Two Hindu Men Posing as Muslims Arrested for Issuing Bomb Threat to Ayodhya Ram Temple and CM Yogi Adityanath

New Age Islam News Bureau

04 January 2024

 

Ayodhya Ram Temple

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·         Two Hindu Men Posing as Muslims Arrested for Issuing Bomb Threat to Ayodhya Ram Temple and CM Yogi Adityanath

·         RSS Affiliate Muslim Manch Plans March to Ayodhya for A ‘Darshan’ Of the Temple Post-Consecration

·         Pakistan Witnessed 306 Militant Attacks, A 17 Per Cent Spike in Terrorist Violence In 2023: Report

·         Dozens Killed In 'Terrorist Attacks' Near Tomb of Iranian Guards' Soleimani

·         Biden's Political Appointee at the Education Department Resigns Because Of US Failure to Halt Israeli Actions in Gaza

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India

·         Keep Gyanvapi survey report sealed for 4 more weeks: ASI to Varanasi court

·         Asaduddin Owaisi reacts to CAA rules report, says 'grave injustice, especially to Muslims...'

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Pakistan

·         Islamabad urges Kabul to address bilateral concerns

·         Under-trial prisoner at Adiala jail murdered after ‘rape’

·         Pakistan strongly condemns terrorist attack in Kerman, Iran

·         Imran charged with contempt of election commission

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Mideast

·         Ebrahim Raisi Accuses Israel for Twin Explosions in Iran, warns 'Will Pay A Heavy Price'

·         Those Involved In Hamas Attack Signed Own Death Warrant: Israel Spy Agency Mossad Chief

·         Nine Hezbollah members killed in Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon

·         Israeli army kills Palestinian in West Bank as death toll hits 325

·         1 million displaced people have arrived in Rafah since Oct. 7: Gaza official

·         Raisi says al-Arouri played important role in defending rights of Palestinian people

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North America

·         State Department: US 'not seeing any acts that constitute genocide' in Gaza

·         US, allies warn Houthis of consequences for 'unacceptable' attacks in Red Sea

·         US, France condemn Israeli plan to deport Gazans

·         Top official vows justice for slain American imam shot outside New Jersey Mosque

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South Asia

·         Islamic Emirate Estimates Daesh Numbers in Afghanistan Around 80

·         Afghan Singers Abroad Helped Fund New Houses for Earthquake Victims

·         US supports United Nations’ appointment of Special Representative for Afghanistan

·         Iran expels over 500,000 Afghan migrants in nine months

·         Islamic Emirate Condemns Deadly Explosions in Iran, Extends Condolences

·         Graft case against Yunus, 12 others: Court sets March 3 for report submission

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Southeast Asia

·         Why Malaysian Court of Appeal Upheld ‘Gay Is OK! A Christian Perspective’ Book Ban In 2-1 Decision

·         Myanmar junta to release more than 9,000 prisoners in annual amnesty

·         Iran blasts: Malaysian conveys condolences, calls for mastermind to be brought to justice – PM Anwar

·         Japan quake rescuers race against time as survival limit nears

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Africa

·         South African FM: We Will Not Forget Palestine, We Will Continue Our Struggle To Stop Genocide

·         DbaibaMeets with Ambassadors OfArab, African And Islamic Countries Accredited To Libya.

·         Man in police net for stabbing Kano Chief Imam to death

·         Islamic police, Hisbah, seizes 24,000 bottles of alcohol in Kano

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Europe

·         France Supports Lebanese Sovereignty Amid Tensions After Assassination of Hamas Official By Israel

·         Netherlands condemns Israeli ministers' call for Palestinian migration from Gaza

·         UK’s Cameron: Israel must allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza

·         EU’s Borrell condemns ‘terrorist attack’ in call with Iran FM

·         Putin sends condolences to Iran after terrorist attack

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Arab World

·         Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Ministers' Call For Migration Of Palestinians In Gaza

·         Saudi Arabia condemns blasts that killed nearly 100 in Iran

·         36th Saudi aid plane for Gazans arrives in Egypt

·         King Salman to host 1,000 Umrah pilgrims from around the world

·         Yemen postpones Iran-Backed Houthi talks on prisoner exchange

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:    https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/hindu-muslims-bomb-ayodhya-ram-adityanath/d/131453

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Two Hindu Men Posing as Muslims Arrested for Issuing Bomb Threat to Ayodhya Ram Temple and CM Yogi Adityanath

 

Ayodhya Ram Temple

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04th January 2024

LUCKNOW: Two people were arrested on Wednesday for a social media post that threatened to bomb Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and blow up Ayodhya's Ram temple in a blast, officials said.

A team of Uttar Pradesh's Special Task Force arrested Tahar Singh and Omprakash Mishra from the Vibhuti Khand area of Gomti Nagar in Lucknow, according to a statement.

The two had threatened Adityanath, STF chief Amitabh Yash and Ayodhya's Ram temple in a post on 'X' in November using the handle '@iDevendraOffice', the statement said.

The investigation initially revealed that email IDs 'alamansarikhan608@gmail.com' and 'zubairkhanisi199@gmail.com' were used to send the threat posts, it said.

After technical analysis of the email IDs, it was found that Tahar Singh created the email accounts and Omprakash Mishra sent the threat messages, it added.

Singh and Mishra are both residents of Gonda and work in a paramedical institute, the statement said. The STF is probing the matter further, it added.

Source: newindianexpress.com

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RSS Affiliate Muslim Manch Plans March to Ayodhya for A ‘Darshan’ Of The Temple Post-Consecration

 

Ayodhya Ram Temple

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04th January 2024

NEW DELHI: Hundreds of Muslims who donated to the Nirman Nidhi fund created for Ram temple in Ayodhya will travel to the holy city after January 22 for a ‘darshan’ of the temple post-consecration. The Padayatra (foot march) is facilitated by the RSS-affiliate Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM).

Shahid Sayeed, the MRM’s national executive member and spokesperson said, “Muslim community members from nearly 50 districts of various states are set to visit Ram temple in Ayodhya. Most of them will be coming by cars, bikes, and cycles. The march will strengthen religious amity. The volunteers will be reaching Ayodhya after January 23.”

He said a good number of the marchers would be from J&K, besides Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, UP and Delhi.  “They are from various backgrounds and represent India’s essence of religious amity and brotherhood”, he said.

Recently, Indresh Kumar, the chief patron of MRM, lauded the initiative saying all communities belong to Bharat. “The MRM is engaged in garnering Muslim support from across 250 districts nationwide, collecting donations from Khankah, madrassa and Islamic schools,” Sayeed said, adding contributions from over 10 Islamic universities were consolidated into the ‘Nirman Nidhi fund.’

Sayeed said the MRM had presented a collection of signatures from over 8.5 lakh Muslims in favour of the removal of Article 370 and 35A to then President Pranab Mukherjee. “Nearly 11 lakh Muslims from across the country signed a petition to impose an immediate ban on cow slaughter. The MRM has been running campaigns for several years within the Muslim society against practices such as triple Talaq and halala”, he said.

He added that MRM believes that Ram is Imaam-e-Hind. “Ram is the epitome of virtue, who gave the message of humanity and love,” said Sayeed, adding regardless of religion or community, the platform appeals to everyone that when Ram Lalla is enshrined, celebrations should reverberate everywhere.

“The platform strongly advocates the resolution of the Kashmir issue through political, diplomatic, and intellectual efforts, aiming at the state’s full integration into India. “Pakistan occupied Kashmir was, is, and will remain ours,” he said.

Source: newindianexpress.com

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Pakistan Witnessed 306 Militant Attacks, A 17 Per Cent Spike In Terrorist Violence In 2023: Report

 

Representative image of a paramilitary soldier in Pakistan's. Credits: Reuters Photo

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04th January 2024

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan witnessed a 17 per cent spike in terrorist violence in 2023, with a total of 306 militant attacks that killed 693 people, according to a new think tank report which said banned groups like the Pakistani Taliban, Islamic State Khorasan, and the Balochistan Liberation Army accounting for over 82 per cent of the terrorism-related deaths.

The security report for 2023 by the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) released before the February 8 general elections raises questions over the security of electoral candidates and political leaders during the election campaign and polling, the Dawn newspaper reported on Thursday.

The report said militants' intensifying attacks indicate that the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliates will continue to resort to an intensified terrorism onslaught to 'force' Pakistan to reinstate the process of dialogue.

The report emerged days after the interior ministry informed the Senate that the continuous influx of TTP members in significant numbers, with recr­uitment, training and placing of suicide bombers, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's mer­ged districts is 'a cause of concern'.

Military sources told the Dawn newspaper that Afgha­nistan has not been able to fulfil its commitments made in the Doha agreement as TTP continues to use Afghanistan as a base for terrorist activities inside Pakistan.

The Pak-Afghan border, described as 'difficult and porous', poses a formidable challenge despite security measures.

The PIPS report highlights Pakistan's ina­dequate response to the rising terrorism and militancy challenge, exacerbated by nego­tiation attempts with the TTP and the wan­ing political focus due to ongoing crises.

Escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, fuelled by issues like TTP and Afghan refugees, demand a comprehensive and sustainable counterterrorism strategy, it said.

The report correlates a surge in terrorist violence with the Taliban's ascendancy in Afghanistan, noting the Afghan Taliban's inability or unwillingness to control TTP's cross-border activities.

In 2023, security and law enforcement agencies intensified anti-militant kinetic actions with 129 operational strikes, compared to 87 in 2022, resulting in 425 deaths and 51 injuries.

Of these strikes, 97 occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 28 in Balochistan, three in Punjab, and one in Karachi, Sindh, the report said.

A total of 306 terrorist attacks took place in Pakistan in the year including 23 suicide bombings which killed 693 people (330 security personnel, 260 civilians, and 103 militants) and injured 1,124 others.

These attacks marked an increase of 17 per cent from the year before, and the number of people killed in these attacks also represented an increase of 65pc from those killed in similar attacks during the previous year, it said.

That comparative upsurge of 17 per cent in terrorist violence was contributed by an increase in the number of attacks reported from all four provinces.

Compared to 2022, the frequency of terrorist incidents in the Balochistan province increased by 39 per cent, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by 3 per cent, in Sindh by 87 per cent and in Punjab by 100 per cent.

Experts argued that short-term success in countering terrorism through kinetic approaches neglects the root causes of violent extremism.

Eliminating terrorists doesn't address enduring ideological drivers.

To decrease support for insurgent ideas, especially among Baloch people, address disappearances with fair policies, preventing misuse by militants, the report said.

Source: newindianexpress.com

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Dozens Killed In 'Terrorist Attacks' Near Tomb Of Iranian Guards' Soleimani

 

Iranian emergency services arrive at the site where two explosions in quick succession struck a crowd marking the anniversary of the 2020 killing of Guards general Qasem Soleimani, near the Saheb al-Zaman Mosque in the southern Iranian city of Kerman [Megr News via AFP]

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Jan 3, 2024

(Reuters) - Two explosions caused by 'terrorist attacks' killed more than 70 people and wounded scores at a ceremony in Iran to commemorate top commander Qassem Soleimani who was killed in a 2020 U.S. drone attack, Iranian officials said on Wednesday.

Iranian state television reported a first and then a second explosion during an anniversary event at the cemetery where Soleimani is buried in the southeastern city of Kerman.

"The blasts were caused by terrorist attacks," state media quoted a local official in the Kerman province as saying. Babak Yektaparast, a spokesperson for Iran's emergency services, was reported later as saying 73 people had been killed and 170 injured.

The semi-official Nournews had said earlier that "several gas canisters exploded on the road leading to the cemetery".

State TV showed Red Crescent rescuers attending to wounded people at the ceremony, where hundreds of Iranians had gathered to mark the anniversary of Soleimani's death. Some Iranian news agencies said the number of wounded people was much higher.

"Our rapid response teams are evacuating the injured... But there are waves of crowds

blocking roads," Reza Fallah, head of the Kerman province Red Crescent told state TV.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/world/regional-186797

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Biden's Political Appointee at the Education Department Resigns Because Of US Failure to Halt Israeli Actions in Gaza

 

US President Biden

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Servet Gunerigok

04.01.2024

Tariq Habash, a political appointee at the Education Department, resigned Wednesday, citing the Biden administration's approach to the Gaza conflict and its failure to halt what he termed as Israel's "collective punishment tactics."

"I cannot stay silent as this administration turns a blind eye to the atrocities committed against innocent Palestinian lives, in what leading human rights experts have called a genocidal campaign by the Israeli government," Habash wrote in his resignation letter.

Habash, who served for three years as a special assistant in the department’s Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development, was the sole Palestinian-American appointee at the agency.

He said the actions of the Biden administration have put millions of innocent lives in danger in Gaza.

"I cannot be quietly complicit as this administration fails to leverage its influence as Israel’s strongest ally to halt the abusive and ongoing collective punishment tactics that have cut off Palestinians in Gaza from food, water, electricity, fuel, and medical supplies, leading to widespread disease and starvation," said Habash.

Dehumanization, erasure of identity

Habash accused the administration of aiding indiscriminate violence against Palestinians in Gaza, questioning the integrity of Palestinian death counts in Israeli attacks and voting against resolutions that called for a cease-fire at the UN

"And administration leaders have even repeated unverified claims that systematically dehumanize Palestinians," he wrote.

In addition, he revealed experiencing dehumanization and identity erasure by peers, the media and the US government.

Habash, whose family lived through the Nakba, or Catastrophe in 1948, when Palestinians were forced from their lands to make way for an Israeli state, said hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were violently and forcibly expelled from their homes and his relatives have never been allowed to return to their familial homes for 75 years.

"Millions of Palestinians have faced decades of occupation, ethnic cleansing, and apartheid, and the Biden Administration’s passive acceptance of this status quo is wholly out of line with democratic values. Our government continues to provide unconditional military funding to a government that is uninterested in protecting innocent lives," added Habash.

In October, Josh Paul, a now former State Department official, resigned because of US arms sent to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

"I am leaving today because I believe that in our current course with regards to the continued — indeed, expanded and expedited — provision of lethal arms to Israel — I have reached the end of that bargain," he wrote in a letter.

Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.

At least 22,185 Palestinians have since been killed and 57,035 injured, according to Gaza’s health authorities, while nearly 1,200 Israelis are believed to have been killed in the Hamas attack.

The Israeli onslaught has left Gaza in ruins, with 60% of the enclave’s infrastructure damaged or destroyed, and nearly 2 million residents displaced amid acute shortages of food, clean water and medicine.

Source: aa.com.tr

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India

 Keep Gyanvapi survey report sealed for 4 more weeks: ASI to Varanasi court

4th January 2024

 Sameer Khan

Varanasi: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has filed an application in the Varanasi district court urging the Judge to postpone the disclosure of its Gyanvapi mosque survey report for four weeks.

In response to the plea, the court reserved its order on the matter and will decide on Thursday whether to provide the report to the parties involved in the original Shringar Gauri suit (Rakhi Singh and others vs. Uttar Pradesh state and others).

Four women plaintiffs through their advocate requested that the survey report be opened and a copy be given to them.

The ASI stated in its application that in compliance with Allahabad High Cour’s order of December 19, 2023, in a different but related case (Ancient Idol of Swayambhu Lord Vishweshwar vs. Anjuman Intezamia Masjid), it must present the same survey report before the Civil Judge (Senior Division) of the fast track court.

Government counsel Amit Srivastava said, “We have provided reasons for the request to defer/adjourn the proceeding concerning opening and disclosure of the sealed survey report submitted by ASI for four weeks.”

The ASI’s application pointed out the concerns about potential rumours and misrepresentations in the public domain if the report is unsealed and disclosed before compliance with the High Court order.

Srivastava said that the ASI is diligently working on submitting a copy of the survey report in compliance with the High Court order, and for the smooth process, the report before the current court should remain sealed until then. He also highlighted the need for additional survey work in areas overlooked in the initial ASI survey.

The property on which Gyanvapi mosque exists comprises three plots — 1930, 1931, and 1932. So far, ASI has covered areas in plot 1930. The Hindu side is demanding the survey on plots 1931 and 1932, along with the wuzukhana and the area beneath the central dome of the mosque.

Source: siasat.com

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Asaduddin Owaisi reacts to CAA rules report, says 'grave injustice, especially to Muslims...'

Jan 03, 2024

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury claimed the Centre was attempting to foment communal polarization ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

New Delhi: Reacting to a report saying the Citizenship (Amendment) Act's rules would be notified before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, AIMIM chief Asadduddin Owaisi said on Wednesday that it will be a grave injustice to the marginalised communities, especially Muslims. He also said that the law that was passed in 2019 was "anti-constitutional" as it was formulated on the basis of religion.

"CAA is anti-constitution. It is a law which has been made on the basis of religion. CAA must be read with and understood with NPR-NRC which will lay down the conditions to prove your citizenship in this country. If that happens it will be a grave injustice, especially to the Muslims, Dalits and the poor of India irrespective of the caste or religion they belong to," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury claimed the Centre was attempting to foment communal polarization ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

"Now it is clear. For all these years...these rules(CAA) were not notified...Clearly, they want to notify these rules just before the elections to use this as a political weapon to gain in the elections through sharpening communal polarisation. This is the clear-cut aim. This is utilising the rules, and declarations as a tool for some electoral gains," he said.

On Tuesday, news agency PTI, quoting an anonymous official, said the CAA rules will be notified much before the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections, due later this year.

The law makes it easier for non-Muslims -- Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians -- from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan to get Indian citizenship if they had migrated to India before December 31, 2014.

"We are going to issue the rules for the CAA soon. Once the rules are issued, the law can be implemented and those eligible can be granted Indian citizenship," the functionary told PTI.

The passage of the law in 2019 prompted a massive protest in the national capital's Shaheen Bagh area. The protest went on for months.

"The rules are ready and the online portal is also in place and the entire process will be online. The applicants will have to declare the year when they entered India without travel documents. No document will be sought from the applicants," the functionary said.

Last month, union minister Amit Shah said no one would be able to stop the Centre from implementing CAA. He also accused West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee of misleading the masses on the law.

The rules for any law must be framed within six months of presidential assent. The government can also secure extension from the Parliament's Committees on Subordinate Legislation. Since 2020, the home ministry has been seeking this extension.

Samajwadi Party spokesperson Fakhrul Hasan said the BJP was raising these issues as it had failed to resolve the problem of the masses.

"The BJP has failed to fulfil their promises of providing employment, increasing farmers' income, and ensuring women's safety. And that's why it is raising topics such as temples and mosques, CAA, and NRC," he said.

Source: hindustantimes.com

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https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/asaduddin-owaisi-reacts-to-caa-rules-report-says-grave-injustice-especially-to-muslims-101704276242062.html

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Pakistan

 

Islamabad urges Kabul to address bilateral concerns

January 4, 2024

aqir Sajjad Syed

ISLAMABAD: Care­ta­ker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani on Wednes­day urged Afghanistan’s Tal­i­ban administration to address pressing issues in bilateral ties for fully realising the potential of the two countries’ relationship.

The call came during a meeting on Wednesday with Haji Mullah Shirin, the governor of Kandahar and deputy head of mili­t­ary intelligence and stra­tegy in the Taliban adm­inistration in Afghanistan.

Mr Jilani, during the co­nversation, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining engagement and nurturing mutually beneficial ties with Afgha­nistan. He emphasised the importance of addressing all contentious issues to enhance trade and connectivity between the two nations.

Mullah Shirin’s visit is viewed as critically important due to his high-ranking position within the Tal­i­ban and his close ties with the top leadership.

The meeting holds added significance against the backdrop of strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, primarily due to the presence of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) sanctuaries in Afghanistan, which have been the source of attacks on Pakistani soil.

Accompanied by representatives from various Afghan government agencies, including the Ministry of Defence and the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI), Mullah Shirin’s delegation engaged in discussions focusing on key mutual concerns.

These included peace and security, and people-to-people contacts, as per a statement issued by the Foreign Office.

The Afghan delegation, led by Mullah Shirin, also participated in the 6th session of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Coordination Committee (JCC). The JCC meeting explored coordination mechanisms to facilitate cross-border movement, aiming to promote people-to-people contacts between the two countries.

According to the Afghan Islamic Press news service, Mullah Shirin, as deputy defence minister, previously headed a commission formed to discuss border control and violations with neighbouring countries.

This commission has engaged in discussions with Iran, Turkmenistan, and others, with Mullah Shirin’s current visit being a continuation of these diplomatic efforts.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1803012/islamabad-urges-kabul-to-address-bilateral-concerns

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Under-trial prisoner at Adiala jail murdered after ‘rape’

January 4, 2024

Mohammad Asghar

RAWALPINDI: An under-trial prisoner in Adiala jail was reportedly sexually abused by four inmates and strangled to death on the night of Jan 1, leading to the suspension of seven jail staffers for three months and registration of a murder and rape case against the four under-trial suspects.

Adiala Superintendent Asad Javaid Warraich lodged an FIR with the Saddar Bairooni police, saying that Sabeel, son of Karamat, was languishing in the “chakki #10 of the new jail cell#2” — reserved for Aids patients — when some under-trial prisoners complained about his health on Monday midnight.

He said following the report, the dispenser on night duty carried out his examination and found that the inmate was suffering from a severe breathing problem and was given medicine. But the next morning, Sabeel was found unconscious and shifted to the jail hospital. Following a medical examination, the doctor pronounced him dead. “Torture marks were found around his neck and his death seemed suspicious,” the superintendent jail said in the FIR.

“Sabeel Karamat is suspected to have been sexually abused by the four inmates before being killed in the strictly guarded Adiala jail,” the jail superintendent said, adding that the actual circumstances would be established after the postmortem report was received.

Police book four suspects; seven prison officials suspended

During the investigation, prisoner Mohammad Pervez and UTPs Talat Masood, Naqash, Amir Shahzad, Akmal and Mohammad Ali alleged that Sabeel Karamat’s limbs were tied up and he was subjected to sexual assault and choked to death with an old piece of cloth allegedly by UTP Mohammad Waqas, Asif, Naqash, and Bilal Riaz. They alleged that Waqas “pressed his foot on the throat and chest [of the deceased] which led to the death,” according to the FIR.

After the initial inquiry, the seven officials, including Assistant Superintendent Operations Ulfat Hussain, Chief Warder Mohammad warders Ramzan, Mohammad Shahzad, Mohammad Safdar, Mohammad Shahbaz, Hamza Ameer, and Muhammad Liaquat, were suspended by Rawalpindi Region Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Prisons Rana Rauf. IG Prisons Mian Farooq Nazeer also ordered a regular inquiry into the incident.

Superintendent Warraich said the deceased and the accused were detained in an Aids ward in the prison and the incident took place at night on Jan 1. Subsequently, police booked the suspects Waqas, Asif, Naqash, and Bilal under Section 376-A (sexual assault) and 302 (murder) in a case registered at the Beroni police station.

The deceased and the suspects were confined in the Aids ward, while nine other prisoners were also locked in the cell along with the deceased. After hearing the noise from the cell around 12pm, the duty staff asked the reason.

The prisoners said that UTP Sabeel was crying due to pain, and was subsequently given medicine by the medical staff.

According to the jail superintendent, further action would be taken in light of the investigation and post-mortem report. It may be noted here that Adiala Jail is the most overcrowded jail in the country.

There is a capacity of 2,200 while more than 7,000 prisoners are locked up in the jail. The Punjab government last month approved a new district jail for Rs700 million, on which work has already begun and funds have been allocated.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1803097/under-trial-prisoner-at-adiala-jail-murdered-after-rape

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Pakistan strongly condemns terrorist attack in Kerman, Iran

January 03, 2024

Pakistan has strongly condemned the dastardly terrorist attack that took place earlier today in the Martyrs Cemetery of the provincial capital of Kerman, Iran, resulting in large number of deaths and injuries.

In a statement today [Wednesday], Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said we extend heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the swift recovery of the injured.

She said Pakistan stands in full solidarity with the Government and brotherly people of Iran in this hour of grief and tragedy.

The spokesperson said Pakistan believes that terrorism is a menace and threat to regional and global peace and security. It needs to be confronted through bilateral and regional cooperation.

Source: radio.gov.pk

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https://www.radio.gov.pk/03-01-2024/pakistan-strongly-condemns-terrorist-attack-in-kerman-iran

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Imran charged with contempt of election commission

 Jan 4, 2024

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan was charged with contempt of the election commission yesterday, his lawyer Naeem said, a move related to allegations he made derogatory remarks about the chief election commissioner.

The 71-year-old former cricket star has been embroiled in political and legal battles since he was ousted as prime minister in April 2022. He has not been seen in public since he was jailed for three years in August for unlawfully selling state gifts while in office from 2018 to 2022.

"The Election Commission indicted Imran Khan in the absence of lawyers," Khan's lawyer Haider Panjutha wrote on social media platform X.

Source: thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/asia/south-asia/news/imran-charged-contempt-election-commission-3510331

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Mideast

 

Ebrahim Raisi accuses Israel for twin explosions in Iran, warns 'will pay a heavy price'

 Jan 4, 2024

TEHRAN: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has accused Israel of being behind the twin explosions during a memorial ceremony in southeastern Iran on Wednesday, CNN reported. He warned Israel that it would "pay a high price" for this crime.

In a televised speech, Raisi said, "I warn the Zionist regime: Do not doubt that you will pay a heavy price for this crime and the crimes you have committed," CNN reported. He warned that Israel's punishment would be "regrettable and severe."

At least 103 people were killed and 211 others were injured after two blasts took place in Kerman near the burial site of slain military commander Qasem Soleimon Wednesday, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported.The blasts took place on the fourth anniversary of the death of military commander Qasem Soleimani. He was killed by a US airstrike ordered by former President Donald Trump at Baghdad International Airport in 2020.

Raisi said, "Undoubtedly, the perpetrators and masterminds of this cowardly act will soon be identified and brought to justice by the capable security and law enforcement forces."

"The enemies of the nation must know that such actions can never undermine the unwavering determination and will of the Iranian people to defend the Islamic ideals," he added.

He asserted that such attacks will only add to Iran's resolve to eradicate terrorism on the battlefield against the enemies. He directed relevant authorities to take swift measures to attend to those affected by the terrorist attack and restore order in Kerman.

The first explosion was 700 metres away from Soleimani's grave, and the second was a kilometre (0.6 miles) away as pilgrims visited the site, according to IRNA report.

Meanwhile, the Iranian administration announced Thursday, the day of national mourning, while Kerman province declared three days of mourning, IRNA reported.

The Commission of National Security and Foreign Policy of Iran's parliament plans to send a delegation to Kerman to inspect different aspects of the terrorist act.

Abolfazl Amouei, the spokesman for the parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said that the attack indicated General Qassem Soleimani's fight against terrorism was the right path and added that it will be continued strongly, IRNA reported.A police spokesperson said three police personnel were killed while they were trying to assist people who were targeted in the blasts in Kerman.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/ebrahim-raisi-accuses-israel-for-twin-explosions-in-iran-warns-will-pay-a-heavy-price/articleshow/106533416.cms

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Those involved in Hamas attack signed own death warrant: Israel spy agency Mossad chief

Jan 4, 2024

TEL AVIV: Israel's spy agency Mossad head David Barnea declared on Wednesday that anyone involved in the October 7 Hamas attack "signed his own death warrant," The Times of Israel reported.

This comes a day after Hamas deputy chief Saleh al-Arouri was killed in an alleged Israeli strike in Beirut.

Speaking at the funeral of former Mossad chief Zvi Zamir, a supporter of Israel's ongoing declared mission to eliminate Hamas leaders, Barnea he compared the decades-long operation launched by the late spy chief to hunt down the Palestinian terrorists responsible for the murder of 11 Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics."Let every Arab mother know that if her son took part in the [October, 7] massacre, he signed his own death warrant," Barnea said.

The Times of Israel reported that the quote is a paraphrase of a famous one by Israel's first prime minister, David Ben Gurion, who said in a 1963 speech: "Let every Hebrew mother know she has entrusted the fate of her [soldier] sons to commanders worthy of it."

"Today, too, we are in the middle of a war," Barnea said at the funeral. "The Mossad today, like 50 years ago, must hold to account the murderers who invaded the Gaza border area on October 7--the planners and those who sent them."

"But we will get our hands on them wherever they are. Zvika [Zamir]'s spirit will accompany us in this mission," he said.

Barnea recounted how Zamir once told him the story of the mission to target the terrorists who conducted the 1972 Munich Massacre.

"I will never forget Zvika's message to us and to me: the murders in Munich were a defining event for him and for the people of Israel. The Mossad decided to take off its gloves and go on the offensive," he said.

Zamir, who died Tuesday aged 98, led the Mossad from 1968 to 1974, six tumultuous years that saw the organization and its straitlaced chief embark on the worldwide hunt for the Black September group terrorists following the Munich Olympics attacks; send commandos into the heart of Beirut in a daring operation; and attempt to sound a late-night warning bell on the eve of Yom Kippur in 1973 as Egyptian and Syrian forces prepared to mount the surprise attack that launched the Yom Kippur War.

The current war broke out on October 7 when some 3,000 terrorists led by Hamas burst through the border from the Gaza Strip and rampaged through southern regions, slaughtering over 1,200 people in Israel, mostly civilians, amid brutal atrocities. Over 240 people of all ages, including small children and the elderly, were abducted and taken hostage in Gaza.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/those-involved-in-hamas-attack-signed-own-death-warrant-israel-spy-agency-mossad-chief/articleshow/106531921.cms

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Nine Hezbollah members killed in Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon

04 January 2024

The Israeli military has reportedly struck several areas along the border in southern Lebanon with artillery fire, killing nine members of the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement.

Lebanon’s Arabic-language al-Manar television channel reported on Thursday that shells were fired at the villages of Taybeh, Kfarkela, Khiam and the Marjayoun Plain, as the occupying regime continues its aggressive attacks on southern Lebanon.

It also noted that an Israeli drone executed an aerial assault by launching a guided missile toward the southern Lebanese border town of Yaroun.

In a statement, the Israeli military claimed that they had been targeting Hezbollah sites in the southern part of Lebanon, adding that it is going to continue its attacks “ as it sees fit.”

It also said that the occupying forces’ alert is raised to the highest possible level on the northern border.

Israel has systematically targeted civilian houses, burned tens of thousands of olive trees and destroyed schools for disabled children.

Since October 8, the day after the Israel onslaught against Gaza started, the frontier between Lebanon and the Israeli-occupied territories has seen deadly exchanges of fire, mainly between the Israeli army and the Hezbollah movement.

Reports say Israel has repeatedly used US-supplied internationally-banned white phosphorus munitions in its attacks on Lebanon.

The fighting has forced the evacuation of tens of thousands from the northern part of the Israeli-occupied territories, which have been pummeled by rocket fire and shelling carried out by Hezbollah and allied Palestinian groups.

Around 143 Hezbollah fighters have lost their lives since the beginning of the conflict, while some 11 Israeli soldiers have also been killed.

Source: presstv.ir

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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/01/04/717569/Nine-Hezbollah-members-killed-Israeli-strikes-across-southern-Lebanon

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Israeli army kills Palestinian in West Bank as death toll hits 325

Qais Omar Darwesh Omar

04.01.2024

The Palestinian Health Ministry announced Thursday the killing of a Palestinian by Israeli army gunfire in Tamoun in the northern West Bank.

The ministry said in a statement that Asid Jawad Matar Bani Odeh, 29, was killed after being shot in the chest by the Israeli military.

Witnesses told Anadolu that the army invaded Tamoun near Tubas, initiating a search and raid operation in homes, leading to clashes with dozens of Palestinians.

They mentioned that live ammunition was used to disperse the Palestinians.

With the killing of Bani Odeh, the number of Palestinian casualties in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, rose to 325, according to the Ministry of Health data.

Since Oct. 7, Israeli attacks in the West Bank have escalated simultaneously with the devastating war against Gaza, which has left as of Wednesday a total of 22,313 Palestinians dead and 57,296 injured, mostly children and women.

The conflict has also caused extensive infrastructure damage and an unprecedented humanitarian disaster, according to authorities in the Gaza Strip and the UN.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/israeli-army-kills-palestinian-in-west-bank-as-death-toll-hits-325/3099825

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1 million displaced people have arrived in Rafah since Oct. 7: Gaza official

Rania R.a.Abushamala

04.01.2024

A Palestinian official in Gaza told Anadolu on Wednesday that the number of displaced people who arrived in Rafah in the southernmost part of the Gaza Strip is about 1 million since the beginning of an Israeli offensive on Oct. 7.

“The total number of people present in the city of Rafah at the moment is not less than 1.3 million, with the city's population being around 300,000,” said Ahmed al-Soufi, the head of Rafah municipality.

He said the number in shelters belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, or UNRWA, is about 713,000, including those displaced outside the premises of the centers but registered with the UN agency.

Al-Soufi pointed out that out of the total number of people in the city, there are about 268,000 in public squares and streets.

Since the beginning of the Israeli war, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fleeing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City have headed to Rafah.

The influx of residents from the central and Khan Younis areas continues, amid warnings from the army for them to evacuate immediately.

Although the Israeli army classifies areas in the southern Gaza Strip, including Rafah, as “safe" zones, those areas have witnessed intense airstrikes targeting inhabited homes, resulting in fatalities and injuries. 

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/1-million-displaced-people-have-arrived-in-rafah-since-oct-7-gaza-official/3099802

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Raisi says al-Arouri played important role in defending rights of Palestinian people

[04/January/2024]

TEHRAN January 04. 2024 (Saba) – Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi has confirmed that martyr Saleh al-Arouri played an important role in defending the rights of the Palestinian people.

According to Tasnim International News Agency, Raisi drew attention to the anniversary of the martyrdom of General Hajj Qasem Soleimani, considering him a student of the school of the late Imam and Mrs. Fatima (peace be upon her), where he turned into a school with his sincerity, struggle, and resistance.

The Iranian President also considered that seeking to understand this school and achieving its goals is a necessity for honoring great people such as the martyr Soleimani.

He pointed out the continuation of the brutal crimes committed by the Zionist enemy against the oppressed people of Palestine.

Raisi denounced the crime of this entity, which led to the martyrdom of Saleh Al-Arouri, one of the prominent Palestinian Mujahideen/fighters, and praised the role of this martyr in resisting the Zionists and defending the rights of the oppressed Palestinian people.

Hamas announced the martyrdom of Saleh Al-Arouri, deputy head of its political bureau, and six leaders of the Al-Qassam Brigades in a Zionist assassination in a drone attack on a building in the southern suburb of Beirut on Tuesday evening.

It confirmed in its statement that they rose to their Allah as martyrs, on Tuesday evening, in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, following a cowardly assassination carried out by the Zionist enemy, in a barbaric aggression and a heinous crime that once again proves the brutality it practices against the people in Gaza, the West Bank, abroad, and everywhere.

Source: saba.ye

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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3293464.htm

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North America

 

State Department: US 'not seeing any acts that constitute genocide' in Gaza

Rabia İclal Turan

04.01.2024

The US on Wednesday described South Africa's decision to bring a genocide case against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as unproductive, saying it has not observed acts that constitute "genocide." 

"We don't think it's productive," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters.

"Genocide is, of course, a heinous atrocity, one of the most heinous atrocities that any individual can commit," Miller said, adding that those are allegations that "should not made lightly".

However, Miller said the US is "not seeing any acts that constitute genocide."

Asked if the US sees any acts of war crimes, Miller said: "We continue to collect information and gather it as we always do, but I don't have an assessment to offer."

White House, for its part, said it found the submission "meritless, counterproductive and completely without any basis in fact whatsoever."

South Africa last week filed an application instituting proceedings against Israel before The Hague-based ICJ.

The application is about alleged violations by Israel of its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in relation to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to the ICJ.

“Israel has engaged in, is engaging in and risks further engaging in genocidal acts against the Palestinian people in Gaza,” the African country said.

It sought provisional measures, alleging that Israel violated the 1948 UN Genocide Convention with its actions in Gaza since Oct. 7.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/state-department-us-not-seeing-any-acts-that-constitute-genocide-in-gaza/3099778

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US, allies warn Houthis of consequences for 'unacceptable' attacks in Red Sea

Diyar Guldogan

03.01.2024

The US, and its allies on Wednesday warned Yemen's Houthi group of the consequences of their "unacceptable" attacks in the Red Sea.

In a joint statement, the US, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, and the UK called for the immediate end of the "illegal attacks" and the release of unlawfully detained vessels and crews.

"The Houthis will bear the responsibility of the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, and free flow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways," the statement said.

"It added that there is no lawful justification for intentionally targeting civilian shipping and naval vessels.

"Attacks on vessels, including commercial vessels, using unmanned aerial vehicles, small boats, and missiles, including the first use of anti-ship ballistic missiles against such vessels, are a direct threat to the freedom of navigation that serves as the bedrock of global trade in one of the world’s most critical waterways," it read.

Saying that the attacks threaten innocent lives from all over the world, the statement underlined that the attacks constitute a significant international problem that demands collective action.

Touching on the negative effects of the attacks, it said that international shipping companies continue to reroute their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding significant cost and weeks of delay to the delivery of goods, and ultimately jeopardizing the movement of critical food, fuel, and humanitarian assistance throughout the world.

"We remain committed to the international rules-based order and are determined to hold malign actors accountable for unlawful seizures and attacks," it said.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have significantly stepped up their involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip by targeting vessels in the Southern Red Sea. The group has warned that it will attack all Israel-bound ships. It said the attacks are to support Palestinians as they face Israel's "aggression and siege" in Gaza.

The Red Sea is one of the world's most frequently used sea routes for oil and fuel shipments.

Last month, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the creation of a multinational mission -- Operation Prosperity Guardian -- to counter Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/us-allies-warn-houthis-of-consequences-for-unacceptable-attacks-in-red-sea/3099648

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US, France condemn Israeli plan to deport Gazans

January 4, 2024

Anwar Iqbal

WASHINGTON: The United States and France have issued strong condemnations of Israel’s controversial plan to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza, leading to an escalating diplomatic standoff.

US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, reiterated the unequivocal rejection of the plan, cautioning against any mass displacement and addressing inflammatory statements by Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir.

“There should be no mass displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, and we reject the recent inflammatory statements from Israeli ministers Smotrich and Ben Gvir,” emphasised Ambassador Greenfield, echoing the firm stance of the United States.

US State Department Spoke­sperson Matthew Miller reinforced this position, stating, “The United States rejects the inflammatory and irresponsible statements… We have been clear, consistent, and unequivocal that Gaza is Palestinian land and will remain Palestinian land.”

Miller said the deportation rhetoric “should stop immediately,” and the Palestinians should remain in their lands, living peacefully with the Israelis. “That is the future we seek,” he added.

French Ambassador to the UN, Nicolas de Rivière, aligned with the US stance, rejecting the Israeli deportation plan and firmly opposing forced displacement. “France is opposed to the forced displacement of populations. That’s very clear-cut… We will not support the forced displacement of people,” de Riviere declared.

De Riviere emphasised the need for Palestinians to continue living safely in Gaza, denouncing the destruction of civilian infrastructure and calling for an end to military actions targeting civilians. He hinted at a potential UN Security Council meeting to address the escalating situation in the Red Sea, underlining the gravity of the international concern.

The French envoy added a significant dimension to the discourse by highlighting that the Gaza war would headline France’s presidency of the UN Security Council. While recognising Israel’s right to self-defence as justified, he expressed concern over the “very broad and massive” military operation in Gaza, calling it a violation of the Geneva Conventions and the rules of war.

“The two-state solution is inevitable to end the war between Israel and Palestine,” declared the French ambassador, underscoring the necessity of implementing the peace process based on the Oslo Accords. He lamented the total absence of any Middle East peace process since 2014 and criticised recent normalisation agreements between Israel and Arab countries for being achieved “at the expense of the Palestinian state.”

“In the last two decades, we should have used that time to implement the peace process based on the Oslo Accords, rather than let the initiatives gather dust,” Ambassador de Rivière urged, providing a comprehensive perspective on the need for a diplomatic resolution amid the ongoing crisis.

Ignoring the international outcry, Ben-Gvir, a vocal advocate of the deportation plan, defended his position at a recent meeting of his faction. “We cannot withdraw from any territory we are in in the Gaza Strip. Not only do I not rule out Jewish settlement there, I believe it is also an important thing,” he asserted.

Smotrich, another proponent of the plan, added, “We want to encourage willful emigration, and we need to find countries willing to take them in,” expressing a refusal to transfer Palestinian tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority (PA).

The US reaction underscored growing frustration in Washington with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which the Biden administration has continued to support diplomatically and militarily but has increasingly sparred with regarding planning for Gaza once the fighting ends.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1803002/us-france-condemn-israeli-plan-to-deport-gazans

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Top official vows justice for slain American imam shot outside New Jersey mosque

Michael Hernandez

04.01.2024

Authorities will bring to justice the culprit who fatally shot an American imam outside of his northern New Jersey mosque, the state's attorney general said Wednesday.

"While we will bring these perpetrators to justice, and we will do so, there is nothing that we can do to bring Imam Sharif back to his loved ones and to his community," Attorney General Matt Platkin said during a news conference. "That wound tragically will never fully heal."

Imam Hassan Sharif was shot multiple times in his car outside of the Masjid Muhammed-Newark mosque early Wednesday. Police said they were alerted to the shooting at roughly 6:16 a.m. local time, and said Sharif was transported to the nearby University Hospital where he was listed in critical condition.

He later died of injuries he sustained during the shooting.

Authorities said they have not yet determined a motive, but multiple law enforcement officials said evidence collected does not indicate Sharif was the victim of an anti-Muslim bias crime, or domestic terrorism.

"We do not yet know the motivation for this crime, and while we are not yet at liberty to discuss the progress of our ongoing investigative efforts, the evidence collected thus far does not indicate that this was an act motivated by bias or an act of domestic terrorism," said Platkin.

"While we would ordinarily not go public with this type of information so early in our process, we know, and I know, that in light of global events, and with a rise in bias directed at many communities we're experiencing across our state, but particularly the Muslim community, there are many in New Jersey right now who are feeling a heightened sense of fear or anxiety at the news of this slaying," he added.

Platkin and Essex County Prosecutor Ted Stevens stressed that the investigation remains in its early stages. Law enforcement is offering a $25,000 reward for anyone who comes forward with information regarding the shooting.

Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Frage said Sharif had been serving at Masjid Muhammed-Newark for five years and was "very much involved in the Newark interfaith alliance."

"He supported the city in all of its efforts in helping to keep our city safe. It is with deep loss that the city will mourn his absence. Let's keep his family in our prayers," he added.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/top-official-vows-justice-for-slain-american-imam-shot-outside-new-jersey-mosque/3099821

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South Asia

 

Islamic Emirate Estimates Daesh Numbers in Afghanistan Around 80

January 3, 2024

The Islamic Emirate’s spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, said that the Daesh has been suppressed in Afghanistan and that between 70 to 80 Daesh members are estimated to be based in Afghanistan, and they are being hunted.

He said that the sanctuaries of the Daesh group have been eliminated in Afghanistan.

“Their number is less, and it is around 70 to 80 people. They are dispersed and are under investigation. All their centers have been eliminated. Many of them are in prisons and some of them are being hunted. They have less numbers and all those paths which were supporting them (Daesh) have been suppressed,” Mujahid said.

Meanwhile, political analysts said that the Islamic Emirate should prevent any kind of attack from Afghan soil against other countries, to earn trust of the international community.

“Since the Islamic Emirate came to power, there is physical security all over Afghanistan and it does not allow any group and individual, whether they are the Daesh or resistance or any other group,” said Mohammad Ajmal Zurmati, international analyst.

“Suppression of Daesh is linked to the national trust. National trust requires an end to lack of law, and lack of an official government,” said Sayed Jawad Sijadi, political analyst.

Earlier, the acting Defense Minister, Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, said that Pakistan and Tajikistan nationals were killed and arrested in attacks in Afghanistan.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-186798

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Afghan Singers Abroad Helped Fund New Houses for Earthquake Victims

January 3, 2024

Some Afghan singers abroad provided financial support for the construction of 37 houses for earthquake affected families in the province of Herat.

Last October, thousands of residents of Herat suffered human and financial losses in devastating earthquakes.

The construction of these houses cost more than $70,000 and was provided by well-known Afghan singer, Farhad Darya and other singers. 

“This type of construction has been implemented in countries such as Chile, Turkey, Iran and Nepal and it has had positive results. We have also used other experiences and implemented it here,” said Shikib Shahabi, head of the project.

The residents provided with the houses expressed happiness as they will be protected from the cold weather of winter.

“We are thanking them. May God help them by helping us with building these houses,” said Habib Rahman, a resident of Zindajan district of Herat.

“These houses are very warm. If you turn on the heater for 20 minutes, the heat will last for several hours,” said Wahidullah, a resident of Herat.

The architect said that the houses were built in a way that will be warm during cold seasons and cold during warm seasons.

The local officials in Herat said that efforts are underway to provide government and non-government assistance to the earthquake affected people.

“There has been some efforts so that aid will be provided to the earthquake affected areas. Our mobile teams are here and we will address the challenges if needed,” said Hayatullah Mahajar Farahi, acting deputy governor of Herat.

This comes as some earthquake affected people are living in tents because they do not have access to proper houses.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-186804

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US supports United Nations’ appointment of Special Representative for Afghanistan

Fidel Rahmati

January 4, 2024

The United States Department of State has announced its support for the United Nations resolution regarding appointing a UN Special Representative for Afghanistan.

Matthew Miller, the United States Department of State spokesperson, emphasized on Wednesday, January 3rd, that Afghanistan’s integration with the global community is possible if the country adheres to its international commitments.

He viewed the United Nations Security Council resolution as a clear message to the Taliban administration, the people, and the world, signifying Afghanistan’s integration into the global community.

The United Nations Security Council adopted the resolution last Friday to increase engagement with the Taliban regime and Afghanistan, as well as to appoint a Special Representative for Afghanistan.

It is worth noting that the UN Security Council resolution has faced a reaction from the Taliban administration, which has labelled it an “unnecessary” action.

Additionally, the spokesperson for the United States Department of State expressed concerns about the Taliban’s lack of willingness to establish an inclusive government and the repeal of restrictions against women and girls in Afghanistan, emphasizing that these decisions have caused “irreparable damage” to Afghan society.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/us-supports-united-nations-appointment-of-special-representative-for-afghanistan/

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Iran expels over 500,000 Afghan migrants in nine months

Fidel Rahmati

January 3, 2024

Majid Shoja, the commander of border police in Khorasan Razavi, Iran, has announced that over the past nine months, 520,000 illegal Afghan migrants have been identified and expelled from across Iran.

IRNA reported on Tuesday, citing the commander of the border police of Khorasan Razavi, that these migrants were deported through the Dogharoun border.

He emphasized that the entry and presence of Afghan migrants in the country cause problems; therefore, their presence must be with legal permission. Otherwise, they will be identified and returned to their country.

This is while, in recent months, the process of deporting Afghan migrants from countries like Iran and Pakistan has increased.

Previously, the commander of the border police of Khorasan Razavi had announced the deportation of 60,380 illegal migrants in the last month.

Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, many Afghan nationals have chosen to migrate to neighboring countries such as Iran and Pakistan or to Western countries. They are driven by the desire for a better life and the need to escape persecution, security threats, and a lack of financial and economic opportunities in their homeland.

Upon reaching these countries, however, Afghan migrants often encounter a new set of challenges. The main plight begins as they face torture, harassment, deportation, and imprisonment. These hardships are pervasive and impact a large number of individuals seeking refuge.

Therefore, the journey of Afghan nationals is marked by a continuous struggle, starting from the decision to leave their country to the difficulties they face in their destinations. The promise of a safer and more prosperous life remains elusive for many as they navigate through these harsh realities.

It is worth mentioning that according to the statistics of the United Nations, about 3.5 million Afghan citizens live in Iran, most of whom are migrants without residency documents.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/iran-expels-over-500000-afghan-migrants-in-nine-months/

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Islamic Emirate Condemns Deadly Explosions in Iran, Extends Condolences

2024-01-04

KABUL (BNA) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has strongly condemned the recent tragic explosions that hit the city of Kerman, Iran.

The blasts claimed the lives of several individuals and left numerous others injured, prompting the Islamic Emirate to express its deep sympathy and condolences to the government and people of Iran, particularly to the grieving families affected by this senseless act of violence.

The Iranian government declared a period of public mourning in response to the tragic explosions near the tomb of Qassem Soleimani, the former commander of the IRGC Quds Force.

The explosions, which occurred consecutively, have left the nation in shock and grief.

According to reports from Iranian media, the devastating explosions claimed the lives of 103 individuals, while 188 others sustained injuries.

Source: bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/islamic-emirate-condemns-deadly-explosions-in-iran-extends-condolences/

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Graft case against Yunus, 12 others: Court sets March 3 for report submission

Jan 3, 2024

A Dhaka court today set March 3 for submission of the probe report in a case filed against Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus and 12 others for misappropriating about Tk 25 crore of Grameen Telecom Workers' Profit Participation Fund.

Prof Yunus is the chairman of the company.

Judge Md Asaduzzaman of the Metropolitan Senior Special Judge's Court of Dhaka set the date as the investigation officer of the case failed to submit the report before the court today, said court sources.

On May 30 last year, Gulshan Anowar Prodhan, deputy director of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), filed the case against Prof Yunus and others with its integrated district office in Dhaka.

The other accused are Grameen Telecom Managing Director Nazmul Islam, Directors Ashraful Hassan, Naznin Sultana, Parvin Mahmud, M Shahjahan, Nurjahan Begum, and SM Huzzatul Islam Latifee, Sramik-Karmachari Union President Kamruzzaman and General Secretary Firoz Mahmud Hasan, lawyers Zafrul Hasan Sharif and Yusuf Ali.

According to the case statement, during the company's 108th board meeting, presided over by Prof Yunus on May 9, 2022, it was decided that a bank account would be opened to distribute Tk 437 crore among the employees as per its agreement with the Grameen Telecom Sramik Karmachari Union.

Sramik-Karmachari Union President Kamruzzmaan and General Secretary Firoz Mahmud signed the agreement on April 27 last year and the account was opened on May 8 with the Dhaka Bank's Gulshan branch.

"Since the bank account was opened after the signing of the agreement, the account number was not supposed to be mentioned in the agreement. But the account number was mentioned proving that the agreement was fake," reads the case statement.

"The Grameen Telecom chairman and the board members in association with each other produced the fake agreement to help misappropriate money and thus committed a crime under the Money Laundering Prevention Act," it adds.

About Tk 364 crore was distributed among 156 employees between May 25 and June 12 2022. However, about Tk 26.22 crore was transferred to another account with Dutch-Bangla Bank between May 17 and May 30 that year.

"The money was transferred to another account without any written or verbal approval from the employees. From that account, the money was transferred to the personal accounts of the employees' union leaders and lawyers," added the case statement.

The ACC found that about Tk one crore was lawyers' fees and the rest of the money was misappropriated by the employee union leaders and lawyers.

Source: thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/no-risk-militant-attacks-centring-jan-7-polls-cttc-chief-3509746

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Southeast Asia

 

Why Malaysian Court of Appeal Upheld ‘Gay Is OK! A Christian Perspective’ Book Ban In 2-1 Decision

 Ida Lim

 04 Jan 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 4 — The book Gay is OK! A Christian Perspective is currently still banned in Malaysia, after the Court of Appeal’s 2-1 decision last year to uphold the home minister’s 2020 ban.

Here’s a quick summary by Malay Mail of what happened and why, based on the Court of Appeal’s majority and minority judgments released last month, and the High Court’s decision, as well as other documents. We will also have a quick look of what the book's publisher and writer hope to pursue at the Federal Court.

What happened in this case

In September 2013, publisher Gerakbudaya Enterprise published and distributed Ngeo Boon Lin’s book Gay is OK! A Christian Perspective.

A Home Ministry assistant enforcement officer bought the book during a random inspection at Gerakbudaya’s bookstore in February 2020, with the ministry’s enforcement division then examining the book before submitting it to the home minister.

After reviewing the book’s contents, the home minister on November 17, 2020, ordered a total ban or absolute prohibition on the printing, publishing, sale, distribution or possession of the book throughout Malaysia, citing the reason that it is “likely to be prejudicial” to three things: public order, morality, and public interest. (Remember these three points below.)

This order — made via the home minister’s powers under Section 7(1) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (PPPA) — was published through a federal gazette on November 27, 2020.

Gerakbudaya and Ngeo discovered the book ban from online news reports on December 18, 2020, the same day of the Home Ministry’s secretary-general’s announcement of the ban.

After receiving no replies to their February 2, 2021 letter which they had asked the home minister to revoke the book ban order, Gerakbudaya and Ngeo filed their court challenge about two weeks later.

On February 17, 2021, Gerakbudaya via its sole proprietor Chong Ton Sin and Ngeo filed the lawsuit through a judicial review application to challenge the book ban, with the two respondents being the home minister and the Malaysian government.

What the High Court said

On February 22, 2022, High Court judge Datuk NoorinBadaruddin ruled in favour of the publisher and writer of the book and quashed the home minister’s ban on the book.

The judge noted that the book contains two parts (a compilation of Ngeo’s articles published by a local news portal between 2010 and 2011; and 10 chapters by Ngeo on the Bible which is the Christians’ holy book, and homosexuality).

After having read the book, the High Court agreed with the publisher and Ngeo that the book in summary provides an alternative view from a Christian perspective on whether homosexuality must be opposed, noting that Ngeo’s view is that there is sufficient basis to counter the view that all Christians must oppose homosexuality.

In carrying out judicial review, the High Court highlighted that its role is only to see whether the home minister had followed or breached the law in deciding to ban the book, and that the court’s role or powers is not to override the minister’s decision or to evaluate whether the minister’s decision was correct.

The judge noted that the home minister had in an affidavit said he found the book’s contents as a whole and contextually to be promoting, defending and encouraging homosexuality.

With the minister having exercised his Section 7(1) powers to ban the book for being “likely to be prejudicial” to public order, instead of being actually “prejudicial” to public order, the court then examined whether the publishing of Ngeo’s book is “likely to be prejudicial” to public order.

While the home minister had in an affidavit said the public opposes homosexuality to the extent of organising mass protests and that Ngeo’s book could — if widely circulated — lead to demonstrations that could cause chaos, the court disagreed with such a view.

The High Court noted that Ngeo’s book had been in publication for seven years then since September 2013 without any evidence of related untoward incidents and that there was no evidence of any reports lodged by anyone to say the book is likely to pose a threat to public order, public morality or public interest.

The court said the public’s response to issues of homosexuality is irrelevant to Ngeo’s book, and that the past incidences referred to by the home minister are not connected to the book and were also not shown to have disrupted public safety and peace. The court also said there was no evidence to show how many copies of the book had been printed, published, or circulated before it was banned.

The High Court said the home minister had failed to justify the book ban, adding that the minister had failed to show evidence of "actual prejudice to public order” that had taken place more than seven years after the publishing of the book. "When no such evidence is adduced, it follows that the book was in the first place unlikely to be prejudicial to public order.”

As for whether the book is prejudicial to morality, the home minister in his affidavit said homosexuality was seen as immoral and not accepted in Malaysia and that this position was also recognised through laws such as the offence of unnatural sex.

Among other things, the High Court judge said the response by members of the society and the incidences as referred to by the minister "cannot be accepted to be representing an accepted view of either right or wrong by the right-thinking members of the society as a whole of the country in the recent times”.

The High Court said the home minister’s statement that homosexuality was not accepted by the entire society of Malaysia and that it is an offence in all religions in this country is "unsupported”, further saying the relevant views should have been confined to just Christianity since the book is only on homosexuality from that religion’s perspective.

The court said the home minister’s approach by dissecting significant excerpts of the book — said to be likely to be prejudicial to public order, morality and public interest — cannot be considered to be an objective assessment; adding that the publisher and author had argued that these passages cannot be considered to be significant as they were only 42 out of the book’s 226 pages and cannot be said to represent the entire book.

As different persons would have different subjective assessments of the book, the High Court said the publisher and the author must be given the right to be heard before the ban, especially when the book involves a religion which the home minister cannot be said to be an expert on.

The High Court said the publisher and Ngeo have the constitutional right to be heard before the book was banned, and said their right was violated as they were not given the right to be heard before the book ban. The court also viewed the book ban to be indefensible or something that cannot be defended.

While the home minister argued that he does not have to give any reasons when he exercised his absolute discretion under Section 7(1) to ban the book, the High Court said reasons must be given when freedom of expression or fundamental liberties are being stifled, as it would otherwise violate the principles of procedural fairness guaranteed under the Federal Constitution’s Article 8.

On March 17, 2022, the home minister and the government of Malaysia filed an appeal against the High Court’s decision to quash the book ban.

Why the majority at the Court of Appeal upheld the book ban

At the Court of Appeal, two judges in a three-member panel — chair Datuk Azizah Nawawi and Datuk Wong Kian Kheong — on September 25, 2023 decided to reverse the High Court’s quashing of the book ban. Wong’s 51-page written judgment was agreed to by Azizah.

In the judgment, Judge Wong said the courts can review the home minister’s book ban decision, and that Section 7(1) shows Parliament’s intention that the courts could review the minister’s exercise of “absolute discretion” under this law.

The judge said the test to be applied is whether a hypothetical “reasonable minister” who knows of all the relevant facts and circumstances as the actual minister would be satisfied that the book’s contents fall under any Section 7(1) reasons for banning — such as actually or likely prejudicing public order, morality or public interest; adding that this test would depend on the facts and contents of each publication and that past court decisions on other book bans cannot be binding precedents.

The Court of Appeal’s majority judgment then examined whether Ngeo’s book would fall under any of the home minister’s book ban’s three reasons (likely to be prejudicial to public order, morality and public interest).

Wong said the majority of the Court of Appeal’s panel had read the book’s title and its entire contents, adding that their objective assessment was that the book conveys the general message or impression that homosexuality is not objectionable and is permissible in Christianity.

The majority judgment said it was satisfied that the book’s general message is likely to prejudice morality, as “the moral values of Malaysian society do not condone” or accept homosexuality.

“In other words, homosexuality is considered immoral by Malaysian public,” the judgment said, also citing a High Court decision in a 1979 case that made observations regarding the act of sodomy.

The Court of Appeal’s majority decision also said a reasonable minister in the same position as the home minister would have been satisfied that the book’s general message is likely to prejudice public order.

It said this is because a homosexual act of intercourse between two males is criminalised and punishable under Malaysia’s Penal Code.

It said this is also because public tranquillity and even tempo of the community’s life would be disrupted if the book is not banned, as there would be public disaffection with the Malaysian authorities on why the book is allowed to be printed and sold in Malaysia when homosexuality is criminalised here and as such public disaffection would have the “potential to lead to public unrest, if not public riot”.

As for the third reason cited by the home minister, the majority court ruling agreed that the book’s general message is likely to prejudice public interest, due to the potential outcome of public disaffection and public unrest and as the book’s publication, sale, circulation or possession does not bring any benefit or advantage to the society as a whole.

Another reason given by the majority decision on why the book is likely to prejudice public interest was that the book’s general message to non-Christians in Malaysia is that homosexuality is permitted in Christianity, with the Court of Appeal judge highlighting that homosexuality is not allowed in Islam.

“Accordingly, the General Message/Impression (Book) does not promote a harmonious relationship between Christians and the Muslim majority in this country,” the majority judgment said.

In the decision to restore the book ban, the majority judgment said the High Court had made seven appealable errors, including an error in law by not applying the test of the “reasonable minister” to Ngeo’s book.

The Court of Appeal’s majority ruling also said the High Court had made a factual error when deciding that the home minister had “dissected significant excerpts” of the book.

The Court of Appeal majority decision said this was because the home minister had in an affidavit said he had read the entire book, and further said the home minister’s highlighting of passages in 42 of the 226 pages does not mean the other 184 pages negate or cancel out the effect of the existence of the likelihood to prejudice morality, public order and public interest.

Since the home minister’s ban of the Gay is OK! book was based on the “likelihood” of prejudice to morality, public order, public interest instead of “actual prejudice”, the Court of Appeal’s majority decision said the High Court made an error in considering the five following “irrelevant” matters when deciding to quash the book ban.

These five “irrelevant” matters are the fact that there was no untoward incident from the book’s publication, sale or possession for more than seven years since it was published in 2013; no evidence on how many copies had been published, sold, circulated or possessed by Malaysians; the government not having provided views from different religious and cultural groups of Malaysian society on the book; the expert opinion by a lecturer supporting Ngeo’s view that homosexuality was not necessarily prohibited in Christianity; and the government not having produced any expert’s view to rebut that lecturer’s opinion.

Even if these five matters were assumed to be relevant but were not considered by the home minister, the majority judgment said a “reasonable minister” in the position of the home minister would still be satisfied that Ngeo’s book’s general message has the potential to cause the likelihood to prejudice morality, public order and public interest.

As for the right to be heard, the Court of Appeal’s majority ruling said the PPPA’s Section 7(1) —- which was used to ban Ngeo’s book—does not provide the right to be heard first, as compared to other parts in the PPPA (Section 7(3) and Section 13B) which expressly provide a right to be heard.

The majority decision said this shows Parliament’s intention to exclude a right of hearing before the home minister makes the book ban decision, and that this meant the High Court had made an error when deciding that the publisher and Ngeo had a constitutional right to be heard before the minister issued the book ban.

The majority ruling said the High Court had made a factual error when deciding that the home minister did not provide any reason for the book ban. The majority ruling said the home minister’s gazetted November 17, 2020 book ban had provided the three grounds, and that the Home Ministry’s December 30, 2020 letter to Gerakbudaya had given the minister’s reasons for the ban.

The Court of Appeal’s majority ruling concluded it is unable to find that the home minister had committed any error of law regarding the book ban, or that the ban was irrational in the sense that no reasonable minister would have issued the ban, or that the ban was so disproportionate that the court should quash the ban, or that there was procedural impropriety when the home minister issued the book ban (as there is no right to be heard under Section 7(1)).

Why the dissenting judge said the book ban should be quashed

Court of Appeal judge Datuk Gunalan Muniandy agreed with the High Court’s decision to quash the book ban for reasons such as being denied the right to be heard before the ban, and said the High Court judge did not make legal or factual errors in her findings and ruling.

In his 14-page judgment that mostly reiterated or reaffirmed the High Court’s ruling, Gunalan said the High Court judge had looked at the book in its “proper context”.

He said this is in comparison to the home minister’s purported viewing of the book in isolation when "deciding to ban the book merely based on his subjective opinion as to what it sought to convey on the subject of homosexuality”.

Saying that each case must be decided on its facts, Gunalan said the High Court judge had correctly applied the objective test of whether a "reasonable minister” would objectively be satisfied that the book’s contents are likely prejudicial to public order, morality and public interest.

His view was that the High Court judge had correctly taken into account these five facts: that the book was published for seven years since 2013; that its contents were widely published in an online news portal from 2010 to 2011; that there was no evidence of any reports lodged that the book posed a threat to public order, morality or went against public interest; and that there was no evidence of any negative response from the public to the issue of homosexuality raised in the book as incidences referred to by the home minister were unrelated to the book and did not disrupt public safety and tranquillity; and that no evidence was given on how many copies of the book were printed and how widely it had been circulated to pose a threat to public order.

Gunalan said the High Court had made its findings — based on those five facts — that the home minister had failed to justify the book ban for being likely to prejudice public order as there was no evidence shown of "actual prejudice” after over seven years of the book’s publication.

He said the High Court judge had "correctly remarked” that the minister had failed to show evidence that the views among Malaysian society’s different religious bodies and its diverse cultural segments had been taken into consideration, further noting that the High Court had viewed the incidences referred by the minister at most "represent views of a limited group of persons or individuals of a particular religion which in no way represent current the view of the Malaysian society as a whole”.

Gunalan viewed the High Court as having correctly decided that the home minister had failed to justify the ban on the reasons that the book was likely to be prejudicial to public order, morality and public interest: as there was no evidence of such reasons; the home minister had failed to assess the book objectively; and the home minister had taken into account irrelevant considerations.

Noting that the High Court judge had said the home minister had "dissected significant excerpts” of the book said to be likely prejudicial to those three elements, Gunalan said the High Court was correct in saying that the minister’s approach was not an objective assessment as it did not represent the actual meaning of those paragraphs.

He said the High Court also viewed the home minister as having omitted the texts giving context to those paragraphs and passages when deciding the contents posed a threat to public order and morality.

As Gunalan was the only judge who agreed with the High Court, this means that the Court of Appeal's majority ruling still applies and the home minister’s ban on the book currently remains valid.

On October 24, 2023, the publisher and author filed an application for leave to appeal at the Federal Court, listing 11 constitutional and legal questions that it wants the apex court to decide on — including how the home minister decides to use his powers to ban publications.

The 11 questions included questions such as whether the home minister must consider the right to freedom of speech and expression under the Federal Constitution’s Article 10(1)(a) before exercising his powers under Section 7(1) to ban a publication; and also whether the home minister must consider a particular religion’s experts’ advice before deciding to exercise his Section 7(1) power on a publication regarding a religious view.

Other questions include whether the right to be heard must be given before the home minister bans publications and whether the home minister has a duty to give reasons when banning a publication.

The Federal Court will only be deciding on these questions, if it decides to grant leave to the publisher and Ngeo to appeal the upholding of the book ban.

The Federal Court is scheduled to hear the application for leave to appeal on February 28, 2024.

Source: malaymail.com/

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Myanmar junta to release more than 9,000 prisoners in annual amnesty

4 Jan 2024

YANGON, Jan 4 — Myanmar’s junta announced an amnesty for more than 9,000 prisoners today, part of an annual release to mark the country’s Independence Day.

The traditional event comes as the army, which took power in a military coup in 2021, faces growing resistance from allied groups in the country’s north.

A coalition of ethnic armed groups has said it has captured military positions and border hubs vital for trade with China, posing a serious threat to the junta, according to analysts.

Independence Day in Myanmar has previously been marked by a parade in the capital Naypyidaw, followed by an address from junta chief Min Aung Hlaing.

But the junta leader was absent this year, leaving a subordinate to read prepared remarks in his stead.

In a statement today, the State Administration Council, as the junta calls itself, said it had “granted amnesty to 9,652 prisoners from respective prisons and jails as a gesture for the 76th Independence Day and to respect the peace in peoples’ hearts and minds”.

There was no immediate indication that political detainees were among those to be released.

In a separate statement, the junta said that 114 foreign prisoners were among those granted amnesty and would be deported “on bilateral relations and humanitarian grounds”.

No further details were given.

In the commercial capital Yangon, friends and family members of prisoners gathered outside Insein prison, where detainees were to be released.

Myanmar declared independence from British colonial rule on January 4, 1948, after a long fight championed by General Aung San, ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s father.

Independence Day is normally marked with festive street games, marches, and gatherings in public parks and spaces.

This year, the celebration in Naypyidaw was much diminished — a far cry from the parade of troops, missile launchers and armoured cars that rolled through the city last year. — AFP

Source: malaymail.com

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Iran blasts: Malaysian conveys condolences, calls for mastermind to be brought to justice – PM Anwar

04 Jan 2024

MALAYSIA expresses its condolences to Iran and its people following the bombing incident in Kerman Province,  in the southeastern part of the country,  that claimed nearly a hundred lives, yesterday.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a post on Facebook said Malaysia also mourns and stands in solidarity over the incident which has resulted in more than 200 people being injured.

"Malaysia protests and strongly condemns any form of violence against the innocent. It's been almost three months since the world witnessed Israel's massacre of the innocent people in Palestine and the latest in Lebanon two days ago," he said.

The prime minister said Malaysia also called for the mastermind of the violent action to be brought to justice.

In conjunction with the new year, Anwar said,  Malaysia would like to invite the world to protest the violent and vicious culture together and save universal humanity.

According to international media reports, two series of bomb explosions occurred near the burial site of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Qasem Soleimani who was killed in 2020.

The incident reportedly occurred when people gathered in a ceremony near the burial site to commemorate the fourth anniversary of Soleimani's death. – Bernama, January 4, 2024

Source: thevibes.com

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https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/100563/iran-blasts-malaysian-conveys-condolences-calls-for-mastermind-to-be-brought-to-justice-pm-anwar

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Japan quake rescuers race against time as survival limit nears

January 04, 2024

WAJIMA, Japan: Thousands of rescuers pressed on in their search for survivors of a New Year’s Day quake that killed at least 77 people in Japan, hoping to save as many as they can within a three day survival window which ends on Thursday afternoon.

“There’s little time left until it’s 72 hours since the quake,” Masuhiro Izumiya, the mayor of hard-hit Suzu city, said on Wednesday evening at a regional disaster response meeting.

“We really need to muster all of our remaining strength to continue rescue efforts.”

Survival rates drop off 72 hours after the quake, according to emergency responders.

Severed roads and the remote location of the worst-hit areas have complicated rescue efforts. Nearly 600 tremors have hit the Noto peninsula since the main quake, raising fears of landslides and further damage to infrastructure.

“Compared to other disasters the road situation into Wajima is very bad. I feel it’s taking longer than usual for assistance to arrive,” ShunsakuKohriki, a medical worker, told Reuters in Wajima city.

“I think realistically speaking the evacuees will have to live in really tough conditions for a while yet,” he said.

The full extent of the damage and casualties remains unclear four days after the deadliest quake in Japan since at least 2016. Mayor Izumiya says 90 percent of houses in Suzu may have collapsed.

All the deaths have been reported near the epicenter of the magnitude 7.6 quake in Ishikawa prefecture. More than 33,000 people have evacuated from their homes and about 100,000 houses have no water supply, officials in the area said.

Around 30,000 households remained without power in Ishikawa, according to Hokuriku Electric. Mobile providers NTT Docomo, SoftBank, KDDI and Rakuten Mobile said connectivity was still patchy in some areas.

As Japanese businesses return from the New Year holidays, manufacturers are also gauging the impact of the quake on their production lines.

Display makers Japan Display and EIZO, as well as semiconductor firm Kokusai Electric said on Thursday they were repairing damaged factory facilities. Chip material maker Shin-Etsu Chemical said its plant in Niigata restarted part of its operations on Wednesday.

Source: arabnews.com

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Africa

 

South African FM: We will not forget Palestine, we will continue our struggle to stop genocide

[04/January/2024]

CAPE TOWN January 04. 2024 (Saba) - South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor has affirmed that South Africa will never forget Palestine and the struggle for justice and freedom for the Palestinians will continue before the world to stop the genocide in Gaza.

Pandor called in front of a crowd of Muslims in her country to “support the genocide lawsuit that her country filed against the Zionist enemy, before the Supreme Court of Justice, in response to its crimes in the Gaza Strip,” according to al-Mayadeen news channel.

He added "We must struggle, as South African citizens, to move the world that has failed to stop the massacres against the Palestinians, and prevent the Zionist enemy from continuing them."

Pandor stressed that the Security Council and the United Nations are “unable to advance a peace process, and we must fight for action to stop the genocide that is taking place.”

Last Friday, South Africa submitted a request to the International Court of Justice to file a lawsuit against the Zionist entity, against the backdrop of what it described as a series of violations during its ongoing war on the Gaza Strip, and its failure to prevent the crime of genocide.

Meanwhile, Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation spokesman in South Africa Clayson Monyela said that the International Court of Justice has set a date for a hearing in the case raised by South Africa against the Zionist entity.

Source: saba.ye

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Dbaiba meets with ambassadors of Arab, African and Islamic countries accredited to Libya.

2024-01-04

Tripoli, January 04, 2024  (LANA) - Prime Minister of the National Unity Government, Abdul Hamid Dbaiba met yesterday,  Wednesday, with the ambassadors of Arab, African and Islamic countries accredited to Libya.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Prime Minister and Council of Ministers Affairs, who is in charge of managing the tasks of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a number of department directors at the Foreign Ministry, according to the Prime Minister’s Media Office.

In his speech during the meeting, Al-Dbaiba expressed his happiness with the return of embassies to work from inside Tripoli, which contributes to integration and cooperation with all countries by activating the work of embassies and communicating directly with all the various Libyan institutions to develop bilateral relations.

Dbaiba explained the political vision of the national unity government that supports the efforts of the UN envoy Abdullah Batili, by holding fair elections in accordance with fair and impartial laws.

He also affirmed his support for regional efforts and their unification to calm the situation in Sudan, and defuse the crisis through Arab and African efforts.

The meeting discussed a number of issues related to granting visas and opening flight destinations to Arab and Islamic countries, and the need for embassies to contribute to overcome any difficulties facing these service files.

According to the office, the meeting was attended by the ambassadors of Bahrain, Algeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Yemen, Palestine, Sudan, Somalia, Tunisia, Congo, Turkey, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Eritrea, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Guinea Conakry, Chad, Bangladesh, Benin, Comoros, and Pakistan.

Source: lana.gov.ly

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https://lana.gov.ly/post.php?id=298977&lang=en

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Man in police net for stabbing Kano Chief Imam to death

January 4, 2024

Police in Kano State have arrested 18 years old notorious thug, Yusuf Haruna, AKA Lagwatsani, for allegedly stabbing an Imam to death in Dala Local Government.

Spokesman of the command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa stated this in a statement issued to DAILY POST on Wednesday.

He said, “the incident happened on 31/12/2023 at about 1900hrs in Jakara Quarters, where one Yusuf Haruna attacked and stabbed 45 years old Mallam Sani Mohammed Shuaibu of the same address with a sharp knife at his back while performing ablution.

“As a result, the victim sustained deep injury and was rushed to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital and was confirmed dead by the doctor.”

Kiyawa said investigation revealed that the suspect committed the crime simply because the victim warned him and his gang to stop smoking Indian hemp around the Mosque premises.

He said the State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, assured the public of the Command’s commitment to conducting a thorough investigation on the case and bring justice to those affected by such heinous acts.

He commended the people of the state for the confidence and friendship gesture being extended to the Police Command.

Source: dailypost.ng

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Islamic police, Hisbah, seizes 24,000 bottles of alcohol in Kano

JANUARY 3, 2024

The Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested a truck loaded with more than 24,000 bottles of assorted alcoholic drinks.

The board, which made the seizure on Zaria Road in Kano, also arrested the truck driver and two other persons.

The director-general of Hisbah, Abba Sufi, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday.

“The truck containing over 24,000 bottles of assorted alcoholic beverages was confiscated from smugglers along Zaria Road at midnight.

“Hisbah personnel in the state have been proactive in enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against smuggling of beer and other intoxicating substances into the state,” he said.

Source: gazettengr.com

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Europe

 

France supports Lebanese sovereignty amid tensions after assassination of Hamas official by Israel

Naim Berjawi

04.01.2024

France emphasized Wednesday its commitment to respecting Lebanon's sovereignty following the assassination of a senior Hamas official in Beirut.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati and French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip, regional development, and events in Lebanon in a telephone call, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.

Colonna highlighted France's determination to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and said it is time to take on more responsibility than ever; no one will benefit from escalating tension.

Mikati urged pressure on Israel to halt attacks against Lebanon and its sovereignty, preventing the deterioration of the situation in the region.

He emphasized working toward stopping Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip and achieving a cease-fire.

"Continuing the attacks will drag the region into dangerous conflicts whose consequences no one knows," he said.

Hassan Nasrallah, Secretary-General of the Hezbollah Movement in Lebanon, commented on the killing of Salih al-Aruri in Beirut.

"We cannot remain silent about this. This crime will not go unanswered and unpunished," he said. "So far, we have taken into account Lebanon's interests. However, if war is declared against Lebanon, our interests will require us to pursue the war to the end."

Hamas’ Political Bureau Deputy Chairman Saleh al-Arouri and six others were killed Tuesday in an Israeli drone attack in the Dahieh district of Beirut, referred to as a Hezbollah's stronghold.

Since Oct. 8, ongoing clashes at the border between the Israeli army and Hezbollah have resulted in the deaths of 28 Lebanese civilians, 147 Hezbollah members, 5 Israeli civilians and nine Israeli soldiers.

Source: aa.com.tr

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Netherlands condemns Israeli ministers' call for Palestinian migration from Gaza

Alperen Aktas

04.01.2024

The Netherlands said Wednesday that Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's calls for the voluntary migration of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip are "irresponsible."

The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Amsterdam supports a two-state solution.

"The Netherlands rejects any calls for Palestinian displacement from Gaza or reduction of Palestinian territory," it said. "This does not fit a future two-state solution, with a viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel.”

The ministry also "strongly" condemned a terror attack Wednesday in Iran.

"The Netherlands strongly condemns today's attacks in the city of Kerman in Iran. The high number of deaths and injuries in Iran is deeply saddening. Our thoughts are with the victims and their relatives," it said.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/netherlands-condemns-israeli-ministers-call-for-palestinian-migration-from-gaza/3099820

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UK’s Cameron: Israel must allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza

04.01.2024

LONDON: British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said on Wednesday he had spoken to his Israeli counterpart Yisrael Katz to discuss how the two countries can work together on getting more aid into Gaza and securing a ceasefire.

“More must be done to get humanitarian aid into Gaza – Israel must allow significantly more supplies in to reduce the risk of hunger and disease,” Cameron said in a post on social media site X.

“The UK also wants to see the immediate release of hostages and progress towards a sustainable ceasefire. I spoke with new Israeli Foreign Minister … today about how we can work together on these issues.”

Source: brecorder.com

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EU’s Borrell condemns ‘terrorist attack’ in call with Iran FM

January 04, 2024

BRUSSELS: The EU’s top diplomat Josep Borrell offered his condolences to Iran after what he described as a “terrorist attack” that killed 95 people during a call Wednesday with Iran’s foreign minister.

Twin bomb blasts in southern Iran ripped through a crowd commemorating Revolutionary Guards general Qasem Soleimani four years after his death in a US strike.

The attacks remain unclaimed but Iran has blamed Israel and the United States.

Borrell spoke to Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian “to convey condolences following the horrific bombings today in Kerman that killed dozens of civilians,” the EU’s foreign policy chief said on social media.

“I condemned this terrorist attack in the strongest terms and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people,” Borrell added.

The blasts, about 15 minutes apart, struck near the Martyrs Cemetery at the Saheb Al-Zaman Mosque in Kerman, Soleimani’s southern hometown, as supporters gathered to mark his killing in a 2020 US drone strike in Baghdad.

Source: arabnews.com

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Putin sends condolences to Iran after terrorist attack

4 Jan, 2024

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message of condolence to the Iranian leadership on Wednesday, condemning the killing of people who came to visit the grave of General Qassem Soleimani as “shocking in its cruelty and cynicism.”

At least 95 people were killed by two explosions in the Iranian city of Kerman, as thousands of pilgrims flocked to Soleimani’s grave on the anniversary of his death. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps leader was killed outside Baghdad, Iraq by a US drone strike in 2020.

“Please convey words of sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured,” Putin said in a message to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirm our commitment to an uncompromising fight against this evil,” the Russian leader added.

No one has claimed responsibility for the bombings yet. Some Iranian officials have suggested Israel or the US might have been behind the attacks. The Israeli government has described Iran as being part of the “axis of evil” along with the Gaza-based Hamas.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller insisted on Wednesday that the US “was not involved in any way, and any suggestion to the contrary is ridiculous.” He also said that Washington had “no reason to believe that Israel was involved” in the explosions.

Source: rt.com

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Arab World

 

Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli ministers' call for migration of Palestinians in Gaza

Ibrahim Khazen

04.01.2024

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday condemned statements by Israeli ministers that called for the voluntary migration of Palestinians from Gaza and emphasized the importance of international efforts for Israel to be held accountable.

The Foreign Ministry emphasized its condemnation and clear rejection of extremist statements by two ministers in the Israeli occupation government, who called for the displacement of the Gaza population and the reoccupation of Gaza to build Jewish settlements.

It noted that Riyadh underscored the importance of joint international efforts to activate international accountability mechanisms for holding Israel accountable.

It pointed out that statements and actions of the Israeli government have advanced in violation of international legitimacy decisions and international humanitarian law.

Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich previously declared support for the voluntary migration of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.

Ben-Gvir noted having partners worldwide to assist Israel without providing information about the partners or countries.

According to the Israeli army radio, far-right Finance Minister Smotrich also stated: "The right solution for the Gaza Strip is to encourage voluntary migration to countries willing to accept refugees."

Hamas characterized the statements as an unrealistic "fantasy" and urged the international community to intervene.

The remarks have been rejected by the US, the UK, France, Germany, the UN and the EU.

Source: aa.com.tr

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Saudi Arabia condemns blasts that killed nearly 100 in Iran

January 03, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Wednesday condemned two explosions that killed nearly 100 people and wounded scores at a ceremony in Iran to commemorate commander Qassem Soleimani.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed the Kingdom’s rejection and condemnation of the terrorist bombings that targeted civilians in Iran,” a statement said.

The foreign ministry extended it condolences and sympathy to Iran, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

Iranian state television reported a first and then a second blast after 15 minutes during a crowded fourth-anniversary event at the cemetery where Soleimani is buried in the southeastern city of Kerman. He was killed by a US drone in 2020.

Iranian Health Minister Bahram Eynollahi told state TV the death toll was at 95, down from 103, and said 211 others were injured.

Source: arabnews.com

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36th Saudi aid plane for Gazans arrives in Egypt

January 03, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s 36th plane carrying aid for Palestinians in besieged Gaza arrived at El-Arish International Airport in Egypt on Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The delivery of the aid, which includes 24 tons of food, medical, and shelter supplies, is being coordinated by the Saudi aid agency KSrelief to help Palestinians affected by the conflict within the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, a Saudi national fundraising campaign to provide aid for the people of Gaza has so far raised more than SR603 million ($161 million).

The initiative was launched on Nov. 2, 2023 by KSrelief through the Sahem platform for charitable donations, in line with directives from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

By Wednesday, more than 1.36 million people had accessed the platform to make donations.

Those who wish to contribute can download the Sahem app from Apple’s App Store or Google Play, visit sahem.ksrelief.org, or transfer funds directly to the campaign’s Al-Rajhi Bank account (SA5580000504608018899998).

The Sahem platform, especially in the context of the Gaza war, stands as a remarkable example of how digital platforms can mobilize support and resources for humanitarian causes.

Its emphasis on the security of contributions, combined with its transparent and efficient operational model, has not only garnered immense support but has also set a benchmark for online charitable platforms worldwide. AN Riyadh

Source: arabnews.com

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King Salman to host 1,000 Umrah pilgrims from around the world

January 03, 2024

RIYADH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman has approved hosting 1,000 Umrah pilgrims from all countries of the world during the year 2024.

This is within the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh, minister of Islamic affairs, call and guidance, thanked the King, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for this generous gesture. He said that this confirms the great care of the rulers in serving Islam and Muslims, as well as in strengthening the bonds of brotherhood between Muslims in various parts of the world, and fruitful communication with those who are engaged in various fields of Islamic work.

Al-Sheikh said that the Guests Program would host 1,000 prominent Islamic figures from all around the world, including Islamic scholars, sheikhs, intellectuals, influential figures, and university professors to perform Umrah and pray in the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.

The minister appreciated the continuous great support being received by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in various fields that contribute to the success of its mission to serve Islam and Muslims, as well as to spread the values and principles of the Islamic religion, and confront hatred, fanaticism and extremism.

He prayed to God Almighty to reward King Salman and the Crown Prince with the best reward for what they have provided and are providing with offering great services to Islam and Muslims, as well as to close their ranks, and achieve their unity. He also supplicated to perpetuate the blessings of security and prosperity in this country, and to accept the pilgrimage from the Umrah performers, and enable them to return to their country safely and comfortably

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

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Yemen postpones Iran-Backed Houthi talks on prisoner exchange

Mohammed Sameai

04.01.2024

The Yemeni government announced that talks have been indefinitely postponed on a prisoner exchange with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

Majid Fadael, spokesperson and negotiator for the government's prisoners, wrote in a statement on X that the planned talks in Jordan this week have been indefinitely postponed.

He noted that the talks were postponed due to the uncompromising stance of the Houthis and their obstruction of the meeting.

Pointing out that the Houthis had also obstructed a meeting planned in Switzerland in November, Fadail accused the Iran-backed group of continuing crimes against the Yemeni people and exploiting humanitarian issues in the political and media arena.

There has been no statement from the Houthis on the decision to postpone the talks.

Prisoner exchange between Houthis and Yemen

Yemen and the Houthis began talks on a prisoner exchange in Switzerland under the supervision of the UN on March 11.

Following negotiations, the parties reached an agreement on March 20 to mutually release 887 prisoners, including four journalists and prominent political, military and security figures.

Fadail announced April 19 that the three-day prisoner exchange had been completed, with approximately 900 prisoners released from both sides.

In discussions in Sweden in 2018, the parties presented a list of more than 15,000 prisoners, detainees and abducted individuals in efforts to address the crisis in Yemen.

War in Yemen and political solution efforts

Since September 2014, the Houthis have controlled the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and some regions in Yemen.

Coalition forces led by Saudi Arabia have been supporting the Yemeni government against the Houthis since March 2015.

Saudi Arabia and Oman have been mediating between the government and the Houthis for months to prepare a comprehensive agreement to end the nine-year crisis.

Source: aa.com.tr

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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/yemen-postpones-iran-backed-houthi-talks-on-prisoner-exchange/3099814

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