Cape Town Mufti’s Fatwa On Burying Transgenders: Any Male, Whether A Mahram (Relative) Or Not, May Wash The Deceased’s Body
New Age
Islam News Bureau
18 July 20123
Photo: Cape Town ETC
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Africa
• Muslim Students To Tinubu: Prioritise
Education, Avoid Strike During Your Tenure
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Arab World
• New ‘Wave’ Training Program Bids To
Empower Saudi Music Industry
• Saudi students win 3 awards at
International Physics Olympiad
• KSA, Montenegro Sign MOU In Islamic
Affairs
• Kaaba Kiswa Ready To Be Replaced With
Advent Of New Islamic Year
• Saudi Arabia donates $1.12m toward
Interpol digital crime-fighting initiative
• Saudi crown prince, Japan PM reiterate
‘unwavering support’
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South Asia
• Mullah Hassan Akhund to assume PM
office after two-month absence
• IEA Spokesman Rejects UNAMA Report
• ANSA Returns 25 Low-quality Oil To
Iran
• Over 600 Political Figures, Officials
of Ex-administration Returns to Afghanistan
• Takht-e Rostam Attract Hundreds of
Foreign Tourists in Recent
• Bangladeshi Police Accused of
Conspiring Against Opposition Candidates
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Pakistan
• Karachi Mayor Rejects Reports Of Hindu
TempleOver 150 Years Old Was Demolished In Karachi's Soldier Bazaar
• ‘Share of Islamic banking to continue
growing’
• Military trial of May 9 suspects ‘apt
and proportionate response’, govt tells SC
• Qureshi slams govt for not taking PTI
into confidence over poll reforms
• 'Disturbing': Pakistan politicians
concerned over Taliban's Doha deal statement
• Pakistan, Iran agree on intelligence
sharing against terrorist networks
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India
• Anjuman-I-Islam Join Forces With MIT’s
JWEL Programme For Educational Excellence
• Three Held for Beating Up Muslim Man,
Forcing Him to Chant 'Jai Shri Ram'
--------
Europe
• Billionaire Businessman Buildinga
Three-Storey Mosque In London's Trocadero Complex
• A Prague university's club for Muslim
students creates a community based on shared values
• Muslim Convert Behind Hyde Park Plot
‘Pondered Terror Attack On Queen’s Funeral’
• Dartford and Gravesend Muslims condemn
desecration of Islamic holy book, Quran at Sweden mosque during Eid al-Adha
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Mideast
• Call For Calm By Sweden's Muslims May
Have Stopped Torah-Burning
• Erdogan: Crises in Islamic world
require close consultation with Gulf countries
• Pressure mounts on top Sunni cleric as
Iran hosts Pakistan’s Army chief
• Islamic Jihad: Palestinian Security
Arrests 5 of Its Members in Jenin
• Islamic Jihad calls on PA devices to
stop crime of arresting fighters
• HM King Hamad Centre for Peaceful
Coexistence celebrates Islamic New Year
• His Majesty exchanges New Hijri Year
greetings with leaders of Arab, Islamic nations
--------
Southeast Asia
• Malaysia State Polls: PAS Retains
Strong Following In Kelantan Ahead Of Elections
• Bentong MP Young Syefura lodges police
report on scam, sexual harassment cases
--------
North America
• Canada's Trudeau Says US Far Right Is
Misinforming Muslims On LGBTQ In Schools
• Felony Sex Assault Charges Added
Against Muslim CT Lawmaker's Suspected Attacker
• CAIR Welcomes Richmond, Va.,
Proclamation of Muslim American Heritage Month
• UK art museum presents shows on
intersection of art forms, Faisal Abdu'Allah's 'Chair'
• CAIR Visits Alabama Mosques on
National Civil Rights Tour, Connects with Hundreds of Residents
• Officials file more charges, but not
hate crimes, against man accused of attacking Muslim lawmaker
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/cape-town-mufti-fatwa-transgender-mahram/d/130244
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Cape Town Mufti’s Fatwa On Burying
Transgenders: Any Male, Whether A Mahram (Relative) Or Not, May Wash The
Deceased’s Body
Photo: Cape Town ETC
-----
July 18, 2023
The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) has
issued a fatwa (decree) regarding the washing of a deceased transgender person
before burial.
The MJC said it received questions
around the sensitive topic, as the process of becoming a transgender person usually
means a change in genitalia.
In a statement, Mufti Abdurragmaan Khan
starts off by clarifying that in Islam, an individual’s biological sex remains
unchanged regardless of any alterations they make to their body.
He explained that the fatwa is being issued
to avoid gossiping and slander.
“Our scholars do not mention transgender
individuals, as this is a relatively new concept. They do, however, speak of
the ‘attractive Amrad’ who share some similarities with transgender
individuals, as they have physical features resembling females,” Khan stated.
“We believe that the ‘attractive’
transgender female should be treated as an attractive Amrad.”
An Amrad in Islam is a “handsome
beardless youth”. Khan said it is impermissible for an adult male to look upon
a naked “attractive” Amrad, or transgender female.
“In cases where the Amrad, and similarly
the transgender female, is not considered attractive and does not pose a risk
of fitnah (temptation), any male, whether a mahram (relative) or not, may wash
the deceased’s body,” Khan added.
“(But) if there is a potential for
sexual desire or fear of temptation while washing an ‘attractive’ transgender
person, his or her mahram should wash the body.
“In the absence of a mahram, an adult of
the same sex should wash the body while it is covered with a veil, ensuring no
part of the body is seen or touched,” he said.
RuBee Lee Lukas, LGBTQIA+ activist, Miss
Sovereign Western Cape and youth ambassador of One Billion Rising, said there
are bigger issues to worry about.
“Personally, I feel like these kinds of
statements only add fuel to the fire and spark transphobia,” Lukas said.
“The act of ghusl is an act of last
respects shown to the deceased, yet it goes in total contradiction when
handling and addressing the deceased as the imposed gender when they so clearly
lived their lives as proud transgender individuals.
“There are greater issues to focus on,
like the gender-based violence (GBV) happening in many households that are not
being spoken about enough,” Lukas said.
Source: iol.co.za
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Islamic Minister: Saudi Arabia Does Not
Interfere In Internal Affairs Of Any Country But Is Keen To Extend A Helping
Hand To All Out Of Concern For Muslims
Saudi
Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh
meeting President of the Islamic Sheikhdom and Grand Mufti of Montenegro Rifaat
Vizic in Podgorica.
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July 17, 2023
JEDDAH — Minister of Islamic Affairs,
Call and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh emphasized that Saudi Arabia does
not interfere in the internal affairs of any country.
“On the other hand, the Kingdom is keen
to extend a helping hand to all and this is out of concern for Muslims. It is
also spreading the true religion based on moderation as stated in the Holy
Qur’an and the Prophet’s Sunnah,” he said.
The minister made the remarks while
speaking to Okaz/Saudi Gazette after meeting President of the Islamic Sheikhdom
and Grand Mufti of Montenegro RifaatVizic at his residence in Podgorica,
capital of Montenegro.
Those who attended the reception also
included Faisal Hefzi, Saudi ambassador to Albania and a non-resident in
Montenegro.
Al-Sheikh arrived here on an official
visit during which a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Islamic
sheikhdom and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance in the fields
of Islamic affairs.
The minister said that the Kingdom
provides great services to Islam and Muslims in all corners of the globe.
“This visit comes in line with the
directives of the Saudi leadership, as it is keen on the welfare of the Muslims
of Montenegro as well as on enhancing joint cooperation between the two
countries.
“The bonds of friendship between Saudi
Arabia and Montenegro and their friendly peoples reflect the good relations
between the two countries,” he said.
Al-Sheikh emphasized that Saudi Arabia,
in its capacity as the cradle of the message of Islam and host of the qiblah of
Muslims around the world, is concerned with communicating with every Muslim in
this world.
“From this standpoint comes the signing
of this agreement that consolidates relations and strengthens the bonds of
friendship and cooperation,” he said while hoping that it will be the beginning
of fruitful and constructive cooperation.
The minister noted the Kingdom’s
keenness to build bridges of communication with friendly countries, based on
its moral and religious duty, and its relentless pursuit of everything that
serves Islam and Muslims around the world.
For his part, Vizic affirmed his
country’s keenness to enhance cooperation with the Kingdom and benefit from its
pioneering experience as it is the country that hosts the qiblah of Islam.
“The Muslim community, who represent
about 25 percent of the people of Montenegro, looks positively at this visit and
its outcome,” he said.
He hoped that this will enhance
cooperation in spreading the values of Islam, which is the religion of
coexistence, mercy and tolerance, and benefit from the Kingdom’s ancient
experience in everything that serves Islam.
Source: saudigazette.com.sa
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Afghanistan Is More Inclusive Than
“Those Countries That Want Us To Build An Inclusive Government”: Acting FM
Acting
Foreign Minister, Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi
------
2023-07-18
KABUL (BNA) Acting Foreign Minister,
Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi in a meeting with businessmen and investors said:
“Those countries that want us to build an inclusive government and ensure
security, the current government of Afghanistan is more inclusive than their
countries,”.
A meeting was held late Monday on the
third day of the second national and international exhibition of Imam Abu
Hanifa, by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Industry, and Commerce and the
Chamber of Commerce and Investment, in conception to meet with the businessmen
and investors of the region in the capital Kabul, according to a statement.
In this meeting, FM Muttaqi said that
Afghanistan is the closest and best way to trade and connect between Central
and South Asia.
“Afghanistan’s exports last year reached
1.9 billion dollars, which was unprecedented in the country’s trade history,
and despite all the problems and restrictions, Afghanistan’s economic situation
is better now,” he added.
He said that the Islamic Emirate has
done significant work in the sector of poppy eradication and alternative
cultivation.
Afghanistan by having enough water,
land, suitable climate, and human power, only needs to invest in agriculture,
so that agricultural products can be processed in a good way and exported to
other countries, mainly to South and Central Asia, Muttaqi says.
He said the Islamic Emirate is ready to
work jointly with its economic partners in the sector of mining.
Meanwhile, he asked the international
community not to link trade with politics and to work together with the Islamic
Emirate in this respect.
Likewise, the Deputy Minister of
Industry and Commerce, MawlaviQudratullah Jamal assured all national and
international investors and businessmen of all kinds of cooperation and asked
them to invest in Afghanistan with confidence.
On Sunday, the national and
international Imam Abu Hanifa expo was opened in the capital Kabul and will
continue for a week.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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https://bakhtarnews.af/en/afghanistan-government-is-more-inclusive-than-region-countries-muttaqi/
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Army Labels Terrorist Sanctuaries In Afghanistan
Key Concern To Pakistan’s Security
File Photo
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July 17, 2023
The top commanders of the Pakistan Army
have concluded that terrorist safe havens and liberty available to militant
outfits in Afghanistan is a major challenge to Pakistan’s security.
The statement comes after 258th Corps
Commanders’ Conference (CCC) presided over by Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
General Asim Munir held at GHQ in Rawalpindi, the Inter-Services Public
Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Monday.
“The sanctuaries and liberty of action
available to the terrorists of proscribed TTP and other groups of that ilk in a
neighbouring country and availability of latest weapons to the terrorists were
noted as major reasons impacting security of Pakistan,” read the statement
issued by the military’s media wing.
The participants were briefed in detail
about the prevailing Internal security environment.
The forum deliberated in detail upon the
operational preparedness and training aspects of the army.
“Objective training remains the hallmark
of our professionalism and we must always remain prepared to guard against any
threat to our national security,” the ISPR quoted Gen Munir as saying.
Last week, Pakistan Army said it was seriously
concerned that militants had found safe havens in the neighbouring nation and
threatened to take an "effective response" two days after 12 of its
soldiers embraced martyrdom in two attacks.
In the statement, the ISPR had said that
said it is expected that the interim Afghan government would not allow the use
of its soil to perpetrate terror against any country, in the real sense and in
line with commitments made in the Doha agreement.
“The involvement of Afghan nationals in
acts of terrorism in Pakistan is another important concern that needs to be
addressed,” the statement emphasised.
Such attacks are intolerable and would
elicit an effective response from the security forces of Pakistan, the ISPR
statement added.
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist
attacks following Afghan Taliban’s return to power in August 2021 and called
upon the interim rulers to take decisive actions against terrorists including
the TTP responsible for cross-border attacks.
Terror activities in the country have
soared by 79% during the first half of 2023, a statistical report released by
the independent think tank Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies
(PICSS) showed.
Army pledges to support govt's economic
revival efforts
In the same huddle, the ISPR said top
commanders was also apprised about the government’s economic revival plan and
role of army in uplifting agriculture, IT, mining and mineral and defence
production sectors under the ambit of Special Investment Facilitation Council
(SIFC).
The participants vowed to fully support
the strategic initiatives planned by the government for the revival of the
economy by providing all possible technical and management support for the
overall good of the people of Pakistan, it added.
Last month, the federal government
unveiled an elaborate ‘Economic Revival Plan’ with a view to capitalise on
Pakistan’s untapped potential in key sectors, fast-track the development
projects and facilitate investment.
General Munir was included to a Special
Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) formed by PM Shehbaz for economic
revival.
The military’s inclusion in the body —
led by the PM and also comprising federal ministers — is aimed at complementing
the government's efforts to deal with economic challenges facing the country.
Source: thenews.com.pk
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1091451-army-labels-terrorist-sanctuaries-in-afghanistan-key-concern-to-pakistan-s-security
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Gadkari Threat Call Mastermind, Lashkar-e-Taiba
Operative and Former National Secretary
Popular Front of India, Afsar Pasha, Was Trained In Bangladesh
Jul 18, 2023
Nagpur: The Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)
operative and former national secretary of banned Popular Front of India (PFI),
Afsar Pasha, who is now in the custody of Nagpur police, was trained at a
terrorist camp near Dhaka in Bangladesh.
On Monday, Pasha was interrogated by
multiple security and intelligence agencies at length. Pasha, who had urged
Jayesh Kantha to threaten Union minister Nitin Gadkari twice for money, was
brought to the city from Belagavi jail in Karnataka on Saturday last week.
During interrogation, it came to fore
that Pasha had visited Nagpur twice in the past and was having a local network
too. He was trying to rope in some instigated youngsters in PFI and later
recruit them for LeT missions across India. He had recruited Jayesh for LeT
missions while their stay in Belagavi jail. Tnn
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/gadkari-threat-call-mastermind-was-trained-in-bangladesh/articleshow/101841874.cms
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Africa
Muslim students to Tinubu: Prioritise
education, avoid strike during your tenure
JULY 17, 2023
In recent years, the country has
experienced several industrial actions organised by both academic and
non-academic unions over alleged poor working conditions.
In 2022, lecturers under the Academic
Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) embarked on an eight-month strike to protest
non-implementation of their demands by the federal government.
Speaking at its annual conference on
Sunday, MiftaudeenThanni, immediate past Amir of MSSN, Lagos state area unit,
asked Tinubu to invest more in education.
“As we move into a new dispensation of
‘Renewed Hope’ in our national polity, we are urging the Federal Government to
pay more attention and improve on the education investment,” he said.
“We don’t want strikes again and this
can be achieved by investing more in education. It’s a way to invest in peace,
as educated individuals are more likely to embrace dialogue, reject extremism,
and work towards resolving conflicts through peaceful means.
“The government should realise that
paying the utmost attention to education is as important as the economy, a
well-educated population forms the backbone of a thriving economy.
“We are reminding President Bola Ahmed
Tinubu to prioritise education, youth empowerment, security of lives and
property, economic and infrastructural development.
“Effective synergy and fostering of
unity across ethnoreligious lines, while we commend him on the students’ loan
bill signed into law and await the fruits of other economic policies of the
government.
“These measures will go a long way in fueling
innovation, fosters entrepreneurship, and drives sustainable development.”
The conference, tagged ‘Renaissance’,
held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and featured about 300 members of MSSN
across the country.
At the event, newly elected executives
of the body were sworn in.
Source: lifestyle.thecable.ng
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https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/muslim-students-to-tinubu-prioritise-education-avoid-strike-during-your-tenure/
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Arab World
New ‘Wave’ training program bids to
empower Saudi music industry
July 17, 2023
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s Music Commission
has announced the launch of the “Wave” training program in Riyadh, in
cooperation with the Anghami platform, to help promote the music industry in
Saudi Arabia.
The program is aiming to produce 100
graduates, who will each receive a certificate granting full access to schemes
run by the Saudi Music Center and the Saudi Music Commission.
The application process began on July 15
and will continue until Aug. 30. Workshops start on Aug. 27 and run until Sept.
28. Graduation takes place on Oct. 7.
The Wave program — which has the slogan
“This is Your Time” — aims to empower the Saudi music community while
supporting emerging talents.
Aspiring artists can choose from five
music categories: modern songs, musical mashups, Saudi songs, classic Arabic
songs, and Fusha Arabic, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Music
Commission, said: “Wave is an initiative that will redefine the Saudi music
scene at the international level. Through this program we not only promote the
growth of new musical talents, but also enable them to showcase their unique
art to the world.”
The program offers music graduates and
aspiring artists a series of training and music production workshops by
industry professionals who will provide them with the basic skills to launch
their careers.
Industry experts who will be mentoring
include Ahmed Bugshan (hip-hop), Andy Jabr (remixes and mashups), Salim Assaf
(classic Arabic), and Turki Sharif (Saudi songs).
Pacifico added: “This program will
firmly position the Kingdom at the forefront as a center for musical innovation
and creative experiences.”
The program invites all music lovers
from the Kingdom aged 16 and above to participate at www.mojamusicwave.com.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2339447/saudi-arabia
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Saudi students win 3 awards at
International Physics Olympiad
July 17, 2023
JEDDAH: Saudi students won three awards
at the 53rd International Physics Olympiad held in Japan from July 9-18.
The Kingdom was represented by King
Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, known as
Mawhiba.
The competition featured 387 students
from 82 countries. The Saudi team included a group of five male and female
students. The students underwent thousands of hours of intensive internal and
external training, guided by specialists from both the Kingdom and abroad.
The Saudi winners, two males and one
female, included Jeddah high school student Hussein Qadah, who secured a bronze
medal. His achievement marked the culmination of his journey under Mawhiba,
which included 2,550 hours of training.
Mazen Al-Shakhs, from Al-Ahsa, earned a
bronze medal. He dedicated significant time to preparation and underwent 2,150
hours of training.
The third winner, Rose Al-Sindi, a high
school student from Makkah, was recognized with a certificate of appreciation.
She also had an extensive training journey of 1,850 hours.
Amal Al-Hazaa, Mawhiba’s general
director, highlighted the strong backing the organization has received from
Yousef Al-Benyan, the Saudi minister of education. This support extends to
Mawhiba’s efforts in nurturing gifted male and female students from general
education in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Hazaa said that this year’s triumph
is a testament to the “strong and comprehensive alliance” formed between
Mawhiba and its collaborators, which also includes King Abdullah University of
Science and Technology.
Together, the students and specialists
have worked to attain remarkable accomplishments, secure international
accolades, and fulfill the ambitious initiatives and goals set forth in the
Saudi Vision 2030, he added.
Source: arabnews.com
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The Kingdom now has 42 Olympiad prizes,
including medals and certificates of appreciation.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2339417/saudi-arabia
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KSA, Montenegro sign MOU in Islamic
affairs
Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and
Guidance Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh and Chairman of Islamic
Chaplaincy, Grand Mufti of Montenegro RifatVesic signed today in Podgorica a
memorandum of understanding in Islamic affairs. The signing ceremony was
attended by the Kingdom’s ambassador to Albania, non-resident in Montenegro,
Faisal bin Ghazi Hefzi, and several senior officials at the ministry of Islamic
Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, and the Islamic Chaplaincy.
Under the MOU, the two sides will
cooperate in introducing Islam, explaining its virtues, tolerance, and position
on contemporary issues through the exchange of research, books and scientific
publications in various languages, and hold scientific seminars and joint
training courses to qualify personnel in Islamic affairs.
Dr. Al Al-Sheikh stressed that the
memorandum reflects the strong relations between the two countries and serious
desire to cooperate to preserve the Islamic identity and entrench values that
stem from the message of Islam, such as coexistence and tolerance, adding that
the MOU will be a cornerstone in achieving the directives of the Saudi
leadership, which urges the dissemination of these values and rejects extremism
and all manifestations of terrorism.
He said that the Kingdom, under the
leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz
and HRH the Crown Prince, builds bridges of communication with the world and
seeks to serve Muslims achieve dignity and pride, and teaches coexistence,
adding that the agreement will work in the interest of both countries.
Vesic praised the Kingdom’s efforts to
serve humanity, and Muslims in particular, pointing out that the MOU is an
important event that will serve Muslims in this country, which constitutes
nearly a quarter of the population.
Vesic stressed that the MOU will
contribute to the education of imams and preachers, who will benefit from the
Kingdom's experience and expertise in Islamic work, teach moderation and
tolerance, and help confront extremism.
Source: alriyadhdaily.com
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http://alriyadhdaily.com/article/4dc825b4a6e84e5cb75e3a57e8372177
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Kaaba kiswa ready to be replaced with
advent of new Islamic year
July 17, 2023
RIYADH: All departments involved in
changing the kiswa of the Kaaba with the advent of the new Islamic year are
ready to do so, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques
confirmed on Monday.
Fifteen employees have been trained to
change the kiswa to the required standard, the presidency said.
The undersecretary-general of the King
Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa Amjad Al-Hazmi said work on the
covering of the holy site has been carried out by employees of the complex who
have high-quality and precise sewing skills to ensure that it looks “splendid.”
The head of the general administration
for the maintenance of the kiswa at the Grand Mosque in Makkah Fahd Al-Jabri
said that training sessions to change the Kiswa have been conducted and
specialist tools and equipment prepared.
Al-Jabri said the training sessions
aimed to familiarize the team of 15 with the various steps and stages of
changing the kiswa with the help of seven cranes.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2339472/saudi-arabia
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Saudi Arabia donates $1.12m toward
Interpol digital crime-fighting initiative
July 17, 2023
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has donated $1.12
million toward a tech-driven Interpol crime-fighting initiative.
The intergovernmental policing
organization’s capabilities for operational relevance program (I-CORE) aims to
use digital advances to help with security checks at border crossings around
the world.
The contribution agreement was signed by
the director general of Saudi Interpol, Col. Abdulmalik Al-Sogiah, representing
the Ministry of Interior, at Interpol headquarters in Lyon, France.
The money, to help fund the program over
the next three years, is part of the Kingdom’s efforts to tackle crime while
increasing Interpol’s ability to combat organized and international criminal
networks.
Al-Sogiah said: “Interpol is dedicated
to combating transnational crime in all its manifestations and has a positive
impact on police operations worldwide.
“Consequently, Saudi Arabia actively
supports the I-CORE program, which focuses on staying up to date with digital
transformation and leveraging artificial intelligence.”
One project, known as smart case
messaging, involves a web-based platform that applies AI to make police
messaging more effective, and improve the quality and quantity of information
gathering.
In a statement, Interpol said: “Police
around the world are confronted with complex crimes that cross national
borders, time zones, languages, and jurisdictions.”
It added that to “turn this data tsunami
into a valuable source of actionable intelligence,” the I-CORE program would
focus on three technological projects to “ensure police data can be accessed
faster and smarter.”
These would include biometrics for
frontline policing, smart case messaging, and unified information architecture,
the statement said.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2339321/saudi-arabia
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Saudi crown prince, Japan PM reiterate
‘unwavering support’
July 17, 2023
JEDDAH: Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida
Fumio, who was in Jeddah on July 16, discussed the strong bilateral ties
between Japan and Saudi Arabia with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at
Al-Salam Palace.
He also met GCC Secretary-General Jasem
Al-Budaiwi and Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation
HisseinBrahim Taha.
During his meeting with the crown
prince, Kishida reiterated Japan’s “unwavering support” for Saudi Arabia’s
Saudi Vision 2030.
According to a statement from Japan’s
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as part of the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 initiative,
Kishida agreed to further expand cooperation in fields such as medicine and
healthcare, and to work with Saudi Arabia to make the Middle East a global hub
for next-generation fuel and mineral resources.
The two officials agreed to promote
further exchange between the two countries in the political, diplomatic and
security fields, and welcomed the establishment of a strategic dialogue agreed
upon at the foreign minister level.
As Japan has been receiving a stable
supply of crude oil from the Kingdom, the crown prince said he would make
efforts to benefit both consumers and oil producers.
The Japanese prime minister stated his
intentions to promote multi-faceted cooperation in areas such as the
exploration and refining of important minerals, improvement of solar power
generation, the production and utilization of hydrogen and ammonia, and using
e-fuels.
Kishida and the crown prince said they
will consider a specific cooperation framework through the Japan-Saudi
Lighthouse Initiative for Clean Energy Cooperation proposed by Saudi Arabia,
and will work closely together to promote a balanced green transformation.
According to the statement, Japanese
companies are expressing a high interest in investing in Saudi Arabia, with
many of the organizations accompanying Kishida on economic missions.
The crown prince expressed his
expectation that Japanese companies would contribute to Saudi Arabia’s
industrial diversification.
They also discussed Japan’s recent
agreement to resume FTA negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council. Prime
Minister Kishida said that he would like to expand Saudi investment in Japan in
semiconductors and batteries, and expressed his expectation that concrete
discussions will proceed to promote investment toward Japan.
He also expressed hope that cooperation between
the Bank for International Cooperation and Saudi Arabia’s National Debt
Management Center will utilize the knowledge and investment from Japanese
companies to support Saudi Arabia’s efforts through re-energy and energy
conservation.
The two leaders said that signing a
memorandum of understanding between tourism authorities in both countries would
boost travel opportunities and develop cooperation.
Further bilateral cooperation should
take place in the academic, educational, sports and cultural fields, the
statement said. In this context, the two leaders welcomed the Japan External
Trade Organization and Saudi Entertainment Academy’s signing of a memorandum of
cooperation.
Kishida said that this year’s G7
Hiroshima Summit based on the principles of the rule of law and the UN Charter
was of great importance.
He added that he would like to continue
working closely with Saudi Arabia. In response, the crown prince expressed his
desire to continue working with Japan in various fields.
The two leaders also said that they
would never tolerate unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force
anywhere in the world. The Saudi leader said that the Kingdom supports Japan’s
position on North Korea.
• This originally appeared on Arab News
Japan
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2339216/saudi-arabia
--------
South Asia
Mullah Hassan Akhund to assume PM office
after two-month absence
The Taliban’s Prime Minister, Mullah
Hassan Akhund, will assume office in Kabul after two-month medical treatment
and rest, the group has said.
Bilal Karimi, Taliban’s deputy
spokesperson, said in a video statement that Akhund returned to Kabul on Monday
morning at the behest of the Taliban’s supreme leader, Mullah Hibatullah
Akhundzada.
In late May, Akhundzada appointed Deputy
Prime Minister Mawlawi Abdul Kabir as acting head of the cabinet in the absence
of PM Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund.
It was reported that the Taliban PM had
traveled to Kandahar in April to celebrate Eid al-Fitr and remained there due
to illness.
Akhund has held the position of prime
minister since the Taliban’s de facto authorities were established in September
2021.
Source: kabulnow.com
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IEA Spokesman Rejects UNAMA Report
2023-07-18
KABUL (BNA) The spokesman of the Islamic
Emirate of Afghanistan, Zabiullah Mujahid rejected the UNAMA report, calling it
far from the truth.
The spokesman of the Islamic Emirate of
Afghanistan, Zabiullah Mujahid, said in a statement Monday, the UNAMA report,
which was published from the United Nations address, in which disappointment,
grievances, and complaints are presented, is not true.
Such reports are prepared based on the
quotes of some people who fled the country and now instead of the military
front, they have taken the propaganda front against their country. Or that some
people in the UNAMA body are misusing the name of this organization, based on
false information, they are engaged in propaganda against Afghanistan.
Security is maintained in overall
Afghanistan, there are no arbitrary killings or arrests, any attacks on religious
minorities have been prevented and the security forces of the country are busy
day and night with their people, the courts of the Islamic Emirate of
Afghanistan defend and protect the legitimate rights of their people, the civil
services are flowing, they have joined hands for the sake of the country, said
Mujahid.
In such a positive situation, spreading
negative reports means malice, which should be stopped.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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https://bakhtarnews.af/en/iea-spokesman-rejects-unama-report/
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ANSA Returns 25 Low-quality Oil To Iran
FARAH (BNA) The Afghanistan National
Standard Authority (ANSA) has returned 25 petrol and diesel oil tankers to
Iran, after assessing them low-quality.
“At least 25 low-quality oil-laden
tankers had been stopped at Abu Nasir Farahi Port of the country’s western
province of Farah and returned to Iran for being low-quality,” a statement
said.
The National Standard Authority has
recently taken necessary steps to prevent the import of lowquality oil into the
country. Meanwhile, ANSA’s officials said no one would be allowed to import
low-quality oil into the country and asked all national businessmen to import
quality goods or they will be dealt in accordance with the law, according to
the statement.
The Afghan National Standard Authority
(ANSA) has earlier sent back tens of tankers filled with low-quality oil in the
country’s western ground ports to the neighboring Iran.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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Over 600 Political Figures, Officials of
Ex-administration Returns to Afghanistan
2023-07-18
KABUL (BNA) 605 political figures and
members of the ex-administration have returned to the country so far.
Mawlavi Ahmadullah Wasiq, the spokesman
of the Commission for Contact with Afghan Personalities, in an interview with
Bakhtar News Agency in Herat, says that 605 political figures, including
ministers, governors, members of parliament, deputies, have returned to the
country so far.
He says that the commission continues
contacting other Afghan officials and political figures to invite all those
officials who left the country.
The spokesman of the commission for
contact with Afghan personalities says that those who return to the country
will receive an immunity card so that no one will harass these people.
“We do not promise work in the
government to the returned people, but the officials of the Islamic Emirate
government are obliged to provide work to all the citizens of the country” he
added.
He says that the government strives to
provide job opportunities to all youths and prevent youth migration.
To end, he asked all the time citizens
of the country to return to the country and live with dignity and work together
for the development of their country.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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Takht-e Rostam Attract Hundreds of
Foreign Tourists in Recent
2023-07-17
SAMANGAN (BNA) 160 foreign tourists have
visited Takht-e-Rostam, a thousand year old stone made artificial in the
northern province of the country in Samangan.
The foreign tourists, who are from
different countries, visited Takht-e-Rostam Stupa besides visiting other
historic sites of Samangan, said, Mohammad Amin Azizi to Bakhtar News Agency.
“After the establishment of the Islamic
Emirate in the country, the number of domestic and foreign tourists in this
province has increased.” He added.
Samangan has 114 historical and ancient
water bodies, and among them, 106 areas are registered and managed by the cultural
heritage preservation management register, and the rest will be registered
after gathering more information about the history of the places, he said.
Takht-e-Rostam “Stupa Sanghi” is located
1/2 kilometers southwest of Aybek city, the center of Samangan, and with a
history of more than 2,500 years, it is a place of interest to foreign
tourists.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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---------
Bangladeshi Police Accused of Conspiring
Against Opposition Candidates
July 17, 2023
Bangladesh’s opposition BNP is expected
to stage new protests Tuesday and Wednesday amid its call for the resignation
of the current government and installation of a caretaker administration ahead
of general elections likely taking place in January.
Word of the protest comes as the BNP, or
Bangladesh Nationalist Party, and other activists allege Prime Minister Sheikh
Hasina’s government has been fast-tracking pending police cases against some of
the opposition leaders to prevent them from running in the elections. An
antigovernment protest was held last Wednesday.
The Awami League, or AL, is the ruling
party.
On July 6, a deputy inspector general,
or DIG, of police met with other senior police officials in Dhaka and
authorized an initiative to gather data on the cases of the leaders and
activists from the BNP and another opposition group, the Jamaat-e-Islami
Bangladesh party, known as Jel.
Members of these groups have been facing
charges of arson, violent attacks on police, various subversive activities and
other serious crimes, since 2013.
VOA received a copy of the minutes of
the meeting from a pro-democracy activist group in Bangladesh. Copies were
circulated by the activists among most media outlets in Bangladesh, too.
Fearing reprisals from police, most of the outlets overlooked the issue.
Self-censorship has been common during this Hasina-led government’s time in
office. Several journalists have faced repercussions under the country’s
Digital Security Act for writing reports against the government or ruling
party.
However, The Daily Star, Bangladesh’s
largest English language newspaper, and New Age, another English language
daily, reported the details about the minutes.
Police have not raised any protest
against the two newspapers for publishing the details of the minutes.
Additionally, they have not conducted a press conference calling the minutes
false.
Most of the trials in the cases against
the opposition leaders and activists have been taking place for many years. In
many cases, the prosecution has failed to present sufficient evidence. In South
Asia, it can take 10, 20 or more years for such cases to be settled.
According to the leaked minutes, at the
meeting chaired by JoydebBhadra, the deputy inspector general of police, senior
officers were allegedly directed to focus on cases targeting accused BNP and
JeI leaders — especially those who are expected to contest the next general
elections.
The minutes were in Bengali.
“A special emergency meeting in
connection with the speedy investigation, trial and disposal of police cases of
arson, serious crimes and killing of police personnel, since 2013,” the subject
of the minutes read. According to the minutes, the president or chairman of the
meeting was the deputy inspector general (crime management) of police.
Introductory statement by the chairman
“ … On the issue of elections, the
government is under international pressure. By any means, the government has to
win the election. BNP and Jamaat have to be declared disqualified for the
election. ... All BNP and Jamaat leaders who are expected to contest elections
are accused in some cases. If their trials, convictions and punishments are
ensured quickly [by September 2023], they will be declared disqualified from
taking part in the elections. Every Thursday after 5.00 p.m., I will meet the
law secretary to ensure issuance of directives — where and what exactly are
needed — for the judges, to ensure conviction [of the opposition leaders].”
The police officers were allegedly
instructed to maintain “good rapport” with public prosecutors and judges to
ensure quicker trials and the disposition of the criminal cases. Police were
also allegedly told to file regular “status updates” on the selected cases.
Past reports have cited examples of the
judiciary colluding with the government or ruling party.
In Bangladesh, it has long been alleged
that the judiciary and police work in support of the ruling party or Hasina-led
government. Additionally, Human Rights Watch and other rights groups allege
that the police have taken a heavy-handed approach toward opposition leaders.
Bhadra did not respond to requests sent
by VOA on the Facebook Messenger app on queries related to the July 6 meeting.
The Bangladesh Ministry of Home Affairs, which controls the police wing, has
not responded to requests for comment either.
The BNP boycotted the general elections
in 2014. Four years later, elections were marred by allegations of massive
rigging by the Awami League — a charge Hasina repeatedly denied.
The opposition has long alleged that
Awami League activists stuffed the ballot boxes the night before the 2018
elections.
Since 2022, the United States and other
countries have urged the Hasina government to hold the next general election in
a free and fair manner. To promote free, fair and peaceful elections, U.S.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken in May announced a new policy that restricts
visas for Bangladeshis who are believed complicit in undermining the democratic
electoral process at home.
Demand for installation of caretaker
government
The BNP has maintained that Awami League
should step aside before the next general elections take place. In the past few
months, however, several of its senior leaders have rejected opposition calls
to step down to make room for a caretaker administration.
Referring to the July 6 police meeting,
BNP vice chairman and former member of parliament Barkat UllahBulu said that
the leaked minutes have exposed the government’s conspiracy against the BNP.
Bulu said he received a copy of the minutes from a media outlet.
“When a senior police officer says that
‘by any means, the current regime has to win the next general elections,’ and
judges would be instructed to ensure [the] conviction of BNP leaders, one can
understand how this government is resorting to corruption to ban our party from
the election,” Bulu told VOA.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the BNP
secretary-general, said that his party will stay away from the election if it
is held under the Awami League-led government.
“It is utterly pointless to take part in
rigged elections where the party goons intimidate the voters, rig the result,
stuff the ballot boxes [the] night before the elections. They have politicized
all the government institutions including the election commission, the police
and the judiciary,” Alamgir told VOA.
“There is no level playing field for the
opposition to take part in a meaningful election.”
His party would take part “only if a
nonpartisan caretaker government” is in place, he said.
Badiul Alam Majumdar, founder of
Citizens for Good Governance, a pro-democracy activist group in Bangladesh,
said, “You cannot call it an election” if there is no alternative candidate
competing against the ruling party candidate.
“And if, the revival of these cases and
expeditious disposal of these cases means that the opposition candidates would
not be able to compete, then that will not be an election. It would be a
one-sided election. And a one-sided election is no election at all,” Majumdar
told VOA.
Ali Riaz, professor of political science
at Illinois State University, told VOA, “The absence of a neutral government
during the election provides the opportunity to manipulate an election.”
Referring to the past provision of the
election-time caretaker government, which was scrapped from the constitution in
2011 by the Hasina-led government, Riaz said Awami League changed the
constitution “without the explicit consent of the citizens and used it as a
ploy to ensure another stage-managed vote.”
“If it wanted to have an environment
wherein the citizens could deliver their verdict, it wouldn’t be afraid of
holding it under a neutral government,” he said.
"The Awami League won two elections
under the caretaker system. Therefore, it cannot claim that the caretaker
system doesn’t deliver a result reflecting the will of the people."
Source: voanews.com
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--------
Pakistan
Karachi Mayor Rejects Reports Of Hindu
TempleOver 150 Years Old Was Demolished In Karachi's Soldier Bazaar
July 17, 2023
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has denied
reports that a Hindu temple over 150 years old was demolished in Karachi's
Soldier Bazaar.
Taking to Twitter, the mayor shared two
pictures of the mandir — a Hindu temple for worship — and wrote: "Have
checked. No such demolition of the Mandir has taken place [and] Mandir is still
intact."
Local media reported on Sunday that the
old Mari Mata Temple in the port city's Soldier Bazaar area had been demolished
in a covert overnight operation on Friday night.
The reports also claimed that residents
of the area reported seeing a police mobile there to provide 'cover' to the men
operating the machines.
However, Wahab rejected the report and
wrote: "Administration has intervened [and] Hindu Panchayat has been asked
to assist police in ascertaining the true facts. Will keep everyone posted on
this."
He also affirmed that his party, the
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), "stands with people of all
communities".
However, attacks on Hindu temples are a
very grim reality in Pakistan.
A gang of robbers fired mortar shells at
Gulshan Dera Baba Sanwal Shah, the temple of Baghariji minority community, near
Ghouspur in district Kashmore, The News reported Monday.
Due to the attack, a portion of the
compound wall was damaged. However, the mortars did not explode.
The robbers also fired at the houses of
RamdasBaghwano Das, Revari Kumar and others.
Kashmore-Kandhkot SSP Irfan Samo reached
the spot and got a briefing about the attack.
Bhagwan Das and others said there was an
annual gathering of the community in Dera Baba Sanwal Shah. They told the SSP
that the target of the attack was their gathering.
They added that people panicked due to
mortar fire and firing, and women and children fled from the temple.
Reacting to this news, the Human Rights
Commission of Pakistan took to its official Twitter handle and condemned the
incident.
"HRCP is alarmed by reports of
deteriorating law and order in the districts of Kashmore and Ghotki in Sindh,
where some 30 members of the Hindu community - including women and children -
have allegedly been held hostage by organised criminal gangs," the HRCP
tweeted.
"Moreover, we have received
disturbing reports that these gangs have threatened to attack the community's
sites of worship, using high-grade weapons."
"The Sindh Home Department must
investigate this matter immediately and take steps to protect all vulnerable
citizens in these areas," the HRCP urged in its tweet.
Source: thenews.com.pk
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--------
‘Share of Islamic banking to continue
growing’
July 18, 2023
KARACHI: Federation of Pakistan Chambers
of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) chief on Monday said the rising share of
Islamic banking in Pakistan was a testimony that individuals and businesses
were inclined towards banking under Islamic principles.
FPCCI President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh said
the share of Islamic banking has surpassed 21 percent in Pakistan, and would
likely grow rapidly, as the central bank has been assigned to make all banking
riba-free by 2027.
He was speaking at a seminar “The Role
of Islamic Finance in Solving Economic Challenges” organised by the FPCCI and
its central standing committee on Islamic Economics and Finance. The high
profile seminar was attended by top central bank officials, Islamic finance
scholars, prominent businesspersons and FPCCI members.
Sheikh said that Islamic banking has
been enhancing operations successfully and prudentially in Pakistan, and the
market share of deposits and assets of Islamic banking in the total banking
industry was 19.4 percent and 18.6 percent, respectively, for the year 2021.
Additionally, net financing by Islamic
banking institutions rose by 38.1 percent in 2021, which shows very strong
growth in financing by any standard.
FPCCI Senior Vice President Suleman
Chawla stressed the judgment of the Federal Shariat Court (FSC) on the
elimination of riba from the economy till 2027, and discussed the steps being
taken by the government of Pakistan and regulators in this respect.
Chawla demanded that Ministry of
Finance, Ministry of Law, State Bank of Pakistan, Banking Council and other
stakeholders should all come together and work towards making Pakistan a
riba-free country. He said that prohibition of riba (interest) was absolute in
all its forms and manifestations, as per the injunctions of Islam and in
accordance with the Holy Quran and Sunnah.
Source: thenews.com.pk
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Miltary trials of civilians: SC resumes
hearing pleas
July 18, 2023
ISLAMABAD: A day after the government
appealed to the Supreme Court to dismiss all the petitions challenging military
court trials of civilians, a six-member larger bench on Tuesday resumed its
hearing of the said petitions.
Headed by Chief Justice Umar Atta
Bandial, the bench includes Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice
Munib Akhtar, Justice Mazahir Ali Akbar Naqvi, and Justice Ayesha A Malik.
Claiming that violence against the
military and vandalism of army installations was a direct attack on Pakistan's
national security, the federal government on Monday requested that the apex court
dismiss all the petitions challenging military court trials of civilians.
In its reply filed through Attorney
General Mansoor Usman Awan, the government defended the military trials,
submitting that the Armed Forces, under Article 245 of the Constitution, have
been charged with the obligation to defend Pakistan against external aggression
or threat of war.
It further maintained that a trial by
court-martial does not curtail the rights guaranteed under the law.
The bench is also set to hear the
petition of Supreme Court Bar President Abid Zubiri today.
The government submitted that the
incidents of May 9 involved targeted attacks on several military installations
and establishments across the country in an organised and coordinated manner.
The events of 9 May indicate a pre-mediated and intentional attempt to
undermine the country’s armed forces and inhibit the country’s security, the
reply added.
The government further submitted that
the issues involved in the petitions are of critical importance to the national
security and integrity of Pakistan.
“As such, to create deterrence in
respect of such attacks, our constitutional framework allows perpetrators of
such vandalism and violence to be tried under the provisions of the Army Act,”
said the government reply.
It was further submitted that recent
episodes involving Shakeel Afridi and Kulbhushan Jadhav are enough (and
sufficient) evidence to indicate that foreign powers are constantly working to
destabilise the Armed Forces and weaken our national security.
The federal government further submitted
that the law, including the Army Act and the Army Rules, provides every
possible protection to the fair trial rights of the accused person.
This court has already found favourably
regarding the procedural and substantive protections provided for trial under
the Army Act in, inter alia, the F B Ali and Said Zaman Khan cases,” said the
reply.
The petitions
Following the arrests made in connection
with the violent riots that erupted across the country on May 9, the government
announced its decision to hold military court trials of those found guilty of
damaging and attacking military instalments — a move both the government and
the army considered a low blow.
In light of this decision, PTI Chairman
Imran Khan, former chief justice Jawwad S Khawaja, legal expert Aitzaz Ahsan,
and five civil society members, including Piler Executive Director Karamat Ali,
requested the apex court to declare the military trials
"unconstitutional".
In this petition filed through his
lawyer, the former CJP pleaded that Section 2(1)(d)(i) and (ii) of the Pakistan
Army Act were inconsistent with the fundamental rights granted by the
Constitution and should be struck down.
Moreover, five members of civil society
from different cities — represented by Faisal Siddiqi — appealed to the apex
court to declare illegal the trial of civilians in the military courts.
Similarly, Ahsan's petition challenged
the government's decision to try civilians in military courts.
Source: thenews.com.pk
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--------
Qureshi slams govt for not taking PTI
into confidence over poll reforms
July 17, 2023
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice
Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi Monday lamented that, despite being a major
stakeholder in the country's political setup, his party was not being taken
into confidence over election reforms.
During a media talk at a district
kacheri in Multan, the PTI stalwart remarked: "Section 9 of the Election
Act 2017 is very vague."
According to a report published in The
News last week, the Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reforms expedited the
work on the amendments to the election laws by examining 73 rectification
proposals presented before it.
Moreover, the PTI VC slammed the leading
coalition party and said: "[The] PML-N is suffering from instability.
"The PTI chairman has gotten relief
from the courts despite the fact that the government is fabricating cases
against him."
Furthermore, Qureshi commented on the
PM's announcement to dissolve the assembly ahead of its stipulated date.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced
that his government would leave before completing its tenure.
"Next month our government will
complete its tenure. We will leave before the completion of our tenure and an
interim government will come," he said.
If the government were to do so, they
could buy time ahead of polls as the Constitution provides elections will be conducted
after 90 days if assemblies are dissolved ahead of time. If they are dissolved
as stipulated, the Constitution mandates elections be held in 60 days.
Speaking on the matter, Quershi
remarked: "It seems that the government is leaning towards 90-day
elections. However, the date of the election has to be been given by the
election commission."
Dubai huddle
Merely days after two major coalition
partners — Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz
(PML-N) — held parleys in Dubai, Qureshi also said no one was aware of the
discussions that had taken place in the Gulf state.
The PTI vice chairman said that
"decisions made in Dubai" had been sealed by the "session in
Lahore" — a hint towards the meeting between PM Shehbaz and PPP Co-chairman
Asif Ali Zardari.
While the agenda of the meeting was
never publicised, it is speculated that the coalition government leaders
discussed important matters, including prevailing economic challenges and the
upcoming general elections.
Then, Zardari met PM Shehbaz in Lahore
over the weekend. During this meeting, matters pertaining to the country's
overall political situation, caretaker set-up and other issues were discussed.
"There has been a discussion
between two elders, and the rest do not know anything about it," Qureshi
said, adding that only time would tell what would happen.
Source: thenews.com.pk
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--------
'Disturbing': Pakistan politicians
concerned over Taliban's Doha deal statement
July 17, 2023
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Sunday
agreed with PPP leader Farhatullah Babar who had expressed concern over a
“disturbing” statement from the Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid over
Doha deal.
In an interview with BBC Pashto, Taliban
spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, in response to the defence minister's remarks
that Afghanistan is not fulfilling its obligations under the deal, had said
that they didn’t sign the peace accord with Islamabad.
But at the same time, he claimed that
Afghan soil was not being used for attacks in Pakistan, as the nation was
"a Muslim and brother country".
Pakistan has witnessed a sharp spike in
terrorism across the country which it believes is perpetrated by the banned
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) despite assurances by their benefactors of
reining in the militant group.
Last week, Pakistan Army said it was
seriously concerned that militants had found safe havens in the neighbouring
nation and threatened to take an "effective response" two days after
12 of its soldiers embraced martyrdom in two attacks.
The army has "serious concerns on
the safe havens and liberty of action available to TTP in Afghanistan," it
said, adding such attacks are intolerable and would elicit an effective
response from the security forces of Pakistan.
While responding to Mujahid’s assertion,
veteran politician and senior PPP leader Farhatullah Babar termed it
“disturbing”.
“Taliban spokesperson says the Taliban
signed the Doha agreement with the US, not with Pakistan and Its policy towards
Pakistan is different.”
He asked: “Does it mean the Doha
agreement binds the Taliban to rein in only some militants, not all?”
Agreeing with Babar’s interpretation,
Asif said irrespective of Afghanistan’s stance, Pakistan stands resolute in
uprooting terrorism from its soil, whatever the source.
“This is regardless of whether or not
Kabul has the will to reign in militants from within its borders.”
TTP has also become active in
Balochistan after multiple attacks in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering
Afghanistan, where the Pakistan Army had uprooted the militant safe havens
after successful operations.
The militant group has stepped up attacks
since revoking a ceasefire agreement with the government in late 2022,
including the bombing of a mosque in Peshawar that killed more than 100 people
earlier this year.
Source: thenews.com.pk
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Pakistan, Iran agree on intelligence
sharing against terrorist networks
July 16, 2023
Iran and Pakistan have agreed to
eliminate terrorism in their border areas through intelligence sharing and
effective actions against terror networks, the military’s media wing said in a
statement.
The revelation was made when the
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement after the conclusion
of Army chief General Syed Asim Munir’s “successful” two-day visit to Iran.
As per the ISPR, the army chief had
detailed meetings with the military leadership of the neighbouring country
including Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces Major General Mohammad
Bagheri.
Both the military commanders agreed that
“terrorism is a common threat to the region in general and both countries in
particular”.
“They vowed to eradicate the menace of
terrorism in the border areas through intelligence sharing and effective
actions against the terrorists' networks, and explore avenues for enhancing
cooperation in the security domain,” the ISPR added.
Earlier, the COAS was presented with a
guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of Iranian armed forces at
the military headquarters on his arrival.
The military’s media wing also said that
Gen Munir called on Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister
Hossein Amir Abdollahain.
The Iranian leaders and the army chief
discussed the significance of Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations for regional
peace and stability during the meeting.
Source: thenews.com.pk
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1091179-pakistan-iran-agree-on-intelligence-sharing-against-terrorist-networks
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India
Anjuman-I-Islam Join Forces With MIT’s
JWEL Programme For Educational Excellence
July 17, 2023
Anjuman-I-Islam, an educational and
social organisation has partnered with the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT) USA Abdul Latif Jameel World Education Lab (JWEL) programme.
The primary objective of this collaboration is to promote educational
excellence, innovation and social impact across all educational institutions
affiliated with Anjuman-I-Islam, aiming to create a significant positive change
in society, according to an official release.
This joint effort between
Anjuman-I-Islam and JWEL entails the development and implementation of advanced
educational initiatives. These initiatives will include courses inspired by
MIT’s educational framework and guidance, designed to tackle the challenges
faced by students, educators and society as a whole. By leveraging their
combined expertise, resources, and networks, both organisations are committed to
advancing educational practices and empowering learners to thrive in an
ever-evolving world, the release mentioned.
The goal of the programme is to
accelerate innovation and establish effective solutions for worldwide
educational obstacles by utilising the knowledge and resources of MIT faculty,
staff, students and alumni. The partnership aims to cover a wide range of
educational advancements, such as designing curriculum, training teachers,
integrating digital learning and conducting research. Through this
collaboration, the organisations intend to create and execute educational
initiatives that encourage critical thinking, problem-solving abilities and
entrepreneurship, empowering students to become lifelong learners and catalysts
for positive transformation, it added.
Zahir Kazi, president of
Anjuman-I-Islam, highlighted the benefits of collaboration in education,
including access to advanced resources, diverse perspectives and innovative
teaching methods. Kazi emphasised how collaboration can transform education,
equipping students with essential skills for an ever-changing world and
providing educators with professional growth opportunities. He expressed
confidence in their shared vision to revolutionise education, empower learners,
and make a positive impact on society. Their goal is to create a future where
education is limitless, and every learner has the chance to succeed and make a
difference, as per the release.
“This milestone partnership aims to
transform education by leveraging their expertise and resources to pioneer
innovative initiatives. Together, we strive to create a model for excellence,
inspiring institutions worldwide and fostering innovation, critical thinking,
and entrepreneurship. Through this collaboration, we shape the future of education,
empowering individuals to thrive globally,” Julia Reynolds-Cueller, assistant
director, MIT’s JWEL programme, said.
Source: financialexpress.com
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https://www.financialexpress.com/education-2/anjuman-i-islam-join-forces-with-mits-jwel-programme-for-educational-excellence/3174106/
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Three Held for Beating Up Muslim Man,
Forcing Him to Chant 'Jai Shri Ram'
Yaqut Ali
A 32-year-old man was attacked with
swords, iron rods, and sticks by some people who forced him to chant ‘Jai Shri
Ram’ in Rajasthan’s Alwar.
This incident occurred with Sahab Khan
had gone to a shop on July 8. The police have registered an FIR.
Source: thewire.in
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https://thewire.in/communalism/watch-three-held-for-beating-up-muslim-man-forcing-him-to-chant-jai-shri-ram
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Europe
Billionaire Businessman Buildinga
Three-Storey Mosque In London's Trocadero Complex
18/07/2023
Billionaire property tycoon Asif Aziz is
overseeing the construction of a three-storey mosque within London's renowned
Trocadero complex, situated in the bustling area between Piccadilly Circus and
Soho. According to a recent report by the Mail on Sunday, the mosque, funded by
the Aziz Foundation, aims to cater to the needs of up to 390 worshippers,
including local Muslim professionals and the city's many tourists. The
foundation is working diligently to complete this significant project in the
coming months.
Aziz, an entrepreneur with a property
portfolio exceeding £2 billion ($2.6 billion), made headlines in 2005 when he
acquired the Trocadero for a staggering sum of over £220 million. The original
plans for a larger 1,000-capacity mosque at the site were abandoned in 2020 due
to opposition from local residents and extremist far-right groups. However, a
revised proposal for a smaller-scale development received approval from the
Westminster Council in May.
The construction of the mosque within
the Trocadero complex represents a significant endeavor led by Aziz and the
Aziz Foundation to establish a dedicated place of worship for the Muslim
community. The strategic location between Piccadilly Circus and Soho ensures
accessibility for both locals and tourists, addressing the diverse needs of
worshippers. With focused efforts from the foundation, the completion of this
project is expected in the coming months, adding a notable architectural and
cultural landmark to the city of London.
Source: yenisafak.com
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https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/billionaire-businessman-building-mosque-in-londons-trocadero-complex-3666856
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A Prague university's club for Muslim
students creates a community based on shared values
17.07.2023
The Anglo-American University (AAU) in
Prague has taken a significant step towards inclusivity and diversity by
opening its first official Muslim student club. The AAU Islamic Club's mission
is to provide a safe and supportive environment for Muslim students while
recognizing their unique challenges when studying in a new city. With a range
of services and a dedicated community, the Islamic Club at AAU strives to
ensure that every Muslim student feels safe, welcome, and supported during
their academic journey.
Understanding the unique challenges of
Muslim students
Being a Muslim student in a new city can
be challenging, as cultural, religious, and dietary differences may create a
sense of isolation or unease. AAU’s Islamic Club recognizes these difficulties
and aims to address them proactively. By fostering a community that understands
and shares the values and beliefs of Muslim students, the club helps create a
supportive environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and
spiritually.
A wide range of services for students
The AAU Islamic Club provides a range of
essential services tailored to the needs of Muslim students. One of the key
aspects is ensuring access to halal food options. Recognizing the importance of
dietary restrictions in Islam, the club works closely with the university's
dining services to ensure that halal-certified food options are available on
campus. The spring 2023 semester offered a new menu including bagels, vegan
sushi, falafel wraps, and a variety of pastries. This initiative helps Muslim
students feel comfortable and confident in maintaining their religious
practices while studying at AAU.
Source: expats.cz
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https://www.expats.cz/czech-news/article/a-prague-university-s-club-for-muslims-creates-a-community-based-on-shared-values
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Muslim convert behind Hyde Park plot
‘pondered terror attack on Queen’s funeral’
A homegrown terrorist considered
launching a mass gun attack on the late Queen’s funeral after converting to
Islam in prison, a court has heard.
Edward Little, 22, rejected the plan as
“too late” and instead decided to target a Christian preacher at Speaker’s
Corner in London’s Hyde Park, the Old Bailey heard.
He discussed his plans including his
desire to get hold of a Mac-10 submachine gun and AK-47 assault rifle with
extremists in encrypted chats on the Threema messaging platform.
At one point, he wrote: “I don’t think
there has been an attack in the UK with guns so a semi-automatic rifle would
send a even stronger message.”
On September 18 last year, Little
identified the Queen’s funeral – due to be held at Westminster Abbey the
following day – as a possible target.
It was suggested that “tyrants of the
earth” would be there, to which Little responded: “I was just thinking that but
unfortunately it’s too late.”
Days later, on September 23, Little was
arrested en route to buy a gun for £5,000 having taken a taxi from Brighton to
London.
Little, from Pelham Street, Brighton,
pleaded guilty to preparing acts of terrorism and appeared at the Old Bailey on
Monday by video-link from HMP Full Sutton in Yorkshire.
Opening the facts of the case against
him, Duncan Penny KC said: “The defendant is an Islamic extremist who planned
to murder the Christian preacher Hatun Tash at Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park.
“The defendant planned to murder those
who were with Hatun Tash, and any police officers or soldiers who were in the
area.”
UK-born Little was said to have
converted to Islam at Cookham Wood Young Offender Institution in Kent and at
HMP Deerbolt in County Durham, after he turned 18.
Last summer, he downloaded extremist
propaganda including copies of the al-Qaida publication Inspire.
In his chats on Threema, he referred to
Hasham Tash as an “evil witch” and said he could shoot her “point blank” and
“everyone with her”.
He suggested that with the money he had
and his ability to get more weapons he “should strike a bigger target”.
He spoke of wanting to buy a Mac-10 “so
I can spray it at them and then use pistol for police”.
But he added that the “problem with the
macs is that they are too quick and it runs out very quik”.
Little said he would wear a camera so he
could live-stream the attack.
On September 17, Little revealed that he
“100%” had a “brother in prison” who would be joining in the “operation”.
He said he would travel to London for
reconnaissance and see if it was best to “have us hit separate targets”.
On September 23, Little agreed to pay a
taxi driver £300 to take him from Brighton to Lewisham, south London, saying
money was no problem.
On his arrest, he was carrying a
rucksack with £5,000 in cash, a passport and two mobile phones.
Little declined to answer questions in
police interviews but his mood changed when he was shown a YouTube view of the
preacher.
He launched himself from his chair
across the table at an officer, swinging repeatedly with his fists before being
restrained.
He went on to admit assaulting the
officer at Newbury Police Station last September 28 and was sentenced to eight
months in prison.
At the hearing on Monday, Little also
pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent to a fellow inmate
at Belmarsh prison on April 3.
Little attacked the victim with boiling
water mixed with sugar and two razor blades for “disrespecting” his religion.
The defendant had been convicted of 14
offences in seven separate cases, including for robbery, having a knife and
drug dealing, dating back to 2017.
Mrs Justice McGowan adjourned sentencing
to a date to be fixed for a report to be prepared on Little’s future risk and
for him to be given the opportunity to attend court in person.
Source: belfasttelegraph.co.uk
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https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/muslim-convert-behind-hyde-park-plot-pondered-terror-attack-on-queens-funeral/a1920529884.html
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Dartford and Gravesend Muslims condemn
desecretation of Islamic holy book, Quran at Sweden mosque during Eid al-Adha
17 July 2023
Mosque members gathered to condemn the
desecration of the Quran in Sweden.
Members of the Gravesend and Dartford
Muslim Association protested outside the Civic Centre, Gravesend on Friday.
Last month, during the religious
holiday, Eid al-Adha, a man in Sweden is reported to have burnt the Islamic
holy book outside of a mosque.
The man also reportedly placed a strip
of bacon on the Quran and then stamped on it repeatedly.
Consumption of pork is forbidden in the
religion and is considered ‘haram’.
A spokesman for the association said: “A
day where we celebrate the completion of our holy pilgrimage Hajj and worship
Allah, that same day, our precious and holy Quran was being mercilessly burnt
outside Stockholm Mosque in Sweden.”
“This was therefore done with the clear
intention to cause maximum hurt and offence to all Muslims across the world.”
There has been protests from Muslims
worldwide as a response.
On Friday afternoon, muslims from the
Gravesend Central Mosque and Shah Jalal Mosque got together for a solidarity
gathering.
During a speech at the chairman of the
association, and Gravesend Central Mosque, Bilal Farooq said: “We, as a
community, condemn the act of burning the Quran, or any book of faith.
“It is not a matter of religion alone
but a matter of fundamental human decency. We stand here, not in anger, but in
love, peace, and unity.
“In the face of ignorance, let us
promote understanding. In the face of disrespect, let us uphold respect and
honor for all faiths.”
Earlier this year, a similar
demonstration occured in Sweden by a far right individual outside the Turkish
embassy.
The acts have sparked a controversial
debate over free speech and discrimination against religions and minorities.
Source: kentonline.co.uk
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https://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/muslims-across-kent-condemn-burning-of-quran-in-sweden-290210/
--------
Mideast
Call for calm by Sweden's Muslims may
have stopped Torah-burning
Tim Stickings
Jul 17, 2023
Appeals for calm by Muslim leaders may
have prevented the burning of a Torah in Sweden, The National has been told.
An imam used a sermon at Stockholm’s
main mosque to plead for solidarity with Jewish leaders alarmed by the planned
protest.
A Syrian-born activist had caused
outrage by telling police he planned to set fire to a Torah and Bible – weeks
after a Quran was burned outside the mosque.
Sweden’s decision to grant him a permit
was also condemned and led to fears the act would incite hatred.
In the event, however, no holy texts
were burned as the man declared he would not follow through with the threat on
Saturday.
The activist, identified as 32-year-old
Ahmad A, said the point of his non-protest was to show that burning holy books
was wrong.
“If I burn the Torah, another Bible,
another Quran, there will be war here. What I wanted to show is that it's not
right to do it,” he told a crowd of journalists who had gathered outside the
mosque.
But Rabbi Moshe David HaCohen, a Jewish
leader in Malmo, said he believed the man had intended to burn the Torah before
being talked down by Muslim leaders.
“The Muslim leadership were active both
publicly and conveyed personally that it was forbidden according to Islam and
that it was forbidden to harm the Jewish partners who stood by the Muslims with
the burning of the Quran,” the rabbi told The National.
“Also in the sermon on Friday at the
Great Mosque, the imam came out in defence of the Jews and against burning the
Torah.
“We are relieved that he was affected
and did not carry out this terrible act of burning the Torah.”
permission to stage his protest outside
the Israeli embassy. Swedish police said the approval was given for the
gathering and not for the burning of religious texts.
Senior Israeli figures denounced
Sweden’s stance. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a “shameful
decision” while Israel’s ambassador in Stockholm said burning the Torah had
“nothing to do with freedom of expression”.
Pakistan also condemned the grant of the
permit, even after the protest ended without the burning of the Torah.
“As a religion of peace, Islam calls for
respect for all religions, sacred personalities and holy scriptures,”
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said.
A Pakistan-led motion to call for
burning religious texts to be punished was passed by the UN’s human rights
council last week despite opposition from the US, UK and European Union.
A Quran was burned outside Turkey’s
embassy in Stockholm in January by far-right activist Rasmus Paludan,
threatening to derail Sweden's bid to join Nato.
Last month an Iraqi-born member of the
far-right Sweden Democrats set fire to a Quran outside the Stockholm mosque.
Both incidents led to condemnation from the Muslim world and beyond.
Sweden is considering whether to bring
in stricter laws, after a court said security fears were not a good enough
reason to ban Quran-burning protests under current legislation.
The European Union's co-ordinator for
combating anti-Muslim hatred said the bloc condemns Quran burning but that it
is up to individual states whether to ban it.
Source: thenationalnews.com
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https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/europe/2023/07/17/call-for-calm-by-swedens-muslims-may-have-stopped-torah-burning/
--------
Erdogan: Crises in Islamic world require
close consultation with Gulf countries
18 July 2023
Crises in the Islamic world require
close consultation and cooperation between Turkiye and Gulf countries, Azernews
reports.
Anadolu Agency quoted Turkish President
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as saying to journalists before the start of his tour of
the Gulf states that the crises in the Islamic world require close consultation
and cooperation between Turkey and the Gulf states.
Persian Gulf.
President noted that the volume of
bilateral trade between Turkey and the Gulf countries has increased from $1.6
billion (AZN 2.72 billion) in the past 20 years to nearly $22 billion (AZN 37.4
billion)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
will embark on a 3-day tour of the Gulf countries today. He will first visit
Saudi Arabia. In Jeddah, the Turkish leader will hold a number of meetings.
Next, visit Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. At the end of the tour, Erdogan
will go to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on 20 July.
Source: azernews.az
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https://www.azernews.az/region/212400.html
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Pressure mounts on top Sunni cleric as
Iran hosts Pakistan’s Army chief
Jul. 18, 2023
The story: Pakistan's Army chief has met
with top Iranian officials in Tehran to discuss border security. The trip comes
amid an uptick in militant activity inside Iran claimed by a reportedly
Pakistan-based group.
Iranian hardliners have also seized on
the rise in violence to increase pressure on their domestic opponents. In
particular, a prominent Sunni cleric who has turned into a critic of the
political establishment has come under renewed fire.
The coverage: Pakistan’s Chief of Army
Staff Asim Munir visited the Iranian capital on July 15-16 to discuss border
security and trade.
President Ebrahim Raisi told the
Pakistani general that the two sides need to double efforts to create secure
frontiers. Munir suggested that the expansion of economic and trade relations
would help enhance border security. Of note, Foreign Minister Hossein
Amir-Abdollahian also welcomed the visiting Army chief.
Munir additionally met Chief of Staff of
the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Hossein Baqeri, Army Commander Abdolrahim
Mousavi, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) chief commander Hossein
Salami.
Salami called for cooperation to secure
the frontier and said the IRGC could help enhance trade across the border. Of
note, Iran and Pakistan launched border markets in May this year.
The top Pakistani general’s visit comes
amid an uptick in militant activity in Sistan-Baluchestan Province, which
borders Pakistan.
On July 12, reports emerged that the
IRGC Intelligence Organization had arrested an alleged member of the militant
group Jaish Ul-Adl.
Munir's trip came just a week after Jaish
Ul-Adl claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a police station in
Zahedan, the provincial capital of Sistan-Baluchestan.
All four assailants were shot dead. A
police officer and a conscript were also killed in the July 8 attack.
Influential Sunni cleric and
establishment critic MolaviAbdolhamidEsmailzehi, who leads Friday prayers in
Zahedan, swiftly condemned the attack and "any move that causes
insecurity" in a statement.
Popularly known as MolaviAbdolhamid, the
cleric called on his followers to "keep calm and exercise restraint"
and "avoid any action or move that causes insecurity."
Notably, weekly anti-establishment
demonstrations in Zahedan following Friday prayers gave way on July 14 to
"silent protests." The latter was reportedly demanded by Abdolhamid
in the wake of the July 8 attack.
The weekly demonstrations in Zahedan
have been going on since Sept. 2022, when nationwide protests erupted after the
death of a young woman in the custody of morality police.
Hardline media have accused Abdolhamid
of fanning tensions in Sistan-Baluchestan, saying the latter led to the attack
on the police station.
On July 8, the IRGC-linked Tasnim News
Agency alleged that Abdolhamid "is responsible for creating the ground for
the terrorist attack."
Fars, another IRGC-affiliated news
agency, accused Abdolhamid of "fanning sedition" and alleged that he
had "directly and indirectly played a role" in the incident.
Nour News, the media affiliate of Iran’s
Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), did not name the Sunni cleric but
said "destructive statements...create a foothold for insecurity and
bloodshed."
The context/analysis: Abdolhamid is
widely seen as the spiritual leader of Iranian Baluch. The Sunni community is
centerediinSistan-Baluchestan Province, and accounts for up to 2M of Iran’s
population of 85M. This influence has made dismissing Abdolhamid a risk for the
authorities.
The prominent cleric's criticism of the
establishment following last year's protests has made him a regular target of
hardline media in Iran.
Alleged bulletins leaked following the
Nov. 2022 hacking of Fars News Agency claimed that Supreme Leader Ayatollahi
Ali Khamenei had warned against detaining Abdolhamid. Instead, Khamenei
allegedly called for "disgracing" him.
Last month, some members of Abdolhamid's
inner circle were arrested for allegedly "spreading rumors" about an
alleged plot to assassinate the cleric.
Reports on July 13 indicated that 132
foreign preachers and seminary students based at Zahedan’s Makki Mosque, which
is run by Abdolhamid, had been arrested for "illegally" working in
Iran.
The pressure on Abdolhamid may have
contributed to his reported call for “silent protests” on July 14 instead of
the usually loud anti-establishment demonstrations following Friday prayers.
Jaish Ul-Adl is an offshoot of the
Salafist militant group Jundullah. It first emerged in Sistan-Baluchestan but
is also believed to be based across the border in Pakistan.
Jundullah was established in 2003. It
carried out attacks inside Iran until 2010 when its leader, AbdolMalekRigi, was
reportedly arrested and later executed.
In 2011, some Jundullah remnants
reportedly linked up with Baluch separatists in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Other
members formed Jaish Ul-Adl.
Reportedly led by Salahuddin Farooqui,
Jaish Ul-Adl has targeted Iranian soldiers and civilians along the lines of
Jundullah’s activities.
The future: Pro-establishment media in
Iran have stepped up their targeting of Abdolhamid and will likely further ramp
up their efforts to discredit the Sunni cleric.
The arrests of members of Abdolhamid’s
inner circle suggest that while the prominent critic himself may be
untouchable, those around him are not. Therefore, the state may continue to
pressure the cleric by targeting people close to him.
Continued high-level engagement between
Iran and Pakistan to enhance border security is likely to continue.
Both nations are grappling with major
challenges along their frontier, and addressing them through expanding trade
and coordinating anti-militant activity on both sides of the border may bring
the two neighbors closer.
Source: amwaj.media
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https://amwaj.media/media-monitor/pressure-mounts-on-top-sunni-cleric-as-iran-hosts-pakistan-s-army-chief
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Islamic Jihad: Palestinian Security
Arrests 5 of Its Members in Jenin
July 17, 2023
GAZA —
Islamic Jihad militants said Palestinian
security forces detained five more of their members in Jenin overnight,
underlining rifts between groups in the West Bank two weeks since Israel
launched its largest raid there in years.
Israel — which says its raid targeted
militants — has pressed the Palestinian Authority to take tougher action
against Iran-backed Islamic Jihad and Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip and
has fighters in the West Bank.
There was no immediate comment from
Israel on the reported arrests, or from the security forces of the Palestinian
Authority (PA), which exercises limited governance in parts of the West Bank.
The city of Jenin and the huge adjoining
refugee camp have been at the heart of an escalation of violence across the
West Bank that has triggered mounting alarm from Washington to the Arab world.
Militant groups have accused the
Palestinian Authority of weakness and failing to do enough to stand up to
Israel.
Angry crowds confronted senior PA
officials after Israel's two-day raid, and in one standoff forced Authority
members to leave a funeral for 10 people killed in the incursion.
Islamic Jihad spokesperson Daoud Shehab
said Monday the arrests overnight took the total number of its members arrested
by the Palestinian Authority since the raid to 10.
He added that his group was trying to
secure their release by talking to "rational" people in Fatah, the
movement led by President Mahmoud Abbas which dominates the Palestinian
Authority.
The Authority protested the Israeli
operation, which it called a war crime, but was unable to do anything to halt
it.
PA officials say Israel regularly
undermines their authority, making it impossible for them to exert authority or
create the basis for a future Palestinian state in the West Bank, which Israel
seized after the 1967 Middle East war.
Days after the raid, Abbas visited the
camp and said workers would start repairing damaged homes and infrastructure.
Source: voanews.com
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https://www.voanews.com/a/islamic-jihad-palestinian-security-arrests-5-of-its-members-in-jenin-/7184817.html
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Islamic Jihad calls on PA devices to
stop crime of arresting fighters
[17/July/2023]
GAZA July 17. 2023 (SABA) - The leader
of the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, Khader Habib, called on Monday
evening the members of the Palestinian Authority's security services in the
West Bank to shoulder their responsibility in the face of the catastrophe that
the agencies are pursuing and arresting the Mujahideen from the Jenin Brigade
and the resistance factions.
The news agency "Palestine
Today" quoted the leader, Habib, during a mass march organized by the
Islamic Jihad movement. Rejecting political detention, he said: "I call on
the security services to stop this catastrophe that it is doing in the West
Bank by persecuting the Mujahideen and arresting the free men from the Jenin
Brigade and the Al-Aqsa and Al-Qassam Martyrs who confronted the enemy with
their simple tools and went out dragging the tails of disappointment from
Jenin."
He added: "What happened in Jenin
is a glory that we must see you up to until the decisive battle between us and
this occupier, who wants to entrap the people of one people. Therefore, we
appeal to all free people to be vigilant from this series that the enemy wants
to entrap us in."
He appealed to "all the Palestinian
people and all free people to work to save the resistance from this disastrous
series."
And he continued: The guns of the
mujahideen will remain open in the face of the Zionist enemy, and that the
Palestinian people are one people and fight one enemy (the Zionist enemy),
otherwise we have no enemies among our Palestinian people, and we must preserve
that.
Leader Habib concluded his speech by
addressing a message to the Mujahideen of the Jenin Brigade and the resistance
factions, saying: "Be patient, count and stand firm in your positions in
the face of the enemy."
Source: saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3252308.htm
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HM King Hamad Center for Peaceful
Coexistence celebrates Islamic New Year
17 Jul 2023
Manama, July 17 (BNA): The King Hamad
Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence celebrated the Islamic New Year 1445 AH,
in an even attended by representatives of different sections of the society.
Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdulla bin Khalifa
Al Khalifa, the Board of Trustees Chairman congratulated His Majesty King Hamad
bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa,
the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, as well as Bahrainis and Muslims on this
occasion.
During the event, Shaikh Khalifa
highlighted the sanctity of the month of Muharram, which is the first month in
the Hijri calendar.
The chairman emphasized that HM the
King's vision for establishing the center and consolidating the foundations of
coexistence and peace in Bahrain is a reflection of the Bahraini society's ability
to communicate and coexist with each other and promote peace.
Source: bna.bh
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https://www.bna.bh/en/news?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2bDk4gn1E7SyRVkCXN7aDdcKI%3d
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His Majesty exchanges New Hijri Year
greetings with leaders of Arab, Islamic nations
17/July/2023
Muscat: On the advent of the New Hijri
Year 1445 and the anniversary of the Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) Hijra, His
Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik has exchanged greetings cables with leaders of
the friendly Arab and Muslim countries.
In his cables, His Majesty the Sultan
expressed his best wishes and sincere wishes to them for good health, happiness
and a long life, praying to Allah the Almighty to return this blessed occasion
to them with abundance of health and prosperity, and to make the new year a
year full of the abundance of God's blessings, and in which the entire Islamic
nation achieves its aspirations.
In their cables to the country’s leaders
of the friendly countries expressed their sincere greetings and best wishes of
good health, happiness and a long life to His Majesty the Sultan, praying to
Allah the Almighty for the return of this blessed occasion on His Majesty for
many years to come to achieve all aspirations of further progress, welfare and
prosperity for his faithful people and all Muslims further welfare and
blessings.
Source: timesofoman.com
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https://timesofoman.com/article/133576-his-majesty-exchanges-new-hijri-year-greetings-with-leaders-of-arab-islamic-nations
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Southeast Asia
Malaysia state polls: PAS retains strong
following in Kelantan ahead of elections
18 Jul 2023
KOTA BARU, Kelantan: Despite its failure
to deliver much material development, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) has held a
firm grip over Kelantan for most of Malaysia’s post-independence history.
Since 1990, the Islamic party has governed the
northeastern state, where about 96 per cent of the population are Muslim.
PAS’ Kelantan deputy youth chief and civil
servant Abdul Malik said faith and public service are intertwined, adding that
this is fundamental for a generation eager to contribute to the progress of
their state.
“How the state government rules align
with our educational teachings,” said the 39-year-old, who attended Islamic
schools for most of his life.
“It's not about stagnation or rejecting
development. Rather, the leadership emphasises a holistic approach that
encompasses both the physical and spiritual aspects of our lives.”
BUILDING A STATE ON ISLAMIC VALUES
PAS’ ability to project its Islamic
credibility with fervour has given it the edge over its long-time rival, the
United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), a Malay nationalist party that is
seen to be secular.
PAS wants to form an Islamic state, one
that is built on Islamic values such as promoting moral conduct, upholding
social justice, and championing economic equity.
These promises have struck a chord with
Kelantan’s conservative electorate.
One Kelantan resident said: “With that
aspect of piety, we can educate the nation, the country, to prove that we can
give completely with religion.”
Malay and Islamic identities play a
central role in politics in Kelantan, often dubbed as the Verandah of Mecca and
is celebrated for its Islamic learning and scholars.
Political parties have to employ this
rhetoric to effectively connect with voters, but projecting an Islamic image is
not enough to sustain power, said observers.
DEEP-ROOTED CONNECTIONS WITH THE COMMUNITY
They noted that PAS’ success lies in its
deep-rooted connections with the community.
It engages in grassroots activities such
as religious and social programmes, from giving political sermons in mosques to
setting up party-affiliated kindergartens.
“We must not discount the role played,
the welfare and how it reaches out to the grounds, tackles problems (such as)
people's basic needs to continue living,” said Dr NorshahrilSaat, Senior Fellow
at the ISEAS-YusofIshak Institute.
“PAS goes to the grassroots to visit an
ailing person or person seeking help, and it is how the party touches people at
the grassroots.”
PAS, which has built a fortress in
Kelantan, is also solidifying its influence in Terengganu and Kedah.
Together with another Malay party PartiPribumiBersatu
Malaysia (Bersatu), PAS is part of the PerikatanNasional (PN) coalition that
swept all but one parliamentary seat in these three states at Malaysia’s 15th
General Election.
Observers have termed PN’s triumph as
the “green wave”, and the tides seem to be moving west and south.
Source: channelnewsasia.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-state-elections-polls-how-islamic-party-pas-maintained-dominance-kelantan-slow-pace-development-3633651
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Bentong MP Young Syefura lodges police
report on scam, sexual harassment cases
Tuesday, 18 Jul 2023
KUANTAN, July 18 — Bentong Member of
Parliament Young Syefura Othman lodged two police reports at the Bentong
district police headquarters against an individual and social media influencer
for alleged scamming and sexual harassment.
Young Syefura said the first report was
about a scam involving an Instagram message where an individual claimed to be
her representative for the organisation of an income-generating programme.
The second report was related to a
social media influencer’s video of sexist and lewd statements on TikTok and
Instagram, which she deemed as sexual harassment, she said.
“The video went viral and was shared
many times. The influencer uttered several vulgar words and his body language
made me very uncomfortable.
“I am open to debate on my views and
political ideologies. We all have a right to our opinions, but this influencer
attacked me personally and tarnished my reputation and status as a woman and an
MP,” she said in a statement today.
She said the reports were lodged as a
lesson to all sexual harassment perpetrators and also to encourage victims of
such offences to speak up, regardless of their gender.
“I leave it to the police to investigate
both cases and hope they will take stern action against all scammers and sexual
harassment perpetrators in the country,” she said. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/07/18/bentong-mp-young-syefura-lodges-police-report-on-scam-sexual-harassment-cases/80352
--------
North America
Canada's Trudeau says US far right is
misinforming Muslims on LGBTQ in schools
17 July 2023
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
has blamed elements of the US far right for spreading false information about
LGTBQ topics in Canadian curriculums, which has misinformed the Muslim
community.
Last week, hundreds of people in Canada
protested against how gender identity is being taught in schools in Ottawa.
Last week Trudeau met with the Muslim community at the Baitun Nur Mosque in
Calgary, Canada, where a parent spoke directly with the prime minister.
In a video that has since gone viral, he
said: “I ask you, Mr Prime Minister, please protect our beliefs, and our
culture as well,” in reference to children being exposed to LGBTQ content in
schools.
Trudeau answered by saying that he had
heard this concern multiple times and was aware that it is a legitimate issue.
He added that there is a lot of misinformation out there.
“People on social media, particularly
fuelled by the American right wing, are spreading a lot of untruths about
what’s actually in the provincial curriculums,” he said.
In June, hundreds of parents and
education campaigners in Maryland protested against an abrupt change to the
curriculum, which meant they could no longer opt their children out of sexual
and gender identity lessons because of their religious beliefs.
Also in June, a nearly two-minute-long
audio recording circulated on social media of a school teacher in Edmonton
allegedly berating a Muslim student for skipping school to avoid attending
pride-themed events.
“It goes two ways. If you want to be
respected for who you are, if you don’t want to suffer prejudice for your
religion, your colour of skin or whatever, then you better give it back to
people who are different from you. That’s how it works,” the teacher said.
The teacher continued and said that if
the student didn’t believe in LBGTQ rights, then “you can’t be Canadian. You
don’t belong here”.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims
said that the teacher was engaging in “deeply Islamophobic, inappropriate and
harassing behaviour”.
At the mosque meeting last week, a man
brought up the incident - to which Trudeau responded that the teacher got
serious consequences because “that is not something that is acceptable”.
Trudeau explained that the Charter of
Rights and Freedoms is something that gives Canadians freedom of religion.
“It allows you to fully participate in a
society that gives you all the protections and protects all minorities as well.
It’s not a buffet. You can get the protections you want out of the charter and
leave aside the others. Standing up for people’s rights means standing up for
everybody’s rights.”
He added that the school curriculum is
not “aggressive” in teaching kids about LGBTQ issues.
“That is something that is being
weaponised by people who are not doing it because of their interest in
supporting the Muslim community, but these are people in the far right who have
consistently stood against Muslim rights and the Muslim community. They are
weaponising the issue of LGBT."
“I will stand up for the rights of LGBT
kids, including if they’re LGBT Muslim kids.”
Source: middleeasteye.net
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/canadas-trudeau-says-us-far-right-misinforming-muslims-lgbtq-schools
--------
Felony sex assault charges added against
Muslim CT lawmaker's suspected attacker
July 17, 2023
A prosecutor added felony charges,
including attempted sexual assault, Monday against a man accused of attacking
Connecticut's first Muslim state representative after a prayer service, but did
not file hate crime allegations demanded by the lawmaker's supporters.
The case of Andrey Desmond, 30, went
before a judge in Hartford Superior Court, where supporters of state Rep.
Maryam Khan, including local imams, also gathered.
"It continues to be a mystery to me
why the state isn’t bringing bias crimes in this type of incident," said
Farhan Memon, chairman of the Connecticut chapter of the Council on
American-Islamic Relations. "Having this charged as a bias crime sends a
message out to the rest of the population that this is going to be something
that’s dealt with seriously."
Hartford State's Attorney Sharmese
Walcott did not return messages seeking comment about the case and the demand
to file hate crime allegations.
During the hearing, Walcott said the
additional charges were the result of a review of all evidence gathered by
Hartford police, including video footage and "a clear statement by the
defendant ... that he intended to force sexual contact," according to
audio of the hearing provided by the court system.
"The statement of sexual intent
that Andrey Desmond made was in the presence of three children, all under the
age of 16," Wolcott said, adding the children suffered mental trauma.
Desmond was initially charged with
misdemeanors, including third-degree assault and unlawful restraint, after the
June 28 attack on Khan outside a Hartford arena where the Muslim prayer service
was held. Walcott on Monday added felony charges of attempted third-degree
sexual assault, second-degree assault, strangulation and risk of injury to
children.
Desmond remains detained on $250,000
bail and is scheduled to return to court Aug. 22. His public defender, Michael
Wagner, did not return messages. Wagner did not respond to the allegations
during the court hearing, according to the audio. He requested copies of
supplemental police reports.
Desmond, who has not entered pleas, was
brought to the courthouse lockup, but did not appear in the courtroom for the
hearing.
Khan, a Democrat who lives in the
Hartford suburb of Windsor, has said she and her family were taking photos
outside the arena when a man approached and said he "intended to have
sexual relations" with one of them, including Khan’s 15-year-old daughter.
Her family was marking Eid al-Adha, the end of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage
by Muslims to Mecca.
Desmond then followed them inside and
Khan said he started to pursue her in particular, grabbing at her face and
shirt and demanding a kiss. He followed her back outside and tried to grab her
face again, she said, but became angry when she "dodged him" and
slapped her across the face. She said he later held her in a
"chokehold" and held up his hand and mimicked having a gun before
slamming her into the ground.
"I knew in that moment my body went
numb, and I thought I was going to die," she said at a news conference
earlier this month.
Khan said she was diagnosed with a
concussion and injured her right arm and shoulder.
The Associated Press doesn’t generally
identify people who report attempted sexual assaults unless they publicly
identify themselves, as Khan has done.
Desmond was chased down and held by two
bystanders until police arrived and arrested him.
Khan did not return an email message
seeking comment. Memon said she attended Monday's court hearing.
She has accused Hartford police of
downplaying the assault and called for a federal investigation of the
department’s handling of violent crimes, especially against women.
A police spokesman did not return a
message Monday.
Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody has
expressed his sympathy for Khan and said the department will review its
response to the attack.
Source: foxnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/felony-sex-assault-charges-added-against-muslim-ct-lawmakers-suspected-attacker
--------
CAIR Welcomes Richmond, Va.,
Proclamation of Muslim American Heritage Month
July 17, 2023
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/17/23) – The
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil
rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed a proclamation by the city of
Richmond, Va., designating July as Muslim American Heritage Month.
SEE: Richmond proclaims July as Muslim
American Heritage Month
https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/richmond-proclaims-july-as-muslim-american-heritage-month/
“We welcome this proclamation as
recognition of the growing positive role American Muslims play in our society,”
said CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw. “Muslims recognize the importance
of active civic involvement on issues of importance to all Americans.”
He noted that earlier this year, CAIR’s
New Jersey chapter celebrated the signing of the Muslim Heritage Month
Resolution into law by New Jersey Governor Philip D. Murphy.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil
rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American
Muslims.
La misión de CAIR esproteger las
libertadesciviles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y
empoderar a losmusulmanesenlosEstadosUnidos.
Become a Fan of CAIR on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/CAIRNational
Subscribe to CAIR’s Email List
https://action.cair.com/a/newsletters
Subscribe to CAIR’s Twitter Feed
http://twitter.com/cairnational
Subscribe to CAIR’s YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/cairtv
Follow CAIR on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/cair_national/
Donate to CAIR
https://action.cair.com/a/donate
Do you like reading CAIR press releases
and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of
defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by
making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you
make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable
goal. Click here to donate to CAIR.
If you would like to join CAIR’s media
list, please sign up here: https://action.cair.com/a/newsletters — For more
information, email: info@cair.com, CC ihooper@cair.com
END
Source: cair.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-welcomes-richmond-va-proclamation-of-muslim-american-heritage-month/
--------
UK art museum presents shows on
intersection of art forms, Faisal Abdu'Allah's 'Chair'
LEXINGTON, KY.- The University of
Kentucky Art Museum announced the opening of two new exhibitions that offer
ways of understanding how an artist's ideas find physical form, and how
discreet disciplines of visual art, music and dance can intersect. They will be
on view from June 27-Nov. 18, 2023.
“Intentions – Actions – Outcomes” mines
the legacies of Fluxus and conceptual art in the 1960s and 70s until today, as
diverse artists question the nature of production, commodification, and
reception; and use everyday objects and irreverent humor in sly and suggestive
ways. Their works take the form of advertisements, diagrams, postcards,
posters, scores, drawings, sculptures, and documentary photographs of private
and public events.
Artists in the exhibition include a
veritable who's who of acclaimed performance artists whose events are
documented in photographs and videos: Marina Abramović, Vito Acconci, Bas Jan
Ader, Janine Antoni, Chris Burden, Yoko Ono and Clifford Owens. Musicians,
composers and choreographers include David Byrne, Merce Cunningham and Stephen
Vitiello, represented by drawings and objects that address and invite bodily
movement and sound improvisation. Mixed-media artists Charles Goldman, On
Kawara, Piero Manzoni, Yves Klein, Dave McKenzie and Pope.L, offer meditations
on identity, race, and vulnerability, in the form of sculptures, postcards, and
multiples.
A major component of the exhibition is
Philip Corner’s installation “Metal Meditations,” 1972-77, which includes
calligraphic scores, which must be interpreted to “play” several suspended
instruments and objects. As an artist/composer/musician, Corner is known for
his cultivation of activities that result from chance-based operations and
improvisation. Visitors will have the opportunity to activate his sculpture
with some instruction and supervision.
Museum Director Stuart Horodner (who
curated the exhibition) states, "This gathering of historical and
contemporary works is a wonderful opportunity for faculty and students at our
university to see how artists can use simple and precise intellectual gestures
or extreme acts of endurance, risk, and physical labor to create unforgettable
works of art that have stirred celebration and controversy for decades."
This exhibition is dedicated to the
memory of Ronald Feldman (1938–2023), whose gallery in New York City championed
numerous performative and political artists including Eleanor Antin, Joseph
Beuys, Chris Burden, Leon Golub, and Hannah Wilke.
Source: artdaily.cc
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://artdaily.cc/index.asp?int_new=159356&int_sec=11
--------
CAIR Visits Alabama Mosques on National
Civil Rights Tour, Connects with Hundreds of Residents
July 17, 2023
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/17/2023) – On July
14 and 15, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s
largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, visited mosques in Hoover
and Madison, Ala., as part of its National Muslim Civil Rights Tour.
Hundreds of people connected with CAIR
representatives in Birmingham, and there was a community Town Hall, as well as
dinner provided. CAIR is touring states in a specialized RV emblazoned with
information for the public about the Washington, D.C., based civil rights
organization.
CAIR staff visited the BIS Hoover
Crescent Islamic Center on July 14 and the Madison Masjid on July 15. Staff met
with community members to learn how CAIR can better serve the needs of Muslims
in Alabama and to provide resources on how Muslims can protect their
communities and their civil and religious rights.
SEE PHOTOS
In a statement, CAIR Deputy Director
Edward Ahmed Mitchell said:
“We thank the Alabama Muslim community
members who attended our community town halls and we also thank mosques who
hosted us. As CAIR works to expand our presence across the nation, it is
important for us to connect with local communities so that we can listen to
their unique perspectives and experiences and identify the best ways to support
them. We look forward to visiting Alabama again and hearing more from other
communities in the months ahead, God willing.”
He noted that CAIR’s Civil Rights Tour
recently visited mosques in North Carolina.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil
rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American
Muslims.
La misión de CAIR esproteger las
libertadesciviles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y
empoderar a losmusulmanesenlosEstadosUnidos.
Become a Fan of CAIR on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/CAIRNational
Subscribe to CAIR’s Email List
https://action.cair.com/a/newsletters
Subscribe to CAIR’s Twitter Feed
http://twitter.com/cairnational
Subscribe to CAIR’s YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/cairtv
Follow CAIR on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/cair_national/
Donate to CAIR
https://action.cair.com/a/donate
Do you like reading CAIR press releases
and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of
defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by
making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you
make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable
goal. Click here to donate to CAIR.
You are receiving this email due to your
interest selection from commercial media databases. If you would like to join
CAIR’s media list, please sign up here:
https://action.cair.com/a/newsletters —
For more information, email: info@cair.com, CC ihooper@cair.com
Source: cair.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-visits-alabama-mosques-on-national-civil-rights-tour-connects-with-hundreds-of-residents/
--------
Officials file more charges, but not
hate crimes, against man accused of attacking Muslim lawmaker
July 18, 2023
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A prosecutor
added felony charges, including attempted sexual assault, Monday against a man
accused of attacking Connecticut’s first Muslim state representative after a
prayer service, but did not file hate crime allegations demanded by the
lawmaker’s supporters.
The case of Andrey Desmond, 30, went
before a judge in Hartford Superior Court, where supporters of state Rep.
Maryam Khan, including local imams, also gathered.
“It continues to be a mystery to me why
the state isn’t bringing bias crimes in this type of incident,” said Farhan
Memon, chairman of the Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic
Relations. “Having this charged as a bias crime sends a message out to the rest
of the population that this is going to be something that’s dealt with
seriously.”
Hartford State’s Attorney Sharmese
Walcott did not return messages seeking comment about the case and the demand
to file hate crime allegations.
During the hearing, Walcott said the
additional charges were the result of a review of all evidence gathered by
Hartford police, including video footage and “a clear statement by the
defendant ... that he intended to force sexual contact,” according to audio of
the hearing provided by the court system.
“The statement of sexual intent that
Andrey Desmond made was in the presence of three children, all under the age of
16,” Wolcott said, adding the children suffered mental trauma.
Desmond was initially charged with
misdemeanors, including third-degree assault and unlawful restraint, after the
June 28 attack on Khan outside a Hartford arena where the Muslim prayer service
was held. Walcott on Monday added felony charges of attempted third-degree
sexual assault, second-degree assault, strangulation and risk of injury to
children.
Desmond remains detained on $250,000
bail and is scheduled to return to court Aug. 22. His public defender, Michael
Wagner, did not return messages. Wagner did not respond to the allegations
during the court hearing, according to the audio. He requested copies of
supplemental police reports.
Desmond, who has not entered pleas, was
brought to the courthouse lockup, but did not appear in the courtroom for the
hearing.
Khan, a Democrat who lives in the
Hartford suburb of Windsor, has said she and her family were taking photos
outside the arena when a man approached and said he “intended to have sexual
relations” with one of them, including Khan’s 15-year-old daughter. Her family
was marking Eid al-Adha, the end of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage by Muslims
to Mecca.
Desmond then followed them inside and
Khan said he started to pursue her in particular, grabbing at her face and
shirt and demanding a kiss. He followed her back outside and tried to grab her
face again, she said, but became angry when she “dodged him” and slapped her
across the face. She said he later held her in a “chokehold” and held up his
hand and mimicked having a gun before slamming her into the ground.
“I knew in that moment my body went
numb, and I thought I was going to die,” she said at a news conference earlier
this month.
Khan said she was diagnosed with a
concussion and injured her right arm and shoulder.
The Associated Press doesn’t generally
identify people who report attempted sexual assaults unless they publicly
identify themselves, as Khan has done.
Desmond was chased down and held by two
bystanders until police arrived and arrested him.
Khan did not return an email message
seeking comment. Memon said she attended Monday’s court hearing.
She has accused Hartford police of
downplaying the assault and called for a federal investigation of the
department’s handling of violent crimes, especially against women.
A police spokesman did not return a
message Monday.
Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody has
expressed his sympathy for Khan and said the department will review its
response to the attack.
Source: apnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://apnews.com/article/muslim-lawmaker-attacked-maryam-khan-e47a0890763a34bda1405505dd647e68
--------
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/cape-town-mufti-fatwa-transgender-mahram/d/130244