Congress Pushing Sharia In Name Of Personal Law But BJP Will Bring Uniform Civil Code: PM Modi

New Age Islam News Bureau

25 May 2024

PM Narendra Modi

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·         Congress Pushing Sharia In Name Of Personal Law But BJP Will Bring Uniform Civil Code: PM Modi

·         Islamic Republic's Loyalists Attack Iranian Protesters in London

·         Last Major Islamic-Style Mosque In China Loses Its Domes, Minarets Radically Modified

·         Pro-Palestine Harvard Students Walk Out Of Commencement In Protest

·         Saudi Arabia-Trained, Chief Imam Of Daaru Na’im Central Mosque Urges Judicious Application Of Zakat Proceeds

 

India

·         Muslims Stage Silent Protest At Disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque Complex In MP Against ASI's Ongoing Survey

·         Reservation To Muslims Under OBC Category Will Be Reviewed In Rajasthan, Says BJP Minister

·         After Calcutta HC's Order, Rajasthan Government Plans To Review 14 Muslim Groups On OBC List

·         "Participation Of Pasmanda Muslims Essential": PM Modi To NDTV

·         Giriraj Says Muslim Reservation Could Make India Pakistan; Tharoor - BJP Echoing 'Partition Logic'

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Europe

·         Israel Occupation Soldier Burns Copy Of The Qur’an In Gaza; Israeli Army Investigates

·         Seven Kings School staffer posted anti-Muslim and anti-LGBT hate

·         Trial date set for three men accused of Islamic State plot against Jewish community

·         Row after two Muslim students exempted from studying Dante

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South Asia

·         Chinese Media: China pressures Taliban to halt attacks on its interests in Pakistan

·         Taliban forces seize around 400 fake Pakistani driving licenses at Torkham crossing

·         Kyrgyzstan reports surge of terrorist groups in Northern Afghanistan

·         Deputy PM Baradar Emphasizes Participation of Islamic Emirate Envoys at International Conferences

·         IEA welcomes recognition of Palestinian state by Ireland, Norway and Spain

·         Muttaqi urges Turkish delegation to facilitate visa issuance for Afghan migrants

·         The Maldives suspends work visas for Bangladeshis

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North America

·         Seattle Schools Won’t Reschedule Graduations That Fall On Muslim Holiday

·         Minneapolis Muslims fear further attacks after alleged hit-and-run in mosque parking lot

·         Group tied to Islamic State plotted fatal Ontario restaurant shooting: Crown

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Mideast

·         West Bank Rally Calls On Muslim Militaries To Stop Israel's Carnage In Gaza

·         Seven Marches In Taiz Confirm Readiness To Fight Jihad Battle In Supporting Brothers In Gaza

·         UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Embarks On China State Visit On May 30

·         Israel Strikes Rafah After Top UN Court Orders It To Halt Offensive

·         Erdoğan criticizes global inequities, advocates for Islamic finance

·         Car blast kills one in Syrian capital: state media

·         EU considers possible Rafah border mission, diplomats say

·         Four Britons repatriated from Syria camp, Kurds say

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Africa

·         Nigeria Was Bleeding When We Took Over Power – Tinubu

·         EU anti-piracy force flags possible attack off Somali coast

·         On joint podium with Biden, Ruto steps up defence of Haiti police deployment

·         Tens of thousands flee as RSF attack Sudan's al-Fashir, activists say

·         Chad President Deby appoints Allamaye Halina as new prime minister

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Arab World

·         Shoura Delegation Discusses Relations Between Saudi Arabia And Senegal In Dakar

·         French president Macron meets with Arab delegation to discuss Gaza

·         12 Arrested In Qat, A Mild Stimulant, Smuggling Attempt In Saudi Arabia

·         Saudi entrepreneur converts farm into a tourism attraction in Al-Baha

·         Saudi crown prince speaks to acting Iranian president in light of tragedy

·         Saudi Arabia welcomes World Court ruling on Gaza

·         Sync Summit at Ithra ends with world premiere of documentary

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Pakistan

·         Seminary Head, Others Held Over Girl’s Assault, Murder In Dir

·         Pakistan welcomes ICJ’s ruling on Gaza

·         Driver handed over to Military Police after ‘Save Gaza’ accident in Islamabad

·         PM Shehbaz commends Ireland's decision to recognise Palestinian state

·         Victory now only 'matter of moments’, PTI says after Islamabad operation

·         Shibli Faraz slams govt after CDA operation on PTI’s Islamabad office

·         Pakistan decides to keep two border crossing points with Iran open 24/7

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Southeast Asia

·         Terengganu Resort Fined For 'Non-Muslim' Hawaiian-Themed Party

·         'Disrespectful' - Na'im slams tourist for reciting Quran verses at Batu Caves

·         Fahmi: Malaysia4Palestine channel shows Malaysia's consistent support for Palestinians

·         Told to protest Khazanah instead, pro-Palestine activist questions Transport Ministry for deflecting flak on MAHB takeover bid

·         Malaysia welcomes ICJ ruling to halt Rafah offensive: Wisma Putra

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

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Congress Pushing Sharia In Name Of Personal Law But BJP Will Bring Uniform Civil Code: PM Modi

 

PM Narendra Modi

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May 25, 2024

KULLU/SHIMLA: Accusing a "communal, casteist and nepotist" Congress of pushing Sharia under the guise of seeking to retain Muslim personal law, PM Narendra Modi pledged Friday that BJP would implement the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across the country.

"There should be a uniform civil law for all, regardless of whether you are a Hindu, a Muslim, a Sikh, a Christian or a Buddhist. But Congress is opposing UCC. Congress also opposes CAA and talks about bringing back Section 370...This nation will be built by sons of the soil and not those who have received everything as inheritance," Modi said at a campaign rally in Mandi, where BJP has fielded actor Kangana Ranaut.

The PM said Congress's stand on critical issues reflected its intention to keep India wallowing in poverty and take it backwards.

‘Ensured 10% EWS quota’: Modi takes swipe at Congress

For 60 years, Congress did not even think that there were poor people in the general category who needed reservation. Modi came and ensured 10% reservation for them,” he said.

The PM alleged that a conspiracy had been hatched to snatch reservations from SCs, STs and OBCs and distribute these among Muslims, just as Congress had already done in Karnataka.

Referring to Calcutta HC’s order this week invalidating OBC certificates based on new classifications in Bengal since 2010, he said another opposition figure — CM Mamata Banerjee — had already refused to honour the ruling.

In Himachal Pradesh, Congress govt didn’t even distribute central funds sent during the monsoon disaster last year in a fair manner, he said. Modi, who also addressed a rally in Nahan, said he would inquire into it after the polls.

“I sent hundreds of crores to Himachal but the money was spent selectively. The first thing I will do (on returning to office) is… find out who stole the money, dig it out and then hand it over to the people. Mark my words. This (Congress) govt has no future.”

The PM said that the mountains of Himachal had taught him to hold his head high with pride. “I cannot tolerate any insult to Mother India. But Congress has a problem with saying ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’, and Congress has a problem with saying ‘Vande Mataram’. Such a Congress can never do any good to Himachal.” Modi hailed candidate Kangana as someone who “represents the belief that girls can choose newer fields and become successful”. “But Congress’s thinking is parochial. You have all seen the way Congress politicians use derogatory language while speaking about Mandi and Kangana. This is an insult to Mandi, to Himachal and to all the women of the state,” he said.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Islamic Republic's Loyalists Attack Iranian Protesters in London

 

An Iranian woman is seen being beaten to the ground by a man seemingly loyal to the Islamic Republic of Iran during a gathering of Iranian dissidents in London on May 24, 2024

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25 May 2024

The Islamic Republic's loyalists on Friday violently attacked a group of Iranian dissidents who were celebrating Ebrahim Raisi's death in London, injuring at least four people.

Images of an Iranian woman beaten to the ground by a man seemingly loyal to the Islamic Republic of Iran is going viral on social media, and the alleged incident didn't take place in Iran.

It happened in the Western world: London, UK.

A memorial ceremony to honour late Iranian president Raisi and his entourage who died in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border took place at Dewan Al-Kafeel Community Center in Wembley, London, on Friday.

The opponents of Iran's authoritarian government were standing outside to protest when they were attacked by the loyalists. Confrontations ensued and then screams are heard from a woman yelling for 'help' in Persian as several men dressed in black beat up protestors who were waving Iran's pre-Islamic Revolutionary flag, the Lion and the Sun.

The injured woman goes on to yell the name 'Nika Shakarami' referring to the 16-year-old Iranian girl, who according to a BBC World report, was violently sexually assaulted and killed by the Islamic Republic's security forces amid the 2022 uprising sparked by the death of Mahsa Jina Amini.

The Met Police in London responded to Iran International in an email, saying "four people were injured and were treated by paramedics. Their injuries are not believed to be either life threatening or life changing."

The Met police said one person has been arrested but did not identify if he was an Islamic Republic loyalist or not.

"One man was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder. Further enquiries will now follow to establish what further offences took place and to identify those involved."

Their investigation will include “an examination of footage shared on social media," the Met police spokesperson said in the email.

Iran expert: Friday's attack in UK is "a wake-up call" to the West

Gabriel Noronha, who worked on Iran at the US State Department, said the West has a serious problem.

"It's really grotesque, I think, and it's a wake-up call for those governments that they need to be more serious about eroding freedoms in their own country and the unchecked power of governments like those around you," said Noronha to Iran International.

Noronha said the infiltration of those loyal to the authoritarian government in Iran is a real threat to the West.

"If you don't push back on foreign repression activities, they're only going to get more emboldened and more violent here on our soil," he added.

The violence that played out in the streets of London Friday represents a much wider issue of Iran building networks of influence in the Western world according to Noronha.

"Islamic Republic has spent an inordinate amount of financial resources, and pressure and planning to build networks in foreign countries, to advance its interests. The things we are seeing are just the public facing ones. Underneath them are networks of proliferation for the regime's ballistic missile, drone and nuclear programs. It's money laundering, for the regime's terrorism. And ultimately, at the worst, it's, actual assassin operatives who are there to be able to kill the regime's critics, or at least bully, intimidate them, to be able to get their critics silenced, both literally and figuratively," he said.

Counter terrorism police in the UK revealed in Feb. 2023 that they foiled 15 plots by Iran to either kidnap or kill British or UK-based individuals it considers "enemies of the regime."

2023 Sydney Peace Prize laureate, human rights advocate and actress Nazanin Boniadi told Iran International, "I am horrified by the recent, brutal attack by Islamic Republic supporters on its opponents in the UK. The Metropolitan police must immediately investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice."

Boniadi who is a British citizen said she and her parents faced a hostile environment outside the Iranian embassy in London in the 1980s when she would attend protests against the regime outside the compound.

"These often included verbal insults and threats such as 'you’ll pay for betraying the Islamic Revolution' and 'we know where you live' — implying that the regime will find and harm its opponents," said Boniadi.

She said there is a "four-decade history of transnational repression by the Islamic Republic in the UK."

Boniadi described a deadly incident involving her family friend decades ago where she had felt the long reach of the Iranian regime in her new home, the UK.

"I was seven when a video shop we frequented in Kensington — owned by a prominent dissident and friend of my parents, Reza Fazeli — was bombed. His 22-year-old son Bijan, who worked at the shop, was killed in the blast. It was the first time I truly felt the regime’s long arm of repression. Less than a year later, dissident Mohammad Ali Tavakoli and his son were shot to death in their home in Wembley," said Boniadi who also brought up the example of the stabbing of Iran International journalist Pouria Zeraati.

The Washington-based NGO, Freedom House, urged British authorities to investigate Zeraati's attack as a possible act of transnational repression.

In 2023, UK's ITV revealed that the IRGC was plotting to assassinate two Iran International television anchors in London in 2022. The targets were former anchor Sima Sabet and host Fardad Farahzad.

In January, the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the United Kingdom took joint action against a network of individuals that targeted Iranian dissidents for assassination, they said, at the direction of the Iranian regime. The statement said the network is led by Iranian narcotics trafficker Naji Ebrahim Sharifi-Zindshti, operating at the behest of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS).

Boniadi said "45 years of providing a haven for the regime in the UK has increased the risk to its freedom-seeking opponents — often also British citizens. Instead, it is in the UK’s national and foreign policy interests to stand unequivocally on the side of pro-democracy Iranians who are risking everything for freedom, provide them with a safe haven and empower Iranian civil society towards self-determination, while disempowering a regime that is the number-one global sponsor of terrorism."

She said to achieve that goal, the UK needs to adopt the Universal Jurisdiction (Extension) Bill and enlist the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity.

UK-born Jonathan Harounoff, an Israel and Iran journalist and analyst said seeing images of Friday's attack on anti-regime protestors on British soil is disturbing.

"Footage of brave Iranian women inside Iran being harassed, beaten, arrested by regime forces often elicits strong condemnations from Western observers. Seeing instances of the same thing happening in London is deeply concerning," Harounoff told Iran International.

Harounoff said those protestors left Iran to escape the regime, and yet those loyal to the very system activists left behind, have found their way, destroying any kind of safety they once felt.

"Safety, freedom of assembly and speech are among the reasons why some Iranians in the diaspora settled in London. British police authorities must ensure these attacks don’t happen — it cannot become a regular occurrence," he said.

Iran's long reach goes beyond its borders

It's not just a problem in the UK, it applies to the rest of Europe, Canada and the United States, said Gabriel Noronha.

A recent Global news investigation found that upwards of 700 Iran regime-linked affiliates are operating on Canadian soil and threatening the lives of Iranian-Canadians.

As fireworks were set off in Iran by those happy to see their president's demise, in the US, a ceremony to honour the late President, known as the 'Butcher of Tehran' for his alleged role in the 1988 massacre, was held in Dearborn, Michigan.

Iranian-American activist Emily Sharif said she was disgusted to see the event on US soil.

"When I saw that US citizens were mourning the death of Ebrahim Raisi, I was not only disappointed, but also appalled. You would think that people who left Iran to seek a better life in the United States would not bring the radical ideology of the Islamic Republic in Iran with them," said Sharif.

She tweeted out a photo of the ceremony poster to X, telling Iran International that "those who attended the ceremonies in the US to “honor” and mourn Ebrahim Raisi, are the same individuals who remained silent or even celebrated the death of innocent Iranians killed by the regime in Iran. It’s disgusting and shameful."

Analyst and journalist Jonathan Harounoff said he's not surprised to see this event in Dearborn.

"Perhaps it’s not surprising after all that Dearborn, where chants of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” are heard regularly, is also where inhabitants mourn over Raisi’s death. I don’t recall seeing mass protests held in Dearborn in support of the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ protesters."

Gabriel Noronha: The West treats Iran differently than Russia and China

Iran expert and Iran International contributor Gabriel Noronha believes Islamic Republic loyalists feel emboldened in the West, and part of the problem he said, is the West treats Iran with a different standard than Russia and China.

"When the Russian government tried to assassinate Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, England, several years ago, the United States evicted 60 Russian diplomats and European and British countries evicted another 60 to 90 diplomats here [the US], where you've had Iranian assassin operatives multiple times try to kill British and other citizens, you've seen zero, diplomats expelled. You've seen zero embassies closed, you've seen zero sanctions implemented. And so there's a complete double standard when it comes to assassination intimidation efforts from the Iranians and from the Russians or Chinese," said Noronha.

He said while the issue of Iranian regime infiltration is impacting all Western countries, he believes it's an even bigger problem in Europe due to "fewer visa restrictions."

"There's a greater sense of entitlement and, freedom for these people to go in and conduct their agenda, unchecked, to the point that they feel entitled to go in and beat up protesters in UK soil," Noronha added.

In a statement to Iran International, Met police in the UK said they are encouraging anyone with footage that may aid in their investigation to come forward.

Source: iranintl.com

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https://www.iranintl.com/en/202405240084

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Last Major Islamic-Style Mosque In China Loses Its Domes, Minarets Radically Modified

 

The Grand Mosque Of Shadian Before And After Sinicisation. Composite: Google Maps

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25 May 2024

The last major mosque in China to have retained Islamic-style features has lost its domes and had its minarets radically modified, marking what experts say is the completion of a government campaign to sinicise the country’s Muslim places of worship.

The Grand Mosque of Shadian, one of China’s biggest and grandest mosques, towers over the small town from which it takes its name in south-western Yunnan province.

Until at last year, the 21,000 square metre complex featured a large building topped with a tiled green dome, adorned with a crescent moon, flanked by four smaller domes and soaring minarets. Satellite imagery from 2022 shows the entrance pavilion decorated with a large crescent moon and star made from vivid black tiles.

Photographs, satellite imagery and witness accounts from this year show that the dome has been removed and replaced with a Han Chinese-style pagoda rooftop, and the minarets have been shortened and converted into pagoda towers. Only a faint trace of the crescent moon and star tiles that once marked the mosque’s front terrace is visible.

Interactive

Yunnan’s other landmark mosque, Najiaying, less than 100 miles from Shadian, was also recently had its Islamic features removed in a renovation.

In 2018 the Chinese government published a five-year plan on the “sinification of Islam”. Part of the plan was to resist “foreign architectural styles” and to promote “Islamic architecture … that is full of Chinese characteristics”. A leaked Chinese Communist party memo shows that local authorities were instructed to “adhere to the principle of demolishing more and building less”.

Ruslan Yusupov, an anthropologist at Cornell University who spent two years in Shadian doing fieldwork, said: “Sinification of these two landmark mosques marks the success of the campaign. Even if there are small mosques left of Arab style in villages, it will be difficult for local communities to contest their sinicisation”.

Interactive

Hannah Theaker, a historian of Islam in China at the University of Plymouth, said the mosque sinicisation campaign had progressed “province by province”, with Yunnan, one of the furthest provinces from Beijing, being tackled last. “By 2023, there was a sense among communities that architectural sinicisation would reach the famous Yunnanese mosques, as the last major unsinicised mosques in China.”

Ma Ju, a Chinese Hui activist based in New York, said the renovations were “a clear message to destroy your religion and your ethnicity”.

First built during the Ming dynasty, the Grand Mosque of Shadian was destroyed during the cultural revolution in an uprising known as the Shadian incident, in which the People’s Liberation Army suppressed an uprising of Hui Muslims in the area. More than 1,000 people are estimated to have been killed.

The Grand Mosque was later rebuilt and expanded with government support. Its design was based on the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia, where Muhammad is believed to be buried. It has three prayer halls and capacity for 10,000 worshippers.

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The Hui are a Chinese Muslim ethnic minority, most of whom live in western China. There are more than 11 million Hui people, according to the 2020 census, a similar population to Uyghurs.

Yusupov said the development of Shadian and Najiaying mosques represented “the ability of Muslims to regain religious and Islamic space after the cultural revolution. In the Xi Jinping era, the inclusion of Chinese Muslims into the national space happens through their [mosques’] impairment or disfigurement.”

A Hui Muslim who opposed the redevelopment of the mosques said: “Shadian mosque is very important to all Muslims, not just in Shadian. It’s a big loss.

“We just wanted to preserve our last bit of dignity, because except for Shadian and Najiaying, every [mosque] in the country has been remodelled,” said the man, who has since left China and who asked to remain anonymous because of fears for his safety.

One of the Grand Mosque’s modifications is the addition of Chinese characters underneath the gold-plated Arabic writing on the front of the building. The Chinese text reads: “The imperial palace of supreme truth”, a Taoist term that is also used in Chinese Islam. But it has not been previously associated with Shadian’s mosque.

Interactive

Ian Johnson, the author of The Souls of China, a book about religion, said: “Given the tragic history of this mosque – especially that within living memory Han chauvinism already led to its destruction once – the reconstruction and renaming of it is another effort to erase local people’s beliefs and their cultural heritage.”

In 2014, the Chinese government launched a “strike hard” campaign against Uyghurs, who live mainly in the north-western region of Xinjiang. The policies involved oppressive surveillance measures and harsh punishments for a wide array of expressions of Islamic faith, such as abstention from alcohol or the possession copies of the Qur’an or other Islamic materials.

The campaign eventually led to around a million Uyghurs and other minorities being imprisoned in extrajudicial detention centres, which the UN said may constitute crimes against humanity. The Chinese government has defended its policies as necessary for tackling extremism and separatism.

In 2018, the campaign officially spread to the sinification of Islamic architecture. An analysis published last year by the Financial Times found that three-quarters of more than 2,300 mosques across China had been modified or destroyed since 2018.

Hui communities have typically been given more latitude than Uyghurs to practise their faith because the government sees them as being better integrated with the Han majority and does not have concerns about Hui separatism. But clashes have occasionally broken out over plans to modify or destroy mosques.

Last year hundreds of police clashed with protesters at the Najiaying mosque over the planned renovations. The protests were eventually suppressed and the renovations went ahead.

Muslims in Shadian did not stage similar protests when their mosque was closed for sinification last year. That was because they had paid close attention to events in Najiaying, say former residents.

“Since that time, Shadian people realised that the government has a very strong power to control everything,” said a former employee of the Shadian mosque who left China in 2021. “But people are not happy with the government forcing them to change the mosque style … Most of my friends have left Shadian. They said we cannot survive.”

The Grand Mosque of Shadian appears to have reopened in April, in time for Eid. A video from inside the prayer hall shows that several surveillance cameras have been installed. In 2020 the mosque management committee refused a request from the authorities to install surveillance cameras, said the former mosque employee.

Five sources with knowledge of the local environment in Shadian said wireless speakers had been distributed to households to broadcast the call to prayer, since public calls are generally banned, raising concerns about surveillance.

China’s mosque sinicisation plan is now considered to be largely completed, but is only part of its plans to mould religion, particularly Islam, to fit with the government’s ideology. In February Beijing tightened its regulations on religious expression to ensure that faiths “adhere to the direction of sinicisation”. Several local authorities already ban under-18s from attending mosques, and in Najiaying, minors are banned from fasting.

“The sinicisation of Islam campaign was never just about the appearance of mosques,” said Theaker, the historian.

Source: uk.news.yahoo.com

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Pro-Palestine Harvard Students Walk Out Of Commencement In Protest

 

Students walked out in protest during Harvard University’s commencement ceremony on Thursday. Credit...Sophie Park for The New York Times

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24 May 2024

Hundreds of students have walked out of Harvard University’s commencement ceremony after the school barred over a dozen pro-Palestinian seniors from receiving their degrees.

The walkout took place on Thursday at the American university in the state of Massachusetts, with the participants chanting slogans such as “Free, free Palestine” and “Let them walk”.

They were referring to 13 Harvard undergraduate students, who had been denied diplomas for taking part in a pro-Palestine protest encampment.

“This semester our freedom of speech and our expressions of solidarity became punishable,” student speaker Shruthi Kumar said.

Kumar said she had to recognize “the 13 undergraduates in the class of 2024 who will not graduate today,” generating cheers and clapping from graduates.

“I am deeply disappointed by the intolerance for freedom of speech and the right to civil disobedience on campus,” she said. “The students have spoken. The faculty have spoken. Harvard, do you hear us?”

Commencement speaker Maria Ressa, who is a journalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, said that “the campus protests are testing everyone in America.”

“Protests give voice; they shouldn’t be silenced,” she noted.

In a written statement, Asmer Asrar Safi, one of the 13 students blocked from graduation, said the penalty shows how far the school will go to silence the voices that challenge their donor base.

“While we will not be returning to this school, we hope that our friends carry the liberatory legacy of the Gaza solidarity encampment alive, and strive even harder for divestment,” he added.

Hundreds of university students arrested, expelled in US over anti-Israel rallies

In recent weeks, demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have spread across university campuses in the United States.

The protests began at Columbia University in New York City, with participants demanding a permanent ceasefire in Israel's Gaza war and an end to US military assistance for the regime, as well as university divestment from companies profiting from the aggression.

Israel unleashed its Gaza onslaught on October 7 after the Palestinian Hamas resistance group carried out a surprise operation against the occupying entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

The Tel Aviv regime has so far killed at least 35,800 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 80,011 others.

Source: presstv.ir

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Saudi Arabia-Trained, Chief Imam Of Daaru Na’im Central Mosque Urges Judicious Application Of Zakat Proceeds

 

The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, head of the Council of Senior Scholars and the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta, reaffirmed that Zakat Al-Fitr should be given in the form of food, not cash, aligning with the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

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25 May 2024

The Chief Imam of Daaru Na’im Central Mosque, Sheikh Imran Abdulmajeed Eleha, has cautioned beneficiaries of zakat disbursement against abusing the gesture by turning themselves into permanent recipients of the proceeds.  The Saudi Arabia-trained Nigeria-born scholar said the purpose of zakat was to empower the less-privileged, who should utilise whatever they get judiciously. Eleha was speaking at the ninth edition of Zakat and Sadaqah disbursement of Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation, one of Nigeria’s leading faith-based poverty alleviation and empowerment non-governmental organisation (NGO) known for putting smiles on the faces of the needy.

The event, which was held at Beleke Smith Memorial Mosque, Surulere, saw the disbursement of a total sum of N15m to 165 beneficiaries grouped into four different categories.

In his lecture, Sheikh Eleha explained that zakat was one of the empowerment and anti-poverty strategies established by the Shari’a, thereby warning against abuse of the privilege by beneficiaries.

“The purpose of zakat is to empower the less-privileged persons. Therefore, once you are selected as a beneficiary, you are to use the money or zakat item judiciously. It is not ideal for people to abuse the zakat by turning themselves into permanent recipients. The best thing is for the beneficiaries to strive to reciprocate the gesture by paying back in the coming years.

“During the time of Umar Ibn Abdulazeez, one of the Caliphs of Islam, the Ummah disbursed zakat for two years, and people had become so empowered that in the following year (which is the third), nobody had cause to receive zakat.”

Sheikh Eleha noted the huge challenge of poverty and hunger bedevilling Nigerian society is due to our low application of zakat as a strategy to empower the lessprivileged . He said: “The Islamic community must have arrangements for empowering Muslims. ..”

The Shari’a has established many ways including sadaqah, zakat and others. It is because we do not follow these ways properly that we are still facing a huge challenge of hunger and poverty today.”

He commended the Jaiz Foundation and other Islamic organisations administrating the collection and disbursement of zakat in Nigeria, noting they are preserving the Shari’a.

“We must commend the job that organisations like Jaiz Foundation are doing to preserve the Shari’a in the area of zakat and sadaqah administration. May the Almighty Allah reward them abundantly for emancipating the less privileged ones in the society,” he said.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Dr. Abdullahi Shuaib, revealed that beneficiaries of this year’s zakat disbursement cut across different segments including education, health, economic empowerment, and welfare, among others.

According to him, “At today’s event, no fewer than 165 indigent Nigerians will be presented with cheques and tools worth N15 million for economic empowerment, health, livelihood, educational intervention, among others. “The sum of N6.4 million was earmarked for the economic empowerment category comprising 32 beneficiaries. Similarly, while the sum of N4.5m went for education support, N2.8m was awarded for humanitarian support. 6 beneficiaries shared the sum of N1.7m in the health category,” he added.

The Jaiz Foundation CEO appreciated the Zakat payers for their unwavering support and generous donations over the years while urging other wealthy individuals to fulfil the obligation. “We ask Allah to continue to bless the zakat payers’ wealth, families and enterprises as they continue to support the cause of Allah and humanity,” Dr Shuaib added

Source: guardian.ng

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 India

Muslims Stage Silent Protest At Disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula MosqueComplex In MP Against ASI's Ongoing Survey

24 May 2024

Dhar (MP): Members of the Muslim community sporting black bands offered prayers at Bhojshala in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district on Friday to protest against the alleged excavation in some parts of the 11th-century complex, terming it as a violation of...

A large number of Muslims turned up for the Friday Namaz sporting black bands to protest the alleged physical excavation carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India as part of the court-mandated survey.

The ASI has been surveying the structure for the last 64 days as per the directives of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

Hindus consider Bhojshala, an ASI-protected 11th-century monument, to be a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim community call it Kamal Maula Mosque.

The Hindu side's advocate, Shreesh Dube, said that leaders of the Muslim community were misinterpreting the apex court directive on the issue.

"We have submitted a memorandum addressed to the President of India citing that despite the Supreme Court's directive not to conduct physical excavation at the site, the ASI is excavating walls of the mosque and weakening them," Kamal Maula's mosque ...

Leaders of the community had raised the issue last Friday and announced that they would sport black bands in protest if there is no change in the ASI's ongoing survey, he said.

Pathan said they were staging a silent protest but will intensify their agitation if their demand is not heard.

In April, the Supreme Court refused to stay the “scientific survey” of the Bhojshala complex, making it clear that no physical excavation should be taken which would change the character of the premises in question.

However, Dube said, "The Supreme Court had said in its order that excavation should be done in such a manner that it will not change the basic structure of the site. The ASI is conducting its survey as per the necessity."

He claimed the Muslim community leaders were misinterpreting the SC's directive and engaging in a misleading campaign on the issue.

Under an arrangement made by the ASI on April 7, 2003, Hindus perform puja on the Bhojshala premises on Tuesdays, and Muslims offer 'namaz' in the complex on Fridays.

Source: deccanherald.com

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https://www.deccanherald.com/india/madhya-pradesh/muslims-stage-silent-protest-at-disputed-bhojshala-complex-in-mp-against-asis-ongoing-survey-3037610

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Reservation To Muslims Under OBC Category Will Be Reviewed In Rajasthan, Says BJP Minister

May 25, 2024

The BJP government in Rajasthan will review the reservation granted to Muslims under the Other Backward Castes category, the state’s Cabinet minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Avinash Gehlot, said.

“As part of its appeasement politics, Congress gave reservation to 14 Muslims castes under OBC category between 1997 and 2013. We have all those circulars, and in due time, the department and the government will review it,” Gehlot said.

Contending that giving reservation to any caste, community or class on the basis of religion was prohibited under the Constitution, he said, “We have received lots of complaints about it. The department is verifying the complaints.”

The Social Justice minister also said that a high-level committee would be constituted to look into the matter.

Overall in Rajasthan, there is 64 per cent reservation – 21 per cent for OBCs, 16 per cent for SCs, 12 per cent for STs, 10 per cent for EWS and 5 per cent for Most Backward Classes.

The development comes in the backdrop of the BJP making reservation for Muslims a poll issue in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. At a poll rally in Rajasthan last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said the Congress often tried to give reservation to Muslims by reducing the reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs, and that it “did not care” about the Constitution.

“I want to ask Congress, will it announce that it won’t reduce the reservation for Dalits, tribals and the backward and distribute it to Muslims? Promise this to the nation,” the PM had said at the rally in Tonk-Sawai Madhopur Lok Sabha constituency.

Earlier this week, hearing a PIL, the Calcutta High Court had also cancelled all OBC certificates issued by the West Bengal government since 2010, setting aside the classification of 37 communities as OBC.

Speaking to ANI afterwards, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said, “The Mamata Banerjee government, without conducting any proper survey or process, gave OBC reservation to 118 Muslim communities. Some went to court against this. The High Court took notice of the matter and cancelled all such certificates issued between 2010 to 2024. Because of her vote bank policy, Mamata Banerjee snatched reservation meant for OBC category and gave it to Muslims. I welcome the court order.”

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma too had commented on the matter, saying in Lucknow, “Mamata Banerjee gave reservation to all Muslims by directly including 118 Muslim castes in OBC without conducting any survey… The High Court has put a big lock on Mamata Banerjee’s politics of appeasement because our Constitution does not accept any reservation on the basis of religion.”

Source: indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/jaipur/reservation-to-muslims-under-obc-category-will-be-reviewed-in-rajasthan-says-bjp-minister-9350573/

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After Calcutta HC's order, Rajasthan government plans to review 14 Muslim groups on OBC list

May 25, 2024

JAIPUR: BJP-governed Rajasthan is considering reviewing 14 Muslim groups on its OBC list, taking the cue from Calcutta high court's recent scrapping of 77 classes, mostly Muslims, categorised as OBCs by Bengal's TMC govt.

"We will examine after June 4 (the LS results day, after which the model code will be lifted) if the inclusion of these (Muslim) communities in the OBC list from 1997 to 2013 was legal or illegal," Rajasthan social justice minister Avinash Gehlot said. He cited the Calcutta HC order and asserted that religion-based reservations were wrong.

Campaigning in Lucknow, Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma accused INDIA bloc, constituent TMC and Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee of "crossing all limits of appeasement and committing a grave sin" by giving Muslims OBC quotas.

Bengal OBC Act was in violation of statute, CalcuttaHC had ruled

In its order Wednesday, the HC had junked all new OBC categorisations in Bengal after 2010, saying the authorities had "practised protective discrimination in deviation of constitutional norms".

The ruling effectively invalidates all OBC certificates given out by successive TMC govts since the party first came to office in 2011. The order points out that within six months of Bengal announcing 10% reservation for backward Muslims in 2010, the state backward classes commission recommended 42 groups as OBC, of which 41 communities were Muslim.

The judges questioned provisions of the West Bengal Backward Classes Act, 2012, that allowed the state govt to include new categories under the OBC A and B lists through a gazette notification.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/after-calcutta-hcs-order-rajasthan-government-plans-to-review-14-muslim-groups-on-obc-list/articleshow/110407059.cms

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"Participation Of Pasmanda Muslims Essential": PM Modi To NDTV

May 24, 2024

New Delhi: In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the participation of Pasmanda Muslims, a marginalised group within the Muslim community, is crucial for India's development.

PM Modi stated that his administration prioritises the country's long-term development over short-term electoral gain before adding that his focus is on the nation's future and not on the common political strategy of catering to specific groups for votes.

"The participation of Pasmanda Muslims is essential," he told NDTV, noting that the socio-economic upliftment of this group is critical for the country's progress.

PM Modi said previous governments had not given much attention to this community. "The Pasmanda Muslim community should get opportunities," PM Modi added.

PM Modi recounted his own experiences growing up in a village and in close proximity to Muslim communities. This background, he suggested, had given him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by these communities.

The Prime Minister also claimed his government does not distinguish between Hindu and Muslim communities when it comes to development initiatives. He said that the focus should be on uplifting the most disadvantaged segments of society, regardless of their religious affiliation.

"People of unequal societies should get opportunities. A large section like the Pasmanda Muslims should also be a partner in India's progress," PM Modi concluded.

Source: ndtv.com

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https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/participation-of-pasmanda-muslims-essential-pm-modi-to-ndtv-5737075

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Giriraj says Muslim Reservation could Make India Pakistan; Tharoor - BJP echoing 'Partition Logic'

May 24, 2024

Union Minister Giriraj Singh's recent comments calling for a reevaluation of reservations for Muslims have sparked a fiery response from Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. Tharoor accused the BJP of promoting divisive politics reminiscent of the partition era.

Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

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https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/giriraj-says-muslim-reservation-could-make-india-pakistan-tharoor-bjp-echoing-partition-logic/videoshow/110398284.cms

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Europe

 

Israel Occupation Soldier Burns Copy Of The Qur’an In Gaza; Israeli Army Investigates

May 24, 2024

An Israeli soldier has been caught on video throwing a copy of the Qur’an into a fire in the Gaza Strip, Anadolu has reported. The clip shared on social media by Israel’s Army Radio did not provide any details about when and where the incident happened. The broadcaster said that the Israeli army has launched an investigation into the incident.

Since the outbreak of the war against the Palestinians in Gaza, Israeli soldiers have been posting videos documenting their looting, burning and destroying of homes, assaults on detainees and scrawling of racist graffiti on walls. Although the army has not announced that it is taking any disciplinary measures against any soldiers in this respect, it has said that such actions “contravene the army’s values.”

Israel has been waging a brutal offensive against Gaza since last October, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire. The offensive has killed at least 36,000 Palestinians, mainly children and women, and wounded almost 80,000 others.

More than seven months into the Israeli war, vast swathes of Gaza lie in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.

Israel is accused of “genocide” at the International Court of Justice, which has ordered Tel Aviv to ensure its forces do not commit acts of genocide and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza. According to South Africa, which took the occupation state to the ICJ, Israel is ignoring the court order.

Source: middleeastmonitor.com

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https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240524-israel-occupation-soldier-burns-copy-of-the-quran-in-gaza/

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Seven Kings School staffer posted anti-Muslim and anti-LGBT hate

A staff member is no longer at a Redbridge school after pupils found them posting social media slurs about Muslims and LGBT+ people.

The employee at Seven Kings School sent messages to far-right trolls and attacked Redbridge Council for marking LGBT+ History Month.

In between their hate posts, they shared messages promoting Seven Kings School and moaning about Labour MP for Ilford North Wes Streeting.

Their online privacy settings were changed after pupils discovered the account, so the messages were no longer public. Then the account’s username was changed.

But tech-savvy pupils had already used screen recording software to create a video of the staff member’s whole page on X (formerly Twitter). 

They filed formal complaints with the school and shared their evidence with the Recorder, voicing concern that somebody trading messages with anti-Muslim extremists had power over hundreds of Muslim children.

“Many students do not feel comfortable or safe around [them],” said one pupil’s older sibling.

When we asked Seven Kings what action it was taking, it responded that the individual was no longer an employee.

Asked whether they had been sacked or allowed to resign, the school refused to say.

Among the accounts the school worker messaged was convicted fraudster Tommy Robinson (real name: Stephen Yaxley-Lennon), founder of the English Defence League (EDL).

He posted a video of a Muslim councillor in Leeds expressing support for Palestine and saying the common phrase “Allahu Akbar”, which means, “God is great”.

The school worker replied that they were “terrified”.

In other posts, the worker attacked those protesting the siege on Gaza and said they hated Jews.

When ITV advertised a documentary about Muslims celebrating Ramadan, the worker responded: “I’d rather stick needles in my eyes!”

When Redbridge Council tweeted that it was flying the Pride flag for LGBT+ History Month, the employee posted angry faces, writing: “Disgraceful! Stop this absolute, absurd nonsense!”

They reacted to a photograph of a group of trans men with more angry faces, writing: “There are no words, except maybe one! Disgusting!”

When another poster said diversity was “a good thing”, the Seven Kings worker responded: “You’re an idiot!”

One complainant about the staff member expressed concern that if they had been allowed to resign, other schools might hire them not knowing about their extreme views.

“[They] should be on a warning list,” they said.

Source: ilfordrecorder.co.uk

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https://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/news/24344086.seven-kings-school-staffer-posted-anti-muslim-anti-lgbt-hate/

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Trial date set for three men accused of Islamic State plot against Jewish community

May 24, 2024

Two Tunisian-born brothers and a third Iraqi man are to face trial at Preston Crown Court on 7 October 2025, to answer terrorism-related charges, some of which was directed at the Jewish community in Manchester.

Walid Saadaoui, 36, and Amar Hussein, 50, are accused of preparing acts of terrorism between 13 December 2023 and 9 May this year. Walid’s brother, Bilel Saadaoui, 35, is charged with failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism.

On Friday 24 May, after an initial hearing two weeks ago at Westminster Magistrates, the three men appeared by videolink from custody at Wormwood Scrubs Prison, for a hearing at London’s Central Criminal Court (the Old Bailey) in front of Mr Justice Jeremy Baker.

Prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward KC said that Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein had planned “an Isis or Daesh-inspired terrorist attack in the UK”, with the alleged intent “to cause multiple fatalities using automatic guns. The main targets of the attack plans were the Jewish community in the north-west of England, members of law enforcement and military”. Ms Ledward said that the prosecution alleged that the men “took significant steps to prepare for that attack”, which included the alleged “purchase and delivery of firearms”.

The trial, beginning in autumn next year, is anticipated to last in the region of 12 weeks. A detailed timetable of further hearings this year was agreed by the court.

Walid Saadaoui, of Crankwood Road, Abram, Wigan, Bilel Saadaoui, of Fairclough Street, Hindley, Wigan, and Amar Hussein, of no fixed abode, spoke to confirm their identities during the hearing. The Saadaoui brothers were represented by barristers Irfan Arif and Nadesh Karu; Amar Hussein has so far chosen to represent himself.

The defendants were further remanded into custody.

Source: jewishnews.co.uk

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https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/trial-date-set-for-three-men-accused-of-islamic-state-plot-against-jewish-community/

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Row after two Muslim students exempted from studying Dante

Amiddle school teacher in the northern city of Treviso has exempted two Muslim students from studying Dante on the grounds that it is a religious work that clashes with their Islamic faith, local dailies reported Friday, sparking a major row on integration and an alleged insult to Italian culture.

    The Divine Comedy, with its visions of Hell, Purgatory and Heaven, is steeped in medieval Christianity and the Prophet Mohamed is one of the historical figures placed in the Inferno.

    The teacher asked the families of all the students who are exempted from religious studies on religious grounds if they also wanted to be exempted from studying the greatest Christian poet, or greatest poet of any kind, and two families said yes.

    Their sons were instead given Boccaccio, one of Italy's other great medieval poets along with Petrarch, to study.

    The case spurred a wave of criticism with centre-left Democratic Party (PD) Senator Simona Malpezzi saying it was "profoundly wrong" to deprive any student of the "deep knowledge of Italian culture that studying Dante brings".

    She added: "Knowing Dante does not take anything away from the children's religious confession".

    The indignation was cross-party with Deputy Senate Speaker Gian Marco Centinaio of the ruling right wing League party saying "not studying Dante is an insult to our culture".

    League leader, Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini said "it's demented not to study Dante because some people might get offended".

    League MEP candidate and army general Roberto Vannacci, suspended from duty over a best-selling book slamming gays, feminists, Blacks and other minorities, denying climate change, endorsing the great replacement theory on Muslim migrants replacing ethnic Italians, and blasting woke culture, said "they are trying to destroy our identity." Deputy Lower House Speaker Fabio Rampelli of Premier Giorgia Meloni's rightwing Brothers of Italy (FdI) party said "excluding Dante from the curriculum on request is mad".

    FdI bigwig and Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè said "we are continuing to be subjugated by Muslims, giving in to their extremist demands".

    FdI culture pointman Federico Moillicone, chair of the House culture committee, said "the Divine Comedy is universal, and we must resist curricula personalized on religious grounds".

    Back on the left, PD MP Debora Serracchiani also lamented the teacher's decision, stressing that "Dante is an irreplaceable cultural heritage of humanity".

    Irene Manzi, the PD's national schools pointwoman, said "integration is also achieved by studying other cultures," a point made by many critics of the move.

Source: ansa.it

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https://www.ansa.it/english/news/general_news/2024/05/24/row-after-two-muslim-students-exempted-from-studying-dante_ac8b47a1-ded7-43ba-b8e2-cc660af3a6d7.html

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South Asia

 

Chinese Media: China pressures Taliban to halt attacks on its interests in Pakistan

May 24, 2024

The South China Morning Post has reported that Beijing is “relying” on the Afghan Taliban to prevent attacks on its citizens on Pakistani soil.

The newspaper reported on Thursday, May 23, citing two informed sources, that Chinese diplomats in Islamabad and Kabul have been “forced” to take this step due to Pakistan’s failure to prevent the increase in attacks on Chinese citizens in that country.

According to a source in Islamabad, Chinese diplomats are “looking for alternative ways” to persuade the Taliban regime to eliminate thousands of “TTP” militants.

It has been reported that Chinese diplomats discussed Beijing’s investment in Afghanistan’s mining and electricity sectors but also raised concerns about the presence of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan.

Earlier, Pakistani journalist Nusrat Javed had also reported that Beijing asked the Taliban government in Afghanistan to expel the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan from Afghanistan into Pakistan.

Based on this report, after regaining power, the Afghan Taliban have provided safe havens to thousands of TTP members in Afghanistan.

Pakistani officials claimed that the attacker was an Afghan citizen and that the attack was planned in Afghanistan.

China manages the insecurity in the port of Gwadar in Pakistan. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which connects the two countries, is a $65 billion investment, and securing the border areas is necessary for its realization.

Meanwhile, sources say that in recent months, Pakistani officials have asked Chinese diplomats and managers to “stay away” from the country’s border areas.

Thousands of Chinese citizens are working on projects related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Recently, five Chinese citizens and their Pakistani driver were killed in a suicide attack in Dasu, Pakistan in late March of this year.

In a recent move, the Pakistani government announced that it would pay more than $2.5 million in compensation to the families of the Chinese citizens killed in the suicide attack.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/chinese-media-china-pressures-taliban-to-halt-attacks-on-its-interests-in-pakistan/

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Taliban forces seize around 400 fake Pakistani driving licenses at Torkham crossing

May 24, 2024

Officials from the Taliban at the Torkham border crossing say they have discovered and seized 390 fake driving licenses being transported from Pakistan to Afghanistan.

Authorities say that the Taliban have referred the suspects carrying fake documents to judicial authorities.

National radio and television under Taliban control, which released the news on Friday, May 24, did not provide details about the identities of the suspects.

This is not the first time fake documents have been exported from Pakistan and imported into Afghanistan. Earlier, the report also disclosed that fake Afghanistan passports are printed in Peshawar, Pakistan, and distributed in Afghanistan.

In addition to passports, Afghanistan marriage certificates and identity cards are also procured by commission agents with the help of Taliban court officials in Afghanistan, at high costs.

Amid Afghan migrants facing forced deportation in Pakistan, the Taliban seizes about 400 fake Pakistani driving licenses at Torkham crossing.

This situation adds to the challenges already burdening Afghanistan, exacerbating issues related to unemployment, lack of basic amenities, and economic instability.

The dire situation of refugees in neighboring countries like Pakistan and Iran continues to worsen as resources become scarce and host governments impose stricter regulations.

Upon returning to Afghanistan, many refugees face an equally dire situation characterized by a severe lack of shelter, clean drinking water, and viable job prospects.

The influx of returnees further strains already fragile infrastructure and social services, making it challenging for the government and aid organizations to meet the population’s needs.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/taliban-forces-seize-around-400-fake-pakistani-driving-licenses-at-torkham-crossing/

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Kyrgyzstan reports surge of terrorist groups in Northern Afghanistan

May 24, 2024

The Head of the National Security Committee of Kyrgyzstan reported on the increase of terrorist groups in northern Afghanistan during a security meeting in Bishkek.

Kamchybek Tashiev, the Head of Security in Kyrgyzstan, once again expressed concerns over the increasing terrorism threat emanating from Afghanistan soil.

According to TASS, Tashiev stated on Friday, May 24, during a security meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member states in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, that terrorist organizations and their financial backers are seeking to exploit social and political tensions worldwide.

The Kyrgyz official said, “The number of terrorists in northern Afghanistan provinces is growing to pose a threat to the integrity of the southern borders of the CIS member states.”

However, he did not provide further details on which terrorist groups are growing in northern Afghanistan provinces.

Member countries of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) have repeatedly expressed concerns over the increasing terrorism threat from Afghanistan soil.

These countries have emphasized that preventive measures to reduce security threats from Afghanistan must be taken.

Two days ago, on the eve of Kazakhstan’s summit, members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) also emphasized the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan and the fight against terrorism threats from the country.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/kyrgyzstan-reports-surge-of-terrorist-groups-in-northern-afghanistan/

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Deputy PM Baradar Emphasizes Participation of Islamic Emirate Envoys at International Conferences

2024-05-25

KABUL (BNA): During a meeting with the Deputy Foreign Minister of Qatar, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of Afghanistan emphasized that an international conference on Afghanistan would yield no results without a representative from the Islamic Emirate.

The meeting concentrated on strengthening political, economic, and trade relations, with both parties engaging in in-depth discussions and exchanging perspectives on these critical issues.

The Deputy PM Baradar Akhund expressed gratitude for Qatar’s cooperation and emphasized the need to further strengthen bilateral relations. He highlighted investment opportunities in Afghanistan and encouraged Qatari investors to explore various sectors.

In response, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Qatar pledged to encourage their Country’s Investors to invest in Afghanistan and announced that a delegation of Qatari investors will visit Kabul in the near future.

Meanwhile, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khalifi added that they are closely working with Qatar Airways to initiate and enhance their flights to Afghanistan according to a regular mechanism, aiming to strengthen trade relations between the two countries.

He also emphasized that international meetings would be ineffective without a representative from the Islamic Emirate and confirmed that this stance has been clearly communicated to the United Nations.

In conclusion, Deputy Prime Minister Baradar highlighted that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is dedicated to fostering extensive political and economic relations with all countries, adopting a policy of proactive engagement in bilateral interactions.

Source: bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/deputy-pm-baradar-emphasizes-participation-of-islamic-emirate-envoys-at-international-conferences/

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IEA welcomes recognition of Palestinian state by Ireland, Norway and Spain

May 25, 2024

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan welcomes the decision of the Republic of Ireland, Norway and Spain to recognize the Palestinian state and calls it a positive step. This development is occurring while in addition to the aggression on the historical land of Palestine, the Zionist occupation is trying to bring a demographic change by committing war crimes and genocide. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan deems the Palestinian land as the historical and legitimate right of the Palestinian nation and strongly condemns the ongoing genocide by the Zionist invaders directed at broader regional instability. IEA-MoFA once again calls on the international community, in particular the Islamic states to take urgent measures to prevent the ongoing disaster in accordance with their responsibility and the right of defense and freedom of the Palestinian nation.

Source: thekabultimes.com

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https://thekabultimes.com/iea-welcomes-recognition-of-palestinian-state-by-ireland-norway-and-spain/

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Muttaqi urges Turkish delegation to facilitate visa issuance for Afghan migrants

May 25, 2024

KABUL: The Acting Foreign Minister Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi, in a meeting with Attila Toros, general director of the Turkish Immigration Agency and his accompanying delegation, asked that the country’s government to facilitate the issuance of visas for Afghan refugees, according to a statement from the ministry the other day. Welcoming Turkey’s humanitarian aid for Afghans, Muttaqi also discussed strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the field of migration, strengthening bilateral cooperation, managing illegal migration, fighting mafia activities and facilitating the issuance of visas for Afghans, according to the statement. Both sides also discussed the expansion of economic and trade relations between the two countries, the growth of the private sector and the existing investment opportunities in Afghanistan. The Kabul Times

Source: thekabultimes.com

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https://thekabultimes.com/muttaqi-urges-turkish-delegation-to-facilitate-visa-issuance-for-afghan-migrants/

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The Maldives suspends work visas for Bangladeshis

May 25, 2024

The Maldives has stopped issuing new work visas to Bangladeshi workers, just months after reopening the labour market following a four-year-long ban.

Although the Bangladesh High Commission in Malé stated that the closure was in line with Maldives' position on allocating specific quotas for a source country, a Maldivian media report suggests that the decision was made in response to allegations of illegal recruitment practices.

Speaking to this newspaper, an official from the Bangladesh mission also mentioned that in recent times there have been unethical recruitment practices involving Bangladeshi migrant workers in the Maldives.

The official, preferring to remain unnamed, said that although it is required for a migrant worker to work for the company that hired them, there have been cases where Bangladeshi workers found other jobs, for instance, when they were not given the job they were promised.

According to the official, the Maldives reopened the market for Bangladeshi workers in December 2023, four years after the ban in 2019. Since the reopening of the labour market, the Bangladesh mission has certified paperwork for the hiring of more than 6,000 employees.

The mission, in a notice on Wednesday, said that as per Maldives' existing law, 100,000 workers from a single source country can work there.

Efforts from the mission are on to get an extension in the quota ceiling and relaunch of visa issuance, as per the notice.

Meanwhile, a good number of unskilled Bangladeshi migrant workers have been deported from Maldives following their arrests over the "free visa" issue, said the mission in the notice.

There's no such thing as a "free visa" and a worker must work for the company he or she is entitled to as per visa, it said.

Violation of such law may result in legal action, arrest at any time, and subsequent deportation, it added.

In a report on Tuesday, Maldivian news portal SunOnline International said the Maldives Home Ministry states the recruitment of unskilled workers from Bangladesh has been halted in light of illegal recruitments.

Home Ministry spokesperson Fathimath Rifaath said recruitment of unskilled workers from Bangladesh was halted a month ago after observing some companies recruit workers after submitting fake documents and that an investigation has been launched into the matter, the report says.

According to the report, as of December, there were 90,642 workers from Bangladesh residing in the Maldives, which is lower than the cap of 100,000 outlined in the Employment Act for a single source market.

Source: thedailystar.net

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

https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/the-maldives-suspends-work-visas-bangladeshis-3617841

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North America

 

Seattle schools won’t reschedule graduations that fall on Muslim holiday

 May 24, 2024

SEATTLE — Muslim students at three Seattle high schools have a difficult choice to make on June 17: Celebrate Eid al-Adha, one of the most important Muslim holidays, with their families or attend their graduations, an important rite of passage.

Some Muslim students at Cleveland High School alerted their principal to the dilemma last October when they noticed that their 2024 graduation was scheduled on Eid al-Adha, the Muslim holiday marking the Prophet Ibrahim’s submission to Allah’s (God’s) command to sacrifice his son, Ishmael.

But the students said the outreach to their administration and follow-up efforts with Seattle Public Schools officials went nowhere. Last month, a coalition of students from Garfield, Cleveland and Franklin high schools spoke during a School Board meeting, asking the district publicly to change the graduation date. The change, they said, would ensure that Muslim students won’t have to choose between their faith and a significant milestone.

Although the date for Eid al-Adha changes from year to year based on a lunar calendar, it was clear last fall when the holiday would be celebrated in 2024. The state superintendent’s office lists common public and religious holidays and guidance for districts on its website. CAIR-WA, a Muslim civil rights organization, also annually alerts districts statewide to the dates of the two major holidays — Eid al-Fitr, which is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha — before the school year starts.

Some said that scheduling the ceremonies on a Muslim holiday and the lack of engagement from the district made Muslim students, families and staff feel excluded and ran counter to the district’s pronouncements on equity and its aim to center students “furthest from educational justice.” One former SPS student, who supported the request and spoke at the meeting, said the district would never schedule graduation on a patriotic or Christian holiday.

In addition to Cleveland, Garfield’s and The Center School’s graduations are also set for June 17.

The district said it planned to meet with the students and religious leaders in the community, who had written to the district backing the students’ request.

But in a statement this month, the students said they were told that it was unlikely that the graduation ceremonies would be rescheduled because it was too late to do so.

“We, as Muslim students, are standing up for and advocating for our rights,” the students said. “Despite our persistence, the school and district administration have been stalling, passing us off to other school or district officials, and not taking our concerns seriously.”

The students said they got support from their peers and teachers and collected 284 signatures on a petition to reschedule the graduation ceremonies. Yet the district has not given a “compelling reason why graduation was scheduled on a date with a known conflict and why the school and district refuse to change it.” The request has also gained the support of a state organization for Muslim civil rights.

“Eid al-Adha is the most significant holiday of the year in Islam, and we deserve to be able to practice our faith with our families and celebrate our high school graduation with our peers,” they wrote.

The holiday is also celebrated at the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which millions of Muslims undertake annually. Families generally attend morning prayers at the mosque during Eid al-Adha and spend time with family and friends in the afternoon.

The district confirmed in a statement that the “graduation schedule will proceed as originally planned.”

When asked earlier this month why commencement ceremonies were scheduled on Eid al-Adha and whether the district knew the dates would clash, Beverly Redmond, the district’s chief of staff and spokesperson, said: “I am not going to say that we weren’t aware of the calendar, but just exactly when it would fall. There is that acknowledgment that there could be some variation in that and that’s where that’s centered.”

The district said it would continue to work with faith leaders “about possible recommendations for next year’s commencement planning.”

In recent years, some school districts, particularly those on the East Coast, have expanded the number of religious holidays in the school calendar to include Muslim and Hindu holidays. Last year, for example, New York added Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, as an official school holiday. New York City Public Schools also observe Eid al-Fitr, at the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha as school holidays. Several New Jersey districts, including Paterson, Prospect Park and North Brunswick Township, are closed on one or both of the major Muslim holidays.

On its website, Washington’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction encourages districts not to schedule “significant school events” on common religious and public holidays in order to ensure that all students feel like “they are a meaningful part of their school communities and that their religious traditions matter.” It notes that some dates are not fixed and are based on moon sightings. It lists the date of Eid al-Adha in the 2023-24 academic year as June 16-17.

In an April 24 letter, CAIR-WA wrote to the district on the students’ behalf asking for “reasonable accommodation” to their request.

“Students practicing their right to religious expression should not be excluded from educational spaces, nor denied reasonable accommodation,” Hannah Vickner Hough, CAIR-WA’s legal director, wrote. “A graduation ceremony with one’s classmates is a formative experience for most students and the district should seek to provide appropriate arrangements to assure Muslim students are not unfairly excluded from this experience.”

Vickner Hough said that since the religious holidays are included in the OSPI’s document, SPS’ decision to schedule graduations on Eid al-Adha was either the result of “oversight, or negligence, or just disregard.”

The students, she said, were discouraged by the district’s response to their advocacy and reschedule the ceremonies.

“It can possibly show they are not as worthy of celebration as other students,” Vickner Hough said. “It puts them in a precarious position of choosing to have to practice their faith and celebrate with classmates.”

This year’s graduation holds deep significance to students, who started their high school experience during the pandemic, Vickner Hough said.

“This is a very meaningful expression of what they have been through as students,” she said. “So not being able to access that as Muslim students is really disappointing.”

Vickner Hough urged districts to review the OSPI calendar.

“It’s not hidden information,” she said. “They don’t need to consider requests for accommodations if they consider [it] in advance.”

Source: columbian.com

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https://www.columbian.com/news/2024/may/24/seattle-schools-wont-reschedule-graduations-that-fall-on-muslim-holiday/

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Minneapolis Muslims fear further attacks after alleged hit-and-run in mosque parking lot

MAY 24, 2024

Osman Ahmed sits down due to his injuries while Alhikma Islamic Center Imam Abdirazak Kaynan speaks Friday in Minneapolis at a news conference about an attack on Ahmed in the parking lot of the center.

Officials at a Minneapolis mosque fear it will be targeted again, two days after one of its members was injured in an alleged hit-and-run attack in the parking lot.

The attack was the latest in a string of incidents — from mosque burnings to Muslims being attacked at their mosques with pepper spray or, in one instance, a hammer — that have made Minnesota the leading state nationwide for mosque attacks, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

"We are on edge," Jaylani Hussein, executive director of CAIR-MN said Friday at a news conference. "This was an attempted murder. ... We need for our leaders to take this seriously."

In Wednesday's assault, a van slammed into Osman Ahmed, a member of the Alhikma mosque at 116 E. 32nd St., in the mosque parking lot just after he stepped out of his vehicle. Security video shows a van steering into Ahmed as he runs, knocking him to the pavement.

Ahmed, who spent a night at HCMC recovering, said he could see two hands holding the steering wheel as the van raced toward him but couldn't see the driver. Witnesses and others led police to James E. Suttles, 37, of Minneapolis, who was arrested Wednesday evening and charged Friday with second-degree assault.

The criminal complaint against Suttles, who was being held at Hennepin County jail in lieu of $150,000 bail, does not include a count classifying what happened as a bias-motivated crime.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty acknowledged in a statement that Suttles has committed "prior violent incidents at this mosque. ... If through further investigation we determine that we can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that this incident was motivated by bias, we will prosecute accordingly."

Mosque officials say Suttles has terrorized their community for four years, allegedly pepper-spraying one mosque member in 2021 and attacking another with a hammer in 2022.

The imam of Alhikma, Abdirazak Kaynan, said he's very worried that Suttles will be released from jail and return to the mosque to hurt more people.

"We've reported multiple times and tell police this guy is going to kill someone," said Kaynan.

Suttles was at the mosque again on May 19, just days after being given a tresspass violation, said Kaynan.

The incidents are among at least 21 attacks on Minnesota mosques in the past three years, said Hussein, who said CAIR chapters in each state share their data on mosque attacks. Among the incidents of vandalism reported last year, fires at the Mercy Mosque in Minneapolis and St. Paul's Tawhid Islamic Center caused extensive damage and led to the arrests of two men.

Hussein urged state and federal officials to provide grants for things like security cameras and lights, strengthening of doors or security guards for mosques and other nonprofits targeted by hate crimes. Hussein said efforts to get state funds for such things failed during this year's legislative session.

Mosque officials say they don't know why Suttles targeted them in the first place, but he appeared at the mosque's door shortly after it opened in 2020. He was first offered food and support, mosque leaders say, but Suttles turned increasingly violent and has been cited three times for trespassing.

"These incidents have been against various people who attend the mosque and not targeted at any one individual," the complaint against Suttles read. "The leader stated people attending the mosque were very concerned for their safety and scared of [Suttles]."

Source: startribune.com

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https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-muslims-fears-further-attacks-after-hit-and-run-in-mosque-parking-lot/600368531/

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Group tied to Islamic State plotted fatal Ontario restaurant shooting: Crown

May 24, 2024

A gunman who is accused of killing a young Ontario man and shooting four of his family members at their small Mississauga restaurant in 2021 was allegedly part of a trio who had pledged allegiance to the listed terrorist group Islamic State, a Crown attorney said in an opening statement in the Brampton murder trial this week.

The victim, 25-year-old Naim Akl, became a target when he realized the loyalties of the group, which operated a warehouse business in the Greater Toronto Area, and planned to go to Canadian authorities, said Crown Attorney David D’Iorio.

“They weren’t just buying and selling products. They had pledged allegiance to ISIS, the Islamic State, and money was being used to finance that organization -- sent back home to further that cause,” D’Iorio said in his address to the jury this week.

“You will hear evidence that Naim Akl had become aware that… the group had pledged allegiance to ISIS," he said. "He was planning to go the authorities and betray the others. It’s our position that the others came up with a plan to prevent that from happening: a plan to kill Naim Akl and his family."

D’Iorio identified the gunman as Anand Nath, Suliman Raza as the getaway driver, following Naqash Abassi’s orders. All three are charged with one count of first-degree murder and five counts of attempted murder. The charges have not been proven in court.

Also known as ISIS, Daesh or ISIL, the Islamic State is listed as a terrorist group in Canada, and has claimed responsibility for a variety of attacks with a goal of creating a worldwide caliphate.

D’Iorio said that Akl had converted to Islam without telling his parents, who would not approve, and started working for Abassi’s warehouse business.

On May 29, 2021, it was a typical Saturday night for the family’s small Mississauga takeout restaurant Chicken Land at The Collegeway and Glen Erin Drive(opens in a new tab), D’Iorio said, with family members making food for the dinner rush and one doing homework in the back.

At 7:15 p.m. a hooded and masked man can be seen on video entering Chicken Land, where he pulled out a gun and shot several members of the family, shooting Akl in the neck, killing him, and shooting several others, he said.

Witnesses saw a slim man run towards a getaway car and jump into the trunk as the car sped away before any first responders could arrive.

On Friday the jury saw some 70 videos from dashcams, surveillance cameras and traffic cameras that documented the Honda Accord as it drove back to Abassi’s warehouse.

Another confidant in the group heard Nath describe the murders and will testify, D’Iorio said. Police found ISIS propaganda on the phones of the accused, and records on Raza’s phone of a search for “What are the sentences for a getaway driver,” he said.

Source: toronto.ctvnews.ca

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https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/group-tied-to-islamic-state-plotted-fatal-ontario-restaurant-shooting-crown-1.6899827

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Mideast

 

West Bank rally calls on Muslim militaries to stop Israel's carnage in Gaza

Hundreds of Palestinians have participated in a march in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, calling on Muslim nations to militarily intervene to end Israel's genocidal war in besieged Gaza.

Demonstrators on Friday carried banners demanding action to liberate the Palestinian territories.

The protesters urged countries such as Egypt, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Algeria and others to help end Israel's carnage in the coastal enclave of Gaza.

Also on Friday, a group of Israeli and international protesters chained themselves to the gate of the US office of Palestinian Affairs in Jerusalem in protest of the Gaza war.

Activists said that the police arrested seven demonstrators out of the few dozen present.

Videos posted to social media showed the police pushing protesters back and muscling demonstrators into squad cars. The police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Israel has continued its genocidal war on Gaza since October last year, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in the enclave.

More than seven months into the Israeli war, vast swathes of Gaza lay in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.

Israeli military has killed at least 35,800 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and wounded over 80,200 others since then.

Israel launched its assault on the southern city of Rafah this month, forcing nearly 900,000 Palestinians to flee the city that had become a refuge to around half of the population's 2.4 million people.

Rafah, on Gaza's southern edge, has also been the main route for aid inflow, and international organisations say the Israeli operation has cut off the enclave and raised the risk of famine.

On Friday, judges at the top United Nations court ordered Israel to halt its military invasion of Rafah, in a landmark emergency ruling on South Africa's case accusing Israel of genocide in the blockaded coastal enclave.

"The state of Israel shall (....) immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part," the International Court of Justice said.

Source: trtworld.com

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https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/west-bank-rally-calls-on-muslim-militaries-to-stop-israels-carnage-in-gaza-18166100

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Seven marches in Taiz confirm readiness to fight jihad battle in supporting brothers in Gaza

[24/May/2024]

TAIZ May 24. 2024 (Saba) - Taiz province witnessed seven massive marches under the slogan “With Gaza... stability of the position and continuity of jihad,” affirming the readiness to fight the battle of holy jihad in supporting the brothers in Gaza.

The participants in the massive marches in the Square of the Great Messenger in Al-Jand, the squares of Al-Ta’ziyah, Maqbanah, Khadir, and Shara’b Al-Runa districts, the squares of the center of Shara’b Al-Salam District and the northern square of the district, with the participation of members of the Shura Council, province representatives, and local and executive leaders, affirmed the continuation of mobilization within the framework of Yemen’s heroic stance in Supporting the people and the Palestinian resistance.

A statement issued by the marches praised the steadfastness of the Palestinian people and their valiant resistance in the face of the Zionist war machine and crime for nearly eight months.

It expressed his condolences to the leadership, government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran over the martyrdom of President Ebrahim Raisi and his companions in the painful incident.

The statement condemned the International Criminal Court's decision against three leaders of the Palestinian resistance, which was based on weak and baseless lies and fabrications while ignoring major crimes committed by dozens of major criminals of the Zionist-American enemy.

It blessed the heroic operations of the escalating Yemeni armed forces and the launch of the fourth phase of escalation, as well as the heroic operations of the Islamic resistance in Palestine, Lebanon and Iraq, which are increasing in frequency day after day.

The statement called on all the peoples and free people of the world to activate the weapon of economic boycott of American and Israeli goods and the companies that support them, as it is an effective and influential weapon on the enemy... stressing that the people of Taiz Province will continue to hold popular , official events , activities in supporting the Palestinian people and a victory for their oppression.

Source: saba.ye

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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3333201.htm

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UAE President Sheikh Mohamed embarks on China state visit on May 30

May 25, 2024

DUBAI: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan will have a state visit to China on May 30 following an invitation from his counterpart Xi Jinping.

Discussions between the two leaders would mainly be regarding bilateral relations between the two countries, and how to further strengthen their economic, developmental and cultural ties, state news agency WAM reported.

Sheikh Mohamed will also attend celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the UAE and China, and will participate in the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.

The UAE leader will have a two-day state visit to South Korea, prior to his arrival in China, at the invitation of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The two leaders will discuss bilateral ties and explore opportunities for greater collaboration across various sectors including trade, investment, energy and technology.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2516721/middle-east

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Israel strikes Rafah after top UN court orders it to halt offensive

May 25, 2024

RAFAH: Israel bombed the Gaza Strip, including Rafah, on Saturday, a day after the top UN court ordered it to halt military operations in the southern city as efforts get underway in Paris to seek a ceasefire in the war sparked by Hamas’s October 7 attack.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) also demanded the immediate release of all hostages still held by Palestinian militants, hours after the Israeli military announced troops had recovered the bodies of three more of the captives from northern Gaza.

The Hague-based court, whose orders are legally binding but lack direct enforcement mechanisms, also ordered Israel to keep open the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza, which it closed earlier this month at the start of its assault on the city.

Israel gave no indication it was preparing to change course in Rafah, insisting that the court had got it wrong.

“Israel has not and will not carry out military operations in the Rafah area that create living conditions that could cause the destruction of the Palestinian civilian population, in whole or in part,” National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said in a joint statement with Israel’s foreign ministry spokesman.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, welcomed the ICJ ruling on Rafah but criticized its decision to exclude the rest of war-torn Gaza from the order.

Continued fighting

Hours after the ICJ ruling, Israel carried out strikes on the Gaza Strip early Saturday while clashes between the Israeli army and the armed wing of Hamas continued.

Palestinian witnesses and AFP teams reported Israeli strikes in Rafah and the central city of Deir Al-Balah.

“We hope that the court’s decision will put pressure on Israel to end this war of extermination, because there is nothing left here,” said Oum Mohammad Al-Ashqa, a Palestinian woman from Gaza City displaced to Deir Al-Balah by the war.

“But Israel is a state that considers itself above the law. Therefore, I do not believe that the shooting or the war will stop other than by force,” said Mohammed Saleh, also met by AFP in the central Gaza Strip city.

In its keenly awaited ruling, the ICJ said Israel must “immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.”

It ordered Israel to open the Rafah crossing for humanitarian aid and also called for the “immediate and unconditional release” of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

The Gaza war broke out after Hamas’s October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of more than 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.

Militants also took 252 hostages, 121 of whom remain in Gaza, including 37 the army says are dead.

Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed at least 35,800 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry.

The Israeli military said the three hostages whose bodies were recovered in north Gaza on Friday — Israeli hostage Chanan Yablonka, Brazilian-Israeli Michel Nisenbaum and French-Mexican Orion Hernandez Radoux — were “murdered” during the October 7 attack and their bodies taken to Gaza.

Truce talks

The court order comes ahead of separate meetings on the Gaza conflict in Paris between the CIA chief and Israeli representatives on one side and French President Emmanuel Macron and the foreign ministers of four key Arab states on the other.

Ceasefire talks involving US, Egyptian and Qatari mediators ended shortly after Israel launched the Rafah operation, though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office this week said the war cabinet had asked the Israeli delegation “to continue negotiations for the return of the hostages.”

CIA chief Bill Burns was expected to meet Israeli representatives in Paris in a bid to relaunch negotiations, a Western source close to the issue said.

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron received the prime minister of Qatar and the Saudi, Egyptian and Jordanian foreign ministers on Friday “to press for a ceasefire,” according to Cairo.

The French presidency said they held talks on the Gaza war and ways to set up a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

The five countries discussed “the effective implementation of the two-state solution,” it added.

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken also spoke with Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz about new efforts to achieve a ceasefire and reopening of the Rafah border crossing as soon as possible, Washington said.

Aid stuck

Israeli ground troops started moving into Rafah in early May, defying global opposition.

Troops took over the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, further slowing sporadic deliveries of aid for Gaza’s 2.4 million people.

But on Friday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi agreed in a call with his US counterpart Joe Biden to allow UN aid through the other entry point into southern Gaza, the Kerem Shalom crossing from Israel, the White House said.

The US military has also installed a temporary jetty on the Gaza coast to receive aid by sea that a UN spokesman said had delivered 97 trucks of aid after “a rocky start” a week ago.

The security and humanitarian situation in the territory remains alarming, with a risk of famine, hospitals out of service, and around 800,000 people, according to the United Nations, having fled Rafah in the last two weeks.

UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said the situation had reached “a moment of clarity.”

“Aid workers and UN staff must be able to carry out their jobs in safety,” he posted on social media site X late Friday.

“At a time when the people of Gaza are staring down famine... it is more critical than ever to heed the calls made over the last seven months: Release the hostages. Agree a ceasefire. End this nightmare.”

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2516681/middle-east

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Erdoğan criticizes global inequities, advocates for Islamic finance

MAY 24, 2024

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday stressed the injustices inherent in the current global system and emphasized the significance of participation finance, while also slamming the failure of international systems in light of Israel’s atrocities in Gaza.

Speaking at the Albaraka Islamic Finance Summit in Istanbul, Erdoğan affirmed Türkiye's role as a bridge between financial markets and stressed ongoing efforts to increase the share of participation finance, also known as Islamic finance, within the country, alongside completing necessary regulatory measures.

He pointed to the growing wealth disparity worldwide, and said international systems have lost balance.

"Today, wealth inequality has reached its highest level globally. The richest 1% of the world's population holds nearly half of the total global wealth. Income justice has deteriorated and inequality is at its peak," he noted.

The president stressed that the global system must be redesigned with all its elements according to today's realities and called for a creation of a more balanced, fairer and inclusive system.

"The balance in the international system has been lost, and uncertainty has increased," Erdoğan asserted.

He pointed to Israel's mass killings in Gaza as a stark display of the global order's inadequacy.

Israel's relentless strikes on the Palestinian enclave have killed at least 35,800 people, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities.

The war started following the Palestinian resistance group Hamas' incursion on southern Israel on Oct. 7, which killed around 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies.

"The structures responsible for maintaining order worldwide have once again revealed their unjust nature," said Erdoğan.

"There is currently no institutional mechanism capable of protecting the oppressed, stopping the oppressor and preventing tyranny," he noted.

“We insist that the global system must be redesigned to reflect contemporary realities. We must all join hands to create a more balanced, fairer and more inclusive system. Where there is no justice, there can be no peace and tranquility."

Erdoğan said everyone should acknowledge that the capitalist system, which he says further weakens the vulnerable and enriches the oppressor, "will not remedy our ailments."

He noted that participation finance remains below the desired level.

"We have a culture of out-of-system savings, often referred to as 'under-the-pillow' savings. We have sought to integrate these savings into the economy, yet our institutions have not developed convincing financial products to persuade the public to bring their under-the-pillow gold into the economy," the president said.

Erdoğan stressed the need to elevate the participation finance system to its deserved status.

"This requires a change in our perspective on finance. Participation finance is seen as a way to manage savings according to religious sensitivities. It offers significant opportunities for our country's development and financial independence,” said the president.

“Our goal is to increase the share of participation finance in banking assets to 15% in the short term," he said, up from the current rate of around 9%.

"In the coming period, we aim to crown this accumulation with a dedicated participation finance law. Our preparatory work is ongoing," he added.

The two-day Albaraka Islamic Finance Summit is hosting over 1,500 participants from 75 countries.

Erdoğan stressed the significance of such an event in Türkiye and the role of the country's metropolis.

"Historically, as a commercial and cultural bridge between East and West, Türkiye is now playing the same role in financial markets," the president noted.

The landmark Istanbul Finance Center, which Türkiye opened last year, has become a symbol of the country's efforts and vision, he added.

Erdoğan said that international investors have confirmed that Istanbul has great potential in both conventional and Islamic finance.

"We will make Istanbul a global financial and participation finance center. No one who has trusted Türkiye has regretted it. No entrepreneur aiming to win by helping others win has ever felt remorse later. Hereafter, we will further our cooperation on a win-win basis."

Source: dailysabah.com

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https://www.dailysabah.com/business/economy/erdogan-criticizes-global-inequities-advocates-for-islamic-finance

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Car blast kills one in Syrian capital: state media

May 25, 2024

DAMASCUS: A car explosion killed one person in Damascus on Saturday, the official Syrian news agency SANA reported, without identifying the victim.

Security incidents, including blasts targeting military and civilian vehicles, occur intermittently in the capital of war-ravaged Syria.

Quoting a police official, SANA said “one person was killed when an explosive device exploded in their car in the Mazzeh district.” It did not provide any other details.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor with a network of sources on the ground, said three vehicles caught fire in the area.

The explosion comes against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, including the war between Israel and the Iran-backed Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Last month, an explosive device went off in a car in Mazzeh, an upscale neighborhood of Damascus, without causing any casualties, SANA reported at the time.

Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes in Syria since civil war broke out in 2011, targeting Iran-backed forces including Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement as well as Syrian army positions.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2516741/middle-east

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EU considers possible Rafah border mission, diplomats say

May 25, 2024

BRUSSELS: Talks on deploying a EU mission at the Rafah border crossing in Gaza are at a preliminary stage and the deployment will not happen without an end to the war between Israel and Hamas, a senior EU official said on Friday.

EU foreign ministers will hold their monthly meeting in Brussels on Monday, and discuss how to improve humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.

Two diplomats said the US had suggested the EU revive its EU Border Assistance Mission or EUBAM Rafah, which has not been operational since 2007, when Hamas seized full control of Gaza.

The crossing is the main entry point for aid from Egypt and has been closed since Israeli forces took control of it from the Gazan side nearly three weeks ago.

Rafah city is now fire in an Israeli military assault, which judges at the top UN court said on Friday should immediately halt.

“Even if we now have people on the ground talking to the different parties and seeing how it could be done, we are in a very preliminary part of the story,” said the senior official.

The official said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell could be mandated by the 27 members on Monday to come up with “some kind of operative conclusions that could allow the mission to deploy.”

He said a deployment could not happen “in the current circumstances, not in war circumstances.”

“We are talking about the future,” the official said.

Three EU diplomats said the discussion would be on the table, but there was nothing concrete to discuss. One said the proposal was a “long shot.”

The mission would need unanimous approval from EU member states. Also, EUBAM is a civilian mission, and given the potentially dangerous nature of the operation, personnel and equipment would need to be adapted.

Diplomats said that such a mission could go ahead only if Egypt and Israel were also in favor.

Two US officials said Washington was reviewing options to secure the opening of the Rafah crossing, but no definitive plans have been developed yet. Israel began its offensive in Gaza after Hamas’ deadly attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2516531/middle-east

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Four Britons repatriated from Syria camp, Kurds say

May 24, 2024

QAMISHLI, Syria: Kurdish authorities in northeast Syria said Friday that they had handed over a woman and three children to British representatives for repatriation, with a source saying they had been held in a camp for militants’ relatives.

Five years after the Daesh group was driven out of its last bastion in Syria, tens of thousands of the militants’ family members, including from Western countries, remain in detention camps in the Kurdish-controlled northeast.

The Kurdish administration said it had “handed over a woman and three children to the United Kingdom,” following a meeting with a British delegation led its Syria envoy Ann Snow.

A source within the administration told AFP the four had been interned in the Roj camp where militants’ relatives are held.

Britain’s foreign ministry said UK officials had “facilitated the repatriation of a number of British nationals from Syria to the United Kingdom.”

“This repatriation is in line with the long-standing policy that all requests for UK consular assistance from Syria are considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account all relevant circumstances including national security,” the spokesperson said.

On May 7, the United States announced it had brought back 11 Americans including five minors, as well as a nine-year-old non-US sibling of an American, from internment camps in northeastern Syria.

The United States in the same operation facilitated the repatriation of six Canadian citizens, four Dutch citizens and one Finnish citizen, eight of them children, Secretary of state Antony Blinken said.

And in December, the Kurdish administration handed over to Britain a woman and five children who had also been held in a camp.

Despite repeated appeals by the Kurdish authorities, a number of Western countries have refused to take back their citizens from the camps.

Among the most high profile cases is that of Shamima Begum, a former Briton stripped of her citizenship after leaving the country aged 15 to marry an Daesh group fighter.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2516491/middle-east

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Africa

 

Nigeria Was Bleeding When We Took Over Power – Tinubu

24 May 2024

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that the nation was bleeding when he took over power in 2023, adding that his administration has been able to stop the bleeding.

The President called for a more effective local government system that fosters community development and delivers the essentials of governance within a strengthened federal structure.

Speaking when he received a delegation of the Yoruba Leaders of Thought at the State House on Friday, Tinubu emphasized that governance must be transformative and must address the critical needs of citizens.

He said the past 12 months have been fulfilling for his administration despite the presence of some challenges that are being addressed frontally.

Tinubu said: “It has been challenging. It has been fulfilling as well. We took over, and we have stopped the bleeding. I can say categorically now that Nigeria is no longer bleeding. And it will not bleed to death, but rather will now move to prosperity. That is the promise that I made to you all, and it is also the charge that you gave to me.

“We are managing to swim through the pond. The current is not a good one. We will turn the tide. We are turning the bend. This I assure you. I am being very careful. The worst is over for Nigeria. We will prevail.

“I thank the team who have been working really hard. All I can promise is that we will do whatever it takes. We are determined, and we will work so that all Nigerians can feel the impact of good governance.”

He assured Nigerians that his administration will ensure they get value for every kobo spent, and that his government will leave a lasting legacy of prosperity to future generations, while removing the yoke of poor governance and expanding access to qualitative public goods.

“We will get value for our money, and it is not for ourselves, but for our children. Our children will not inherit the burden of bad governance. Yet, they will enjoy the prosperity of Nigeria as a blessed nation from our very hands; from our sweat. We will bequeath to them a nation full of pride and prosperity,” Tinubu said.

The President also called for the deepening of governance and the reinforcement of leadership across all levels of government and institutions.

He added that his administration is committed to encouraging fiscal federalism and strengthening the system to enhance inclusion and equity for all Nigerians.

Source: naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/05/24/just-in-nigeria-was-bleeding-when-we-took-over-power-tinubu/

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EU anti-piracy force flags possible attack off Somali coast

MAY 24 2024

The European Union's anti-piracy force in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea, Operation Atalanta, on Thursday flagged a possible pirate attack on the Liberian-flagged merchant vessel Basilisk off the coast of Somalia.

Somali pirates caused havoc in the waters off the country's long coastline between 2008 and 2018. They had been dormant until late last year when pirate activity started to pick up again.

The EU force said in a statement that the suspected attack happened about 380 nautical miles east of the Somali capital Mogadishu while the vessel was heading north.

"One of Atalanta warships in the vicinity has been the first actor to respond. EUNAVFOR ATALANTA is taking the appropriate actions to respond," it added.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency earlier said it had received a report of a vessel being boarded 420 nautical miles southeast of Merca, Somalia.

An unknown number of unauthorised people from two small craft were reported to have boarded the vessel, according to UKMTO.

Source: theeastafrican.co.ke

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On joint podium with Biden, Ruto steps up defence of Haiti police deployment

MAY 24 2024

Kenya's President William Ruto on Thursday stepped up his defence of deploying 1,000 police officers to the troubled Haiti, swatting away criticism that Nairobi was doing the heavy lifting for Washington.

Instead, on a joint podium with US President Joe Biden, Ruto told the audience his country is a voluntary contributor to what humanity needs. The two leaders spoke at a joint press briefing in Washington after a bilateral meeting that formed part of Ruto’s state visit.

But Haiti was always going to arise. On both sides, journalists queried, Nairobi’s priorities, or whether Washington was pushing the can down the road. The event came as Haitian civil society groups also penned an open letter to Ruto, asking him to rescind the move.

Kenya, Ruto said he believes the responsibility of peace and security is the responsibility of all nations “because we have been participating in peace making and peace keeping in 47 countries like what we are facing in Haiti.”

“Committing Kenya to Haiti is not so much about what happened in the past. We don’t find that the US is committing Kenya to Haiti. I am the president of Kenya and I decide. It is up to the people of Kenya to commit their troops through their own established (legal) structures,” Ruto said. He was adding a comment to Biden’s response to a query about Washinton staying away from directly sending troops to Haiti.

The US president had indicated they avoided sending boots there because it could raise “a lot of questions…. which will “be used by those who disagree with us.”

Haiti, the Carribean country has been troubled with coups and assassinations for decades. But the immediate problem is the rise of gangs and lawlessness. In October last year, the US which was the ‘pen holder’ on Haiti in the UN Security Council managed to push through a resolution that authorised the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS).

To be led by Kenya, it wouldn’t be a UN peacekeeping mission in the strictest sense of falling under UN funding, but the US pledged $300 million worth of equipment, capacity building and cash to help Kenyan troops and other volunteering countries step into Haiti.

Kenya’s initial 200 troops were expected this week, but the move was delayed until their relevant equipment was shipped to Haiti.

Kenya was also expected to submit a clear document on the operational procedures including how the troops will protect civilian rights and stay within the law.

Some Haitian groups have been raising their voices, however, asking Kenya to rethink the move.

A group identified asMovement Unforgettable Dessalines Jean Jacques(MUDJJ) argued on Thursday that their country’s problems should be solved internally.

The movement is named after Dessalines Jean Jacques who was the emperor of Haiti who proclaimed his country's independence in 1804. Jacques was born in West Africa and was taken to the Caribbean based country as a slave.

 “As an esteemed African leader, we have always regarded you as a brother in our shared journey towards progress and unity. However, recent actions have given us reason to pause and reflect on this perception,” the open letter signed by Eliphete Joseph who is the leader read.

According to MUDJJ it was unfortunate that all the plans of leading a foreign military in Haiti were being handled by President Ruto as they said that it was only likely to cause more harm than good.

It said that Haiti is a proud country which has a rich history of resilience and bravery.

“Our forefathers, under the leadership of Emperor Jean-Jacques Dessalines, fought valiantly to defeat Napoleon's army and secure our freedom, making Haiti the first black free nation,” the statement read.

“Henceforth, any foreign military presence on Haitian soil will be considered an act of aggression, making every Haitian life a direct responsibility of your government,” the statement revealed.

In Kenya, a legal challenge mounted by lawyer and Thirdway Alliance leader Ekuru Auko had frustrated initial steps after courts blocked the earlier programme, citing constitutional gaps.

Read: Kenyan lawyers move to block police deployment to Haiti

In Washington, Ruto argued the that legal gap has since been filled after both sides signed a bilateral agreement. But the lawyer has sustained the challenge in Court, citing illegalities.

Nonetheless, Ruto argued Haiti, in spite of being 10,000km away from Nairobi was just as a needy case as banditry in Kenya or a troubled neighbourhood in East Africa.

This state visit was supposed to also commemorate 60 years of diplomatic ties between Kenya and the US and Washington followed that by elevating relations, naming Kenya as the 19th country considered as a non-Nato ally.

As the only Sub-Saharan Africa with that title, Nairobi won’t have a defence pact with the US yet. But the labeling allows Kenya to enjoy some form of privilege in defence cooperation, including working relationships with the US defence agencies.

Ruto was expected to return to Nairobi on Friday.

Source: theeastafrican.co.ke

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Tens of thousands flee as RSF attack Sudan's al-Fashir, activists say

MAY 24 2024

Tens of thousands of people fled their homes in a camp in the Sudanese city of al-Fashir, activists said, after a raid by Rapid Support Forces paramilitary forces who are fighting to seize the last army stronghold in the western Darfur region.

RSF troops attacked and looted the vast Abu Shouk camp on Wednesday, killing an unknown number of people and wounding at least 13, locals said, more than a year into Sudan's war.

Around 60 percent of the more than 100,000 inhabitants fled on Thursday, according to the Coordinating Committee for Refugees and Displaced People, which oversees camps in the region. Fighting continued in other parts of al-Fashir on Friday, locals said.

The RSF and its allies swept through four other Darfur state capitals last year and were blamed for a campaign of ethnically driven killings against non-Arab groups and other abuses in West Darfur - accusations they have dismissed.

There was no immediate comment from the RSF or the army on the latest clashes in al-Fashir, a historic centre of power. Both have blamed each other for the violence.

The UN special adviser on the prevention of genocide said this week there was a risk of genocide, and allegations that it was already taking place.

Civilians in al-Fashir and other parts of Darfur were being targeted on the basis of their identity and skin colour, Alice Wairimu Nderitu told the UN Security Council on Tuesday.

Abu Shouk is home to survivors of the violence in Darfur two decades ago, where janjaweed militias, the precursors to the RSF, fought alongside the Sudanese army and were accused of genocide.

About half a million more people moved into al-Fashir during the ongoing war that broke out between the army and the RSF in the capital Khartoum in April 2023, as long-simmering tensions over integrating the two forces came to a head.

At least 85 people have died at the only functioning hospital in the south of al-Fashir since May 10, according to medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

The total number of casualties is much larger as civilians hit by fighting in the north, east, and south of the city have not been able to reach medics, MSF and residents say.

The RSF has accused the army of using human shields as well as carrying out extensive air strikes, including destroying al-Fashir's power station.

Source: theeastafrican.co.ke

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Chad President Deby appoints Allamaye Halina as new prime minister

MAY 24 2024

Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno appointed Allamaye Halina as the new prime minister on Thursday, according to a press release from the presidency.

Halina, a diplomat and former director general of state protocol, will now have to form a new government "as quick as possible", the release said.

Halina replaces opposition leader Succes Masra, who resigned as prime minister on Wednesday to pave way for a new government.

Earlier on Thursday, Deby was sworn in as president of the Central African nation for a five-year term, following his victory in the May 6 presidential election.

Source: theeastafrican.co.ke

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Arab World

 

Shoura delegation discusses relations between Saudi Arabia and Senegal in Dakar

May 25, 2024

DAKAR: A delegation from the Saudi-Senegalese Parliamentary Friendship Committee of the Shoura Council, led by  Dr. Ayman bin Saleh Fadel, council member and committee chairman, met Senegal’s Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs Yassine Fall at the ministry’s headquarters in Dakar.

The delegation is currently conducting an official visit to the Republic of Senegal and the two parties discussed bilateral relations as well as possible cooperation in multiple sectors to enhance coordination. Other topics were also discussed.

Source: arabnews.com

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French president Macron meets with Arab delegation to discuss Gaza

May 24, 2024

PARIS: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan headed an Arab ministerial delegation in a meeting with the French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Friday.

Prince Faisal was joined at the meeting by Qatari prime minister and foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Al-Safadi, and the Egyptian minister of foreign affairs Sameh Shoukry, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, the situation in the Gaza Strip as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression was discussed, as well as the need to intensify international efforts aimed at an immediate and complete ceasefire.

The two sides also talked about ensuring the protection of civilians and the delivery of adequate and sustainable humanitarian aid to all parts of Gaza.

They reiterated the need for an independent Palestinian state and for the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions in the Palestinian territories.

During his trip to Paris, Prince Faisal also met with the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Sejourne on Friday.

During the meeting, the two ministers discussed Saudi-French relations and ways to enhance them and ways to improve coordination on various issues of mutual concern, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two ministers also discussed the situation in Gaza and its surroundings and the need to deliver humanitarian assistance to the civilians in the enclave.

The meeting was also attended by Saudi Ambassador to France Fahd bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaili, the Foreign Minister's office director general Abdulrahman Al-Dawood, and ministry Advisor Manal Radwan.

Source: arabnews.com

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12 Arrested In Qat, A Mild Stimulant, Smuggling Attempt In Saudi Arabia

May 25, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 12 Yemeni nationals for attempting to smuggle 266kg of qat through the borders of Asir region, state news agency SPA reported.

The items were seized and handed over to the relevant authority, SPA said on Friday.

A separate smuggling attempt of 70kg of qat was thwarted in Jazan region. Border authorities said the suspects were arrested and the seized items were transferred to relevant authorities for further action.

Mostly chewed by users, Qat is a mild stimulant and illegal across most of the Arab world.

The government has urged citizens and residents to report any information they have regarding drug smuggling or sales to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control. Reports can be made by calling 911 for Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 for other regions. Alternatively, information can be emailed to 995@gdnc.gov.sa. All reports are treated confidentially.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi entrepreneur converts farm into a tourism attraction in Al-Baha

May 25, 2024

AL-BAHA: A farmer in Al-Mandaq Governorate has turned his passion and hobby into a thriving tourism project.

Ahmed Al-Barouqi, who owns Al-Barouqi Tourist Farm in the governorate, northwest of Al-Baha, takes advantage of the mild climate and natural beauty of the area, including its agricultural terraces, historic village and picturesque valley, to attract visitors. 

The Saudi Press Agency interviewed Al-Barouqi, the young farmer in Al-Tarf, Wadi Rusba, behind Al-Barouqi Tourist Farm.

“My relationship with agriculture spans over 27 years, having grown up in a family surrounded by farms,” he said. “This inspired me to invest in the farm in Al-Tarf village, where we have fond childhood memories of planting grape, almond and fruit trees.

“I was determined to create a rural tourism investment model that harmonizes with the region’s natural features and moderate climate, providing a unique experience for visitors to the province,” he added.

Al-Barouqi said he rehabilitated the farm while preserving its agricultural terraces, famous trees and old wells. He created paved paths and seating areas and opened scenic views of the adjacent valley by adding seating areas.

He also offers popular dishes, including tannour bread, coffee, and tea.

He highlighted the success of implementing drip irrigation for strawberry crops, which aligns with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. This initiative has added value to the farm and its visitors, creating new agricultural investment opportunities and promoting a diverse agricultural culture. By diversifying products and experimenting with various crops, the farm aims to achieve self-sufficiency in producing crops for local markets.

Al-Barouqi said: “Farming has created over 20 seasonal job opportunities for young men and women in the region and established sites for productive families.

“We have a comprehensive development plan and vision for the farm that includes agricultural, recreational and investment aspects. Investing in this sector results in pioneering commercial projects that provide a distinctive tourism experience in the Al-Baha region,” he added.

The farm is enjoying a surge in demand due to recent rainfall, the pristine atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi crown prince speaks to acting Iranian president in light of tragedy

May 25, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a telephone call on Friday to Mohammad Mokhber, the acting Iranian president, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The crown prince sent his condolences following the deaths of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and others in a helicopter crash earlier this week.

Mokhber expressed his thanks to the crown prince for his kind sentiments.

The two sides also spoke of achievements in bilateral relations between the countries, stressing the importance of continuing to enhance cooperation.

The Iranian president, foreign minister and six others were killed on Sunday when the helicopter in which they were traveling crashed in dense fog in mountainous terrain near Iran’s border with Azerbaijan.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi Arabia welcomes World Court ruling on Gaza

May 25, 2024

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed the Kingdom’s welcoming of a decision made Friday by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering Israel to immediately stop military attacks or any other offensive actions in Rafah, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Kingdom said it appreciated the ICJ decision, which it called a positive step towards the moral and legal right of the Palestinian people.

It stressed the importance that international resolutions should involve all Palestinian areas in accordance with the relevant resolutions of international legitimacy.

Saudi Arabia also reiterated its call to the international community to shoulder its responsibilities to stop all forms of aggression against the Palestinian people.

Source: arabnews.com

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Sync Summit at Ithra ends with world premiere of documentary

May 24, 2024

DHAHRAN: For the finale of the two-day Sync Digital Wellbeing Summit at the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture, or Ithra, a documentary titled “The Dark Side of Japan” premiered at the Ithra Cinema on Thursday.

The Bahraini creative influencer, Omar Farooq, who was the narrator in the documentary, was there in-person with his team to answer questions after the screening.

As part of the Sync Spotlight series, the documentary tied together all the various themes explored during the summit, of which technology and wellness topics were explored on stage and at various points throughout the center. The documentary, which was filmed in Japan, showcases Farooq as he observes the Japanese people’s intense interactions with — and addictions to — their screens. Amid the bright lights of flashy Tokyo emerges a lingering dark side of loneliness, heads down, and fingers scrolling endlessly.

The filmmaker and influencer tried to convey an important message the old-fashioned way before the film premiere. He asked every attendee to take a moment to look under their seats. After a minute of awkward shuffling, it was revealed that an envelope was placed there so they could tuck their phones away and watch the documentary phone-free.

Farooq wanted the audience to be completely immersed and to be on the journey alongside him.

The documentary takes viewers on a trip as he journeys to places near and far within Japan to interact with locals, expats and visitors about their relationship to technology and nature. He spoke to families of young children about the school system and he spent time with adults of various backgrounds to ask about their preferences: city life or country life?

“It’s hard to keep a close relationship with people (in Tokyo). We don’t have time to care about others,” a Japanese artist told him in one scene. 

Wildly popular, with 3.9 million followers on instagram, Farooq was on hand to have a discussion on stage after the screening. Moderated by Ithra’s own head of a performing arts and cinema, Majed Z. Samman, who had studied in Japan and was familiar with the Japanese culture, they were joined by Mohammed Alhajri and Ahmed Alsayed, both of whom were with Farooq in Japan to assist with the filming. They sat on the floor, Japanese style, on stage for the discussion.

“This documentary isn’t about Japan,” Farooq cautioned the audience. Japan was merely an example of a place that has been plagued by hyper internet addiction and loss of real world connection. He asks the question: “Will this be our future? Is it already our present?”

He instructs viewers to look within and not just walk away as a programmed robot on autopilot; constantly shackled to their smartphones and ignoring the world around them.

After the initial screening, there were two other screenings back-to-back at the cinema, both of which were sold out.

The Ithra-produced documentary was mostly in Arabic, with some English and some Japanese.

Source: arabnews.com

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Pakistan

 

Seminary head, others held over girl’s assault, murder in Dir

May 25, 2024

LOWER DIR: The Munda police here have arrested three suspects, including head of an orphanage-cum-seminary and his son, in Mandizo area of Jandol after they were charged by the father of a seven-year-old girl with her assault and murder.

The police arrested the seminary head, Maulana Ziaul Haq Haidari on Thursday night, and his son, Abu Bakar and body guard, Sanaullah, on Friday. They were produced before a judicial magistrate, who remanded them for four days.

An FIR of the case was registered under sections 302 (intentional murder) and 376 (rape) of Pakistan Penal Code and section 53 (sexual abuse) of KP Child Protection and Welfare Act.

Sartaj, the victim’s father, told the police in the FIR that the seminary administration informed him on May 17 that his daughter had died and collect her body. He, however, claimed his daughter was killed several days ago and her body was kept hidden in the seminary.

The complainant said after the girl’s postmortem report, which he got on May 23, he got registered a case against the seminary head, his son, his body guard and others for his daughter’s murder.

The complainant said he had got his daughter admitted to the seminary a month ago.

Official sources said the medical report confirmed the girl’s death was caused by torture. The postmortem was conducted at the District Headquarters Hospital, Timergara.

Delay in postmortem report triggered calls from public circles and social media activists that an impartial and transparent investigation should be conducted into the case. Area elders also met district police officer Mazhar Iqbal, asking him to order probe into the matter.

The administration of the orphanage/seminary had earlier claimed the minor girl had died after quilts fell over her.

The sources said an investigation team supervised by SP investigations Rashid Ahmad had been formed to investigate the case.

Meanwhile, civil society activists demanded of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to order a judicial inquiry into the girl’s murder.

Maulana Ziaul Haq Haidari is known throughout the region for his fiery speeches and political influence.

Earlier, he was leading the Pakistan Rah-i-Haq Party as its district head, but he joined Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf before the Feb 8 elections. He also contested polls for the provincial assembly seat in the past.

Currently, he is serving as chairman of the dispute resolution council in the Jandol subdivision.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan on Friday demanded of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to ensure justice to the deceased girl’s family, who was allegedly raped and murdered at a seminary in Dir.

A press release issued here said the HRCP was shocked to learn about the rape and murder of the girl. “With over 4,200 child abuse cases were reported in 2023 across Pakistan, violence against children is absolutely inexcusable and must be dealt with a severe hand,” the release said.

The HRCP urged the KP government to hold the arrested perpetrators accountable to the fullest extent of the law so that the culture of impunity must be ended now.

Source: dawn.com

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Pakistan welcomes ICJ’s ruling on Gaza

May 25, 2024

Pakistan has welcomed the additional provisional measures by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah.

In a statement, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan supports the application filed by South Africa before the ICJ against Israel under the 1948 Genocide Convention, in follow up to which the Court announced additional provisional measures.

As required by the latest ruling of ICJ, Israeli occupation authorities should keep the Rafah crossing open for unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance and ensure unimpeded access to the Gaza Strip of any commission of inquiry, fact-finding mission or other investigative body mandated by the United Nations to investigate allegations of genocide.

The spokesperson said Pakistan demands immediate and unconditional implementation of the latest orders of the ICJ as well as the previous orders.

She called on the UN Security Council to play its role in ending Israel’s ongoing brutal military campaign across Gaza, allowing unhindered flow of humanitarian assistance, taking effective measures to protect civilians in Gaza and holding Israel accountable for its crimes.

The spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for the inalienable right to self-determination of the Palestinians for a viable, secure, contiguous and sovereign State of Palestine on the basis of the pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Source: radio.gov.pk

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Driver handed over to Military Police after ‘Save Gaza’ accident in Islamabad

May 25, 2024

ISLAMABAD: A driver who crushed two people to death on Jinnah Avenue on Monday in the jurisdiction of the Kohsar police station has been handed over to the Military Police for legal proceedings as he turned out to be a lieutenant of the Pakistan Army, said police on Friday.

Four people, including a police inspector, were also injured as the vehicle ran over the participants of a protest being held just outside the Red Zone in solidarity with Gaza. Subsequently, a case was registered at the Kohsar police station under sections 322, 337-G, 427 and 279 of the Pakistan Penal Code against the driver.

Police spokesperson Taqi Jawad said the driver was a lieutenant in the army and the son of a brigadier. He was handed over to the MP for further legal action, the spokesperson said, adding that the senior army officer also resigned from the army after the incident.

Police said the car involved in the accident was registered in the name of his father, the police said, adding that after the arrest of the driver, his father also reached the police station and made attempts to influence the police for the release of his son. However, after the MP and other departments of the army learnt about the incident, they arrived at the police station and took custody of the lieutenant.

Accident on Jinnah Avenue

At the time of the incident, the participants of the ‘Save Gaza’ protest were sleeping on a portion of Jinnah Avenue between Express Chowk and the old Parade Ground, the police had said. The streetlights of the area were also switched off when the incident had occurred. “At around 2:45am, a speeding car appeared on the road, ran over five participants and then crashed into a police barricade, hitting the inspector [on duty].”

The driver then sped away the car towards Ayub Chowk via Attaturk Avenue. Police deployed on special duty in connection with the protest alerted the control room. In response, a patrolling team intercepted the car and caught the driver and shifted him to the police station.

The police had said Mohammad Roman Sajid and an unidentified man, aged between 40 and 45 years, died on the spot while Mohammad Talha Ilyas, Hamad Hassan and Faisal Hayat along with Inspector Ijaz Ahmed were injured.

Two days after the incident, the district intelligence committee in a meeting on May 22 expressed reservations over the ‘Save Gaza’ protest near D-Chowk despite the enforcement of Section 144 in the city, which does not allow gatherings of any kind. At the time, the administration said that the meeting was held to review the overall security situation in the city as was attended by the police and administration officials.

Source: dawn.com

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PM Shehbaz commends Ireland's decision to recognise Palestinian state

May 24, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday held a telephone conversation with his Irish counterpart Simon Harris.

During the phone call, PM Shehbaz commended Irland’s recent decision to recognise the state of Palestine amid the ongoing Israeli aggression.

Ireland, Spain, and Norway have announced to formally recognise the Palestinian state next week, a move that drew fury from Israel.

The premier said Ireland’s decision would send a message of hope and solidarity to the innocent Palestinians, who were suffering Israel’s brutal atrocities.

“It would also go a long way in promoting the Palestine cause and would urge other countries to follow Ireland.”

The premier also felicitated PM Harris on his assumption of office. PM Shehbaz remarked lightheartedly that his youth and dynamism would bring major changes in Ireland.

PM Shehbaz said that Pakistan has always advocated that a two-state solution, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions, is the only way to bring lasting peace to the Middle East.

He reaffirmed Pakistan's strong commitment to the just struggle of the Palestinian people and lauded the decision of the ICJ to order Israel to stop its assault on Gaza and Rafah.

In a sigh of relief, the ICJ ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah city of the besieged Gaza enclave. The court in its ruling on the petition submitted by South Africa said the humanitarian situation in Gaza is disastrous.

PM Shehbaz also expressed the hope that the oppressed people of Kashmir would receive similar attention from the international community, as they too have been enduring a brutal occupation and denial of fundamental human rights for the last seven decades.

Meanwhile, PM Harris said that Ireland has taken a principled decision in consultation with other European allies because the extent of Israel's military action in Gaza could no longer be condoned in any way.

The Irish felt that this decision was necessary to promote normalisation in the occupied territories.

The two leaders exchanged views on bilateral ties between Pakistan and Ireland and expressed their common desire to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The PM lauded the Irish decision to open its resident mission in Pakistan and said that this new mission, along with Pakistan's mission in Dublin, would play a vital role in promoting bilateral trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.

He also extended a cordial invitation to PM Harris to undertake an official visit to Pakistan.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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Victory now only 'matter of moments’, PTI says after Islamabad operation

May 24, 2024

Fuming at the federal government over razing part of PTI’s central office in Islamabad, the former ruling party’s senior leader Shibli Faraz Friday said that absolute victory is now only a “matter of moments”.

His remarks came a day after the Capital Development Authority (CDA) demolished a portion of the PTI Central Secretariat in the federal capital over the “violation of building rules”.

Addressing a joint press conference following the PTI Core Committee's meeting outside the office, Faraz said the ruling alliance could not compete politically with his party.

Citing figures approved by the National Accounts Committee (NAC), the PTI leader said that investment plunged to its lowest level in 50 years.

According to the official data, Pakistan’s total investment has declined to its lowest ebb since 1972-3 and now it stands at 13.1% of GDP in the current fiscal year 2023-24.

The “system of fascism and repression” is about to collapse, he said, adding that they have already won this fight. Slamming the authorities over yesterday’s operation, the senator said: “Now they are using force.”

Responding to a question, the leader of the opposition in the Senate said that restoration of the Constitution was their key target.

In his hard-hitting presser, the PTI leader censured the rulers for lodging dozens of cases against the PTI founder and said: “The future generation will not be proud of those who did all this.”

He maintained that the steps aimed at victimising PTI further damaged the image of Pakistan in the international community.

“[Incarcerated PTI leader] Yasmin Rashid is fighting for life at the hospital.”

Earlier this week, Rashid was admitted to Lahore’s Services Hospital after reportedly falling unconscious in Kot Lakhpat Jail.

He further said that despite all the hardships, PTI maintained its peaceful and dignified image.

The PTI leader termed their anti-government drive a “political struggle.” Criticising the coalition government, the PTI leader said that judiciary was being attacked to get verdict in their favour.

For his part, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, while expressing his anguish, said that the authorities violated the sanctity of his party's Central Secretariat in the federal capital.

"In a democracy, the central office of a party is sanctified."

He accused the CDA of invading the central office of the former ruling party in Islamabad. "[The operation was aimed at] creating obstacle for us."

The CDA, however, rejected the allegations and said that its anti-encroachment team launched an operation late Thursday to eliminate illegal construction and encroachment. The operation began at around 11:30pm and ended after an hour.

Condemning the CDA over the operation, the PTI chairman said that he had to hold the party's core committee meeting on the road. Gohar said: "[I] want to clarify [that] we are [still] peaceful."

Without naming the incarcerated PTI founder, the party’s outspoken leader Ali Muhammad Khan said that those who defended Pakistan at every forum were being taunted with treason.

"Our office is closed but our workers are sitting outside." The people gathered for an ideology but not for this building, he added.

"[You should admit] that the prisoner of Adiala Jail has won."

Addressing the joint presser, PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan accused the government of victimising the former ruling party.

He said that terrorism cases were being lodged against the leadership of the PTI. He further said that PTI leader Aamir Mughal was subjected to “police brutality” last night.

Govt's response

Backing the anti-encroachment operation, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, informed the Senate that action against a political party office had been taken in accordance with the law and for violating building bylaws.

He made the remarks while responding to a point of order raised by PTI Faraz in the Senate earlier today. The law minister further explained that the first notice was issued to the political party in 2020 for violating building bylaws.

“Notices were repeatedly issued from 2020 to 2024 at six-month intervals, with the final notice given on May 10 for ongoing violations.”

“In view of the last notice dated May 10, the action is in accordance with the law,” the minister added.

The minister elaborated that he had talked to the chairman of the CDA, who confirmed that the process had been ongoing for the past four years due to the violations. The final notice was issued to ensure compliance with CDA directions, he added.

The minister further explained that reminders were issued to the political party regarding two floors constructed without CDA approval and the misuse of a public place for parking containers. He said that the party had constructed illegal parking sheds.

He said that despite repeated requests, the party did not remove the illegal structures or vacate the public space, causing problems for the public.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1192803-victory-now-only-matter-of-moments-pti-says-after-islamabad-operation

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Shibli Faraz slams govt after CDA operation on PTI’s Islamabad office

May 24, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Leader of Opposition in Senate Shibli Faraz Friday slammed the federal government after the Capital Development Authority (CDA) dismantled a porition of the office of the Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) in Islamabad.

Speaking at the Senate session, the opposition leader said the treasury benches were resorting to the use of force against the PTI.

Faraz said that it was not enough for the government to snatch the party’s electoral symbol. He claimed that the Shehbaz-led administration has used "all tactics" against the PTI.

Referring to last night’s raid at the PTI office, the politico said his party’s central office's protion was demolished in Islamabad, party’s local chapter chief Aamir Mughal was arrested, and workers were beaten by police with batons.

The CDA on Thursday night demolished a portion of the PTI Central Secretariat in the federal capital over a “violation of building rules”, drawing strong condemnation from the Imran Khan-founded party.

In a statement, the CDA said that its anti-encroachment team launched an operation late Thursday to eliminate illegal construction and encroachment.

It further said that encroachment by a "political party" was being removed and added that the plot was allotted in the name of a person named Sartaj Ali.

The CDA said that an additional floor was also constructed on the plot in violation of the building rules. The government's body added that it had issued notices to the party but to no avail.

Faraz said the CDA demolished the building at the government’s behest. They had started using foul tactics after failure to compete with the PTI politically, he said. They were creating hatred for themselves through such actions, he said.

“You cannot (continue to) do politics through coercion. Whatever oppression you carry out, will be remembered,” he said pointing towards the treasury benches.

The opposition leader said the PTI central office was attacked and the party’s information secretary survived a lethal assault.

“If this is politics, then we announce to quit politics,” he said demanding the freedom of his party workers from jails.

He said the ruling party had only won 27 seats and they had come into power through stolen mandate.

On the economic situation, Faraz said the Asian Development Bank president had said that Pakistan’s economy was in the ICU because of political instability.

“The political instability has been created by you. Political stability cannot be achieved in such circumstances,” he said.

In response to Faraz’s address, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar said the crackdown against other parties continued from 2018 to 2022. During this period fascism was imposed in the country, he said.

Tarar said a member of the National Assembly was arrested in a drug case and the then minister had said that he promised that the case was true. "If it was true, then why he did not show up before the court to testify," he asked.

Meanwhile, the house approved the motion floated by Tarar regarding setting up the Senate’s finance committee.

At this, the opposition parties protested the non-inclusion of the parties having low representation in the house.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1192746-shibli-faraz-slams-govt-after-cda-razes-pti-office-in-federal-capital

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Pakistan decides to keep two border crossing points with Iran open 24/7

May 24, 2024

Pakistani Ambassador to Iran Muhammad Mudassir Tipu Friday said Pakistan has decided to open two border crossing points with Iran 24 hours a day and seven days a week in a bid to push bilateral trade.

The Pakistani envoy hoped that this will improve the flow of goods between the two countries and provide more economic opportunities.

“A big step forward to promote business between Pakistan and Iran. Pakistan has decided to open Taftan & Gabd borders 24/7. Flow of goods between two countries will hopefully witness sharp rise & widen economic opportunities,” he tweeted.

Pakistan and Iran on April 24 reiterated the importance of energy cooperation and electricity trade, despite the warning of potential sanctions hinted at by the United States following the then Iranian president Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi's three-day visit to Pakistan.

'Border of prosperity'

Agreeing to turn the common border between the two states from a ‘border of peace’ to a ‘border of prosperity’, both countries had reiterated the importance of cooperation in the energy domain, including trade in electricity, power transmission lines and Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.

During Raisi’s visit to Pakistan, both sides had underscored the imperative of a long-term durable economic partnership and collaborative regional economic and connectivity model, particularly for socio-economic development in Iran’s Sistan-Balochistan and Pakistan’s Balochistan provinces.

This was stated by the Foreign Office in a 28-point joint statement, hours after the Iranian head of state had departed for Tehran from Karachi.

The two sides had reviewed the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations, exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern, and signed multiple accords.

The two countries, as per the statement, had agreed to expeditiously finalise the free trade agreement (FTA) and boost their bilateral trade to $10 billion over the next five years through joint economic projects, setting up of joint border markets, economic free zones, and new border openings.

Barter trade

There was consensus to fully operationalise barter trade mechanisms between the two sides to facilitate economic and commercial activity, particularly under ongoing collaborative endeavours, such as border sustenance markets.

Regarding connectivity, the two sides had expressed satisfaction over the regular shipment of goods under the TIR Convention and agreed to fully operationalise the Convention for further efficient, speedy and barrier-free trade.

As members of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), the two countries had expressed firm resolve to enhance cooperation in connectivity, infrastructure development and energy sectors and agreed to expand linkages between Gwadar and Chahbahar ports.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1192724-pakistan-decides-to-keep-two-border-crossing-points-with-iran-open-247

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Southeast Asia

 

Terengganu resort fined for 'non-Muslim' Hawaiian-themed party

05/24/2024

Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) – Terengganu state authorities fined the Summer Bay Resort 25,000 ringgit (about US$ 5,300) for hosting a Hawaiian-themed "Aloha Party" on Monday.

The charges include the “non-Muslim" nature of the event, which was attended by disk jockeys and dancers, with men dancing on stage alongside bikini-clad women.

The state, which is a sultanate with Kuala Terengganu as its capital, is ruled by the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), and did not appreciate the gig.

Razali Idris, chairman of the State Tourism, Culture, Environment, and Climate Change Committee, told TRDI News that the party violated subsection 6(1) of the Terengganu Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Enactment 2002, which requires a licence to host such events.

Even though the resort holds permits to operate, the authorities pledged to continue to investigate. “We also want to check if the resort has committed any other offenses on the island. The resort has been hosting such a gig annually for 10 years without the knowledge of the authorities,” Razali Idris explained.

The fine will be followed by a meeting between the resort's owner, Terengganu's religious affairs department, and the mayor of Kuala Terengganu. The owner will have to explain the Aloha Party, organised as a “520”, a reference to 20 May, a Valentine’s Day type of event held in China.

The Malaysian state of Terengganu is no stranger to such charges. Last month, a single mother was found guilty of committing the sin of khalwat (closeness) and sentenced to six strokes of rotan cane. It is not known whether the flogging sentence was carried out as scheduled on 6 May.

The accused, Nurfifi Amira Nawi, a 37-year-old mother of one, was charged under Section 31(b) of the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 2022, for being alone with a 40-year-old man who was not her husband.

On 1 December 2023, the state assembly approved several amendments to the 2022 law, imposing even more repressive measures against women.

Now women who become pregnant outside of wedlock risk a fine of up to 5,000 ringgits (US$ 1,060), imprisonment for up to three years, caning up to six times, or a combination of all three.

Fines of up to 2,000 ringgits (US$ 450), or up to a year's imprisonment, or both, for women who wear men's clothes and behave like men. Repeat offenders can be whipped up to six times or jailed for up to three years, or both, and fined up to 5,000 ringgits US$ 1,060).

Reacting to the legislative amendments, 10 human rights groups, including Sisters in Islam and the Centre for Independent Journalism, urged the Malaysian Human Rights Commission to review the amended legislation.

The human rights groups note that the changes to the law further exacerbate the harm already visited upon women, young people, and LGBTQ+ people.

In this context, the amendment criminalising premarital pregnancies has been the subject of widespread debate, with conflicting opinions among Muslim doctors.

However, the chairman of the Committee for the Implementation of Syariah, State Education and Higher Education, Satiful Bahari Mamat, said that "the well-being of Muslims, especially in Terengganu, will be better protected" by such measures.

He went on to say that the section on women acting like men was necessary, since existing provisions only applied to men who behave like women.

Source: asianews.it

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https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Terengganu-resort-fined-for-%27non-Muslim%27-Hawaiian-themed-party-60806.html

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'Disrespectful' - Na'im slams tourist for reciting Quran verses at Batu Caves

Shahrin Aizat Noorshahrizam

May 25, 2024

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na'im Mokhtar has condemned the actions of a foreign tourist who recited Quranic verses at the Batu Caves Hindu temple complex in an apparent attempt to mock Hinduism.

Na'im deemed the behaviour of the tourist, who recorded the act, as highly inappropriate and disrespectful, presuming that the individual lacked an understanding of Malaysia's multicultural society and the sanctity of religious sites.

"The actions of this individual, who recited verses from...

Source: malaysiakini.com

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https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/706625

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Fahmi: Malaysia4Palestine channel shows Malaysia's consistent support for Palestinians

25 May 2024

KUCHING, May 25 ― The establishment of the temporary Malaysia4Palestine 24-hour channel demonstrates Malaysia's consistent and clear stance in supporting the Palestinian people oppressed by Israel, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

He said it is hoped that this special broadcast by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and Astro will open the eyes of more parties, especially countries that still refuse to express solidarity with the Palestinian people, who have long been victims of the Zionist regime's violence.

“I welcome the 24-hour broadcast effort of Malaysia4Palestine. It is a very noble endeavour. Therefore, I see that we need to continue to support and express our support for the Palestinian people, especially at this moment,” he told reporters after attending the National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) 2024 Tour with University Students here today.

Yesterday, Astro and RTM announced in a statement that the television stations are providing the temporary Malaysia4Palestine channel, available from noon May 25 to the next day, dedicated to highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Palestine.

The Malaysia4Palestine channel will feature interviews, special performances and documentaries to highlight the plight of the Palestinian people.

The Hawana 2024 Tour with University Students programme is one of the activities celebrating this year's Hawana, involving 250 students from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak and SEGi College Sarawak.

It is aimed at exposing students from selected higher education institutions to the media world through knowledge- and experience-sharing sessions from media practitioners, as well as fostering an interest in journalism and applying it in the professional world.

Today's programme includes a session discussing topics such as fact-checking by Sakina Mohamed, the editor of MyCheck Malaysia and Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Data Journalism Unit, and mobile journalism (MoJO) by Bernama's Digital Media Desk senior journalist Syed Iylia Hariz Al-Qadri Syed Izman as well as a dialogue session with the communications minister. ― Bernama

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/05/25/fahmi-malaysia4palestine-channel-shows-malaysias-consistent-support-for-palestinians/136401

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Told to protest Khazanah instead, pro-Palestine activist questions Transport Ministry for deflecting flak on MAHB takeover bid

25 May 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — Activist Chua Tian Chang, who led a memorandum protesting the Israeli link in the proposed takeover of Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) on Thursday, has warned of foreign monopoly resulting from the deal.

The former PKR vice-president known as Tian Chua urged Transport Minister Anthony Lok to explain to the public the potential advantages of the deal, after the latter told protesters that the ministry is not responsible for the proposal.

“We’re told that the entire aim of selling MAHB is to boost competitiveness as MAHB lacked competitiveness however MAHB’s inherent lack of competitiveness is also rooted in its design as a monopoly,” Chua told Malay Mail.

“No other company is permitted to manage our airports. Merely transferring control to another entity or wholesaling it does not alter this reality. Although it might seem like fostering competition, it remains a monopoly unless airports are divided among different operators to gauge performance.”

He highlighted the original rationale behind MAHB’s establishment as a monopoly was to facilitate government oversight and maintain affordable prices for the populace.

“Previously, the monopoly was justifiable as MAHB was wholly government-owned, ensuring full control over pricing and costs to shield consumers from undue burdens. However, with privatisation, how do we prevent the monopoly from imposing hardships on the public?” he asked.

Chua, the spokesman for Palestine Solidarity Secretariat (SSP), had along with Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal led the protest in front of the Ministry of Transport (MoT) office in Putrajaya to hand over a memorandum opposing the proposed takeover of MAHB.

Loke in response said the group should instead direct its grievance to Khazanah Nasional Bhd and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) over the matter since the ministry is a regulator and has no control over MAHB’s choice to cooperate with any joint venture.

Chua said this was concerning since as minister any sale should come under his jurisdiction as the custodian of the transport ministry and admitting he had no role in it was worrying.

“MoT saying they have no say no knowledge about it is not a healthy sign, I hope MoT takes more initiative to know what’s going on and he shouldn’t be so passive and allow things to happen without his knowledge,” Chua added, referring to Loke.

When asked about Loke’s response which was directed to him, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal accused the minister of attempting to divert attention away from him.

“Anwar handles the divestment part but Loke is the regulator, part of the Cabinet, so there is collective responsibility hence surely he knows about it,” he said, referring to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s role in the proposal.

“Before Khazanah sells the shares they must discuss it with Loke because they’re trying to sell to improve the airport’s operations so he must be in the loop. It’s irresponsible to say otherwise. Perhaps he could explain the rationale behind the 30 per cent stake to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP)?

“For now we ask that they withdraw the sale as there’s no strong rationale to sell. MAHB is doing well. Why do we need GIP, one of the worst airport operators to manage us? There’s no economic merit for this,” he added.

Khazanah and EPF are already stakeholders in MAHB, but wish to raise their stakes in a proposal that entails a takeover worth roughly RM18.4 billion through a consortium that includes two other funds: Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia).

New York-headquartered GIP is a leading infrastructure investor that specialises in investing in owning and operating some of the largest and most complex assets across the energy, transport, digital infrastructure as well as the water and waste management sectors.

GIP is a major investor in Gatwick Airport (London, United Kingdom), Sydney Airport (Australia) and Edinburgh Airport (Scotland).

The move has been opposed by some parties as GIP is owned by BlackRock, reported as the world’s biggest asset manager with huge investments directly in Israel.

Among companies the fund invests in are Lockheed Martin, RTX, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and General Dynamics — firms that are said to manufacture weapons and vehicles that are used in Israel’s brutal military campaign against Palestinians.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim issued a stern response to claims that a pro-Zionist fund would own a stake in MAHB if the privatisation bid goes through, calling it a “baseless” allegation aimed at inciting anger towards his government.

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/05/25/told-to-protest-khazanah-instead-pro-palestine-activist-questions-transport-ministry-for-deflecting-flak-on-mahb-takeover-bid/136309

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Malaysia welcomes ICJ ruling to halt Rafah offensive: Wisma Putra

25-05- 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia welcomes the additional provisional measures by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), including the order for Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) said the ICJ also ordered Israel to immediately keep the Rafah border crossing open to allow for the unhindered access of humanitarian assistance.

“Malaysia welcomes the additional provisional measures granted by the ICJ concerning the application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel).

“Malaysia strongly urges the international community to intensify pressure on Israel to comply with the additional measures, as failing to do so would only make a mockery of the sanctity of international law,” the statement read.

The ICJ also ordered Israel to ensure the unimpeded access of any commission of inquiry, fact-finding mission, or other investigative body mandated by competent organs of the United Nations to investigate allegations of genocide in the Gaza Strip.

The court also ordered Tel Aviv to submit a report on all measures taken to give effect to the order within one month.

Wisma Putra said Malaysia will continue her efforts for the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as well as the admission of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations.

The president of the ICJ, Judge Nawaf Salam, said Israel must immediately hold its military offensive or any other action in the Rafah governorate which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza, conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part, reported Anadolu Agency (AA).

The judge was reading the order on additional provisional measures requested by South Africa in the ongoing genocide case against Israel.

The ICJ said modification in its March 28 order was in view of change in circumstances due to the offensive on Rafah, where displaced Palestinians had taken refuge from the war that started in October.

Source: thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/local_news/malaysia-welcomes-icj-ruling-to-halt-rafah-offensive-wisma-putra-MP12489849

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