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Islamic World News ( 11 Jul 2023, NewAgeIslam.Com)

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France's Fear Of Islam: Ex-Presidential Candidate, Eric Zemmour, Says Mosques In Europe May Once Topple It Down

New Age Islam News Bureau

11 July 20123

 

 Former French presidential candidate Eric Zemmour

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Europe

• Araf  Saddiq: 'I'm The First Muslim Paramedic At My Ambulance Service And I've Been Called A Terrorist'

• Journey to Mecca: Jersey man shares story of pilgrimage for Eid

• Banbury Muslim community donate money to decorate mosque with trees and flowers

• Meet the future trainee solicitor hoping to make law firms more Muslim-friendly

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Arab World

• Iraq's Judiciary Formally Requests the Extradition of Qur'an Desecrator from Sweden

• Saudi scholarship student earns Harvard medical award

• Saudi energy minister discusses cooperation with speaker of Jordanian parliament

• Saudi FM attends ministerial meeting between Gulf states, Russia

• KSrelief chief meets World Food Programme executive

• Saudi, Russian foreign ministers meet in Moscow

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North America

• Russian Air Antics Helping Islamic State, Pentagon Says

• CAIR to Argue in Case of Unlawful Removal of Muslim Passengers by Mesa Airlines

• Director of vandalized center: Muslim worshipers are traumatized

• Jews and Muslims come together on Srebrenica genocide anniversary

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South Asia

• Uruzgan Citizens Ask the Islamic Emirate to Repair Roads, Dams in their Province

• Islamic Emirate Denies Pakistan Envoy’s Remarks on TTP Relocation

• Humanitarian Aid Emphasized in Meeting With UK Chargé d’Affaires: Shaheen

• 3 firms sell entire stake in Islami Bank

• One injured in crude bomb blast in Dhaka’s Moghbazar

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Pakistan

• Islamic State Behind Recent Attacks On Clerics, Minorities: Counter Terrorism Department

• Pakistan receives $2 billion from Saudi Arabia: Ishaq Dar

• ECP issues non-bailable arrest warrants for Imran, Fawad Chaudhry in contempt case

• Supreme Court office returns plea seeking ban on PTI

• Faiz Hameed offered top Senate slot, claims Fazlur Rehman

• Justice Dr. Syed Muhammad Anwar sworn in as Alim Judge of Federal Shariat Court

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India

• Shiromani Akali Dal Holds Meeting With Muslims And Christians On UCC

• Krishna Janmabhoomi Issue: Muslim Side Approaches Supreme Court

• Court Dismisses Plea For Disposal Of Application For Survey In Shahi Idgah Mosque Case

• Muslims sacrificial lambs in BJP-TMC fight for power in Bengal: Owaisi

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Southeast Asia

• Reps For Six Non-Islamic Religions To Hold Joint Prayers On July 21 For Sarawak’s Continued Peace, Prosperity And Political Stability

• Rights group: Anwar should not feign ignorance of citizenship law changes affecting orphans, abandoned children

• Dr M: Chinese Malaysians free to make money, build super malls, but not to ‘deprive’ Malays of their country and history

• PAS Youth chief calls for re-examination of Anwar’s graft and sodomy convictions after PM’s remarks about past judicial interference

• Indonesia seizes Iranian-flagged tanker suspected of illegal oil transshipment

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Mideast

• Dozens of Israeli Settlers Invade Courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque

• Taliban urge Muslim world to reconsider interaction with Sweden over Quran burning

• Vigil at Local Administration Ministry condemning burning Qur’an & Zionist aggression against Jenin

• Over 1 in 5 new-borns given Islamic first name in France last year, almost 60% in Parisian suburb

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Africa

• Islamic State Funds Terror Along DRC-Uganda Border

• MURIC accuses Osun Govt of “short-changing” Muslims over political appointments

• Isese: Traditionalists warn Kwara ‘Islamic extremists’ against harassment of members

• El-Rufai: Kaduna now better after ending old tradition of Muslim-Christian leadership

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:   https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/france-islam-zemour-mosques-europe/d/130188

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France's Fear Of Islam: Ex-Presidential Candidate, Eric Zemmour, Says Mosques In Europe May Once Topple It Down

 

Former French presidential candidate Eric Zemmour

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10 July 2023

Elnur Enveroglu

The history of Islam includes many complex stages. For some reason, the religion of Islam, which began to spread to the world from Mecca, the holy city of Muslims, in the VI-VII centuries, began to shake European countries first. It is no coincidence that the power of Islam was able to penetrate the ancient Spanish kingdom of Córdoba (city in Andalusia) by crossing the seas.

Europe never slept and prepared a huge army to push back the Islamic army and thus began many attacks in history called the Crusades. Europe continued an intensive counterattack in 1096-1099 and finally occupied the holy city of Jerusalem after 3 years of intense fighting, during which its residents were ruthlessly massacred.

Over time, states' entry into civilization eliminates religious differences and wars in this direction. Religion begins to spread by free choice, not by force of arms, but by conquering people's hearts. Although Europe has organized 8 Crusades against Islam, today Muslims live in all European countries, mosques call out for prayer, and masses freely perform their religious rituals. However, despite the fact that we live in the 21st century, anti-Islamic, Islamophobic and racist tendencies continue to exist in France, Sweden and other countries like this.

Recently, the events in France, which have caused more noise on the agenda, have risen to a particularly noticeable level. Racial incidents and even killings of people have started to increase in the country. Some of the diplomatic forces at the top of power in France and around it are still trying to express their hatred towards Islam through various means and apply a mechanism of pressure on people. It is no coincidence that the former French presidential candidate Eric Zemmour voiced some fiery opinions about Islam in an interview to a Spanish media outlet. He emphasized that the laws guided by the Islamic religion will prevail over secular laws one day, and condemned the opening of mosques in European countries, saying that this will be a problem for Europe in the future.

"For example, most young Muslims believe that Islamic laws take precedence over the laws of the republic. And what are our leaders doing to combat what they call Islamism? They keep offering more Islam, more mosques, more imams."

The French politician Zemmour, who could not hide his ideology and hatred for Islam, strongly condemned the current "democratic" approach to Islam in Europe. At the same time, he called on the French authorities to take stricter measures against the Islamic religion and the nations of Muslim origin.

"If we continue in this direction, because of demographics and democracy, France could one day become an Islamic republic. We must not forget that Islam is a religion of conquest. This trend can be changed if the French want it."

Thus, France once again demonstrates its unchanging policy to the world by publicly expressing such views. This is not only a policy of colonialism, but also a disrespect for the rules of international law and leading Europe as a whole to ignorance.

It should be recalled that last week, the Non-Aligned movement held at the ministerial level in Baku made statements demanding France to stop such dirty deeds and unanimously formed the Baku Initiative group against France's colonial policy. The NAM ministerial conference was able to convey to the world that France is a harmful force for democracy, in addition to condemning France's tyranny in the 21st century.

Source: azernews.az

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

https://www.azernews.az/analysis/212103.html

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Quran Burnt, Thrown From Moving Vehicle Outside Mimar Sinan MosqueIn Germany

 

Photo: AA.com

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JUL 10, 2023 -

Quran was burned and thrown from a moving vehicle in front of a mosque in southwestern Germany, the Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs (DITIB) confirmed Monday.

The incident happened in front of the Mimar Sinan Mosque in the town of Maulbronn, located in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, from a moving vehicle.

Osman Adıbelli, director of the mosque association, said the incident took place on the night of Saturday, July 8.

"After the incident, when we reviewed surveillance footage of our mosque, we saw that an object was thrown in front of the mosque from a vehicle on the main street. Around 4:45 a.m. (0245GMT), our congregation members who came for morning prayers noticed a burned Quran at the entrance of the mosque," he explained.

Adıbelli said they have filed a criminal complaint over the incident and added: "Due to the reflection of the headlights of the vehicle approaching the front of the mosque we do not know the license plate number or how many individuals were involved in the attack."

Expressing great sorrow and concern over the attack, Adıbelli announced that an investigation has been launched.

The incident comes in the wake of multiple burnings or desecrations of Qurans in various European countries, including a recent high-profile Quran burning in front of a mosque in Sweden, allowed by the police, drawing international outrage.

Muslim leaders and politicians have stressed that such desecrations and provocations are not covered by freedom of expression laws.

Source: dailysabah.com

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

https://www.dailysabah.com/world/europe/quran-burnt-thrown-from-moving-vehicle-outside-mosque-in-germany

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#Abudhabisecrets: How The UAE Targeted Muslims In Europe As Part Of Its 2017 Anti-Qatar Campaign

 

Photo: Doha News

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July 10, 2023

The United Arab Emirates targeted a wide range of Muslims across Europe as part of its anti-Qatar smear campaign at the height of the GCC crisis in 2017, according to a damning cache of released documents dubbed the Abu Dhabi Secret Files.

Emirati intelligence services hired private Swiss company Alp Services to look into thousands of European Muslims, including influential figures, rights activists and prominent journalists, falsely drawing links between them and the Muslim Brotherhood [MB].

While the MB is a popular regional movement that was heavily involved in the Arab Spring of 2011, it is outlawed as a ‘terrorist organisation’ in the UAE.

The UAE’s vehement opposition towards the MB is not solely rooted in ideological differences. Rather, it stems from fears of a potential threat to the region’s autocratic regimes and monarchies, as witnessed in the rise of elected governments affiliated with the Brotherhood in Tunisia and Egypt following the Arab Spring of 2011.

In 2017, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt imposed an illegal air, land and sea blockade on Qatar that was intertwined with a mass smear campaign, justified by Doha’s alleged links with members of the MB.

Released by France-based Mediapart, the Abu Dhabi Secret Files highlights how the UAE intentionally misidentified targets as Islamists affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood as part of a mass Alp Services operation codenamed ‘Arnica’ or ‘Crocus’, which primarily focused on Abu Dhabi’s two fixations: Qatar and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Speaking to Doha News, Dr Andreas Krieg, Assistant Professor at the School of Security Studies at King’s College London, said the operation was designed to disrupt the Muslim community’s communication by spreading fabricated information about individuals, with the intention of tarnishing the reputation of respected Muslims in Europe, as well as Muslim institutions and civil society organisations.

BenoîtHamon, SamiaGhali, the CNRS, and La France insoumise are among the individuals affected by the data collection, Mediapart revealed in its latest report, which said a “frightening cartography” was sent to the secret services of the UAE.

Created by Alp Services, the alarming graphic depicts hundreds of individuals across Europe connected by arrows, supposedly constituting a network of radical Islamists. Previous reports by Mediapart and the New Yorker have already exposed some of the clandestine tactics employed by the agency on behalf of Abu Dhabi.

However, an even more startling revelation has emerged from the most recent investigative series, which is based on information from confidential documents acquired by Mediapart and subsequently shared with the European Investigative Collaborations (EIC) media network.

According to the documents Alp Services supplied the UAE services with a list of over 1,000 individuals and 400 organisations it falsely claimed were associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, in 18 European countries between 2017 and 2020.

This compilation was conducted outside any legal framework, and many of the individuals named have no connection to the MB.

Among those wrongly included in the list are former Socialist presidential candidate Benoît Hamon, Marseille’s deputy mayor and former senator Samia Ghali, author and filmmaker Rokhaya Diallo, as well as the Bondy Blog, Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s La France insoumise party, and even the CNRS, the French public body overseeing scientific research, the report detailed.

The list not only equates these individuals with convicted terrorists associated with Al-Qaeda but also includes their personal details and telephone numbers. All individuals on the list are labelled as either closely affiliated with or supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Responding to the investigation, prominent French journalist Taha Bouhafs slammed the operation as a “social media watch” that collected names of individuals linked to “subjects or controversies having to do with, directly or indirectly, Islam or Islamophobia.”

“As we know, for years every public figure who takes a public stand against discrimination against Muslims has been taxed on social networks with Islamism and Brotherism. In particular by secular networks and circles close to the Republican Spring,” he said.

“For a long time we have been warning about the danger of this absolutely unjustified witch hunt, here is the result. We are stuck as enemies of the emirates, the Muslim Brotherhood organisation is considered a terrorist organisation there. This puts us in grave danger,” Bouhafs warned.

Dr Krieg said the Emiratis have over the years “found traditional partners for their narrative, which was about authoritarian stability, which is fear mongering about political Islam. And the kind of Muslim Brotherhood label was really cultivated as a very powerful narrative to discredit any sort of actor in the Muslim space.”

Is the UAE capitalising on anti-Qatar media coverage despite benefiting from the World Cup?

On the flip side, he said Doha has established its own networks within the Muslim public sphere in Europe, particularly when it comes to influencing discussions and leading discourse on Islam. Qatar has consistently shown a strong stance against Islamophobia and any organisation that promotes Islamophobic narratives as well as regional issues, particularly in Palestine.

“So the information networks of Qatar and the information networks of the UAE are somewhat diametrically opposed and they’re still competing,” Dr Krieg told Doha News.

“So if you want to undermine Qatar’s audiences and Qatar’s strength and its networks, you will have to attack them and the easiest way is by discrediting Muslim civil society in Europe because most of them have a leniency to support Qatar’s policy in the region, particularly when it came to the Arab Spring, advocating for freedom and liberal social, political liberalism during the Arab Spring, while the Emirates are obviously pushing for the other side,” he added.

The UAE has long categorised the Muslim Brotherhood as a “terrorist organisation”. The Gulf state has imposed stringent measures to clamp down on members of the group as well as those who engage in any criticism of the Emirates whatsoever.

Public demonstrations are prohibited, and a significant number of political dissidents, numbering at least 41, remain in detention even after completing their sentences, reports suggest. Emirati authorities have justified their continued imprisonment by accusing them of adopting “extremist thoughts”.

Notably, an investigation conducted by the NGO Forbidden Stories in 2021 shed light on the UAE’s targeting and surveillance of its adversaries through the use of Pegasus spyware. This spyware is capable of infiltrating mobile phones and gaining unauthorised access to personal data and communications.

Despite years of political tensions in the region, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt have now buried the hatchet with Qatar and largely resumed diplomatic and trade ties. The latest revelations from the Abu Dhabi Secret Files come amid ongoing efforts to thaw relations and subside tensions in the region. Last month, Doha and Abu Dhabi announced the reopening of their respective embassies.

“It’s still a very pragmatic rapprochement from both sides […] But what remains at the very heart of this relationship and also at the heart of the crisis that led to the blockade is an idea or difference over values and a difference over ideology as well,” Krieg told Doha News.

“That has not changed and that’s not something you can really negotiate over and it’s not really something where you can find a pragmatic solution for.”

Krieg said while he expects the relationship to be “good”, it will also be pragmatic.

“But I don’t think you can really build solid trust just because there is just a diametrically opposed ideological approach to security and politics and international affairs in the Muslim world, but also in the wider Arab world in the Middle East.”

The operation

Leading the operation is Mario Brero, a 77-year-old veteran of private investigations and the founder of Alp Services, an agency established in Geneva more than three decades ago.

On 7 August 2017, Brero detailed to Matar, an intelligence agent from the UAE, the proposal formulated by his agency two weeks prior—an extensive operation aimed to “map” and subsequently “discredit” the alleged enemies of the UAE.

The plan involved discreetly and extensively disseminating compromising information, Mediapart reported.

In 2017, there were multiple visits to Abu Dhabi, during which Matar guided the Swiss private investigators to his superior, the true mastermind behind the operation, named by Mediapart as Ali Saeed Al-Neyadi.

Al-Neyadi oversees a local administration responsible for crisis and natural disaster management. However, in reality, this organisation, which directly reports to the Supreme National Security Council, also serves as the armed wing of special operations, the report detailed.

Exchanges between the two struck a chord, leading to the signing of the first contract in October 2017. According to the documents gathered by Mediapart, Alp Services received a minimum of €5.7 million in payment between the years 2017 and 2020, with the funds being provided by a UAE research centre known as Al Ariaf, which allegedly acts as a front for the intelligence services.

Probe exposes UAE-Israel unit to ‘sabotage GCC reconciliation’

These tactics encompass press campaigns, articles published under false identities, manipulation of Wikipedia pages, and even attempts to convince banks to close accounts. Hazim Nada, a Swiss-based businessman and owner of an oil trading company, fell victim to one such special operation by Alp Services, resulting in his bankruptcy, Mediapart reported.

Among the countries where the Swiss agency has been particularly active, France stands out. Multiple documents and reports have been produced, including a map titled “Muslim Brotherhood in France December 2020,” which alone lists 191 names and 125 organisations.

The files also show that Alp Services also gave Abu Dhabi’s intelligence services the option to place additional orders, targeting individuals of their choosing, at a cost ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 euros per person. 

UAE spearheading anti-Qatar campaigns

The UAE has long engaged with or carried out smear campaigns against Qatar to ensure that, as experts argue, the positive reputation that Qatar has built over the last five years are tarnished.

“I suspect that many of these operations are still ongoing as we’ve seen prior to the World Cup last year. Emirati Information networks were used to proliferate and to ripen information networks and to proliferate disinformation about Qatar and misinformation about Qatar,” Dr Krieg told Doha News.

“I assume that this is going to continue for the time being because there’s plausible deniability for the UAE, there’s plausible deniability to continue doing what they’re doing and achieving relative gains in the information environment.”

Regarding the future of the UAE-baked anti-Qatar campaigns, Dr Krieg said: “These networks are still operating on behalf of the UAE and they can be mobilised against Qatar if and when the UAE decides to do so.”

Source: dohanews.co

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

https://dohanews.co/abudhabisecrets-how-the-uae-targeted-muslims-in-europe-as-part-of-its-2017-anti-qatar-campaign/

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CAIR Marks 28th Anniversary of Srebrenica Genocide, Warns of Rising Anti-Muslim Bigotry in Bosnia, China, India

 

Director of the Srebrenica Genocide Memorial Emir Suljagic speaks at the opening of Srebrenica Collective Memory Conference, in Potocari, Bosnia, Monday, July 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)

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July 10, 2023

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/10/2023) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today marked the 28th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide and warned of the dangers of rising anti-Muslim bigotry in Bosnia, China, India and other countries. 

Tomorrow, commemoration ceremonies and funerals for 30 newly discovered bodies will be held in Srebrenica, where more than 8,000 Muslim Bosniak men and boys were massacred by anti-Muslim Serb nationalists in 1995 during the Bosnian War. The Srebrenica massacre is the only acknowledged genocide that occurred in Europe since the Holocaust. 

SEE: Hundreds gather in Sarajevo to pay their respects to Srebrenica massacre victims

https://apnews.com/article/bosnia-serebrenica-massacre-farewell-aa4b692533ddb62ec59b13fd930e55ba

In a statement, CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad said:

“Twenty-eight years ago, more than 8,000 innocent Muslims were massacred in Europe’s first such genocide since the Second World War. This atrocious crime against humanity, the victims of which are still being unearthed from mass graves, is a reminder of the seriousness of the threat posed by anti-Muslim bigotry. We ask God to enter the victims into paradise and grant solace to their relatives and loved ones. 

“Unfortunately, Serb nationalism and separatism is on the rise in Bosnia again. The Bosniak people are once again faced with the threat of violence and war. Muslims in India, China, Burma, Palestine, and other areas continue to face oppression, persecution and death at the hands of anti-Muslim bigots. 

“The Muslim world and the entire international community have a responsibility to take concrete action to oppose the rising threat of anti-Muslim bigotry wherever it threatens the lives of Muslims.”

Awad noted that two weeks ago, Bosnia’s Serb Republic passed a law saying that rulings and decisions by the Constitutional Court of Bosnia will not be enforced or applicable in the entity. 

SEE: OHR Calls New Laws Passed By RepublikaSrpska Illegal, Unacceptable, And Blames Dodik

https://www.rferl.org/a/republika-srpska-bosnia-schmidt-dodik-illegal-unacceptable/32481098.html

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.             

La misión de CAIR esproteger las libertadesciviles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a losmusulmanesenlosEstadosUnidos.            

Become a Fan of CAIR on Facebook         

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http://www.youtube.com/cairtv          

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Donate to CAIR         

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Do you like reading CAIR press releases and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR.                   

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END

Source: cair.com

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

https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-marks-28th-anniversary-of-srebrenica-genocide-warns-of-rising-anti-muslim-bigotry-in-bosnia-china-india/

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Taliban Halt Swedish Activities In Afghanistan After Quran Burning

  

Pakistan's former prime minister Benazir Bhutto (right) and human rights activist Malala Yousafzai. — AFP/File

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July 11, 2023

KABUL, July 11 (Reuters) - The Taliban administration said on Tuesday all activities by Sweden in Afghanistan must stop after the burning of the Quran outside a mosque in the Swedish capital last month.

"After the insulting of the holy Quran and granting of permission for insulting of Muslim beliefs ...The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is ordering the stopping of all activities of Sweden in Afghanistan," said Zabiullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban administration in a statement.

Sweden no longer has an embassy open in Afghanistan, since the Taliban took over in 2021.

The order was likely to affect the Swedish non-governmental organisation, the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan, which has thousands of aid workers at work throughout the country in health, education and rural development.

An Iraqi immigrant to Sweden burned the Quran outside a Stockholm mosque last month, causing outrage in the Muslim world.

The Swedish Committee for Afghanistan did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Taliban order. The Taliban administration did not provide details on which organisations would be affected.

Afghanistan's aid sector has already been severely hampered by a series of restrictions, including on female aid workers, and funding reductions for the United Nation's-led annual humanitarian plan suggests donor countries are pulling back on financial support.

Reporting by Mohammad Yunus Yawar and Charlotte Greenfield; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Source: reuters.com

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

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taliban-halt-swedish-activities-afghanistan-after-Quran-burning-2023-07-11/?rpc=401&

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 Europe

 ArafSaddiq: 'I'm The First Muslim Paramedic At My Ambulance Service And I've Been Called A Terrorist'

11 Jul 2023

The first Muslim to work with the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) faced such awful racist abuse that he walked away from the job for two years after being called a "terrorist" and being attacked.

ArafSaddiq was proud to have been the first person from South Asia, and the first Muslim to serve with his country's ambulance service - even if he didn't initially realise he was.

The 57-year-old from Chapelhall, Lanarkshire, was born in the UK to Pakistani parents.

Despite his efforts to help his local community and Scotland as a paramedic, he suffered racist abuse over the years.

This culminated in being called a “terrorist b******” by one person he was taking to hospital who then attacked him.

The vicious attack in 2010 forced him to take an extended career break to get over the trauma.

Speaking to the Daily Record, he said: “I haven’t had many incidents of racism but it has happened. It happens in different ways – people won’t look at you or talk to you even if you are the attending clinician, you are asking the questions but they won’t look at you.

"I have been called racist names a number of times. But I was assaulted about 11 years ago.

"I took a person into hospital and attended to him. He didn’t say much in the back of the ambulance but once I got him through the doors into the hospital and on a chair he just turned round and called me a ‘black, terrorist b******’.

"I started laughing and, before I knew it, he was off his chair in A&E punching and kicking me. My colleague jumped in and tried to get him off but I ended up with a few injuries.

"I dislocated my shoulder and I had a knee injury. It was a pretty vicious attack and it affected me for quite a while afterwards because you think all sorts of things afterwards.

“This guy had such a hatred for my colour, even though I was caring and looking after him, that he attacked me and if he had a knife he would have used it. I had a young family and those kinds of things go through your head and because of that I took a two-year career break.

“That shows how much it affected me. I have never understood hatred like that or how people can hate you because of what colour you are.”

After the attack Araf’s wife, Aysha, a teacher, landed a job in the Abu Dhabi education department so he went with her and their children.

Araf said: “I was quite down at the time. I looked after the kids but after two years I was keen to get going again.”

Source: mirror.co.uk

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

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/im-first-muslim-paramedic-ambulance-30436815

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Journey to Mecca: Jersey man shares story of pilgrimage for Eid

A man from Jersey says "you think about everything, your life [and] your purpose" after attending one of the largest religious gatherings on earth.

Dr Tehseen Wazir joined around two million people in making the journey to Mecca as part of the Islamic festival of Eid.

Pilgrims made their way to Saudi Arabia from around the world to take part in the annual Hajj, a journey every Muslim is expected to make at least once in their life.

This year, Dr Wazir shared his story as Jersey's mosque opened its doors to the public with an exhibition showing the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, the Hajj, and the Eid Al Adha celebration.

In June, Dr Wazir swapped his hospital scrubs for the Ihram, two white pieces of cloth that demonstrate unity and equality, as he braved both the crowds and 42°C heat.

"This was my first Hajj so I went to Medina first and then to Mecca. Everyone is wearing the same cloth so it gives you the atmosphere that we are all the same, irrespective of colour or nation or country they look the same, all in white."

The host of rituals, span several days and include praying, walking between holy sites and sleeping both in tents and under the stars.

The ceremony culminates in the throwing of pebbles, which are collected the night before.

It is a reenactment of the story of the Prophet Ibrahim - known as Abraham in Christian and Jewish traditions - who is said to have hurled stones at Satan to resist temptation.

Dr Wazir told ITV Channel of the emotional moment the ritual took place.

"People just start crying and crying. You start thinking about everything, your life, your purpose, why you're here, what I have been doing, what I should do, and now I'm in front of Allah again.

"It's a great opportunity for every Muslim, you know if they have the means and if they can go there, they should go there."

Source: itv.com

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

https://www.itv.com/news/channel/2023-07-10/journey-to-mecca-man-shares-story-of-eid-pilgrimage

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Banbury Muslim community donate money to decorate mosque with trees and flowers

10th Jul 2023

The money for the new flowers and trees was raised by the congregation during Friday’s (July 7) prayer gatherings and planted free of charge by Banbury's 4th Corner Landscaping.

The trees, shrubs, and bushes will be placed at the front and around the car park of the Merton Street mosque, which is also used as the community fridge for the town.

Source: banburyguardian.co.uk

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

https://www.banburyguardian.co.uk/news/people/banbury-muslim-community-donate-money-to-decorate-mosque-with-trees-and-flowers-4213291

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Meet the future trainee solicitor hoping to make law firms more Muslim-friendly

By Aishah Hussain

on Jul 11 2023

The call for diversity and inclusion within law firms, particularly among Muslim solicitors, is growing.

The latest data from the Solicitors Regulation Authority shows the percentage of Muslim solicitors has increased from 5% in 2019 to 6%, which aligns closely with the proportion of the UK population. Further, history was made when the Law Society installed Lubna Shuja as president, the first Muslim to hold the position.

One future trainee solicitor is on a mission to make law firms aware of the unique practices and boundaries that influence Muslim lawyers’ day-to-day. Waqas Hussain, 32, a former international recruiter and future Bird & Bird trainee set up the Muslim Employment Charter with this in mind. He’s already got a major international law firm onboard and tells us how the charter came about, his plans for the future, as well as his own experience navigating a legal career as a practising Muslim.

Could you tell me what the Muslim Employment Charter does in a nutshell?

Muslims have unique faith-based practices and boundaries that directly influence their working day. The Muslim Employment Charter (MEC) supports employers in meeting the common needs of Muslim professionals. By partnering with MEC, employers commit to implementing our three-part charter, addressing the workplace challenges frequently encountered by Muslim professionals. Our goal is to foster inclusive workplaces where Muslim professionals no longer have to compromise between their faith and their career.

So presumably, these are policies law firms have been slow to adopt — why do you think that is?

The level of accommodation varies across firms — inconsistency is a major issue. While some firms have policies in place for certain areas such as prayer facilities, they may lack an inclusive approach to social and networking events, often centered around alcohol. Overall, there is a significant knowledge gap among employers regarding the basic principles of Islam, resulting in a lack of understanding about the needs of their Muslim employees. As a result, individual employees often bear the responsibility of requesting faith-based workplace accommodations. However, many employees hesitate to make such requests due to the potentially awkward nature of the conversation, especially for introverted individuals or those who are new to the company. So a combination of a lack of understanding and the responsibility of the employee to make their needs known creates a recipe for disconnect and slow change.

What can law firms achieve by signing up?

Adopting MEC can bring numerous benefits to a law firm, including

an enhanced reputation, stronger client relationships, legal compliance, an empowered workforce, talent attraction and a contribution to social mobility.

How did you come up with the idea? And could you tell us a bit about your team?

I spent several years in international recruitment, where I encountered numerous Muslim professionals who were considering leaving the UK because they found it extremely challenging to advance in their careers without compromising their religious obligations or conforming to problematic norms. This resulted in UK employers losing many highly talented individuals.

This issue troubled me deeply, as it was a challenge I had personally experienced. In my search for solutions, I came across a similar charter for Muslim athletes called Nujum Sports. Inspired by this, I decided to create something similar specifically for Muslim professionals. To better understand the common workplace challenges they faced in relation to their faith, I conducted a survey that involved over 500 Muslim professionals.

After several months of research and collaboration, we developed the charter. Its three pillars address the most prevalent areas where inclusion for Muslim professionals falls short. These include establishing workplace prayer and ablution facilities, promoting inclusive social and networking events that aren’t centred around alcohol, and fostering cultural understanding through tailored workshops and participation in Islamophobia Awareness Month.

Our team consists of remarkable individuals who are actively involved in law societies, DE&I committees, and hold positions as partners, law firm owners, and experts in Islamic jurisprudence. They include Shaheen Manum, Sana Saddique, Salma Maqsood, Mariam Khan and QaysSediqi.

What are your goals for the remainder of this year?

We have been actively reaching out to innovative and progressive law firms recently, focusing on garnering support and participation from as many employees as possible. Additionally, we are determined to raise awareness among Muslim professionals, ensuring that they do not suffer in silence and are aware that there is a solution available. As part of our efforts, expect exciting MEC events planned for this year!

You’re a future trainee soon to join a large City law firm and a practising Muslim. Have you encountered any challenges along the way, and what advice would you give to students from a similar background?

My path to the law took a unique route. I initially studied business and marketing and worked in sales and recruitment, making me quite distinct from those who pursued a traditional legal career. However, I firmly believe that the issues surrounding faith inclusion are not limited to specific sectors. Many of us have encountered challenges at alcohol-centric social and networking events, finding ourselves making ablution in sinks or utilising makeshift prayer rooms. My simple advice is to stay true to your values and beliefs without apology, engage in dialogue and support initiatives like MEC. Together, we can create a win-win situation for both employers and employees.

Source: legalcheek.com

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Arab World

 

Iraq's Judiciary Formally Requests the Extradition of Qur'an Desecrator from Sweden

2023-07-10

Shafaq News/ Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council has formally petitioned Sweden for the extradition of Salwan Sabah Moumika, a refugee frok Iraqi citizens who set a copy of the Quran on fire in Stockholm.

In an official correspondence dispatched by the Extradition Department of the Supreme Judicial Council to the Legal Department of the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the council alluded to the document from the Third Karkh Investigation Court, filed under number 18680, dated 3rd of July, 2023.

The court ordered Moumika's arrest, citing allegations of publicly assaulting religious beliefs and displaying contempt thereof, in accordance with Article 372 of the Penal Code.

Given that the case file meets the conditions and regulations stipulated in Article 360 of the Code of Criminal Procedures No. 23 of 1971, as amended, the council urged the extradition of Moumika to the Iraqi authorities to face the charges, urging swift action.

Earlier, on the 29th of June, 2023, FaiqZaidan, the Head of the Supreme Judicial Council, had instructed the initiation of legal proceedings to extradite the Iraq-origin refugee.

The incident that sparked worldwide disarray request occurred on the first day of Eid al-Adha, when the young man was reported to have torn and set fire to a Qur'an near Stockholm's central mosque.

Source: shafaq.com

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https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq-News/Iraq-s-Judiciary-Formally-Requests-the-Extradition-of-Qur-an-Desecrator-from-Sweden

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Saudi scholarship student earns Harvard medical award

July 10, 2023

RIYADH: In June 2021, a remarkable breakthrough took place at Harvard University’s research lab, led by Waleed Seddiq, a Saudi scholarship student. Through their preclinical studies, the team witnessed a momentous achievement as the immune system of a lab mouse overcame brain cancer. Seddiq expressed his excitement, stating: “It’s a milestone for a scientist. For us, it’s like getting the World Cup.”

As they conclude the initial phase of clinical trials, Seddiq’s team has achieved yet another significant milestone. Their groundbreaking medical discovery, involving the use of viruses and stem cells to target and terminate brain cancer cells, has earned them the esteemed Harvard Medical School Annual Conference Award.

“As a Saudi citizen who’s being sponsored by the Saudi government, it’s quite a pleasure having this kind of recognition, having this award, and competing with the world, in the best university in the world,” Seddiq said.

Patients with brain metastases, a condition in which cancer cells from other parts of the body spread to the brain, typically have a survival rate of only six months. In the advanced fourth stage of this condition, the blood-brain barrier poses a significant challenge as it prevents most medications from effectively reaching the brain through the veins. This natural barrier acts as a defense mechanism, blocking the entry of microorganisms like fungi and parasites that may be present in the bloodstream.

The research team found that viruses are one of the few organisms that can access the brain, and with this information, they genetically modified cold viruses, specifically the herpes simplex virus, to only target cancer cells.

“As a delivery vessel, we used stem cells equipped with the modified virus. They flow through the bloodstream until they reach the brain,” Seddiq said.

Stem cells also act as a booster as the virus reproduces within it. Their clinical trials have found that a patient can undergo direct injections into the bloodstream for a four-month period until the patient was “completely cleared” of their cancerous condition.

A similar immunotherapy method, talimogenelaherparepvec, was previously developed to treat melanoma skin cancer, but it is not compatible with other parts of the body, Seddiq explained.

As the award-winning team at Harvard University and Brigham and Women’s Hospital nears the completion of the initial phase of their clinical trials, they have successfully ensured the safety of the treatment for patients. The upcoming phases will focus on evaluating dosage and efficacy. However, to progress to the next stage, the team is in need of approximately $4 million in funding. This financial support will be crucial in further advancing their research.

Seddiq said: “With Vision 2030, I see Saudi turning to having biotech companies. We still don’t have them in Saudi … I believe that by the time (they do), these kinds of projects and any other projects will go to Saudi.

“In the meantime, of course, any research lab would like to have their own fund, their own projects. I hope that one day I can lead a project that is being funded by Saudi, managed by Saudi, in Saudi, in the very promising field of immunotherapy. That’s the end goal: to give a small thank you to the country for what it’s done for me.”

Seddiq embarked on his research journey in high school, prompted by his curiosity of molecular biology and atomic structure. His interest in the field of immunotherapy grew from a question: How can the body’s immune system be used to overcome disease?

He later earned his medical bachelor’s degree from King Saud University in clinical laboratory science before earning a master’s degree from Harvard Medical School in clinical investigation in the translational immunotherapy track. The Harvard program requires an MD, MBBS or an equivalent doctoral degree to apply, but a special committee was held to discuss, and later on accept, his case.

His efforts in the field have merited several acknowledgments, including the SABIC prize for chemistry and health, first place in the field of scientific research at King Saud University for undergraduate students, and the Harvard Medical School scholarship for outstanding students in the years 2021-2023.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2335301/saudi-arabia

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Saudi energy minister discusses cooperation with speaker of Jordanian parliament

July 10, 2023

RIYADH: Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman held a meeting in Riyadh on Monday with the speaker of Jordan’s parliament Ahmed Al-Safadi.

During the meeting, the officials discussed strengthening and developing Saudi-Jordanian cooperation in various fields of energy.

The meeting was attended by the speaker of the Kingdom’s Shoura Council Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi FM attends ministerial meeting between Gulf states, Russia

July 10, 2023

RIYADH: Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan participated in a ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Russia on Monday in the Russian capital, Moscow.

During the meeting, GCC-Russia relations were reviewed along with ways to build upon them in various fields. The meeting addressed developments in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and international efforts aimed at resolving it.

The officials discussed intensifying coordination on a number of regional and international issues, also addressing economic cooperation and international sustainable development goals.

The meeting was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Russia Abdulrahman Al-Ahmad and Abdulrahman Al-Dawood, director-general of the foreign minister’s office.

Jasem Al-Budaiwi, GCC secretary-general, praised the “distinguished” relations between the GCC and Russia, highlighting the signing of a memorandum of understanding in November 2011, reflecting their mutual desire to strengthen ties and foster strategic dialogue.

On Nov. 1, 2011, the first ministerial meeting between the GCC and Russia was held in Abu Dhabi. The meeting led to the signing of an MoU, aiming to enhance economic and cultural cooperation, as well as political dialogue.

Meanwhile, Prince Faisal held talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the recent ministerial meeting. They reviewed historical relations and strategic cooperation, discussing ways to develop ties and consolidate bilateral and multilateral efforts on numerous files of common interest.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2335326/saudi-arabia

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KSrelief chief meets World Food Programme executive

July 10, 2023

RIYADH: Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, the general supervisor of Saudi aid agency KSrelief, held a meeting with Carl Skau, the deputy executive director of the World Food Programme, at the center’s headquarters in Riyadh on Monday.

The two officials discussed ways to strengthen the strategic partnerships between KSrelief and the WFP.

They also discussed the progress of joint projects aimed at providing essential food assistance and enhancing living conditions in communities impacted by various challenges.

Skau commended KSrelief for its professionalism and efforts in promoting global food security.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2335296/saudi-arabia

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Saudi, Russian foreign ministers meet in Moscow

July 10, 2023

RIYADH: The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Russia met with each other in Moscow on Monday on the sidelines of a joint ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council and Russia.

During the meeting, Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Sergey Lavrov reviewed the historical friendship and strategic cooperation between their countries and ways to enhance and develop them in all fields.

They also discussed the consolidation of bilateral and multilateral work regarding many issues of common concern.

Source: arabnews.com

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North America

 

Russian Air Antics Helping Islamic State, Pentagon Says

July 10, 2023

WASHINGTON —

The repeated harassment of U.S. drones by Russian fighter pilots in the skies over Syria is again drawing the ire of U.S. officials who now warn Russia’s antics are serving to help save key terror leaders from almost certain death.

U.S. military and defense officials have complained for months about increasing Russian harassment of U.S. drones and repeated incursions into the airspace over U.S. positions in Syria. But in the latest reported incident, the U.S. says Russian jets spent hours harassing two U.S. drones that were being used to track down and kill a senior Islamic State leader.

"It is almost as if the Russians are now on a mission to protect ISIS leaders," Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said Monday in response to a question from VOA.

"They know exactly where we operate and so there is no excuse for Russian forces’ continual harassment of our MQ-9s after years of U.S. operations in the area aimed at the enduring defeat of ISIS," Singh added, using an acronym for the Islamic State, also known as IS or Daesh.

U.S. Central Command announced Sunday the drones successfully tracked and killed Usamah al-Muhajir in eastern Syria on Friday, noting the same drones, earlier in the day “had been harassed by Russian aircraft in an encounter that had lasted almost two hours.”

Russia’s harassment of the drones used to kill al-Muhajir came a day after the U.S. accused Russian pilots of forcing U.S. drones to take evasive maneuvers in two separate incidents over a 24-hour period.

Those incidents, spanning this past Wednesday and Thursday, included what U.S. Central Command described as close flybys by Russian fighter jets that deployed flares and engaged their afterburners in an attempt to damage the drones’ electronic systems.

Singh declined to say Monday whether any of the incidents allowed other IS targets to escape, instead noting that at least on Friday the U.S. drones were able to successfully complete their mission.

Russia’s embassy in Washington has yet to respond to VOA requests for comment.

In June, the combined forces air component commander for U.S. Central Command accused Russian pilots in Syria of "buffoonery in the air.”

“Anytime you have an air force that has fallen so low on the professional ladder, that they're giving medals for buffoonery in the air, you've really got to wonder what they're thinking,” Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich told reporters at the time, adding Russia’s actions were allowing IS to rebuild.

“They are running training camps and they're building up their capabilities because the Russians and the [Syrian] regime are either incapable or unwilling to put pressure on ISIS,” he said. “They're letting the ISIS threat grow right under their nose."

The U.S. has about 900 troops in Syria to combat the threat from IS.

Intelligence estimates by United Nations member states shared in a report earlier this year indicate the terror group has about 2,500 to 3,500 fighters across Syria and Iraq.

Source: voanews.com

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https://www.voanews.com/a/russian-air-antics-helping-islamic-state-pentagon-says/7175093.html

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CAIR to Argue in Case of Unlawful Removal of Muslim Passengers by Mesa Airlines

 July 11, 2023

WASHINGTON DC- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, will present its oral argument on Wednesday, July 12, in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit regarding the case Abdallah v. Mesa, No. 22-10686.

Abdallah v. Mesa is a federal antidiscrimination lawsuit filed against Mesa Airlines. Further, it is filed on behalf of Issam Abdallah and AbderraoufAlkhawaldeh.

Mesa Airlines Muslim Passenger Case

The incident dates back to 2019, when the two individuals were unjustly removed from a flight due to the discriminatory fears of a pilot employed by Mesa Airlines (YV).

Issam Abdallah and AbderraoufAlkhawaldeh, esteemed leaders within the Muslim community of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, were returning to Texas following their involvement in an international relief fundraiser in Alabama.

However, they faced racial discrimination when the pilot, driven by biased assumptions based on their “Arab, Mediterranean” appearance, refused to fly with them on board.

The pilot even went so far as to inform security. Further, she said she would not operate the plane if a passenger named Issam were on board.

The oral argument for Abdallah v. Mesa will occur on Wednesday, July 12, at 9 AM in the En Banc Courtroom located at the John Minor Wisdom United States Court of Appeals Building in New Orleans, Louisiana.

For those unable to attend in person, the court will provide a live stream of the proceedings on its website at the following link: https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/home.

CAIR’s Efforts and Mission

CAIR’s primary objective is to protect civil rights and foster an understanding of Islam. Further, promoting justice and empowering American Muslims, CAIR actively advocated for the rights of Abdallah and Alkhawaldeh.

CAIR firmly believes that the summary judgment granted for Mesa Airlines by United States District Judge Reed O’Connor last year was an erroneous decision, as a jury could potentially find that Mesa violated federal law through racial discrimination against the plaintiffs.

Additionally, CAIR offers a helpful guide for individuals who believe they have been targeted by racial or religious profiling or discrimination while traveling by air.

This resource aims to assist those who may have encountered similar experiences. Subsequently, provides necessary information on addressing such incidents.

As the Abdallah v. Mesa case progresses, CAIR remains committed to its mission of safeguarding civil rights. Further promoting understanding and empowering American Muslims.

With the oral argument approaching, the outcome of this landmark case will undoubtedly have significant implications for combating discrimination. Subsequently ensuring equality within the airline industry.

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.

Also, read FIRST LOOK: Air India Airlines New Possible Branding, Livery, Logo and More | Exclusive – Aviation A2Z

Source: aviationa2z.com

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Director of vandalized center: Muslim worshipers are traumatized

PORTALES — The Portales Islamic Center has been a place of peace, tolerance and community, Director Ahmed Benssouda said. But recent acts of vandalism that caused thousands of dollars in damage have stripped the Muslim community in the region of its sense of security.

The people who love the center, now heartbroken and timid, travel to Clovis for worship, Benssouda said, adding they have suffered lasting emotional trauma.

Benssouda, who has been the director of the Portales Islamic Center for a decade and has lived in Portales since 2006, said the center has been open since the late 1970s or early '80s. It caters to international students who attend Eastern New Mexico University and families stationed at Cannon Air Force Base, but also anyone passing through the area looking for a place of worship and peace.

Source: santafenewmexican.com

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https://www.santafenewmexican.com/ap/state/director-of-vandalized-center-muslim-worshipers-are-traumatized/article_9ae41275-3977-5d56-bcc5-b4c67b7c4720.html

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Jews and Muslims come together on Srebrenica genocide anniversary

JULY 10, 2023

SREBRENICA, Bosnia-Herzegovina —  Jews and Muslims came together on Monday in Bosnia on the eve of the 28th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre, Europe’s only acknowledged genocide since the Holocaust, to talk about ways of using their shared pain to help rid the world of hate and bigotry.

More than 8,000 Bosniak — mainly Muslim — men and boys were killed in July 1995 in Srebrenica, after Bosnian Serb troops took hold of the eastern town. The carnage has been declared a genocide by two U.N. courts.

“It is absolutely critical for the future of both the Jewish people and the [Muslim] Bosniak people, for us to join forces in remembrance in order to make sure that these type of atrocities not be allowed to occur in the future,” Menachem Rosensaft, gneral counsel of the World Jewish Congress, told the Associated Press.

Founded in 1936, the World Jewish Congress, or WJC, is the leading international organization connecting and protecting Jewish communities in more than 100 countries globally.

Rosensaft was leading a delegation of Jewish scholars and young diplomats attending a conference co-organized by the WJC and the Srebrenica Memorial Center on preserving the collective memory of genocide victims and confronting Holocaust and genocide denial.

The daylong conference, held in Srebrenica as part of this year’s commemoration ceremonies, served as a forum for the two communities to talk about living with the pain of being the victims of the ultimate crime of bigotry.

“If we as Jews and as Muslims understand that we are also joined by that pain, we can build on that constructively to also forge the world beyond suffering in which [genocide] becomes unimaginable,” said Rosensaft, who is the son of Jewish survivors of the Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen Nazi concentration camps.

The Srebrenica massacre was the bloody climax of Bosnia’s 1992-95 war, which came after the breakup of Yugoslavia unleashed nationalistic passions and territorial ambitions that set Bosnian Serbs against the country’s two other main ethnic populations — Croats and Bosniaks.

In July 1995, Bosnian Serbs overran a U.N.-protected safe haven in Srebrenica. They separated Muslim Bosniak men and boys from their wives, mothers and sisters, chased them through woods around the ill-fated town, and slaughtered them.

The perpetrators then plowed their victims’ bodies into hastily made mass graves, which they later dug up with bulldozers, scattering the remains among other burial sites to hide the evidence of their war crimes.

Serb leaders in Bosnia and neighboring Serbia continue to deny genocide happened in Srebrenica — even as remains of the massacre victims are still being unearthed from mass graves and identified through DNA analysis.

Newly identified victims are reburied annually on July 11, the day the killing began in 1995, at a vast memorial cemetery outside the eastern town. On Tuesday, the remains of 30 more people will be laid to rest.

Sabina Niksic contributed to this report.

Source: latimes.com

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https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2023-07-10/jews-and-muslims-come-together-at-srebrenica-genocide-anniversary

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South Asia

 

Uruzgan Citizens Ask the Islamic Emirate to Repair Roads, Dams in their Province

2023-07-11

URUZGAN (BNA) The citizens of Uruzgan called on the Islamic Emirate to provide education, health, and reconstruction works besides repairing roads and dams in their province.

They asked for the restoration of highways and dams in a coordination meeting with the government, which was attended by dozens of religious scholars, influential figures, provincial governors, and other local officials from the central Tarinkot and districts.

An elder tribe MawlaviSharafuddin Sajid spoke on behalf of others and asked the Islamic Emirate to pay attention to the reconstruction of highways and dams, the initiation of health centers, the repair of bridges, and a number of other development subjects discussed, according to BNA correspondent.

Sajid said that another road to connect the center of Uruzgan to Kandahar should be built so that all the people of the province could travel easily.

The people of Uruzgan are demanding education, health, potable water, and other similar reconstruction works and the Islamic Emirate should pay attention to these issues, they urged.

Meanwhile, the governor of Uruzgan, Mawlavi Mohammad Ali Jan Ahmed, asked the religious scholars and the people to prevent drug trafficking, return the usurped lands, support the system, respect the leaders, and implement Sharia laws.

“Currently many reconstruction works are underway in Uruzgan, educational centers are open, dam reconstruction projects have been approved and the ground has been laid for development” he added.

Source: bakhtarnews.af

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https://bakhtarnews.af/en/uruzgan-citizens-ask-the-islamic-emirate-to-repair-roads-dams-in-their-province/

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Islamic Emirate Denies Pakistan Envoy’s Remarks on TTP Relocation

The Pakistan special envoy for Afghanistan, Asif Ali Durrani, said in an interview with Hum Pashto Khabruna, that Islamabad welcomes transfering of TTP to other areas of Afghanistan.

“If the TTP is relocated and it causes us peace all over our borders, it will be a great change and we praise it, he said.

Islamic Emirate spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said that only refugees from Waziristan who entered Afghanistan due to conflicts in their areas, will be relocated, in a bid to assure Pakistan about the protection of threats from Afghanistan.

“The reality is that if someone is active or has movements in Pakistan, it is the issue of Pakistan. They should solve this issue. We are committed to not allowing anyone to cause threats to anyone else (or) Pakistan from Afghanistan,” Mujahid said.

This comes as political analysts said that if these displaced people are related to the TTP, they will cause threats for Central Asia, which will also concern Russia.

“Pakistan is a country who always supported terrorism in the region and this is something which is obvious for everyone,” said Janat Fahim Chakari, a political analyst.

“If it is proven that they are the members of the TTP, then it will be very expensive for Afghanistan and its nation because Russia and China will not be ignoring this issue and Russia will use bombardment and any action,” said Aziz Maarij, a political analyst.

Earlier, Mujahid said that the Waziristan refugees will be shifted to the central, south and northern areas of the country.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-184133

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Humanitarian Aid Emphasized in Meeting With UK Chargé d’Affaires: Shaheen

The head of the Islamic Emirate’s Qatar-based Political Office, Suhail Shaheen, said that in his meeting with the Robert Chatterton Dickson, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the UK Mission to Afghanistan, humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan was emphasized and discussions were also held on economic and political issues.

The Islamic Emirate is a “reality and the international community also knows it, thus engagement is important for both sides,” Shaheen said. “We have discussed the economic situation of Afghanistan in this meeting. The UK Chargé d’Affaires pledged to continue humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and efforts will be made for positive relations in the future,” Shaheen said.

Chatterton Dickson said on Twitter late Sunday that he met with Shaheen in Doha.

“Doha remains an important hub for engagement with Afghanistan,” he said.

Chatterton Dickson visited Afghanistan last week and held meetings with senior officials of the Islamic Emirate.

The political analysts said that the Islamic Emirate should accept the legitimate wishes of the international community.

“The interim government needs to accept some of the legitimate wishes of the international community, which is also emphasized by the Afghans—and it needs to take practical steps to attract international aid to Afghanistan,” said Najibullah Shamal, a political analyst.

“The path for the engagement of Afghanistan and world is opened. The world should also change its double strategy towards Afghanistan,” said Hatif Mukhtar, a political analyst.

“The government should be formed based on the definition it is given in the national constitution so it can have internal legitimacy and international legitimacy,” said Fazal Hadi Wazin, a university lecturer.

Earlier, Chatterton Dickson said on Twitter that his visit to Afghanistan demonstrated the UK's commitment to supporting a positive future for all Afghans, including women and girls.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-184135

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3 firms sell entire stake in Islami Bank

 Jul 11, 2023

Three firms -- Armada Spinning Mills Limited, Kingsway Endeavors Limited and Uniglobe Business Resources Limited -- sold off their entire shareholdings of over 14 crore shares, or 9.07 per cent, at Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd (IBBL).

In doing so, they left the board of directors of the largest private bank in terms of deposits and loans.

After the sell-off, the shareholding of sponsors or directors as per the shareholding report on June 30, 2023 has decreased from 50.97 per cent to 41.90 per cent from the previous month, the company said in a disclosure on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) website.

The company also informed that Ahsanul Alam, nominated by JMC Builders, was appointed as shareholder director and chairman of the bank.

Alam is son of S Alam Group's Chairman Mohammed Saiful Alam.

In 2017, S Alam Group took over IBBL, the country's oldest shariah-based bank.

Stocks of shariah-based banks were traded significantly in the block market in the last few months.

The block market is a platform of an exchange, where a large number of stocks are traded in a single transaction at a negotiated price without affecting the index.

In the last two trading days, the stocks traded at Tk 145 crore in the block market.

Stock market analysts are saying the three corporates are controlled by a leading Chattogram-based group. Stocks of Islami Bank closed unchanged at Tk 32.60 on the DSE yesterday.

Source: thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/business/economy/news/3-firms-sell-entire-stake-islami-bank-3366006

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One injured in crude bomb blast in Dhaka’s Moghbazar

 Jul 11, 2023

At least one person was injured as a crude bomb went off in the capital's Moghbazar intersection last night.

Confirming the matter to The Daily Star, Hatirjheel Police Station Inspector (Operations) Abdus Kuddus said that the incident took place on Dilu Road around 10:00pm.

Police immediately went to the spot and recovered another unexploded crude bomb from the area.

The identity of the injured could not be known.

The OC said police suspect that the explosive was thrown from Moghbazar flyover.

Investigation is going on and police are trying to identify the perpetrators, he added.

Source: thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/4kg-ice-seized-coxs-bazar-3365961

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Pakistan

 

 

Islamic State Behind Recent Attacks On Clerics, Minorities: Counter Terrorism Department

July 11, 2023

PESHAWAR: The counter-terrorism department has claimed that the militant group Islamic State (aka Daesh) is behind the recent targeted attacks against religious scholars and members of minority groups in the provincial capital.

“The CTD has arrested Daesh affiliate Aminullah and killed another, Zafar, following their encounter with the special patrolling squad, Ababeel Force, in the provincial capital,” Additional Inspector General Shaukat Abbas told reporters here.

He said on June 25, a gunman killed member of the Christian community Mushtaq and fled but he was intercepted by the Ababeel Force on the Ring Road near GarhiQamardin area.

“As soon as the gunman saw the force, he opened fire at it injuring three personnel. The force retaliated and killed him,” he said.

The official also said the police seized a pistol, a motorcycle, two SIM cards, a BRT card and an Afghan citizen card carrying the name of Khalid Khan son of Musafir.

Initial investigation identified the gunman as Zafar, an Afghan national living in the Rasheed Garhi area of the provincial capital. Further investigation, especially leads from Zafar’s mobile phone, helped the CTD arrest Zafar’s father-in-law, Ameenullah, according to senior police officials.

They said that the two militants belonged to a network comprising Afghan nationals, who were imprisoned in Pul-i-Charkhi area of Afghanistan.

The officials said around 60 network members, who escaped from the prison after the Islamic Emirates formed the government in Afghanistan, reportedly entered Pakistan.

They, however, said it was unknown how many of those militants were active.

AIG Shaukat Abbas said that targeted attacks against religious scholars and members of religious minorities began in March.

He said it was a challenging task to “trace the militant network and identify its members.”

The official said nine people had been targeted since March and they included Sikhs, Christians, and Muslim scholars.

“Scientific methods were adopted, while a pattern was followed connecting the dots. The forensic evidence showed that just one pistol was used in all these attacks,” he said.

Mr Abbas said the group comprising 15-20 militants had been identified, while the department was close in on it and would bust it soon.

“This is like cleaning your home every day that gets dirty the next day,” he said.

The official said a small number of people reported extortion demands to the police.

He said a businessman, who recently came under attack in Hayatabad, had lodged a case with the police after receiving an extortion call on May 1.

Mr Abbas said the case helped investigators trace those behind extortion calls.

He added that multiple calls of that nature were reported in Darra Adamkhel, Peshawar and Malakand areas.

Meanwhile, Peshawar capital city police chief Syed Ashfaq Anwar said that legal action had been initiated against the PTI activists who blocked roads without permission.

He said all law violators would be dealt with strictly.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1764015

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Pakistan receives $2 billion from Saudi Arabia: Ishaq Dar

July 11, 2023

“On behalf of the prime minister and army chief, I extend our heartfelt thanks to the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their great gesture and support by placing the said deposit of $2 billion with the State Bank of Pakistan,” the minister added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman for ensuring financial support to Pakistan.

“This deposit will strengthen Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves. It reflects the growing confidence of our brotherly countries and the international community in Pakistan’s economic turnaround. We remain committed to making all necessary efforts to improve Pakistan’s economy,” the premier said.

He also appreciated Dar and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir for their efforts in this regard.

Saudi Arabia had already pledged the money to Pakistan and waited for the much-awaited IMF deal to be announced before depositing it.

The financial support will shore up the depleting foreign exchange reserves at the central bank, which had dipped to cover barely a month of controlled imports.

The executive board of the IMF will meet on July 12 to review the $3 billion Stand-by Arrangement (SBA) for Pakistan, the staff-level pact for which was finalised last week.

Pakistan was absent from an earlier schedule released in June, igniting speculation that the IMF was not going to release funds from an earlier programme that expired on June 30.

On June 29, the IMF and Pakistan reached a stand-by arrangement (SBA) to ease the country’s financial crisis. The nine-month SBA, if approved, will bring $3bn, or 111pc of Pakistan’s IMF quota.

The board’s approvals are generally granted once a staff-level agreement (SLA) is done. The Pakistan government was expecting about $2.5bn from the IMF, but it was given $3bn. Pakistan had earlier cleared eight of the 11 listed programme reviews, with the ninth review pending since November last year.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1764134/pakistan-receives-2-billion-from-saudi-arabia-ishaq-dar

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ECP issues non-bailable arrest warrants for Imran, Fawad Chaudhry in contempt case

July 11, 2023

The order was passed by a four-member ECP bench headed by member Nisar Durrani.

Last year, the ECP had initiated contempt proceedings against the PTI chief, Asad Umar and Fawad for allegedly using “intemperate” language against the CEC and the electoral watchdog.

It had also asked them to appear in person or through their counsels before the commission to explain their position.

However, instead of appearing before the ECP, the PTI leaders had challenged the ECP notices and contempt proceedings in various high court on the grounds that Section 10 of the Elections Act 2017, which is the statutory provision regarding the commission’s power to punish for contempt, was against the Constitution.

According to the Election Act 2017, Section 10 titled “Power to punish for contempt” states that the “election commission may exercise the same power as the high court to punish any person for contempt of court and the Contempt of Court Ordinance, 2003 (V of 2003), or any other law pertaining to contempt of court shall have effect accordingly […]”

The PTI leaders had also sought from the high courts a declaratory relief from the charges.

In January, the Supreme Court had allowed the ECP to continue proceedings against Imran, Fawad and Umar. In its order, the apex court held that since the objections to ECP authority were raised by the respondents in the pending proceedings under Section 10, the same was required to be considered and decided by ECP before passing a final order on the matter.

On June 21, the ECP had decided to frame charges against Imran, Fawad and Umar in July.

During today’s hearing, Imran, Fawad and Umar did not appear before the commission despite being summoned.

The assistant of Umar’s counsel told the ECP that his client had another case to attend and a medical appointment, requesting an exemption from personal appearance. The election commission accepted the request and directed the lawyer to submit a formal plea in this regard.

Similarly, the assistant counsel for Fawad — who quit the PTI in the aftermath of violent protests in the country on May 9 — said his client was in Lahore while his counsel, Faisal Chaudhry, was at the Islamabad High Court.

Subsequently, the ECP issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Fawad and Imran and adjourned the hearing until July 25.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1764135/ecp-issues-non-bailable-arrest-warrants-for-imran-fawad-chaudhry-in-contempt-case

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Supreme Court office returns plea seeking ban on PTI

July 10, 2023

After raising multiple objections, the Supreme Court registrar’s office on Monday returned Istihkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) Additional Secretary General Aun Chaudhry’s plea seeking a ban on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in connection with the party’s alleged anti-state activities.

Chaudhry had thrown his weight behind Jahangir Khan Tareen and resigned as special adviser to the Punjab chief minister in August 2021 after he was asked to clarify his position on whether he stands with Tareen or the party. He had made the decision when differences start emerging between Khan and Tareen in connection with a high-profile sugar scam.

In its objections, the registrar’s office stated that the requirements of Article 184(3) of the Constitution were not fulfilled while filing the petition.

It is not clear in the plea how the imposition of a ban on the party comes under Article 184(3) of the Constitution, the office added.

The registrar’s office further said that the plea does not explain how is banning the PTI a matter of public interest.

In addition to this, the apex court stated that the IPP’s leader, who is also the adviser to the prime minister on sports and tourism, did not approach the relevant forum ahead of filling the petition.

Under Article 248 of the Constitution, the prime minister and the defence minister cannot be made a party in the case, the registrar’s office added.

'Plan afoot to ban PTI'

In view of the government’s move to try May 9 rioters in military and anti-terrorism courts, Imran Khan last month accused that efforts were being made to "impose a ban" on his party in the country.

He made the remarks during an exclusive interview with CNN. “In order to keep me out [of politics], the entire democratic system is being dismantled,” said the former prime minister — who was ousted from office via a vote o no-confidence in April last year.

'No other option but to impose ban on PTI'

It is pertinent to mention here that, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah on May 13 had said that there was no other option but to impose a ban on the PTI following three-day-long violent protests that erupted following the arrest of Khan on May 9.

The violent protests were triggered almost across the country after the PTI chairman was arrested in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case which led to the deaths of at least 8 people and injured several others, prompting the authorities to arrest thousands of PTI workers.

During the protests, the miscreants attacked the civil and military installations including – Corps Commander's House (Jinnah House) in Lahore Cantt and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

The military called May 9 "Black Day" and has decided to try the protesters under the Army Act, with Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir saying that the legal process in this regard has already begun.

In addition to this, ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz had also urged the government to deal with the PTI as a terrorist organisation.

In a hard-hitting press conference in Lahore on March 17, the PML-N leader lashed out at the former premier for creating a “scene” at his Zaman Park residence, saying Khan announced a "revolt against the state institutions". She also called for banning the party.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1089139-supreme-court-office-returns-plea-seeking-ban-on-pti

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Faiz Hameed offered top Senate slot, claims Fazlur Rehman

July 10, 2023

Former director-general (DG) of the Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) Lieutenant-General (retd) Faiz Hameed had offered him the Senate chairmanship which he refused, claimed Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday.

Fazl, who has been accusing the former ISI chief of lobbying for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, made the revelation during an informal interaction with senior journalists in Peshawar.

The JUI-F leader said that the former spymaster had called him for a meeting but he refused. Later, he himself met him, Fazl said without giving details about the venue and date.

“I want to see you a member of the Senate and then chairman [of the upper house of parliament],” Fazl, who is also the president of the ruling Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), said quoting the former top spy.

In return, the former ISI chief had asked him that he has to bring change in the system which he refused, Fazl claimed.

Following his refusal, the opposition was divided in the country, Fazl accused the establishment.

Responding to a question, the PDM chief said that all the political parties agreed that the 2018 elections were rigged, adding that the then-opposition should not have taken oath when they termed the assembly as “fake”.

The JUI-F was of the view that the opposition should have taken to the streets and forced the government to resign instead of joining the assemblies, he added.

To another query, the head of the ruling alliance said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had clarified that they would leave the government after the completion of their tenure in the next month.

“After completion of the government's tenure, we will have to go into the election. There are also difficulties in this regard,” Fazl said.

Speaking about the recent political meetings in the UAE, the JUI-F chief revealed that he was not taken into confidence on the Dubai huddles.

Last month, Pakistan Peoples Party's (PPP) top leaders, Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto called on Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz in Dubai to discuss "important" political matters.

The stalwarts of both the PML-N and the PPP had engaged in closed-door, off-camera sessions to discuss various options aimed at containing and managing public sentiments and ensuring the absence of any destabilising void that could potentially undermine civilian governance.

The JUI-F chief also complained that he was not taken into confidence while taking such a “big step”.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1088849-faiz-hameed-offered-top-senate-slot-claims-fazlur-rehman

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Justice Dr. Syed Muhammad Anwar sworn in as Alim Judge of Federal Shariat Court

July 10, 2023

Mr. Justice Dr. Syed Muhammad Anwar has been sworn in as an Alim Judge of the Federal Shariat Court today.

President Dr. Arif Ali administered oath from him in a dignified ceremony at the Presidency.

Source: radio.gov.pk

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India

 

Shiromani Akali Dal Holds Meeting With Muslims And Christians On UCC

July 10, 2023

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Monday held a consultative session with members of Muslim and Christian communities to take their views about the proposed uniform civil code (UCC).

An official spokesperson of the party said during the course of the meeting the leaders of the minority communities felt that the recommendations of the 21st Law Commission should be taken into account before taking any decision on the matter again.

The SAD had formed a sub-committee comprising Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra, Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Sikandar Singh Maluka and Dr Daljit Singh Cheema to arrive at a consensus on the proposed legislation after taking the views of all stakeholders.

Views of the Sikh community were taken earlier.

“The Muslim and Christian community members, while appreciating the effort being made by the SAD to take all stakeholders into account while formulating its view on the UCC, expressed surprise as to how the matter was being taken up afresh by the 22nd Law Commission even though the 21st Law Commission had during its recommendations asserted that the UCC was neither feasible nor desirable,” the spokesperson said.

“However it was felt that a more detailed opinion could be formed in the matter once the Central government released the draft of the proposed UCC,” he added.

The SAD has opposed the implementation of the UCC, saying it would have an adverse impact on minorities and tribal communities in the country.

The Shiromani GurdwaraParbandhak Committee (SGPC), the mini parliament of Sikhs, has also opposed the proposed UCC. The SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said the UCC proposed by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre government is unnecessary in the country as the Constitution recognises the principle of ‘unity in diversity’.  He said minorities fear the UCC will hurt their identity, originality, and principles.

Source: thestatesman.com

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https://www.thestatesman.com/india/sad-holds-meeting-with-muslims-and-christians-on-ucc-1503199097.html

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Krishna Janmabhoomi Issue: Muslim Side Approaches Supreme Court

 JULY 11, 2023

 Members of the minority community on Tuesday approached the Supreme Court challenging orders of the Allahabad high court that directed to club all matters related to the Krishna Janmabhoomi. The Muslim side has alleged that the order of the high court is “bad" in the spirit of law.

A day ago, the Allahabad High Court had dismissed a writ petition filed by the Shri Krishna JanambhoomiMuktiNirman Trust requesting the court to direct the Mathura civil judge to decide its application for scientific survey of Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah mosque premises first before deciding the objections raised against the suit.

The objections against the suit were raised by the management committee of the mosque and Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board.

Justice Jayant Banerjee dismissed the writ petition filed by the Trust after hearing counsel for the petitioner, Suresh Kumar Maurya, and counsel for the UP Sunni Central Waqf Board, Punit Kumar Gupta.

In January this year, the Trust had filed a suit before the civil judge, Mathura, along with a map with a request to protect its interest as well as constitutional rights.

It was further requested that Krishna Janmbhoomi be restored at the place where the Shahi Masjid Idgah presently exists. However, the management committee of Shahi Masjid Idgah and UP Sunni Central Waqf Board filed their objections regarding the maintainability of the aforesaid suit, saying that the suit is barred by Places of Worship Act, 1991, which provides that nature of any place of worship cannot be altered as existed on August 15, 1947.

 The Shri Krishna JanambhoomiMuktiNirman Trust, through its president Ashutosh Pandey, had requested the high court to direct the civil court at Mathura to decide its application for scientific survey first.

Source: news18.com

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https://www.news18.com/india/krishna-janmabhoomi-issue-muslim-side-approaches-supreme-court-8305489.html

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Court Dismisses Plea For Disposal Of Application For Survey In Shahi Idgah Mosque Case

July 11, 2023

Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court on Monday dismissed a writ petition filed by the Shri Krishna JanambhoomiMuktiNirman Trust requesting the court to direct the Mathura civil judge to decide its application for scientific survey of Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah mosque premises first before deciding the objections raised against the suit.

The objections against the suit were raised by the management committee of the mosque and Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board.

Justice Jayant Banerjee dismissed the writ petition filed by the Trust after hearing counsel for the petitioner, Suresh Kumar Maurya, and counsel for the UP Sunni Central Waqf Board, Punit Kumar Gupta.

In January this year, the Trust had filed a suit before the civil judge, Mathura, along with a map with a request to protect its interest as well as constitutional rights. It was further requested that Krishna Janmbhoomi be restored at the place where the Shahi Masjid Idgah presently exists.   However, the management committee of Shahi Masjid Idgah and UP Sunni Central Waqf Board filed their objections regarding the maintainability of the aforesaid suit, saying that the suit is barred by Places of Worship Act, 1991, which provides that nature of any place of worship cannot be altered as existed on August 15, 1947.

The Shri Krishna JanambhoomiMuktiNirman Trust, through its president Ashutosh Pandey, had requested the high court to direct the civil court at Mathura to decide its application for scientific survey first.

Source: ndtv.com

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https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/court-dismisses-plea-for-disposal-of-application-for-survey-in-shahi-idgah-mosque-case-4195702

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Muslims sacrificial lambs in BJP-TMC fight for power in Bengal: Owaisi

JUL 10 2023

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday claimed that innocent Muslims have become "sacrificial lambs" in the West Bengal panchayat poll violence. "These are the poisonous fruits of opportunist 'secularism'.

"While BJP-TMC fight for the profits of political power, innocent Muslims are just sacrificial lambs," he tweeted, responding to reports that there were 15 Muslims among those killed on election day. The West Bengal State Election Commission (SEC) ha...

No major untoward incident was reported till afternoon in the fresh polling held on Monday. On Sunday, a person identified as Abu Salem Khan was found dead near a polling booth in West Gabtala in Kultali police station area. He had injuries on his he...

Another TMC worker, identified as Azhar Lashkar, injured during violence in the district's Basanti area on Saturday night died at the state-run SSKM Hospital in Kolkata, doctors who were treating him said. In Malda district's Baishannagar, TMC worker...

Rahman succumbed to the injuries on the way to the Malda Medical College and Hospital, officials said. Till Saturday night, 12 deaths were reported in the violence that broke out in the state during the polling. Among them, eight were from the ruling...

TMC claimed nine of its members died in the violence, while the Congress claimed three of its supporters were killed. The BJP claimed two of its supporters died, and the CPI(M) also said that two of its members died. The political affiliation of two ...

Source: deccanherald.com

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https://www.deccanherald.com/national/national-politics/muslims-sacrificial-lambs-in-bjp-tmc-fight-for-power-in-bengal-owaisi-1235673.html

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Southeast Asia

 

Reps for six non-Islamic religions to hold joint prayers on July 21 for Sarawak’s continued peace, prosperity and political stability

Tuesday, 11 Jul 2023

KUCHING, July 11 — A joint prayer for prosperity, peace, political stability, unity and social inclusivity will be held next week by Sarawak’s Unit For Other Religions (Unifor) in conjunction with the state’s 60th year of independence.

State Deputy Utility and Telecommunications Minister Datuk LiwanLagang said the thanksgiving prayer ceremony is one of the key events to be held in conjunction with the independence celebration. “The event will commence at 9am on July 21 at a hotel here where representatives of the Christian, Buddhist, Baha’I, Sikh, Tao and Hindu faiths will gather to recite their respective prayers,” Liwan told reporters here today.

He said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg is scheduled to officiate the ceremony.

Liwan said more than 700 guests, including ministers and deputy ministers, heads of government departments, religious institutions of various faiths and community leaders, are expected to attend. He said in a true spirit of the “Segulai, Sejalai” (Together, One Direction) concept, the ceremony will start with a Baha’i prayer to be followed by Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Sikh and Tao prayers for the state’s prosperity, peace, political stability, unity and social inclusivity.

He explained that since January, the six religions had been rotating among their own houses of worship to hold a monthly thanksgiving prayer session.

He added each religion was assigned a special theme in conjunction with the 60 years of Sarawak Independence Celebration as a kick-start to the countdown of this special thanksgiving ceremony.

Sarawak’s 60 years of Independence will be held on July 22 at the Central Padang and is expected to be attended by the Governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, Abang Johari and Sarawak federal and state ministers.

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/07/11/reps-for-six-non-islamic-religions-to-hold-joint-prayers-on-july-21-for-sarawaks-continued-peace-prosperity-and-political-stability/79047

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Rights group: Anwar should not feign ignorance of citizenship law changes affecting orphans, abandoned children

 By Ida Lim

Tuesday, 11 Jul 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim must not pretend to not know of the government’s proposals to change the Federal Constitution to deny Malaysian citizenship to orphans, abandoned children and stateless persons, human rights advocacy group Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) said today.

LFL said that Anwar had yesterday — in his first public response to recent criticism on the proposed citizenship law changes — allegedly pretended to be ignorant of the issue by focusing only on the proposed amendments to enable automatic Malaysian citizenship for Malaysian mothers’ overseas-born children.

“He appears to have no inkling as to the gravity and the impact of the proposed amendments on the stateless, and this is baffling and unacceptable coming from the prime minister.

“Was Anwar not briefed on the issue by his officers or is he side-stepping the issue?” LFL asked in a statement today.

LFL said Anwar had said nothing yesterday regarding both the government’s proposed removal of a safeguard that protects people born in Malaysia from becoming stateless or its proposed removal of the rights of orphans and abandoned children to Malaysian citizenship.

LFL said these two proposed removals from the Federal Constitution by the government will result in a huge increase in stateless persons in Malaysia, and said the government’s proposed amendments are “unjustifiable” and “heartless and cruel”.

“Any reasonable person can see why the amendments are bad for the country, and much public criticism has been made in the past weeks by numerous stakeholders including Suhakam, a statutory body that advises the government on human rights.

“But the home minister has maintained a deafening silence and now the prime minister feigns ignorance by alluding only to the amendments on children born overseas to Malaysian mothers. If you were to listen to Anwar, it would seem that this is the only amendment being proposed,” it said.

LFL said PakatanHarapan (PH) and particularly its leader Anwar had repeatedly promised to solve the problem of statelessness in Malaysia since they were in the federal opposition, and that the coalition must not abandon that promise now that they are in power.

“To do so is to betray the mandate that they have been entrusted with by the people for change and reform,” LFL said.

“As prime minister, the buck stops with Anwar. He must withdraw immediately those parts of the Home Ministry’s amendments which will jeopardise the lives and future of orphans, foundling and other stateless persons.

“Anwar must not preside over the creation of a large new class of stateless persons in Malaysia, which is what his government’s proposed amendments will certainly do. If the government proceeds with these amendments, Anwar will forfeit forever his claim to be progressive and a reformer,” LFL concluded.

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/07/11/rights-group-anwar-should-not-feign-ignorance-of-citizenship-law-changes-affecting-orphans-abandoned-children/79052

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Dr M: Chinese Malaysians free to make money, build super malls, but not to ‘deprive’ Malays of their country and history

By John Bunyan

Tuesday, 11 Jul 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 — Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today acknowledged that Malaysia’s ethnic Chinese have contributed to the country’s growth through the years and continue to do so with their business acumen.

The Kedah-born politician, who turned 98 yesterday, said he was impressed by the ideas and ability that Chinese Malaysians have after visiting one of the newest shopping complexes in the capital city that he described as a “fantastic development” and grander than those in London, Tokyo or Seoul.

“The Malays cannot do it. They don’t have the money or the ideas. Their shops are the stalls on the roadside, ramshackle affairs, with blue plastic roofs,” he said in his latest blogpost.

But, the author of Malay Proclamation also asserted that this indicated the power of the Chinese Malaysians not only in dealing with economic matters but politically as well, without providing specifics.

“By all means make money in Malaysia. Build your super shopping towns.

“But do not deprive the Malays of their country and their history. Allow the Malays to have their share,” he wrote.

He claimed the Malays have accepted that Chinese Malaysians dominate the economy as the latter group is “very good in business”.

“In the past, the Malays dominated the political arena and the administration. So there was a balance. But now the Chinese are also politically powerful. And they intend to be even more powerful.

“If they dominate the political arena also, what is there left for the Malays? Is it wrong for the Malays to try to regain a little of their former political dominance?” he added.

Dr Mahathir said there have been Malays “who have made good, but there are so few of them”.

He asserted that Malaysia has “always been a Malay country” even if its population today is multiracial, and that the Malays here “made a concession to accommodate Chinese and Indians migrants” by granting them citizenship.

He added that in other countries, the immigrants who chose to settle there are “assimilated”.

Dr Mahathir, who competed in GE15 last November but failed to defend his Langkawi parliamentary seat, has recently been pushing the narrative that Malays are under siege in their own country.

In another recent post on social media, Dr Mahathir claimed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is beholden to the Chinese-dominated DAP even though the party only has four ministers in the Cabinet.

The former two-time prime minister also claimed that promoting a multi-ethnic Malaysia is unconstitutional, and alleged that the Federal Constitution is steeped in “Malayness”.

In a series of tweets, Dr Mahathir claimed that the DAP had a “manifesto” to turn the country into a multi-ethnic secular one without a religion of the federation, and that the Anwar administration would collapse if the party’s 40 MPs chose to withdraw their support for the PKR president.

His remark was slammed by many in the government as baseless, including Anwar and DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke.

The Malaysian Bar has also condemned him for selectively interpreting the Federal Constitution.

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/07/11/dr-m-chinese-malaysians-free-to-make-money-build-super-malls-but-not-to-deprive-malays-of-their-country-and-history/79060

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PAS Youth chief calls for re-examination of Anwar’s graft and sodomy convictions after PM’s remarks about past judicial interference

By R. Loheswar

Tuesday, 11 Jul 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 — The courts should re-examine its past decisions on Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s conviction for corruption and sodomy before he became prime minister, PAS Youth chief Ahmad FadhliShaari said today.

The Pasir Mas MP said he was concerned after Anwar’s reported remarks about certain past judges who made decisions that deviated from the course of justice in his speech at the International Malaysia Law Conference 2023 here yesterday.

“I am deeply troubled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's statement regarding the independence of the judiciary. Could this potentially lead to more criminals challenging the judges and the judiciary system based on claims of unfair sentencing?” Ahmad asked in a statement.

“I propose that now is the opportune moment to re-examine the prime minister's sodomy case. Let us not forget that his pardon by the Yang di-PertuanAgong did not absolve him of his conviction,” he added.

He said that Anwar’s pardon in May 2018 did not invalidate the latter’s conviction, given Anwar's assertion that politicians had exerted pressure on the judiciary to influence their court decisions.

He argued that it was only fair that Anwar’s case be re-evaluated now that the latter is prime minister.

Anwar attended the International Malaysia Law Conference 2023 yesterday, where he recounted his personal struggles and legal battles leading up to his 2014 conviction and imprisonment.

The PM highlighted a clear violation of the principle of the separation of powers by those in positions of authority, characterising it as an assault on the judiciary's independence.

Anwar accused specific individuals of holding the judiciary hostage and influencing their decisions, undermining principles of good governance and fairness.

He vowed to protect and uphold the independence of the judiciary.

Ahmad said that if Anwar’s remarks proved true, “that there were judges who deviated from the path of justice, then justice must prevail”.

“Making broad statements like this is unfair to the judiciary and can lead to misunderstandings,” he said.

“If the government could grant ex-gratia payments of RM10.5 million to former Chief Justice TunMohdSalleh Abas and five other former senior judges in 2008, acknowledging that their dismissal or termination in 1989 was ‘illegal’, then there is no reason why the prime minister cannot seek justice,” he added.

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/07/11/pas-youth-chief-calls-for-re-examination-of-anwars-graft-and-sodomy-convictions-after-pms-remarks-about-past-judicial-interference/79003

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Indonesia seizes Iranian-flagged tanker suspected of illegal oil transshipment

JULY 11, 2023

JAKARTA - Indonesia's coast guard (Bakamla) said on Tuesday (July 11) it has seized an Iranian-flagged tanker suspected of involvement in the illegal transshipment of crude oil.

The vessel, MT Arman 114, was carrying 272,569 metric tons of light crude oil and was suspected of transferring the oil to another vessel without a permit, the coast guard said in a statement.

Bakamla said the vessel was captured after it was spotted conducting an oil transfer to another vessel, the Cameroon-flagged MT STinos. It did not say when that took place.

MT Arman was also suspected of violating other maritime regulations, such as turning of its automatic identification system, sailing without a flag and operating without port clearance, Bakamla said.

The vessel operators could not be immediately reached for comment.

Source: asiaone.com

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https://www.asiaone.com/asia/indonesia-seizes-iranian-flagged-tanker-suspected-illegal-oil-transshipment

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Mideast

 

Dozens of Israeli Settlers Invade Courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque

11 July, 2023

Scores of Israeli settlers invaded Tuesday morning, July 11, 2023, the courtyards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and performed provocative rituals under the protection of Israeli occupation forces.

Local sources in occupied Jerusalem reported that tens of Israeli settlers broke into the courtyards of Al-Aqsa and provocatively performed Talmudic rituals from the Al-Maghareba Gate area.

Israeli colonial settlers, backed by the Israeli occupation forces, repeatedly invade Muslims’ holy places in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem in a flagrant violation of all international conventions and laws, guaranteeing Palestinian people’s right to worship in their sacred places.

Meanwhile, Palestinians in occupied Jerusalem continue their calls to mobilize at Al-Aqsa to confront the daily Israeli settlers’ incursions.

Source: daysofpalestine.ps

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https://daysofpalestine.ps/dozens-of-israeli-settlers-invade-courtyards-of-al-aqsa-mosque-20/

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Taliban urge Muslim world to reconsider interaction with Sweden over Quran burning

11.07.2023

Afghanistan's interim Taliban administration on Tuesday urged the Muslim world to reconsider its interaction with Sweden as it announced a complete ban on Sweden's activities in the country following the recent burning of a copy of the Holy Quran in Stockholm.

In a statement, the interim administration said the ban will remain in effect until Sweden apologizes to Muslims for this "heinous act."

“After insulting the Holy Quran and the Muslim faith in Sweden, the Islamic Emirate suspends Sweden's activities in Afghanistan until they apologize to the Muslims for this heinous act. IEA’s (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan) relevant organizations are obliged to comply with this directive,” read the statement, tweeted by its spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

Last month, a person identified as SalwanMomika burned a copy of the Quran under police protection in front of the Stockholm Mosque in Sweden.

His provocative act was timed to coincide with Eid al-Adha, one of the major Islamic religious festivals celebrated by Muslims worldwide.

It elicited widespread condemnation from across the Islamic world, including Türkiye, Jordan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Senegal, and Mauritania.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/taliban-urge-muslim-world-to-reconsider-interaction-with-sweden-over-quran-burning/2942195

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Vigil at Local Administration Ministry condemning burning Qur’an & Zionist aggression against Jenin

[10/July/2023]

SANA'A July 10. 2023 (Saba)- The Ministry of Local Administration organized today a vigil to denounce the Swedish authorities' allowing extremists to burn copies of Holy Qur'an, as well as the Zionist aggression on Jenin.

The participants in the vigil, in which the undersecretaries, general managers and employees participated, confirmed that the burning of copies of the Noble Qur’an, with the support and blessing of the Swedish government, indicates the continued hostility of those governments to Islamic religious sanctities and symbols, considering the Zionist aggression on the Jenin camp as a continuation of the enemy’s crimes and violations against the Palestinians.

A statement issued by the vigil, read by the Undersecretary of the Ministry for the Local Development Sector, Ammar Al-Harib, confirmed the condemnation and denunciation of the leadership and employees of the ministry and the local authority agencies in the municipality and the provinces for burning the Qur’an crime , and considered it a provocation to the feelings of two billion Muslims in the world, and a flagrant violation of all international conventions, norms and human rights principles that criminalize infringement of symbols. And religious sanctities for all peoples of the world.

The statement condemned the Zionist aggression against Jenin camp ,all the crimes and violations against the struggling Palestinian people.

The statement praised the position of the National Salvation Government and the decision of the Standards Authority regarding boycotting all Swedish goods and products, calling on the local authority bodies in the capital’s secretariat, provinces and districts to continue the sit-ins and marches condemning the Zionist aggression on the Jenin camp, and burning Holy Qur’an crime.

The statement also called on all Arab and Islamic countries to take effective measures to deter Israeli practices against the Palestinians and all crimes that offend Islam and Islamic sanctities, foremost of which is the economic and political boycott of countries that allow these crimes to be committed.

The statement held the Swedish authorities responsible for the repeated insult to Islamic sanctities, foremost of which is Holy Qur'an, calling on the United Nations and its organizations to take deterrent measures against the Zionist enemy and hold it accountable for the crimes it commits.

Source: saba.ye

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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3250931.htm

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Over 1 in 5 newborns given Islamic first name in France last year, almost 60% in Parisian suburb

July 10, 2023

The number of newborn babies given an Islamic first name in France rose in 2022 to 21.8 percent nationally, up 1.1-percentage points on the previous year.

Birth name data published annually by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), has been analyzed for eight consecutive years by the Fdesouche press review site which highlights the growing rise in births registered across France under an Islamic first name.

Since 1997, the figure has more than trebled from 7 percent of all newborns to 21.8 percent last year, but the rise is far more pronounced in certain concentrated areas of the country.

For example, in Île-de-France, the most populous of France’s 18 regions, the number of newborns registered with an Islamic first name was 33.6 percent last year, up 7.7 percent in a decade. A deeper dive shows the department of Seine-Saint-Denis, a Parisian suburb to the northeast of the French capital, is the most highly concentrated with 58.3 percent of all newborns given a Muslim name.

Val-d’Oise, also a department in the Île-de-France region to the north of Paris, recorded a figure of 40.8 percent, while Val-de-Marne, to the capital’s south, recorded 38.2 percent.

Île-de-France as a region reported the highest average figure of 33.6 percent, followed by Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, which comprises the city of Marseille, came second with 23.4 percent.

Meanwhile, the region of Bretagne, or Brittany, to the country’s northwest, recorded the fewest births with Muslim names at 8.9 percent, up from 4.6 percent in 2012.

The department of Cantal, located in the heart of The Alps in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, had the smallest concentration of Islamic births with just 2.1 percent.

The analysis, validated in 2019 by JérômeFourquet, a French political scientist and the director of international polling and market research firm IFOP since 2011, identifies two categories of Islamic names. The first is known as “strict Muslim first names” as outlined in the Quran, in addition to a second category labelled “Islamo-compatible first names” for which half of this figure is included in the count.

Examples of strict Muslim first names include Mohamed and its variations, Ibrahim, Younes, Imran, Youssef, Ismael, Ahmed, and many more.

Ethnic statistics are not available in France, so researchers must look into factors like how many people are born with Muslim names to determine demographic trends.

Source: rmx.news

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https://rmx.news/france/over-1-in-5-newborns-given-islamic-first-name-in-france-last-year-almost-60-in-parisian-suburb/

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Africa

 

Islamic State funds terror along DRC-Uganda border

11th Jul 2023

New reporting shows how the Islamic State group has funded the Allied Democratic Forces for at least four years, leading to an escalating scale of brutality.

The report by a United Nations panel of experts outlines the latest evolution of the relationship between one of the deadliest terrorist groups in central Africa and the Islamic State group, which seeks to expand its footprint on the continent after losing ground in the Middle East.

The Allied Democratic Forces, which are based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is accused of attacking a dormitory in western Uganda in mid-June, leaving 41 dead. Attackers set fire to the building, shot wildly and then used machetes to hack survivors to death. It was the deadliest attack in Uganda in more than a decade.

“I keep on hearing the voices of those students begging for their lives,” one witness told the BBC. “I’ve not been able to eat because I keep on replaying the cries of the children.”

Formed in 1995, the Allied Democratic Forces in 2018 publicly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, which dubbed it the Islamic State Central African Republic (ISCAP) and claimed credit for some of the group’s attacks in western Uganda and the eastern DRC.

Since 2017, the Kivu Security Tracker reports 999 incidents involving the Allied Democratic Forces in eastern DRC provinces bordering Uganda and Rwanda. As of October 2020, the Islamic State group had claimed credit for 72 attacks inside the DRC, with 65% of those directly related to verified Allied Democratic Forces attacks.

According to the tracker, a large number of attacks have taken place across the border from Uganda’s Kasese province where the June school shooting happened.

According to the U.N. report, the Islamic State group has funded the Allied Democratic Forces since 2019 through a web of financial mechanisms running through Kenya, Somalia, South Africa and Uganda. The report also notes that the Allied Democratic Forces has sent fighters beyond their base in North Kivu and Ituri in an attempt to expand their operations in the region — possibly as far as the DRC capital, Kinshasa.

“It should be noted that (their) objective is to carry out acts of terror that make big publicity,” DRC government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya told a news briefing after the release of the U.N. report.

The Allied Democratic Forces’ turn toward the Islamic State group was more pragmatic than ideological: A group member opposed to the turn told analysts that the hope was that the Islamic State group would be “splashing them with dollars and weapons and ammunition,” according to a 2021 report by the George Washington University’s Program on Extremism.

Allied Democratic Forces has reportedly killed thousands of civilians and hundreds of Soldiers and displaced hundreds of thousands of others in the DRC over the past decade. Since 2019, Allied Democratic Forces’ activities have received prominent appearance in Islamic State group media.

“It is evident that the Islamic State is leveraging these activities to demonstrate that it remains a relevant and active movement with a broad transnational reach, despite its loss of territorial control across Syria and Iraq,” the Program on Extremism analysts wrote in their report, “The Islamic State in Congo.”

The U.N. report also found connections between Allied Democratic Forces and the Ahlu Sunnah WalJama’a militia in Mozambique, which has also declared allegiance to Islamic State.

With formal Islamic State affiliates and pro-Islamic State groups dotted across Africa, the potential for cross-border collaboration and the movement of greater numbers of foreign fighters may threaten regional stability, according to the report.

Written by Africa Defense Forum and republished with permission. The original article can be found here.

Source: defenceweb.co.za

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https://www.defenceweb.co.za/joint/diplomacy-a-peace/islamic-state-funds-terror-along-drc-uganda-border/

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MURIC accuses Osun Govt of “shortchanging” Muslims over political appointments

The governor of Osun state, AdemolaAdeleke, whose list of commissioners includes seven Muslims and 17 Christians, has drawn criticism from the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

In a statement on Monday, Governor Adeleke was charged with engaging in religious partisanship and accused of giving permission for the oppression of Muslims, according to MURIC Executive Director Prof. Ishaq Akintola.

The statement partly reads, “We condemn this wanton blockage of privileges that should go to Muslims and their diversion to over-pampered and over-fed Christians in Osun State.

“By deceiving Muslims in the state and engaging in spiritual hide and seek, Governor Adeleke has exhibited qualities odoriferously short in honour and dignity but egregiously long in infamy and bohemianism.

“The goal of Adeleke’s deception is for the perpetuation of the marginalization, shortchanging and oppression of Muslims in Osun State. Adeleke is a secret agent of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

“But it is for a while. Time will tell. Governor ‘James Bond’ and the few selfish Muslims whom he is using will soon see that honesty and openness are what makes enduring leadership,” he said.

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As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

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Source: ripplesnigeria.com

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https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/muric-accuses-osun-govt-of-shortchanging-muslims-over-political-appointments/

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Isese: Traditionalists warn Kwara ‘Islamic extremists’ against harassment of members

10th July 2023

The Ancient Religion Societies of African Descendants International Council, the umbrella body for all indigenous African religions, has warned those it described as “Islamic extremists” in Ilorin, Kwara State over the harassment and provocation of its members in the state.

The PUNCH reports on July 1 that a Muslim group, Majlisu Shabab li Ulamahu Society, in Ilorin, Kwara state stormed the residence of a traditional religion priestess, YeyeOmolaraAjesekemi, to impose a ban on any form of Isese festival in five local governments in the state.

Isese, the Yoruba word for tradition, is used to denote different kinds of festivals held by adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion in Nigeria and Cuba, Brazil, the United States, Benin, and other countries.

The group listed four local governments in the state where any form of traditional religion is prohibited. The local governments are Ilorin West, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, and Asa.

The group warned a young woman who attended to them at the priestess’ residence that the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, sent them to convey the warning.

However, in a statement released by the president of ARSADIC, Aare (Dr) IfagbenusolaAtanda, on Monday, stressed the need to discourage religious fundamentalism in any part of the country.

Atanda condemned the actions of the Majlisu Shabab li Ulamahu Society and the spokesperson for the Emir of Ilorin, AbdulazeezArowona, for threatening the priestess and stopping her from organising the Isese festival in the town.

The statement firmly asserted the rights of traditional religion adherents to freedom of religion and association, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

Atanda reaffirmed the commitment of the indigenous religious community to non-offensive interactions with other faiths while warning against any encroachment on their religious rights.

The ARSADIC president stressed that Ilorin, as part of Kwara State, is an integral component of Nigeria, and they are prepared to defend their faith.

“We will never fold our arms and allow extremists in any guise to deny us our God-given rights, supported by the laws of Nigeria as a secular state,” declared Atanda. “We are quite aware that Ilorin, Kwara State is an integral part of Nigeria, and we are ready to defend our faith.

“YeyeOmolaraAjesekemi has our support at all times to practice her faith, the traditional religion, which bonds all of us together. And as the tenets of our faith have taught us to be pious, law-abiding, accommodating of other religions, and value humanity, we will refuse to be intimidated and humiliated by any group or anybody.”

Atanda called upon the state government, led by Governor AbdulRahmanAbdulRazaq, and all security agencies to intervene and fulfil their constitutional duty of safeguarding lives and property.

Source: punchng.com

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https://punchng.com/isese-traditionalists-warn-kwara-islamic-extremists-against-harassment-of-members/

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El-Rufai: Kaduna now better after ending old tradition of Muslim-Christian leadership

July 10, 2023

A former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Sunday, said that a recent change in the old tradition of leadership choice had changed things for the better in the state.

DAILY NIGERIAN reports that during his tenure as Kaduna governor, Mr El-Rufai had jettisoned the long-established tradition of choosing a Christian as deputy governor from the southern part of the state.

His successor, Uba Sani, has also followed suit.

Speaking at the launch of an autobiography and retirement programme of Prof. Ishaq Akintola, in Lagos, Mr El-Rufai regretted that leadership choice based on entitlement in Kaduna State plunged the state into a protracted crisis in the bygone years.

According to him, the culture of citizens centred governance should be encouraged in the country, to drive even development.

Mr El-rufai, who was the keynote speaker and awardee at the programme, said with the present political advancement of the country, any political mobilisation based on ethnic or religious leaning was bound to fail.

He said that the enthronment of Tinubu-Shettima was a repeat of Abiola-Kingibe feat.

According to him the sound-footing with which the Tinubu leadership was going had deflected the ranks of those that did not see any good in the same faith ticket that propelled them to power.

“As a people, the earlier we distill ourselves from the primordial ethno-religious perception of things, especially as it concerns national leadership, the better for us.

“The way with which the present administration at the centre is changing things for the common good of the Nigerian people within a short period shows that leadership should be hinged on merit and not entitlement basis.

“We must de-emphasise religion and ethnic colouration for us to build a society where no one should be discriminated upon on the basis of ethic nationality, religion or political leaning.

“As members of the two major religious group in the country, if we find ourselves in public positions, we should ensure we practice the basic principles of leadership as encapsulated in both Christian and Islamic religion.

“Both religions espoused the culture of good leadership, but some individual persons tend to do that which is at variance with the scriptures,” he said.

Source: dailynigerian.com

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https://dailynigerian.com/rufai-kaduna-tradition/

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