Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Stirs 46-Year-Old Riots Pot: 1978 Sambhal Report Sought As Communities Are Riven
New Age Islam News Bureau
10 January 2025
Policemen stand guard outside the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal last month.
PTI
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· Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Stirs 46-Year-Old Riots Pot: 1978 Sambhal Report Sought As Communities Are Riven
· Uttarakhand CM: UCC To Be Implemented This Month; Vows Action On 'Land Jihad', 'Spit Jihad'
· Gaza War Deaths Pass 46,000
· 'I Saved Human Beings', Says Muslim Man from Mali Who Hid Jews In Paris Siege
· Myanmar Junta Bombs Rohingya Muslim Village Killing 41, Rescuers Say
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India
· Efforts Underway To Restore 5 Religious Sites, Chaturmukh Koop, Ashok Koop, Chatur Sagar, EkantTirtha, And Shankh Madhav, Rediscovered In Sambhal: DM
· SC Stays Sambhal Well’s Opening Amid Mosque Dispute, Stresses Peace And Harmony
· Animal Rights Organisation (PETA) Offers Life-Like Mechanical Elephant To Kerala MosqueWhere An Agitated Elephant Injured At Least 24 Devotees
· Umar Khalid, Others Were Trying To Instill Fear Among Muslims Over Triple Talaq, Babri Masjid And Kashmir, Police Tell HC
· Google Maps Cited In Top Court Over Well's Location In Sambhal Mosque Dispute
· Aligarh Muslim University receives bomb threat mail, security arrangements intensified
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Mideast
· Lancet study estimates Gaza death toll 40% higher than recorded
· Head Of The Atomic Energy: Western Parties Do Not Want Iran To Benefit From Tenth Year Of Nuclear Agreement
· Jihad congratulates Lebanese people on election of Aoun
· Islamic Jihad mourns martyrdom of Palestinian prisoner "Taqatqa"
· Polish government to protect Israel's Netanyahu from arrest if he attends Auschwitz event
· US, French troops could secure Syria’s northern border, Syrian Kurdish official says
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Europe
· Parking worries as Langley mosque opens without planning permission
· Danes struggle with response to Trump Greenland threat
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South Asia
· Islamic Foundation launches software to make contribution to Zakat fund
· BNP files two ICT complaints against Hasina
· Islamic Emirate wants diplomatic relations with West based on mutual interests, says Shaheen
· Islamic Emirate Emphasizes Regional Security in Meeting with Chechen Delegation
· UNICEF to continue supporting Health workers in Afghanistan
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Pakistan
· JUI-F Prepares Draft Bill For Madrassas' Registration In Provinces
· TTP Militants Abduct 17 Civilian Workers; Eight Recovered
· Pakistan, Denmark reaffirm resolve to foster maritime cooperation
· Protests Are Peaceful In Civilized Societies: Info Minister
· Sanaullah hints at possibility of Imran Khan's relocation over security, health
· Punjab Set To Raise New ‘Riot Management’ Force
· Imran still ‘inaccessible’ for his party
· Govt orders probe into Zehri incident, vows accountability
· MWM Slams ‘Harsh’ Govt Response To Karachi Protests As Court Rejects 17 Workers’ Bail Pleas
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North America
· What Do We Know About A Smuggling Network Affiliated With The Islamic State Group?
· TikTok to make final plea at Supreme Court against US ban
· Supreme Court Rejects Trump Bid To Halt Hush-Money Case Sentencing
· US annexation of Greenland would pose ‘military threat’ – top Russian MP
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Arab World
· Saudi Envoy To US Outlines Efforts To Maintain Safety Of Saudi Citizens Amid LA Wildfires
· Saudi swimmer’s remarkable 30km swim from Alkhobar to Bahrain
· KACST graduates 46 deep-tech start-ups from Venture Program
· Eastern Region’s green initiative shows remarkable progress
· Riyadh to host second edition of Model of Care Forum
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Africa
· ‘Yes, We’re Quarrelling With Tinubu’, Bauchi Governor Tells Islamic Clerics Over Current Policies
· Boko Haram Attack: Borno CP Commends Officers, Condoles Families Of Fallen Heroes
· Africa’s constantly evolving militant Islamist threat
· ‘Yes We Are Quarrelling With President Tinubu’ – Governor Mohammed Opens Up
· Court Freezes NdukaObaigbena’s General Hydrocarbons Limited Assets, Accounts Over $225.8 Million Debt
· Mozambique opposition leader VenancioMondlane returns from exile
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Southeast Asia
· Najib: I Don’t Know How Saudi Royal Got My Personal Account Number To Send Donations, Maybe Jho Low Told Him
· Grand funeral for JB shooting victim, cops probe possible gang hit
· Fears on Jalan Masjid India still linger despite reopening
· MADANI gov’t strives to facilitate swift solutions to investor issues - PM
· Malaysia and Japan pledge cooperation on regional stability, crisis management
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/chief-minister-yogi-riots-sambhal-report/d/134296
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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Stirs 46-Year-Old Riots Pot: 1978 Sambhal Report Sought As Communities Are Riven
Piyush Srivastava
10.01.25
Policemen stand guard outside the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal last month.
PTI
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The Yogi Adityanath government has sought a report from the Sambhal police on the 1978 riots in the town that killed 20-odd people and allegedly forced scores of Hindus to migrate.
Government sources were silent on the reason for the directive and Sambhal superintendent of police Krishna Kumar denied any reinvestigation plans. Some Hindu groups have, however, been demanding the return of the temples, Hindu homes and plots that Muslims allegedly grabbed during the riots.
The administration has taken several actions in Sambhal unpalatable to Muslims since clashes during the survey of the town’s Shahi Jama Masjid on November 24 — to determine whether it was built over a temple — killed four minority youths.
It has reopened several closed temples, dug up purportedly sacred Hindu wells that were allegedly filled during riots, and accused mosques of electricity theft. It has also started police investigations against some local people and waqf authorities after they claimed ownership of plots near the Jama Masjid where a police station isbeing built.
Recently, the state home department wrote to SP Kumar seeking within a week all the details of the communal clash of 1978. Kumar wrote to district magistrate Rajendra Pensiya on January 7 requesting him to form a team to collect the details.
Kumar told reporters that the home department had sought the report on a demand, made on December 17, by a BJP legislative council member, Sri Chandra Sharma.
A source in the home department said that information had been sought about the FIRs lodged at the time and about the identities of those arrested and those compensated for their losses. He said the government records show that more than two dozen people were killed and about 400 residents of two localities
migrated.
Several Hindu groups have over the past two months been claiming that a large number of Hindus were killed or forced to leave during the 1978 riots.
The claim was intensified after the local administration opened the gates of the Kartik Mahadev Mandir in Sambhal city, closed for 46 years, on November 24 – the day of the clashes outside the Jama Masjid.
“Some people are spreading rumours on social media that we are reinvestigating the 1978 riots in Sambhal town, which was part of Moradabad district at the time. But it isn’t true,” Kumar told reporters.
Sambhal was carved out of Moradabad as a separate district in 2011.
State Samajwadi Party spokesperson AmeequeJamei said: “There was the Ram Naresh Yadav government, which had the support of the Jana Sangh (the BJP’s parent party), during the riots. Kalyan Singh and many other leaders of today’s BJP were ministers in the Yadav government. Why did they remain silent (if Hindus were driven out)?”
Yadav was a Janata Party chief minister but later joined the Congress. Kalyan, a BJP stalwart who was twice chief minister, passed away in 2021.
Jamei added: “Thereafter, the BJP formed its government in the state six times. Didn’t they see any need to collect the reports on the riots before?”
State BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said: “There’s a need to collect the details because a large number of families are still waiting for justice.”
Source:telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/yogi-adityanath-stirs-46-year-old-riots-pot-1978-sambhal-report-sought-as-communities-are-riven/cid/2076559
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Uttarakhand CM: UCC To Be Implemented This Month; Vows Action On 'Land Jihad', 'Spit Jihad'
09 Jan 2025
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami addresses during the inauguration of Uttarayani Fair, in BareillyPTI
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BAREILLY: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday highlighted the various initiatives undertaken in the state, reaffirming the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the "Devbhoomi" this month.
Uttarakhand is the first state in the country to have UCC Act, which seeks to establish a uniform and an equal set of rules on marriage, divorce, succession and inheritance for all citizens in the state, except the Scheduled Tribes (STs), irrespective of religion.
It makes registration of all marriages and live-in relationships mandatory.
"We have formulated the Uniform Civil Code law in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. This is the state's first honour and will be implemented within this month," Dhami said during the inauguration of the 29th Uttarayani Mela in Bareilly.
He compared the UCC to India's sacred rivers such as Sharda, Ganga, Saraswati and Kaveri, stating that just as they sustain life across the country, the UCC will work similarly.
Regarding the state's tourism and infrastructure initiatives, Dhami said, "In Haridwar and Rishikesh, we are planning to develop the Ganga Corridor. Work on a corridor along the Sharda River has also begun."
He added that Uttarakhand continues to see an increasing influx of devotees and tourists which would be bolstered by the reconstruction efforts in Kedarnath and the master plan underway at Badrinath Dham.
Dhami also announced beautification and restoration efforts for temples in the Kumaon region and development at Purnagiri.
"It gives me immense joy that more devotees from Uttar Pradesh visit Purnagiri. We are creating the Sharda Corridor, which will enhance the ghats and beautify the area," he said.
The chief minister expressed hope for Uttarakhand becoming a hub for destination weddings and tourism, emphasising the state's growing reputation.
"Handicraft products from Uttarakhand are gaining recognition among multinational companies and women in the state are doing excellent work. Over one lakh women in Uttarakhand are now earning a substantial income. We will provide them with interest-free loans," he said.
On governance and security, Dhami shared progress on several legal reforms, including the anti-conversion law, the introduction of anti-riot legislation and measures to counter exam malpractice.
"We have taken strong steps by enacting an anti-riot law. Any damages caused during riots will be recovered from the perpetrators.
"Similarly, with our anti-cheating law, over 100 individuals involved in exam malpractice have been jailed. This ensures fair opportunities for deserving candidates," he added.
Dhami mentioned initiatives to combat "land jihad", stating that 5,000 acres of encroached land have been freed.
He also discussed tackling issues like "spit jihad" with new laws to maintain public order.
Looking ahead, the chief minister announced that the 28th National Games would commence on January 28 in Uttarakhand, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to inaugurate the event.
Earlier, Dhami inaugurated the 29th Uttarayani Mela where he was accompanied by Bareilly MP Chhatrapal Singh Gangwar, Mayor Dr Umesh Gautam and Cantonment MLA Sanjeev Aggarwal.
The three-day fair, held at Bareilly Club Ground, showcases Uttarakhand's culture, music and dance, delighting attendees with performances by local artists and food stalls featuring traditional delicacies.
The UCC has been on the BJP's agenda nationally for many years.
But the party's government in Uttarakhand became the first to take a concrete step towards implementing it just before the Lok Sabha elections last year.
An expert committee formed by Dhami and headed by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai submitted a comprehensive draft in four volumes to the state government in February 2024.
Acting on the draft, the state government presented the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Bill in the Assembly a few days later and it was passed on February 7.
The UCC Act received President Droupadi Murmu's approval on March 11, making the hill state the first in independent India to have a UCC Act.
A nine-member state government-appointed panel, chaired by former chief secretary Singh to lay down the rules for the UCC's implementation panel, submitted its final report.
Dhami has previously said in no unclear terms that the UCC will be implemented in January.
Source:newindianexpress.com
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https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Jan/09/uttarakhand-cm-says-ucc-to-be-implemented-this-month-vows-action-on-land-jihad-spit-jihad
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Gaza war deaths pass 46,000
January 09, 2025
Fatma Abu Awad and her daughter Malak pray in a graveyard where their relatives who were killed by an Israeli airstrike are buried, in Khan Younis, Gaza, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP)
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GAZA: Gaza’s Health Ministry said Thursday that more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war, with no end in sight to the 15-month conflict.
The ministry said a total of 46,006 Palestinians have been killed and 109,378 wounded. It has said women and children make up more than half the fatalities, but does not say how many of the dead were fighters or civilians.
The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. It blames Hamas for their deaths because it says the militants operate in residential areas.
Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are now packed into sprawling tent camps along the coast with limited access to food and other essentials. Israel has also repeatedly struck what it claims are militants hiding in shelters and hospitals, often killing women and children.
The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and abducting around 250. A third of the 100 hostages still held in Gaza are believed to be dead.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2585836/middle-east
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'I Saved Human Beings', Says Muslim Man from Mali Who Hid Jews In Paris Siege
9 January 2025
"We are all Jewish" reads a sign among the flowers and messages in memory of the four shot dead in the kosher supermarket terror attacks on 9 January, 2015.
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France is marking 10 years since a terror attack at a Paris kosher supermarket left four Jewish people and their Islamist assailant dead. The majority of hostages survived thanks to the quick thinking of a Muslim employee from Mali who helped police end the siege. Lassana Bathily sat down with RFI to recall the day he became an accidental hero.
Bathily was 24 and stacking shelves when gunman AmedyCoulibaly stormed the Hypercacher store at Porte de Vincennes on 9 January 2015, two days after the Charlie Hebdo massacre.
The narrative of a Muslim saving Jews from a jihadist made him a strong symbol of fraternity in a traumatised France.
“I’m just a good, simple citizen who reacted at the right time,” Bathily told RFI, denying he's a hero.
However, a decade on, he's still "scarred" by what was the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in modern French history.
Huddled in a cold store
Bathily was winding up his shift in the late afternoon, unpacking frozen items in the basement, when he heard shots fired upstairs.
Coulibaly, who claimed to be working in the name of Islamic State, had shot dead three shoppers and taken 17 others hostage.
He ushered them into the cold store, holding the door. After a few minutes he suggested they try and escape by using the goods lift to reach the emergency exit.
Source:yahoo.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/saved-human-beings-says-muslim-070750923.html
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Myanmar junta bombs Rohingya Muslim village killing 41, rescuers say
By RFA Burmese
2025.01.09
Buildings burn in Myanmar's Kyauk Ni Maw village in Rakhine state after air force bombing on Jan. 8, 2025. (Arakan Princess Media)
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The Myanmar air force has bombed a fishing village in Rakhine state killing 41 civilians and wounding 52, most of them Rohingya Muslims, residents involved in rescue work said on Thursday, in an attack insurgents condemned as a war crime.
Military planes bombed Kyauk Ni Maw village on the coast in Ramree township on Wednesday afternoon sparking huge fires that destroyed about 600 homes, residents said, sending clouds of black smoke up over the sea.
The area is under the control of anti-junta Arakan Army, or AA, insurgents but a spokesman said no fighting was going on there at the time of the air raid.
“The targeting of innocent people where there is no fighting is a very despicable and cowardly act … as well as a blatant war crime,” AA spokesman Khaing Thu Kha told Radio Free Asia.
Hla Thein, the junta’s spokesman for Rakhine state, told RFA he was not aware of the incident. Posters in pro-military social media news channels said Kyauk Ni Maw was a transport hub for the AA.
A resident helping survivors said medics were trying to give emergency treatment to the wounded amid fears that the air force could return at any time and let loose bombs and missiles.
“People are going to help them out and more are coming,” said the resident, who declined to be identified for safety reasons.
“We’ve been treating the injured since last night but we don’t dare to keep too many patients in the hospital for fear of another airstrike.”
The AA has made unprecedented gains against the military since late last year and now controls about 80% of Myanmar’s westernmost state.
On Dec. 29, the AA captured the town of Gwa from the military, a major step toward its goal of taking the whole of Rakhine state, and then said it was ready for talks with the junta, which seized power in a February 2021 coup d’etat.
But the junta has responded with deadly airstrikes, residents say.
The military denies targeting civilians but human rights investigators and security analysts say Myanmar’s army has a long reputation of indiscriminate attacks in civilian areas as a way to undermine popular support for the various rebel forces fighting its rule.
“The military is showing its fangs with its planes, that people can be killed at any time, at will,” aid worker WaiHin Aung told RFA.
The bombing of Kyauk Ni Maw is the latest bloody attack on members of the persecuted Rohingya Muslim minority. About 740,000 Rohingya fled from Rakhine state to neighboring Bangladesh following a bloody crackdown by the military against members of the largely stateless community in August 2017.
Over the past year, Rohingya have suffered violence at the hands of both sides in the Rakhine state’s war, U.N. rights investigators have said.
The AA took a hard line with the Rohingya after the junta launched a campaign to recruit, at times forcibly, Rohingya men into militias to fight the insurgents.
On Aug. 5, scores of Rohingya trying to flee from the town of Maungdaw to Bangladesh, across a border river, were killed by drones and artillery fire that survivors and rights groups said was unleashed by the AA. The AA denied responsibility.
Source:rfa.org
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.rfa.org/english/myanmar/2025/01/09/rakhine-rohingya-village-bombed/
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India
Efforts Underway To Restore 5 Religious Sites, Chaturmukh Koop, Ashok Koop, Chatur Sagar, EkantTirtha, And Shankh Madhav, Rediscovered In Sambhal: DM
09.01.25
Sambhal District Magistrate (DM) RajenderPensiya on Thursday said efforts are underway to restore the five religious sites that were rediscovered and excavated following the recent anti-encroachment drive.
Addressing the media, the DM explained that while these pilgrimage sites and their associated wells were recorded in sacred texts, many had been encroached upon for various reasons.
The DM inspected the five rediscovered and excavated religious sites -- Chaturmukh Koop, Ashok Koop, Chatur Sagar, EkantTirtha, and Shankh Madhav.
"These places were traditionally ponds where religious activities such as bathing and worship took place," the DM said.
Talking about the EkantTirtha pond, Pensiya said the site will be revitalised under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA).
He revealed that efforts will be made to preserve these sacred sites through MNREGA and Gram Nidhi in rural areas, while urban sites will be developed under government schemes and the nagarpalika (municipality).
Work is currently underway at the Chaturmukh well and improvements will soon be made to the Ashok well, he said.
The DM added that the remaining sites, including Chatur Sagar, EkantTirtha and Shankh Madhav, would also undergo renovation in the coming months.
"These efforts are part of a broader initiative to transform Sambhal into a tourist hub, which would provide the city with a fresh identity and attract visitors from across the region," said the DM.
Many of these places were found after the district administration launched a massive anti-encroachment drive in December following the violence that erupted during the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid on November 24 last year.
Four people were killed and several others were injured in the violence.
Source:telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/efforts-underway-to-restore-5-religious-sites-rediscovered-in-sambhal-dm/cid/2076513
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SC stays Sambhal well’s opening amid mosque dispute, stresses peace and harmony
Jan 10, 2025
The Supreme Court on Friday restrained the Uttar Pradesh government and Sambhal district administration from acting on a municipal notice to open for public use a well half of which is located within the structure of the Shahi Jama Masjid and the other half outside it. The court emphasised the need to ensure communal harmony in the area, which has witnessed tensions over a claim that a Hindu temple once stood at the mosque’s site.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar ordered that the December 2024 notice issued by the Sambhal Nagar Palika Parishad, which mentioned cleaning the well, investigating the property, and opening the portion outside the mosque, shall not be acted upon.
The bench observed that it is “keeping a close watch” to ensure there is no violence in the area and that peace and harmony are maintained. It set February 21 as the date for the next hearing and directed the district administration to file a status report within two weeks.
The court is seized of a plea by the mosque’s managing committee challenging a trial court order directing a survey of the mosque, raising questions over its legality and the manner in which it was ordered. The survey triggered widespread tensions in Sambhal, culminating in violent clashes on November 24, 2024, that left four people dead and several injured, including police personnel.
During the Friday hearing, senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, representing the mosque management committee, referred to the Sambhal civic body’s notice regarding the well, urging the court to issue orders to the district administration not to take any steps with regard to the probe of the well, and open the well, constructed outside the structure without due permission from this court.
Additional solicitor general (ASG) KM Nataraj, representing the Uttar Pradesh government, opposed the plea. “It’s a public well and property of the State. Everything is peaceful now. They want to create problems.”
The bench then told Ahmadi: “Let it be used by everyone. It’s water, after all. You are yourselves saying only half of it is inside the mosque and the other half is outside. There is no harm if someone uses the water from the other side which is open. Let everyone use water.”
Ahmadi countered: “It’s all covered and was never used. The water is used by the mosque through a pump...The municipality’s notice calls it Hari Mandir and says they will use the water for pooja and bathing of worshippers.”
To this, the bench rebuked the state’s plan. It told ASG Nataraj: “What’s this? Don’t start all this. This isn’t fair...don’t do all that.”
While the law officer answered in affirmative, the bench called for a status report and ordered that the civic body’s notice regarding the well not be given effect.
At this point, advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu plaintiff before the Sambhal civil court, reminded the bench that the mosque committee was asked in a previous order to move the Allahabad high court since it had come directly to the Supreme Court.
Responding, the bench said: “Yes, we are aware. We remember we had asked them to go to the high court, but we wanted to keep a close watch to ensure violence doesn’t take place and peace and harmony are maintained.”
The dispute gained momentum after violence erupted during the court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid on November 24, 2024. Four people lost their lives in clashes that broke out over claims that the mosque was built on the site of a Hindu temple, referred to as “Harihar Temple” by the plaintiffs.
On November 29, the Supreme Court restrained the trial court from proceeding with the suit and advised the mosque committee to approach the high court. It directed the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure peace and consider resolving the dispute through community mediation under Section 43 of the Mediation Act. The November 29 order also put the survey report under wraps, instructing authorities not to act upon or publicise it until the high court hears the case.
The Shahi Jama Masjid, located in Sambhal, has been at the center of communal tensions since a suit filed on November 19, 2024, alleged that it was built over a Hindu temple site. The plaintiffs sought access to the site for worship, prompting the local trial court to order a survey, which was carried out with photography and videography.
The mosque management committee claimed that the survey was conducted ex parte, without prior notice, and alleged undue haste in the proceedings. The Uttar Pradesh government later constituted a three-member committee, led by former Allahabad high court judge Devendra Kumar Arora, to investigate the violence.
The dispute over the Shahi Jama Masjid is part of a growing list of similar litigations across India, where claims over religious sites have been made by Hindu plaintiffs. On December 12, In December 2024, the top court issued a directive restraining courts across India from entertaining fresh suits or ordering surveys of mosques to determine whether temple structures lie beneath them. These issues are being examined in the context of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which freezes the religious character of places of worship as it stood on August 15, 1947, barring the Ayodhya-Babri dispute which was ongoing at the time.
Source:hindustantimes.com
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https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sc-stays-sambhal-well-s-opening-amid-mosque-dispute-stresses-peace-and-harmony-101736496215130.html
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Animal Rights Organisation (PETA) Offers Life-Like Mechanical Elephant To Kerala MosqueWhere An Agitated Elephant Injured At Least 24 Devotees
10 January 2025,
Malappuram: An animal rights organisation has sent a letter to the authorities of a mosque in this north Kerala district, offering to donate an innovative, life-like mechanical elephant for use in religious ceremonies. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India made the offer following a recent incident during the religious processions at a ceremony held at the mosque near Tirur, where an agitated elephant attacked and injured at least 24 devotees.
This offer aims to "prioritise both community safety and compassionate celebrations."
PETA India stated that it initiated a compassionate movement to replace live elephants in temples at the beginning of 2023, resulting in the adoption of at least 12 mechanical elephants in temples across South India.Of these, PETA India donated seven life-size mechanical elephants to temples in Kerala and Karnataka in recognition of their decision to refrain from owning or hiring live elephants."These mechanical elephants are now used to conduct ceremonies at their temples in a safe and cruelty-free manner, helping real elephants stay with their families in the jungle," it said.
In the letter, PETA India Senior Advocacy Officer Farhat Ul Ain said, "Elephants are wild animals and inherently unpredictable, especially in large, noisy crowds. Anything can trigger an elephant, which can make them attack." Farhat added,
"Such attacks underscore the urgency to embrace options such as mechanical elephants, ornate palanquins, and chariots that preserve the cultural grandeur of processions while sparing animals and humans from harm." The statement explained that the mechanical elephants are three metres tall, weigh 800 kilograms, and are made from rubber, fibre, metal, mesh, foam, and steel. They run on five motors.
A mechanical elephant looks, feels, and can be used like a real elephant. It can shake its head, move its ears and eyes, swish its tail, lift its trunk, and even spray water, it said.
It can be climbed upon, and a seat can be affixed to its back. The elephant is operated by simply plugging it in and can be taken through the streets for rituals and processions. Mounted on a wheelbase, it can be moved and pushed around easily, the statement added.
Source:deccanherald.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.deccanherald.com/india/kerala/peta-india-offers-life-like-mechanical-elephant-to-kerala-mosque-3349360
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Umar Khalid, others were trying to instill fear among Muslims over Triple Talaq, Babri Masjid and Kashmir, Police tell HC
Jan 09, 2025
New Delhi [India], January 9 (ANI): Delhi Police on Thursday, during a hearing in the larger conspiracy case, told the Delhi High Court that Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Khalid Saifi and Meeran Haider gave "identical speeches" against the government on the issue of CAA-NRC.
They tried to create fear in the mind of muslims on the issue of Triple Talaq, Babari Masjid and Kashmir. How can the Kashmir issue be a concern for muslims, it is a national integration concern, Delhi police said.
It was also said by the special public prosecutor (SPP) for Delhi police that each and every protest site was "monitored and controlled" by the students through WhatsApp group Jamia Coordination Committee (JCC).
"WhatsApp Group JCC and JACT were formed on the direction of Umar Khalid," SPP Amit Prasad told the bench of justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur.
SPP further submitted that the direction for the use of women and children was given by Umar Khalid. He met women from Jahangirpuri at jantar Mantar. These women were taken to Jahangirpuri to Shaheen Bagh and thereafter to Jafrabad for protest where stone pelting took place.
It was further submitted that Umar Khalid gave a specific date as to when to take to the roads for the chakkajaam. He started to make phone calls once the violence started on February 24, 2020.
He had a concerted plan to remain out of Delhi during riots so that he would not get trapped, SPP Amit Prasad submitted.
It was also submitted that there is evidence that Umar Khalid had left Delhi in the name of giving a speech in Bihar one day before the violence.
The High Court after hearing arguements at length adjourned the hearing till January 21 and asked Delhi police to file a note on the material against the accused persons. "Give us a bird eye view," the high court said.
During the hearing, Delhi Police referred to the statement of many protected witnesses and submitted that Asif Iqbal recieved an order from Umar Khalid. Saiful Islam said that he recieved instructions from Umar Khalid and Nadeem Khan.
JCC was formed on the direction of Umar Khalid and Nadeem Khan, Delhi Police Submitted.
Delhi police referred to the statement of Romeo, who said Umar Khalid also came to Shaheen Bagh and gave a "provocative speech."
Another witness Smith stated that Umar Khalid came to Yameen's house, where he allegedly said, "Even if we have to resort to rioting to pressurise the government on CAA NRC, we are ready. We have collected the arms."
Delhi police referred to the statement of another witness that Bangladeshi women from Jahangirpuri were introduced to Umar Khalid by his father SQR Ilyas. Khalid and SQR Ilyas said that these women needed to be transported to Shaheen Bagh.
SPP Amit Prasad referred to a statement wherein he stated that he was told by Amanullah that as per conspiracy Umar Khalid will not remain in Delhi on February 23.
It was also stated as per statement Umar Khalid and Nadeem Khan through Saiful Islam gave directions to coordinate with the imam of the masjid to make announcements.
"Every direction in the JCC used to come from Umar Khalid and Nadeem Khan," Delhi police referred to the statement.
It was also alleged that Asif Iqbal Tanha and Haider (Meeran) were part of the first phase of violence in December 2019 and again were given a larger role in the second phase. The pattern was the same damage to property public and private and attack on police.
"Why Asif has been granted bail, the bench asked. The SPP submitted that it was challenged before the Supreme Court, and the bail order can't be used as precedent.
Delhi police submitted that 751 FIRs have been registered in riot cases. There were 53 deaths, and 530 people Including 106 policemen were injured. There was mass destruction, injury and killing. Fire call shows the size of arson, damage to property etc. There is a report from DMRC and Authorities.
The court said, "It is not the final hearing of the trial, it is a hearing of bail. It cannot be done like this. Give a bird eye view."
SPP Prasad said that it is important for the court to appreciate the size of violence. When we are looking at the terrorist act, we have to fall within its meaning. The call to fire, and deployment of the ambulance, to show the damage and severity of the offence. Whether the City was held to ransom, SPP argued.
It was further stated that protest sites were strategically formed, monitored and controlled by the students of Jamia. JCC was working on the direction of Umar Khalid. Sharjeel Imam was one active member of this group.
Umar Khalid said that we have to come to the roads. He gave a speech in Amravati and specified the dates for protest during the visit of Donald Trump, the SPP submitted. (ANI)
Source:aninews.in
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https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/umar-khalid-others-were-trying-to-instill-fear-among-muslims-over-triple-talaq-babri-masjid-and-kashmir-police-tell-hc20250109202949/
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Google Maps Cited In Top Court Over Well's Location In Sambhal Mosque Dispute
Jan 10, 2025
The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice on a plea by Sambhal's Jama Masjid management committee, and ordered status quo with regard to a private well located near the entrance of the mosque.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar directed that no steps be taken regarding the well without its permission and instructed the authorities to file a status report within two weeks.
The plea filed by the Committee of Management of Shahi Jama Masjid challenged a November 19, 2024 order by the Sambhal Senior Division Civil Judge that allowed the appointment of an advocate commissioner to survey the mosque.
It was argued that the survey led to violence and loss of life, prompting the urgent intervention of the top court.
Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, representing the Committee of Management, emphasised the historical significance of the well, stating, "We have been drawing water from the well since time immemorial." Mr Ahmadi raised concerns over a notice referring to the site as "Hari Mandir" and plans for starting religious activities there.
"No such activities will be permitted. Please file a status report," the CJI said.
The bench said the status quo must be maintained concerning the well, and no notices related to it would be given effect.
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, said the well is outside the mosque's purview and has historically been used for worship.
Mr Ahmadi said the well is partly within and partly outside the mosque premises, citing a Google Maps image to support the claim.
"Pass an appropriate direction to the District Magistrate, Sambhal to ensure that status quo is maintained with respect to the private well situated near the stairs/entrance of the Mosque and not to take any steps/actions with regard to the same without due permission from this Hon'ble Court," the plea said.
The mosque committee said it has filed the plea against a November 19, 2024 order of the Civil Judge, Senior Division, Sambhal at Chandausi, in a case.
The local court allowed an application seeking appointment of an Advocate Commissioner to survey the Shahi Jama Masjid. The mosque committee said the plea was allowed without hearing it on the same day it was filed.
"It was in view of a second survey having been undertaken which led to violence and loss of life that the captioned SLP was preferred under the extraordinary circumstances," it said.
Source:ndtv.com
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https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/google-maps-cited-in-top-court-over-wells-location-in-sambhal-mosque-dispute-7441554
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Aligarh Muslim University receives bomb threat mail, security arrangements intensified
10.01.25
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) received a threat email "to blow up the campus", following which the security arrangements have been intensified, police said on Friday.
Superintendent of Police (City) Mrigank Shekhar Pathak said that checking at all sensitive areas in and around the campus has been ongoing since last evening all top varsity officials including the Vice Chancellor received the email.
The authorities are "not taking any chances" on this threat, Pathak said.
The police and university authorities are maintaining a strict vigil in all crowded areas, including the Maulana Azad library, the officer said.
AMU spokesperson Asim Siddiqui told PTI that the email letter also mentions "ransom money".
"The university authorities reported this matter to the police, who have also activated the Cyber Crime Cell to trace the origins of the mail ID from which the threat was issued," he added.
The police have been pressed into service, among others, dog squads at key points inside the campus. Circle Officer (Civil Lines) Abhay Pandey said the police were trying to ascertain whether the threat was a hoax or aimed at disturbing the peace of the city.
Earlier on Friday, Delhi Police said they had detained a Class 12 student for allegedly sending bomb threats to schools in the national capital.
Around a dozen educational institutes received bomb threats on Thursday, the latest in a series of such incidents in Delhi. In recent months, several institutions and airports in parts of Uttar Pradesh also received similar bomb threats which turned out to be hoaxes.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/aligarh-muslim-university-receives-bomb-threat-mail-security-arrangements-intensified/cid/2076696
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Mideast
Lancet study estimates Gaza death toll 40% higher than recorded
January 09, 2025
PARIS: Research published in The Lancet medical journal on Friday estimates that the death toll in Gaza during the first nine months of the Israel-Hamas war was around 40 percent higher than recorded by the Palestinian territory’s health ministry.
The number of dead in Gaza has become a matter of bitter debate since Israel launched its military campaign against Hamas in response to the Palestinian militant group’s unprecedented October 7, 2023 attack.
Up to June 30 last year, the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reported a death toll of 37,877 in the war.
However the new peer-reviewed study used data from the ministry, an online survey and social media obituaries to estimate that there were between 55,298 and 78,525 deaths from traumatic injuries in Gaza by that time.
The study’s best death toll estimate was 64,260, which would mean the health ministry had under-reported the number of deaths to that point by 41 percent.
That toll represented 2.9 percent of Gaza’s pre-war population, “or approximately one in 35 inhabitants,” the study said.
The UK-led group of researchers estimated that 59 percent of the deaths were women, children and the elderly.
The toll was only for deaths from traumatic injuries, so did not include deaths from a lack of health care or food, or the thousands of missing believed to be buried under rubble.
AFP is unable to independently verify the death toll.
On Thursday, Gaza’s health ministry said that 46,006 people had died over the full 15 months of war.
In Israel, the 2023 attack by Hamas resulted in the deaths of 1,208 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
Israel has repeatedly questioned the credibility of the Gaza health ministry’s figures, but the United Nations have said they are reliable.
The researchers used a statistical method called “capture-recapture” that has previously been used to estimate the death toll in conflicts around the world.
The analysis used data from three different lists, the first provided by the Gaza health ministry of the bodies identified in hospitals or morgues.
The second list was from an online survey launched by the health ministry in which Palestinians reported the deaths of relatives.
The third was sourced from obituaries posted on social media platforms such as X, Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, when the identity of the deceased could be verified.
“We only kept in the analysis those who were confirmed dead by their relatives or confirmed dead by the morgues and the hospital,” lead study author ZeinaJamaluddine, an epidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said.
The researchers scoured the lists, searching for duplicates.
“Then we looked at the overlaps between the three lists, and based on the overlaps, you can come up with a total estimation of the population that was killed,” Jamaluddine said.
Patrick Ball, a statistician at the US-based Human Rights Data Analysis Group not involved in the research, has used capture-recapture methods to estimate death tolls for conflicts in Guatemala, Kosovo, Peru and Colombia.
Ball said the well-tested technique has been used for centuries and that the researchers had reached “a good estimate” for Gaza.
Kevin McConway, a professor of applied statistics at Britain’s Open University, said there was “inevitably a lot of uncertainty” when making estimates from incomplete data.
But he said it was “admirable” that the researchers had used three other statistical analysis approaches to check their estimates.
“Overall, I find these estimates reasonably compelling, he added.
The researchers cautioned that the hospital lists do not always provide the cause of death, so it was possible that people with non-traumatic health problems — such as a heart attack — could have been included, potentially leading to an overestimate.
However there were other ways that the war’s toll could still be underestimated.
The study did not include missing people. The UN humanitarian agency OCHA has said that around 10,000 missing Gazans are thought to be buried under rubble.
There are also indirect ways that war can claim lives, such as a lack of health care, food, water, sanitation or the spread of disease. All have stricken Gaza since October 2023.
In a contentious, non-peer-reviewed letter published in The Lancet in July, another group of researchers used the rate of indirect deaths seen in other conflicts to suggest that 186,000 deaths could eventually be attributed to the Gaza war.
The new study suggested that this projection “might be inappropriate due to obvious differences in the pre-war burden of disease” in Gaza compared to conflicts in countries such as Burundi and East Timor.
Jamaluddine said she expected that “criticism is going to come from different sides” about the new research.
She spoke out against the “obsession” of arguing about death tolls, emphasizing that “we already know that there is a lot of high mortality.”
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2585868/middle-east
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Head Of The Atomic Energy: Western Parties Do Not Want Iran To Benefit From Tenth Year Of Nuclear Agreement
09 Jan 2025
The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, Mohammad Eslami, stressed that the Western parties do not want Iran to benefit from the tenth year of the nuclear agreement.
Tasnim international news agency quoted Eslami, in a speech during the 14th conference of technical and innovation management on Iran's activities in the nuclear field, saying: in the nuclear field, despite all the hype raised against us, we still have a very long way to go yet.
Referring to the French President's recent statements, he said: "Two days ago, Mr. Macron said in a very harsh tone that Iran has a very ambitious program that is no longer controllable, and indicated that it must be curbed.
Islam stressed that the field of innovations and modern technologies is the field of war, not the field of interaction. The basis of the war against our nuclear program is only because of our presence in the field of modern technologies.
The head of the Atomic Energy Organization continued: "Those who today are making more political efforts than ever and are carrying out psychological operations, tightening the noose on the country, it is because of this nuclear agreement that we are in the tenth year .. Iran has fulfilled all its obligations, and they do not want Iran to be able to take advantage of this tenth year. They want to continue to suppress it and prevent it from progressing".
Source:saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3421664.htm
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Jihad congratulates Lebanese people on election of Aoun
09 Jan 2025
The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine congratulated on Thursday the brotherly Lebanese people on the election of General Joseph Aoun as President of the Lebanese Republic.
The Jihad Movement said in a press statement that "The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine extends its sincere congratulations to the brotherly Lebanese people and all Lebanese national forces on the election of General Joseph Aoun as President of the Lebanese Republic, in a step that we hope will be a gateway to a new era of stability and prosperity that will enhance Lebanon's unity and sovereignty, preserve its security and civil peace, and heal the effects of the recent Zionist aggression against Lebanon and its people."
It added "We in the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, as we consider the refugees from our people in Lebanon to be guests among their brothers and part of the fabric of security and stability in this country, we affirm our support for everything that would enhance cooperation and integration between the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples, respect full Lebanese sovereignty, and continue our commitment to the laws that preserve the security and stability of this dear country."
Jihad expressed its hope that the era of General Joseph Aoun would constitute a real opportunity to address the conditions of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, in a way that guarantees their social and human rights, without prejudice to their established right to return to their homeland, Palestine.
Source:saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3421636.htm
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Islamic Jihad mourns martyrdom of Palestinian prisoner "Taqatqa"
09 Jan 2025
Jihad Movement on Thursday evening mourned the martyrdom of one of its cadres, the freed Palestinian prisoner Ismail Yousef Taqatqa, who ascended at dawn today as a result of deliberate medical negligence and deprivation of treatment throughout his imprisonment after he was diagnosed with cancer inside the enemy's cells.
Jihad said in a press statement "This crime comes within a series of blatant violations practiced by the occupation against our brave prisoners, as hundreds of them suffer from harsh detention conditions that lack the most basic elements of human life, including the necessary medical care, which constitutes a blatant violation of all international laws and conventions."
It stressed that these inhumane practices are nothing but an attempt to undermine the determination and will of our prisoners, who are steadfast in the face of the occupation and its repressive practices, calling on human rights institutions and international organizations to assume their responsibilities towards these ongoing crimes, and to work seriously to pressure the occupation to end the suffering of the prisoners and guarantee their basic rights.
Jihad added "We ask God to bestow His vast mercy on the martyr Ismail Yousef Taqatqa and all the martyrs, and to make their pure blood a curse on the oppressors. We ask God Almighty to grant imminent freedom to all our prisoners who are still resisting with their bodies and souls the machine of oppression in the enemy's prisons. It is a jihad... victory or martyrdom."
Source:saba.ye
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Polish government to protect Israel's Netanyahu from arrest if he attends Auschwitz event
January 09, 2025
WARSAW: The Polish government adopted a resolution on Thursday vowing to ensure the free and safe participation of the highest representatives of Israel — including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — who choose to attend commemorations for the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau later in January.
Netanyahu became an internationally wanted suspect last year after the International Criminal Court (ICC), the world’s top war crimes court, issued an arrest warrant for him in connection with the war in the Gaza Strip, accusing him of crimes against humanity over the death of more than 45,000 Palestinians, the majority of them women and children, since October 2023.
“The Polish government treats the safe participation of the leaders of Israel in the commemorations on January 27, 2025, as part of paying tribute to the Jewish nation,” read the resolution published by the office of Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The government published the statement after Polish President Andrzej Duda asked Tusk to ensure that Netanyahu can attend without the risk of being arrested.
There had been reports suggesting that the ICC arrest warrant could prevent Netanyahu from traveling to Poland to attend observances marking the anniversary of the liberation in 1945 of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp by Soviet forces on Jan. 27.
Member countries of the ICC, such as Poland, are required to detain suspects facing a warrant if they set foot on their soil, but the court has no way to enforce that. Israel is not a member of the ICC and disputes its jurisdiction.
The court has more than 120 member states, though some countries, including France, have already said they would not arrest Netanyahu.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán even said he would defy the warrant by inviting him to Hungary.
It was not even clear if Netanyahu wanted to attend the event. The Polish Foreign Ministry said earlier Thursday that it has not received any information indicating that Netanyahu will attend the event.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2585848/middle-east
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US, French troops could secure Syria’s northern border, Syrian Kurdish official says
January 09, 2025
PARIS: Talks are taking place on whether US and French troops could secure a border zone in northern Syria as part of efforts to defuse conflict between Turkiye and Western-backed Kurdish Syrian forces, a senior Syrian Kurdish official said.
Ankara has warned that it will carry out a cross-border offensive into northeastern Syria against the Kurdish YPG militia if the group does not meet Turkish demands.
Turkiye regards the YPG, which spearheads the US-allied Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as a terrorist group linked to Kurdish PKK militants who for 40 years have waged an insurgency against the Turkish state.
The SDF played an important role in defeating Daesh in Syria in 2014-17. The group still guards Daesh fighters in prison camps there, but has been on the back foot since rebels ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad on Dec. 8.
French President Emmanuel Macron said earlier this week that Paris would not abandon the SDF, which was one among a myriad of opposition forces during Syria’s 13-year-long civil war.
“The United States and France could indeed secure the entire border. We are ready for this military coalition to assume this responsibility,” Ilham Ahmed, co-chair of foreign affairs for the Kurdish administration in northern territory outside central Syrian government control, was quoted as saying by TV5 Monde.
“We ask the French to send troops to this border to secure the demilitarised zone, to help us protect the region and establish good relations with Turkiye.”
Neither France nor Turkiye’s foreign ministries immediately responded to requests for comment. The US State Department was not immediately available for comment.
It is unclear how receptive Turkiye would be to such an initiative, given Ankara has worked for years to secure its border against threats coming from Syria, and has vowed to destroy the YPG.
“As soon as France has convinced Turkiye to accept its presence on the border, then we can start the peace process,” Ahmed said. “We hope that everything will be settled in the coming weeks.”
A source familiar with the matter said such talks were going on, but declined to say how advanced or realistic they were.
Washington has been brokering ceasefire efforts between Turkish-backed groups and the SDF after fighting that broke out as rebel groups advanced on Damascus and overthrew Assad.
Addressing a news conference in Paris alongside outgoing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot hinted that there were talks on the issue.
“The Syrian Kurds must find their place in this political transition. We owe it to them because they were our brothers in arms against Islamic State,” Barrot said.
“We will continue our efforts ... to ensure that Turkiye’s legitimate security concerns can be guaranteed, but also the security interests of (Syria’s) Kurds and their full rights to take part in the construction in the future of their country.”
Blinken said it was vital to ensure that the SDF forces continued the job of guarding more than 10,000 detained Daesh militants as this was a legitimate security interest for both the US and Turkiye.
“We have been working very closely with our ally ... Turkiye to navigate this transition ... It’s a process that will take some time,” Blinken said.
The US has about 2,000 troops in Syria who have been working with the SDF to prevent a resurgence of Daesh.
A French official said France still has dozens of special forces on the ground dating from its earlier support of the SDF, when Paris provided weapons and training.
Source:arabnews.com
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Europe
Parking worries as Langley mosque opens without planning permission
9th January
Concerns about parking have been raised after a new mosque appears to have opened in Langley without planning permission.
The mosque – Langley Islamic Centre – appears to have opened on Spitfire Close after holding a launch day on January 1.
But nearby resident Mr Haider told the Observer he fears that the move will cause parking problems, especially during Friday prayers.
He said: “A two minutes walk down the road there’s already a mosque. The roads are already being used for parking by visitors to the existing mosque.
“Local residents are concerned about why is a mosque needed so close to another mosque.”
Mr Haider said that although he is a volunteer at Faizan e Madina he is speaking as a concerned resident.
He also said the Faizan e Madina mosque itself has no problem with Langley Islamic Centre opening.
But he said that he was concerned about parking ‘from a local resident’s point of view.
Mr Haider said: “People from all different communities are concerned about this.”
Langley Islamic Centre’s Facebook page says it launched at its new location on Spitfire Road on January 1 after a search for a new home.
The new mosque is based in the former Langley Resource Centre, which belongs to Slough Borough Council but was earmarked for sale in October last year.
Langley Islamic Centre announced it had secured the building in a post to its Facebook page on December 28, but that it still needs to raise £550,000 by March this year.
Its website suggests that daily prayers are already taking place at the venue.
However the building currently only has planning permission to be used as a daycare centre.
That means a new planning application to use the building as a place of worship would need to be submitted and approved before it can be used as a mosque.
Slough Borough Council told the Observer that it has signed a leasehold agreement with Langley Islamic Centre, which also includes a purchase option.
The council didn’t say whether it had advised Langley Islamic Centre it would need to obtain planning permission to use the building as a mosque. It added it is currently ‘researching’ concerns about parking.
A council spokesperson said: “Slough Borough Council has entered into a leasehold agreement for Langley Resource Centre with Langley Islamic Centre, which also includes a purchase option.
“The transaction has been subject to legal, financial and property due diligence to ensure that it reflects best consideration in accordance with Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972.”
The spokesperson added: “Langley Resource Centre is designated as a Class E property (day care centre) under the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987. Should the actual or intended use of a property vary from its formal designation, then a change of use would need to be sought.
“The council is aware of a number of concerns from local residents, including parking, and is currently researching this issue.”
Langley Islamic Centre has been contacted for comment.
Source:sloughobserver.co.uk
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https://www.sloughobserver.co.uk/news/24843466.parking-worries-langley-mosque-opens-without-planning-permission/
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Danes struggle with response to Trump Greenland threat
10 January 2025
Copenhagen's gloomy January weather matches the mood among Denmark's politicians and business leaders.
"We take this situation very, very seriously," said Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen of Donald Trump's threats to acquire Greenland – and punish Denmark with high tariffs if it stands in the way.
But, he added, the government had "no ambition whatsoever to escalate some war of words."
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen downplayed Trump's own suggestion that the US might use military force to seize Greenland. "I don't have the fantasy to imagine that it'll ever get to that," she told Danish TV.
And Lars Sandahl Sorensen, CEO of Danish Industry, also said there was "every reason to stay calm... no-one has any interest in a trade war."
But behind the scenes, hastily organised high-level meetings have been taking place in Copenhagen all week, a reflection of the shock caused by Trump's remarks.
Greenland PM Mute Egede flew in to meet both the prime minister and King Frederik X on Wednesday.
And on Thursday night, party leaders from across the political spectrum gathered for an extraordinary meeting on the crisis with Mette Frederiksen in Denmark's parliament.
Faced with what many in Denmark are calling Trump's "provocation," Frederiksen has broadly attempted to strike a conciliatory tone, repeatedly referring to the US as "Denmark's closest partner".
It was "only natural" that the US was preoccupied by the Arctic and Greenland, she added.
Yet she also said that any decision on Greenland's future should be up to its people alone: "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders... and it's the Greenlanders themselves who have to define their future."
Her cautious approach is twofold.
On the one hand, Frederiksen is keen to avoid escalating the situation. She's been burned before, in 2019, when Trump cancelled a trip to Denmark after she said his proposal to buy Greenland was "absurd".
"Back then he only had one more year in office, then things went back to normal," veteran political journalist Erik Holstein told the BBC . "But maybe this is the new normal."
But Frederiksen's comments also speak to the Danish resolve not to meddle in the internal affairs of Greenland – an autonomous territory with its own parliament and whose population is increasingly leaning towards independence.
"She should've been much clearer in rejecting the idea," said opposition MP RasmusJarlov.
"This level of disrespect from the coming US president towards very, very loyal allies and friends is record-setting," he told the BBC, although he admitted Trump's forcefulness had "surprised everybody."
The conservative MP believed Frederiksen's insistence that "only Greenland... can decide and define Greenland's future" placed too much pressure on the island's inhabitants. "It would've been prudent and clever to stand behind Greenland and just clearly state that Denmark doesn't want [a US takeover]."
The Greenland question is a delicate one for Denmark, whose prime minister officially apologised only recently for spearheading a 1950s social experiment which saw Inuit children removed from their families to be re-educated as "model Danes".
Last week, Greenland's leader said the territory should free itself from "the shackles of colonialism."
By doing so he tapped into growing nationalist sentiment, fuelled by interest among Greenland's younger generations in the indigenous culture and history of the Inuit.
Most commentators now expect a successful independence referendum in the near future. While for many it would be seen as a victory, it could also usher in a new set of problems, as 60% of Greenland's economy is dependent on Denmark.
An independent Greenland "would need to make choices," said KarstenHonge. The Social Democrat MP now fears his preferred option of a new Commonwealth-style pact "based on equality and democracy" is unlikely to come about.
Sitting in his parliamentary office decorated with poems and drawings depicting scenes of Inuit life, Honge said Greenland would need to decide "how much it values independence". It could sever ties with Denmark and turn to the US, Honge said, "but if you treasure independence then that doesn't make sense."
Opposition MP Jarlov argues that while there is no point in forcing Greenland to be part of Denmark, "it is very close to being an independent country already".
Its capital Nuuk is self-governed, but relies on Copenhagen for management of currency, foreign relations and defence - as well as substantial subsidies.
"Greenland today has more independence than Denmark has from the EU," Jarlov added. "So I hope they think things through."
As Mette Frederiksen has the awkward task of responding firmly while not offending Greenland or the US, the staunchest rebuttal to Trump's comments so far has come from outside Denmark.
The principle of the inviolability of borders "applies to every country... no matter whether it's a very small one or a very powerful one," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned, while French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the EU would not let other nations "attack its sovereign borders".
Their comments gave away the deep concern within the EU about how to handle the upcoming Trump presidency. "This is not just very serious for Greenland and Denmark – it is serious to the whole world and to Europe as a whole," MP KarstenHonge said.
"Imagine a world – which we may be facing in just a few weeks – where international agreements don't exist. That would shake everything up, and Denmark would just be a small part of it."
The Danish trade sector has similarly been engulfed by deep nervousness after Trump said he would "tariff Denmark at a very high level" if it refused to give up Greenland to the US.
A 2024 Danish Industry study showed that Denmark's GDP would fall by three points if the US imposed 10% tariffs on imports from the EU to the US as part of a global trade war.
Singling out Danish products from the influx of EU goods would be near-impossible for the US, and would almost certainly result in retaliatory measures from the EU. But trade industry professionals are taking few chances, and in Denmark as elsewhere on the continent huge amounts of resources are being spent internally to plan for potential outcomes of Donald Trump's second term in the White House.
As his inauguration approaches, Danes are preparing as they can to weather the storm. There is guarded hope that the president-elect could soon shift his focus to grievances towards other EU partners, and that the Greenland question could be temporarily shelved.
But the disquiet brought on by Trump's refusal to rule out military intervention to seize Greenland remains.
KarstenHonge said Denmark would have suffer whatever decision the US takes.
"They just need to send a small battleship to travel down the Greenland coast and send a polite letter to Denmark," he said, only partly in jest.
"The last sentence would be: well, Denmark, what you gonna do about it?
"That's the new reality with regards to Trump."
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp313e41jy1o
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South Asia
Islamic Foundation launches software to make contribution to Zakat fund
09 Jan 2025
DHAKA, Jan 9, 2025 (BSS) - Zakat money can be paid easily through online by using Zakat Management System Application Software as the Islamic Foundation (IF) Zakat Board has launched the software for taking money to its Zakat fund.
The application software has been developed under the expertise development project of Mobile Game Application with the supervision of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) division.
Details about the application would be known after access into the website like https://ezakat.gov.bd/.
Even a Zakat payer can take receipt and certificate immediately after paying Zakat money, according to a foundation release.
Any person by using the Software can easily pay his Zakat online from his home quickly. Even the expatriates can pay their Zakat money while staying abroad.
The application software has made open all the necessary information like Zakat fund operation system and policy, rules on payment of Zakat, collection of Zakat and distribution policy, particular sector Zakat distribution and Zakat counting regulation.
“Since Zakat is considered as one of the most five important pillars of Islam.
Zakat payment is mandatory for a Muslim male and female if he or she has a particular amount of financial resources”, the release said.
The society as well as the state or world will be free from poverty if the rich people follow the rule of Zakat in a proper way.
The Zakat, which is being donated to the government Zakat fund is free from paying income tax.
Source:bssnews.net
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https://www.bssnews.net/news/237121
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BNP files two ICT complaints against Hasina
Jan 10, 2025
The BNP yesterday lodged two complaints with the International Crimes Tribunal against Sheikh Hasina, Awami League leaders and law enforcers over the killing of 2,276 BNP men by crossfire and the enforced disappearance of 153 others.
MdSalauddin Khan, a Krishak Dal leader and coordinator of the BNP's case data information cell, submitted the complaints to the tribunal's prosecution wing over the incidents that occurred between 2008 and Hasina's ouster on August 5, 2024. Lawyer Nurul Islam, another member of the case cell, was also present.
They did not disclose the identities of AL leaders and law enforcers named in the complaint.
According to Salauddin, among the 153 individuals who were subjected to enforced disappearance, the notables include former BNP leaders Ilias Ali and Chowdhury Alam.
Many of the victims of enforced disappearance were killed, Salauddin said. The BNP attached a 20-page list to the complaint over enforced disappearance.
The other complaint over the killings had a 245-page list of victims, their addresses, and short details of the incidents.
"On the orders of the head of Awami League government, Awami League-affiliated criminals and certain overzealous members of law enforcement agencies carried out heinous murders under the guise of crossfire," reads the complaint over the killings.
It alleges that the killings of the BNP leaders and activists were part of an attempt to eliminate the party by forcing its members and supporters to flee the country and instilling widespread fear to deter public support and participation in BNP activities.
Faisal Mahmud, son of local BNP leader Mahbub Alam, told The Daily Star his father's killing took away all the joy the family had. He alleged the Rapid Action Battalion killed his father in a so-called crossfire incident.
"Our life was once filled with joy, living in Laxmipur with three brothers and our parents. But everything changed in 2013 when my father was killed," he said.
He said his mother, who was then in her 30s, had to move to Chattogram, seeking work in a garment factory to earn a living. Due to financial hardship, Mahbub's three sons aged seven to 15 at the time dropped out of school, Faisal added.
He said they had thought they would never get justice, but the ouster of the Hasina government and the lodging of the complaint with the ICT ignited their hope for justice.
Mahbub's killing is among 88 incidents listed by the BNP in the complaint. Cox's Bazar topped the list with 200 killings, followed by 104 in Chattogram, 88 in Jashore and 73 in Cumilla.
Dhaka city saw 52 such killings, Kushtia 62, Jhenidah 59, Mymensingh, Noakhali and Khulna 54 each, Feni 57, Satkhira 51, Pabna 44, Rajshahi city 43, and Sirajganj 42.
The incidents of killing mentioned by the BNP on the list also included 15 in Narayanganj, 21 in Gazipur, eight in Dhaka district, 11 in Narsingdi, 15 in Tangail, 26 in Munshiganj, 27 in Faridpur, five in Netrakona, 11 in Jamalpur, eight in Shariatpur, seven in Kishoreganj, 11 in Rajbari, 16 in Chuadanga, 37 in Meherpur, 11 in Magura, eight in Narail, 28 in Bagerhat, 21 in Natore, 33 in Rajshahi, 26 in Joypurhat, 29 in Chapainawabganj, 17 in Bogura, 19 in Chattogram city, five in Khagrachhari, seven in Rangamati, 38 in Chandpur, 26 in Rangpur, 18 in Dinajpur, 28 in Gaibandha, nine in Nilphamari, 10 in Lalmonirhat, 17 in Thakurgaon, six in Kurigram, 11 in Sylhet, four in Sunamganj, six in Habiganj, five in Moulvibazar, nine in Patuakhali, 12 in Bhola, eight in Barguna, 11 in Barishal, 28 in Brahammanbaria, two in Jhalakathi, six in Madaripur and one in Sherpur.
According to a report by rights body Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK), 1,952 people died by crossfire involving law enforcement agencies from 2009 to June 2024.
Among these deaths, 705 were attributed to the Rab, 913 to the police, 40 to joint operations by the Rab and police, and 294 to other law enforcement agencies.
The ASK report also shed light on enforced disappearances, with a total of 608 individuals having gone missing between 2010 and 2023, and 365 of them remained missing as of 2023.
Source:thedailystar.net
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Islamic Emirate wants diplomatic relations with West based on mutual interests, says Shaheen
January 9, 2025
KABUL: The head of the political office of the Islamic Emirate in Qatar, Mohammad Suhail Shaheen, in an interview with TOLOnews, said the other day that the Islamic Emirate seeks to establish positive relations with all countries based on mutual interests. He called on the United States and European countries to reopen their embassies in Kabul. Speaking to TOLOnews, Shaheen said that the Qatar office is pursuing the issue of reopening embassies of European countries and the U.S. in Kabul.“This matter has also been communicated to ambassadors of various countries through the political office in Qatar. Therefore, under this principle, the United States can also resume normal diplomatic relations through its embassy in Kabul,” Shaheen said as quoted by the TV.Previously, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, deputy foreign minister for political affairs, had also urged the incoming U.S. administration under Donald Trump to review its policies on Afghanistan and take constructive steps toward building relations with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The Kabul Times
Source:thekabultimes.com
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Islamic Emirate Emphasizes Regional Security in Meeting with Chechen Delegation
2025-01-10
KABUL(BNA): Mawlavi Abdul Kabir, the Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs, met with a high-level delegation from Chechnya at the Sepadar Palace on Wednesday.
The delegation, which included AmrovJambulatt, the head of the Chechen Academy of Sciences, and the deputy head of the Council of Nationalities of Russia, arrived in Afghanistan on behalf of the Chechen president and the Russian Federation.
During the meeting, Jambulatt expressed his satisfaction with the visit and highlighted the importance of strengthening relations between Afghanistan and Russia in scientific, religious, cultural, and economic fields. He emphasized his commitment to fostering positive ties between the two countries.
Mawlavi Abdul Kabir welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the commonalities Islamic countries share with Afghanistan in religious, cultural, and social aspects. He expressed hope for the development of these commonalities through mutual cooperation.
Deputy PM Mawlavi Kabir noted Russia’s expertise in infrastructure development and conveyed hopes that it could play a significant role in Afghanistan’s reconstruction efforts. He also stated that the Islamic Emirate views its national interests as intrinsically linked to regional security and stability.
Concluding his remarks, Mawlavi Kabir reaffirmed the Islamic Emirate’s desire for interaction with regional and global nations while emphasizing on Islamic and national values.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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UNICEF to continue supporting Health workers in Afghanistan
ByFidel Rahmati
January 9, 2025
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has announced that it currently supports 28,000 health workers and nurses in Afghanistan.
In a message posted on X/Twitter on Thursday, January 9th, UNICEF stated that it would continue supporting healthcare workers in Afghanistan throughout year. The aim is to provide high-quality healthcare services to mothers and children.
UNICEF emphasized that its support for health workers is essential to ensuring the delivery of essential services. Previously, the organization had highlighted that it is the only agency capable of providing food to children in Afghanistan, with around 30,000 health workers currently under its support.
International aid organizations have consistently warned about the increasing poverty and food insecurity in Afghanistan. According to the World Health Organization, about 2.9 million children under the age of five are currently suffering from malnutrition in Afghanistan, with 850,000 of them facing severe acute malnutrition.
The World Health Organization also reported that, over the past three years, it has treated 96,740 children with severe acute malnutrition in Afghanistan. Furthermore, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies expressed concern over the increasing number of children suffering from malnutrition, with 3.2 million children under five and 840,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women affected by severe malnutrition.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan continues to worsen, particularly for children and mothers. Despite international efforts, the severe food insecurity and lack of resources present a dire situation that requires urgent global attention and aid.
Source:.khaama.com
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Pakistan
JUI-F prepares draft bill for madrassas' registration in provinces
By Web Desk
January 09, 2025
The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has prepared a draft bill for the registration of madrassas in the provinces following the promulgation of the Societies Registration (Amendment) Act, 2024, by the president last month.
The religio-political party stepped up efforts for legislation to register Islamic schools in the provinces after the federal government notified the madrassas' registration bill last month, following its passage in both houses of parliament.
The proposed act shall be called the Societies Registration Amendment Act, 2025, to pave the way for the registration of unregistered seminaries within six months in the provinces; however, those madrassas already registered with the Centre would not be required to apply for registration again.
The draft law stated that unregistered Islamic schools would register themselves with the directorate under the Ministry of Education, while seminaries with more than one campus would require a single registration.
Under the law proposed by the Maulana Fazlur Rehman-led party, seminaries would submit their audit reports and copies to the registrar.
It also sought restrictions on literature containing content that promotes militancy, sectarianism, and religious hatred in madrassas. Subsequently, each seminary would integrate new subjects into its curriculum in phases.
This development came after the JUI-F chief telephoned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier this month, seeking the latter's role in resolving the issue of seminaries' registration in the provinces.
Fazl had apprised the premier that legislation in provincial assemblies was also needed to create a law for the registration of religious seminaries. In response, Shehbaz promised that he would talk to the chief ministers on the matter.
The cleric wanted the provincial governments to follow the pattern of the federal government, which has now become law through a gazette notification.
The president had also issued an ordinance concerning amendments to the Societies Registration Act, 2024, approved by the federal cabinet after the government and the JUI-F resolved their differences.
The madrassa bill had become a bone of contention between the JUI-F and the government after President Zardari returned it, citing legal objections.
Its enactment was part of an agreement between the government and the religio-political party for supporting the 26th Amendment, Fazl had said previously.
The legislation amended the existing procedure for the registration of madrassas with the education ministry.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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TTP militants abduct 17 civilian workers; eight recovered
By Zarmeen Zehra
January 09, 2025
The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) abducted 17 civilian workers at gunpoint in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s LakkiMarwat district on Thursday, with security forces recovering eight of them, sources told Geo News.
Sources said militants ambushed a vehicle transporting unarmed civilians, took them hostage, set it on fire, and fled with the captives.
Meanwhile, the security forces in a joint operation with the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) recovered eight of the abducted civilians, sources said, adding that an operation was underway to recover the rest.
Sources added that security forces were determined to bring the elements who committed this "ruthless act" to justice. "Such actions of Fitna al-Khawarij against Pakistan and the people have nothing to do with religion and Islamic values," they added.
Earlier in the day, police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) — in a joint operation in LakkiMarwat — gunned down three TTP militants.
The CTD, in a statement, said they received information about the presence of a dozen militants in the area, upon which an intelligence-based operation was conducted.
An intense exchange of fire took place between the raiding team and the militants, which resulted in the killing of three terrorists.
Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from slain militants, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the security forces, it added.
The nation has been reeling under rising violent attacks since the Taliban rulers returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, particularly in the bordering provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
The year 2024 turned out to be the deadliest for Pakistan’s civil and military security forces in a decade with at least 685 fatalities and 444 terror attacks, according to “CRSS Annual Security Report 2024” issued by Centre for Security and Strategic Studies.
Equally alarming were the cumulative losses of civilians and security personnel, i.e., 1,612 fatalities, accounting for over 63% of the total recorded this year, marking 73% more losses compared to 934 outlaws eliminated, The News reported citing CRSS report.
The overall fatalities recorded the previous year were a record 9-year high and over 66% more than in 2023. On average, nearly seven people lost their lives daily, with November emerging as the deadliest month across all metrics, compared to all other months of the year.
The violence took the heaviest toll on KP which topped in human losses with 1,616 fatalities, followed by Balochistan with 782 fatalities. In 2024, the country suffered 2,546 violence-linked fatalities and 2,267 injuries among civilians, security personnel and outlaws.
This tally of casualties stemmed from 1,166 incidents of terror attacks and counter-terror operations, marking a grim year for the country’s security landscape.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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Pakistan, Denmark reaffirm resolve to foster maritime cooperation
January 10, 2025
Pakistan and Denmark have reaffirmed resolve to foster maritime cooperation between the two countries.
The development reached during the meeting between Minister of Maritime Affairs, Qaiser Ahmad Sheikh and the Danish Ambassador to Pakistan, JakobLinulf in Islamabad.
Both sides discussed the potential possibilities of trade between the two countries and ways to further strengthen their ties.
Source:radio.gov.pk
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Protests are peaceful in civilized societies: Info Minister
January 09, 2025
Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, has said that in civilized societies, protests are peaceful and life continues without being disrupted.
Commenting on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur's recent statement, he said that the chief minister has finally chosen the appropriate approach to protest.
He praised Ali Amin Gandapur for adopting this peaceful method for the first time in the past 10 months, while expressing that it would have been preferable, if the chief minister had protested peacefully on November 26 and May 9, instead of resorting to violence and arson.
The Information Minister also reminded the nation that chaos, violence, and arson have traditionally been the tactics employed by the chief minister.
Source:radio.gov.pk
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Sanaullah hints at possibility of Imran Khan's relocation over security, health
By Web Desk
January 10, 2025
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has hinted that founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan may be moved due to security or health concerns.
Speaking in an interview on Thursday, the senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader explained that the decision to conduct Khan’s trial within jail premises was also taken to ensure his security.
"If he is brought to the complex where anti-terrorism courts or high courts are situated, then it could be very dangerous," the PML-N leader noted, explaining that this is why no one opposed his trials in jail.
He noted that arrangements could be made for special provisions, should security or health issues arise. "However, nothing like this has been discussed so far," Sanaullah added.
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur confirmed Sanaullah's statement regarding the meeting of the negotiation committee with the PTI founder.
Gandapur explained that the meeting had been delayed because National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq was out of the country. Now that Sadiq has returned, a meeting between Khan and the government’s negotiation committee is expected soon.
He also mentioned that individual meetings with the PTI founder are ongoing.
Separately, PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat advised both the government and PTI to exercise restraint, warning that inflammatory statements could jeopardise the negotiation process.
He emphasised that if the committee is unable to meet Khan, they should convene regardless to maintain the momentum of the parleys.
After months of a political tug-of-war, the coalition government and the embattled PTI finally came to the table last month to defuse tensions, with the Khan-founded party initially putting forth two initial demands: the release of all "political prisoners" and a judicial probe into the events of May 9 and November 26.
During the second round of talks — being held under the chairmanship of National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, the PTI negotiation team sought frequent meetings with party founder Imran Khan to finalise the "charter of demands".
While the PTI has been quite vocal about its key demands — the release of political prisoners and a judicial probe into the events of May 9, 2023 and November 26 crackdown — it could not share these demands with the government committee in writing.
However, a stalemate between the two sides persists over "hindrance" in meeting with incarcerated former premier Imran and the former ruling party has warned that the talks would collapse if judicial commission for investigating the events of May 9, 2023 and November 26 not formed after the recently held third round.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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Punjab set to raise new ‘riot management’ force
Asif Chaudhry
January 10, 2025
LAHORE: A summary before Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz calls for raising a new ‘riot management police’ (RMP), consisting of 5,000 personnel to handle large crowds and violent protests, Dawn has learnt.
The summary, moved by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar, was given the green light by the chief minister after he and DIG Athar Waheed briefed her on the significance of the force.
The RMP is going to be constituted under the controversial Right to Peaceful Protest Act, 2024.
Headquartered in Lahore, the force will be headed by a police officer not below the rank of DIG and assisted by a superintendent of police (SP). It will have eight regional offices, each headed by a regional SP.
An official told Dawn that the RMP would be made operational in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan and Sargodha, and its scope would be extended to other major districts at a later stage.
Sharing details, the official said the scheme was proposed by the Punjab police high-ups against the backdrop of May 9, 2023 incidents, which saw damage to public and private properties as well as injuries to law enforcement personnel. The 30-page draft of the proposed RMP was prepared by Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) DIG Athar Waheed, he added.
Talking about the salient features of the project, he declared that the RMP would be among the few police forces in the country authorised to recommend punishments for damage to public and private properties by protesters.
“Attackers and organisers of violent agitations would have to pay compensation for the damage to the state and the citizens,” the proposed legislative framework of the scheme, seen by Dawn, says.
According to the draft, the force will be trained in non-lethal intervention techniques, communication and negotiation strategies with protest leaders, while personnel will be imparted psychological training to understand crowd dynamics and anticipate actions.
About the equipment and other logistics, the summary proposes advanced non-lethal crowd control tools such as tear gas, sound cannons, rubber bullets, electric shock shields and surveillance, besides improved communication systems for better coordination between field units and command centres. This anti-riot equipment would be essential for the RMP in controlling and dispersing crowds during protests and demonstrations.
The proposed RMP would also have, for the first time, specially trained dogs to help disperse crowds, apprehend protesters and act as deterrents to unlawful activities, as per the summary.
The scheme proposed bullet-proof vehicles for the additional IG and the DIG RMP Punjab, besides 650 other vehicles, including armored anti-riot trucks, water cannons, heavy cranes, loader trucks, armored ambulances and other specialised vehicles equipped with tracking systems.
Concluding the proposal, officials wrote that while a majority of protests and demonstrations in Punjab were peaceful, however, some escalated into riots, leading to violence, property damage, injuries and loss of life.
Source:dawn.com
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Imran still ‘inaccessible’ for his party
Ikram Junaidi | Manzoor Ali
January 10, 2025
PESHAWAR/ISLAMABAD: Attempts by the PTI to gain access to Imran Khan on Thursday remained futile, as the party announced its intention to submit its written demands in the third round of talks.
Talks between the government and the PTI commenced in the last week of December to bring down political temperatures, but despite weeks of negotiations, the dialogue process has hardly moved forward on major issues — the formation of a judicial commission and the release of PTI prisoners.
PTI lawyer Faisal Chaudhry told Dawn on Thursday that he was asked to approach the Adiala administration to arrange a meeting between the PTI negotiation team and the former premier, but despite his day-long efforts, the jail authorities did not allow them to meet Mr Khan.
In a separate press conference at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Department in Peshawar, PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqqas Akram asked the government to show seriousness about the dialogue by forming the judicial commission to probe the May 9 and November 26 crackdowns.
The PTI leader said that access to the PTI chief was their main demand since they needed to consult him regarding the dialogue. “We have been unable to access Imran for three-and-a-half months,” he claimed.
About a recent meeting with the PTI chief, he said that their previous meetings with the party’s founder were not detailed and the party wanted access to him for a detailed meeting since there were important issues to discuss. Mr Akram said that a meeting in a small room was not “proper access”.
He said that despite this the PTI founder showed seriousness and allowed his party interlocutors to present their demands in writing in the third phase of talks with the government. “The meeting with Imran Khan is our basic right, which has been denied to us,” he claimed.
A day earlier, PTI leader Omar Ayub demanded ‘unmonitored’ access to the former premier, alleging their meeting was held under surveillance. However, the government said such a meeting was not possible under the jail rules. According to Mr Akram, the government opened the prison doors at 7am to stop the Sangjani protest. “What jail manual allowed this,” he said in reference to that meeting.
He also criticised the Punjab government led by the PML-N, asking if it could not arrange such a meeting then how it was going to address his party’s other demands. He said that the formation of a judicial commission was a crucial demand, which would help the negotiation process.
Mr Akram said that the government was lying about facilities provided to the PTI founder in jail, alleging Imran Khan had been kept in a ‘death cell’. Besides, he claimed that Mr Khan was not allowed a newspaper and television and the jail authorities were also taking away his reading materials.
According to the PTI spokesperson, the party workers who had been detained in Attock and Jhelum jails were being mistreated. He said that 40 people were being kept in 10x10 cells, adding that the incarcerated workers were also not being provided medical treatment.
Source:dawn.com
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Govt orders probe into Zehri incident, vows accountability
Saleem Shahid
January 10, 2025
QUETTA: The Balochistan government has directed authorities to conduct an independent and transparent inquiry into the militant attack in Zehri tehsil of Khuzdar district, which saw militants seize control of the area for several hours earlier this week.
An official notification issued by the provincial Home Department on Thursday announced the investigation and stated that strict action would be taken against those found responsible.
Around 100 armed militants stormed the Zehri bazaar and nearby areas, facing no resistance from the Levies force stationed in the area. The attackers targeted government buildings, including the Levies station, municipal committee offices, Nadra office and a private bank branch. Several of these buildings were set ablaze.
A spokesperson for the provincial government said on Thursday that ensuring public safety and upholding the state’s writ were top priorities.
In response to the delayed action by the local administration, the Home Department has ordered the activation of the civil administration to prevent further shortcomings.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1884216/govt-orders-probe-into-zehri-incident-vows-accountability
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MWM slams ‘harsh’ govt response to Karachi protests as court rejects 17 workers’ bail pleas
January 10, 2025
KARACHI: While the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) has accused the authorities of exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Parachinar, and criticised the government’s ‘harsh’ response to ‘peaceful protests’ organised in solidarity with the people of restive Kurram district, an anti-terrorism court has rejected bail applications of 17 MWM workers booked for assaulting policemen during sit-ins in Karachi in December last year.
The court, however, granted bail to two senior MWM leaders.
The 19 protesters had filed applications before the ATC-II in Clifton, seeking post-arrest bail.
Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, MWM chief Senator Raja Nasir Abbas Jafari said that Parachinar is currently facing a dire humanitarian crisis.
“Over 130 innocent children have died as a result of shortages of food and essential supplies, while the lives of local residents have been paralysed,” he said.
“And when we protested we were attacked. We strongly condemn the state’s harsh response to peaceful protests organised in solidarity with the oppressed people of Parachinar. The Pakistan Peoples Party should be ashamed of its actions, which portrays itself as the champion of democracy. It has in fact violated democratic principles by attacking unarmed citizens in Sindh.”
He said that the conditions in Parachinar were deliberately being worsened with a population of millions facing extreme danger. The lack of medical supplies and food is causing further loss of life, he added.
“The people of Kurram, both Shia and Sunni, have never desired conflict. A peace agreement has been reached between the two factions, and its implementation now lies with the government,” he added.
He emphasised that all available resources should be mobilised to ensure lasting peace in the region.
Any efforts to disrupt this peace should be met with stern action, he said.
In his appeal to the people of Kurram, Senator Jafari urged them to socially boycott those responsible for creating obstacles in peace and expose the elements trying to destroy the country’s stability.
He stressed that, as Muslims, it is obligatory to raise one’s voice against oppression, no matter where it occurs. Peaceful protests, he said, are both a constitutional and legal right.
The MWM chief also urged PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to take notice of the “brutality” in Sindh and order investigations into the incidents. He demanded withdrawal of cases against peaceful protesters in Karachi and called for the immediate release of “innocent” detainees.
ATC grants bail to two leaders
An anti-terrorism court on Thursday granted bail to two Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) leaders but rejected the bail pleas of 17 other workers.
The 19 protesters, including Maulana Asghar Shaheedi, were booked on charges of assaulting policemen, who were removing protesters staging sit-ins at Numaish Chowrangi in December. The suspects had filed applications before the ATC-II in Clifton, seeking post-arrest bail.
After hearing both sides and the investigating officer (IO), the court granted bail to Maulana Shaheedi and Muhammad Abbas against surety bonds of Rs50,000 each.
Meanwhile, the court rejected the bail pleas of the remaining 17 protesters.
Last month, the MWM had staged sit-ins and blocked key arteries of the metropolis for several days to express solidarity with the heirs of the victims of the Parachinar violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram district.
According to the prosecution, when law enforcement agencies attempted to remove the protesters, they (suspects) allegedly opened fire, injuring one policeman. It further claimed that during the operation, three police personnel were also injured due to stone-pelting by the suspects.
A case was registered against the suspects at the Solider Bazar police station under Sections 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object), 324 (attempted murder), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 109 (abetment) of the Pakistan Penal Code read with Sections 6 and 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Source:dawn.com
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North America
What do we know about a smuggling network affiliated with the Islamic State group?
By Maria Ramirez Uribe
January 9, 2025
Although the person suspected of ramming a pickup truck into a New Orleans crowd on New Year's Day, killing 14 people, was born and raised in the U.S., Republican politicians have sought to tie the attack to U.S. border security.
Talking with anchor Jake Tapper on Jan. 5 on CNN’s "State of the Union," Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., said there are still a lot of unknowns about the New Orleans attack.
Banks: "What we do know, at least in the New Orleans attack, I mean, this was a terrorist attack. An ISIS sympathizer carried out a plan that was premeditated and killed American people. A terrorist attack on American soil, we have to take it seriously. We don't know all the facts yet.
"But we have got to get down to the reality of the matter that we have had 400 ISIS-smuggled people coming into our country that the Department of Homeland Security told us about last summer. And 50 of them, we don't know where they are. We don't know who they are or where they are. And we have to take that more seriously. I know President Trump will do that."
Tapper: "Obviously, the terrorist threat is multifaceted. But this individual, by all indications, was an American citizen, was homegrown.
"You said on Twitter that Trump was right when he immediately talked about this being an indication of how the border needs to be shut down. It's — obviously, there shouldn't be terrorists crossing the border, but the — wasn't that premature, given the fact that this was an American citizen, this particular case was not related to the border?"
Banks: "Well, remember, you have to go back to Obama called ISIS the JV team of terrorism. And, obviously, they're not."
Following a few more remarks about Trump and the Islamic State group, Banks continued, "And now we have — we know that ISIS individuals are being smuggled over a wide-open border."
Banks’ office did not respond to our query about what information he was citing. But he was likely referring to an NBC News report that relied on information from unnamed sources. According to NBC News, government officials said the Department of Homeland Security had identified 400 immigrants who entered the U.S. through a smuggling network tied to the Islamic State group.
However, there are no reports that the immigrants themselves are members of or affiliated with the group once known as ISIS. The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI did not respond to PolitiFact’s requests for comment.
Alex Nowrasteh, vice president for economic and social policy studies at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, said people are "rightly concerned" about chaos at the border, including historically high illegal immigration under Biden’s presidency. But he said immigration and terrorism are being incorrectly conflated with the New Orleans attack.
"The annual chance is about one in 4.6 million per year that an American will be killed in a terrorist attack on US soil committed by a foreign born terrorist," Nowrasteh said, citing his research.
In September 2023, Nowrasteh testified to Congress that his analysis of terrorist attacks in the U.S. from 1975 to 2022 showed that none of the people involved had crossed the southern border illegally.
Reporting about the Islamic State group smuggling ring
The details Banks cited match those in a June 25, 2024, NBC News report, which quoted three unnamed officials, who said the Department of Homeland Security had identified 400 Central Asia immigrants as "subjects of concern" because they were brought into the U.S. via a human smuggling network affiliated with the Islamic State group, NBC reported.
Of those, 150 were arrested and the whereabouts of 50 remained unknown.
Many of the 400 people, who entered the country in the past three years, crossed the U.S. Southern border and were released to seek asylum because they were not on the FBI’s terrorist watchlist.
According to NBC, people affiliated with the Islamic State group worked as human smugglers in Central Asia. However, it was unclear "whether the human smuggling activity directly funds ISIS activity or whether ISIS members are making personal money through human smuggling on the side."
In August 2023, almost a year before NBC’s report, CNN reported, citing unnamed officials, that the FBI was investigating dozens of migrants who crossed the U.S.’ southern border with help from a smuggler with ties to the Islamic State group.
"The ISIS-linked smuggler is not believed to be a member of the terror group, but more like an independent contractor who has personal sympathies with the organization, according to U.S. officials," CNN wrote.
On June 26, 2024, following the NBC report, CNN reported that an unnamed official said the network responsible for smuggling the 400 migrants had ties to the network that brought in the dozens of migrants being investigated in August 2023.
US officials discuss the smuggling network
During a March 2024 congressional hearing, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Trump’s pick for secretary of state, asked FBI director Christopher Wray about the smuggling organization.
"There is a particular network where some of the overseas facilitators of the smuggling network have ISIS ties that we’re very concerned about, and that we’ve been spending an enormous amount of effort with our partners to investigate," Wray said.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a June 26, 2024, interview that there was no evidence that any of the 400 people "are individuals plotting to harm the United States."
During a press conference the same day, a reporter said: "DHS confirmed that at least 400 migrants with potential ties to the Islamic State group recently crossed into the United States."
Mayorkas disagreed.
"That reporting is incorrect. We do not have identified 400 people with potential ISIS ties," Mayorkas said. "And let me again assure you that individuals who are identified to have those ties pose a concern to us from a public safety and security perspective and they would be priorities for detention and removal."
The Department of Homeland Security has made no further public statements about the 400 people or the smuggling group and it did not respond to PolitiFact’s request for comment.
Source:politifact.com
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https://www.politifact.com/article/2025/jan/09/what-do-we-know-about-a-smuggling-network-affiliat/
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TikTok to make final plea at Supreme Court against US ban
10 January 2025
TikTok will appear before the US Supreme Court on Friday in a last-ditch effort to overturn a ban, in a case testing the limits of national security and free speech.
The popular social media platform is challenging a law passed last year ordering the firm to be split from its Chinese owner or be blocked from the US by 19 January.
The US government is arguing that without a sale, TikTok could be used by China as a tool for spying and political manipulation.
But TikTok rejects that claim, arguing it has been unfairly targeted and the measure violates the free speech of its some 170 million American users.
Lower courts have sided with the government, but the case was complicated last month when President-elect Donald Trump weighed in on the dispute and asked for the enforcement of the law to be paused to grant him time to work out a deal.
Analysts have said it was not clear what the Supreme Court will decide, but that reversing the prior ruling - even with a future president's blessing - would be unusual.
"When you have a real government interest pitted against a real constitutional value, it ends up being a very close case," said Cardozo School of Law professor Saurabh Vishnubhakat.
"But in such close cases, the government often gets the benefit of the doubt."
A decision by Supreme Court could be made within days.
Congress passed the law against TikTok last year with support from both the Democratic and Republican parties. The moment marked the culmination of years of concern about the wildly popular platform, which is known for its viral videos and traction among young people.
The legislation does not forbid use of the app, but would require tech giants such as Apple and Google to stop offering it and inhibit updates, which analysts suggest would kill it over time.
TikTok is already banned from government devices in many countries, including in the UK. It faces more complete bans in some countries, including India.
The US argues that TikTok is a "grave" threat because the Chinese government could coerce its owner, ByteDance, to turn over user data or manipulate what it shows users to serve Chinese interests.
Last December, a three-judge appeals court decision upheld the law, noting China's record of acting through private companies and saying the measure was justified as "part of a broader effort to counter a well-substantiated national security threat posed" by the country.
TikTok has repeatedly denied any potential influence by the Chinese Communist Party and has said the law violates the First Amendment free speech rights of its users.
It has asked the Supreme Court to strike down the law as unconstitutional, or order its enforcement to be halted to enable a review of the legislation, which it said was based on "inaccurate, flawed and hypothetical information".
Trump is set to take office the day after the law would come into force.
He had called for banning the app in the US during his first term, but changed his tune on the campaign trail.
The brief that Trump's lawyers filed late last month did not take a position on legal dispute, but said the case presented "unprecedented, novel, and difficult tension between free-speech rights on one side, and foreign policy and national-security concerns on the other".
Noting his election win, it said Trump "opposes banning TikTok" and "seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office".
The filing came less than two weeks after Trump met TikTok's boss at Mar-a-Lago.
One of the president-elect's major donors, Jeff Yass of Susequehanna International Group, is a big stakeholder in the company.
However, Trump's nominee to serve as secretary of state, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, is in favour of banning the platform.
Investors who have expressed interest in buying the TikTok include Trump's former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and former LA Dodgers owner Frank McCourt.
Attorney Peter Choharis, who is part of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank in Washington, which filed its own brief supporting the US government's case, said it was hard to predict what the court - which has a conservative majority - would do, noting that several recent court decisions have overturned longstanding precedent.
But he said even if Trump was granted the opportunity to try to work out a deal, he expected a ban eventually.
"I don't see any president, including future President Trump, being able to resolve this in a way that's satisfactory for US national security because I don't think ByteDance will agree to it," he said.
The prospect of losing TikTok in the US has prompted outcry from many users, some of whom filed their own legal action last year.
In their filing they said the decision that TikTok could be shuttered "because ideas on that platform might persuade Americans of one thing or another - even of something potentially harmful to our democracy - is utterly antithetical to the First Amendment".
Other groups weighing in on the dispute include the American Civil Liberties Union and Freedom of the Press Foundation, which argued that the US had failed to present "credible evidence of ongoing or imminent harm" caused by the social media app.
Mr Choharis said the government had a right to take measures to defend itself, arguing that the fight was not "about speech" or "content" but about the Chinese government's role.
"It's about control and how the Chinese Communist Party specifically, and the Chinese government more generally, pursue strategic aims using many internet firms and especially social media companies - specifically including TikTok," he said.
Source:bbc.com
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Supreme Court rejects Trump bid to halt hush-money case sentencing
10 January 2025
The US Supreme Court has rejected President-elect Donald Trump's last-minute bid to halt his sentencing on Friday in the criminal hush-money case.
Trump had urged the top court to consider whether he was entitled to an automatic stay of his sentencing, but the justices rejected the application by 5-4.
Trump was found guilty of falsifying records to disguise reimbursements for a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels as legal expenses in 2016.
Justice Juan Merchan, who is overseeing the case, has indicated he will not consider a jail term for Trump.
Reacting on Thursday evening, the president-elect told reporters the case was a "disgrace", although the Supreme Court decision was a "fair decision, actually."
"It's a judge that shouldn't have been on the case," he said, apparently referring to Justice Merchan, and adding "they can have fun with their political opponent".
"The pathetic, dying remnants of the Witch Hunts against me will not distract us," he posted later on his Truth Social platform.
Two of the Supreme Court's conservative justices - John Roberts and Amy Coney Barrett - joined the three liberals to deny Trump's request for a delay.
The remaining four judges - Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh - would have allowed Trump's bid to postpone sentencing.
Alito has been criticised for speaking to Trump just a day before the decision in a phone call when the top judge recommended one of his former law clerks for a job with the incoming president's administration.
Three lower New York courts had rejected Trump's delay attempt before the Supreme Court made its final decision on Thursday evening to let the sentencing proceed as scheduled.
The justices denied Trump's petition because they believed his concerns could be addressed during an appeal.
They also wrote that the burden of attending a sentencing was "insubstantial".
Trump's lawyers had also asked the Supreme Court to consider whether presidents-elect had immunity from criminal prosecution.
Manhattan prosecutors had urged the Supreme Court to reject Trump's petition, arguing there was a "compelling public interest" in holding the sentencing and that there was "no basis for such an intervention".
Following the jury's guilty verdict in May 2024, Trump was initially set to be sentenced in July, but his lawyers successfully persuaded Justice Merchan to delay the sentencing on three separate occasions.
Last week, Justice Merchan declared the sentencing would move forward on 10 January, just days before Trump is sworn in again as president.
The days since have seen a volley of appeals and court filings from Trump's attorneys, trying to stave off the sentencing.
But in swift succession, New York courts rejected the bids. Finally on Wednesday, Trump's lawyers petitioned the Supreme Court to intervene.
The court should stay the proceedings "to prevent grave injustice and harm to the institution of the Presidency and the operations of the federal government", they wrote.
Last year, the bench's 6-3 conservative majority handed Trump a major victory, when they ruled that US presidents had immunity from criminal prosecution for "official acts" undertaken in office.
That decision gutted a federal prosecution against Trump on charges he illegally interfered in the 2020 election outcome, which he denied and pleaded not guilty.
But since his re-election, Trump's lawyers have tried to persuade a series of judges that those presidential immunity protections should also apply to a president-elect in this Manhattan criminal case.
Manhattan prosecutors argued in their own brief to the Supreme Court that Trump's "extraordinary immunity claim is unsupported by any decision from any court".
"It is axiomatic that there is only one President at a time," the prosecutors wrote.
Separately, a group of former public officials and legal scholars filed an amicus brief - effectively a letter of support - to the Supreme Court, asking the justices to reject Trump's "attempt to avoid accountability".
In another legal setback for Trump on Thursday, a federal appeals court in Georgia rejected a bid to block the release of a portion of special counsel Jack Smith's report into Trump's alleged plot to prevent the transfer of power to Joe Biden after the 2020 election.
Lawyers for Walt Nauta, a former aide, and former Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos de Oliveira had argued that the release would unfairly prejudice potential future criminal cases against them.
Source:bbc.com
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US annexation of Greenland would pose ‘military threat’ – top Russian MP
10 Jan, 2025
The US could use Greenland to stage an attack on Russia, State Duma Defense Committee chairman Andrey Kartapolov said on Thursday. The comment came after US President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his plan of purchasing the self-governing Arctic island from Denmark.
Trump has insisted that “ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity” for American national security.
Asked by RIA Novosti whether the US annexation of Greenland would pose a “military threat” to Russia, Kartapolov replied: “Obviously.”
“Greenland occupies a very large area in the Arctic and gives direct access to the Arctic, so for us it would not be the best option,” he said. The legislator argued that the island could serve as “a good springboard for America in a future hypothetical intercontinental clash.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Thursday that Moscow is “interested in maintaining an atmosphere of peace and stability” in the region. President Vladimir Putin’s senior aide, Nikolay Patrushev, warned in September that “the military activity of NATO members in the Arctic increases the potential for conflict.”
Danish officials have rejected the possibility of selling the island. “Greenland is not for sale and will not be in the future either,” Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Tuesday.
In 2009, Greenland was granted the right to declare independence through a referendum. The island’s pro-independence prime minister, Mute BourupEgede, has also rejected Trump’s acquisition proposal.
“We fully recognize that Greenland has its own ambitions. If they materialize, Greenland will become independent, though hardly with an ambition to become a federal state in the United States,” Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said.
Greenland, the world’s largest island, was granted home rule by Denmark in 1979. Its territory is rich in oil and minerals. Greenland is also home to the US Pituffik military base and NATO infrastructure.
Trump, who takes office on January 20, has also suggested that the US should absorb Canada and reestablish control over the Panama Canal.
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/610651-us-greenland-military-threat-russia/
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Arab World
Saudi envoy to US outlines efforts to maintain safety of Saudi citizens amid LA wildfires
January 10, 2025
LOS ANGELES: Saudi ambassador to the US, Princess Reema bint Bandar, reaffirmed on Thursday the embassy’s commitment to the safety and security of Saudi citizens in Los Angeles and surrounding areas impacted by wildfires, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In a statement, Princess Reema emphasized that the embassy and the consulate general were working tirelessly to support citizens affected by the fires.
She highlighted that ensuring their well-being remains a top priority for Saudi diplomatic missions in the United States.
She said the team was monitoring the situation closely and was prepared to provide immediate assistance to those in need. The embassy and consulate were dedicated to ensuring the security and safety of all Saudi citizens in affected areas, she added.
The embassy and consulate have activated a round-the-clock response team to address concerns and offer necessary support, SPA added.
The wildfires in California have prompted widespread evacuations and caused significant disruptions in the Los Angeles area, with officials working to contain the blazes.
Source:arabnews.com
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Saudi swimmer’s remarkable 30km swim from Alkhobar to Bahrain
SALEH FAREED
January 09, 2025
JEDDAH: In a remarkable feat of endurance and determination, Saudi Arabia’s Dr. Mariam Binladen recently completed the Khalid bin Hamad Swimming Challenge, covering a distance of 30km from Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia, to Salman City, Bahrain.
Binladen achieved this incredible feat in 11 hours, 25 minutes and 47 seconds.
Among her achievements, the open-water swimmer became the first Arab woman to cross the Red Sea to Egypt in October 2022, and the first to traverse Dubai Creek with a swim of 24 km in 2017.
In addition, she was the first woman from the Gulf to swim across the English Channel, covering 33.5 km in August 2016.
Speaking to Arab News about her feat on Dec. 26, Binladen said: “This swim was on my radar for 7 years.
“Unfortunately it was difficult to find an optimum window to do the challenge, primarily because weather conditions in the Gulf of Bahrain are incredibly difficult to predict.
“I had to study the sea very well taking into account the tides, wind speed, wave patterns, swells, water temperature and marine life cycles in order to minimize risk and achieve this goal.”
She added: “Amongst the many challenges of this event was swimming at night in the dark, in fluctuating cold-to-warm water temperatures, with the added complexity of tidal changes.
“As a way of mitigating the hazardous conditions the swim started at the Water Tower at Alkhobar at 1:50 a.m. Visibility was zero so I was swimming blind coupled with water temperatures ranging from 17 to 22 degrees.
“Instead of feeding every 30 minutes I fed every 15 minutes to avoid hypothermia and to maintain my body heat until sunrise, which was half-way through the swim.
“The tide in this area shifts every six hours which meant swimming part of the way against the tide which requires a huge amount of stamina and mental agility in order not to become exhausted.”
She added: “Each challenge poses its own distinct difficulties and unique set of conditions; during the Red Sea swim it was how to maneuver around sharks and avoid their feeding times.
“The English Channel, for example, was freezing cold and it is a busy shipping lane so it was necessary to address those concerns and plan accordingly.
“The Bahrain swim was undoubtedly hazardous and posed many issues, the distance being one of them. Before any swim I undertake area studies, conditions, risks and train to mitigate risks and for the conditions that I will face. Of course there are always some surprises.”
She has faced other challenges during her career. “My most unusual swim was in an ice glacier in Switzerland, this challenge was to swim in (minus) 2 degrees for 85 meters.
“I undertook extensive physical and cognitive training in order to prepare for this unique challenge. The burn of the ice-cold water will remain with me forever.”
In addition to being an athlete and dentist, Binladen also helps refugees and creates awareness through her platform, which has been acknowledged by organizations worldwide.
In 2016, she opened the first free medical facility of its kind for dental treatment in a Syrian refugee camp in Azraq, Jordan.
“Of course it is rewarding to treat any patients, I love to help people in any capacity I can, whether through treatment, inspiring them in sport or supporting them to swim gives me enormous satisfaction.”
As the Kingdom empowers women, Binladen said that she is delighted to be living at a time when Saudi women can pursue their ambitions in the workplace, sports and business.
“My advice to Saudi women is to never give up on your dream, with hard work and dedication you can fulfill your goals.”
On her future, she said: “It’s a common question, everybody is interested to know what’s next. All I can say is that I have a few possibilities in the pipeline and am carrying out area studies at the moment.”
“My ambition is to lead a fulfilling life in which I am constantly learning, developing, growing and making a positive impact on those around me, through my career, relationships or personal endeavors.
“I strive to pursue excellence and leave a lasting legacy that inspires others.”
Source:arabnews.com
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KACST graduates 46 deep-tech startups from Venture Program
MANAL AL-BARAKATI
January 09, 2025
RIYADH: Forty-six deep-tech startups graduated from the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology’s Venture Program in a recent ceremony.
The graduating startups come from a diverse range of sectors, including energy, healthcare, renewable resources and emerging technologies.
Notable participants included Glass Earth KSA, which specializes in geospatial technology solutions for environmental monitoring; PainTech Solutions, a company developing innovative approaches to pain management and medical treatments; and EA Systems, focused on advanced engineering solutions for industrial automation and efficiency.
The KACST Venture Program is an initiative designed to support deep-tech startups by providing resources, mentorship, and strategic partnerships to transform research into marketable products and services.
The program was supported by the National Technology Development Program, which also granted technology licenses to a number of private sector firms.
Held at KACST’s The Garage startup incubator in Riyadh, the graduation ceremony brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, researchers and private investors.
Among the dignitaries in attendance was Munir El-Desouki, president of KACST, who praised the initiative’s role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation.
Khalid Al-Dakkan, senior vice president of innovation at KACST, said: “At KACST, we worked to connect emerging companies with the government and private sectors, and investors to develop ideas and innovations, and transform them into marketable products and services to support the national economy.”
Al-Dakkan also pointed to the inclusion of strategic partners in the program’s next phase. “The KVP program, in its new version, includes the inclusion of a number of strategic partners to strengthen the innovation system and support the economy,” he said.
The new iteration will involve partnerships with four Saudi universities to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial culture while targeting fields such as clean energy, artificial intelligence and health technologies.
Ibrahim Neyaz, CEO of NTDP, underscored the program’s importance in driving growth in emerging sectors.
“The KACST program for creating emerging companies aims to support and empower owners of innovative technology projects and encourage national companies to invest in emerging technologies to raise their share in the local market, and provide initiatives that help in developing technologies,” he said.
Source:arabnews.com
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Eastern Region’s green initiative shows remarkable progress
January 09, 2025
DAMMAM: Significant strides were made by the Eastern Province Municipality last year in its efforts towards vegetation expansion and anti-desertification.
The initiative, designed to counter industrial pollution, improve air quality and move towards environmental sustainability, has focused on introducing climate-appropriate trees and flowers while adhering to scientific afforestation guidelines and controls.
Throughout the year, the municipality launched 87 initiatives involving more than 1,200 volunteers across 60 parks. This included the Dammam Corniche waterfront and its walking trails where some 680,000 trees and shrubs were planted, complemented by 7.7 million flowers, expanding green coverage by 205,000 sq. meters.
Work was also carried out to rehabilitate streets and other spaces, while technical upgrades included maintenance work on 200 pumps and the installation of irrigation networks covering 30 km of streets.
There was also progress for the park investment program, with four parks already under investment management and 400 more designated for future opportunities.
The municipality emphasized the project’s collaborative nature, highlighting the active participation of community members, government bodies and the private sector companies. Its inclusive approach aims to cultivate a lasting environmental consciousness and ensure sustainability practices are passed down to future generations.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2585822/saudi-arabia
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Riyadh to host second edition of Model of Care Forum
January 09, 2025
RIYADH: Riyadh will host the second edition of the Model of Care Forum under the patronage of Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel.
Organised by the Health Holding Co. on Jan. 28-29, the forum will be held at Malfa Hall in Prince Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City.
The forum aims to introduce the Saudi healthcare model locally and internationally, highlight success stories, and outline future goals and ambitions in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.
It also promotes partnership in healthcare among individuals and their families by taking necessary measures to maintain their health, ensuring the provision of healthcare that meets societal needs according to the highest quality standards.
The forum represents the second phase in a four-part strategic process in the healthcare sector’s transformation, aimed at developing the healthcare model in the Kingdom.
The Health Holding Co. is playing a key role in enabling healthcare delivery through 20 health clusters across Saudi Arabia.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2585820/saudi-arabia
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Africa
‘Yes, We’re Quarrelling With Tinubu’, Bauchi Governor Tells Islamic Clerics Over Current Policies
January 9, 2025
The Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed has called on President Bola Tinubu to review his administration’s policies in order the alleviate the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by some Islamic clerics, the governor said that the policies being launched by the present administration at the national level are not working. The clerics were led by Sheikh Sani YahayaJingir.
Mohammed further urged the president to ensure that he puts his ears to the ground and listen to the plight of Nigerians who he has sworn an oath to serve.
He also called on President Tinubu to work towards correcting some of his past mistakes with a focus on making life easy for the citizenry.
“Take for instance the Tax reform policy. Of course, no government can survive without revenue; if for instance the sources of its revenue can be blocked, no one can run it,” Mohammed said.
Speaking further, the governor added that it is a well fact that they (Northern governors) are not in good terms with the president.
He said, “I am sure you have heard that we are quarrelling with the president. Yes, it is true we are quarrelling because our people are suffering and the president has refused to listen to us.”
The governor also mentioned to the scholars that he had earlier thought of meeting with Sheikh Jingir to discuss the matter.
“You are among the few personalities that can approach the president on this issue. You are one of the people that the president listens to,” Governor Mohammed said.
Source:politicsnigeria.com
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Boko Haram Attack: Borno CP Commends Officers, Condoles Families Of Fallen Heroes
9 January 2025
By EnioluwaAdeniyi
The Commissioner of Police, Borno State Command, CP Yusufu Mohammed Lawal, on Thursday visited the Nganzai Police Division following an attempted attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists that claimed the lives of two police officers.
The visit, disclosed in a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Kenneth Daso, highlighted the resilience of the officers in repelling the attackers and the tragic loss of their colleagues.
According to the statement, the attack occurred at approximately 12:10 am on January 9, 2025.
“Unknown gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram terrorists attempted to invade Nganzai Police Division. Gallant officers on watch repelled the terrorists after a series of exchanges in a gun battle,” the statement read.
The assailants reportedly threw hand grenades, one of which landed on a shelter tent behind the police division, fatally wounding two officers.
During his visit to the scene, CP Lawal assessed the situation and commended the officers for their bravery in preventing further damage.
“Two hand grenades were recovered by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) – CBRN Base 13 Maiduguri. The bodies of the deceased have been taken to the State General Hospital Maiduguri,” the statement added.
The Commissioner extended his condolences to the families of the fallen officers and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents in the state.
“The Command remains dedicated and committed to ensuring safety and security for all. We call for calm as normalcy has been restored,” CP Lawal assured.
The statement urged residents to remain vigilant and provided emergency contact numbers for quick response:
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/01/09/boko-haram-attack-borno-cp-commends-officers-condoles-families-of-fallen-heroes/
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Africa’s constantly evolving militant Islamist threat
9th January 2025
The threat from militant Islamist groups in Africa over the past decade has steadily grown—with almost three times the number of annual violent events (roughly 6,700) as in 2014. The reported 21,780 annual fatalities (for years ending 30 June) represent a 56 percent increase just from 2021.
These topline figures obscure the great variability seen between and within each region over this time. This underscores the distinct local features—leadership and organizational structures, community and government responses, and external actors—that are driving this violence.
A decade ago, the Lake Chad Basin was the focal point of the violent extremist threat, comprising 13,670 annual fatalities—67 percent of the reported fatalities across the continent. North Africa was second, with 3,650 fatalities. Today, annual deaths in the Lake Chad Basin have declined almost fourfold from that high-water mark (though still above 3,600) while North Africa has the least reported fatalities of any of the five active regions.
A decade ago, the Sahel was the region facing the fewest deaths linked to violent extremism. Today it is the region with the most, a distinction it has held for the past 3 years. The 11,200 deaths in the Sahel in 2024—a tripling since 2021—now represent over half of all reported fatalities across the continent. This does not include the roughly 2,430 civilian deaths attributed to the Sahelian militaries and Russian forces (ostensibly in the name of countering violent extremism)—which is more than the number of civilians killed by the theater’s militant Islamist groups.
Somalia has arguably faced the most consistently serious violent extremist threat on the continent over the past decade. It regularly experienced high, if not the highest, number of militant Islamist-linked violent events and fatalities. Today, the Sahel and Somalia account for over 80 percent of all violent extremist fatalities on the continent.
A decade ago, there were just four theaters of militant Islamist violence—Somalia and the Sahel joining the Lake Chad Basin and North Africa. At the end of 2017, a fifth region was added—with militant Islamist violence taking hold in northern Mozambique. This underscores that violent extremism in Africa is concentrated in specific regions—rather than being a uniform threat across the continent.
These dramatic fluctuations over the past decade underscore how dynamics can and do change across and within each of these theaters. Progress can be achieved—yet militant Islamist groups have demonstrated remarkable adaptability and resilience. This reinforces the importance of understanding the unique drivers and sustaining context-specific responses in each region.
Sahel
More than half of all annual (year ending June) reported fatalities (11,200) involving militant Islamist groups in Africa are in the Sahel. The Sahel has accounted for more fatalities than any other region on the continent since 2021.
Burkina Faso bears the majority of violent events (48 percent) and fatalities (62 percent) linked to militant Islamist groups in the Saheliantheater.
The Saheliantheater has been experiencing an increasing number of attacks on civilians. For the last 3 years, the Sahel has accounted for more than half the reported attacks on civilians by militant Islamist groups in Africa.
The level of violence in the Sahel is likely even higher. Following the coups in Mali (2020 and 2021), Burkina Faso (two in 2022), and Niger (2023), there has been a concerted effort to muzzle domestic media and the international press. As a result, there is diminishing access to accurate information on violent events in the region.
Non-coincidentally, there has been an escalation of violence against civilians by the junta’s security forces and their paramilitary partners (including Russia’s Africa Corps, formerly the Wagner Group). The number of attacks against civilians by these security actors has increased 76 percent between 2022 and 2024 (from roughly 230 to 400 attacks). Over the last 3 years, an estimated 4,740 civilians have been killed by these forces.
The Sahelian military juntas and their militia allies have killed more civilians (2,430) in the past year than militant Islamist groups (2,050).
Other tangible evidence of the worsening security situation in the Sahel is seen in the rise in numbers of violent extremist attacks in the southern regions of Mali and Burkina Faso. The spillover from this escalation in the Sahelian countries is being felt in coastal West Africa where there have been over 500 violent extremist events in or within 50 km of their borders in the past 12 months. This compares to just over 50 such events in 2020. In 2024, violent extremist attacks in Benin and Togo comprised 7 percent of the reported violent events in this theater.
Ambushes of security forces in the Sahelian countries have also been on the rise in recent years. In 2021, there were 10 reported violent extremist attacks that resulted in 10 or more fatalities of members of the armed forces of Sahelian countries. By the end of 2024, this figure was projected to rise to 50.
It is now estimated that 60 percent of Burkina Faso’s territory is outside the control of the military. In Mali, the figure is 50 percent, with parts of central and southern Mali falling out of state control in recent years. In 2021, territory outside of state control was estimated at 40 percent for each country. In Burkina Faso, up to 75 towns and cities are besieged by militant Islamist groups cutting their populations off from essential supplies.
Due to the growing instability, the number of forcibly displaced people is also on the rise, including an estimated 3 million Burkinabe.
Somalia
Somalia is Africa’s most enduring theater of militant Islamist group activity having persisted for three decades. Today, Somalia accounts for roughly a third of all militant Islamist-related fatalities on the continent, making it the second most active theater (after the Sahel), which it has been for the past 3 years.
Fatalities in Somalia in recent years have been approaching record levels for this theater. The 6,590 reported fatalities in 2024 are more than double that of 2020.
This spike in fatalities is largely due to the government offensive against al Shabaab launched by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in 2022—and al Shabaab’s subsequent counter attacks—though these battles have diminished from their peak over the past year.
Virtually all the reported events and fatalities in this theater are linked to al Shabaab. The Islamic State in Somalia (ISS) accounts for less than 1 percent of militant Islamist activity in Somalia and neighboring Kenya.
A notable development in the Somalia theater in recent years is the increased use of drones and suicide bombings (i.e., remote violence), of which there were 640 incidents in the past year.
Fatalities linked to al Shabaab’s use of remote violence (including 17 suicide bombings), have more than doubled since 2020, to 1,950 deaths.
This theater has also seen a doubling in the number of violent events linked to al Shabaab in Kenya (to over 110 episodes and over 250 fatalities). Most of these are in the border areas. While these events represent just 5 percent of the total violent incidents in this theater, they are a reminder of the regional threat posed by al Shabaab.
Lake Chad Basin
Militant Islamist violence in the Lake Chad Basin (comprising northeast Nigeria and the borderlands of Cameroon, Niger, and Chad) has ebbed and flowed over the past decade. The past 2 years have seen an increase in violent events after a period of decline. However, annual fatalities linked to these events have remained relatively consistent, typically ranging from 3,500 to 3,800 deaths. This has made the Lake Chad Basin the third most lethal region from militant Islamist violence on the continent—accounting for 17 percent of all fatalities.
The persistence of the militant Islamist threat in the Lake Chad Basin points to the resilience and adaptability of Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA). A third group, Ansaru, comprises less than 1 percent of all reported violent events and fatalities in the theater.
A notable development in this theater in recent years is the geographic expansion of militant Islamist violence into Cameroon. This year marks the first time Cameroon comprised over 50 percent of the events linked to militant Islamists in the theater. These 720 violent episodes represent a nearly threefold increase from 2022. Reported fatalities in Cameroon (780) have likewise doubled over this timespan.
While Nigeria continues to bear the vast majority of militant Islamist-related deaths (72 percent), fatalities in Cameroon now represent 21 percent of the total in the theater.
The past year has also seen a spike in militant Islamist-linked fatalities in Chad (on track for 180 deaths by the end of 2024) after a sharp decline in the preceding years.
This shifting geographic pressure may reshape the regional security demands for this theater.
Recent years have also seen a surge in militant Islamist violence against civilians and remote violence in the region. Violence against civilians comprised 41 percent of events in the region—a higher percentage than any other theater. These 590 episodes marked a doubling in the number of targeted attacks on civilians compared to 2022. The attacks on civilians reveal the lack of popular support for Boko Haram and ISWA—and the militant groups’ willingness to use violence to intimidate local populations.
The increased attacks on civilians come as the Nigerian government has made significant gains against the extremists. Some 5,630 militant Islamist surrendered to Nigerian forces in 2024 adding to the tens of thousands who have laid down their arms since the government started an amnesty program for fighters in 2016.
Violence against civilians comprised 41 percent of events in the region—a higher percentage than any other theater.
The fight against violent extremists in Nigeria’s North East region parallels a growing threat to civilians from organized criminal gangs in the North West region. Commonly known as “bandits,” these groups have engaged in looting, extortion, and kidnapping for ransom for financial gain. In fact, violence from these armed gangs in the North West has killed more civilians than Boko Haram and ISWA between 2018 and 2023.
The persistence of the threat of these organized gangs increases the risk of cooperation with militant Islamist groups in the North East or with the violent extremists pushing down into southern Niger from the Sahel theater. Such convergence could dramatically amplify the security challenges for both theaters.
Mozambique
Violence from militant Islamist actors in northern Mozambique has fluctuated dramatically since this threat first emerged in 2017. After escalating rapidly through 2021, which saw 2,080 deaths linked to violent extremist activity, northern Mozambique saw a nearly sixfold decline in deaths over the next 3 years. This decline is linked with the arrival of Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Rwandan security forces in July 2021.
The past year has seen a rebounding of violent events and fatalities linked to the militant Islamists, however. The projected 250 events and 460 fatalities by the end of 2024 would represent a near doubling in violence over the previous year. This underscores the resiliency of these militant Islamist groups, which have moved inland from their previous concentration on the coast. It also highlights the importance of a sustained security and government presence to ensure these threats are permanently addressed.
Though SADC officially ended its mission in July 2024, Rwandan, South African, and Tanzanian forces have remained to assist in the stabilization efforts in this theater.
North Africa
The North African theater has seen a steady decline in violent events and fatalities linked to militant Islamist groups since 2015 when the region experienced over 3,650 related deaths. Further dramatic declines in recent years brought these fatality totals down to single digits.
This year marks the first year there were no violent events linked to militant Islamist groups in Egypt since 2010.
The 5 reported events over the past 12 months—4 in Algeria and 1 in Libya—were military operations targeting remnant members of Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and Islamic State in Libya (ISL). The steady decline in violence reflects a combination of factors, most notably the constant pressure from Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia—and the lack of popular support for the extremists.
In Libya, the United Nations believes ISL and al Qaeda still have fighters in the southern part of the country, though they appear to be focused on profiting from the illicit economy. This enduring threat underscores the importance of continued vigilance in this region.
Written by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies and republished with permission. The original article can be found here.
Source:defenceweb.co.za
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https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/africas-constantly-evolving-militant-islamist-threat/
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‘Yes We Are Quarrelling With President Tinubu’ – Governor Mohammed Opens Up
9 January 2025
By OladipoAbiola
The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has submitted that the policies of President Bola Tinubu are bad and causing hardship for Nigerians.
Governor Mohammed said the bad policies of the President are causing hardships for Nigerians and the various state governors, and that is why there is a disagreement.
According to him, a good instance of the bad policies of the Tinubu government is the recent Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly.
The Governor, however, added that there is still a chance for President Tinubu to correct his mistakes.
Speaking when he received a delegation of Islamic scholars led by Sheikh Sani YahayaJingir, Governor Mohammed advised the president to listen to Nigerians and those who are correcting him because the policies are not working and the people are suffering.
“Your policies are not working and people are suffering.
“I am not insulting anybody and it is not arrogance but as leaders, it is a duty upon us to tell ourselves the truth. We are saying it so that the president can correct his mistake. Nigerians are suffering and we, the governors, are also suffering because of the president’s bad policies.
“Take for instance the Tax reform policy. Of course, no government can survive without revenue; if for instance the sources of its revenue can be blocked, no one can run it.
“I am sure you have heard that we are quarrelling with the president. Yes, it is true we are quarrelling because our people are suffering and the president has refused to listen to us,” he said.
Governor Mohammed added that he has the intention to meet with Sheikh Jingir on the matter because he is one of the few people who can talk to President Tinubu about it.
“You are among the few personalities that can approach the president on this issue. You are one of the people that the president listens to,” the Governor said.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/01/09/yes-we-are-quarrelling-with-president-tinubu-governor-mohammed-opens-up/
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Court Freezes NdukaObaigbena’s General Hydrocarbons Limited Assets, Accounts Over $225.8 Million Debt
9 January 2025
By IkennaNgere
The Federal High Court in Lagos State has issued an ex-parte order freezing the assets and bank accounts of General Hydrocarbons Limited across all commercial banks in Nigeria.
This legal action follows a lawsuit initiated by First Bank of Nigeria Limited and FBNQUEST Trustees Limited, which allege that the company owes them an outstanding debt of $225,802,379.69 (approximately ₦172 billion), stemming from loan facilities granted as of September 30, 2024.
The court directive bars commercial banks from releasing or managing any assets or funds owned by General Hydrocarbons Limited, including those associated with its subsidiaries, agents, or sister companies, up to the amount claimed by the plaintiffs.
The measure aims to prevent the dissipation or transfer of the company’s assets while the lawsuit is ongoing.
Under the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) holds the authority to freeze accounts suspected of illicit transactions. However, in this instance, the order was sought by private entities rather than the CBN.
The court order, signed by Justice D.I. Dipeolu on December 30, 2024, and referenced as suit number FHC/L/CS/2378/2024, was obtained by the plaintiffs’ counsel, Victor Ogude (SAN), on December 27 and issued shortly after.
The Registrar of the Court, OrakweNonyeOssy, officially enrolled the directive.
Defendants in the Case
General Hydrocarbons Limited is the principal defendant in the suit, alongside other parties listed as co-defendants. These include NdukaObaigbena, EfeDamilolaObaigbena, and OlabisiEkaObaigbena, among others.
Additional companies named in the suit include GHL 121 Ltd, Aimonte Nigeria Limited, Calidin Global Resources Limited, CESL Oyo Production BBC Limited, and several global entities such as VITOL SA, Mercuria Energy Trading SA, Trafigura PTE Limited, and Glencore Energy UK Limited.
The court has directed specific defendants to provide a detailed statement disclosing the volume of products lifted from the 8th defendant or Oil Mining Lease (OML) 120 since production commenced. This disclosure is intended to aid the plaintiffs in assessing the assets and transactions of General Hydrocarbons Limited.
Injunctions Issued
The court also granted an interim injunction restraining the directors of General Hydrocarbons Limited—NdukaObaigbena, EfeDamilolaObaigbena, and OlabisiEkaObaigbena—from transferring or disposing of their personal or corporate assets within Nigeria.
These assets include both movable and immovable property and are restricted pending the hearing and determination of the plaintiffs’ motion for interlocutory injunction.
Justice Dipeolu further issued a Mareva injunction, preventing all Nigerian commercial banks from releasing funds or handling transactions for the defendants’ accounts.
The injunction encompasses banks such as Access Bank, First Bank, Zenith Bank, GTB, and others, restricting them from dealing with any funds or assets linked to the defendants, including associated accounts under specific BVNs.
It partly read: “An order of Mareva Injunction restraining all the commercial banks in Nigeria to wit: Guaranty Trust Bank Limited, Access Bank PLC, Citibank Nigeria Limited, Carbon Bank, Ecobank Nigeria PLC, Fidelity Bank PLC, First Bank OF Nigeria Limited, First City Monument Bank PLC, Flutter Wave, Globus Bank, Heritage Bank Limited, Jaiz Bank, Keystone Bank Limited, OPay Digital Services Limited, Palmpay Limited, Paystack Payments Limited, Piggyvest, Momo Payment Service Bank Limited, Polaris Bank Limited, Providus Bank, Stanbic IBTC Bank Nigeria Limited, Standard Chartered Bank, Sterling Bank PLC, Suntrust Bank Limited, Union Bank Of Nigeria PLC, United Bank For Africa PLC, Unity Bank PLC, Wema Bank PLC, Zenith Bank PLC and all other financial institutions operating in Nigeria from releasing, or dealing in any manner whatsoever with any and all monies and/or whatsoever assets due to the 1st Defendant from any account maintained by the 1st Defendant, their agents, privies, subsidiaries, and/or sister companies with any of the said Banks wherever situate, up to the amount of the Plaintiffs/Applicants’ total claim in the sum of US$225,802,379.69 (Two Hundred and Twenty-Five Million Eight Hundred and Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Seventy-Nine Dollars and Sixty-Nine Cents) being the outstanding indebtedness on the 1st Defendant’s account with the 1st Plaintiff/Applicant as of 30th September 2024 in respect of the loan facilities granted to the 1st Defendant by the 1st Plaintiff/Applicant pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.
“An order of Mareva Injunction restraining all the commercial banks in Nigeria to wit: Guaranty Trust Bank Limited, Access Bank PLC, Citibank Nigeria Limited, Carbon Bank, Ecobank Nigeria PLC, Fidelity Bank PLC, First Bank Of Nigeria Limited, First City Monument Bank PLC, Flutter Wave, Globus Bank, Heritage Bank Limited, Jaiz Bank, Keystone Bank Limited, OPay Digital Services Limited, Palmpay Limited, Paystack Payments Limited, Piggyvest, Momo Agent, Polaris Bank Limited, Providus Bank, Stanbic IBTC Bank Nigeria Limited, Standard Chartered Bank, Sterling Bank PLC, Suntrust Bank Limited Union Bank of Nigeria PLC, United Bank For Africa Plc, Unity Bank PLC, Wema Bank PLC, Zenith Bank PLC and all other financial institutions operating in Nigeria from releasing or dealing in any manner whatsoever with any and all monies and/or whatsoever assets due to the 2nd – 4th Defendants from any account whatsoever maintained by the 2nd – 4th Defendants and also all accounts associated with BVN: 22220558365 {2nd Defendant}, 22363940584 {3rd Defendant}, and 22363940584 {4th Defendant}, with any of the said Banks wherever situate up to the amount of the Plaintiffs/Applicants’ total claim in the sum of US$225,802,379.69 (Two Hundred and Twenty-Five Million Eight Hundred and Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Seventy-Nine Dollars and Sixty-Nine Cents) being the indebtedness on the 1st Defendant’s account with the Plaintiffs/Applicants as at 30th September 2024, in respect of the loan facilities granted to the 1st Defendant by the 1st Plaintiff/Applicant pending the hearing and determination of Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.
“An order of interim injunction restraining the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Defendants whether by themselves, members, shareholders, agents, servants, proxies, allies, from transferring and/or dissipating, diminishing or dealing with any interest in the 1st Defendant’s assets including but not limited to crude stock, insurance policies, all forms of stock of shares, all forms of receivables and contracts which have been pledged as securities for the loan facilities granted by the 1st Plaintiff to the 1st Defendant, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction,” the court ordered among others.
Historical Context
The case draws parallels with earlier controversies involving General Hydrocarbons Limited. Notably, in 2015, reports emerged linking the company to alleged mismanagement of funds during Sambo Dasuki’s tenure as National Security Adviser.
Court filings revealed that ₦670 million was transferred from the NSA’s account with the CBN to General Hydrocarbons Limited’s account at Guaranty Trust Bank, reportedly for “energy consulting” services. These allegations add further scrutiny to the company’s financial dealings.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/01/09/court-freezes-nduka-obaigbenas-general-hydrocarbons-limited-assets-accounts-over-225-8-million-debt/
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Mozambique opposition leader VenancioMondlane returns from exile
9 January 2025
Mozambique's main opposition leader returned from exile Thursday as security forces fired tear gas at hundreds of his supporters who gathered near the main international airport to welcome him home.
VenancioMondlane was seen walking off a plane at Mavalane International Airport in the capital, Maputo. He had left the country in October following a disputed election that has sparked months of violent protests and thrown the country into turmoil.
Mondlane said he left Mozambique fearing for his life after two senior members of his opposition party were killed in their car by unknown gunmen in a late-night shooting in the aftermath of the election.
Police on Thursday also blocked roads leading to the airport after Mondlane said on social media earlier this week he would return to the southern African country. Tear gas drifted over the airport and surrounding roads and a helicopter hovered overhead.
Thousands of Mondlane's supporters were expected to gather in Maputo for his return, prompting the clampdown by security forces.
More than 100 people have been killed by security forces since Mozambique erupted in protests that Mondlane called for after the long-ruling Frelimo party was declared the winner of the Oct. 9 election. Mondlane and other opposition candidates accused the ruling party of rigging the election and international observers reported irregularities in the vote and the alteration of some results.
Mozambique's Constitutional Council upheld Frelimo's victory last month, making its candidate, Daniel Chapo, the president-elect. He is due to be inaugurated next week to succeed President Filipe Nyusi, who has served the maximum two terms.
Frelimo has been in power in Mozambique for 50 years since the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975. The party has often been accused of rigging elections since Mozambique held its first democratic vote in 1994. The latest street protests in several major cities have been the biggest threat to Frelimo's rule.
Source:africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2025/01/09/mozambique-opposition-leader-venancio-mondlane-returns-from-exile/
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Southeast Asia
Najib: I don’t know how Saudi royal got my personal account number to send donations, maybe Jho Low told him
By Ida Lim
10 Jan 2025
PUTRAJAYA, Jan 10 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak today said he was unsure how a purported Saudi royal managed to get his private AmIslamic bank account number, but insisted that the huge sums of money he received in that personal bank account were Saudi donations.
Testifying in his money laundering trial involving RM2 billion of 1MDB funds, Najib continued to maintain that the money that entered his accounts were not from 1MDB, but were donations promised in 2010 by the late Saudi ruler King Abdullah.
Najib said he did not ask how an alleged Saudi royal family member named “Saud Abdulaziz Majid Al Saud” knew of his personal AmIslamic bank account number ending 9694, but confirmed this was the account that had received the purported donations.
When asked by deputy public prosecutor Kamal Baharin Omar how this was possible since it was a personal account number, Najib suggested that it was possible that others had told Saud about his account.
After repeatedly being pressed to confirm he did not enquire how Saud got his account number, Najib finally said: “Maybe, I don’t know, maybe Jho Low told him.”
Low is now a fugitive wanted in Malaysia for the 1MDB financial scandal, and Najib has denied that Low was his mirror image and alter ego in the 1MDB scheme.
In the 1MDB trial, Najib said he had received four letters addressed to him and his personal home address from the alleged Saudi prince Saud with promises of “gifts”.
The four purported donation letters are dated February 1, 2011 (promising a US$100 gift), November 1, 2011 (US$375 million), March 1, 2013 (US$800 million) and June 1, 2014 (£50 million).
But while Najib’sAmIslamic account 9694 was opened on January 13, 2011, Najib confirmed that the first alleged donation letter dated February 1, 2011 did not state which bank account would be receiving the purported Saudi gift.
Najib again said he did not know how Saudi Arabia was told of his 9694 account.
Later when Najib had closed down his 9694 account and opened a new AmIslamic account with account number ending 1880, Najib confirmed that a subsequent alleged Saudi donation was then sent to his new personal bank account.
But Najib again said he was unsure who had informed the new account number to the alleged donor, saying: “No, I did not enquire.”
But Najib disagreed that this meant that the alleged donation did not come from King Abdullah, saying: “I disagree, we can prove it later.”
About the original alleged donation letters and saying thank you
Najib said he had received the alleged Saudi donation letters from his then principal private secretary Datuk Azlin Alias but had not asked about the source of the letters, confirming the letters only stated “Saud Abdulaziz Majid Al Saud Private Office” without Saud’s address.
Najib claimed he had kept the original copies of these letters at his office in the Prime Minister’s Department, but said he was unable to access these documents after he lost the 13th general election in 2018.
Najib said he does not know Saud personally.
Najib confirmed that the first donation letter dated February 1, 2011 did not say the US$100 million would be given in stages, also confirming this letter did not state the money would come from an alleged Saudi royal family member “Prince Faisal Turki bin Bandar Al Saud” or from the latter’s Riyad Bank account.
But Najib insisted that two batches of US$10 million each he had received in February 2011 and June 2011 from Prince Faisal Turki’sRiyad Bank account were Saudi royal donations, based on his “assumption” that these money were from King Abdullah as promised.
Najib confirmed he had never met and does not know Prince Faisal Turki, also saying that he personally did not check if this individual was from the Saudi royal family.
Asked if he had checked if the first batch of US$10 million received was truly a promised gift, Najib said he assumed it was the promised donation from King Abdullah as it was sent by a Saudi royal.
“I based it on what was told by the king, I assume this is his wish, because it came from the royal family. Impossible for the royal family to send money without his wish, can’t be suddenly send money,” Najib said, also saying that it would not be possible for King Abdullah to personally send the money as he is a head of state.
Najib said he had only verbally thanked King Abdullah in a subsequent visit, but said he did not write any letter to acknowledge receiving the alleged donations or to express his thanks to the Saudi ruler.
Najib said this was because the donation matter was “sensitive” and cannot be written down, as protocol would require his letters as a head of government to be sent through the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Najib said he did not write to Saud as he knew the source of the donations was from King Abdullah and it would be proper to thank the Saudi ruler directly, denying that his failure to write a thank you letter meant that the money did not come from King Abdullah.
As for the second alleged donation letter dated November 1, 2011 and the first batch of alleged donation of US$5 million only being received almost one year later on October 31, 2012, Najib said it was up to donors to decide when they would send money and he could not control this.
Najib said it would have been “impolite” for him to check with Saud if the money received was linked to the second donation letter.
Najib insisted that the second alleged donation letter would have been sent on King Abdullah’s instructions, despite the letter’s omission of an early 2010 private meeting between him and the Saudi ruler where financial aid was allegedly promised to Najib.
Najib said he felt there was no need for him to check the donations, as the letter was from Saudi royalty and protocol had to be observed when dealing with the Saudi royal family.
As for the 2010 meeting, Najib today said three Malaysian delegation members --- then ministers Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, Datuk Seri Jamil KhirBaharom and former Malaysian ambassador to Saudi Arabia Datuk Syed Omar Al Saggaf --- were present in the same room where he had the private meeting with King Abdullah.
But Najib said he and King Abdullah were located further away while having the sensitive discussions, and that the Malaysian trio could not have heard what was discussed despite being in the same room.
Today, Najib’s lawyer Tania Scivetti said the defence currently plans to call in about 20 more defence witnesses, but said the final figure is yet to be confirmed.
The 1MDB trial before judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah resumes next Monday, with the prosecution expected to continue cross-examining Najib.
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/01/10/najib-i-dont-know-how-saudi-royal-got-my-personal-account-number-to-send-donations-maybe-jho-low-told-him/162711
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Grand funeral for JB shooting victim, cops probe possible gang hit
10-01- 2025
PETALING JAYA: A grand funeral was organised for a 40-year-old man who was shot and killed in broad daylight outside a restaurant in Johor Bahru on Wednesday.
The wake is taking place in four air-conditioned halls at a memorial park in JB, New Straits Times reported.
Banners displayed at the venue described the victim as an “important member” of the PersatuanPenganut Agama Kuang Sheng.
In addition, over 100 wreaths were arranged in two full rows outside the halls, with several messages including “Beloved leader, may you rest in peace.”
The victim’s obituary on the association’s Facebook page described him as a “legendary hero of his generation.”
Reports indicated that a large crowd, dressed in black, gathered at the mortuary where the victim’s body had been kept.
Authorities are investigating the possibility that the shooting was a “gang hit.”
According to a source close to the investigation, the victim might have been targeted by a gang over information he had provided to the police.
The source mentioned the Ngo SeikKee gang, also known as the “5 Colour” gang, which is believed to be involved in drug activities and car repossession.
Earlier reports indicate that the victim had been questioned by the police last May.
On the day of his death, the man was shot four times at around 11.30am while having lunch with friends at a restaurant in Taman Setia Indah, Johor Bahru.
He had stepped outside to take a phone call when the attack occurred.
Source:thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/grand-funeral-for-jb-shooting-victim-cops-probe-possible-gang-hit-BH13502883#google_vignette
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Fears on Jalan Masjid India still linger despite reopening
Harith Hisham
10-01- 2025
PETALING JAYA: Despite Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur reopening on Dec 31, 2024 after a sinkhole claimed a life, lingering fears continue to affect shopkeepers and vendors due to poor business.
Al Rabia Fashion worker Muhammad Shaheed Irfan Zurkanain, 21, whose shop is located opposite the sinkhole, said the owner kept the shop open during the ordeal to stay afloat but customers rarely visited.
“Business was badly impacted. I understand that people fear coming to the street because of the sinkhole but it only affected that one location. There’s no sign of any issues elsewhere,” he said, adding that the shop relied on locals and tourists for business.
“This area is a tourist hotspot. Many locals and foreigners used to pass through but now most just rush by and cross over to the other side as soon as possible. Rent is high here and business almost collapsed. Suppliers didn’t want to come because of fear and the road closure.”
Muhammad Shaheed said negative media coverage also worried the public and kept customers away but with the reopening, business is slowly recovering and foot traffic has returned to pre-sinkhole levels.
“The road has been cemented and fixed but there’s still some lingering fear. People don’t want to walk at the spot where the sinkhole opened up even though the road is now safe.”
HairulHizwan Bakri, 36, who has run a stall selling coconut water and street food for over 10 years, said the closure of Jalan Masjid India was a heavy blow to his business.
“The sinkhole affected many small traders like me. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, I had to close shop for a while which was financially stressful but things got better after the movement control order was lifted. Then the sinkhole happened and people avoided the road like the plague. Business hasn’t fully recovered even though the road has reopened.”
HairulHizwan said while the sinkhole only affected one particular spot, many people avoided the entire road out of fear.
“It’s sad to see such a popular hotspot suddenly lose its appeal but we’re hoping for better times soon.”
Emily Liew, 34, a clerk who works close to Jalan Masjid India, believes the fear surrounding the area is no longer justified as the entire stretch of road, including the repaired sinkhole site, is now safe.
“Now that it’s reopened, I feel people shouldn’t be afraid anymore. The road is stable and safe.
“I’ve worked around this area for seven years. When the sinkhole opened up, I was genuinely concerned but here I am, walking on this road daily. I am surprised many people are scared to come here. Even some of my colleagues continue to avoid walking through this area and opt for longer routes.”
Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr MaimunahMohd Sharif said restoration and repair work included fixing damaged sewage channels, restoring walkways at ground zero and upgrading the drainage system around WismaMelayu and Jalan Masjid India.
On Aug 23, 2024, Indian tourist G. Vijaya Lakshmi, 48, was swallowed up by an eight-metre-deep sinkhole that suddenly opened up in Jalan Masjid India as she walked by. Her remains have not been recovered since the incident.
Source:thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/fears-on-jalan-masjid-india-still-linger-despite-reopening-OH13502279
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MADANI gov’t strives to facilitate swift solutions to investor issues - PM
BERNAMA
10-01- 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that the MADANI Government always strives to facilitate fast and effective solutions to address any issues faced by investors.
In a Facebook post, Anwar said the matter was mentioned during a courtesy call from president and chief executive officer of Micron Technology Inc. (Micron) Datuk Sanjay Mehrotra.
“We shared insights on the key requirements for the development of the semiconductor industry in Malaysia.
“Also touched was the importance of local talent development and the factors contributing to the smooth operation of high-tech factories in Malaysia,” said Anwar.
Micron, a US-based company, is a global leader in innovative memory solutions, transforming how the world uses information.
The Prime Minister also said that Malaysia was now in a highly strategic position within the global semiconductor and artificial intelligence ecosystem.
He said that, therefore, efforts were being made to strengthen the country’s attractiveness across various economic sectors, as outlined in the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the National Semiconductor Strategy.
In a separate post, Anwar shared that he had received a courtesy call from a delegation of the Malaysian Islamic Chamber of Commerce (DPIM), led by its president, Datuk Mohammad Sahar Mat Din.
The Prime Minister said that during the meeting, they discussed several proposals related to economic development initiatives, including the concept of waqf and the use of artificial intelligence.
“I appreciate the proposal put forward by DPIM, which is in line with the government’s desire for the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 to receive an injection of good ideas and support for its implementation from industry players such as chambers of commerce and trade,” he said.
Source:thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/madani-gov-t-strives-to-facilitate-swift-solutions-to-investor-issues-pm-GH13501986
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Malaysia and Japan pledge cooperation on regional stability, crisis management
10 Jan 2025
PUTRAJAYA, Jan 10 — Japan and Malaysia have committed to enhancing cooperation in addressing pressing regional and international challenges, including tensions in the East China Sea, South China Sea, the Middle East, and the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who is currently visiting Malaysia, said both nations agreed to maintain close communication on these matters, reinforcing their shared commitment to promoting peace and stability.
In his meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Malaysia’s administrative capital on Friday, Ishiba said they exchanged views on topics such as the East China Sea, South China Sea, the Middle East, and the situation in Myanmar.
“We agreed to maintain close communication regarding these matters,” Ishiba said during a joint press conference with Anwar Ibrahim here.
Ishiba is currently on a two-day official visit to Malaysia. This is his inaugural visit to the country since assuming office in October last year.
Highlighting Malaysia’s strategic role as a bridge between Southeast Asia and the Middle East, Ishiba said Japan values collaboration with Malaysia in addressing regional challenges and leveraging East Asia’s insights and economic expertise.
“We agreed to collaborate on ensuring regional peace and stability, including addressing the Middle East situation,” he added.
Ishiba expressed Japan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Malaysia in disaster risk management, recognising the country’s frequent flooding challenges.
“Malaysia often faces damage from flooding. Leveraging Japan’s expertise and experience in disaster risk management, we agreed to collaborate to address this issue,” Ishiba said.
Touching on the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, which will run from April 13 to October 13 this year, Ishiba extended a personal invitation to Anwar to attend as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and foster deeper collaboration between the two nations.
Welcoming Malaysians to the world-scale expo, Ishiba said: “I look forward to welcoming many visitors from Malaysia to Japan during the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, and hope to offer them the best hospitality.”
The Expo 2025 Osaka, themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” is expected to attract millions of visitors from across the globe, providing a unique opportunity for Malaysia and Japan to strengthen cultural and economic ties.
Held every five years, the expo is a global gathering of nations dedicated to finding solutions to the pressing challenges of our time by offering a journey inside a universal theme: “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/01/10/malaysia-and-japan-pledge-cooperation-on-regional-stability-crisis-management/162702
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/chief-minister-yogi-riots-sambhal-report/d/134296