Hindu Spiritual Leaders Criticise Mohan Bhagwat’s Conciliatory Comments On Temples And Mosques

New Age Islam News Bureau

24 December 2024

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat | Photo: PTI

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·         Hindu Spiritual Leaders Criticise Mohan Bhagwat’s Conciliatory Comments On Temples And Mosques

·         Russia’s Muslim Ulema Council Withdraws A Fatwa Permitting Religious Polygamy, Says It Violates ‘Traditional Values’

·         ACC Seeks Transactions Documents Of Shekh Hasina, Her Son Joy, Younger Sister Rehana And Her UK Lawmaker Daughter Tulip

·         Catholics Attending Christmas Mass at Jakarta Cathedral Can Enter Through Istiqlal Mosque Tunnel

·         17-Year-Old Christian, Akash Karamat, IncarceratedIn Three Blasphemy Cases Will Spend Christmas In Jail

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India

·         Govt Has Taken Action Against 'Jihad' Of Love, Land And 'Thook (Spitting): CM Uttarakhand

·         Landowners Demolish Muslim Shrine In UP's Muzaffarnagar, FIR Lodged

·         Shiv temple reopens in Muzaffarnagar after 1992 Ayodhya incident, Muslims shower flowers

·         Sambhal mosque survey report almost complete, will be filed in Jan: Court commissioner

·         Ruling, Opposition leaders join protesters outside CM Omar Abdullah’s residence over J&K reservation policy

·         Bareilly court summons AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi over pro-Palestine slogan in Parliament

·         Over 5,300 arrests in Assam puts the spotlight back on rampant child marriages in Muslim-majority districts

·         ED takes possession of flat in case against Dawood's brother Iqbal Kaskar

·         ‘Mystery illness’ in J-K village claims ninth life in a fortnight

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Europe

·         Anti-Muslim Attacks Reported In Germany After Car-Ramming Attack

·         Tribunal: Former Imamat Jamiyat Tabligh-ul-Islam in Bradford 'Unfairly Dismissed' By Mosque

·         Germany arrests anti-Islam Saudi in SUV attack

·         Reporter who interviewed market-attack suspect recalls ‘twisted mind’

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South Asia

·         Bangladesh: ICT Issues Arrest Warrant For Ex-MP Saiful Islam, Four Cops

·         IEA relations improving with world countries, Mujahid

·         Strengthening relations between Afghanistan and regional countries

·         Human trafficking still a challenge in Afghanistan

·         Nearly 800,000 Afghan refugees return to Afghanistan from Pakistan: UNHCR

·         Islamic Emirate Ambassador Holds Talks with TLP Representative on Bilateral Cooperation

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Southeast Asia

·         GISBH controversy: Alleged Al-Arqam links shock nation

·         Sakuranesia bolsters Islam-Buddhism dialogue at Japan's Miidera Temple

·         Police identify five victims in fatal crash at KM204 PLUS Expressway

·         IGP: Senior citizen among 13 arrested in nationwide child sexual abuse material crackdown, 40,000 files seized

·         Investigation into Klang hospital ‘frozen baby’ case completed, say police

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Pakistan

·         PML-N Senator Says 'Govt Committee Accepts PTI's Demand To Meet Imran Khan'

·         'Global reaction’: PTI concerned over delay in £190m case verdict against Imran, Bushra

·         KP govt forms roadmap for peace in Kurram

·         Punjab Govt Using Fascist Tactics Despite Holding Talks: PTI’s Bhachar

·         Bilawal Advocates ‘Bill Of Rights’ For Digital Age

·         Military trial of civilians may jeopardise country’s GSP-Plus status, warns PTI leader

·         Int’l Islamic chairity organization trains 400 Pakistani students

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Mideast

·         Oxfam Raises Alarm Over Worsening Humanitarian Situation In Gaza

·         US military says it conducts airstrike in Syria, killing two Daesh operatives

·         Israel says intercepted projectile fired from Yemen

·         Israel’s Defense Minister Acknowledges Israel Killed Hamas Leader In Iran

·         New conflict in northeast Syria could bring ‘dramatic consequences’, UN envoy says

·         Palestinian victims of Gaza conflict file case against British oil giant BP

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Arab World

·         Saudi Arabia Chairs First Meeting Of Council Of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers In Riyadh

·         Muslim World League chief meets Pope Francis in Vatican City

·         Saudi wildlife center releases 66 endangered animals in King Khalid Royal Reserve

·         New partnership set to drive Kingdom’s architecture industry

·         Film Commission Hosts “The Secrets Of Acting Art” With Syrian Film Veteran, Ghassan Massoud In Alkhobar

·         European pilgrims visit Prophet’s biography museum, Islamic heritage sites in Madinah

·         Saudi aid efforts continue in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon

·         New boot camps focus on data center training

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Africa

·         Santa Brings Food And Joy To Displaced Children In DR Congo

·         Alliance Of Sahel States Rejects ECOWAS Timeline For Its Withdrawal

·         Otti Appoints Abia State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board

·         Court Orders Remand Of Turji’s Associates In Kuje Correctional Centre

·         Tax Reform Bill Is Good, Has No Harm, No Cause For Alarm – Sen Umeh

·         ‘His Loyalty Was Never In Doubt’ – Atiku Abubakar’s Political Ally Dies

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North America

·         CAIR-Georgia Remembers State Sen. Vincent Fort as Dedicated Friend of Muslim Community, Champion of Justice

·         As Biden commutes death row sentences, how Trump plans to expand executions

·         Four revelations from the House ethics report on Matt Gaetz

·         Trump threatens to try to regain control of Panama Canal

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/hindu-spiritual-leaders-temples-mosques/d/134125

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Hindu Spiritual Leaders Criticise Mohan Bhagwat’s Conciliatory Comments On Temples And Mosques

24 December 2024

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat | Photo: PTI

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Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent comments on the ‘mandir-masjid’ issue have reportedly not been well received by several spiritual leaders.

Among the seer groups, the Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti (AKSS), a religious group, criticised Mohan Bhagwat's comments, stating that religious matters should be decided by spiritual leaders rather than the RSS, according to media reports. TOI reported Swami Jitendranand Saraswati, the general secretary of AKSS, saying "When it comes to religion, it is the religious gurus who should decide. Whatever they decide will be respected by the Sangh and VHP."

Despite Bhagwat's previous similar statements, Saraswati pointed out that temple structures have been identified at 56 new sites, indicating a continued focus on these sensitive issues. He added that religious organizations tend to act based on public sentiment, not political interests, the media reports showed.

Prominent religious figures, including Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, have also argued that the Sangh should defer to spiritual leaders when it comes to religious matters. HT quoted Rambhadracharya saying: “Let me make it clear, Mohan Bhagwat is not our disciplinarian, but we are.

Earlier, Swami Avimukteshwarananda, the Shankaracharya of the Jyotish Peeth said that Bhagwat speaks according to his convenience. "Mohan Bhagwat speaks according to his convenience. When he needed votes, then he kept speaking only on temples and is now saying Hindus should not look for temples, he said, Hindus have faced several atrocities. Temples were destroyed. If Hindus want such temples to be resurrected, there is nothing wrong with it."

What Did Bhagwat Say?

During a lecture on ‘India – The Vishwaguru’ in Pune on December 17, Bhagwat commented, "Following the construction of the Ram Temple, some people believe they can gain influence as Hindu leaders by stirring up similar issues in new locations." He added, "This is unacceptable... We have lived in harmony for a long time. To share this harmony with the world, we must create a model for it." Bhagwat further emphasized, "No one will become a Hindu leader by engaging in temple-mosque disputes and fueling communal divisions."

These comments followed petitions filed by Hindu groups, calling for surveys of mosques believed to be built on temple sites destroyed by Muslim invaders. The recent clashes in Sambhal, UP, were linked to a similar petition regarding the Shahi Jama Masjid.

Source:outlookindia.com

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Russia’s Muslim Ulema Council Withdraws A Fatwa Permitting Religious Polygamy, Says It Violates ‘Traditional Values’

December 24, 2024

Last week, SAM announced the adoption of a fatwa allowing Muslim men in Russia to have up to four wives under specific conditions ; illustrqtive photo / Vladimir Astapkovich / RIA Novosti.

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Russia’s Muslim Spiritual Administration’s Ulema Council (an advisory body of Muslim scholars) has withdrawn a fatwa permitting religious polygamy, reported RIA Novosti. The decision follows a formal notice from the Prosecutor General’s Office to the administration, stating that the fatwa violated Russian law, Interfax and TASS reported, citing a source within the department.

On December 19, Moscow Mufti Ildar Alyautdinov announced that the Spiritual Administration’s Ulema Council had approved a fatwa titled “The Issue of Polygamy in Russia’s Muslim Community,” which permits Muslim men to enter multiple religious marriages, provided they treat all wives “fairly and equally.”

Prosecutors, however, argued that the ruling violates Russian law, which prohibits individuals from entering a new marriage while already legally married.

“This theological conclusion […] from the Ulema Council contradicts current legislation and the state’s family policy, which is aimed at preserving and strengthening traditional Russian spiritual and moral values,” a source in the prosecutor’s office told reporters.

Chechen authorities have previously expressed support for legalizing polygamy in Russian law. In 2015, Magomed Daudov, a close ally of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, called polygamy a “widespread practice,” adding that “it wouldn’t hurt to regulate it somehow.” Nurdi Nukhazhiev, Chechnya’s human rights commissioner at the time, supported Daudov’s position.

Source:meduza.io

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https://meduza.io/en/news/2024/12/24/russia-s-muslim-spiritual-administration-withdraws-polygamy-ruling-after-prosecutor-s-office-says-it-violates-law-and-traditional-values

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ACC Seeks Transactions Documents Of Shekh Hasina, Her Son Joy, Younger Sister Rehana And Her UK Lawmaker Daughter Tulip

Dec 24, 2024

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) issued a letter today to Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), requesting all documents related to local and international transactions of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, younger sister Sheikh Rehana, and Rehana's daughter and UK lawmaker Tulip Siddiq.

The ACC's investigation team sent the letter, seeking details on offshore bank account statements and other accounts associated with the individuals in question.

A senior ACC official confirmed the matter to The Daily Star.

The official further said the investigation team has also requested their personal documents from the Election Commission Office, and Immigration and Passport Office.

Source:thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/top-news/news/acc-seeks-transactions-documents-hasina-joy-rehana-tulip-3783496

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Catholics Attending Christmas Mass at Jakarta Cathedral Can Enter Through Istiqlal Mosque Tunnel

December 24, 2024\

The Public Relations of the Archdiocese and the Jakarta Cathedral Church, Susyana Suwadie is seen talking to reporters at the front of the Jakarta Cathedral Church, Central Jakarta, Friday, December 25, 2020. Tempo/M Yusuf Manurung

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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Ahead of the Christmas mass this afternoon, Tuesday, December 24, 2024, the courtyard of the Jakarta Cathedral Church has been sterilized. Unauthorized people are prohibited from entering. The gate appears to be closed with security guards.

Across the street, right in front of the gate of the Istiqlal Mosque, a police post has been set up to secure the Christmas mass agenda. "This year's theme is 'Let Us Now Go to Bethlehem'," said Head of Public Relations of the Cathedral, Susyana Suwadie, Tuesday, December 24, 2024.

The mass will be held for two days on December 24-25, 2024. Today, the mass will be held twice at 17:00 WIB (Western Indonesian Time) and 20:00 WIB. Susyana said the church has prepared 4,500 chairs to welcome the congregation who will attend mass. The chairs are spread out inside the church, Plaza Maria, Gua Maria, and tents in the yard. They have been preparing for this Christmas mass celebration for the past three months.

For those who attend, they can park their vehicles in the area around the church. Such as at Lapangan Banteng, Kemenag, the post office, and Istiqlal Mosque. "Especially those who park at Istiqlal Mosque, can enter the church through the silaturahmi tunnel that connects Istiqlal and the Cathedral. Because it's the rainy season too," he said.

In the church yard, there are currently ornaments on the roof of the tent. A Christmas tree measuring about five meters is also standing in front of the yard. This afternoon, a number of state officials have also been scheduled to attend the event, including the Chief of Police, the TNI Commander, the Minister of Religion, and the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

Today's first mass will be led by Father Albertus Hani Rudi Hartoko. While the second mass at 20:00 WIB will be led by Father Yohanes Doedatus.

Source:tempo.co

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17-Year-Old Christian, Akash Karamat, IncarceratedIn Three Blasphemy Cases Will Spend Christmas In Jail

23 Dec, 2024

Akash Karamat has been in jail on blasphemy charges in Pakistan since Aug. 27, 2023. (Christian Daily International-Morning Star News)

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A 17-year-old Christian who has been incarcerated for 16 months for charges in three blasphemy cases will spend Christmas in jail, but he obtained bail in one of the cases, sources said.

Akash Karamat, a class nine student in Sargodha, Punjab Province, remains in jail, but the bail decision on Thursday (Dec. 19) gives him and his family hope that bail will be granted in hearings in the other two cases, which could take place in January and February, his attorney said.

The bail was granted in the most serious case, whose charges carry a mandatory death penalty and life imprisonment, said attorney Asad Jamal.

Akash was arrested on Aug. 27, 2023, and charged under various sections of the blasphemy laws in the three cases. He belongs to a poor family and was coerced into recording a confession by the police, Jamal said.

“Karamat and his co-accused, Zimran Asim, were implicated falsely in all the three cases,” Jamal told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. “Asim has already been freed on bail in all three cases, and we believe that Karamat will also get justice.”

Akash’s father, Karamat Masih, said the bail had brought the family “their first good news in a year.”

“We’ve suffered a lot since the time police arrested Akash on these false charges,” Masih said. “I used to earn a livelihood for the family through my tailoring shop, but after Akash was arrested, we were forced to close it down and leave our home to save ourselves from violence. We’ve been surviving hand-to-mouth since then.”

For the Masih family, this Christmas has brought hope that their son will be reunited with them soon.

“The bail hearing for the other two cases will likely be fixed in January 2025, and we are very hopeful that God will deliver Akash from this unjust incarceration,” he said, asking for prayer for his son’s release.

Akash was accused of writing blasphemous posters and desecrating the Quran in areas of Sargodha, allegedly in retaliation for the Aug. 16, 2023, Muslim mob attacks on multiple churches and homes of Christians in Jaranwala, Faisalabad District, after two Christian men were accused of committing blasphemy.

He was charged under Section 295-C of the blasphemy statutes relating to disrespect of Islam’s prophet, which carries a mandatory death penalty; Section 295-B pertaining to desecration of Quran, punishable with life imprisonment; Section 295-A, prescribing imprisonment of up to 10 years for hurting religious sentiments; and Section 298-A, which carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison for disrespecting the wives and companions of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam.

“There was stiff opposition to the bail request from lawyers of the Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Forum [Movement for Finality of Prophethood],” Jamal told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News.

The attorney said his arguments for bail were based on a statutory limit of six months for a juvenile to be detained under the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018, as well as a limit of one year before a suspect must be released under Section 497 of the Criminal Procedure Code. He also argued that there were no reasonable grounds to keep Akash behind bars, and that the case was one of further inquiry.

There are several defects in the case registered against Akash, he said.

“Firstly, he was declared a juvenile after a lapse of one year, even though the police had access to his educational documents and official birth certificate from the onset of the case,” Jamal told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. “Secondly, the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018 requires submission of the social background report of the accused at the time of submitting of the chargesheet, but the police have to date not submitted that report despite repeated court orders.”

There is no direct evidence against Akash, he said.

“The testimony of one witness who claims that he saw Karamat pasting the alleged blasphemous poster outside a house is clearly an afterthought because he did not report him to the police immediately after the incident,” Jamal said. “The alleged incident took place on July 16, 2023, whereas Karamat was taken into custody on Aug. 27, 2023, but his formal arrest was shown on Sept. 10, 2023.”

He said the judge also noted the inordinate delay in incriminating Akash in the incident. Jamal said the Punjab Forensic Science Agency had also given a report in Akash’s favor, because the handwriting found on a note found with desecrated pages of the Quran did not match that of the suspect.

Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, as it was the previous year.

Source:christiandaily.com

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India

 

Govt Has Taken Action Against 'Jihad' Of Love, Land And 'Thook (Spitting): CM Uttarakhand

23 December 2024

Sagar: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday said his government has taken strict action against "jihad" of love, land and the "hateful mentality of thook (spitting in food items as part of a communal agenda)".Addressing a programme in Sagar to mark 'Gaurav Diwas' and dedicate beautification works at Lakha Banjara Lake, Dhami said laws have been enacted in Uttarakhand against riots and efforts were underway to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).He also credited the BJP's victories in Maharashtra and Haryana to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The PM has worked for the upliftment of religious places associated with 'Sanatan Dharma', Dhami added.

"It is our party's resolve that there should be a common civil code for all citizens of the country. This pride has been achieved by Uttarakhand. The Ganga of UCC (uniform civil code) has emanated from Uttarakhand and the entire country is going to benefit from it," CM Dhami said.UCC is expected to be implemented in Uttarakhand from January. "We have taken several decisions and enacted laws against conversion and to stop riots. We have taken strict action against land jihad and love jihad. We have taken strict action against the hateful mentality of 'thook' (spitting) jihad. Our intention is to maintain the basic structure of Uttarakhand, which is Devbhoomi (land of deities). These steps will strengthen Indian culture," Dhami said.

Politics of appeasement and vote bank has given way to politics of development, Dhami said while taking a jibe at the opposition. Dhami lauded Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav for the developmental works carried out during the past one year and asserted the central state had come out of its 'BIMARU' status due to the "double engine government".

The Uttarakhand CM also recalled the days he spent in Sagar city when his father was posted in the Mahar Regiment centre here. Speaking on the occasion, Yadav said history will be created in Bundelkhand on December 25 when PM Modi launches the Ken-Betwa river linking project.

It will benefit all the areas under Sagar division, the MP CM said. On the occasion, Yadav transferred Rs 26 crore into accounts of 24 lakh women beneficiaries of the LPG cylinder refilling scheme.

Source:deccanherald.com

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https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttarakhand/uttarakhand-govt-has-taken-action-against-jihad-of-love-land-and-thook-says-dhami-3329973

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Landowners demolish Muslim shrine in UP's Muzaffarnagar, FIR lodged

24 Dec 2024

MUZAFFARNAGAR: A group of landowners allegedly demolished an old 'mazaar' (shrine) on the Budhana-Kandhla Road, promting police to register an FIR in the matter and launch an investigation, an official said on Tuesday.

The accused has been identified as Gulzar Uddin, a resident of Chhota Bazaar, along with his brothers Aghan and Ameer Zia, and 10 to 15 others, they said.

Speaking to media persons, Budhana Circle Officer (CO) Gajendra Pal Singh said that based on a complaint filed by Budhana resident Pavnesh Kumar, Police have filed a case against the landowners and an investigation is underway.

The police have assured a thorough investigation and appropriate action against those found guilty, Singh added.

Source:newindianexpress.com

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https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Dec/24/landowners-demolish-muslim-shrine-in-ups-muzaffarnagar-fir-lodged

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Shiv temple reopens in Muzaffarnagar after 1992 Ayodhya incident, Muslims shower flowers

23 December 2024

Muzaffarnagar (UP): A Shiv temple in Ludhawala, a predominantly Muslim locality under the jurisdiction of Kotwali police station, was reopened on Monday with a 'havan' and Muslims showering flowers on a procession by Hindus.The Shiv temple was built in 1971. However, during the communal tensions triggered by the Ayodhya incident in 1992, Hindu families from the locality migrated, taking the temple's idols and 'shivling' with them. Since then, the temple had remained closed.

City Magistrate Vikas Kashyap confirmed that the reopening and associated ceremonies were conducted peacefully.

"All functions in the temple were conducted without any disturbance. The atmosphere was cordial and Hindu activists, led by Swami Yashvir Maharaj, returned in a peaceful manner," Kashyap told PTI.In a remarkable display of harmony, local Muslims welcomed the procession of Hindu activists by showering flowers on them as they made their way to the temple.

Swami Yashvir Maharaj led the purification ceremony in the temple, which involved performing a 'havan' and other rituals. "This is a significant moment for us. The Shiv temple has been closed for years, but today it has been reopened after proper purification," he remarked.

The swami had announced last week that the temple would reopen on December 23 after a purification ceremony.

The district administration had made elaborate security arrangements to ensure peace in the area. The police patrolled the locality to avoid any untoward incident during the event.

About 200 km away from Muzaffarnagar, excavations are going on in Sambhal after the reopening on December 13 of the Bhasma Shankar Temple, which had been closed for over 46 years.

Last week, an old temple structure was found in Khurja town of this district, sparking demands from right-wing outfits for its renovation.

Source:deccanherald.com

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https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttar-pradesh/shiv-temple-reopens-in-muzaffarnagar-after-1992-ayodhya-incident-muslims-shower-flowers-3329383

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Sambhal mosque survey report almost complete, will be filed in Jan: Court commissioner

Dec 24, 2024

The survey report of the Shahi Jama Masjid is almost complete and will be submitted in the court in January, 2025, the court-appointed commissioner recently said.

Advocate Ramesh Singh Raghav, who was appointed as the court commissioner in the matter, on December 23 said the report would be either filed on January 2 or January 3.

“The survey report of Shahi Jama Masjid is almost in the final stage and complete. There are some technical issues, which will be adjusted today. As it is the last working day of the court after which it will close. As far as the survey report is concerned, it will be filed on January 2 or 3. There is a stay order of the Supreme Court to the trial court not to take any action till January 6 hence the survey report will be filed before this date,” Raghav told media persons.

On November 19, the court passed an ex-parte order for the mosque's survey by an advocate commissioner after taking note of the plea of the Hindu side claiming the mosque was built by Mughal emperor Babur in 1526 after demolishing a temple.

On November 24, during a second round of survey, protesting locals clashed with security personnel, leading to a major violence which led to death of four people and injuries to dozens.

The Supreme Court on November 29 asked the Sambhal trial court to halt proceedings in the case over the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid and its survey while directing the UP government to maintain peace and harmony in the violence-hit town.

Source:tribuneindia.com

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Ruling, Opposition leaders join protesters outside CM Omar Abdullah’s residence over J&K reservation policy

December 23, 2024

Peerzada AshiqPEERZADA ASHIQ

Cutting across party lines, several mainstream leaders, including ruling National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah and Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti, on Monday (December 23, 2024) joined hundreds of general category students to protest outside the residence of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar to seek rationalisation of reservation in the Union Territory (UT).

Ever since the new reservation was policy was introduced by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha-led administration during the Central rule in J&K, an online protest has been gathering momentum for months. General category students and job aspirants have alleged that the new reservation policy under the J&K Reorganisation Act has increased the reservation for Scheduled Tribes by 20% by including Paharis, and has increased the OBC quota to 8%. At present, the quota for reserved category in J&K has risen to over 60% and the chance for open merit students has reduced to less than 40%, the aggrieved students said.

Joining the protesters in Srinagar despite coming from the ruling party, MP Ruhullah said, “We are not against reservation to any community that requires the government’s hand-holding because of being downtrodden, as a matter of justice. At the same time, the open merit aspirants over whom the irrational reservation dangles like a sword deserve justice. No one demands scrapping of reservation to any community but only the need to rationalise it.”

Two ways to rationalise: NC MP Ruhullah

Mr. Ruhullah said there are two ways to rationalise the reservation. “Either the reservation should be done as per the population ratio. If the reserved categories are less than 50% [of the population], then open merit should not face injustice due to the 70% reservation. The other way is to follow the Supreme Court ruling that calls for 50% reservation for open merit students and aspirants,” he said.

The MP said he joined the protesters “neither to create any chaos nor to divide the party but raise the voice for youth”. “People came out to vote so that the local government is strengthened and dictatorship is ended. I am committed to raise voice for people whether it’s the Assembly, Parliament or Cabinet,” he said.

In a rare show of solidarity, leaders of the PDP and incarcerated MP Engineer Rashid-led Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) also joined the protest in Srinagar. “We hope for a time-bound rationalisation of reservation. The government needs to deliver. We are not here to do politics but stand with our youth. The government needs to walk the talk. Unemployment has touched over 35% in J&K. We want equitable distribution and ending students’ distress in J&K,” Ms. Mufti.

PDP legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra, who also addressed the protesters, said, “We believe in empowering marginalised communities to not just be present but shape decisions and lead change. However, merit must remain the bedrock of our system. Reservations must serve only as targeted exceptions to bridge inequalities, not as tools for perpetual imbalance. Policies that reduce the majority to a minority are neither just nor sustainable.” He said the open merit category “cannot be sacrificed at the altar of vote-bank politics or divisive agendas”.

Protesters meet CM

AIP legislator MLA Sheikh Khurshid said the current reservation policy is “anti-people and anti-youth”. “Our future is in the dark if the current policy goes on,” he said.

Meanwhile, a group of protesters, comprising five students, met the Chief Minister at his residence. “I met the representatives of the Open Merit Students Association. The beauty of democracy is the right to be heard and dialogue in a spirit of mutual cooperation. I have made certain requests of them & given them a number of assurances. This channel of communication will remain open without any intermediaries or hangers on,” Mr. Abdullah said, who earlier in the day posted a poem about maintaining calm and resilience by Rudyard Kipling as protesters were raising slogans outside his residence.

Sources said Mr. Abdullah has sought time to address the issue, which is also being heard by the J&K and Ladakh High Court. A month ago, the J&K government also constituted a Cabinet sub-committee to study the issue and file a report.

Monday’s protest was also the first major demonstration in Srinagar since the Centre ended J&K’s special constitutional position in 2019 under Article 370.

However, Hurriyat chairman and Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was disallowed to join the protesters. “The issue of reservations should be addressed with justice and fairness by those in charge, safeguarding the interests of all segments of society, not at the expense of any one group. I will raise the issue in Jama Masjid whenever permitted to go,” the Mirwaiz said, in a post on X.

Under the present reservation policy, Scheduled Tribes have 20% reservation, Scheduled Castes 8%, Reserved Backward Areas 10%, Other Backward Classes 8%, Local Area Candidates/Integrated Borders 4%, Economically Weaker Sections 10% and Children of Defence Personnel, sports, CDP, PWD, etc. 10%.

Source:thehindu.com

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https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ruling-opposition-leaders-join-protesters-outside-cm-omar-abdullahs-residence-over-jk-reservation-policy/article69019802.ece

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Bareilly court summons AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi over pro-Palestine slogan in Parliament

24.12.24

A local court has directed AIMIM supremo Asaduddin Owaisi to appear before it over a plea that claimed he had violated the Constitution by raising a slogan hailing Palestine in Parliament.

Lawyer Virendra Gupta filed a petition against Owaisi over the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader voicing support for Palestine during his oath-taking ceremony in Parliament.

Gupta said in his plea that the five-time MP had violated constitutional and legal beliefs.

He told reporters on Tuesday that a petition was filed in the MP/MLA court on July 12 but it was rejected.

Gupta then filed a revision petition in the court of the district judge.

District Judge Sudhir allowed the petition and issued a notice to Owaisi on Saturday, asking him to appear before the court on January 7.

Gupta said he was hurt by Owaisi's slogan.

His slogan was against the Constitution, he added.

Owaisi took oath as Hyderabad MP on June 25.

After his oath-taking ceremony, he had hailed the conflict-hit West Asian country from the podium. The chairman later ordered the remarks to be expunged.

Owaisi had justified his slogan after he came out of the House and told reporters there was nothing wrong in him saying "Jai Bheem, Jai Meem, Jai Telangana, Jai Palestine".

Source:telegraphindia.com

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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/bareilly-court-summons-aimim-chief-owaisi-over-pro-palestine-slogan-in-parliament/cid/2073022

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Over 5,300 arrests in Assam puts the spotlight back on rampant child marriages in Muslim-majority districts

23 December 2024

Guwahati: The "rampant" problem of child marriage among Muslims in Assam have come to the spotlight as more than 60 per cent of the cases registered during the state government's drive against child marriage since February 2023 have been found to be from the Mulsim-majority areas.

Sources within the state police told DH that although child marriage was a state-wide problem, most of the cases and persons arrested so far were from Dhubri, Barpeta, South Salmara, Kamrup, Morigaon, Nagaon, Karimganj (now renamed Sribhumi), Cachar and Hailakandi districts, where the Muslims are either in majority or has sizeable in numbers.

Encouraged by a drive by the B S Yeddyurappa government in Karnataka, the BJP-led government in Assam launched a crackdown on child marriage in February 2023 and have arrested 5,348 persons and registered 5,842 cases so far.

In three special drives, police arrested husbands, relatives and Kazis (who perform the rituals) for child marriages so far.The state DGP, GP Singh on Sunday said chargesheets have been filed in 95 per cent of the cases registered till the third phase launched on Saturday night (December 21).

A total 431 persons were arrested in connection with 345 cases on Saturday night. Singh said maternal mortality and infant mortality in Assam have reduced since the drive was launched.

Police and the state health department said the drive was resumed on Saturday as the state government set a target to end child marriage by 2026, when Assam will go for the next Assembly elections.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said most of the arrests were from Muslim-dominated areas as the problem was rampant and this resulted in a high rate of maternal and infant mortality.

"We can no longer allow marriage of a girl of 13 or 14, become a mother and die during delivery or thereafter. During our drive, we have come across several such cases," Sarma had said recently.

The BJP-led government stated that the drive had no communal agenda as arrests were made in other districts too. But activists and Opposition parties claim that Muslims have been targeted more in order to suit the saffron party's communal agenda.

"Child marriage is definitely a serious problem, irrespective of caste, religion and community. It is good that the state government has adopted some tough action to end the menace. But it has been observed that most of the arrests have been made in Muslim majority areas.

"No community should be specifically targeted. We can not end this social evil by just arresting the sole bread earner of the family and putting him behind the bars. We must devise a proper plan to increase the level of education, economic condition and sustained awareness in order to make an impact in the real sense," said Hasina Ahmed, a lawyer and now the president of the women's front of the Badruddin Ajmal-led party, All India United Democratic Front.

Ahmed, also a lawyer now, had prevented several child marriages as a leader of All Assam Minority Students' Union (AAMSU) much before the government's crackdown was launched.

Rafikul Islam, an anti-child marriage activist in Barpeta said poor economic condition and low literacy were the main push factors of child marriage among the Muslims, mainly those living in the riverine areas.

Source:deccanherald.com

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https://www.deccanherald.com/india/assam/over-5300-arrests-in-assam-puts-the-spotlight-back-on-rampant-child-marriages-in-muslim-majority-districts-3329674

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ED takes possession of flat in case against Dawood's brother Iqbal Kaskar

Dec 24, 2024

The Enforcement Directorate has taken possession of a flat worth Rs 55 lakh in Maharashtra's Thane, held in the name of an alleged associate of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim's brother Iqbal Kaskar, as part of a money laundering probe.

Sources in the federal probe agency said on Tuesday that the residential dwelling in Neopolis Building located in Thane West was attached as part of a provisional order issued under the PMLA in 2022 against its owner Mumtaz Ezaz Shaikh.

The adjudicating authority of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) had approved this provisional attachment order paving way for the ED to take its possession. The procedure for taking possession of the flat was completed recently, the sources said.

The ED had earlier alleged in a statement that this flat was extorted by Kaskar and others from a Thane-based real estate developer Suresh Devichand Mehta.

“Mehta was running the business of construction with his partner through his firm Darshan enterprises. The accused Iqbal Kaskar, Mumtaz Shaikh and Israr Ali Jamil Saiyad due to close proximity with underworld gangster Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar managed to extort one flat in Thane in the name of Mumtaz Ezaz Shaikh,” the agency had said.

Besides the flat, it had then said, four cheques totalling Rs 10 lakhs “as demanded by them” were issued by the builder which has been “encashed” by the accused through cash withdrawals.

The money laundering case stems from a Thane Police FIR of September, 2017. The police had pressed charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the accused.

Kaskar is currently in jail under judicial custody. Dawood Ibrahim has been declared terrorist by India and is stated to be based in Pakistan.

Source:tribuneindia.com

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https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/ed-takes-possession-of-flat-in-case-against-dawoods-brother-iqbal-kaskar/

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‘Mystery illness’ in J-K village claims ninth life in a fortnight

by Arun Sharma

December 24, 2024

Days after teams of experts collected samples from a J&K village, where a mystery illness has spread panic, another person died on Monday, taking the total number of deaths attributed to the illness to nine in the past fortnight.

Days earlier, Baddal village in Rajouri district hosted teams of experts from PGI Chandigarh, the National Institute of Virology, and the National Centre for Disease Control, who sought to understand the illness and collected food and water samples. Sources said the teams are yet to arrive at any conclusion.

The woman who died on Monday, identified as Rajeem Akhtar, had already lost three of her minor children to the disease.

According to sources, she had taken her children to the Government Medical College in Rajouri on December 12. After their death, she returned home on December 19 as she had shown no symptoms of any illness. However, on Monday, her health deteriorated and she was brought to GMC Rajouri, where she breathed her last, sources said.

Her death is the ninth in the past fortnight attributed to the mystery illness. They include seven from one family and two from another.

J&K Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, and Jal Shakti Minister Javed Rana, along with senior officials from the Rajouri district administration and the Health Department, have also visited the area to review the situation.

Source:indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/mystery-illness-in-jk-village-claims-9th-life-in-a-fortnight-9741205/

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Europe

 

Anti-Muslim attacks reported in Germany after car-ramming attack

December 24, 2024,

Germany's Anti-Racism Commissioner Reem Alabali-Radovan has expressed concern following reports of anti-Muslim attacks in the aftermath of a car ramming last week on a Christmas market in the eastern city of Magdeburg that killed five people and left more than 200 injured.

"Since the weekend, our anti-racism counselling centres in Magdeburg and the surrounding area have reported an increasingly hostile atmosphere and violent attacks against migrants and Muslims," the press quoted Alabali-Radovan as saying in Berlin on Monday.

"Unfortunately, this act is now being used as an outlet to allow racism to run its course. We must not accept that under any circumstances. We must oppose any attempt to exploit this act politically," she added.

Alabali-Radovan stressed that "terror always aims to destroy social cohesion, divide people and spread fear."

Earlier in the day, German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck had warned his fellow citizens against fuelling hatred against Muslims and foreigners in the wake of the attack.

"Don't believe what propagandists on the internet want you to believe. The lie is faster than the truth," he said in a video message posted on social media.


"Take time for the truth. Take time for scepticism, for doubts, for questions. Don't let hate get to you," added Habeck, who is also the Green Party's candidate for chancellor in early general elections in February.


His comments followed a far-right protest on Saturday in Magdeburg, where the alleged attacker — identified as Taleb Al-Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old psychiatrist from Saudi Arabia who has lived in Germany since 2006 — carried out the car ramming on Friday.

Far-right and Zionist

Abdulmohsen is described as being anti-Muslim and a supporter of the far-right and Zionism.

He had been working as a psychiatrist in Bernburg, south of Magdeburg.

Abdulmohsen shared posts in support of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, a far-right party opposed to Muslim immigration, and other anti-Islam groups in Europe.

Initially, the attack drew comparisons on social media to an immigrant's deadly attack on a Berlin Christmas market in 2016.

Later, when it was revealed that the suspect was an anti-Muslim Zionist, the far-right went into damage control mode, saying he hated Germany more than Islam.

Source:trtworld.com

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https://www.trtworld.com/europe/anti-muslim-attacks-reported-in-germany-after-car-ramming-attack-18246596

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Tribunal: Former Imamat Jamiyat Tabligh-ul-Islam in Bradford 'Unfairly Dismissed' By Mosque

23rd December

By Daryl Ames

AN employment tribunal has ruled that a former imam at a  mosque was unfairly dismissed.

Mufti Shahid Ali, who was employed as an imam at Jamiyat Tabligh-ul-Islam (JTI) mosque in Bradford since 2013, was dismissed in April 2023.

In a reserve judgment handed down by the Employment Tribunal, headed by Employment Judge Maidment, they ruled that Mr Ali’s “ordinary unfair dismissal is well founded and succeeds”.

As compensation for his unfair dismissal, Mr Ali was awarded £5,226.

However, Mr Ali’s complaints of “automatic unfair dismissal and detrimental treatment” and “direct discrimination because of religious belief” both failed and were dismissed.

No order for his reinstatement as imam was made.

Jamiyat Tabligh-ul-Islam told the T&A that Mr Ali was dismissed "due to a breakdown in trust".

Mr Ali was initially suspended from his duties as imam in February 2023 after giving a sermon on February 3 of that year and holding a demonstration two days later outside the JTI central mosque in Bradford, where he spoke out against a guest speaker, whose views about the Shia tradition of Islam Mr Ali believed to be contrary to the Sunni teachings of JTI.

According to findings of the tribunal, “the claimant gave a sermon critical of the guest speaker’s beliefs and encouraging the congregation to attend the demonstration at Friday afternoon prayers and the demonstration followed very shortly thereafter on the Sunday afternoon.”

“My argument was one of creed,” said Mr Ali. “He was a regular speaker at the central mosque in Bradford. I felt compelled that it was my religious and moral duty to come out publicly.”

However, in the tribunal’s findings, they explained that JTI “was disturbed the claimant had used his delivery of Friday prayers as a public platform for publicising a demonstration against the guest speaker.

“It was significantly concerned the claimant had delivered a public speech at the demonstration raising what it reasonably believed were highly contentious issues which the claimant was aware were completely at odds with the view of his employer.

“The respondent was clearly significantly concerned of unrest and the possibility of threatening behaviour (or worse) if, as feared, the demonstration got out of hand.

“The respondent’s concerns were not limited to the public nature of his expression of his views, but also to the trustees being brought into disrepute, as they saw it, in terms of the implication of their own religious beliefs diverging from the Sunni creed.”

A spokesperson for Jamiyat Tabligh-ul-Islam told the T&A: “Mr Ali made a number of allegations which were considered and ultimately dismissed by the tribunal.

“JTI are one of the main Sunni organisations in the UK and whilst we adhere to our own statement of faith to promote Sunni Islam and teachings we respect all other faith groups and diverse society of which we are part of.

“Ultimately the reason for Mr Ali's dismissal was due to a breakdown of trust and confidence between JTI as an employer and Mr Ali as an employee.”

The tribunal also explained its reasoning behind its decision that Mr Ali succeeded in his claim of ordinary unfair dismissal.

The tribunal ruled that the JTI’s decision to dismiss Mr Ali “was made by individuals who had not been part of the investigation or disciplinary process.

“That collective decision was not, the tribunal finds, based upon any investigation but had been arrived at an earlier stage.”

It was also determined that one of the trustees “had not viewed the full footage, readily available, of the claimant’s speech at the demonstration.

“He did not review the contents of the claimant’s sermon or view more than brief and partial footage of the demonstration."

In the ruling, the tribunal found the “investigation shows a lack of inquisitiveness or desire to gain a fuller understanding of what was said certainly in terms of either the sermon or the demonstration.

“The claimant was unfairly dismissed.”

“I stood up for what I believed, but they didn’t accept my argument or reasoning,” Mr Ali told the T&A. “I just wish things could have been addressed a different way.”

Source:asianimage.co.uk

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https://www.asianimage.co.uk/news/24813607.tribunal-former-imam-unfairly-dismissed-bradford-mosque/

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Germany arrests anti-Islam Saudi in SUV attack

December 24, 2024

What happened

German authorities arrested a Saudi psychologist and anti-Islam activist over the weekend, accusing him of a Friday night SUV attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg that left five people dead and more than 200 wounded, 41 of them seriously. Officials acknowledged Sunday they had received warnings from Saudi Arabia about the suspect, identified as Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, and said they were trying to establish a motive for the attack.

Who said what

The alleged attacker, who drove a rental car into a crowd of Christmas shoppers, "does not fit any existing mold," Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said Sunday. The "perpetrator" acted "like an Islamist terrorist, although he was clearly ideologically hostile to Islam."

Abdulmohsen, a resident of Germany since 2006, had expressed support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and for Elon Musk. Peter Neumann, a German terrorism expert and a professor of security studies at King's College London, said on X that "a 50-year-old Saudi ex-Muslim who lives in East Germany, loves the AfD and wants to punish Germany for its tolerance toward Islamists" is an unusual profile.

What next?

The "horror triggered by yet another act of mass violence in Germany makes it likely that migration will remain a key issue" in Feb. 23 federal elections, where the AfD is polling in second place after the conservative Christian Democrats, The Associated Press said.

Source:theweek.com

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https://theweek.com/world-news/germany-christmas-market-attack-magdeburg

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Reporter who interviewed market-attack suspect recalls ‘twisted mind’

23 Dec, 2024

The primary suspect in last week’s Christmas market attack in Germany, Taleb al Abdulmohsen, was not a radical Islamist but was also “not well” and had a “twisted mind,” a journalist who interviewed the Accused has told RT.

Mustafa Fetouri, a reporter who is also the spokesperson for the Association for the Victims of NATO’s Intervention in Libya, claims he interviewed al-Abdulmohsen for an article several years ago and said it’s unclear what the suspect’s motive might have been, describing him as a “lost soul.”

Last Friday, al-Abdulmohsen allegedly drove his car into a crowd of revellers at the Magdeburg Christmas market, killing at least five people, including a nine-year-old boy, and injuring some 200 more. Arrested at the scene, he has been identified as the primary suspect in the attack.

”I talked to the man many times. I got the feeling that he’s a twisted mind if you will. I wouldn’t say he is crazy or something, but he’s not consistent in his discussions and debates,” Fetouri said.

The journalist said that when he spoke with al-Abdulmohsen in 2019, he said that he had previously been a Shia Muslim and came from a religious family. However, the man said that he disliked everything about it and abandoned the religion, moving to Germany. Since then, al-Abdulmohsen said that he had been helping other people, primarily women, to escape Saudi Arabia.

According to Fetouri, it is unlikely that al-Abdulmohsen carried out Friday’s attack over some religious beliefs because “he has no religion” and is “against all forms of religion, including Christianity, Judaism, you name it.”

According to media reports, al-Abdulmohsen is a 50-year-old Saudi national who has been living in the country for nearly 20 years and has been working as a psychiatrist. He is also said to have repeatedly expressed radical anti-Islamic views in posts on social media and has frequently criticized the German government over its migration policies.

Fetouri also expressed doubts that al-Abdulmohsen is a qualified psychiatrist as has been claimed in the media.

Some, however, have been skeptical of the media’s description of al-Abdulmohsen as an islamophobe, with billionaire Elon Musk accusing the “legacy media” of “lying again” about the suspect’s views and the possible motives for the attack.

German media outlets have also reported that Saudi Arabia had repeatedly warned the German authorities about al-Abdulmohsen, including one year ago. However, it is unclear what the nature of these warnings was and why Berlin did not address the threat ahead of Friday’s attack.

Source:rt.com

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https://www.rt.com/news/609834-german-christmas-attacker-lost-soul/

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South Asia

 

Bangladesh: ICT Issues Arrest Warrant For Ex-MP Saiful Islam, Four Cops

Dec 24, 2024

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) today issued arrest warrants against former Dhaka-19 MP Muhammad Saiful Islam and four police officials in connection with crimes against humanity and genocide in Savar during the July-August mass uprising.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam confirmed the development during a press briefing at the ICT premises.

The tribunal ordered the accused to appear before the court on January 26.

The prosecutor refrained from disclosing the names of the four police officials to prevent them from fleeing. Notably, the case drew significant attention due to a viral video from the uprising allegedly showing the mishandling of victims' bodies.

The video, widely circulated on social media, depicts several partially covered bloodstained bodies stacked on a van, with police officers standing nearby. In one instance, two officers wearing police vests are seen tossing another body onto the pile.

The footage, nearly two minutes long, began with the body of a young man lying on the road. Later, it showed multiple bodies stacked on a van, covered with bedsheets, while two men's bloodstained hands and faces are visible. At one point, two policemen in flak jackets appeared to shake the body of a man lying on the ground.

Toward the end of the video, two individuals were seen placing a banner over the bodies, seemingly to cover them, as six to seven police officers stand nearby.

Source:thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/ict-issues-arrest-warrant-ex-mp-saiful-islam-four-cops-3783526

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IEA relations improving with world countries, Mujahid

December 24, 2024

KABUL: The spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, Zabihullah Mujahid, has said that the relations between the Islamic Emirate and world countries are improving. “The current system has managed to convince many countries that Afghanistan is a safe place and poses no threat to other nations,” Mujahid told TOLOnews, a private broadcaster. He also said that relations and interactions with Tajikistan have improved and that Afghanistan poses no threat to this country. “We strive to ensure that countries have no doubts or concerns about Afghanistan. Any existing doubts and feelings of insecurity must be resolved. The Islamic Emirate has managed to convince many countries that Afghanistan is a safe place and that no threat emanates from Afghan soil towards other countries, including Tajikistan, which should feel assured in this regard,” the spokesman further said. Recently, the relations between the Islamic Emirate and a number of world countries have been improving, as the Russian parliament has passed a bill, facilitating the removal of the IEA from the Russian list of banned groups. The Kabul Times

Source:thekabultimes.com

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https://thekabultimes.com/iea-relations-improving-with-world-countries-mujahid/

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Strengthening relations between Afghanistan and regional countries

December 24, 2024

The Islamic Emirate has always emphasized to have good and positive political, economic and trade relations with all countries in the world and region. With its economic-oriented policies, the Islamic Emirate has been able to maintain strong ties with numerous countries in the world and region in the past three years. Currently, the Islamic Emirate enjoys strong diplomatic, economic, and political relations with many nations as it has active political representation in various countries, and they have exchanged delegations with key countries worldwide. This week, the Saudi Arabia embassy resumed its activities in Kabul, which shows that relations between Afghan istan and countries in the region are strengthening. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan has welcomed the decision of Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Kabul to resume its activities, saying the move would further enhance relations between Kabul and Riyadh. On Sunday, Saudi Arabia announced the resumption of activities at its embassy in Kabul, more than three years after withdrawing its diplomats. “Based on the desire of the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to provide all services to the brotherly Afghan people, it has been decided to resume the activities of the mission of the Kingdom in Kabul starting on December 22,” the embassy posted on its X account. In a voice message, deputy spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal welcomed the resumption of operations by the Saudi embassy in Kabul. Takal assured that MoFA will be cooperative in all affairs and pay special attention to the safety of the diplomatic mission. “This development will help in enhancing relations and cooperation between Kabul and Riyadh and solve problems and provide on time facilities to Afghan nationals who live in Saudi Arabia”, Takal added. This comes as relations between Afghanistan and almost all countries in the region are improving with each passing day. The Islamic Emirate is emphasizing on further strengthening of relations between Afghanistan and countries in the region, particularly neighboring countries. Political Deputy Foreign Minister Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, yesterday emphasized on the unification of Asian countries, especially Iran, China and Afghanistan for economic development. Speaking at a meeting of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) on Monday Stanikzai said that strengthening the economy between Iran and Afghanistan is dependent on the increase in trade volume and facilitating joint investment between the businessmen of the two countries. While Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have been active in engaging with the Islamic Emirate, other countries in the region and world are also seeking to engage and strengthen their relations with Afghanistan. Most countries of the world are now softening their policies toward the Islamic Emirate, driven by economic incentives. With the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate and the improvement of the overall security situation in Afghanistan, world and regional countries, in particular, the Central Asian countries as well as close neighboring countries, have already sought to strengthen relationships with Afghanistan over political, trade and economic revival, which all because of positive economic-oriented policies of the Islamic Emirate. Jawed Hussain

Source:thekabultimes.com

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https://thekabultimes.com/strengthening-relations-between-afghanistan-and-regional-countries/

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Human trafficking still a challenge in Afghanistan

December 24, 2024

Over the past several decades of the past governments, nothing effective has been done nor did the law enforce to prevent human trafficking in Afghanistan. The legacy that was left behind by the previous regimes, created a serious headache for the current government, as it was struggling to reopen the border, and passport offices and finally dismantle the human traffickers and other mafia groups. Acceptance by some European countries of Afghan refugees after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, just six months after the takeover of power by the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan, faded as they had to welcome thousands of fleeing Ukrainians who fled the war in their territories. The fleeing Afghans, in the initiation, had been misled by certain opposition groups that Afghanistan, after the Islamic system’s power takeover would plunge into another war and ensuing internal conflicts, and the people may once again be trapped in the quagmire of insecurity, like before. However, the consequence did not come true. So, certain people and opportunist elements got together to lure thousands of Afghans to flee the country, with their promise and assurance that they would help them leave the country and take them to the neighboring countries or European nations, where they could both find work and live peacefully. They were simply seeking their interests in their vicious plans of trafficking them as laborers to other countries, particularly Iran and Pakistan, the two closest Afghan neighbors. But, after taking them to certain distances; Iran, Pakistan, Turkiye, or any other countries they would empty the destitute employment-seeking Afghans’ pockets first and then sell them to the next mafia groups unless they were informed about their fate. The substantial increase in the number of individuals seeking to leave for other countries, combined with the closure of borders, diplomatic missions, and temporal passport offices in the country, exacerbated the impoverished Afghans’ trafficking risks with many of them migrating through irregular and illegal means. The Islamic Emirate security officials, soon after restoring countrywide security, resorted to the arrest and imprisonment of the human traffickers everywhere in the country and launched investigations into numerous cases showing the country’s youths and teenagers lured to leave the country for Iran or other countries for work. Still, the challenge persisted, facing the system and the people with critical headaches. The leader of the Islamic Emirate, therefore, issued a decree regarding the prevention of human trafficking, specifying punishments ranging from one to three years in jail for those involved in the spiteful phenomenon. The leader’s decree identified human trafficking as an un-Islamic act and emphasized the protection of human life and dignity and taking serious action against the perpetrators. In line with the decree, punishments have been outlined for the first offense, the imposition of one year of imprisonment, for the second offense, two years, and for the third offense, three years. According to the Ministry of Justice of the Islamic Emirate, a great milestone had been achieved with the issuance of the decree by the Leader and the action plan on human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants from the country abroad. Indeed, if the plan to combat human trafficking is enforced seriously, then no individual would dare to commit the crime of smuggling migrants and no one would leave their country through illegal sources.

Source:thekabultimes.com

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https://thekabultimes.com/human-trafficking-still-a-challenge-in-afghanistan/

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Nearly 800,000 Afghan refugees return to Afghanistan from Pakistan: UNHCR

ByFidel Rahmati

December 24, 2024

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced that between September 15, 2023, and November 30, 2024, over 783,000 Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan. According to UNHCR, 31% of these returnees are female-headed households, making them particularly vulnerable.

In a report released on Tuesday, December 24, UNHCR highlighted that among the returnees, 2.5% are individuals with disabilities, and 31% are families headed by women. These groups face heightened challenges upon their return.

UNHCR reported that out of the 783,000 returnees, only 116,600 people have received essential aid. Nearly half of those assisted were women, reflecting the dire needs of vulnerable populations.

According to the report, a delegation including representatives from the European Union, Norway, and Sweden visited Kabul from November 24 to 27, 2024. They inspected UNHCR-supported facilities and assessed the conditions of returnees.

After meeting with refugees, the delegation reiterated its commitment to supporting the empowerment of women and girls and to aiding UNHCR’s efforts in Afghanistan.

The forced return of Afghan migrants from Pakistan has faced widespread criticism both within Afghanistan and internationally. Many have condemned the deportations for exacerbating the challenges faced by vulnerable groups.

The return of Afghan refugees amid limited resources and security challenges has compounded the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Vulnerable groups, including women and individuals with disabilities, face significant risks without adequate support.

The international community must urgently scale up its efforts to provide aid and ensure the safety and dignity of returnees. Collaborative measures are critical to addressing the growing humanitarian needs and fostering stability in the region.

Source:khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/nearly-800000-afghan-refugees-return-to-afghanistan-from-pakistan-unhcr/

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Islamic Emirate Ambassador Holds Talks with TLP Representative on Bilateral Cooperation

2024-12-23

KABUL(BNA): Sardar Ahmad Shakib, the Acting Ambassador of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Islamabad, met with Dr. Allama Shafiq Amiri, the Head of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chapter of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) party and a central council member of the party.

During the meeting, both sides discussed bilateral relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Islamic Emirate’s engagement with various political movements and parties in Pakistan, and other related matters.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/islamic-emirate-ambassador-holds-talks-with-tlp-representative-on-bilateral-cooperation/

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Southeast Asia

 

GISBH controversy: Alleged Al-Arqam links shock nation

BERNAMA

24-12- 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: Three decades after the teachings of Al-Arqam were declared deviant in 1994, the nation was once again abuzz with controversy following allegations surrounding GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH), an organisation reportedly linked to the group.

GISBH, known for its extensive business network comprising restaurants, hotels, clinics, and tahfiz centres, came under scrutiny this year after raids uncovered books associated with Al-Arqam’s teachings.

Authorities also investigated allegations of exploitation, abuse, and other crimes, based on reports from individuals claiming to be victims.

The controversy surrounding GISBH broke out when the Malaysian Centre for the Study of Deviant Teachings (PUKAS) claimed the company was linked to alleged cult activities, via its Facebook page on Aug 16.

Subsequently, the Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin raised issues of purported violence and cruelty within the group, urging an investigation and intervention by the authorities.

Based on reports and intelligence, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) launched the first phase of Op Global in early September, conducting raids on 20 charitable homes believed to be linked to GISBH in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.

The coordinated operation, involving multiple enforcement agencies including religious authorities led to the detention of 171 individuals to assist in investigations into cases of child abuse and religious exploitation.

A total of 402 individuals, comprising 201 boys and 201 girls aged between one and 17, were also rescued. Among them were 10 children with disabilities, including autism.

The rescued children were sent to the Police Training Centre (PULAPOL) in Kuala Lumpur for health screenings, which revealed that 392 of them showed signs of suspected neglect and abuse, with both physical and emotional harm.

However, GISBH released a statement denying allegations of exploiting children for labour, asserting they would not engage in such activities that violate the law, especially in matters concerning children.

The issue also drew the attention of the King, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, who ordered the PDRM to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into allegations of child abuse and mistreatment. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim similarly called for swift action on the case.

The ensuing police investigation led to the remand of numerous individuals to assist in the inquiry, including senior management members, their spouses, several GISBH leaders, and the son of former Al-Arqam leader Ashaari Mohammad.

Additionally, 96 GISBH bank accounts were frozen, and four were closed, involving assets valued at over RM581,000.

Multiple investigation papers were initiated under the Child Act 2001 (Act 611); the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (Act 792); the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Act 670); the Penal Code (Act 574), and other applicable laws.

In the fourth phase of Op Global, authorities raided GISBH premises across several states, seizing pamphlets and documents allegedly associated with Al-Arqam teachings contrary to Islamic principles, along with various itemMelaka revokes GISBH CEO’s ‘Datuk’ titles linked to superstitious practices.

ALSO READ: Melaka revokes GISBH CEO’s ‘Datuk’ title

In a separate operation in Kelantan, authorities raided three houses in Kampung Panji, suspected to be the residences of GISBH’s CEO and his family.

Various Al-Arqam doctrine-based books and documents were discovered buried near a riverbank, with some reportedly burned.

Consequently, on Oct 3, the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, approved the fatwa issued by the state’s Fatwa Committee, declaring that the leaders, followers, workers, or members of GISBH and its network deviated from the true Islamic faith.

The same fatwa was issued in Pahang, Perlis, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah, Melaka, Perak, and Penang, followed by a similar decision by the National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs on Nov 14.

By Oct 10, police had initiated 97 investigation papers covering numerous offences, including under Section 130V of the Penal Code, the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001, and the Sexual Offenses Against Children Act 2017.

Other related laws involved the Child Act 2001, Sections 354 and 506 of the Penal Code, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, and the Child Care Centre Act 1993.

On Oct 23, GISBH CEO Datuk Nasiruddin Mohd Ali and 21 others were charged in the Selayang Sessions Court under Section 130V (1) of the Penal Code with being members of a criminal syndicate, which carries a prison sentence of between 5 and 20 years upon conviction.

On Dec 23, the Selayang Sessions Court transferred the case to the Shah Alam High Court.

As of the time of writing, 625 victims, ranging in age from two months to 28 years, have been rescued since Op Global began in September.

The police are still carrying out investigations, particularly involving followers and GISBH premises abroa

Source:thesun.my

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Sakuranesia bolsters Islam-Buddhism dialogue at Japan's Miidera Temple

 December 24, 2024

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Sakuranesia Foundation, an Indonesia-based organization focused on education and culture, recently organized a historic visit to Miidera Temple, one of the four great temples in Japan.

The visit, facilitated by Professor Ito, aimed to encourage dialogue between Islam and Buddhism, in line with the foundation's world peace mission titled "We Are All One."

"Through this dialogue, we want to learn about Islam and deepen mutual understanding. We hope to contribute to the development of friendship between the two countries, not only in terms of religion but also culture and art," the 164th Head Priest of Miidera Temple, Chori Geka Toshihiko Fuke, noted in his statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the Head Priest presented handwritten calligraphy as a symbol of friendship to the founders of the Sakuranesia Society Foundation, Tovic and Sakura Ijuin.

Tovic expressed hope that the dialogue at Miidera would strengthen harmony between Indonesia and Japan.

"We want to introduce Islam as a religion of compassion and love, which serves humanity and nature. This dialogue is an important step in creating harmony between nations," he remarked.

The visit also highlighted the beauty of Miidera Temple, famous for its national treasures, such as the Kondo (Golden Hall), the three-storied pagoda, and the bell tower known as the "Miidera Twilight Bell."

From its elevated location, visitors can enjoy views of Lake Biwa and the beauty of nature in every season.

The head priest guided the delegation directly around the temple complex, which has a history dating back over 1,300 years and offers stunning views of Lake Biwa and the beauty of nature.

Professor Ito, an academic and art researcher with a background as a pharmacy doctor from Kyoto University, mediated the Islam-Buddhism dialogue.

As a National Geographic Explorer and Lecturer at Osaka University, Professor Ito has extensive experience in art and culture research. With his expertise, he played a major role in creating a meaningful discussion forum between the two religions.

Source:antaranews.com

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Police identify five victims in fatal crash at KM204 PLUS Expressway

BERNAMA

24-12- 2024

ALOR GAJAH: The police have identified five of the seven victims killed in a crash involving five vehicles - a bus, car, two lorries and a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) - at Kilometre 204 of the northbound North-South Expressway (PLUS) here last night.

Alor Gajah district police chief Supt Ashari Abu Samah identified the victims as MPV driver Khairul Ikhwan Mazupi, 32, and his son, two-year-old Muhammad Umar, from Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor.

The others are two other passengers in the MPV, Fadzlenna Ramli, 32, her father Ramli Ab Wahab, 67, from Pantai Dalam, Kuala Lumpur and bus driver Noorisnien Khamid, 56, (he), (rpt: Noorisnien Khamid) from Skudai, Johor.

The identity of the other two fatalities, a passenger in the MPV and a bus passenger, has yet to be ascertained, he said.

He said the crash was believed to have happened when a dislodged tyre from a lorry, which was heading towards the south, landed in the middle of the road.

The driver of the bus, with 27 passengers, which was coming from the same direction could not avoid hitting the tyre, forcing him to lose control of the wheel. The bus then skidded into the opposite lane before crashing into a car and then the lorry and the MPV, he said in a statement.

He said the impact of the crash caused the car to veer into the left lane and then crash into the road barrier.

“The crash resulted in the death of seven people at the scene involving a driver and four MPV passengers in addition to a bus driver and a bus passenger. The bodies were sent to Melaka Hospital for post-mortem while the case is investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987,“ he said.

Meanwhile, the police have identified the remaining two victims killed in the crash. They are Fauziah Jaafar, 69, a passenger in the MPV, while the bus passenger is Singaporean woman Lamrah Asid Ali, 66.

Ashari urged those who witnessed the incident to contact the Alor Gajah district police station at at 06-5564153 or its Traafic Investigating officer Insp Mohd Azmin Ismail at 010-8182624 or the nearest police station to assist investigation.

Source:thesun.my

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IGP: Senior citizen among 13 arrested in nationwide child sexual abuse material crackdown, 40,000 files seized

24 Dec 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 24 — A senior citizen was among 13 men arrested on suspicion of committing online sexual offences involving child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through Op Pedo yesterday.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the 74-year-old suspect and 12 others were arrested during a joint operation with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in six states, namely Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Perak, Johor and Terengganu.

He said in the operation which began at 9pm, 18 teams comprising officers from the Sexual, Women and Children Investigation Division (D11), Technical Assistance Division (D6) and Bukit Aman Police Forensic Lab (D10) and the contingent, as well as MCMC officers inspected 18 premises in the six states.

“An inspection of various information communication technology (ICT) devices and equipment belonging to the 13 suspects revealed the existence of about 40,000 CSAM and adult pornographic materials,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.

Apart from the discovery of the 40,000 CSAMs, Razarudin said the police also seized seven sets of computers, 11 mobile phones, nine routers, seven modems and one laptop, DVD and hard disk each.

“All the suspects were arrested under Section 10 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 and possession of obscene material under Section 292 of the Penal Code.

“Of the 13 suspects arrested, five would be remanded for four days, four remanded for three days and two remanded for one day with all remands starting today while the other two were granted police bail,” he said.

He added that 13 investigation papers were opened for the offence of possession of CSAM under Section 10 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 and the offence of possession of pornographic material under Section 292 of the Penal Code.

He also advised the public, especially teenagers and children, to increase self-control, maintain moral boundaries and social manners online to avoid becoming victims of crime and report any online abuse to the authorities. — Bernama

Source:malaymail.com

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Investigation into Klang hospital ‘frozen baby’ case completed, say police

By Malay Mail

24 Dec 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 24 — Police have finalised the investigation into the case of a baby boy whose body was allegedly withheld by a private hospital in Klang and stored in a freezer for two weeks.

However, the file has yet to be submitted to the deputy public prosecutor (DPP), Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed to Berita Harian.

Hussein explained that the delay is due to pending documents and reports from the hospital, including details of the infant’s death and records related to the storage of the body.

“The necessary documentation is still being awaited,” he said when contacted by the national daily.

Berita Harian reported that he declined to elaborate on the investigation’s findings but noted that statements from 14 individuals had been recorded.

These include the baby’s parents, hospital staff, doctors, volunteers involved in burial arrangements, and other witnesses.

The case came to light when the baby, named Adham, reportedly died minutes after birth.

His body was allegedly kept in the hospital’s freezer for two weeks due to unpaid medical bills.

Police confirmed receiving a report from the baby’s father, Safwan Roshdy, on December 13, with the case classified as a Police Inquiry Paper (KEP).

Source:malaymail.com

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Pakistan

 

PML-N senator says 'govt committee accepts PTI's demand to meet Imran Khan'

By Web Desk

December 24, 2024

Senator Irfan Siddiqui, a member of the government's committee, said on Monday that they "accepted the Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) negotiation team's demand to meet its jailed party founder Imran Khan” after the latter was asked to present a "charter of demand".

The PTI and government finally kick-started the much-awaited negotiation process at the Parliament House, Islamabad, today with "hopes of a positive outcome" in a bid to ease the country's political tensions.

Irfan, speaking on Geo News programme "Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath", said that people want peace and democratic norms instead of anarchy and economic instability in the country.

Pointing towards deferment of verdict in the £190 million Al-Qadir Trust case against the PTI founder and his wife, he clarified that the government has nothing to do with the judicial matters, ruling out any connection with the ongoing negotiation process.

He added that January 2 has been fixed to hold further talks with the consultation of both committees which would not be the final meeting.

The senator highlighted that both sides have mutually agreed on resolving the matter behind closed doors and refrain from affecting the dialogue via statements or speeches.

"We want a logical conclusion of the talks. We told them [PTI] to present their demand in the shape of charter of demand," he added.

When questioned about potential outcomes, Irfan said that, at this stage, the government could not give any assurances to the opposition.

He, however, said that the government committee "comprising senior members who know the constitutional and legal matters" would mull over options after receiving the former ruling party's demands.

Irfan was of the view that the PTI negotiation committee was seemingly having the mandate of the former premier.

"PTI team expressed a desire to hold a meeting with its founder which we have accepted. We also want a contact between the PTI team and Imran," he added.

MWM chief sees 'many positive things'

Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) Chief Senator Raja Nasir Abbas, speaking on the same programme, said that he witnessed "many positive things" during the meeting summoned by the incumbent government.

He said that the PTI founder proved his patriotic approach by forming a negotiation committee and blamed the government for making a delay in constituting its dialogue committee.

He emphasised that it was necessary to arrange a meeting between the PTI committee and Imran which would exhibit a positive approach by the government.

The MWM chief also urged the government to gain benefits from the ongoing dialogue process to resolve political disputes.

The federal government and the Imran Khan founded-party conducted their much-hyped meeting in a conducive environment and resolved to continue dialogue process.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, PM's Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, PPP leaders Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Farooq Sattar.

The major opposition party, meanwhile, was represented by former NA Speaker Asad Qaiser, Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza, and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, in today's session.

Other members of the party's committee, who couldn't attend the meeting include Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub, PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, senior PTI leader Hamid Khan.

The PTI will present its demands in writing to the government's negotiation committee on the next meeting after the first round of parleys ended in a conducive environment.

Source:thenews.com.pk

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'Global reaction’: PTI concerned over delay in £190m case verdict against Imran, Bushra

By Web Desk

December 23, 2024

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram on Monday termed the £190 million graft case against former prime minister Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi a “fabricated story” and warned that people would not tolerate if injustice is committed against the incarcerated ex-premier.

His remarks came hours after an accountability court in Islamabad postponed its verdict, which was expected today, until January 6 in the corruption case.

Addressing a press conference in Peshawar, the former ruling party’s information secretary called the PTI founder the “biggest leader” of the country.

“The political revenge-based case will also draw global reaction,” he warned the government.

The PTI leader asked: “Why did the verdict in £190 case postpone?”

Terming the case a “fabricated story”, Akram said that the reference was aimed at forcing PTI founder to bow before the government.

“Why was the verdict [in the case] postponed? Where the judgment is being written that it is causing such difficulty.”

“There is nothing in the case,” he said, adding that the PTI founder was just a trustee of the trust Al-Qadir Trust.

Responding to a question, the PTI information secretary termed military trial of civilians a “violation of the country’s constitution and the international laws”.

“Civilians should not be tried in military courts," he added.

As many as 25 individuals involved in the May 9, 2023, attacks on state installations were sentenced to two to 10 years by military courts last week.

In order to get rid of political rivals, the incumbent government was ready to breach even international laws, Akram said.

The PTI leader was of the view that his party would use all legal options against the sentences awarded by the military courts.

“The government has laid down the foundation to destroy [the country’s] economy,” he added.

The PTI leader said that GSP plus status was not granted to Sri Lanka due to execution laws in the country.

“Decisions made by the federal government are causing the destruction of Pakistan's economy.”

To another query, the former ruling party’s information secretary said that PTI’s negotiation committee presented two points before the government’s team. He urged the government to remove restrictions on meetings with the jailed PTI founder.

Source:thenews.com.pk

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KP govt forms roadmap for peace in Kurram

Umer Farooq

December 24, 2024

• Raising of special force, check posts, social media crackdown, de-weaponisation among steps planned to curb violence in district

• Two men waylaid, decapitated en route to Parachinar

• CM says no decision yet on action in Khyber, Bannu

PESHAWAR / KURRAM: As Kurram remains cut off from the rest of the country due to violent clashes that have claimed more than 100 lives since October, the Khy­ber Pakhtunkhwa government has formulated a comprehensive peace plan invol­v­ing a special force, security checkpoints, dewe­a­pon­isation, and a crackdown on inflammatory social media.

As the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur mulled these measures, two people on their way to Parachinar were shot dead and decapitated in the Bagan area of the tribal district by unknown assailants on Monday.

In order to stem incidents of violence, the KP governm­ent will raise a special force to secure the Parachinar highway on which temporary checkpoints will be established, followed by permanent posts.

“A total of 399 personnel will be recruited for the purpose. Initially, temporary check posts will be established on the road, while permanent posts will be established in the future,” a statement said, adding that the road would be reopened after a peace agreement was signed between both groups.

The meeting, according to the official statement, also discussed that after the apex committee’s decision, all the illegal weapons in the area would be confiscated by Feb­r­uary 1.

A special desk would, however, be established at the provincial home department for the issuance of arms licences on a need basis, the statement said, adding that the cabinet also decided to demolish all bunkers in Kurram by February 1.

The government also decided to launch a crackdown against people using social media sites for incitement. It was decided that a cell of the Federal Investi­ga­tion Agency would be established to block the social media accounts involved in spreading sectarian hatred.

On the occasion, CM Gan­d­a­pur said that Kurram’s issue was a conflict between two groups and not militancy. He said locals wanted peace but some elements were trying to destabilise the situation by spreading sectarian hatred.

Mr Gandapur said that there was a huge number of illegal weapons in the area. “The government does not have any policy of allowing armed groups to keep heavy weapons,” the statement quoted CM Gandapur as saying. He said that the government would not compromise on establishing its writ and protecting the life and property of the locals, adding that the government had involved jirgas at different levels to resolve this problem.

Participants of the meeting were told that jirgas were involved in finding a long-term solution to the Kurram violence. The government has also sent essential commodities, including medicines, to the district using its helicopter which has so far transported as many as 220 people.

The cabinet approved releasing wheat at subsidised rates to address the food shortage in Kurram and the finance department would allocate Rs47.110 million for 1,119 metric tonnes.

The CM also discussed a potential military operation in district Bannu’s Jani Khel and district Khyber’s Tirah areas, saying the government had not made any decision regarding a military offensive in these parts of the province.

It may be noted that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Apex Committee decided on Friday that temporary evacuations would be carried out in some parts of the Khyber and Bannu districts amid efforts to cleanse the areas of miscreants and ensure the safety of their residents.

Two killed in Kurram

Meanwhile, two persons were killed and later decapitated after being waylaid on their way towards Parachinar in Bagan area of district Kurram on Sunday night, police said on Monday.

Sources said that Ishaq Hussain and Waseem Hussain, residents of Parachinar who had returned from abroad, had hired the services of some persons to reach Parachinar. They were intercepted by the culprits on their way, however, and shot dead followed by decapitation.

National Assembly lawmaker Hameed Hussain and Jalal Hussain, a Turi tribal elder, strongly condemned the killing and demanded the arrest of the culprits. They said that the incident took place at a time when peace efforts were underway, adding that the government should secure the main highway.

Moreover, a protest over the closure of roads and the volatile law and order situation in the district continued for the fourth day. The situation in the tribal district deteriorated after a convoy of passenger vehicles came under attack in lower Kurram last month. The attack triggered armed clashes between the two groups which left over 130 persons.

The government later announced a seven-day peace deal that was later extended for three days and enforced by the district administration. Since then, a grand jirga has been holding negotiations.

Source:dawn.com

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Punjab govt using fascist tactics despite holding talks: PTI’s Bhachar

December 24, 2024

LAHORE: The PTI’s parliamentary party in the Punjab Assembly says it is nothing but “hypocrisy” that the PML-N government, on the one hand, is holding talks with the opposition party’s leadership, while on the other “fascism” is being unleashed on its MPAs, leaders and workers, including women.

“The parliamentary party leadership demands the Punjab government should immediately stop its fascism and make the PTI-government talks meaningful,” says Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, flanked by party MPAs, at a news conference here on Monday.

He alleged the police also registered cases against close relatives of those “martyred at D-Chowk” and threatened them with dire consequences.

Mr Bhachar also demanded on behalf of the PTI parliamentary party that the party’s missing activists, allegedly picked from Islamabad on Nov 26, should be recovered.

He said PTI chairman Gohar Khan had submitted a list of 139 “missing” party workers.

The opposition leader lamented that the Punjab police were still raiding party MPAs, leaders and workers’ homes. He alleged that bogus FIRs were registered against MPA Qazi Ahmad Akbar and police ransacked his house four times.

Reiterating that the PML-N’s “puppet government” had no authority to hold talks with the PTI, Mr Bhachar said the ruling party has been directed by the powers that be for a dialogue with his party.

He said the PML-N government was so powerless that the Punjab chief secretary and police IG, who were appointed by the caretaker government, were still holding their charges in the “Form-47 government”.

He said despite talks with the government, the PTI would continue protesting and asserting its demand that the fake FIRs against the party leaders be withdrawn, missing persons be recovered and “political prisoners”, including party founder Imran Khan, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed and others, released.

Referring to the postponement of Al-Qadir Trust case verdict till Jan 6, he said, everything in the country had become unsafe, but the court judgements.

He said the PTI members were sitting in the “bogus” Punjab Assembly because they wanted that the system should not be derailed.

“The ongoing dialogue is crucial in the sense that its outcome will determine whether Pakistan will stay on track or get derailed,” he said.

Source:dawn.com

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Bilawal advocates ‘bill of rights’ for digital age

Mohammad Hussain Khan

December 24, 2024

• Says ban on VPNs, slow internet doesn’t affect ‘babus, politicians in Islamabad’; vows to table draft law in parliament following public consultation

• Calls for abandoning regressive approaches of the past, warns Pakistan not prepared for climate change challenge

HYDERABAD: PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Monday distanced himself from the government’s policies on two important fronts — internet governance and climate change — as he floated the idea of a ‘bill of rights’ for the digital age, and called for revisiting the country’s development spending to align it with the challenges thrown up by the unstoppable march of climate change.

In wide-ranging remarks covering an array of topics at the convocation of the University of Sindh, Jamshoro, the PPP chairman made a case against the six-canal project that has become a bone of contention between Sindh and federal government.

He also declared that neither Pakistan nor the world was ready to face the threat of climate change, and called on the youth of the country not to repeat the mistakes of previous generations and fail to plan for the impending challenges that this phenomenon would bring with it.

Historically, he said, people were controlled in different ways in the past. “Now, a similar attempt is being made in the shape [of controlling] bandwidth, optical fibre and wireless internet.”

This, he maintained, showed how much power the youth have in their hands. They are scared that if you start using the internet collectively, you will be demanding your rights, he said.

“I am seeking your help because your and my rights are being robbed,” he declared, saying that it was time to draft a ‘digital bill of rights’.

“Our infrastructure used to be roads, highways motorways,” he said. “In today’s age, I believe it’s our bandwidth, our fibre optic cable, our wireless internet services.”

Students and the youth should write its draft, he said, adding: “Let’s do it collectively… I don’t want to write all alone. Share your suggestions with me on Instagram, Facebook, and X”.

Clarifying that he didn’t mind security protocols being put in place to tackle misinformation or address mental health and safety concerns, he regretted that “babus and politicians sitting in Islamabad do not understand” the internet.

It doesn’t bother them if [virtual private networks] are blocked or internet speed is slowed down, since they do not use the internet to its full potential, he said.

He added that once a draft of the ‘digital rights bill’ was prepared following a thorough consultative process, he would table it in the National Assembly.

“I will believe access to the internet should be declared a fundamental right, like [the right to a clean] environment was declared a fundamental right in the 26th amendment. Affordable, equitable access to high speed internet should be a fundamental right,” Mr Bhutto-Zardari said.

“We will keep demanding our rights, like our elders did,” he said, recalling how Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto stood with students to advocate for their rights. “That’s why student unions remain banned to date, because they fear the power of students,” he said.

Climate change concerns

Describing climate change as a real danger for Pakistan and the entire world, he said it was a serious threat to future generations that was not considered as much a threat for our elder generations.

He said Pakistan was located in a region that is most threatened by climate change. “The largest collection of snow and ice anywhere in planet after Antarctica is seen in Himalayas,” he said, adding that when this snow melts, it would trigger unprecedented floods and create a dangerous situation for Sindh.

“We need to ready ourselves to face this situation, as it will cause natural disasters in the Indus basin. We will have to convince our colleagues to make preparations on war footing, right from Gilgit Baltistan to the Indus basin,” he said.

He also didn’t miss the opportunity to indicate his opposition to the six strategic canals’ project, saying that the issue had angered the people of Sindh.

He pointed out that it was important to take into account water availability to create climate-resilient irrigation infrastructure “instead of taking decisions to build six or seven canals”.

Expressing dissatisfaction with current climate change allocations in the country’s Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), Mr Bhutto-Zardari told students that it was prepared by people who were 60 to 80 years of age.

“But are they really thinking of the next five or ten years? Are they thinking of the future and are they thinking of your children’s future? Honestly, they are not thinking, as they just dispose of the budget and plan their projects on paper without realising their repercussions,” he observed.

He maintained that it was time the young generation made decisions for the future.

Source:dawn.com

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Military trial of civilians may jeopardise country’s GSP-Plus status, warns PTI leader

December 24, 2024

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf central secretary information MNA Sheikh Waqas Akram on Monday warned that trial of civilians in the military courts and possible conviction of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case would have negative impact on Pakistan’s economy.

“The European Union’s spokesperson has already expressed concern over the convictions of the PTI workers through military courts,” Mr Akram said while speaking at a press conference here.

“The EU spokesperson has also shown concern over the GSP-Plus status of Pakistan, which was achieved after years of hard work, lobbying and ensuring compliance to human rights and other international agreements. The violation of human rights and denial to fair trial is not only violation of the Constitution but also international laws and agreements like International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” Sheikh Akram said and warned that such violations could affect the GSP-Plus status of Pakistan.

“With such violations the government is providing an opportunity to the international community to withdraw the GSP-Plus status from Pakistan,” he said.

“In a situation when the federal government claims of making efforts for improving the fragile economy, the developed countries and nations, who believe in human rights and fair trials, will definitely react to the denial of fair trial to Imran Khan and other PTI workers,” he said.

“The federal government is playing with the economy by violating the international treaties to which Pakistan is a signatory,” the PTI central secretary information said.

He said PTI would exhaust all legal options to provide justice to its workers being punished through military courts. “We will not allow the government to destroy the economy by violating international treaties.”

Commenting on the postponement of the verdict in the Al-Qadir Trust case, which was due to be announced on Monday, the PTI leader said that there was nothing in the case to award punishment to Imran Khan, and that was why it was postponed.

He insisted that the case was based on lies as Imran Khan had not gained any monetary benefit from the Al-Qadar Trust.

Mr Akram claimed that the family members of Anees Shehzad Satti, who was killed during the PTI protest in Islamabad on November 26, had been shifted to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as they were under immense pressure for filing a case in the court of law demanding registration of FIR.

“The family members were harassed and received threatening calls to withdraw their application,” he alleged.

“Two family members, including Naseer Satti, who is complainant in the case and first cousin of the father of Anees Satti, and his brother, stayed back in Islamabad for taking care of the house, but they were picked some days ago,” he alleged.

“On Monday, both of them appeared in court in the presence of people in plainclothes and withdrew their application,” he said.

Source:dawn.com

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Int’l Islamic chairity organization trains 400 Pakistani students

December 23, 2024

ISLAMABAD  -  Nations can only progress when their youth are skilled and trained to meet market demands, said Professor Muhammad Ramzan, Director of Developmental Programs at the International Islamic Charity Organisation (IICO), Kuwait. He was addressing a special ceremony, wherein certificates were awarded to 400 students from the Gujrat and Burewala campuses of the Barani Institute of Sciences, who successfully completed a three-month training program in Graphic Design, E-commerce, and Game Development.

He said that it is essential for educational institutions to equip students with skills that enable them to be self-reliant rather than a burden on society.  The ceremony was attended by Muhammad Ozkay, Director of IICO Pakistan; Hashmat Khalifa, representative of Islamic Help (UK); Syed Ejaz Hamdani, Head of the Organization in Pakistan; Member of the National Assembly Malik Qasim Nadeem; Mian Muhammad Sajid, CEO of the Barani Institute of Sciences, along with industrials lead trainers, teachers, and a large number of students.

Professor Ramzan emphasized that the IICO provides services to deserving communities in over 80 countries, enabling them to acquire professional training to secure respectable jobs and contribute to the development of their nations. Mian Muhammad Sajid, CEO of the Barani Institute of Sciences, explained that over 900 students applied for the program, of whom 400 were selected for hands-on training in these three high-demand fields. He proudly highlighted that 40% of these trainees have already secured employment. He stressed that youth are the guarantors of a bright future and equipping them with skills is the institute’s primary goal.

He expressed gratitude for the support and guidance provided by the IICO, Kuwait.

National Assembly Member Malik Qasim Nadeem remarked that engaging youth in productive activities is a significant challenge today, and both institutions have set an exemplary precedent by offering practical training.

Three students — Aneesa Habiba (E-commerce), Tahir Amjad (Graphic Design), and Ayman Shahid (Game Development) — shared their experiences of securing jobs during their training.

Before the ceremony, Professor Muhammad Ramzan reviewed various projects completed by students, showcasing their acquired skills.

He praised the intelligence of the students and commended the efforts of Mian Muhammad Sajid and his team at the Barani Institute of Sciences for organizing an excellent training program.

Source:nation.com.pk

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Mideast

 

Oxfam raises alarm over worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza

December 23, 2024

UNITED NATIONS: Just 12 trucks distributed food and water in northern Gaza in two-and-a-half months, aid group Oxfam said on Sunday, raising the alarm over the worsening humanitarian situation in the besieged Palestinian territory.

“Of the meager 34 trucks of food and water given permission to enter the North Gaza governorate over the last 2.5 months, deliberate delays and systematic obstructions by the Israeli military meant that just twelve managed to distribute aid to starving Palestinian civilians,” Oxfam said in a statement, in a count that included deliveries through Saturday.

“For three of these, once the food and water had been delivered to the school where people were sheltering, it was then cleared and shelled within hours,” Oxfam added.

Israel, which has tightly controlled aid entering the Hamas-ruled territory since the outbreak of the war, often blames what it says is the inability of relief organizations to handle and distribute large quantities of aid.

In a report focused on water, New York-based Human Rights Watch on Thursday detailed what it called deliberate efforts by Israeli authorities “of a systematic nature” to deprive Gazans of water, which had “likely caused thousands of deaths ... and will likely continue to cause deaths.”

They were the latest in a series of accusations leveled against Israel — and denied by the country — during its 14-month war against Palestinian Hamas militants.

Oxfam said that it and other international aid groups had been “continually prevented from delivering lifesaving aid” in northern Gaza since Oct. 6 this year, when Israel intensified its bombardment of the area.

“Thousands of people are estimated to still be cut off, but with humanitarian access blocked it’s impossible to know exact numbers,” Oxfam said.

“At the beginning of December, humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza were receiving calls from vulnerable people trapped in homes and shelters that had completely run out of food and water.”

Oxfam highlighted one instance of an aid delivery in November being disrupted by Israeli authorities.

“A convoy of 11 trucks last month was initially held up at the holding point by the Israeli military at Jabalia, where some food was taken by starving civilians,” it said.

“After the green light to proceed to the destination was received, the trucks were then stopped further on at a military checkpoint. Soldiers forced the drivers to offload the aid in a militarized zone, which desperate civilians had no access to.”

The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a resolution on Thursday asking the International Court of Justice to assess Israel’s obligations to assist Palestinians.

Source:arabnews.com

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US military says it conducts airstrike in Syria, killing two Daesh operatives

December 24, 2024

WASHINGTON: The US military said on Monday it conducted an airstrike in Syria that killed two Islamic State operatives and wounded one.

The Daesh operatives were moving a truckload of weapons in Dayr az Zawr Province, an area formerly controlled by the Syrian government and Russians, when they were targeted with the airstrike, US Central Command said in a statement on social media platform X.

Source:arabnews.com

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Israel says intercepted projectile fired from Yemen

December 24, 2024

JERUSALEM: The Israeli army said Tuesday it had intercepted a projectile fired from Yemen after air raid sirens sounded in the center and south of Israel.

“Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago, a projectile that was launched from Yemen was intercepted prior to crossing into Israeli territory,” the Israeli army said on Telegram.

“Rocket and missile sirens were sounded following the possibility of falling shrapnel from the interception.”

Israel’s emergency medical service, Magen David Adom, reported no injuries from the projectile.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday warned the Iran-backed Houthi rebels of Yemen, who last week fired two missiles at Israel, including one that injured 16 people in the commercial hub of Tel Aviv on Saturday.

“I have instructed our forces to destroy the infrastructure of Houthis, because anyone who tries to harm us will be struck with full force,” he told lawmakers, “even if it takes time.”

Israeli warplanes retaliated against ports and energy infrastructure, which the military said contributed to Houthi rebel operations, after a rebel missile badly damaged an Israeli school last week.

The Houthis said the Israeli strikes killed nine people.

Source:arabnews.com

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Israel’s Defense Minister Acknowledges Israel Killed Hamas Leader In Iran

December 23, 2024

JERUSALEM: Israel’s defense minister has confirmed that Israel assassinated Hamas’ top leader last summer and is threatening to take similar action against the leadership of the Houthi group in Yemen.

The comments by Israel Katz appeared to mark the first time that Israel has admitted killing Ismail Haniyeh, who died in an explosion in Iran in July.

Israel was widely believed to be behind the blast, and leaders have previously hinted at its involvement.

In a speech Monday, Katz said the Houthis would meet a similar fate as the other members of an Iranian-led alliance in the region, including Haniyeh.

He also noted that Israel has killed other leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, helped topple Syria’s Bashar Assad, and destroyed Iran’s anti-aircraft systems.

“We will strike (the Houthis’) strategic infrastructure and cut off the head of the leadership,” he said.

“Just like we did to Haniyeh, Sinwar, and Nasrallah in Tehran, Gaza, and Lebanon, we will do in Hodeida and Sanaa,” he said, referring to Hamas and Hezbollah leaders killed in previous Israeli attacks.

The Iranian-backed Houthis have launched scores of missiles and drones at Israel throughout the war, including a missile that landed in Tel Aviv on Saturday and wounded at least 16 people.

Israel has carried out three sets of airstrikes in Yemen during the war and vowed to step up the pressure on the militant group until the missile attacks stop.

Source:arabnews.com

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New conflict in northeast Syria could bring ‘dramatic consequences’, UN envoy says

December 24, 2024

BEIRUT: Tensions in northeast Syria between Kurdish-led authorities and Turkish-backed groups should be resolved politically or risk “dramatic consequences” for all of Syria, the United Nations envoy for the country Geir Pedersen told Reuters on Monday. Hostilities have escalated between Syrian rebels backed by Ankara and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces in the northeast since Bashar Assad was toppled on Dec. 8.

Syrian armed groups seized the city of Manbij from the SDF on Dec. 9 and could be preparing to attack the key city of Kobani, or Ayn Al-Arab, on the northern border with Turkiye.

“If the situation in the northeast is not handled correctly, it could be a very bad omen for the whole of Syria,” Pedersen said by phone, adding that “if we fail here, it would have dramatic consequences when it comes to new displacement.” The SDF — which is spearheaded by the Kurdish YPG — has proposed to withdraw its forces from the area in exchange for a complete truce. But Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, speaking alongside Syria’s de facto new leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa on Sunday in Damascus, said the YPG should disband totally.

Turkiye regards the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants who have fought an insurgency against the Turkish state and are deemed terrorists by Ankara, Washington and the European Union.

Pedersen said a political solution “would require serious, serious compromises” and should be part of the “transitional phase” led by Syria’s new authorities in Damascus. Fidan said he had discussed the YPG presence with the new Syrian administration and believed Damascus would take steps to ensure Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday the country will remain in close dialogue with Sharaa. Kurdish groups have had autonomy across much of the northeast since Syria’s war began in 2011, but now fear it could be wiped out by the country’s new Islamist rule. Thousands of women rallied on Monday in a northeast city to condemn Turkiye and demand their rights be respected.

Pedersen said Sharaa had told him in meetings in Damascus last week that they were committed to “transitional arrangements that will be inclusive of all.”

But he said resolving tensions in the northeast would be a test for a new Syria after more than a half-century of Assad family rule.

“The whole question of creating a new, free Syria would be off to a very, extremely ... to put it diplomatically, difficult start,” he said.

Source:arabnews.com

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Palestinian victims of Gaza conflict file case against British oil giant BP

December 23, 2024

LONDON: Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza have initiated legal action against British oil giant BP, alleging its involvement in supplying crude oil to Israel facilitates human rights abuses.

The claimants submitted a legal notice accusing the company of violating international human rights laws and its own corporate policies, The Guardian reported on Monday.

At the heart of the dispute is the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, operated by BP, which carries oil from Azerbaijan through Georgia and Turkey to Israel. It reportedly supplies 28 percent of Israel’s crude oil, a critical resource for its military operations.

According to the claim, oil refined from the pipeline is being used to fuel jets, tanks and bulldozers.

“Israel relies heavily on crude oil and refined petroleum imports to run its large fleet of fighter jets, tanks and other military vehicles and operations, as well as the bulldozers implicated in clearing Palestinian homes and olive groves to make way for unlawful Israeli settlements,” the notice said.

“Some fuel from refineries goes directly to the armed forces, while much of the rest appears to go to ordinary gas stations where military personnel can refuel their vehicles under a government contract.”

The claimants want to take the case to a British court, citing BP’s UK headquarters and the claimants’ British ties.

The legal action argues that BP’s operations breach the UN’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which require companies to avoid contributing to human rights violations.

It also accuses BP of complicity in alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, drawing attention to findings by a UN commission that Israel has committed war crimes during the conflict in Gaza.

The lead claimants include Palestinians who have suffered devastating personal losses during the war, including a British citizen who has lost 16 family members in airstrikes. Others face dire humanitarian conditions, displacement and lack of access to essential medical care.

The legal team stressed the physical and psychological harm endured by the claimants, including amputations and loss of loved ones and said they hoped the case would set a precedent for corporate accountability in conflict zones.

BP has not issued a public response to the claims or responded to media requests for comment.

Source:arabnews.com

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Arab World

 

Saudi Arabia chairs first meeting of Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers in Riyadh

December 23, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, represented by Majid Al-Mazid, governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority, chaired the inaugural session of the Council of Arab Cybersecurity Ministers in Riyadh on Monday.

The participants included senior officials and ministers responsible for cybersecurity in member states of the Arab League, as well as Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the organization’s secretary-general.

In his opening speech, Al-Mazid emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing Arab security through collaboration in the cybersecurity sector, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He added that the Saudi proposal that led to the establishment of the council was rooted in a vision for safeguarding the vital interests of the region and fostering cooperation among Arab nations.

Al-Mazid said cybersecurity is not only a pillar of national security but essential for ensuring prosperity, development and stability across the Arab world.

“The Arab leaders’ support for the establishment of this council is a clear affirmation of the importance of cybersecurity in creating a secure and prosperous future for our countries,” he added.

Al-Mazid thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support and guidance in promoting Arab cooperation and enhancing regional security.

Aboul Gheit underscored the sense of urgency required in efforts to strengthen joint Arab efforts relating to cybersecurity, particularly in the face of evolving global threats and challenges.

He said that collective action will be key to building a resilient and secure cybersecurity framework for the region, expressed confidence that the council will prove to be a vital addition to Arab national security systems, and commended Saudi Arabia for its leadership in launching the initiative.

The council reviewed a number of working papers submitted by member states and made several key decisions during its inaugural session. One of the primary outcomes was the initiation of efforts to develop an Arab Cybersecurity Strategy, with the aim of providing a unified approach to challenges across the region.

The council also approved plans for member states to conduct joint cyber-related exercises, and the operational structure and mechanisms of the council were formalized.

Source:arabnews.com

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Muslim World League chief meets Pope Francis in Vatican City

December 23, 2024

RIYADH: Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League, met Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, in the Vatican to discuss mutual cooperation and shared interests.

During his visit to Italy, Al-Issa received an honorary fellowship in post-doctoral law studies from the University of Bologna.

The ceremony was attended by the university’s president, the law faculty’s dean, academics, and religious leaders from both Islamic and Catholic communities.

The honor recognized Al-Issa’s efforts in advancing the goals of the UN Charter, promoting peace, reducing cultural tensions, and fostering mutual understanding and collaboration among communities.

The MWL chief emphasized that the reasons for awarding him the post-doctoral fellowship in law from one of the most prestigious Western universities “reflect our Islamic values, which we must clarify to everyone.”

As part of his visit, Al-Issa launched the Islamic Studies and Arabic Language Award at the Catholic University of Milan.

The event was attended by high-level Vatican officials, marking the launch of a groundbreaking initiative to promote the teaching of the Arabic language and Islamic studies in Europe.

Islamic leaders described the award as a long-awaited step on an influential platform within Christian communities. The award includes categories that clarify Islamic concepts and promote the beauty and importance of the Arabic language.

Source:arabnews.com

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Saudi wildlife center releases 66 endangered animals in King Khalid Royal Reserve

December 23, 2024

RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife has released 66 endangered native animals into the King Khalid Royal Reserve in Al-Thumamah region of northeastern Riyadh.

Forty rhim gazelles, 10 Arabian oryx, 10 houbara bustards and six idmi gazelles were released as part of a wider ongoing initiative, in partnership with the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, that aims to enhance biodiversity, restore ecological balance, promote sustainability, and support eco-tourism in the reserve, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“This release is a significant step toward maintaining ecological systems and promoting biodiversity,” said Mohammed Qurban, the CEO of the wildlife center.

The stated aim of organization is to become a global leader in wildlife protection, by focusing on breeding endangered species and reintroducing them into natural ecosystems in line with international conservation standards.

Qurban said the center is dedicated to conducting research on endangered species and monitoring biodiversity in protected areas using advanced technologies that track animal populations and collect data that is critical in efforts to address conservation challenges and opportunities.

Talal Al-Harigi, CEO of the development authority, said solar-powered tracking devices have been fitted to some of the released animals. These will enable researchers to monitor them via satellite to gain valuable insights into their patterns of movement, behaviors and how they adapt to their environment.

The initiative also helps to support efforts to restore ecological balance and increase vegetation cover in the reserve, which essential to help species adapt to natural habitats, he added.

Source:arabnews.com

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New partnership set to drive Kingdom’s architecture industry

December 23, 2024

RIYADH: The Architecture and Design Commission has signed a strategic partnership with contracting firm Nesma & Partners to promote the Kingdom’s architecture and design industry.

The commission’s CEO Sumayah Al-Solaiman and Nesma’s Managing Director Rami Al-Turki on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a framework for collaboration in professional development and industry innovation.

The partnership aims to prepare a new generation of Saudi professionals to compete on the world stage and reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a regional hub for architecture and design excellence.

“The initiative aims to empower architects and designers to develop their skills and enhance their capabilities, creating an environment that nurtures Saudi talent while fostering innovation and creativity in the sector,” Al-Solaiman said.

It would also help to advance the commission’s mission to forge strategic alliances with industry leaders, she said.

Under the deal, the two sides will cooperate in areas such as industry best practice, knowledge exchange and professional workshops. It will also involve the joint sponsorship of competitions, awards and conferences.

“As a leading Saudi contractor, we are committed to providing training and creating employment opportunities for Saudi architects,” Al-Turki said.

“Our strategic partnership with the commission reflects our values of innovation, excellence and social responsibility.”

The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals for sector development, focusing on building a sustainable ecosystem for architecture and design professionals.

The commission emphasized its commitment to advancing scientific research and creating an integrated environment that supports the sector’s creative community.

Source:arabnews.com

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Film Commission Hosts “The Secrets Of Acting Art” With Syrian Film Veteran, Ghassan MassoudIn Alkhobar

HIND ALKHUNAIZI

December 23, 2024

DHAHRAN: The Ministry of Culture’s Film Commission hosted Syrian actor and filmmaker Ghassan Massoud for a masterclass titled “The Secrets of Acting Art” in Alkhobar over the weekend.

The masterclass, a part of the filmmaker’s program, covered the fundamentals of cinematic and theatrical acting, including academic training and actual practice.

It emphasized the close relationship between acting and the visual arts, music, sociology and psychology.

Reflecting on his training and upbringing, Massoud had praise for the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Damascus, where he studied and later became a professor.

He said Syrian theater and filmmaking drew inspiration from mainstream and alternative sources, including Hollywood and European cinematic traditions.

The masterclass consisted of two question-and-answer sessions. The first round was moderated by scriptwriter and director Abdulaziz Al-Sultan, who guided a discussion on Massoud’s background and his experiences in television and filmmaking.

The second round provided an opportunity for interactions with the audience that included filmmakers from diverse backgrounds, as well as movie enthusiasts.

Massoud shared his thoughts on how actors should approach character development.

“I familiarize myself with the character’s vocation, trade jargon, and tools, as well as their psychological and physical attributes, weaknesses, and illnesses. All these aspects influence the character’s attitude, body language, facial expressions, and overall charisma or presence on set.”

Massoud had praise for the cultural landscape in the Eastern Province. He said he was delighted to have met talented and emerging actors, directors, screenwriters and cinematographers.

The actor has been acclaimed for his performances in several international films including Ridley Scott’s 2005 epic “Kingdom of Heaven,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.”

He said he has enjoyed visiting the Kingdom and collaborating on various cultural and artistic projects. This involvement includes serving as a jury member at the 2023 Saudi Theater Festival in Riyadh.

He also has a part in the upcoming historical epic “Desert Warrior,” which was shot in NEOM in northeastern Saudi Arabia and is set for release in the new year.

When asked about advice he has for aspiring actors, he told Arab News: “Dream a lot but work more.”

The filmmaker’s program, now in its fourth run, has opened new horizons for amateurs and professionals. It features a training program that encompasses all stages of film production, from initial ideas to marketing and distribution.

The program includes both in-person and virtual workshops with experts, as well as artistic residencies and masterclasses in collaboration with international institutes and universities.

Source:arabnews.com

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European pilgrims visit Prophet’s biography museum, Islamic heritage sites in Madinah

December 23, 2024

RIYADH: A group of 250 people from 14 European countries recently visited the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization in Madinah.

Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Umrah and Visit, the visitors were part of a wider scheme that will see 1,000 people from 66 countries perform Umrah in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

At the museum the visitors saw interactive displays and multimedia presentations about the Prophet Muhammad and other holy figures, historical events, Islamic culture and initiatives to safeguard Islamic history and civilization.

The fair seeks to present Islamic culture in an engaging way for different audiences and the visitors expressed their thanks to the Kingdom’s leadership for facilitating their visits to Madinah and Makkah.

They also commended the Kingdom’s efforts to promote Islam’s message of tolerance and to foster appreciation for its historical and spiritual legacy.

As well as the museum, the group visited the Battle of Uhud site, Mount Al-Ramah, the Uhud Martyrs’ Cemetery and offered prayers at Quba Mosque.

At King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex, the pilgrims learned about the various stages of printing the Holy Qur’an, preservation efforts and its translation into many languages.

At the end of their visit the pilgrims were presented with copies of the Qur’an by representatives of the complex.

Source:arabnews.com

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Saudi aid efforts continue in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon

December 23, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief’s humanitarian initiatives are benefiting thousands across Syria, Yemen and Lebanon.

In northern Syria, KSrelief delivered food baskets and hygiene kits to 551 earthquake-affected families in Aleppo, benefiting 3,306 individuals in one day.

In Yemen, 641 food baskets were distributed to vulnerable families in Aden and Lahij, assisting 4,487 individuals in one day.

KSrelief also concluded a week-long urology surgery project in Aden, involving nine specialists who examined 53 cases and performed 109 surgeries.

In Taiz, KSrelief’s rehabilitation center provided 1,537 services to 416 beneficiaries in one month, including prosthetic limb fittings, maintenance, physical therapy, and consultations.

In Lebanon, the KSrelief-funded Subul Al-Salam ambulance service conducted 51 missions in Miniyeh in one week, offering emergency aid to Syrian and Palestinian refugees and host communities.

Additionally, KSrelief distributed 175,000 bread bags to 12,500 families in one week through the Al-Amal Charity Bakery project in Akkar and Miniyeh.

Source:arabnews.com

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New boot camps focus on data center training

December 23, 2024

Riyadh: Tuwaiq Academy has partnered with the Uptime Institute to offer six-month professional boot camps at its headquarters in Riyadh.

The program aims to produce skilled national talent for managing advanced data centers across various sectors, according to the Saudi Press Agency report.

The initiative addresses labor market needs in data-related fields, including data center management, analysis, and project design, by offering intensive boot camps with globally recognized certifications.

Training follows a hands-on, application-based approach in specialized data center management labs, equipping participants with essential skills to develop innovative solutions for diverse sectors.

Registration is open at tuwaiq.edu.sa.

Founded in 2019, Tuwaiq Academy trains over 1,000 in-person participants daily and provides professional certifications in collaboration with global leaders like Apple, Meta, Amazon, Alibaba, Dell, IBM, and Microsoft.

As the training arm of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, the academy has trained over 32,000 people, with 80 percent of graduates securing placements through its Tuwaiq Job Fair, in collaboration with government and private sectors.

Source:arabnews.com

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Africa

 

Santa brings food and joy to displaced children in DR Congo

24 December 2024

Families living at a displaced camp in DR Congo got the chance to celebrate Christmas after Santa Claus arrived with festive cheer and hot food.

A group of volunteers accompanied Santa to the Buhimba displaced persons camp, near Goma in North Kivu, where they cooked hundreds of meals.

Families and children gathered around Santa Claus in excitement.

“We wanted to have fun with the kids as it's Christmas. It's important to celebrate with the kids and their moms," said Ali Abdallah who dressed up as Santa.

The event was organized by a youth association called "Leader Volontaire" to support displaced people during the festive season.

Sifa Mugoli, a displaced grandmother of three, said it was the first time that people had come to the camp to celebrate with them.

"Today I've just seen some young people come to give us a party, we're very happy, God bless you all!”

More than two and a half million people are displaced in the Kivu region, fleeing armed groups attacks and in need of humanitarian assistance.

According to the organizers of this event, bringing a hot meal for those children and sharing a happy moment with them was more important than bringing toys to them.

Source:africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2024/12/24/santa-brings-food-and-joy-to-displaced-children-in-dr-congo/

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Alliance of Sahel States rejects ECOWAS timeline for its withdrawal

24 December 2024

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) comprised of Mali Burkina Faso and Niger have rejected the timeline issues by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) claiming it is a scheme to destabilize their newfound entity.

At a summit held a week ago in Abuja, Nigeria, the regional organization announced a six-month withdrawal period to allow the three countries to reconsider their decision after their official departure date at the end of January 2025.

But according to the AES heads of state, this decision is “nothing more than yet another attempt by the French and its auxiliaries to continue planning and carrying out destabilizing actions against the AES”.

Their communiqué adds that “this unilateral decision is not binding on the ESA countries”. They had already indicated before the summit that their decision to leave the organization was “irreversible”.

This will be a “transition period” lasting until “July 29, 2025” to “keep the doors of Ecowas open”, according to the President of the Ecowas Commission.

The three countries accused the bloc of “inhumane and irresponsible” coup-related sanctions and of failing to help them solve their internal security crises.

The three coup-hit countries have largely rebuffed ECOWAS’ efforts to reverse their withdrawal. They have started considering how to issue travel documents separately from ECOWAS and are forming their own alliance. The one-year notice for their departure is expected to be completed in January.

One major benefit of being an ECOWAS member is visa-free movement to member states, and it is not clear how that could change after the three countries leave the bloc.

Source:africanews.com

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Otti appoints Abia State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board

December 23, 2024

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has appointed Chief Imam Sheikh Ali Ukaiwo as the chairman of the Abia State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

The appointment was announced on Monday by Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

Otti also appointed members of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, including Imam Musa Iro, Yusuf Ukaegbu, Nwakanma Abubakar Igwe, Imam Bashir Idris, and Imam Usmar Tukur.

Other members of the board are Adamu Audu, Okikiade Yusuf, Said Umar, Hajia Azeezat Jimoh, and Hajia Hadiza Usman Pepe.

Source:dailypost.ng

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Court Orders Remand Of Turji’s Associates In Kuje Correctional Centre

23 December 2024

By Enioluwa Adeniyi

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered the remand of four suspected terrorists linked to notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, in Kuje Correctional Centre.

The defendants—Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (also known as “Doctor”), Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma—pleaded not guilty to an 11-count charge bordering on terrorism during their arraignment on Monday.

The Federal Government, through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, filed the charges against eight individuals, four of whom remain at large, including Turji himself.

The suspects are accused of providing material support to terrorist groups by procuring and supplying illicit drugs such as penta injections and cannabis, food items, and military and police uniforms.

The defendants also allegedly aided the logistics of terrorism by distributing camouflage clothing to the groups.

In his short ruling, Justice Nwite ordered that the four defendants be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, pending the commencement of their trial. The court adjourned the matter to February 10, 2025, for trial.

The defendants denied all allegations when the charges were read to them in court.

Earlier reports confirmed that three of the eight defendants listed in the charge, including Bello Turji, remain at large. Efforts by security agencies to apprehend the remaining suspects are ongoing.

The arrests and subsequent charges are part of an intensified effort by the Nigerian government to clamp down on terrorist activities and dismantle networks linked to Turji, a notorious figure in Nigeria’s banditry and terrorism landscape.

Source:naijanews.com

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Tax Reform Bill Is Good, Has No Harm, No Cause For Alarm – Sen Umeh

23 December 2024

By Udeze Ekene

Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, has said the Tax Reform Bill is a good draft that would grow the economy and benefit the citizens.

Senator Umeh said the fear entertained on the bill was unfounded, stating that the bill has no harm and should be supported by all Nigerians.

The Labour Party lawmaker, who stated this on Monday, in Abuja, during a media chat with newsmen, stated that objections against the bill were because many Nigerians did not read the draft but relied on social media.

He explained that tax would always be a sensitive issue for the citizens. He noted that the government’s poor governance was the reason for the lack of trust from the citizens in the Tax Reform Bill.

“Globally, what people don’t like to do is pay tax. Nobody likes paying money. However, a system that works effectively would earn the confidence of its citizens to pay taxes. When you charge a tax that people are unwilling to pay and subsequently use force to collect it, it is not a good tax.

“Any tax collected by force is not a good tax. A good tax is one that people will willingly pay. Hence, it will be easy to administer, and the collection process will be straightforward.

“If they know that the money they are paying is used by the government to provide infrastructure and services, people will be more persuaded to pay tax. But in the current state of Nigeria, we find ourselves in a situation where the Nigerian people have lost faith in governance.

“So, any action that is geared towards taxing citizens will receive immediate rejection. And that is what we are witnessing with the tax bills.

“People have not been able to read the bills. They have continued to rely on social media posts to condemn the proposed tax reforms. I have read the tax reform bills, and I can tell you that as much as we will be conducting consultations, I have not seen anything in the bills that is particularly harmful and should warrant total rejection,” he said.

The Senate Committee Chairman on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations stressed the need for more consultation. He advised the government to educate the citizens on the benefits of the bill, noting that a good bill may be killed by the citizens.

“What we need to do is explain and ensure that people understand the purpose and intent of the bills. Therefore, the government has a great deal of work to do to market its objectives to the Nigerian people and undertake actions that will promote confidence among Nigerians.

“The drivers of the government should be able to show that they are ready to be like ordinary people. So that when you ask Nigerians to pay money, they will know that they are not paying this money for you to buy luxuries for yourself and your family.

“If you subject the tax reform bills to critical analysis, you will see that most of the resentment and outcry is misplaced. I have studied the bills, and I don’t believe there should be any cause for alarm.

“The citizens have the right to reject any good law. You can have a good bill, yet the citizens can reject it. Once they reject it, the bill is gone. That is why the government has a substantial marketing effort to make in order to convince the Nigerian people. Because lawmaking involves citizens’ participation.

“The bills will go through public hearing, and the preponderant opinion of Nigerians will prevail. If they declare that they don’t want the tax bill, we cannot proceed to pass the bill. Thus, the government has a great deal of work to do,” he stated.

The Anambra Lawmaker dismissed claims that the bill favoured more states than others. He added that no part of Nigeria was favoured mre than another in the bill.

“Most of the objections raised against the bills are unfounded. People assumed that there was an intention to make Lagos and Ogun states take all the money that would accrue from VAT.

“They felt that because the headquarters of all the big corporations and companies are registered in Lagos, any tax they collect would go to Lagos State. This is not true. People have demonstrated ignorance of such a position on social media. However, if you take the time to study the bills, you will see that this is not accurate,” Umeh added.

Source:naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/12/23/tax-reform-bill-is-good-has-no-harm-no-cause-for-alarm-sen-umeh/

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‘His Loyalty Was Never In Doubt’ – Atiku Abubakar’s Political Ally Dies

23 December 2024

By George Oshogwe Ogbolu

Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has mourned the death of his former aide and political associate, Shima Ayati.

Ayati’s death was made known in a statement to Naija News on Monday by the Atiku Media Office.

Atiku, a former Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, expressed shock and sadness over the loss of his former aide and long-time political associate.

He prayed that the soul of Hon. Shima Ayati rest in perfect peace.

The former Vice President also paid tribute to the loyalty and commitment of the Benue State born politician to his cause over the years.

“Though Ayati served as an aide while I was in office as Vice President, he never hesitated to make himself available whenever the need arises, and his loyalty was never in doubt,” Atiku said.

In expressing his condolences to the family of the deceased, friends, and the good people of Benue State, Atiku urged them to see Ayati’s demise as the will of God.

The PDP Chieftain, thereafter, prayed for God to comfort the Ayati family and give his loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss of their father and husband and his political associate and friend.

Source:naijanews.com

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North America

 

CAIR-Georgia Remembers State Sen. Vincent Fort as Dedicated Friend of Muslim Community, Champion of Justice

December 23, 2024

The Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Georgia), today extended condolences to the family of former state Senator Vincent Fort and remembered the Atlanta community leader as a dedicated friend of the Muslim community and champion for various causes of justice.

According to reports released today, Senator Fort passed away over the weekend after an extended illness. He was honored at Atlanta City Hall earlier this month.

In a statement, CAIR-Georgia said:

“On behalf of the Georgia Muslim community, we extend our deep and sincere condolences to the family of former Senator Vincent Fort.

“Senator Fort was a dedicated friend of the Muslim community who consistently stood with us, whether we were holding a food drive, standing up to hate groups, or memorializing Muhammad Ali. He was also a vocal advocate for various causes of justice inside and outside the City of Atlanta, including the struggle against Cop City.

“We are grateful for the time we had with Senator Fort, and we encourage other elected officials in Georgia to honor his legacy by embracing and carrying on the positive work that he did. May God comfort and guide Senator Fort’s family at this difficult moment. To God we belong, and to God we all return.”

Senator Fort was a strong supporter of CAIR Georgia and frequently collaborated with its former outreach director Asma Elhuni. He attended CAIR Georgia’s first annual gala in 2016, spoke at an interfaith rally at Al Farooq Masjid hosted in response to anti-Sharia rallies, spoke at the memorial service for Muhammad Ali at Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam, among other collaborations.

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

Source:cair.com

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As Biden commutes death row sentences, how Trump plans to expand executions

December 24, 2024

With just weeks left in office, US President Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of 37 of 40 federal death row inmates - potentially thwarting President-elect Donald Trump's plans to expand federal executions during his upcoming administration.

Biden's move was swiftly condemned by Republicans, with some accusing the president of siding with criminals over law-abiding Americans.

Federal executions were relatively rare before Trump's first term in office, which finished with a flurry of executions that ended a 130-year-old precedent of pausing executions amid a presidential transition.

He has vowed to resume the practice when he returns to the White House in January, setting the stage for possible legal battles early in the administration.

Here's what we know.

Biden's decision criticised

On Monday, Biden commuted the sentences of 37 out of 40 death row inmates, switching their penalty to life without parole.

Only three inmates were left to face the death penalty, including convicted Boston marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev and Robert Bowers, who was sentenced to death for killing 11 worshippers and wounding seven during a shooting at a the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018.

The third, Dylann Roof, was sentenced to death in 2017 for a mass shooting that left nine black parishioners dead at the Mother Emanuel AME church in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015.

While the move was widely praised by human rights groups such as Amnesty International, it was quickly condemned by some Republicans, as well as Trump's transition team and political allies.

In a statement, Trump communications director Steven Cheung said that "these are among the worst killers in the world and this abhorrent decision by Joe Biden is a slap in the face to the victims, their families, and their loved ones.

"President Trump stands for the rule of law, which will return when he is back in the White House," he added.

Texas Republican Chip Roy, for example, tweeted that the decision was "unconscionable" and an abuse of power "to carry out a miscarriage of justice".

Another Republican, Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, said that "when given the choice between law-abiding Americans or criminals, Joe Biden and the Democrats choose criminals every time."

Some family members also expressed anger.

On Facebook, Heather Turner - whose mother was killed in a 2017 bank robbery - called the commutations a "gross abuse of power".

"At no point did the president consider the victims," she wrote. "He, and his supporters, have blood on their hands."

The commutations do not apply to the approximately 2,200 death row inmates convicted by state courts, over which the president holds no authority.

What has Trump said about the death penalty?

Over the course of his election campaign, Trump vowed to resume federal executions and make more people eligible to receive the death penalty, including those convicted of raping children or drug and human-trafficking cases, as well as migrants who kill US citizens or police officers.

"These are terrible, terrible, horrible people who are responsible for death, carnage and crime all over the country," Trump said when he announced his presidential candidacy in 2022.

"We're going to be asking everyone who sells drugs, gets caught, to receive the death penalty for their heinous acts," he added.

There are more than 40 federal laws that can, in theory, result in the death penalty, ranging from murders committed during a drug-related shooting to genocide.

Almost all - with the exception of espionage and treason - explicitly involve the death of a victim.

Trump, however, has provided few details on how he plans to accomplish his campaign pledge.

Despite the lack of clarity, Trump's vows to expand the federal death penalty have elicited strong warnings from human rights advocates.

In an 11 December statement, for example, the American Civil Liberties Union said Trump's "chilling" plans amount to an expansion of the "killing spree he initiated in the final six months of his first presidency".

"He's already shown us that he will act on these promises," the statement said.

The inmates executed during the waning days of Trump's first administration included Lisa Montgomery, the first woman executed by the federal government since 1953, and Lezmond Mitchell, the only Native American on federal death row.

What can Trump actually do?

Trump's efforts to expand the death penalty to crimes that do not involve murder are likely to face legal challenges.

In 2008, for example, the Supreme Court ruled that those convicted of raping children cannot be executed, adding that it's unclear if the death penalty could be applied to crimes in which a victim is not killed.

According to the National Registry of Exonerations, cases with child victims are particularly prone to wrongful convictions, can be "extremely emotional" and pit family members against one another.

Any further expansion of crimes that are eligible for the federal death penalty would require Congress to act and change the law.

In 2024, two bills - both sponsored by Florida Republican and Trump ally Anna Paulina Luna - sought to expand the use of capital offences to include possession of child pornography, as well as the trafficking, exploitation and abuse of children.

Both failed to pass in the House of Representatives.

Trump is also unlikely to be able to quickly re-populate the pool of federal death row inmates, as most death penalty cases take years and are subject to lengthy appeals processes.

While he does not have any direct authority over state executions, some experts have warned that Trump's pro-death penalty stance may trigger more executions at a state level.

"His rhetoric can and has spurred draconian measures and attitudes by leaders in states on several issues, including in the context of the criminal legal system," Yasmin Cader, a deputy legal director at the American Civil Liberties Union and director of the Trone Center for Justice and Equality told CNN.

In addition to the federal government and US military, 27 US states still have the death penalty on the books.

A Gallup poll conducted in October found that a slim majority of Americans - 53% - support the death penalty for convicted murderers, up from 50% a year before.

Source:bbc.com

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Four revelations from the House ethics report on Matt Gaetz

December 24, 2024

Lisa Lambert

The House Ethics Committee report on Donald Trump ally Matt Gaetz released on Monday revealed fresh details about the former congressman's alleged behaviour, at least one new accusation and insights into the panel's investigation.

From at least 2017 to 2020, the committee concluded that the former Florida congressman regularly paid women for "engaging in sexual activity", had sex with a 17-year-old girl, used or possessed illegal drugs, accepted gifts beyond House limits and helped a woman obtain a passport, according to the report.

The 42-year-old was first elected as a Republican member of the US House of Representatives in 2016.

He resigned in November - days before the report was scheduled to be made public and after Trump announced him as his pick for US attorney general. Gaetz withdrew from consideration a week later.

He denied the committee's findings and has accused it of conducting an unfair investigation.

Here are four parts of the much-anticipated report that stand out.

A winding money trail

House investigators said Gaetz paid more than $90,000 (£71,843) to women for sex and drugs, but created a complicated web of transactions that were hard to trace, according to the report.

"The committee was unable to determine the full extent to which Representative Gaetz's payments to women were compensation for engaging in sexual activity with him," the report found.

He allegedly used his friend Joel Greenberg, currently serving 11 years in prison for crimes he said he committed with Gaetz, as a frequent go-between and logged onto Greenberg's account on SeekingArrangement.com, which bills itself as a "luxury dating site", to interact with young women.

Gaetz also paid women directly, sometimes through platforms such as Venmo, according to the report. But the committee said he often used another person's PayPal account or an account linked to an email address with a fake name.

He also obscured payments, the panel wrote. In one example, he gave a college student a cheque made out to "cash" with "tuition reimbursement" in the memo line. The woman said she received it after a group encounter, which "could potentially be a form of coercion because I really needed the money".

Gaetz has posted on social media that he gave money to women he was involved with as gifts, not payments. The committee found that two women, aged 27 and 25, did not consider their relationships transactional.

Another woman who was considered his girlfriend invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination when asked if she was given money for sex or drugs, or to pay others.

The committee attempted to prove Gaetz frequently paid for sex through evidence such as a text message where he reportedly balked at a woman's request that he send her money after he accused her of "ditching" him one night. The woman then asserted she was "treated differently" than other women he was paying for sex.

In another message, his then-girlfriend said that he and Greenberg were "a little limited in their cash flow" and asked a group of women "if it can be more of a customer appreciation week".

A few months later, according to the committee, she wrote: "Btw Matt also mentioned he is going to be a bit generous cause of the 'customer appreciation' thing last time."

Sex, drugs, and a passport application

The committee also said Gaetz bought illegal drugs or reimbursed people for them.

It gives examples of his alleged cocaine and ecstasy/MDMA use, but focused on what appeared to be a heavy marijuana habit. He allegedly asked women to bring marijuana cartridges to meetings and events, and created the fake-name email account to buy marijuana.

A trip he took to the Bahamas "was paid for by an associate of Representative Gaetz with connections to the medical marijuana industry, who allegedly also paid for female escorts to accompany them", according to the report.

One woman felt the use of drugs and alcohol at parties had impaired her ability "to really know what was going on or fully consent".

"Indeed, nearly every woman that the committee spoke with could not remember the details of at least one or more of the events they attended with Representative Gaetz and attributed that to drug or alcohol consumption," the report said.

His then-girlfriend, who was 21 when they met and "was paid tens of thousands of dollars" during their two-year relationship", often participated in encounters with women and acted as an intermediary, according to the report.

A woman told the committee she was 17 at the time she had sex with Gaetz twice at a party in 2017 - at least once in front of other people - while under the influence of ecstasy. The woman, who had just completed her junior year in high school, then received $400 from him.

She also told the panel she did not tell Gaetz she was a minor and the committee did not find any evidence that the former congressman knew she was underage.

In 2021, Greenberg pleaded guilty to sex trafficking the girl. According to his plea agreement, Greenberg paid for sex acts with the minor and introduced her to other adult men who engaged in commercial sex acts with her.

Gaetz also allegedly directed his chief of staff to expedite a passport application for a woman he was sleeping with, whom he said was a voter in his district. He also allegedly gave her $1,000.

Gaetz violated House rules that bar using his position for special favours, according to the committee, which wrote: "The woman was not his constituent, and the case was not handled in the same manner as similar passport assistance cases".

Accusations of obstruction

The committee dedicated a great deal of the report to detailing how Gaetz allegedly obstructed its investigation, including failing to produce evidence he said would "exonerate" him.

The report concluded he "continuously sought to deflect, deter, or mislead the Committee in order to prevent his actions from being exposed".

Gaetz, who has accused the committee of being "weaponised" against him and leaking information to the press, alleged the panel was working on behalf of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, according to the report. Last year he helped lead an effort to oust then-Speaker McCarthy from his role.

While Gaetz claimed he had "voluntarily produced tens of thousands of records," he gave the committee "only a couple hundred records, more than 90% of which was either irrelevant or publicly available," the report found.

One sore point was a trip to the Bahamas, where the committee said he withheld information. Ultimately it concluded he violated rules on gifts because the trip was too high in value.

The committee also cited the Justice Department's probe into the allegations against Gaetz as a reason for delays.

Some witnesses asked the committee to use statements they had given to the department, but it refused to share them because they had not issued charges and because it said it could deter future witnesses in other cases from coming forward.

Committee chairman dissents

The report ends with a single-page statement from Ethics Committee Chairman Michael Guest "on behalf of dissenting committee members" who are not named.

Those members do not challenge the committee's findings, but disagree with releasing the report after Gaetz resigned from the House, which has not happened since 2006, they write.

It "breaks from the Committee's long-standing practice, opens the Committee to undue criticism, and will be viewed by some as an attempt to weaponise the Committee's process".

Source:bbc.com

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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0mvpmnm9gno

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Trump threatens to try to regain control of Panama Canal

December 23, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump has demanded Panama reduce fees on the Panama Canal or return it to US control, accusing the central American country of charging "exorbitant prices" to American shipping and naval vessels.

"The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, highly unfair," he told a crowd of supporters in Arizona on Sunday.

"This complete rip-off of our country will immediately stop," he said, referring to when he takes office next month.

His remarks prompted a quick rebuke from Panama's president, who said "every square metre" of the canal and surrounding area belong to his country.

President José Raúl Mulino added that Panama's sovereignty and independence were non-negotiable.

Trump made the comments to supporters of Turning Point USA, a conservative activist group that provided significant support to his 2024 election campaign.

It was a rare example of a US leader saying he could push a country to hand over territory - although he did not explain how he would do so - and a sign of how American foreign policy and diplomacy may shift once he enters the White House following his inauguration on 20 January.

Trump's comments followed a similar post a day earlier in which he said the Panama Canal was a "vital national asset" for the US.

If shipping rates are not lowered, Trump said on Sunday, "we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, quickly and without question".

The 51-mile (82km) Panama Canal cuts across the central American nation and is the main link between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Up to 14,000 ships travel through it each year, including container ships carrying cars, natural gas and other goods, and military vessels.

It was built in the early 1900s. The US maintained control over the canal zone until 1977, when treaties gradually ceded the land back to Panama. After a period of joint control, Panama took sole control in 1999.

The US reserved the right to use military force in defence of the canal against any threat to its neutrality - a threat which now appears to be coming from the US itself.

The neutrality treaty guarantees fair access for all nations and non-discriminatory tolls. Different shipping companies do pay different amounts for passing through the canal - but this depends on the size of the ship and the load on board, not on the country of origin.

Canal transit costs have increased over the past year due to a historic drought, according to analysis by leading shipping industry website Lloyd's List.

Some 75% of the cargo passing through the waterway in the latest fiscal year was either destined for or originated from the US, according to the Panama Canal Authority.

However, the users of the canal are ship operators and owners, not countries themselves.

Trump hits the usual themes

As well as Panama, the president-elect also took aim at Canada and Mexico over what he called unfair trade practices. He accused them of allowing drugs and immigrants into the US, although he called Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum a "wonderful woman".

Trump made his remarks in front of thousands at Turning Point's annual conference, one of the country's largest gatherings of conservative activists.

Turning Point poured huge resources into get-out-the-vote efforts in swing states designed to bolster Trump and other Republicans during the election campaign.

It was his first speech since a deal passed Congress this week to keep the US government open, after several provisions were removed including one that would have increased the country's debt ceiling.

Trump had supported raising the debt ceiling, which restricts the amount of money the US government can borrow.

But his speech on Sunday avoided that issue entirely, instead recapping his election victory and hitting on themes – including immigration, crime and foreign trade – that were mainstays of his campaign.

He did, however, mention Elon Musk.

"You know, they're on a new kick," he said. "All the different hoaxes. The new one is that President Trump has ceded the presidency to Elon Musk."

"No, no, that's not happening," he said. "He's not gonna be president."

Several speakers here at the conference were critical of government spending and of politicians in both parties – however the divisions inside the Republican Party which have played out in Congress in recent days were mostly muted.

Source:bbc.com

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