On a Bilateral Visit to Brunei, PM Modi Visited The Iconic Saifuddien Mosque

New Age Islam News Bureau

04 Aug 2024

 

PM Modi today visited the renowned Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Brunei.

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•        On a Bilateral Visit to Brunei, PM Modi Visited The Iconic Saifuddien Mosque

•        BJP to Reach Out To Muslim Community To Clear Misconceptions On Waqf Amendment Bill

•        Global Imams Council Condemns Hamas for “Execution of Hostages,’ Death and Destruction Upon the Region, Immense Suffering for The Palestinian People”

•        Pope Francis, In Muslim-Majority Indonesia, Warns Against Religious Extremism

•        Ogbomoso Chief Imam Crisis: Monarchs Lack Power to Sack Religious Leaders, Olugbon Declares

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India

·         Nitesh Rane Faces Backlash from BJP Colleague Over Anti-Muslim Remarks

·         Ex-Militants Campaigning for NC, PDP: Ram Madhav Warns of Dark Days Before J&K Polls

·         Uttarakhand: 300 booked for vandalising Muslim-run shops in Chamoli

·         Attack on train passenger over beef suspicion: GRP to re-arrest accused as court cancels bail

·         Nearby gunfight spreads panic in Jammu and Kashmir’s Thanamandi town

·         RAW Officer Was On Board the Hijacked IC-814, Mastermind Mullah Omar Was Aware of This: Sources

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Mideast

·         Global Imams Council Condemns Hamas for “Execution of Hostages,’ Death and Destruction Upon the Region, Immense Suffering for The Palestinian People”

·         Settlers Hold Concert in Ibrahimi Mosque After Palestinian Worshippers Expelled

·         Parliamentary session postponed amid Sunni bloc boycott over Amnesty Law exclusion

·         Syrian Kurdish forces release 50 Islamic State detainees

·         Islamic Resistance in Iraq targets Haifa Port, Israeli military claims interception

·         Islamic Resistance Continues Battling IOF in Support of Gaza

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Europe

·         Hartlepool Muslim Community Holds Annual Peace Walk Promoting Understanding

·         Labour Needs the Muslim Vote to Stabilise its ‘Sandcastle Majority’

·         Evidencing a rise in anti-Muslim and anti-migrant online hate following the Southport attack

·         Fyodor Lukyanov: Germany’s political ‘elephant in the room’ has gotten bigger, so what now?

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Africa

·         At Least 129 Dead in Attempted Jailbreak In Congo

·         High court halts disciplinary action against Bunamwaya mosque Imam

·         Fulani Killing, Attack, Suffering Must Stop – Emir Sanusi Declares

·         Lagos Assembly Advocates For Counseling Units In Schools To Tackle Domestic Violence

·         Aiyedatiwa Did Not Hire A Private Firm To Protect Farmers In Ondo State – Aide

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South Asia

·         China Reaffirms Support for Islamic Emirate in International Forums

·         541 Killed in Countrywide Violence in August in Bangladesh

·         UN Secretary-General appoints new political deputy for UNAMA in Kabul

·         Pentagon: US will continue efforts to counter ISIS threats in Afghanistan

·         Two more murder cases filed against Hasina

·         57 Bangladeshis convicted for protesting in UAE pardoned

·         MoIC Hosts Coordination Meeting with Eastern Zone Spokesmen

·         Richard Bennett Calls For Prosecution Of Kabul Attack Perpetrators

·         US House of Representatives summons Blinken to testify on Afghanistan withdrawal

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Pakistan

·         Balochistan Assembly Seeks Strict Action Against Terrorism

·         SHC Disposes of Pemra’s Appeal Against Court Order to Lift Ban On PTI Media Coverage

·         Army commanders resolve to preserve anti-terror gains after surge in deadly attacks

·         ECP refuses to share financial details with Senate panel

·         Senate body approves bill on peaceful assembly in Islamabad amid opposition uproar

·         Cop martyred in Quetta gun attack

·         ECP declines to divulge Feb 8 polls expenditure details before Senate body

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Arab World

·         Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Statements On Philadelphi Corridor InGaza

·         Saudis take steps to prevent public-sector contracts crimes, says anti-corruption chief

·         New report focuses on cultural sector sustainability in Saudi Arabia

·         Saudi FM discusses developments in Palestinian territories with Algerian counterpart

·         Saudi cabinet reviews Crown Prince’s efforts to unify support for Palestinian people

·         Riyadh’s Tuwaiq Academy, global tech giants to launch more than 160 bootcamps

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North America

·         US Charges Hamas Leader, Other Militants in Connection With Oct. 7 Massacre In Israel

·         Man pleads no contest to murdering 2 Muslim men

·         CAIR-TX Welcomes Indictment in Attempted Drowning of Palestinian-American Muslim Child

·         CAIR Condemns Illegal Israeli Settler Takeover of Ibrahimi Mosque

·         US man sentenced for 12,000 harassing calls to lawmakers

·         Man found frozen in US cave identified after 47 years

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Southeast Asia

·         Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque to Host Pope Francis' Meet with Grand Imam

·         Clerics to Coal Miners: The Decline of Indonesia’s Islamic Civil Society

·         New Zealand PM hails Malaysia’s potential, strengthens NZ-Malaysia relations

·         Malaysia committed to empowering AI, Digital Learning

·         MACC to focus on confiscating assets stolen by corrupt criminals, return assets to Govt - Azam Baki

·         PM Anwar arrives in Vladivostok for two-day working visit

·         Higher Education Ministry yet to receive report on university students’ alleged involvement in swingers sex party, says Zambry

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:    https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/brunei-modi-sifuddien-mosque/d/133119

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On a Bilateral Visit to Brunei, PM Modi Visited The Iconic Saifuddien Mosque

 

PM Modi today visited the renowned Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Brunei.

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Shankhyaneel Sarkar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a bilateral visit to Brunei visited the iconic Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque built by the father of the current Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and also inaugurated the new chancery premises of the High Commission of India on Tuesday.

Upon arrival, Modi said he was looking forward to strong ties with Brunei and will hold bilateral talks with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on Wednesday.

PM Modi also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora at both places.

Currently, approximately 14,000 Indians are residing in Brunei.

While inaugurating the new chancery premises, the prime minister termed it as indicative of stronger ties between the two countries.

“Delighted to inaugurate the new Chancery of the High Commission of India, indicative of our stronger ties with Brunei Darussalam. This will also be serving our diaspora,” he said in another post on X.

The prime minister was accorded a ceremonial welcome by the Bruneian government and was received by Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah at the airport.

He was received by Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Dato Ustaz Awang Badaruddin and Minister of Health Mohammad Isham at the mosque. The mosque is named after Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the 28th Sultan of Brunei (father of the current Sultan, who also initiated its construction), and was completed in 1958.

Brunei is an important partner in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision. India and Brunei enjoy a friendly relationship, which is marked by mutual respect and understanding on bilateral and multilateral issues. The two countries are linked by history, culture and tradition spanning a millennium, the MEA said.

The prime minister lit a lamp and unveiled a plaque, inaugurating the chancery premises, which embodies a “profound sense of Indianness, masterfully integrating traditional motifs and lush tree plantations”, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press release.

The use of elegant claddings and durable Kota stones further enhances its aesthetic appeal, harmoniously blending classic and contemporary elements, it said.

Modi also interacted with the members of the vibrant Indian diaspora who were part of the inauguration event, appreciating their contribution as a “living bridge” between the two countries and strengthening bilateral ties.

The contribution of Indian doctors and teachers to the growth and development of Brunei’s healthcare and education sectors has been well acknowledged, the release said.

The first phase of Indians arriving in Brunei started with the discovery of oil in the 1920s.

From Brunei, Modi will travel to Singapore, where he will meet President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. He would also meet with leaders of Singapore’s vibrant business community.

“Both countries are important partners in our Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific Vision. I am confident that my visits would further strengthen our partnership with Brunei, Singapore and the larger ASEAN region,” Modi said.

Source:news18.com

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https://www.news18.com/world/modis-brunei-trip-pm-opens-new-chancery-visits-iconic-mosque-to-meet-sultan-for-bilateral-talks-tomorrow-9038084.html

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 BJP To Reach Out To Muslim Community To Clear Misconceptions On Waqf Amendment Bill

 

BJP 7-member team constituted for holding dialogue with Muslim community

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Sep 04, 2024

constituted in this regard held its first meeting at the party headquarters here on Tuesday. At the meeting, a line of action was prepared to reach out to the community, seeking their suggestions, and clear up any misconception about the bill. National President of BJP (/topic/bjp)'s Minority Morcha Jamal Siddiqui, National General Secretary of the BJP (/topic/bjp) (Org) BL Santosh, Dushyant Gautam, in-charge of BJP (/topic/bjp) Minority Morcha held the meeting with the seven member team. BJP (/topic/bjp) Minority Morcha has formed the 7-member team on August 31. The team will submit its report to the BJP (/topic/bjp) National President and the JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal. The team will explain why properties are given to Waqf and how it is being "misused," emphasizing the need for amendments to the Waqf Board. This 7-member team will talk with the Waqf Board chairmen, former chairmen, and members across the country who will dialogue with Muslim society in their respective states. Assigned waqf board leaders will engage in dialogue with the Muslim community through various means in their respective states.  9/4/24, 11:19 AM BJP to reach out to Muslim community to clear misconceptions on Waqf Amendment Bill https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/bjp-to-reach-out-to-muslim-community-to-clear-misconceptions-on-waqf-amendment-bill20240904… 3/6 TAGS Waqf (Amendment) Bill (/topic/waqf-amendment-bill/) 2024 (/topic/2024/) BJP (/topic/bjp/) Bharatiya Janata Party (/topic/bharatiya-janata-party/) BJP Minority Morcha (/topic/bjp-minority-morcha/) The team members include Waqf Board Chairmen of four BJP (/topic/bjp)-ruled states Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Shadab Shams, Sanawar Patel, Chaudhary Zakir Hussain, Mohsin Lokhandwala, respectively and two members of BJP (/topic/bjp)'s National Executive, Maulana Habib Haider, Nasir Hussain, and Rajbali, former Chairman of the Waqf Board, Himachal Pradesh. According to sources, a committee of seven members will run several awareness campaigns regardi g the confusion being spread by the opposition regarding the Waqf Board, so that people do not have any kind of confusion regarding the Waqf Board Amendment Bill. BL Santosh has asked more and more people to seek suggestions so that Muslims do not feel that the waqf Board will work contrary to them. According to sources, the seven-member committee will soon meet the Joint Parliamentary Committee chairman Jagdambika Pal and give the suggestions taken from the Muslim communities. THE Centre has referred the Waqf (Amendment) Bill (/topic/waqfamendment-bill) introduced in Parliament during the Budget Session to the JPC. (ANI)

Source:aninews.in

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Global Imams Council Condemns Hamas for “Execution of Hostages,’ Death and Destruction Upon the Region, Immense Suffering for The Palestinian People”

 

Sheikh Zayed Mosque seen from the courtyard with its floral design.

(Photo Credit: WIKIEMIRATI)

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By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

SEPTEMBER 4, 2024

The Global Imams Council has released a statement condemning the murder of hostages at the hands of Hamas terrorists.

The statement, which was released on the Global Imams Council’s X (previously Twitter) social media account on Sunday, September 1, 2024, referred to the actions of Hamas as ‘barbaric,’ stating, “We are deeply saddened and outraged by these heinous murders, which violate all principles of humanity, religious teachings, and international law.”

The Global Imams Council acknowledged that the targeting of civilians not only violates the laws of Islam, but the Geneva Conventions as well.

The statement, issued at the Islamic Seminary of Najaf in Iraq, held Hamas alone responsible for “the deaths and suffering of all innocent lives lost since October 7, as their actions have not only brought death and destruction upon the region but have also led to immense suffering for the Palestinian people.”

Moreover, The Global Imams Council confirmed its stance that “the regime in Iran shares equal responsibility for these tragedies, as its continued support and endorsement of Hamas's actions perpetuate violence and instability in the region.

The Global Imams Council is an NGO that previously made waves in the Muslim world for unanimously voting to adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.

A call to action

The statement concluded with a heartfelt message to the families of the victims of the Israel-Hamas war, as well as a call for all religious leaders to stand against Hamas’ terror “and to work tirelessly towards a future where peace, justice, and respect for all human life are the foundations of our shared existence.”

Source:jpost.com

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https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-818653

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 Pope Francis, In Muslim-Majority Indonesia, Warns Against Religious Extremism

 

Pope Francis

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September 4, 2024

By Joshua McElwee and Stefanno Sulaiman

JAKARTA (Reuters) -Pope Francis on Wednesday urged political leaders in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, to guard against religious extremism, which he said distorted people's religious beliefs through "deception and violence".

In his first speech during an ambitious 12-day journey across Southeast Asia, where Christians are a small minority of the regional population, the pontiff said the Catholic Church would increase its efforts toward inter-religious dialogue in hopes of helping tamp down extremism.

"In this way, prejudices can be eliminated, and a climate of mutual respect and trust can grow," the 87-year-old pope said in an address to some 300 politicians and religious leaders at Jakarta's Merdeka Presidential Palace.

"This is indispensable for meeting common challenges, including that of countering extremism and intolerance, which through the distortion of religion attempt to impose their views by using deception and violence," said Francis.

Indonesia has a population of about 280 million people and is estimated to be about 87% Muslim. Freedom of religion is guaranteed in the country's constitution.

There have been several incidents of extremist violence in the country in recent years, including suicide bomb attacks in 2021 and 2022 by persons affiliated with the Islamic State-inspired group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD).

The 2021 incident took place just before the Christian Easter holiday, and wounded at least 19 people.

In his own speech welcoming the pope to Indonesia, President Joko Widodo thanked Francis for his efforts to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza war.

"Indonesia appreciates the Vatican's attitude which continues to voice (and) call for peace in Palestine, and supports a two-state solution," said Widodo, who is stepping down in October after 10 years in office.

Francis was greeted by crowds waving small Vatican and Indonesian flags as his car arrived at the presidential palace.

Dorothea Dawai, a school child aged 10, was among the group welcoming the pope. Wearing a green kebaya, a traditional Indonesian dress, she said she hoped to ask for a blessing.

The pontiff, who suffers from knee and back pain, was seated in a wheelchair as he left his car, and met the president outside the building.

The two leaders were saluted by an honour guard playing the Indonesian and Vatican anthems, before heading inside for a private meeting.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told journalists that Francis and Widodo had not spoken specifically about the Israel-Gaza war in their meeting, but more generally about ongoing conflicts and "the importance of peace".

In his public remarks, Francis did not mention any specific violent incidents, but made several references to extremism, intolerance and manipulation of religion.

"There are times when faith in God is … sadly manipulated to foment divisions and increase hatred instead of furthering peace, communion, dialogue, respect, cooperation and fraternity," said the pontiff.

Francis' speech came on his first working day of the trip to Southeast Asia and the Pacific, which will also include stops in Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore.

The pope is set to travel nearly 33,000 km (21,000 miles) on the 12 days of the tour, before he arrives back in Rome on Sept. 13.

Later on Wednesday, Francis is due to meet with Indonesia's Catholic bishops at Jakarta's cathedral. On Thursday, he will take part in an inter-religious meeting at the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

(Reporting by Joshua McElwee and Stefanno Sulaiman; Editing by John Mair and Lincoln Feast.)

Source:yahoo.com

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https://ca.news.yahoo.com/muslim-majority-indonesia-pope-francis-035054366.html

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Ogbomoso Chief Imam Crisis: Monarchs Lack Power to Sack Religious Leaders, Olugbon Declares

 

Photo: thisdaylive.com/

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September 4, 2024

The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, has thrown his weight behind the embattled Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Yunus Ayilara.

He said traditional rulers lacked the power to sack religious leaders.

Soun of Ogbomoso Oba Ghandi Olaoye had last Friday appointed Ayilara as the Chief Imam for his palace, a move interpreted within the Muslim community in the town as a plot to replace Ayilara as the Chief Imam.

The latter has been embroiled in a controversy with Oba Olaoye in recent times. The crisis has led to a legal suit being heard by an Oyo State High Court. The suit is seeking removal of Ayilara as the Chief Imam.

But the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) criticised Soun’s move, describing it as a “subterfuge to weaken Islam, a stratagem to enslave Muslims and a chicanery to exploit Muslim population of Ogbomoso.”

Oba Alao in a statement yesterday, however, urged MURIC to sheathe its sword, stressing that stakeholders in Ogbomoso would not allow anything that could divide Ogbomoso Muslim community.

Source:thenationonlineng.net

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India

 

Nitesh Rane faces backlash from BJP colleague over anti-Muslim remarks

BySurendra P Gangan

Sep 04, 2024

Mumbai: Nitesh Rane, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and member of the legislative assembly for Kankavli, has come under fire not only from the opposition but also from within his own party for his inflammatory comments against Muslims.

Haji Arfat Shaikh, a state BJP leader, has strongly criticised Rane, challenging him to visit mosques if he truly intends to attack Muslims. Shaikh has also called upon party leaders to restrain the outspoken MLA.

In a video shared on social media, Shaikh said that Rane was overstepping boundaries. "He is not the 'Gabbar' (a notorious villain from a Bollywood film) but the 'gobar' (cowdung) of Hindus," Shaikh remarked. He cautioned Rane against using derogatory language about Prophet Muhammad and Islam, warning that if Muslims were to take to the streets in retaliation, Rane "would not even be able to open his mouth".

Shaikh, who heads the Maharashtra State Muslim Khatik Samaj Unit and formerly led the Maharashtra state minority commission, expressed his discomfort in facing his community as a BJP leader following Rane's anti-Muslim comments.

The controversy stems from Rane's recent public addresses in Shrirampur and Topkhana areas of Ahmednagar. Speaking in support of Hindu seer Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj, who had previously made derogatory remarks about Islam and Prophet Muhammad, Rane issued threats to the Muslim community.

In a widely circulated video, Ране can be heard saying, "We will enter your mosques and hit you one by one. I am threatening you in the language you understand. If you say anything against our Ramgiri Maharaj, we will enter your mosques and beat you up one by one. Keep this in mind".

Rane further boasted of being the "Gabbar of Hindus", claiming that when he walks the streets, Muslims shut their doors and windows.

In response, Shaikh said, "He needs to understand what Hindutva is. He needs to understand the Hindutva of Dr BR Ambedkar, Hindutva of Shri Ram, and that of Balasaheb Thackeray. What he has said is not the stand of Hindus in Maharashtra and India".

Shaikh questioned whether Rane's attacks on Muslims were motivated by ambitions of a ministerial position for himself or his father. "If he continues using such language against Muslims, and I resort to my original form of working and politics, he would not be able to utter a word", Shaikh warned.

He appealed to senior BJP leaders, including Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar, to address the issue.

The criticism of Rane extends beyond Shaikh. Sujay Vikhe Patil, former BJP MP from Ahmednagar, has also cautioned Rane against creating divisions based on caste and religion. "If he tries to divide our people (in Ahmednagar), I am here to face him. The district believes in social harmony and we will not allow anybody to disturb it", Patil stated.

Source:hindustantimes.com

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Ex-militants campaigning for NC, PDP: Ram Madhav warns of dark days before J&K polls

04.09.24

BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav on Wednesday accused the National Conference and the People's Democratic Party of taking support from ex-militants for the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, and said that the two parties wanted to take the Union territory back to its "trouble-filled days."

Referring to the Abdullahs and Muftis, Madhav, who is the party's in-charge for J-K, said the two families needed to be shown the door.

"I have information that ex-militants are openly campaigning for the candidates of the NC and PDP. The people will have to defeat the parties who want to take J-K back to its bad days and support new leadership which wants peace and progress," Madhav told reporters here.

Referring to the elections manifestos released by the NC and the PDP which promise the restoration of Article 370 and statehood, resolution of the Kashmir issue, and talks with Pakistan, Madhav said the two regional parties wanted to take J-K back to its old, trouble-filled days.

"I want to remind the people of J-K that the NC, PDP, and others have brought up manifestos which will take J-K back to old, trouble-filled days," he said.

He added that new parties and leaders would emerge in the Kashmir valley, while in the Jammu region, the BJP would emerge as a representative of peace and development.

He said a new government, led by the BJP, would be formed in J-K.

Asked about many young faces contesting the polls, the BJP leader said this was the strategy of the people of J-K as they wanted new leadership.

"A good number of youth are coming forward and they should be supported. This state was under the grip of two families, those two families need to be shown the door. This state needs to be rid of those families," he said, referring to the families of NC president Farooq Abdullah and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti.

Asked whether the BJP would ally with any party if there was a fractured mandate, Madhav said the BJP would emerge as the single largest party, but "if there is such a situation, we will discuss it afterward."

He welcomed the entry of former members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (Jei) into the election fray.

"There is space for everyone in a democracy. We welcome everyone who wants to come forward to contest elections through democracy. But, no one should contest the polls using the support of terrorists and ex-militants. The polls will be held peacefully and in a transparent manner. That is the assurance of (Narendra) Modi like the Parliament polls were conducted in a transparent manner."

"Many people (former members of JeI) have realised that elections are conducted here in a free and fair manner. So, that is why they have come forward to contest, and we welcome everyone who wants to contest," he added.

The BJP national general secretary said the Union Home Minister would address an election rally in the Jammu region on September 6.

"After that, the prime minister and other leaders will also visit," he said.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.

Source:telegraphindia.com

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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/ex-militants-campaigning-for-national-conference-peoples-democratic-party-ram-madhav-warns-of-dark-days-before-jammu-and-kashmir-polls/cid/2045714

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Uttarakhand: 300 booked for vandalising Muslim-run shops in Chamoli

Scroll Staff

The Uttarakhand Police on Monday filed a first information report against 300 unidentified persons after shops run by Muslims in Chamoli district were vandalised a day earlier, The Indian Express reported.

On Sunday, at least eleven shops run by Muslims were vandalised in response to allegations that a member of the community, working in Chamoli town as a barber, had molested a 14-year-old girl.

The 25-year-old man was accused of making an obscene gesture towards the girl on August 22. The matter came to light on Saturday when the minor’s father filed a police complaint.

On Sunday morning, hundreds of Chamoli residents protested in the district’s Nandanagar area demanding the arrest of the accused man. Some of the protestors allegedly shouted provocative slogans and damaged shops run by Muslims, including the accused man’s barbershop.

A first information report of the incident was filed on Monday on a complaint by the officer in charge of the Nandanagar Ghat police station. Eleven shops were vandalised, the report said, adding that an under-construction Namaz Sthal, or an area dedicated to offering prayers, was also damaged by the mob.

The mob targeted members of a particular community, according to the first information report.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Pramod Shah told PTI that the accused man was arrested on Sunday night from Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnore district, which borders Uttarakhand.

Source:scroll.in

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Attack on train passenger over beef suspicion: GRP to re-arrest accused as court cancels bail

03.09.24

With a court cancelling their bail, police are making fresh efforts to re-arrest three men accused of assaulting an elderly man on a train in Maharashtra's Nashik on suspicion he was carrying beef, officials said on Tuesday.

The court cancelled their bail on Monday after the police added the charges of dacoity and hurting religious feelings against them.

The 72-year-old victim, Ashraf Ali Sayyed Hussain, from Jalgaon district in north Maharashtra, was assaulted by a group on board the Dhule-Mumbai CSMT Express on August 28 on the suspicion of carrying beef.

A video of the incident went viral on social media and the police arrested three men from Dhule - Akash Awhad (30), Nitesh Ahire (30) and Jayesh Mohite (21) - on August 31. They were presented in a court the next day, which granted bail to them.

As the GRP could not keep them in its custody after they were granted bail, the accused were allowed to go home, an official said, adding that the trio was going to Mumbai to take part in a police recruitment drive when the incident took place.

Based on the additional information provided by the victim, the police added charges of dacoity and hurting religious sentiments in the case, and also applied to cancel the bail, he said.

The court then allowed the police's plea and cancelled the bail granted to the three accused on Monday, paving the way for their re-arrest, the official said.

Anticipating that the accused persons will return to their residences in Dhule, police personnel were deployed outside their residences in plain clothes, but the trio was not found there, he said.

As a result, the GRP has launched an operation to trace and nab the three accused, the official said.

The GRP is trying to apprehend all individuals involved in the case, the official said.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.

Source:telegraphindia.com

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Nearby gunfight spreads panic in Jammu and Kashmir’s Thanamandi town

Arun Sharma

September 4, 2024

A brief gunfight took place Tuesday evening between suspected militants and security forces in the forest area near Thanamandi town, in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, sources said.

A party of security forces and police personnel were carrying out searches after getting reports of militants being seen in the area when the gunfight erupted, the sources said. According to them, three gunshots were fired at the search team, after which the security forces retaliated.

This comes just weeks ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled to be held in J&K, with the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch set to go to the polls in the second phase on September 25.

Sources said that three gunshots were fired on a party comprising police and security forces who had been carrying out searches following reports about the sighting of militants in the area.

The incident led to panic in the Thanamandi area, with shopkeepers closing their establishments in a hurry and rushing home.

Thanamandi falls on the Rajouri-DKG-Buffliaz road, which intersects the Mughal Road to Shopian in Kashmir.

For the last three years, the area, which had been declared free of militancy nearly a decade ago, has started witnessing militant activity once again.

Source:indianexpress.com

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RAW Officer Was On Board the Hijacked IC-814, Mastermind Mullah Omar Was Aware of This: Sources

September 4, 2024

Manoj Gupta

The IC-814 hijacking of 1999 is back in the news with a Netflix series based on the events. Sources in the Indian government have told CNN-News18 that the Indian Airlines flight IC 814 was carrying a RAW officer.

According to sources, the RAW officer, with 13 years of service in the IPS, was on board the hijacked flight. Sources say the Kandahar hijack mastermind Mullah Omar possibly knew about this officer but deliberately did not harm him, as was confirmed by the terrorist’s son Mullah Yaqoob.

Sources said that immediately after the hijack, the RAW officer came to know about the hijacking because of sudden movement of some passengers towards the cockpit. Following this, he immediately concealed his identity card under one of the seats on the flight and tried to behave normal.

He knew he could be a big negotiation point for hijackers and that his presence could create a major problem for the government of India.

At one stage, the Taliban was aware of this and when CNN-News18 interviewed Mullah Yaqoob in Kabul, he left after finishing it but called the team back at the same place. He returned after 30 minutes and said, “We love Indians and my father Mullah Omar never harmed IC-814 and your Intelligence officer who was inside.” Yaqoob made the statement, laughed and went back again.

The Fateful Flight: Ic-814’s Hijacking Timeline

On December 24, 1999, five masked men hijacked the aircraft — IC 814 — 40 minutes after it took off from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for New Delhi. The hijackers forced the captain of the flight — Devi Sharan — to fly the plane into Pakistani airspace, where he did not receive clearance to land. The plane then landed in Amritsar, with barely 10 minutes’ worth of fuel left.

After refuelling the plane, the hijackers forced the pilot to fly the plane to Lahore, where the pilot made a desperate landing despite not getting permission from Pakistan’s ATC, which turned off all lights and navigational aids at the airport.

But at the last moment, they were given permission and it was here that they refuelled and then left for Dubai. After being denied permission, the flight landed at the Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE. The hijackers released 27 of the 176 passengers on board, including the body of 25-year-old Rupin Katyal, who had been fatally stabbed by the terrorists.

After this, the plane landed at Taliban-controlled Afghanistan’s Kandahar airport. It was here that the hijackers negotiated with the then Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. The hijack ended on December 30 with the release of all the hostages for three terrorists — Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, Masood Azhar, and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar.

Source:news18.com

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Mideast

 

Global Imams Council condemns Hamas for execution of hostages

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

SEPTEMBER 4, 2024

The Global Imams Council has released a statement condemning the murder of hostages at the hands of Hamas terrorists.

The statement, which was released on the Global Imams Council’s X (previously Twitter) social media account on Sunday, September 1, 2024, referred to the actions of Hamas as ‘barbaric,’ stating, “We are deeply saddened and outraged by these heinous murders, which violate all principles of humanity, religious teachings, and international law.”

The Global Imams Council acknowledged that the targeting of civilians not only violates the laws of Islam, but the Geneva Conventions as well.

The statement, issued at the Islamic Seminary of Najaf in Iraq, held Hamas alone responsible for “the deaths and suffering of all innocent lives lost since October 7, as their actions have not only brought death and destruction upon the region but have also led to immense suffering for the Palestinian people.”

Moreover, The Global Imams Council confirmed its stance that “the regime in Iran shares equal responsibility for these tragedies, as its continued support and endorsement of Hamas's actions perpetuate violence and instability in the region.

The Global Imams Council is an NGO that previously made waves in the Muslim world for unanimously voting to adopt the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.

A call to action

The statement concluded with a heartfelt message to the families of the victims of the Israel-Hamas war, as well as a call for all religious leaders to stand against Hamas’ terror “and to work tirelessly towards a future where peace, justice, and respect for all human life are the foundations of our shared existence.”

Source:jpost.com

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https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-818653

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Settlers Hold Concert in Ibrahimi Mosque After Palestinian Worshippers Expelled

September, 03, 2024

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Israeli army temporarily closed the Ibrahimi Mosque to Palestinian worshippers, enabling thousands of Israeli settlers to hold a concert and perform religious rituals at the site in Hebron (al-Khalil), a city in the West Bank.

The Israeli military permitted settlers to move musical instruments into the mosque, according to video footage shared on social media.

The footage, likely recorded by an Israeli settler or soldier, also shows soldiers assisting in bringing materials into the worship site.

Moataz Abu Sneineh, the mosque director, condemned the event, stating that the settlers' concert in the mosque’s courtyards constituted "a blatant violation of the places of worship and the privacy of Muslims."

“These practices and violations fall within the framework of exchanging roles with the colonists,” Abu Sneineh told the official news agency Wafa.

He added that the Israeli forces allowed settlers to bring in musical instruments and loudspeakers to assert control over the mosque, while Palestinians are denied the ability to bring necessary supplies for the mosque's maintenance and restoration.

According to Wafa, the mosque was reopened to Palestinian worshippers early Tuesday.

The Ibrahimi Mosque holds significant religious importance for Muslims, as it is believed to be built above the tomb of the Prophet Ibrahim (Prophet Abraham).

In 1994, following the massacre of 29 Palestinian worshippers by a Jewish extremist settler, Baruch Goldstein, Israeli authorities divided the mosque complex between Muslim and Jewish worshippers.

In July 2017, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee included the Ibrahimi Mosque and the old city of Hebron on its World Heritage List.

Hebron is home to around 220,000 Palestinians and about 500 Israeli settlers who live in Jewish-only enclaves heavily guarded by Israeli troops.

Tensions have escalated across the occupied West Bank amid an ongoing Israeli offensive that has killed nearly 40,800 people in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7 last year.

Since then, at least 682 people have been killed and over 5,700 others injured by Israeli fire in the occupied territory, according to Palestinian figures.

In a landmark opinion issued on July 19, the International Court of Justice declared Israel's decades-long occupation of Palestinian land "illegal" and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Al-Quds.

Source:tasnimnews.com

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https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2024/09/03/3152868/settlers-hold-concert-in-ibrahimi-mosque-after-palestinian-worshippers-expelled

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Parliamentary session postponed amid Sunni bloc boycott over Amnesty Law exclusion

2024-09-03

Shafaq News/ The Iraqi parliament postponed its session on Tuesday after the Taqaddum parliamentary bloc, backed by other Sunni factions, objected to the meeting and refused to enter the parliamentary chamber.

A parliamentary source told Shafaq News Agency that the protest arose due to the exclusion of the General Amnesty Law from the day's agenda. In response to the protest, the parliament's presidium adjourned the session to a later date due to the lack of quorum.

"The Sunni blocs have reached an agreement with the parliamentary leadership to include the second reading of the General Amnesty Law on the agenda for the next session," the source said.

Tuesday's session was originally scheduled to include the second reading of the controversial Personal Status Law, but the agenda did not feature a discussion on the General Amnesty Law, focusing instead on" routine" legislations like the "Intellectual Property Protection" law.

Source:shafaq.com

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https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Parliamentary-session-postponed-amid-Sunni-bloc-boycott-over-Amnesty-Law-exclusion

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Syrian Kurdish forces release 50 Islamic State detainees

SEPTEMBER 3, 2024

Kurdish forces released 50 Syrian detainees with suspected ties to the Islamic State (IS) on Monday as part of an amnesty deal that could result in the release of between 1,000 and 1,500 prisoners, a regional security official confirmed. 

The agreement, which exclusively applies to Syrian nationals, was reached between the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and local tribal leaders on May 25, following recommendations from a meeting of Syrian tribes and community representatives. 

In July, the administration announced a general amnesty for “crimes committed by Syrians in accordance with the law on combating terrorism and for offenses that undermine regional security.” 

Reber Kalo, an official with Asayish, the semi-autonomous region’s internal security force, confirmed the release while emphasizing that “no one who participated in the fighting” would be included in the deal. 

An AFP photographer present at the scene witnessed the transfer of the detainees to tribal leaders in the northeastern city of Hasakah.

Detention facilities

Thousands of individuals affiliated with IS remain in the custody of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-dominated alliance of militias and Arab rebel groups that acts as the official military wing of AANES. 

The SDF, alongside an international military intervention led by the United States, was able to end IS control in the region in 2019; however, the Kurdish administration has since been saddled with policing a large population still loyal to the former quasi-state. 

Source:jpost.com

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https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-817598

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Islamic Resistance in Iraq targets Haifa Port, Israeli military claims interception

2024-09-04

Shafaq News/ The Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI) claimed responsibility for a drone strike targeting the Port of Haifa on Wednesday morning.

"In continuation of our path of resistance against the occupation [Israel], in support of our people in Gaza, and response to the massacres committed by the usurping entity against Palestinian civilians, including children, women, and the elderly, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq targeted the Haifa port in our occupied lands this Wednesday morning, September 4, 2024, using drones," the IRI said in a statement. The group vowed to continue targeting "enemy strongholds."

Earlier, the Israeli military reported that its air defenses had intercepted a drone launched from Iraq. According to the Israeli army, the drone was en route to Israel from the east when it was intercepted during the night. The drone did not enter Israeli airspace, and no injuries were reported.

Israeli media sources indicated that the drone was intercepted as it neared a target close to the Jordanian border.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, associated with the Popular Mobilization Forces, has claimed responsibility for numerous drone attacks against Israel amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza that killed more than 41,000 Palestinians.

While the Israeli military has successfully intercepted many of these drones, many incidents caused damage, including to an Israeli Navy base in Eilat.

The IRI, linked to Tehran's military allies in Iraq, including groups like Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat Hezbollah Al-Nujabaa, is a key component of the "Axis of Resistance" alongside Lebanon's Hezbollah and Yemen's Ansarallah. The group's operations are framed as efforts to "expel the American occupation" and support their "Palestinian brothers."

Last week, the IRI also claimed responsibility for a drone attack on the Alon Tavor power plant in Haifa and had previously targeted another site in the same city.

So far, the group has claimed responsibility for more than 220 attacks on US bases and Israel.

Source:shafaq.com

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https://shafaq.com/en/World/Islamic-Resistance-in-Iraq-targets-Haifa-Port-Israeli-military-claims-interception

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Islamic Resistance Continues Battling IOF in Support of Gaza

September 3, 2024

In steadfast support of the people and resistance in Gaza and in defense of Lebanese territories, Hezbollah’s Islamic Resistance conducted on Tuesday multiple operations against the Israeli occupation sites.

The group’s military media issued a series of statements outlining the attacks and their outcomes:

The first statement affirmed that the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, 3-9-2024, the espionage equipment at Al-Jardah site with appropriate weapons, hitting it directly which resulted in its destruction.

The second statement mentioned that the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted at 2:10 pm on Tuesday, 3-9-2024, the espionage equipment at Al-Raheb site with appropriate weapons, hitting it directly which resulted in its destruction.

The third statement affirmed that the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted at 2:20 pm on Tuesday, 3-9-2024, the technical systems at Al-Assi site with appropriate weapons, hitting them directly which resulted in their destruction.

According to the fourth statement, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted at 2:55 pm on Tuesday, 3-9-2024, a deployment of Israeli soldiers near Al-Sammaqa occupation site in the occupied Lebanese Kfar Shouba Hills with artillery shells, hitting it directly.

Islamic Resistance fighters targeted at 3:05 pm on Tuesday, 3-9-2024, Al-Radar site in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms with artillery shells, hitting it directly, according to the fifth statement.

The sixth statement emphasized that the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted,  on Tuesday, 3-9-2024, an Israeli intelligence force at Al-Raheb occupation site with artillery shells, inflicting direct hits.

The seventh statement underscored that, in response to the “Israeli” enemy’s attacks on the resilient southern villages and safe homes, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted,  on Tuesday, 3-9-2024, Islamic Resistance targets a building in Al-Manara settlement used by IOF with appropriate weapons, causing fire and leaving casualties.

The eighth statement underlined that the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted, at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, a positioning of the Israeli occupation soldiers at Birkat Risha site with appropriate weapons, inflicting confirmed casualties.

Hezbollah Military Media published a video which shows footage of the Islamic Resistance’s operation targeting Kfar Yuval settlement checkpoint belonging to the “Israeli” enemy army in northern occupied Palestine.

In support of the steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in backing their honorable and valiant resistance, the Islamic Resistance conducted a number of operations against the sites and deployments of the “Israeli” enemy’s army along the Lebanese-Palestinian border on Monday, 02-09-2024, as follows:

1. The Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a building used by enemy soldiers in Avivim settlement with appropriate weapons, hitting it directly, in response to the “Israeli” enemy’s attacks on the steadfast southern villages and peaceful homes.

2. The Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a building used by enemy soldiers in Al-Manara settlement with appropriate weapons, hitting it directly, in response to the Israeli enemy’s attacks on the steadfast southern villages and peaceful homes.

3. At 10:10 am, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the deployment of “Israeli” enemy soldiers at Adather Heights with artillery shells, inflicting direct damage.

4. The Islamic Resistance fighters launched Katyusha rocket barrages at the settlements of Ein Yaakov, Ga’aton, and Yehi’am, in response to the “Israeli” enemy’s attacks on the steadfast southern villages and peaceful homes, particularly the attack last morning on the town of Al-Naqoura.

5. At 3:55 pm, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted Al-Ramtha site in the occupied Lebanese Kfar Shuba hills with rocket weapons, inflicting direct damage.

6. At 3:55 pm, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted Zibdeen site in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms with rocket weapons, inflicting direct damage.

7. The Islamic Resistance fighters launched a barrage of Katyusha rockets once again at the settlements of Ein Yaakov, Ga’aton, and Yehi’am, in response to the “Israeli” enemy’s attacks on the steadfast southern villages and peaceful homes, particularly the attack this morning on the town of Al-Naqoura.

8. At 6:20 pm, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted Al-Manara site with rocket weapons, inflicting direct damage.

9. At 6:50 pm, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted Bayyad Blida site with artillery shells, inflicting direct damage.

Source:.almanar.com.lb

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https://english.almanar.com.lb/2189464

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Europe

 

Hartlepool Muslim community holds annual peace walk promoting understanding

By Mark Payne

3rd Sep 2024

Around 60 men, women and children took part in a walk in Hartlepool’s Ward Jackson Park to promote peace, understanding and goodwill.

Saturday’s annual Charity Walk for Peace also raised money for various charities.

The Ceremonial Mayor, Councillor Carole Thompson, and her consort, Councillor Phil Holbrook, took part and the mayor cut the ribbon to start the event.

She later presented medals to everyone who took part.

It was one of many walks throughout the UK organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Elders Association.

Falahuddin Butt, chairman of the Hartlepool walk, said: “The Beacon of Peace was founded to serve humanity regardless of colour, creed, nationality

or race.

"It serves to remove suffering, help those in need and foster goodwill and unite everyone.”

Tahir Selby, imam of Hartlepool’s Nasir Mosque, added: “We are delighted that the mayor was able to give up some of her valuable time to support our charity walk and she seemed to have a lovely morning meeting all the walkers.”

Source:hartlepoolmail.co.uk

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https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/whats-on/things-to-do/hartlepool-muslim-community-holds-annual-peace-walk-promoting-understanding-4766872

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Labour Needs the Muslim Vote to Stabilise its ‘Sandcastle Majority’

Sufyan Gulam Ismail

3 September 2024

Despite his majority of 170 seats, it is possible that Labour will face a steep uphill struggle to hang onto the gains made when they next go to the polls in a by-election or General Election.

To avoid being forced up against the ropes, especially by an increasingly pugnacious Nigel Farage, Labour will needs to consider ways to broaden its voter base.   Let’s look at some simple facts:

Labour captured just 34% of the electorate which is less than Tony Blair achieved in every one of his election victories and barely 2% above Corbyn’s 2019 result.  The election itself also had around 60% turnout, making it amongst the lowest in history.

Reform played a huge role in damaging an already feeble Tory election machine.  Reform came in second place in about 98 seats and within 5,000 votes of winning roughly 10 of those.  Moreover, in over 170 of the Conservative seats lost, the Reform vote was greater than the margin of the Conservatives’ defeat.  Labour benefited hugely this time from Reform’s presence, but next time, a Reform/Tory pact or even a unified right-wing party could hugely damage Labour’s prospects.  In fact, longtime Labour MPs have presciently warned that in many of the areas where Labour did secure victory, it was with narrow margins of victory.   

A key factor in Labour’s success was the unprecedented collapse of the Tory vote, a groundbreaking 20 points nationally.  So this election could well have been more about a Tory defeat than a Labour victory.   

Voters are becoming increasingly ‘mobile’ and gravitating toward smaller parties. In the 2019 General Election, over 75% of the popular vote went to Labour and the Tories, whereas in 2024 they secured around 60% of the vote, and smaller parties took home around 30.4%, with Reform (14.3%) and Liberal Democrats (12.1%) leading among them.

The collapse of the ‘Muslim Vote’ by 30% in some key areas led to the loss of Labour seats to Independents.

warn Starmer that he has a “sandcastle majority that will have a fair number of big tides coming its way.”

However, Labour can, and should, turn its house-of-cards majority into a solid foundation for electoral success by tapping into the potentially millions of British Muslim voters who are looking for a Government that listens to their concerns.

This constituency, whose support Labour has traditionally been able to largely count upon, was more conflicted in 2024 about giving Labour its vote. Labour can, and in fact should, as a matter of at least maintaining if not expanding its parliamentary majority, consider how it can go about reestablishing itself as the party of choice among British Muslims.

There is little doubt that this will be a difficult task. In the eight months leading up to the election, the party’s moral equivocation on the genocide in Gaza caused some significant damage to Muslims’ trust in Labour.

some research showing that in the 21 seats where more than 30% of the population is Muslim, Labour’s vote share dropped by 29% from an average of 65% in 2019 to 36% in 2024, driven by the Gaza issue.

Labour should of course care about this as a matter of principle, but they should also take winning back the hearts and minds of Muslims as a matter of realpolitik and electoral strategy, considering the threats that it faces going into future elections. So how can Labour do this? There are four key policy areas that it should embrace to make this happen.

First, Labour should not continue the strategically shortsighted Conservative policy of refusing to engage with mainstream Muslim civil society groups.

Groups like Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND) have decades of experience working with community leaders and public authorities to tackle Islamophobia and strengthen community cohesion, and as a result have widespread support among and across British Muslim communities.

These bodies have organically grown out of British Muslim life and are authentic representations of what is a very diverse community. This is not something that can be artificially created, which is why the Government should avoid a policy of cherry-picking preferred leaders to work with, or creating its own bodies that command no recognition or legitimacy among British Muslims. Labour must take the requests of such groups seriously, such as the widespread calls for increased and legislated mosque protection funding.

Racial and Religious Hatred Law

Labour should resolve the deeply problematic legislative imbalance between the protections given on the grounds of race versus those afforded to religious groups under the Racial and Religious Hatred Act of 2006.

Currently, a person is rightly protected against abusive, insulting or threatening words or behaviour that target race. On the other hand, a religious person is only protected from threatening words or behaviour. This gives a free pass to bigots to use abusive or insulting words or behaviour toward someone because of their religious identity.

The urgency to address this legislative gap is now even more pressing following the recent far-right riots, which were characterised by the very practices of abusing and insulting Muslims. When it comes to racial hatred, prosecutors need to establish that there was a likelihood that the offence would whip up hatred, but when it comes to religious hatred, there is the added condition that it must be proven that the perpetrator had the intention to do so.

Labour must rescind the highly politicised definition of extremism introduced by the Conservative Government and remove mainstream Muslim civil society groups from being judged against it. This process was known to be the brainchild of former Secretary of State for Levelling Up and Communities, Michael Gove, who has a well-documented past of working for right-wing think tanks that have been accused of espousing Islamophobia, including by their own founders in the case of the Henry Jackson Society. Gove claimed that the Muslim groups were added because of their “Islamist orientation and views.”

Yet, all those groups added are apolitical and do not promote or advance any such ideology. Groups like MEND were founded with one overarching goal: to fight Islamophobia in Britain. It was not created to champion any ideology or political group, and there is no evidence that it ever has. The work of groups like MEND should be understood as fitting within the long and honourable tradition of protecting and advancing the citizenship of minority groups. Far from undermining our institutions, their work strengthens them by ensuring that rights and freedoms are applied equally to all, and not on the basis of race or religious affiliation. This should be celebrated, not demonised.

Finally, and in what will perhaps be Labour’s greatest test, the party must adopt a coherent policy toward the genocide in Gaza, which places human rights at its core.

The Prime Minister must publicly call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.

Labour must urgently implement its manifesto pledge to recognise the state of Palestine, and not delay this over concerns about international optics as some reports have suggested it is doing.

Although Labour has repeatedly called for the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza to be returned home safely, it should do the same for the thousands of Palestinian hostages held illegally in Israeli jails.

Labour should uphold international law by calling for the removal of all illegal settlements on occupied Palestinian land in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The party should commit to not reintroducing the last Government’s highly controversial anti-Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Bill, which campaigners across the country recognised as an acute threat to freedom of expression and assembly.

Finally, the UK should follow the lead of nations like Belgium and the Netherlands in suspending arms sales to Israel.

Through this suite of policies, the Labour leadership can show British Muslims that it is taking a different position toward them compared to Governments of the past. It can show them that it takes their right to be properly represented and heard seriously, and through doing so, it may well fortify its electoral foundations and turn its sandcastle majority into a castle of stone.

Source:bylinetimes.com

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https://bylinetimes.com/2024/09/03/labour-needs-the-muslim-vote-to-stabilise-its-sandcastle-majority/

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Evidencing a rise in anti-Muslim and anti-migrant online hate following the Southport attack

3 September 2024

Far-right[1] riots in the UK in the aftermath of the Southport attack resoundingly demonstrated the role of social media in facilitating the viral spread of misinformation, hate and extremist mobilisations. The riots did not appear from nowhere but occurred against the backdrop of widespread anti-Muslim and anti-migrant prejudice on social media. Across both large mainstream platforms such as X and more fringe messaging services such as Telegram, ISD evidenced how users and channels with large followings shared harmful stereotypes about Muslims and migrants in the immediate aftermath of the attack.

This article quantifies the growth of hate on both Telegram and X following the Southport attack. Leveraging bespoke automated detection software at a large scale, it shows both a rise in hateful online content and provides an initial analysis of the narratives used to spread it on both Telegram and X. Analysts also investigate the hashtag #TwoTierKeir – a hashtag suggesting that Prime Minister Starmer supports a two-tier policing system – as an example of borderline content, which was used to spread anti-Muslim and anti-migrant stereotypes in a covert manner, thereby reaching huge audiences.

Key Findings

To assess the volume of online hate directed at Muslims and migrants in response to the Southport attack, ISD and CASM collected nearly 45,000 messages across 55 British far-right Telegram channels, selected based on existing monitoring work. Analysts found that:

In the ten days following the Southport attack, anti-migrant hate on Telegram rose by 246% and anti-Muslim hate by 276%.

Calls for violence against Muslim and migrant communities peaked on 4 and 5 August.

On X, the use of anti-Muslim slurs more than doubled in the ten days after the Southport attack, with over 40,000 posts containing one or more of these terms.

Anti-Muslim sentiment was also spread on X via hashtags, which collectively received almost five million views.

The first mentions of #TwoTierKeir on X were made by an account with under 1,000 followers on 31 July in response to Keir Starmer’s statement that far-right rioters would face serious law enforcement consequences.

Between 31 July and 8 August, the hashtag was mentioned nearly 45,000 times by over 12,000 unique authors and seen over 100 million times.

Anti-Muslim and anti-migrant hate tripled on Telegram following the Southport attacks

Methods

Analysts sought to understand the toxicity of digital ecosystems by measuring changes in the volume of anti-Muslim and anti-migrant hate following the Southport attack on 29 July and subsequent riots in cities across the UK.

In order to conduct analysis on Telegram, ISD and CASM collected 45,000 messages across 55 British far-right Telegram channels from 19 July to 8 August (ten days before the Southport attack to ten days after). An initial list of channels was identified using existing seed lists and ethnographic work, which included a process of account expansion and data cleaning. Channels were only included when based in the UK, which was assessed either by location of known individuals, channel names, or where the vast majority of content related to UK-based events. Channels were also selected for the relevance to far-right extremism based on existing ethnographic research. They ranged from white supremacism to football hooliganism to accounts which supported known far-right groups and networks, such as support for Tommy Robinson.

Channels included both broadcast channels and chat groups, with the latter generating a greater volume of activity due to greater interactivity between users. The vast majority of messages (76%) were posted on a chat group linked to Tommy Robinson, Britain First and the For Britain movement. In terms of their predominant interest, Telegram channels ranged from football hooliganism, to far-right anti-Muslim extremism, to white nationalist groups.

Hate was measured against ISD’s definition as ‘activity which seeks to dehumanise, demonise, harass, threaten, or incite violence against an individual or community based on religion, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, national origin or migrant status’. This was understood in the context of the existing tropes and conspiracies which constitute Islamophobia/anti-Muslim hatred.

To identify hate within the dataset, keyword filters built on previous analysis by ISD and CASM Technology were applied to the Telegram messages collected to detect mentions and references to Muslims and migrants. This filter included neutral identifying words as well as hateful phrases and slurs. This process yielded 2,758 messages likely related to Muslims and 2,674 messages likely related to migrants. A generative large language model was then used to classify these messages based on the presence of anti-Muslim and anti-migrant sentiment.

The model classified messages for anti-Muslim or anti-migrant sentiment, assigning a confidence score. Only those with a score of 80% or higher were analysed. A sample of these was manually reviewed, confirming they contained anti-Muslim or anti-migrant sentiment, or both.

Findings 

A total of 1,892 hateful messages were identified across the analysed channels between 29 July and 8 August, including 983 anti-migrant messages and 1,014 anti-Muslim messages, with some posts falling under both categories. In the ten days following the Southport attack, anti-migrant messages rose by 246% and anti-Muslim hate messages by 276% compared to the previous ten days (19 July – 28 July). The graph shows a small peak in the immediate aftermath of the Southport attack, with a larger secondary peak over the weekend when the worst rioting was experienced.  

Qualitative analysis of anti-Muslim and anti-migrant hate speech on Telegram reveals a disturbing pattern of interconnected racism, xenophobia, and conspiracy theories that fuel far-right extremist rhetoric on the platform. Migrants and Muslims are frequently dehumanised, labelled as “dirty” or “boat people”, and associated with criminality. These messages often link to broader conspiracies, such as a deliberate agenda to “import” the “worst” types of Muslims. and conspiracy theories about population replacement. Such ideas are often inherently connected to antisemitism, where Jewish people are accused of deliberately orchestrating such events, such as in the case of COVID-19.

As unrest escalated in early August, the nature of the hate speech intensified and channels saw a surge in calls for mass deportations and violent rhetoric. Repeated copy-paste messages explicitly advocating for the burning of mosques and the killing of Muslims peaked on 4 and 5 August. Egregiously anti-Black racist comments, at times referencing the Southport murder suspect, proliferated. This uptick in hate speech coincided with the most widespread riots, reflecting how online discourse can rapidly mirror and exacerbate real-world violence. 

The messaging on the analysed Telegram channels illustrates the platform’s role as an amplifier of harmful ideologies, evident in the progression from initial expressions of hate speech to outright incitement to violence with very little visible intervention from the platform. Telegram not only allows these extremist narratives to flourish but also facilitates their rapid spread, underscoring the urgent need for effective monitoring and intervention to prevent further escalation and potential offline harm. 

After Southport, posts containing anti-Muslim slurs doubled on X  

Methods

A parallel study on the volume of hate on X indicates that this rise in anti-Muslim hate was also acute in mainstream online spaces. Analysis of X data used a list of anti-Muslim slurs and hateful phrases with a high likelihood of relating to hateful content. This keyword list, used in previous research to analyse anti-Muslim hate, comprised 96 terms.

Findings

In the ten days following the Southport attack, over twice as many (118% increase) anti-Muslim slurs were posted on X than in the previous period (over 40,000 total). This is likely to be an underestimate of the total volume of anti-Muslim hate on social media due to the implicit and coded nature of many comments. The spike in anti-Muslim slurs observed on 24 July likely correlates to the Manchester airport incident, which was regularly discussed at this time on far-right channels. 

Anti-Muslim hashtags were also used to spread hate on X. In the ten days following the attack, the hashtags #banislam, #stopislam, #fuckislam, #islamistheproblem, #islamiscancer, #deportmuslims and #deport_muslims were posted on X nearly 5,000 times in total. These hashtags were seen by X users nearly five million times during this period.  

#TwoTierKeir was used to popularise existing far-right conspiracies 

As violence grew, the X hashtag #TwoTierKeir promoted the idea that rioters were being unfairly targeted. The allegation of two-tier policing relates to the longstanding far-right narrative that Muslim communities receive preferential treatment by law enforcement or other national bodies. This in turn feeds the idea that white communities are being disadvantaged not only by Muslim and migrant communities, but by the complicity of liberal democratic institutions. Carefully selected videos were shared on far-right Telegram channels of police responses to protests both by the far-right and by those of diverse ethnic backgrounds, attempting to show an unduly harsh response to white people. 

While this hashtag is not overtly hateful, its implication refers to existing anti-Muslim and anti-migrant prejudices. It therefore may not specifically contravene platform Terms of Service but serves to normalise and further entrench anti-Muslim conspiracies into mainstream discourse. Here, platforms should approach moderation protocols with an understand of the nuances of extremist content. In line with the Online Safety Act’s approach, large platforms must consider the risks of covertly hateful content to users. This should include increased resources and attention to hashtags that are likely to elicit hateful replies. Platforms should also ensure that they are not promoting such hashtags to new audiences through their recommender algorithms, even unintentionally. 

The first mentions of #TwoTierKeir were made by a small account with under 1,000 followers on 31 July in response to Keir Starmer’s statement that far-right rioters would face serious consequences from law enforcement. The hashtag slowly grew organically over the following period. Between 31 July and 8 August, the hashtag was mentioned nearly 45,000 times by over 12,000 unique authors, including by highly followed and verified accounts belonging to public figures. The hashtag was seen over 100 million times during this eight-day period. 

Conclusions 

Across both Telegram and X, this research has evidenced significant spikes in anti-Muslim and anti-migrant hate in the aftermath of the Southport attack. This took the form of both overt slurs and hashtags, and more covert conspiracies. Such borderline content may not be immediately recognisable to mainstream users as hateful, but nevertheless serves to amplify far-right conspiracies. This type of content on mainstream platforms contributes to the continued mainstreaming and normalisation of the othering of Muslim and migrant communities. 

X’s Hateful Conduct policy bans the spread of hate based on protected characteristics. However, some of this content is likely to breach these policies but was not subject to effective moderation. Overt anti-Muslim hate spread widely and to large audiences in the aftermath of the Southport attack. X should urgently consider the efficacy of its policies and their enforcement. Such policies must also contend with borderline hashtags such as #TwoTierKeir which may not explicitly contravene Terms of Service but contribute to the overall online hostile environment towards vulnerable communities. 

Telegram has long functioned as a permissive environment for various forms of hate and extremism. The European Commission is considering labelling Telegram a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP), which would strengthen legal mechanisms for accountability. This article’s findings of the significant spike in anti-Muslim and anti-migrant hate provide yet another piece of evidence for urgently bringing Telegram under digital regulation efforts at both EU and UK level. 

Endnotes

[1] There is no agreed definition of what constitutes the ‘extreme right’. A widely accepted definitional minimum of ‘far right’ created by Cas Mudde identifies five core elements common to the majority of definitions: strong-state values, nationalism, xenophobia, racism and anti-democracy. Within the broad framework of ‘far right’, Mudde identifies two branches, the radical right and the extreme right, which are differentiated by attitudes towards strategic political violence (typically supported by the extreme right) and democracy (while the extreme right rejects all forms of democracy, the radical right opposes liberal democracy while working within democratic frameworks).

The sole responsibility for any content supported by the European Media and Information Fund lies with the author(s) and it may not necessarily reflect the positions of the EMIF and the Fund Partners, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the European University Institute.

Source:isdglobal.org

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Fyodor Lukyanov: Germany’s political ‘elephant in the room’ has gotten bigger, so what now?

3 Sep, 2024

Fyodor Lukyanov

The elephant in the room has gotten bigger. There’s yet more anxiety in Germany after the non-systemic parties (often dismissed as ‘populists’) scored significant electoral successes in two eastern states over the weekend. ‘Alternative for Germany’ (AFD) won the contest in Thuringia and finished just behind the establishment CDU in Saxony.

The newly formed ‘Sarah Wagenknecht Bloc’ crushed her former Die Linke (the Left) colleagues and placed third in both states. The complete collapse of the ruling federal coalition (the so-called ‘traffic lights’ – denoting the colors of the Social Democrats, Liberals, and Greens) came as little surprise. More elections are due later this month in Brandenburg, where this weekend’s big winners also have high hopes.

It is only relatively recently that the eastern states have become the subject of increased interest by the German (mostly western) establishment. Almost 35 years have passed since the dissolution of the GDR and the absorption of its territory by the Federal Republic. The difficulties of integration were actively discussed in the 1990s and then faded into the background. Even in the first phase, the main issues were the scale of investment required in the new states and the efficiency with which the money was spent. The socio-political situation in the territories themselves had little impact on the general state of overall German politics.

In fact, it is only in the last decade that it has become clear in various situations that integration has not been so successful and that differences have not disappeared. In the changed external and internal circumstances, the former GDR proved to be fertile ground for the rise of very right-wing (some call it xenophobic, others nationalist) and very left-wing sentiments. The latter were of little concern as long as their spokespeople were the Left Party, the heirs to the GDR’s old Communists. Its split, and the emergence of the charismatic Frau Wagenknecht as a force in her own right, has made the ruling classes anxious, although it is still unclear how long her star will shine. And there is a chance that she will be co-opted by the mainstream.

In any case, the existence of a separate eastern dynamic within Germany has been quite visibly confirmed. This has again proven the damage from the arrogance that gripped the Western establishment after the Cold War, both globally and nationally. Ignoring the opinions of those considered to be the losers has led to major problems both worldwide and inside individual countries. More generally, the elections in Thuringia and Saxony confirm an interesting West European trend. The successes of the extreme right and the extreme left (to use the terms favored in the West) won’t bring either of them to power. A very clear example is France, where Macron, after all his embarrassment and being declared a hopeless lame duck, is about to appoint the prime minister he wants, not one the recent election winners prefer.

However, this sort of thing doesn’t go unnoticed. The political process is resorting to ever more sophisticated political-technical manipulations in order to completely bypass, or at least neutralize as much as possible, the non-systemic parties and their growing support.

The greater the number of persona non grata entities, the more difficult it will be to form coalitions without their participation. This requires an ideological levelling out of the rest, which renders the electoral process meaningless. During the campaign, the parties emphasize their differences, and afterwards they are forced to focus on their similarities.

In principle, this is normal; it is the essence of any multi-party democracy in which there are more than two main players and they unite on the basis of counter-compromises based on the results of elections. But the emergence of the “elephant in the room” – political forces whose influence is clearly growing but whose participation in government is considered illegitimate – distorts the previously natural process.

The coming together of old rivals doesn’t happen because it serves their core interests, nor on the basis of reasonable concessions, but rather in a slightly panicky atmosphere of ‘anything but not this!’ As a result, exactly what makes extreme but ideologically labelled movements more attractive is reproduced: the merging of respectable forces into a common centrist mass of vague and now often ‘rubbery’ views stretching in all directions (hello Macron and his associates). So we get a dichotomy not of views, but of the kosher – the ‘clean versus the unclean’. This irritates voters, and the proportion of those who think they are being sold a lemon is growing. And they are drawn to the ‘impure’, who seem more honest to them. It’s a vicious circle.

So far, everywhere (except Italy), the ‘extremes’ haven’t had enough skill and cunning to outwit their opponents in this post-election game. And the Italian case shows that whoever ‘slays the dragon’ ends up copying it. Nevertheless, the growth of disaffected people who vote ‘wrong’ is linear. That is what makes the establishment scared. Although it has managed to hold onto the helm so far, it is not certain that it will continue to do so.

It is reasonable to assume that, in the medium term, such processes should lead to a reshaping of the broad European political landscape. Strangely enough, however, it is quite stable in its current state. In fact, no one has convincingly formulated ideological alternatives to the current ‘European values’ under American auspices. As mentioned above, the breakthrough of the former ‘outcasts’ into the first echelon does not mean a rearrangement of the elites, but instead the normalization of the newcomers. The EU/NATO framework has a high safety margin to keep the political field within the same parameters. This brings us to the question of whether we should expect any changes in course that would affect Russian interests. So far, the answer is no.

Source:rt.com

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https://www.rt.com/news/603468-elephant-in-german-room/

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Africa

 

At least 129 dead in attempted jailbreak in Congo

By Rédaction Africanews

An attempted jailbreak in Congo's main prison in the capital left at least 129 people dead, most of them in a stampede, authorities said Tuesday.

A provisional assessment showed that 24 inmates were shot dead by "warning" gunshots as they tried to escape from the overcrowded Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa early Monday, Congolese Interior Minister Jacquemin Shabani said on the social platform X.

"There are also 59 injured people taken into care by the government, as well as some cases of women raped," he said, adding that order has been restored at the prison, part of which was burned in the attack.

Prison capacity

Makala, Congo's largest penitentiary with a capacity for 1,500 people, holds over 12,000 inmates, most of whom are awaiting trial, Amnesty International said in its latest country report. The facility has recorded previous jailbreaks, including in 2017 when an attack by a religious sect freed dozens.

Gunfire inside the prison started around midnight on Sunday into Monday morning, residents said. A senior government official earlier said only two deaths were confirmed during the incident, a figure disputed by rights activists.

Videos that appeared to be from the prison showed bodies lying on the ground, many of them with visible injuries. Another video showed inmates carrying people who appeared to be dead into a vehicle.

No alert

There were no signs of forced entry into the prison, which is located in the city centre, 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the presidential palace.

The attempted escape was plotted from inside the prison by inmates in one of the wings, Mbemba Kabuya, the deputy justice minister, told the local Top Congo FM radio.

In the hours that followed the attack, the road to the prison was cordoned off while authorities convened a panel to investigate the incident.

Makala — among other prisons in Congo — is so overcrowded that people often die from starvation, activists say. Scores of inmates have been released this year as part of efforts to decongest the prisons.

Justice Minister Constant Mutamba called the attack a "premeditated act of sabotage," adding that those who "instigated these acts of sabotage ... will receive a stern response."

He also announced a ban on transferring inmates from the prison and said authorities would build a new prison, among other efforts to reduce overcrowding.

Source:africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2024/09/03/at-least-129-dead-in-attempted-jailbreak-in-congo/

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High court halts disciplinary action against Bunamwaya mosque Imam

September 3, 2024

Written by VOA

The Kampala High court has issued a temporary injunction preventing the executive committee of Bunamwaya Central Masjid from taking any further action against Abdulkarim Mwerinde, the mosque's Imam.

Justice Musa Ssekaana, head of the civil division of the High court, granted the injunction, allowing Mwerinde to continue his duties as Imam until the main case is resolved. Court records indicate that Mwerinde, along with 22 other Muslims, mobilized and registered a community organization, Bunamwaya Central Masjid Ltd, a company limited by guarantee, to manage Islamic affairs in the Bunamwaya Central area.

In October 2023, the executive committee of Bunamwaya Central Masjid Ltd resolved to suspend Mwerinde from his role as Imam for 60 days, citing insubordination. Mwerinde complied with the suspension, though he claimed it was irregular, and returned to his duties in December 2023 after no further meetings were held to discuss the matter.

On March 11, 2024, after leading the dhuhr prayers, Mwerinde attempted to address the mosque congregants but was interrupted by a member of the executive committee, who claimed he lacked the necessary clearance from the executive. Subsequently, on March 16, the committee dismissed Mwerinde from his position as Imam, a role he had held for over 12 years.

Feeling aggrieved, Mwerinde filed a company cause in court, seeking redress for what he described as oppressive conduct and mismanagement by the executive committee. He named Bunamwaya Central Masjid Ltd, along with individuals Sulaiman Bulega, Sulaiman Senkungu, Musa Musisi, Abdulkarim Sebanakita, Musa Kafaki, and Razia Nakitto as respondents.

Mwerinde argued that his dismissal was irregular and that he had been denied the right to a fair hearing. He asked the court to overturn his suspension and applied for a temporary injunction to halt any further disciplinary actions against him in relation to his role as Imam.

In his application, Mwerinde contended that the actions of the respondents were illegal and violated the Articles of Association of Bunamwaya Central Masjid Ltd. He asserted that he had a prima facie case with a high probability of success and that the balance of convenience was in his favour.

The respondents, through an affidavit by Dr Ayoub Twahir Sekitto, chairman of Bunamwaya Central Masjid Ltd, argued that Mwerinde was no longer the Imam by the time he filed the application and had not demonstrated how he would suffer if the injunction was not granted. They also claimed that Mwerinde's dismissal was in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association of Bunamwaya Central Masjid Ltd.

Justice Ssekaana ruled that Mwerinde had demonstrated that he would suffer irreparable harm if the injunction was not granted. The court found that there were triable issues and a prima facie case with a likelihood of success.

"The applicant was relieved of his duties as the Imam of the first respondent, which he believes is contrary to the Memorandum and Articles of Association. The court must be allowed the opportunity to examine these allegations through substantive evidence tested in a full trial, including cross-examination," Justice Ssekaana stated.

Source:observer.ug

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https://www.observer.ug/index.php/news/headlines/82320-high-court-halts-disciplinary-action-against-bunamwaya-mosque-imam

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Fulani Killing, Attack, Suffering Must Stop – Emir Sanusi Declares

3 September 2024

 Richard Ogunsile

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has asserted that several Fulani people have been killed, attacked and treated differently in Nigeria.

The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor stated this during a meeting with the leadership of the Fulani organization, Tapital Pulaku Njode Jam Nigeria, on Tuesday at his palace.

Addressing the group led by Modibbo Jada, Emir Sanusi indicated his willingness to resolve the ongoing crises involving the Fulani community in the nation, aiming to establish a lasting solution to these issues.

He emphasized the urgent need for the government to implement a definitive resolution to the Fulani crises in the country.

He said, “But this can be done only if the Federal Government will give me full support to achieve my mission because they have the might and what it takes to make my strategy work, while I will provide the ideas and the methodologies of how to go about it.

“No doubt, Fulanis in Nigeria have suffered heavy attacks, isolation, killing and destruction and the rustling of their cows; these rejections indeed were carried all across the country and something needs to be done to arrest the situation. However, it is not untrue that there are some bad eggs amongst the Fulanis who have thrown the good names of the People into the trash and subjected them to what they are suffering today.

“This is the time that the Government, together with us, will have a permanent solution to the crises, more specifically between them and the farmers and also where they are suspected to be carrying out other crimes. I, on my own, am ready to help the Government achieve the desired mission of having peace and prosperity among the Fulanis and, indeed, other Nigerians; their suffering should stop; I believe together we will do it.”

In a statement, Madibo Jada, the leader of the Fulani group, expressed that they had come to the palace to pledge their loyalty to the Emir upon his second ascension as their leader, a position he was appointed to long ago by the Lamido of Adamawa.

“Our members are mainly in the bushes, and if today I asked only the youth wing of our group to come here, this palace would be too small for us; we have members all across the 36 states of Nigeria”, Jada explained, stating that they believed that Emir Sanusi has what it takes to correct their battered names and set the records straight of who they are and their contributions to the country’s socio-economic development.

Source:naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/09/03/fulani-killing-attack-suffering-must-stop-emir-sanusi-declares/

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Lagos Assembly Advocates For Counseling Units In Schools To Tackle Domestic Violence

3 September 2024

 Ikenna Ngere

The Lagos State House of Assembly has underscored the necessity of taking a proactive stance in combating domestic and sexual violence within the state.

During a session chaired by Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the Assembly highlighted the critical role of establishing guidance and counseling units in schools and religious institutions to engage the public and prevent incidents of violence.

The Assembly also called on the Ministry of Information to continue its awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public about domestic violence.

Speaker Obasa expressed concern about the complex nature of domestic violence cases, particularly the impact on children.

He acknowledged the ongoing efforts by Lagos agencies to raise awareness but emphasized that laws alone are not enough to eradicate such crimes.

“We thank the agencies in Lagos for their continuous efforts in raising awareness among residents.

“However, no law can entirely eliminate any crime. We must go beyond sensitisation and help people understand why relationships, which should be loving, sometimes turn sour,” Obasa said.

The Speaker raised questions about the long-term effects of interventions that involve removing children from abusive homes, asking, “If we take children away from their parents, who will care for them as their parents would? Even when NGOs intervene and ensure separation, what happens after the separation?”

Obasa also expressed concern over the lifestyle choices of some young people, noting that teenage boys are often focused on acquiring wealth, such as owning homes in affluent areas like Lekki, while young girls sometimes miss school in pursuit of money.

He advocated for educational programs that go beyond mere awareness, aiming to teach children about the dangers of domestic violence.

In a motion brought under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance,’ Hon. Omolara Olumegbon, representing Lagos Island 1, stressed the importance of educating children about domestic violence.

She called for a revitalization of existing laws and an increased focus on awareness and enlightenment efforts.

Olumegbon also emphasized the critical need to keep educating the youth, urging the concerned ministries to increase their efforts

Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2) added to the debate by expressing concern about the high rate of domestic violence in society.

He clarified the distinction between domestic violence and parental discipline, emphasizing the importance of prevention and strict enforcement of existing laws.

Hon. Abiodun Tobun highlighted the importance of teaching values and norms in schools and religious institutions, while Hon. Rotimi Ajomale called on relevant agencies to encourage more victims to come forward and speak out.

Hon. Aro Moshood pointed out the alarming statistics showing that women are the primary victims of domestic violence and called for stronger legislation to address the issue.

Hon. Funke Osafile also advocated for the strengthening of existing laws and policies to better protect victims.

Source:naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/09/03/lagos-assembly-advocates-for-counseling-units-in-schools-to-tackle-domestic-violence/

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Aiyedatiwa Did Not Hire A Private Firm To Protect Farmers In Ondo State – Aide

3 September 2024

 Justina Otio

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Security, Gbenga Atiba, has said that the governor did not hire any private firm to protect farmers in the state.

Naija News understands that a private security firm, Global Olabod Resources Limited, had claimed that Aiyedatiwa had employed them to coordinate all security agencies in the state, following the outcry of farmers being threatened by hoodlums in their farms.

However, speaking via a statement on Tuesday, Atiba explained that the claim made by the company’s chairman was a misrepresentation of the facts.

He said that the state government’s engagement with the firm was solely for the identification and enumeration of farmers to provide the government with accurate and reliable data.

The statement read, “It is important to clarify that the state government currently enjoys a strong and cooperative relationship with all security agencies, including the Armed Forces, Police, Civil Defence Corps, and the state’s homeland security unit, Amotekun. Most notably, these security agencies in the state have been performing admirably in fulfilling their duty to protect the lives and property of the state’s residents.

“The engagement of Global Olabod Resources Limited by the state government is specifically for the identification and enumeration of farmers in the state, to provide the government with accurate and reliable data. It is inappropriate for a privately-owned firm to claim or assume the role of coordinating all the security agencies in the state— especially in a state where government officials are already tasked with such responsibilities.

“Under the capable leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the state government will continue to collaborate with all relevant federal security agencies to ensure the safety and security of the entire state and its inhabitants. The general public can rest assured that both federal and state security agencies will not shirk their responsibilities in safeguarding the lives and property of the people.”

Source:naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/09/03/aiyedatiwa-did-not-hire-a-private-firm-to-protect-farmers-in-ondo-state-aide/

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South Asia

 

China Reaffirms Support for Islamic Emirate in International Forums

2024-09-03

KABUL(BNA): China has reiterated its commitment to supporting the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in international forums, as emphasized by the Deputy Ambassador of China in Kabul during a meeting with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan.

A press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Bao Zhou Hui, the Deputy Ambassador of China in Kabul.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral political, economic, and cultural cooperation, as well as recent regional developments.

In the meeting, Deputy Minister Stanikzai expressed appreciation for China’s ongoing assistance to Afghanistan, underscoring the significance of strengthening bilateral relations for mutual interests.

Meanwhile, Deputy Ambassador Bao Zhou Hui highlighted the progress made in various sectors between Afghanistan and China and encouraged Chinese investors to consider opportunities in Afghanistan.

He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Afghanistan in international Summits, considering the continued strengthening of ties between the two countries as invaluable.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/china-reaffirms-support-for-islamic-emirate-in-international-forums/

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541 Killed in Countrywide Violence in August in Bangladesh

 Sep 4, 2024

Political revenge, attacks on police stations, and assault on minority communities were seen in August, and all these point to a society split across the fault lines, said Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) in a report released yesterday.

The minority communities, especially the Hindus and Ahmadiyyas, have been particularly harmed in the aftermath of the protests. Attacks on their homes and religious establishments spread extensively.

This violence followed the indiscriminate killing of students and protesters in the first five days of August.

The death toll from the entire month of August is 541, said the organisation. It collated the statistics from 12 national newspapers.

After August 7, a total of 22 individuals were killed in political violence, and 537 were injured.

Out of 49 incidents of political violence, 23 happened because of the BNP's infighting, 21 were related to clashes between the BNP and Awami League, four were incidents of AL infighting, and one was related to a clash between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.

Among the 22 dead, 12 were from the BNP and 10 from the AL, said the report.

Two journalists were killed in August and 61 were injured, claimed HRSS.

Journalist Md Atikur Rahman was killed in Jatrabari during the protests, Pradip Kumar Bhowmik was killed in Sirajganj. Cases were filed against 38 journalists, the organisation found.

At least 65 attacks were carried out on the members of the minority communities, which left 61 people injured. A total of 228 Hindu homes, 240 Hindu businesses, and 15 temples were attacked. These attacks happened in Natore, Dhamrai, Dinajpur, Patuakhali, Shariatpur, Faridpur, Jashore, Noakhali, Meherpur, Chandpur and Khulna.

In addition, the Ahmadiyyas were attacked in Panchagarh and Rangpur, read the report.

The actual figures on violence could be far higher because these only represent the incidents which were reported by the media, it added.

"The fundamental rights of the citizens must be ensured by reestablishing the rule of law and order. The democratic institutions must be strengthened through discussions with all the stakeholders -- the students, the civil society and the political parties. The human rights situation will continue to deteriorate if these interventions do not happen."

Source:thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/541-killed-countrywide-violence-august-3693721

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UN Secretary-General appoints new political deputy for UNAMA in Kabul

By Fidel Rahmati

September 4, 2024

The United Nations has announced that António Guterres, the organization’s secretary-general, has appointed Georgette Gagnon as the new Political Deputy of UNAMA in  Kabul.

According to a statement released late Tuesday, September 3rd, Ms. Gagnon has worked for many years in peace, human rights, humanitarian assistance, and development in conflict-affected countries.

Georgette Gagnon, a Canadian diplomat, replaces Markus Potzel, the former Political Deputy of UNAMA.

Ms. Gagnon previously served as the Director of Human Rights at the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in Kabul from 2010 to 2015.

She obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in international law from York and Essex Universities in Canada and the UK, respectively.

Georgette Gagnon’s appointment as the Political Deputy of UNAMA in Kabul comes as the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice of the Taliban has cut its cooperation with the United Nations.

Ms. Gagnon’s extensive experience in peace and human rights will likely be instrumental in addressing Afghanistan’s ongoing challenges. Her previous work with UNAMA and academic background equip her for this critical role.

Despite the recent suspension of cooperation between the Taliban regime and the United Nations, Ms. Gagnon’s appointment underscores the UN’s continued commitment to addressing Afghanistan’s complex issues and supporting its path toward stability and development.

Source:khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/un-secretary-general-appoints-new-political-deputy-for-unama-in-kabul/

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Pentagon: US will continue efforts to counter ISIS threats in Afghanistan

By Fidel Rahmati

September 4, 202

The Pentagon responded to the recent ISIS suicide attack in  Kabul by stating that the ISIS-Khorasan branch remains a significant threat.

General Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, told media that Washington will take appropriate measures to address this threat.

On Tuesday, ISIS claimed responsibility for a deadly suicide attack targeting employees of the former Attorney General’s Office in Kabul. ISIS asserted that the attack resulted in over 45 casualties.

According to a statement from the Taliban’s Ministry of Interior, at least six people, including one woman, were killed, and 13 others were injured in the attack.

ISIS reported that the suicide bomber waited for the employees to exit through the main gate before detonating the explosive vest.

In a press conference in Washington on Tuesday, the Pentagon spokesperson emphasized that ISIS continues to be a threat, including its Khorasan branch and other affiliates.

He added that the United States will take appropriate actions to counter this threat in collaboration with its allies and partners.

Previously, a U.S. Defense Department spokesperson had stated that the U.S. would strike if it detected an “imminent threat” from ISIS-Khorasan.

General Ryder noted that without pressure, ISIS could potentially grow again.

Addressing the threats from ISIS in Syria and Iraq, he stated that the group is not as strong as it was a decade ago but emphasized that the threats posed by ISIS must be taken very seriously.

The Pentagon’s remarks highlight ongoing concerns about ISIS’s capability and intent to carry out attacks, stressing the importance of sustained vigilance and countermeasures.

As the situation evolves, it is clear that both regional and international efforts are crucial in combating the persistent threat posed by ISIS and ensuring the safety and security of affected areas.

Source:khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/pentagon-us-will-continue-efforts-to-counter-isis-threats-in-afghanistan/

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Two more murder cases filed against Hasina

Sep 4, 2024

Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has been sued over deaths of two people in Dhaka during the recent mass protests.

Hasina is now facing at least 94 cases, mostly for murders during the mass student protests that forced her to resign and flee the country on August 5.

A case was filed against Hasina and 26 others today over the death of Amir Hossain, a resident of Paschim Rampura in Dhaka, on July 19 during the quota reform movement.

Victim's wife Anni filed the case with the Court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Afnan Sumi.

Upon hearing, the magistrate asked Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to submit a report after an investigation into the issue.

Former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and several leaders and activists of Awami League and its front organisations are among the accused in the case.

In her complaint, Anni alleged that her husband was shot dead in front of Bangladesh Television (BTV) bhaban around 2:40pm on July 19.

Another case was filed against Hasina, former law minister Shafique Ahmed, former attorney general AM Amin Uddin, Supreme Court lawyer Tania Amir and 293 others over the death of student Imran Hossain at Kutubkhali in Jatrabari area on August 5.

Victim's mother Kohinur Akhter on Sunday filed the case against the accused with Jatrabari Police Station in this regard, said a sub-inspector working at the court, said today.

Former deputy attorney general Motaher Hossain Sazu, prosecutors of International Crimes Tribunal Muklesur Rahman Badal and Syed Haider Ali, former information adviser to the former prime minister Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, president of Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee Shahriyar Kabir, chief executive officer and editor of Ekattor TV Mozammel Haque Babu and senior journalist Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul are among the accused.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, AL leader Amir Hossain Amu, Workers Party chief Rashed Khan Menon, Jatiya Party chairman (Manju) Anwar Hossain Manju, former ministers Nurul Islam Sujon, Mohammad Ali Arafat, Tajul Islam and former deputy speaker Shamsul Haque Tuku have also been made accused in the case.

According to the case statement, the complainant alleged that her son Imran Hossain participated in the quota reform movement on August 5 and was shot around 9:00am when he was crossing Jatrabari Police Station. Later he was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment where the doctors declared him dead.

Source:thedailystar.net

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57 Bangladeshis convicted for protesting in UAE pardoned

Sep 4, 2024

The president of the United Arab Emirates yesterday pardoned all 57 Bangladeshis who were convicted by the UAE Federal Court for demonstrating in the Arab country during the uprising in Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus paid deepest gratitude to the UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for pardoning the Bangladeshis who were sentenced to jail terms for expressing solidarity with the student-led mass upsurge.

"This act of clemency, following our telephone conversation [last week], not only exemplifies Your Highness's compassionate leadership but serves as a conduit for strengthening the enduring bond of fraternity between our two nations," Yunus said in a letter to the UAE president yesterday.

The decision to annul the sentences of the migrants has been a great relief for their families and countrymen, the letter said.

"We are, indeed, profoundly touched by your empathy and understanding. We have full respect for the laws of the UAE and renew our commitment to brief and educate our nationals on the local laws and culture of their host countries before their departure from Bangladesh," Yunus wrote.

On July 19, groups of mostly Bangladeshi nationals who live in the UAE carried out peaceful protests in multiple locations across the UAE to express solidarity with the student protesters in Bangladesh.

The following day, the UAE's attorney general announced an investigation into the protests and just a day later the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal handed the 57 long prison terms for "inciting riots in several streets across the UAE".

Three of those accused were sentenced to life, 53 were given 10-year sentences, while one accused was sentenced to 11 years, according to the UAE's state-run Wam news agency.

The court also ordered the convicts to be deported upon completion of their time in prison.

Human Rights Watch in a statement on July 25 condemned the harsh punishments and said the speed with which the accused were probed, tried and convicted raised serious concerns about the fairness of the judicial process and amounted to unfair trial.

Source:thedailystar.net

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MoIC Hosts Coordination Meeting with Eastern Zone Spokesmen

 2024-09-04

KABUL(BNA): The Ministry of Information and Culture’s Directorate of Access to Information has conducted a coordination meeting with spokesmen from the Eastern Zone in Nangarhar province to strengthen communication and enhance information-sharing practices.

The session was attended by key figures, including Mawlawi Ziaul Haq Haqmal, Acting Deputy Minister of Publications and Head of Bakhtar News Agency, Mawlawi Rahmatullah Niazi, Head of Access to Information; Mawlawi Saeed Ahmad Banuri, Deputy Governor of Nangarhar; representatives of the Ulema Council; heads of the Information and Culture departments of the Eastern Zone; and several spokesmen.

Mawlawi Rahmatullah Niazi began the meeting by reading a decree of the Supreme Leader of IEA and providing insights into the purpose of the gathering.

Additionally, Mawlawi Saeed Ahmad Banuri underscored the critical role of spokesmen as the voices of their respective institutions, noting that the public places significant trust in their communications. He urged them to ensure the dissemination of accurate information to the media and the public, especially when major projects are launched, and emphasized the importance of presenting such information effectively.

Furthermore, Mawlawi Ziaul Haq Haqmal highlighted the ministry’s commitment to tirelessly working to provide high-quality information to the public. He stressed the importance of consultation in the dissemination of news and the collective responsibility of media officials to ensure the publication of reliable and credible news.

At the conclusion of the meeting, spokesmen presented their suggestions, questions, and requests, to which Mawlawi Ziaul Haq Haqmal responded with satisfactory and detailed answers.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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Richard Bennett calls for prosecution of Kabul attack perpetrators

By Fidel Rahmati

September 4, 2024

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, has described the attack on Darul Aman in  Kabul as “shocking” and emphasized that the perpetrators must be brought to justice.

In a statement posted on X/Twitter on Tuesday, September 3rd, Bennett declared that nothing can justify such “violence.”

The UN Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan stated, “Those responsible for this incident should be held accountable through a thorough investigation and a fair trial.”

On Monday, an explosion occurred around 4:15 PM in front of the former Attorney General of Afghanistan in the “Qala-e-Bakhtiaruddin” area of Darul Aman, Kabul.

Khalid Zadran, spokesperson for the Kabul police, confirmed that the blast resulted in the deaths of six civilians, including one woman, and injured 13 others.

The ISIS group claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement released yesterday.

This attack has prompted widespread reactions and condemnation.

Rina Amiri, the U.S. Special Representative for Afghan Women and Human Rights, strongly condemned the attack.

The Charge d’Affaires of the British Embassy for Afghanistan also responded, stating that Afghanistan needs peace and stability after decades of war and violence.

The international community’s strong condemnation of the attack underscores a unified stance against terrorism and violence in Afghanistan.

The urgent need for effective measures to address and prevent such acts of violence remains a critical focus for both Afghan authorities and international partners.

Source:khaama.com

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US House of Representatives summons Blinken to testify on Afghanistan withdrawal

By Fidel Rahmati

September 4, 2024

The House Foreign Affairs Committee has summoned Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, to testify regarding the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Michael McCaul, the committee chairman, has warned Blinken that if he does not appear before the committee on September 19, he could face charges of contempt of Congress.

The U.S. State Department has stated that Blinken is unavailable on that date but has proposed “reasonable alternatives” for attending a public session.

In a letter to the State Department dated Tuesday, September 3rd, Michael McCaul wrote that both current and former U.S. officials have confirmed that Antony Blinken was the “final decision-maker” regarding the withdrawal of American forces and the evacuation process from Afghanistan.

McCaul has requested that Blinken address his role before the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

In his letter, McCaul wrote: “You are in a position to inform the committee about potential legislative changes aimed at preventing catastrophic mistakes during the withdrawal, including possible reforms regarding the legal authority of the State Department.”

Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the State Department, described the summons for Blinken’s testimony as “unnecessary” in a statement released on Tuesday, September 3rd, noting that the Secretary of State has already testified about the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan 14 times before Congress.

Miller added that Blinken has appeared four times before the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

He also mentioned that the State Department has provided the committee with over 20,000 pages of documents and information related to the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The committee plans to release a comprehensive report upon concluding its investigation.

With the election season heating up, Republicans, especially Donald Trump, the party’s presidential candidate, have accused President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris of “mismanaging” the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Trump has also criticized the Biden administration for failing to prevent the deaths of 13 American soldiers during the evacuation.

Source:khaama.com

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Pakistan

 

Balochistan Assembly seeks strict action against terrorism

Saleem Shahid

 September 4, 2024

QUETTA: The Balochistan Assembly, during a heated debate on Tuesday, unanimously condemned the terrorist incidents of Aug 26 and called for strict action against those involved.

Lawmakers urged the government to initiate political dialogue with stakeholders to find a lasting solution to Balochistan’s issues.

Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, speaking on the resolution passed a day ago, said, “Our doors are open for dialogue with those who seek to engage within the parameters of the Constitution, but not with those responsible for killing innocent people and desecrating the national flag”.

He questioned how dialogue could be possible with “those who send our daughters as suicide bombers” instead of encouraging them to pursue higher education abroad.

Mr Bugti declared that Pakistan would remain intact until the Day of Judgment and that all conspiracies against it would be thwarted with the support of the people and the armed forces. He reiterated that while military operations were not currently needed in Balochistan, the government’s authority would be enforced through intelligence-based operations (IBOs).

During the session, JUI-F MPA Shahida Rauf suggested that the entire assembly should be briefed in-camera on the Aug 26 attacks.

Speaking on the occasion, provincial minister Saleem Khosa emphasised that the worsening situation in the province was part of a “global conspiracy” with militants targeting development projects. He called for collective efforts to resolve the Balochistan issue.

Source:dawn.com

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SHC disposes of Pemra’s appeal against court order to lift ban on PTI media coverage

Ishaq Tanoli

September 4, 2024

KARACHI: Disposing of an intra-court appeal filed against an interim order to lift a ban on the media coverage of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and its leadership, a division bench of the Sindh High Court (SHC) on Tuesday asked its single-judge bench to decide the matter in six weeks.

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) had filed the intra-court appeal against the interim short order of the single-judge bench of the SHC which had suspended in November the impugned letter issued by Pemra on May 31.

The two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui and Justice Jawad Akbar Sarwana disposed of the appeal after hearing the parties concerned.

The bench in its order noted that after almost seven months since the short order was passed by a single-judge bench in November, the reasons had not been surfaced until June 29 and now such reasons were placed before the judges.

“It seems that after a delay of almost seven months reasons for passing ‘ad-interim order’ were provided and the application is yet to be heard and decided finally,” it added.

The bench also said that the lawyer for the appellant had attempted to argue that by granting ad-interim order i.e., by suspending the impugned notification, virtually entire suit had been decided.

It further noted that seemingly, it’s an ad-interim order as expressed by the single-judge bench and judges opted not to comment on it as the same might cause prejudice to any of the two sides or would have an effect one way or the other.

“However, in view of pressing interest of the parties, we deem it appropriate to dispose of this appeal with direction that the pending injunction application be heard and decided at the earliest, preferably in about six weeks’ time after hearing the parties and/or their counsel,” it concluded.

On Nov 13, the single-judge bench of the SHC suspended the impugned letter of Pemra for the reasons to be recorded later on a lawsuit filed by an activist of the PTI.

The suit was filed on Aug 1 last year, a few days before the incarceration of party founder Imran Khan shortly following his conviction in the Toshakhana case and impugned directive of Pemra to private news television channels to ban the coverage of the PTI chief and his party.

The plaintiff had submitted that in an indirect reference to the PTI and its leadership, Pemra’s impugned letter said, “Attention of all the licensees is drawn to tragic incident occurred on ‘Black Day’ i.e., May 9, 2023 wherein state and public properties were attacked, innocent lives were endangered and anti-state sentiments were prompted, attempting to weaken the Federal of Pakistan and state institutions”.

Source:dawn.com

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Army commanders resolve to preserve anti-terror gains after surge in deadly attacks

By Zarmeen Zehra

September 03, 2024

RAWALPINDI: Top military commanders on Tuesday vowed to neutralise the threats posed by “inimical forces”, pledging that the Pakistan Army would not let hard-earned successes against terrorism be reversed.

A resolve to this effect was agreed upon during the Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, presided over by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

In assessing the inimical forces, malicious actors, subversive proxies, and the facilitators of Pakistan’s external and internal adversaries, particularly those active in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the top commanders deliberated on a range of measures to neutralise these threats.

“The forum reaffirmed that the Pakistan Army, with the unwavering support of the people, will not allow the hard-earned successes against terrorism to be reversed,” it added.

Pakistan's armed forces launched intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in the southwestern Balochistan province in response to attacks by insurgents that martyred over 50 people on August 26, the ISPR said last week.

The military’s media wing said 21 insurgents were killed and three others wounded in the three operations launched in the province. "Operations will continue until all perpetrators, facilitators and abettors of these atrocious acts are brought to justice," the army had said in a statement.

Moreover, security forces neutralised at least 12 terrorists in IBOs conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Tirah Valley, according to ISPR.

"Since August 20, 2024, security forces are conducting extensive IBOs in Tirah Valley, Khyber District, on the reported presence of Khwarij," the ISPR said in a statement.

During the meeting, the military top brass emphasised that the army was a disciplined institution, upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and loyalty to the state and institution.

“The institution's well-established and rigorous system of accountability ensures that these values are preserved with unwavering commitment, allowing no room for exceptions or partiality,” the meeting stressed, adding, “This strict adherence to accountability fortifies the Army’s integrity, ensuring that no individual is above the law or exempt from scrutiny.”

Recognising the urgency and significance of a robust and effective legal system, the COAS emphasised that the Pakistan Army would continue to extend comprehensive support to the government, administrative apparatus, and law enforcement agencies in taking swift and lawful action against terrorists, anarchists, and criminal mafias.

The forum expressed satisfaction over ongoing efforts against illegal spectrum operating in collusion with terrorist networks, underscoring the critical need to safeguard national cyberspace through stringent cybersecurity measures.

In a show of solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), who continue to suffer gross human rights violations, the forum honoured the martyrs of the freedom movement. The blatant continued violence and genocide of Palestinians by Israel were also condemned in the strongest terms.

The forum expressed confidence in the operational preparedness and readiness of the Pakistan Army and vowed to continue to uphold the standards in pursuit of professional excellence, according to the ISPR.

Source:thenews.com.pk

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ECP refuses to share financial details with Senate panel

Iftikhar A. Khan

 September 4, 2024

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has declined to share the requisite information on election expenses and other financial matters to a Senate panel, pointing out that being an independent body, it was out of the standing committee’s purview under the constitution.

The agenda set for Senate’s standing committee on parliamentary affairs for its Tuesday meeting included a comprehensive briefing by ECP secretary Omar Hamid Khan on the total expenses incurred by the commission for its constitutional responsibilities, salaries and travel expenses of its members and employees, and other ancillary expenditures made by the commission during the last financial year.

The panel had also sought details of expenses incurred during the Feb 8 general elections, with a province-wise breakup, number of officers working in the commission, their present posting and designations, basic pay scale, qualifications and domicile.

In response to the Senate committee’s notice of Aug 19, Omar Hamid informed the parliamentary affairs secretary that its notice was placed before the commission for consideration and appropriate order.

The subject was deliberated upon and the commission though believed in transparency and accountability, it was not obliged to provide the requisite information to the Senate committee, except to assist on legislative business pertaining to the election laws and constitutional provisions, as per its defined role under the rules, the ECP secretary wrote in his letter to the parliamentary affairs secretary.

Mr Khan told the government that the Senate committee was empowered to examine inter-alia the expenditures, administration and policies of a ministry or its associated public bodies. However, he explained, the ECP constituted under Article 218(2) performs functions and duties as an independent body. Unlike the government ministries/divisions and their associated public bodies, the ECP neither represented the federal government nor any provincial government, he said.

The ECP did not form part of any ministry, division bodies, and was therefore, outside the purview of the Senate standing committee on parliamentary affairs, he added.

Besides, administrative expenditure, including ECP remuneration, was ‘charged’ against the Federal Consolidated Fund under Article 81, the letter mentioned. Accordingly, it added, the budget allocated to the ECP was not voted in the NA for inclusion in the annual budget statement as provided in Article 82(1).

Senate panel meeting

Referring to the ECP letter, PTI senator and chairman of the standing committee Humayun Mohmand said the ECP claimed it was not answerable to parliament that had created the commission through legislation.

“They say they are not answerable to you. We can call Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner,” the committee chairman asserted.

The parliamentary affairs secretary was of the opinion that the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs included ECP’s legislative matters. PTI senator Mohsin Aziz said the letter should be rejected, pointing out that the commission had attended the meeting of the Public Accounts Committee.

However, again, the parliamentary affairs secretary proposed that the matter should be sent to the Senate chairman for his guidance and opinion. “I will move the Privileges Committee on this. This is a mockery of Senate,” the PTI senator remarked.

Source:dawn.com

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Senate body approves bill on peaceful assembly in Islamabad amid opposition uproar

Kalbe Ali

 September 4, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Amid heated arguments, the Senate Standing Committee on Interior on Tuesday approved the bill that would help formulate the first law in the country on holding peaceful protests and gatherings.

While the committee approved the “Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill 2024”, its chairman Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman and Senator Saifullah Abro, both belonging to PTI, opposed it.

The private member bill was moved by Senators Saleem Mandviwala, Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Irfanul Haque Siddiqui, Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari and Umer Farooq.

The movers stated that the bill aimed to regulate peaceful assemblies in the Islamabad territory because growing processions had made citizens’ lives miserable.

It will streamline the procedures for the grant of permission to hold political and non-political gatherings, earmark specific places for gatherings and also mentions punishments for illegal assemblies.

The committee was informed by the secretary interior and other officials, including Mohammad Ali Randhawa, the chief commissioner Islamabad, that currently NOCs were granted by the administration for holding public rallies and gatherings.

They said there was no specific place for gatherings in Islamabad and the unregulated protests and sit-ins were creating serious problems for residents.

“We want to earmark a designated place at the outskirts of Islamabad and after consensus it was noted that such a place would be at the entry points of the federal capital.

Meanwhile, an official of the law division said there was no law regarding peaceful assembly in Islamabad and the executive magistrate had discretionary powers to grant the NOC for assemblies and to cancel them.

Presenting the bill, Senator Mandviwala argued that Dharnas and protests had become rampant in Islamabad mainly around D-Chowk and Faizabad.

“But we forget that there are residents here, they too have rights, these are locals as well as foreign citizens including diplomats,” he said. “Nobody knows what will be the day like today we all can get stuck anywhere from Srinagar Highway to Faizabad or any road to Red Zone is closed; this has to be streamlined.”

He said regular lockdowns should be stopped through any legal means.

“Besides, getting permission for any political or non-political gathering is the prerogative of the administration. If people do not get it, they approach court and again it becomes the prerogative of the judiciary,” Senator Mandviwala said.

Senator Faisal Sabzwari said that the bill should also cover religious gatherings as most of illegal sit-ins were held by religo-political parties who claimed that their protest was not political.

Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri said a specific place should be designated for gatherings, following the example of Hyde Park, London.

However, Senator Saifullah Abro contradicted all arguments and said the bill was to target a certain political party.

He highlighted the unlawful arrest of Senator Mushtaq Ahmed.

“This has been happening in Islamabad for a long time, and the law allows all citizens to protest while there were laws to penalise the violators,” he added.

The committee witnessed serious arguments between Senator Abro and Senator Awan of the PPP, as the latter tried to disturb the queries forwarded by him.

Senator Palwasha Khan had to stand and move between the two lawmakers, and later requested Senator Awan to sit between her seat and that of Senator Mandviwala.

Senator Samina Zehri stressed that parliamentarians needed to respect each other, but this led to an argument between her and Senator Abro too and the latter accused the movers of the bill of acting on behalf of the establishment as they wanted to discourage political forces in the country.

The committee unanimously passed three more bills: “The Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2024”, “The Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Bill 2024” and “The Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Amendment Bill 2024”.

Source:dawn.com

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Cop martyred in Quetta gun attack

Saleem Shahid

 September 4, 2024

QUETTA: A police officer was martyred when unknown gunmen opened fire at his car in the provincial capital on Tuesday.

Sub-Inspector Aman­ullah was on his way to the Amir Muhammad Shah­eed police station for duty when his vehicle came under attack near his home in the Killi Deeba area.

The cop got seriously injured in the attack and later succumbed to his injuries at the Civil Hospital.

“The cop, who was working as an investigation officer, received multiple bullet injuries,” hospital officials said, adding that the body was handed over to the police after completing medico-legal formalities.

Police have termed the attack ‘target killing’ and said an investigation was underway.

“Initially, the incident appears to be an act of terrorism, but the police will investigate all aspects of the case,” a senior police officer said.

The attackers, who were riding motorcycles, esca­ped from the site after firing.

A case has been registered against unknown armed men, while no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Later, funeral prayers of the martyred cop were held at the Central Police Office, Quetta.

Inspector General Police Moazzam Jah Ansari, provincial ministers Ali Madad Jattak and Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Addi­tional Chief Secretary (Home) Shahabuddin and senior police officials attended the funeral.

Source:dawn.com

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MQM raises concerns over halted projects in Sindh

Syed Irfan Raza

 September 4, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Develop­ment projects worth billions of rupees in Sindh, funded by the federal government, have come to a standstill following the closure of the Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak-PWD), the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) told the prime minister on Tuesday.

Led by MQM chief Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, a party delegation informed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that nearly all federally funded infrastructure projects in Sindh have been halted as they were being carried out by Pak-PWD. Of these, Rs15 billion worth of projects were approved for Karachi and Rs5bn for Hyderabad.

The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s House, coincided with a protest by PWD employees in Islamabad, who fear that the department’s closure will leave hundreds jobless. The government is abolishing PWD as part of its efforts to downsize state departments to reduce non-development expenditures. It has announced plans to reassign some PWD employees to other departments, while others may receive a golden handshake.

“We have asked the prime minister that almost all our infrastructure projects being executed under the Public Sector Develop­ment Programme (PSDP) have come to a standstill as they were being carried out by Pak-PWD,” MQM leader Syed Aminul Haque, who was part of the delegation, told Dawn.

Mr Haque said the prime minister had increased funds for development work for Karachi from Rs10bn to Rs15bn. He noted that Rs20bn worth of development projects in Karachi and Hyderabad have been affected by the department’s closure.

The delegation also poin­ted out that while Punjab has an alternate department to continue development work, Sindh could use the Sindh Infrastructure Develop­ment Corporation (SIDC) to ensure projects are not interrupted. Established in 2016, SIDC has previously overseen significant projects such as the Green Line Bus Project in Karachi.

The MQM delegation also urged PM Shehbaz to consider reducing electricity bills for ordinary citizens, even if it means shutting down government-owned independent power producers (IPPs).

Earlier, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement that the MQM delegation appreciated the premier’s economic policies, which have led to a reduction in the inflation rate to single digits. The delegation, which also included MNAs Dr Farooq Sattar and Mustafa Kamal, also prai­sed the government’s business-friendly policies and measures to boost exports.

Calling the MQM a key coalition partner, PM Shehbaz assured the delegation that addressing the issues facing Karachi remains a government priority. He added that national development initiatives are progressing rapidly in coordination with coalition partners.

Source:dawn.com

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Arab World

Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli statements on Philadelphi corridor in Gaza

September 04, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has condemned Israeli statements about the Gaza-Egyptian border and said the Kingdom stood with Cairo on the issue.

A Saudi foreign ministry statement issued late on Tuesday denounced Israeli ambitions on the Philadelphi corridor, in southern Gaza bordering Egypt, as well as “the absurd attempts to justify the continuous Israeli violations of international laws and norms.”

The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he wants to keep troops in the corridor for the foreseeable future.

“The Philadelphi Corridor — or to put it more correctly, the southern closing point (of Gaza) — must be in our hands. It must be shut. Any other arrangement would not ensure the demilitarization that we seek,” he said.

Egypt said it will not accept any Israeli presence along the corridor.

The control of the zone has been a major sticking point in negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage deal in a war that is now entering its eleventh month.

“The Kingdom warns of these provocative statements and their consequences in undermining the mediation efforts,” the statement said.

Netanyahu’s insistence on a troop presence in the corridor has irked some allies who feel the issue should not be used as a reason to prevent a deal in the conflict.

Asked by reporters if the Israeli premier was doing enough to secure the hostage deal, US President Joe Biden said simply: No.

Benny Gantz, a former army general who served in Netanyahu’s war cabinet until he quit in June, criticized the prime minister’s stance on Philadelphi and pushed for an agreement to release hostages.

“The story is not Philadelphi but the lack of making truly strategic decisions,” said Gantz.

Source:arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2569999/saudi-arabia

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Saudis take steps to prevent public-sector contracts crimes, says anti-corruption chief

September 03, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi authorities are working on several initiatives to prevent illegal activity in government procurement, the president of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, also known as Nazaha, said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the UN in Vienna during an international meeting of government officials to discuss prevention of corruption, Mazin Al-Kahmous said the Kingdom has established a unified electronic portal for government procurement, called Etimad, with the aim of increasing transparency in government procurement activities, improving the efficiency of public spending, and reducing opportunities for corruption at all stages of public tenders.

He highlighted what he described as ongoing and fruitful cooperation between Nazaha and the Ministry of Finance to apply safeguards within Etimad for activities that carry a high risk of corruption, to help reduce the risk of collusion or fraud among businesses applying for government tenders.

Al-Kahmous also welcomed the support of authorities in the Kingdom for a collaboration between Nazaha and the UN Development Program on the launch of a global initiative to measure corruption and promote integrity in public procurement.

Source:arabnews.com

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New report focuses on cultural sector sustainability in Saudi Arabia

September 03, 2024

RIYADH: The Ministry of Culture on Tuesday released its fifth annual report on the cultural situation in Saudi Arabia, titled “Sustainability in the Cultural Sector.”

This  annual report for 2023 monitored the Saudi cultural movement for the past year, highlighting key developments, achievements and challenges.

It comprises six chapters: management and preservation; creativity and cultural production; knowledge and skills; cultural participation; creative economy; and sustainability in the cultural sector.

Sustainability in the cultural sector refers to efforts to protect cultural and natural heritage, enhance economic viability and expand cultural participation throughout society, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Since its first appeared in 2019, the report has monitored the cultural sector’s contribution to sustainable development goals in the economic, social and environmental dimensions.

The management and preservation chapter focuses on efforts to document and protect cultural and natural heritage.

The creativity and cultural production chapter evaluates levels of cultural production, including publishing, audiovisual arts, design, theater and performing arts, and tracks awards won locally and internationally.

The knowledge and skills chapter discusses developments in education and training in cultural fields, emphasizing the importance of cultural education.

The cultural participation chapter provides a multidimensional view of participation levels, highlighting individual behaviors and social engagement in non-profit cultural activities.

The creative economy chapter analyzes economic indicators in the sector, including labor statistics, business, tourism, spending and demand.

The sustainability chapter explores the relationship between the cultural sector and the environment, discussing sustainable practices in areas such as design, culinary arts and fashion.

Source:arabnews.com

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Saudi FM discusses developments in Palestinian territories with Algerian counterpart

September 03, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed developments in the Palestinian territories with his Algerian counterpart on Tuesday.

Prince Faisal and Ahmed Attaf also discussed efforts made by Arab and Muslim countries aimed at ensuring the restoration of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

The ministers also discussed the importance of joint coordination to stop Israeli violations of international and humanitarian laws.

Source:arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2569945/saudi-arabia

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Saudi cabinet reviews Crown Prince’s efforts to unify support for Palestinian people

September 03, 2024

The Council of Ministers reviewed the discussions between the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with the Leaders of Egypt and Turkiye.

During these calls, the crown prince emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to unifying Arab and Islamic efforts in support of the Palestinian people.

The Council of Ministers monitored regional and international developments, reaffirming the Kingdom's dedication to supporting initiatives that promote security, stability, and sustainable development both regionally and globally.

The Minister of Media, Salman bin Youssef Al-Dosari, informed the Saudi Press Agency that the Council also discussed the outcomes of the Kingdom's participation in various international meetings. These engagements reflect Saudi Arabia's commitment to strengthening cooperation and coordination to advancing multilateral efforts for progress and prosperity.

The Council praised the outcomes of the Executive Committee meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council, highlighting the mutual commitment of both nations to enhance relations and explore new avenues of cooperation across various sectors for the benefit of their peoples.

Source:arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2569906/saudi-arabia

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Riyadh’s Tuwaiq Academy, global tech giants to launch more than 160 bootcamps

September 03, 2024

RIYADH: Tuwaiq Academy in Riyadh plans to launch more than 160 technical bootcamps and programs in the fourth quarter of 2024 to enhance national skills in a modern educational setting.

Developed with global partners such as Apple, Meta and Amazon, the training material is tailored to meet job market demands through hands-on learning.

Participants will receive professional certifications, with top candidates gaining employment opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The programs cover important skills, including programming, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, game development, virtual reality, digital manufacturing, drone programming and robotics.

Aimed at addressing the evolving needs of technicians, the academy seeks to fill the job market with skilled national professionals, the SPA reported.

Open to students, graduates and employees, the programs offer flexible in-person and online sessions, using advanced learning methods and best practices.

Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the academy aims to nurture national talent as part of the human capability development program.

Registration is available on the academy's website: https://tuwaiq.edu.sa.

Abdulaziz Alhammadi, the academy’s CEO, said that more than 30,000 trainees have graduated, with an employment rate exceeding 75 percent.

He highlighted the launch of the first technical diploma in game development and virtual reality in the Kingdom and the Arab world, in partnership with Meta, starting this September at the academy’s headquarters in Riyadh.

Founded in 2019, the academy offers cutting-edge bootcamps and educational programs with leading global partners, focusing on bridging the gap between emerging technologies and job market demands.

Source:arabnews.com

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North America

 

US charges Hamas leader, other militants in connection with Oct. 7 massacre in Israel

September 04, 2024

WASHINGTON: The Justice Department announced criminal charges Tuesday against Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and other senior militants in connection with the Oct. 7, 2023, rampage in Israel, marking the first effort by American law enforcement to formally call out the masterminds of the attack.

The seven-count criminal complaint filed in federal court in New York City includes charges such as conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization resulting in death, conspiracy to murder US nationals and conspiracy to finance terrorism. It also accuses Iran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah of providing financial support, weapons, including rockets, and military supplies to Hamas for use in attacks.

The impact of the case may be mostly symbolic given that Sinwar is believed to be hiding in tunnels in Gaza and the Justice Department says three of the six defendants are believed now to be dead. But officials say additional actions are expected as part of a broader effort to target a militant group that the US designated as a foreign terrorist organization in 1997 and that over the decades has been linked to a series of deadly attacks on Israel, including suicide bombings.

The complaint was originally filed under seal in February to give the US time to try to take into custody then-Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and other defendants, but it was unsealed Tuesday after Haniyeh’s death in July and other developments in the region lessened the need for secrecy, the Justice Department said.

“The charges unsealed today are just one part of our effort to target every aspect of Hamas’ operations,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a video statement. “These actions will not be our last.”

The charges come as the White House says it is developing a new ceasefire and hostage deal proposal with its Egyptian and Qatari counterparts to try to bring about an agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the nearly 11-month war in Gaza.

A US official, who was not authorized to talk publicly about the case and spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press there was no reason to believe the charges would affect the ongoing negotiations.

National security spokesman John Kirby said the recent “executions” of six hostages, including one American, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, by Hamas underscore “the sense of urgency” in the talks.

“We are investigating Hersh’s murder, and each and every one of the brutal murders of Americans, as acts of terrorism,” Garland said in the statement. “We will continue to support the whole of government effort to bring the Americans still being held hostage home.”

Sinwar was appointed the overall head of Hamas after the killing of Haniyeh in Iran and sits atop Israel’s most-wanted list. He is believed to have spent most of the past 10 months living in tunnels under Gaza, and it is unclear how much contact he has with the outside world. He was a long-serving Palestinian prisoner freed in an exchange of the type that would be part of a ceasefire and hostage release deal.

Haniyeh was also charged.

Other Hamas leaders facing charges include Marwan Issa, deputy leader of Hamas’ armed wing in Gaza, who helped plan last year’s attack and who Israel says was killed when its fighter jets struck an underground compound in central Gaza in March; Khaled Mashaal, another Haniyeh deputy and a former leader of the group thought to be based in Qatar; Mohammed Deif, Hamas’ longtime shadowy military leader who was thought to be killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza in July; and Lebanon-based Ali Baraka, Hamas’ head of external relations.

The charges are “yet another tool” for the US to respond to the threat Hamas poses to the US and its ally Israel, said Merissa Khurma, Middle East program director at the Wilson Center think tank in Washington.

“If Sinwar is found and brought to justice for planning the October 7 attacks, it would be a significant win for the US and for all those who lost loved ones,” she said by email.

However, with Sinwar in hiding, Khurma doesn’t see the charges adding more pressure on Hamas. She noted that the chief prosecutor of the world’s top war crimes court sought arrest warrants for Hamas leaders like Sinwar and it didn’t change their behavior or weaken them in the ceasefire negotiations.

She said the case was still important for the US because many of those killed or kidnapped were Americans and because the country doesn’t recognize the International Criminal Court.

During the Oct. 7 attacks, militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took about 250 people hostage. Roughly 100 hostages remain, a third of whom are believed to be dead.

The criminal complaint describes the massacre as the “most violent, large-scale terrorist attack” in Hamas’ history. It details how Hamas operatives who arrived in southern Israel with “trucks, motorcycles, bulldozers, speedboats, and paragliders” engaged in a brutal campaign of violence that included rape, genital mutilation and machine-gun shootings at close range.

Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count. The war has caused widespread destruction, forced the vast majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents to flee their homes, often multiple times, and created a humanitarian catastrophe.

Hamas has accused Israel of dragging out months of negotiations by issuing new demands, including for lasting Israeli control over the Philadelphi corridor along the border of Egypt and a second corridor running across Gaza.

Hamas has offered to release all hostages in return for an end to the war, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners, including high-profile militants — broadly the terms called for under an outline for a deal put forward by President Joe Biden in July.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged “total victory” over Hamas and blames it for the failure of the negotiations.

Source:arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2569986/middle-east

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Man pleads no contest to murdering 2 Muslim men

Jonathan Fjeld | Tamara Lopez | KOB

September 4, 2024

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Muhammad Syed pleaded no contest Tuesday to the shooting deaths of two Muslim men in Albuquerque back in 2022.

Syed pleaded no contest to two counts of second-degree murder. The plea was agreed upon instead of going through two more murder trials.

In March, Syed was found guilty of first-degree murder for the death of Aftab Hussein in 2022.

Judge Britt Baca-Miller accepted the plea Tuesday morning, and laid out the terms. Each second-degree murder charge has a 15-year sentence attached.

Syed will serve the two sentenced consecutively, meaning one after another.

Syed hasn’t been sentenced for the death of Aftab Hussein but faces 30 years for that. That sentence will be concurrent with the 30 years from this new plea deal, meaning Syed will serve 30 years in prison.

Before the agreement was approved, there was some confusion about the details. After it was all figured out, the agreement was approved. It comes after two long years of investigation and waiting for Syed to go through the justice system.

Syed’s defense team says the plea was really the best option for everyone on both sides of this tangled case.

“I think it’s just a fair resolution given the facts that we were going to be faced with – murder number two, murder number three. It’s a fair resolution,” said Thomas Clark, Syed’s defense attorney.

“And these were going to be difficult trials I think for the families of the victims as well, and so they are also spared having to go through that process,” said Megan Mitsunaga, Syed’s defense attorney.

Part of the plea also allows Syed to appeal his previous conviction.

A sentencing date has not been scheduled yet, but the judge expects it to be in the next two months.

Source:kob.com

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CAIR-TX Welcomes Indictment in Attempted Drowning of Palestinian-American Muslim Child

 September 3, 2024

The Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-TX) today welcomed the indictment of the suspect in the attempted drowning of a 3-year-old Palestinian-American Muslim child in a public pool in Dallas.

Elizabeth Wolf, the woman accused of trying to drown a Palestinian-American child at a North Texas apartment pool in May, has been indicted by a grand jury on the charges of attempted capital murder of a person under 10 and injury to a child. The indictment includes a hate crime enhancement.

SEE: Woman accused of trying to drown 2 Muslim children indicted on attempted capital murder charge

In a statement, CAIR-Dallas Fort Worth Executive Director Mustafaa Carroll said:

“We welcome the indictment of the suspected perpetrator of this horrific crime. Any crime against a child must be treated with the utmost seriousness and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. We stand in solidarity with the family and pray that God grants them solace and justice.”

He noted that CAIR-TX previously welcomed the suspect’s arrest.

SEE: CAIR-Texas Welcomes Rearrest of Texan Woman Charged with Attempted Murder of a 3-Year-Old Muslim Child

Earlier this year, CAIR released new civil rights data showing that it has received 3,578 complaints during the last three months of 2023 amid an ongoing wave of anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian hate.

SEE: 2024 Civil Rights Report: Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.            

La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.           

Source:cair.com

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https://www. cair.com /press_releases/cair-tx-welcomes-indictment-in-attempted-drowning-of-palestinian-american-muslim-child/

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CAIR Condemns Illegal Israeli Settler Takeover of Ibrahimi Mosque

September 3, 2024

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the takeover of the Ibrahimi Mosque in the occupied West Bank by illegal Israeli settlers.

Thousands of illegal settlers took over the prayer room in the mosque while Muslims were banned from the holy site. In 1994, an Israeli extremist massacred 29 worshipers at that mosque.

In a statement, CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said:

“As illegal Israeli settlers continue their violent campaign of ethnic cleansing against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, they are also violating houses of worship important to the world’s two billion Muslims. With every destroyed mosque and burned Quran, the Israeli government’s genocide against the Palestinian people expands into a war on Islam.”

He noted that CAIR recently said videotaped burning of copies of the Quran and destruction of mosques by Israeli soldiers in Gaza shows that the Israeli genocide in Gaza is targeting Islam as well as the Palestinian people.

Yesterday, CAIR called on the Biden administration to treat the lives of Palestinians and Israelis as equally valuable by condemning the murder of a 58-year-old Palestinian man from the West Bank whose body was returned to his family with clear signs of torture after two hours in Israeli custody and by forcing Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire that ends the Gaza genocide and frees all hostages and political prisoners.

The Washington, D.C., based civil rights organization also condemned the far-right Israeli government’s systematic campaign of collective punishment, destruction of civilian infrastructure and killing of Palestinians in the West Bank, including driving a military vehicle over the body of a dead civilian.

Source:cair.com

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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-condemns-illegal-israeli-settler-takeover-of-ibrahimi-mosque/

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US man sentenced for 12,000 harassing calls to lawmakers

Max Matza

September 4, 2024

A US man has been sentenced to 13 months in prison for making over 12,000 harassing and threatening calls to the offices of congressional lawmakers.

Ade Salim Lilly, 35, pleaded guilty in May, admitting to the court that he made the calls between February 2022 and November 2023.

He tried to contact some 54 members of Congress, both at their district offices and at their offices in Washington DC. He threatened to kill at least one staff member.

The federal judge overseeing Lilly's case also sentenced him to three years of supervised release after he completes his prison term.

Over the course of two days in February 2023, Lilly called one lawmaker more than 500 times.

Most of his interactions were with congressional staff or interns, officials said.

In one call, he threatened a staff member: "I will kill you, I am going to run you over, I will kill you with a bomb or grenade."

Lilly, a resident of Queens, New York, was arrested in November 2023 after moving to Puerto Rico.

Capitol Police Chief J Thomas Manger testified to the court last year that the harassment campaign coincided with a 400% increase in threats against lawmakers in Congress over the past six years.

Lilly pleaded guilty in May to interstate communications with a threat to kidnap or injure and making repeated telephone calls.

Prosecutors had sought a sentence of 18 months, writing in a sentencing memo that the current election cycle creates a risk that such threats could become "normalised".

On Tuesday, Chief Manger, whose force protects members of Congress and the Capitol, released a statement saying: "We will enforce the law anytime someone crosses the line from free speech to harassment or threats."

Lilly's motive and ideology are unclear, according to public records.

Addressing the court during his sentencing on Tuesday, he said: “My intent was always to do what’s best for our future generations.”

The judge noted the recent uptick in violent attacks against politicians, citing Donald Trump's attempted assassination and the hammer attack against Nancy Pelosi's husband.

"We’ve got a real problem on our hands,” he said before passing sentence.

Source:bbc.com

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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c33nyzd5vpxo

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Man found frozen in US cave identified after 47 years

Nadine Yousif

September 4, 2024

A man whose body was found frozen in a Pennsylvania cave in 1977 has been identified by authorities nearly five decades later.

The Berks County Coroner's Office said the body was that of 27-year-old Nicholas Paul Grubb from Fort Washington, Pennsylvania.

Authorities said they worked out the identity of the so-called "Pinnacle Man" after finally tracking down and matching Grubb's fingerprints.

Grubb's body was found frozen in a cave just below the Pinnacle in Albany Township, a hiking area 75 miles (122km) northwest of Philadelphia.

It ends a near 50-year mystery, multiple unsuccessful attempts to identify the frozen remains, and an exhumation five years ago to extract DNA.

The initial post-mortem examination determined that "Pinnacle Man" died from a drug overdose. Police ruled out foul play.

Dental records and fingerprints were taken, but no match was found.

It was nearly half a century later, in August, when a Pennsylvania police detective tracked down Grubb's fingerprints, the Berks County Coroner’s Office said.

They were then submitted to NamUs, a national missing persons' database, and the FBI was able to uncover Grubb's identity in less than an hour.

The coroner's office said the discovery highlighted the "considerable effort" taken to identify unclaimed bodies.

They added that the Pinnacle body had been unsuccessfully compared to around 10 missing people in the last 15 years, and the body's 2019 exhumation for DNA proved similarly fruitless.

Officials were considering re-burying his remains when the discovery of his identity was made, they said.

Grubb, known as "Nicky" to his family, had served with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, they said, and received an honourable discharge in 1971.

The coroner's office said his family was "very appreciative" of the efforts to identify him.

Source:bbc.com

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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj08gr3v43lo

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Southeast Asia

 

Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque to host Pope Francis' meet with grand imam

Sep 3, 2024

Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque - the largest mosque in Southeast Asia and in the world’s most populous Muslim nation - will be the venue of a meeting between Pope Francis and Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar.

The meeting is part of the pope’s 45th apostolic journey to Asia-Pacific.

As part of a commitment to promote...

Source:malaysiakini.com

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https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/717962

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Clerics to coal miners: the decline of Indonesia’s Islamic civil society

ALEX ARIFIANTO

- 04 SEP, 2024

On 28 July 2024 Muhammadiyah, Indonesia’s second largest Islamic organisation, officially announced that it would accept an offer of mining concessions from President Joko Widodo’s government. This followed the decision of the nation’s largest Islamic organisation, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), which accepted their concession a month earlier.

Opponents within and outside both organisations have criticised their decisions to accept the mining concessions. Such criticism was often expressed on environmental grounds: NU and Muhammadiyah should not engage in mining activities, critics said, since doing so would mean depriving local communities—including those where their followers live—of their economic and communal rights.

Another line of argument against the adoption of the mining concessions is that once NU or Muhammadiyah agreed to accept them, it would endanger their reputation as independent and democratic civil society organisations.

Former president and NU leader Abdurrahman Wahid thought that NU’s autonomy from the state was necessary because the organisation seeks to promote “social transformation on a more complete and fundamental level.” He further defined social transformation within NU to include: freedom of speech, an impartial legal system, and economic and social equality. Similar sentiments were also expressed by Amien Rais as Muhammadiyah general chairman during the mid-1990s, when he stated that he wished to transform Indonesia’s leading modernist Muslim organisation into a pro-reform and pro-democracy movement.

As Robin Bush has written, by the mid-1990s many young NU activists responded to Wahid’s increasingly oppositional position to the Suharto regime by developing a  “civil society discourse” comprising three elements: NU autonomy vis-a-vis the state; opposition to conservative and radical Islamism; and the promotion of pluralism and tolerance.

NU-affiliated NGOs like the Institute for the Study and Development of Human Resources (Lakpesdam) regularly sponsored workshops featuring NU’s promotion of pluralism, religious tolerance, and human rights, alongside coursework on political education and participation, all directed to promote NU’s civil society discourse to a new generation of NU activists throughout Indonesia.

After Indonesia’s democratic transition, NU and Muhammadiyah resumed their political activism  by founding political parties: the National Awakening Party (PKB) for NU and the National Mandate Party (PAN) for Muhammadiyah. Politicians from both organisations received ministerial appointments and participated in national and regional legislative elections. From 1998 until 2014, both participated in national politics through the two parties, while contributing to civil, democratic political discourses in Indonesia.

The price of patronage

However, the relationship between the two religious CSOs and the state has changed under the Widodo presidency. Under pressure to counter the narratives of hardline Islamist groups like the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), Jokowi made NU his primary partner to counter FPI-like groups and to promote a “moderate” Indonesian Islam both domestically and worldwide.

Over his decade-long presidency Widodo has bestowed extensive patronage towards NU clerics and politicians. This patronage has taken the form of political appointments (e.g. Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qomas, and others) as well as financial benefits (e.g. subsidies toward NU-run pesantren boarding schools, credit facilities for shari’a-based cooperatives and rural financial institutions, and more).

During Widodo’s second term (2019––2024) NU received even more state patronage from the Religious Affairs Ministry, now under control of Minister for Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qomas, who is the brother of NU chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf. Such patronage has included financial support towards construction of nearly two dozen NU-affiliated universities; a  religious moderation program that supports NU preachers and lecturers to promote “moderate Islam” in other ministries and state-owned enterprises suspected of being infiltrated by “radical’’ Islamic preachers and groups; and various state projects directed to support NU and its various affiliates (badan otonom).

This patronage has come at the price of NU’s ability to criticise, among other things, the recent legislation pushed by the Widodo administration that critics say has contributed to Indonesia’s ongoing democratic regression. This includes the 2019 revisions to anti-corruption laws that significantly weakened Indonesia’s anti-corruption commission, and the 2023 Criminal Code, which curtails freedom of expression and the rights of religious minorities and LGBTQ people.

Several NU public intellectuals, including prominent advocates of the organisation’s “civil society discourse” during the late 1990s and early 2000s, are now defending the Widodo administration’s policy and priorities, contradicting their earlier support for liberal democratic norms. Ulil Abshar Abdalla, co-founder of the Liberal Islam Movement (Jaringan Islam Liberal or JIL) and formerhead of NU’s Lakpesdam think tank, wrote the day after the February 2024 presidential elections that the victory of Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka showed that the majority of Indonesians wanted to continue President Widodo’s policies. He claimed that the results showed that Indonesians “have other pressing interests” than safeguarding democracy, which he dismissed as an idea expressed primarily by “a few middle-class academics”.

My recent conversations with sources within NU have confirmed that following Ulil’s lead, NU is in the process of revising its position on state–civil society relations. Instead of being an independent and autonomous CSO—like what Wahid and other NU activists were advocating in the 1990s—NU now views itself as an integral partner of the Indonesian state. In the new mindset, NU, as an ulama-led organisation, is mandated by Islamic teachings “to assist and defend” the state from any potential threats, whether from radical Islamists or from other civil society actors who express critical views against the state and its policies. Meanwhile, the earlier NU ethos pioneered by Wahid is dismissed, according to my sources, as an idea inspired by liberal Western political thought that is not applicable to the contemporary Indonesian socio-political context.

It was within this context that in June 2024 NU formally announced its acceptance of a coal mining concession offered by the Jokowi administration by the then investment minister Bahlil Lahadalia. NU chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf publicly stated that his organisation agreed to accept the concession because “it needed all available revenue sources to fund the [its] activities—as long as they are religiously permissible (halal)”.

Sources close to the NU leadership board I spoke with have suggested that the decision to accept mining concessions was also influenced by a concern that NU might receive fewer cabinet appointments and state patronage under the Prabowo administration, which will assume office on 20 October. Historically, Prabowo has developed closer relationships with Islamic leaders and activists from modernist-leaning organisations like Muhammadiyah and the Indonesian Islamic Propagation Council (Dewan Dakwah Islam Indonesia, or DDII). His relationship with figures like former Muhammadiyah chairman Din Syamsuddin date back to the 1990s, when Prabowo was a mid-career army officer.

Prabowo has few similarly close relations with NU figures (though he has won the endorsement of senior NU officials, such as the organisation’s former chair Said Aqil Siradj, in his past presidential campaigns). His landslide victory in the 2024 Indonesian presidential election, and the overwhelming support from NU voters towards Prabowo, was largely attributed to Widodo’s tacit endorsement of his campaign, which led to the NU leadership supporting him as well. Accepting the state’s offer of mining concessions, my enquiries have suggested, was driven by NU leaders’ belief that mining income would be substantive enough to offset any potential downturns in state patronage from Prabowo.

Muhammadiyah takes the NU path

Muhammadiyah’s decision to accept mining licences is more puzzling. Unlike NU, Muhammadiyah is not considered a close ally of the outgoing president. It has either publicly opposed, or at least raised serious concerns about, many of Widodo’s major legislative initiatives, including the 2019 amendments to the Anti-Corruption Law, the 2020 Omnibus Law on Job Creation, and the 2023 Criminal Code. Muhammadiyah leaders have frequently issued statements criticising ethical and legal misconduct by Widodo and other senior officials.

Most recently, in November 2023 former KPK chief and current Muhammadiyah national board member Busyro Muqqodas declared that the Constitutional Court (MK) ruling that allowed Widodo’s son Gibran Rakabuming Raka to stand for the vice presidency was a “poison affecting Indonesian democracy”. Muhammadiyah’s Law, Human Rights and Philosophy Council, which Busyro chairs, also issued a statement declaring that former MK chief justice Anwar Usman ought to be “dishonourably discharged from his position” for committing major violations of the MK’s code of ethics.

Sources close to the Muhammadiyah national board I recently interviewed revealed that the board had received significant pressure from the presidential palace to accept its offer of mining concessions, through one of the board’s members Muhadjir Effendy, who also serves in Widodo’s cabinet as Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs. According to these sources, Muhadjir forwarded Widodo’s message to the leadership board, stating that Muhammadiyah must accept this concession because it would otherwise be considered as a personal insult by the president, who feels he has done a great deal to support the “moderate” Islam promoted by both Muhammadiyah and NU. The message concluded that if Muhammadiyah continues to refuse the offer of mining concessions then it will not receive any state patronage—especially cabinet appointments—under the Prabowo administration.

Muhadjir, according to my contacts, also made a personal appeal to other Muhammadiyah board members, saying that he was the only person seeking to ensure that organisation still gets the kind of political benefits—both high-level appointments and other state patronage—from Widodo (even if the amount was much less than what NU received). For instance, Muhadjir’s ministerial office has run its own religious moderation program, staffed by Muhammadiyah activists and separate from the main moderation programs run by the NU-controlled Ministry of Religious Affairs. Given these considerations, Muhadjir implored other Muhammadiyah leaders to consider whether they really want to risk their organisation being left with nothing under Prabowo if they dare to refuse the mining concession offer. Due to these considerations, the leadership board finally decided to accept the concession as a “hedging” tactic to ensure that they will not lose favour of the outgoing president.

Muhammadiyah’s leadership also believes that unlike Widodo, who has primarily aligned himself with NU when it comes to promoting “moderate” Islam, Prabowo is more willing to accommodate Muhammadiyah, given his past close relations with the organisation’s figures. Hence, they expect him to give them ministerial and other key appointments. Muhammadiyah leaders are very keen to regain several ministries that its politicians have historically been appointed in the past, particularly the education ministry. Hence, its decision to accept the mining concessions is part of a ”pay-to-play” strategy to be in line for ministerial and other high-level appointments under the incoming administration.

Conclusion

Muhammadiyah and NU’s decision to accept mining concessions is part of a process of political bargaining both organisations are engaged in with Indonesia’s political establishment in anticipation of future appointments and patronage. For both organisations, their decision is a rational measure to retain their political influence and safeguard their financial interests amid the uncertainties surrounding the ongoing presidential transition.

Their decision to bargain with the state and accept the mining concessions has nonetheless diminished their credentials as independent civil society organisations — particularly among their own activists. It also raises serious questions about whether in the long run, both organisations will be able to retain their autonomy as civil society organisations and their willingness to speak out strongly against decisions made by the Prabowo administration that may have adverse effects not only on NU and Muhammadiyah’s constituencies, but on Indonesia’s democratic norms and institutions.

Source:newmandala.org

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https://www.newmandala.org/clerics-to-coal-miners-the-decline-of-indonesias-islamic-civil-society/

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New Zealand PM hails Malaysia’s potential, strengthens NZ-Malaysia relations

BERNAMA

04-09- 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon concluded his dynamic two-day official visit to Malaysia from Sept 1 to 3, during which he not only immersed himself in official business but also in the vibrant culture, historical heritage, and local cuisine of the Southeast Asian nation.

Unlike the official visits of previous foreign leaders, Luxon’s visit was something truly unique.

Luxon’s engagement with the public while in Malaysia drew attention even from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who remarked on Luxon’s X platform update, saying, “Have to say I like the new NZ PM. Good energy and talks directly to the public. This is the way!”

From touring iconic sites in Kuala Lumpur to engaging with local entrepreneurs and renowned influencer Khairul Aming, Luxon’s visit underscored Malaysia’s strategic significance to New Zealand’s future in Southeast Asia.

In a 51-minute video posted on his X account, Luxon said the trip provided valuable insights into opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.

He highlighted the importance of Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, as a key region for New Zealand’s economic and strategic interests.

“Nearly 70 years on, Malaysia is still growing and looking to the future. It’s been a massive two days here, seeing great Kiwi businesses like Skyline Luge and Jump Jam absolutely flourishing in this part of the world.

“Malaysia, along with the rest of Southeast Asia, has so much potential for New Zealand, whether it’s trade, defence or people-to-people links. It is vital that we are connecting and building our relationships here,” he said in the video.

The Prime Minister also stressed the necessity of New Zealand’s active engagement with dynamic international markets to enhance its domestic economy.

“As I often say, New Zealand doesn’t get wealthier by selling things to each other. We need to be out in the world, hustling and trading with dynamic markets like this.

“The more successful we are abroad, the stronger our economy is back at home, with more investment, higher incomes, and better public services like health and education,“ he said, after meeting with prominent Malaysian entrepreneur and influencer, Khairul Aming.

Meanwhile, Khairul Aming, renowned for his culinary content and business acumen, welcomed the Prime Minister and expressed his hopes for the continued success of bilateral relations between Malaysia and New Zealand.

“It’s an honour to have Prime Minister Luxon here. I hope this visit paves the way for more collaborations between our two countries,” Khairul Aming shared on his social media platforms, highlighting the potential for cultural and business exchanges.

Khairul Aming mentioned that the meeting, held at the restaurant Hidang KL, was a token of appreciation from New Zealand for his recent visit to the country to produce cooking videos.

The culinary sensation introduced Luxon to traditional Malaysian breakfast dishes, including nasi lemak, roti jala, and teh tarik.

The Prime Minister’s itinerary also included meetings with local business leaders and government officials, where he emphasised the importance of mutual investments.

On the business front, BERNAMA reported a significant outcome of Luxon’s visit -- an agreement to explore joint ventures in green technology and sustainable development.

During the visit, both nations expressed a commitment to promoting sustainability and addressing global environmental challenges through these ventures.

“New Zealand and Malaysia share a common vision for a sustainable future, and I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

“The connections we’ve made here are invaluable, and I am confident that this visit will mark the beginning of a new chapter in New Zealand-Malaysia relations,” he said.

Luxon’s first visit to Malaysia since taking office in November 2023 has set the stage for enhanced collaboration between the two nations, with both sides looking forward to a future of shared growth and prosperity.

In 2023, New Zealand was Malaysia’s 28th largest trading partner, 22nd largest export destination, and 27th largest source of imports among countries in the Oceania region, with the total trade between Malaysia and New Zealand amounting to RM11.56 billion (US$2.54 billion).

Source:thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/local-news/new-zealand-pm-hails-malaysia-s-potential-strengthens-nz-malaysia-relations-GM12961153

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Malaysia committed to empowering AI, Digital Learning

BERNAMA

04-09- 2024

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia expressed its commitment to empowering artificial intelligence (AI) technology through the National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap 2021-2025 and the implementation of the Digital Education Policy (DPD) at the 2024 Digital Learning Week held in Paris.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, also the president of the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO (MNCU), said the potential of AI technology needs to be further explored to support educational goals without marginalising human values.

In a statement here today, she also shared Malaysian initiatives in actively implementing the Education Reforms, the 2027 School Curriculum and the new education development plan.

Fadhlina, who is leading the Malaysian delegation at the 2024 Digital Learning Week, held from Sept 2 to 4, also participated in a round table discussion with other international education leaders.

She also met with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) deputy director-general Xing Qu and discussed the agenda on education for all, the empowerment of Science and Technology and ethics in AI technology.

She also expressed Malaysia’s desire to be on the Executive Board of UNESCO) for the term 2025 to 2029.

This, she said, is in line with Malaysia’s experience, commitment, image and good reputation as a member country that plays an active role in leading programmes implemented at the regional and global levels.

Fadhlina said Xing also expressed his appreciation to Malaysia for the country’s continuous commitment to strengthening UNESCO’s agenda.

Source:thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/local-news/malaysia-committed-to-empowering-ai-digital-learning-AM12960808

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MACC to focus on confiscating assets stolen by corrupt criminals, return assets to Govt - Azam Baki

BERNAMA

04-09- 2024

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) investigative and intelligence approach needs to be enhanced in an effort to track down assets stolen by corrupt criminals, said MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.

He said MACC operations are now more focused on not only arresting corrupt offenders and prosecuting them in court, but also bankrupting them.

‘For this year alone we repatriated RM1.3 billion in criminal assets and that money (we) was handed back to the government. If all law enforcement agencies mobilize their energy, in addition to arresting criminals, accusing them in court, we can also confiscate stolen property of such criminals.

‘I want to make them bankrupt (corrupt criminals) and this can bring a ‘scare factor’ to them so that they think many times before committing crimes related to corruption,‘ he told Bernama in a recent interview.

Azam said the legal provisions under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 allows the MACC to confiscate assets from the criminals and return the stolen proceeds to the government.

He said such efforts require a high level of knowledge and expertise from investigative and forensic officers.

“Imagine corrupt criminals park their property with a ‘proxy’, who knows. Therefore, our investigation and intelligence approach must be robust and empowered. Before investigating that person we need to identify assets that have been disposed of or if channeled to any party so that we can ensure these assets are (returned),” he said.

Drawing the example of the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) case, Azam said MACC’s hard work together with other agencies bore fruit when RM29 billion was returned to the government from the principal cost of RM42 billion.

The MACC has also set up task force in other agencies like Bank Negara, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) to share expertise in syndicate cases.

In addition to enforcement, MACC also plays a role in prevention and community education through mainstream media and campaigns on social media.

“The use of social media is optimized in line with the needs of the community, for example ‘live streaming’ debate programmes that allow the community to watch and understand,” said Azam.

He also said that community education is delivered from the primary level to the universities, for example through the Anti-Corruption Student Group which was started at Sultan Zainal Abidin University (UniSZA).

“Now, we focus on the flow to help the country in economic development. Therefore, we focus on important areas to help make cost savings in efforts to prevent corruption,” he said.

More focused approach on giving and receiving of bribes, corruption in procurement that causes large leakages, and large-scale corruption or ‘grand corruption’ is needed.

Asked about foreign countries that can be used as an example, Azam said that apart from Hong Kong, the MACC also learned from other countries, including Qatar, which uses a fully digital system for traffic compound payments, reducing the probabilities of corruption.

He also suggested that the government’s service system be improved since digitalised systems can prevent people from standing in long queues, like procedures that require fingerprints to change ownership.

“The MACC was established in 1967, so we are already 57 years old. Many countries want to learn from MACC, although some deny MACC’s role in the international arena. For example, the delegation of Uzbekistan that has just established an anti-corruption agency in 2020 came to deal with the MACC,” he said.

He added that related agencies need to find ways to facilitate people’s affairs as part of the people’s service reform agenda, which will provide a better delivery system and avoid opportunities for corruption.

Source:thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/local-news/macc-to-focus-on-confiscating-assets-stolen-by-corrupt-criminals-return-assets-to-govt-azam-baki-DM12960407

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PM Anwar arrives in Vladivostok for two-day working visit

BERNAMA

04-09- 2024

VLADIVOSTOK: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has arrived in Vladivostok for a two-day working visit to the largest seaport city in Russia’s far east region.

The aircraft carrying Anwar landed at Vladivostok International Airport at 8.33 am local time (6.33 am Malaysian time).

He was accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Aziz, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib, as well as Agriculture and Food Security Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup and senior officials.

Upon arrival, the prime minister was received by the Malaysian Ambassador to Russia Datuk Cheong Loon Lai, while on the Russian side were the Director of the Third Asian Department Ludmilla Vorobieva, Vice-Governor of Primorskii region Aleksei Nazdratenko and Vice-Mayor of Vladivostok Daria Stegniy.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, will attend the 9th Eastern Economic Forum (9th EEF), which runs from Sept 3 to 6. He will address the plenary session of the EEF on Sept 5.

The highlight of the visit will be the bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which Anwar is expected to reiterate Malaysia’s interest in joining the BRICS intergovernmental organisation as Russia is currently holding BRICS chairmanship.

On July 28 this year, Anwar said Malaysia had sent an application to Russia to join the BRICS intergovernmental organisation following the courtesy call made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on that day.

Earlier on June 18, Anwar confirmed Malaysia’s intention to join BRICS to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Anwar’s bilateral meeting with Putin here will provide an opportunity for both leaders to take stock of and discuss bilateral relations, including trade and investment, higher education, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), agriculture and food security as well as tourism, and explore collaboration in new areas such as aerospace and advanced technologies.

Both leaders are also expected to exchange perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Middle East situation and discuss cooperation within the context of the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership.

During the visit, Anwar is also expected to meet with Deputy Mufti Rushan Hazrat Abbyasov, who is the first deputy chairman of Russia Muftis Council and Religious Board of Muslim, and receive a courtesy call from Rais (Head) of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov.

This visit marks Anwar’s maiden trip to Russia since assuming office in November 2022.

In 2023, Russia was Malaysia’s 8th largest trading partner among European countries, with total bilateral trade increasing 15.6 per cent year-on-year to RM14.22 billion (US$3.1 billion), compared to RM12.3 billion (US$2.79 billion) recorded in 2022.

Source:thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/local-news/pm-anwar-arrives-in-vladivostok-for-two-day-working-visit-CM12960323

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Higher Education Ministry yet to receive report on university students’ alleged involvement in swingers sex party, says Zambry

By John Bunyan

 04 Sep 2024

IPOH, Sept 4 — The Higher Education Ministry is yet to receive a report on the alleged involvement of university students in a recent swingers sex syndicate bust in Kuala Lumpur, according to Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir.

Zambry said the ministry needs to gather more information before making any official comments on the matter.

“I will need to check the report first, because I don’t want to make any sweeping statements. I have to check the facts first,” he told reporters today.

“However, any form of illegal or immoral activities, regardless of who committing the activities, whether it involves students or not, the authorities will take the necessary action,” he added.

Zambry made these remarks following the launch of the Index Nexus Polycc: Synergy between Polycc and Industries at the Ungku Omar Polytechnic here.

Last week, police arrested 36 individuals, including university students and civil servants, believed to be involved in illicit sexual activities.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (Intelligence/Operations) deputy director DCP Fadil Marsus said that on August 24, 34 individuals, aged between 19 and 41, were detained in a raid on a condominium in Mont Kiara.

The arrested included 14 Malaysian men, 15 Malaysian women, and individuals from France, China, the Czech Republic, Nigeria and the Philippines.

Following the raid, police arrested another two men — a local and a Singaporean — on August 27 in a condominium unit in Puchong, Selangor.

Source:malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/09/04/higher-education-ministry-yet-to-receive-report-on-university-students-alleged-involvement-in-swingers-sex-party-says-zambry/149232

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URL:    https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/brunei-modi-sifuddien-mosque/d/133119

 

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