Divorced Muslim Women Have the Right to Claim Maintenance under Section 125 of the (CrPC: Supreme Court
New Age Islam News Bureau
11 July 2024
The Supreme Court ruled on July 10, 2024, that all
women, including divorced Muslim females, can file a petition under Section 125
CrPC. This section deals with a wife's legal right to seek maintenance from her
husband.
------------
·
Divorced Muslim Women Have the Right to Claim
Maintenance under Section 125 of the (CrPC: Supreme Court
·
Iran Will Not Hesitate to Engage in Fight for
Other Muslims: Senior Commander
·
Tenuous Taliban in Afghanistan Control Gives
Life to Al-Qaida, Islamic State
·
France to Deport A "Radicalised Imam"
From The Aube Region Due To 'Discriminatory Messages Against Women'
·
PMAnwar Ibrahim Says Mufti Bill Still In
Deliberation Following Resistance To Sunni, Shafie School Requirements
India
·
Studying Verdict, Say Cagey Muslim Bodies,
AIMPLB and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind
·
‘Neha Hiremath Was Murdered for Refusing to
Marry, No Love Jihad Angle’: CID in Its Chargesheet
·
BJP Lauds Supreme Court Verdict On Maintenance
For Divorced Muslim Women Under Secular Law
·
Video of Islamic Preacher Falsely Viral As
Mayor Of Brighton
·
Terms Like ‘Rohingyas’, ‘Bangladeshis’ Not
Disparaging Toward Indian Muslims: Mumbai Police Tells HC
·
Don't delay polls: Omar Abdullah to PM Modi
after terror strikes
·
Jammu and Kashmir Police Arrest a Man, Tarun
Bahl, Under Official Secrets Act for 'Security Breach'
--------
Mideast
·
Sayyid. Nasr Allah: If There Is Ceasefire
Agreement In Gaza, Support Front In Lebanon "Will Cease Fire Without
Discussion"
·
Turkish Islamist party proposes bill punishing
citizens who serve in IDF
·
Islamic Resistance in Iraq: We attacked the
port of Ashdod with drones
·
Palestinians ask diplomats to speak out on
conditions in Israeli jails
·
Iraq condemns Turkish military ‘incursions’
into north
·
Lebanon awaits outcome of peace negotiations as
Israeli airstrikes continue
--------
South Asia
·
Pakistan to offer 4,500 scholarships to Afghan
students
·
UN announces construction of 65 houses for
returnees in Daykundi, Afghanistan
·
Son of former king of Iran: US opposition to
reviving Monarchy in Afghanistan was a ‘destructive mistake’
·
Afghan families struggle in Albania: waiting
for asylum resolutions amid depression
·
Concerns over Helmand historical sites’
destruction
--------
Europe
·
Bosnian Muslims Commemorate Srebrenica Genocide
·
Looking forward to Christmas or Ramadan ‘can
speed up our sense of time’
·
MP accuses Starmer of ignoring Muslim voters
·
What the media gets wrong about The Muslim Vote
·
UN warns of budget shortfall for humanitarian
activities in Afghanistan
·
Russia’s special representative: Taliban
removal from terror list progressing well
--------
Southeast Asia
·
Al-Azhar Grand Imam, Indonesian VP Discuss
Measures to Combat Islamophobia
·
King wants stern action taken to address social
media issues - Fahmi
·
PM Anwar urges Muslims to embrace spirit of
Hijrah for cultural, spiritual renewal
·
Sabah legislature passes four bills related to
Islamic affairs
--------
Arab World
·
UAE Court Issues Life Sentences to 43 It Says
Operated Local Muslim Brotherhood Group
·
11 Saudi students training for Astronomy and
Astrophysics Olympiad
·
UK and GCC eye completing free trade agreement
this year
·
Education ministry dispatches 136 teachers to
Saudi schools, academies abroad
·
Saudi Quality of Life Program showcases
sustainable development successes at UN forum
·
Saudi Arabia attends intellectual property meet
in Geneva
·
Riyadh forum showcases latest trends,
technologies in customer experience sector
·
Saudi Arabia continues airdropping food aid to
Gaza, in cooperation with Jordan
·
Bahrain Summons Head Of Shia Funeral Home After
‘Death To Israel’ Chants
--------
Pakistan
·
Registered Afghan Refugees Allowed To Stay In
Pakistan For One More Year
·
Three soldiers martyred in exchange of fire
with terrorists in South Waziristan
·
3 terrorists killed by security forces in
Peshawar IBO
·
SC judges argue against bar associations
joining military courts case
·
Terrorism case registered against ‘unnamed’
militant outfit for assassinating CTD official
·
2 soldiers, 2 police officers martyred in
intelligence-based operation in Peshawar’s Hassan Khel: ISPR
·
HRCP blasts 'unconstitutional' order allowing
phone tapping
·
Pakistan, Russia seek stronger military ties
--------
North America
·
Va. Court to Decide Whether American Muslims for
Palestine Must Hand Over Financial Documents
·
CAIR-LA Files Title VI Complaint Against UCLA
Medical School for Discrimination Targeting Muslim Palestinian-American Med
Student
·
US pressuring UK to protect Netanyahu against
ICC: Report
·
NATO summit: Biden announces plan to send
Ukraine new patriot missile batteries
--------
Africa
·
Nigerian Security Agencies On Alert Over
ISWAP’s Suicide Bombing Threat
·
19 northern clerics urge Nigerian Muslims to
safeguard Sultan’s powers
·
RSF commander fires political advisor after
calling for talks with Islamists
·
Nigeria: How Livestock Sector Can Turn
Nigeria's Economy Around - Miyetti Allah
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
Divorced
Muslim Women Have the Right to Claim Maintenance under Section 125 of the
(CrPC: Supreme Court
July 11,
2024
The
Supreme Court ruled on July 10, 2024, that all women, including divorced Muslim
females, can file a petition under Section 125 CrPC. This section deals with a
wife's legal right to seek maintenance from her husband.
--------------
The
Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that divorced Muslim women in India have the
right to claim maintenance under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code
(CrPC). This law applies to all married women, regardless of their religion.
The
ruling came after a Muslim man from Telangana challenged a High Court order
requiring him to pay Rs 10,000 in interim maintenance to his ex-wife. Justices
BV Nagarathna and Augustine George Masih delivered the judgment, confirming
that Section 125 CrPC applies to all women.
The
court stated that the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986,
does not override the secular law of Section 125 CrPC. Justice Nagarathna said,
“We are dismissing the criminal appeal, concluding that Section 125 CrPC is
applicable to all women, not just married women.”
The
Supreme Court dismissed the petition of Mohammed Abdul Samad, who had contested
a Telangana High Court order upholding the family court’s maintenance order.
Samad argued that a divorced Muslim woman should seek maintenance under the
1986 Act, not Section 125 CrPC.
The
judges clarified that if a Muslim woman is divorced while applying under
Section 125 CrPC, she can also seek remedies under the Muslim Women (Protection
of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019. Despite the 1986 Act initially limiting these
claims, the court reaffirmed that Section 125 CrPC applies to divorced Muslim
women.
This
decision follows the Shah Bano case, where the Court recognized Section 125
CrPC as a secular provision applicable to Muslim women. Although the 1986 Act
restricted these rights, the Supreme Court upheld the universal application of
Section 125 CrPC, alongside the 2019 Act providing additional support.
Source: newsx.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.newsx.com/national/divorced-muslim-women-have-the-right-to-claim-miantenance-supreme-court/
--------
Iran
will not hesitate to engage in fight for other Muslims: Senior commander
July 10,
2024
TEHRAN-
The Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps announced that
IRGC will not hesitate to enter war in support of Muslims if needed.
Major
General Hossein Salami made the remarks on Wednesday, during a ceremony
commemorating the martyrs of the Ramazan garrison, which was an IRGC base
during an Iraq-Iraq war
“Operation
True Promise showed that Iran takes action when needed. We won’t sit idly by
and watch others act. If needed, we will support [Resistance] and enter war,”
he stated.
Operation
True Promise was carried out in April in response to the Zionist regime's
attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, demonstrating Iran’s red lines for
its enemies.
Elsewhere
in his remarks, Salami emphasized the active role of Martyr Soleimani in
establishing peace and regional security and pointed out, “Martyr Qassem
Soleimani labored from street to street and alley to alley to liberate
oppressed Muslim nations, and the shedding of the blood of Martyr Abu Mahdi
with Martyr Soleimani shows that Islam does not recognize borders when it comes
to defending the oppressed.”
Lieutenant
General Qassem Soleimani was Iran’s anti-terror icon who spearheaded the fight
against Daesh terrorists in Iraq and Syria during the 2010s. He was
assassinated during a U.S. drone attack on Baghdad airport in 2020.
Source: tehrantimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/501022/Iran-will-not-hesitate-to-engage-in-fight-for-other-Muslims
--------
Tenuous
Taliban In Afghanistan Control Gives Life To Al-Qaida, Islamic State
July 10,
2024
WASHINGTON
—
FILE -
Afghanistan Taliban officials attend a news conference in Kabul, Afghanistan
October 5, 2021.
--------------
Taliban
efforts to solidify the group’s control over Afghanistan are bringing a measure
of peace and stability to its residents, but intelligence gathered by United
Nations member states suggests the reprieve is not likely to last.
A report
issued late Wednesday by the U.N. sanctions monitoring team warns that
Afghanistan will almost certainly remain a source for insecurity with terror
groups like al-Qaida and Islamic State either finding safe haven or finding
ways to exploit the Taliban’s weaknesses.
“The
country continues to be perceived as permissive or friendly territory by
terrorist groups,” the report warns. “Continued Taliban tolerance of a range of
terrorist groups, based across many Afghan provinces, sets the conditions for
terrorism to project into neighboring States.”
Al-Qaida,
in particular, continues to thrive, taking advantage of its long-term ties to
the Taliban despite being forced to keep a low-profile.
Al-Qaida
expansion
U.N.
member states contend al-Qaida has used the past year to reorganize and
recruit, building out its network of training camps and safe houses across at
least five Afghan provinces, including bases in the eastern city of Jalalabad
and offices in Kabul.
The
expansion has also attracted more al-Qaida operatives, including some that the
U.N. report described as “experienced instructors” from outside of Afghanistan,
whose mission is “to enhance the security of dispersed cells.”
The
report further alleges that de facto al-Qaida leader Saif al-Adel, believed to
be in Iran, has sent ethnic Arab operatives to the Afghan provinces of Kunar
and Nuristan to improve training and facilitate communication with the group’s
core leadership.
Other
key al-Qaida figures in Afghanistan have also found added safety thanks to the
Taliban.
Taliban
protection
Abu
Ikhlas al-Masri, an al-Qaida commander captured in 2010 and held in a prison at
Bagram air base until U.S. forces left in 2021, was placed in protective
custody, the report says, "reflecting Taliban concerns that foreign
intelligence agencies were looking for him."
Two
other al-Qaida officials, described in the report as “weapons engineers,” were
also given protection by the Taliban, while an al-Qaida official from Libya was
reportedly given an Afghan passport and a position at the Interior Ministry.
“The
intent behind these activities is not clear, nor are the consequences for the
group’s capabilities, but the activities cause significant concern,” the report
says of al-Qaida.
US
assessment
The U.N.
assessment stands, in some ways, in contrast to assessments shared late last
year by the United States.
“Al-Qaida
is at its historical nadir in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and its revival is
unlikely,” National Counterterrorism Center Director Christine Abizaid said in
a statement marking the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks
on the U.S. that killed almost 3,000 people.
But such
views are at odds with the picture put together by the U.N., which maintains
al-Qaida has between 30 and 60 senior officials in Afghanistan, along with
hundreds of fighters and almost 2,000 family members.
Islamic
State-Khorasan
While
al-Qaida may be seeing the start of a revival thanks to the Taliban rule of
Afghanistan, the intelligence shared in the new U.N. report finds the Islamic
State terror group is coming under pressure.
U.N.
member states "credit Taliban efforts to counter the threat from
[IS-Khorasan],” it says. “But [they] question the Taliban’s counter-terrorism
capabilities and have concerns about continued [IS-Khorasan] recruitment and
dispersal.”
The
result, according to the report, is an Islamic State affiliate that is slowly
positioning itself to undermine Taliban rule while actively carrying out
attacks as far afield as Iran and Russia.
IS-Khorasan
capacity “remains strong,” according to the report, noting the group’s deadly
attacks in Kerman, Iran, this past January and on a Moscow concert hall this
past March.
IS-Khorasan
spreading
The
intelligence suggests IS-Khorasan has expanded into a number of adjacent
Central Asian states.
IS-Khorasan
“is using Afghan nationals to conduct attacks in Pakistan, Pakistani nationals
to conduct attacks inside Afghanistan, Tajik nationals to conduct attacks in
Iran (Islamic Republic of) and the Russian Federation and has used a Kyrgyz
national to carry out an attack in the Taliban’s heartland of Kandahar,” the
U.N. report says.
The
terror group also appears to be growing in parts of Afghanistan.
“[It]
has strengthened in northern regions of Afghanistan, increasing recruitment
within Tajik and Uzbek communities and stockpiling arms and explosives in
remote mountainous areas," according to the report.
And one
of the U.N. member states warned it sees indications IS-Khorasan may be
preparing to try to reestablish territorial control in some areas.
IS
undercover
Other
intelligence shared with the U.N. by its member states raises concerns that
IS-Khorasan may be preparing to take down the Taliban from within.
The
report says there is evidence that IS-Khorasan operatives have infiltrated the
Taliban’s Interior and Defense ministries, as well as its General Directorate
of Intelligence.
There is
also concern that the group is finding ways to hide its true presence.
The
report estimates IS-Khorasan has 2,000 to 3,500 fighters, with members of other
IS affiliates in Afghanistan helping to swell that number to as many as 6,000.
But U.N.
member states allege the group is embedding its fighters in as many as four
other terror groups, including some that get training and welfare benefits from
the Taliban-run government.
IS
special forces
There is
also some evidence to suggest IS-Khorasan has set up a special operations force
in Iran.
According
to two U.N. member states, the force is made up of mostly Tajik and Uzbek
nationals, charged with carrying out attacks on Shia shrines, clergy and
Iranian police.
One of
the two U.N. member states said the force could have as many as 300 fighters
and appears to be operating along Iran’s borders with Pakistan, Turkmenistan
and Iraq.
Central
Asia
As with
the U.N. assessment of al-Qaida’s fortunes in Afghanistan, the U.N. assessment
of a large and possibly growing IS presence in the country also runs counter to
some U.S. assessments, which see a much smaller footprint.
But more
recent U.S. intelligence estimates have raised concerns about the ability of
IS-Khorasan to project power into Central Asia and beyond.
A top
U.S. counterterrorism official last month warned that IS appeared to be trying
to take advantage of changing migration patterns that are sending more Central
Asians to the U.S. southern border with Mexico.
Treasury
Department sanctions unveiled last month also pointed to the involvement of an
IS operative in Uzbekistan and the emir of the IS affiliate in the Republic of
Georgia in a plot to smuggle operatives to the U.S.
Global
reach
Some
analysts say the additional details in the U.N. report are evidence that
IS-Khorasan, also known as ISKP, remains on a worrisome trajectory.
“ISKP
intensified its Central Asia outreach after the U.S.-withdrawal from
Afghanistan and rolled out Tajik and Uzbek media arms in 2022,” according to
Lucas Webber, a research fellow at the global intelligence firm, The Soufan
Center.
“This
initiative continues to expand,” he told VOA, pointing to the introduction of a
new IS Tajik language magazine days after the group’s terror attack in Moscow.
And
there are other worrisome signs.
“There
has been an uptick in ISKP-linked arrests throughout Central Asia in the last
few months,” Webber added, saying that could indicate the recent high-profile
attacks could be “just the start of what the group has planned.”
Source: voanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.voanews.com/a/tenuous-taliban-control-gives-life-to-al-qaida-islamic-state/7693555.html
--------
France
To Deport A "Radicalised Imam" From The Aube Region Due To
'Discriminatory Messages Against Women'
10 July
2024
French
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced that a "radicalised imam"
from the Aube region has been arrested for deportation today, accused of
preaching discriminatory sermons, especially against women.
"This
morning we managed to arrest a radicalised Senegalese imam and he will be
deported today," the Interior Minister told Europe 1 and CNews.
Minister
Gérald Darmanin said: "This imam says in his sermons that women should
stay at home and that Muslims should not mix with non-Muslims. These people
have no place in the territory of the Republic."
"The
imam was detained at 7:20 this morning at his home and taken to the Troyes
police station, where he will be notified of the deportation order issued by
the ministry," a police source told AFP.
"He
is expected to be deported via Roissy later today," the police added.
"Now,
with my immigration law and the law against separatism, we can deport
radicalised imams within 24 hours," said Gérald Darmanin.
Source: anfenglish.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://anfenglish.com/news/france-to-deport-an-imam-due-to-discriminatory-messages-against-women-74205
--------
PM Anwar
Ibrahim Says Mufti Bill Still In Deliberation Following Resistance To Sunni,
Shafie School Requirements
11 Jul
2024
Prime
Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he is deferring to Islamic scholars on
the matter of the contentious Mufti Bill. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin
-------------
KUALA
LUMPUR, July 11 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said the
government is still discussing the tabling of the Mufti (Federal Territories)
Bill, amid opposition over the law restricting candidates to follow certain
Islamic schools of thoughts.
Anwar
said, however, that there is no dispute over the Sunni sect, and this
discussion will include four schools of jurisprudence under it: Shafie, Maliki,
Hanafi and Hambali.
“We are
currently discussing the Mufti Bill, with no dispute over the issue of Sunni
teachings, referring to the views of Shafie, Maliki, Hanafi, Hambali.
“Sometimes,
the details are discussed in depth so I defer to the experts and it will
subsequently be referred to the Conference of Rulers,” he told reporters after
his speech at Global Madani Forum 2024 here today.
Yesterday,
Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail reportedly expressed
opposition to the use of the Conference of Rulers' name in endorsing the Mufti
Bill.
His
disapproval was conveyed through a Facebook post by Perlis Mufti Datuk Mohd
Asri Zainul Abidin saying that any adverse remarks could carry legal
consequences.
On July
2, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr
Mohd Na'im Mokhtar introduced the Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill 2024 for its
first reading in the Dewan Rakyat.
According
to a Bernama report, the Bill outlines various responsibilities of the mufti,
including advising the King on Shariah law matters, issuing fatwas, presenting
Shariah law views in court, and determining the Qibla direction.
It had
also spelt out several requirements for a mufti, including subscribing to:
Sunni
sect
Shafie
school of jurisprudence
Ash'arism
and Maturidism schools of theology
Teachings
of Imam al-Ghazali and Imam Junaid in Sufism
In
Malaysia, only the Sunni denomination of Islam and its Shafie school of
jurisprudence are considered official by Putrajaya. Other minority
denominations such as Shiah and Ahmadi, and also the so-called “liberal Islam”,
are considered deviants.
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/07/11/pm-says-mufti-bill-still-in-deliberation-following-resistance-to-sunni-shafie-school-requirements/143333
---------
India
Studying
Verdict, Say Cagey Muslim Bodies, AIMPLB and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind
Jul 11,
2024
On a day
the Supreme Court judgement affirmed the right of Muslim women to seek maintenance
under the secular law (Section 125 CrPC), the otherwise vociferous Muslim
organisations like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and Jamiat
Ulama-i-Hind chose to be cautious with their functionaries saying that their
legal teams were studying the order to decide on the future course of
action.tnn
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/studying-verdict-say-cagey-muslim-bodies/articleshow/111645031.cms
--------
‘Neha
Hiremath was murdered for refusing to marry, no love jihad angle’: CID in its
chargesheet
In March
this year, the couple started fighting over small issues and Neha Hiremath
started avoiding Khondunaik. On April 18 around 4.40 pm, Khondunaik waited for
her outside the college and killed her on the spot.
By:
Express News Service
July 11,
2024
On April
18, Neha Hiremath, 23, the daughter of Hubballi Dharwad Municipal Corporation
(HDMC) corporator Niranjan Hiremath, was stabbed by Khondunaik, her former
classmate, on the campus of the KLE Technological University.On April 18, Neha
Hiremath, 23, the daughter of Hubballi Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC)
corporator Niranjan Hiremath, was stabbed by Khondunaik, her former classmate,
on the campus of the KLE Technological University.
The
Karnataka Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which is probing the Neha
Hiremath murder that took place in Hubballi in April, in its chargesheet before
the court has said that accused Fayaz Khondunaik murdered her for refusing to
marry him.
While
the victim’s father Niranjan Hiremath had alleged that it was a case of ‘love
jihad’, the CID has ruled out any such angle. It can be recalled that the Neha
Hiremath murder during the Lok Sabha elections had turned political as the BJP
alleged that it was a case of love jihad.
On April
18, Neha Hiremath, 23, the daughter of Hubballi Dharwad Municipal Corporation
(HDMC) corporator Niranjan Hiremath, was stabbed by Khondunaik, her former
classmate, on the campus of the KLE Technological University.
She was
a first-year MCA student. Initially, the case was registered at the Vidyanagar
police station. But the case, which had taken a political turn after the BJP
alleged it was a case of ‘love jihad’, was handed over to the CID.
M H
Paika, CID Deputy Superintendent of Police who has submitted a 483-page
chargesheet, has named 99 witnesses, CCTV footage, a post-mortem report, a
Forensic Science Laboratory report, and other evidence.
According
to the chargesheet, Khondunaik and Hiremath were classmates in 2020-21 at the
PC Jabin Science College while studying Bachelor of Computer Science (BCA).
Later, they became friends and by 2022, they were in a relationship.
In March
this year, the couple started fighting over small issues and Neha Hiremath
started avoiding Khondunaik. On April 18 around 4.40 pm, Khondunaik, who had
bought a monkey cap and a knife, waited for her outside the college and killed
her on the spot. In the chargesheet, the CID said that while stabbing he said,
“How can you cheat me after loving me for so many days? I won’t leave you.”
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/neha-hiremath-murdered-refusing-marry-no-love-jihad-angle-cid-chargesheet-9445423/
--------
BJP
lauds Supreme Court verdict on maintenance for divorced Muslim women under
secular law
July 10,
2024
The BJP
on July 10 praised the Supreme Court verdict which declared that a divorced
Muslim woman was entitled to seek maintenance from her husband under Section
125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). Addressing a presser at the BJP’s
national headquarters in New Delhi, party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said
the verdict had “ended” a threat to the Constitution by the Muslim Women
(Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, passed by a Congress government in
the past.
“Whenever
the Congress has been in power, the Constitution was under threat. It was under
the Rajiv Gandhi government that a decision was taken which gave primacy to
Sharia over the Constitution. The prestige of the Constitution which was
crushed during the Congress government has been restored by this order. The
verdict has ended one of the big threats posed to the Constitution,” said Mr.
Trivedi.
Why did the Supreme Court uphold divorced
Muslim women’s right to maintenance under Section 125 CrPC? | Explained
In what
is popularly known as the Shah Bano case, the Supreme Court in 1985 had allowed
her plea for alimony from her husband after she was divorced. However, the then
Congress government passed a law in Parliament to overrule the verdict
following protests from conservative Muslim groups.
Mr.
Trivedi said the Supreme Court’s verdict should be seen in the light of
restoration of equal rights rather than of religion.
“There
is no secular state where Sharia provisions like halala, triple talaq and Haj
subsidy were allowed and the then government by enacting a law had turned India
into a partial Islamic state,” he claimed.
In a
judgment of far-reaching implications, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled
that a Muslim woman can seek maintenance from her husband under Section 125 of
the CrPC and said the “religion neutral” provision is applicable to all married
women irrespective of their religion.
‘Not
charity’
The
Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986 will not prevail over
the secular law, a Bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Augustine George Masih
said, while stressing that maintenance is not charity but the right of all
married women.
Mr.
Trivedi also lauded the fact that Russia’s highest state award, Order of St
Andrew the Apostle, was conferred on Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Russian
President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Russia.
Taking a
swipe at the Opposition parties, who have questioned Mr. Modi over foreign
issues, including the Ukraine war, he said they had the habit of casting doubts
on every auspicious occasion.
Slamming
the Congress, he said the party had passed a resolution at its CWC meeting in
support of Palestine after conflict broke out between Israel and militant group
Hamas.
“I want
to ask the Congress whether any resolution was passed on the Russia-Ukraine
issue. On how many international issues, has the CWC [Congress Working
Committee] passed any resolution,” he said, adding that the opposition party
should not engage in petty selfish politics over foreign issues.
Source: thehindu.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bjp-lauds-supreme-court-verdict-on-maintenance-for-divorced-muslim-women-under-secular-law/article68389161.ece
--------
Video of
Islamic Preacher Falsely Viral As Mayor Of Brighton
10 July
2024
A video
of an Islamic preacher being welcomed by his followers is viral with false
claims misidentifying him as Mohammed Asaduzzaman, the newly elected mayor of
Brighton, United Kingdom. BOOM found that the man in the viral video is Sheikh
Sufi Muhammad Asghar Aslami, an Islamic preacher of the Aslamiya Foundation, an
organisation preaching about Islam and not the newly elected Brighton mayor
Mohammed Asaduzzaman. The video shows a man in an Islamic attire, being
welcomed with garlands by followers, as Islamic chants in the background can be
heard. Councillor Mohammed Asaduzzaman from the Labour Party was elected as the
mayor of United Kingdom's Brighton and Hove in May 2024. He is the first
South-Asian Muslim mayor of Brighton and Hove. An X user shared the video with
the caption, "The new mayor of Islamabad, Pakistan Sorry for the typo,
he's the new mayor of Brighton, UK."
The
video is also being shared on Facebook with the caption, "The new mayor of
Islamabad, Pakistan Sorry for the typo, he's the new mayor of Brighton, UK
Hahahaha - I wish Churchill, that obese genocidal pig had lived long enough to
see this. The terrorist state of Pakistan that he created to destroy India is
now swallowing up the grand old British Empire into an Islamic colony. Karma
has a brutal sense of irony."
BOOM also
received the video on its WhatsApp tipline number for verification. Fact Check
We first ran a reverse image search on the keyframes of the viral video and
came across a video uploaded by Aslamiya Foundation on their official TikTok
account. The TikTok video uploaded on June 11, 2024 features the same visuals
as in the viral video.
A
comparison of the visuals from the viral video and the one uploaded in TikTok
can be seen below.
According
to the caption on TikTok, the video is from a Muslim community event in Mosque
Centre in Bedford, UK. Taking a cue from this, we went to the official YouTube
channel of Aslamiya Foundation where multiple videos feature the same man seen
in the viral. From the YouTube channel we identified the man as Sheikh Khawaja
Sufi Muhammad Asghar Aslami. According to the bio on the page Aslamiya
Foundation, it promotes Islamic preachings. The organisation is based in
Pakistan and United Kingdom. We also found a video captioned as, "Brother
taking bayah with Shaykh | Bedford U.K. June 2024." In the video uploaded
on YouTube, Aslami can be seen in the same attire as in the viral video. A
comparison between the two can be seen below.
Furthermore,
we looked up the newly elected mayor of Brighton and Hove, Mohammed Asaduzzaman
and was able to confirm that he is not the same man. Below is a comparison of
the image of the mayor Mohammed Asaduzzaman and Sheikh Khawaja Sufi Muhammad
Asghar Aslami.
Source: boomlive.in
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.boomlive.in/fact-check/fact-check-muslim-mayor-of-brighton-united-kingdom-islamic-cleric-fake-news-25851
--------
Terms
like ‘Rohingyas’, ‘Bangladeshis’ not disparaging toward Indian Muslims: Mumbai
Police tells HC
10-07-24
The use
of terms like “Rohingyas” and “Bangladeshis” is not disparaging towards Muslims
living in India, the Mumbai Police told the Bombay High Court on Tuesday,
reported Live Law.
The
police were justifying their reasons for refusing to file a first information
report against Bharatiya Janata Party leader Nitesh Rane and independent MLA
Geeta Jain, who supports BJP, under section 295A of the Indian Penal Code in
specific cases, for allegedly outraging religious sentiments with speeches they
made in January.
A
division bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Shyam Chandak was hearing a
batch of petitions seeking action against Rane, Jain and Telangana BJP MLA T
Raja Singh, for propagating hate speech against Muslims during public addresses
in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar, Mankhurd, Malwani areas, and Mira-Bhayandar’s Kashimira
locality, in January.
The
speeches were made against the backdrop of communal violence in Mira Road near
Mumbai.
The
petitioners highlighted parts of a speech that Rane had made in Ghatkopar, in
which he used words like “Rohingyas” and “Bangladeshis”, among other derogatory
expressions, against the Muslim community.
Rohingyas
are a Muslim-majority ethnic group from Myanmar. The Rohingya are the victims
of a state-sponsored ethnic-cleansing campaign in their home country. Several
thousands of them have fled to India and Bangladesh to escape death and
violence.
On
Tuesday, public prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar told the court that section 295A
of the Indian Penal Code can only be invoked against Rane for a speech he made
in Mankhurd, where he made statements targeting the Muslim community in India,
reported The Indian Express.
Representing
the petitioners, Senior Advocate Gayatri Singh said that Rane had made comments
against a particular community in Ghatkopar as well.
“The
police commissioner has perused the transcript of the speech and no case is
made out for section 295A,” Venegaonkar responded. “The entire statement by
Rane [in Ghatkopar] pertains to Rohingyas, who are from Myanmar, and
Bangladeshis.”
He
added: “Section 295A is for outraging sentiments of Indians and it is an
admitted position that Rohingyas and Bangladeshis are not from India and they
have entered jurisdiction illegally.”
The
court disposed of the matter on Tuesday, noting that most of the requests made
by the petitioners had been fulfilled.
“A
conscious statement is made by the highest officers of the police departments
in Mumbai and Mira-Bhayandar not to invoke section 295A,” the bench said,
reported the Hindustan Times. “We accept the statement. Leave is granted to the
petitioners to seek for invocation of section 295A at the appropriate stage
[framing of charges] before an appropriate forum.”
When the
matter had reached the High Court, the commissioners of police for Mumbai,
Mira-Bhayandar and Vasai-Virar were directed to review videos of the speeches.
On April
23, the police told the High Court that it had registered first information
reports under sections of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to promoting enmity
and disharmony within religious groups (153A and 153B) against the three
leaders, among others.
The FIR
registered in Ghatkopar named Rane and one Subhash Ahir, whereas the FIR
registered at Kashmira Police station in Mira-Bhayandar named Rane and Jain,
according to The Indian Express.
The Mankhurd
Police had also named Rane in its FIR. He along with one Bhagwan Thakur was
also booked by the Malwani Police.
T Raja
Singh and one Naresh Nile were booked in a separate FIR registered by the Mira
Road Police under sections 153A and 295A for hate speech on February 25.
Source: scroll.in
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://scroll.in/latest/1070449/terms-like-jihadis-rohingyas-not-discriminatory-toward-indian-muslims-mumbai-police-tells-hc
--------
Don't
delay polls: Omar Abdullah to PM Modi after terror strikes
11.07.24
Former
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday cautioned Prime
Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah against postponing the
Assembly elections owing to a spurt in militancy as “bowing” to the forces
behind these attacks would be “very bad for the country”.
Omar’s
remarks come at a time Jammu and Kashmir has been rocked by multiple attacks
and encounters. Till Wednesday afternoon, security forces had no success in
hunting down the militants involved in Monday’s deadly attack on soldiers in
Kathua or Tuesday’s gunfight in Doda. Police sources said the gun battle with a
group of militants in Doda was halted on Tuesday night because of rain and
resumed early on Wednesday.
There is
apprehension across Jammu and Kashmir that the Centre, which had reluctantly
agreed to hold Assembly elections here, might use the attacks as a ruse to
postpone the polls. During his visit to Kashmir in June, Modi had spoken about
holding Assembly elections.
In an
apparent effort to stymie the build-up of a poll-postponement narrative, Omar
said he had no misgivings about the elections but warned that such a move would
be disastrous.
“If our
home minister and Prime Minister are not ready to bow before such forces, then
there will be elections on time. If they vacillate, bow before such forces and
postpone elections after such attacks, then it will be very bad for our
country,” Omar told reporters in Srinagar.
“If such
attacks are being made to postpone elections, then I hope we will not allow
such forces to succeed,” he added.
Omar,
the vice-president of the National Conference, claimed the situation was
worsening by the day in Jammu and Kashmir but people at the helm were busy
indulging in “luxuries”.
“The
government is being careless. You cannot deny it. The situation is getting
worse by the day. Who is responsible for that? When there was our government,
we were held responsible. If we were to be blamed for those attacks, then who
should be blamed for the attacks that are taking place now? It is obvious they
are (responsible),” Omar said.
“Their
role should be to improve the situation. They are not doing it. We hope people
in senior posts at the Raj Bhavan or advisers will please leave their luxuries
and work.”
The NC
leader wondered how the scrapping of Article 370 provisions had brought peace,
as claimed by the central government.
“For
those who claimed all militancy was linked to Article 370 and removing it will
restore peace, you should ask them (about their claims). We always said it had
nothing to do with militancy and there would be no real impact on militancy.
This is proven,” Omar said.
Asked
about demands that India should strike militant camps in Pakistan, he said the
Balakote strikes had not brought about an end to militancy.
“There
was a strike even before. Did these attacks stop? You made big claims of
strikes on Balakote. Despite that, militancy has not ended. If you can promise
me after (another) strike Jammu and Kashmir will be fully free from militancy,
then we are waiting to hear,” he said.
Source: telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/dont-delay-polls-omar-abdullah-to-pm-modi-after-terror-strikes/cid/2032902
--------
Jammu
and Kashmir Police Arrest a Man, Tarun Bahl, Under Official Secrets Act for
'Security Breach'
11.07.24
Jammu
and Kashmir police have arrested a man in Jammu under the Official Secrets Act
for circulating a document related to “security” on his WhatsApp groups.
Reports
claim the document was related to the withdrawal of security of some VIPs in
Jammu and Kashmir. It was widely shared on social media but has since been
taken down.
The
police identified him as Tarun Bahl and confirmed taking him into police remand
for four days.
Bahl’s
social media accounts say he is “editor chief” of Sree News Group, which
includes “The Sree Times” and “The Daily Aasman Newspaper”. Their screenshots
show both are registered newspapers but it could not be independently
confirmed.
His
social media friend list includes politicians, journalists and police officers.
A police
statement in Jammu said he was arrested under various sections of the Official
Secrets Act but it did not refer to him as a journalist.
The
action was initiated against him after the Channi Himmat police station in
Jammu received information that a “secret document issued by police
headquarters containing details with regard to security” was in circulation in
“WhatsApp group, The Sree Times and Aasman newspaper handled by Tarun Bahl with
malafide intention to spread misinformation”.
“During
the investigation, Tarun Bahl was arrested and taken into police remand for
four days,” the statement said.
It said
further investigation was on. The police also asked media outlets and WhatsApp
group administrators not to upload and circulate any information or documents
that can “jeopardise the security and sovereignty of the nation otherwise
strict action will be taken against those who act irresponsibly”.
The
police statement said an FIR under Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act
and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 49 (punishment of abetment, if the act
abetted, is committed in consequence and where no express provision is made for
its punishment) and Section 353 (statements conducing to public mischief) had
been registered.
The
action comes two days after a few Srinagar-based news outlets said a case under
the Official Secrets Act was registered in Shergari police station in Srinagar
city for the leak of sensitive documents that “detailed reductions and
withdrawals in security for various protected persons”. The police did not
contest the report.
It
appears the Srinagar FIR is also linked to the same police document.
Source: telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-police-arrest-man-under-official-secrets-act-for-security-breach/cid/2032900
--------
Mideast
Sayyid.
Nasr Allah: If There Is Ceasefire Agreement InGaza, Support Front In Lebanon
"Will Cease Fire Without Discussion"
10 Jul
2024
BEIRUT
July 10. 2024 (Saba) - The Secretary-General of the Lebanese Allah Party,
Sayyed Hassan Nasr Allah, confirmed that if a ceasefire agreement takes place
in the Gaza Strip, the Support Front in Lebanon "will cease fire without
discussion." He reiterated his warning to the Zionist enemy against the
decision to continue attacking southern Lebanon after that, "otherwise we
will defend Lebanon and will not tolerate the occupation."
In his
speech during the honoring ceremony held by the Allah Party on the occasion of
the memorial of the martyr leader Mohamed Nima Nasser "Hajj Abu Nima"
and his comrade, on Wednesday evening, Sayyid. Nasr Allah stressed that the
goals of the battle of support from Lebanon "are achieved day after
day," and the Zionist enemy "acknowledges this by attrition at all
levels."
In the
same context, Mr. Nasr Allah continued: "Through the battle of support,
the resistance was able to "distract the Zionist enemy from its aggression
on the Gaza Strip, and we understand that if it wants to stop, it must stop its
aggression on the Strip." "The parties abroad are now aware that
stopping the front in the north is linked to stopping the aggression on the
Gaza Strip," he said.
Sayyid.
Nasr Allah noted that the enemy's "army" is "terrified not only
of entering the Galilee, but of the mere idea of infiltration" and that
this prompted it to strengthen the human presence with which it compensates
"for what it has lost technologically, which has further depleted
it."
He
stressed that the commitment of the resistance in Lebanon to the battle of
"Al-Aqsa flood" was "decisive and final from day one, and our
battle on the Lebanese front does not have a special name".
Sayyid.
Nasr Allah said that by refusing to stop operations before the attack on Rafah,
"under the pretext that this would force him to defeat, he confirms that
he has not achieved any victory."
He
pointed out that one of the most important Lebanese gains from the
steadfastness of the Palestinian resistance is that "if the enemy had
achieved a quick victory in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon would have been the first
to be threatened."
He
warned: "Whoever threatens us with an invasion of the southern Litani
should look at what is happening in Rafah in its narrow area, where the Zionist
army failed to achieve any victory." He stressed that "what happened
in Gaza is the literature of the Zionist army, and its steadfastness protected
all fronts from any Zionist attack."
In his
speech, Sayyid. Nasr Allah sent many messages to "the Israel and its
army" and its politicians, and then to the Palestinian factions, and the
people of the resistance and its people in Lebanon.
Sayyid.
Nasr Allah said: "We must remain in the resistance and in its environment,
prepared for the worst of the case scenario, although we look forward to the
opposite."
He
pointed out that the Zionist no longer threatens to eliminate the resistance in
Lebanon and the total war on it, because of "what happened to him in the
Gaza Strip," where he failed to eliminate Hamas.
Sayyid.
Nasr Allah noted that "keeping the Allah party eight or ten kilometers
away from the border, as the enemy says, will not solve its problem." He recalled
that the Zionist tank in Rafah failed to make progress in a narrow area, and
therefore "is it permissible to threaten it to invade southern
Lebanon?"
Sayyid.
Nasr Allah added: "The resistance in Lebanon is ready, ready and strong,
and the proof is its reactions to Israeli assassinations."
Sayyid.
Nasr Allah explained that the Israeli "army" suffers from a shortage
of numbers, and they are "forced to try to force the Haredim to
recruit." He added that the occupation "army" is forced to
extend the compulsory conscription, "and this has a great economic and
social impact on Zionist society."
He
pointed out that the goals of draining the occupation in the economy, many and
the social reality "are achieved, and this will force him to stop the
aggression on the Gaza Strip."
He
stressed that "the enemy is living at this stage its worst days in its
history," and some investigations on the seventh of October 2023
"revealed weaknesses." He pointed out that the Zionist
"army" "killed most of the Zionist civilians, if not all
civilians, on the seventh of October."
He also
stressed that failure is the title of this war for the "Israel", as
he did not achieve in the tenth month of it any of its declared goals.
Speaking
about the ceasefire negotiations in the Gaza Strip, Mr. Nasr Allah said that
Hamas "negotiates in its name and in the name of the entire axis of
resistance, and what Hamas is satisfied with, we are all satisfied with."
Nasr
Allah pointed out that the resistance in Lebanon did not ask Hamas to coordinate
with it on the negotiations, "but we support it with all its decisions and
with it to the end of the line" and instead "inform us of what is
happening."
He
added: "We must record to the leadership of the resistance this
determination and consistency in the file of negotiations, and we know the
magnitude of the pressure from the enemy and friend."
He also
stressed that everyone is waiting for the outcome of the negotiations, knowing
that "the whole world has recognized that the Israel is incapable of
military resolution and a ceasefire must be stopped."
Speaking
about the martyr commander Mohamed Nima Nasser "Haj Abu Nima", Mr.
Nasr Allah said that the martyr was one of the field commanders to confront
"ISIS" in Iraq and Syria. "He was a mujahid, a prisoner, a
fighter, he was wounded twice, and in the end he received the good
consequence."
"The
confidence and morale in the speech of resistance leaders is evidence of my
faith, because we know the commanders on the ground and their capabilities and
capabilities," he said.
"The
mujahideen of the resistance are racing to the front lines in the battle of the
Al-Aqsa flood," he said.
On the
other hand, the Secretary-General of the Allah Party, in his speech,
congratulated the Islamic Republic in Iran for holding the elections in two
rounds. He praised the progress of the Iranian people and the debates that took
place between the candidates.
He
thanked the Iranian President-elect Massoud Bizeshkian for his cable and for
the political position in it, which confirmed the stability of the foundations
of Iran in supporting the axis of resistance.
Sayyid.
Nasr Allah had confirmed yesterday that "the resistance in Lebanon is
continuing with what it started on the eighth of October 2023 until we reach
the goal we aspire to on all support fronts, and we cannot retreat from our
position and fight in this battle." He added: "We believe that we are
doing our duty and every day we bleed martyrs and we are proud of them, and the
best of our brothers rise as martyrs and our leaders are martyrs."
Source: saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3347733.htm
--------
Turkish
Islamist party proposes bill punishing citizens who serve in IDF
10 July
2024
The
extremist Kurdish Islamist party in Turkey proposed a bill in parliament on
Tuesday that would revoke the citizenship of Turkish nationals who served in
the Israeli military in Gaza and allow for the confiscation of their assets.
“We
believe that Turkish-Israeli dual citizens who join the Israeli army and commit
crimes against humanity should be stripped of their citizenship and have their
assets confiscated,” Serkan Ramanli, a member of the Turkish Free Cause party
said in a statement. “Therefore, we are presenting this bill.”
“According
to international agreements, we must actively combat genocide and crimes
against humanity. However, the Ministry of Justice has not taken any steps in
this direction so far,” he continued. “Why have we been waiting for nine
months?”
Ramanli
added that confiscated assets would be donated to a “Family and Youth Fund,” a
government welfare program that deals with stabilizing families and supporting
at-risk youth.
It is
unclear how many soldiers the bill could potentially affect, as there is no
official figure regarding the number of Turkish nationals in the IDF.
In
January, the Turkish Minute news site reported that two Turkish-Israeli women
were investigated by Turkish authorities after enlisting in the IDF in the wake
of the Hamas October 7 massacres.
South
Africa also proposed measures against its citizens who had served in the IDF,
threatening to arrest them if they were to return to the country.
The Free
Cause party is considered an ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s
Justice and Development party, having supported the incumbent in the country’s
last two elections.
The
party, which has four seats out of the 600 in the Grand National Assembly, is
seen as the political wing of the Iranian-backed Kurdish Hezbollah terrorist group,
which is unrelated to the Lebanese terror group of the same name.
Since
war broke out between Israel and Hamas, Erdogan has been one of the most
outspoken world leaders against Israel among countries who hold diplomatic
relations with it.
Under Erdogan’s
leadership, Turkey halted all trade with Israel in May. The Turkish leader has
also been unabashedly supportive of the terror group Hamas and has compared
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler.
Turkey
also arrested an Israeli soccer player in January who played in the Turkish
league for making a public gesture in solidarity with hostages held by Hamas.
In May, Turkish airport workers refused to refuel an Israeli plane that made an
emergency landing in Ankara.
War
broke out on October 7 when Hamas terrorists carried out a massacre in Israel,
which saw some 1,200 people killed, mostly civilians, and 251 kidnapped.
The
Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says more than 38,000 people in the Strip have
been killed or are presumed dead in the fighting so far, though the toll cannot
be verified and does not differentiate between civilians and fighters. Israel
says it has killed some 15,000 combatants in battle and some 1,000 terrorists
inside Israel during the October 7 attack.
Source: timesofisrael.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.timesofisrael.com/turkish-islamist-party-proposes-bill-punishing-citizens-who-serve-in-idf/
--------
Islamic
Resistance in Iraq: We attacked the port of Ashdod with drones
10 Jul
2024
BAGHDAD
July 10. 2024 (Saba) - The Islamic Resistance in Iraq attacked “the occupied
port of Ashdod with a swarm of drones.”
In a
statement, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq said on Wednesday in continuation of
our approach to resisting the occupation, in support of our people in
Palestine, and in response to the massacres committed by the usurping entity
against civilians, including children, women and the elderly, the Islamic
Resistance in Iraq yesterday, Tuesday, attacked by drone the occupied port of
Ashdod.
The
statement added “The Islamic Resistance confirms its continued destruction of
enemy strongholds.”
Source: saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3347575.htm
--------
Palestinians
ask diplomats to speak out on conditions in Israeli jails
July 11,
2024
RAMALLAH,
Palestinian Territories: The Palestinian Authority asked diplomats in a
Wednesday meeting in the occupied West Bank to speak out on “unacceptable”
conditions suffered by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Varsen
Aghabekian Shahin, the Palestinian minister of state for foreign affairs,
invited mostly European diplomats as well as representatives from international
organizations to show them a three-minute video containing testimonies from
Palestinians detained by Israel in recent months.
The
compilation of footage and media interviews point to mistreatment in Israeli
jails and allegations of torture, which Israeli authorities deny.
“This is
unacceptable, this is against all human rights laws, and it needs to stop,”
Shahin told the meeting in Ramallah, seat of the Palestinian Authority.
The
conditions of prisoners “is of much concern to us, Palestinians, and we hope it
is to the world as well,” she added.
The
foreign ministry, citing figures from advocacy and rights groups, said some
9,600 Palestinians are currently detained by Israel.
Arrests
and Israeli military raids in the West Bank have intensified since the Gaza war
broke out with Hamas’s October 7 attack.
The
Israeli prison authority has declared a “state of emergency,” effectively
allowing it to worsen conditions for inmates and restrict jail visits.
According
to a report handed out during Wednesday’s meeting, 18 prisoners have been
“killed” in Israeli prisons since October 7.
Qadura
Fares, head of the Palestinian Prisoners Club advocacy group, stressed it was
often difficult to obtain information about detainees, including thousands
arrested in Gaza since the start of the war, of whom he said most have probably
been released.
“I
believe the international community has the tools to help stop what is
happening,” Fares said at the meeting.
“So is
there a will in the international community to stop what is happening, or is
there not?“
In
December, the Israeli military said it had launched an investigation into the
death in custody of several Palestinians arrested in Gaza and held at the Sde
Teiman base near the city of Beersheva.
Several
diplomats who attended the Ramallah meeting refused to comment when approached
by AFP.
Last
week a spokeswoman for the United Nations rights office said it had “been
receiving very worrying, very distressing reports of how Palestinian detainees
are being treated by Israeli forces since October 7.”
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2547521/middle-east
--------
Iraq
condemns Turkish military ‘incursions’ into north
July 11,
2024
BAGHDAD:
Iraqi authorities denounced Wednesday renewed Turkish military operations and
“incursions” into northern Iraq, urging Ankara to solve security issues
diplomatically.
The
Turkish army has been mainly conducting strikes against the Kurdistan Workers’
Party (PKK), which is listed as a “terrorist” group by Ankara and several
Western allies, in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region.
On
Wednesday, Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohamed Shia Al-Sudani chaired a meeting of
the National Security Council during which officials discussed “the issue of
interventions and violations by Turkish forces in the shared border areas,”
General Yehia Rasool, military spokesman for the PM, said in a statement.
The
council said it rejects “Turkish military incursions” in Iraqi territories and
urged Ankara to “diplomatically engage with the Iraqi government for any
security-related matters.”
A
delegation led by the National Security Adviser will travel to the Kurdistan
Region to “assess the general situation and develop a unified stance on this
matter,” the statement added.
The PKK,
which has fought a decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state, has a
presence in northern Iraq, as does Turkiye, which has operated from several
dozen military bases there against the Kurdish group.
Turkiye’s
military operations, which sometimes take place deep inside Iraqi territory,
have frequently strained bilateral ties.
In
recent weeks, Iraqi local media have reported an increase in Turkish strikes,
sparking several fires in border areas. Some reports mentioned Turkish forces
establishing new positions.
Turkish
forces “have advanced 15 kilometers into Iraqi Kurdistan territory,” said the
Community Peacemakers Teams (CPT), an NGO registered in the United States, that
monitors Turkish operations in northern Iraq.
In an
interview earlier this week, Turkiye’s Defense Minister Yasar Guler said his
country is “determined” to clear the border area with Iraq and neighboring
Syria of “terrorists.”
In
March, following a visit by senior Turkish officials to Iraq, Baghdad quietly
listed the PKK as a “banned organization” — though Ankara demands that the
Iraqi government do more in the fight against the militant group.
During a
visit to Iraq in April, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke of
“expectations” of Iraq regarding the fight against the PKK, and Sudani mentioned
“bilateral security coordination” that would meet the needs of both countries.
However,
Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet Al-Abbasi ruled out in March “joint military
operations” between Baghdad and Ankara.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2547511/middle-east
--------
Lebanon
awaits outcome of peace negotiations as Israeli airstrikes continue
July 10,
2024
BEIRUT:
Lebanon is waiting for the outcome of the Doha negotiations on a ceasefire in
Gaza and the withdrawal of the army from its southern front.
Israel
has renewed its threats of a wide-scale war in Lebanon, which have hindered
negotiations.
Egyptian
Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Atty and his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi
warned of the dangers of the war expanding in Lebanon.
Abdel
Atty warned during a joint press conference with Safadi in Cairo of “the
dangers of escalation that could destabilize Lebanon and lead the region into
an all-out war.”
Safadi
emphasized the importance of “preserving Lebanon, its security, stability, and
preventing the war from spreading there.”
Military
operations in southern Lebanon did not stop on Wednesday.
Artillery
shelling in the town of Markaba and the outskirts of Hunin caused a fire in a
house.
While
the Islamic Health Organization’s firefighting teams affiliated with Hezbollah
were working to extinguish the flames, an Israeli warplane dropped a bomb in
the vicinity, injuring one person.
Israeli
warplanes targeted an uninhabited house in the town of Tair Harfa.
Later,
Israeli Channel 14 said that “about 20 missiles were detected coming from
Lebanon toward Upper Galilee. Sirens sounded in Dan Dafna HaGoshrim Snir and
Sha’ar Yashuv in the Finger of the Galilee.”
Al-Manar
TV channel, affiliated with Hezbollah, reported that “fires broke out in the
northern slopes of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights after missiles fell on the
enemy’s artillery site in Zaoura.”
Israeli
airstrikes intensified at dawn on the border town of Kafr Kila. There were five
raids in less than an hour.
The
Israeli army announced that it targeted “two Hezbollah sites used by air
defense systems in Jinta in the Lebanese interior and Baraachit in the south,
without recording any casualties.”
Five
Israeli airstrikes on the outskirts of the town of Nabi Sheet in the Baalbek
region on Tuesday night resulted in civilian casualties.
Al-Arabiya
TV channel reported that an Israeli security source said: “The Israeli army is
ready for a ground operation on several fronts.”
The
source said: “Israel has detected thousands of militia members affiliated with
Iran on Syrian territory, and we expect difficult fighting days on the Lebanon
and Syrian fronts.”
The
source added: “Three additional teams of Israeli ground forces are ready in the
Northern Command, and the Israeli General Staff is ready with the air and naval
arms.”
Sheikh
Naim Qassem, deputy secretary-general of Hezbollah, said in a statement: “The
Israeli aggression would not have lasted nine months had America not supported
it with everything at the military, media, cultural, and political levels, and
international sponsorship and pressure on the UN Security Council.”
Qassem
added: “Currently, there is talk about the possibility of an agreement, but if
America continues to act in the same way, Benjamin Netanyahu (Israeli premier)
will not respond because he believes that the Americans are not applying enough
pressure on him.”
He said
that if the Americans applied “real pressure,” Netanyahu would have to end the
war. “Currently, they are making it easier for him to commit atrocities by
killing children and women in Gaza. The Gaza experience is before us. The
Israelis initially planned to destroy Gaza in three months, but it’s been nine
months now and they haven’t succeeded. If they continue, they won’t succeed,
and Israel shouldn’t expect the Palestinians to give up.”
Addressing
“some major countries looking for a solution,” Qassem said: “The solution
begins with a ceasefire, and any other option will not lead to a solution. Either
the fighting continues or there is a ceasefire. As for us in Lebanon, if they
stop in Gaza, we will stop, and if they continue, we will continue.”
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2547276/middle-east
--------
South Asia
Pakistan
to offer 4,500 scholarships to Afghan students
July 11,
2024
Asid
Durrani, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Affairs, announced
the provision of five-year scholarships to 4,500 Afghan students.
He
disclosed this on his social media platform X on Wednesday, July 10th, marking
the commencement of the third phase of the “Allama Iqbal Scholarship for Afghan
Students”.
He emphasized
that in this phase, scholarships will be granted to Afghan students in natural
sciences and social sciences across various universities in Pakistan. However,
Durani did not provide details regarding the cost and the specific allocation
to female students.
Previously,
Pakistan’s Ministry of Education had stated that it had awarded scholarships to
six thousand Afghan students in this program’s first and second phases.
Following
the suspension of education for girls in Afghanistan, several countries, including
Germany, Japan, Iran, and Tajikistan, have also offered scholarships to Afghan
girls.
Meanwhile,
these scholarships represent significant international support for Afghan
students amidst challenging educational circumstances, aiming to provide them
with opportunities to continue their studies and contribute to their future and
that of Afghanistan.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/pakistan-to-offer-4500-scholarships-to-afghan-students/
--------
UN
announces construction of 65 houses for returnees in Daykundi, Afghanistan
July 11,
2024
The
Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations announced that the UNHCR is building 65
houses for returnees in Daykundi province.
According
to the ministry’s press release on Wednesday, July 10th, construction of these
houses began yesterday in the city of Nili, center of Daykundi.
The
press release stated that these houses would be constructed by the UNHCR at a
cost exceeding $355,000.
The
Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations of Taliabn stated that the construction
of these houses will be completed by the end of the current calendar year.
This
comes amid international reactions to the recent return of 8,808 Afghan
citizens forcibly and voluntarily from Iran and Pakistan to Afghanistan.
Meanwhile,
the UNHCR has announced the suspension of the expulsion of illegal Afghan
migrants from Pakistan following the three-day visit of its High Commissioner
to Pakistan.
Meanwhile,
efforts are being made to provide housing for returning Afghan refugees; the
situation underscores ongoing challenges and international scrutiny regarding
the voluntary and involuntary repatriation of Afghan citizens from neighboring
countries, highlighting the complexities involved in managing refugee movements
and ensuring their sustainable reintegration into Afghanistan’s society.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/un-announces-construction-of-65-houses-for-returnees-in-daykundi-afghanistan/
--------
Son of
former king of Iran: US opposition to reviving Monarchy in Afghanistan was a
‘destructive mistake’
July 11,
2024
Reza
Pahlavi, the former Crown Prince of Iran, criticized the United States’
opposition to reviving the constitutional monarchy led by Mohammad Zahir in
Afghanistan as a “destructive mistake.”
Speaking
at the National Conservatism Conference in Washington on Wednesday, July 10th,
Pahlavi argued that America’s imposition of an artificial Western structure led
to the collapse of Afghanistan’s government.
Pahlavi
highlighted how 70% of the tribal parliament (Loya Jirga) in Afghanistan
post-Taliban era advocated for the return of King Zahir Shah due to his
symbolic unity among the people, but the U.S. government rejected their
national desire and sovereignty.
Referring
to the Loya Jirga of 2002, where Hamid Karzai, America’s supported candidate,
was elected, Pahlavi criticized some Loya Jirga members, accusing them of
pressuring Mohammad Zahir not to nominate himself for the transitional
government presidency.
Meanwhile,
Satar Serat, a candidate against Karzai during the Bonn Conference, advocated
for a parliamentary system and favored restoring the monarchy with European
support. In contrast, the United States opposed this approach, preferring a
different political structure for Afghanistan.
Serat’s
stance underscored a divergence in international perspectives on Afghanistan’s
future governance. European allies aligned more closely with his vision while
encountering resistance from U.S. preferences for a different governmental
model in the post-Taliban era.
According
to several reports, Satar Serat initially gained traction against Karzai during
the Bonn Conference. However, under pressure from Abdullah Abdullah, the
interim government’s foreign minister who had the backing of the United States,
Serat was compelled to step aside in favour of Karzai.
Dr.
Abdullah Abdullah, the interim government’s foreign minister, denied claims
that the former king withdrew from competing with Karzai due to U.S. pressure.
Pahlavi
questioned the Western understanding and imposition of democracy in
Afghanistan, criticizing the collapse of governance under a foreign Western
structure imposed upon a society with its own traditions and governance
methods.
He
concluded by stating that America’s imposition of such a system on Afghanistan
was a “destructive mistake,” asserting that it neither brought security to the
U.S. nor successfully defended its values.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/son-of-former-king-of-iran-us-opposition-to-reviving-monarchy-in-afghanistan-was-a-destructive-mistake/
--------
Afghan
families struggle in Albania: waiting for asylum resolutions amid depression
July 10,
2024
About 20
Afghan families relocated to Albania following the collapse of the previous
government say their asylum cases have yet to be addressed.
They
demand expedited processing of their cases and claim that Albania’s government
support for them is dwindling.
Representatives
of these families stated in an open letter that they lack access to
opportunities for work and education.
They
stated that this situation, coupled with the lack of resolution on their migration
cases, has left Afghan families in Albania in a state of psychological distress
and depression.
These
families were evacuated from Kabul by some American organizations. Many Afghans
who were transferred to Albania after the collapse of the previous Afghan
government have been relocated to the United States or Canada.
Part of
the letter from these Afghans states that accepting residence in Albania is not
a fair option for them and that transferring them to another third country
would further prolong the processing of their migration cases.
Ensuring
timely and fair processing of asylum cases and providing adequate support for
Afghan families in Albania is crucial to addressing their needs and ensuring
their well-being.
This
situation is compounded by the dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and
persecution by the Taliban regime, making it impossible for Afghan migrants to
return home.
International
organizations and host countries must collaborate to uphold humanitarian
standards and safeguard the rights of displaced populations.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/afghan-families-struggle-in-albania-waiting-for-asylum-resolutions-amid-depression/
--------
Concerns
over Helmand historical sites’ destruction
July 11,
2024
Helmand,
one of Afghanistan’s ancient and historically significant provinces, is
globally renowned for its rich heritage that spans thousands of years. The
province is home to approximately 40 major historical sites, some of which date
back over 5,000 years. Key historical landmarks in Helmand include the
Qala-eBost gate, the ruined palace of Mahmood Ghaznavi, the ruins of
Lashkargah, ancient Alexandria, and pre-Islamic ruins. These sites not only
attract local tourists but also draw hundreds of international visitors each
year. Residents of Helmand are increasingly concerned that decades of conflict
and natural disasters have jeopardized the province’s historical artifacts and
sites. Sayed Mohammad Helmandi, a local resident, points out that many
important sites with significant historical value are currently at risk of
destruction. He highlights that the historical Qala-e-Bost, which boasts a
5,000-year history, has suffered considerable damage due to past conflicts and
natural disasters. He urges the government to prioritize the restoration and
preservation of these historical sites. “Our historic Qala-e-Bost is now in
disrepair. We call on the government to prioritize its preservation,” he said.
Other residents echo these concerns, emphasizing that such sites represent a
nation’s heritage and must be protected. Sadiqullah, another resident of
Helmand, voices his worries about the deteriorating condition of these ancient
relics and calls on authorities to initiate restoration efforts. “There are
several historical artifacts in Helmand that have been partially destroyed. If
restoration efforts are not made, these treasures could be lost forever. We
urge institutions and the government to restore all historical artifacts in
Helmand,” said Sadiqullah. Historians and writers argue that the responsibility
for protecting and maintaining historical sites lies not only with the
government but also with the general public. Historian Khan Mohammad Watanyar
emphasizes that a nation’s history and heritage are embedded in its historical
sites and artifacts. He believes that both the government and the public must
work together to ensure their preservation. “In addition to Helmand, historical
artifacts in several other provinces have also been destroyed or usurped by
locals. A country’s history and identity are preserved through its historical
sites. It is the responsibility of both the people and the government to
protect these treasures, or else we risk losing this invaluable heritage,” said
Watanyar. Local officials in Helmand acknowledge the damage to historical sites
and pledge efforts to restore them. Mawlavi Mudassir, the director of
historical artifacts preservation at the Helmand Department of Information and
Culture, mentioned that the Ministry of Information and Culture has committed
to restoring all damaged historical sites in the province this year. “We have
several historical sites here that have been damaged, and we are committed to
their restoration,” he said. Recently, the acting Minister of Information and
Culture of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Mullah Khairullah Khairkhwa,
during a press conference in Paktia province, mentioned ongoing efforts to
restore historical sites with the cooperation of various institutions and
foundations. He noted that hundreds of historical sites have been documented,
and thousands of artifacts have been collected and preserved in national and
provincial museums over the past two years. Ehsanullah Walasmal
Source: thekabultimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/concerns-over-helmand-historical-sites-destruction/
--------
Europe
Bosnian
Muslims commemorate Srebrenica genocide
11 July
2024
Thousands
of people were expected to gather Thursday in Srebrenica to commemorate the
1995 massacre of Bosnian Muslims during the country's civil war, two months
after the UN created an annual day of remembrance of the genocide.
On July
11, 1995, Bosnian Serb forces captured the eastern Bosnian town -- which was
then a UN-protected enclave -- and killed 8,000 Muslim men and boys in the
following days.
The
worst massacre in Europe since World War II has been ruled a genocide by two
international courts.
In May,
the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring July 11 the
"International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in
Srebrenica".
The
resolution was fiercly opposed by Serbia and Bosnian Serbs, who continue to
play down the crime.
Milorad
Dodik, President of Bosnia's Serbian entity, has repeatedly denied a genocide
occurred, and says his administration would not recognise the resolution.
A UN
court sentenced Bosnian Serb wartime political leader Radovan Karadzic and his
army chief Ratko Mladic to life in prison for war crimes including the
Srebrenica genocide.
-
Incomplete remains -
On
Thursday, the remains of 14 more victims of the bloodshed, including a
17-year-old boy, will be buried at a memorial cemetery in Potocari, just outside
Srebrenica.
Beriz
Mujic, whose remains were found in the Srebrenica region last year, will be
laid to rest next to his brother Hazim.
So far,
the remains, often incomplete, of 6,988 Srebrenica victims have been buried,
the overwhelming majority of them under white tombstones in Potocari.
The
remains were found in 87 mass graves, and a spokeswoman for Bosnia's institute
for missing persons told AFP that they are still looking for around 1,000
people.
To cover
up the crime, Bosnian Serb forces moved the bodies of the victims to so-called
secondary mass graves.
On
Wednesday, the European Union, which Bosnia aspires to join, called the
atrocity "one of the darkest moments in modern European history".
"There
is no place amongst us for those who deny genocide, attempt to rewrite history,
and glorify war criminals," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and EU
enlargement commissioner Oliver Varhelyi said in a joint statement.
The
annual commemoration ceremonies started on Monday with a 100-kilometre
(62-mile) march towards Srebrenica.
Several
thousand people joined the march from the village of Nezuk, where the first
survivors arrived days after the massacre.
Bosnia's
1992-1995 war between its Croats, Muslims and Serbs claimed approximately
100,000 lives.
Nearly three
decades after the war ended, the Balkan nation remains deeply divided along
ethnic lines.
Source: uk.news.yahoo.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/bosnian-muslims-commemorate-srebrenica-genocide-053855755.html
--------
Looking
forward to Christmas or Ramadan ‘can speed up our sense of time’
10-07-24
People
excited for Christmas or Ramadan are more likely to feel these festive events
come around more quickly each year, scientists have found.
Those
who look forward to a good holiday, think about the passage of time more often,
and are more forgetful of their plans, are more likely to experience this
perceived acceleration of time, according to researchers from Liverpool John
Moores University.
The team
said its findings, published in the journal Plos One, suggest positive emotion
is associated with a faster passage of time.
The
researchers also said planning for events or holidays well in advance could
allow a person to “have better control” over their sense of time.
Ruth
Ogden, a psychology professor at the university, said: “Our sense of time is
heavily influenced by the ongoing events in our lives.
“If,
like me, you get the feeling that the years are flying by, fear not, you are not
alone.
“Our
research suggests that over 70% of people feel like annual events are coming
around more quickly each year.”
For the
study, the team, which also included scientists from the Sabet Alatrany of Imam
Ja’afar Al-Sadiq University in Iraq, conducted a survey of more than 1,600
adults in the UK and Iraq.
Their
aim was to explore how a person sensed the passage of time between annual
festive events.
Results
showed around 76% of people in the UK felt Christmas came quicker every year,
and 70% of those surveyed in Iraq felt the same about Ramadan.
The
researchers said anticipating an event or deadline can create a sense of
urgency, making time feel like it is passing more quickly.
Prof
Ogden said: “The results suggest how we feel about an upcoming event, and
particularly how much we feel we have to do for an upcoming event, shapes our
perception of how far away that event is.
If we
want to have better control over our sense of time, we need to ensure that we
plan for the events ahead
Prof
Ruth Ogden
“Our
experience of time is, therefore, not determined only by what we have done, but
also by what is left to do.
“If we
want to have better control over our sense of time, we need to ensure that we
plan for the events ahead.
“In
doing so, we will not only reduce our levels of stress, but we may also feel
like time is finally slowing down.”
Prof
Ogden said that conversely, time can also pass slowly when a person is dreading
a future event, such as waiting for medical test results.
She
said: “Waiting times often drag because we experience high levels of stress and
most of our cognitive capacity is focused on the wait itself.
“The
stress, and the focus on “when”, also influences what we do.
“We
struggle to distract ourselves from waiting because we don’t want to do other
tasks that we normally enjoy to pass the time.
“This
lack of activity, coupled with increased stress and a focus on time, makes the
time drag.”
Source: belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/looking-forward-to-christmas-or-ramadan-can-speed-up-our-sense-of-time/a2113316145.html
--------
MP
accuses Starmer of ignoring Muslim voters
10 July,
2024
AN
ASIAN-ORIGIN Labour MP has criticised Sir Keir Starmer for his failure to
address the concerns of Muslim voters about his record on the Gaza crisis, The
Telegraph reports.
Apsana
Begum, who won from Poplar and Limehouse, claimed the Prime Minister failed to
“assure British Muslims he was listening” to their frustrations.
The
Left-wing Labour MP said that the prime minister in a TV interview refused to
acknowledge that he had a problem at hand and kept harping on the ‘strong
mandate’ the Labour party got in the July 4 election.
During
an interview with ITV News, Starmer was asked if he was concerned about losing
support in areas with a high Muslim population.
He
sidestepped the issue and kept dwelling upon the Labour party winning people’s
mandate.
When
pressed on the issue of trust with British Muslims, he said: “Well, we’ve got a
strong mandate, of course where we didn’t secure the votes we’ll address that.
But I don’t think there’s any disputing the strength of the mandate that we
have.”
Apsana
said Starmer’s response did not acknowledge the need to build trust amongst
British Muslims who feel that Labour has let them down.
She said
a lot of voters have serious concerns about Starmer’s record on Gaza,
Islamophobia and immigration. He lost an opportunity to address their concerns,
she added.
The Gaza
conflict has proved divisive for Labour, and Starmer has been facing criticism
for his initial refusal to back a ceasefire.
Apsana
said Starmer’s infamous comments supporting Israel’s right to cut off electricity
to Gaza had angered many erstwhile Labour voters.
During
the recent election, Labour faced reverses in areas with a large Muslim
population.
The
party lost to four new independent MPs in Blackburn, Dewsbury and Batley,
Birmingham Perry Barr and Leicester South. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn,
a long-term supporter of the Palestinian cause, also defeated the official
Labour candidate in Islington North.
Among
the Labour losers included Jonathan Ashworth, the party’s former shadow
paymaster general. He lost from Leicester South to independent candidate
Shockat Adam, who dedicated his victory to the people of Gaza.
This
group of five pro-Palestine MPs has effectively become the sixth-largest party
in the Commons, on par with Reform UK and the Democratic Unionist Party.
Source: easterneye.biz
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.easterneye.biz/starmer-ignoring-muslim-voters/
--------
What the
media gets wrong about The Muslim Vote
In
seventy years, only seven independent MPs had ever set foot in parliament.
Then, last week, six were elected in one night. All but one were backed by The
Muslim Vote (TMV), a campaign supporting alternative candidates opposed to
Britain’s role in the war on Gaza. Though British Muslims have historically
shown strong support for Labour, these wins were a clear expression of
frustration with a party, and establishment, that had not listened to their
concerns. Yes, Gaza was the movement’s catalyst—but TMV’s appeal is far broader
than commentators realise.
As a
volunteer-led grassroots organisation, TMV faced an asymmetrical competition
with the major parties. Launched after the failure of the SNP’s motion backing
a ceasefire in Gaza, the campaign had just five months to organise before the
snap election was called. And yet, a third of its endorsed candidates won or
came second in their constituencies. Labour lost former safe seats to
candidates endorsed by the campaign, including in Dewsbury, Blackburn and
Birmingham Perry Barr. In Islington North, despite exit polls saying it was too
close to call, Jeremy Corbyn (also supported by TMV) won with a majority of
7000. And in Leicester South, health worker Shockat Adam ousted Jonathan
Ashworth, who had been expected to join Labour’s new cabinet. Only the week
before, Ashworth had faced criticism for his comments that Labour would “send…
back” migrants “from countries like Bangladesh or wherever”. In his victory
speech, Adam said the win was “an indication to those that have been in power
for so long, that you cannot forget the people that you serve”.
But TMV
had its vulnerabilities: the campaign says vote-splitting cost it seats. This
showed most notably in Bethnal Green and Stepney, where Labour’s Rushanara Ali
was re-elected despite facing large protests for her abstention from the Gaza
ceasefire vote. Ali's majority was reduced by 95 per cent, but the opposition
vote seemed split between smaller parties and Ajmal Masroor, a TMV-endorsed
independent who has unsuccessfully run for parliament twice before. Tasnime
Akunjee, the lawyer who stood down to call for a unity candidate, expressed his
frustration on Twitter and criticised Masroor’s promise of “29,000” supporters
that failed to materialise.
In some
seats, the margins were razor-sharp. Twenty-three-year-old Leanne Mohamed led
an impressive campaign in Ilford North, nearly toppling Wes Streeting. Just
weeks earlier, bookies had her odds at 200/1. On Friday, she lost with 15,119
votes to the now health secretary’s 15,647. At Saturday’s national march for
Palestine, Mohamed celebrated what her campaign was able to achieve without the
benefit of extensive funding or “party machinery”. They had proven, she said,
that “elections can be fought on the basis of hope and not fear”. The results were
revealing. Had some 300 voters chosen differently, Streeting would be out of a
job.
But
there were places where strategic campaigning overcame the vagaries of the
first-past-the-post system. After 69 years of Labour in Birmingham Perry Barr,
Ayoub Khan’s victory over MP Khalid Mahmood came as a shock. In Dewsbury,
councillor Ammar Anwar had stood down a month earlier to avoid splitting the
vote, instead making way for local engineer Iqbal Mohamed, who won twice as
many votes as the Labour candidate. And, uniquely, despite two other
independents running, lawyer Adnan Hussain won in Blackburn.
When I
speak to TMV spokesperson Abubakr Nanabawa on Friday, it sounds like he’s had a
sleepless night. Did TMV achieve their goal? “Absolutely”, he says. The campaign
set out to prove parties could “no longer assume they would win the Muslim
vote” and would instead have to “earn it”. Nanabawa says that Muslim voters
have now proven they can’t be taken for granted, with some historically safe
seats for Labour becoming marginals in the next election, and majorities
slashed for key figures like Streeting, Jess Phillips and Rushanara Ali.
Support for Labour in Keir Starmer’s own constituency has also nearly halved
since 2019, with an 18 per cent swing to Jewish activist and TMV-endorsed
candidate Andrew Feinstein.
Not
everybody is pleased. Shortly after the election results, a panicked Telegraph
ran a piece called “The terrifying pro-Palestine campaign that hurt Labour—and
threatens democracy”, and another: “Why the Muslim Vote campaign is a glimpse
into a horrifying future”. Replete with Islamophobic tropes, the paper
described TMV as creeping in “under cover of darkness”, glutting itself on
Labour “blood”.
Faisal
Hanif from the Centre for Media Monitoring, a project of the Muslim Council of
Britain, told Prospect that mainstream discourse is often “reductive”,
presenting Muslims “as a danger to Britain and British democracy”. The framing
around victorious candidates, he said, often revolved around “accusations of
sectarianism and, as one news reader described Jon Ashworth's defeat in
Leicester, because of ‘ethnic rivalries’”. Hanif identified a “hierarchy of
racism” where it is assumed that “Muslims voting for issues important to them
are somehow a danger and not integrated.”
But
pundits are wrong to caricature the reasons for the movement’s electoral
success. Nanabawa instead calls TMV a “campaign of hope”, citing “messaging
around protecting the NHS and upholding the human rights of people all across
the world, including Gaza”.
Undoubtedly,
strong feelings around Gaza—and the sense that both parties are complicit in
the humanitarian catastrophe there—played a powerful role in unifying
opposition votes. But commentators have disingenuously framed this as a
religious issue, rather than a humanitarian one. They have also ignored the
fact that successful candidates campaigned on local issues, attracting broad
support beyond local Muslim voters.
In the
end, Muslims did not vote homogenously. Many continued to vote for Labour,
while TMV also notes high levels of Muslim support for the Lib Dems and Greens
(both of which achieved record numbers of seats). Nor can the campaign claim
all the credit for the popularity of independents – who notably performed well
in areas with larger Muslim populations, even where TMV did not endorse an
opposition candidate, such as Naz Shah’s seat in Bradford. The results show an
organic shift away from traditional voting lines, shaped by local dynamics and
individual policy preferences, a trend found across the British electorate.
We now
know that Labour’s victory was not due to any particular enthusiasm for the
party. What Adam and other independents did was to appeal to people
dissatisfied with the options presented to them: to those who want stronger
local representation, who are uninspired by “career politicians”, but are not
attracted by right-wing populism. For these voters, Gaza was the issue that
most starkly underscored the divide between politicians and the public.
Dismissing this as “sectarian” will only strengthen the feeling that people are
not being heard. When asked earlier this week what Labour would do to rebuild
trust with British Muslims, Starmer’s response was dismissive, focusing instead
on the “strong mandate” he had won. It may be up to the independents to assure
Muslim voters that their concerns will be heard in Westminster.
As they
enter parliament, Nanabawa hopes that each of these five MPs will act as a
“powerful voice for their local community”. “They ran as independents to represent
the people of their constituency without having the pressure of a whip”, he
says, and they will be judged purely on their ability to advocate for
constituents. “They have no one else to answer to”.
Source: prospectmagazine.co.uk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/67253/what-the-media-gets-wrong-about-the-muslim-vote
--------
UN warns
of budget shortfall for humanitarian activities in Afghanistan
July 10,
2024
The
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
states that the agency faces a shortage of funds to carry out humanitarian
activities.
In its
latest report released on Wednesday, July 10th, OCHA notes that sectors at high
risk of disruption due to severe budget shortages include health care, shelter,
food, education, and protection.
It adds
that without timely assistance, humanitarian crises in Afghanistan will worsen.
According
to OCHA’s report, poverty in Afghanistan has increased since August 15, 2021.
These
warnings come amidst reduced and discontinued aid efforts, while Pakistan and
Iran have been deporting over two thousand Afghan migrants daily, exacerbating
the country’s humanitarian needs.
In
response to these challenges, OCHA urges the international community to
mobilize resources urgently to prevent further deterioration of the
humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.
The
organization emphasizes the critical need for sustained support to provide
essential services and protection to vulnerable populations, ensuring their
basic needs are met amid ongoing crises.
Furthermore,
OCHA calls for renewed efforts to address the root causes of displacement and
instability in Afghanistan, advocating for long-term solutions that prioritize
human rights, stability, and sustainable development in the region.
The
agency underscores the importance of international solidarity and cooperation
to mitigate the impact of crises and build resilience among affected
communities, fostering a path towards lasting peace and prosperity in
Afghanistan and the broader region.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/un-warns-of-budget-shortfall-for-humanitarian-activities-in-afghanistan/
--------
Russia’s
special representative: Taliban removal from terror list progressing well
July 10,
2024
Zamir
Kabulov, Russia’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, states that the
process of removing the Taliban from Russia’s list of terrorist groups is
progressing well. Kabulov mentioned in an interview that efforts towards this
goal are continuing.
In an
interview with TASS news agency, Kabulov responded to queries about the
timeline for the Taliban’s removal from the terrorist list, stating, “It will happen
when all stages are completed. The process is still ongoing.”
Previously,
Zamir Kabulov had informed President Vladimir Putin that the ministries of
foreign affairs and justice had indicated the possibility of removing the
Taliban from the list of banned organizations.
Sergey
Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, announced that Russia is removing the
Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations.
After
the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, President Vladimir Putin affirmed
that the Taliban controls power in Afghanistan and is “certainly our ally in
the fight against terrorism.”
Critics
of the Taliban, however, have warned that removing the Taliban from Russia’s
list of terrorist groups could embolden terrorism and extremism in Central Asia
and beyond.
Meanwhile,
they also argue that removing the Taliban from Russia’s list of terrorist
organizations could send a dangerous message, potentially legitimizing a group
known for its history of human rights abuses and violent tactics.
They
express concerns that such a move could undermine international efforts to hold
the Taliban accountable for their actions in Afghanistan.
Despite
Russia’s diplomatic maneuvers, the international consensus remains divided on
the Taliban’s status, reflecting ongoing debates about the group’s political
legitimacy versus its past and current actions.
As
Afghanistan navigates through a fragile political transition, the global
community continues to grapple with how best to engage with and address the
complex challenges posed by the Taliban’s rule.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/russias-special-representative-taliban-removal-from-terror-list-progressing-well/
--------
Southeast Asia
Al-Azhar
Grand Imam, Indonesian VP Discuss Measures to Combat Islamophobia
11 July
2024
TEMPO.CO,
Jakarta - Indonesian Vice President Ma'ruf Amin and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar
University of Egypt, Ahmad Muhammad Ahmed Al-Tayeb, discussed viable measures
for addressing Islamophobia during a meeting at the Vice Presidential Palace,
Jakarta, on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
"They
discussed two essential things, with one of them being ways to combat
Islamophobia that still stands as an international phenomenon," informed the
vice president's spokesperson, Masduki Baidlowi.
He said
that VP Amin and Al-Tayeb also shared the experiences of Indonesia and Egypt in
promoting a moderate outlook of Islam to handle the spread of Islamophobia.
"Mr.
Vice President shed light on the development of moderate Islam in
Indonesia," he disclosed.
The two
figures were on the same page regarding the need for countries to utilize their
political influence to assist non-state actors in combating Islamophobia,
Baidlowi added.
"The
Grand Imam deems it necessary for countries to exert their political power for
this cause. The more countries involved, the better," he continued.
The
spokesperson further said that the Vice President and the Egyptian scholar
agreed on the importance of intensifying moderate Islam movements to prevent
parties from committing violent acts in the name of the religion.
"They
both consider the intensification of moderate Islam movements in various
countries crucial," he added.
Grand
Imam Al-Tayeb also encouraged Indonesia to make even greater efforts to promote
moderate Islam at the international level, he said.
Egypt's
Al-Azhar and other countries in the Middle East will also take steps to promote
moderate Islam, he quoted the Grand Imam as saying.
Source: en.tempo.co
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://en.tempo.co/read/1889949/al-azhar-grand-imam-indonesian-vp-discuss-measures-to-combat-islamophobia
--------
King
wants stern action taken to address social media issues - Fahmi
11-07- 2024
KUALA
LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia has instructed the
Ministry of Communications and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia
Commission (MCMC) to take stern action in addressing issues related to social
media.
Communications
Minister Fahmi Fadzil said Sultan Ibrahim issued this directive during an
audience at Istana Negara yesterday morning, where preparations for the King’s
Installation Ceremony on July 20 were discussed.
During
the session, Fahmi also briefed Sultan Ibrahim on the tragic case of a social
media influencer, who reportedly took her own life following cyberbullying in
Gombak Setia, Selangor.
“After
the formal discussion, His Majesty expressed concern over social media issues
as he was informed of cyberbullying incidents,“ Fahmi told a media briefing at
the Parliament building here today.
“His
Majesty emphasised that the Communications Minister and MCMC must take firm
action on this matter, reflecting his deep concern,“ Fahmi added.
Fahmi
further highlighted that Sultan Ibrahim reiterated his message against the
misuse of social media for arguments or shaming others, as such actions could
sow division and conflict.
As such,
Fahmi said the ministry, in collaboration with relevant agencies, will
intensify efforts to ensure that social media remains a safe platform for all.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/local-news/king-wants-stern-action-taken-to-address-social-media-issues-fahmi-JE12707790
--------
PM Anwar
urges Muslims to embrace spirit of Hijrah for cultural, spiritual renewal
10-07-
2024
PUTRAJAYA:
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today urged Muslims to embrace the
spirit of Prophet Muhammad’s Hijrah (migration) from Makkah to Madinah to
liberate themselves from acts of polytheism, oppression, tyranny and ignorance.
Anwar
said this reflection is crucial for transforming the Muslim community towards a
new culture, new beliefs, new convictions and new societal systems.
“This is
to remind us that the spirit of Hijrah is the spirit of change. Hopefully, this
spirit of Hijrah will bring about changes in society.
“We must
rise and start with self-awareness by cleansing the soul, our conscience and
life. Only then can we fill ourselves with new values and a new spirit,” he
said in his address at the ‘Majlis Ilmu MADANI bersama Tokoh Maal Hijrah
1446H/2024M’ event at the Seri Perdana Complex here tonight.
Anwar
said narrow-mindedness and fanaticism should be abandoned in favour of
knowledge and understanding for the betterment of the Ummah (Muslim community).
“If we
remain entangled with the mentality of ignorance, oppression and tyranny, we
cannot embrace new understandings and actions,” he said.
On the
‘MADANI Knowledge’ event, Anwar said it is held periodically at the Seri
Perdana Complex to make the Prime Minister’s official residence a centre of
knowledge.
“We want
to continually enliven (the Seri Perdana Complex) with enlightenment (of
knowledge) and avoid limiting it to political understanding,” he said while
welcoming the presence of two Tokoh Maal Hijrah 1446H/2024M as guest speakers
at the event.
They
were national-level Tokoh Maal Hijrah Datuk Seri Hassan Ahmad and
international-level Tokoh Maal Hijrah, Prof Dr Ali Muhyiddin Ali Al-Qaradaghi.
At the
recent national-level Maal Hijrah 2024/1446H celebration, themed ‘Al-Falah
Pemacu Malaysia Madani’, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia,
presented the National Tokoh Maal Hijrah award to Hassan, who is former Penang
Mufti, and the International Tokoh Maal Hijrah award to International Union of
Muslim Scholars (IUMS) president Sheikh Ali Al-Qaradaghi.
Meanwhile,
Hassan advised Muslims to abandon actions contrary to the teachings and
commandments of Allah to achieve success in this world and the hereafter.
“Five
things – time, place, body parts, angels and property – will bear witness on
the Day of Judgment. We must always be mindful and kind to one another,” he
said.
Sheikh
Ali Al-Qaradaghi, meanwhile, praised the MADANI concept introduced by Anwar,
describing it as a mature and just concept of governance.
“The
MADANI concept introduced in Malaysia represents originality that combats
backwardness and shapes a systematic life,” he said.
The
event was attended by about 150 guests, including representatives from
government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), such as Yayasan
Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (YADIM), Himpunan Mahasiswa Islam, Pelajar Islam
Indonesia and the Young Muslim Association of Thailand (YMAT).
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/local-news/pm-anwar-urges-muslims-to-embrace-spirit-of-hijrah-for-cultural-spiritual-renewal-CE12705575
--------
Sabah
legislature passes four bills related to Islamic affairs
10-07-
2024
KOTA
KINABALU: The Sabah State Legislative Assembly today passed four enactment
bills related to Islamic affairs in the state.
One of
them is the Syariah Courts Enactment Bill 2024, while three other bills involve
amendments, namely the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Amendment) Bill 2024,
the Syariah Court Evidence (Amendment) Bill 2024, and the Syariah Court Civil
Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2024.
All the
bills were tabled by state Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation,
Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, before being passed by a voice vote after being
debated by eight speakers each from both sides of the divide during the session
chaired by Deputy Speakers Datuk Richard Yong Ke Wong and Datuk Al Hambra Tun
Juhar.
When
tabling the bills, Mohd Arifin said the Syariah Courts Enactment Bill 2024 aims
to streamline the management and administration of the state’s Syariah Courts,
including matters related to jurisdiction, appointment of judges, and court
proceedings.
The
Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Amendment) Bill 2024 aims to add new sections
to the enactment to provide for matters related to syariah prosecution and
religious enforcement.
The
Syariah Court Evidence (Amendment) Bill 2024 is intended to amend definitions
of certain terms in Section 3 of the enactment to align with current
terminology used in related laws.
The
Syariah Court Civil Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2024 aims to amend definitions
of certain terms in Subsection 3(1) of the enactment to align with current terminology
used in related laws, including other relevant amendments.
The
sitting continues tomorrow.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/local-news/sabah-legislature-passes-four-bills-related-to-islamic-affairs-CE12705061
--------
Arab World
UAE
court issues life sentences to 43 it says operated local Muslim brotherhood
group
JULY 10,
2024
A United
Arab Emirates (UAE) court on Wednesday sentenced 43 dissidents to life in
prison for operating what it said was a Muslim Brotherhood group that aimed to
commit attacks in the country, state news agency WAM reported.
Eleven
others received lesser sentences and six companies were convicted of money
laundering to support a terrorist organization, it added.
A human
rights coalition, which includes Human Rights Watch, said the convictions
followed a mass trial that was "fundamentally unfair" and called for
them to be immediately overturned.
The
UAE's media office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The
verdict can be appealed before the UAE's Federal Supreme Court, WAM said.
Those
convicted were members of the Justice and Dignity Committee, a local group of
the Muslim Brotherhood, one of the Arab world's oldest and most influential
Islamist movements which the UAE listed as a terrorist organization in 2014,
WAM reported.
They
"worked to create and replicate violent events in the country, similar to
what has occurred in other Arab states," including protests and clashes
with security forces, WAM said, citing the court, without specifying their
plans.
"These
over-the-top long sentences make a mockery of justice and are another nail in
the coffin for the UAE's nascent civil society," Joey Shea, Human Rights
Watch's UAE researcher, said in a statement.
"The
UAE has dragged scores of its most dedicated human rights defenders and civil
society members through a shamelessly unfair trial riddled with due process
violations and torture allegations."
Convicts
previous convictions
The
Emirates Detainees Advocacy Center said those convicted had already been
convicted in 2013 for their involvement with the group, raising concern that
the UAE is trying people twice for the same offense, a principle known as
double jeopardy.
Source: jpost.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-809806
--------
11 Saudi
students training for Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad
July 11,
2024
RIYADH:
A “Summer Forum” is underway in Riyadh to prepare 11 male and female high
school students for the 17th International Olympiad on Astronomy and
Astrophysics, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The IOAA
Olympiad takes place from Aug. 17 to 26 in Vassouras, Brazil.
Saudi
Arabia is making its debut at the annual event, which was held for the first
time in 2007 in Thailand.
In its
report, the SPA said Mawhiba — known formally as the King Abdulaziz and His
Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity — launched the July 7 to
Aug. 1 forum in collaboration with the Saudi Communications, Space and
Technology Commission.
“The
forum aims to equip students with the necessary skills to participate in the
Olympiad and help build a generation proficient in space science and
technology,” the report stated.
It also
seeks to “inspire future generations to pursue careers in applied scientific
and engineering fields,” it added.
Mawhiba
and the commission have been involved in various training programs to develop
engineers and scientists for the Kingdom’s nascent space industry.
Brazil,
which is hosting it for the second time, held the sixth Olympiad in 2012 in the
cities of Rio de Janeiro and Vassouras.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2547566/saudi-arabia
--------
UK and
GCC eye completing free trade agreement this year
July 11,
2024
RIYADH:
The secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council has emphasized the
importance of completing a free trade agreement between the UK and the bloc by
the end of the year.
Jasem
Al-Budaiwi made the remarks after meeting Jonathan Reynolds, the UK’s newly
appointed trade and business secretary, the Saudi Press Agency reported on
Wednesday.
The top
Gulf official indicated that he sensed a strong interest from Kier Starmer’s
new Labour government to complete negotiations for a trade pact.
Reynolds,
too, expressed a desire to ink a deal before the year is out.
Labour,
who were elected in a landslide on July 4, pledge to deepen cooperation with
the UK’s Gulf partners on issues of security, energy and trade and investment.
The UK
policy in this respect appears to be unchanged from what the previous
Conservative government had sought.
Kemi
Badenoch, the Reynolds predecessor, wrote in May: “My top priority for 2024 is
a UK-GCC free trade deal. An agreement is in all our interests.”
“It will
mark a new and exciting era of economic partnership between our countries. It
will be a new opportunity for both nations to prosper.”
Badenoch
told Arab News last year: “We are very excited about the GCC-UK free trade
agreement. We think it could be groundbreaking and set a precedent for what the
GCC does with the rest of the world.”
The GCC
region is the UK’s seventh-largest export market, with total trade valued at
£61.3 billion ($78.29 billion).
The
trade corridor between the UK and the Gulf is set to widen over the coming
years, regardless of the outcome of this negotiation, according to a Deloitte
report last year.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2547531/saudi-arabia
--------
Education
ministry dispatches 136 teachers to Saudi schools, academies abroad
July 11,
2024
RIYADH:
Over a hundred teachers will be dispatched to Saudi educational institutions
abroad, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The
Education Ministry issued the decision that would see 136 educators take up
places in 19 countries in the upcoming academic year.
Mohammad
Al-Ghamdi, the deputy minister, said the annual program seeks to provide
educational opportunities for the children of delegates, workers, and residents
abroad.
He also
emphasized the Kingdom’s dedication to extending education opportunities to the
children of Islamic and Arab communities residing in those countries.
Al-Ghamdi
highlighted the merits of the Saudi curriculum and hope the educators selected
for the program serve as excellent representatives of the Kingdom in the
countries they have been assigned to.
The following link provides a list of names of
the teachers, supervisors, and other educational staff selected for teaching
positions abroad:
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2547486/saudi-arabia
--------
Saudi
Quality of Life Program showcases sustainable development successes at UN forum
July 10,
2024
NEW
YORK: Saudi Arabia’s Quality of Life Program is showcasing during a
high-profile political event in New York the Kingdom’s contributions to global
efforts to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The
program, a key initiative of the Saudi Vision 2030 national development and
diversification plan, is also using its participation at the UN’s High-level
Political Forum on Sustainable Development to highlight the work it is doing to
improve quality of life in the Kingdom, in line with the goals of Vision 2030.
On the
opening day of the forum, which began at the UN headquarters in New York City
on July 8 and continues until July 18, the program hosted a session titled
“From Vision to Impact: Integrations for Achieving Sustainable Social and
Environmental Change,” the Saudi Press Agency reported, the aim of which was to
raise awareness of Vision 2030, the work of the program, and the role of each
in sustainable development efforts.
It
included a review of key urban challenges, how best to address them using
advanced data and innovative practices, and the effects of cooperation,
participation and the exchange of experiences on efforts to achieve local,
regional and international goals.
On the
forum’s second day, the program held an event called “Quality of Life and its
Link to Sustainable Development,” which included panel discussions and lectures,
featuring experts and officials from the Kingdom and around the world.
During
this event the program’s chief executive, Khalid Al-Baker, talked about the
ways in which it is helping to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and the
aims of Saudi Vision 2030. He said it works to improve the quality of life for
everyone in the Kingdom through a variety of initiatives that focus on key
areas such as arts and culture, sports, tourism, urban development,
entertainment, hobbies, security and safety.
“We seek
to find innovative solutions and create a knowledge system that redefines the
concept of quality of life,” he said.
“Our
cooperation with global partners such as the United Nations Human Settlements
Program (also known as UN-Habitat) strengthens our efforts to achieve the
Sustainable Development Goals.”
Al-Baker
called on all those attending the forum to cooperate and actively participate
in discussions and efforts to achieve sustainable development, adding that
through the exchange of ideas and experiences, effective solutions can be found
and implemented to help build a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
Other
topics included the importance of data in urban planning and policymaking, the
challenges facing modern cities, and strategies for enhancing quality of life
through innovative urban interventions. Officials also discussed the successes
of the Quality of Life Program in achieving various goals, including increasing
green spaces, improving municipal services and supporting security operations
to achieve safer communities. Participants included representatives of
government agencies and ministries, and specialist organizations.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2547446/saudi-arabia
--------
Saudi
Arabia attends intellectual property meet in Geneva
July 10,
2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia is taking part in the 65th General Assembly of the World
Intellectual Property Organization in Geneva.
The
event, which began on Tuesday, will conclude on July 17.
The
Saudi delegation is led by Dr. Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al-Suwailem, CEO of the
Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property.
In his
opening remarks, Al-Suwailem commended the recent diplomatic conference that
adopted the WIPO treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and
associated traditional knowledge.
He
highlighted Saudi Arabia’s advancements in intellectual property over the past
year, including a substantial trust fund contribution to the WIPO of about SR21
million ($5.5 million).
Al-Suwailem
proposed an annual day to honor intellectual property examiners globally,
recognizing their efforts in the field.
He also
extended an invitation to member states for the upcoming diplomatic conference
on design law, set to take place in Riyadh in November.
Alongside
the assembly, the Saudi Tourism Authority is showcasing the “Spirit of Saudi
Arabia” exhibition.
The SAIP
is expected to sign several agreements with the WIPO and member states during
the event.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2547401/saudi-arabia
--------
Riyadh
forum showcases latest trends, technologies in customer experience sector
July 10,
2024
RIYADH:
The fourth E3 Customer Experience Conference in Riyadh showcased the latest
trends, technologies, and innovations in the sector.
The
two-day conference, which ended on Wednesday, included dialogue sessions, panel
discussions, case studies, and a customer experience workshop targeting senior
management officials, in addition, to an exhibition and a hackathon.
The
conference sessions discussed planning for the customer’s journey, customer
experience across all channels, customization, customer-centric design, virtual
experiences, customer analytics, digital transformation, and emerging
technologies such as AI and the metaverse.
It was
organized by the National Customer Experience Academy.
The
conference’s main session, entitled “The Role of Customer Experience in
Achieving the Government Entities’ Objectives within Saudi Vision 2030,”
debated the pivotal role of technology in developing customer experience in
Saudi institutions and reviewed ways to benefit from innovative technologies to
enhance communication between those institutions and customers.
Another
session reviewed best practices to enhance customer satisfaction, support the
competitiveness of government customer service, and improve customer experience
in Saudi government bodies.
A
memorandum of cooperation between the Human Resources Development Fund and the
NCXA was concluded to develop training programs that provide job opportunities
in private enterprises, and to support professional certificates in fields of
customer experience, customer service and protocol.
The
memorandum was signed by Sultan Al-Rashidi, the fund’s executive director for
business development, and Khaled Al-Zahrani, NCXA’s secretary-general.
A
statement from the two signatories said: “The memorandum contributes to
developing short- and long-term training programs specialized in customer
experience, customer service, and protocol, supporting the obtaining of
accredited professional certificates in customer experience, and defining the
standards required to obtain these certificates.”
Naif
Jabali, general manager of the Design Thinking & Digital Platforms at King
Khalid University, said that “the inclusion of customer experience in the
strategic objectives of public and private institutions helps them achieve
their visions and priorities in the long term.
“Customer
experience motivates government entities to look for new and innovative ways to
provide their services, and adopt research and technological tools to improve
this experience.”
NCXA is
a nonprofit academy under the umbrella of the Technical and Vocational Training
Corp., and is the first academy specializing in customer experience in the
Middle East and North Africa region.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2547391/saudi-arabia
--------
Saudi
Arabia continues airdropping food aid to Gaza, in cooperation with Jordan
July 10,
2024
GAZA:
The Saudi aid agency KSrelief is continuing its food airdropping operations, in
cooperation with Jordan, to help Palestinians in Gaza, the Saudi Press Agency
reported on Wednesday.
KSrelief
conducted an airdropping operation on Tuesday, in collaboration with the
Jordanian Armed Forces, in the Al-Mawasi area west of Khan Younis in southern
Gaza.
The aim
is to break the blockade imposed by Israeli occupation forces on the land
border crossings, said the SPA.
The
effort is part of the commitment of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman,
and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to deliver urgent humanitarian and relief
aid by all possible means to the affected areas in Gaza.
It also
forms part of continued Saudi efforts to help alleviate the suffering of the
Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2547346/saudi-arabia
--------
Bahrain
summons head of Shia funeral home after ‘death to Israel’ chants
July 10,
2024
The Bahraini
Shia opposition Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society announced that the security
authorities summoned the head of the Sanabis Mourning House and threatened to
take action because mourners had chanted against the Israeli occupation and its
supporters.
The
funeral home posted a video on its official account on X showing a number of
Bahrainis chanting, “Death to America, death to Israel.”
Al-Wefaq
Society has previously said it considers the Manama government’s decision to
join a coalition to protect the interests of the Israeli occupation in the Red
Sea “reckless”, adding that such a move “makes it a direct accomplice in the
daily shedding of Palestinian blood.”
Source: middleeastmonitor.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240710-bahrain-summons-head-of-shia-funeral-home-after-death-to-israel-chants/
--------
Pakistan
Registered
Afghan refugees allowed to stay in Pakistan for one more year
July 10,
2024
Pakistan
has granted an extension of another year in the stay of Afghan refugees legally
residing in the country a day after the UN refugee commissioner asked for a
pause in the country's plan to repatriate refugees.
In a
meeting on Wednesday, the federal cabinet gave a go-ahead to extension of Proof
Of Registration (POR) cards till 30th June next year for 1.45 million Afghan
refugees and those whose POR cards had expired last month.
The
development came a day after United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
(UNHCR) Filippo Grandi called on top Pakistani officials including Prime
Minister Shehbaz and appreciated the country for suspending the "Illegal
Foreigners Repatriation Plan," according to a statement issued by the
UNHCR.
During
his discussions with Pakistani officials, the high commissioner had called for
the timely extension of the POR cards, a critical identity document held by
over 1.45 million Afghan refugees.
Grandi
also sought assurance that the repatriation plan would remain on hold, the
statement said.
In the meeting,
PM Shehbaz called on the world to recognise the country's burden of hosting a
large population of Afghan refugees and demonstrating collective
responsibility.
Pakistan
continues to host some 3 million Afghans, all solutions need to be explored in addition
to voluntary repatriation, including third-country resettlement and longer-term
solutions within Pakistan, according to the UNHCR statement.
Last
year, the country announced a huge drive to repatriate foreigners without
visas, mostly the roughly four million Afghans who crossed the border during 40
years of armed conflict in their home country and after the Taliban seized
power in 2021.
More
than 500,000 Afghans have returned from Pakistan since the campaign was
announced, according to UN figures.
Amid a
surge in terror incidents across the country, the then-caretaker government in
October last year decided to repatriate illegal refugees including undocumented
Afghans residing in the country.
According
to the latest statistics, over half a million undocumented Afghans have been
deported back to their home country.
Cabinet
approves PWD's abolishment
In
today's meeting, the federal cabinet also approved the action plan for the
abolition of the Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD) and decided to form
a Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company to oversee federal development
projects and the Asset And Facility Management Company for repair and
maintenance works.
The
cabinet decided to hand over the federal government projects in the provinces
to the relevant provincial departments.
The
cabinet decided the Asset and Facility Management Company would be established
to carry out the repair and maintenance work currently being done by the Pak
PWD.
After
their classification, the PWD employees would be transferred to relevant
ministries and a golden handshake scheme would also be introduced for them.
Moreover,
the cabinet also decided to computerise the record of all PWD properties and
called for completing the transition process within two weeks.
On the
housing ministry’s recommendation, the meeting also approved transferring the
building of Federal Lodges-II in Peshawar to the Election Commission of
Pakistan for establishing the permanent office of the provincial Election
Commission.
The
meeting approved the repatriation of seven accountant members of Appellate
Tribunal Inland Revenue to FBR and the appointment of 14 officers in the
tribunal benches, as proposed by the ministry.
On the
health ministry’s recommendation, the cabinet approved the appointment of Joint
Secretary Muhammad Iqbal as Administrator of the National Council for
Homeopathy.
It also
decided to revoke the accreditation of Bahawalpur Medical College for its
failure to meet the required standards of the Pakistan Medical and Dental
Council. The students of the colleges would be shifted to other medical
colleges.
The
prime minister questioned why the college was allowed to function despite not
meeting the standards and asked the Prime Minister Inspection Commission to
probe into the matter.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1208370-registered-afghan-refugees-stay-extended-for-one-year
--------
Three
soldiers martyred in exchange of fire with terrorists in South Waziristan
July 10,
2024
Three
Pakistan Army soldiers embraced martyrdom in an exchange of fire with
terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s South Waziristan district, the military’s
media wing said on Tuesday.
The
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the three brave soldiers — Sepoy
Asad Ullah, 30, resident of Mitiari district; Sepoy Muhammad Sufyan,28,
resident of DI Khan district and Non-Combatant Bearer Zain Ali,24, resident of
Bahwalnagar district — having fought gallantly, embraced martyrdom during
intense exchange of fire.
Sanitisation
operation is being carried out to eliminate any terrorists found in the area,
the ISPR added.
“Security
forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the
country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our
resolve,” it added.
The
latest incident comes only hours after a Pakistan Army captain embraced
martyrdom in a gunbattle with terrorists in KP’s North Waziristan district, as
per the ISPR.
The military’s
media wing said 24-year-old Captain Muhammad Osama bin Arshad, a resident of
Rawalpindi district, laid down his life in the motherland's defence.
The ISPR
further said that two terrorists were also killed as troops effectively engaged
the terrorists' location during the fierce exchange of gunfire.
Since
the Taliban came into power in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a
significant surge in terrorist attacks on security forces, especially in
provinces bordering the neighbouring country in recent months with the
militants using advanced weaponry and equipment.
With the
security forces hitting hard on terrorism, frequency of such incidents of
violence went down in recent month. The Centre for Research and Security
Studies (CRSS) Annual Security report stated that during the second quarter of
the current year, Pakistan witnessed 380 violence-linked fatalities and 220
injuries among civilians, security personnel, and outlaws, resulting from as
many as 240 incidents of terror attacks and counter-terror operations.
In the
backdrop of this, the federal cabinet last month approved the launching of the
counter-terrorism operation — Operation Azm-e-Istehkam — following the National
Action Plan's Central Apex Committee's recommendations to root out terrorism
from the country.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1208114-three-soldiers-martyred-in-exchange-of-fire-with-terrorists-in-south-waziristan
--------
3 terrorists
killed by security forces in Peshawar IBO
July 10,
2024
Three
terrorists, including High Value Target Commander Abdul Raheem, were killed in
a joint intelligence based operation conducted by security forces and police at
Hassan Khel area in Peshawar District.
According
to ISPR, terrorist Commander Abdul Raheem was highly wanted by the Law
Enforcement Agencies, and Government had fixed head money of six million rupees
on him.
He
remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities and was also
responsible for the Shahadat of Captain Hussain Jehangir Shaheed and Havildar
Shafiq Ullah Shaheed on 26th of May this year.
Weapons
and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorists.
However,
during intense exchange of fire, four brave soldiers, including Sepoy Muhammad
Idrees, Sepoy Badam Gul, Sub Inspector Tajmir Shah and Assistant Sub Inspector
Muhammad Akram, having fought gallantly and embraced Shahadat.
Security
Forces of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with other law enforcement agencies
to ensure peace and stability across the country and such sacrifices of our
brave men further strengthen nation’s resolve.
Source: radio.gov.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.radio.gov.pk/10-07-2024/security-forces-kill-three-terrorists-in-peshawar-ibo
--------
SC
judges argue against bar associations joining military courts case
July 11,
2024
ISLAMABAD:
Two of the seven judges hearing the military courts case have opposed the July
8 order of the bench, impleading the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA)
and the Lahore Bar Association (LBA) in the case, with one saying the matter at
hand was purely a question of law.
Headed
by Justice Aminuddin Khan, a seven-judge bench had allowed the applications of
the LHCBA and LBA by holding that there was no harm in accepting these
applications, as senior counsels will assist the apex court in reaching a right
conclusion while hearing the intra-court appeals (ICA) against the Oct 23, 2023
order.
The Oct
23 order by a five-member bench nullified the trial of civilians by the
military courts involved in the May 9 violence.
But in
separate notes, Justice Shahid Waheed and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan opposed
the majority order.
In his
note, Justice Shahid Waheed observed that the applicants had moved their
applications under Order V Rule 2(2) read with Order 33 Rule 6 of the Supreme
Court Rules 1980 for impleadment of the applicants as respondents in the ICAs
preferred under Section 5(1) of the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act
2023 against the Oct 23 judgement.
Justice
Waheed explained that the grievance voiced in the ICA was that the lawfulness
of Section 2(1)(d) and Section 59(4) of the Pakistan Army Act (PAA) 1952 had
not been correctly determined by the original bench.
Section
2(1)(d)(i) of PAA says that those persons not otherwise subject to PAA become
subject to it if they were accused of seducing or attempting to seduce any army
officer from his duty or allegiance to the government.
Likewise,
Section 2(1)(d)(ii) says the individuals could be tried under PAA if they have
committed offence in relation to any work of defence, arsenal, naval, military
or air force establishment or station, ship or aircraft or otherwise in
relation to the naval, military or air force affairs of Pakistan an offence
under the Official Secrets Act 1923.
Section
59(4) says that any person who becomes subject to PAA will be liable to be
tried under this act.
The
issue at hand, Justice Waheed observed, was a pure question of law and since
PAA was a federal legislation, the question of its validity could be decided
effectually and completely in the presence of the federation of Pakistan.
It needs
to be examined whether the applicants, under the circumstances, can be allowed
to join appeal proceedings to rendering assistance in the public interest, to
determine the question of law raised before the court.
Meanwhile,
Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan observed that the applicants were not aggrieved
with the Oct 23 judgement, which was evident from the fact that they have shown
their desire to be impleaded as respondents in the ICAs.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1845093/sc-judges-argue-against-bar-associations-joining-military-courts-case
--------
Terrorism
case registered against ‘unnamed’ militant outfit for assassinating CTD
official
July 10,
2024
KARACHI:
Police on Tuesday registered a case against members of an unnamed banned outfit
for their alleged involvement in the assassination of Counter-Terrorism
Department (CTD) Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ali Raza.
The CTD
official was shot dead in his neighbourhood in Karimabad on July 7. A local
security guard was also killed in the attack.
The case
was registered on behalf of the state as it appeared that the victim’s family
did not want to pursue the case legally.
Investigators
said that the murder was aimed at spreading terrorism in the country,
demoralising law enforcers and triggering fear and panic among citizens.
They
believed that the officer was killed as the members, mastermind, planners and
facilitators of the banned outfits had developed an ‘enmity and conflict’ with
him over his work against them while serving in the CTD.
FIR was
lodged on behalf of the state and not by victim Ali Raza’s family
The
police had registered an FIR on the complaint of Azizabad SHO Imran Afridi
under Sections 302 (premeditated murder) and 34 (common intention) of the
Pakistan Penal Code read with Section 7 (punishment for acts of terrorism),
11-F (membership, support and meetings relating to a proscribed organisation)
and 21-I (aid and abetment) of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997.
According
to the FIR, DSP Ali Raza, posted at the CTD, arrived in his vehicle at flats
outside the gate of Shakeel Corporation in Karimabad on July 7. He parked his
car and walked inside the flats. When he reached Block-1, armed assailants on a
motorcycle, who belonged to a banned terror outfit, opened indiscriminate fire
on him.
The FIR
said that during his service in the CTD, DSP Ali Raza worked against different
ethnic organisations, banned terrorist and separatist outfits and other
criminal elements and they had developed an enmity with him. His killing was
aimed at spreading terror in the country demoralising the resolve of the law
enforcers and creating fear and panic among the citizens, the FIR stated.
After
registration of the case, the investigation was handed over to the CTD-Garden,
officials said.
They
said that 12 spent bullet casings were recovered from the crime scene and they
did not match with any weapon in the police record in a forensic analysis.
Earlier
on Monday, the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan had claimed responsibility
for the murder of the DSP in a social media posting.
However,
police chose not to name the banned TTP in the FIR.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1844917/terrorism-case-registered-against-unnamed-militant-outfit-for-assassinating-ctd-official
--------
2
soldiers, 2 police officers martyred in intelligence-based operation in
Peshawar’s Hassan Khel: ISPR
July 10,
2024
Two Pakistan
Army soldiers and as many police officers were martyred on Wednesday in an
intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Peshawar district’s Hassan Khel area,
according to the military’s media wing.
A
statement from the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said a joint IBO was
conducted by security forces and the police based on the reported presence of a
“high profile terrorist”.
It added
that “high-value target” terrorist commander Abdul Raheem, and two other
militants “were sent to hell” after an intense exchange of fire.
“Raheem
was highly wanted by the law enforcement agencies and government had fixed head
money of Rs6 million on him, as he remained actively involved in numerous
terrorist activities, and was also responsible for martyrdom of Captain Hussain
Jehangir and Havildar Shafiq Ullah on May 26, 2024,” the ISPR said.
It added
that the operation “avenged the heinous act and has brought the main
perpetrator to justice”, further saying that weapons and ammunition were also
recovered from the militants.
The ISPR
said the Pakistan Army’s 34-year-old Sepoy Muhammad Idrees, a resident of Swabi
district and 34-year-old Sepoy Badam Gul, a resident of Kohat district and the
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Counter Terrorism Department’s 38-year-old Sub-Inspector
(SI) Tajmir Shah, a resident of Peshawar district and 34-year-old Assistant SI
Muhammad Akram, a resident of Mansehra district “fought gallantly” in the IBO
and were martyred.
“Pakistan’s
security forces stand shoulder to shoulder with other law enforcement agencies
to ensure peace and stability across of Pakistan and such sacrifices of our
brave men further strengthen our resolve,” the ISPR said.
President
Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the martyrs and said the nation stood behind
security forces in the fight against terrorism.
Prime
Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the nation saluted the martyrs for the sacrifice.
He also lauded the army and police for killing the three terrorists.
“KP
police officers and men have made history in the war against terrorism with
their precious blood,” said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
The
incident comes a day after eight people — five security officials and three
children — lost their lives in three separate incidents in Lakki Marwat,
North and South Waziristan districts.
A
military officer was martyred in an exchange of fire with militants in North
Waziristan, while three soldiers lost their lives in an attack, and 12 others
were injured in the South Waziristan district. Separately, a police officer and
his three minor nephews lost their lives in Lakki Marwat district.
Nine
terrorists were killed by the security forces in two separate operations in
Khyber and Lakki Marwat districts last week.
Pakistan
has witnessed an uptick in terror activities in the past year, especially in KP
and Balochistan after the TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in
November 2022.
According
to an annual security report issued by the Centre for Research and Security
Studies, Pakistan witnessed 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1,463 injuries
from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations in 2023 — marking a
record six-year high.
KP and
Balochistan were the primary centres of violence, accounting for over 90 per
cent of all fatalities and 84pc of attacks, including incidents of terrorism
and security forces operations.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1845019/2-soldiers-2-police-officers-martyred-in-intelligence-based-operation-in-peshawars-hassan-khel-ispr
--------
HRCP
blasts 'unconstitutional' order allowing phone tapping
July 11,
2024
The
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has lambasted the government over
allowing the country’s top spy agency to tap calls of citizens, terming it unconstitutional.
In a
statement issued on Wednesday, the commission said it was “deeply concerned” by
the recent "unconstitutional notification" issued by the federal
government granting officers of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) freedom
to intercept and trace the calls of nationals.
Through
a notification on Monday, the government approved permission for the
intelligence agency to intercept and trace calls and messages, in the
apprehension of an offence against national security. The order was slammed by
the opposition as well as other people concerned about citizens' privacy and
basic rights enshrined in the constitution.
The
federal cabinet approved the relevant circular allowing a designated officer of
the ISI to carry out the tracing of calls under Section 54 of the
Telecommunication (Re-organisation) Act 1996. However, the officer nominated by
the agency cannot be of less than grade 18.
The said
section of the Telecommunications Act allows the federal government to
authorise any person or persons to intercept calls and messages or to trace
calls through any telecommunication system in the interest of national
security.
It also
states that the government will have preference and priority in the
telecommunication system over any licensee for the defence or security of the
country against any foreign aggression.
"The
federal government in the interest of national security and in the apprehension
of any offence is pleased to authorise the officers [...] to be nominated from
time to time by ISI to intercept calls and messages or to trace calls through
any communication system," read the notification issued by the Ministry of
Information.
Meanwhile,
the HRCP termed notification a “flagrant violation of citizens’
constitutionally protected rights to liberty, dignity and privacy under
Articles 9, 14 and 19”.
“It also
contravenes the spirit of the apex court’s ruling in the Mohtarma Benazir
Bhutto case,” it added.
While
claiming that the measure would be used against political opponents, the human
rights body pointed towards the government’s acting in violation of a high
court order.
“It is
no coincidence that this follows on the heels of an Islamabad High Court order
stating that state officials are not authorised to surveil citizens.
"Given
the poor track record of governments and intelligence agencies alike, this
measure will invariably be used to clamp down on political dissent through
means of blackmail, harassment and intimidation,” it stated.
The HRCP
demanded the government to urgently introduce “watertight” checks and balances
to all surveillance practices— "at a minimum as prescribed in the
Investigation for Fair Trial Act 2013”.
Source: radio.gov.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1208581-hrcp-blasts-unconstitutional-order-allowing-phone-tapping
--------
Pakistan,
Russia seek stronger military ties
July 11,
2024
Pakistan
and Russia have expressed desire in strengthening bilateral
military-to-military relationship.
The
desired was expressed during a meeting between Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff
Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, and the Russian delegation.
The
delegation included Deputy Defence Minister Colonel General Alexander Fomin,
Deputy Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Aleksandr
Venediktov and Deputy Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces of the Russian
Federation Colonel General S. Y. Istrakov in Russia.
During
the meeting, the participants underscored the importance of working on
enhancing cooperation in multiple domains, including connectivity, trade,
energy and security.
Both
sides discussed areas of mutual interest including bilateral military and
military technical cooperation, regional security situation and the menace of
terrorism.
Source: radio.gov.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.radio.gov.pk/11-07-2024/pakistan-russia-express-desire-to-strengthen-military-to-military-relations#google_vignette
--------
North America
Va.
court to decide whether American Muslims for Palestine must hand over financial
documents
By
Matthew
Kassel
July 11,
2024
A
long-awaited court hearing in Virginia next week is expected to decide if a
pro-Palestinian advocacy group with alleged ties to Hamas will be compelled to
hand over sensitive financial documents that could reveal closely guarded
funding sources.
The
outcome of the hearing in Richmond on Tuesday could have major consequences for
the Virginia-based nonprofit organization American Muslims for Palestine, which
is the target of an investigation launched shortly after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks
in Israel by the state’s Republican attorney general, Jason Miyares.
In a
statement announcing his probe on social media last October, Miyares said his
office was investigating the group “for fundraising without proper registration
and for potentially violating Virginia’s charitable solicitation laws,
including benefitting or providing support to terrorist organizations.”
On its
website, AMP, founded in 2006, describes itself as “a grassroots organization
dedicated to advancing the movement for justice in Palestine by educating the
American public about Palestine and its rich cultural, historical and religious
heritage and through grassroots mobilization and advocacy.”
But the
group has faced increased scrutiny in the wake of Hamas’ attacks over its ties
to anti-Israel protests on college campuses and its backing of National
Students for Justice in Palestine, which has expressed outspoken support for
Hamas. Top officials at AMP, meanwhile, were once affiliated with a now-defunct
group, the Islamic Association for Palestine, found liable for aiding Hamas.
For its
part, AMP has said it has never supported or funded terrorism and that it does
not send money overseas.
The attorney
general’s investigation is among a number of high-profile legal efforts now
targeting AMP, including a civil lawsuit filed in Virginia in May that accuses
the group of providing material support for Hamas.
The
group is also seeking to fend off a civil suit in Chicago, which Miyares’
office has cited in court filings, alleging that AMP is an “alter ego” of such
groups as IAP and seeking to collect a $156 million judgment that has never
been paid to the family of David Boim, an American killed by Hamas in a 1996
terrorist attack.
Both of
those suits are also seeking to pry donor information that AMP has for years
shielded from public view — and which has long been a source of intrigue among
critics of the group who suspect it has engaged in nefarious activities.
Pending
the judge’s decision next week, Miyares’ investigation could be the first to
see meaningful movement in a multipronged legal effort to shed light on AMP’s
finances.
As part
of the probe, Miyares’s office filed a civil investigative demand seeking AMP’s
financial records, including donor information. In a petition filed in
response, AMP, which has criticized the probe as “defamatory” and “dangerous,”
requested that a judge narrow the focus of the probe, claiming that the demand
“exceeds the scope of the attorney general’s authority” and “improperly seeks
detailed information regarding donors.”
Miyares
has rejected AMP’s effort to block the order, citing what it described as the
group’s “admission” in its petition “that it has violated Virginia law” as
proof “reasonable cause exists to issue the” civil investigative demand.
Christina
Jump, an attorney for AMP, said in an email to Jewish Insider last month that
the group “has been consistently registered with the secretary of the
Commonwealth, though made an error common with many nonprofits of overlooking
one additional form registration.”
“AMP
then remedied that less than a month after the attorney general first alerted
it to the oversight,” said Jump, an attorney for the Muslim Legal Fund of
America, adding that the group “has remained compliant ever since.”
The
hearing, initially scheduled for March, was further delayed last month after
the judge granted AMP’s request for a continuance over the attorney general’s
objections. The group had requested that the hearing be moved to a later date
because it had recently parted ways with its local counsel, Faisal Gill, and
was still in the process of finalizing an agreement with a new attorney based
in Virginia.
Shortly
after the hearing was delayed last month, Jump told JI that AMP “chose to go in
a different direction with local counsel,” but did not explain why it had ended
its relationship with Gill, who unsuccessfully ran for Los Angeles city
attorney in 2022.
In a
follow-up email to JI this week, Jump said that AMP’s local counsel is now Brad
Marrs, an attorney in Richmond who specializes in civil trials. “He and I will
both be there for the hearing,” she said.
Jump
said that she looks “forward to clearing the inflammatory rhetoric that the attorney
general unnecessarily injected into this case, and publicly setting out the
undisputed facts.”
Chloe
Smith, a spokesperson for Miyares, told JI on Tuesday that the attorney general
“looks forward to next week’s hearing,” but did not comment further.
Source: jewishinsider.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://jewishinsider.com/2024/07/virginia-court-american-muslims-for-palestine-jason-miyares/
--------
CAIR-LA
Files Title VI Complaint Against UCLA Medical School for Discrimination
Targeting Muslim Palestinian-American Med Student
July 10,
2024
The
Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations
(CAIR-LA) filed a federal civil rights complaint on July 5 with the U.S.
Department of Education against the University of California, Los Angeles’
(UCLA) David Geffen School of Medicine (DGSOM) for allegedly violating Title VI
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
CAIR-LA
has called for an investigation into DGSOM’s treatment of its client, a Muslim
Palestinian-American medical student, who experienced multiple incidents of
discrimination based on race, national origin, and religion during a pediatrics
clerkship at the Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center in the fall of 2023.
The complaint
alleged discrimination by the student’s superiors and clerkship co-chairs
including derogatory and racist comments, discriminatory conduct, and an
attempt to prohibit the student from performing his religious obligations. The
complaint also alleged that after reporting the mistreatment, the student faced
punitive and retaliatory measures, including deliberate negative evaluations
and a failing grade in his pediatrics clerkship.
In a
statement, CAIR-LA Managing Attorney Dina Chehata, Esq. said:
“We are
extremely concerned by our client’s experience at UCLA, especially given that
anti-Palestinian rhetoric has been escalating on campus for months. We have
seen Palestinian advocacy discouraged and silenced and Palestinian students
physically attacked on campus with virtually no accountability. For our client
to be discriminated against because of his protected characteristics is
unacceptable, and the punitive actions leveled against him need to be
immediately investigated and rectified.
“Moreover,
the actions of his supervisors and co-chairs raise serious ethical concerns and
cause us to question whether diverse patients at UCLA’s Medical Center will be
treated with fairness and equality regardless of faith, ethnicity, race, or
national origin. It is imperative that the staff who engaged in creating a
hostile environment are held accountable for their behavior.”
In the
complaint against DGSOM, CAIR-LA urged the U.S. Department of Education’s
Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to:
Open a
full investigation into the potential Title VI violations committed against
CAIR-LA’s client.
Ensure
proper disciplinary action is taken against the UCLA Medical Center supervisors
and co-chairs.
Implement
proper training focusing on medical ethics, particularly when dealing with
patients from varied backgrounds, religions, races, and national origins.
CAIR-LA
is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy
organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect
civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-la-files-title-vi-complaint-against-ucla-medical-school-for-discrimination-targeting-muslim-palestinian-american-med-student/
--------
US
pressuring UK to protect Netanyahu against ICC: Report
10 July
2024
The US
is reportedly pressuring the UK not to drop its legal challenge to the
International Criminal Court (ICC)’s right to seek an arrest warrant against
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for war crimes against Palestinians.
Human
rights barrister Geoffrey Robertson made the claim about the pressure being
exercised by the United States in an article published in The Guardian on
Wednesday.
In May,
the ICC's Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan made a formal request for arrest warrants
to be issued against Netanyahu and Israeli minister of military affairs, Yoav
Gallant, on charges of war crimes.
Both
Netanyahu and Gallant face accusations, including the crimes of “causing
extermination, causing starvation as a method of war, including the denial of
humanitarian relief supplies, deliberately targeting civilians in conflict.”
Khan’s
request came amid the Israeli regime’s October 7-present war against the Gaza
Strip that has so far killed more than 38,240 Palestinians, mostly women and
children, and injured over 88,240 others.
Concomitantly
with the war, the regime has been enforcing a near-total siege on the coastal
sliver, which has reduced the flow of foodstuffs, medicine, electricity, and
water into the Palestinian territory into a trickle.
Reacting
to Khan’s request, Britain’s former Conservative government, led by prime
minister Rishi Sunak, challenged whether the ICC had any jurisdiction over the
Israeli actions in Gaza.
Now,
Washington expects Sunak’s successor Keir Starmer to follow the same policy.
Robertson
said giving in to the US pressure would be “the first big moral mistake” of
Starmer’s premiership.
“The US
is not a member of the ICC, and expects the UK to look after its interests
there,” he wrote.
The ICC
has given the new Labour government until July 26 to decide whether to pursue
the legal challenge.
The UK
mounted the challenge, although, in 2021, the ICC ruled that it did have
jurisdiction over Israeli activity in Palestine.
The
challenge is delaying the court’s decision on issuing arrest warrants against
the Israeli officials.
Robertson,
however, described the legal argument presented by Britain as “preposterous,”
saying, “The ICC decided in the 2021 case that this was ‘not pertinent’ to its
right to punish crimes in Gaza as Palestine was a member state, so any war
crime on its territory fell within the ICC’s remit.”
Source: presstv.ir
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/07/10/729116/United-States-United-Kingdom-Israel-Netanyahu-arrest-Gaza-war-International-Criminal-Court
--------
NATO
summit: Biden announces plan to send Ukraine new patriot missile batteries
10 July
2024
In a
speech to NATO leaders, US President Joe Biden has announced plans to supply
new patriot missile batteries to Ukraine, as Russia intensifies its military
campaign against its neighboring country.
“These
five strategic air defense systems will help to protect Ukrainian cities,
civilians, and soldiers, and we are coordinating closely with the Ukrainian
government so that these systems can be utilized rapidly,” Biden said in at the
opening of NATO summit in Washington on Tuesday.
“We are
working on a further announcement this year of additional strategic air defense
systems for Ukraine,” he added.
The US,
Germany and Romania announced in a joint statement that each of them would provide
a Patriot battery of their own while the Netherlands will work with other
countries to enable an additional Patriot battery
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Jens
Stoltenberg said the alliance is going to make decisions on Ukraine at the
three-day summit.
Stoltenberg
made the remarks as he discussed the alliance's plans to develop a membership
"bridge" for Ukraine with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The two
officials discussed "expected decisions" during the upcoming meeting
of the NATO-Ukraine Council on Thursday "to build a bridge to NATO
membership while enabling Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression, today
and in the future."
In
reaction, the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia will follow
closely the NATO summit in Washington.
Moscow
would follow "with the greatest attention... the rhetoric at the talks and
the decisions that will be taken and put on paper," he said.
He said
the US-led military alliance "has regularly declared its aim to inflict a
strategic defeat on Russia on the battlefield" and "is taking part
directly in the Ukrainian conflict on the side of Ukraine."
The
summit marking NATO's 75th anniversary started on Tuesday, with arming
Ukraine's air defenses on top of the agenda.
Ukrainian
President Volodymyr Zelensky also attends the summit along with other world
leaders.
The
summit was held a day after Ukrainian authorities claimed Russia had struck the
main children's hospital in Kiev with a missile and rained missiles on other
cities across Ukraine, killing at least 41 civilians.
In
response, the Kremlin says that Ukrainian anti-missile fire, not Russian ones,
had hit the hospital, stressing that Moscow “does not conduct strikes on
civilian targets.”
Russia
launched a special military operation in eastern Ukraine in February 2022.
Moscow said the objective of the military campaign was to put an end to the
ongoing atrocities against the Russian-speaking people of the region and to
stop the encroachment of US-led NATO troops on Russian borders.
Moscow
has warned that the West's military support of Ukraine will only prolong the
war.
Source: presstv.ir
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/07/10/729084/US-NATO-summit-Biden-supply-air-defense-systems-Ukraine-Russia-militray-campaign-Dmitry-Peskov-
--------
Africa
Nigerian
Security Agencies On Alert Over ISWAP’s Suicide Bombing Threat
11 July
2024
Nigeria’s
security agencies are ramping up their vigilance due to potential threats from
the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), only 12 days following a
devastating suicide bombing in Gwoza, Borno State, which resulted in at least
20 fatalities.
The
suicide bombings were linked to a faction of Boko Haram, from which ISWAP has
splintered.
The
Nigerian government has discreetly instructed all relevant security bodies to
brace for possible attacks.
According
to Premium Times, an intelligence memo dated July 10th suggests ISWAP’s plan
might include targets such as prisons and key oil and gas infrastructure.
Detailed
in the memo, high-risk targets include notable correctional facilities like
Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, Kaduna Central Prison, Port Harcourt Maximum
Prison, and Kirikiri Correctional Center in Lagos.
The
Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) pipeline, a significant gas transportation project
managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), is also at risk.
Security
agencies have been directed to extend their vigilance to cover not just the
mentioned sites but also other potential targets.
While
specific details of the memo and the agency it was intended for remain
confidential to protect operational integrity, the general alertness level has
been significantly raised.
Statements
from two major security agencies corroborated the existence of the threat,
although they stopped short of confirming the specifics of the ISWAP plans.
The
spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Umar Abubakar, who
spoke with the platform, emphasized that the service takes these threats
seriously and is implementing necessary security measures to safeguard its
facilities, even though official confirmation of the threat had not yet been
communicated internally.
He said,
“Don’t forget that we have synergy with the Nigeria Police, the military and
other security agencies. I’m not sure I have such information on my table, but
that is not to say that we would take it for granted.
“We will
make sure that we work around the information and see other protective measures
that we can put in place across all our custodial centres.
“I
cannot speak on the intelligence information you mentioned now, but I’m sure
that such a plan would not work because of the security put in place in our
custodial centres.”
Similarly,
the spokesperson for the maritime arm of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Adams
Alliu, a commodore, without specifically addressing the fresh ISWAP threat,
said the Nigerian Navy is keeping 24-hour surveillance on the maritime space,
including the creeks.
“Concerning
the pipelines, the pipeline security and the maritime domain awareness security
is 24-hour surveillance, and there’s no space in the 24 hours that is a gap
that can be exploited. Especially since President Tinubu took over, it has been
24 hours of 100 per cent surveillance,” Mr Alliu said.
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/07/11/nigerian-security-agencies-on-alert-over-iswaps-suicide-bombing-threat/
--------
19
northern clerics urge Nigerian Muslims to safeguard Sultan’s powers
JULY 11,
2024
The
Council for Northern Muslim Youth Preachers has urged Nigerians to show greater
commitment to preserve the legacies of the Sokoto Sultanate.
The
council’s Chairman, Musa Yusuf, said this on Wednesday in Kaduna at a two-day
symposium on the position of northern Ulamas to safeguard the image of the
Sultan, Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the sanctity of the caliphate.
Islamic
clerics from the 19 northern states attended the workshop.
Mr Yusuf
said the image of the Sultan as the revered steward of the caliphate must be
respected and preserved.
He said
the Sultan was representing the Muslims community in Nigeria, cautioning that
any attempt to derogate his position would be considered as an attack on the
Muslims.
The
chairman urged the Sokoto State government to focus on challenges bedevilling
the state to improve education, health and the economy of the state.
He
stated, “We call on the government to join hands with traditional and religious
leaders to ensure peace and unity in Nigeria. We urge the Muslim youths to
disseminate this information to all and sundry that the Muslim youths do not
agree with any attempt to derogate the powers of the Sultan of Sokoto. We
commend the Federal Government for its initiative to provide a constitutional
role for our traditional leaders.’’
Also
speaking, a Kano State-based cleric, Abdulmutallib Ahmad, advised traditional
rulers not to allow themselves to be hoodwinked by politicians, rather they
should prioritise the welfare of their people.
He
admonished political leaders to fear God, respect the traditions and religion.
On his
part, a preacher in Gusau, Zamfara State, Aminu Aliyu, described the seat of
the sultanate as historic that symbolises the legacy of Usmanu Danfodiyo, the
founder of the caliphate.
He said
the position of the Sultan or the “Sarkin Muslimi” meaning the ‘leader of the
Muslims’ was not only restricted to Sokoto, rather transcends to all parts of
Nigeria.
Source: gazettengr.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://gazettengr.com/19-northern-clerics-urge-nigerian-muslims-to-safeguard-sultans-powers/
--------
RSF
commander fires political advisor after calling for talks with Islamists
July 10,
2024
KHARTOUM
– Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander Mohamed Hamdan
Daglo, widely known as Hemedti, dismissed his political advisor Yousif Ezzat
Al-Mahiri on Wednesday, after Mahiri advocated for including the Islamist
movement in peace talks.
Mahiri,
writing on social media platform X on July 9, said there was no reason to
exclude the Islamic Movement from the recent Cairo conference aimed at
resolving Sudan’s political crisis, claiming that despite their exclusion, its
“facades” were present.
The RSF
spokesman, Col. Fateh El Gurshi, announced Mahiri’s dismissal in a statement on
Wednesday night, attributing it to “routine internal arrangements.”
The
statement offered no specific reason for the dismissal or a replacement for
Mahiri but did express appreciation for his service. Mahiri’s call for Islamist
participation preceded his removal.
“They
are a genuine party to the conflict,” he wrote of the Islamic Movement. “If the
conference bypassed the National Congress Party (NCP) but accepted its facades,
then accepting the facades necessitates acceptance of the original.”
The NCP,
considered the political arm of the Islamists, was excluded from the Cairo
talks. Mahiri argued for a broader political process that included all Sudanese
stakeholders.
“I
believe Cairo succeeded in restoring the founding platform for resolving the
crisis,” Mahiri wrote.
He
proposed a process aimed at a comprehensive agreement including all Sudanese
people, addressing the root causes of the conflict, and establishing a future
state with defined governance, citizenship rights, and solutions to all
outstanding issues.
Source: sudanspost.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.sudanspost.com/rsf-commander-fires-political-advisor-after-calling-for-talks-with-islamists/
--------
Nigeria:
How Livestock Sector Can Turn Nigeria's Economy Around - Miyetti Allah
10 JULY
2024
An
umbrella body for herders in Nigeria, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders
Association of Nigeria, MACBAN has suggested how the livestock sector can turn
around the economy of Nigeria if well-harnessed.
The
President, MACBAN, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma spoke in an interview on Channels
Television on Wednesday.
This
comes hours after President Bola Tinubu announced the creation of a new ministry
for livestock development.
The
Miyetti Allah president said the potential of livestock has not been tapped
like Nigeria's neighbours but with the ministry, the country would unleash the
economic gems of the sector, with more jobs created.
Othman-Ngelzarma
cited that Lagos consumes about 6,000 cows daily, and 1.8 million herds of
cattle annually, saying the sector has enormous potential that the new ministry
would tap into.
He said,
"It will go a long way in tapping the enormous potential of the livestock
sector.
"If
tapped, can turn around the economy of the country. If the government can
organise, and develop the livestock sector of the economy, it is enough to turn
around the economy in a way that the economy can even depend on
livestock."
He
expressed hope that the newly created ministry would ensure transformation in
the "production, processing, transportation, management and in addition to
the security dimension" of livestock in the country."
The
MACBAN president commended the President "for establishing this ministry
at the right time when we need it more than any other time."
"This
is what we have been agitating for and today, we have it. We are so excited and
very happy. Our hope has been renewed under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr
President," he said.
Source: allafrica.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://allafrica.com/stories/202407100364.html
--------
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/divorced-muslim-women-supreme-court/d/132681