'Aurangzeb’s Soul in Congress, Will Give Half of Your Assets to Muslims': UP CM

New Age Islam News Bureau

22 May 2024

 

UP CM Yogi Adityanath

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·         'Aurangzeb’s Soul in Congress, Will Give Half of Your Assets to Muslims': UP CM

·         Russian Human Rights Official Calls for Ban On Muslim Face Coverings

·         Incels, Blasphemy, Jihad: 41 Changes Urged to Tackle UK's 'Extremism Problem': Government's Independent Adviser

·         US Watchdog Documents Hundreds of India Election Rallies Targeting Muslims

·         Tinubu Mourns Muslims Killed In Kano Mosque Arson

 

India

·         Assam Government Resumes Eviction Drive Against Bengali-Origin Muslim Families

·         "BJP Turning Reservation into Hindu-Muslim Issue to Divide Votes": Congress Chief

·         Mumbai: Marathi-Muslim Combine Has Worked in Its Favour, Feels MVA

·         Mamata Banerjee Compromising National Security for Sake Of Vote-Bank Politics: Union Home Minister

·         High Voter Turnout in Gujarati-Marwari Areas, Muslim Pockets Low

·         With Two INDIA Bloc Suitors, Which Way Will Muslim Votes Go inBengal?

·         Muslims Present ‘Seer’ To Meenakshi SundareswararThirukalyanam

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Europe

·         Museum Of Islamic Arts & Heritage Gives Brummies A Chance To Help Create A New Birmingham Qur’an Manuscript

·         Mosque Plan for Taunton Chapel To Help Town's Growing Muslim Community

·         eToro Joins Forces with Arabesque AI to Launch Sharia-Compliant Investment Portfolio

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North America

·         Biden supports Israel’s war because he fears ‘huge Jewish influence’:  White House aide

·         Muslim students in Seattle face choice between graduation and Eid al-Adha celebrations

·         Israel Strikes at Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad Terrorists in Jenin

·         CAIR Releases Congressional Scorecard and Resources for Key Legislation Impacting American Muslims

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Africa

·         At least 40 villagers shot dead in latest violence in Nigeria's conflict-hit north

·         Dozens killed in inter-communal clashes in DR Congo, UN says

·         Rights group Asylum Aid files legal challenge to UK's Rwanda policy

·         Gunmen kill mayor, two others in Cameroon amid National Day celebrations

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Pakistan

·         Bill seeks ban on appointment of judges holding dual nationality

·         Security Forces Kill 29 Terrorists In Balochistan

·         IHC gives govt four days to find missing poet

·         Senators Faisal Vawda, Irfan Siddiqui use privilege to ‘attack’ judiciary

·         Anti-Terrorist Force man martyred in Dera Allahyar

·         Inquiry committee formed to investigate Bishkek mob attacks

·         FM Dar takes up Pakistani nationals' concerns with Kyrgyzstan govt after mob attacks

·         Media associations to move court against 'controversial' Punjab Defamation Bill

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Mideast

·         Islamic Resistance Fighters Target Israeli Occupation Sites in Support of Gaza

·         Palestinian Ministry Says Israel Troops Kill 8 In West Bank Raid

·         Israeli Forces Raze Parts of Gaza’s Jabalia, Hit Rafah with Airstrikes

·         Greece Refuses to Restore Historic Mosques In Lesbos despite Mutual Agreement with Türkiye

·         Emirates Islamic Bank launches $750mn sustainability sukuk, document shows

·         With focus on Islamic finance, Istanbul to host 1st AlBaraka Summit

·         Tens of thousands gather for Raisi funeral procession in Tehran

·         The US-made helicopter in Iran president’s crash

·         Israel has addressed many of Biden’s concerns over widescale Rafah operation, US official says

·         Trump foreign policy adviser urges sanctions on ICC officials after meeting Netanyahu

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Arab World

·         Saudi Ministry Says No Truth in Circulated Information About Livestock Withdrawal Periods and Disease in Humans

·         Preservation of heritage and nature top priority for Soudah Peaks project, says head developer

·         Saudi Arabia A ‘Faithful Friend’ Of Cameroon, Says Envoy

·         Saudi, Japanese culture ministers discuss cooperation

·         300 tonnes of Zamzam supplied daily in Madinah

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South Asia

·         Sri Lanka Probes Its Four Citizens Arrested in India for Alleged Links to Islamic State

·         US, UAE Officials Discuss UNSC Resolution Implementation On Afghanistan

·         UN announces third Doha meeting for Afghanistan on June 30

·         US partners paid Taliban over $10 million in taxes: SIGAR

·         Deputy PM Hanafi Promises Development and Welfare Initiatives in Sar-e-pul

·         UN stresses support for clearing unexploded ordnance in Afghanistan

·         Explosion kills 1, injures 3 in Afghanistan’s Kandahar

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Southeast Asia

·         Malaysia-UK collaboration paves way for digital economy advancements: Gobind

·         Ulu Tiram incident: Two students released, five other suspects still under detention

·         Deputy prime minister, ministers convey Wesak Day greetings to all Buddhists

·         Makkah route demonstrates Saudi Arabia's confidence in Malaysia - Mohd Na'im

·         Gov’t To Act Firmly Against Perpetrators Of Violence, Ensures Calm - PM Anwar

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:    https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/aurangzeb-soul-congress-muslims-up-cm/d/132365

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'Aurangzeb’s Soul In Congress, Will Give Half Of Your Assets to Muslims': UP CM

 

UP CM Yogi Adityanath

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May 21, 2024

Maintaining that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) does not do politics of appeasement “but of satisfaction”, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday slammed the Congress over its manifesto calling it “dangerous”.

Addressing the Maha Vijay Sankalp Rally at the Sirsa grain market in Haryana in support of BJP candidate Ashok Tanwar, the UP CM said, “The Congress has written a dangerous thing in its manifesto. After coming to power, the Congress has promised to conduct a survey of the property of every citizen.

The Congress will conduct a survey of the property of your father and grandfather, snatch half of it and will give it to Pakistanis and Muslims.”

Yogi, who invoked Aurangzeb, said the Congress was also following “this culture”.

“The spirit of cruel ruler Aurangzeb has entered the Congress. Aurangzeb killed his brother for power and sent his father to jail. The Congress party is also following this culture,” Yogi said.

“India has made its strength felt in the world. Before 2014, the borders of our country were not secure. There were terrorist attacks. The enemy used to enter our house. Now the borders are also safe,” Yogi said, adding, “Pakistan has now realised that now the new India does not tease, but if so- meone teases India, it does not leave it either.”

Lampooning Congress’ garibihatao programmes, Yogi said its “people used to eat the ration of the poor”.

But today 80 crore people are being given ration, whereas in neighbouring Pakistan, which has a population of 23-24 crore, people are on the streets for wheat, he said. “There is a scuffle in Pakistan for one kilo of wheat,” he added.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/aurangzebs-soul-in-congress-will-give-half-of-your-assets-to-muslims/articleshow/110298730.cms

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Russian Human Rights Official Calls for Ban on Muslim Face Coverings

 

Niqab is a traditional Muslim veil that covers the entire face apart from the eyes; illustrative photo / pixabay.com.

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21 May, 2024

The head of Russia’s Human Rights Council, Valery Fadeev, has said the government should consider a ban on wearing niqabs, a traditional Muslim veil that covers the entire face apart from the eyes.

The official voiced the proposal in an interview with the Parlamentskaya Gazeta newspaper published on Monday, which focused on the risks of extremism in multi-ethnic society.

Fadeev noted that wearing face coverings is banned in several countries in Central Asia, adding that he is planning to discuss potential measures in Russia with representatives of the Muslim community, as well as to raise the issue at a regional level.

“First of all, I’d like to outline my position: I think niqabs should be banned in Russia,” the human rights chief said.

Last year, Uzbekistan tightened legislation that bans wearing the niqab or burqas in public, citing security concerns. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture said it could adopt similar measures, after already prohibiting hijab headscarves in schools. Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan has proposed fines for women wearing Islamic niqabs and men with bushy beards.

Fadeev’s proposal has met with a mixed response. The head of the State Duma’s Labor Committee, Yaroslav Nilov, told RTVI that any such measures should be discussed behind closed doors with representatives of Muslim groups and local authorities, without widespread media coverage.

Russian MP IldarGilmutdinov has argued that a radical ban on wearing niqabs would worsen the situation, and that discussions should be conducted via religious organizations and federal agencies.

Eva Merkacheva, a member of Russia’s Presidential Human Rights Council, has supported Fadeev’s initiative, noting that the European Court of Human Rights upheld a ban on wearing the burqa and full-face niqab veil in public, after it was introduced by several EU states nearly a decade ago.

Source: rt.com

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https://www.rt.com/russia/597974-russia-niqab-ban-muslims/

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Incels, Blasphemy, Jihad: 41 Changes Urged To Tackle UK's 'Extremism Problem': Government's Independent Adviser

 

Credit: PA

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21 May 2024

A range of measures have been proposed to crackdown on what has been described as the UK's "growing problem with extreme protest movements that use political violence, intimidation, incitement, law breaking, and disruption".

Lord Walney set out 41 recommendations for the government in a 292-page report, which include making organisers pay towards policing and a review of undercover surveillance of activist groups.

Other measures include a blanket ban on face coverings at protests and allowing those impacted by disruptive demonstrations to claim compensation from organisers.

The peer also had recommendations for how police should deal with incels, blasphemy, and chants of jihad.

Asked about the report, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Extremism has no place in our society. Threatening or intimidating behaviour that disrupts the lives of ordinary hardworking people isn’t acceptable.”

What else is included in the 41 recommendations?

A review of whether undercover surveillance is being used appropriately in the context of public order and aggravated activism.

The government should develop a mechanism to review charging decisions by prosecutors to make sure protest laws are being followed properly.

The law should be changed to allow the police to consider the cumulative effect of protests on antisemitic hate crime levels.

The intimidation of candidates and campaigners should be specifically criminalised before the next election.

The Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice should review whether juries and judges are more lenient on protesters who support “progressive” causes such as climate change and anti-racism.

The government should boost physical protection for private defence companies against protesters.

The intelligence services and relevant government departments should be given more resources to identify disinformation online and work with technology companies to have it removed.

Home Secretary James Cleverly said he would carefully consider Lord Walney’s recommendations.

He said: “The right to protest is a vital part of democracy, but there is absolutely no place for criminality or harassment on our streets. Too often, we have seen vile displays of hate crime and aggressive tactics used by so-called protesters.

“Lord Walney’s report raises important questions on the cumulative impact of disruptive and extremist activity on our communities. I thank Lord Walney and his team for this extensive and compelling report.”

Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion criticise author's links to fossil fuel companies

Lord Walney stopped short of calling for protest groups which regularly carry out illegal activities, such as Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion, to be banned.

But he said the ability of some groups to organise and fundraise should be restricted if they have a policy of using criminal offences that would lead to a prison term.

But two of the most disruptive groups have already suggested the recommended policies would not deter them.

Both Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion criticised the report's author, claiming he has vested interests because he is linked to fossil fuel companies.

An XR spokesman said: “We are a movement committed to non-violence.

“We train everyone acting in the name of Extinction Rebellion in non-violence.

“We have stewards to manage crowds responsibly. We have a policy for how to clear an area for emergency services.

“If the government can come for a group that works this hard at peaceful protest, they can come for anyone.”

A Just Stop Oil spokesperson said the group "does not recognise the legitimacy of this report" because of Lord Walney's ties to fossil fuel companies.

Lord Walney came under fire before the publication of the report because his interests, as declared on the House of Lords register, include jobs for companies that also act for energy firms.

He told the Guardian he had maintained an objective standard and sought a wide range of views while writing the report.

Incels, blasphemy and Jihad

Lord Walney had a number of recommendations following specific incidents in the UK which have raised serious concerns.

He said serious violence related to the incel movement should not be categorised as terrorism because incels who choose violence "rarely do so to bring about social or political change".

The term incel, short for involuntarily celibate, is used to describe men who feel angry and resentful because they believe women do not find them attractive.

The UK's most famous case is that of killer Jake Davison, who shot dead five people in Plymouth before turning the gun on himself in 2021.

Lord Walney also had a recommendation around blasphemy, after a teacher was forced into hiding after he showed a cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed to his class.

The religious studies teacher received death threats and was forced to move house, after protests outside Batley Grammar School in 2021.

He said the government should issue guidance on managing blasphemy-related incidents in schools.

This should include commitments to upholding teachers’ freedom of expression and not automatically suspending teachers involved in such incidents or revealing their identity.

He said the guidance should set out that schools are not required to engage with local community groups or religious institutions in managing blasphemy-related incidents or other tensions.

There was also a recommendation around chants at protests, after the Metropolitan Police decided a video of a man chanting "Jihad" at a pro-Palestine protest last year did not show any offence being committed.

The incident sparked outrage and led the home secretary to demand a meeting with the Metropolitan Police chief, who said the law should be tightened.

Lord Walney said police should publish and "regularly update guidance for the public regarding statements, chants, or symbols that, in the context of a political protest, may constitute an offence".

"This should include guidance on protestors’ chants that may disturb public order or encourage terrorism, such as those calling for jihad," he added.

How did we get here?

Protests in the UK have become more tribal and divisive in the past decade, perhaps starting with the Brexit debate and running through to the current pro-Palestine marches - which have been labelled "hate marches" by senior politicians.

But it was the roadblock protests carried out by environmental groups, such as Extinction Rebellion and its offshoot Just Stop Oil, beginning in 2018, which eventually led to the government wanting a crackdown.

Tens of thousands of people have been impacted by the disruptive protests, despite tens of millions being spent on policing them.

Lord Walney, who was previously Labour MP John Woodcock, was commissioned five years ago to write a report examining disruptive tactics, such as blocking roads and entrances to buildings.

In the meantime, the government introduced its own mitigations, such as lowering the bar for allowing police to intervene in disruptive protests.

Government measures lowered the threshold for what is considered “serious disruption” to community life, from “significant” and “prolonged” to “more than minor”, allowing officers to make arrests much sooner.

They also allowed police officers to take into account “any relevant cumulative disruption” of repeated protests.

But on Tuesday the High Court ruled the definition change unlawful.

Lord Justice Green and Mr Justice Kerr said: “As a matter of ordinary and natural language ‘more than minor’ is not within the scope of the word ‘serious’.”

Number 10 said it was "disappointed" by the ruling and would explore all options for allowing police to retain those powers, including lodging an appeal.

Will protest groups be forced to pay compensation to those they impact?

With disruptive protests such as roadblocks impacting so many people, businesses and institutions, Lord Walney has recommended a policy which would force them to pay compensation.

The scheme could be modelled on the small claims court system or along the lines of the financial services ombudsman.

Any individual, business or institution which could prove they endured loss, distress or suffering from an illegal protest would be entitled to compensation.

Just Stop Oil said it will not stop disruptive protests, nor be intimidated by the proposed policies.

It also went on the attack, accusing the government of itself breaking the law.

"In truth it's the government who are dangerous lawbreakers - their climate strategy has just been declared unlawful for the second time," a spokesperson said.

Earlier this month, a High Court judge ruled the government acted unlawfully by approving a plan to cut carbon emissions, which it said relied too heavily on future technologies.

Extinction Rebellion, an affiliated environmental protest group, accepted the policy would have an impact, but suggested it would not be deterred.

It said people protest because "they have tried all other avenues and have come to the end of the road to have their voices heard".

A spokesperson added: "Promoting punishments and costs will inevitably discourage all forms of protest, and will help shield both the government and private companies from visible criticism of their policies.

"No one should be silenced in a free society from expressing outrage at businesses and institutions who are directly responsible for the breakdown of our climate.

"If anyone should be paying anything, it should be the polluters, the companies profiting, and countries paying reparations to those already impacted by climate and ecological breakdown."

Source: itv.com

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https://www.itv.com/news/2024-05-21/incels-blasphemy-jihad-41-changes-urged-to-tackle-uks-extremism-problem

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US Watchdog Documents Hundreds Of India Election Rallies Targeting Muslims

 

People queue up to vote outside a polling booth during the fifth round of multi-phase national election in Howrah, India, May 20, 2024.

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May 21, 2024

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stirred controversy with his anti-Muslim remarks since Indians began casting ballots in the country's parliamentary elections last month.

But it's not just Modi trafficking in controversial rhetoric about Muslims; top members of his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been echoing similar sentiment as the party seeks a historic third term in power.

In the four weeks since the polls opened on April 19, Hindutva Watch, a U.S.-based watchdog, has documented hundreds of campaign rallies featuring the BJP's "star campaigners" and candidates delivering incendiary speeches targeting Muslims.

Hindutva Watch founder Raqib Hameed Naik said that in addition to Modi, the party's list of prominent campaigners includes Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda and the chief ministers of several large states. Hindutva refers to the BJP's Hindu nationalist ideology.

"They're the ones at the core of the entire thing," Naik said in an interview with VOA.

Largest election in world

India's six-week election, considered the largest of its kind in the world, pits the BJP against a broad coalition of opposition parties. Voting runs until June 1, and the results will be announced on June 4.

Modi sparked a firestorm on April 21 when he warned supporters that if the opposition Indian National Congress came to power, it would redistribute India's wealth among "infiltrators" and "those who have more children."

The word "infiltrator," once used for Bengali refugees, is often employed by right-wing Hindu nationalists to label all of India's 200 million Muslims as outsiders. Muslims are sometimes called "child breeders," a baseless stereotype used to fan demographic fears.

Understood in this context, Modi's comments were panned by opposition parties and civil rights groups. But in the weeks since, they've been picked up and echoed by other BJP politicians in what experts call the "elite effect."

Naik, an exiled Kashmiri Muslim journalist, founded Hindutva Watch in 2021. In the years since, it has emerged as a respected repository of hate speech and hate crime in India, its work cited by mainstream news outlets.

Though Hindutva has documented nearly 3,000 instances of hate speech and hate crime, Naik said the election-related vitriol seen this year is without precedent.

"I have never seen this kind of inflammatory, hateful election campaign at the national level targeting Muslim minorities," Naik said.

Spokespeople for the BJP in New Delhi and the Indian Embassy in Washington did not respond to repeated email requests for comment. VOA has reached out to the BJP's U.S. lobbying arm for comment.

Last week, Modi sought to address the controversy over his "infiltrators" remark. Speaking with a local broadcaster, he denied saying "Muslims have more children."

"I won't do Hindu Muslim," he told News18. "This is my pledge."

To critics, the pledge rang hollow. The day he disavowed playing the Hindu-Muslim card, Modi warned supporters in the eastern state of Jharkhand, "Infiltrators with jihadi mindset are getting support from [the] opposition and putting our sisters in danger."

In the days since, Hindutva Watch has documented at least 10 rallies where Modi has by turn warned voters about alleged plans by Congress to redistribute national wealth among Muslims, award minority quotas to them and shut down a revered Hindu temple built on his watch.

Not all anti-Muslim statements documented by Hindutva Watch amount to hate speech, which is not a crime in India. Some are classified as inflammatory, dangerous or communal.

What Indians call "communalism" has long colored the contentious electoral politics of India, a country of 1.4 billion people, eight major religions and 22 official languages.

In 1984, the Congress Party, now in opposition, swept the polls, riding a wave of anti-Sikh furor created by the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards.

Milan Vaishnav, director of the South Asia program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said anti-Muslim rhetoric is "part and parcel" of the BJP's voter mobilization strategy.

Founded in 1980 and in power since 2014, the BJP has long pursued two core objectives, Vaishnav said: improving the economic lot of the poor and creating a Hindu state.

"I don't think that this rhetoric we've seen on the campaign [trail] particularly surprises me, because it is in a sense attached to every BJP campaign," Vaishnav said.

As far back as 2002 when he served as Gujarat's chief minister, Modi didn't shy away from inflammatory rhetoric during violent Hindu-Muslim riots, Vaishnav said. More recently, the country's 2019 elections witnessed a surge in anti-Muslim rhetoric, he added.

"In a sense, [the current rhetoric] is unprecedented in part because of the way this gets magnified. But this kind of mobilization is certainly not new," he said.

'Love jihad,' 'land jihad,' 'vote jihad'

To mobilize voters, BJP candidates, along with other proponents of right-wing Hindu nationalists, have made frequent use of well-worn tropes and conspiracy theories about Muslims.

One is known as "land jihad," a conspiracy theory that alleges Muslims are taking over public lands with unauthorized religious buildings. Another, called "love jihad," accuses Muslim men of marrying Hindu women to convert them, with the ultimate goal of transforming India into a Muslim country. Hindutva Watch has recorded dozens of instances of both conspiracy theories during the campaign.

Earlier this month, a new variant of the phrase emerged: "vote jihad." After a local opposition leader called on Muslims to carry out a "jihad" of "votes" to oust Modi from power, the prime minister accused the Congress Party of announcing a "vote jihad" against the BJP.

"I hope you all know what the meaning of jihad is and against whom it is waged," Modi said.

The topic of jihad has routinely surfaced in campaign rallies. In a May 15 speech, independent candidate Sanjay Sharma warned supporters that "this jihadi mentality will keep spreading" if they "don't wake up now."

"Vote for me if you want to stop cow slaughter completely," Sharma said, according to a translation provided by Hindutva Watch. "Vote for me if you want to stop love jihad."

'Fear speech'

In a way, much of the rhetoric employed by BJP candidates is typical political strategy: politicians firing up supporters with exaggerated claims and fear-mongering.

"Look at what House and Senate candidates are saying on the campaign trail," Vaishnav said. "Look at what Republican social media influencers are tweeting about."

Rutgers University Professor Kiran Garimella described the campaign rhetoric suggesting a Muslim takeover through population growth as "fear speech," a term used by researchers.

"We see a lot of cases where this kind of rhetoric is being used both in India and in the U.S.," Garimella said.

But it's not just rhetoric that's worrisome, said veteran Indian journalist and civil rights activist Ajit Sahi.

"In India, the rhetoric is part of a larger movement, which is organized, financed and has boots on the ground," said Sahi, now advocacy director for the Indian American Muslim Council. "If there was just rhetoric, that would be possibly tolerable, but the rhetoric is combined with an organized and deeply financed and widely penetrated movement."

Source: voanews.com

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https://www.voanews.com/a/us-watchdog-documents-hundreds-of-india-election-rallies-targeting-muslims/7621513.html

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Tinubu Mourns Muslims Killed In Kano Mosque Arson

 

President Bola Tinubu

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MAY 21, 2024

PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF KANO MOSQUE FIRE INCIDENT

President Bola Tinubu sends his condolences to the Government and people of Kano State over the fire incident that led to the death of some worshippers at a mosque at in Gezawa Local Government Area of the state.

The President condemns the act of arson, which led to this tragic development, and directs law enforcement agencies to ensure diligent investigation and prosecution of suspects.

President Tinubu commiserates with the bereaved families, all those affected, and prays for quick recovery for the wounded.

Chief AjuriNgelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

May 21, 2024

Source: gazettengr.com

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India

Assam Government Resumes Eviction Drive Against Bengali-Origin Muslim Families

Scroll Staff

21 May 2024

The Assam government on Monday evicted around 400 Bengali-origin Muslim families and bulldozed makeshift homes in the vicinity of the greater Dhalpur Char, a sandbar in the middle of the Brahmaputra River in Sipajhar, Darrang district.

These are the same families whose homes were razed in a violent eviction drive in September 2021, during which 1,418 houses, 48 shops and three mosques were torn down according to government estimates. Residents had estimated that about 7,000 people became homeless.

Two civilians had also died in Sipajhar on September 23, 2021, after the Assam Police opened fire at villagers protesting their eviction.

On Monday, the additional deputy revenue commissioner in Darrang told Scroll that those who were displaced from the area in 2021 had been asked to relocate to a designated patch of land in Dalgaon, around 40 kms from Dhalpur. The official described Monday’s evictions as part of a “periodic” eviction campaign to clear the government land that had been allegedly encroached upon.

The land is earmarked for the Gorukhuti Agricultural Project, according to India Today. It quoted Sipajhar Revenue Circle Officer Ritimani Das as saying that 620 families had been asked to move to Dalgaon, but they did not relocate despite orders. The homes of 397 families were demolished on Monday.

Wahab Ali, a 36-year-old driver, lost his home for the second time since 2021 on Monday. He told Scroll that his home, under a tin roof, was razed by an earth-moving machine.

“Five homes of my brothers were also demolished yesterday,” Ali said. “We built these temporary makeshift shelters with the demolished tin and bamboo remains of their old home. We spent the whole night under the open sky last night.”

Ali also claimed that they were not given adequate prior notice. “They [district officials] informed us on Saturday and came with bulldozers on Monday,” he said.

“The district officials threatened residents to dismantle themselves and clear the land within half an hour. Those who didn’t obey the district officials’ direction, those were bulldozed by the JCB [bulldozer].”

Source: scroll.in

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https://scroll.in/latest/1068156/assam-government-resumes-eviction-drive-against-bengali-muslim-families-in-dhalpur

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"BJP Turning Reservation into Hindu-Muslim Issue To Divide Votes": Congress Chief

May 21, 2024

New Delhi: The Congress is in favour of providing reservation benefits to every economically backward person, but the BJP is turning it into a Hindu-Muslim issue to polarise voters, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has told NDTV in an exclusive interview.

Reservation in jobs and education has emerged as one of the biggest talking points in the ongoing election. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has alleged that the Congress plans to give reservation of Muslims from the quota of Dalits and tribals. The Congress has denied this.

"We will give reservation to everyone who is economically backward. This is a policy matter and partners of the INDIA alliance will decide how to do this," he said.

Countering the BJP's charge, he said, "Does the Constitution say that reservation can be given to Muslims on the basis of religion? Does the Congress manifesto say this. Muslims who are poor must get justice. We stand by that, but they are turning this into a Hindu-Muslim issue to divide votes."

Hitting back, Mr Kharge alleged that it is the BJP which had deprived people of reservation benefits. "As many as 30 lakh positions are vacant. They did not try to fill them. Out of them, SC, ST and OBC candidates would have got around 15 lakh jobs. They are misleading people, lying to them. They are not recruiting professors in university, not getting candidates from SC, ST and OBC communities. They are getting RSS-trained people," he alleged.

Hitting out at prominent Congress leaders who switched to the BJP, Mr Kharge said the ones who left were not rooted in the party's ideology. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Mr Kharge said, "They would move around with Rahul Gandhi. He ensured that they get ministerial berths, helped them create a political identity. Now suddenly, they remember Ram Temple?"

Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com

Asked about these leaders' claim that they were not growing within the Congress organisation, Mr Kharge said, "Those who were not rooted in our ideology have switched sides. They say they did not get importance here. Are they getting it in BJP? What is their identity there? They switched because they were scared."

Mr Kharge said the Congress is hopeful of a good show in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls and that the BJP tally reached its high point in the last election. "We will do well in Rajasthan, we won't score a zero this time. In Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, too, we will get some sears. Last time, we won just one seat in Maharashtra. But this time, the Maha Vikas Aghadi is fighting strongly and will win at least 30 seats. The BJP's tally is decreasing. They reached their peak, they cannot go beyond that. But we are scoring where we lost," he said.

Source: ndtv.com

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https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mallikarjun-kharge-2024-lok-sabha-election-bjp-turning-reservation-into-hindu-muslim-issue-to-divide-votes-m-kharge-5711756

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Mumbai: Marathi-Muslim Combine Has Worked in Its Favour, Feels MVA

May 22, 2024

MUMBAI: With brisk voting in Mumbai in minority-dominated as well as traditional Marathi assembly segments of Lok Sabha seats, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is banking on the Marathi-Muslim combination to give its candidates a lead over Mahayuti candidates in the city.

Shiv Sena (UBT) functionaries said that while Gujarati-dominated constituencies like Mulund and Borivli saw high voting, conventional Shiv Sena strongholds before the party's split like Mahim, Jogeshwari, Andheri (East), Sewri and Bhandup have at the same time seen relatively good turnouts which are above the city's average.

Political observers said high turnout in Sena strongholds will prove to be the key factor in the three Sena versus Sena battles in the city and the way Marathi voters tilt would decide the fate of candidates. Observers also pointed out that some constituencies like Wadala, which have a sizeable Muslim population along with Marathi voters, have seen a high turnout, making the Marathi vote even more critical.

In Mumbai North West, where MVA's Amol Kirtikar is contesting against Mahayuti's Ravindra Waikar, the Jogeshwari assembly segment has seen 57.1% voting. Similarly, Andheri (East) saw 55.7% voting in comparison to Andheri (West), a BJP stronghold that saw 53.6% voting.

In Mumbai South Central, MVA's Anil Desai is contesting against Mahayuti's Rahul Shewale. Here too, in the Sena stronghold of Mahim there was 58% voting and 57.1% in Wadala; Chembur saw 53.4% voting. All these constituencies are Marathi-dominated but also have a sizeable Muslim population, with Chembur having a more mixed demography. The Muslim-dominated assembly segments like Byculla (52.7%), Mumbadevi (50%), Malad (West) (53.5%), Anushakti Nagar (54.2%), Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar (50.4%) and Bandra (East) (52.2%), among others, together saw a turnout of around 50%.

Among the Gujarati-dominated constituencies that had high turnout were Mulund (61.3%) and Ghatkopar (West) (56%) in Mumbai North East, where MVA's Sanjay Dina Patil is pitted against Mahayuti's Mihir Kotecha. In Ghatkopar (West) too, which has a mix of Gujarati and Marathi voters, the turnout was 54.9%. In Mumbai North Central, where MVA's Varsha Gaikwad is pitted against Mahayuti's Ujjwal Nikam, the BJP stronghold of Vile Parle saw 56.7%% voting. In Mumbai North, where Mahayuti's Piyush Goyal is contesting against MVA's Bhushan Patil, BJP bastions Borivli and Charkop saw 62.5% (highest in Mumbai) and 57.8% turnout respectively and mixed-demography segments like Dahisar had 58.1%. Malabar Hill too was at 51.7%.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Mamata Banerjee Compromising National Security for Sake Of Vote-Bank Politics: Union Home Minister

PTI Kanthi (WB)

 22.05.24

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of compromising national security for the sake of vote-bank politics, and “committing a sin” by allowing infiltrators to change the state’s demography.

Addressing a poll rally at Kanthi in East Midnapore district, Shah also asserted that the Trinamool Congress will “disintegrate”, resulting in the “farewell” of the Mamata Banerjee government after the BJP wins 30 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

“Bengal has become a safe haven for infiltrators. Due to infiltration, the demography of the state is changing, which is impacting not only Bengal but the entire country.

“Mamata Banerjee is committing a sin by allowing infiltrators to change the demography of Bengal. She is compromising national security for the sake of vote-bank politics,” he alleged.

The BJP has maintained that “infiltrators are the vote bank of the TMC”.

Shah also criticised Banerjee's recent comments that certain monks of the Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha were working as per instructions of the BJP, and asserted that these socio-religious organisations were being threatened to appease the TMC's vote bank.

“Mamata Banerjee is attacking the Bharat Sevasharam Sangha, but she is not aware that had the Sangha not been there, Bengal would have been a part of Bangladesh. She is mounting an attack on monks just to appease her vote bank,” the home minister added.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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High voter turnout in Gujarati-Marwari areas, Muslim pockets low

By Surendra P Gangan

May 22, 2024

MUMBAI: The city reported 53.98% voting until 11 pm on Monday, a little lower than its percentage of 55.38% in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. As per the poll pattern in the assembly constituencies, the areas with a Gujarati-Marwari dominance reported a high voter turnout while the Muslim-dominated constituencies witnessed a low voting presence. Experts, however, said that this was the pattern in every election, and it would not have any direct impact on the results.

According to the voting percentage released at 11 pm on Monday, Muslim-dominated areas like Byculla, Mumbadevi, Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar and Malad West reported a lower turnout. In comparison, Borivali, Kandivali, Malabar Hill, East and West Ghatkopar, Mulund and Vile Parle, assembly constituencies with a dominance of Gujaratis and Marwaris, had a high turnout.

Borivali and Dahisar in Mumbai North constituency reported 62.50% and 58.12% against the constituency percentage of 57.02. Similarly, in Ghatkopar East (57.85%), Ghatkopar West (55.90%) and Mulund (61.33%), the turnout was far above the constituency average of 56.37%. The Vile Parle assembly segment recorded 56.01% against the Mumbai North Central average of 51.98%.

Areas like Sewri and Mahim, which are heavily influenced by the Shiv Sena, have recorded a higher percentage than the other assembly segments in the Lok Sabha constituencies. In Sewri, the poll percentage was 51.86% against the Mumbai South constituency average of 50.06%. In Mahim, the percentage was 57.97% against the Mumbai South Central turnout of 53.60%.

The high voting percentage in Gujarati-Marwari-dominated areas is seen as a clear advantage to the BJP and ruling alliance, while the lower turnout in Muslim-dominated areas is perceived as a disadvantage to the opposition. “However, the areas dominated by Marathi and Muslim voters saw voter turnout improving in the evening,” said a senior Congress leader from Mumbai. “Although Muslim-dominated areas had a low turnout, most of the votes were polled in favour of the Congress or the Sena (UBT). Though most of the Gujarati-Marwari votes went to the ruling alliance, Marathi-speaking votes get divided among all parties.”

Bhushan Patil, the Congress candidate from Mumbai North, said that the high voting turnout in Gujarati-Marwari dominated areas did not mean that everyone voted for the BJP candidate. “I expect at least 15% of them to vote for me,” he said. “Apart from this, Muslims, Christians and most Marathi people have voted for me. The voting percentage in Marathi-dominated areas improved later in the day although Gujarati-Marwari-dominated areas reported huge queues in the morning. However, it will not affect our prospects because other communities have voted for us.”

According to Tejas Sakpal, Sena (UBT) leader from Colaba, the dismal turnout in this constituency of BJP leader Rahul Narwekar would play in the Sena (UBT)’s favour while the high voting in Malabar Hill would be an advantage to Yamini Jadhav of the Shinde-led Sena. “Although the voting percentage in Muslim-dominated Byculla and Mumbadevi was low, Muslims have voted for us en bloc, and this will help our candidate Arvind Sawant win,” he said.

Madhav Bhandari, Maharashtra BJP vice-president, claimed that Muslims did not “fall prey to the fatwas to vote for a specific party” and voted for the “development agenda of the Modi government”. “Their low percentage will also play in our advantage,” he said. “Similarly, the high turnout among our core voters will help us win all six seats in Mumbai. The high percentage in Marathi-dominated areas is the result of the tussle between the two Senas, and it will, of course, turn in our favour.”

According to Sarfaraz Arzoo, editor of Urdu daily ‘Hindustan’, the turnout in Muslim-dominated areas was similar to what it was in every election. “Leaders like Arif Naseem Khan and Abu Asim Azmi have not put in enough effort to motivate and mobilise Muslim voters and ensure sizable voting in their constituencies,” he said. “If there is a high turnout in the Gujarati-dominated areas, it is because of the efforts and awareness generated by the parties who have vested interests. But overall, I do not think the results will be affected by this owing to the consolidation of votes of other communities.”

Source: hindustantimes.com

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With two INDIA bloc suitors, which way will Muslim votes go in Bengal?

May 22, 2024

KOLKATA: In a state that had been scarred by Partition and its violence, religion always played a role, though as an undercurrent. But in the past 10 years things have changed and suddenly religion seems more in-your-face, more overt. There’s been a steady increase in the number of Ram Navami processions, and Hanuman temples have sprouted across the state — a growing testimony to the rise of Hindutva.

Muslims in Bengal, on the other hand, have also found a way to assert their identity, by interweaving political messaging into religious practices. The “us” and “them” feeling is now giving way to acrimony even among educated urban minds. Such newly formed social habits are actively aiding the politics of polarisation in Bengal.

Numbers tell the story

There are close to 20 Lok Sabha seats in Bengal where the Hindu population ranges from 35% to 50%, an ideal ground for polarisation. These are apart from the Lok Sabha seats such as Berhampore, Murshidabad and Jangipur in Murshidabad district, and Basirhat in North 24 Parganas, where the Muslim population is far above the majority mark.

Muslim voters who had earlier supported Congress and Left, have, by and large, been steadily backing Trinamool Congress against its main opponent, BJP, since 2016. The Lokniti-CSDS postpoll survey reveals that Muslim support for Trinamool grew from 51% in 2016 to 75% in 2021, while the Hindu support for BJP shot up to 57% in 2019 from 12% in 2016, and then dipped to 50% in 2021.

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The figures indicate that an increase of 5% in Muslim support for Trinamool and a 7% slide in Hindu support for BJP had stopped the Modi brigade in Bengal in the 2021 assembly elections.

After the firming up of the Congress-Left jote (tie-up) for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, it needs to be seen if Trinamool retains the Muslim support, especially in Lok Sabha constituencies like Berhampore and Murshidabad, Krishnanagar in Nadia, Malda Uttar and Malda Dakshin, Raiganj in Uttar Dinajpur, Birbhum, Purba Burdwan, and Dum Dum.

A parallel secular front

Muslims in Bengal may not, after all, be a monolithic voting bloc. Take the case of the Indian Secular Front (ISF), which shot to prominence in very little time. Founded by Abbas Siddiqui, an influential cleric at the shrine of Furfura Sharif in Hooghly ahead of the 2021 Bengal assembly polls. ISF made its House debut after the party candidate got elected as an MLA.

ISF has now fielded candidates in 14 Lok Sabha seats with heavy Muslim presence. They include Uluberia, Balurghat, Jadavpur, Diamond Har bour, Serampore and Murshidabad. ISF chairman Nawsad Siddique says he wants to provide Muslims and Dalits more political agency, instead of being used by “secular forces’’ as a ladder to access power.

Trinamool politicians are not losing sight of it, but believe that Muslims this time will, by and large, vote for the party because Mamata is the only politician who single-handedly stopped the BJP vote run in Bengal in 2021.

Mamata’s trump card

“Till the day I am alive, I will not allow separatist forces to create divisions among us on the grounds of religion and caste. To me, there is no difference between Sati, Sabitri, Arundhati and Jahanara, Roshanara and Noorjahan. I don’t differentiate between Tudu, Soren and Hansda. To me, Matuas and Rajbangshis are all equal,” she had said during her campaign rallies in the minority-dominated Malda.

Mamata is also building on the CAANRC issue. “PM wants to implement NRC and CAA. He says all of you are outsiders and infiltrators and should apply for citizenship. If he says so, I say, he is also an infiltrator PM and I am also an infiltrator CM. No one needs to apply for citizenship. You have a voter card, and ration

card, and so you are a citizen of India,” she said during campaign.

Local Trinamool leaders do not want to take any chances. Confronted with Congress candidate Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in Berhampore, who could take away a chunk of Muslim votes that largely switched to Trinamool in 2021, party’s Bharatpur MLA Humayun Kabir was heard telling a gathering, held after the communal conflagration during a Ram Navami procession at Shaktipur: “I’ll not let you people stay in Shaktipur. You are 30% people, we are also 70% here,” Kabir said, a not-sosubtle message to Hindus in the district.

Gofur Sheikh is a Muslim from Beldanga, and has his reasons to back Mamata. “Our children are getting scholarships. Our housewives are getting LakshmirBhandar aid,” he says.

Izahar Ali Naskar, a resident of Mirpur village of Rejinagar, has a different reason to vote for Trinamool. “It is a very important election for the Muslim community throughout the country. We (the community) have decided to vote in such a way that the candidate best prepared to defeat the BJP gets all our votes,” he said.

Unhappy muslim voter

A split in Muslim votes can’t be ruled out at least in some Lok Sabha seats because a section of educated Muslims is upset over unemployment and corruption scandals that rocked the Mamata regime. “I graduated in history five years ago and took the Teacher Eligibility Test, with a lot of hope to land a primary teacher job. Then the recruitment process got entangled in corruption. I have been a Trinamool voter for several years

now. But I’m in two minds this time,” said Sabir Ali of Gayespur village.

Citing the Sagardighi Murshidabad assembly bypoll in which the Trinamool candidate was defeated, Jinat Rehana Islam, a schoolteacher from Berhampore, said it would be wrong to assume that Muslims vote en bloc. “Muslim boys and girls in remote villages of Suti, Sagardighi and Lalgola are getting higher education. They have their own perceptions about politics.”

BJP’s messaging

PM Modi during his first round of Bengal campaign had appealed to the Muslim women to vote against Trinamool, pointing to the alleged sexual torture of women in Sandeshkhali by local Trinamool leaders. This may have a limited impact in pockets of neighbouring districts South & North 24 Parganas. But the appeal was missing in the next rounds of the PM’s campaign.

Union home minister Amit Shah, instead, has been constantly raking up issues like infiltration, CAA for Hindu refugees, and the developments in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to consolidate Hindu support and prevent the slide in Hindu votes seen in the 2021 Bengal assembly polls. “Mamata Banerjee came to office with the slogan of Ma, Maati, Manush but this slogan is now lost to Mulla, Maulavi, Madrasa,” Shah has told rallies in Bengal.

BJP functionaries believe this narrative would work well combined with other factors in Bengal. BJP spokesperson Shamik Bhattacharya said around 2 lakh people from Bengal had visited the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya at their own cost. “We only made arrangements for the trains for their travel,” Bhattacharya said.

With inputs from Sukumar Mahato, Zeeshan Jawed, Tamaghna Banerjee, Falguni Banerjee

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Muslims present ‘seer’ to Meenakshi SundareswararThirukalyanam

May 21, 2024

Displaying a sense of prevailing communal harmony in the State, members of Islam community presented 21 varieties of ‘seer’ for Meenakshi SundareswararThirukalyanam at Pudur near Dindigul round road on Tuesday.

During the thirukalyanam at Sri Parameshwari Temple, Ismail and Muhammad Rafiq of Pudur Jumma Masjid along with other members of the Islam community presented the ‘seer’ containing fruits, silk sari, ornaments, etc.

The event was not only been seen as a kinship between different religions, but also reassured the idea that unity existed in diversity.

Source: thehindu.com

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Europe

 

Museum Of Islamic Arts &Heritage Gives BrummiesA Chance To Help Create A New Birmingham Qur’an Manuscript

17 May 2024

The Birmingham Qur’an manuscript is one of the earliest surviving fragments of the Qur’an and contains parts of surahs 18-20 of the Islamic holy book, written on parchment in an early form of Arabic script known as Hijazi. It is part of the Mingana Collection of 3000 Middle Eastern manuscripts, cared for by the Cadbury Research Library at the University of Birmingham. A replica is on display at the MIAH Foundation’s Islamic Arts Gallery in Balsall Heath as part of an exhibition on the history of the Qur’an and the art of calligraphy.

But now a new Culture Forward project, part of a programme exploring Birmingham’s connection to the Qur’an, is providing people across the city a chance to help create a new manuscript, hand-copied by the people of Birmingham – and beyond.

Alongside an exhibition and various workshops hosted at the MIAH Islamic Arts Gallery, which is teaching members of the public about the different types of Arabic calligraphy featured in Qur’an manuscripts over the centuries, visitors are invited to transcribe some of the 6000 verses onto traditional multicoloured hand-finished calligraphy paper from Pakistan, which will form the new Birmingham Qur’an manuscript.

Dr Neelam Hussain, Director of the MIAH Foundation and Curator of Middle Eastern Manuscripts at the Cadbury Research Library, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for people across Birmingham no matter their religious background, to learn more about not only the Qur’an, but the traditional craftsmanship and techniques that go into creating manuscripts. We have a lot of verses that need to be transcribed so we want everyone to get involved and come and have a go.”

As well as the contents of the new Qur’an manuscript being written by the people of Birmingham, some of the inks and pigments used to finish the Qur’an are being sourced locally, including from Culture Forward partners at the Winterbourne House & Gardens and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

After the verses have been transcribed the book will be handbound and stitched, using traditional techniques and local materials.

Dr Hussain continued: “The project aims to create an artefact that belongs to the city, something that has been created by, from and for the city, so it must have Birmingham running through as much as the finished manuscript as possible. I will be hand binding the final book myself using techniques such as gathering and hand sewing, which is how Qur’ans have been traditionally finished.”

The MIAH Islamic Arts Gallery holds regular workshops every Saturday 12-2pm in Balsall Heath, usually suitable from age 11 plus. The exhibition is open on Thursdays and Fridays (12pm-6pm) and Saturdays (2pm-6pm), Everyone is welcome to contribute to the transcription of the Qur’an during exhibition opening hours. You can register for tickets here.

Professor Sara Jones, Interim Academic Director of Culture Forward, commented: “Culture Forward aims to increase engagement with our rare and precious cultural collections, such as the Birmingham Qur’an.

Source: birmingham.ac.uk

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Mosque plan for Taunton Chapel to help town's growing Muslim community

An ex-chapel in Taunton may provide a new home for the town's mosque under new plans. The Octagon Chapel on East Reach, which is currently for sale, was built in the 1960s and has acted as a church and an auction house over the years.

The Taunton Mosque and Islamic Centre has submitted a planning application to convert the site into a mosque and Islamic centre. The application says the planned conversion will help to 'serve the needs of the local Muslim community'.

Taunton has a growing Muslim community: as of 2021, 0.6% of people in West Somerset and Taunton identify as Muslim. This amounts to a little over 1 in 200 local people. Almost half (49.6%) identify as Christian, while 41.9% reported having no religion. Buddhists make up 0.3% of the local area, as do Hindus. One in 1000 people in West Somerset and Taunton identify as Jewish.

One person wrote: "I am pleased to hear that this site will be kept alive by other worshippers instead of being left unused".

Some feel Taunton Mosque and Islamic Centre doesn't currently have enough space, with one worshipper writing that he had to pray on the street. In a comment on the application, he said: "As one of the Muslim community, I struggle to find space inside the existing mosque [so] that I had to pray a few times, in the street with full exposure to the [elements]."

Other comments highlighted how the plans could represent Taunton becoming more inclusive and multicultural: "This is great, a sign of Taunton growing up into a bigger, multicultural town".

While the comments so far are overwhelmingly positive, concerns have been raised about how it could impact traffic. One person wrote: "With the petrol station opposite its congested enough [...] for cars to manoeuvre in this area, adding more vehicles will impact this already busy area more".

The comment continued: "The alteration in the hours of use will adversely affect the local residents, the pedestrian footfall and rise in vehicles will impact an already strained traffic situation and cause health and safety issues."

You can comment on the proposals on the council's website. The deadline for making comments is Friday, May 31. Somerset Council will determine the fate of the application at a later date.

Source: somersetlive.co.uk

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https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/mosque-plan-taunton-chapel-help-9294558

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eToro Joins Forces With Arabesque AI to Launch Sharia-Compliant Investment Portfolio

May 22, 2024

eToro, the trading and investing platform, has partnered with Arabesque AI, an investment advisory and technology company, to launch a new Sharia-compliant portfolio for users across the Middle East.

ShariaAl-Growth, the new eToro portfolio, leverages technology from Arabesque AI, as well as its bank of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) data, to identify high-growth US stocks that comply with Sharia principles.

“Since our launch in the UAE six months ago, our goal has been to tailor our services to meet the evolving needs of our users in the region,” explained George Naddaf, GCC and MENA regional manager at eToro. “Our recent survey of retail investors in the UAE found that 84 per cent consider ESG factors before investing, with 35 per cent emphasising the importance of their investments being Sharia-compliant.”

Sharia-compliant investment products have provided competitive returns over the long term. The S&P 500 Shariah Index returned 14.25 per cent per year for the 10 years to the end of March 2024, compared to 12.96 per cent per year for the regular S&P 500 Index.

The ShariaAI-Growth portfolio currently comprises up to 40 US equities: From the pool of US stocks available on the eToro platform, only those with a market cap of over $1billion and an average daily trading volume of over $10 million are eligible.

All eligible stocks then have to pass a business activities screen and financial ratio screens to guarantee their compliance with Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) Sharia principles.

Finally, the compliant stocks are evaluated with Arabesque’s AI technology to select those with the highest expected returns, strong earnings growth over the previous 12 months and high ESG scores to be included in the final portfolio.

Initial investment starts from $500 and investors can access tools and charts to track the portfolio’s performance, while eToro’s social feed will keep them up-to-date on developments in the sector.

Source: thefintechtimes.com

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North America

 

Biden supports Israel’s war because he fears ‘huge Jewish influence’:  White House aide

 21 May 2024

US President Joe Biden is under pressure from the Democratic Party’s progressive wing to more vehemently condemn Israel’s genocide in Gaza, but he fears “huge Jewish influence,” according to a White House aide.

National Security Council policy adviser Sterlin Waters made the remarks to an undercover reporter for Project Veritas, a conservative outlet known for its hidden-camera sting operations. The video was published by the outlet on Tuesday.

Biden’s position on Israel is the result of careful “political calculations,” Waters told the reporter.

Waters said Biden and his top aides need to tell Israeli leaders that “you’re not going to continue to lie, and bomb, and kill all these kids without facing serious consequences” to conciliate progressive voters.

However, if Biden did this he would anger the “huge, powerful Jewish influence in Republican and Democrat politics” and face a smear campaign ahead of November’s presidential election, Waters said.

“If Biden won again he could be much more forthright about saying ‘No’,” Waters continued. “[But] that is a second-term decision.”

At present, Biden is robustly supporting Israel in its genocide against Palestinians.

On Monday, he vowed to continue providing “ironclad” support for the Israeli regime.

Addressing a Jewish American Heritage Month event at the White House, Biden said, “We want [the Gaza-based resistance movement] Hamas defeated. We're working with Israel to make that happen."

Later on, Biden told reporters that “we stand with Israel to take out [Hamas leader Yahya] Sinwar and the rest of the butchers of Hamas.”

Biden also keeps sending weapons to Israel and last week moved forward with a new plan to transfer $1 billion in arms to Israel.

The new package includes the potential transfer of about $700 million for tank ammunition, $500 million in tactical vehicles and $60 million in mortar rounds, according to the officials.

They said the Biden administration’s notice to lawmakers isn’t the final, formal notification before a sale.

It is not clear when the arms would be sent to Israel.

Israel unleashed its US-backed war on Gaza on October 7, 2023.

Since the onset of the war, Washington has equipped Tel Aviv with thousands of tons of lethal military aid. It has also struck down several United Nations Security Council resolutions that have called for the implementation of an immediate ceasefire in the brutal military onslaught.

Israel has displaced around 80% of the population of 2.3 million in Gaza since early October. The regime has killed more than 35,600 people there since.

Source: presstv.ir

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Muslim students in Seattle face choice between graduation and Eid al-Adha celebrations

May 21, 2024

For months, high school seniors attending Seattle Public Schools have been asking their teachers, principals, and school board leaders to change graduation dates in June. That’s because Eid Al-Adha, one of the biggest worldwide Islamic holidays, will coincide with the district’s graduation week.

The dates of Eid al-Adha, or what students call “the big Eid,” are determined by the Islamic lunar calendar. This year, the holiday is expected to begin around June 16 and celebrations can last for about three days. Graduations for various Seattle high schools are scheduled between June 13 and June 18.

“I feel like we sort of have to pick between one or the other, which is kind of frustrating,” one student told KUOW. "It's unfair.”

The student is one of three who agreed to speak with KUOW on the condition of anonymity, citing a fear of being targeted over their Muslim faith.

“This graduation is our first step into adulthood. And whether that means advancing our career by going to college or following another pathway, this is a really defining moment in our life,” another student said.

Traveling long distances is an inherent part of the holiday. Many people travel to Makkah in the Mecca province of Saudi Arabia to honor the Muslim prophet Muhammad, or to visit family for celebrations elsewhere.

“This is the only time – for many — where we see our family members, where we can gather together and celebrate,” a third student said.

Ahsen Nadeem, the youth director for the Muslim Association of Puget Sound in Redmond, said he commends Seattle Public Schools for trying to accommodate students from many different backgrounds, but thinks the district could do more to make Muslim faculty and students feel included.

"I think Muslim needs — especially as students — have not been met," he said. "When you have situations like this, it kind of adds to that frustration. I think what we need to do is just sit down and talk to Muslims."

When it comes to religious celebrations, he said, the district making Eid al-Adha accommodations could also open the door to better inclusion for other religious groups.

The dilemma Muslim students face could happen again in 30-something years, when the next Eid al-Adha holiday coincides with graduation season, said Adam Jamal, an Imam with the Muslim American Association of Puget Sound. But at present, he added, it’s especially important for Muslim students to feel welcome among their peers.

“Especially in a time where Islamophobia incidents have increased…young people want to feel like they're part of society, and that society recognizes them, their culture, and their religion,“ he said.

In April, the Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations surveyed 20 Muslim youths between the ages of 13 to 18 asking them how they felt at school. A third of those students said they’d experienced discriminatory policies and practices, like not being given time to pray or being required to dress in a way that didn’t align with their religious practices.

52% of respondents reported hearing biased remarks targeted towards others, including Islamophobic remarks a few times a month or more frequently. Roughly the same percentage said they had experienced heightened discrimination since the war between Hamas and Israel began in October.

Change might not happen this year, but Nadeem said he thinks it would be helpful for the school district to communicate with parents to find a solution.

Seattle Public Schools did not respond to KUOW’s requests for comment.

In response to students' request, school board members proposed having a separate graduation day for students celebrating Eid al-Adha. But students who spoke with KUOW said that would still feel exclusionary.

“We want to be there with all of our friends [and] with all of our teachers to celebrate together,” one student said.

For now, each of the students remains undecided on what they’ll do: cancel plans to visit family, or find a way to combine graduation and Eid al-Adha celebrations. In either case, a sacrifice will have to be made.

Source: kuow.org

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Israel Strikes at Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad Terrorists in Jenin

Israeli commandos exchanged fire with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists during a counterterrorism sweep in the West Bank city of Jenin on May 21. At least seven Palestinian deaths have been reported, with no casualties on the Israeli side.

Undercover Israeli forces launched the raid based on “intelligence information from the Shin Bet indicating the activity of armed terrorists affiliated with the Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror organizations, and the presence of many terror infrastructures in the area,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.

During the raid, Israeli troops also razed the home of Ahmed Barakat, a Palestinian terrorist killed by an IDF drone strike in March. According to the IDF, Barakat was responsible for two shooting attacks, including the murder of 32-year-old Meir Tamari, a father of two children, near the Israeli community of Hermesh in the West Bank in May 2023.

Expert Analysis

“Iran-backed Palestinian terrorist groups have long sought the ‘Gazafication’ of the West Bank, to turn the area into another forward base from which to carry out rocket launches and armed infiltrations against Israel. Arguably, this hasn’t been more evident anywhere than in Jenin, where the Palestinian Authority has given up any semblance of law enforcement and where there are even the beginnings of a local rocketry industry. Israel is doing what is necessary to preempt this intolerable threat.” — Mark Dubowitz, FDD CEO

“While Israel is focused on Gaza and Lebanon, violence fomented largely by Palestinian terrorist organizations continues unabated in the West Bank. The near-daily Israeli counterterrorism operations in the West Bank have only managed to contain the threat rather than eradicate it. As a result, terrorist organizations continue attacking Israeli targets in the West Bank and are becoming a significant security issue for the Jewish state.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

Source: fdd.org

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2024/05/21/israel-strikes-at-hamas-palestinian-islamic-jihad-terrorists-in-jenin/

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CAIR Releases Congressional Scorecard and Resources for Key Legislation Impacting American Muslims

May 21, 2024

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in the nation, today released its “2024 General Election Congressional Scorecard” and “2024 Sample Questions for Candidates and Government Officials” to educate American Muslim voters and allies about how their members of Congress voted on key legislation and provide sample questions to ask candidates running for office to better to understand their stance on issues important to our community.

READ: 2024 Congressional Scorecard

READ: 2024 Sample Questions for Candidates

In a statement, CAIR Director of Government Affairs Department Robert S. McCaw said:

“In this crucial election year, the Muslim community faces significant challenges, including incidents of violence, discrimination, and elected officials using their offices to either uplift or silence our voices. That is why Muslim voters must exercise our right to vote responsibly and with awareness of how our leaders in Congress have carried out their duties.

“CAIR is releasing these new election resources to assist American Muslim voters in better understanding the issues and candidates they are voting for in their state’s primaries and the November general election. CAIR’s congressional scorecards and sample questions for candidates running for office are designed to initiate conversations, not promote voting preferences. Muslim voters will independently arrive at their informed candidate choices; we are simply encouraging them to engage in the democratic process and vote.”

CAIR’s Congressional Scorecard tracks congressional votes and co-sponsorship of key bills, including:

H.R.6126/S.168 Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act; H.R 7921/ S.4091 Countering Antisemitism Act; H. Res. 246 Commencement of Ramadan; H. Res. 989/ S. Res. 534 Recognition of January as “Muslim Heritage Month”; H. Res. 786 Ceasefire Now Resolution; H.R 2985/ S. 1916 Combating International Islamophobia Act; H.Res. 556 Recognizing the Commencement of Eid and many more.

The votes of every elected member of Congress have been rated positively or negatively depending on how closely their votes on relevant legislation corresponded with civil rights and social justice priorities identified by CAIR. The criteria selected for each topic are rooted in legislation introduced and voted upon in the 118th U.S. Congress (2023-2024).

CAIR notes that the amount of legislation introduced in Congress is rather expansive – elected officials highlighted in this scorecard should not be judged by these criteria alone. Rather, this scorecard is intended to provide a general profile that CAIR hopes will assist all voters, including American Muslim voters, in better understanding the attitudes of elected officials towards these key issues.

CAIR’s Sample Questions for Candidates and Government Officials aims to assist Muslim community members and allies in questioning and understanding the views and positions of incumbents, new candidates running for office, and government officials already in service.

Questions included in this community resource cover a wide range of issues related to the freedom of religion, the economy, education, immigration, community safety, the right to vote, and the right to boycott. This questionnaire also features a special section addressing the Israeli government’s war in Gaza and its occupation of Palestinians in the West Bank, along with the response of the U.S. government.

These questions can be asked during community town halls, public forums, public or private meetings, or submitted for written response. These questions are drawn from the advocacy and legal work of CAIR and its network of chapters that serve the needs of American Muslims nationwide.

*Note About the CAIR’s Congressional Scorecard and Other Election Empowerment Activities: As a nonpartisan organization, CAIR can encourage American Muslims to participate in national and state elections, conduct voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives, provide training programs, issue briefings, organize candidate forums, volunteer in campaigns, and lead get-out-the-vote drives. CAIR makes no claims as to the favorability of one candidate being elected over another. Therefore, CAIR encourages readers of this scorecard to further research the actions of their local representatives before supporting any candidate. Nonprofits cannot engage in political activities that support one candidate or party over another, but we are committed to making our community’s voice and vote heard.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations’ 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.   

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Donate to CAIR    

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Do you like reading CAIR press releases and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR. 

If you would like to join CAIR’s media list, please sign up here:  

https://action.cair.com/a/newsletters — For more information, email: info@cair.com, CC ihooper@cair.com   

END   

Source: cair.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-releases-congressional-scorecard-and-resources-for-key-legislation-impacting-american-muslims/

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Africa

 

At least 40 villagers shot dead in latest violence in Nigeria's conflict-hit north

Armed men attacked remote villages in northcentral Nigeria, killing at least a dozen villagers during a late-night raid, authorities said Tuesday.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack which follows a similar pattern to yearslong violence in the region blamed on the fight for control over water and land between nomadic herders and rural farmers. These raids have so far killed hundreds in the region.

The local Punch newspaper cited witnesses as saying at least 40 people were killed in Plateau’s Wase district on Monday night. However, government officials told The Associated Press only 12 casualties have so far been confirmed.

It is common for official figures to be less than that of witness accounts in such attacks.

The attackers opened fire on villagers in Wase’s Zurak community, forcing many to flee into nearby bushes, Musa Ashoms, the state commissioner for information said. “We are trying to comb the area to see whether we have more casualties or people with bullet wounds,” he added.

The motorcycle-riding gunmen attacked the village following a security operation that targeted their hideouts and aimed to “wipe” them out of the area, Idris Wase, a federal legislator from Plateau’s Wase district said.

Locals have repeatedly expressed concern over how the assailants can attack villages for hours and escape before security forces arrive on the scene.

Arrests following such attacks are rare.

In December, assailants killed at least 140 residents during an attack that targeted more than a dozen communities over two days.

Source: africanews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.africanews.com/2024/05/22/at-least-40-villagers-shot-dead-in-latest-violence-in-nigerias-conflict-hit-north/

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Dozens killed in inter-communal clashes in DR Congo, UN says

MAY 22 2024

Dozens of civilians have been killed so far this month in intercommunal clashes over land in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a UN humanitarian agency said on Tuesday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) said aid workers are helping the injured and displaced from the deadly clashes in the northeastern province of Tshopo.

Since February 2023, the clashes have killed 740 civilians and displaced 75,000 people in Kisangani, the capital of Tshopo, according to UN Ocha.

The office said an UN Ocha-led assessment team found that food, shelter and health care are the most pressing needs for the displaced people.

It called on all involved to work together to end the violence, protect civilians and find a sustainable solution to the conflict in the country.

Source: theeastafrican.co.ke

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/dozens-killed-in-inter-communal-clashes-in-dr-congo-un-says-4631156

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Rights group Asylum Aid files legal challenge to UK's Rwanda policy

MAY 21 2024

Human rights group Asylum Aid said on Tuesday it had filed a legal challenge to Britain's policy to send asylum seekers to Rwanda.

"Asylum Aid has filed a claim in the High Court challenging the Home Office’s ‘Safety of Rwanda’ guidance," the group said in a statement.

Asylum Aid had previously signalled its intention to file such a claim.

Source: theeastafrican.co.ke

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/rights-group-files-legal-challenge-to-uk-s-rwanda-policy-4630436

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Gunmen kill mayor, two others in Cameroon amid National Day celebrations

MAY 21 2024

Gunmen in Cameroon killed a local mayor and two others in the restive North West region as the nation observed its National Day on Monday, the regional governor said, the second ambush in two weeks targeting government officials.

Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique said Mayor Ngong Innocent Ankiambom of the town of Belo, as well as his deputy mayor and an inspector of basic education, were shot dead as they made their way to the celebrations.

"I will like to express deep concerns and ask the population to remain calm," the governor said, adding that a manhunt had been launched to apprehend and punish the killers.

The officials were shot along a 200-metre stretch between the town council office and the Belo municipal grandstand where celebrations were due to take place, according to a local official who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak to the press.

That person said a similar attack was also carried out in the nearby town of Njinkom, but that the number of casualties was not yet known due to communications difficulties.

On May 10, separatist fighters ambushed and killed a commander of a gendarmerie brigade and four of his men in the Central African country's South West region.

Separatists across the North West and South West regions typically step up attacks around National Day, which marks the abolition of the federal system of governance in Cameroon.

This year they said they were imposing a three-day lockdown, restricting the movement of people and cars, in the run-up to the event.

None of the armed groups operating in the region has so far claimed responsibility for Monday's attack.

More than 6,000 people have been killed in Cameroon's English-speaking regions since conflict erupted in 2017 after protests were violently suppressed.

Source: theeastafrican.co.ke

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/rest-of-africa/gunmen-kill-mayor-two-others-in-cameroon-4629922

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Pakistan

 

Bill seeks ban on appointment of judges holding dual nationality

May 21, 2024

ISLAMABAD: A Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Member of the National Assembly (MNA), Noor Alam Khan, has proposed a constitutional amendment to ban the appointment of dual national judges in the higher and top courts.

A Constitutional (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has been submitted to the NA Secretariat by the JUI-F lawmaker, which sought modifications in the Constitution’s Articles 177, 193 and 208, shutting all legal routes to the appointments of those judges who have foreign nationalities.

The draft bill clearly stated that a dual national individual shall not be appointed as a Supreme Court (SC) or a high court (HC) judge.

It also sought to block the passage to the appointments of foreign nationals as judiciary officers and servants as well.

Raising objections over “foreign national” jurists, MNA Noor stated in the draft bill: “Judges of high courts and [the] Supreme Court must have their stakes in the country in which they hold [the] position of authority, privileged trustworthy.”

It also read: “Those who hold dual nationality of foreign states, putting at stake the interest of the country of their origin.”

Urging the legislature to promulgate the proposed law, the JUI-F lawmaker said that there is a need to ensure the loyalty of the judges in the light of Article 5 of the Constitution, and his proposed amendments will achieve aforesaid objectives.

Geo News obtained copies of the proposed constitutional amendments in which MNA Noor suggested changes in different clauses of the previous law reading “holds dual nationality or citizenship of any foreign country”. He suggested replacing “or” with “and” in the aforementioned paragraph.

Source: thenews.com.pk

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1191602-draft-bill-seeks-ban-on-appointment-of-judges-holding-dual-nationality

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Security Forces Kill 29 Terrorists In Balochistan

May 22, 2024

Twenty-nine terrorists have been successfully neutralized by the security forces in past one month as result of effective engagements and operations in Sambaza area of Zhob District in Balochistan.

According to ISPR, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist incidents orchestrated from Afghan soil, wherein, terrorists from Afghanistan attempt to infiltrate through Pakistan-Afghanistan Border and target Security Forces as well as the innocent civilians.

In this context, in addition to other areas along Pakistan-Afghanistan border, security forces are conducting operations in general area Sambaza in Zhob District of Balochistan since 21 of last month.

The ISPR said in the same series of operations, during an intelligence-based operation on 14th of this month, Major Babar Khan also embraced Shahadat while fighting gallantly.

The security forces are determined and remain committed to secure the borders and ensure safety of its citizens against the scourge of terrorism.

Pakistan has consistently been asking interim Afghan Government to ensure effective border management on their side of border.

The interim Afghan Government is expected to fulfill its obligations and deny the use of Afghan Soil by terrorists for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan.

Source: radio.gov.pk

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https://www.radio.gov.pk/22-05-2024/security-forces-kill-29-terrorists-in-balochistan

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IHC gives govt four days to find missing poet

May 22, 2024

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday gave government four days for the recovery of missing poet Ahmed Farhad.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani accep­ted the request of Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan of four-day adjournment in order to enable the federal government to apply available resources for the recovery of Farhad.

The federal minister for law and justice a day earlier held a press conference after the judge made certain remarks against the executive, and directed the investigating officer to record the statement of an intelligence official.

When the matter came up for hearing on Tuesday, Justice Kayani inquired from the investigating officer about the progress. The officer replied that he went to the intelligence agency’s office, but the sector commander was not there. He quoted another officer as informing him that Farhad was not in their custody. But the investigating officer replied in the negative when the judge inquired if he recorded the statement of the spy agency official under Section 161 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The judge asked him to act strictly in accordance with the Police Rules.

During the course of hearing, AGP Awan requested for grant of time and assured the court that the government would utilise all the resources for his recovery within the time frame set by the judge.

The judge reminded him that he had given an undertaking before the IHC and the Supreme Court that no one would go missing from Islamabad.

Petitioner’s counsel Imaan Mazari questioned the efficacy of the spy agencies if they could not trace the missing persons. The judge expressed hope that Farhad would be back within a week.

Further hearing in this case has been adjourned till Friday, May 24.

Baloch missing persons

Earlier, while hearing the case of Baloch missing persons, Justice Kayani remarked that the court only wanted judges, lawyers, journalists, parliamentarians and spy agencies to act in accordance with law.

Asked how many people were arrested, harassed or went missing during the past 10 years, AGP Awan replied that a report in this regard was being prepared.

Justice Kayani said, “It would be good if the working procedures of intelligence agencies was clarified.” He noted that according to the law, the police and FIA can conduct investigations, while intelligence agencies can assist with the investigation, added a Dawn.com report.

“No Pakistani, be it journalists or parliamentarians, is supporting terrorists,” Justice Kayani said. “No one prevents institutions from working according to the law.”

The AGP stated that until the issue is resolved politically, the matter will not be settled.

“So it is acknowledged then that this is a political issue. We don’t want to invite anyone from outside to solve the issue,” Justice Kayani remarked. “Mistakes happen, but one must learn from mistakes and move forward.”

The judge meted out praise for AGP Awan, noting that this was the twenty first hearing of the case and several missing students had been recovered thanks to the attorney general’s “hard work”.

“Due to his efforts, several missing persons have now reached home,” Justice Kayani noted.

Justice Kayani lightheartedly asked AGP Awan where to find people like him who find solutions to problems, to which the attorney general replied by saying that was a difficult question to answer.

Source: dawn.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.dawn.com/news/1834954/ihc-gives-govt-four-days-to-find-missing-poet

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Senators Faisal Vawda, Irfan Siddiqui use privilege to ‘attack’ judiciary

May 22, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Despite the issuance of contempt notices to pliable politicians who had criticised the judiciary for its supposed failings, a couple of lawmakers used their privilege as parliamentarians to assail the conduct of judges on Tuesday, with Senator Faisal Vawda moving a motion against a sitting Supreme Court judge.

During a hearing last week, Justice Athar Minallah of the Supreme Court had taken exception to Mr Vawda’s remarks against the judiciary, regretting that judges were being threatened through “proxies”.

In response, the independently elected senator, who is under contempt notice from the SC, said the judge’s remarks “damaged not only his integrity but that of the house too”.

“I am moving a privilege motion seeking action against Judge Athar Minallah. It is up to the house or the chair or the committee to take action against him,” he said, during the session chaired by PPP’s Sherry Rehman.

Mr Vawda claimed the judge called him a proxy without any evidence, adding that the term was used out of prejudice and bias against him.

Referring to his news conference, Mr Vawda said he stood by every word he said at the presser. He also demanded the judge to produce evidence for his remarks.

Mr Vawda claimed that when anyone else commits any wrongdoing or says something, they are summoned by courts. But when a judge is accused of misconduct, “it is called a mistake and no action is taken”.

PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui picked up where Mr Vawda left off, saying that the superior judiciary had a history of “garlanding violators of the Constitution”, Mr Siddiqui said, adding the judiciary invoked the doctrine of necessity and always “squashed democracy, politicians and political values”.

“Who gave them the privilege of labelling someone as Sicilian mafia, Godfather or proxy?” he asked, rhetorically.

Mr Siddiqui said articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution were for lawmakers and asked how many judges it had been applied to.

Dual nationality of judges

In a related development, a bill to ban the appointment of dual national judges in superior courts has been submitted with the National Assembly secretariat, a source told Dawn.

The bill, proposing to amend articles 177, 193 and 208 of the Constitution, has been submitted by JUI-F MNA Noor Alam Khan.

‘No change in solar net metering’

During the session on Tuesday, Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari said the government was not changing the policy regarding solar net metering.

Source: dawn.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.dawn.com/news/1834943/senators-faisal-vawda-irfan-siddiqui-use-privilege-to-attack-judiciary

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Anti-Terrorist Force man martyred in Dera Allahyar

May 22, 2024

DERA MURAD JAMALI: An Anti-Terrorist Force (ATF) personnel was martyred in Dera Allahyar town of Jaffarabad district on Tuesday.

According to police, the victim, identified as Ghulam Mohammad, was on his way home on a motorbike when two armed motorcyclists intercepted him near Zeb town and opened fire.

He sustained multiple gunshot injuries and died on the spot. The police shifted the body to the district hospital and launched an investigation.

Senior officials, including SSP Dawood Khosa, and a number of people attended the funeral of the martyred ATF personnel, who was later buried in a local graveyard.

Source: dawn.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.dawn.com/news/1834947/anti-terrorist-force-man-martyred-in-dera-allahyar

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Inquiry committee formed to investigate Bishkek mob attacks

May 22, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar Wednesday said that the Pakistani government has decided to form a fact-finding committee to probe the factors and causes that led to the mob attacks on Pakistani students in Kyrgyzstan capital Bishkek.

Additional Secretary Administration Muhammad Saleem will be heading the committee which will probe into the developments pertaining to the violence that ensued last week.

Addressing a presser in Islamabad, flanked by Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi, Dar said the committee has been ordered to complete its report within two weeks.

The committee will also probe about the role of the Pakistani Mission in facilitating the students in the Kyrgyz capital.

The committee, Dar added, will coordinate with Kyrgyz authorities and review all the findings and developments.

At least five Pakistani students were reported injured in the violence which was triggered following a harassment incident on May 13 involving Egyptian students in the Kyrgyz capital.

A day earlier, Dar visited Bishkek to discuss the “concerns” of Pakistani students who among other foreign nationals suffered mob attacks by locals last week.

The visit came as Pakistan ramped up evacuations of its students from Bishkek with over 3,000 pupils returning to the country so far.

After reaching Bishkek, FM Dar held a detailed meeting with his Kyrgyz counterpart KulubaevZheenbekMoldokanovich.

Dar, during the presser, said that he had discussed the students’ issue with his Kyrgyz counterpart in Kazakhstan’s capital Astana, where they were visiting for a separate meeting. “The Kyrgyz FM had assured me that there is nothing to worry about.”

During his time in Bishkek, the deputy premier also visited the hospital where injured Pakistani students were being treated.

He informed media in Islamabad that the Kyrgyz president also assured him that he would not tolerate such an incident and that those involved in attacks have been arrested.

Dar was informed by Pakistani Ambassador Hassan Zaigham that at least 1,100 workers arrived in Kyrgyzstan through agents and continue to live there without visas. He added that these workers are employed in different factories.

Dar requested the Kyrgyz government to issue visas to the workers instead of deporting them and was assured by Kyrgyzstan’s deputy prime minister regarding the issuance of visas.

The deputy premier added that the students are scared following the riots in the Kyrgyz capital.

“Students who are in their final year [of studies] should come back after completing their degree,” Dar said.

Source: thenews.com.pk

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1191877-inquiry-committee-formed-to-investigate-bishkek-mob-attacks

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FM Dar takes up Pakistani nationals' concerns with Kyrgyzstan govt after mob attacks

May 22, 2024

After Pakistani nationals, including students, suffered mob attacks by locals last week, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday reached Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek and took up Islamabad’s concerns with the Kyrgyz government.

The visit comes as Pakistan has ramped up evacuations of its students from Bishkek after violent mobs of locals targeted foreign nationals last week, with over 800 pupils returned to the country so far.

At least five Pakistani students suffered injuries in the attacks triggered by a brawl between Kyrgyz and Egyptian students, prompting mob attacks on hostels of medical universities and private lodgings of international students, including Pakistanis, in the city.

After reaching Bishkek, FM Dar held a detailed meeting with his Kyrgyz counterpart KulubaevZheenbekMoldokanovich.

The two sides reaffirmed the longstanding friendly relations between Pakistan and the Kyrgyz Republic and their commitment to strengthen people-to-people contacts between the two countries, the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement later today.

The foreign ministers discussed the recent unfortunate incidents of violence against foreigners, including Pakistanis, in Kyrgyzstan.

Dar thanked the Kyrgyz government for swiftly restoring normalcy and ensuring the well-being of Pakistani students, hoping those responsible for the violence would be held accountable.

The Kyrgyz foreign minister explained the steps taken to restore law and order, pledged to prosecute the perpetrators of the mob riots, and reaffirmed the commitment to ensure the security of all foreigners, including Pakistani nationals.

Later, the deputy premier visited the National Hospital, Bishkek, to meet Shahzaib, a Pakistani textile worker who was injured during the recent mob violence in Bishkek.

Dar was received at the hospital by Deputy Chairman of the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers Edil Baisalov and Kyrgyz Minister for Health Alymkadyr Beishenaliev.

The deputy premier also inquired about Shahzaib’s health who expressed a desire to return to Pakistan and undertake further treatment in the home country.

After discharge from the hospital, Shahzaib will travel to Pakistan with the deputy prime minister on his special aircraft.

A day earlier, Dar held a meeting with his Kyrgyz counterpart in Astana, Kazakhstan on the sidelines of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) moot.

During the meeting, Dar urged the Kyrgyz FM to take swift action against the perpetrators involved in the recent attacks on Pakistani students in Kyrgyzstan.

The meeting focused on the recent developments in Bishkek and the welfare of Pakistani nationals there.

Recalling their telephone conversation of yesterday on the same subject, the deputy prime minister underlined that Pakistan’s main concern was the security and well-being of its nationals, especially the students who were primarily affected by the developments of Friday.

He shared the feelings of insecurity and fear among the Pakistani students and requested Foreign Minister Kulubaev to ensure their safety and security.

He also requested holding to account those responsible for the attacks on Pakistani students.

FM Kulubaev shared that the Kyrgyz government had taken swift action to restore law and order, and the perpetrators of the mob riots would be punished under the Kyrgyz law.

He reassured the deputy prime minister about the safety and security of Pakistani nationals and full facilitation for the safe repatriation of students who wish to return to Pakistan.

Source: thenews.com.pk

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1191650-fm-dar-takes-up-pakistani-nationals-concerns-with-kyrgyzstan-govt-after-mob-attacks

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Media associations to move court against 'controversial' Punjab Defamation Bill

May 21, 2024

The Punjab Joint Action Committee (JAC) on Tuesday decided to challenge the Defamation Bill 2024 in the Lahore High Court (LHC), terming the legislation as “black law”.

The controversial bill was passed by the Punjab Assembly on Monday amid a strong protest by the opposition. According to the treasury benches, the bill is aimed at stopping fake news, but the media bodies have termed it as “draconian”.

A statement released by the Punjab JAC also called the Defamation Law 2024 a "black law".

It said that an emergency virtual meeting organised by the body had decided to further its struggle against the Defamation Bill 2024 by contacting the political parties, human rights organisations and other stakeholders.

The meeting was attended by members of the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND).

The attendees declared the controversial bill “passed in the dark of night without consultation with the stakeholders” as a draconian law, the Punjab JAC stated.

“It was clarified repeatedly that the media bodies are not against the law making but stakeholders should be consulted before legislation,” the committee said.

The statement said that the JAC had identified several authoritarian clauses present in the Defamation Bill 2024 that include points related to tribunals based on ill intention, fines, clauses allowing new laws despite the presence of older laws and clauses against freedom of expression.

It said that the aim of such clauses was to suppress the freedom of expression, putting restraints on journalistic freedom and legislation against basic human rights, which will not be accepted under any circumstances.

“None of the recommendations/suggestions sent by APNS and PBA were considered noteworthy and the black law was passed in haste, which is enough to expose the government’s ill intentions and aims behind this bill,” the Punjab JAC stated.

It further stated that different committees were formed to hold consultations with the stakeholders on connections, legal matters and other affairs.

Civil society, journalists reject Defamation Bill 2024

Over 80 civil society organisations and journalists registered their protest against the Defamation Bill 2024, terming it a "gross infringement" of basic rights.

"We outright reject the Punjab Defamation Bill (2024) as a gross infringement on the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and press freedom," the civil society and journalists said in a joint statement issued on Tuesday.

They said that the bill served as a draconian and regressive tool to suppress dissent and criticism, particularly targeting journalists and the wider public.

Its explicit mandate of safeguarding "public officials" against defamation is nothing short of an authoritarian manoeuvre, designed to shield those in power from accountability and scrutiny,' they added.

The statement further said that the bill's provisions, such as allowing defamation actions to be initiated without proof of actual damage and imposing extortionate fines, amount to nothing less than legal intimidation tactics.

"By replacing district courts with tribunals, the bill opens the door for undue interference," it added.

Furthermore, the bill's broad definition of "journalists" and "newspapers" to include social media users sets a dangerous precedent for stifling freedom of expression online.

It said that the punishments, including the possibility of blocking social media accounts, proposed in the bill were disproportionate and antithetical to democratic principles.

The civil society urged the provincial government to heed the voices of the stakeholders and reverse this effort to pass another regressive legislation akin to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca)

They also called for the Punjab Defamation Bill (2024) to be scrapped entirely, and any future attempts to address disinformation and hate speech on online platforms should be initiated with inclusive consultations at the national level.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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Mideast

 

Islamic Resistance Fighters Target Israeli Occupation Sites in Support of Gaza

 May 21, 2024

In support of the Palestinian people and resistance in Gaza and in light of the Israeli aggression on the various South Lebanon villages, the Islamic Resistance continued striking the Zionist occupation sites near Lebanon border.

Hezbollah military media issued consecutive statements to illustrate the attacks and their outcomes.

The first statement mentioned that, after monitoring the movements of the “Israeli” enemy and precise observation at Al-Raheb site, when a group of its soldiers moved in the vicinity of the site at 2:30 am on Tuesday, 21-5-2024, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted them with rocket weapons and artillery shells.

The second statement affirmed that the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted, at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, a positioning and the stationing point for enemy soldiers at Ruweisat Al-Qarn site in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms with a guided missile, directly hitting it and causing it to catch fire.

According to the third statement, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted, at 15:05 pm on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, a gathering of “Israeli” enemy soldiers in the vicinity of the Al-Raheb site with rocket weapons.

The fourth statement maintained that the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted Al-Malkiya site with artillery shells at 04:04 pm on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, achieving a direct hit.

The fifth statement emphasized that the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted Al-Marj site with artillery shells at 04:50 pm on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, causing direct hits.

The sixth statement pointed out that the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted at 05:00 pm on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, Zibdin site in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms with missiles, hitting it directly.

The seventh statement noted that the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted, at 05:20 pm on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, a gathering of “Israeli” enemy soldiers at Al-Karantina Hill with artillery shells.

In support of the steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in solidarity with their valiant and honorable resistance, the Islamic Resistance carried out a number of operations against the positions and deployment of the “Israeli” enemy army on the Lebanese-Palestinian border on Monday, May 20, 2024, as follows:

– Eastern Sector:

1- At 13:30, Zibdeen barracks in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms were targeted with artillery shells, resulting in a direct hit.

2- At 13:35, Ramim barracks were targeted with Burkan rockets, resulting in a direct hit.

3- At 14:45, a guided missile attack targeted an “Israeli” army center at the eastern entrance of the village of Al-Ghajar, directly hitting the site where enemy officers were gathered, causing casualties among them, with the evacuation of the wounded observed.

4- At 14:50, Al-Marj site was targeted with artillery shells, resulting in a direct hit.

5- At 16:15, Al-Mutela site was targeted with appropriate weapons.

6- At 17:00, Al-Marj site was targeted with appropriate weapons.

7- At 21:10, Al-Marj site was targeted with artillery shells, resulting in a direct hit.

– Western Sector:

1- At 12:20, the headquarters of the 91st Brigade in Barnit barracks was targeted with a heavy Burkan rocket, resulting in the destruction of part of the barracks and the injury of a number of enemy soldiers, with a fire breaking out, in retaliation for the “Israeli” aggression against the steadfast southern villages and safe homes, especially the attack on the town of Al-Naqoura.

2- At 13:25, Al-Raheb site was targeted with appropriate weapons, resulting in direct hits.

3- At 14:50, Al-Malkiya Site and the deployment of “Israeli” soldiers in its vicinity were targeted with artillery shells, resulting in direct hits.

4- At 15:30, Ramya site was targeted with appropriate weapons, resulting in a direct hit.

5- At 16:50, Jal Al-Alam site was targeted with rocket weapons, resulting in a direct hit.

6- At 22:30, after monitoring and following up on the “Israeli” forces at Al-Malkiya site, and upon the movement of a group of soldiers within it, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted them with rocket weapons, inflicting confirmed casualties.

Source: Al-Manar English Website

Source: english.almanar.com

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Palestinian ministry says Israel troops kill 8 in West Bank raid

May 21, 2024

JENIN, Palestinian Territories: Palestinian health officials said eight Palestinians were killed Tuesday in an Israeli raid on the West Bank city of Jenin, where an AFP correspondent reported masked gunmen exchanged fire with Israeli forces.

Smoke billowed over the refugee camp adjacent to the city after a series of explosions inside, while at least five gunmen clashed with troops in a nearby downtown neighborhood, the correspondent reported.

The Palestinian health ministry in Ramallah said Israeli troops had killed eight people — raising an earlier toll of seven — and wounded nearly 20 others during the raid, which began in the morning in Jenin city.

An AFP journalist saw four bodies at Jenin’s Khalil Suleiman hospital morgue.

The Israeli military said it had launched a “counterterrorism operation” in the city, later adding that “exchanges of fire are underway between the security forces and the armed terrorists.”

The official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that among those killed was a surgeon, UsaeedJabareen, from the Jenin government hospital.

A school teacher and a student were also among the dead, Wafa reported, quoting hospital director Wissam Bakr.

Amer Manasra, a 25-year-old freelance journalist, told AFP he had been wounded by Israeli forces during the raid.

“I was hit in the back of my leg by a stray bullet fired by Israeli forces,” he said from a hospital bed, adding the incident had taken place near the entrance to the camp.

The Israeli army said it had raided the house of Ahmed Barakat, who was behind an attack on an Israeli civilian last year.

Meir Tamari, 32, was killed in May 2023 at the entrance to a Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank, medics and military officials said at the time.

Following the raid, all schools in Jenin and the camp were evacuated, Wafa said.

In the afternoon, the streets near the camp were deserted, except for Israeli bulldozers moving debris.

The road between the hospital and the camp had been stripped of its asphalt by Israeli troops who said they were looking for concealed bombs.

Drones buzzed overhead and sporadic gunfire rang out.

Crowds of mourners including schoolchildren gathered for the funeral of teacher Allam Jaradat.

Jaradat’s body, wrapped in the green flag of militant group Hamas, was kept at a mosque where mourners offered prayers.

“The new massacre in Jenin... is conclusive evidence of the criminal mentality that rules the occupying state and its ideological belief in killing our people,” Hamas said in a statement.

The office of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas condemned Tuesday’s raid in a statement on Wafa, saying Israel was “killing innocent people, doctors, and destroying the infrastructure of Palestinian hospitals, cities and villages.”

Jenin has long been a stronghold of Palestinian militant groups and the Israeli army routinely carries out raids into the city and adjacent camp.

The West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967, has seen a surge in violence for more than a year, but particularly since the Israel-Hamas war erupted on October 7.

At least 513 Palestinians have been killed in the territory by Israeli troops or settlers since the Gaza war broke out, according to Palestinian officials.

Attacks by Palestinians have killed at least 12 Israelis in the West Bank over the same period, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

The Gaza Strip has been gripped by more than seven months of war since Hamas’s unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of more than 1,170 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed at least 35,647 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry.

Source: arabnews.com

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Israeli forces raze parts of Gaza’s Jabalia, hit Rafah with airstrikes

 May 21, 2024

GAZA STRIP: Israeli forces thrust deeper into Jabalia in northern Gaza on Tuesday, striking a hospital and destroying residential areas with tank and air bombardments, residents said, while Israeli airstrikes killed at least five people in Rafah in the south.

Simultaneous Israeli assaults on the northern and southern edges of the Gaza Strip this month have caused a new exodus of hundreds of thousands of people fleeing their homes, and sharply restricted the flow of aid, raising the risk of famine.

In Jabalia, a sprawling refugee camp built for displaced civilians 75 years ago, the Israeli army used bulldozers to clear shops and property near the local market, residents said, in a military operation that began almost two weeks ago.

Israel said it has returned to the camp, where it had claimed to have dismantled Hamas months ago, to prevent the militant group that controls Gaza from regrouping.

In a roundup of its activity over the past day, the Israeli military said it had dismantled “about 70 terror targets” throughout the Gaza Strip, including military compounds, weapon storage sites, missile launchers and observation posts.

Palestinian medics said Israeli missiles struck the emergency department of Jabalia’s Kamal Adwan Hospital, prompting panicked staff to rush patients on hospital beds and stretchers to the rubble-strewn street outside.

“The first missile when it hit, it hit the entrance of the emergency department. We tried to enter, and then a second missile hit, and the third hit the building nearby,” said Hussam Abu Safia, the head of hospital.

“We cannot go back inside to them ... The emergency department provides a service for children, the elderly and people inside the departments of the hospital.”

Residents and medics said Israeli tanks were besieging another Jabalia hospital, Al-Awda Hospital, for the third day. In Geneva, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said northern Gaza’s sick and wounded were running out of options.

“These are the only two functional hospitals remaining in northern Gaza,” Tedros said. “Ensuring their ability to deliver health services is imperative.”

More than 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war in Gaza, which is now in its eighth month, according to the Gaza health ministry. At least 10,000 others are missing and believed to be trapped under destroyed buildings, it says.

Israel is seeking to eradicate Hamas after militants from the group stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 and taking more than 250 hostages, by Israeli tallies.

The war has devastated the overcrowded coastal enclave, destroying houses, schools and hospitals and creating a dire humanitarian crisis.

Aid from a US-built pier resumed moving into warehouses in Gaza on Tuesday using alternative routes, the Pentagon said. The distribution was halted for three days after crowds of needy residents intercepted trucks.

In the south, airstrikes killed three children in a house in Khan Younis and at least five people including three children in a home in Rafah, health officials said.

East of Khan Younis, residents said they were fleeing Khuzaa town after Israeli troops began an incursion on the eastern edge of the territory, bulldozing across the border fence.

“Bombing everywhere, people are leaving in panic. It was a surprising incursion,” one resident from Khuzaa told Reuters by phone as he and his family were leaving.

Israel is pushing on with its operations in Rafah on Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, where more than half of the territory’s 2.3 million population had sought refuge after being displaced from areas further north.

UNRWA, the main United Nations agency in Gaza, estimated as of Monday that more 800,000 had fled since Israel began targeting the city in early May, despite international pleas for restraint over concern about civilian casualties.

On Tuesday, the agency said food distributions had been suspended in Rafah due to lack of supplies and insecurity.

Israel has pledged to continue with the Rafah assault to root out what it says are four remaining battalions of Hamas fighters holed up there. Tanks made incursions into the eastern Rafah suburbs of Jeneina, Al-Salam, and Brazil, according to residents.

The Israeli military said over the past day it had “identified a terrorist shooting mortar shells at IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) troops,” though no injuries were reported. It said it had taken out the enemy with an airstrike and had located rockets and additional military equipment in the area.

Source: arabnews.com

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Greece Refuses to Restore Historic Mosques InLesbos despite Mutual Agreement with Türkiye

MAY 21, 2024

Greece has yet to restore historic mosques on the island of Lesbos despite mutual agreements and the principle of reciprocity with neighbouring Türkiye, according to an expert.

As per a deal signed in 2010 with the municipality of Ayvalık in Türkiye’s western Balıkesir province, which borders Lesbos, the Greek island’s administration agreed to restore three historical mosques on Lesbos in exchange for the restoration of three Greek Orthodox churches: Taxiarchis, Agios Yannis and AyvalıkAyazma.

“While Ayvalık has fulfilled the agreement and renovated the buildings, Greece is yet to adhere to the deal 14 years later,” Neval Konuk, an associate professor of architecture history and a lecturer of tourism guiding from Marmara University, told Anadolu Agency (AA).

Though Greece and Türkiye appear to have opened a fresh leaf in long-tense bilateral relations since last year, the state of Ottoman heritage mosques is a point of contention between the two. Türkiye has criticized Athens in the past for depriving Muslim minorities of rights and letting Ottoman-era buildings, including the mosques, fall into disrepair.

Turkish experts, too, have repeatedly slammed Greece’s practice of shutting down historic mosques and other buildings from the Ottoman era as a move “violating reciprocity principles in granting freedom of religion.”

“Türkiye has rebuilt more than 80 churches and opened them to worship on certain days even in places where there are no congregations,” Konak argued. “Greek scientists too supported these restorations, and yet we cannot have Greece restore even a fountain.”

“There can be no talk of any reciprocity when it comes to restoring historic works and historical temples between Türkiye and Greece,” she lamented.

Konuk pointed out Yalı Mosque, Valide Mosque and Yeni Mosque as prime examples of the dilapidated state of Ottoman-era mosques in Lesbos.

Yalı Mosque, built in 1805, was used as a butcher’s shop until the 2000s and is used as an agricultural tools office today. The restoration of Valide Mosque, dating back to 1615, was deliberately slowed down after Türkiye reconverted Istanbul's landmark Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque back into a mosque from a museum in 2021.

“Now they’re considering turning the mosque into a city library and a memorial house after it’s completed,” Konuk said.

As for Yeni Mosque, built in 1815 in the city center of Lesbos, it was stripped of its outer coating and plaster, leaving it vulnerable to external damage for 15 years.

The mountainous island of Lesbos came under Ottoman rule in 1462 during the reign of Mehmet II and remained so until the 1913 Treaty of London, which ceded all European territory of the Ottoman Empire west of the line between Enos on the Aegean and Sea and Midia on the Black Sea to the Balkan League.

Dozens of Ottoman buildings like mosques commissioned by members of the royal house, government offices, bathhouses, all-girls schools and police stations were built on Lesbos during this period, but there is no registration for buildings constructed after 1821, which Greece considers the start of its independence, Konak explained.

“By classifying buildings built before 1821 as post-Byzantine works, Greece approaches Ottoman architectural works with prejudice and disregard,” she argued.

The restoration of mosques in Lesbos also concerns the freedoms of religion, worship and conscience, Konak further said.

“For instance, nearly 6,500 Turks live on the Island of Rhodes, where more than 300 Ottoman-era mosques are standing and well-maintained. Turkish tourists pay a lot of visits to these mosques, but only two mosques are open to worship: the Ibrahim Pasha mosque in the city center and the Sulaymaniyah Mosque, which only opens for Eid prayers twice a year.”

Source: dailysabah.com

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Emirates Islamic Bank launches $750mn sustainability sukuk, document shows

May 21, 2024

Emirates Islamic Bank, the Islamic arm of Dubai’s biggest lender Emirates NBD, has launched a $750 million 5-year sustainability Islamic bond, or sukuk, a document from an arranging bank showed on Tuesday.

Indicative pricing for the bond was for a spread of around 100 basis points over U.S Treasuries, the document showed, down from 130 bps over earlier in the day.

The debt, which is being issued under the bank’s $2.5 billion certificate issuance programme, attracted more than $1.9 billion in orders, the document added.

Emirates NBD Capital and Standard Chartered Bank are acting as joint global coordinators, while Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank And The Islamic Corporation For The Development Of The Private Sector are joint lead managers and joint bookrunners for the sale.

Source: brecorder.com

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With focus on Islamic finance, Istanbul to host 1st AlBaraka Summit

MAY 21, 2024

The 1st AlBaraka Summit in Istanbul, where the future path of the Islamic economy on a global scale will be explored and is set to be attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, will be held on May 24-25.

The summit is organized by the AlBaraka Forum for Islamic Economy in partnership with the Investment Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, the Istanbul Financial Center (IFC), the Türkiye Wealth Fund (TWF), Ibn Haldun University and Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF).

The two-day event will take place at the Istanbul Lütfi Kırdar International Convention and Exhibition Center.

Building on Türkiye's extensive experience as an Islamic finance center in the Western world, the AlBaraka Summit aims to strengthen this expertise and its cooperation with Islamic countries. The summit will bring together experts, academics, policy and industry leaders to discuss key themes, trends and opportunities in the Islamic economy, and to drive sustainable growth and innovation.

The summit is set to open on May 24 with Erdoğan's presence, with opening statements to be delivered by Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Kamel, chairperson of the board of trustees of the AlBaraka Forum, and Fatih Karahan, governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye (CBRT).

Taha Ayhan, president of ICYF, alongside professor Atilla Arkan, rector of Ibn Haldun University, Salim Arda Ermut, president of the Türkiye Wealth Fund, and diverse industry experts are expected to discuss a variety of topics at the upcoming event.

These topics will include the evolution of Islamic economic thought, the incorporation of ethical principles and the impact of Islamic finance on driving sustainable economic growth, according to the organizers.

The diverse panel of speakers will provide insights and perspectives from different regions, offering a comprehensive understanding of the role of Islamic finance in today's global economy.

Under the theme “Global Prospects of the Islamic Economy: Fundamentals and Needs," the summit will focus on exploring the fundamental principles and values of the Islamic economy, identifying trends and challenges in the global Islamic finance sector, successful collaborations and partnerships between Türkiye and Islamic countries, discussing strategies to advance the Islamic economy in the digital age and examining the role of youth in shaping the future of the Islamic economy.

The AlBaraka Summit will serve as a platform for economists, investors and stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue, establish in strategic partnerships and chart a course toward a more inclusive and prosperous future guided by the principles of Islamic finance, highlighting practical Turkish models in line with Islamic finance principles and exploring the future prospects of Islamic economic markets globally.

“The summit will showcase the capacity of Islamic investment and financial instruments to expand global opportunities for Islamic economic institutions, highlighting the ethical standards of Islamic finance as the cornerstone of the Islamic economic system and its broader benefits to humanity," said Kamel.

"In addition, the future picture of service and product markets for the Islamic economy on a global scale will be explored," he added.

Yousef Khalawi, secretary-general of AlBaraka Forum Islamic Economy, said that Türkiye is a substantial center in the field of Islamic finance and added, “I believe that the summit will drive influence among experts, academics, investors and entrepreneurs in Türkiye."

Setting the course for a more sustainable, inclusive and innovative future for the Islamic economy on a global scale, the AlBaraka Summit will feature keynote speeches, panels, workshops and networking sessions, providing valuable insight and opportunities to interact with community leaders in the field.

Source: dailysabah.com

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Tens of thousands gather for Raisi funeral procession in Tehran

May 22, 2024

TEHRAN: Tens of thousands of Iranians flocked to the streets of Tehran Wednesday to join the funeral processions of president Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage, who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday.

In the center of the city, people holding portraits of Raisi gathered in and around the University of Tehran, where Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is due to lead prayers for Raisi and his companions, including foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

Raisi’s helicopter crashed Sunday on a fog-shrouded mountainside in northern Iran on the way to the city of Tabriz after the group attended the inauguration of a dam project on the border with Azerbaijan.

A huge search and rescue operation was launched, involving help from Turkiye, Russia and the European Union. State television announced Raisi’s death early on Monday.

Raisi, who was widely expected to succeed Khamenei as supreme leader, was 63.

In the capital, huge banners have gone up hailing the late president as “the martyr of service,” while others bade “farewell to the servant of the disadvantaged.”

Tehran residents received phone messages urging them to “attend the funeral of the martyr of service.”

The processions, which will be attended by foreign dignitaries, are planned to set off from the university and head to the vast Enghelab Square in the city center, according to state media.

Funeral rites for the late president and his entourage began on Tuesday with tens of thousands of black-clad mourners in attendance in the city of Tabriz and the Shiite clerical center of Qom.

From Tehran, the bodies will be moved to South Khorasan province before being transferred to Raisi’s home city of Mashhad in the northeast, where he will be buried on Thursday evening after funeral rites at the Imam Reza shrine.

Khamenei, who wields ultimate authority in Iran, has declared five days of national mourning and assigned vice president Mohammad Mokhber, 68, as caretaker president until the June 28 election for Raisi’s successor.

Iran’s top nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri, who was Amir-Abdollahian’s deputy, has been named acting foreign minister.

The country’s armed forces chief of staff Mohammad Bagheri has ordered an investigation into the cause of the helicopter crash.

Raisi was elected president in 2021, succeeding the moderate Hassan Rouhani at a time when the economy was battered by US sanctions imposed over Iran’s nuclear activities.

The ultra-conservative’s time in office saw mass protests, a deepening economic crisis and unprecedented armed exchanges with arch-enemy Israel.

After his death, global allies Russia and China and regional powers voiced their condolences, as did NATO, while the UN Security Council observed a minute of silence.

Messages of condolence also flooded in from Iran’s allies around the region, including Syria, Palestinian militant group Hamas and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, both of which are backed by Tehran.

Source: arabnews.com

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The US-made helicopter in Iran president’s crash

May 22, 2024

PARIS: The helicopter in the crash that killed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was a US-made Bell 212, a model introduced in 1968 during the Vietnam War and last produced in 1998.

Here is what we know about the Bell 212:

Brought into service in 1971, the civilian helicopter had a military version known as Twin Huey, which was used by US troops during the Vietnam conflict.

One of its variants, the Huey UH-1 Iroquois, gained notoriety in an iconic scene in the film “Apocalypse Now” during which US troops play Richard Wagner’s The Ride of the Valkyries on loudspeakers during a raid on a Vietnamese village.

The Bell 212 can carry 13 passengers plus two pilots and fly at more than 250 kilometers (156 miles) per hour, with a range of more than 400 kilometers.

It features a two-blade propeller and is equipped with two Pratt and Whitney engines of 900 horsepower each.

The helicopter was first manufactured in Fort Worth, Texas, before production moved to Mirabel, outside Montreal, from 1988 until 1998, the last year it wast built. It was also made under license in Italy by Agusta.

As of last year, 704 Bell 212 or Bell 412 — its four-blade version — were still in service among armed forces, including in Angola, Argentina, Morocco, Turkiye and Zambia, according to the most recent annual report of industry publication FlightGlobal.

As of 2023, Iran operated 10 Bell 212 helicopters — two used by the air force and the remainder by the navy, according to FlightGlobal.

Tehran was an important client for the American civilian and military aircraft industry under the shah of Iran, a close US ally, until his ouster by the Islamic revolution in 1979.

Iran has sought to keep its aging fleet in the air despite US sanctions that have it made very difficult for Tehran to obtain spare parts.

It still has around 40 F-14 Tomcat fighter jets, which became famous in the Tom Cruise film “Top Gun” in the 1980s and have been used by the US Air Force itself for two decades.

Iran also has a number of F5 fighters, purchased from the United States four decades ago and which first came into service 60 years ago.

The Bell company, which was founded in 1935 and became a subsidiary of industrial group Textron in 1960, still produces helicopters.

The firm prides itself on having been the first to certify a helicopter intended for civilian use, in 1946.

A year later it was an experimental Bell X-1 aircraft that Chuck Yeager piloted as he became the first man to surpass the speed of sound in 1947.

Source: arabnews.com

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Israel has addressed many of Biden’s concerns over widescale Rafah operation, US official says

May 22, 2024

CAIRO: Israel has addressed many of President Joe Biden’s concerns over its long-simmering plan to carry out a widescale military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah aimed at rooting out Hamas, a senior Biden administration official said Tuesday.

The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and requested anonymity, said that in talks over the weekend with White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, Israeli officials incorporated many changes into their planning that seem to meet concerns about deepening an operation in an area that has been flooded with Palestinian refugees during the seven-month war.

Biden had previously said he opposed a widescale operation in Rafah that did not prioritize the safety of innocent Palestinian civilians.

The official said the administration stopped short of greenlighting the Israeli plan but said Israeli officials’ altered planning suggested they were taking the American administration’s concerns seriously.

About 900,000 Palestinians have fled Rafah in recent weeks after the population swelled to about 1.5 million.

The United Nations suspended food distribution in the southern Gaza city of Rafah on Tuesday due to a lack of supplies and an untenable security situation caused by Israel’s expanding military operation. It warned that humanitarian operations across the territory were nearing collapse.

Along with closed and chaotic land crossings, problems also plagued the US military’s floating pier meant to provide an alternative route for aid into Gaza by sea. Over the weekend, hungry Palestinians took aid from a UN vehicle convoy coming from the pier, and the UN said since then it had been unable to receive trucks there.

Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters in Washington that for the past few days, forward movement of aid from the pier was paused but it resumed Tuesday. There was no confirmation from the UN

The UN has not specified how many people stayed in Rafah since the Israeli military began its intensified ground and air campaign there two weeks ago, but apparently several hundred thousand Palestinians remain. The UN’s World Food Program said it was also running out of food for central Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people sought shelter in a chaotic exodus after fleeing Rafah, setting up new tent camps or crowding into areas already devastated by previous Israeli offensives.

“Humanitarian operations in Gaza are near collapse,” said Abeer Etefa, a WFP spokesperson. If food and other supplies don’t resume entering Gaza “in massive quantities, famine-like conditions will spread,” she said.

The warning came as Israel seeks to contain the international fallout from a request at the world’s top war crimes court for arrest warrants targeting both Israeli and Hamas leaders. The move garnered support from three European countries, including Israel’s key ally France.

The chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court cited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged “use of starvation as a method of warfare,” a charge they and other Israeli officials angrily deny. The prosecutor accused three Hamas leaders of war crimes over killings of civilians in the group’s Oct. 7 attack.

The UN says some 1.1 million people in Gaza — nearly half the population — face catastrophic levels of hunger and that the territory is on the brink of famine. The humanitarian crisis deepened after Israeli forces pushed into Rafah on May 6, vowing to root out Hamas fighters. Tanks and troops seized the Rafah crossing into Egypt, closing it ever since. After May 10, only about three dozen trucks made it into Gaza via the nearby Kerem Shalom crossing from Israel because fighting makes it dangerous for aid workers to reach it, the UN says.

Israel insists it puts no restriction on the number of trucks entering Gaza. COGAT, the Israeli military office in charge of coordinating aid, said 450 trucks entered Tuesday from its side to Kerem Shalom and a small crossing in northern Gaza. It said more than 650 trucks are waiting on the Gaza side of Kerem Shalom to be retrieved, blaming “lack of logistical capabilities and manpower gaps” among aid groups.

For months, the UN has warned that an Israeli assault on Rafah could wreck the effort to get food, medicine and other supplies to Palestinians across Gaza. Throughout the war, Rafah has been filled with scenes of hungry children holding out pots and plastic containers at makeshift soup kitchens, with many families reduced to eating only one meal a day. The city’s population had swelled at one point to some 1.3 million people, most of whom fled fighting elsewhere.

Around 810,000 people have streamed out of Rafah, although Israel says its operations in Rafah are not the full-scale invasion of the city it had planned. The US says Israel never presented “credible” plan for evacuating the population or keeping it safe.

The main agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, announced the suspension of distribution in Rafah in a post on X, without elaborating beyond citing the lack of supplies. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the UNRWA distribution center and the WFP’s warehouses in Rafah were “inaccessible due to ongoing military operations.”

Asked about the ramifications of suspending aid, Dujarric said simply: “People don’t eat.”

Etefa said the WFP had also stopped distribution in Rafah after exhausting its stocks. It is still passing out hot meals and “limited distributions” of reduced food packages in central Gaza, but “food parcel stocks will run out within days,” she said.

The US depicted the floating aid pier as a potential route for accelerated deliveries. The first 10 trucks rolled off a ship onto the pier on Friday and were taken to a WFP warehouse. But a second shipment of 11 trucks on Saturday was met by Palestinian crowds who took supplies, and only five trucks made it to the warehouse, Etefa said.

No further deliveries came from the pier on Sunday or Monday, she said.

“The responsibility of ensuring aid reaches those in need does not end at the crossings and other points of entry into Gaza — it extends throughout Gaza itself,” she said.

At the same time, battles have escalated in northern Gaza as Israeli troops conduct operations against Hamas fighters, who the military says regrouped in areas already targeted in offensives months ago.

One of the main hospitals still operating in the north, Kamal Adwan, was forced to evacuate after it was “targeted” by Israeli troops, the Gaza Health Ministry said. Around 150 staff and dozens of patients fled the facility, including intensive care patients and infants in incubators “under fire from shelling,” it said. The Israeli military did not immediately reply to requests for comment.

The nearby Awda hospital has been surrounded by troops the past three days, and an artillery shell hit its fifth floor, the hospital administration said Tuesday. A day earlier, the international medical aid group Doctors Without Borders said Awda had run out of drinking water.

The war between began on Oct. 7, when Hamas-led militants crossed into Israel and killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 250 hostage. ICC prosecutor Karim Khan accused Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh of crimes against humanity, including extermination, murder and sexual violence.

Israel responded to the Oct. 7 with an offensive that has laid waste to Gaza and killed more than 35,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between noncombatants and fighters in its count.

Monday’s call by Khan for arrest warrants deepens Israel’s global isolation at a time when it is facing growing criticism from even its closest allies over the war. France, Belgium, and Slovenia each said they backed Khan’ decision.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz headed to France on Tuesday in response, urging it to “declare loud and clear” that the request for warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant “is unacceptable to you and to the French government.”

His meetings there could set the tone for how countries navigate the warrants — if they are eventually issued — and whether they could pose a threat to Israeli leaders. A panel of three ICC judges will decide whether to issue the arrest warrants and allow a case to proceed. The judges typically take two months to make such decisions.

Israel still has the support of its top ally, the United States, as well as other Western countries that spoke out against the decision. But if the warrants are issued, they could complicate international travel for Netanyahu and his defense minister, even if they do not face any immediate risk of prosecution because Israel itself is not a member of the court.

Source: arabnews.com

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Trump foreign policy adviser urges sanctions on ICC officials after meeting Netanyahu

May 21, 2024

The US should slap sanctions on International Criminal Court officials who seek an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a top foreign policy adviser to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said on Tuesday after meeting the Israeli leader.

Robert O’Brien, who served as Trump’s fourth and final national security adviser, made the comments in a Jerusalem interview with Reuters after meeting Netanyahu and other Israeli officials during a multi-day visit to the US ally.

O’Brien, who said Trump would be briefed on the results of the trip, discussed what he called the ICC’s “irrational decision” to issue a warrant for Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, along with three Palestinian Hamas leaders, in his meetings with the Israeli officials.

“We can sanction the bank accounts, the travel. We can put visa restrictions on these corrupt prosecutors and judges. We can show some real mettle here,” O’Brien told Reuters from Jerusalem.

O’Brien was joined by former US Ambassador to the UAE John Rakolta and former Ambassador to Switzerland Ed McMullen.

The trip, first reported by Reuters, was a rare case of Trump allies traveling abroad as part of an organized delegation to meet foreign officials. It took place amid strains between Israel and the Biden administration about the US Middle East ally’s conduct of the war in Gaza.

In addition to Netanyahu, the delegation met in recent days with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, war cabinet minister Benny Gantz, and Gallant, O’Brien said. Their itinerary did not include Palestinian leaders.

O’Brien said rescuing all remaining hostages held by Hamas and capturing Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel that prompted Israel’s Gaza offensive, would be key to declaring victory over the militant group.

“This is something I did share with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and President Herzog and Benny Gantz from the war cabinet: We’ve got to move quickly,” O’Brien told Reuters. “Israel has to defeat Hamas in Rafah.”

The group said they did not go to Israel at Trump’s behest.

But O’Brien, Rakolta and McMullen all speak regularly to Trump who, despite facing four criminal trials, is ahead of his Nov. 5 presidential election rival, Democratic President Joe Biden, in opinion polls in most battleground states.

In addition to meeting political leaders, members of the delegation traveled to areas of Israel that were targeted in the Hamas attack in October, including the site of the Nova Music Festival and the Nir Oz kibbutz, both near Gaza.

More than 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s seven-month-old assault on the Gaza Strip, according to health officials in the Hamas-ruled enclave. The war began when Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and abducting 253 others, according to Israeli tallies. Israel says that more than 100 hostages are still being held in Gaza, including several Americans.

On Monday, the ICC’s prosecutor in The Hague, Karim Khan, requested the warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant and three Palestinian leaders, alleging they had committed war crimes.

In the Reuters interview, O’Brien said he was throwing his support behind Republican-led legislation in Congress that would sanction ICC employees that investigate officials in the US or in allied countries that do not recognize the court, like Israel.

It was unclear how much bipartisan support that bill could garner, though both Democratic and Republican officials have been sharply critical of the ICC.

In 2020, Trump issued an executive order to restrict travel and freeze assets of court staff involved in investigating US conduct in Afghanistan, sanctions which were reversed in the opening months of the Biden administration.

O’Brien’s comments suggest Trump’s advisers would be willing to reimpose and expand sanctions should the former president return to the White House. While the US has at times engaged with the ICC in a limited fashion, it has never been a member of the court, and many US political leaders argue the ICC’s international jurisdiction threatens national sovereignty.

Throughout the interview, O’Brien, Rakolta and McMullen rejected assessments by many US, Palestinian and international officials who say Israel is not doing enough to protect civilian life.

“The Israelis are conducting themselves in a really fine tradition of a modern, humanitarian military, and I think that’s the biggest takeaway from the meetings we’ve had in my view,” O’Brien said.

The Biden administration has at times dissented from that view, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying earlier in May that Israel lacked a credible plan to protect civilians in Rafah.

While the Trump administration backed a two-state solution to Middle East conflict, O’Brien said the conflict in Gaza and Palestinians’ hostile attitude toward Israel makes discussing it a moot point at the moment.

The US government has long held that the pathway to a lasting peace runs through the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. Since Oct. 7, however, Trump has indicated in interviews and on the campaign trail that he is rethinking his stance.

Source: arabnews.com

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Arab World

 

Saudi ministry says no truth in circulated information about livestock withdrawal periods and disease in humans

May 21, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has said that information in the media on the subject of consumption of meat during the withdrawal period and its possible contribution to liver and kidney diseases in humans — which may include cancerous tumors — is inaccurate.

The ministry has emphasized that the withdrawal period for veterinary drugs varies depending on the active ingredient and the method of administering the dose, whether by injection or topical use.

The ministry detailed that the scientific analysis in classifying drugs is based on infection-control vaccines which have a globally specified withdrawal period; viral diseases’ antibiotics, which have a precise withdrawal period; and external inflammatory diseases’ mastitis-abscess, which are subject to a temporary withdrawal period.

The ministry and the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plants and Animal Diseases oversee slaughterhouses across the Kingdom to ensure that animals have not been injected with any veterinary products, by inspecting the animals post-slaughter.

This inspection covers more than 380 slaughterhouses across the Kingdom, supervised by more than 1,050 veterinarians who carefully examine over 22,000 carcasses daily to ensure they are safe and free of disease, injuries, or traces of injections, and confirm their suitability for human consumption.

The ministry has urged citizens and residents to have their animals slaughtered in official slaughterhouses that are subject to the supervision of the ministry and WEQAA.

The ministry has further indicated that, in cooperation with WEQAA, it monitors the use of veterinary products in animal health fields and conducts regulatory inspections at outlets selling veterinary products to ensure establishments abide by the necessary standards and requirements and clarify withdrawal periods to consumers.

Regulatory authorities in the Kingdom also play a meticulous role in approving veterinary drugs, with very high standards.

The ministry carries out field inspections of veterinary pharmacies, following specific requirements, to ensure proper drug storage conditions, expiration dates, and the extent of pharmacies’ commitment to precise prescription of medicines, in addition to providing accurate details to the consumer, including the withdrawal period, dosage, amount of time necessary for withdrawal, and method of administration, to raise awareness among breeders.

Source: arabnews.com

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Preservation of heritage and nature top priority for Soudah Peaks project, says head developer

May 21, 2024

RIYADH: The Soudah Development company plans to rehabilitate about 200 heritage sites within the Soudah Peaks project area in Saudi Arabia, and the work will be carried out in ways that preserve the authentic nature and natural splendor of the area, said Daniel McBrearty, the organization’s chief development officer.

The preservation of the sites and the natural landscapes around them is of paramount importance to the company as it undertakes its transformative tourism project, he added.

McBrearty told the Saudi Press Agency: “The Soudah project’s master plan places sustainable environmental practices at the forefront, ensuring the protection of natural landscapes, cultural heritage and the unique architectural style of the region.”

The Soudah Peaks project aims to establish a luxurious mountain tourism destination at an altitude of 3,015 meters above sea level in the Asir region of southwestern Saudi Arabia. In keeping with the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative, only 1 percent of the 627-square-kilometer project area has been allocated for development.

“We will focus on safeguarding the environment and mitigating climate change impacts,” McBrearty said. “Soudah Development is committed to translating climate ambitions into tangible sustainability efforts aimed at restoring and reviving the area’s exceptional biodiversity.”

Several environmental initiatives are already underway, he said, most notably an afforestation project that aims to plant more than a million trees by 2030, in support of the Saudi Green Initiative and to help offset carbon emissions by 4 percent.

Soudah Development has already planted 165,000 indigenous trees, SPA reported, including species such as juniper, wild acacia, Dodonaea and katam (wild olive). This has taken place in collaboration with the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, to help achieve environmental balance and climate resilience.

And in partnership with the National Center for Wildlife, the company has reintroduced 23 mountain ibexes and 10 idmi, or mountain, gazelles in the past three years, supporting efforts to protect the species from extinction.

McBrearty said that working under the auspices of the Public Investment Fund, the company is leading the development of Soudah Peaks to enhance the Kingdom’s increasingly diverse tourism offerings.

“The luxury mountain resort will feature 2,700 hospitality keys, 1,336 residential units and 80,000 square meters of commercial space across six development zones: Tahlal, Sahab, Sabrah, Jareen, Rijal and Red Rock,” he explained.

“By 2033, the project is projected to create thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities, contribute over SR29 billion ($7.7 billion) to the non-oil GDP (gross domestic product), and attract 10 million visitors annually by 2030, aligning with the nation’s tourism goals.”

Developers say Soudah Peaks will offer a wide range of attractions and activities, including mountain trails, long-distance hiking paths, paragliding, mountain biking, horseback riding and zipline adventures. Nature lovers will be able to immerse themselves in the natural splendor of its attractions, including national parks, biodiversity and agricultural terraces, and indulge in luxurious wellness experiences at eco-resorts, meditation centers and yoga retreats. There will also be an 18-hole golf course atop Soudah mountain, and mild temperatures of around 15 degrees Celsius will allow visitors and residents to enjoy the outdoor pursuits year-round.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi Arabia A ‘Faithful Friend’ Of Cameroon, Says Envoy

May 21, 2024

RIYADH: Cameroon has celebrated its national day at a diplomatic event in Riyadh, with the country’s ambassador hailing Saudi Arabia as a “faithful friend.”

Iya Tidjani, speaking at a reception on Monday in the Saudi capital to mark Cameroon’s 52nd national day, said that cooperation between his country and the Kingdom has “continued to deepen over the decades.”

Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf was the guest at the reception, which was attended by diplomats in Riyadh, Saudi officials and businessmen, the Cameroonian community and embassy staff.

“Since 1966, the year of establishment of relations between the two countries, these ties have continued to deepen and diversify to the mutual benefit of both countries,” Tidjani said.

The ambassador praised Saudi Arabia for sending medical missions every year to support the Cameroonian health sector.

“Our government also expresses sincere thanks to Saudi Arabia for their laudable efforts for the Hajj, both in terms of organization and infrastructure,” he added.

In 2019, the Great Mosque of Maroua in northern Cameroon was inaugurated, built with the support of Saudi Arabia.

The mosque can accommodate up to 5,000 worshipers and is “considered one of the most beautiful achievements in mosque construction in sub-Saharan Africa,” said Tidjani.

The ambassador highlighted Cameroon’s battle against the Boko Haram militant organization, describing Saudi Arabia as a “friend and a major player … as can be seen from its role in the fight against terrorism.”

He added: “Cameroon and Saudi Arabia share similar views on international issues and Cameroon joins the international community to support Saudi Arabia in its effort toward peace in the Middle East and beyond.”

Cameroon’s national day on May 20 saw citizens celebrate the “unity, peace and stability of a country firmly committed to the path of emergence,” the embassy said in a statement.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi, Japanese culture ministers discuss cooperation

May 22, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Farhan met in Tokyo on Tuesday his Japanese counterpart Masahito Moriyama.

The pair discussed enhancing cultural cooperation between the two countries within the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030.

Prince Badr said the Kingdom’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka will offer opportunities to learn about the Saudi culture, history, and future vision.

Moriyama thanked Prince Badr for the Saudi ministry’s efforts in opening new horizons to enhance cultural exchange between the two countries.

Source: arabnews.com

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300 tonnes of Zamzam supplied daily in Madinah

May 21, 2024

RIYADH: The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque exerts all efforts to provide Zamzam water at the Prophet’s Mosque so that worshippers and visitors can enjoy the blessed water.

The authority supplies 300 tonnes of Zamzam water, brought daily from Makkah to the mosque in Madinah on bowsers equipped for this purpose, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

To ensure that Zamzam water is safe, a specialized technical staff takes more than 80 samples daily and examines them with the latest equipment.

Meanwhile, Zamazemah Co. and the Coordination Council for Institutions and Companies Serving Domestic Pilgrims (Mutahed) signed a memorandum to provide Zamzam water bottles to domestic pilgrims during Hajj.

Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Abdulfattah Mashat attended the signing. This agreement aims to ensure high-quality services for pilgrims.

Source: arabnews.com

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South Asia

 

Sri Lanka Probes Its Four Citizens Arrested in India for Alleged Links To Islamic State

MAY 22, 2024

Sri Lanka has launched an investigation to obtain information on four of its citizens with links to the banned Islamic State, who were arrested in India when on an alleged mission to carry out terror activities in the country, a media report said on Tuesday.

Acting on a tip-off, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Sunday apprehended four Sri Lankan nationals at the Sardar Vallabhai Patel airport in Ahmedabad after they travelled from Colombo via Chennai. The men travelled to India to carry out terror activities at the behest of the banned terror outfit Islamic State (IS) and are members of IS radicalised by a leader from Sri Lanka who is living in Pakistan, according to the Indian police.

Sri Lanka’s state intelligence has asked for further information from its Indian counterpart to verify the background of the suspects and probe their links to the IS, the Daily Mirror newspaper reported. Sri Lankan authorities will “immediately investigate” to take further action once the information is obtained, the newspaper said, citing sources.

Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon said they were taking these reports seriously and closely monitoring the developments. Alles and Tennakoon said they would initiate discussions with Indian authorities to gather detailed information about the suspects and their activities, the report said.

We are working in close coordination with our Indian counterparts to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to address any potential threat,” Alles was quoted as saying. The accused, Mohammad Nusrat (35), Mohammad Faarukh (35), Mohammad Nafran (27) and Mohammad Rasdeen (43), informed investigators that they were earlier associated with the banned Sri Lankan radical militant outfit, National ThowheethJamath (NJT), and joined IS after getting in touch with Pakistani handler Abu Bakr Al Bagdadi, said Gujarat Director General of Police Vikas Sahay.

The ATS team recovered three Pakistan-made pistols and 20 cartridges lying abandoned at a location in the city’s Nana Chiloda area based on geo-coordinates and photographs found on the mobile phone seized from the accused, Sahay said, adding that the men were allegedly directed by their Pakistani handler to collect these. “They got in touch with Abu (the IS leader in Pakistan) in February this year and remained in contact with him through social media and were completely radicalised by the ideology,” he said.

Their leader ordered them to carry out terrorist activities in India, to which they agreed, and even showed readiness to carry out suicide bombings, Sahay said. The men were paid Rs 4 lakh in Sri Lankan currency to carry out the activities, he said. The mobile phones recovered from the accused had photographs and documents showing their association with IS, and an IS flag was also recovered from their bag, and two such flags were recovered from the abandoned parcel containing weapons, the official said.

The men were instructed to leave these flags at the site of their terror activities, he said. Interrogations revealed that Abu had informed the accused about the weapons hidden at the given location in Ahmedabad for their use, he said. The pistols carried star marks, and cartridges were prima facie found to be made in the Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) of Pakistan, he said.

One of the four arrested terrorists, Mohammad Nusrat, also holds a valid visa for Pakistan. The men were booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), Indian Penal Code, and Arms Act, and further investigation was underway, Sahay said.

Source: news18.com

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US, UAE officials discuss UNSC Resolution implementation on Afghanistan

May 21, 2024

Thomas West, the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan, met with Lana Nusseibeh, the new Deputy Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates, on Monday.

They emphasized the importance of joint cooperation in implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2721 and assisting the people of Afghanistan, particularly Afghan women.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on its social media platform X that the two sides discussed “cooperation in ensuring security, stability, and prosperity for all Afghan people, especially Afghan women.”

In this meeting, Lana Nusseibeh stressed the importance of supporting the rights of Afghan women and strengthening their role in society.

Thomas West also appreciated the UAE’s support and emphasized the continuation of bilateral cooperation to advance common goals.

West added that the two countries “share views on the economy, security situation, and the need for a unified diplomatic approach to Afghanistan.”

Resolution 2721 addresses the engagement with the Taliban government in Afghanistan. It was adopted with the aim of establishing a coherent and coordinated international approach to restore peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The resolution emphasizes the appointment of a UN Special Coordinator for Afghanistan. At the same time, the Taliban oppose the appointment of a new representative and consider the presence of the head of UNAMA in Afghanistan sufficient.

Source: khaama.com

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UN announces third Doha meeting for Afghanistan on June 30

May 22, 2024

 The United Nations has announced that the third Doha meeting, which will include special representatives for Afghanistan from various countries, will take place on June 30 and will last for two days.

According to the statement, the UN labelled the conference as a means to foster international dialogue.

Following the second Doha meeting held on February 18th and 19th in Qatar, the United Nations has declared that the third Special Envoys Conference will take place on June 30th and July 1st in Doha, the capital of Qatar.

The United Nations has indicated in a statement that Rosemary DiCarlo, the Deputy Secretary-General, has traveled to Afghanistan to negotiate regarding the third Doha conference. She has met with officials and the diplomatic community in Kabul, as well as representatives of civil society.

During this trip, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations met with Taliban officials and invited them to attend the third Doha conference.

DiCarlo met with Taliban officials and various Afghan figures, including former President Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah, the former head of the High Council for National Reconciliation, during her visit to Kabul.

The statement indicates that “the aim of this conference is to increase international interaction with Afghanistan in a more coherent, coordinated, and structured manner.”

The statement adds, “They also highlighted the dangers and threats posed by drugs and terrorist groups.”

The Deputy Secretary-General discussed the human rights situation in Afghanistan, particularly the restrictions on women’s education under the Taliban.

During the course of this trip, UN officials in Afghanistan urged Afghan stakeholders to focus on any strategy for international engagement to address the humanitarian, developmental, and economic challenges facing Afghanistan.

Source: khaama.com

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US partners paid Taliban over $10 million in taxes: SIGAR

May 21, 2024

The U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction disclosed that U.S. cooperating institutions have paid over $10 million in taxes to the Taliban.

These institutions disbursed $10.9 million to the Taliban for services such as water and electricity, customs taxes, etc., as stated by SIGAR in a report released on Monday, May 21.

SIGAR investigated the Taliban’s profits from taxing humanitarian aid organizations in Afghanistan and the lack of precise reporting by these institutions.

SIGAR collected information from 144 assisting institutions operating in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan since 2021.

The U.S. Special Inspector for Afghanistan Reconstruction stated that out of 65 assisting institutions, 38 responded to SIGAR’s questionnaire, with 58% reporting payment of their taxes to the Taliban.

These 38 respondents have paid a minimum of $10.9 million in taxes to the Taliban.

Meanwhile, according to SIGAR’s report, not paying taxes to the Taliban may have “dire consequences” for humanitarian aid organizations in Afghanistan.

The report suggests that if humanitarian aid organizations in Afghanistan do not pay taxes to the Taliban, their bank accounts and offices may be closed, and their names may be removed from the list of authorized organizations operating in Afghanistan.

The Taliban have conditioned the operation of humanitarian aid organizations in Afghanistan on payment of taxes.

Earlier, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs announced in 2022 that if non-governmental organizations do not pay taxes to the Taliban, they will not be able to continue operating in the country.

SIGAR reported that humanitarian organizations are facing challenges in aligning their programs with Taliban interference.

The report states that the Taliban are attempting to divert aid through various means, infiltrating non-governmental organizations and interfering in their operations.

According to this report, the Taliban intervene in various ways, such as staff recruitment, resource utilization, and transportation.

Source: khaama.com

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Deputy PM Hanafi Promises Development and Welfare Initiatives in Sar-e-pul

2024-05-22

KABUL(BNA): In a recent meeting with Al-Haj Mohammad Yaqoob “Abdul Rahman Aka,” the Governor of Sar-e Pol, Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, the Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, reaffirmed the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s commitment to addressing public concerns and enhancing social welfare.

During the meeting, the Governor of Sar-e Pol stated that the province is rich in mines and mineral resources, which were unfortunately neglected by the previous administration.

He also urged the leadership of the Islamic Emirate to prioritize the implementation of development projects, reconstruction efforts, the construction of the roads, and the rehabilitation of Sultan Ibrahim Dam.

In response to the requests and suggestions, the Deputy PM for Administrative Affairs pledged that officials of the Islamic Emirate would spare no effort in addressing the people’s concerns and advancing development and economic projects in this province.

Source: bakhtarnews.af

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UN stresses support for clearing unexploded ordnance in Afghanistan

 May 21, 2024

The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General expresses support for efforts to find a sustainable solution to clearing unexploded ordnance in Afghanistan.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix stated that last year, 800 people died in explosions from mines and explosives in Afghanistan.

The UN official announced his return from Afghanistan on Tuesday, May 21 on his social media page.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, wrote in a note, “I just returned from Afghanistan, where I witnessed the terrible impact of explosives on communities.”

Mr. Lacroix also emphasized that most of the victims of mine and explosive explosions in Afghanistan last year were children.

The UN Deputy Secretary-General said in a video released by the UN’s official news service: “Afghanistan has been grappling with mine issues for decades, and education and skills development in this area have been very effective.”

He stated that hundreds of thousands of tons of various types of unexploded ordnance remain from the remnants of war in Afghanistan.

Recently, the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Afghanistan said that a large portion of the land and infrastructure is contaminated with explosives, causing physical harm to the country’s citizens.

Source: khaama.com

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Explosion kills 1, injures 3 in Afghanistan’s Kandahar

 May 21, 2024

Sources in Kandahar province, which had previously confirmed explosions in the province, say that this explosion also resulted in casualties.

According to a source, on Monday, May 20, an explosion occurred at the ‘Kabul Station’ in the central district of this province, resulting in several deaths and injuries.

Mullah Asadullah Jamshid, spokesperson for the security command in Kandahar, also confirmed the explosion and stated that one civilian was killed and three others were injured.

Media outlets, citing their sources in Kandahar, have reported that yesterday’s explosion was caused by a planted mine in a stall resulting in 6 deaths and over 10 injuries.

So far, no individual or group has claimed responsibility for this attack.

It is worth noting that this is the second explosion to occur in Kandahar since the beginning of the current solar year.

A suicide attack on the 21st of March occurred in the first district of Kandahar city, resulting in over 45 deaths and 56 others injured.

ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack during the March in Kandahar.

ISIS has been a major challenge to the Taliban since they seized control of Afghanistan, and there are several allegations by the Taliban that Pakistan supports ISIS, while Pakistani officials deny it.

Source: khaama.com

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Southeast Asia

 

Malaysia-UK collaboration paves way for digital economy advancements : Gobind

22-05- 2024

SUBANG JAYA: Malaysia values its strategic collaboration with the United Kingdom (UK), particularly in digital initiatives, as they pave the way for potential advancements in the digital economy for both nations.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said as the world stands on the brink of unprecedented technological advancement, Malaysia must capitalise on the opportunities presented through the collaboration to transform into a high-value, digital-based economy.

He also noted that the UK is set to ratify the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), slated to take effect by the end of 2024.

“This represents a golden opportunity for both nations, particularly for the UK to gain access to the vibrant ASEAN market,” he said at the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC) 5th Business Excellence Awards 2024 held last night.

Gobind highlighted that the upcoming Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) meeting, scheduled for the end of June between the trade ministers of both nations and their trade mission in conjunction with London Tech Week 2024, serves as a crucial window to create new digital business opportunities.

He pointed out that the ongoing partnership between Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and BMCC could be a key driver in advancing both nations' bilateral trade relationships in the digital space.

Since the roundtable session in February, significant progress has been made on the identified action items.

These include the partnership between MDEC, BMCC and the British High Commission for the Malaysian trade mission in conjunction with London Tech Week 2024 in June.

Additionally, there has been support provided to BMCC members regarding inquiries pertaining to the Malaysia Digital (MD) status of various companies.

Furthermore, collaboration between BMCC and its industry partners has been initiated to explore a public-private partnership initiative aimed at fostering awareness and potential for integrating digitalisation into the work practices of the civil service.

“We see the UK as a valuable partner in this collaborative and synergistic journey.

“We are optimistic about the future achievements that our collaboration with the BMCC will bring, emphasising our shared goal of building a resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking digital ecosystem, thus enhancing the quality of life for our citizens,” he said.

From 2023 to the first quarter of this year, an additional 18 UK-origin companies have joined the ranks of MD companies, bringing the total to 70 companies thus far.

This includes investments for ActivPayroll Malaysia SdnBhd of RM153 million, Deloitte Regional Services CenterSdnBhd (RM407.8 million) and Smith and Nephew Services SdnBhd (RM49.6 million).

Source: thesun.my

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Ulu Tiram incident: Two students released, five other suspects still under detention

22-05- 2024

JOHOR BAHRU: Two students who were arrested in connection with the attack on the Ulu Tiram police station here last Friday have been released unconditionally, according to police.

“The two students held for investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code have been released unconditionally following an order from the Attorney General’s Chambers in Putrajaya,” Johor police chief M. Kumar said in a statement today.

 A 22-year-old man from a private college and a 21-year-old woman from a training institute were among seven people nabbed over the 2.45 am attack by a masked man armed with a parang and a gun.

Constables Ahmad Azza Fahmi Azhar, 22, and Muhamad Syafiq Ahmad Said, 24, were killed while Corporal Mohd Hasif Roslan was shot and injured in the incident. The attacker was shot dead.

Kumar said the other five suspects, who are family members of the attacker, are still under detention, with their remand order due to expire on May 24.

He reminded the public not to speculate on the case on social media as it could jeopardise police investigations.

Source: thesun.my

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Deputy prime minister, ministers convey Wesak Day greetings to all Buddhists

22-05- 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Cabinet ministers today conveyed their Wesak Day greetings to all Buddhists in the country.

Fadillah, in a Facebook post, expressed hope that the celebration will unite Malaysians in peace and harmony and strengthen unity regardless of religious beliefs.

“Let's strengthen love and kindness together, wherever we are,” he said.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said racial and religious differences are the uniqueness that unites the pluralistic society in Malaysia.

“Together, let's preserve the harmony we have achieved,” he said.

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching also extended her Wesak Day greetings to those celebrating and hoped it would bring peace and prosperity to all.

Meanwhile, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, on X, said the main teachings of Buddhism are in line with the philosophy of simplicity applied to the concept of Malaysia MADANI.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz also wished Happy Wesak Day to all the people of #MalaysiaMADANI who are Buddhists and pray that this year's celebrations bring happiness and prosperity.

Meanwhile, Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk R. Ramanan hoped that today's Wesak Day celebration will increase community awareness to work together to strengthen race and religious relations by spreading love, peace and togetherness.

Buddhists in the country today observe Wesak Day to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and passing of the religion's founder, Siddharta Gautama.

It is a public holiday in Malaysia and Buddhist devotees gather at temples to sing hymns and carry symbols of Buddhist icons during a procession that symbolises purity and enlightenment.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also conveyed his Wesak Day greetings and said that Malaysia is known for harmony among various races, cultures and religions and that uniqueness is an important asset that needs to be maintained by all Malaysians.

“May Wesak Day be celebrated with happiness, peace and harmony,” he said in a Facebook post.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said that Malaysia that exists today is the result of the cooperation of various races, religions and cultures in maintaining harmony by helping and respecting each other.

“This diversity is our strength that makes Malaysia a unique country. The warmth and harmony that we have enjoyed for so long must be safeguarded and preserved by all levels of society.

“I wish Happy Wesak Day to all Buddhists in Malaysia. May the celebration be filled with peace and harmony,” he said.

Source: thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/local_news/deputy-prime-minister-ministers-convey-wesak-day-greetings-to-all-buddhists-IA12478123

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Makkah route demonstrates Saudi Arabia's confidence in Malaysia - Mohd Na'im

22-05- 2024

SEPANG: The implementation of the Makkah Route initiative for the sixth time demonstrates the international recognition and confidence of Saudi Arabia in the management efficiency of the hajj operations managed by the Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH).

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said the high level of discipline among the Malaysian pilgrims was also a contributing factor to the country's selection for the implementation of the Makkah Route, an initiative which has greatly helped simplify the affairs of the pilgrims.

He said that after an eight-hour flight, Malaysian pilgrims did not have to wait long upon arrival as the inspection process by the Saudi Arabian Immigration and Customs Department had been completed at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

“The Malaysian government deeply appreciates the trust given by the Saudi Arabian government for once again being selected for this year's hajj season to participate in the Makkah Route programme alongside six other countries namely Indonesia, Morocco, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ivory Coast and Turkiye.

“This is a proud achievement,” he told the media at the Makkah Route for the Hajj Season 1445H/2024M launch ceremony last night.

Also present were the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Malaysia, Mesaad Ibrahim Al Sulaim, TH Group managing director and chief executive officer Syed Hamadah Syed Othman and TH senior officials.

Meanwhile, Mesaad expressed hope that the Makkah Route programme could continue in the coming years as a sign of the close relationship between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.

Syed Hamadah said that the Makkah Route has put TH hajj management at an excellent level because it has facilitated the affairs of the pilgrims which can be seen through the increase in the customer satisfaction index.

“TH is very grateful to the Saudi Arabian government for welcoming efforts to strengthen this bilateral relationship and hope that it can continue in the future for the well-being of the Dhuyufurrahmans (guests of Allah),” he said.

Malaysia is the first country in the world to be trusted by the Saudi Arabian government to implement the Makkah Route through its pilot programme in 2017.

The programme continued in 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023.

Meanwhile, 353 prospective pilgrims from the 38th group departed for the Holy Land on Saudia Airlines flight SV 5013 at 2.15 this morning.

Thus far, 11,000 Malaysian pilgrims have arrived in the Holy Land through the Makkah Route initiative.

There are 100 special charter flights, operated by Malaysia Airlines and Saudia Airlines, for this year’s hajj season which started last May 9 and the last flight is scheduled for June 9.

Source: thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/local_news/makkah-route-demonstrates-saudi-arabia-s-confidence-in-malaysia-mohd-na-im-NA12477864

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Gov’t to act firmly against perpetrators of violence, ensures calm - PM Anwar

21-05- 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will take stern action against extremists and agitators of recent violent incidents in the country, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

The prime minister said there have been attempts to disrupt peace in the nation and its thriving economy.

“In recent weeks, our nation has been shocked by several violent incidents that have claimed the lives of security personnel and actions by extremist groups and instigators.

“I assure you, after my meeting with security forces, that we will take firm action against these groups, and Insya-Allah, the situation will become calmer and more controlled,” he said in a live address to the nation broadcast by all local media channels tonight.

In an incident that occurred in the early morning of May 17, two police officers at the Ulu Tiram Police Station in Johor Bahru, Ahmad Azza Fahmi Azhar, 22 and Constable Muhamad Syafiq Ahmad Said, 24, were killed after being attacked by a masked man armed with a machete.

Another policeman, Corporal Mohd Hasif Roslan, was injured after being shot.

Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that the suspect who was also killed in the attack is believed to have acted alone and has no connection to any militant group.

In a separate incident in Kuala Lumpur on the same day, two local men were arrested by police officers after attempting to trespass into Istana Negara. A machete was later found in the suspects’ vehicle.

On Saturday, the police confirmed receiving a report from Seputeh member of parliament, Teresa Kok Suh Sim over a death threat through a letter sent to her house along with two bullets.

On Sunday, a 35-year-old local man was arrested after being suspected of trespassing at the Dato’ Keramat police station in Penang and attempting to seize a police officer’s firearm.

Source: thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/local_news/gov-t-to-act-firmly-against-perpetrators-of-violence-ensures-calm-pm-anwar-NA12477318

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