Chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' In Mosque Doesn't Hurt Religious Feelings: Karnataka High Court
New Age Islam News Bureau
16 October 2024
Representative Photo
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· Chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' In Mosque Doesn't Hurt Religious Feelings: Karnataka High Court
· CAIR Welcomes IAMC Survey On ‘Detrimental Effects’ of Hindutva Nationalism On Indian-American Muslims
· Saudi Crater Holds Secrets to Life On Saturn Moon, Comparing It to Enceladus, Saturn’s Sixth-Largest Moon
· Arab, Muslim Parliamentarians Stage Walk-Out as Israeli Delegate Speaks to Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly
· Bangladesh ICT to Start Trial Proceedings in Connection with Crimes Against Humanity During July-August Uprising
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India
· Never Called for Closure of Madrasas, Muslim Children Should Get Formal Education: NCPCR Chairperson
· Controversy Erupts in Bihar's Karimganj after Police Cremate Muslim Youth, Officers Suspended
· Delhi Court Extends J&K MP Engineer Rashid's Interim Bail In Terror-Funding Case Till October 28
· Opposition MPs Walk Out of Joint Panel Meeting On Waqf Bill
· Omar Abdullah pays tributes to National Conference Founder Sheikh Abdullah
· Two youths from Uttar Pradesh in police net over NCP leader Baba Siddiqui's murder
· AMMOCOC welcomes tri-community talks, calls for inclusion of Muslim Legislators
· Video of Muslim Cleric's Speech Revived as UAE Prince Speaking On Kashmir
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North America
· Muslim organization questions firing of Jets football coach for displaying Lebanese flag
· US Warns Israel To Boost Humanitarian Aid Into Gaza Or Risk Losing Weapons Funding
· US Muslim Group Demands Action After American’s Family Reportedly Bombed By Israel In Gaza
· Man Charged Following ‘Hate-Motivated’ Incident at Scarborough Mosque
· 1,600+ American Muslims Attend CAIR-LA’s 28th Annual Gala
· CAIR-CA Publishes 2024 Voter Guide to Mobilize Muslim Voters Amid Gaza Crisis and Rising Islamophobia
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Arab World
· Saudi Hospital Has Become a Global Leader in Organ Transplants
· Solar Companies Gather in Riyadh to Advance Kingdom’s Net Zero Plan
· ‘Modernity Roots’ art exhibition merges Saudi past and present
· Crown prince to lead Saudi delegation at GCC-EU summit in Brussels
· Third Saudi International Maritime Forum to focus on AI and maritime security
· Shoura Council Calls for Investment in Saudi Higher Education, Approves International MoUs
· Saudi Arabia hosts first Qur’an and Sunnah contest in Mauritania
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Mideast
· Iran Tells UN Chief Ready for ‘Decisive’ Response to Israel Attack
· OIC Delegates in China Meets with Officials, Discuss Issues of Muslim Community
· Israel assures US it won’t strike Iranian nuclear or oil sites, US officials say
· ‘Nowhere Is Safe’: Lebanon Christian Village Reels From Israel Strike
· Strikes hits south Beirut after Israeli military evacuation order
· Israeli military says 50 projectiles fired from Lebanon
· Netanyahu vows ‘no ceasefire’ in Lebanon after Hezbollah threats
· Turkish government delays tax plan to fund defense industry
· War-torn Gaza a ‘constant peak emergency’: UN official
· Israel asks its defense sector to help foil drone attacks
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South Asia
· Deputy PM Hanafi Urges Citizens to Support Needy Through Sar-e-Miasht Subsidy Tickets
· Taliban say they rejected demands contravening Islamic Sharia at Doha talks
· Hasnat, Sarjis call for laying siege to High Court tomorrow
· Increasing concern over forced deportation of Afghan migrants from Iran
· Over 250 Afghan migrants killed in shooting by Iranian border guards
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Europe
· Council of Europe Urges Denmark to Employ More Muslims In Education, Law Enforcement
· Cardinal-designate Radcliffe links African bishops’ opposition to homosexuality to pressure from evangelicals, Moscow, and Muslims
· EU admits it found no Russian ‘election meddling’
· German airline penalized for ‘discriminating’ against Jewish passengers
· Al Mustafa Centre in Bradford holding open day this month
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Africa
· Most Houses, Offices of Politicians In Nigeria Stockpiled With Hard Drugs – Senator Sumaila
· World Bank Approves $500 Million COVID-19 Grant For Nigeria
· ICC prosecutor announces renewed probe into alleged crimes in eastern Congo
· Edah promises FCT Muslim pilgrims 1st class services
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Pakistan
· Lawyers Vow to Fight Constitutional Tweaks ‘Tooth and Nail’
· PPP, JUI-F reach consensus on constitutional package
· PM Shehbaz delivers keynote at SCO summit's opening ceremony
· Gohar says Imran Khan in 'good health, exercised for an hour today'
· Pakistan, Russia Commence Joint Exercise 'Druzhba-VII' To Combat Terrorism
· Task force formed to remove encroachments from Karachi roads
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Southeast Asia
· Enforcement Agencies Bust 47 Syndicates Bringing In Foreign Workers Illegally - Saifuddin Nasution
· Govt only borrows to fund fiscal deficit, maturing debt - Amir Hamzah
· Selangor Sultan receives RM3.9m in business zakat from PNB
· Sabah Energy chairman says RM645mil battery storage project contract above board, went through strict process
· After hiatus of 11 years, Philippines returns to joint commission meet with Malaysia
· MACC rearrests businessman for Selangor MBI probe after remand ends
· Kazakhstan, Islamic Development Bank to sign $1.5 bln agreement for water projects
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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Chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' In Mosque Doesn't Hurt Religious Feelings: Karnataka High Court
Representative Photo
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October 16, 2024
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday quashed the criminal case lodged by the police against two persons in connection with allegedly raising "Jai Shri Ram" slogans inside a mosque.
The single division bench headed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, looking into the appeal petition by the accused persons, while passing the order, mentioned that it was not understandable how the raising of "Jai Shri Ram" slogans would hurt the religious feelings of any community.
The accused were charged under the IPC Section 295A for allegedly raising 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans in a mosque.
They were also booked under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 447 (criminal trespass), 505 (statements conducing to public mischief), 506 (criminal intimidation), 34 (common intention) and 295A (outraging religious feelings).
The bench noted that the complainant in the case had himself said that Hindus and Muslims were living in harmony in the concerned area.
Permitting of further proceedings against the petitioners would become an abuse of process of law, the bench underlined.
Referring to the Supreme Court order, the bench said any and every act will not become an offence under Section 295A of the IPC.
The police had charged that the accused persons had barged inside the mosque on September 24, 2023, at about 10.50 p.m. and raised slogans of "Jai Shri Ram". They were also charged with threatening.
When the complaint was registered the accused were shown as unknown persons and later the accused were taken into custody.
However, challenging the allegations against them, the accused filed an appeal before the Karnataka High Court and quashed the case in this regard against them.
The bench also noted that the complainant mentioned that Hindus and Muslims lived in harmony in the area and also claimed shouting "Jai Shri Ram" slogans would flare up communal tension.
Source:ndtv.com
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https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/chanting-jai-shri-ram-in-mosque-doesnt-hurt-religious-feelings-karnataka-high-court-6799300
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CAIR Welcomes IAMC Survey On ‘Detrimental Effects’ of Hindutva Nationalism On Indian-American Muslims
October 15, 2024
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed findings from a new community survey from the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) in partnership with ReThink Media on the ‘detrimental effects’ of Hindutva nationalism on Indian American Muslim communities.
“These findings confirm that Hindutva-inspired Islamophobia has long impacted not only communities in India and abroad but Muslim communities right here in the United States,” said CAIR Research and Advocacy Coordinator Farah Afify. “We urge advocates and policymakers to take heed of the survey’s recommendations and work to ensure that Indian American Muslim communities are protected.”
The community survey, which asked 950 Indian American Muslims to assess their perceptions of Hindutva nationalism and its impact on their lives in the United States, found:
A significant majority of respondents reported experiencing harassment, discrimination, or prejudice from Hindu friends or social contacts over the past decade.
80% of respondents stated they feel less comfortable in Indian American spaces since the rise of India’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
48% of respondents reported harassment on social media, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn.
94% of respondents strongly agreed that Hindutva nationalism poses a threat to religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians, in both India and the U.S.
Source:cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-welcomes-iamc-survey-on-detrimental-effects-of-hindutva-nationalism-on-indian-american-muslims/
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Saudi Crater Holds Secrets to Life On Saturn Moon, Comparing It to Enceladus, Saturn’s Sixth-Largest Moon
Scientists discovered extremophiles in the crater that suggest the existence of biosignatures on the celestial body, the Saudi Press Agency reported. (SPA)
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study finds
October 15, 2024
JEDDAH: A crater in Saudi Arabia holds clues for possible life on one of Saturn’s moons, more than 1 billion km from Earth, a study has found.
Scientists from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology sampled the extreme environment of Al-Wahbah Crater near Taif, comparing it to Enceladus, Saturn’s sixth-largest moon.
They discovered extremophiles in the crater that suggest the existence of biosignatures on the celestial body, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Enceladus has become a curiosity to astrobiologists due to the large ocean below its icy crust. The water is highly alkaline and saline, and includes complex molecules, such as methane and oxygen, consistent with signs of life. Al-Wahbah Crater contains a similar environment.
“Al-Wahbah Crater serves as an Earth analog for Enceladus’ ocean, where similar conditions might support life,” said Alexandre Rosado, the KAUST professor who led the study, told the SPA.
To identify the unique characteristics of life in the crater, scientists isolated 48 bacterial strains, finding two that had a composition indicating an adaptability suitable for the extreme environment of Enceladus.
Based on their genetic, metabolic and chemical profiles, the two strains showed an effective survival strategy for the extreme environment of the crater.
“The strains are thermohaloalkaliphilic bacteria, thriving in high temperatures, salinity and alkaline pH. These conditions mimic the environments on Enceladus, making them ideal candidates for studying life in such extreme conditions,” Junia Schultz, a postdoctoral researcher involved in the project, told SPA.
Along with a high tolerance for alkalinity and extreme temperatures, the two strains possess other advantageous features inferred from their genomic capabilities, such as potential resistance to high pressures and ionizing radiation, which minimizes DNA mutations.
Al-Wahbah is not the only analog of Enceladus’ environment on Earth, but scientists researching extraterrestrial life prefer the site to other locations.
“Environments with conditions similar to Enceladus are rare on Earth. Other places have been studied for resembling Enceladus’ ocean. However, they are not as accessible or well suited for the type of microbial studies we conducted at Al-Wahbah,” said Alef dos Santos, a Ph.D. student who contributed to the study.
Rosado and his colleagues said that their study is the first to demonstrate the utility of Saudi Arabia’s extreme environments as a model for detecting extraterrestrial life.
Other locations in the Kingdom, on land and in the Red Sea, may prove valuable in seeking biosignatures on planets such as Mars, they added.
Having sent its first female astronaut to space in 2023 and with plans to launch its first space tourists in 2026, Saudi Arabia aims to build a major presence in the space industry in the near future.
The findings at Al-Wahbah could position Saudi Arabia as an invaluable partner for several space agencies, including NASA.
The US agency’s Europa Clipper project plans to launch missions for the exploration of Enceladus in the coming years, the SPA said.
“In addition to advancing our understanding of how bacteria might adapt to hostile environments, this research aids in guiding the continued astrobiology quest for extraterrestrial life” said Dr. Kasthuri Venkateswaran, a retired scientist from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab and adjunct professor in the department of space studies at the University of North Dakota.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2575373/saudi-arabia
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Arab, Muslim Parliamentarians Stage Walk-Out as Israeli Delegate Speaks to Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly
Israeli Knesset Member Dan Illouz speaks at the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly, Oct. 14, 2024. (Photo: Screenshot)
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October 15, 2024
The Israeli delegation to the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly (IPU) faced a walk-out by Arab and Muslim parliamentarians during the speech of Likud party Knesset Member (MK) Dan Illouz on Monday. The delegation is led by Illouz and comprised of fellow Likud MK Tsega Melaku and Yesh Atid party MK Elazar Stern.
Illouz used his condemned the discriminatory treatment of Israel in the international arena as it seeks to defend itself against regional terrorist proxy groups.
“Every time the Jewish people stand against tyranny, the world asks us to surrender in the name of so-called peace and quiet,” Illouz said during his speech.
The Israeli delegation is at the IPU Assembly to fight against the many anti-Israel initiatives that the Palestinian delegation has put forward.
On the sidelines of the conference, Illouz and his colleagues are meeting with parliamentarians from the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Canada, and Malawi, and other countries, hoping to prevent the anti-Israel initiatives from passing.
“We are preparing for many tough battles, as the Palestinian delegation, with the support of various Arab and Muslim policies, will do everything in their power to push for decisions harmful to Israel, utilizing manipulations with delegations from around the world and 'surprises' for the Israeli delegation,” he said.
Among the initiatives is a proposal to downgrade Israel's status within the IPU. There have also been calls to adopt the stance of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding Israel's government policy in the Palestinian territories.
The ICJ opinion states that “Israeli settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, and the regime associated with them, have been established and are being maintained in violation of international law.”
During the assembly meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, taking place this week between Oct. 13 and Oct. 17, there are expected to be renewed calls for the recognition of a Palestinian state.
It is also expected that UNRWA (the UN agency responsible for Palestinian refugees) will be discussed at the assembly, with Israel likely being blamed for its current state, despite the agency having become closely associated with Hamas, and several of its employees reportedly participating in the atrocities on Oct. 7, 2023.
In his speech, Illouz chided the parliamentarians for not seeking the release of the hostages, 101 of whom are still in Gaza – living and deceased – and vowed that Israel will never surrender.
“We refuse to bow. We refused to abandon our faith, and we refused to disappear. Today, once again, we stand firm. Just as Mordechai refused to bow to Haman in ancient Persia, we refuse to bow to the tyrants of modern Persia – the Ayatollahs' regime in Iran,” Illouz told the assembly, calling on the international community to work towards a cooperative future for the Middle East.
“The Middle East stands at a crossroads today. There are two possible futures. One of hope, represented by the Abraham Accords, where Jews and Arabs build a future together, or another of endless war, driven by Iran’s ambition and terror. I call on the world – choose the path of the Abraham Accords and help us defeat the terror of Iran,” Illouz concluded.
Source:allisrael.com
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https://allisrael.com/arab-muslim-parliamentarians-stage-walk-out-as-israeli-delegate-speaks-to-inter-parliamentary-union-assembly
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Bangladesh ICT to Start Trial Proceedings in Connection with Crimes Against Humanity During July-August Uprising
Archived/ Photo Bangladesh Pratidin
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Oct 16, 2024
The International Crimes Tribunal will initiate trial proceedings tomorrow in connection with the crimes against humanity committed during the July-August uprising, ICT Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam said yesterday.
Speaking to reporters on the tribunal premises, he said trials of those involved in the crimes would be prioritised. "We will file several petitions with the tribunal on Thursday."
However, the chief prosecutor declined to go into details on the petitions.
Earlier in the day, the reconstituted tribunal -- led by its new chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar and two members Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud and former district and session's judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury -- convened for the first time.
The government reconstituted the ICT on Monday by appointing Justice Mortuza as chairman, and Justice Shafiul and former judge Mohitul as members.
Justice Mortuza and Justice Shafiul are among the 23 additional judges appointed to the High Court on October 8.
This followed the government's decision last month to reform both the prosecution team and the investigation agency of the tribunal.
The move is aimed at expediting the trials of crimes against humanity and genocide committed during the July-August uprising, which saw the fall of the Hasina-led government.
At least 753 people were killed and thousands more injured during the mass uprising.
So far, over 60 complaints of crimes against humanity and genocide have been filed against Hasina and many of her party men with the ICT investigation agency and the prosecution team.
The investigation agency and the prosecution team have already launched probes into the complaints.
The government has also prepared a draft to amend the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act-1973.
Law Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul on Monday claimed that more than 1,000 people were killed and thousands were injured during the student-led uprising. "The International Crimes Tribunal is a strong platform to hold trials in this regard."
He said they were ready to provide more manpower to the prosecution team and the investigation agency in phases.
Prof Nazrul added that they have incorporated enforced disappearance as a crime in the draft amendment of the ICT Act, which would allow the tribunal to hold trials.
Source:thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/mass-uprising-ict-set-start-trial-proceedings-tomorrow-3728041
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India
Never Called for Closure of Madrasas, Muslim Children Should Get Formal Education: NCPCR Chairperson
Oct 16, 2024
NCPCR chairperson Priyank Kanoongo said he never called for the closure of Madrasas but recommended state funding to these institutions be stopped as they are depriving poor Muslim children of education. He said that Muslim children from impoverished backgrounds are often pressured into religious schooling over secular education. We advocate for equitable educational opportunities for all
In a recent report, the apex child rights body, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) raised serious concerns about the state of functioning in Madrasas and called for stopping the state funding unless they comply with the Right to Education Act. Responding to the functioning of the Madrasas, Kanoongo criticised certain groups within the country for "fearing" the empowerment of the poor Muslim community. "There exists a faction in our nation that dreads the empowerment of Muslims. Their fear stems from the anticipation that empowered communities will demand accountability and equal rights," he told PTI in an interview. This, he suggested, is a primary reason behind the resistance to inclusive educational reforms. He further said that he never called for the closure of the Madrasas. "We never advocated for the closure of madrasas. Our stance is that while affluent families invest in religious and regular education, even children from impoverished backgrounds should be imparted that," he stated, emphasising the need for equitable educational opportunities for all children regardless of socioeconomic status. Highlighting the government's responsibility, Kanoongo asserted, "It is the duty of the government to ensure that children receive normal education. The state cannot turn a blind eye to its obligations." He pointed out that impoverished Muslim children are often pressured into religious schooling over secular education, undermining their prospects. "Why do we constrain our poorest Muslim children to attend Madrasas instead of schools? This policy shifts the burden unfairly onto them," Kanoongo remarked. Reflecting on the historical policies, Kanoongo recalled the post-1950 constitutional mandate for universal education. "After the Constitution was implemented in 1950, Maulana Azad (India's first Education minister) visited Madrasas in Uttar Pradesh and declared that Muslim children did not need to pursue higher education in schools and colleges. This led to a significant underrepresen tation of Muslim students in higher education, currently hovering around five per cent," he noted. In contrast, he highlighted the participation rates of other marginalized communities, suggesting that systemic biases have hindered Muslim students' academic achievements. "Look at this situation: around 13 to 14 per cent of students in higher education are from Scheduled Castes (SC), and over 5 per cent are from the higher education population, while Other Backward Classes (OBC) account for 37 per cent while Muslims in higher education just remain 5 per cent," he said. Kanoongo also criticised the past education ministers from the Muslim community, labelling them as "white elephants of misdeeds" for their roles in perpetuating educational disparities. "These ministers stood in Madrasas and discouraged Muslim children from pursuing regular education, effectively depriving them of their fundamental right to education," he said. Going ahead, Kanoongo stressed the importance of integrating madrassa students into mainstream schools. "We have recommended mapping unmapped Madrasas and enrolling children into schools. While some states like Kerala have resisted, others like Gujarat have taken proactive steps. In Gujarat alone, over 50,000 children have been enrolled in schools despite facing violent opposition," he explained. He remained optimistic and said, "In the next decade or so, these Muslim children will become doctors, engineers, and bankers, and they will validate our efforts." Kanoongo highlighted the broader implications of empowering Muslim communities. "Empowering Muslims means they will demand their rightful place in society, ensuring accountability and equality," he affirmed. Kanoongo finishes two terms as NCPCR chairperson on Wednesday
Source:indiatimes.com
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https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/education/never-called-for-closure-of-Madrasas-muslim-children-should-get-formal-education-ncpcr/articleshow/114273813.cms
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Controversy Erupts in Bihar's Karimganj after Police Cremate Muslim Youth, Officers Suspended
By: Diksha Modi
OCTOBER 15, 2024,
A public outcry followed the cremation of a Muslim youth in Bihar, leading to significant public outcry and police suspensions. The youth, identified as Shahabuddin from Karimganj, died in a road accident on September 27 in the Paraiya police station area.
After the accident, police sent Shahabuddin’s body to Magadh Medical Hospital for a post-mortem. However, when the body went unclaimed, it was cremated without proper identification. Notably, it took eight days for the victim’s family to discover the fate of their loved one, raising serious questions about police procedures.
In light of the public backlash, IG Chhatraneel Singh of the Magadh region suspended Paraiya police station in-charge Mukesh Kumar. This action followed the earlier suspensions of Sub-Inspector Krishna Kumar Gupta and local watchman Shyam Sundar Paswan for their negligence in work.
The SSP recommended further departmental action against Mukesh Kumar and has demanded clarifications from all involved. Additionally, a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Tekari SDPO Sushil Kumar Chanchal, has been formed to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. A proposal for legal compensation related to the accident is also being sent to district headquarters.
The incident began on September 27, when Mohammad Saheb, son of Mohammad Ghulam Haider, was involved in the fatal accident near Koshdihra village. Despite the presence of a scooty and a mobile phone at the scene, police failed to identify the deceased before sending the body as unclaimed.
Allegations state that the body was cremated 72 hours later through a local watchman, without making any efforts to identify it using the mobile number or vehicle registration.
When the family eventually visited the police station to inquire, they were met with indifference and informed that the body had already been cremated. This has sparked anger and frustration among family members, who feel that proper investigation and respect for the deceased were severely lacking.
The family of the deceased also planned to hold a candlelight march with thousands of participants from Karimganj on Sunday. Upon learning this, officials including Tekari SDPO and Gaya SDO rushed to the victim’s home to assure the family that action would be taken against the negligent police officers.
Source:indiatimes.com
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https://www.news18.com/india/controversy-erupts-in-bihars-karimganj-after-police-cremate-muslim-youth-officers-suspended-9086611.html
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Delhi court extends J&K MP Engineer Rashid's interim bail in terror-funding case till October 28
15.10.24
A Delhi court on Tuesday extended the interim bail of Jammu and Kashmir MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, in a terror-funding case till October 28.
Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh passed the order on the ground of the health condition of Rashid's father, after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said it had verified the documents and was not opposing the application.
The judge also deferred the order on Rashid's regular bail plea in the case till October 28.
The counsel for the accused told the court that this was the last time that his client was seeking an extension.
No violation of any of the conditions by his client was alleged by the NIA, the lawyer said.
Source:indiatimes.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/delhi-court-extends-jammu-and-kashmir-mp-engineer-rashids-interim-bail-in-terror-funding-case-till-october-28/cid/2055643
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OppositionMPs Walk Out of Joint Panel Meeting On Waqf Bill
October 16, 2024
Opposition members on Tuesday walked out of the meeting of the Joint Committee of Parliament on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill for a second day and also wrote a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla alleging “proceedings of the Committee were conducted in a biased and partisan manner by the Chairperson Jagdambika Pal”.
The letter requested the Speaker’s “immediate intervention, and expect you to remind the Chairperson of the panel of his duty to be bipartisan and uphold parliamentary norms”.
The letter, signed by Congress MPs Gaurav Gogoi, Syed Naseer Hussain, Dr Mohammad Jawed, AAP’s Sanjay Singh, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee, SP’s Mohibbullah Nadvi, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant and others, said the invite to BJP leader Anwar Manippady to depose evidence before the panel by the Chairperson is not within the scope and ambit of the Committee.
Source:indiatimes.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/opp-mps-walk-out-of-joint-panel-meeting-on-waqf-bill-9622228/
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Omar Abdullah pays tributes to National Conference founder Sheikh Abdullah
16.10.24
Chief Minister-designate Omar Abdullah on Wednesday paid tributes at the mausoleum of National Conference founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah ahead of his swearing in ceremony.
Dressed in a Pathani suit and coat, the 54-year-old Abdullah offered floral tributes at the graveyard of the party founder.
"Omar Abdullah offered prayers at his grandfather Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's mausoleum in Hazratbal, ahead of his swearing ceremony as the first Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory," the National Conference said.
The chief minister and his ministers will be administered the oath of office and secrecy by J-K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at 11:30 am.
Source:indiatimes.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/omar-abdullah-pays-tributes-to-national-conference-founder-sheikh-abdullah/cid/2055815
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Two youths from Uttar Pradesh in police net over NCP leader Baba Siddiqui's murder
Piyush Srivastava
16.10.24
Maharashtra police’s crime branch has arrested two men in their 20s from a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district for their suspected involvement in the murder of NCP leader and former minister Baba Siddiqui.
Harish Kumar Balakram, 23, and Anurag Kumar, 25, were apprehended from Gandara village with the help of Uttar Pradesh police on Monday and brought to Mumbai on Tuesday morning.
Both Harish and Anurag are related to Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap, 19, who had earlier been arrested in connection with the case. Harish is Dharmaraj’s cousin while Anurag is his brother.
The other two persons arrested in the case so far are Haryana resident Gurmail Baljit Singh, 23, and Pravin Lonkar from Pune.
While Dharmaraj and Gurmail are alleged shooters, Pravin has been identified as a “co-conspirator”.
Pravin is accused of “enlisting” two of the three alleged shooters who opened fire on Siddiqui. According to the police, Pravin’s brother Shubham, who is yet to be arrested, is allegedly associated with jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The prosecution has claimed Shubham and other wanted accused had conspired in the shooting and supplied arms to the gunmen who attacked the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) leader.
Another suspected shooter, Shivkumar Gautam, who hails from Bahraich, is on the run.
Police sources said Harish had gone to Pune two years ago and started working as a scrap dealer. However, he got injured in a road accident and came back to his village for treatment.
“Dharmaraj and Shivkumar had gone to Pune to work in Harish’s scrap workshop. We are trying to find out why they had shifted to Mumbai a few months ago. Harish had rented a house for them in Mumbai,” said a police officer in Lucknow on the condition of anonymity.
“We have reasons to believe that Shivkumar was in touch with the gangsters. He had recently written in an Instagram post ‘Yaar tera gangster hai jaani (Your friend is a gangster)’,” the officer added.
Refusing to divulge any details about the arrests, Ramanand Kushwaha, additional superintendent of police of Bahraich, said: “Harish had met with an accident a few months ago and was living in Gandara village from where Shivkumar and Dharmaraj belong. We have interrogated him but can’t reveal specific information we gathered from him.”
Anurag was arrested last year for molesting a girl and had spent a few months in jail. He was granted bail recently.
Police sources claimed that three persons from Gandara village had received ₹50,000 each recently and they were probing whether it was linked to the murder in any way.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/two-youths-from-uttar-pradesh-in-police-net-over-ncp-leader-baba-siddiquis-murder/cid/2055748
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AMMOCOC welcomes tri-community talks, calls for inclusion of Muslim Legislators
16 OCT 2024,
The All Manipur Muslim Organisation Coordinating Committee (AMMOCOC), an apex body of Manipuri Muslims, has welcomed the tri-community talks held in the national capital as an initiative to restore peace in Manipur. However, the committee will send a written request to the Ministry of Home Affairs to include Muslim legislators as stakeholders in future discussions.
The Manipur Legislative Assembly has 60 seats, of which 10 are held by the Kuki-Zo community, 10 by the Naga community, three by the Muslim community, and the remaining 37 by the Meitei community.
On Tuesday, AMMOCOC president SM Jalal told the media in Imphal that Manipur has been suffering for the past 17 months, and the tri-community talks, initiated by the Union Home Ministry, were held on Tuesday in the national capital. The apex body of the Meitei Muslims welcomed the central government’s initiative, but during the peace talks, only legislators from the Meitei, Naga, and Kuki-Zo communities were invited.
He added that Manipuri Muslims have also been suffering for the last 17 months, and the community is a stakeholder in the future of the state. Therefore, they should be included in any decision-making process aimed at protecting the sovereignty and integrity of Manipur, he stated.
“What is the agenda of the central government in excluding Meitei Muslim legislators from the talks? The Meitei Muslim community will leave no stone unturned in protecting the integrity and sovereignty of Manipur, but we will not compromise when it comes to the integrity of the ethnic communities of Manipur,” he said.
With a population of around 3,00,000, the Meitei Muslim community has the right to be a stakeholder in decisions affecting the future of Manipur, he said. The Meitei Muslim apex body will send a formal letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs, requesting the inclusion of Meitei Muslim legislators in any future meetings concerning the state, he said.
Source:ifp.co.in
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https://www.ifp.co.in/manipur/ammococ-welcomes-tri-community-talks-calls-for-inclusion-of-muslim-legislators
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Video of Muslim Cleric's Speech Revived as UAE Prince Speaking On Kashmir
By - Srijanee Chakraborty
15 Oct 2024
A video with a caption claiming a 'Saudi Prince' expressed his opinion on the Kashmir issue doing the rounds on social media, is false as the speaker in the video is a Muslim cleric and not related to the Saudi royal family.
The video is accompanied with the caption, "Opinion of Saudi Prince in Kashmir issue, see how beautifully he expressed his opinion."
In the video, a person from the audience is seen asking a question to the speaker to which the speaker replies, "My position on the Kashmir issue is very clear, I'm not a politician, I only care about history and religion. I know that Islam came to India much later than Hinduism, which had already existed. Pakistan claimed independence way after all this happened, 70 years ago. So I don't see Pakistan as a suitable negotiator regarding Kashmir. I don't think they have the right to speak. I believe it's Hinduland, that's very controversial, many will say no, they have the right to their opinion. My position is Kashmir is Hinduland, and I say this in front of everyone. I'm not just saying this because I'm in India, this has been my opinion for five years, even when I was an extremist this was my opinion, So nobody can say that I'm being paid by Modi."
The person claimed to be a Saudi prince is actually Imam Mohamad Tawhidi, a Shia Muslim cleric. Tawhidi, popularly known as the 'Imam of Peace' is an Australian based cleric, known for speaking against radical Islamic ideology. Iranian-born and educated in Iraq, he claims to be at the forefront of moderate Islam and the Islamic reform movement. Tawhidi himself called out the viral video claiming in capslock, "I'M NOT A SAUDI PRINCE."
Tawhidi was in India earlier this month for a cultural festival in Delhi.
Tawhidi was in India earlier this month for a cultural festival in Delhi.
Meanwhile Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia is set to arrive in India today on his first official visit. (here)
Source:ifp.co.in
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https://www.boomlive.in/no-this-is-not-a-saudi-prince-speaking-on-kashmir/
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North America
Muslim organization questions firing of Jets football coach for displaying Lebanese flag
October 15, 2024
By Monica Moorehead
Robert Saleh was fired as the head coach of the National Football League’s New York Jets on Oct. 8. This unexpected and stunning move occurred two days after the Jets lost to the Minnesota Vikings in a regular season game in London, on Oct. 6. At the time of the firing, the Jets had a 2-3 losing record this season and a 20-36 overall losing record since Saleh was hired as the Jets coach in January 2021.
Based on past coaches’ experiences, it is unusual and shocking for a head coach to lose their job during the season and especially so early in the season. Also unprecedented was the fact that Saleh was not allowed to make goodbye remarks to the team in person, a standard protocol. Instead, he was escorted out of the Jets facility by security guards and not even allowed to leave on his own accord.
What has gotten lost in the debate regarding this development is that Saleh is the first Muslim head coach in the NFL. Both of his parents were born in Lebanon before they migrated to the U.S. prior to Saleh’s birth.
Following the Al-Aqsa Flood that erupted in Gaza a year ago on October 7, 2023, Saleh wore a small Lebanese flag patch on the arm of his Jets’ sweatshirt shirt. This was part of the NFL’s Heritage Program in 2023 where players and coaches are encouraged to recognize their cultural backgrounds with patches and decals. He had worn the Lebanese flag patch on other occasions.
But that all changed once Israeli airstrikes began pounding the densely populated areas of Beirut on Sept. 27, after which there was a major defensive military response from the liberation organization, Hezbollah – a justifiable action in their ongoing struggle.
Joe Benigno, a former sports radio host at WFAN radio station, remarked in an interview on The Jake Asman Show on Oct. 8, that he believed that Saleh was fired due to the current situation in West Asia, particularly in Lebanon. Benigno told Asman, “There is no sugarcoating of what’s going on in the Middle East.”
Those who have denounced Saleh over social media have equated the Lebanese flag with the anti-Israel, anti-U.S. Hezbollah flag – which Saleh should also have the right to wear.
The Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR) has demanded an explanation from Jets owner Woody Johnson – who had been accused of making racist and sexist remarks while he was a member of the Trump administration in 2020 – on the firing of Saleh. Notably, Johnson is staunchly pro-Zionist.
The CAIR statement reads: “We commend Coach Robert Saleh for making history as the first American Muslim head coach in NFL history. Although no one should jump to conclusions about why the Jets fired Coach Saleh, the report that Jets security physically escorted Saleh out of the building does raise concerns about the possible motive for such unusual hostility—especially given that Saleh wore a Lebanese flag pin at a game just days ago and that owner Woody Johnson is a former Trump administration official who has been accused of making racially charged remarks. We encourage the Jets to thoroughly explain its unusually hostile reported treatment of Coach Saleh.”
Source:workers.org
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https://www.workers.org/2024/10/81397/
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US warns Israel to boost humanitarian aid into Gaza or risk losing weapons funding
October 16, 2024
WASHINGTON: The Biden administration has warned Israel that it must increase the amount of humanitarian aid it is allowing into Gaza within the next 30 days or it could risk losing access to US weapons funding.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned their Israeli counterparts in a letter dated Sunday that the changes must occur. The letter, which restates US policy toward humanitarian aid and arms transfers, was sent amid deteriorating conditions in northern Gaza and an Israeli airstrike on a hospital tent site in central Gaza that killed at least four people and burned others.
A similar letter that Blinken sent to Israeli officials in April led to more humanitarian assistance getting to the Palestinian territory, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Tuesday. But that has not lasted.
“In fact, it’s fallen by over 50 percent from where it was at its peak,” Miller said at a briefing. Blinken and Austin “thought it was appropriate to make clear to the government of Israel that there are changes that they need to make again, to see that the level of assistance making it into Gaza comes back up from the very, very low levels that it is at today.”
For Israel to continue qualifying for foreign military financing, the level of aid getting into Gaza must increase to at least 350 trucks a day, Israel must institute additional humanitarian pauses and provide increased security for humanitarian sites, Austin and Blinken said in their letter. They said Israel had 30 days to respond to the requirements.
“The letter was not meant as a threat,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters. “The letter was simply meant to reiterate the sense of urgency we feel and the seriousness with which we feel it, about the need for an increase, a dramatic increase in humanitarian assistance.”
An Israeli official confirmed a letter had been delivered but did not discuss the contents. That official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss a diplomatic matter, confirmed the US had raised “humanitarian concerns” and was putting pressure on Israel to speed up the flow of aid into Gaza.
The letter, which an Axios reporter posted a copy of online, was sent during a period of growing frustration in the administration that despite repeated and increasingly vocal requests to scale back offensive operations against Hamas, Israel’s bombardment has led to unnecessary civilian deaths and risks plunging the region into a much wider war.
“We are particularly concerned that recent actions by the Israeli government, including halting commercial imports, denying or impeding 90 percent of humanitarian movements” and other restrictions have kept aid from flowing, Blinken and Austin said.
The Biden administration is increasing its calls for its ally and biggest recipient of US military aid to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while assuring that America’s support for Israel is unwavering just before the US presidential election in three weeks.
Funding for Israel has long carried weight in US politics, and Biden said this month that “no administration has helped Israel more than I have.”
Humanitarian aid groups fear that Israeli leaders may approve a plan to seal off humanitarian aid to northern Gaza in an attempt to starve out Hamas, which could trap hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who are unwilling or unable to leave their homes without food, water, medicine and fuel.
UN humanitarian officials said last week that aid entering Gaza is at its lowest level in months. The three hospitals operating minimally in northern Gaza are facing “dire shortages” of fuel, trauma supplies, medications and blood, and while meals are being delivered each day, food is dwindling, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.
“There is barely any food left to distribute, and most bakeries will be forced to shut down again in just days without any additional fuel,” he said.
The UN humanitarian office reported that Israeli authorities facilitated just one of its 54 efforts to get to the north this month, Dujarric said. He said 85 percent of the requests were denied, with the rest impeded or canceled for logistical or security reasons.
COGAT, the Israeli body facilitating aid crossings into Gaza, denied that crossings to the north have been closed.
US officials said the letter was sent to remind Israel of both its obligations under international humanitarian law and of the Biden administration’s legal obligation to ensure that the delivery of American humanitarian assistance should not be hindered, diverted or held up by a recipient of US military aid.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive since the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas has killed over 42,000 people in Gaza, according to the territory’s Health Ministry. It does not differentiate between fighters and civilians but has said a little more than half the dead are women and children. The Hamas attacks killed some 1,200 people in Israel, mostly civilians, and militants abducted another 250.
The United States has spent a record of at least $17.9 billion on military aid to Israel since the war in Gaza began and led to escalating conflict around the Middle East, according to a report for Brown University’s Costs of War project.
That aid has enabled Israel to purchase billions of dollars worth of munitions it has used in its operations against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, many of those strikes also have killed civilians in both areas.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2575442/middle-east
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US Muslim group demands action after American’s family reportedly bombed by Israel in Gaza
16.10.2024
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) urged the Biden administration on Tuesday to demand Israel halt attacks on the Jabalia refugee camp after an American’s family was killed in repeated airstrikes in the Gaza Strip.
A Palestinian American man from the state of Virginia, who was not identified, informed CAIR that his family’s home was bombed Monday in an Israeli attack in Gaza, according to a statement from the civil rights group.
The house in the camp reportedly housed 15 people at the time, including seven children. Among them was the man’s mother, a permanent resident of the US.
After an initial strike, the mother and several family members were injured and alive, but trapped beneath the rubble. The family reportedly contacted Israeli authorities with the location and GPS coordinates of the house to facilitate the safe passage of an ambulance, said CAIR.
Despite the information, however, the Israeli military allegedly bombed the home a second time.
The ambulance that arrived to help the survivors was also reportedly targeted, resulting in the deaths of a responding doctor and several children. Only a 7-year-old boy survived the attack, according to CAIR.
CAIR said it reached out to the White House and the State Department to share details of the attack, emphasizing that the mother of an American was among those killed. It has not received a response.
Anadolu also reached out to the State Department for confirmation but has not immediately received a response.
Local sources, meanwhile, reported Tuesday that Israeli forces targeted several areas including Khan Younis, the Nuseirat refugee camp and the Jabalia camp in Gaza.
Israel has killed more than 42,000 Palestinians in Gaza and displaced nearly the entire population of 2.3 million people during the last year.
Source:.aa.com.tr
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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/us-muslim-group-demands-action-after-american-s-family-reportedly-bombed-by-israel-in-gaza/3363405
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Man charged following ‘hate-motivated’ incident at Scarborough mosque
October 15, 2024
By Joanna Lavoie
A man who allegedly entered a mosque in Scarborough late last week and uttered hate-motivated threats and slurs at people inside is facing charges.
The incident happened on Oct. 10 at the Atiya Institute of Knowledge at 1225 Kennedy Rd., north of Lawrence Avenue East, in the Dorset Park neighbourhood.
Toronto police said the suspect was not known to those at the mosque, adding that he was forced out shortly after allegedly committing the “suspected hate-motivated offence.”
A short time later, officers from 41 Division arrested 41-year-old Robbin Lakatos, of Toronto. He has been charged with harassment and uttering threats/death or bodily harm.
In a post on social media, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow called the incident a “terrible” example of Islamophobia which has “shaken the community.”
“Islamophobia and any form of hate is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our city. Toronto must be a place where people can feel safe, where they can be free to celebrate their culture, their identity, and to worship without fear,” Chow wrote.
“Thank you to police for investigating and making an arrest. Together, we must recommit ourselves to making Toronto a place where people feel safe, a place where everyone belongs.”
In a statement, the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) said that a man entered the mosque and “uttered Islamophobic, racist, and anti-Palestinian slurs and threats against those inside, including worshippers, teachers and students.”
The group said that the congregants are “shaken, but no one is hurt.”
“We are in contact with all parties on the ground about this incident, one of many that has swept Canada in the past year,” NCCM said.
Source:. cp24.com
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Toronto police are appealing to anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
https://www.cp24.com/local/toronto/2024/10/15/man-charged-following-hate-motivated-incident-at-scarborough-mosque/
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1,600+ American Muslims Attend CAIR-LA’s 28th Annual Gala
October 15, 2024
More than 1,600 community members, partner organizations, religious leaders, elected officials, dignitaries, and supporters gathered at the Anaheim Marriott on Saturday, Oct. 12, for the Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA)’s 28th Annual Gala, themed “Our Collective Strength: The Future of Muslim Power.”
This year’s gala provided an opportunity for CAIR-LA staff, volunteers, and community members to reflect on the challenges and celebrate the successes of the past year and harness our collective strength toward a powerful future for the American Muslim community.
The event featured nationally renowned speakers and local leaders, including political analyst and journalist Sami Hamdi, Minnesota State Senator Zaynab Mohamed, CAIR National Board Chair Dr. Manal Fakhoury, and comedian Jeremy McLellan.
CAIR-LA also honored community leader Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi and human rights activist and author Miko Peled for their significant achievements and years of dedicated service to the American Muslim community. Dr. Siddiqi was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Peled was presented with the Champion of Justice Award.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:
“We are deeply grateful to all the community members, leaders, and dedicated supporters who made CAIR-LA’s 28th Annual Gala a resounding success. This inspirational night would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our community. This year has not been a typical one. It has brought extraordinary challenges and hardship, but this event serves as a powerful reminder that when we come together, we can make an incredible impact as we continue to fight for justice and freedom, not only for American Muslims but for all people.”
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.        
Source:cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/1600-american-muslims-attend-cair-las-28th-annual-gala/
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CAIR-CA Publishes 2024 Voter Guide to Mobilize Muslim Voters Amid Gaza Crisis and Rising Islamophobia
October 15, 2024
The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today announced the publication of its 2024 Voter Guide, a critical resource designed to assist Muslims and their allies in California as they prepare to vote in the upcoming November general election.
This year’s voter guide emphasizes the key issues facing the Muslim community, particularly the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the surge in Islamophobia across the state and nation. Since October 7, 2023, American Muslims have been confronting increased discrimination, from hate crimes to targeted harassment, in response to their calls for a ceasefire and an end to U.S. military aid to Israel.
The guide includes a congressional scorecard, a state legislative scorecard, and evaluations of how closely elected officials’ voting records align with CAIR-CA’s priorities on civil rights, social justice, and human dignity.
CAIR-CA also outlines its recommendations on key statewide ballot propositions, such as supporting Proposition 6, which aims to remove involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime. As a nonprofit, CAIR-CA does not endorse candidates but can take positions on ballot measures that align with its mission.
In addition to the voter guide, CAIR-CA’s voter empowerment efforts focus on voter registration drives, candidate forums, and grassroots organizing to ensure California’s Muslim voters are informed and engaged.
In a statement, CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush said:
“At a time when our community is grappling with the devastating impact of the genocide in Gaza and the rise in Islamophobic violence here at home, it is more important than ever for American Muslims to make their voices heard. This voter guide empowers our community to vote for policies that reflect our values of justice, equality, and human dignity.”
CAIR San Francisco Bay Area Policy Coordinator Musa Tariq added:
“Voting is one of the most effective tools we have to challenge systems of oppression. Our 2024 California Voter Guide provides our community with the information they need to hold elected officials accountable and advocate for meaningful change at the polls.”
With over one million Muslims in California, the 2024 General Election offers a crucial opportunity for the Muslim community to stand united in demanding justice, defending civil rights, and building political power.
CAIR-CA is an office of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
Source:cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ca-publishes-2024-voter-guide-to-mobilize-muslim-voters-amid-gaza-crisis-and-rising-islamophobia/
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Arab World
Saudi Hospital Has Become a Global Leader in Organ Transplants
October 15, 2024
RIYADH: has become a world-leading facility for organ transplantation.
KFSHRC’s Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence has garnered international acclaim for its expertise in solid-organ transplants, including liver, kidney and lung procedures, said the hospital in a statement on Monday.
In the past year, the hospital successfully conducted 1,092 transplants.
KFSHRC has performed a series of ground-breaking surgeries, most notably the world’s first liver transplant from a living donor using robotic technology in both organ retrieval and implantation.
Building on this success, the surgical team recently completed the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in healthcare innovation.
Since the program’s inception in 1981, the hospital has performed 9,000 successful transplants.
Recognizing the critical challenge of donor-patient compatibility, particularly in kidney transplants, KFSHRC established the pioneering Kidney Paired Donation program.
This program facilitates the exchange of living donors with incompatible blood types and tissues between multiple patients, significantly increasing the pool of available organs and reducing waiting times.
The KPD program has enabled KFSHRC to perform over 5,000 kidney transplants.
KFSHRC’s commitment extends beyond the transplant surgery itself. Understanding prevention’s crucial role in patient well-being, the hospital established a specialized vaccination clinic for solid-organ transplant recipients in 2023.
This clinically tailored vaccination plans for each patient’s unique immune status and type of transplant, minimizes the risk of infections that could compromise outcomes.
The clinic has already served over 150 patients, achieving a high compliance rate for the Shingrix vaccine.
For the second consecutive year, KFSHRC has secured the top spot in the Middle East and Africa, and ranks 20th among the world’s top 250 academic medical centers.
Brand Finance recognized the facility as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Middle East for 2024.
Newsweek magazine also included the facility among the world’s best 250 hospitals and in the World’s Best Smart Hospitals list for 2025.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2575369/saudi-arabia
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Solar companies gather in Riyadh to advance Kingdom’s net zero plan
HAIFA ALSHAMMARI
October 16, 2024
RIYADH: Solar power companies from around the world are gathering in Riyadh to cultivate new opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s path to net zero, during the Solar & Storage Live KSA exhibition.
NEOM Green Hydrogen Co. was one of the major organizations that attended the event.
“It’s always inspiring to be surrounded by our industry peers and partners, and I was thrilled to be asked to participate in the keynote interview,” said Wesam Al-Ghamdi, CEO of NEOM Green Hydrogen Co.
“I was also very happy to see the enthusiasm around NGHC’s project. The excitement about our progress toward becoming fully operational by the end of 2026 was palpable.
“This event shone a spotlight on the impressive initiatives driving the Kingdom and the broader MENA region toward net zero, with both private and government sectors playing pivotal roles.”
Solar power has emerged as a leading contender in the race for sustainable energy solutions, as the world shifts towards renewable energy sources.
Al-Ghamdi elaborated on how the solar energy system works at the company. “NGHC doesn’t produce its own solar panels, those are produced by our partners at Sungrow,” he said.
“Located in NEOM, we benefit from an optimal environment for solar energy generation, with nearly guaranteed sunlight throughout the year.
“Our solar garden will feature an impressive 5.6 million solar panels, generating up to 2.2 GW of solar energy to power our facility.”
He added: “Together with our wind farm, this renewable energy infrastructure will enable us to produce up to 600 tonnes of green hydrogen (daily) by the time we are fully operational at the end of 2026.”
Solar energy is produced through the collection of sunlight using photovoltaic panels. This technology has seen remarkable advancements over the past decade, drastically reducing costs and improving efficiency.
These lower costs make solar power an affordable energy source for many people, thus an excellent option for both developed and developing countries.
One of the biggest players in solar power is China. The country is investing heavily in solar infrastructure not only for its economic benefit but for the environmental impact it provides.
Operating worldwide, BSL BATT is a Chinese company that produces battery storage systems, including storage for solar power.
Although BSL BATT has been operating in various countries within the Middle East, they are aiming to penetrate the Saudi solar market and develop their relations even further in the Kingdom, BSL BATT EMEA’s sales manager, Russel Tong, told Arab News.
Battery storage systems are critical in making solar power a feasible supply of electricity, as stored energy can be released overnight resulting in a round-the-clock supply when solar panels are not harvesting energy from the sun.
The combination of solar power and storage not only supports environmental sustainability but also drives economic growth, as evidenced by Saudi Arabia’s growing solar power industry.
As the Kingdom ramps up its solar power capacity, targeting a total of 130GW of renewable energy by 2030, economic opportunities are also on the rise.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2575445/saudi-arabia
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‘Modernity Roots’ art exhibition merges Saudi past and present
AFSHAN AZIZ
October 15, 2024
JEDDAH: A new exhibition in Jeddah will “push boundaries” in the world of Saudi art, encouraging artists to challenge stereotypes and explore new horizons, its organizer believes.
Abdulrahman Kamil Mourad, general manager of the Bilory company and founder of Bilory ArtHaus, said the “Modernity Roots” exhibition will merge Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage with contemporary art practices, creating a dynamic platform for both artists and art enthusiasts.
The exhibition, the gallery’s first, draws inspiration from the Arabic term for origin and centrality, symbolized by the date stone, a revered element in Saudi culture, known for its vitality and unyielding strength.
“Modernity Roots is not just an exhibition, it’s a declaration of our roots and the unyielding power they instill within us as Saudis navigating the modern world,” Mourad said.
“In a society eager to progress, this exhibition reminds us that our cultural heritage is our ultimate powerhouse, guiding us forward without losing sight of our origins.”
Mourad said that the exhibition is setting out to push boundaries in Saudi art, while also challenging stereotypes.
“The primary purpose of ‘Modernity Roots’ was to highlight that it is OK and desirable to be courageous and daring in the art production process, pushing boundaries and challenging the stereotypes surrounding Saudi art.
“Each artist embodies strong dedication and resilience, building on their rich Saudi cultural backgrounds, while exploring new horizons and opportunities,” he said.
The exhibition showcases the works of AFM and Heba Ismail, two prominent Saudi artists gaining wider recognition in the region.
AFM’s camel paintings merge pop art with cartoonish abstraction, utilizing bold, African-inspired colors and Saudi symbols to explore a modern, progressive identity rooted in tradition.
Ismail’s “The Holy Grail” series brings a cubist perspective to the theme of cultural identity and self-exploration, using modernist abstraction and striking colors to challenge perceptions and evoke deep emotional responses.
Together, their work creates a dialogue that bridges past and present, inviting viewers to reflect on the power of heritage in shaping the future.
Ismail said: “I’ve been involved with the team from the very beginning, and we spent months preparing for the launch.
“I contributed 23 paintings, all of which are very dear to me. The team was incredible. We became friends along the way, and the launch was a huge success.
“It was wonderful to work alongside AFM for the third time, and I love how our work complements and enhances each other’s.”
Mourad also explained Bilory’s approach to selecting artists for the inaugural exhibition, emphasizing a commitment to Saudi Vision 2030.
“From our perspective, there will never be a solid perfect choice when it comes to selecting art and artists; there are only different tastes and perspectives.
“Our main focus initially was to find creative Saudi artists who work with great passion. The main factor guiding our choice of these two artists was their alignment with our broader vision of participating in Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to create more cultural art spaces and improve the overall quality of life.”
Bilory ArtHaus has positioned itself not only as a gallery, but also a creative space that promotes openness and innovation.
Mourad outlined the gallery’s broader ambitions, saying: “We aim to create a balanced and harmonious gallery that fosters multi-talented artists who challenge themselves and inspire others to do the same.
“This creative space will feature diverse exhibitions, showcasing both well-established and emerging local Saudi artists, as well as hosting international artists.
“We strongly believe that Bilory ArtHaus will play a major role in shaping the local art scene by promoting and exposing outstanding available talents.”
Alongside its commitment to promoting art, Bilory Company also plans to launch an e-commerce jewelry platform.
The exhibition, open daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. until Oct. 31, offers visitors an immersive experience that highlights Saudi Arabia’s cultural evolution, and the enduring connection between tradition and modernity.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2575423/saudi-arabia
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Crown prince to lead Saudi delegation at GCC-EU summit in Brussels
October 15, 2024
RIYADH: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will lead Saudi Arabia’s delegation at the upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council-European Union summit in Brussels on Wednesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
His participation follows directives from King Salman, SPA added.
Senior EU officials held a briefing in Riyadh on Tuesday to discuss the “ambitious agenda” of the upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council-EU summit in Brussels on Oct. 16.
GCC and EU leaders will address regional stability, trade, and people-to-people cooperation during the summit.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2575420/saudi-arabia
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Third Saudi International Maritime Forum to focus on AI and maritime security
October 15, 2024
RIYADH: The Royal Saudi Naval Forces will host the third Saudi International Maritime Forum from Nov. 19 to 21, with artificial intelligence and maritime security set to top the agenda.
The event will be held at the Dhahran Convention and Exhibition Center in the Eastern Province under the patronage of Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi minister of defense, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The forum will address various themes through a series of workshops and specialized sessions, including how AI is reshaping naval operations and the new strategies that need to be implemented to enhance security measures at sea.
The future of military industries within the context of AI will also be explored, delving into how AI-driven innovations are set to transform military technologies and defense strategies in the maritime sector.
Another key topic of discussion will be the impact of modern maritime systems on security and the challenges posed by cybersecurity threats.
Lt. Gen. Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Gharibi, chief of staff of the naval forces, thanked the minister of defense’s sponsorship of the event, SPA reported.
The event will gather naval leaders from around the world, along with experts in the military, scientific, and technical fields. Attendees will also include government officials, maritime company executives, and regulatory authorities.
The forum will host more than 55 national and international entities from 22 countries. An accompanying exhibition will showcase the latest equipment, technologies, and systems in maritime security, featuring contributions from leading local, regional, and international companies.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2575404/saudi-arabia
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Saudi Arabia hosts first Qur’an and Sunnah contest in Mauritania
October 15, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia inaugurated the first King Salman Competition for Memorizing the Qur’an and Sunnah of the Prophet on Tuesday in Nouakchott, Mauritania.
Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs in cooperation with Mauritania’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Original Education, the event runs from Oct. 15-19.
A total of 136 contestants from 16 West African nations are competing, judged by a panel of 10 experts. The prize pool is SR1,218,000 ($324,000).
Mauritania’s Minister of Islamic Affairs Sidi Yahya Ould Cheikhna Ould Lemrabet expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting the competition in Mauritania, reflecting the country’s care for the Qur’an and Sunnah.
The competition’s preliminary rounds run until Oct. 17, with the final ceremony on Oct. 19, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Alongside the competition, Saudi Ambassador to Mauritania Abdulaziz Al-Raqqabi inaugurated the Jusoor Exhibition on Sunday.
The exhibition features more than 12 interactive sections, including areas focused on the Qur’an, photography, Saudi attire, the Two Holy Mosques, Arabic calligraphy, technology, hospitality, and children’s activities.
A large screen showcases Saudi Arabia’s efforts in serving Islam and Muslims globally. The sections highlight the Kingdom’s cultural, scientific, Shariah and linguistic contributions, as well as its initiatives in supporting the Qur’an, Sunnah, and holy sites.
The exhibition aims to strengthen ties between Africa and Saudi Arabia, allowing African nations to benefit from the services of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. It also promotes the Kingdom’s message of moderation and rejection of extremism.
“We in Mauritania are proud of this choice, which reflects our identity,” Lemrabott said, pledging full efforts to ensure the competition’s success and its future growth.
The competition encourages Muslim youth to engage with the Qur’an through memorization, understanding and reflection. It also promotes healthy competition among participants and underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to teaching the Qur’an and spreading the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
The Mauritanian minister highlighted the competition’s positive impact on participants, allowing them to compete honorably in Qur’an memorization and recitation, with the prizes serving as a valuable incentive.
He said that Mauritanian contestants has prepared diligently for the competition, expecting them to impress others with their Qur’anic memorization and recitation skills.
Lemrabott expressed gratitude to King Salman for sponsoring the competition and thanked President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani for his support of Qur’an memorization and recitation.
The minister emphasized the important role of the Jusoor Exhibition in offering visitors insights into Saudi Arabia’s history and its efforts in preserving the Qur’an and Sunnah.
“This exhibition is a great opportunity to educate the Mauritanian people about this history,” he said.
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Mideast
Iran Tells UN Chief Ready for ‘Decisive’ Response to Israel Attack
October 16, 2024
TEHRAN: Iran’s top diplomat on Wednesday warned UN chief Antonio Guterres it is ready for a “decisive and regretful” response if Israel attacks the Islamic republic in retaliation for a barrage of missiles.
“Iran, while making all-out efforts to protect the peace and security of the region, is fully prepared for a decisive and regretful response to any adventures” by Israel, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, quoted by his office.
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OIC delegates in China meets with officials, discuss issues of Muslim community
15.10.2024
A delegation from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) met with Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Li to discuss a wide range of issues concerning China's Muslim community, the OIC said in a statement on Tuesday.
The delegation, which includes representatives from the 26 member states, the general secretariat, and the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission, is currently in China on an official visit at Beijing's invitation.
Deng Li received the delegation on Monday in Beijing, which was led by the OIC's Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Yousef AlDobeay.
The meeting focused on “positive” progress in relations between the OIC, its member states, and China, as well as ways to enhance cooperation in various areas further, the statement said.
The two sides, it added, appreciated the “constructive” dialogue between the OIC and China and discussed various shared interests, including the status of the Muslim community in China.
The delegation also met with several officials from the Religious Affairs Department of the United Front Work Department of the Chinese Communist Party's Central Committee.
The delegation will visit northern Tianjin city and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region “to gain insights into the living conditions and welfare of the Muslim community,” the statement concluded.
Xinjiang is home to over 10 million Uyghurs. The Turkic Muslim group, which makes up around 45% of the region’s population, has long accused Chinese authorities of cultural, religious, and economic discrimination. Beijing denies the charge.
Source:aa.com.tr
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Israel assures US it won’t strike Iranian nuclear or oil sites, US officials say
October 15, 2024
WASHINGTON: The Biden administration believes it has won assurances from Israel that it will not hit Iranian nuclear or oil sites as it looks to strike back following Iran’s missile barrage earlier this month, two US officials said Tuesday.
The administration also believes that sending a US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery to Israel and roughly 100 soldiers to operate it has eased some of Israel’s concerns about possible Iranian retaliation and general security issues.
The Pentagon on Sunday announced the THAAD deployment to help bolster Israel’s air defenses following Iran’s ballistic missile attacks on Israel in April and October, saying it was authorized at the direction of President Joe Biden.
However, the US officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private diplomatic discussions, cautioned that Israel’s assurances are not ironclad and that circumstances could change.
The officials also noted that Israel’s track record on fulfilling pledges in the past is mixed and has often reflected domestic Israeli politics that have upended Washington’s expectations.
The most recent example of that was last month, when US officials were told by their Israeli counterparts that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would welcome a US- and French-led temporary ceasefire initiative in Lebanon only to see Israel launch a massive airstrike that killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah two days later.
Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that “we listen to the opinions of the United States, but we will make our final decisions based on our national interests.”
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned their Israeli counterparts in a letter dated Sunday that it must increase the amount of humanitarian aid being allowed into Gaza within the next 30 days or Israel could risk losing access to US weapons funding.
The Middle East has been bracing for an expected response from Israel after Iran launched roughly 180 ballistic missiles on Oct. 1, which the United States helped to fend off. The tit-for-tat strikes and uncertainty about whether Israel might strike strategically important energy and nuclear sites in Iran have raised fears about escalation into an all-out regional war.
Israel’s offensive against Iranian-backed Hamas militants in Gaza has expanded into a ground invasion of Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, another Iranian proxy that has been firing into Israel since the conflict in Gaza started a year ago in solidarity with Hamas.
Biden has said he would not support a retaliatory Israeli strike on sites related to Tehran’s nuclear program and urged Israel to consider alternatives to hitting Iran’s oil sector. Such a strike could affect the global oil market and boost pump prices just ahead of the US presidential election.
Biden and Netanyahu spoke by phone last week for the first time in seven weeks, while Defense Secretary Austin has been speaking regularly with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant.
The Pentagon said in a readout of a call from Sunday that Austin reaffirmed US support for Israel’s security but urged it to ensure protections for UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, shift from military operations to a diplomatic solution and “raised concern for the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and stressed that steps must be taken soon to address it.”
The White House National Security Council declined to confirm that Netanyahu offered Biden any assurances about targets.
“Our commitment to Israel’s defense is ironclad,” the White House National Security Council said in a statement. “We will not discuss private diplomatic discussions and would refer you to the Israeli government to speak to their own potential military operations.”
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‘Nowhere is safe’: Lebanon Christian village reels from Israel strike
October 15, 2024
AITO: Elie Alwan sheltered a displaced Shiite family from southern Lebanon in his peaceful Christian-majority village, believing they would be safe — instead an Israeli air strike killed them, destroyed his home and injured his mother.
The October 14 strike on the north Lebanon village of Aito in the Zgharta district killed 23 people, including at least 12 women and two children, many of them displaced from south Lebanon, according to the official National News Agency.
“It’s a massacre that happened in my home,” said 42-year-old Alwan.
The attack, which wiped out an entire family, was the first time the mountain village has been struck by Israel, which has mostly targeted Shiite-dominated Hezbollah strongholds.
The four-story building where Alwan lived was destroyed and the displaced family whom he had known for 15 years were wiped out.
“They were a decent family,” said the father of four, blood stains still visible on the rubble-strewn ground beside him.
“I welcomed them as friends.”
Michel Moawad, an MP opposed to Hezbollah and a native of the region, said the strike targeted a member of the pro-Iranian militant group.
A security official, speaking anonymously to AFP, said the strike occurred just after a man arrived by car at the building to visit the displaced family.
“I blame the man who came here. Why did you put us in this mess?” said Alwan, who is now forced to rent a house in the coastal town of Chekka, several kilometers (miles) away.
He was not there during the strike, but his mother was wounded in the leg and was being treated in hospital.
As excavators worked to clear the mountain road a day after the strike, the stench of corpses hung in the air and human remains lay in a ditch at the side of the road.
A statue of Saint Charbel Makhlouf, a Christian Maronite was intact but surrounded by destruction.
The strike sparked alarm across Lebanon’s north and prompted a call for an independent and thorough investigation from the UN rights office.
“We have real concerns with respect to... the laws of war and the principles of distinction, proportion and proportionality,” spokesman Jeremy Laurence told reporters on Monday.
A year of cross-border clashes between Israel and Hezbollah escalated on September 23 when Israel dramatically increased its bombing of Hezbollah strongholds in the country’s east, south and Beirut’s southern suburbs.
The bombing sent many people fleeing to Lebanon’s mountains, including Christian villages which are coming to fear the cost of hosting displaced communities.
“We are Christians, our religion teaches us tolerance. But now we have learned our lesson. We will no longer welcome anyone into the family” home, said Alwan’s brother Sarkis, who lives just next door.
Sarkis did not name Hezbollah but suggested he was angry with the powerful Iran-backed group for dragging Lebanon into a war with Israel.
“We are no match for the United States,” Israel’s main ally, said Sarkis.
Nearby, Adele Khoury was unequivocal in her condemnation of the militant group.
“Hezbollah has brought us into a war from which we can no longer escape,” she said.
Standing beside the church square, the elderly woman said she feared Israel’s string of assassinations of Hezbollah officials would leave no community unharmed.
“We are afraid every day that Israel will come and target us, because wherever there is a (Hezbollah) commander, they target him,” she said.
But when talking about the displaced, she was more sympathetic.
“The poor things, they fled to safe areas, but now nowhere is safe.”
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Strikes hits south Beirut after Israeli military evacuation order
October 16, 2024
BEIRUT: Strikes hit south Beirut on Wednesday, an AFP journalist saw, less than an hour after the Israeli military ordered residents to leave part of the Lebanese capital.
Black smoke billowed from between buildings in Haret Hreik after the first strike, which followed Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee telling people to leave the area.
Moments later an AFP journalist witnessed a second strike in south Beirut.
“You are located near facilities and interests affiliated with Hezbollah, which the IDF (Israeli military) will work against in the near future” Adraee wrote in Arabic on X before the strikes, addressing Haret Hreik residents.
The Israeli military has repeatedly bombarded south Beirut in recent weeks, as well as carrying out deadly strikes elsewhere in the capital and across Lebanon.
At least 1,356 people have been killed in Lebanon since Israel escalated its bombing last month, according to an AFP tally of Lebanese health ministry figures, though the real toll is likely higher.
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Israeli military says 50 projectiles fired from Lebanon
October 16, 2024
JERUSALEM: The Israeli military said around 50 projectiles were fired from Lebanon at the country’s north early Wednesday, without any reports of casualties.
“Some of the projectiles were intercepted and fallen projectiles were identified in the area,” a military statement said, while Hezbollah said it launched “a large salvo of missiles” at the town of Safed.
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Netanyahu vows ‘no ceasefire’ in Lebanon after Hezbollah threats
October 16, 2024
JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the idea of a ceasefire in Lebanon on Tuesday that would leave Hezbollah close to his country’s northern border as the militant group threatened to widen its attacks.
Netanyahu’s comments came as the United States ramped up pressure on him over the conduct of Israel’s wars in Lebanon and Gaza, criticizing the recent bombing of Beirut and demanding that more aid reach the Palestinian territory.
In a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Netanyahu said he was “opposed to a unilateral ceasefire, which does not change the security situation in Lebanon, and which will only return it to the way it was,” according to a statement from his office.
Netanyahu and the Israeli military have repeatedly insisted there must be a buffer zone along Israel’s border with Lebanon where there is no presence of Hezbollah fighters.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu clarified that Israel would not agree to any arrangement that does not provide this (a buffer zone) and which does not stop Hezbollah from rearming and regrouping,” the statement said.
In a defiant televised speech, the group’s deputy leader Naim Qassem said the only solution was a ceasefire while threatening to expand the scope of its missile strikes across Israel.
“Since the Israeli enemy targeted all of Lebanon, we have the right from a defensive position to target any place” in Israel, he said.
In another day of fighting, the Iran-backed group said it launched a barrage of rockets toward the northern Israeli city of Haifa and targeted Israeli bulldozers and a tank near the border.
Israel’s military bombed several areas in southern and eastern Lebanon on Tuesday, including in the Bekaa Valley where a hospital in Baalbek city was put out of service, Lebanon’s official National News Agency reported.
It also said it had captured three Hezbollah fighters in south Lebanon.
Asked about Israeli air strikes in Lebanon, in which residential buildings in the center of Beirut were hit on October 10, the US State Department voiced open criticism.
“We have made clear that we are opposed to the campaign the way we’ve seen it conducted over the past weeks” in Beirut, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters.
In a letter sent to the Israeli government on Sunday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also warned that the United States could withhold weapons deliveries unless more humanitarian aid was delivered to Palestinians in Gaza.
The letter made “clear to the government of Israel that there are changes that they need to make again to see that the level of assistance making it into Gaza comes back up from the very, very low levels that it is at today,” Miller added on Tuesday.
Despite the need for food, medical supplies and shelter in hunger-ravaged Gaza, a spokesman for the UN’s children’s agency UNICEF said Tuesday that aid was facing the tightest restrictions since the start of Israel’s offensive in October last year.
“We see now what is probably the worst restrictions we’ve seen on humanitarian aid, ever,” spokesman James Elder told a press conference in Geneva, adding that there were “several days in the last week (where) no commercial trucks whatsoever were allowed to come in.”
For over a week, Israeli forces have engaged in a sweeping air and ground assault targeting northern Gaza and the area around Jabalia amid claims that Hamas militants were regrouping there.
“The whole area has been reduced to ashes,” said Rana Abdel Majid, 38, from the Al-Faluja area of northern Gaza.
Majid said entire blocks had been levelled by “the indiscriminate, merciless bombing.”
At a school-turned-shelter hit by an Israeli strike in the central Nuseirat camp, Fatima Al-Azab said “there is no safety anywhere” in Gaza.
“They are all children, sleeping in the covers, all burned and cut up,” she said.
Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza after an October 7 attack by Hamas that resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures, including hostages killed in captivity.
The Israeli campaign has killed 42,344 people, the majority civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory which the UN considers reliable.
Israel dramatically escalated its air campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon from September 23 and then launched a ground offensive a week later intended to push the group back from its northern border.
Hezbollah has been firing thousands of projectiles into Israel over the last year in support of Hamas, displacing tens of thousands of Israelis.
At least 1,356 people have been killed in Lebanon since Israel escalated its bombing last month, according to an AFP tally of Lebanese health ministry figures, though the real toll is likely higher.
The war in Lebanon, which has suffered years of economic crisis, has displaced at least 690,000 people, according to figures from the International Organization for Migration.
Israel is also weighing how to respond to Iran’s decision to launch around 200 missiles at the country on October 1.
Netanyahu’s office said that Israel — and not its top ally the United States — would decide how to strike back.
“We listen to the opinions of the United States, but we will make our final decisions based on our national interest,” it said in a statement on Tuesday.
The Iranian barrage was in retaliation for an Israeli strike in Lebanon’s Beirut that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Iranian general Abbas Nilforoushan on September 27.
US President Joe Biden — whose government is Israel’s top arms supplier — has warned Israel against striking Iran’s nuclear or oil facilities.
According to a Washington Post report on Monday citing unnamed US officials, Netanyahu reassured the White House that Israel was only contemplating targeting military sites.
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Turkish government delays tax plan to fund defense industry
October 15, 2024
ISTANBUL: The Turkish government on Tuesday postponed until 2025 a parliamentary debate on a proposed tax on credit cards, which it sought to fund the arms industry as conflict rages in its neighborhood.
Indignant Turks, who already face double-digit inflation, called their banks to lower their credit limits after the governing AKP party submitted the tax bill to parliament on Friday.
After the public outcry, the AKP announced Tuesday that it was delaying debating the bill until next year.
“There were certain objections from our citizens, we will examine all of this in detail,” said the AKP’s parliamentary group chairman, Abdullah Guler.
“We have postponed our discussions and we will reconsider, after the budget, if there are some points to change or remove,” he said.
The proposed legislation came as Israel’s conflicts with Tehran-backed Islamist militants in Gaza and Lebanon, and missile strikes by Iran, have raised global concerns that a broader war could erupt in the Middle East.
“Our country has no choice but to increase its deterrent power. There’s war in our region right now. We are in a troubled neighborhood,” Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek told private broadcaster NTV earlier on Tuesday.
The bill stipulated that people with a credit card limit of at least 100,000 liras (nearly $3,000) would have to pay an annual 750 lira ($22) in tax from January to bolster the defense industry.
“If we increase our deterrent power, then our ability to protect against fire in the region will increase,” Simsek had said, though he added that the bill was in the hands of parliament and that the AKP, could “re-evaluate” it.
When he proposed the tax on Friday, Guler said that Israel’s next target would be Turkiye, an argument often cited by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
A vocal critic of Israel’s offensive in Gaza and Lebanon, Erdogan doubled down on the threat posed by Israel when addressing a conference hosted by his AKP party on Tuesday.
“Even if there are those who cannot see the danger approaching our country... we see the risk and take all kind of measures,” he said.
Turkiye’s defense industry has enjoyed a boom in recent years but Simsek said the sector still needed a boost.
The defense industry is planning to invest in 1,000 projects, including an air defense system that would protect Turkiye from missile assaults, Simsek said.
Turkiye allocated 90 billion lira from the budget to fund the defense industry last year, he added.
“This year, we increased it to 165 billion lira. Maybe we will need to double this even more.”
Turkiye’s defense companies signed contracts in 2023 worth a total of $10.2 billion, according to Haluk Gorgun, the head of Turkiye’s state Defense Industry Agency (SSB).
The top 10 Turkish defense exporters contributed nearly 80 percent of total export revenue, he said.
Sales of Turkish Baykar drones, used in Nagorno-Karabakh or Ukraine, amounted to $1.8 billion.
Last week, parliament held a closed-door session for the government to explain why it saw Israel as a potential threat, but the opposition said it was not convinced.
The spokesman for Turkiye’s main opposition CHP party, Deniz Yucel, said Monday that the government was exploiting nationalist feelings to sweep an “economic crisis” under the carpet.
Inflation has spiralled over the past two years, peaking at an annual rate of 85.5 percent in October 2022.
Official data showed it had slowed to 49.4 percent in September.
“The AKP is trying to create a fake ‘foreign threat and war agenda’ with the rhetoric of ‘Israel may attack us’,” Yucel said.
“We know and see that they are trying to disguise the economic crisis they caused.”
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War-torn Gaza a ‘constant peak emergency’: UN official
October 15, 2024
JERUSALEM: The Gaza Strip remains in a state of “constant peak emergency,” a UN official said, as aid groups continue to face severe challenges in delivering assistance after more than a year of war.
“Every day is a struggle to make sure that we can provide our assistance,” Antoine Renard, head of the World Food Programme (WFP) in the occupied Palestinian territories, told AFP shortly after a visit to war-torn Gaza.
Vast areas of Gaza have been devastated by Israel’s retaliatory assault on the territory after the October 7 Hamas attack last year sparked the war.
Israel has been intensifying operations in the north of the besieged Palestinian territory, where the UN has warned hundreds of thousands of people are trapped.
“People in the north of Gaza are relying solely on assistance. They practically have no access to fresh food — just staples provided by UNRWA and WFP,” Renard said, referring to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
He said that most residents have survived so far on tinned food, a situation he describes as “unsustainable.”
“It’s unique to actually have one year into a war where people are just depending on processed food that is coming from cans,” he said.
“We face issues with crossings. We face issues in having our assistance not being under bombs,” he added, noting that looting of the goods once in the territory was also a problem.
Despite a desperate need to increase the amount of aid going in, he said no WFP food aid has managed to reach northern Gaza since October 1, requesting that “crossings be reopened.”
The Israeli military said it was facilitating the transfer of humanitarian aid into northern Gaza, including fuel for hospitals and allowing the transfer of patients from one hospital to another.
According to the military, some 30 trucks carrying flour and food from the WFP entered northern Gaza through the Erez West crossing on Monday.
James Elder, spokesman for the UN children’s agency UNICEF, on Tuesday said Gaza appeared to be facing the worst restrictions on aid yet.
“August was the lowest amount of humanitarian aid that came into the Gaza Strip of any full month since the war broke out,” he said.
Renard said access to fresh food in southern Gaza is slightly better, with some vegetables and fruits available, but most people in the area still lack access to dairy, meat or fish.
Most goods, however, remained out of reach for many residents with shortages causing prices to skyrocket.
“The price of a can has just doubled now again on the market in the south of Gaza,” he said.
Bread remains one of the few fresh staples available to Gazans, he said, with WFP-assisted bakeries providing a loaf of bread to 2.1 million people daily.
“For many in Gaza, this is the only fresh food they have,” Renard added, calling them a “lifeline for the entire population.”
The war in Gaza was sparked by Hamas’s attack on October 7 last year, which resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures which includes hostages killed in captivity.
Israel’s retaliatory military offensive has killed 42,344 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza that the United Nations has described as reliable.
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Israel asks its defense sector to help foil drone attacks
October 15, 2024
JERUSALEM: Israel’s government has turned to industry to bolster the military’s ability to intercept aerial drones launched by Iran or the Lebanese Hezbollah militia.
The Defense Ministry said on Tuesday it had launched a competition among eight large and small companies.
“After analizing the trial results, the Defense Ministry will select several technologies to enter an accelerated development and production process. This aims to deploy new operational capabilities within months,” it said.
In addition to missiles, Iran, Hezbollah and others have used drones in attacks on Israel.
On Sunday, Hezbollah said it had attacked the Israeli military’s Golani Brigade in Binyamina in northern Israel with a “swarm of drones.” It said some of the drones, which included models it had not used before, had eluded Israeli air defense radar.
Israel’s military said four of its soldiers had been killed and seven severely injured.
“The UAV threat is a multi-arena threat originating from Iran, which supplies UAVs to Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq, and even launches them itself,” said Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
“We must concentrate the national effort ... to produce operational solutions quickly.”
The ministry’s director general, Eyal Zamir, said it had already invested hundreds of millions of shekels in such capabilities.
Those participating include Israel’s top defense firms, Elbit Systems, Rafael, and Israel Aerospace Industries.
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South Asia
Deputy PM Hanafi Urges Citizens to Support Needy Through Sar-e-Miasht Subsidy Tickets
2024-10-15
KABUL(BNA): Mawlavi Abdul Salam Hanafi, the Deputy Prime Minister, urged citizens to assist the most vulnerable members of society by purchasing Afghan Red Crescent Society (Sar-e-Miasht) subsidy tickets.
His remarks were made during a ceremony celebrating the commencement of Afghan Red Crescent Society Week.
Mawlavi Hanafi emphasized the importance of solidarity and compassion, encouraging citizens to leverage this special week to extend their support to the poor, orphans, and victims of hardship. “Every ticket purchased can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need,” he stated.
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Taliban say they rejected demands contravening Islamic Sharia at Doha talks
October 15, 2024
KABUL, Afghanistan — Taliban rejected demands they deemed in contravention of Islamic Sharia law during recent talks in Doha, according to Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s deputy chief minister for political affairs.
Kabir discussed the matter at a gathering in Kapisa Province, which was reported by Taliban-run national television. The report did not provide further details on his remarks.
The discussions in Doha, the most recent held in June, brought together representatives from various countries, though women’s rights activists and civil society members were notably absent.
Key demands from participating nations included the reopening of girls’ schools and the removal of restrictions imposed on women’s and girls’ rights. Requests in Doha meetings, Kabir noted, were not accepted as they were viewed as inconsistent with the Taliban’s interpretation of Sharia law.
Since their return to power, Taliban have barred girls from attending school beyond sixth grade. At the conclusion of the latest Doha session, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid reiterated that the matter of girls’ education remains an “internal issue” of Afghanistan and would be governed by the group’s adherence to Islamic principles.
Global human rights organizations and the United Nations have repeatedly called on the Taliban to reverse these policies and reopen schools for girls. These groups continue to advocate for the lifting of restrictions on women’s rights, which they argue are in violation of international human rights standards. The Taliban, however, have consistently maintained that their policies are aligned with Islamic teachings, resisting calls from the international community for broader freedoms for Afghan women and girls.
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Hasnat, Sarjis call for laying siege to High Court tomorrow
Oct 15, 2024
Demanding resignation of "fascist judges", the anti-discrimination student movement has announced a siege of the High Court tomorrow.
Hasnat Abdullah, one of the coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement, announced the programme in a post on his Facebook profile this evening.
In that post, Hasnat Abdullah wrote Awami League's fascist judges will be surrounded at the High Court by 11:00am tomorrow.
Coordinator Sarjis Alam also gave the same post following Hasnat Abdullah.
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Increasing concern over forced deportation of Afghan migrants from Iran
October 16, 2024
interventions to protect the rights and well-being of these vulnerable populations.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has expressed concern over the forced deportation of Afghan migrants from Iran, reporting that 60% of all returnees from this country were deported involuntarily. In a report released on October 14, the IOM noted an unprecedented rise in the number of Afghan migrants returning to their homeland, both forcibly and voluntarily. According to the report, 60% of Afghan returnees from Iran were forced to return, while 40% returned voluntarily. The IOM further stated that from January 2023 to July of this year, at least 1.7 million Afghan migrants have re turned from Iran, with the majority being forced returns. The organization has called for the immediate cessation of forced deportations of Afghan migrants from Iran. According to the report, 841,521 Afghan returnees from Iran have received assistance from the IOM. In recent months, there has been an increase in the deportation and return of Afghan migrants from both Iran and Pakistan. With rising numbers of forced returns, international bodies like the IOM urgently call for interventions to protect the rights and well-being of these vulnerable populations. Most recently, Ahmad Reza Radan, the Commander of the Law Enforcement Command of the Islamic Republic of Iran, announced that the country is determined to deport two million “illegal” Afghan migrants. He reaffirmed mass deportations of illegal Afghans from the country. He reiterated the country’s commitment, during a ceremony in the country’s Mashhad city the other day, adding that the arrests of illegal Afghan migrants in Iran have increased in recent days. Iran’s deportation of Afghans has intensified in recent months, according to officials of the Islamic Emirate’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, as many as 3,000 Afghans are deported from Iran daily. Over half a million Afghans have been forcibly evicted from Iran so far this year. The United Nations’ refugee agency, UNHCR, estimates that some 4 million Afghans reside in Iran, most of them undocumented migrants, while Iranian media say there are up to 8 million Afghans in the country. The announcement of the forced deportation of Afghan migrants by Iran has come amid of concerns that have been raised over the deportation of Afghans from EU member countries. After Germany, the Netherlands is now deciding whether it can persuade Uzbekistan to accept Afghan migrants who have had their asylum applications rejected. Germany recently agreed with Uzbekistan that it could send rejected Afghan asylum seekers to the neighboring country. Asylum seekers who have exhausted all legal remedies, especially criminals in the Netherlands, are often not welcome in their countries of origin, the Netherlands and other European countries have been looking for ways to send them back for years. Germany meanwhile hopes to send them back via Uzbekistan. The two countries agreed on this last month, in return for the admission of Uzbek migrant workers and development aid, among other things. Jawid Hussain
Source:thekabultimes.com
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Over 250 Afghan migrants killed in shooting by Iranian border guards
By Fidel Rahmati
October 16, 2024
The Iran Human Rights Organization (Halvash) reported that Iranian border guards shot at Afghan refugees attempting to enter the country, resulting in the deaths of 260 individuals.
According to Halvash, the report is based on accounts from two Afghan witnesses who saw their compatriots being killed.
The organization shared a video showing the bodies of the victims, stating that these individuals were killed last Sunday night in the border region of Kalgan Saravan.
Halvash cited sources who survived the incident, revealing that the group of migrants consisted of approximately 300 people. Out of this group, only 60 survived, while the rest were either killed or severely injured.
The actions of the Iranian border guards have sparked widespread reactions both domestically and internationally. So far, the Taliban officials have not commented on the matter.
This report comes amid a growing number of news stories about the harassment, torture, and mistreatment of Afghan refugees by Iranian forces, which continue to surface in the media.
The plight of Afghan refugees in Iran is dire, as they face not only physical violence but also systemic violations of their human and basic rights. The Iranian government’s actions, including forced deportation and brutal treatment, have raised serious concerns from international human rights organizations.
The situation for these refugees is exacerbated by the lack of legal protection and the constant threat of abuse, leaving many vulnerable to torture, harassment, and even death. This ongoing crisis highlights the urgent need for global attention and intervention to safeguard the rights of Afghan refugees.
Source:khaama.com
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Europe
Council of Europe urges Denmark to employ more Muslims in education, law enforcement
15.10.2024
The Council of Europe on Tuesday recommended Denmark to employ more Muslims in academic institutions and law enforcement authorities, according to local media.
The international human rights group urged Denmark to carry out a national action plan against racism, which should lead to a greater "proportion of employees with Muslim and other minority backgrounds in the professions of law enforcement officers and teachers.”
According to national broadcaster DR, the council also recommended that the action plan must "prevent anti-Muslim racism and discrimination."
The previous Danish government initiated an action plan against racism in 2022 after getting a consensus from the parliament. It has been now two years since the start of the action plan.
The Council of Europe's recommendations come in light of recent reports highlighting the challenges faced by Muslims in Denmark.
The European Islamophobia Report 2022 identified Denmark, along with France and Austria, as one of the most challenging countries for Muslims.
A 2018 report from the Danish National Police revealed that more than half of the 112 recorded religiously motivated hate crimes in Denmark targeted Muslims.
Source:aa.com.tr
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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/council-of-europe-urges-denmark-to-employ-more-muslims-in-education-law-enforcement/3362996
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Cardinal-designate Radcliffe links African bishops’ opposition to homosexuality to pressure from evangelicals, Moscow, and Muslims
October 15, 2024
In an article published in the Italian daily edition of the Vatican newspaper, Cardinal-designate Timothy Radcliffe, OP, one of the synod session’s two spiritual assistants, took repeated issue with statements made by Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, OFM Cap, the cardinal who leads the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar.
Cardinal-designate Radcliffe also linked African bishops’ qualms about homosexuality to “intense” pressure from American evangelicals, from Moscow, and from Muslims.
The October 2023 synod session’s synthesis report, wrote Cardinal-designate Radcliffe, “seemed to backtrack on the preparatory document on openness to LGBT people. The word is not even mentioned. Many saw this as a failure.”
“The Synod anticipated this misunderstanding,” he continued. “When seeds fall into the ground, not much seems to happen. They germinate quietly until spring.”
As he discussed the ways in which he sees the Spirit at work in the Synod, Radcliffe wrote that “the Holy Spirit invites us to leave our comfort zones as Westerners.”
“When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, many said we had entered a new era, the triumph of Western liberal democracy,” he explained. “Every nation was destined to ‘evolve’ towards our way of life. If some countries, especially in the South, did not agree with us, for example, on welcoming gay people, sooner or later they would have to adapt. We were wrong. We are entering a multipolar world.”
Referring to Fiducia Supplicans—the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith’s December 2023 declaration on the pastoral meaning of blessings—Radcliffe continued:
Pope Francis also asks us to open the Church to everyone, whoever they are. Todos, todos, todos (All, all, all): the divorced and remarried, gays, transgenders.
But in some parts of the world, welcoming gays is seen as scandalous. Many Catholic bishops in Africa see it as an attempt to impose a decadent Western ideology on the rest of the world. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of Kinshasa, president of the organization that represents all the Catholic bishops of Africa, sees it as the symptom of a decadent Western culture. A few weeks ago he declared: “Little by little, they [Westerners] will disappear. We wish them a happy disappearance.”
How can we reconcile the two imperatives of Francis’ papacy: to be outward-looking to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth, to all cultures, and to be open to all human beings, whatever their condition and whoever they are? The dilemma exploded with Fiducia supplicans, the declaration of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith that grants priests permission, especially in very specific situations, to bless couples in “irregular” relationships, including same-sex couples.
Cardinal Ambongo went to Rome to present the African bishops’ firm rejection of the proposal. Never before had all the bishops of a continent repudiated a Vatican document. Every attempt was made to calm the crisis. The Pope had approved the declaration. Cardinal Ambongo confirmed that African exceptionalism is an example of synodality. And he pointed out that unity does not mean uniformity. The Gospel is inculturated differently in different parts of the world.
Cardinal-designate Radcliffe then repeated his claim, made in an address in May, that the Gospel challenges the Church in Africa to welcome homosexuality.
“True, the Gospel is always inculturated in different cultures, but it also challenges every culture,” Radcliffe wrote in the Vatican newspaper. “Jesus was Jewish, yet he challenged the religion of his ancestors. Is the refusal to bless gays in Africa an example of inculturation or a refusal to be a nonconformist? Inculturation for one person is another person’s rejection of the nonconformist Gospel.”
Cardinal-designate Radcliffe then linked African bishops’ qualms about homosexuality to “intense” external pressures:
Another concern raised by Fiducia supplicans is that there appears to have been no consultation—even with bishops or other Vatican offices—before its release; not exactly, perhaps, a good example of synodality. African bishops are under intense pressure from Evangelicals, with American money; from Russian Orthodox, with Russian money; and from Muslims, with money from the rich Gulf countries. There should have been a discussion with them before, not after, the statement was released. Whatever we think about the statement, when we face tensions, and to overcome them, we all need to think and engage with one another on a deep level.
The Vatican newspaper posted Radcliffe’s article without any explanation. On page 10 of its daily edition, the article appeared under the heading “The Synod of Bishops”; in a sidebar, the newspaper’s editors introduced the article with these words:
Being open to new and unexpected friendships, leaving clericalism and one’s own comfort zone and opening oneself to all cultures in the name of Christian universalism. These are the ways in which the Holy Spirit works in the Synod, “and each of these invites us to a kind of death so that we can live.” These are the thoughts of the Dominican biblical scholar and theologian Timothy Peter Joseph Radcliffe—whom Pope Francis will create cardinal in the next consistory—on the three-year process of the Synod on Synodality, expressed during a conference held last Good Friday at Stonyhurst College, in the United Kingdom ...
The text, adapted, appeared in the English periodical The Tablet in April 2024 and was reprinted by Vita e Pensiero, a bimonthly periodical of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, in issue 4 of July/August in an Italian translation—edited by Simona Plessi—which we publish in our pages.
Source:catholicculture.org
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EU admits it found no Russian ‘election meddling’
15 Oct, 2024
Brussels did not record any serious cases of interference in the June 2024 European Parliament elections, EU commissioner Vera Jourova has admitted. The bloc has previously made claims of Russian meddling and threatened Moscow with sanctions.
In May, the EU parliament denounced Russia as “the main origin of foreign interference and disinformation” in the bloc, and called for more sanctions and tighter censorship. As the European Commission vice president for ‘values and transparency’, Jourova was charged with safeguarding the vote from alleged external meddling.
“Based on currently available information, no major information interference operation capable of disrupting the elections was recorded,” Jourova said in an October 10 report on the election. She repeated that finding on Tuesday, speaking to reporters after a General Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg.
The Czech politician qualified her statement by claiming that “Kremlin propaganda and other malicious actors” still threaten the bloc through the use of “disinformation,” AI, and cyber-attacks.
According to Jourova, EU ‘fact-checkers’ claimed to have seen a surge of disinformation around two weeks before the vote. In addition to claiming the elections were rigged, the stories dealt with “topics that trigger a strong emotional impact – the war in Ukraine and the Middle East, false narratives on climate change, and migrants.”
Jourova accused Russia of being behind the ‘Doppelganger’ network of fake websites impersonating “legitimate media” and using social media bots. The alleged meddlers used AI to spellcheck their texts and generate fake comments under their articles, she claimed.
For all the warnings about AI, however, the NGOs tasked with flagging alleged violations reported just 130 cases of “unlabeled” artificially generated content, mostly ‘cheap fakes’ and ‘shallow fakes’ that did not amount to a “big bang” that could put the election results in question.
Jourova’s report comes just days after EU foreign policy head Josep Borrell put forth a new framework for sanctions against Russia, accusing Moscow of “fake news, election destabilization and cyber warfare,” supposedly with the intent to “undermine the values, security, independence and integrity of the EU and its member states.”
Borrell accused Russia of a “hybrid campaign” to “divide our society, destabilize and weaken the EU,” and undermine support for Ukraine.
Moscow has denied accusations of election meddling, saying it has no interest in the internal affairs of the EU.
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/605761-european-elections-russian-meddling/
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German airline penalized for ‘discriminating’ against Jewish passengers
15 Oct, 2024
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced a $4 million penalty against German national airline Lufthansa for allegedly discriminating against a group of Jewish passengers.
According to a DOT statement on Tuesday, the airline prohibited 128 Jewish passengers, most of them wearing traditional Orthodox Jewish clothing, from boarding their connecting flight in Germany in May 2022.
DOT said it had received over 40 discrimination complaints from Jewish passengers who were ticketed to fly from John F. Kennedy Airport in New York to Budapest, Hungary with a stop in Frankfurt, Germany.
The department’s investigation into the complaints concluded that Lufthansa prohibited the whole group of Jewish passengers from completing their travel to Budapest on the basis of alleged misbehavior by a few of them. According to media reports, some individuals had allegedly refused to comply with the airline’s rules requiring them to wear face masks.
“Based on the alleged misconduct of some passengers,” the department said, Lufthansa staff “treated them all as if they were a single group and denied them boarding,” despite many of the passengers not knowing each other or traveling together.
Local German media reported at the time that the airline’s staff excluded those passengers who were recognizable as Jews because they were wearing skull caps or had sidelocks. A video of the incident reportedly showed Lufthansa staff telling passengers that “everyone has to pay” for the mistakes of a few.
According to DOT, the fine issued to Lufthansa is the largest ever the agency has levied for “discrimination.”
“No one should face discrimination when they travel, and today’s action sends a clear message to the airline industry that we are prepared to investigate and take action whenever passengers’ civil rights are violated,” US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.
Lufthansa said in a statement on Tuesday that since the incident it had fully cooperated with the DOT as the latter conducted its investigation.
The German carrier apologized for the incident at the time, saying it had “zero tolerance for racism, antisemitism and discrimination of any type.” The company later said it had reached a settlement with most of the excluded Jewish passengers.
Source:rt.com
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Al Mustafa Centre in Bradford holding open day this month
15th October
By Michael Broomhead
PEOPLE of all faiths are being invited to tour a Bradford mosque on an open day.
Al Mustafa Centre on Young Street will be holding the event between 3pm and 5pm on October 20.
A spokesperson from the mosque said: "Want to learn about Islam and British Muslims?
We warmly welcome people of all faith traditions and none to come along and visit our mosque."
The open day will include a tour of the Al Mustafa Centre and a chance to speak to representatives from the mosque and Bradford Muslim College.
There will be a question and answer session led by Imam Adam Kelwick as well as insights into the Quran and Islamic traditions.
The event will end with traditional Islamic poetry and music.
Admission is free.
People interested in attending can reserve a slot via shorturl.at/dZnew
Source:thetelegraphandargus.co.uk
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Africa
Most Houses, Offices of Politicians In Nigeria Stockpiled With Hard Drugs – Senator Sumaila
15 October 2024
By Oladipo Abiola
The Senator representing Kano South in the National Assembly, Kawu Sumaila, has indicated that many politicians in the country harbour hard drugs in their homes and offices.
Speaking on Tuesday while contributing to a debate during plenary on the general principles of a bill seeking to establish a national institute for drug awareness and rehabilitation, Senator Sumaila said the drugs are usually stockpiled by the workers.
He added that he could take the Senate leadership to houses and offices of political leaders where mountains of hard drugs are stockpiled.
The lawmaker said politicians and appointees should be made to go through compulsory drug tests before elections and appointments.
“We need to create a situation where before conducting elections or before taking appointments, you must go for a drug test.
“As I am speaking now, most of our officers in our constituencies, most of our political officers, most of our houses, when you go there you will find that out there is a mountain of drugs.
“There are drug dealers in our offices and our houses.
“I am immune to talk, I am in the chamber of the senate and I can take you to some of the political leaders who are in so many ways contributing to drug abuse in Nigeria.
“Mr President, we need to be serious,” he said.
The Senator was, however, ruled out of order by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary.
Cited order 36 of the standing rules of the upper legislative chamber, Jibrin said; “Your contribution is not relevant to the subject matter.”
The bill is sponsored by the senator representing Kano Central, Hanga Rufa’i.
Source:naijanews.com
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World Bank Approves $500 Million COVID-19 Grant For Nigeria
15 October 2024
By Ikenna Ngere
The World Bank has approved a $500 million grant to assist Nigeria in recovering from the economic and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Naija News understands that the funding will be directed to the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) initiative.
Recall the NG-CARES programme, launched in 2021, aims to support vulnerable households and small businesses impacted by the pandemic.
The World Bank Task Team Leader for NG-CARES, Dr. Lire Ersado, disclosed the grant details following a two-day Peer Learning and Experience Sharing meeting held in Port Harcourt.
The event was coordinated by the Federal Cares Support Unit, under the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Representing Ersado, Prof. Foluso Okumadewa noted that this financial boost would help bolster Nigeria’s broader economic recovery initiatives.
He confirmed the World Bank’s continued support for NG-CARES over the next three years, with potential extensions if supported by the Nigerian government.
The World Bank is committed to institutionalizing the NG-CARES programme to sustain its impact beyond external financing.
The National Coordinator of NG-CARES, Dr. Abdulkareem Obaje, highlighted the programme’s achievements in providing relief to Nigeria’s vulnerable populations.
The initiative has reportedly spent $750 million so far, with $625 million already allocated to state projects, representing an 88% disbursement rate.
Another $50 million is expected to be disbursed by the end of the year, bringing the programme closer to its goal of reaching $1 billion.
Obaje reported that the programme has exceeded initial targets by 30%, with $345 million reimbursed to states and $834 million in verified outcomes.
He added that NG-CARES aims to continue supporting communities impacted by economic shocks, reaching even more beneficiaries in the coming months.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Alhaji Abdulateef Shittu, also spoke at the meeting, expressing appreciation for the active participation of state governments.
He highlighted the NGF’s role in promoting knowledge-sharing and best practices among states, ensuring the programme’s success nationwide.
Shittu concluded by commending state efforts in overcoming shared challenges, underlining the NGF’s commitment to the success of developmental initiatives like NG-CARES.
Source:naijanews.com
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ICC prosecutor announces renewed probe into alleged crimes in eastern Congo
15 October 2024
The International Criminal Court prosecutor said Monday he is renewing an investigation in Congo and focusing on allegations of crimes committed in the conflict-torn North Kivu province in the central African nation's east since early 2022.
Eastern Congo has long been overrun by more than 120 armed groups seeking a share of the region’s gold and other resources as some carry out mass killings. The result is one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with more than 7 million people displaced, many beyond the reach of aid.
The most active rebel group has been M23, which rose to prominence more a decade ago when its fighters seized Goma, eastern Congo’s largest city on the border with Rwanda. It derives its name from a March 23, 2009, peace deal that it accuses Congo's government of not implementing.
In August, clashes between the rebels and pro-government militias killed 16 villagers in a violation of the cease-fire announced in August to help millions displaced.
The ICC first opened an investigation in Congo 20 years ago following years of armed conflict. Last year the Congolese government asked it to investigate alleged crimes in North Kivu by armed groups operating there since Jan. 1, 2022.
In a statement, prosecutor Karim Khan said recent violence in North Kivu is “interconnected with patterns of violence and hostilities that have plagued the region" since mid-2002. As a result, the more recent allegations fall into the ongoing investigation.
Khan said his probe in North Kivu “will not be limited to particular parties or members of specific groups. Rather, my office will examine holistically, independently and impartially the responsibility of all actors” allegedly committing crimes within the court's jurisdiction.
The ICC previously convicted three rebels of crimes in Congo's eastern Ituri region, including a notorious warlord, Bosco Ntaganda, known as “The Terminator” who was found guilty of crimes including murder, rape and sexual slavery. His convictions and 30-year sentence were upheld by appeals judges in 2021.
Source:africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2024/10/15/icc-prosecutor-announces-renewed-probe-into-alleged-crimes-in-eastern-congo/
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Edah promises FCT Muslim pilgrims 1st class services
By Favour Lashem
October 15, 2024
Malam Kadiri Edah, the newly appointed Director of the Federal Capital Territory Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, has promised improved welfare and first-class services to Muslim pilgrims
Malam Kadiri Edah, the newly appointed Director of the Federal Capital Territory Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, has promised improved welfare and first-class services to Muslim pilgrims from the territory.
Edah, who took over from Malam Abubakar Evuti, made the promise during the maiden staff meeting after taking over as the new director of the board, on Monday in Abuja
He also promised hitch-free hajj operations and improved welfare for management staff of the board.
He, however, called on the management staff to show some level of commitment in handling pilgrims’ affairs and protect the image of the board and the FCT Administration (FCTA).
He also called on staff of the board to be honest and dedicated to their duties and warned against any act capable of tarnishing the image of the board and the FCTA.
He solicited the cooperation of all staff and other stakeholders to ensure the success of all hajj operations.
“All staff must be dedicated to their duties and abide by the rules and regulations of the board as the administration would not condone any act of corruption and indiscipline,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Edah is a seasoned administrator, who joined the services of the FCT Administration in 1994 and served in various departments and agencies.
He was promoted and deployed to the Secondary Education Board (SEB) as Director of Administration in 2023, the position he held until his appointment as director of FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Edah, from Kogi state, is a 1992 graduate of Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Studies. (NAN) \
Source:newsdiaryonline.com
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Pakistan
Lawyers vow to fight constitutional tweaks ‘tooth and nail’
Sumair Abdullah
October 16, 2024
• All Pakistan Lawyers Convention passes resolution opposing proposed constitutional court
• Rabbiya Bajwa, Ali Ahmed Kurd’s speeches disrupted by political outbursts
KARACHI: As the ruling coalition prepares to bring judicial reforms through a constitutional amendment, members of the legal community have expressed their opposition to the proposed reforms, saying they would launch a nationwide movement if the government managed to pass the controversial constitutional package.
The All Pakistan Lawyers Convention held at the city courts, however, faced disruption from the outset, when two groups of lawyers with political affiliations, began protesting against each other, despite efforts by the organisers to calm them down.
Karachi Bar Association (KBA) Secretary General Ikhtiar Ali Channa was seen appealing to speakers to refrain from mentioning any political parties or leaders amid sporadic slogans by lawyers in support of their respective parties.
The commotion started when Rabbiya Bajwa, former Lahore High Court Bar Association vice president, had to leave the podium after encountering opposition for criticising the PPP for its role in the proposed amendment bill.
Lawyers affiliated with the party surrounded the stage and began chanting slogans against her, prompting PTI sympathisers to react.
Eventually, Ms Bajwa was allowed to retake the dais to complete her address. But when she returned to the rostrum, she said she would not retract her comments and left the stage.
Meanwhile, Aijaz Somroo, secretary general of the Peoples Lawyers Forum, approached the media table, where reporters were present, and claimed that the lawyers’ forum was being used for “political purposes”.
Opposing the amendment
KBA President Aamir Nawaz Waraich presented a resolution at the conclusion of the hours-long event, opposing the proposed constitutional amendment bill. The lawyers pledged to resist the establishment of the proposed Federal Constitutional Court in the resolution, passed by the majority through a show of hands.
During the event, speakers from various bar associations and councils from across the country warned that the proposed bill would weaken the concept of trichotomy of powers.
They referred to the crisis as a ‘monster’ that would negatively impact the lives of the people while also criticising the alleged role of the establishment in drafting the bill. They also claimed that judges of the proposed Constitutional Court would function like “contractors”.
They stated that if the government succeeds in passing the amendment, they would reject it and launch resistance similar to the 2007 judiciary restoration movement.
Kurd’s speech disrupted
Many participants of the convention were eager to hear what senior lawyer Ali Ahmed Kurd had to say. A veteran of the 2007 lawyers’ movement, Mr Kurd’s address to the convention was a nostalgic moment for many, as they had missed his signature aggressive style and passion.
In his remarks, he criticised the “role of the establishment” in the proposed bill, claiming that they were now “hiding behind a curtain” and expressed hope that the legal community would not allow the proposed amendment to pass.
However, a young lawyer took the microphone from him minutes into the speech, saying they would not allow the amendment to pass under “any circumstances”.
Attempts were made to remove the lawyer from the podium. As tensions rose between the organisers and the lawyer, Mr Kurd shortened his address and also left the rostrum.
‘Over our bodies’
Former Supreme Court Bar Association president and PTI-aligned senior lawyer Hamid Khan emphasised the need for reforms in the judiciary and acknowledged the dissatisfaction with the performance of the Supreme Court and high courts.
However, he cautioned that this did not justify destroying the institution in the guise of a “judicial package”.
“We will not allow the establishment of the Federal Constitutional Court; for us, there is only one constitutional court, and that is the Supreme Court of Pakistan. If it is to be established, it will have to be done over the [dead] bodies of lawyers.”
Mr Khan suggested forming an action committee that would include representation from all lawyers across Pakistan and would determine the future course of action.
Senior counsel Munir A. Malik, another leading figure from the movement for the restoration of the judiciary, said the situation they faced today was more dangerous than the one in 2007, adding that it would be like ‘the final nail’ in the Constitution.
“At that time [referring to the restoration movement], there was only a reference against one judge, but now there is a reference against all judges,” he said, adding, “If this amendment is passed, its aftershocks will be felt for two decades.”
He demanded that the draft be circulated among the lawyer community before being tabled, and their input should be sought. He also suggested that after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, lawyers should appear in courts wearing black armbands in protest until the draft of the constitutional package would be made public.
It may be noted that the draft of the constitutional package was shared by the government with the Pakistan Bar Council to incorporate the input of lawyers. The PBC’s executive committee reviewed the draft proposals in a series of meetings and forwarded them to the government earlier this month.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1865478/lawyers-vow-to-fight-constitutional-tweaks-tooth-and-nail
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PPP, JUI-F reach consensus on constitutional package
Imran Ayub
October 16, 2024
KARACHI: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) reached an agreement on Tuesday regarding the proposed 26th constitutional amendment.
Although the key points of the constitutional package were not disclosed, JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman made it clear that he had rejected the previous draft and would not compromise on parliamentary supremacy or the essence of the Constitution.
Apparently, the Maulana showed some flexibility during his meeting with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, where both leaders agreed on a joint draft for the proposed amendment and committed to building consensus among other parliamentary parties. The two are scheduled to meet PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif in Raiwind today (Wednesday) to seek his blessings for the draft.
The meeting, viewed as a breakthrough by PPP leaders, took place at Bilawal House and lasted over four hours. Afterwards, the leaders addressed the media, sharing the “good news” of the emerging consensus on the amendment while expressing hope that more parties, including Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), would join the fold.
“I think it’s not appropriate to share the details of the consensus or the key points of the draft before meeting Mian Sahib [Nawaz Sharif] tomorrow,” the PPP chairman said in response to a question.
“Maulana Sahib is meeting Mian Sahib tomorrow. We are also invited for lunch at Raiwind, so we hope that once this process of understanding and consensus is complete, we can share the details with you in a much better way,” he added.
To the same query, Maulana Fazl came forward and gave the impression that he had not made any compromise over his party’s stance, which had been resisting the proposed Federal Constitutional Court since day one, and said that he had not agreed on the previous draft for the proposed amendment.
“Let me be very clear that we rejected the first draft and we would reject it again even today,” he said. “However, we kept engaging with each other in the larger interest,” he said, adding that the PPP and the JUI-F prepared their separate drafts and looked into the areas where consensus could be built.
“We successfully removed the differences between the two sides. Now we expect the PML-N to agree on these points, which do not compromise parliamentary supremacy or the essence of the Constitution,” he said.
Mr Bhutto-Zardari highlighted that the concept of a constitutional court was part of the Charter of Democracy, envisioned by Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif in 2006. However, Maulana Fazlur Rehman clarified that his party was not a signatory to the charter but supported initiatives that strengthened democracy and the parliamentary system.
“The PPP has fought every election since 2007 with the pledge to implement judicial reforms, including the establishment of federal constitutional courts. Please see relevant sections of the 2006 Charter of Democracy, 2013 manifesto and 2024 election manifesto,” Mr Bhutto-Zardari said.
Earlier in the day, the PPP chairman took to social media to share his thoughts that opposition to proposed amendments was based on personal likes and dislikes.
In a message on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Bhutto-Zardari mentioned that the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court had been part of the party manifesto since 2007, after the Charter of Democracy was signed on May 14, 2006.
“Many of today’s opponents have supported this reform in the past. Their opposition today is based on personal likes and dislikes or partisan positions on the politics of the moment. Our permanent party position for almost two decades now has remained consistent,” he tweeted.
“Our representatives elected in every election under my chairmanship of this party have been given the mandate by the people of Pakistan to establish a federal constitutional court with equal representation for all,” he added.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1865525
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PM Shehbaz delivers keynote at SCO summit's opening ceremony
By Web Desk
October 16, 2024
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is addressing the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) Council of the Heads of Government (CHG).
The highly-anticipated 23rd meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government (CHG) of the SCO member states is taking place at the Jinnah Convention Centre in the federal capital.
The summit being hosted by Pakistan — after assuming the rotating chair of the SCO CHG for 2023-24 at the previous meeting held in Bishkek in 2023 — is being attended by top officials from member countries.
Before the keynote address, PM Shehbaz welcomed the leaders at the venue, which was followed by a group photo.
In his opening remarks, the premier said that the regional powers are at a historic moment of transition where sweeping transformations are reshaping the global, social, political, economic, and security landscape.
"From the esteemed platform of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a beacon of multilateralism, I stand in the belief that we possess not only the potential but the will to forge a future that is more prosperous and secure for our people," he added.
Those attending include Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, Russian PM Mikhail Mishustin, Iranian First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref, and most notably, Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar — first such visit by an Indian foreign minister in almost 10 years.
The event has garnered more attention with Jaishankar's participation as the nuclear-armed arch-rivals continue to have frosty relations.
The SCO member states are China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Iran and India, while 16 other countries are affiliated as observers or "dialogue partners".
Besides them, Mongolia is participating in the summit as an Observer State, represented by Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai and Turkmenistan as Special Guest represented by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Rashid Meredov.
Among other dignitaries attending the moot include SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming, Director of Executive Committee SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) Ruslan Mirzayev, Chairman of the Board of SCO Business Council Atif Ikram Shaikh and Chairman of the Council of SCO Interbank Union Marat Yelibayev.
The largest delegation is from the Russian Federation. The Russian delegation arrived in Pakistan in two groups. Over 58 Russian journalists are part of the Russian prime minister's delegation.
The bloc claims to represent 40% of the world's population and about 30% of its GDP, but its members have diverse political systems and even open disagreements with one another.
The visiting regional leaders gathered for the moot will discuss ongoing cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, environment and socio-cultural linkages and review the performance of the Organisation.
During the summit, the leaders will adopt important organisational decisions to further enhance cooperation among the SCO member states and approve the budget of the Organisation.
The prime minister will deliver his concluding remarks after the signing of different documents by the participating leaders.
Afterwards, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming will deliver media statements to discuss the highlights and outcomes of the two-day summit.
PM Shehbaz will also host an official luncheon today for the participating leaders.
The government has taken stringent security measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the SCO meeting. The capital city has been shut down for the two-day summit with more than 9,000 police officers deployed alongside security forces.
Roads have been blocked off, restaurants closed and public holidays announced in an attempt to restrict movement in the capital and the neighbouring city of Rawalpindi.
A day earlier, PM Shehbaz Sharif hosted the welcome dinner for the dignitaries participating in the moot.
Indian FM's rare visit
Jaishankar arrived at an airbase near Islamabad on Tuesday afternoon, where he was met by a low-level delegation, unlike other leaders who were welcomed by senior ministers.
Hours after his arrival, Indian FM Jaishankar was greeted by PM Shehbaz, with a handshake followed by an exchange of sombre expressions between the two at the start of an official dinner for the visiting leaders of the bloc.
Relations between the two nations have been particularly sour since 2019 when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi revoked the limited autonomy of Indian-administered Kashmir.
Modi's 2019 move led Islamabad to suspend bilateral trade and downgrade diplomatic ties with New Delhi.
Jaishankar's visit comes nine years after former Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj visited the country in 2015 for a summit on Afghanistan.
Modi also made a surprise visit to Pakistan that year, shortly after taking office for his first term, sparking short-lived hopes of a thaw in relations.
Former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari was in Goa last year — also a rare visit — for an SCO meeting, where he and Jaishankar were involved in a verbal spat.
It was the first official visit by a senior Pakistani official to their eastern neighbour since 2016, but the two foreign ministers did not hold a one-on-one meeting.
The neighbouring governments have said that no bilateral meetings have been requested, and Jaishankar's visit will strictly follow the SCO schedule.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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Gohar says Imran Khan in 'good health, exercised for an hour today'
By Shabbir Dar & Web Desk
October 15, 2024
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Tuesday said that incarcerated party founder Imran Khan "is in good health" after a team of doctors from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) visited Adiala Jail.
Gohar's statement came after his party deferred its protest at Islamabad's D-Chowk on the SCO summit's inaugural day after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured the party that a team of doctors would examine the PTI founder's health at the Rawalpindi central jail.
The PTI chairman confirmed that two doctors — an ENT specialist and a medical specialist — visited Khan at Adiala Jail at 4pm today.
"We were informed a while ago that Alhamdullillah, Khan Saab is in good health and had exercised for an hour today," he said in a message on X, adding: "We shall get medical reports from them soon and I will share with you, InshaAllah."
He also expressed gratitude to the PTI workers and supporters who were concerned about the party founder's health.
In another tweet, Barrister Gohar shared a medical report of the PTI founder, saying: "He was found to be active. He was afebrile with normal blood pressure, pulse & Spo2 96% at room air."
"His complaint was dyspepsia [a disorder of digestive function] for the last 5 days for which he was already on PPIs. He has tinnitus for last few months for which he is already taking medications and there is no fresh complaints regarding his ears."
"He is otherwise fit & healthy and does not need any further medication at the moment," it concluded.
A day ago, Gohar had announced his party's political committee's decision to put off its Islamabad protest scheduled for October 15 in view of the SCO summit kicked off in Islamabad earlier today.
Prior to accepting the government's proposal, the party sought permission for a meeting between Khan, his sisters and doctors at the jail, however, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's administration turned down the request.
It was also learnt via sources that a team of Pims' doctors would visit Adiala Jail to examine the former prime minister. Additionally, Khan's private physician would also be permitted to meet him, the sources added.
However, Khan's personal physician Dr Asim Yusuf was not allowed to meet him despite he waited outside the jail for more than an hour and also submitted his credentials to the security staff.
However, he returned from jail after not being permitted to meet the PTI founder. Dr Asim said that he was told that the authorities only allowed Pims’ doctors to conduct the former prime minister's medical examination.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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Pakistan, Russia commence joint exercise 'Druzhba-VII' to combat terrorism
By Zarmeen Zehra
October 15, 2024
RAWALPINDI: In a bid to enhance counter-terrorism capabilities, the armies of Pakistan and Russia commenced bilateral exercise titled Joint Exercise Druzhba-VII, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Tuesday.
According to the military's media wing, this is the seventh bilateral joint exercise in the counter-terrorism domain.
The two-week-long exercise commenced on October 13 at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Pabbi with participation of Light Commando Troops ex Pakistan Army and Russian Military Contingent.
The commandant of the National Counter Terrorism Centre graced the opening ceremony of the exercise as chief guest, the statement added.
The exercise, the ISPR stated, is aimed at refining professional skills through joint training besides harnessing the historic military to military relations among the friendly countries.
"Participating troops are looking forward to benefit from mutual expertise/ experience," read the statement.
On October 13, Pakistan and United States navies also conducted a bilateral exercise in the Arabian Sea with the aim to enhance interoperability and demonstrate their resolve towards regional maritime peace.
The Pakistan Navy's (PN) media wing had stated that the US Navy Ship USS O'Kane visited Karachi and participated in a bilateral exercise at the Arabian Sea with Pakistan Navy Ship Babur.
"The visit and bilateral exercise reflect Pakistan Navy's commitment towards regional peace, stability and maritime order in collaboration with seasonal global partners," the media wing reported.
The collaborations have proved benefitting in countering menace of terrorism, piracy, narcotics, and human trafficking in the region and beyond, it added.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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Task force formed to remove encroachments from Karachi roads
Tahir Siddiqui
October 16, 2024
• Murad blames damaged roads, illegal parking areas for worsening traffic situation
• Asks LG minister, Karachi mayor and commissioner to identify 10 to 15 major roads for anti-encroachment operation by today
• Points out role of drug addicts in damaging public infrastructure
KARACHI: Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday formed a task force and once again ordered removal of encroachments and illegal parking across the city as the authorities concerned had apparently turned a deaf ear to the instructions he had given to all civic and local bodies three months ago for eradication of the menace.
On July 12, he had directed the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, town municipal corporation and city administration to remove encroachments from public spaces with the support of police, observing that encroachments on footpaths, green belts, walkways and streets had defaced the city and were causing serious problems in the flow of traffic but no authority was ready to remove them.
Presiding over yet another meeting to discuss the deteriorating state of the city’s infrastructure on Tuesday, the chief minister also constituted a task force under the Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani and set a deadline for clearing encroachments from 10 to 15 key roads in the city.
The chief minister said the ongoing development projects, damaged roads, drainage issues, illegal parking and rampant encroachments were major contributors to the city’s severe traffic congestion.
The committee formed under the local government minister with the mayor, commissioner and other relevant officers its members will identify 10 to 15 important roads in the city by Wednesday (today) and then initiate the operation to remove encroachments from walkways, green belts, streets, and footpaths.
He emphasised a zero-tolerance policy towards encroachments on major roads and instructed the administration, KMC, and towns to ensure close coordination in removing encroachments.
He also said that once removed, encroachments should not be allowed to re-emerge at any cost.
Additionally, Mr Shah stressed the need to preserve green belts and instructed the authorities that the outdoor generators placed by banks and hospitals be relocated within their premises.
He also pointed out the role of drug addicts in damaging public infrastructure, saying that they stole steel rods, streetlight pipes, and other materials, causing further degradation of public spaces.
“I want the administration to relocate all drug users currently living under bridges and in slum areas. Their theft of steel rods from bridges and streetlights not only defaces the city but also undermines our development efforts,” he said directing civic agencies to strengthen vigilance to prevent such thefts.
BRT Red Line
It was pointed out that the ongoing development work on the Red Line BRT was one of the traffic jam reasons in the area of Gulshan-i-Iqbal.
The CM was told that the work on the BRT Red Line, particularly from Hasan Square to Tank Chowk had been speeded up.
The CM directed the authorities concerned to ensure the completion of the work on the said corridors by Dec or Jan 2025.
Meanwhile, he directed the administration to remove encroachments along the service road opened to traffic from Hasan Square onward.
Illegal parking
Regarding illegal parking, the CM emphasised the need to maintain smooth traffic flow and reduce congestion on busy roads.
It was noted that designated parking spaces in plazas were often underutilised, leading to parking in service lanes.
The chief minister directed that plazas with designated parking areas must ensure that their spaces were 100 per cent functional.
He also instructed deputy commissioners to identify plazas with underutilised parking spaces with assistance of the SBCA.
Mr Shah also directed the administration and the police to eradicate illegal parking practices through coordination with the traffic police.
Murad Shah directed that parking on roads with high traffic during peak hours was to be prohibited to reduce congestion.
The meeting participants also decided to launch a media campaign to inform the public about these new measures and build support and confidence in the initiative.
Moratorium on road cutting
Road cutting was a significant topic of discussion in the meeting, particularly in Lyari, where funds generated are not reinvested in road repair and rehabilitation, leading to subpar patchwork and rapid deterioration.
The meeting participants were informed that overlapping jurisdiction of various authorities exacerbated these problems.
The CM issued directives to establish road-cutting conditions, including a two-year moratorium on road-cutting after initial establishment.
“A dual costs system shall also be introduced to separate costs for road cutting and rehabilitation, minimising unnecessary digging,” he ordered.
Additionally, the CM decided that a centralised authority should be established to grant road-cutting permissions, with the collected fees transferred back to the towns.
Source:dawn.com
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Southeast Asia
Enforcement agencies bust 47 syndicates bringing in foreign workers illegally - Saifuddin Nasution
BERNAMA
16-10- 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department, in collaboration with enforcement agencies, including the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), has thwarted 47 syndicates involved in the illegal entry of foreign workers into Malaysia as of October.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said 1,285 syndicate members and illegal immigrants have been arrested as a result of the crackdown.
He said the Immigration Department has also tightened checks at entry points to ensure only eligible individuals are permitted to enter the country.
“A Not To Land (NTL) notice or an entry refusal notice is issued to those who are not eligible, and as of September this year, 25,214 foreign nationals have received NTL notices,” he said during the question and answer session in Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) on the government’s firm action against syndicates that brought in foreigners through a ‘counter-setting’ modus operandi, which was also masterminded by the enforcement agency stationed at the country’s air entry point.
Saifuddin Nasution said that among the measures implemented by the Immigration Department to combat these syndicates were increasing the supervision of officers on counter duties, monitoring through closed-circuit television (CCTV) in control rooms and conducting spot checks at immigration counters.
In addition, counter officers are prohibited from carrying communication devices and are subjected to body searches before and after duty.
He said the department has also set up a special team to patrol the area before travellers approach the immigration counters.
“If the team detects individuals lingering for five, six, seven or even eight hours without approaching the counter, it indicates they are waiting for a signal from the syndicate on which counter they should proceed to,” he explained.
He added that through these patrols, 6,694 travellers were denied entry into Malaysia as of September, mostly due to insufficient funds or not having a valid address.
Saifuddin Nasution said the Immigration Department is finalising the procurement process for a passenger screening system and is upgrading its CCTV systems at entry points with enhanced audio and visual features.
Source:thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/enforcement-agencies-bust-47-syndicates-bringing-in-foreign-workers-illegally-saifuddin-nasution-KH13142008
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Govt only borrows to fund fiscal deficit, maturing debt - Amir Hamzah
BERNAMA
16-10- 2024 '
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Finance (MoF) only borrows to finance the fiscal deficit and maturing debt to always ensure that it does not borrow excessively.
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said that through strict and phased fiscal consolidation, the government managed to curb the increase in the amount of net loans while reducing debt growth.
During the winding up of the Auditor General’s Report (LKAN) 3/2024 on the federal government’s Financial Statements in 2023 in Dewan Rakyat today, he explained that the amount of federal government loans in 2023 actually decreased to RM226.595 billion compared to RM230.949 billion in 2022.
“The fiscal deficit has been consistently reduced. The amount of net loans is expected to continue to decrease, from RM99.4 billion in 2022 to RM92.5 billion in 2023.
“This trend is expected to continue to decrease to around RM86 billion in 2024,“ he said.
Amir Hamzah’s speech was read by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh as Amir Hamzah suffered from throat inflammation or laryngitis.
According to him, of the RM241.509 billion stated in the LKAN, a total of RM8.776 billion is the net premium adjusted to the Premium Settlement Account/Government Securities Discount.
Meanwhile, RM6.138 billion is a ‘switch auction’ transaction which is a method used by the federal government as a debt maturity managing profile to reduce refinancing risk.
“This method will not increase the total amount of loans as it only involves the exchange of debt papers with the same principal amount between the government and market players,“ he said.
Amir Hamzah also explained the issue of the government’s financial commitment which increased by RM0.139 billion to RM285.634 billion, and the guarantee commitment which expanded by RM3.288 billion to RM227.404 billion compared to 2022.
He said all of these guarantee commitments are debt commitments of government-related companies and statutory bodies that specifically implement social obligations, especially public transport infrastructure projects.
This includes new loan issuance mainly by Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), DanaInfra Nasional Bhd and Prasarana Malaysia Bhd; government policy intervention to support and assist company finances; and supports Urusharta Jamaah Sdn Bhd’s (UJSB) sukuk structure which has a zero coupon where profits will be paid at the end of the maturity period and capitalised every year.
“It needs to be explained that the increased guarantee commitment is to cover the four ongoing transport infrastructure projects, namely the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project, Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3), the Sarawak Pan Borneo Expressway and the East Coast Link Rail (ECRL) in addition to covering Infrastructure operating costs to improve the national transport network system.
“This increased commitment is to implement infrastructure projects that cannot be accommodated through development spending as well as not neglecting other social projects such as the construction of schools, hospitals, federal roads, the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway project provided under development spending,“ he added.
Amir Hamzah said the government also ensured that the federal liability was controlled through the measures of setting the quantity value limit that needs to be complied with as stipulated in the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023 (Act 850).
It also ensures that the financing rate of funds by guaranteed corporations is in a low price range; cancelling some guarantee facilities that have not yet been used from time to time; and ensure that the guaranteed corporation has the financial capacity for the purpose of repayment of funding and subsequently does not burden the government.
“These measures will also be balanced with the government’s efforts to increase national income as well as the rationalisation of subsidies,“ he said.
The government is also determined to reduce the ratio of debt to gross domestic product (GDP) to below 60 per cent gradually in the medium term as stipulated in the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA).
Source:thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/govt-only-borrows-to-fund-fiscal-deficit-maturing-debt-amir-hamzah-BH13140919
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Selangor Sultan receives RM3.9m in business zakat from PNB
16 Oct 2024
SHAH ALAM, Oct 16 —The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah today received RM3.9 million in business zakat (tithe) from Kumpulan Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB). The zakat contribution for the financial year ending in 2023 was presented by PNB Group chairman Raja Tan Sri Arshad Raja Tun Uda in a ceremony at Istana Bukit Kayangan here today.
Also present were Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof, Selangor Zakat Board (LZS) deputy chairman Tan Sri Ambrin Buang, LZS chief executive officer Mohd Sabirin Mohd Sarbini and state Mufti Datuk Dr Anhar Opir.
Mohd Sabirin highlighted the positive trend in zakat collection, noting that both individual and business zakat in Selangor have increased due to LZS’s initiatives to ensure the fourth pillar of Islam is practised by all who are able.
“Zakat collection for the third quarter of this year has increased by five per cent compared to last year, as well as business zakat where we also see an increase in contributions from new companies as well as existing companies such as PNB,” he said when met after the ceremony.
He added that the increase in zakat collection is vital for providing ongoing assistance to the needy in Selangor and will also support dakwah activities in the state.
Previously, media reports indicated that LZS has shown a positive trend in zakat collection, surpassing 60 per cent of the target set as of September, leading to optimism about reaching the target of RM1.2 billion by the end of December. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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Sabah Energy chairman says RM645mil battery storage project contract above board, went through strict process
16 Oct 2024
By Julia Chan
KOTA KINABALU, Oct 16 – The appointment of MSR Green Energy Sdn Bhd (MSR-GE) for a RM645 million battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Sabah went through a rigorous process before it was decided, said Sabah Energy Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.
Faced with allegations of lack of transparency, Tangau said that the decision process was made by Tenaga Nasional Berhad as the parent company and involved more than just costs.
“As far as SESB is concerned, when the cost of the project is more than RM100 million, the decision will be brought to TNB. So, it’s not at our level. It’s at the TNB level.
“Second, this particular tender went through a very rigorous process. The tender was issued in November last year, before Christmas. Then we opened it in January until August. So, it took around eight months to decide,” he said.
Tangau said that the process had to consider more than just costs, and they had hired a consultant to understand the economics of the battery and storage energy system.
Warisan Assemblyman Datuk Junz Wong had recently brought up claims the MSR-GE tender was RM133 million more expensive than other tenders, which would ultimately result in higher costs to the consumers.
Wong also claimed that the company did not fulfil the technical and commercial requirements of the project.
Tangau said that their evaluation showed that the end total would be “about the same” and that the pricing of power was beyond SESB’s control.
He said some 21 companies attended the briefing for the tender, all which required a minimum paid-up capital of RM5 million. Six companies were shortlisted, including Sabah-based companies.
He also said that the shortlisted companies were required to be part of a consortium with international leaders.
“The selection process was really strict because this is the first such project in Malaysia,” he said.
MSR-GE, an associate company of Seal Incorporated Bhd was awarded the contract last September to develop a RM645 million battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Sabah’s east coast district of Lahad Datu.
The initiative involves the engineering, procurement and construction of a BESS with a capacity of 100 megawatts (MW) and an energy storage capacity of 400 megawatt-hours (MWh) in Lahad Datu, Sabah.
It is expected to increase the reserve margin of the Sabah grid in periods of peak demand and support the addition of new energy resources including large-scale solar.
MSR-GE later has roped in a China-based solar photovoltaic (PV) inverter and energy storage system provider Sungrow.
Construction is expected to begin soon, with the project scheduled to go into commercial operation by 30 June 2025.
Source:malaymail.com
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After hiatus of 11 years, Philippines returns to joint commission meet with Malaysia
16 Oct 2024
MANILA, Oct 16 — Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo is in Kuala Lumpur for the resumption of the Philippine-Malaysia Joint Commission Meeting (JCM), being convened for the first time since 2011, Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.
Manalo will co-chair the 8th JCM with his counterpart, Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan on Oct 16.
In a statement Wednesday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the reconvening of the JCM would provide a “valuable opportunity to review the progress of bilateral cooperation” since the last dialogue was held in Manila.
“The reconvening of the JCM manifests the deepening of the friendship between the two countries as well as the expansion of areas of bilateral cooperation, and is an operationalisation of one of the commitments discussed between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the twin high-level visits in 2023,” it said.
During the JCM, the two ministers will discuss “matters of mutual interest to both countries and the Southeast Asian region”.
While in Malaysia, Manalo will also attend a diplomatic reception hosted by the Philippine Embassy in Malaysia to celebrate the 60 years of bilateral relations between both countries.
Mohamad previously met Manalo during his visit to Manila in July and discussed the proposed Philippine-Malaysia agreements, including sports, cultural cooperation, tourism, higher education, and the development of the Halal Industry.
At that time, both sides committed to concluding negotiations on these deals.
After Malaysia, Manalo will undertake his first official visit to Thailand on Oct 18 upon the invitation of Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa.
The two ministers will also hold a bilateral meeting and co-chair the Ministerial Meeting of the 6th Philippines-Thailand Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation, a mechanism established to facilitate cooperation and consultation on a wide array of issues of bilateral and regional concern.
Manalo’s visit coincides with the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Thailand. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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MACC rearrests businessman for Selangor MBI probe after remand ends
16 Oct 2024
By Malay Mail
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — A businessman the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had remanded since Thursday in connection with a corruption scandal involving Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI) was rearrested today.
According to Berita Harian, the chief commissioner of the MACC, Tan Sri Azam Baki, confirmed the arrest but declined comment.
“The investigating officer decided to remand the businessman again after receiving information that he might be involved in another corruption case,” an MACC source was quoted as saying.
“The second case is also related to MBI, but involves a different project under it.”
The suspect is alleged to have received bribes from another company after successfully obtaining a contract related to MBI.
The businessman is among four individuals arrested last week in connection with a multi-million ringgit corruption investigation concerning a sand mining concession under a subsidiary of the state investment body.
A former MBI employee aged 45 was arrested yesterday, while a 43-year-old driver and a 46-year-old former financial officer who were alleged to be involved in the sand concession case were each remanded for three days.
Azam previously said a politician is linked to the investigation, but did not identify the person, only saying that the individual would be called in when appropriate.
During a raid last Saturday, MACC found S$1.5 million at a location referred to as a safehouse.
On Monday, Azam stated that his officers also discovered two other safehouses, one of which contained cash amounting to approximately S$74,000, equivalent to RM243,000 at current exchange rates.
He noted that MACC also found about RM78,000 in another office, and obtained information about other cash stashed in various bank accounts.
The MACC have opened several investigations under the Anti-Corruption Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001.
Source:malaymail.com
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Kazakhstan, Islamic Development Bank to sign $1.5 bln agreement for water projects
15 Oct 2024
ALMATY. Oct 15 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) are set to sign a $1.5 billion financing agreement for water projects soon, National Economy Minister Nurlan Baibazarov said.
He said that this year, financial institutions from the IDB Group and investment funds from the Persian Gulf had shown significant interest in investing in Kazakhstan. "We expect to sign the agreement with the Islamic Bank for over $1.5 billion to implement water projects," Baibazarov said during a government briefing on Tuesday.
Additionally, there are preliminary plans to finance around 30 projects in Kazakhstan totaling more than $7 billion. These projects span sectors such as water resource management, construction and renovation of transport infrastructure, healthcare, oil and gas, and education.
Previously, it was reported that the IDB would allocate up to $2 billion for infrastructure projects in Kazakhstan this year, particularly in water management and transport. The Water Resources and Irrigation Ministry of has prepared 16 projects for financing this year, which include the construction and renovation of reservoirs, dams, irrigation canals, control regulators and associated infrastructure.
Source:malaymail.com
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