hear about cases like these because outsiders can see that someone
stops tweeting or posting,” he noted. “Saudi Arabia is “the worst state in
terms of surveillance in the world.”
Ahmed
sued Twitter in 2020, alleging that two of its employees, Ahmad Abouammo and
Ali al-Zabarah, had hacked his account between 2013 and 2016 and leaked data to
Saudi intelligence.
In a
different case in the United States, Abouammo was sentenced to three and a half
years in prison for spying for Riyadh, while Zabarah fled to Saudi Arabia. They
are believed to have been hired by Bader al-Asaker, bin Salman’s closest
collaborator, to identify and spy on Saudi dissidents on Twitter.
Ever
since 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 continues
to be denied by the kingdom's authorities.
Over the
past years, Riyadh has also redefined its anti-terrorism laws to target
activism.
Source: presstv.ir
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2023/10/04/712042/Saudi-prison-terms-critical-posts
---------
Yemen
economy tanks as talks fail to restore truce: NGOs
03
October, 2023
Food
shortages, power cuts and a collapsing currency are upending daily life in
Yemen as peace talks make no headway in restoring a ceasefire that lapsed one
year ago, around 50 NGOs said late Monday.
"While
economic challenges are rife across the country, rising inflation and the
deterioration of public services are making life unbearable," said a
statement signed by 35 Yemeni groups and 13 international aid organisations
including the Danish Refugee Council and Save the Children.
That is
especially true "for hundreds of thousands of families" in territory
controlled by the internationally recognised government based in the main
southern city of Aden, the statement said.
Power
cuts in Aden can last 17 hours a day and more than 50 percent of households in
government-held areas cannot meet basic food requirements because of
skyrocketing prices, the statement said.
Iran-backed
Houthi rebels overran the Yemeni capital Sanaa in 2014, prompting neighbouring
Saudi Arabia to spearhead a military intervention the following year to shore
up the government.
The
ensuing war has left hundreds of thousands dead through direct and indirect
causes and displaced millions in what the United Nations has called one of the
world's worst humanitarian crises.
The
World Food Programme warned in August that more than four million Yemenis would
receive less food assistance from the end of September as a result of funding
shortages.
A truce
that took effect in April 2022 expired in early October 2022, though fighting
has not picked up considerably since then.
A
surprise rapprochement between rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran in March led to
public meetings between Saudi officials and the Houthis, first in Sanaa in
April and then in Riyadh last month.
The
delegations have described the talks as positive though they have yet to yield
a durable ceasefire.
Four
soldiers from Bahrain, a member of the Saudi-led coalition, were killed in an
attack last month that Manama and Washington blamed on the Houthis, who have
not commented on the incident.
The
rebels for their part have decried recent "Saudi bombings" in areas
they control in northern Yemen. The coalition has not commented on those
allegations.
Source: newarab.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.newarab.com/news/yemen-economy-tanks-talks-fail-restore-truce-ngos-0
---------
Qatar
pledges $2mn to boost Islamic Organisation for Food Security programmes
Hazar
Kilani
October
4, 2023
The IOFS
places emphasis on formulating and executing shared agricultural policies that
resonate with the collective aspirations of its member states
Qatar
has pledged a $2mn grant to the Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS)
during the 6th General Assembly of the IOFS held in Doha.
Minister
of Municipality, Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, announced the
grant on Tuesday, emphasising the Gulf nation’s dedication to the pivotal cause
of food security.
The
assembly, themed ‘Together Committed to Action’, was attended by 150 delegates
from 27 nations. This included ministers, heads of delegations, and
representatives from a total of 57 countries, eight institutions affiliated
with the IOFS, and two regional and international organisations graced the
event.
Dr. Al
Subaie, in his address, highlighted the pressing need for a robust coalition to
tackle the challenges that member states face in ensuring food security. “With
the necessary capabilities, the organisation will play a significant role in
elevating food security indicators across our countries,” he stated.
He
further stressed the importance of harnessing the collective expertise,
resources, and experiences of member nations to navigate the myriad challenges
confronting food security. This would be achieved through innovation,
sustainable practices, and just distribution systems.
What to
expect as Expo Doha 2023 opens its doors to the public
Qatar’s
ongoing National Strategy for Food Security 2018-2023 will soon make way for
the new 2024-2030 strategy, aligning with the broader Qatar Vision 2030, which
aims to cultivate a sustainable and adaptable food system that is capable of
handling potential upheavals.
The
assembly concluded with the ratification of 12 resolutions, mirroring the
IOFS’s unwavering commitment to global food security.
Meanwhile,
Ambassador Askar Mussinov was chosen as the IOFS’s next Director-General,
slated to begin his term on January 1, 2024.
What is
the IOFS
The
inception of the IOFS can be traced back to the 7th session of the World
Islamic Economic Forum in Astana, Kazakhstan, in 2011. Over the ensuing years,
the organisation’s identity, structure, and membership took shape through
several pivotal milestones in various nations.
A
primary objective of the IOFS is to endow member states with expertise in areas
such as sustainable agriculture and biotechnology.
However,
their mission entails overseeing and assessing food security within member
nations, ensuring that emergent crises are swiftly identified and addressed.
Additionally,
the IOFS places emphasis on formulating and executing shared agricultural
policies that resonate with the collective aspirations of its member states, as
well as harnessing both financial and agricultural resources to effectively
elevate food security across its members.
The IOFS
also aims to address climate change, including issues like desertification.
Source: dohanews.co/
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https://dohanews.co/qatar-pledges-2mn-to-boost-islamic-organisation-for-food-security-programmes/
--------
Saudi
Ministry of Islamic Affairs Holds Closing Ceremony of Quran Memorization
Competition in Bangladesh
03 Oct,
2023
The
Religious Attaché Office at the Saudi Embassy in Bangladesh, representing the
Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance of the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia, has held the closing ceremony of the Quran Memorization Competition in
Bangladesh, in which 70 students took part.
Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Issa
Al-Duhailan presented certificates, commemorative shields, cash prizes, and
copies of the Holy Quran to the winners.
Al-Duhailan also thanked the Ministry of
Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance for its great efforts in serving Muslims
around the world.
Source: alriyadhdaily.com
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http://alriyadhdaily.com/article/df9a8b2347f9432f9f3f010012bc95f1
---------
Mideast
Israel
on Alert After Islamic Jihad Launches Military Exercises in Gaza
4
October 2023
The
Israeli Army said it raised the state of alert around the Gaza Strip after the
Islamic Jihad movement started on Tuesday military exercises in the coastal
enclave.
“Due to
the presence of increased risks, the Home Front Command has activated the alert
for the area around Gaza after the Islamic Jihad movement began offensive
drills, including firing a barrage of rockets towards the Mediterranean,” it
said.
Al-Quds
Brigade, the military wing of Islamic Jihad, announced that its exercise
simulated raids on Israeli military sites and fortifications using live
ammunition and combined arms, including special forces, rockets, artillery,
armor, and intelligence units.
On
Tuesday, the exercises activated sirens at the Home Front Command’s internal
application after suspicions that one of the rockets launched by Al-Quds
Brigade had fell near the Zikim coasts, Israeli media outlets said.
But an
Israeli army spokesperson said the rockets were aimed at the sea and did not
cross into Israeli territory.
Source: english.aawsat.com
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https://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/4584036-israel-alert-after-islamic-jihad-launches-military-exercises-gaza
--------
Israeli Settlers
Invade Al-Aqsa Mosque Amid Strict Restrictions on Palestinians
October
4, 2023
Dozens
of Israeli settlers invaded Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyards on Wednesday, 4 October
2023, and performed provocative Talmudic rituals, citing the so-called Jewish
“Sukkot” as a pretext.
Local
Palestinian sources reported hundreds of Israeli settlers broke into the
courtyards of Al-Aqsa under the Israeli occupation forces’ protection.
Israeli
settlers performed provocative Talmudic rituals, read biblical passages aloud and
collectively, and conducted evocative dances in Al-Aqsa Mosque yards, sources
added.
Meanwhile,
Israeli occupation forces are widely spread across the compound of the Al-Aqsa
Mosque to protect the colonial settlers, prohibiting the presence of Palestinians.
Israeli
forces also prevented Palestinians under the age of 40 from entering Al-Aqsa
Mosque to perform prayers. Earlier, The Union of Temple Mount Groups mobilized
their colonial settler to carry out large-scale incursions into the Al-Aqsa
mosque citing the “Sukkot” as a pretext.
Colonial
settlers’ backed by the Israeli occupation forces repeatedly invade Muslims and
holy places in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem in a flagrant violation of
all international conventions and laws, guaranteeing Palestinian people’s right
to worship in their sacred sites.
Israeli
settlers and other non-Muslims are allowed to visit the Al-Aqsa mosque compound
at certain times but are forbidden to pray or display any religious or national
symbols under a long-standing agreement with the Muslim authority which
administers the compound.
The site
is known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary) and contains the
al-Aqsa (Qibli) mosque, the third holiest place in Islam.
Illegal
settlers repeated violations of Muslim, as well as Christian, symbols as a
deliberate attempt to Judaise the occupied Jerusalem, with the progressive
expulsion of the local population; the Palestinians.
In
August 2023, at least 3891 colonial Israeli settlers invaded Al-Aqsa Mosque,
performed provocative Talmudic rituals in its yards, and conducted the
so-called “epic prostration” at its gates.
In 2022,
56670 colonial settlers invaded Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyards and performed
Talmudic provocative rituals in its squares, according to Palestinian figures.
Source: daysofpalestine.ps
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--------
Dozens
of Takfiris killed as Syria bombs terrorist bases
Oct 4,
2023,
TEHRAN,
Oct. 04 (MNA) – Dozens of foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants have been killed
and wounded after Syrian army forces carried out a string of military
operations against terrorist bases and arms depots in the northwestern province
of Idlib.
Syria’s
official news agency SANA, citing a statement issued by the Syrian Ministry of
Defense on Tuesday, reported that the strikes were in retaliation for the
recent terrorist attacks on the positions of Syrian army troops and government-held
towns.
The
statement said the operations destroyed the headquarters and weapons caches of
members of the so-called Ansar al-Tawhid (Supporters of Monotheism) Takfiri
group.
Dozens
of terrorists, among them high-profile commanders, were among the fatalities,
it added.
Syrian
government troops also intercepted and shot down two combat drones operated by
militants over an area in the neighboring Aleppo province.
The
operation came after Russia’s Defense Ministry warned that members of Takfiri
terrorist outfits were planning to stage attacks in Syria’s northwestern
provinces of Latakia, Idlib and Aleppo against the positions of Syrian and
Russian military forces.
Deputy
Chief of the Russian Reconciliation Center for Syria Major General Oleg Yegorov
said on Tuesday that the center had received information that the extremists
were set to carry out the assaults.
He said
Russian and Syrian forces would adopt proper measures to repel the attacks.
Source: mehrnews.com
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--------
1,000
held in Turkish crackdown on militants after Ankara bombing
October
03, 2023
JEDDAH:
Police arrested more than 1,000 people in raids across Turkiye on Tuesday in a
renewed crackdown after a suicide bomb attack in Ankara by the outlawed
Kurdistan Workers’ Party, the PKK.
About 90
people in 18 provinces across the country were detained over suspected links to
the PKK. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said an additional 928 people
suspected of holding unlicensed firearms or being connected to firearms
smuggling were arrested during the operation, and more than 840 weapons were
confiscated.
A PKK
suicide bomber detonated an explosive device near an entrance to the Interior
Ministry on Sunday, hours before President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was set to
address parliament as it returned from its summer recess. A second bomber was
killed in a shootout with police.
Two
police officers were slightly wounded in the attack. The bombers arrived at the
scene inside a vehicle they seized from a veterinarian in the central Turkish
of Kayseri after shooting him in the head.
Hours
later, Turkiye launched airstrikes on Kurdish militant targets in northern
Iraq, where the PKKleadership is based. The Defense Ministry said a large
number of militants were killed” in the strikes.
Among
those detained in Tuesday’s crackdown was Aysenur Arslan, 73, a TV news host
who questioneddetails of the official account of the attack on opposition
broadcaster Halk TV. Arslan was detained in her home after prosecutors accused
her of “terrorist propaganda” and “praising criminal activity.”
Several
members of the pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party, which ran under the Green
Left party banner in general elections, were also among those arrested.
Erdogan
said on Tuesday he expected more support from allies for Turkiye’s
counterterrorism campaign. “We want to see concrete steps from friends in addition
to messages of condemnation,” Erdogan said at an opening ceremony of a Council
of State facility in Ankara.
“They
should know that statements that condemn terrorism and console us will not heal
our wounds.”
The PKK
is listed as a terror group by Turkiye and its Western allies. The group has
been waging an insurgency since 1984 that has claimed tens of thousands of
lives in Turkiye. A series of Turkish military operations has pushed the group
back into Iraq.
During
this session of Turkiye’s parliament members will be asked to ratify Sweden’s
membership of NATO.Ratification has been delayed by Turkish anger over Sweden’s
refusal ban marches by the PKK and their supporters in Stockholm.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2384506/middle-east
-------
16
Afghan refugees detained by Turkish police in Amasya
Fidel
Rahmati
October
3, 2023
The
Turkish police have announced that 16 Afghan refugees have been detained in
Amasya in Turkey.
According
to Turkish media reports on Tuesday, Turkish police detained 16 Afghan refugees
secretly transported in a vehicle.
It is
reported that these Afghan refugees, including the vehicle’s driver, were
detained by Turkish police in Amasya.
Turkey
has recently increased its detention of Afghan refugees from various cities.
This
comes after Mohammad Arslah Kharoti, the Acting Minister of Refugees and
Repatriation, discussed the issue of illegal Afghan migration and their
expulsion from Turkey with Jihadi Erginay, the Turkish Ambassador to Kabul, in
a previous meeting.
Kharoti
emphasized that as some migrants depart Turkey, another wave of migrants
continues to enter the country through illegal means. He firmly believes that
expelling Afghan refugees from Turkey is not a viable or practical solution to
this complex issue.
This
underscores the need for a more comprehensive and humane approach to address
Turkey’s irregular migration challenges.
It is
noteworthy that Turkey serves as a primary passage for Afghan migrants seeking
to reach Europe, with most of them entering Turkey through its border with
Iran.
Source: khaama.com
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-------
North America
CAIR
Condemns Distribution of Racist KKK Propaganda in Tennessee
Ismail
Allison
October
3, 2023
(WASHINGTON,
D.C., 10/3/2023) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the
nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned
the distribution of racist hate propaganda in Nashville, Tennessee.
On
Sunday, residents found a message on their property from the so-called “Trinity
White Knights” of the racist Ku Klux Klan.
“Those
who promote racism, white supremacy and other forms of bigotry should never
find fertile ground for their hate propaganda,” said CAIR National
Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “All Americans must stand united
against hate.”
He added
that CAIR recently condemned a similar incident in Tennessee.
Hooper
noted that yesterday, CAIR condemned the distribution of flyers promoting the Ku
Klux Klan in Warren County, Kentucky.
He said
CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those
challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia,
white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
CAIR’s
mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote
justice, and empower American Muslims.
La
misión de CAIR es proteger las libertadesciviles, mejorar la comprensión del
Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a losmusulmanesenlosEstados
Unidos.
Source: cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-condemns-distribution-of-racist-kkk-propaganda-in-tennessee/
--------
US
thanks Qatar for help in mediating a landmark prisoner swap deal with Iran
October
04, 2023
The
United States has thanked Qatar for help in mediating a landmark prisoner swap
deal with Iran.
During a
telephonic conversation, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Than and US
President Joe Biden discussed strategic ties and ways to bolster them in a
range of fields.
In a
statement, the Emiri Diwan said President Biden spoke positively of Doha's
active and constructive efforts in global politics
It said
during the call, the strategic relations between the two countries and aspects
of supporting and strengthening them in various fields were reviewed.
Source: radio.gov.pk
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https://www.radio.gov.pk/04-10-2023/us-thanks-qatar-for-help-in-mediating-a-landmark-prisoner-swap-deal-with-iran
------
US House
ousts Kevin McCarthy as leader in historic vote
04
October 2023
Kevin
McCarthy was axed Tuesday as speaker of the US House of Representatives in a
brutal, historic rebellion by far-right Republicans accusing him of a string of
broken promises and furious at his cooperation with Democrats.
The
maneuver laid bare the chaotic levels of infighting among Republicans heading
into the 2024 presidential election, with its likely candidate Donald Trump
making history of his own as the only former or sitting president to face
criminal indictment.
The
first ouster of a speaker in the House's 234-year history was supported by only
a handful of right-wing Republican hardliners.
However,
the House is almost evenly divided and with Democrats joining eight rebel
Republicans rather than riding to McCarthy's rescue, he had no way to survive.
"I
ended up being the 55th speaker of the House -- one of the greatest honors. I
loved every minute," a circumspect McCarthy told reporters after the vote,
making clear he did not plan to stand again.
"And
the one thing I will tell you is doing the right thing isn't always easy, but
it is necessary. I don't regret standing up for choosing governance over
grievance."
The
58-year-old former entrepreneur had sparked fury among conservatives when he
passed a bipartisan stopgap funding measure at the weekend backed by the White
House to avert a government shutdown.
Florida
conservative Matt Gaetz, who forced the removal vote, gambled that he could
oust McCarthy with just a few Republicans, helped by Democrats loath to bail
out a speaker who only recently opened a highly politicized impeachment inquiry
into President Joe Biden.
"The
reason Kevin McCarthy went down today is because nobody trusts Kevin
McCarthy," Gaetz said. "Kevin McCarthy has made multiple
contradictory promises, and when they all came due, he lost."
South
Carolina Republican Nancy Mace revealed she, too, had soured on McCarthy over
promises to put legislation up for a vote that were never honored.
Democrats
pointed to his decision to renege on a deal with Biden on spending limits
agreed earlier this year in high-stakes talks over the federal budget.
Biden
issued a statement through his press secretary after McCarthy's overthrow
urging the House to quickly choose a replacement, arguing that the urgent
challenges facing the country "will not wait."
'Pigsty
of incompetence'
The New
Democrat Coalition, a bloc of pro-business Democratic lawmakers, described
McCarthy as "simply not trustworthy." And Congressional Progressive
Caucus chairwoman Pramila Jayapal, a leading leftist, vowed to let Republicans
"wallow in their pigsty of incompetence" rather than rescue McCarthy.
The
tussle came just days after the House and Senate passed a measure to avert a
costly government shutdown -- both with big bipartisan majorities -- by
extending federal funding through mid-November.
Conservatives
were furious, seeing their chances dashed for forcing massive budget cuts.
They
accused McCarthy of a flip-flop, saying he'd promised an end to hastily
prepared stopgap legislation, hammered out with the support of the opposition,
and a return to budgeting through the committee process.
With
McCarthy out, a temporary speaker put the House into recess as Republicans
gathered to discuss picking a replacement.
The
ousted speaker, who got the gavel in a marathon 15 rounds of balloting in
January, didn't immediately endorse a successor.
His
decision not to run again sets up a potential showdown among McCarthy's
lieutenants -- most likely House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and House
Majority Whip Tom Emmer.
Gaetz
and fellow anti-McCarthy dissident Bob Good told CNN after the meeting the
House was leaving town until a "candidate forum" on Tuesday next
week, which Good expected to be followed by the first round of votes the
following day.
But
Republican hopefuls may shy from taking on what looks like a poisoned chalice
in which the hard-right faction will continue to exercise control from the
sidelines.
Trump --
who is facing 91 felony charges and was in court Tuesday in New York as a
defendant in a civil fraud trial -- berated Republicans on his social media
platform for "always fighting among themselves." Tellingly, though,
he offered no support for McCarthy.
Source: presstv.ir
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--------
Pakistan
Bushra
Bibi, Wife of Ex-PM Imran Khan, Moves IHC For Imran’s Protection
October
04, 2023
Fiaz
Mahmood
ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday overruled the objections raised by
the Registrar's Office, fixing for hearing on Thursday (tomorrow) a petition of
Bushra Bibi for provision of security and protection to her husband, Imran
Khan, in Adiala Jail.
IHC
Chief Justice Aamer Farooq heard the petition along with the objections of the
Registrar's Office. Latif Khosa Advocate, the lawyer for Bushra Bibi, argued in
the court, saying that the former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
(PTI) chairman’s life was in danger in the jail.
The
court overruled the objections of the Registrar's Office, ordering to fix the
petition for hearing. The court also accepted Khosa’s requested for the hearing
of the petition on Thursday, Oct 5.
In the
petition, Bushra expressed the fear that her husband might be poisoned through
food in the jail. She said that Imran was not allowed the home-cooked meal – a
facility provided to under-trial prisoners in the past.
She
contended that any adulterated food could be harmful to Imran’s life.
Bushra
also claimed that the PTI chairman was not being provided the facilities he was
entitled to under the Jail Manual. She added that “the inhumane treatment”
meted out to her husband in jail was in violation of articles 9 and 14 of the
Constitution.
Imran
was shifted to the Adiala Jail on Sept 26 on the IHC’s order.
The
other night, the police ramped up security in the vicinity of the Adiala Jail
by deploying elite commandos and setting up additional security pickets to
ensure foolproof measures.
Later,
Imran’s lawyer Naeem Haider Panjutha told reporters that Bushra met the former
prime minister in Adiala Jail on Tuesday, claiming that there was danger to
Imran’s life.
“I fear
Imran can be food poisoned slowly … he is being mentally tortured and his
movement has been restricted,” he said.
Panjutha
alleged that he had received reports last night that the PTI chief was moved to
a lower-class cell. “Security personnel have been stationed outside the cell
and mobile phones have been taken for them,” he said, claiming that these were
new ways of “breaking” Imran.
Before
his transfer to the Adiala Jail, Imran was lodged in the Attock District Jail
after his conviction in the Toshakhana case.
Last
month, the IHC suspended his sentencing but immediately afterwards he was arrested
in the cipher case. The trial of cipher case was continuing inside the Attock
jail.
The case
would now be heard by the special court inside the Adiala Jail on Wednesday
(today). Earlier, special court Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain had written a letter
to the law ministry, seeking its opinion regarding the trial inside the prison.
The
judge said that if there were no security concerns about Imran’s security, the
case could be heard in a special court under the Official Secrets Act. Besides,
the court would also take up an FIA request for in-camera hearing of the case.
Separately,
the PTI chairman challenged the accountability court’s decision on Aug 10 to
reject his bail applications in the £190 million corruption and Toshakhana
cases.
He said
that his bail applications were rejected because of his absence from the court.
He said that on that date, he was in jail and it was not in his power to appear
in the court. He requested the court to overturn the Aug 10 decisions of the
accountability court and provide interim bail to him until his applications
were decided.
Meanwhile,
the Registrar's Office raised objections to the applications but fixed both of
the petitions for hearing with objection by a division bench led by Chief
Justice Farooq and Justice Babar Sattar on Wednesday (today).Home horizontal 1
and pak (NATIONAL PAGE)
Source: tribune.com.pk
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--------
Special
court adjourns cipher case hearing till Oct 9 after PTI objects to in-camera
trial
October
04, 2023
ISLAMABAD:
A special court, established under the Official Secrets Act, on Wednesday
adjourned a hearing of the cipher case pursued against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
(PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and Vice-Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi till October 9
without proceedings.
Special
court Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain presided over the proceedings in Adiala jail
in line with the notification of the Ministry of Law.
The
Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) team, and the special prosecutor appeared
before the court.
A
12-member PTI leader team including Barrister Salman Safdar, Sardar Latif
Khosa, Raja Yasir, Naeem Haider Panjutha, Barrister Umair Khan Niazi, Chaudhary
Khalid Yusuf, Niazullah Khan Niazi, Rai Muhammad Ali and others were allowed to
attend the hearing in Adiala jail.
The PTI
lawyers raised objections to the hearing of the case in Adiala jail and
implored the court to put off the hearing until the Islamabad High Court (IHC)
decides on its plea challenging the in-camera trial of their clients.
The IHC
on Monday reserved verdict on the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) plea for
an in-camera hearing on the PTI chief’s bail application in the cipher case.
The FIA
had stated in its plea that an open court hearing could harm Pakistan's
diplomatic ties with other states if the matter is discussed publicly.
The PTI
legal team also refused to receive a copy of FIA challan (charge sheet),
submitted to the court last week, in today’s hearing.
The PTI
chief was also produced in the courtroom. Both the PTI leaders are on judicial
remand till October 10 in the cipher case.
A heavy
contingent of police was deployed outside the Rawalpindi prison.
Charge
sheet
The FIA,
in its challan, stated that the former prime minister and the vice-chairman
were found guilty in the matter and requested the court to conduct their trial
and sentence them in the case.
According
to the sources, former PTI secretary-general Asad Umar's name was not added to
the list of accused. Meanwhile, Khan's former principal secretary Azam Khan was
also named as a "strong witness" in the case.
The FIA
also attached Azam's statements, recorded under Sections 161 and 164, along
with the challan, said the sources, adding that the PTI chief kept the cipher
to himself and misused the state secret.
The
sources also said that Khan had a copy of the cipher but he did not return it.
Moreover,
the FIA also attached the transcript of Khan and Qureshi's speech on March 27 —
the day when the former premier brandished a letter claiming it was a cipher
from a foreign nation, that wanted his government to be removed from power.
The
agency also submitted a list of 28 witnesses to the court with the challan
after recording their statements under Section 161.
Sources
further revealed that the names of former foreign secretaries Asad Majeed,
Sohail Mehmood, and the then additional foreign secretary Faisal Niaz Tirmizi
have also been added to the list of witnesses.
Last
month, the FIA booked the PTI chief and the party’s vice chairman under the
Official Secrets Act for allegedly misplacing and misusing the classified
document for their vested political interests.
“Consequent
upon the conclusion of the enquiry No. 111/2023 dated 05.10.2022, registered in
the CTW, FIA Islamabad, it transpired that former prime minister namely Imran
Ahmad Khan Niazi, former foreign minister namely Shah Mahmood Qureshi and their
other associates are involved in communications of information contained in the
secret classified document (Cipher Telegram received from Parep. Washington
dated 7th March, 2022 to Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs) to the unauthorised
person (i.e. public at large) by twisting the facts to achieve their ulterior
motives and personal gains in a manner prejudicial to the interests of state
security,” read first information report (FIR) registered against the PTI
leaders.
Subsequently,
both leaders were arrested in connection with the investigation into the case
and a special court was established under the Official Secrets Act to try the
accused.
Ciphergate
The
controversy first emerged on March 27, 2022, when Khan — less than a month
before his ouster in April 2022 — while addressing a public rally waved a
letter before the crowd, claiming that it was a cipher from a foreign nation
that had conspired with his political rivals to have PTI government overthrown.
He did
not reveal the contents of the letter nor did he mention the name of the nation
it came from. But a few days later, he accused the United States of conspiring
against him and alleged that Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central
Asia Affairs Donald Lu had sought his removal.
The
cipher was about former Pakistan ambassador to the US Majeed's meeting with Lu.
The
former prime minister, claiming that he was reading contents from the cipher,
said that "all will be forgiven for Pakistan if Imran Khan is removed from
power".
Then on
March 31, the National Security Committee (NSC) took up the matter and decided
to issue a "strong demarche" to the US for its "blatant
interference in the internal affairs of Pakistan".
Later,
after his removal, then-prime minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a meeting of the
NSC, which came to the conclusion that it had found no evidence of a foreign
conspiracy in the cable.
In the
two audio leaks that took the internet by storm and shocked the public after
these events, the former prime minister, then-federal minister Asad Umar, and
then-principle secretary Azam could allegedly be heard discussing the US cipher
and how to use it to their advantage.
On
September 30, the federal cabinet took notice of the matter and constituted a
committee to probe the contents of the audio leaks.
In
October, the cabinet gave the green signal to initiate action against the
former prime minister and handed over the case to the FIA.
Once FIA
was given the task to probe the matter, it summoned Khan, Umar, and other leaders
of the party, but the PTI chief challenged the summons and secured a stay order
from the court.
The
Lahore High Court (LHC), in July this year, recalled the stay order against the
call-up notice to Khan by the FIA.
Source: thenews.com.pk
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1115930-special-court-adjourns-cipher-case-hearing-till-oct-9-after-pti-objects-to-in-camera-trial
--------
Unknown
assailants attack policemen deployed outside PTI's Insaf House in Karachi
October
04, 2023
At least
20 to 25 unknown assailants attacked the police personnel stationed outside the
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) Karachi headquarters, Insaf House, police said
on Wednesday.
The
attackers tore the uniforms of the policemen and also attempted to seize
weapons from them, the police told Geo News.
They,
according to the police, pelted stones at the officers and vandalised their
patrol vehicles. When more personnel arrived at the scene, the attackers fled
on motorcycles.
During a
search in the wake of the incident, 30 bore pistols and four rounds were
discovered, the police said.
An
investigation into the incident started after a case, with Additional
Sub-inspector (ASI) Shamoon Daniyal as complainant, was registered against the
unidentified individuals at the Tipu Sultan Police Station.
The
assailants have been booked for rioting, assaulting police officers and
violence. Police are conducting raids to apprehend the suspects.
According
to the first information report (FIR), around 20 to 25 attackers on motorcycles
launched the attack on policemen outside the Insaf House.
The FIR
also mentioned that the assailants raised slogans as well. They were also armed
with sticks, batons, and incendiary weapons.
The
culprits also subjected officer Adil Rahman to violence and tore his uniform.
Search warrants are being executed to apprehend the suspects, and cases have
been filed against them by the police.
Insaf
House in trouble
Last
week, the PTI was faced with another legal challenge as the person who rented
the Insaf House approached a court to seek the unpaid rent worth more than Rs10
million for the past 12 years.
According
to details, PTI has not paid 12 years of rent for the establishment in Karachi
and owes Rs13.9 million to the owner [calculated till July 2023].
Therefore,
the party leadership, including President Arif Alvi, might face legal
consequences after the owner filed a case against PTI leadership under section
15 of the Sindh Rental Ordinance Act 1969.
The rent
agreement for the party's Karachi headquarters was inked between the landlord
and PTI's late leader Naeem ul Haque, President Arif Alvi and former Sindh
governor Imran Ismail. Meanwhile, Firdous Shamim Naqvi and Samar Ali Khan
signed the agreement as "guarantors".
Under
the rental agreement, PTI leaders including Alvi, Ismail and Haque (late) had
agreed to pay Rs100,000 in rent each month.
It is
also important to note that the PTI had moved the court to de-seal the Insaf
House after it was sealed following the May 9 incidents which saw attacks on
army installations including the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
The
court, directing the authorities to de-seal the party's office, has barred any
gathering of more than five people at the premises.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1115929-unknown-assailants-attack-policemen-deployed-outside-ptis-insaf-house-in-karachi
---------
Ten
Terrorists Killed In Security Forces’ Operation In Tank
October
03, 2023
Ten
terrorists were killed in an intelligence based operation by security forces in
Pezu area of district Tank today.
During
conduct of the operation, intense fire exchange took place between own troops
and terrorists.
These
terrorists remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against
security forces as well as extortion and killing of innocent civilians.
A large cache
of arms, ammunition and explosives was also recovered during the operation.
Locals
of the area appreciated the operation.
Security
forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate menace of terrorism from the
country.
Source: radio.gov.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.radio.gov.pk/03-10-2023/ten-terrorists-killed-in-security-forces-operation-in-tank
-------
Imran’s
nephew in army custody: LHC asks about possibility of father, son meeting
October
4, 2023
LAHORE:
The Lahore High Court has directed a lawyer of the Punjab caretaker government
to seek instructions from the authorities concerned regarding the possibility
of a meeting between Barrister Hassaan Khan Niazi, the nephew of PTI Chairman
Imran Khan, and his father in the army’s custody.
During
the Sept 28 hearing of a petition by Hafeezullah Khan Niazi, the father of the
lawyer, Additional Advocate General (AAG) Ghulam Sarwar Nahang had told the
court that he could not establish contact with the concerned and sought more
time to obtain instructions as to a request of the petitioner to allow a
meeting with his detained son.
Barrister
Niazi had been handed over to the military for trial over his alleged
involvement in the attack on the corps commander’s house on May 9.
The army
had requested the police to hand over the lawyer’s custody, who was declared a
proclaimed offender, under Section 549(3) of CrPC.
A
government`s report previously filed before the court said the absconding
lawyer had been found involved in offences under the Official Secrets Act,
1923, read with sections 2(1) (d) and 59(4) of the Pakistan Army Act, 1952. And
these offences are bound to be tried by the court martial.
The
report said Niazi was arrested from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and his custody was
delivered to military authorities on Aug 17.
A
written order of the last week’s hearing issued by Justice Sultan Tanvir Ahmad
said, “The law officers are directed to ensure establishing contact with the
concerned within a fortnight.”
The
judge would resume the hearing on Oct 17.
A
counsel for the petitioner had submitted that 45 days passed to the arrest of
the lawyer and since then the petitioner was unaware of the whereabouts of his
son. He contended that a report filed by the police did not even mention the
date of the arrest.
He said
a petition had also been filed before the Supreme Court, which was not yet
listed. He said the petitioner would be satisfied if allowed to meet his
detained son.
The
counsel argued that the Pakistan Army Act 1952 as well as its rules allow an
accused person being tried under a court-martial right of communication with
witnesses or any friend or defending officer.
Last
month, the government’s lawyer told the court that visiting a suspect in the
military`s custody was not allowed under any law.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.dawn.com/news/1779163/imrans-nephew-in-army-custody-lhc-asks-about-possibility-of-father-son-meeting
---------
Pak
calls for peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute
October
04, 2023
UNITED
NATIONS:Describing India’s occupation of Jammu and Kashmir as the “worst
manifestation of modern-day colonialism”, Pakistan has called on the UN to push
for a peaceful settlement of the lingering dispute in accordance with the
Security Council resolutions and Kashmiri people’s wishes.
Noting
that since 1946, 80 former colonies have gained independence, Ambassador Munir
Akram told the General Assembly’s Special Political and Decolonization (Fourth)
Committee that there were still peoples who were denied the right to self-determination,
“most prominently the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir as well as
Palestine”.
The
right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people, the Pakistani envoy said,
was explicitly recognised in the UNSC resolution 47 and several subsequent
resolutions, which prescribed that the final disposition of the State of Jammu
and Kashmir should be decided by its people through a free and fair plebiscite
held under the UN auspices.
These
resolutions were accepted by both India and Pakistan, he said, adding that
under Article 25 of the UN Charter, both parties were obliged to implement
these resolutions.
In his
remarks, Ambassador Akram said that durable peace in the Middle East could only
be achieved through the two-state solution and the establishment of a viable,
independent, and contiguous state of Palestine, with the pre-1967 borders and
Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
On
Kashmir, the Pakistani envoy said that for 75 years, through force and fraud,
India avoided the implementation of UN resolutions, and since 1989, its
“brutal” campaign of repression killed 100,000 Kashmiris.
Since
Aug 5, 2019, he said, India took “unilateral and illegal steps” to annex
occupied Kashmir in what its leaders termed as a “Final Solution”.
“Resolution
122 (1957) of the Security Council provides that unilateral measures ‘to
determine the future shape and affiliation of the entire state or any part
thereof, would not constitute a disposition of the state’,” Ambassador Akram
said, adding that consequently all unilateral actions taken by India on and
after Aug 5, 2019 were not only illegal, but, “ipso facto, null and void”.
“Kashmir
today is the most densely occupied place in the world, with more than 900,000
Indian occupation troops deployed there who have perpetrated a vicious campaign
of extrajudicial killings in fake encounters and so-called ‘cordon and search’
operations; abduction and enforced disappearances of 13,000 young Kashmiri
boys; collective punishments, destroying and burning entire villages and urban
neighbourhoods,” he said.
“In a
classic settler-colonial project, India is seeking to convert occupied Kashmir
from a Muslim-majority state to a Hindu-majority territory,” the Pakistani
envoy said, pointing out that over 3.4 million fake domicile certificates had
been issued to Hindus from across India.
“The
land and properties of Kashmiris are also being confiscated for military and
official use,” he told the committee.
India’s
brutal campaign, he said, was turbo-charged by the ideology of “Hindutva”,
which asserted the religious and ethnic supremacy of Hindus and hate against
Muslims.
“This
has led the organisation – Genocide Watch – to warn of the possibility of
genocide in occupied Jammu and Kashmir and, indeed, against Muslims within
India itself.”
Underscoring
that the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute was essential to achieve
durable peace in South Asia, Ambassador Akram said the onus was on India to
create conditions for a dialogue towards its settlement.
To that
end, he said, India must stop its human rights violations in occupied Jammu and
Kashmir; halt and reverse the process of demographic change there; and rescind
the illegal and unilateral measures imposed on and after Aug 5, 2019.
“The
United Nations and all its Member States are bound by the Charter to promote a
peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN
Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people,” the
Pakistani envoy said in conclusion.
Source: tribune.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2439147/pak-calls-for-peaceful-resolution-of-kashmir-dispute
---------
Pakistan
calls for collective efforts against transnational crimes
October
04, 2023
At the
United Nations, Pakistan has called for collectively combatting transnational
organized crimes that continue to impede rule of law, economic development and
achievement of the global agenda for sustainable development.
This was
suggested by Pakistan's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations,
Aamir Khan while speaking in the General Assembly’s Committee on Social,
Humanitarian and Cultural issues.
The
debate focused on crime prevention and criminal justice and countering the use
of information and communications technologies for criminal purposes
To
effectively address organized crimes, the Pakistani envoy stressed the need to
adopt holistic approach that tackles the root causes, promotes social
inclusion, and ensure equal access to justice for all.
Source: radio.gov.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.radio.gov.pk/04-10-2023/at-un-pakistan-calls-for-collective-efforts-against-transnational-crimes
-------
ECP to
hear three petitions against Imran on 10th
October
04, 2023
ISLAMABAD:
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has fixed for hearing three petitions
against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former prime minister
Imran Khan and his party.
According
to the cause list available on the Election Commission’s website, the three
petitions have been slated for a preliminary hearing on October 10. In his
first petition, one Khalid Mehmood sought Imran Khan’s removal as the PTI
chairman/head from the record of the Election Commission.
In the
second one, he has petitioned the electoral body for taking necessary action
against the PTI which, he claims, is still receiving prohibited funds from
foreign entities.
The
third petition against the very party has been filed by Muhammad Awn Saqlain,
which is also listed for preliminary hearing. He has moved the Election
Commission under Section 215(4) of the Elections Act, 2017 and all enabling
provisions of the law to declare PTI ineligible to obtain an election symbol.
Another
case is fixed for hearing on the same day for proceedings of reply of a show
cause notice and for the personal appearance of Fawad Chaudhry in contempt of
the Election Commission case.
Through
a petition, Syed Aziz ud Din Kakakhel has sought initiation of necessary action
for free, fair and transparent elections and removal of ‘biased’ members of the
federal cabinet. His petition will also be taken up for a preliminary hearing
on October 10.
Source: thenews.com.pk/
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1115897-ecp-to-hear-three-petitions-against-imran-on-10th
---------
Cipher
case trial to be held in Adiala jail
October
04, 2023
Khalid
Iqbal & Mumtaz Alvi
ISLAMABAD:
The law ministry Tuesday notified that the trial of PTI Chairman Imran Khan in
the cipher case would be conducted in the Adiala Jail.
Special
Court Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain wrote a letter to the law ministry
requesting a notification to hold the cipher case hearing in the Adiala Jail
due to security concerns.
The
notification adds the Law and Justice Division has ‘no objection’ to the trial
in the jail.
The
sources said the court will also hold the cipher case hearing against Shah
Mehmood Qureshi in the Adiala Jail on Wednesday (today).
APP
adds: PTI Chairman Imran Khan Tuesday challenged the termination of his
pre-arrest bail by the accountability court in Al-Qadir Trust and Toshakhana
cases.
The PTI
chief stated that the trial court had dismissed his bail petition on the basis
of non-pursuance. Imran said he couldn’t appear before the court after his
arrest in the Toshakhana case.
In
separate petitions, the PTI chief said on August 5, he was convicted in the
Toshakhana criminal proceedings and was shifted on the same date.
The PTI
chief said he was not able to appear before the trial court while being in
prison.
He
prayed the court to set aside the accountability court’s verdict dismissing his
bail.
Meanwhile,
the family members Tuesday met Imran Khan in the Adiala Jail, jail sources
confirmed to The News. Bushra Bibi along with Alima Khan and Uzma Khan met
Imran in the Adiala Jail.
The
visiting family discussed issues of mutual interest, including political
matters and upcoming general elections, the party sources said.
The PTI
has rejected the law ministry’s notification to hold the trial in the Adiala
jail, insisting the case should be heard in an open court.
In a
statement, the party spokesman contended that the law ministry’s notification
was sheer denial of a fair trial, which would not be acceptable come what may.
He
pointed out the ‘fabricated and fake cipher case’ was being conducted in a
‘special manner’ from the registration to date. The spokesman underlined that
Article 10-A of the Constitution gave every citizen the right to a fair
hearing.
He said
like the Toshakhana case, the trial of the “fabricated” cipher case was also
being carried forward in a very hasty manner. He called for withdrawal of
notification of trial in the jail and the case hearing in an open court. The
PTI demanded that the chief justice of Pakistan take notice of ‘attempts’ to
make Imran Khan and PTI Vice-Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi a target of
political retribution through the court by depriving them of the fundamental
constitutional right to a fair trial.
Source: thenews.com.pk/
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1115899-cipher-case-trial-to-be-held-in-adiala-jail
------
Nawaz to
return with protective bail, surrender to court after: Sana
October
03, 2023
LAHORE:Senior
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former interior minister Rana
Sanaullah said on Tuesday that former premier Nawaz Sharif will return with a
protective bail and surrender to court following his welcome reception.
During a
press conference held in Lahore, Sana emphasized that the PML-N will not forget
anyone who has wronged Nawaz Sharif or the party. However, he highlighted that
the PML-N's priority was addressing Pakistan's economic and political
situation.
"We
will not forget anyone. When the time comes, things will be settled. But if we
were to start arresting everyone right now, it would be detrimental to both
ourselves and the country," he stated.
The
PML-N leader provided further insights into Nawaz Sharif's return plans, adding
that "he will focus on strengthening the country and its economy".
Read
Nawaz ready to ‘forgive and forget’
Sana
said that, "The law will subsequently take its course regarding all those
accused in May 9 riots [case]. The truth behind the tragedy will be revealed to
the nation," he added, acknowledging that it might not be possible to
disclose full facts related to the incident.
Rana
assured that the party's legal team was making all necessary arrangements for
Nawaz's protective bail and his subsequent surrender before the court.
Nawaz is
scheduled to return on October 21.
Earlier
this week, PML-N Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that party
supremo Nawaz has devised a comprehensive agenda to resolve the issues plaguing
the country and its citizens as she lamented that the inflation currently
burdening the people would not have befell had the former prime minister not
been "unjustly punished."
Maryam
recalled that between 2013 and 2018, the growth rate stood at an impressive 6.1
per cent, while inflation was kept at a record low of 3.8 per cent.
"Nawaz
eliminated power outages and terrorism, and he will rescue the nation from
these sufferings, with the grace of God."
She
hailed her father as a man of his word, asserting that his name was synonymous
with delivering on promises, adding that "Nawaz Sharif doesn't just talk,
he works. His name is engraved on every development project".
She
assured that the former prime minister would unite the nation and present a
comprehensive agenda for progress, asserting that, "Nawaz Sharif has
prepared an agenda to rescue the country and its people from the prevailing
problems."
The
party’s senior vice president went on to lament that if Nawaz had not been
unjustly punished, the people would not be burdened with inflation today.
Maryam
concluded her address by announcing that a historic welcome awaits the party
supremo on October 21, as he returns to the political forefront again after
four years.
Source: tribune.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2438979/nawaz-to-return-with-protective-bail-surrender-to-court-after-sana
---------
South Asia
Pakistani
Police detain over thousand Afghan migrants: Embassy
Fidel
Rahmati
October
3, 2023
Pakistani police have detained more than a
thousand Afghan migrants in the last two weeks, according to the Afghan embassy
in Islamabad.
In a
statement issued Tuesday, the embassy reported that some of these detainees
lost their lives while in custody, and their bodies were discovered in
hospitals and various other locations.
The
Taliban embassy emphasized that despite repeated promises from Pakistani
authorities, the “arrest, harassment, and mistreatment” of Afghan refugees and
migrants by Pakistani police continues.
Regarding
the killing of migrants, the embassy stated, “Unfortunately, in addition to
harassment and mistreatment, unjustifiable killings have also occurred.
For
example, Afghan migrants Fareedullah in Islamabad, Amanullah in Shams Colony in
Rawalpindi, and Darwish were initially arrested by Pakistani security forces.
They later went missing in Adiala Jail, and their bodies were found in
hospitals or elsewhere.”
The
Taliban embassy in Islamabad added that it had informed Pakistani authorities
about this issue.
According
to the embassy’s statement, Pakistani police are conducting raids on Afghan
migrants’ homes day and night. The Taliban embassy also added that nearly 500
of the detained refugees have migration and travel documents.
Most of
the Afghan migrants, according to the Taliban embassy, have been detained on
the outskirts of Islamabad.
The
Taliban embassy added that the detention of Afghan migrants, especially in
Sindh province, particularly in Karachi, continues, and many Afghans, including
women and children, are imprisoned.
The
Taliban embassy has called on the Pakistani government to put an end to the
harassment and mistreatment of Afghan refugees to avoid negative repercussions
on Afghanistan-Pakistan relations.
Recently,
Pakistani media have reported that the Pakistani government has decided to
deport over one million Afghan migrants.
Pakistan’s
Interior Minister, Sarfraz Bugti, has also announced that all foreign migrants
living illegally in Pakistan have been given until November 1, 2023, to leave
the country.
Following
the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, many people migrated to neighbouring
countries, including Pakistan.
Sarfraz
Bugti warned that if migrants without proper residence documents do not leave
Pakistan, the Pakistani government will identify and deport them.
Pakistan
has now ended the practice of allowing travellers to enter the country using
only a national identity card, emphasizing that all foreign citizens must have
a valid visa and passport for entry.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.khaama.com/pakistani-police-detain-over-thousand-afghan-migrants-embassy/
--------
Mujahid
Rejects McCaul's Comments on Al-Qaeda
Fatema
Adeeb
October
3, 2023
The
Islamic Emirate's spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, rejected the remarks of US
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul claiming the Islamic
Emirate was supporting the al-Qaeda group.
Mujahid
told TOLOnews that the Islamic Emirate does not have relations with any
terrorist group.
"We
reject these remarks. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is not in contact or
communication with any external direction, and the Daesh threats regarding the
country’s interest and security have also been resolved,” the spokesman said.
"It
is possible that some al-Qaeda members who previously cooperated with the
Taliban, live under the Taliban's rule and benefit from their services; But I
don’t think that they are involved in organized terrorist activities,” said
Asadullah Nadim, another military analyst.
US House
Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman in a press release claimed that the Islamic
Emirate is paying, protecting and employing al-Qaeda.
“If the
Taliban were truly upholding their counterterrorism obligations, they would
work to defeat al Qaeda instead of paying, protecting, and employing them,”
said Chairman McCaul. “I am gravely concerned the Biden administration is
trying to hide this fact from the American people so the Taliban can be
excluded from a future AUMF as part of a broader effort to normalize relations
with them. And I will not stand by and allow them to do this.”
McCaul
noted in the press release that “in a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing
last week, top Biden administration officials attempted to downplay the
Taliban’s terrorist ties in an effort to exclude them from an updated
authorized use of military force (AUMF). They repeatedly claimed the Taliban is
meeting their counterterrorism obligations under the Doha agreement because
they are working to defeat ISIS-K.”
"The
Taliban took a very serious action against these groups during the past two
years, destroyed some of the members of these groups and imprisoned some of
them,” said Sadiq Shinwari, a military analyst.
This
comes as recent regional and international meetings have raised concerns about
the existence and operations of terrorist organizations in Afghanistan, an
issue that the Islamic Emirate has always dismissed.
Source: tolonews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-185377
---------
Muttaqi
Leads Delegation to China to Attend Trans-Himalaya Forum
October
3, 2023
Acting
Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi led a delegation to China to attend the
Trans-Himalaya Forum for International Cooperation based on an official
invitation from Beijing.
The
deputy spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, Zia Ahmad Takal, said on X that
Muttaqi will also hold bilateral talks with the Chinese Foreign Minister and
representatives of other countries in addition to participating in the meeting.
The
Foreign Ministry said in a statement that participants will discuss economic,
regional and climate issues in the meeting on the 4th and 5th of October.
“Restoring
a better atmosphere of trust between countries of the region and Afghanistan in
the diplomatic sphere and resolving some of the concerns which the regional
countries have is very important to us. The other agenda of the meeting is
related to China. The Islamic Emirate wants to send its message in such
meetings and positively use such meetings,” said Zabihullah Mujahid, the
Islamic Emirate’s spokesman.
Meanwhile,
some political analysts consider the presence of the Islamic Emirate important
in the regional meetings for building economic and political relations.
“According
to me, the travel of Muttaqi is a positive step, and it gives the chance for
diplomats of the foreign ministry to independently express the position of
Afghanistan,” said Wahid Faqiri, a political analyst.
“When a
representative of one country goes to another country, it provides the grounds
for growth,” said Abdul ZuhorMudabir, an economist.
Following
the Moscow Format meeting, this is the second visit of the acting Foreign
Minister to participate in a regional meeting.
Source: tolonews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-185375
--------
US
facilitates reunification of Afghan children with families
Fidel
Rahmati
October
4, 2023
The US Department of State has announced that
reunifying Afghan children relocated to this country with their families is
among its top priorities.
The
department has released an updated form that allows eligible families to
reunite with their children in the United States.
This
process is specifically designed for children under 18 who arrived in the
United States as part of the “Welcome” operation, which took place after the
collapse of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in August 2021.
These
children subsequently entered the United States as part of this operation, and
the process is tailored to address their reunification with their families and
eligible relatives.
On
Tuesday, the US Department of State placed the new version of Form DS-4317 on
its official website, which permits Afghan children in the US and their
eligible parents, siblings, and relatives outside the country to join each
other.
The US
government initiated the evacuation of its Afghan allies on August 15,
2021, as
part of a concerted effort. During this evacuation, numerous unaccompanied
children were transported from Kabul Airport to the United States.
These
children, who were without adult guardians or family members during the
evacuation, were included in the relocation efforts to provide them with safety
and care in the United States.
During
the evacuation of Afghan citizens, it is estimated that more than 1,500
unaccompanied children were relocated to the United States. This significant
effort was undertaken to ensure the well-being and security of these vulnerable
children separated from their families during the tumultuous events in
Afghanistan.
The US
government, alongside various organizations, played a pivotal role in
facilitating their safe transfer and providing them with necessary support and
care upon their arrival in the United States.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.khaama.com/us-facilitates-reunification-of-afghan-children-with-families/
-------
Mine
explosion kills 2 children in Afghanistan’s Jawzjan
Fidel
Rahmati
Local
government officials in Jowzjan province have tragically confirmed the loss of
two children due to a devastating mine explosion, and another child was injured
due to the incident.
Abdul Satar
Haleemi, the spokesperson for Jowzjan police, informed the media on Tuesday
that the incident occurred in the province’s Qara Chonqol Hill of Darzab
district.
According
to this mine, past wars’ remnants detonated precisely while these children
played. Previously, mine explosions from past wars in Jowzjan province had also
claimed the lives of civilians.
Based on
statistics, nearly 606 square kilometres of Afghan soil are contaminated with
landmines and unexploded ordnance.
Experts
strongly advocate for governments and organizations to initiate public
awareness campaigns through various media channels and educational resources.
The aim is to educate the public about the risks associated with mines, with
the ultimate goal of preventing such tragic incidents from occurring again.
Raising
awareness about the dangers of mines is crucial in safeguarding communities and
reducing the risk of accidents. By providing accessible information and
education, governments and organizations can contribute significantly to
creating safer environments and protecting innocent lives.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.khaama.com/mine-explosion-kills-2-children-in-afghanistans-jawzjan/
--------
PM
returns home after wrapping up USA, UK tour
Oct 4, 2023
Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina today returned home from London after wrapping up her
16-day official visit to the USA and the UK.
A
commercial flight (BG-208) of the Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the prime
minister and her entourage members landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International
Airport at 12:15pm.
Earlier,
on her way back home from London, the prime minister roamed every nook and
corner of the flight, exchanged pleasantries with the passengers and also took
pictures with them.
She
spent some good moments with the passengers as some returnees were seen
becoming emotional by getting their premier beside them and took selfies with
her.
Several
woman passengers were also seen hugging the prime minister.
The
flight previously departed from the London Heathrow Airport around 9:10pm
yesterday (London time).
Before
that, the prime minister reached London, the capital city of the United Kingdom
from Washington DC, on September 30 by a British Airways aircraft.
In
London from September 30 to October 3, Hasina was accorded a reception by the
expatriate Bangladeshi community.
The
prime minister also had several courtesy meetings with some dignitaries
including a delegation of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) led by
Rushanara Ali, MP, chair of APPG on Bangladesh and Rohingya and the UK shadow
minister for investment and small business.
During
her stay in New York from September 17-22, the premier attended the 78th United
Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session and other high-level side and bilateral
events.
In
Washington DC from September 23-29, Sheikh Hasina attended a reception accorded
to her by Bangladeshi expatriates in the United States and visited Bangladesh
Embassy in Washington DC.
Source: thedailystar.net
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/pm-returns-home-after-wrapping-usa-uk-tour-3434446
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Concern
over move to expel ‘illegal’ Afghans
October 4, 2023
Aleezeh
Fatimah
KARACHI:
The government’s announcement of a short voluntary departure deadline for
‘illegal’ immigrants, most of whom are believed to be Afghans, has drawn
criticism from several quarters.
Around
1.3 million Afghans are registered refugees in Pakistan and 880,000 more have
legal status to remain, according to the latest United Nations figures.
But
caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti said a further 1.7 million Afghans
were in Pakistan illegally.
The
announcement prompted a robust response from the Afghanistan Embassy in
Islamabad, which accused Punjab and Sindh police of conducting a ‘ruthless’
operation against Afghan refugees, without distinguishing between genders and
even arresting women and children.
Embassy
decries ‘harassment’ of its nationals; UN official says refugees’ return must
be ‘voluntary’
In a
statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Afghanistan’s embassy said
more than 1,000 Afghans have been detained in the past two weeks — half of them
despite having a legal right to be in Pakistan.
In
addition, Amnesty International has also called out the Pakistani government
for creating a space of ‘fear’ for refugees.
“Despite
the repeated promises of the Pakistan authorities, the arrest and harassment of
Afghan refugees by the police in Pakistan continues,” it said.
Former
senator Afrasiab Khattak urged the caretaker government to handle Afghan
refugees as if they were “vanquished people”, cautioning that the animosity
being sown today will be harvested by future generations.
“The intense
hatred being sown today will breed animosity which will be reaped by many
generations. The darkest chapter of Pak-Afghan policy,” he wrote on his X
account.
Social
worker and activist Meena Gabeena highlighted how this policy directly impacts
the Hazara community, especially children and women, who have a historical
record of enduring various forms of violence from the Taliban simply because
they possess a “Hazara face”.
“These
stories are real. If you try hearing the ‘illegal immigrants’ also known as
innocent people, you’ll know!”, she wrote on X.
Activist
Usama Khilji said it is ‘illegal’ to ‘expel asylum seekers’.
“Pakistan
government should make exception for the precarious situation Afghans find
themselves in Afghanistan under the Taliban government without access to
education for girls & no rights for women,” he said in a post on X.
Asfandyar
Khan, an officebearer of Mohsin Dawar’s National Democratic Movement (NDM),
also condemned the ‘inhumane treatment’ of Afghan refugees. “They [Pakistani
government] cannot build peace by bringing them, training them, and then
neglecting their rights. They must uphold international laws and human
dignity,” he wrote on his X account.
“Many
Afghans living in fear of persecution by the Taliban had fled to Pakistan,
where they have been subjected to waves of arbitrary detentions, arrests, and
the threat of deportation,” the organisationemphasised.
When
asked about the new policy, a US State Department spokesperson simply said that
Pakistan had been an important partner in the resettlement of Afghans looking
to flee or resettle abroad.
But a
United Nations official also opposed the deadline. “Any refugee return must be
voluntary and without any pressure to ensure protection for those seeking
safety,” Qaisar Khan Afridi, an official of the UN High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR) told Anadolu Agency.
He said
that the UNHCR was prepared to assist Pakistan in establishing a system for
overseeing and recording individuals seeking international protection within
its borders and addressing ‘specific vulnerabilities.’
Source: dawn.com
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Southeast Asia
Mohd
Na’im: Scholars urged to use social media to draw youngsters to Islamic
teachings
03-10-
2023
KUALA
KANGSAR: Religious scholars or preachers need to use social media as a medium
to spread Islamic teachings especially to the young people in this country,
said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr
Mohd Na’im Mokhtar (pix).
He said
young people today, especially Generation Z, are more receptive to knowledge or
teachings conveyed through social media than conventional media.
“If
religious scholars do not take the approach of studying the development of
social media which is now moving so fast, we will be left behind.
“Young
people are easily influenced by social media such as TikTok, so we need to
maximise the use of social media,“ he told a press conference after launching
the ’Seminar AntarabangsaPemikiran Mufti Harussani’ at the Universiti Sultan
Azlan Shah (USAS) multipurpose hall here today.
Mohd
Na’im said the use of social media indirectly helps religious scholars to
explain any issue related to Islam to the community.
Meanwhile,
Mohd Nai’m said the department welcomed the organisation of the international
seminar which is seen as a medium to empower the fatwa institution in this
country.
A total
of 24 research papers will be presented during the two-day seminar organised by
USAS.
Tan Sri
Dr Harussani Zakaria, who died on May 30, 2021, was the longest-serving mufti
in Perak for a term of 36 years from 1985. –Bernama
Source: thesundaily.my
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Muhyiddin
files application to set aside money laundering charges, seeks DNAA
By
Kenneth Tee
04 Oct 2023
KUALA
LUMPUR, Oct 4 — Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has filed an application to set aside
three money laundering charges involving some RM200 million related to the Jana
Wibawa projects implemented during his administration, after having succeeded
in his acquittal from four other power abuse charges in August.
In the
application filed by law firm Messr Chetan Jethwani& Company, Muhyiddin is
also seeking the court to grant him a discharge not amounting to an acquittal
(DNAA) under Section 173(g) of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Muhyiddin
filed the application on grounds that the three charges, under the Anti-Money
Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities
Act, were now “baseless” following a High Court decision on August 15 which had
struck out four abuse of power charges against him.
In the High
Court's decision, judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin had said the aforementioned
charges accusing Muhyiddin of allegedly using his position to obtain
gratification amounting to RM232.5 million for Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia
failed to disclose any offence details.
The
prosecution has since filed an appeal in the Court of Appeal to overturn the
High Court's ruling.
In his
supporting affidavit sighted by Malay Mail, Muhyiddin said it would be
unreasonable and unfair for him to continue facing the aforementioned
'baseless' charges since a prolonged trial would affect his quality of life
whereby his reputation would be affected and having to spend time in court.
He also
said his rights under the Federal Constitution's Articles 5 and 8 would surely
be affected should his application be disallowed and subsequently forced to
stand trial for the said charges.
The
Bersatu president faces two money laundering charges of receiving money from
illegal activities, amounting to RM195 million, from Bukhary Equity SdnBhd,
which was deposited into Bersatu’s CIMB Bank account.
The
Pagoh Member of Parliament was also charged in the Shah Alam Sessions Court on
March 13 this year, with receiving money from illegal activities, amounting to
RM5 million. The case has been transferred to the Sessions Court here for a
joint trial.
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/10/04/muhyiddin-files-application-to-set-aside-money-laundering-charges-seeks-dnaa/94319
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Pahang
MB Wan Rosdy refutes rumours of state BN reps defecting if Perikatan wins
Pelangai
By Ben
Tan
04 Oct 2023
KUALA
LUMPUR, Oct 4 — Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail has
reportedly denied rumours that several Barisan Nasional (BN) state assemblymen
will cross over to join the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition if the latter
wins the Pelangai state by-election.
Sinar
Harian reported Wan Rosdy saying that such talk of BN state elected
representatives crossing over were lies by political opponents to sway voters
in the Pelangai state by-election this Saturday.
“I just
got a message today from all the BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) assemblymen, as
well as the exco line-up, who expressed their strong support for me. So, how
did this come about?” he reportedly asked, referring to the rumours.
“This is
the Opposition’s effort to create false sentiments aimed at the Pelangai
voters. It is slander as such a situation will never happen, but some will
react to such rumours.”
Wan
Rosdy was responding to questions by reporters on an alleged crossover by
several BN assemblymen to PN at the Jualan Makmur Pahang event held at Kampung
Chemomoi’s multipurpose hall in Bentong, Pahang.
Wan
Rosdy pointed out in the report that the cross-over rumours showed that their
political opponents are willing to say just about anything to create such a
perception.
He also
expressed his gratitude to all of Pahang’s BN and PH assemblymen who had fully
supported him on their own accord.
“This is
because they know that PN relies on such issues to gain the support of the
voters in Pelangai,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile,
Wan Rosdy described the Pelangai by-election momentum among voters as improving,
but pledged to continue his efforts by attending talks and having door-to-door
campaigns.
The
Pelangai state by-election this Saturday will see a three-cornered contest
involving BN’s Datuk Amizar Abu Adam, PN’s Kasim Samat and independent
candidate Haslihelmy DM Zulhasni.
Recently,
a poster featuring PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man as the
new Pahang Menteri Besar, if PN succeeds in the Pelangai state by-election, was
circulated.
Following
that, there were rumours that four BN assemblymen would cross over allowing PN
to seize Pahang through a back door strategy.
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/10/04/pahang-mb-wan-rosdy-refutes-rumours-of-state-bn-reps-defecting-if-perikatan-wins-pelangai/94313
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21
nabbed by Johor police in anti-gambling op
04 Oct
2023
ZAZALI
MUSA
JOHOR
BARU: Twenty-one people have been arrested in an operation to eliminate online
and four-digit illegal gambling activities in Johor on Tuesday (Oct 3).
State
police chief Comm Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said they were detained at 20
premises inspected during Ops Dadu Khas statewide.
He said
from the 21 suspects, 18 were local men, one a foreign man and two local women
aged 20 to 64.
Comm
Kamarul Zaman said police also seized 20 mobile phones, six units of mobile
printers and RM3,224 cash.
“The
latest arrest brings the total number of people caught in anti-gambling raids
(since Sept 22) to 277 individuals and 246 premises inspected," he said in
a statement on Wednesday (Oct 4).
Comm
Kamarul Zaman said of the 277 people arrested, 213 were local men, 15 foreign
men, 32 local women and 17 foreign women, all aged 18 to 66.
“We also
seized 288 mobile phones, 108 units of mobile printers and RM51,574 cash,"
he said.
The
matter is being investigated under Sections 4A (a) and 4B (a) of the Common
Gaming Houses Act 1953.
Comm
Kamarul Zaman urged those with information on illegal gambling activities in
their areas to channel the information to the nearest police station or contact
the Johor Police Contingent Operations Centre at 07-221 2999 or 07-225 4677.
Source: thestar.com.my
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Cops arrest
S’wak mother-son duo for suspected drug trafficking
04 Oct 2023
Stephen Then
MIRI –
Police have arrested a mother and son at a squatter resettlement scheme in the
outskirts of Miri for allegedly turning their home into a drug trafficking
base.
The mother,
aged 60 and her son, 39, were arrested by anti-narcotics police during a raid
at the Tudan residential area yesterday, said Miri police chief Alexson Naga
Chabu.
“The
woman and her son are suspected of being involved in drug-trafficking
activities and were arrested inside their house during the raid.
“The
raiding team found plastic bags containing substances believed to be syabu
drugs,” he said.
The duo
were remanded today for seven days pending further investigations.
“The
case has been classified as drug trafficking under Section 39B of Dangerous
Drugs Act 1952,” he said in a press statement.
Naga
said the drugs seized are estimated to be worth about RM58,000 in the market.
The
raiding team also confiscated some RM89,000 worth of cash, jewellery, a motorcycle
and other personal items.
The
Tudan residential estates are home to numerous squatter resettlement schemes.
Drug
trafficking under Section 39B carries a death sentence or life in prison plus
whipping upon conviction. – The Vibes, October 4, 2023
Source: thevibes.com
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https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/99179/cops-arrest-swak-mother-son-duo-for-suspected-drug-trafficking
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Europe
Pope
Francis opens big Vatican meeting as battle lines are drawn on his reform
project
October
04, 2023
VATICAN
CITY: Pope Francis opened a big meeting on the future of the Catholic Church on
Wednesday, with progressives hoping it will lead to more women in leadership
roles and conservatives warning that church doctrine on everything from
homosexuality to the hierarchy’s authority is at risk.
Francis
presided over a solemn Mass in St. Peter’s Square to formally open the meeting,
with hundreds of clergy from around the world celebrating on the altar before
the rank-and-file Catholic laypeople whose presence and influence at this
meeting marks a decisive shift for the Catholic Church.
Rarely
in recent times has a Vatican gathering generated as much hope, hype and fear
as this three-week, closed-door meeting, known as a synod. It won’t make any
binding decisions and is only the first session of a two-year process. But it
nevertheless has drawn an acute battle line in the church’s perennial
left-right divide and marks a defining moment for Francis and his reform
agenda.
Even
before it started, the gathering was historic because Francis decided to let
women and laypeople vote alongside bishops in any final document produced.
While fewer than a quarter of the 365 voting members are non-bishops, the
reform is a radical shift away from a hierarchy-focused Synod of Bishops and
evidence of Francis’ belief that the church is more about its flock than its
shepherds.
“It’s a
watershed moment,” said JoAnn Lopez, an Indian-born lay minister who helped
organize two years of consultations prior to the meeting at parishes where she
has worked in Seattle and Toronto.
“This is
the first time that women have a very qualitatively different voice at the
table, and the opportunity to vote in decision-making is huge,” she said.
On the
agenda are calls to take concrete steps to elevate more women to
decision-making roles in the church, including as deacons, and for ordinary
Catholic faithful to have more of a say in church governance.
Also
under consideration are ways to better welcome of LGBTQ+ Catholics and others
who have been marginalized by the church, and for new accountability measures
to check how bishops exercise their authority to prevent abuses.
Women
have long complained they are treated as second-class citizens in the church,
barred from the priesthood and highest ranks of power yet responsible for the
lion’s share of church work — teaching in Catholic schools, running Catholic
hospitals and passing the faith down to next generations.
They
have long demanded a greater say in church governance, at the very least with
voting rights at the periodic synods at the Vatican but also the right to
preach at Mass and be ordained as priests or deacons.
While
they have secured some high-profile positions in the Vatican and local churches
around the globe, the male hierarchy still runs the show.
Before
the opening Mass got under way, advocates for women priests unfurled a giant
purple banner reading “Ordain Women.”
Lopez,
34, and other women are particularly excited about the potential that the synod
might in some way endorse allowing women to be ordained as deacons, a ministry
that is currently limited to men.
For
years supporters of female deacons have argued that women in the early church
served as deacons and that restoring the ministry would both serve the church
and recognize the gifts that women bring to it.
Francis
has convened two study commissions to research the issue and was asked to
consider it at a previous synod on the Amazon, but he has so far refused to
make any change. He has similarly taken off the table debate on women priests.
Miriam
Duignan, from the group Women’s Ordination Worldwide, said advocates want the
synod to recognize that women were ministers in the early church “and they need
to be restored to ministry.”
“The
Catholic people around the world in every country have spoken and they have all
mentioned women priests,” she said at a prayer vigil on the eve of the meeting.
“They can see in their parishes, in their communities, that women are doing the
work of priests. They are just not allowed to be recognized as priests.”
The
potential that this synod process could lead to real change on previously taboo
topics has given hope to many women and progressive Catholics and sparked alarm
from conservatives who have warned it could lead to schism.
They
have written books, held conferences and taken to social media claiming that
Francis’ reforms are sowing confusion, undermining the true nature of the
church and all it has taught over two millennia. Among the most vocal are
conservatives in the US
On the
eve of the meeting, one of the synod’s most outspoken critics, American
Cardinal Raymond Burke, delivered a stinging rebuke of Francis’ vision of
“synodality” as well as his overall reform project for the church.
“It’s
unfortunately very clear that the invocation of the Holy Spirit by some has the
aim of bringing forward an agenda that is more political and human than
ecclesial and divine,” Burke told a conference entitled “The Synodal Babel.”
He
blasted even the term “synodal” as having no clearly defined meaning and said
its underlying attempt to shift authority away from the hierarchy “risks the
very identity of the church.”
In the
audience was Cardinal Robert Sarah, who along with Burke and three other cardinals
had formally challenged Francis to affirm church teaching on homosexuality and
women’s ordination before the synod.
In an
exchange of letters made public Monday, Francis didn’t bite and instead said
the cardinals shouldn’t be afraid of questions that are posed by a changing
world. Asked specifically about church blessings for same-sex unions, Francis
suggested they could be allowed as long as such benedictions aren’t confused
with sacramental marriage.
Source: arabnews.com
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/aimplb-election-hatred-political/d/130822