“Jihadis” (Muslims) Responsible For The Abuse Of Hindu Women: Hate Speech of NCP MLA
New Age Islam News Bureau
14 October 2025
Jagtap has been at the centre of a controversy after asking citizens last week to make Diwali purchases exclusively from shops owned by Hindus.
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· Jihadis” (Muslims) Responsible For The Abuse Of Hindu Women: Hate Speech of NCP MLA
· Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition Event Tackles Ideological Extremism
· Saudi Arabia Hosts INTERPOL Future Of Policing Congress 2025
· CAIR Condemns Nazi Swastika Display Along I-70 in Colorado
· Hamas Kills 32 ‘Gang’ Members In Gaza City
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India
· ‘Hang My Head In Shame’: Javed Akhtar On Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Muttaqi’s Reverent Treatment In India
· Sharjeel Imam moves interim bail plea to contest Bihar Assembly polls
· Sajad Lone accuses J&K CM Omar Abdullah of blocking Congress Rajya Sabha seat to favour BJP
· We support President Trump's efforts to bring peace: PM Modi after hostages freed from Gaza
· J&K: Two terrorists killed as army foils infiltration bid in Kupwara
· SC Refuses To Quash Uttar Pradesh Singer’s Cases On Pahalgam Terror Attack Posts
· ‘Ab Ki Bar 50 Par’: Congress Questions PM Modi’s Silence On Trump’s India-Pakistan Peace Claim
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Arab World
· Humanity’s time capsule on the moon to include Saudi heritage
· Saudi Foreign Minister Meets US President Donald Trump During Gaza Peace Summit In Egypt
· King Salman academy to train Arabic teachers in Australia
· Riyadh forum spotlights Kingdom’s top schools
· Artists revive ancient palm weaving in Al-Ahsa
· Riyadh Expo’s CEO bids to learn lessons from Osaka
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North America
· 'I Will Not Break': Former NY AG Letitia James Campaigns For Zohran Mamdani, Warns Against Donald Trump
· ICE Detains Another Dallas Muslim Activist, A DACA Recipient
· Newsom vetoes ‘foreign proxy’ bill: Hindu outfit hails decision; calls it a win for immigrant communities
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Mideast
· Israeli Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa Mosque In Jerusalem, Joseph’s Tomb In Nablus To Mark Sukkot
· Hamas deploys fighters as hostages released, in show of strength
· Trump meets Palestinian president Abbas at Egypt summit
· Trump hails Egypt’s El-Sisi for ‘very important role’ in Hamas talks
· Can Egypt summit turn Gaza’s fragile truce into a foundation for regional peace?
· Four Gaza hostage bodies brought into Israel: army
· Lebanese president calls for regional reconciliation, calls on Israel to halt military aggression
· Palestinians freed from Israeli jails return to loved ones
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Europe
· UK Anti-Islam Activist 'Tommy Robinson' Says Musk Has Paid For Defence In Phone Trial
· SSSG Arrests Three Georgians on Terrorism Charges Linked to Islamic State
· Warsaw Human Dimension Conference 2025: Statement by UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief
· Official: Armenians tried to falsify Islamic, Christian monuments during occupation
· Anti-establishment influencer launches new right-wing party in EU state
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Africa
· No Religious Discrimination in Federal Staff School Ilorin, Says Management
· Timbuktu marks 700 years of iconic Mosque with community celebration and restoration
· ‘How Abacha, Military Framed And Executed Ogoni Activists’
· UN says the DRC-Rwanda peace deal 'is not being respected'
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Southeast Asia
· Malaysia Supports US Gaza Peace Plan With Conditions, Says PM
· President Prabowo expected to open World Peace Forum in Jakarta
· Malaysia recognised as global Islamic finance hub with ethical foundations
· Jeremy Corbyn praises Anwar’s visionary leadership at Kuala Lumpur conference
· Bersatu suspends Wan Ahmad Fayhsal, expels Wan Saiful and four chiefs over disciplinary breaches
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South Asia
· Jamaat Wants Polls, Referendum To Be Held Separately
· China Expresses Deep Concern Over Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Clashes
· Book Evaluation Commission Holds Meeting
· Aid Distribution for Widows, Orphans Commenced Nationwide, Ministry
· Afghan, Turkmen Officials Meet in Herat, Reaffirm Commitment to Accelerate TAPI Project
· UN Says 13.5 Million Afghans Received Aid in June–July, Millions Still Waiting
· Seven parties launch simultaneous protests in Dhaka
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/jihadis-muslims-hindu-women-hate-speech/d/137247
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“Jihadis” (Muslims) Responsible For The Abuse Of Hindu Women: Hate Speech of NCP MLA
by MANOJ MORE
October 14, 2025
Jagtap has been at the centre of a controversy after asking citizens last week to make Diwali purchases exclusively from shops owned by Hindus.
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Despite receiving a show-cause notice from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), party MLA Sangram Jagtap has once again targeted the Muslim community in Ahilyanagar, alleging that “jihadis” were responsible for cases involving the abuse of Hindu women.
“In 100 cases of atrocities against Hindu women, all the accused are Jihadis. Some people among us are supporting these Jihadis. If we study assault cases, you will find that all of them involve Hindu women as victims, and the accused are all jihadis,” he said during a rally organised in Ghargaon village of Sangamner taluka on Monday. The ‘Jankrosh Morcha’ was organised to protest the alleged assault on a tribal woman.
The mobile numbers of women are sought under the guise of giving them bakery products, he further alleged. “This leads to the start of a crime,” he said, even as he demanded that all illegal places of worship should be demolished.
Jagtap has been at the centre of a controversy after asking citizens last week to make Diwali purchases exclusively from shops owned by Hindus. NCP chief and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar slammed his remarks, saying they were “unacceptable” to the party, following which a show-cause notice was issued to Jagtap on Sunday. The same day, however, Jagtap justified his remark saying that it was the Muslim community that had first appealed to its members to make Eid purchases only from their shops.
Anjum Inamdar, a Muslim activist, admitted that Jagtap’s claim on leaflets being distributed urging community members to make Eid purchases from only Muslims was true. “But this incident, I heard, happened four years ago. And it was on WhatsApp. The police had filed a case against the person and he was arrested. Why is Jagtap digging up an old case against which the police have already taken action?” he asked.
“The Muslim community is now convinced that Ajit Pawar is not a secular leader. If he was, he would have taken action against Jagtap long back. Jagtap has been repeatedly targeting Muslims and hurting our sentiments. What has Ajit Pawar done so far? He is playing political games in association with the BJP to suit his political convenience,” Inamdar added.
A well-thought-out strategy?
NCP sources said that Jagtap was likely to tone down his rhetoric ahead of Diwali and the party was likely to let the issue die down on its own. “The NCP is unlikely to take action as it has the backing of BJP…Whatever Jagtap is doing is a well thought out plan of BJP-NCP,” said an NCP leader.
Asked if the party was planning to take further action against Jagtap, state NCP president Sunil Tatkare said, “’We are looking into the issue.”
Meanwhile, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule said Jagtap should be sacked as he was trying to create bitterness between two communities. “Jagtap’s utterances are against the Constitution and he should be removed by the NCP,” said Sule.
The Maharashtra Congress, however, said it was confident that the NCP would not take any action against Jagtap. “They will just make a show of taking action but in reality will not do anything. This is all part of the BJP-NCP strategy. Jagtap cannot dare to speak even after the party issues a notice. It is clear that he is doing it with full backing,” Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe told The Indian Express.
There is speculation that Jagtap may join the BJP and contest the 2029 Assembly elections on its ticket. “We will not reply to such hypothetical questions…,” BJP chief spokesperson Keshav Upadhye said, when asked if the party would take him into its fold if he was sacked by the NCP.
BJP sources, however, said that the NCP would not sack Jagtap. “It is about local equations. If you want to win elections, you need to take a stand,” a BJP leader said.
Source: indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/mla-sangram-jagtap-targets-muslims-again-ncp-stays-mum-10306242/
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Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition Event Tackles Ideological Extremism
October 13, 2025
The event aims to strengthen intellectual resilience among educators and communities, and prevent the spread of extremist and deviant ideas in educational settings. (SPA)
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RIYADH: The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition on Monday launched a seminar in the Maldives titled “Manifestations of Ideological Extremism in the Educational Environment” as part of its prevention initiative focused on intellectual awareness.
The event aims to strengthen intellectual resilience among educators and communities, and prevent the spread of extremist and deviant ideas in educational settings, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The seminar brought together academics, intellectuals and experts in education, thought and media from the Maldives, along with representatives from government bodies, educational institutions and other relevant entities.
It is part of the coalition’s broader efforts to bolster ideological prevention systems in member states by helping educators identify early signs of extremism, address its roots, and promote moderation and tolerance in schools and communities.
Through such seminars and lectures, the coalition emphasizes that education is the first line of defense against extremism, and that awareness and knowledge are key to safeguarding societies.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2618779/saudi-arabia
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Saudi Arabia hosts INTERPOL Future of Policing Congress 2025
October 13, 2025
Senior Saudi officials attended the event, including Acting Vice Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Ayyaf. (SPA)
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LONDON: Saudi Arabia hosted the second INTERPOL Future of Policing Congress 2025 on Monday, a two-day event in Riyadh focused on security challenges and transformation.
Delegations from 40 countries and various regional and international security organizations are participating in the conference taking place at Naif Arab University for Security Sciences in collaboration with the International Criminal Police Organization.
The event will focus on the future of policing, technological advancements, and how law enforcement can address new challenges.
Senior Saudi officials attended the event, including Acting Vice Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Ayyaf.
Dr. Abdulmajeed Albanyan, the president of NAUSS, highlighted the university’s commitment to investing in talent and enhancing security decision-making through various programs and events.
He thanked the Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif for his support and INTERPOL for their collaboration, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Maj Gen. Ahmed Al-Raisi, the president of INTERPOL, said that the security sector is affected by global transformations, which require advanced technical readiness and strategic foresight from police forces around the world.
He added that modern technologies have altered crime dynamics, allowing criminals to utilize artificial intelligence and digital systems to circumvent traditional law enforcement methods, the SPA reported.
Source: arabnews.com
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CAIR Condemns Nazi Swastika Display Along I-70 in Colorado
October 13, 2025
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the display of a large Nazi swastika – reportedly spanning much of a hillside – in Colorado’s Jefferson County in an area visible from I-70.
“The public display of a Nazi swastika – a symbol of antisemitism, genocide, racism, and white supremacy – is both disturbing and deeply offensive. This act seeks to intimidate and spread fear in the community, and it must be condemned in the strongest terms by all local, state and national leaders,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper.
He noted that last week, CAIR condemned a reported neo-Nazi antisemitic attack in Missoula, Montana.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR has repeatedly condemned neo-Nazi activity nationwide. Last month, CAIR repeated its condemnation of the distribution of White supremacist propaganda in Montana.
Hooper said CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
Source: cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-condemns-nazi-swastika-display-along-i-70-in-colorado/
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Hamas kills 32 ‘gang’ members in Gaza City
October 13, 2025
Hamas militants carry grenade launchers at the funeral of Marwan Issa, a senior Hamas deputy military commander who was killed in an Israeli airstrike during the conflict between Israel and Hamas, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in the central Gaza Strip, February 7, 2025. (REUTERS)
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GAZA CITY: Hamas has sought to reassert itself in Gaza since a ceasefire took hold, killing dozens of people in a crackdown on groups that have tested its grip and appearing to get a US nod to police the shattered enclave temporarily.
Pummelled by Israel during the war ignited by the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, Hamas has gradually sent its men back into the streets of Gaza since the ceasefire began on Friday, moving cautiously in case it suddenly collapses, according to two security sources in the territory.
On Monday, Hamas deployed members of its Qassam Brigades military wing as it freed the last living hostages seized two years ago. It was a reminder of one of the significant challenges facing US President Donald Trump’s effort to secure a lasting deal for Gaza, as the US, Israel, and many other nations demand that Hamas disarm.
Reuters footage showed dozens of Hamas fighters lined up at a hospital in southern Gaza, one wearing a shoulder patch identifying him as a member of the elite “Shadow Unit” that Hamas sources say was tasked with guarding hostages.
Trump’s plan foresees Hamas out of power in a demilitarized Gaza run by a Palestinian committee under international supervision.
It calls for deploying an international stabilization mission to train and support a Palestinian police force.
But Trump, speaking on his way to the Middle East, suggested Hamas had been given a temporary green light to police Gaza.
“They do want to stop the problems, and they’ve been open about it, and we gave them approval for a period of time,” he said, responding to a journalist’s question about reports that Hamas was shooting rivals and instituting itself as a police force.
After the ceasefire took effect, Ismail Al-Thawabta, head of Hamas’ Gaza government media office, said the group would not allow a security vacuum and that it would maintain public safety and property.
Hamas has ruled out any discussion of its arsenal, saying it would be ready to surrender its arms to a future Palestinian state. The group has said it seeks no role in Gaza’s future governing body, but that Palestinians should agree upon this with no foreign control.
As the war dragged on, a diminished Hamas faced growing internal challenges to its control of Gaza from groups with which it has long been at odds, often affiliated with clans.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier this year that Israel had been arming clans that oppose Hamas, without identifying them.
One of the Gaza sources, a security official, said that since the ceasefire, Hamas forces had killed 32 members of “a gang affiliated with a family in Gaza City,” while six of its personnel had also been killed.
The Gaza City clashes mostly pitted Hamas against members of the Doghmosh clan, residents and Hamas sources said.
The security official did not identify the group, nor say whether it was one of those suspected of receiving support from Israel.
The most prominent anti-Hamas clan leader is Yasser Abu Shabab, who is based in the Rafah area — an area from which Israel has yet to withdraw.
Offering attractive salaries, his group has recruited hundreds of fighters, a source close to Abu Shabab said earlier this year. Hamas calls him a collaborator with Israel, which he denies.
The Gaza security official said that, separate from the clashes in Gaza City, Hamas security forces had killed Abu Shabab’s “right-hand man” and efforts were underway to kill Abu Shabab himself.
Abu Shabab did not immediately respond to questions on the official’s comments.
Hussam Al-Astal, another anti-Hamas figure based in Khan Younis in areas controlled by Israel, taunted the group in a video message on Sunday, saying that once it hands over the hostages, its role and rule in Gaza would be over.
Palestinian analyst Reham Owda said Hamas’s actions were aimed at deterring groups that had collaborated with Israel and contributed to insecurity during the war. Hamas also aimed to show that its security officers should be part of a new government, though this would be rejected by Israel, she said.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2618770/middle-east
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India
‘Hang my head in shame’: Javed Akhtar on Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Muttaqi’s reverent treatment in India
October 14, 2025
Bollywood lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar late Monday expressed his disappointment at the grand reception accorded to Afghanistan Foreign Minister and Taliban leader Amir Khan Muttaqi, upon his arrival in India last week.
Taking over X (formerly Twitter), Akhtar wrote: “I hang my head in shame when I see the kind of respect and reception has been given to the representative of the world’s worst terrorists group Taliban by those who beat the pulpit against all kind of terrorists.”
Akhtar also came down heavily on Darul Uloom Deoband, one of the most influential Islamic seminaries in South Asia, for hosting the Taliban minister. “Shame on Deoband too for giving such a reverent welcome to their “Islamic Hero” who is one of those who have completely banned girls education. My Indian brothers n sisters !!! what is happening to us.”
Akhtar was referring to the restrictions imposed upon girls and women in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime, which includes ban on obtaining education beyond the sixth grade, and seeking employment. They are also required to wear full veils and avoid speaking in public.
I hang my head in shame when I see the kind of respect and reception has been given to the representative of the world’s worst terrorists group Taliban by those who beat the pulpit against all kind of terrorists . Shame on Deoband too for giving such a reverent welcome to their “…
Muttaqi paid a visit to Deoband in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur on Saturday, and met senior clerics, scholars and administrators of the institution. He also expressed his gratitude for the “grand welcome and affection” extended to him by people at Deoband. “I am thankful for such a grand welcome and the affection shown by the people here. I hope that India-Afghanistan ties advance further. We will be sending new diplomats, and I hope you people will visit Kabul as well. I have hopes for stronger ties in the future – from the way I was received in Delhi, these visits may be frequent in the near future,” Muttaqi told PTI.
On the first day of his visit, the Afghan minister restricted all women journalists from attending his press conference at the Afghan Embassy in Delhi, sparking outrage from Opposition political leaders and journalist groups about the discriminatory behaviour.
In the absence of women journalists from the room, when asked about women’s rights being violated in Afghanistan, he said it was all part of a “propaganda”. “It is all propaganda. We have the Shariah there and everybody has rights. Each country has its own traditions and customs,” he said.
Responding to the discriminatory treatment, the Ministry of External Affairs said Saturday it had “no involvement” in the press interaction and some officials claimed they had even suggested to the Afghan side that women journalists should be part of the invitees.
Later, Muttaqi described the exclusion to be “more a technical issue and no other problems.” He also called in another press conference, this time, inviting women journalists, following the nationwide uproar.
This is the first visit from any top Taliban official to India, marking a seismic shift, as Delhi engaged with the Taliban, burying past hostilities and the ghost of the IC-814 hijack.
Muttaqi met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on October 9 as a first step towards normalising diplomatic ties between the two, wherein India underlined it would upgrade its “technical mission” in Kabul to the status of an embassy.
Muttaqi, on his part, has said Kabul will send diplomats to India as part of step-by-step efforts to improve bilateral relations.
In March this year, the United Nations Security Council strongly condemned terrorist activities in Afghanistan and called for more efforts to tackle the country’s severe economic and humanitarian crisis.
The Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021 after US and NATO forces withdrew following 20 years of war. However, no country, including India, recognises them as the official government due to their harsh policies against women.
Source: indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/javed-akhtar-shame-reverent-treatment-taliban-foreign-minister-muttaqi-india-10305684/
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Sharjeel Imam moves interim bail plea to contest Bihar Assembly polls
by Nirbhay Thakur
October 13, 2025
Sharjeel Imam, who is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in relation to the 2020 Delhi riots “larger conspiracy” case, has moved an interim bail plea before a city court seeking interim bail to contest the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.
The student activist, who has been in jail for over five years, will contest the elections as an independent candidate from Bahadurganj constituency in Kishanganj district.
“… it is pertinent to mention that the applicant is contesting as an independent candidate and is not associated with any political party. There is no one to take care of and make arrangements for his nomination and campaign for the elections, except his younger brother, who is also currently looking after his ailing mother and providing for his family,” Imam’s plea seeking interim bail for 14 days stated.
“That the process of filing nomination papers for the 18th Bihar Legislative Assembly Elections is scheduled to commence on 13.10.2025 and the last date for filing nominations is 20.10.2025. Therefore, it is essential that the applicant is present in his contesting constituency to file his nomination and make necessary arrangements for his electoral campaign,” it added.
According to the Delhi Police Special Cell, Sharjeel, who was arrested on August 25, 2020, was in touch with members of various WhatsApp groups which the Cell termed as “radical and communal”. Police had claimed he was instrumental in orchestrating chakka jams across the Capital. They had also alleged that he was one of the kingpins of the “anti-CAA protests” who had mobilised students by giving provocative speeches.
The Special Cell started investigating the alleged conspiracy behind the riots soon after they broke out in February 2020 in Northeast Delhi. Over the course of its investigation, it booked 18 accused persons under relevant provisions of the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Indian Penal Code. Twelve of them are still in jail.
On March 6, 2020, an FIR was lodged in the case. From September 16, 2020 to June 7, 2023, a total of five chargesheets were filed in this case.
Source: indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/sharjeel-imam-bihar-assembly-polls-bail-plea-10304857/
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Sajad Lone accuses J&K CM Omar Abdullah of blocking Congress Rajya Sabha seat to favour BJP
Fayaz Wani
14 Oct 2025
SRINAGAR: In what comes as good news for the BJP, Peoples Conference (PC) chairman and MLA Sajad Gani Lone has announced that his party will abstain from voting in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir. He also alleged that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah denied a Rajya Sabha seat to the Congress on the behest of the BJP.
Addressing a press conference, Sajad Lone accused Omar Abdullah of refusing to give a Rajya Sabha seat from J&K to his party’s ally, the Congress.
According to Lone, the National Conference (NC) had offered the Congress an “unsafe” seat (Seat No. 4), which the Congress declined to contest. The Congress reportedly stated that it had sought a “safe” seat from the NC, but the ruling party instead offered an unsafe one.
As a result, the Congress decided against contesting the Rajya Sabha polls from Jammu and Kashmir.
There are four vacant Rajya Sabha seats from the Union Territory, and polling is scheduled to be held on October 24.
The NC has fielded four candidates, while the BJP has nominated three candidates for the four seats. With the NC alliance having the support of 53 members in the 88-member J&K Assembly, as against 28 by the BJP, the ruling party is poised to win three of the four seats.
While the NC is assured of winning three seats, the BJP could secure Seat No. 4 if a few opposition, non-BJP MLAs abstain from voting.
Sajad Lone challenged Omar Abdullah to prove that his party did not deny the Congress a Rajya Sabha seat on the BJP’s instructions.
“Omar went to Delhi and participated in the Delhi Marathon. I had at that time told my colleagues that the NC will not give any RS seat to its ally Congress,” Lone said. “What could be better news for the BJP than the NC denying an RS seat to Congress?”
He said that although he may have differences with the Congress, it remains the only party that has not aligned with the BJP.
“I had aligned with the BJP. The PDP too had aligned with the BJP. Omar Abdullah was a minister in the BJP government. The Congress is the only party which has not aligned with the BJP,” the PC chairman said.
Regarding voting in the Rajya Sabha polls, Lone asserted that he would never vote for the NC candidate.
“I will die but would never vote for NC. I would have voted for Congress or any other secular party if they had fielded a candidate. How would I face my workers if I vote for NC?” he asked.
Lone, who is the only MLA from the Peoples Conference, confirmed that the party would abstain from the Rajya Sabha voting.
With Lone making his stand clear, attention now turns to the strategy of other smaller parties — the PDP with three MLAs, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) with one MLA, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) with one MLA (currently in jail), and an independent member.
If all non-BJP opposition MLAs vote for the NC, then the party’s fourth candidate, Imran Nabi Dar, could also win. However, if even two members abstain, the BJP’s victory on the fourth seat is almost certain.
The Rajya Sabha election has become a high-stakes contest for both the ruling NC and the opposition BJP, as both are striving to strengthen their positions in Jammu and Kashmir.
Voting for the four vacant Rajya Sabha seats will be held on October 24 between 9 am and 4 pm, and the counting of votes will take place the same day at 5 pm.
The four Rajya Sabha seats from J&K fell vacant in February 2021 following the end of the terms of PDP MPs Mir Mohammad Fayaz and Nazir Ahmed Laway, BJP MP Shamsher Singh, and former Congress MP Ghulam Nabi Azad.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Oct/14/sajad-lone-accuses-jk-cm-omar-abdullah-of-blocking-congress-rajya-sabha-seat-to-favour-bjp
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We support President Trump's efforts to bring peace: PM Modi after hostages freed from Gaza
Jayanth Jacob
13 Oct 2025
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed the release of hostages held by Hamas for over two years, praising the move as a symbol of resilience and expressing strong support for US President Donald Trump’s renewed peace efforts in the Middle East.
“We welcome the release of all hostages after over two years of captivity,” Modi said.
“Their freedom stands as a tribute to the courage of their families, the unwavering peace efforts of President Trump, and the strong resolve of Prime Minister Netanyahu. We support President Trump’s sincere efforts to bring peace to the region.”
Modi’s remarks came just hours after Hamas freed all living hostages in a US-brokered ceasefire deal that also saw Israel release dozens of Palestinian prisoners.
The agreement, hailed as a breakthrough after months of backchannel diplomacy, marks the most significant de-escalation since the latest Gaza conflict erupted.
President Trump, who played a central role in brokering the deal, addressed the Israeli parliament on Monday, declaring a “dawn of a new Middle East” and pledging continued American engagement to secure long-term peace.
Trump’s remarks in Jerusalem were met with a standing ovation in the Knesset. “This is a historic day not just for Israel and Palestine, but for the entire Middle East,” he said. “The release of hostages is only the beginning. Peace is no longer a dream — it is a choice we must make.”
In a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India reaffirmed its commitment to peace and diplomacy in the Middle East, underscoring its support for dialogue-based solutions to ongoing conflicts.
"India stands for peace in the Middle East and the resolution of issues through dialogue and diplomacy," the MEA said, emphasizing its endorsement of the Trump-led initiative aimed at stabilizing the region following the ceasefire.
The summit was convened in the wake of a landmark ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and the successful release of all remaining hostages. It marks one of the first major diplomatic initiatives under Trump’s renewed global engagement efforts, following his re-election to the US presidency in 2024.
India also acknowledged the crucial mediating roles played by Egypt and Qatar, whose behind-the-scenes diplomacy helped pave the way for the ceasefire and the convening of the summit. "We appreciate Egypt and Qatar for their valuable roles in achieving this and advancing the path to peace," the Indian statement noted.
Aligning with the summit’s broader objectives, India reiterated its long-standing support for a negotiated two-state solution, emphasizing that sustainable peace in the region can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue and mutual respect.
“This is also in line with India’s long-standing support for a negotiated two-state solution. India will support all efforts towards a lasting peace in the region,” the MEA affirmed.
The Sharm El-Sheikh summit is being seen as a renewed multilateral effort to consolidate peace in the region after years of recurring violence, with Trump’s proposed Gaza peace framework at the center of discussions.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Oct/13/we-support-president-trumps-efforts-to-bring-peace-pm-modi-after-hostages-freed-from-gaza
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J&K: Two terrorists killed as army foils infiltration bid in Kupwara
14.10.25
Two unidentified terrorists were killed on Monday evening after Indian Army troops foiled an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday.
The troops noticed suspicious movement along the LoC late on Monday night and challenged the intruders, leading to a brief exchange of fire between the two sides.
“Based on specific intelligence input by JKP & corroborated by sources and agencies, regarding likely infiltration attempt, a joint operation was launched by Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir police in Machhal Sector, Kupwara on 13 Oct 2025,” the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps said in a statement posted on X.
“Alert troops spotted suspicious activity and challenged, which resulted in terrorists opening indiscriminate fire. Troops responded with effective fire, neutralising two terrorists. Large quantity of weapons and equipment recovered,” it added.
The Indian Army confirmed that search operations were ongoing across Jammu and Kashmir following the incident. The operation in Kupwara remains in progress.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/terrorists-killed-as-indian-army-foils-infiltration-bid-in-kupwara-jammu-and-kashmir/cid/2127708
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SC refuses to quash Uttar Pradesh singer’s cases on Pahalgam terror attack posts
14.10.25
The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain an appeal filed by Uttar Pradesh folk singer Neha Singh Rathore challenging the registration of criminal cases against her by the state government in April for her controversial social media posts criticising the NDA government over the Pahalgam terror attack.
In some of her social media posts, Rathore had allegedly questioned the central government, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, of its alleged failure to prevent the Pahalgam attack, in which 26 people were killed.
Following which, some private individuals had filed cases against Rathore under various provisions of the BNS, including “waging war” against the country, creating communal ill-feelings, among others.
Allahabad High Court had earlier refused to quash the criminal case against her on the ground that the police needed to conduct investigations into the FIR, aggrieved by which Rathore had filed the present appeal in the apex court.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appearing for Rathore argued that there was no question of the singer being tried or prosecuted for waging war or mutiny against the central government.
He pleaded that at least the provisions related to waging war against the country should be quashed against her as she was willing to face trial for other offences registered against her.
“How can I be tried for mutiny? I am saying quash certain sections and I will face trial,” Sibal argued, to which Justice Maheshwari, who was heading the bench, said the petitioner was free to raise such grievances before the trial court.
Sibal pleaded that BNS sections 153 (waging war against government) and 159 (abetting mutiny, or attempting to seduce a soldier, sailor or airman from his duty) should be quashed. But the bench reiterated that these are arguments which ought to be raised before the trial court.
The senior counsel then raised apprehensions that Rathore may be arrested on the charges, but the bench said it was not making any observations on the merits of the issue as it proceeded to hear the next matter.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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‘Ab Ki Bar 50 Par’: Congress questions PM Modi’s silence on Trump’s India-Pakistan peace claim
13.10.25
The Congress on Monday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims of brokering peace between India and Pakistan, with “Ab Ki Bar 50 Par” jibe.
In a post on X, Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh wrote, “This time – the 51st time that he has made this claim of having used tariffs to force India into the abrupt halt to Operation Sindoor – President Trump has given specific numbers on the tariff threats he reportedly made. And our PM continues to be silent while hailing him on his peace efforts in relation to Gaza.”
Congress wrote on X, “Ab Ki Bar 50 Par,” a reference to the number of times Trump has taken credit for ending the conflict.
On Monday evening, PM Modi had welcomed the release of all remaining Israeli hostages, praising Trump’s “unwavering peace efforts” and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “strong resolve.”
“We welcome the release of all hostages after over two years of captivity. Their freedom stands as a tribute to the courage of their families, the unwavering peace efforts of President Trump and the strong resolve of Prime Minister Netanyahu. We support President Trump’s sincere efforts to bring peace to the region,” Modi posted on X.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that all 20 remaining living hostages held by Hamas had been released after spending more than two years in captivity in Gaza.
Earlier in the day, Trump, while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Israel for a hostage-prisoner swap, claimed that his tariff threats were the reason for halting the India-Pakistan military conflict earlier this year.
“I settled a few of the wars just based on tariffs. For example, between India and Pakistan. I said, if you guys want to fight a war and you have nuclear weapons, I am going to put big tariffs on you both, like 100 per cent, 150 per cent, and 200 per cent,” Trump said. “I had that thing settled in 24 hours. If I didn’t have tariffs, you could have never settled that war.”
The US President also referred to the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, saying he would be able to resolve them too, as he was “good at solving wars.”
Source: telegraphindia.com
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Arab World
Humanity’s time capsule on the moon to include Saudi heritage
October 13, 2025
LONDON: Saudi cultural heritage will be included in the Sanctuary on the Moon, a project creating a time capsule that carries a compendium of human knowledge, art, and science to the lunar surface with the support of NASA and UNESCO.
French engineer Benoit Faiveley is leading a team of scientists, researchers, designers and artists to deposit 24 sapphire discs engraved with humanity’s cultural and scientific heritage.
He is visiting Saudi Arabia to coordinate with leading institutions in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. They aim to explore cultural and scientific facets that could be included in the lunar time capsule, according to a statement from the project.
“With the extraordinary cultural dynamism taking place under Saudi Vision 2030, now is the perfect time to collaborate with Saudi museums and art institutions,” Faiveley said.
Sanctuary on the Moon brings together leading international experts, including astrophysicists, paleontologists, cosmologists, historians, artists and engineers.
“We hope Sanctuary will be a ‘cosmic hello’ to our descendants, or perhaps to other intelligent life forms,” said Faiveley.
He added: “Most of the material is told through images, diagrams and data, a narrative mosaic of what humanity knows and creates.”
Saudi Arabia will represent the cultural voice of the Arab world, while also reflecting the Kingdom’s ancient heritage, including the rock art of Hima and the ancient city of Diriyah, as well as the cultural renaissance and innovation of Vision 2030.
The Sanctuary on the Moon’s time capsule will travel aboard mission CT-4, a container designed according to NASA’s space standards. It will land on the moon’s southern polar region, a site considered ideal for future inhabited bases by NASA.
The 24 sapphire discs will preserve examples of mathematics, culture, art, science and the complete human genome for the future. A section of the archive will be dedicated to UNESCO World Heritage sites, with eight located in Saudi Arabia.
By integrating Saudi culture into the lunar capsule, “Sanctuary” ensures that the Kingdom’s heritage will remain accessible for millennia, the statement added.
Source: arabnews.com
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Saudi foreign minister meets US President Donald Trump during Gaza peace summit in Egypt
ARAB NEWS
October 13, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan had separate meetings on Monday with US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, as world leaders gathered in Sharm El-Sheikh for a Gaza peace summit.
The assembled leaders discussed a 20-point US-led plan that aims to resolve the conflict and ensure the current, limited truce leads to permanent peace, and signed a declaration designed to help shore up the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
It came as Hamas handed over the remaining 20 living hostages taken during the attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and Israeli authorities released 1,968 Palestinians they were holding.
The US plan holds out hope that an independent Palestinian state might eventually be established following a lengthy transitional phase and reform of the Palestinian Authority. Earlier on Monday, Trump addressed the Knesset, the Israeli parliament. Israel’s government has backed the US peace proposal, but has repeatedly opposed any suggestion of Palestinian independence.
Prince Faisal was attending the summit on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Source: arabnews.com
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King Salman academy to train Arabic teachers in Australia
HEBSHI ALSHAMMARI
October 13, 2025
RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language unveiled a new program in Canberra on Monday to train teachers of Arabic as a second language, in collaboration with the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies at the Australian National University.
The academic program features a wide range of specialized activities, including a learner’s curriculum aimed at developing language and communication skills.
A seminar titled “The State of Arabic Learning and Teaching in Australia” will also be held, along with two discussion panels addressing Arabic for specific purposes and the integration of technology into language education.
Additionally, the program offers a preparatory course and training for taking the Hamza Academic Test.
The program forms part of the academy’s broader efforts to expand international collaboration and forge ties with global academic institutions, said KSGAAL Secretary-General Abdullah Al-Washmi.
He said the collaboration with ANU, a leading university with a strong academic focus on Arabic, underscores KSGAAL’s commitment.
“The program aims to cultivate participants’ critical thinking by analyzing educational experiences and evaluating teaching practices, as well as introducing them to professional platforms and resources that support the growth of their skills and expertise,” Al-Washmi said.
Saad Al-Qahtani, director of the academy’s Educational Programs Sector, told Arab News that partner institutions are selected with great care.
“ANU stands out worldwide for its strong emphasis on Arabic and linguistic studies, as well as its recognized expertise in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers,” he added.
“What makes this collaboration particularly inspiring is the fusion of modern theoretical frameworks with traditional approaches, aimed at developing scientific tools that enhance the teaching of Arabic globally.”
Al-Qahtani also praised Australia’s language education system as remarkably advanced, emphasizing its blend of academic rigor, cultural openness and a practical, hands-on approach to communication.
Al-Qahtani explained that the institution hopes to shift Arabic teaching from rote memorization to a focus on communicative, cultural and linguistic mastery.
“The program aims to set a benchmark in Arabic education, empowering teachers and learners with cutting-edge skills and practices aligned with the latest advancements in the field,” Al-Qahtani said.
Source: arabnews.com
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Riyadh forum spotlights Kingdom’s top schools
RAHAF JAMBI
October 13, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia celebrated educational excellence on Sunday as the second National Forum for School Excellence, or Tamayuz, recognized outstanding public, private and international schools across the Kingdom.
Organized by the Education and Training Evaluation Commission in coordination with the Ministry of Education, the forum brought together senior officials, education experts, and national leaders, including the Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan, and Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Sabti, the commission’s chairman of the board of directors.
Al-Benyan praised the achievements of Saudi schools and their role in shaping the country’s educational future.
He said: “Today, we celebrate 760 outstanding schools across the Kingdom — public, private, and international — that have set a living example of a culture of excellence and have become a bright milestone in the educational transformation journey.
“Our role in education is pivotal: We are responsible for preparing future generations to actively contribute to building a knowledge-based society and achieving sustainable development.”
Al-Sabti commended the schools for their commitment to progress, saying: “These models prove the ability of our schools to excel and continuously improve learning outcomes, supporting our national aspirations for global competitiveness.
“I am pleased to congratulate these schools for this remarkable achievement and for their commitment to advancing toward the goals of Vision 2030.”
Tamayuz is part of the National Program for School Evaluation, Classification, and Accreditation, which is implemented by the commission. It highlights the school classification system — one of the Human Capability Development Program initiatives — as a key milestone in advancing a high-impact national quality model in education and training.
Under the program more than 800 schools are evaluated weekly, with annual assessments covering over 1.5 million students in public, private, and international institutions.
More than 7 million students, teachers, and parents have participated through comprehensive evaluation surveys.
Tamayuz has honored schools that achieved the excellence level based on classification results. The recognition enhances the quality of education, improves learning outcomes, and fosters competitiveness, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Human Capability Development Program.
Building on the success of its inaugural event last year — which honored 292 schools — Tamayuz has evolved into a national benchmark for educational achievement in the Kingdom.
The commission said that the forum reinforced leadership and competition in education while supporting national efforts to improve quality through data-driven evaluation, professional development, and collaboration with the ministry and other national institutions to advance Vision 2030 goals.
Source: arabnews.com
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Artists revive ancient palm weaving in Al-Ahsa
WAAD HUSSAIN
October 13, 2025
Al-Ahsa: In the heart of Al-Ahsa’s desert oasis, where palm trees stretch endlessly across the horizon, the ancient art of Al-Khoos weaving is being reimagined by a new generation of creators.
Al-Khoos Residency, held from Oct. 3-14, gathered artists and designers from around the world to explore how the palm-weaving tradition can inspire contemporary design and architecture.
Once a humble craft of necessity, the practice is now finding renewed meaning in architecture, art and design — serving as a bridge between heritage and the future.
For Jordanian architect and designer Abeer Seikaly, Al-Khoos is more than a craft; it is a dialogue between humanity and nature, a rhythm of giving and gratitude passed down through the palm tree itself.
“Al-Khoos weaving grows from the palm, a tree that defines the natural and cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia and carries the memory of its land,” Seikaly told Arab News. “Every part of it has a use, every part holds knowledge. The act of weaving is an act of gratitude … it extends the life of the palm into objects that serve and endure.”
To Seikaly, architecture and craft share the same devotion and respect for material. “Architecture is born from the same understanding that guides the hand of the craftsman,” she said. “When I look to traditional crafts, I see a system of thought and a way of relating to the earth and to community. True progress is continuity through understanding.”
Her approach embodies the essence of Al-Khoos: creating harmony between the hand and the land. “The craftsman, the architect, the farmer — all speak the same language through their hands,” she said. “To see this harmony is to rediscover balance between human and earth, between work and worship.”
Through her work, she hopes audiences rediscover the sacred connection between making and meaning.
For artist and researcher Maisa Shaldan, the threads of Al-Khoos hold more than beauty — they hold memory. Her project, “Al-Khoos Memory: Silent Civilization,” explores how weaving becomes a form of remembrance.
“Within its strands lies the silence of centuries and the memory of hands that shaped the world through patience and rhythm,” she said. “The act of weaving mirrors the act of remembering, where threads from different times intertwine to form a single fabric that resists disappearance.”
Shaldan sees the craft as a universal language that transcends cultures. “Wherever it is practiced, the palm-leaf weave follows a familiar rhythm, as if the same stories are told anew within its strands,” she said.
To her, memory is both loom and thread, the invisible structure that ties the past to the present: “In traditional practices, memory is not contained in the final product alone but lives in rhythm, in the repetition of movement, and in the knowledge passed down through body and time,” she explained. “Through remembering, whether by practice, storytelling or art, we preserve the spirit of heritage.”
Shaldan believes Saudi Arabia’s growing art and design scene offers fertile ground for this preservation.
“Art and research together form a bridge between emotion and knowledge,” she said. “In Saudi Arabia, this union can preserve heritage not as a static memory, but as a living practice that engages with the present.”
For artist and designer Jana Malaikah, who presented “PalmScapes” at the residency, the palm tree represents both personal and cultural identity. “I grew up surrounded by palm trees in Al-Khobar, but it wasn’t until I left for my studies that I began to really notice them,” she said. “PalmScapes was my way of exploring that uniqueness while connecting it back to heritage, culture and the environment.”
Through photography, material experimentation and paper made from palm fibers, Malaikah reinterprets the palm as a symbol of resilience and memory. “Design, for me, is a form of storytelling,” she said. “Each process — from photographing to printing to making paper — brought me closer to understanding the tree and, in a way, myself.”
Her message to younger artists is simple: Slow down. “I hope PalmScapes encourages artists and designers to slow down, to observe, question and connect with what surrounds them,” she said. “There’s so much to learn from what’s already there — from materials and environments we often overlook.”
Malaikah’s philosophy aligns with the broader spirit of the residency; a call to look inward, to learn from what the land offers, and to transform awareness into art. “Every experiment, every trace, teaches something about place, material and self,” she said. “If PalmScapes inspires someone to see beauty in what feels ordinary, then it has achieved its purpose.”
As Al-Ahsa continues to emerge as a cultural hub under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the revival of Al-Khoos weaving stands as a metaphor for the Kingdom’s own evolution — grounded in tradition, yet reaching toward innovation.
Source: arabnews.com
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Riyadh Expo’s CEO bids to learn lessons from Osaka
KHALDON AZHARI
October 13, 2025
OSAKA: Talal Al-Marri, the CEO of Expo 2030 Riyadh, has congratulated Japan on “the remarkable achievements of Expo 2025” and its success in attracting more than 25 million visitors.
“It sets a high benchmark for all future hosts,” he told Arab News Japan. “And Expo 2030 Riyadh is certainly taking forward many lessons from Osaka’s success as we prepare to host the next world expo.
“From the outset, the Expo 2030 Riyadh team has been present on the ground in Osaka, learning directly from the organizers, the host city, and participating nations and organizations.”
Among the lessons learned, he said, were the event’s openness and the responsiveness of the organizers and their ability to react quickly to both challenges and opportunities. He also noted a strong business engagement, particularly with private-sector participation, and admired how Osaka inspired a deep sense of national pride across Japan.
Al-Marri added: “Expo became a symbol of unity and creativity for the Japanese people, which is a legacy we deeply admire. In Saudi Arabia, national pride is equally important, and Expo 2030 Riyadh will be a moment to share that pride with the world.”
He said one of the opportunities of the event was the ability to facilitate business, and added: “As we’ve seen in Osaka, a world expo generates major economic activity and collaboration across sectors, at every stage of preparation and delivery.
“The private sector is a critical component of the journey, from early-stage construction to operations, event management, retail and F&B (food and beverage) during Expo 2030 and beyond to create a lasting legacy.”
He said Japanese companies would be able to leverage their abilities at Riyadh 2030, especially in areas such as architecture and design, engineering, smart mobility, and artificial intelligence and data platforms.
Echoing the words of Saudi Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Al-Marri stressed how expos offer something “profoundly human, (and) the opportunity for people to meet in person, share ideas, and experience innovation firsthand. This kind of global dialogue simply cannot be replicated elsewhere, and it underscores the importance of expos as platforms for genuine exchange.”
Al-Marri also said Riyadh’s strategic location was important as it was situated within an eight-hour flight of 60 percent of the world’s population. He said: “The city is a natural hub linking Asia, the Middle East and beyond. With our ambition to have 197 participant countries, we are planning for a diverse and representative expo that truly brings the world together in Riyadh.”
The capital’s themes will include sustainable solutions, prosperity, and transformative technology, which, he said, will create spaces for innovation and inspiration.
He added: “Expo 2030 Riyadh has a responsibility, working with our international partners, to deliver something truly extraordinary in 2030; not just a physical site, but a living vision for the future.
“Expo 2030 Riyadh will tell a story of real transformation. It’s about a country that set a bold vision through Vision 2030 and is now opening its doors to show it in action. Expo 2030 Riyadh will be a living example of how Saudi Arabia’s vision became reality. What is important to understand is that the expo is empowered by Vision 2030, not the other way around.
“Expo 2030 Riyadh will embody Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation. It will not simply present the Kingdom to the world; it will invite the world to experience Saudi Arabia as it is today: dynamic, confident, collaborative, and ready to lead on the global stage.”
Source: arabnews.com
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North America
'I will not break': Former NY AG Letitia James campaigns for Zohran Mamdani, warns against Donald Trump
Oct 14, 2025
New York’s political battle lines have hardened. Former attorney general Letitia James returned to the public stage this week to campaign for Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral run — days after a federal indictment many see as political retribution. Their alliance reflects years of confrontation with Donald Trump and a deeper struggle over the city’s political future.
Driving the news
Letitia James spoke at a campaign rally in Washington Heights on Monday night, her first appearance since being indicted by a federal grand jury in Virginia on mortgage fraud charges. The case was brought by acting US attorney Lindsey Halligan, who previously worked as Trump’s personal lawyer.
James, who denies wrongdoing, did not name Trump in her speech but said “powerful voices” were trying to “weaponise justice for political gain.” She added: “I will not bow. I will not break. I will not bend. I won’t give up, and I won’t give in.”
Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor, thanked James for her support and promised to stand by her as she faces legal challenges.
Trump and New York: a hate story
Trump’s political vendetta against figures like James and Mamdani is deeply rooted in his complicated relationship with New York itself. He was born and raised in Queens and built his wealth and celebrity through Manhattan real estate, tabloids, and television. Yet, despite his origins, Trump never felt fully accepted by the city’s cultural or political elite. New York’s liberal establishment viewed him as a brash outsider, and his populist, grievance-driven style alienated much of the city long before he entered politics.
That alienation turned to resentment after his rise to the presidency. New York, one of the most staunchly Democratic states in the country, repeatedly rejected him at the ballot box, handing overwhelming victories to his opponents in both 2016 and 2024. Trump’s inability to win over the city he once called home has fuelled a deeper hostility — one now playing out through his legal battles and political feuds with New York’s most prominent progressive voice
Why it matters
Letitia James and Zohran Mamdani have become two of Trump’s most prominent adversaries in New York politics. Their shared opposition to his agenda — and his sustained attacks on them — have turned both into political symbols for the city’s progressive movement.
Letitia James: As attorney general, James led multiple investigations into Trump’s businesses, including a civil fraud lawsuit that resulted in a $500 million judgment before being overturned on appeal. Trump has repeatedly attacked her, calling for federal prosecution after her investigations.
Zohran Mamdani: Trump has labelled the socialist-leaning city council member a “communist” and questioned his immigration status. In July, he suggested arresting Mamdani if, as mayor, he refused to cooperate with ICE deportation efforts.
Their partnership represents a coalition of progressive politicians determined to counter what they describe as the politicisation of law enforcement under Trump’s second term.
The big picture
From prosecutor to defendant: James built her reputation by pursuing powerful figures, from exposing sexual harassment allegations against Andrew Cuomo in 2021 to targeting Trump’s business empire. Her current indictment, announced shortly after Trump publicly demanded charges, has raised questions about political interference.
A mayoral race with national implications: Mamdani’s victory over Cuomo in the Democratic primary and his challenge from Cuomo’s independent campaign have turned the election into a referendum on the city’s ideological direction — establishment centrism or progressive realignment.
Trump’s retribution campaign: The use of federal prosecutorial power against political opponents is emerging as a key feature of Trump’s second administration. The charges against James, filed by one of his former attorneys, illustrate that broader strategy.
Bottom line: Letitia James’ appearance alongside Zohran Mamdani was a calculated show of unity between two of Trump’s most consistent critics. It signals that the battles of Trump’s presidency are not confined to Washington — they are shaping the political landscape of America’s largest city.
Source: indiatimes.com
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ICE detains another Dallas Muslim activist, a DACA recipient
October 14, 2025
(RNS) — Advocates are calling for the release of Filipino-American filmmaker Ya’akub Ira Vijandre, a Muslim who was detained by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement outside his Dallas home last week, arguing he was detained illegally because he is protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
Vijandre’s arrest on Oct. 7 marks the second time a well-known Muslim community member in Dallas was detained by immigration officials in less than a month. In late September, community leader Marwan Marouf was detained by ICE. Advocates say Marouf’s arrest was part of a Trump administration effort to criminalize pro-Palestinian activism and suppress free speech, while the administration said he overstayed his visa and was denied a green card due to past support for a troubled, now-defunct foundation.
Vijandre, an artist known for his solidarity activism for Palestinians, is legally protected from deportation under DACA, according to his lawyers from the Muslim Legal Fund of America, who released a joint statement with the Council on American-Islamic Relations – Texas DFW, condemning his arrest.
“To detain him is to trample on justice itself,” the Oct. 8 statement read. “ICE’s actions are not only unlawful, but also a disturbing abuse of power and a direct violation of his rights.”
Vijandre, who is being held at Bluebonnet Detention Facility, about 200 miles west of Dallas in Texas, was born in the Philippines and settled in the U.S. as a child. His friends said he is a beloved storyteller and photographer recognized for uplifting marginalized people. He converted to Islam in 2022 and teaches Filipino martial arts.
“He was really connected to his Filipino roots, but he also loved other cultures,” said Mohammad Ayesh, an organizer in Dallas and friend of Vijandre. “His whole focus it seemed was just around humans telling human stories.”
Over the past two weeks, Vijandre was working on a documentary series about people shaped by Marouf’s mentorship and advocacy work in Dallas. Ayesh told Religion News Service the goal of the project was to counter the Department of Homeland Security narrative about Marouf.
“When ICE is not able to find criminals, they start picking up innocent, good people and trying to paint them as criminals to justify what they’re doing,” Ayesh said. “Ya’akub stepped up and said let’s tell the real story.”
Ayesh said he believed Vijandre’s arrest was meant to scare Muslim Americans and immigrants.
“But they can’t really scare us,” Ayesh said. “We know the moves, we know the game plan. Before, it was just a bunch of scared immigrants. Now, it’s the children of scared immigrants who lost all that fear and who now understand how the system works and who are very prepared to fight back.”
DHS did not respond to RNS’ request for comment ahead of publication.
As of Monday afternoon (Oct. 13), an online fundraiser to cover Vijandre’s legal fees raised more than $19,000. His first court hearing is set for Oct. 21, in El Paso, Texas.
“Ya’akub’s DACA status legally shields him from ICE detention or deportation,” reads the fundraiser page organized by ICNA Council for Social Justice, a Muslim human rights organization. “Yet, ICE disregarded the law — and violated his rights and DACA status. This isn’t just about Ya’akub (Jacob). It’s about the safety and dignity of every immigrant.”
Recipients of DACA, a popular Obama-era program designed to provide work authorization and temporary protection from deportation for undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children, are currently in limbo. A federal appeals court earlier this year ruled to allow current recipients protection from deportations.
But young recipients across the country have not been safe from Trump’s mass deportation campaign. Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told NBC News in July that “DACA does not confer any form of legal status in this country” and that “a DACA recipient may be subject to arrest and deportation.”
Still, lawyers and advocates are challenging the detention of DACA recipients in court. In Texas this month, a federal judge ordered the release of DACA recipient Catalina Santiago, who was detained for two months. Last month, Paulo Cesar Gamez Lira of Texas was also ordered free after lawyers argued his detention was unlawful because of his valid DACA status.
“This case shows that the government absolutely should refrain from detaining DACA recipients,” said Becca Sheff, senior staff attorney at the ACLU of New Mexico, which represented Gamez Lira in his immigration case, in a statement.
Source: religionnews.com
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Newsom vetoes ‘foreign proxy’ bill: Hindu outfit hails decision; calls it a win for immigrant communities
Oct 14, 2025
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) welcomed California Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to veto SB509, a bill purportedly aimed at tackling “Transnational Repression” but which, according to the group, risked unfairly targeting immigrant-heavy communities.
Governor Newsom, in his veto message, said California must remain flexible and aligned with federal directives -- a stance CoHNA said it “fully agrees” with. The group argued that despite months of engagement with the bill’s author, SB509 remained “divisive, duplicative, and expensive,” and warned that its vague definitions could be weaponised against vulnerable diaspora communities.
Under the bill, California’s Office of Emergency Services would have been empowered to train local law enforcement to identify “foreign proxies,” without clearly defining who those proxies were. CoHNA claimed that such language could have endangered individuals advocating for their ethnic or religious communities.
“For instance, California Hindus opposing the vandalisation of their neighbourhood mandir could be labelled as proxies of the Indian government,” the organisation said.
Twenty-one Assembly Members had abstained from voting on the measure, while dozens of civic groups and elected leaders signed a coalition letter urging the governor to reject it. CoHNA thanked community leaders, including Ajay Jain Bhutoria, and interfaith allies for voicing concerns despite facing backlash.
“For the past two years we have watched in horror as California lawmakers have ignored the real and rising anti-Hindu hate in the state,” said CoHNA board member Pushpita Prasad. “We thank Governor Newsom for staying true to his promise of ‘California For All’.”
CoHNA said SB509, a reintroduction of the failed AB3027, would have deepened divisions and diverted resources from urgent state issues. Citing a rise in anti-Hindu hate crimes and repeated temple vandalism between 2023 and 2025, the organisation urged lawmakers to focus on “equality, justice, and real issues facing Californians.”
Source: indiatimes.com
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Mideast
Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus to mark Sukkot
October 13, 2025
LONDON: Hundreds of Israeli settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the walled city of occupied East Jerusalem on Monday, escorted by police on the last day of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.
Groups of settlers entered the compound from Al-Maghrabah Gate, which is fully controlled by Israeli authorities, and performed prayers including the Talmudic ritual of “epic prostration” while wearing priestly garb, according to the Wafa news agency.
Settlers also brought “plant offerings” for the Sukkot, also referred to as the Feast of Tabernacles, according to a statement from the Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem, which administers the holy site.
Israeli forces increased security in the Old City of Jerusalem, installing barriers and restricting entry for Muslim worshippers and local Palestinians, it added.
During a separate Sukkot celebration, hundreds of Jewish settlers stormed Joseph’s Tomb, located east of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, on Sunday night, under heavy military protection, to conduct prayers inside the shrine. The provocative action by settlers sparked clashes with Palestinian protesters; however, no injuries were reported, Wafa added.
Israeli forces conducted a series of overnight raids in towns and villages, resulting in the arrest of 19 Palestinians, including former prisoners, according to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club.
Source: arabnews.com
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Hamas deploys fighters as hostages released, in show of strength
October 13, 2025
CAIRO: Hamas deployed fighters in Gaza on Monday as a release of hostages seized in the October 7 attacks was under way, Reuters footage showed, in an apparent show of strength by the militant group which President Donald Trump says must disarm.
Reuters footage showed dozens of Hamas fighters lined up at a hospital in southern Gaza, and an armed man wearing the insignia of the Hamas armed wing, the Qassam Brigades. His shoulder patch identified him as a member of the elite “Shadow Unit,” which Hamas sources say is tasked with guarding hostages.
Israel has pummelled Hamas during its two-year-long Gaza offensive, killing thousands of its fighters and many of its leaders in the onslaught that turned much of the Palestinian territory into a wasteland.
Israel’s military said it had received the first seven of 20 surviving hostages after their transfer out of Gaza by the Red Cross.
The remaining 13 confirmed living hostages, along with the bodies of 26 dead hostages and another two whose fate is unknown, are also expected to be released on Monday, along with nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees and convicted prisoners.
The release of the remaining hostages in Gaza along with the Palestinian prisoners is the first stage of Trump’s plan for ending the Gaza war. A ceasefire has been in place since Friday.
The next phase of negotiations must address demands for Hamas to disarm and end its rule of Gaza, the territory it has controlled since expelling President Mahmoud Abbas’ Palestinian Authority in 2007.
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Trump meets Palestinian president Abbas at Egypt summit
October 13, 2025
SHARM EL-SHEIKH: US President Donald Trump met Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas at a summit on Gaza in Egypt on Monday, with the pair shaking hands in their first encounter in eight years.
Trump and Abbas spoke for several seconds, before the US leader held his hand and then gave a thumbs up to the cameras at the summit in Sharm El-Sheikh.
French President Emmanuel Macron escorted Abbas to the podium to meet Trump.
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Trump hails Egypt’s El-Sisi for ‘very important role’ in Hamas talks
October 13, 2025
SHARM EL-SHEIKH: US President Donald Trump hailed his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as they began a summit on Gaza Monday, saying he played a key role in negotiations with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
As they met in the resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh, Trump told reporters that El-Sisi “had a very important role with Hamas. In fact the general right here was very instrumental because Hamas respects this country, and they respect the leadership of Egypt.”
“So, he played a very important role, I appreciate it very much.”
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Can Egypt summit turn Gaza’s fragile truce into a foundation for regional peace?
ROBERT EDWARDS
October 13, 2025
LONDON: Standing before Israeli lawmakers in Jerusalem on Monday, US President Donald Trump declared an end to what he called “a long and painful nightmare.” Twenty surviving hostages had just been released from Gaza after more than two years in captivity.
In return, Israel has begun freeing almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners as part of the first phase of a US-brokered ceasefire with Hamas.
“For so many families across this land, it has been years since you’ve known a single day of true peace,” Trump told the Knesset. “Not only for Israelis, but also for Palestinians and for many others, the long and painful nightmare is finally over.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, hailed Trump as “the greatest friend of Israel.”
Yet beyond the theatrics, Trump’s whirlwind visit marked the opening act in a far larger drama.
Within hours he was back aboard Air Force One, bound for Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh, where more than two dozen heads of state, government and international organizations were gathering for the first high-level summit on Gaza since the ceasefire took hold.
The deal, announced last week, represents the most significant diplomatic breakthrough in the Gaza conflict since the war began with the Hamas-led attack of Oct. 7, 2023, which left 1,200 people dead, most of them civilians, and saw 251 taken hostage.
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has since killed at least 67,869 people, according to the territory’s health ministry. More than half of the dead are women and children.
Under the terms of the ceasefire, Hamas agreed to release all living hostages and return the bodies of 27 who died in captivity.
Israel, for its part, agreed to free roughly 2,000 Palestinians — 250 of them convicted on security charges — while beginning a partial withdrawal from Gaza.
But as celebrations erupted across Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square and Ramallah’s main thoroughfares, analysts cautioned that the jubilation could prove short-lived. The peace, for now, is merely procedural — the beginning of a process rather than its conclusion.
Hani Nasira, the Egyptian author and academic, said the Sharm El-Sheikh summit was “a high-level international conference convened … to sustain the Gaza ceasefire and finalize an agreement to end the war and start a new chapter for peace and stability in the region.”
He told Arab News: “The gathering follows the signing of the first phase of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas on Oct. 9. Under the deal, several Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners are to be released and humanitarian measures will be implemented.”
Nasira described Egypt’s role as “central” — both as mediator since the war began and now as “regional coordinator” shaping Gaza’s postwar framework.
“Cairo has served as mediator since the crisis began and now leads efforts to shape the postwar framework for Gaza,” he added.
Trump’s partnership with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi underscores Washington’s renewed reliance on Cairo, which has long acted as the Arab world’s bridge between Israel and the Palestinians.
Together, they are expected to unveil the second stage of Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, announced in late September — a roadmap that envisions a multinational stabilization force and, eventually, a new governing body for Gaza “headed” by Trump himself.
“The US participation is seen as a diplomatic push to secure international commitment to a peace road map that includes a declaration of long-term stability and expanded Arab and global engagement,” said Nasira.
“Trump’s presence and remarks are expected to give the process both political and practical momentum, boosting prospects for translating initial agreements into concrete action.”
Nasira also pointed to the “balanced and pragmatic approach” of Saudi Arabia, which has quietly emerged as one of the most influential players in the post-ceasefire landscape.
“Saudi Arabia has also emerged as a key Arab partner alongside Egypt, contributing financial and humanitarian support while facilitating diplomatic pathways toward regional stability,” he said.
“Over the past several years, the Kingdom has pursued a balanced and pragmatic approach to the Palestinian issue, guided by strategic vision rather than short-term reaction.”
He added: “While Israel’s actions in the region have often been marked by escalation and excessive force, Riyadh has maintained a measured and rational stance, working with partners such as France to build a regional safety net.”
Those efforts, he said, “have helped shape a growing international consensus in favor of a two-state solution and paved the way for the current US-led initiative to end the Gaza conflict.”
At the Sharm El-Sheikh summit, Saudi diplomats are expected to push for regional cooperation and the revival of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which conditions normalization with Israel on the establishment of a Palestinian state.
For Trump, the optics of his Israel visit were both personal and political. The rapturous reception in Jerusalem provided a rare moment of unity for a leader whose presidency has otherwise been defined by polarization.
But the reaction from ordinary Israelis offered a subtler insight into shifting public sentiment.
In a post on X, Saudi political analyst Salman Al-Ansari said: “The booing of Israeli citizens when (US special envoy to the Middle East) Mr. Steve Witkoff mentioned Netanyahu was remarkable.
“Moments later, the same crowd erupted in cheers when he mentioned Donald Trump, even chanting ‘Thank you, Trump!’ repeatedly.
“This contrast should ring alarm bells in the White House. Supporting Netanyahu as an individual is antithetical to supporting Israelis.”
Al-Ansari argued that American policymakers must learn to distinguish between supporting Israel as a nation and aligning uncritically with Netanyahu’s leadership.
“Since AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) operatives often label Americans who criticize Netanyahu as antisemitic, perhaps it is time to flip the script and say that supporting Netanyahu is antisemitic,” he said.
The comment reflects a growing unease within parts of the US foreign policy establishment about Netanyahu’s domestic standing and the sustainability of his hard-line policies.
Trump, meanwhile, is determined to frame the ceasefire as a personal triumph — a vindication of his unorthodox diplomacy and a reminder of his ability to command the world stage.
Even some of his Democratic opponents have offered rare praise.
Senator Mark Kelly said the Gaza deal was “his deal,” while Jake Sullivan, President Joe Biden’s former national security adviser, told CNN: “I give credit to President Trump … The question is, can we make sure this sticks as we go forward?”
That question now dominates the Sharm El-Sheikh summit. The ceasefire has stopped the killing for now, but the next stage — disarmament, reconstruction, and governance — will determine whether the truce evolves into a durable peace.
Trump himself seemed aware of the stakes. Israel has “won all that they can through force of arms,” he told the Knesset. It is now time to “translate these victories… into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the Middle East.”
Hamas has so far resisted calls to disarm, demanding international guarantees that Israel will not reoccupy Gaza and that aid will flow freely to rebuild the shattered enclave.
Hamas urges Trump and the mediators of the Gaza deal to “continue monitoring Israel’s conduct and to ensure it does not resume its aggression against our people,” the group’s spokesperson Hazem Qassem said on Monday.
Israeli officials, meanwhile, have avoided committing to a complete withdrawal, citing ongoing security concerns and the risk of renewed rocket attacks.
The Israeli army confirmed Monday that the Red Cross was “on its way to collect the remains of a number of dead hostages” from Gaza — a grim reminder that even as the living return home, the scars of war endure.
Nasira believes the next challenge will be “overcoming internal Palestinian divisions and restoring national consensus” — a prerequisite, he said, for “capitalizing on growing international recognition of the State of Palestine and turning that recognition into tangible progress on the ground.”
He warned that “renewed Arab dialogue is seen not as a political luxury but a necessity for rebuilding trust and restoring unity, particularly as developments surrounding the Palestinian issue accelerate.”
That dialogue, anchored by Egypt and Saudi Arabia, could prove decisive in transforming the current ceasefire into a wider regional settlement.
Al-Ansari sees in this moment both a moral and strategic opportunity for the US president.
“President Trump has a genuine opportunity to make history by prioritizing America’s interests in a way that also benefits all US allies in the Middle East, including Israel, if he takes the lead in ending the cycle of violence once and for all and joins the world in pushing for a two-state solution,” he said.
“He would not only restore America’s global credibility but also unite his MAGA constituency, win praise from both the right and the left in the US, and earn admiration from nearly every nation around the world.
“At that point, history would remember him as the greatest US president of all time, and a Nobel Peace Prize would seem like a downgrade compared to his accomplishments.”
For now, Sharm El-Sheikh is where the momentum lies. Egypt’s Red Sea resort, more accustomed to summits on climate and tourism, has become the new front line of Middle East diplomacy.
Trump’s aides say the president intends to turn the page on decades of failed peace initiatives. But the balance of expectations is delicate. Netanyahu has skipped the summit to mark a religious holiday, leaving his foreign minister to represent Israel.
As Trump and El-Sisi prepare to open the summit, few doubt that the coming days will test whether the “painful nightmare” is truly ending — or merely pausing.
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Four Gaza hostage bodies brought into Israel: army
October 13, 2025
JERUSALEM: The bodies of four hostages held in Gaza and handed over to the Red Cross by Hamas on Monday have been brought back to Israel, the military said.
The remains in four coffins were now being taken to the National Institute for Forensic Medicine, “where identification procedures will be carried out,” the military said in a statement.
The handover of the bodies was part of a ceasefire agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump between Israel and Hamas.
Earlier on Monday, Hamas freed all 20 surviving hostages it had been holding since October 7, 2023, as part of the agreement.
In return, Israel released 1,968 prisoners and detainees, mostly Palestinians, the prison service said.
Hamas still holds the remains of 24 deceased hostages, which it has agreed to return to Israel as part of the ceasefire deal.
“Hamas is required to uphold the agreement and take the necessary steps to return all the deceased hostages,” the military said.
During their unprecedented 2023 attack on Israel, which sparked the war in the Gaza Strip, Hamas-led militants abducted 251 people and took them to Gaza.
Most of them, including several who were later confirmed dead, were handed over during two previous truces over the past two years of war.
However, Hamas continued to hold 47 hostages until the latest ceasefire came into effect.
The remains of an Israeli soldier killed in a previous conflict in 2014 were also being held in Gaza.
Source: arabnews.com
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Lebanese president calls for regional reconciliation, calls on Israel to halt military aggression
NAJIA HOUSSARI
October 13, 2025
BEIRUT: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has described the current sentiment in the region as one of reconciliation, and affirmed that Lebanon was not under threat.
But he stressed the urgent need for Israel to halt all military operations against Lebanon so that negotiations between the countries can begin, and warned that progress across the region must not be obstructed.
Aoun underscored the importance of what he described as this moment when dialogue can move forward.
His comments came as US President Donald Trump addressed the Israeli Knesset on Monday. In his speech, Trump highlighted the efforts of the Lebanese government to bring all weapons under state control and build peaceful relations with its neighbors, and affirmed the broad regional support for a plan to disarm Hezbollah.
“Through dialogue and negotiations, the form of which will be determined at the appropriate time, solutions can be reached and Lebanon cannot be excluded from the process of resolving the crises existing in the region,” Trump said.
Addressing the media at the Presidential Palace, Aoun said that “the current situation in the region, and the direction it is taking, reflect the soundness of our decisions and approaches,” and stressed that Lebanon cannot be excluded from regional efforts to resolve ongoing crises.
“That is why we consistently affirm that solutions are achievable through dialogue and negotiation,” he added.
“We cannot remain outside the current regional trajectory, which is focused on resolving crises. We must be part of it, as continued war, destruction, killing and displacement can no longer be tolerated.”
Regarding the official efforts to limit control of arms to the Lebanese state, Aoun said: “Weapons themselves are not the issue; what matters is the intent behind their use.
“Ammunition, like medicine, has an expiration date; once it surpasses its lifespan it becomes a danger to its owner. What’s essential is to neutralize the function of weapons, a process that takes time and cannot be approached with a ‘let it be’ attitude.”
Since the ceasefire agreement with Israel in November last year, Aoun noted, the Lebanese Army has been actively fulfilling its duties in areas south of the Litani River. To date, he said, 12 soldiers, including explosives experts, have lost their lives carrying out this duty.
About 80 to 85 percent of the land south of the Litani has been cleared of militants and their weapons, Aoun said, though he acknowledged that the difficult terrain, comprising valleys, forests and hills, and the approaching winter mean it is challenging to set a definitive timetable for completion.
Elsewhere, he added, the army is engaged along northern and eastern borders, and on the maritime front, where it is conducting missions targeting smugglers and drug traffickers, to maintain security, and fulfill other responsibilities.
The president also highlighted ongoing coordination with Palestinian groups over disarming, and said weapons handovers had begun in several refugee camps. Both the state and the army are handling this issue with equal responsibility, he added.
The army remains fully committed to its responsibilities, Aoun said, and other security agencies, including the Internal Security Forces, General Security and State Security, are also playing their part, particularly in efforts to tackle corruption.
He condemned recent actions by Israel, however, saying that Tel Aviv “continues to send military and bloody messages to pressure us.” He cited the bombing of bulldozers and excavation equipment in Musaylih last Saturday as clear evidence of the ongoing aggressive Israeli stance toward Lebanon.
“We have repeatedly requested American and French intervention but they have not responded,” Aoun said, but reaffirmed that Lebanon remains committed to the peace agreement despite the continuing provocations.
The US began its efforts to help demarcate the land border between Lebanon and Israel in 2023, after sponsoring an agreement on the maritime border between the countries the previous year. However, the subsequent conflict between Hezbollah and Israel froze those efforts.
The current demarcation line between the two countries, set by the UN in 2000, includes 13 disputed points. Following the end of the war with Hezbollah last November, Israel troops also remained deployed at five border points they consider strategically important.
“The Lebanese state has previously negotiated with Israel under the auspices of the UN, which resulted in an agreement on maritime border demarcation,” Aoun said.
“What, then, prevents similar from happening again to address unresolved issues, particularly given that the war did not yield results? Israel entered into negotiations with Hamas (over Gaza) because it had no alternative after it attempted war and destruction.
“Today, the general atmosphere is one of compromise, and negotiations are necessary. However, the framework of the negotiation will be determined in due course.”
Reconstruction in parts of southern Lebanon damaged by conflict is part of the state’s duty toward its citizens, Aoun said, but he admitted that the government does not have the money required to begin the rebuilding process.
“The people of the south have rights that we are working on securing,” he said. “However, I state candidly that there are currently no available funds to initiate the reconstruction process.
“A conference must be convened to support reconstruction, and this is the objective we are currently pursuing.”
He clarified that aid recently approved by the US Congress — $190 million for the Lebanese Army and $40 million for the Internal Security Forces — was not directly linked to disarmament.
“The defense and interior ministries in Lebanon must specify their needs and submit a list accordingly,” he said. “Once approved, the machinery and equipment will be approved and sent to Lebanon.
“There is no financial aid, in the direct sense, but rather the purchase of weapons, vehicles and equipment to be delivered to the army and the security forces.”
Lebanon “is only in danger in the minds of some who take stances opposite to the state and do not want to see Lebanon rise again,” Aoun said, pointing out that economic indicators were increasingly positive.
The Ministry of Economy has projected economic growth of up to 5 percent by the end of this year, with financial inflows potentially reaching $20 billion. This anticipated upswing, coupled with rising consumer spending, represent encouraging signs for economic recovery, he added.
“The security situation in Lebanon is better than in other countries and the summer season was promising, with 1.7 million Lebanese, Arab and foreign visitors recorded in July and August, according to the General Security statistics,” he said. “We await with great anticipation the visit of Pope Leo XIV” at the end of November.
Regarding Syria, Aoun said: “We often hear about crowds at the border; when the army command dispatches patrols, it becomes evident that such information is untrue.
“My meetings with the Syrian president, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, were positive. And during the Syrian foreign minister’s visit to Beirut last week, a number of principles were affirmed in the framework of mutual respect, cooperation, and coordination on security and economic levels.
“We must develop our relations,” he added, as Lebanon awaits “the appointment of a Syrian ambassador to Lebanon, and the formation of joint committees to examine various files, including land and maritime borders, as well as the review of existing agreements between the two countries.”
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Palestinians freed from Israeli jails return to loved ones
October 13, 2025
KHAN YOUNIS: Thousands of Palestinians erupted with joy in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis on Monday, as Red Cross buses brought back nearly 1,700 former prisoners.
Some climbed the sides of the slowly moving buses as they weaved through the dense crowds gathered at Nasser Hospital to hug or kiss a loved one they recognized.
“The greatest joy is seeing my whole family gathered to welcome me,” said Yusef Afana, a 25-year-old released prisoner from north Gaza.
“I spent 10 months in prison — some of the hardest days I’ve ever lived. The pain in prison isn’t only physical; it’s pain in the soul,” he said, adding, like many of his comrades, that he hoped for all other prisoners in Israeli jails to be released soon.
At Nasser Hospital, men in military fatigues and black balaclavas struggled to keep order as the prisoners wearing the Israel Prison Service’s grey jumpsuits came off the buses.
Patriotic music blared on speakers, while Palestinian flags flew alongside those of Hamas or the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
Shadi Abu Sidu, a 32-year-old from Gaza City’s Rimal neighborhood, alleged that he and other prisoners were mistreated in jail.
“Even right before our release, they continued to mistreat and humiliate us,” he said
“But now, we hope to erase those painful memories and begin life anew.”
Among the Palestinians released under a US-brokered Gaza ceasefire deal, about 1,700 were detained by the Israeli army in Gaza during the war, while 250 are security detainees, including many convicted of killing Israelis.
Israel agreed to free them in exchange for the release of hostages held in Gaza, under the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s plan to end a war that was sparked by the attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
In the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, too, a large crowd had gathered to greet another group of roughly 100 prisoners released under the deal.
Some threw victory signs while others struggled to walk without assistance as they got off the bus and were met by a crowd cheering their return.
“It’s an indescribable feeling, a new birth,” Mahdi Ramadan told AFP, flanked by his parents, with whom he said he would spend his first evening out of jail.
Nearby, relatives exchanged hugs, young men in tears pressed their foreheads against each other — some even fainting from the emotion of seeing loved ones again after years, and sometimes decades, in jail.
Nour Soufan, now 27, was due to meet his father, Moussa, who had been jailed a few months after his birth, outside the jail for the first time.
Soufan and half a dozen relatives came to Ramallah from Nablus, in the north of the West Bank, and spent the night in their vehicle.
“I have never seen my father, and this is the first time I will see him. This is a very beautiful moment,” Soufan said.
Like him, many had defied the travel restrictions that punctuate daily life in the Palestinian territory, with Israeli army checkpoints proliferating in two years of war.
Palestinian media reported on Sunday that families of detainees had been contacted by Israeli authorities, asking them not to organize mass celebrations.
“No reception is allowed, no celebration is allowed, no gatherings,” said Alaa Bani Odeh, who came from the northern town of Tammun to find his 20-year-old son, who had been jailed for four years.
Several prisoners said they would return home and stay with their families in their first hours of freedom.
During previous releases, mass gatherings had flooded entire streets in Ramallah, with people waving Palestinian flags as well as those of political factions, including Hamas.
Many prisoners wore a black-and-white keffiyeh around their necks — the traditional scarf that has become synonymous with the Palestinian cause.
Some of the newly released prisoners happily let themselves be carried away on relatives’ shoulders.
“Prisoners live on hope ... Coming home, to our land, is worth all the gold in the world,” said one freed detainee, Samer Al-Halabiyeh.
“God willing, peace will prevail, and the war in Gaza will stop,” Halabiyeh added.
“Now I just want to live my life.”
Journalists rushed to talk to the prisoners, but many declined to engage, sometimes explaining that, before their release, they were advised not to speak.
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Europe
UK anti-Islam activist 'Tommy Robinson' says Musk has paid for defence in phone trial
13 October, 2025
British anti-Islam activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, went on trial on Monday accused of refusing to give police his phone PIN when stopped under counter-terrorism laws, and claimed billionaire Elon Musk was funding his defence.
Yaxley-Lennon, better known by his pseudonym Tommy Robinson, has become a flag-bearer for the British far-right and one of Britain's most high-profile anti-migration campaigners, recently organising a large rally in London attended by about 150,000 people.
He said in a video posted on social media before his trial at London's Westminster Magistrates' Court that Musk, who often reposts his messages on X and appeared at the rally by videolink, had "picked up the legal bill for this absolute state persecution".
Yaxley-Lennon, 42, was detained by police under counter-terrorism powers in July 2024 as he drove a silver Bentley through border security at the Channel Tunnel train terminal in southeast England, prosecutor Jo Morris said.
The officer involved said he had become suspicious because of the high-value vehicle, Yaxley-Lennon's demeanour as he refused to maintain eye contact, and because he was on his own, and had said he was driving to Benidorm in southern Spain.
He and colleagues seized Yaxley-Lennon's phone and asked him to provide the password number. But he refused, saying he was a journalist and it contained privileged material.
Yaxley-Lennon is the subject of many controversies and racist incidents, and has been denounced by critics as a far-right rabble-rouser with a string of criminal convictions. He denies willfully failing to comply with a duty imposed by the Terrorism Act. The two-day trial is due to finish on Tuesday.
Source: newarab.com
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SSSG Arrests Three Georgians on Terrorism Charges Linked to Islamic State
13/10/2025
The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) has arrested three Georgian citizens in the country’s western Adjara region on terrorism-related charges linked to the Islamic State group, Deputy Head of the agency Lasha Maghradze announced at a briefing on October 13.
The investigation was launched under Articles 236 and 328 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which cover the illegal acquisition and possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives, joining a foreign terrorist organization, and aiding terrorist activity, offenses punishable by up to 17 years in prison.
“Members of the so-called Takbirist Jamaat, formed around a terrorist ideology, had ties with influential leaders of the terrorist organization Islamic State abroad,” Maghradze said. “Acting on their instructions and for future terrorist objectives, they established a group based on a radical extremist ideology under the guise of a Jamaat,” he added, noting that they showed “particular aggression” toward followers of other religions.
“According to the case materials, members of the mentioned group were planning to illegally bring influential members of the terrorist organization Islamic State into Georgia and, under their leadership, establish a foothold in the country. This would have enabled them to illegally receive and accommodate their associates, provide logistical support, and use Georgia’s territory as a transit route for terrorist purposes,” the SSSG official added.
Maghradze said that during the operation, authorities seized “items depicting terrorist symbols, explosives, large quantities of ammunition and firearms, military equipment, mobile phones and other electronic data storage devices, significant amounts of cash in various currencies, and other evidence important to the investigation.”
Source: civil.ge
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Warsaw Human Dimension Conference 2025: Statement by UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief
13 October 2025
Thank you, Madam Moderator. My name is David Smith and I am very pleased to be here today as UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief.
The United Kingdom remains steadfast in our commitment to promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. These rights are not isolated – when one is denied, others are weakened. Freedom of Religion or Belief is a cornerstone of this framework, and its protection is essential to building peaceful, inclusive societies.
But, sadly, we must also confront the reality of rising intolerance. The surge in antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate since October 2023 is deeply concerning. The recent horrific terrorist attack outside a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur – the holiest day of the Jewish calendar– is a harrowing reminder that hatred knows no borders.
Domestically, the UK is working to address hatred and intolerance at the roots. Antisemitism has no place in our or any society, and we have committed £72 million until 2028 to enhance security at Jewish schools, synagogues, and community sites, extending our funding to the Community Security Trust. We also work closely with our Independent Adviser on Antisemitism on the most effective methods to combat antisemitism and advocate for British Jewish communities. The UK strongly supports the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism and we urge OSCE states to adopt and implement them.
In the UK, we also continue to support the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme with an annual grant of £29.4m for security of mosques and faith schools. These measures reflect our unwavering commitment to confronting hatred and to upholding the right of every individual to practise their faith freely and without fear.
Around the world, persecution on the basis of religion or belief is on the rise. According to the charity Open Doors, 380 million Christians alone are persecuted worldwide because of their faith. And as Humanists International’s Freedom of Thought Report underlines, the risks humanists and atheists face globally are significant.
In July, I launched the UK’s new strategy on FoRB, with the overarching goal of reducing the number of countries where FoRB is curtailed around the world. We will do this through five core strands of work: multilateral advocacy; targeted bilateral engagement; strengthening coalitions for collective action; mainstreaming FoRB across our foreign policy; and increasing civil society engagement. This ambitious strategy reflects our belief that FoRB is central to global stability.
Finally the UK proudly supports the vital work of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights in confronting discrimination in all its forms. Thank you, Moderator.
Source: gov.uk
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Official: Armenians tried to falsify Islamic, Christian monuments during occupation
13 October 2025
During the occupation of Karabakh, all mosques, shrines, cemeteries, museums and Islamic monuments in Khankendi were destroyed, said Elchin Yusubov, the Azerbaijani President’s Special Representative for Khankendi, Aghdara and Khojaly districts.
He described the destruction as “an act of aggression not only against the Azerbaijani people but also against the cultural heritage of all humanity," Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.
Yusubov made the remarks at an event dedicated to the Day of Spiritual Values held at Karabakh University.
He said that during the occupation, Armenian forces had attempted to falsify not only Islamic heritage sites but also Christian monuments belonging to Caucasian Albania in order to claim them as their own.
“One such example is the Gandzasar Monastery in the village of Vangli in the Aghdara district,” he said.
“This 13th-century Albanian monastery functioned as a religious centre of Caucasian Albania until the 19th century. During the years of occupation, its architectural structure, interior, and inscriptions were altered — the Albanian inscriptions were erased. This was done to distort history.”
Yusubov added that mosques, cultural centres and churches are now being restored across the territories liberated from occupation.
Source: caliber.az
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Anti-establishment influencer launches new right-wing party in EU state
13 Oct, 2025
A new right-wing, anti-establishment party has entered Spain’s political landscape, with prominent MEP and influencer at its helm. The outspoken Alvise Perez has previously criticized the EU's support for Ukraine, describing its conflict with Russia as being of little importance to his country.
The launch ceremony for ‘Se Acabó la Fiesta’ (The Party is Over) took place in Madrid on Sunday, marking the official transformation of what had been an electoral group into a party.
According to the organizers, some 5,000 people turned up for the inaugural rally, with Perez outlining the party’s goal to take part in the 2027 general elections and end the “corrupt party system” in Spain.
The YouTuber pledged to carry out the “largest mass deportation of immigrants in recent Spanish history,” if voted into power, arguing that the “streets are no longer safe” in the country.
On top of that, Perez promised that he would take his cue from Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele and create a “mega-prison” for repeat offenders that would feature no “gyms and swimming pools.”
The influencer-turned-politician also called for tougher penalties for corrupt officials and lower taxes for families with children and people on low incomes.
To tackle “electoral fraud,” which, according to the party leadership, plagues the Spanish political system, ‘The Party is Over’ intends to introduce a “new software powered by Artificial Intelligence” to conduct an alternative vote count.
Speaking back in March, Alvise voiced strong opposition to the EU’s military aid to Ukraine, warning that such policies could lead to a Third World War.
“I don't want a single Spanish life to be lost in a war that isn’t ours,” he clarified at the time.
There already exists a major right-wing party in Spain, Vox. Founded in 2013, it has seen steady gains in successive elections since. In July, the party vowed to deport eight million illegal migrants if elected into power.
In recent years, right-wing parties have been on the rise in multiple EU countries, including Germany, Italy and France.
Source: rt.com
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Africa
No Religious Discrimination in Federal Staff School Ilorin, Says Management
14 October 2025
The management of the Federal Staff School, Adewole, Ilorin has said that there is no time the authorities of the school banned the use of hijab by female Muslim students of the institution.
The management therefore said that, there is total freedom of worship among the Muslim and Christian students of the school
In a statement jointly issued in Ilorin on Monday by the Chairperson of the Kwara State Chapter of the National Forum of Heads of Federal Government Establishments, Mrs. Fausat Folashade Kadir, and the Secretary, Mrs. Ilufoye Kafayat, the management described the recent allegation raised in certain quarters as false, malicious, and aimed at causing unnecessary tension in the state.
According to the statement, the Federal Staff School, which comprises both primary and secondary sections, was established several decades ago by 118 federal ministries, departments, and agencies in the state, but is currently registered as a private institution.
Recall that some parents had earlier written a petition to the Kwara State Ministry of Education, accusing the school authorities of denying Muslim female pupils the right to wear hijab.
There were also reports of a planned protest that was later averted following the intervention of concerned stakeholders.
The management, however, said the school has always upheld religious freedom and mutual respect among all faiths.
It added that, both a mosque and a chapel were built within the school premises to accommodate the two major religions.
The statement reads in part, “It is on record that the management respects the secularity of our existence and has never denied any student or staff their right to practice their religion.
“Some years ago, when there was tension between Christian and Muslim parents over dress code, the general meeting of the school agreed to maintain the status quo.”
The management further explained that while the school discourages discriminatory dressing to preserve uniformity, female Muslim pupils are allowed to wear their hijab during prayers and Muslim Students’ Society (MSS) activities but are required to remove it during classes.
“It is therefore embarrassing to label the school authorities of wrongdoing over religious dressing
“The public should disregard the false online posts and commentaries suggesting religious tension in the school,” the statement added.
The statement noted that following the intervention of the Kwara State Ministry of Education and other stakeholders, the management disclosed that plans are underway to design and produce a customized hijab that will align with the school’s uniform.
The statement pointed out that, “The hijab will be standardized to ensure uniformity and modesty. Production will commence soon, and usage will begin in the second term of 2026. Until then, the status quo will remain.”
The management commended the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, as well as parents and the media, for their peaceful intervention and understanding throughout the controversy.
It would be recalled that the issue of hijab use in schools in Kwara State had in the past generated serious tension, especially between Christian mission schools and Muslim parents, before the intervention of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, which allowed willing female Muslim students to wear the veil to school.
The management of the Federal Staff School urged all parties to remain calm and continue to promote peaceful coexistence within the academic community.
Source: thisdaylive.com
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https://www.thisdaylive.com/2025/10/13/no-religious-discrimination-in-federal-staff-school-ilorin-says-management/
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Timbuktu marks 700 years of iconic Mosque with community celebration and restoration
14 October 2025
In the heart of Timbuktu, hundreds of residents gathered in a powerful display of unity and heritage, coming together to replaster the Djingarey Ber Mosque, an annual tradition that this year carries special significance. The mosque, built in 1325 by Emperor Mansa Musa, marks its 700th anniversary in 2025.
Constructed from banco, a sun-dried earth material, the Djingarey Ber Mosque is one of the oldest earthen buildings in continuous use in Africa. Its unique Sahelian architecture earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1989. However, in 2012, the mosque and other historic sites in Timbuktu were added to UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger following the occupation of the city by armed Islamist groups who damaged several monuments.
“This year is exceptional,” said Bilal Mahamane Traoré, spokesperson of Timbuktu’s traditional masons’ guild. “It coincides with the 700th anniversary, and we’re performing the same ritual to ensure the mosque’s durability.”
The celebration blended restoration with reflection. “It’s a cultural and social celebration,” said Issaka Nazoum, president of the Timbuktu Regional Council. “Everyone participates women, youth, elders, it’s also a way to teach the next generation.”
Organizers say combining the annual replastering with the anniversary celebration reinforces the mosque’s resilience.
From centuries of faith to moments of crisis, Timbuktu’s people continue to protect their heritage keeping history alive, one handful of earth at a time.
Source: africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2025/10/13/timbuktu-marks-700-years-of-iconic-mosque-with-community-celebration-and-restoration/
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‘How Abacha, Military Framed And Executed Ogoni Activists’
October 13, 2025
By Justina Otio
Lawyer and activist, Femi Falana, has claimed that former military president, Sani Abacha, brutally murdered Ogoni 4 and the Ogoni 9 in 1995.
Speaking at the 84th posthumous birthday lecture of Ken Saro-Wiwa in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Falana gave a detailed account of the incident.
The lawyer, who, along with late Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) defended Ken Saro-Wiwa and other MOSOP leaders, said that they withdrew from the proceedings when the special military tribunal frustrated them from tendering vital material evidence in favour of the accused persons.
Falana said: “In a desperate bid to exploit the oil resources without control, Shell Petroleum Development Company was granted licences by the Nigerian State to import arms and ammunition into the country under the pretext of protecting its assets. The weapons were later found in the hands of militant youths as communities were incited to attack and fight themselves. This was done to divert the attention of the people while the oil-rich region was fully exploited by Shell and other oil companies.
“When the divide and rule tactics of the multinational companies failed to silence the Ogoni people, the Task Force led by Col. Paul Okintimo took up the assignment of recruiting misguided militants to kill the Ogoni 4. Hence, when the leaders were attacked and killed by the youths, the soldiers who were present at the scene of the crime did not make any arrest. The bodies of the deceased were taken away by the soldiers to an unknown place.”
In addition, he said: “As soon as Col. Okintimo informed the military authorities of the killing of the Ogoni 4, the military governor of Rivers State, Col. Dauda Komo, announced that Ken Saro-Wiwa and other MOSOP leaders would be held vicariously liable for the brutal murder of the Ogoni 4. The prejudicial statement was made by Col Komo before the commencement of the investigation into the dastardly act.
“The charge of murder filed at the High Court of Rivers State against Ken and other MOSOP leaders was discontinued when the prosecutors pointed out to the junta that the evidence was too weak to secure the conviction of the Ogoni 9. On the orders of General Sani Abacha, a special military tribunal was constituted for the trial. The tribunal rejected the vital material evidence of the defence to pave the way for the conviction and death sentences passed on the Ogoni 9.”
Speaking on the execution of the Ogoni 9, Falana said: “Under Section 7 of the Civil Disturbances Decree, the Tribunal was required to furnish the PRC with the record of proceedings for the purpose of confirming or rejecting the conviction and sentences. But the Provisional Ruling Council purportedly confirmed the death sentences and gave orders for the secret execution of the Ogoni 9 when the tribunal had not compiled the record. It was on the basis of the illegality that characterised the mock trial; Nigeria was suspended from the Commonwealth of Nations.”
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/10/13/how-abacha-military-framed-and-executed-ogoni-activists/
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UN says the DRC-Rwanda peace deal 'is not being respected'
October 14, 2025
The United Nations says that the agreed ceasefire between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda “is not being respected.”
UN Special Envoy Huang Xia said the international peace efforts are commendable and promising, but they have, to this day, not lived up to their promises: the agreed ceasefire is not being respected."
Huang Xia called upon countries of the region to resume direct and frank dialogue, and to take all necessary measures to put an end to this war once and for all.”
Zenon Ngay Mukongo, the DRC's representative to the United Nations, said the cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Rwandan troops, the end of their support for the M23, and the restoration of Congolese state authority over all occupied areas constitute non-negotiable conditions for genuine peace.
“The cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Rwandan troops, the end of their support for the M23, and the restoration of Congolese state authority over all occupied areas constitute non-negotiable conditions for genuine peace," Zenon said.
The conflict in eastern DRC has claimed the lives of thousands while displacing millions from their homes.
Source: africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2025/10/14/un-says-the-drc-rwanda-peace-deal-is-not-being-respected/
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Southeast Asia
Malaysia supports US Gaza peace plan with conditions, says PM
theSun Local
2025-10-14
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia supports the peace plan proposed by the United States, stressing that any initiative aimed at ending the violence and destruction in Gaza is crucial.
However, he said, Malaysia’s support is conditional, namely that the agreement must recognise Palestine as a sovereign state, address all outstanding issues including those in the West Bank, and restore the rights of Palestinians displaced from Gaza.
“In supporting President Donald Trump’s initiative, Malaysia’s stance is consistent with that of several other Muslim countries. Firstly, we want this peace effort to be concluded immediately, as the killing of civilians, including women and children, must stop at once.
“Secondly, the situation in Gaza is extremely dire, with the people facing near-starvation conditions. Therefore, based on these considerations, we will support any peace initiative - and it so happens that President Donald Trump has taken this initiative,” he said during the Ministers’ Question Time session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar), who sought clarification on the government’s stance regarding the peace plan proposed by the President of the United States to resolve the Palestine-Israel conflict, and the extent to which the plan aligns with Malaysia’s principles and efforts in defending the rights and sovereignty of the Palestinian people.
Meanwhile, Anwar said Malaysia was not among the countries invited to attend the peace plan negotiations in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, due to its conditional support for the initiative.
“Malaysia was not included because our support is conditional. The condition is for a comprehensive solution that ensures the return of displaced Palestinians and guarantees the rights of Palestine as a sovereign state,” he said.
“However, the peace plan I reviewed, which consists of 20 points, does not address the rights of the Palestinian people, the status of their state, or the ongoing occupation by the Zionist regime in the West Bank.
Anwar said Malaysia’s firm stance in calling for a ceasefire and an end to the destruction in Gaza had also been acknowledged by Hamas, through a letter of appreciation he received yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said Malaysia will focus on rebuilding schools, hospitals and mosques in Gaza, in cooperation with several countries, including Japan, China, Brazil and South Africa, which have also expressed their commitment to help restore Gaza’s infrastructure.
Anwar also announced that Qatar and Saudi Arabia have agreed to expedite the delivery of humanitarian aid, including essential facilities, to Gaza.
“Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has expressed his readiness to channel immediate assistance, particularly basic facilities. Malaysia will also accelerate efforts under the Cooperation among East Asian Countries for the Palestinian Development (CEAPAD), which it co-chairs with Japan, to support Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction,” he said.
Responding to a question from Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian) on Malaysia’s stance regarding the deployment of volunteers to Gaza, Anwar said Malaysia is prepared to send a medical team and participate in a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission, if required.
“Malaysia is ready, if requested or needed. We have never declined such responsibilities. As long as there is a peacekeeping mission, we will participate - and I agree that deploying a peacekeeping force is among the best measures to ensure lasting peace in Gaza,” he said. - Bernama
Source: thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/malaysia-supports-us-gaza-peace-plan-with-conditions-says-pm-LN15092999
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President Prabowo expected to open World Peace Forum in Jakarta
October 14, 2025
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Din Syamsuddin, chairman of the Center for Dialogue and Cooperation among Civilizations (CDCC), hopes President Prabowo Subianto will open the ninth World Peace Forum (WPF) in Jakarta from November 9-11, 2025, and deliver messages of peace from Indonesia.
“This forum offers President Prabowo an opportunity to address global leaders and share Indonesia’s vision and his own thoughts,” Din said during a press conference on Monday.
The CDCC, in collaboration with Cheng Ho Multi Culture Education Trust, will host the forum under the theme “Considering Wasatiyyat Islam and Tiong Hua for Global Collaboration,” emphasizing Islamic moderation and Chinese cultural values.
Confirmed attendees include Kosovo’s fourth president Atifete Jahjaga, Japan’s 62nd prime minister Yoshihiko Noda, and Indonesia’s 10th and 12th vice president Jusuf Kalla.
Other expected participants are Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Rustam Minnikhanov, president of Russia’s Tatarstan Republic, Wan Huning, chairman of China’s CPPCC, and Sheikh Mohammed al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League.
Din also noted plans to invite former US President Barack Obama though organizers were advised to coordinate with the US Embassy due to strict protocols governing former presidents.
The forum will feature peace messages from Nobel laureates, including Timor Leste’s President Jose Ramos Horta (1996 laureate), Kailash Satyarthi (2014 laureate), and Maria Ressa (2021 laureate).
This session aims to strengthen global commitments to building a just, peaceful, and prosperous world.
The World Peace Forum seeks to foster international cooperation by promoting dialogue rooted in diverse cultural and religious values.
During his first year leading Indonesia, President Prabowo Subianto has actively engaged in global peace efforts, including those related to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
On October 13, President Prabowo joined more than 20 world leaders in supporting the Gaza peace agreement signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Egypt.
Prabowo witnessed the signing ceremony of the peace deal at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre during the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit for Peace in Gaza.
Seated directly behind President al-Sisi, Prabowo applauded alongside other leaders after the agreement was signed by the four countries, whose leaders occupied the front row.
Source: antaranews.com
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Malaysia recognised as global Islamic finance hub with ethical foundations
theSun Local
2025-10-13
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has highlighted Malaysia’s consistent recognition as a trusted global Islamic finance hub.
He said investors find stability, clarity and opportunity in Malaysia’s Islamic finance sector, reflecting the country’s ethical foundations.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, noted Malaysia has pioneered the global sukuk market and led in green and sustainability-linked sukuk.
The country has also developed strong capacity in the takaful sector and embraced fintech alongside digital platforms for zakat and waqf.
“The world is searching for financial systems that deliver not just profits, but also purpose,“ he said during the Global Islamic Finance Forum 2025 opening.
He urged collaboration to empower communities by ensuring financial solutions uplift those in need.
Anwar emphasised advancing ethical businesses through cross-border partnerships, innovation and shared prosperity.
Malaysia has issued over RM20 billion in sustainable and responsible investment sukuk on the global stage.
“It is clear to the world that our Islamic finance sector is not only thriving, but leading in mobilising capital for green, social and ethical impact,“ he noted.
The prime minister stressed capital will increasingly be judged by the lives it touches and legacies it leaves behind.
“We have shown that Islamic finance can lead this shift - this gross inequality, injustice, and tolerance of all the ills that have affected our societies,“ he said.
Anwar highlighted that Maqasid shariah principle in Islamic finance begins with good governance.
He called for leaders, professionals, academia and civil servants to work together to ensure the true aim of Maqasid.
“Even in introducing financial instruments and the issue of competitiveness, profits cannot ignore the importance of values, justice, and good governance,“ he added.
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan and Bank Negara Malaysia governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour were also present. – Bernama
Source: thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/malaysia-recognised-as-global-islamic-finance-hub-with-ethical-foundations-EM15089793
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Jeremy Corbyn praises Anwar’s visionary leadership at Kuala Lumpur conference
By Syed Jaymal Zahiid
14 Oct 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — Jeremy Corbyn, the popular former UK Labour Party prime ministerial candidate, today praised Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership, describing him as a visionary leader of the Global South.
The Islington MP said Anwar’s call to deepen collaboration between poor and developing countries is part of an “awakening” that is needed to create a more equitable and just international new order, amid growing disenchantment with a Western-led multilateral system.
“Across the global south we hear the same message: Enough. Enough of debt imposed by foreign banks; enough of economic dictates from Washington or Brussels.; enough of sovereignty as a privilege reserved for the few,” Corbyn said in a special address at the Kuala Lumpur Conference on a New Just and Humane International Order 2025, here.
“The awakening is not only about states but about people. True sovereignty means people’s sovereignty, over resources, food, water and knowledge. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar’s call for a new order from the South speaks directly and powerfully to this great awakening,” he added.
“It’s not a nostalgia of the past. It is a renewal of the promise to build a world where every nation and every person can live in dignity.”
Source: malaymail.com
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Bersatu suspends Wan Ahmad Fayhsal, expels Wan Saiful and four chiefs over disciplinary breaches
By Muhammad Yusry
14 Oct 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) disciplinary board has suspended Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal’s party membership for one term and expelled Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan, along with four division chiefs, over disciplinary breaches.
In a statement today, the board said the decision was made after a written complaint was lodged by party members against them for violating provisions of the party’s constitution and code of ethics.
“The Disciplinary Board conducted an investigation into the complaints and summoned the respondents for a hearing session on October 8, 2025. The Board has since reached a decision in line with Clause 22.5 of the Bersatu Constitution.
“The Disciplinary Board hereby informs that the following respondents have been subject to disciplinary action for breaching Clause 9.1.4 of the Bersatu Constitution and the Party Members’ Code of Ethics and Conduct,” it said.
The four expelled division chiefs are from the Ipoh Timor, Hang Tuah Jaya, Ampang and Pengerang divisions.
The board said that any Bersatu member found guilty of breaching party discipline and penalised has the right to appeal to the Appeals Board within 14 days.
It added that its decision was made independently and without external interference.
It also reminded all Bersatu members to abide by the party’s Constitution and Code of Conduct to preserve the party’s integrity.
A source from Bersatu told Malay Mail that the disciplinary action was linked to an alleged internal movement to gather statutory declarations (SDs) aimed at challenging party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s leadership, as well as the recent commotion during the party’s national convention.
Malay Mail have reached out to Wan Ahmad Fayhsal and Wan Saiful for further comments.
Source: malaymail.com
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South Asia
Jamaat wants polls, referendum to be held separately
Oct 14, 2025
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has proposed that the upcoming national election and the referendum be held on separate days, saying the two are "entirely different in nature".
The party demanded the introduction of a proportional representation (PR) system in the upcoming polls.
The proposal came during a two-and-a-half-hour meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin and four election commissioners at the Election Commission headquarters in Dhaka yesterday.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Jamaat's Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said the party was mentally prepared for the referendum to be held separately.
"If the national election is held first, political parties will focus more on winning rather than on reforms. And if, for any reason, the national election is postponed, the referendum will also be delayed," Taher said. "These two are entirely different in nature."
He said the EC informed them it would have no difficulty implementing the decision if the government decided to hold the two separately.
"A referendum is a relatively simple election; it doesn't require significant financial involvement," he said.
Taher also said Jamaat proposed appointing election officials through a lottery system to ensure neutrality and transparency.
On the election format, he said the party discussed introducing a proportional representation system. "Over the past 54 years, we've seen that the traditional method has not ensured fair elections. If the PR system is introduced, the chances of vote rigging, including incidents like ballot stuffing and vote-casting at night, would be reduced," he said.
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/jamaat-wants-polls-referendum-be-held-separately-4009371
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China Expresses Deep Concern Over Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Clashes
October 14, 2025
KABUL: China’s Foreign Ministry, in a statement the other day, expressed deep concern over the recent border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, calling on both nations to take concrete steps to protect Chinese citizens and investments in the region.
Beijing urged both sides to exercise restraint and resolve disputes through dialogue, emphasizing the importance of maintaining regional stability.
The ministry highlighted that a large number of Chinese nationals travel to and reside in both countries, where China has invested heavily across various sectors.
China’s growing presence in the region, particularly through projects linked to the Belt and Road Initiative, has made stability in Afghanistan and Pakistan a matter of strategic importance for Beijing.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/china-expresses-deep-concern-over-pakistan-afghanistan-border-clashes/
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Book Evaluation Commission Holds Meeting
October 14, 2025
KABUL: The meeting of the Book Evaluation Commission was held under the leadership of Muhajer Farahi, Deputy Minister of Information and Culture for Publications Afairs, the ministry said in a statement on Monday.
At the beginning of the meeting, the commission’s secretary presented the report from the previous session, highlighting the positive outcomes and achievements of the commission’s recent activities.
According to the statement, decisions were made regarding a number of books and those aligned with Islamic and Afghan values were granted approval for publication.
Additionally, necessary resolutions were passed concerning 586 submitted books of various titles.
It is worth noting that, at the conclusion of the meeting, 11 books referred to the commission were distributed among members for review, with their evaluations to be presented in the next meeting.
The commission also discussed matters related to books received from the National Examination Authority and the sending of selected titles to the Baihaqi Directorate.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/book-evaluation-commission-holds-meeting-4/
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Aid Distribution for Widows, Orphans Commenced Nationwide, Ministry
October 14, 2025
KABUL: The third round of assistance distribution for widows, orphans, and persons with disabilities was kicked off on Monday nationwide, the Ministry of Martyrs and Disabled Affairs said in a statement.
In a press briefing, the ministry’s officials announced that a total of 694,978 widows, orphans, and people with disabilities have been registered with the ministry so far.
“To ensure transparency and accountability, the ministry has established and activated a special electronic registration system in all provinces,” the officials said, adding that all information for 529,746 beneficiaries has already been entered into the system.
According to the statement, the new digital system will help streamline the aid process, prevent duplication, and ensure that support reaches those truly in need.
The ongoing assistance program is part of the Islamic Emirate’s efforts to support vulnerable groups and uphold social welfare across the country.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/aid-distribution-for-widows-orphans-commenced-nationwide-ministry/
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Afghan, Turkmen Officials Meet in Herat, Reaffirm Commitment to Accelerate TAPI Project
October 14, 2025
HERAT: Mullah Hidayatullah Badri, the country’s Minister of Mines and Petroleum, and Rashid Meredov, Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister, jointly visited Herat province to inspect progress on the implementation of the TAPI gas pipeline project, a major regional economic initiative.
According to a statement from Herat Governor’s Office, the two ministers emphasized the need to accelerate work on the pipeline within Afghan territory and expressed firm commitment from both Kabul and Ashgabat to ensure the project’s successful and timely completion.
Herat Governor Sheikh Noor Ahmad Islamjar, who accompanied the delegation, assured that no obstacles exist to hinder the project’s implementation in the region.
He added that both governments are aligned and determined to see the TAPI pipeline through to completion.
So far, officials reported that along with pipeline construction, over 12 kilometers of road have been asphalted along the project route, 100 kilometers have been surveyed, and 70 kilometers are ready for pipeline installation.
The TAPI project, linking Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, is considered one of the most ambitious energy projects in the region and its implementation within Afghanistan was initiated under the Islamic Emirate and continues to make steady progress.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/afghan-turkmen-officials-meet-in-herat-reaffirm-commitment-to-accelerate-tapi-project/
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UN Says 13.5 Million Afghans Received Aid in June–July, Millions Still Waiting
By Fidel Rahmati-
October 13, 2025
The United Nations said 13.5 million Afghans received life-saving assistance in June and July, but millions more remain without aid as winter approaches.
The United Nations said on Monday that 13.5 million people in Afghanistan received life-saving humanitarian assistance during June and July, but warned that millions more remain without support as winter approaches.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), those assisted received at least one form of essential aid — including food, medical supplies, or shelter — under ongoing relief programs across the country.
The agency cautioned that funding shortages and logistical barriers continue to limit the reach of aid operations, leaving many vulnerable families in remote areas without help.
OCHA called on donors to urgently provide additional resources to maintain relief efforts and prevent further hardship, especially as temperatures begin to drop in the mountainous regions.
The warning comes as UN bodies express concern over Afghanistan’s deteriorating humanitarian conditions, with poverty, food insecurity, and natural disasters compounding the crisis.
Recent earthquakes in eastern Afghanistan have left nearly 500,000 people affected, many of whom are still in need of emergency shelter and medical care.
Humanitarian groups have urged continued international engagement and unrestricted access for aid convoys to ensure timely delivery before the onset of severe winter conditions.
Despite ongoing challenges, UN agencies and local partners continue to operate across the country, but officials warn that without fresh funding, essential programs could face severe cutbacks in the coming months.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/un-says-13-5-million-afghans-received-aid-in-june-july-millions-still-waiting/
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Seven parties launch simultaneous protests in Dhaka
Oct 14, 2025
Seven political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, formed a human chain in Dhaka today as part of a series of simultaneous protests.
The parties are demanding, among other things, that the next national election be held in February on the legal basis of the July Charter through a public referendum.
The protest programme began around 11:00am in Matsya Bhaban area of the capital with Jamaat's Assistant Secretary General Maulana ATM Masum and Maulana Abdul Halim, along with central leaders from the party's north and south units in attendance.
Jamaat's Naib-e-Amir, Syed Abdullah Md Taher, is scheduled to deliver the main address.
Jamaat activists were seen standing on the footpaths holding banners in the Matsya Bhaban area. Road traffic in the area remained normal.
As part of the first-day programme of the third phase of the simultaneous movement, the human chain organised by Jamaat's Dhaka Metropolitan North and South units stretched from Jatrabari Mor to Gabtoli Bus Stand via Matsya Bhaban.
Similar programmes have been announced by Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, National Democratic Party (JAGPA), Khelafat Majlis, Nezam-e-Islam Party, and Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon. Leaders and activists of these parties also gathered at various points across the capital at the same time.
The parties have announced that similar demonstrations will be held in other divisional cities.
Meanwhile, central leaders of Islami Andolon took position at Motijheel's Shapla Chattar from 11:00am. Activists of the Dhaka Metropolitan South unit stood from Daily Bangla Mor to Jatrabari Mor, while those of the North unit took position from Banglamotor to Gabtoli Bus Stand.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis activists gathered at Daily Bangla Mor, Khelafat Majlis activists at Paltan Mor, and Nezam-e-Islam Party and JAGPA activists in front of the Press Club. Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon held its programme at Shahbag Mor.
Although the parties have announced different five-, six-, or seven-point demands, their main demands are similar. These include holding the next parliamentary election in February on the legal basis of the July Charter through a public referendum, introducing a proportional representation (PR) system through the same charter, ensuring a level playing field for all parties, and making visible the prosecution of what they describe as atrocities, mass killings, and corruption under a "fascist government".
They have also demanded a ban on the activities of the Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance.
Leaders of the parties said their programmes aim to put pressure on the government and influence public opinion.
However, several other parties, including the BNP, consider these protests an attempt to delay the election.
Source: thedailystar.net
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