Ordinance On 'Love Jihad' is "Negative Politics": “These Diversionary Issues Not Good to The People", Says UP Opposition Party
New Age Islam News Bureau
30 July 2024
The bill has proposed to double the punishments for
certain crimes
-----------
·
Ordinance On 'Love Jihad' is "Negative
Politics": “These Diversionary Issues Not Good to The People", Says
UP Opposition Party
·
Declaring A Person"Wajib Al-Qatl"(Liable
to Death) Against Sharia: Council of Islamic Ideology
·
A Creative Day at Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Inspired by The Birmingham Qur’an
·
US Anti-Muslim Incidents Rose About 70 Percent
in First Half of 2024 Amid Gaza War
·
New Design Facility to Accelerate Saudi Space
Missions
India
·
Uttar Pradesh Proposes Life Imprisonment for
'Love Jihad' Offences In New Amendment
·
Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan Opposes BJP's Infiltration
Claim of Bangladeshi Muslims InJharkhand
·
HC sets aside Afzal Ansari’s conviction in
Gangster case, will continue as MP
·
Police teams sent to Karnataka to trace murder
suspect after mutilated body of woman found in Maharashtra; BJP suspects
‘love-jihad’
·
Rohingya a security threat, we want to push
them back: MEA official in Tripura
·
‘Won’t blame West, but will be surprised if
India looks at Middle East as a unit’: Jordan Tourism Minister
·
Ayodhya land deals should be probed by House
panel: Faizabad MP
·
UP CM Adityanath Tells Kanwariyas to Practise
Self-Discipline: ‘No Festival or Sadhana Is Complete Without Self-Discipline’
·
Namaz Row: Imams Meet Kerala College Principal,
Say ‘Demand Misguided’
·
4 dead in blast at scrap dealership in
J&K’s Sopore
--------
Pakistan
·
Pakistan Arrests Radical Islamist Deputy Chief
of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan for Placing Bounty On Chief Justice
·
ECP declares 93 MPAs as PTI lawmakers on SC
order
·
43 killed, 200 injured in Sunni-Shia clashes in
Pakistan northwest since July 24
·
Five militants killed in separate operations
across KP
·
Imran again admits calling ‘peaceful protest’
outside GHQ, in cantonments
·
Indonesian envoy calls for increasing volume of
bilateral trade
·
Sargodha 'beggar' rescued with Rs534,000 in
pocket
·
Soldier martyred as 'violent mob' attacks
security forces in Gwadar
·
Pakistan witnesses 17 percent increase in FDI
--------
Europe
·
Home Office Urged to Step in and Block Sale of
Scots Island to Islamic Hate Preacher
·
Plans to double sized of mosque in Brierfield
approved
·
Former Blackburn nursery and mill building
could become mosque
·
Islamic scholar condemns Iran’s outdated legal
system
·
Scotland's largest mosque proposed for Category
A listing
·
Jalsa Salana: On-site factory provides
thousands of roti breads to UK food banks
·
Thousands gather in the UK for global Muslim
convention
---------
North America
·
16-Year-Old, Shahzad Masih, sentenced to
Hanging in Pakistan for 'Blasphemy' Against Islam, Petition Launched to Save
Him
·
Trump says Olympic opening ceremony was ‘a
disgrace’
·
Ticking for Kamala Harris to Name Running Mate
·
CAIR-CA Concludes Successful 18th Annual Muslim
Youth Leadership Program
·
Early Addition: New York City, Mecca of Women's
Fencing
--------
Arab World
·
Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemns
Israel’s confiscation of Palestinian archaeological sites
·
Saudi Arabia signs development agreement with
Kosovo
·
Fashion Designers Set to Sparkle in Saudi
Heritage Revival Contest
·
Trees and flowers bring beauty to Tabuk as part
of municipality planting project
·
Endangered species find new home at Imam Turki
bin Abdullah Royal Reserve
--------
Mideast
·
Islamic States Must Foresee Treacherous Plans
of Zionism: Turkish Expert
·
Sheikh Salah: Arab, Muslim public stance at
genocide suppressed
·
Pezeshkian calls for more unity between Islamic
states
·
Ninth global fatwa conf. affirms Egypt’s
crucial role in promoting int’l peace: Foreign ministry
·
Iran’s new president warns Israel against
attacking Lebanon
·
Ten years on, many Yazidis uprooted by Daesh
onslaught struggle to find safe, stable homes
·
What we know about Hezbollah’s weapons arsenal
·
Druze in shock as war between Israel and
Hezbollah strikes home
--------
Southeast Asia
·
Indonesian Islam Embraces Pope Francis: Peace
and Fraternity Among Peoples, Nations And Religions
·
Anwar: Social media licence targets online
crime, safeguards freedom of speech
·
PM Anwar: Malaysia firm on Sabah sovereignty
amid Philippines’ claims
·
PM Anwar approves RM100m for border security,
plans talks with Thailand
·
Sabah Day to kick off alongside National Month
launch with vibrant celebrations on Aug 1
·
Govt takes into account views, proposals in
bolstering MADANI Economy - Amir Hamzah
·
Malaysia hopes China reciprocates by extending
similar 30-day visa exemption - Foreign Minister
·
Don’t worry about reported presence of CCG ship
in South China Sea - Anwar
·
Jakarta Police Arrest Admin of Child
Pornography Telegram Group
--------
Africa
·
7 Security Forces and 5 Rangers Killed In Benin
National Park As Jihadi Violence Takes Root
·
Boko Haram kills cop, woman, steal arms in
Borno
·
Troops kill eight terrorists, raid Boko Haram
enclave in Borno
·
MJC calls for respect for places of worship
after Brooklyn mosque shooting
·
Marrakesh festival celebrates Morocco's poetic
and musical traditions
·
We Will Recruit 30,000 Youths, Don’t Protest –
Minister Of Police Affairs
·
Boko Haram Plans To Infiltrate Protest In Yobe,
Police Warn
--------
South Asia
·
Taliban Expel Fighter after Bamyani Girl’s
Tragic Death: investigation underway
·
Shaheen discusses health, climate change with
French Chargé d’Affaires in Qatar
·
Deputy PM Mawlawi Hanafi Highlights Islamic
Emirate’s Commitment to Media and Cultural Development
·
China and Afghanistan reject deployment of
anti-drone systems at Bagram Airport
·
Germany intensifies secret negotiations to
expel ‘Criminal’ Afghan and Syrian refugees amid security concerns
·
Tensions Rise Between Hezbollah and Israel as
Ansarullah Offers Support
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
Ordinance
On 'Love Jihad' is "Negative Politics": “These Diversionary Issues
Not Good to The People", Says UP Opposition Party
July 30,
2024
The bill
has proposed to double the punishments for certain crimes
-----------
Lucknow
(Uttar Pradesh): Samajwadi Party leader Fakhrul Hasan Chand slammed the Chief
Minister Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government over bringing amendments
in existing law regarding 'Love Jihad' and said that the BJP only wants to do
negative politics.
In a
self-made video, Mr Chand said, "The BJP government, which has brought the
ordinance on Love Jihad, already has a law on it. If someone traps someone in
his/her love trap with some motive, then there is a law for it but BJP only
wants to do negative politics. It does not want to do anything about
unemployment and paper leak."
"Samajwadi
Party understands that these are diversionary issues. These will not do any
good to the people," the SP leader added.
The Yogi
government of Uttar Pradesh on Monday introduced the UP Prohibition of Unlawful
Religious Conversion (Amendment) Bill in the Assembly, under which there will
be life imprisonment for 'love jihad' in UP.
The bill
has proposed to double the punishments for certain crimes listed under it.
Earlier
in the day, UP CM introduced four new Ministers of his cabinet - OP Rajbhar,
Anil Kumar, Dara Singh Chauhan and Sunil Sharma - to the House on Monday as the
Assembly session commenced.
"These
four Cabinet Ministers were part of this Assembly. I introduce them as part of
the Cabinet in this House," Adityanath said while speaking at the
Assembly.
Meanwhile,
Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana welcomed Samajwadi Party leader
Mata Prasad Pandey who has been appointed as the Leader of Opposition in the
House.
"I
thank you for your gesture. The state is facing very serious issues currently -
there is flood, law and order issues and corruption as well," Pandey said.
In
response, Speaker Satish Mahana said, "We will discuss all of these. You
are the LoP and you have the right to give notices, you will do it and we will
discuss all of them. The government is ready to answer."
Source: ndtv.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/negative-politics-samajwadi-party-leader-slams-up-govt-on-changes-in-law-regarding-love-jihad-6219058
--------
Declaring
A Person"Wajib Al-Qatl"(Liable to Death) Against Sharia: Council of
Islamic Ideology
July 30,
2024
This
representational image shows the Council of Islamic Ideology. — State
media/File
------------
Allama
Raghib Hussain Naimi, the chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII),
has said that it is both "un-Islamic" and "unlawful" to
declare a person liable to death.
Naimi,
in a statement, said that such "emotional actions harm the purpose of the
Khatm-e-Nabuwwat (Seal of Prophets). No individual or group is allowed to kill
anyone by the judgement of their own court of law and issuing a fatwa by
themselves".
According
to a statement issued by the office of the chairman of the CII, Pakistan is a
"constitutional and Islamic state", with permanent punishments for
all types of crimes identified by the legal system, which are given by the
court according to the prescribed procedure.
The
Council has repeatedly emphasised that incitement, issuing a fatwa of Takfīr
(declaring anyone of no longer being a Muslim) and threatening to kill a
government, state, or a common person are against the clear teachings of the
holy Quran and Sunnah.
The
statement further added that the scholars and muftis of all schools in Pakistan
had decided that "it is their official duty to provide religious knowledge
about the right and wrong views".
It
emphasised that it is the responsibility of the scholars and muftis to decide
based on Shariah if someone has committed blasphemy or uttered blasphemous
words and whether it is the jurisdiction of the state, government or the court.
According
to the statement, Naimi said that if anyone disagrees with the Supreme Court's
recent decision, it can be discussed in a scholarly manner.
"A
person cannot be allowed to judge the faith and religion of others according
their own arbitrary interpretations and issue a fatwa that they should be put
to death," he said.
The
statement comes after Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) Vice Emir Pir Zaheerul
Hasan Shah incited violence against Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez
Isa. He is in police custody now.
Federal
Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar on Monday said that the culture
of creating a state within the state and issuing fatwas must be condemned by
all.
He said
that no one has the right to issue a fatwa of killing related to a court
decision.
Speaking
to the media, the law minister said that a case has been registered on the
issue of giving threats and arrests will also be made.
The
minister said that the state will not allow anyone to speak whatever comes to
his mind, adding that there will be no compromise on this issue.
He said
that those who take the law into their hands would be severely dealt with iron
strictly. The federal law minister said that no one has the right to issue a
fatwa of murder related to a court decision. This is the campaign we have to
stop, he said.
Tarar
said that such content should be included in the education curriculum to end
intolerance in the society.
He said
that Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa is a person of good name and principles. He
said that no transgression is allowed under the guise of human rights or
freedom of opinion.
Source: geo.tv
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.geo.tv/latest/556625-declaring-a-person-liable-to-death-against-sharia-cii
--------
A
Creative Day atBirmingham Botanical Gardens Inspired by The Birmingham Qur’an
29 July
2024
Before
artists applied paint from tubes, they created pigments from the natural world.
Plants, flowers and rocks inspired the colour palettes and materials they used
to make masterpieces and manuscripts. Among them, the Birmingham Qur’an, as I
recently learnt during a day of creative workshops at Birmingham’s Botanical
Gardens.
‘Inks,
Pigments and Plants’ was a special, and sold out, event devised by The Museum
of Islamic Arts & Heritage (MIAH) Foundation and Birmingham Botanical
Gardens, in partnership with Culture Forward at the University of Birmingham.
On a
crowded table were rows of pots and jars, filled with handmade dyes and
powders, alongside a pestle and mortar, and papers stained myriad colours.
Behind them, stood Dr Neelam Hussain, Director of the MIAH Foundation and
Curator of Middle Eastern Manuscripts at the University’s Cadbury Research
Library. Over the course of the day, she shared her expertise and knowledge
with nearly 100 attendees, holding their attention through her engaging style.
We were
told that “Manuscript means ‘written by hand’”, and these precious objects hold
“a rich tradition of craftsmanship”. There are over 3000 exquisite examples
held within The Mingana Collection at the University, which is where the
Birmingham Qur’an can be found. In contrast to today’s published books, “every
single one is unique and has its own history, holding the imprint of the
artists who decorated them with different materials.”
Among
those materials are dyes, inks and pigments, cast from the raw colours
extracted from plants, which Hussain had recreated, like an alchemist. She
showed us how turmeric and saffron can be combined to create a beautiful orange
blossom colour, and Sepia-coloured ink can be cast from crushed walnuts steeped
in water. Hibiscus flowers, meanwhile, can be used to make a deep purple stain,
which she invited attendees to test on thin strips of paper.
Medieval
artists from the Islamic world looked to nature for ways in which they could
dye and decorate paper, including pages of the Qur’an. As they only had their
local environments to work from, Hussain explains that “we can sometimes
identify where manuscripts were made based on the colour palettes employed.”
The beautiful Lapis Lazuli blue originates from rocks in Afghanistan, for
instance, and was used most heavily in nearby regions.
Such
knowledge can be applied more widely, too. We can see in the great landscape
paintings of Romantic artist John Constable his signature use of chrome and
ochre yellows from the British earth – colours act as clues, indicating where
artworks were created.
The
Qur’an, as well as being a holy book, can be looked upon as an artwork with a
focus on beautiful calligraphy in the earliest manuscripts from the 7th
century. Later manuscripts in Birmingham’s Mingana Collection are defined by
their floral and biomorphic borders, hand-painted motifs and illuminated
frontispieces.
During
the day, we not only learned about the magic of making manuscripts from natural
materials but were invited to put into practice what we had learnt during
several workshops delivered by MIAH’s resident practising artist, Areeba Ammad.
I loved
the opportunity to try my hand at calligraphy, using a bamboo reed pen and
black ink made from oak-soaked silk fibres to draw the Arabic alphabet. “This
is bringing back memories of reed drawing at home”, I overheard one woman tell
a friend, while for me it was a new type of artistry.
Sat
around the table were adults and children from across Birmingham, as well as
Coventry and Cambridge, and from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds. Some
had previously visited the Botanical Gardens, while for others this was their
first time, having heard about the event through MIAH.
In the
same room, we were also invited to contribute to a new Birmingham Qur’an,
tracing the Arabic scripture from pages laid on light boxes, which was a
meditative act, regardless of beliefs. Collectively, the community will
transcribe 6,000 verses, as part of a wider ‘Qur’an in the City’ project, while
the book’s front cover will be designed using inks and pigments inspired by
locally sourced plants at Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Winterbourne House
and Gardens.
Finally,
the day included an opportunity to enjoy a supported trail through the Gardens
to find the very plants that were once used to create inks, dyes and pigments,
including hibiscus flowers, rose petals and indigo. Within the humid tropical
house, a papyrus plant could also be found.
I am
strong believer in using creative activities to bring history to life, which is
exactly what MIAH achieved through their specially curated and interactive day
at the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham. It was inclusive of all faith groups,
and knowledge was shared generously within the welcoming green spaces.
“We want
to engage less advantaged communities and wider groups, while combating
isolation through art”, explained Iqra Fayaz, who is MIAH’s Cultural Learning
and Participation Officer.
This
event was part of a wider programme, established by MIAH with the aim of
promoting awareness and understanding of the history, arts, culture and
heritage of the Islamic world, as well as the history of Muslims in Britain and
Europe.
I am
definitely tempted to sign up for their Calligraphy Club, and while I’m at it,
the Islamic Art and Architecture Course, so I can learn more about the magical
arts of the Muslim world, where artists drew on nature for their creativity.
Source: birmingham.ac.uk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2024/a-creative-day-at-birmingham-botanical-gardens-inspired-by-the-birmingham-quran
--------
US
anti-Muslim incidents rose about 70 percent in first half of 2024 amid Gaza war
July 30,
2024
File
photo Demonstrators take part in a protest against growing Islamophobia (AFP)
-------------
WASHINGTON:
Discrimination and attacks against Muslims and Palestinians rose by about 70
percent in the US in the first half of 2024 amid heightened Islamophobia due to
Israel’s war in Gaza, the Council on American-Islamic Relations advocacy group
said on Tuesday.
Human
rights advocates have reported a global rise in Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian
bias and antisemitism since the eruption in October of the Israel-Gaza war
which has killed tens of thousands and caused a humanitarian crisis.
In the
first six months of 2024, CAIR said it received 4,951 complaints of anti-Muslim
and anti-Palestinian incidents, a rise of nearly 70 percent compared with the
same period in 2023.
Most of
the complaints were in the categories of immigration and asylum, employment
discrimination, education discrimination and hate crimes, CAIR said.
In 2023,
CAIR documented 8,061 such complaints in the whole year, including about 3,600
in the last three months after the war broke out.
Alarming
US incidents in the last nine months include the fatal October stabbing of a
6-year-old Palestinian-American child in Illinois, the February stabbing of a
Palestinian-American man in Texas, the shooting of three students of
Palestinian descent in Vermont in November and the attempted drowning of a
3-year-old Palestinian-American girl in May.
There
have been numerous protests in the US, Israel’s key ally, against the war in
Gaza since October. The CAIR report noted the crackdown by police and
university authorities on pro-Palestinian protests and encampments on campuses.
The
latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered
on Oct. 7 when Palestinian Islamist group Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200
and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
The Gaza
health ministry says that since then Israel’s military assault on the
Hamas-governed enclave has killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians while also
displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, causing a hunger crisis
and leading to genocide allegations that Israel denies.
CAIR
says it compiles numbers by reviewing public statements and videos as well as
reports from public calls, emails and an online complaint system. It also
contacts people whose incidents are reported by media.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2559176/world
--------
New
design facility to accelerate Saudi space missions
July 29,
2024
The
Saudi Space Agency inaugurated its new Concurrent Design Facility on Monday.
(SPA)
-------------
RIYADH:
The Saudi Space Agency inaugurated its new Concurrent Design Facility on
Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
According
to the agency’s website, the facility is designed to accelerate the planning
and execution of space missions through the application of concurrent
engineering and advanced simulation technologies.
By
streamlining the design process, the facility is expected to reduce feasibility
study times by up to 75 percent and system design costs by as much as 50
percent.
It will
also serve as a hub for collaboration, hosting workshops and knowledge-sharing
initiatives among space industry professionals.
Also on
Monday, the agency announced its adoption of a new approach to project and
program management, known as the Integrated Mission Lifecycle. Developed in
house, it aims to optimize operations, enhance efficiency and foster
collaboration within the agency.
The two
developments underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to building a robust space
sector and developing world-class capabilities.
The
launch was attended by the agency’s CEO Mohammed Al-Tamimi, deputy CEO
Valanathan Munsami and key industry stakeholders.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2558771/saudi-arabia
--------
India
Uttar
Pradesh Proposes Life Imprisonment For 'Love Jihad' Offences In New Amendment
JULY 29,
2024
Yogi
Adityanath-led UP government on Monday introduced an amendment to its existing
laws on “love jihad”, proposing life imprisonment for those convicted under
these offences.
The
Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion (Amendment) Bill,
proposes doubling the penalties for crimes classified under “love jihad,” with
life imprisonment as a potential sentence for certain offences.
The bill
also broadens the definition of “love jihad” to include additional offences,
all of which could now warrant life imprisonment.
Under
the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021,
sentences range from 1 to 10 years for violations. The law stipulates that a
marriage will be deemed “null and void” if a woman’s conversion is solely for
the purpose of marriage. Additionally, the onus to prove that the conversion
has not been done forcibly will lie on the accused and the convert.
Adityanath’s
government has long championed a tough stance on “love jihad,” making it a key
issue in the 2017 assembly elections. Since then, the government has been
committed to creating stringent laws to address this issue. The new bill
includes provisions allowing courts to impose fines to cover victims’ medical
expenses.
In
addition, the bill expands the scope of who can report “love jihad” cases.
Previously, only victims, their parents, or siblings could file complaints.
Under the new bill, anyone can submit written complaints to the police, which
will then prompt an investigation.
Source: news18.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.news18.com/india/uttar-pradesh-proposes-life-imprisonment-for-love-jihad-offences-in-new-amendment-8983398.html#google_vignette
--------
Loktantra
Bachao Abhiyan opposes BJP's infiltration claim of Bangladeshi Muslims in
Jharkhand
30.07.24
The
Opposition BJP staged a protest and disrupted the Jharkhand Assembly monsoon
session over alleged infiltrators from Bangladesh and their alleged atrocities
against tribals.
Following
this, a collective of rights outfits has cited statistics belying the BJP’s
allegation. The Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan (save democracy campaign) — a
collective of rights outfits — in a media statement has claimed that “BJP
leaders’ statements are beyond facts”.
“BJP
leaders are making statements that a large number of Bangladeshi intruders are
coming to Jharkhand, marrying tribal girls (love jihad), grabbing tribal lands
(land jihad) and blaming this for the decrease of tribal population in Santhal
Pargana by 16 per cent and that of Muslim Bangladesh infiltrators has increased
by 13 per cent. But these statements are beyond facts,” the statement read.
“According
to the 1951 census, there were 36% tribals in the Jharkhand region. In 1991,
there were 27.67% tribals and 12.18% Muslims in the state. According to the
last census (2011), there were 26.21% tribals and 14.53% Muslims in the state.
“The
ratio of tribals in Santhal Pargana decreased from 29.91% in 2001 to 28.11% in
2011. So the BJP’s claim of 16% and 10% is a lie,” the statement further added.
The
rights outfits claimed that the reason for the decline of the tribal populace
between 1951 and 1991 was due to a large number of non-tribals coming to the
state from surrounding states.
“Due to
locals not getting priority in jobs, fifth schedule provisions and
tribal-special laws not being implemented properly, non-tribals from other
states started settling and tribals have been forced to migrate in lakhs for
decades due to displacement and lack of employment, which directly affects
their population growth rate,” the statement added.
The
statement also cited the central government’s 2017 Economic Survey Report,
between 2001 and 2011, about 50 lakh people in the age group of 15 and 59 years
migrated
from the state to buttress their claim.
“For
decades, the population growth rate of tribals has been less than other
non-tribal groups. Between 1951 and 1991, the annual exponential growth rate of
the tribal population was 1.42, while that of the entire Jharkhand was 2.03.
Due to inadequate nutrition, inadequate health system, financial constraints,
the mortality rate of tribals is higher than other communities,” it stated.
The
right outfit also said that the NDA government under Narendra Modi has
continuously given statements in Parliament that they do not have any data
related to the number of Bangladeshi infiltrators.
“If we
consider only the population of Muslims in Santhal Pargana, then the 2.15%
increase in the proportion of the total population between 2001 and 2011 shows
that the number of Muslims migrating from Bangladesh will be much less than the
claims of BJP leaders if at all it happened,” the statement added.
Source: telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/loktantra-bachao-abhiyan-opposes-bjps-infiltration-claim-of-bangladeshi-muslims-in-jharkhand/cid/2037248
--------
HC sets
aside Afzal Ansari’s conviction in Gangster case, will continue as MP
Out on
bail, Afzal Ansari, had contested the LS elections from Ghazipur on a SP ticket
and won.
Written
by Manish Sahu
July 30,
2024
Afzal
Ansari, Allahabad HC, SP MP Afzal Ansari, UP Gangster Act case, BJP MLA
Krishnanand Rai murder case, Ghazipur court, Afzal Ansari conviction, Indian
express newsSamajwadi Party MP Afzal Ansari (File Photo)
The
Allahabad High Court on Monday set aside a lower court’s order convicting
Samajwadi Party MP Afzal Ansari in a UP Gangster Act case linked to the murder
of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai in 2005. Last year, the Ghazipur court had also
sentenced Ansari to four years of imprisonment.
The High
Court, meanwhile, dismissed the UP government’s appeal and criminal revision
plea seeking enhancement of the sentence given to Ansari by the Ghazipur court.
With the
conviction now set aside, Ansari can continue as an MP. Out on bail, Ansari,
had contested the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections from Ghazipur on a
Samajwadi Party ticket and won.
Setting
aside the conviction, Justice Sanjay Kumar Singh of the High Court, said the
prosecution could not prove its case and charges under Section 3(1) of the UP
Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act against Ansari “beyond
reasonable doubt”. The judgment also cited Delhi trial court’s order acquitting
Ansari in the 2005 murder case of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai.
“As a
fallout and consequence of above discussion, the impugned judgement and order
passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge/Special Judge, MP/MLA Court,
Ghazipur… convicting and sentencing the appellant (Ansari) is hereby set-aside…
The appellant (Ansari) is acquitted of all the charges levelled against him,”
the High Court judgment read.
On the
state government’s appeal and Criminal Revision filed by Krishna Nand Rai’s
son, Piyush Kumar Rai, for enhancement of sentence awarded to accused Ansari,
the High Court said, “…this Court is of the view that there is no dispute about
the propositions of law laid down by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of
Sumer Singh (supra) and Suryakant Baburao Alias Ramrao Phad (supra), but for
enhancement of sentence every case turns on its own facts and evidence. Even
one additional or different fact may make a big difference between the
conclusion in two cases, because even a single significant detail may alter the
entire aspect.
Since…
the order of conviction of Ansari has been set aside… therefore… Government
Appeal and Criminal Revision are liable to be dismissed.”
The High
Court noted that “making allegations against any person and to lead evidence
admissible under the law in the concerned courts to prove the allegations, both
are entirely different”.
“No
person can be convicted on the basis of allegations only, unless the
prosecuting agency prove its case in accordance with law beyond reasonable
doubt. Hence a high responsibility lies upon the prosecution and on the
investigating agencies to be more careful in collecting evidence in order to
ensure fair investigation, because without fair investigation, fair trial is
not possible. It must be impartial, conscious and uninfluenced by external
influences, which is one of the essentials of criminal justice system and
integral facet of rule of law. The procedure for setting the criminal law in
motion, investigation should also be free from objectionable feature or legal
infirmities because the just, fair and transparent investigation is right of
the accused as well as victim. The conviction or acquittal of any accused is
based on the material evidences led by the prosecution before the trial Court
not on the allegations of the prosecution and it is prosecution who has to
prove its case, not the accused,” the court observed.
After
the Ghazipur special court convicted Ansari and sentenced him to four years of
imprisonment on April 29 last year in a case lodged in 2007 under the UP
Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, he was disqualified as
member of Lok Sabha. Ansari was then a BSP MP.
While
hearing the criminal appeal of Ansari, the High Court suspended his sentence
and ordered his release on bail on July 24 last year. His plea to stay the
conviction was, however, rejected, prompting Ansari to move the Supreme Court.
Source: indianexpress.com
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Police
teams sent to Karnataka to trace murder suspect after mutilated body of woman
found in Maharashtra; BJP suspects ‘love-jihad’
29 July
2024
Navi
Mumbai: Multiple police teams have been fanned out across Maharashtra and
neighbouring Karnataka to trace the suspect behind the brutal murder of
Yashashri Shinde, whose mutilated body was found in Uran.
The
suspect, Mohammed Daud Shaikh, who is a native of Karnataka, is on the run.
The BJP
has described it as an incident of ‘love-jihad’.
The
police suspect that the relationship between the two had gone soar and this
could be the possible motive behind the incident, however, officials have
refused to comment on the investigations.
On July
25 evening, Yashashri (20), left home saying that she was going out to meet a
friend. However, when she did not return, her family lodged a missing person
complaint.
On June
27, her body with multiple injury marks and stab wounds was found in the bushes
near the Uran suburban railway station. She was lying in a pool of blood.
The
autopsy report has confirmed multiple wounds.
According
to initial investigations, Yashashri was once in a relationship with Shaikh,
however, the girl’s family has disapproved of it.
The girl
lived with her family in Belapur.
Deputy
Commissioner of Police (Zone II) Vivek Pansare is personally overseeing the
investigations.
The
victim's parents have alleged that Shaikh murdered their daughter as they filed
a complaint against him in 2019 accusing him of molestation.
Shaikh
was booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO).
After
his release on bail, Shaikh left for Karnataka, where he is working as a
driver.
Senior
BJP leader Dr Kirit Somaiya, described the incident as a case of ‘love-jihad’
and urged Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra
Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, to ensure that justice is given to
the girl’s ...
Dr
Somaiya and Uran BJP MLA Mahesh Baldi on Monday visited the residence of the
Shinde family.
Source: deccanherald.com
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Rohingya
a security threat, we want to push them back: MEA official in Tripura
At the
ministry’s first Videsh Sampark outreach event in Tripura, officials discussed
a range of issues relating to passport services, opportunities and challenges
in trade and investments and emigration, among others.
Written
by Debraj Deb
July 29,
2024
Rohingya,
Rohingya illegal immigration, Rohingya security threat,Rohingya refugees walk
on the muddy path after crossing the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Teknaf,
Bangladesh. (REUTERS File)
Illegal
immigration by Rohingya is a major security threat and the Central Government
wants to push them back, an official of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
said in Tripura on Monday at its first Videsh Sampark event held in
collaboration with the state government.
At the
event, state and central officials discussed a wide range of issues relating to
passport services, opportunities and challenges in trade and investments and
emigration, among others.
Speaking
at the event, Ankan Banerjee, a joint secretary in the ministry, termed
infiltration by the Rohingya people into Tripura and the rest of the Northeast
as a security threat. “We want to push the Rohingya back. It is a very serious
issue. They are in Haryana and Jammu and large numbers in Hyderabad. They are
stateless people, very poor people. They are also security threats,” he said.
“The
Central Government is trying to prevent infiltration. This is a constant
endeavour. We have our security forces and the BSF. We are trying to stop it
but it is a large border. It is not typical of only India and Bangladesh. It is
even there in Mexico and the United States. It is true of wherever there is
income disparity. Although the government authorities try their level best to
stop this kind of infiltration, we can only try to strengthen it further,” he
said.
Asked
about the recent spurt in infiltration, P K Chakravarty, secretary in the home
department, said the state government and the Border Security Force had already
discussed the issue.
Earlier,
Chakravarty talked about Videsh Sampark, “The main objective of the programme
is to connect with the state government about the MEA’s programme and schemes,
migration and mobility, trade and investment opportunity. We are also
discussing the state-specific issues that we face from time to time.”
For his
part, Banerjee said, “We are trying to bring the state and central governments
in one platform through this programme. The main target of the programme is
dispensation of government services optimally.”
Banerjee
also said he got a suggestion during the meeting to create a digital platform
for exchanging information on prisoners in foreign countries. He said that the
problem of labour issues in foreign countries could be solved through effective
coordination between state and central governments.
An
official said, “This meeting is important because Tripura is a border state. It
shares an 856-km-long border with Bangladesh. Recently, we have seen that a
large number of students from Bangladesh have crossed over to Tripura following
the turmoil there.”
The
official also said that Videsh Sampark could be helpful for the Indian diaspora
belonging to Tripura.
The ministry
launched the outreach programme in 2017 focusing on state governments. It has
conducted such events in states including Telangana, Kerala and Bihar.
Source: indianexpress.com
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--------
‘Won’t
blame West, but will be surprised if India looks at Middle East as a unit’:
Jordan Tourism Minister
Jordan’s
Umm el Jimal city got included in the World Heritage List.
Written
by Divya A
July 30,
2024
Jordan
tourist footfall, Jordan Tourist Footfall drop, Israel-Hamas Conflict, West
Asia tourist destination, Jordanian Tourism Minister, Makram Mustafa Queisi,
World Heritage Committee meet, Umm el Jimal, World Heritage List, Indian
express news Jordan Tourism MinisterMakram Mustafa Queisi, Jordanian Tourism
Minister (File Photo)
The
tourist footfall to Jordan has fallen considerably in the wake of the
Israel-Hamas conflict in West Asia, said Jordanian Tourism and Antiquities
Minister Makram Mustafa Queisi, who was in New Delhi this week for the World
Heritage Committee meet, where Jordan’s Umm el Jimal city got included in the
World Heritage List.
In an
interview with The Indian Express, Queisi spoke on how they are planning to
increase tourism from India, change the perception of the world about their
region, and how India and Jordan can learn from each other on archaeological
and heritage conservation.
Was
tourism to Jordan greatly impacted after the Israel-Hamas conflict?
Sadly,
yes. Usually, 18% of our tourists come from Europe and the United States. We
lost 70% of that. But the decline in the numbers from Asian countries surprised
us more.
I would
not blame the West for looking at the Middle East as one unit but I would be
surprised if we are looked at so, in India. Amman is different from other
cities in the region. Amman has been safe.
Though
we received 6.2 million tourists in 2023, there has been a drop after the
Israeli aggression in Gaza, in the fourth quarter of 2023. Things have picked
up in 2024 but the profile has changed.
Now,
half of our tourists come from the Arab world itself, compensating for the
chunk that comes from the West.
Where
does India stand? And what are the other important markets?
In 2023,
we had 76,000 Indians traveling to Jordan. This is a good number, and they are
competing with the French, the British, and the Italians. Looking at your
population, we hope to double the numbers this year. And hopefully, in the
coming few years, you will see a complete jump in the numbers.
In my
meeting with Tourism & Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, there was
a discussion on how to work together to increase the number of tourists. We are
trying to revive the direct flights between Amman and New Delhi, which stopped
a few years back.
Incentives
for low-cost carriers from India — on the lines of those offered to airlines
that bring tourists from the West, Europe and the United States, Canada, and
Australia — are being considered.
Is there
also a discussion on a mutual simplification of visas?
It’s
already simple. Any Indian can just apply online and they can get their visas
online straight-forward. And the same applies to the Jordanians.
What are
the other important markets for Jordan?
We are
exploring new markets. I started in Africa two months ago and now I am in
India, followed by China. The Russian market is very important for us. As we
speak, we are trying to resume our direct flights between Amman and Moscow.
Jordanians
are extremely kind to foreigners and even refugees. Historically, we have
received refugees since the start of the crisis in the region and there’s still
there. As much as 30% of the Jordanian population today are refugees.
What are
the other areas of cooperation with India that you’re looking at?
We can
also cooperate in several fields, including archaeology. The Archaeological
Survey of India has been operating for the past 160 years. Our Department of
Antiquities too has been operating for the past hundred years. Prime Minister
Narendra Modi spoke proudly about retrieving the objects of archaeology from
other countries with this diplomatic efforts.
Some of
our objects are displayed in various parts of the world. One of them is
displayed in the Louvre of Paris, and we gave it to the French under an
agreement. The oldest piece of archaeology under their roof is our piece, the
Ayn Ghazal statue. — the oldest human statue found on this planet.
Does
Jordan face similar problems of antiquities being trafficked?
It’s an
international problem. Two things are important to consider here — the national
law to protect antiquities. We enacted the first law back in 1976. We told our
citizens that we will not go after you if you register your pieces but have
them on our national register so that we control the assets. Secondly,
globally, you cannot claim anything taken before 1970 due to the UN convention.
Is it fair? I don’t think so.
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Ayodhya
land deals should be probed by House panel: Faizabad MP
Participating
in the discussion on the Union Budget, Awadhesh Prasad said land was purchased
on a grand scale in Ayodhya after the court verdict.
Written
by Lalmani Verma
July 30,
2024
Ayodhya
land deals should be probed by House panel: Faizabad MPThe Ram Path stretch in
Ayodhya.
SAMAJWADI
PARTY MP from Faizabad Awadhesh Prasad on Monday demanded an inquiry by a
committee constituted by Parliament into the land deals executed in and around
Ayodhya after the Supreme Court allowed building of the Ram temple in 2019.
Participating
in the discussion on the Union Budget, Prasad said land was purchased on a
grand scale in Ayodhya after the court verdict. “Irregularities were done in
the land (deals). There is one piece of land worth Rs 2 crore that was sold for
Rs 18 crore. Those buyers are none other than BJP people. They destroyed
farmers. That is why the public is upset,” said Prasad.
On July
10, The Indian Express had published an investigation of land registries since
the Supreme Court verdict that showed an up to 30 per cent rise in the number
of land transactions in at least 25 villages in Ayodhya and adjoining Gonda and
Basti districts that fall within a radius of 15 km of the temple. Many of these
land deals were linked to politicians, senior officials and their relatives.
They include sons of Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein,
former MP Brij Bhushan Singh’s MP-son Karan Bhushan and relatives of UP BJP MLA
Ajay Singh.
Demanding
an inquiry into the land deals, Prasad said a House committee should be
constituted to probe into the alleged irregularities. The panel should find out
who purchased the land, he said, adding that it should also investigate the Ram
Path and airport projects among other constructions.
“That
report should be tabled in the House to make things clear,” Prasad said.
The SP
MP said the ruling party has only cheated the people of Ayodhya. Neither
Ayodhya nor Uttar Pradesh found mention in the Union Budget, he said.
“The BJP
has done politics and business in the name of Ayodhya,” he said. “With a pained
heart I am saying this today that the development of Ayodhya has been
completely neglected because I am a Dalit…”
“From
January 22 (Ram temple consecration ceremony) until the elections, people from
across the country came to defeat Awadhesh Prasad, Samajwadi Party and Akhilesh
Yadav’s candidate. But the mercy of Lord Shri Ram is on me and hence they (BJP)
have been rejected,” said Prasad, under whose constituency Ayodhya falls.
He said
the BJP has been rejected by the people of Ayodhya because their houses were
demolished to make way for projects. “Whether it is Ram Path or aerodrome or
any other construction, people’s houses have been demolished using bulldozers.
That is why the BJP was rejected completely,” he said.
Prasad
said shops were built by demolishing a settlement of the OBC Nishad community
near Guptar Ghat in Ayodhya. These shops, he alleged, have been given to
“crorepatis”. “They are so upset that the BJP will be wiped out in the state in
the 2027 elections. BJP will be wiped out from the country in the 2029 elections,”
he said.
Source: indianexpress.com
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UP CM
Adityanath tells kanwariyas to practise self-discipline: ‘No festival or
sadhana is complete without self-discipline’
July 30,
2024
Stating
that no festival, celebration, or ‘sadhana’ is complete without
“self-discipline”, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday urged
devotees of Shiva to contribute to the successful conduct of the Kanwar Yatra
by practising self-discipline and maintaining faith.
Speaking
to mediapersons in Lucknow, Adityanath said, “The Kanwar Yatra during the month
of Shravan is renowned worldwide. During this period, Shiva devotees from
across the country, including North India, show their devotion to Lord Shiva by
performing ‘jalabhishek’ at Shiva temples… Both the Central and state
governments have made extensive arrangements to ensure the safety, convenience,
and smooth conduct of the Kanwar Yatra for the devotees.”
“No
festival, celebration, or sadhana is complete without self-discipline. To
ensure smooth and safe journey, we must be devoted not only internally but also
externally. Shivo Bhutva Shivam Yajet (to worship Shiva, first become Shiva),”
Adityanath said without elaborating.
The CM’s
remarks come in the wake of a string of incidents of violence involving
kanwariyas since the yatra began.
A mob
vandalised a government vehicle after it allegedly hit one of the kanwariyas in
Ghaziabad on Monday. On Saturday night, kanwariyas blocked a stretch of the
Delhi-Meerut Expressway for around 30 minutes, thrashed the driver and
vandalised the vehicle, alleging that their kanwar (holy pot) was desecrated.
This led to the imposition of fresh traffic curbs on the expressway.
Meanwhile,
the CM said that various sections of society and the government are working
diligently for the pilgrims.
“The
government is making extensive efforts, including enhanced patrolling,
cleanliness measures, and health camps. And, provisions have been made for
surveillance and showering of flowers from drones and helicopters as needed,”
the CM said, urging kanwariyas to not only enjoy the ‘yatra’ but also
contribute to make it a success.
The
Kanwar Yatra that began on July 22 ends on August 6. During this period, a
large number of devotees travel from various places with ‘kanwars’ carrying
holy water from the Ganga to perform ‘jalabhishek’ of Shivlings during the
Hindu calendar month of ‘Shravan’.
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Namaz
Row: Imams Meet Kerala College Principal, Say ‘Demand Misguided’
July 30,
2024
Days
after several students from Nirmala College in Kerala’s Muvattupuzha held
protests demanding that they be allotted a room at the college to offer Namaz,
a group of Imams and representatives of several mahallu committees on Monday
met the college authorities and expressed regret over the incident.
Addressing
the media after meeting the college principal on Monday, PSA Latheef, a
representative of the mahallu committees, said that “the students were wrong in
making such a demand”.
“We
express regret over the issue, as a community, as it is a misguided demand…
There should not be any issue. We had an amicable discussion with the college
authorities. The issue should not serve as an opportunity for vested groups to
disturb the harmony,” he said.
Earlier
in the day, a prominent body of Islamic scholars also asked the students to
desist from making demands that could “create hatred”.
Calling
the controversy “unfortunate”, Dakshina Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama general
secretary Muhammed Thoufeeq Moulavi said: “Offering namaz is a personal and
time-bound religious practice. But the religion does not allow compelling
someone to allot space for prayer. Islam teaches that it is forbidden to pray in
a place that has been gained forcibly.”
Source: indianexpress.com
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4 dead
in blast at scrap dealership in J&K’s Sopore
Some
people were unloading scrap from a truck when the incident occurred, officials
said.
Written
by Bashaarat Masood
July 29,
2024
The
blast occured on Monday. (Representational/ Express file photo by Shuaib
Masoodi)The blast occured on Monday. (Representational/ Express file photo by
Shuaib Masoodi)
Four
people were killed on Monday in a blast at a scrap dealership in Jammu and
Kashmir’s Sopore.
The
blast took place when they were unloading scrap from a truck that had come from
Ladakh. While three people died on the spot, one died while being taken to
hospital.
A PTI
report identified the deceased as Nazir Ahmad Nadroo (40), Aazim Ashraf Mir
(20), Aadil Rashid Bhat (23), and Mohammad Azhar (25).
Sopore
SP Divya D confirmed the incident, saying, “They were unloading the scrap when
the blast happened… Unfortunately four people died.”
The
scrap dealership was located at the Shair Colony neighbourhood of Sopore, where
many families run similar businesses.
Source: indianexpress.com
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Pakistan
Pakistan
Arrests Radical Islamist Deputy Chief of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistanfor Placing
Bounty On Chief Justice
July 29,
2024
ISLAMABAD
—
Police
in central Pakistan on Monday arrested a leader of a far-right Islamist party
on charges of ordering the assassination of the country’s top judge over his
alleged support for minority Ahmadis.
Zaheerul
Hassan Shah, deputy chief of Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan, or TLP, was taken into
custody under the anti-terrorism law in Punjab, the country’s most populous
province, according to an official police complaint.
The
arrest came a day after Shah was seen in a viral video on social media
announcing to a crowd of TLP supporters that he would personally give 10
million rupees ($36,000) to anyone who beheads Supreme Court Chief Justice Qazi
Faez Esa.
The
radical leader delivered the speech in the provincial capital of Lahore,
accusing the 65-year-old top judge of “desecrating the law of the country.”
The
rally was one of a series of public gatherings organized by TLP in recent days
in parts of Pakistan to condemn Esa for granting bail to a member of the
minority Ahmadi community, who was accused of posting material against Islam on
social media.
Hours
before Shah's arrest, the federal defense minister told reporters in the
national capital, Islamabad, that the government would sternly deal with those
making false allegations against the chief justice and issuing death threats in
the name of the Islamic religion.
“No
group can incite violence in the name of faith or politics. We will use the
full force of the law to bring them to justice,” Khawaja Asif said. “The state
will not allow you to issue a fatwa [decree] to kill someone,” he added.
TLP
leaders routinely use offensive anti-Ahmadi language in public rallies and
gatherings, inciting followers to attack members of the minority community and
their places of worship in the country.
Ahmadis
are followers of the Ahmadiyya community, a contemporary messianic movement
founded in 1889 who profess to be Muslims.
Pakistan’s
constitution declared Ahmadis non-Muslim in 1974 and subsequently prohibited them
from acting or representing themselves as Muslims. They are also barred under
the law from publicly propagating their faith and building places of worship.
The
constitutional restrictions are primarily blamed for the spike in deadly
attacks and hatred against Ahmadis in the years that followed.
Last
week, a United Nations panel of independent experts said in a joint statement
they “are alarmed by ongoing reports of violence and discrimination against
Ahmadis” and urged Pakistani authorities to take immediate action to address
the situation.
“Urgent
measures are necessary to respond to these violent attacks and the broader
atmosphere of hatred and discrimination which feeds it,” the panel, reporting
to the Geneva-based U.N. Human Rights Council, stated Thursday.
Source: voanews.com
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https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-arrests-radical-islamist-leader-for-placing-bounty-on-chief-justice/7717410.html
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ECP
declares 93 MPAs as PTI lawmakers on SC order
July 29,
2024
The
Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday declared 93 members of
provincial assemblies (MPAs) as members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
in accordance with the Supreme Court's July 12 order in the reserved seats
case.
The
development came days after the election watchdog declared 39 PTI lawmakers
from the National Assembly as the candidates affiliated with the PTI.
These
members — 93 from the provincial assemblies and 39 from the National Assembly —
had shown their affiliation with the party in their documents submitted to the
election commission ahead of the general elections.
Earlier
today, the ECP uploaded the notification on its website, according to which, 29
PTI lawmakers from the Punjab assembly and 58 others from the Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa assembly have been notified as the PTI's members while six MPAs
from Sindh also have been declared as members of the PTI.
On July
25, the polls regulator sought the apex court's guidance on legal and
constitutional aspects regarding the issue of the PTI lawmakers in the national
and provincial assemblies.
The ECP,
in its civil miscellaneous application, argued that it was facing difficulty in
implementing the reserved seats order as the "PTI at the moment has no
organisational structure for confirmation of the statements of MNAs and MPAs,
purportedly belong to PTI".
The apex
court, in its landmark ruling on July 12, declared the former ruling party
eligible for reserved seats of women and minorities in the national and provincial
assemblies.
These
PTI members contested the February 8 elections as independent candidates and
later joined the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) on the party's instruction in a
bid to receive reserved seats as independents are not allowed under law to get
reserved seats.
Ahead of
the February 8 elections, the Supreme Court upheld the Election Commission of
Pakistan (ECP) decision to deprive the party of its iconic 'bat' symbol,
leaving the PTI without a status of a political party.
After
winning the most seats in the elections earlier this year, the PTI was denied
reserved seats by the ECP and this decision was also upheld by the Peshawar
High Court (PHC), citing that the party could not submit the list of its
candidates for reserved seats in the stipulated time.
Dismissing
the ECP's verdict, the apex court had on July 12 ruled that "PTI was and
is a political party" that won general seats in the national and
provincial assemblies in the February 8 elections, thus, is entitled to
reserved seats.
The SC
full bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, by a
majority of 8, set aside the Peshawar High Court's judgment of March 25 and
declared the ECP order of March 1 to be ultra vires the Constitution, without
lawful authority and of no legal effect.
Following
the SC directives, the electoral body held multiple sessions to deliberate on
the verdict and announced to execute the top court's ruling.
Faced
with the possibility of the PTI becoming the largest party in the assemblies
after it gets the reserved seats following the SC's order, the ruling coalition
partners, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party
(PPP), filed a review petition in the apex court against the reserved seats'
verdict.
Source: thenews.com.pk
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43
killed, 200 injured in Sunni-Shia clashes in Pakistan northwest since July 24
Jul 30,
2024
ISLAMABAD:
At least 43 people have been killed and more than 200 injured after a land
dispute turned into a wider sectarian conflict between Sunni and Shia tribes in
Pakistan’s restive northwestern Kurram tribal district, bordering Afghanistan.
Local
authorities confirmed that 43 people were dead and more than 200 injured since
the clashes started on July 24.
The
warring tribes, with the help and support of a local tribal jirga, a
traditional assembly of tribal elders, announced a temporary ceasefire on
Monday following intense shelling and firing in the morning.
The
volatile mountainous Kurram region has witnessed deadly conflicts among tribes
and religious groups as well as sectarian clashes and militant attacks over the
past several decades. According to the government’s home and tribal affairs
department there are currently eight major conflicts underway in Kurram and
several of them date back to the pre-Partition era.
The
latest clashes erupted last week between two families — one Shia and another
Sunni — over ownership of a property and the hostility swiftly spread to
several villages and settlements before engulfing the entire district.
Among
the dead, authorities said, 34 were from Shia tribes and eight belonged to
Sunni tribes. Firing between Shia and Sunni tribes continued through Sunday
night and Monday morning in Maqbal and Teri Mangal areas of upper Kurram, near
the Afghan border; Para Chamkani in central Kurram; and Balish Khel in lower
Kurram. According to locals, Sunni tribes in the area were getting support from
across the border since the same families live on both sides of the Durand
Line, a disputed border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Most of
the villages in the area faced a shortage of food and lifesaving medicines due
to clashes and closure of roads by authorities to contain the unrest as the
warring sides pounded each other with small and heavy weapons.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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---------
Five
militants killed in separate operations across KP
July 30,
2024
PESHAWAR:
At least five militants were gunned down by security forces in separate actions
in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, whereas a police constable embraced
martyrdom during an operation conducted by law enforcement agencies.
In a
statement issued on Monday, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that
security forces conducted a joint intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Mohmand
district, in which three militants were killed.
The
statement claimed that forces recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, and
explosives during the operation. “However, during intense fire exchange,
Constable Abrar Hussain, a resident of district Swabi, having fought gallantly,
embraced martyrdom,” the ISPR said.
In a
separate operation in Dera Ismail Khan, a militant named Sifatullah alias
Mullah Mansoor was killed while three others were injured, the military said.
The
statement noted that Sifatullah was a wanted man, involved in numerous militant
activities in the area and is said to have facilitated the suicide bombing in
Daraban on Dec 12, 2023.
According
to the statement, security forces also engaged militants in North Waziristan,
where one militant was killed.
“Pakistan’s
security forces stand shoulder to shoulder with other law enforcement agencies
to ensure peace and stability across Pakistan and such sacrifices of our brave
men further strengthen our resolve,” the statement read.
On
Saturday, the military’s media wing issued a statement which read that four
militants were killed by security forces in a joint IBO carried out in Tank
district. “After intense fire exchange, four terrorists were killed,” the
statement had said.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1848904/five-militants-killed-in-separate-operations-across-kp
--------
Imran
again admits calling ‘peaceful protest’ outside GHQ, in cantonments
July 30,
2024
ISLAMABAD:
Former prime minister Imran Khan reiterated on Monday that he had given a call
to hold a peaceful protest outside the military’s General Headquarters (GHQ)
in case of his arrest on May 9, but his party was not involved in the violence,
which he termed “pre-planned”.
Explaining
his stance to the media, the PTI founder said he had certain apprehensions
after the assassination attempts and issued directions to the party to hold
peaceful protests inside cantonments and outside GHQ in case of his arrest.
Earlier,
an accountability court extended the remand of Mr Khan and his spouse Bushra
Bibi for 10 days and directed the NAB to produce them again in Toshakhana
reference on Aug 10.
In
response to a question that the protest on May 9 was not peaceful, Mr Khan said
that violence had already been planned, reiterating that the PTI was not
involved in violent protests.
Court
extends PTI founder’s remand in Toshakhana case
The
troublemakers could have been identified with the help of CCTV footage, he
said. However, he claimed that the footage had not been produced till date.
Mr Khan
claimed that CCTV footage was proof of PTI’s innocence, and he would approach
the court to seek production of the footage of the May 9 violent incidents.
Govt
fears losing power
The PTI
founder then criticised the PML-N government for starting a crackdown on social
media activists and said that even a 75-year-old cancer survivor, Raoof Hassan,
had been taken into custody.
He
alleged that those who came to power through “bogus” elections and were trying
to create a rift between the PTI and the army had started investigating social
media posts.
He said
the government, out of fear of losing power, wanted the army to eliminate the
PTI.
However,
he said that the current budget was the last nail in the discredited
government’s coffin.
The PTI
founder then praised Jamaat-i-Islami for holding protests against inflation and
the massive hike in utility bills. He said that his party, too, would hold a
show of power on August 5 in Swabi if permission was not granted for a jalsa in
Islamabad.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1848883/imran-again-admits-calling-peaceful-protest-outside-ghq-in-cantonments
--------
Indonesian
envoy calls for increasing volume of bilateral trade
July 30,
2024
QUETTA:
Charge d’affaires of Indonesia to Pakistan Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma has said
that the current annual trade of $45 million between the two countries is much
less than its potential which needs to be further increased.
Speaking
at the Quetta Press Club during his visit on Monday, Mr Kusuma said economic
diplomacy and people-to-people contact is the main priority of the Indonesian
government and “our arrival in Balochistan is a part of this agenda”.
He said
there was a lot of potential in the business sector, media and civil society in
Balochistan, which can prove to be an important factor in the relations between
Pakistan and Indonesia.
He said
his visit to Balochistan aimed to increase relations with the local business
community and private sector.
“We have
invited the business community of Balochistan to participate in a trade expo to
be held in Indonesia in October this year,” Mr Kusuma said, adding that this
expo is one of the biggest business activities in the world in which
businessmen, traders and industrialists from 116 countries will participate.
He said
400 Pakistani students are studying in Indonesia on scholarship and this number
can be increased.
In
response to a question, he said that there are opportunities for students of
Balochistan to study in Indonesia and get scholarships.
He said
a scholarship quota can be allocated for the students of Balochistan.
Mr
Kusuma said that Indonesia and Pakistan are bound in historical religious and
cultural ties and so are “our economic and trade relations”. He said the media
of both countries should play their role in strengthening the bilateral
relations.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1848878/indonesian-envoy-calls-for-increasing-volume-of-bilateral-trade
--------
Sargodha
'beggar' rescued with Rs534,000 in pocket
July 29,
2024
SARGODHA:
A big amount of over Rs500,000 was discovered in the pocket of an elderly
alleged beggar found lying unconscious on Khushab Road in Punjab's Sargodha
district, as he was rescued by the Rescue 1122 team.
The
elderly man was carrying a sum of Rs534,000, according to Rescue 1122.
Moreover, he also had a passport which showed that he had travelled to Saudi
Arabia many times.
District
Emergency Officer Mazhar Shah told Geo News: “When the rescue team arrived to assist
the elderly man following an anonymous call, residents revealed that he had
been begging in the same area.”
However,
the man got his cash and other belongings back after he was discharged from the
hospital, the rescue authorities confirmed.
In September
last year, it emerged that Pakistani nationals were involved in exploiting the
Umrah visas for begging purposes in Saudi Arabia.
The
Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development told the Senate
Committee on Overseas Pakistanis that a significant number of beggars travel
abroad through human trafficking channels, according to The News report.
Sharing
details with the Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, the secretary of
the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis told the Senate panel that 90% of beggars
arrested in foreign countries were Pakistanis.
“The
Iraqi and Saudi ambassadors have reported that their jails were overcrowded due
to these arrests,” he told the Senate committee. “Most of the pickpockets
caught inside the Masjid Al Haram in Saudi Arabia were of Pakistani origin, and
they exploited the Umrah visas for begging purposes.”
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1214633-sargodha-beggar-rescued-with-rs534000-in-pocket
---------
Soldier
martyred as 'violent mob' attacks security forces in Gwadar
July 29,
2024
A
Pakistan Army soldier was martyred and 16 others sustained injuries after
"violent mob in garb of Baloch Raji Muchi" assaulted the security
forces in Gawdar, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Monday.
A
violent mob in the garb of so-called Baloch Raji Muchi or Baloch National
Gathering summoned by the Balochistan Yakjehti Committee (BYC) assaulted
security forces’ personnel today who have been performing duties in
Balochistan's Gwadar district, the military's media wing said in a statement.
Resultantly,
Sepoy Shabbir Baloch, age 30 years; resident of district Sibi, embraced
shahadat, it added.
In
addition, the unprovoked assaults by the violent protesters have resulted in
injuries to sixteen soldiers including an officer, the ISPR said.
Moreover,
the ISPR said fake and malicious propaganda is being spread on social media
using doctored pictures and videos by the propagandists to gain sympathy and
support for the unlawful violent march.
"Security
forces have displayed extreme restraint to avoid unwarranted civilian
casualties despite provocations," it said adding that the violent actions
of the mob are unacceptable and those responsible will be brought to justice.
The
military's media wing also urged all citizens not to fall prey to the
propaganda, remain calm and peaceful, and to cooperate with law enforcement agencies
in maintaining public safety and order.
"Security
Forces of Pakistan, in step with the Nation, remain determined to thwart
attempts of sabotaging peace and stability of Balochistan," the statement
added.
The
statement comes as the BYC sit-in on the National Highway entered the third day
today (Monday) with the Balochistan government inviting the protesters for
talks.
The
sit-in started when the convoys of protesters were stopped from participating
in the BYC's Gwadar meeting last week.
Protesters
in Mastung, who were heading to the coastal city to attend the BYC meeting,
were dispersed which resulted in 14 people being injured.
Traffic
moving towards Karachi, Khuzdar, Hub, Kalat, Surab, Turbat, Panjkur and Gwadar
has been affected due to the closure of the National Highway.
The
protesters have demanded the recovery of missing persons and ending the
practice of seizure of resources. They have also asked for spending all the
resources for the betterment of the people of Balochistan.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1214599-soldier-martyred-as-violent-mob-attacks-security-forces-in-gwadar
---------
Pakistan
witnesses 17 percent increase in FDI
July 30,
2024
There
has been an increase of seventeen percent in foreign direct investment in the
country due to business friendly policies by Special Investment Facilitation
Council.
According
to the data released by the State Bank of Pakistan, foreign investment touched 1.9
billion dollars during the fiscal year 2024. Foreign direct investment stood at
169 million dollars in June this year as against 122 million dollars in the
same period last year.
China
remained Pakistan's largest investor and trading partner, with investments of
568 million dollars in the last financial year.
Hong
Kong was the second largest investor with foreign direct investment of 359
million dollars. Other important countries who invested in Pakistan include the
UK, the United States and Singapore.
Source: radio.gov.pk
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.radio.gov.pk/30-07-2024/pakistan-witnesses-17-percent-increase-in-fdi
--------
Europe
Home
Office urged to step in and block sale of Scots island to Islamic hate preacher
29 JUL
2024
The Home
Office has been urged to step in and block the potential sale of a Scots island
to a Islamic hate preacher. Concerns have been raised about the prospect of
Sheikh Yasser al-Habib buying the island of Torsa, a remote place located off
the west coast of Argyll and Bute.
We
previously told how the firebrand cleric had raised more than £3m from his
followers to attempt to purchase the isle which is on the market for £1.5m. The
extremist scholar wants to use the funds to build a school, hospital and a
mosque, as well as practice Sharia law there.
But the
plans have provoked furious opposition from local people and politicians, with
the Scottish Daily Mail reporting that the owner is now understood to be
unwilling to sell it to the cleric. Mr al-Habib wants to encourage Muslims from
all over the world to come to the new "homeland."
He has
been accused of stirring up sectarian hatred between Shias and Sunni Muslims
since he fled his home country of Kuwait and arrived in the UK in 2004. It has
been claimed that he is still wanted in Kuwait for insulting the Sunni faith.
Mr
al-Habib, who is based in Fulmer, Buckinghamshire, has been fundraising to buy
Torsa through his satellite channel Fadak TV, which has received repeated warnings
from Ofcom. He only preaches in Arabic, with footage from the channel showing
individuals with guns.
Former
Labour MP Khalid Mahmood has called on the UK Government to step in and put a
stop to the plans, as he pondered why he was allowed to seek asylum in the UK
in the first place. Speaking on GB News, he said: "He's got a huge
following, and he does is creates a huge amount of division between the Shia
community, of which he purports to be a member of and the Sunni
community."
Videos
of military-type figures holding guns have been shown on GB News, with Mr
Mahmood adding: "These photographs and images wouldn't be allowed for any
other organisation in the UK. And I'm just surprised and shocked that they're
still allowing this to continue.
"I've
called for his station to be closed down over the last 10 years because he
already divides the Muslim community, let alone the damage it will do to the
UK. It's absolutely ridiculous that the authorities allow this to happen. If it
was any other Muslim organisation, or right wing organisation doing this, the
police would be there, the counterterrorism unit would be there, I don't know
why we are allowing this to continue, and I would certainly call on the Home
Office to get a grip of this and resolve it."
Source: scottishdailyexpress.co.uk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/home-office-urged-step-block-33350632
--------
Plans to
double sized of mosque in Brierfield approved
The
application for the expansion of the Jamia Masjid Usman Ghani, in Stanley
Street, Brierfield, has been given the go-ahead with a number of conditions.
The site
has been used as an Islamic place of worship since 2000, run by volunteers for
prayer and education, having previously been a Pentecostal Mission.
The
plans will see the single-story structure demolished and a new structure
created, along with 12 parking spaces and bicycle storage.
Included
in the new two-storey building are an entrance hall, cleaning facilities, a
hexagonal main prayer hall, classrooms and a funeral preparation area.
It will
include traditional features of a mosque, including a green domed roof on the
prayer hall and a minaret, used for the call to prayer.
The
plans state: “The building will be of bespoke design and will be a vast
improvement to the character and appearance of the area than existing.
“The
existing overgrown grassed areas will be removed. Replacement planting and
landscaping have been considered.
“This
will provide biodiversity net gains and soften the appearance of the building
in its surroundings.
“The
site is well located in relation to serving the close-knit local community.
“[It
will] provide an outstanding facility for the community and enhance the
character of the area by bringing the existing site up to high standards.
“The new
building will use previously developed land; the facility itself is in need of
space to bring it to a suitable functional use and it would not have a negative
impact on the surrounding area.
“A
significant number of religious buildings are a focal point of their community,
and it would be uncharacteristic for them to be reduced to insignificant
levels.”
Lancashire
County Council’s highways team raised concerns over a lack of off-street parking
included with the plans but did not object to the proposals if a number of
conditions are met around highway safety.
The Coal
Authority said while the site is in a high-risk area for probably shallow
mining, a risk assessment has been carried out and it did not object to the
plans, while United Utilities also did not object, but asked for details of
water drainage schemes to be provided.
Pendle
Council approved the development with 16 conditions, including drainage, rules
on parking, the requirement for details about external light and noise to be
provided, and that material samples should be provided before construction
begins.
No
public comments, either in favour or objecting to the plans, were received.
Source: lancashiretelegraph.co.uk
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https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/24482027.plans-double-sized-mosque-brierfield-approved/
--------
Former
Blackburn nursery and mill building could become mosque
29 JUL
2024
A large
former nursery building in Blackburn has been earmarked for a new mosque and
madrassah. Muslim Welfare Institute wants to turn it into a place of worship
and Islamic education centre.
The
former Emerald Street Nursery in Emerald Street, Roe Lee was originally part of
a local mill. The planning application to Blackburn with Darwen Council also
proposed a single-storey extension to house ablution and toilet facilities.
A
supporting statement from the Urban Future Planning Consultancy says: “The site
was originally the offices/the gatehouse for the adjacent Vale Mill. The site
has however been in use as a nursery for several decades. The application site
comprises a two-storey brick-built building."
Consent
was first granted for the change of use to fulltime day nursery with 35
children at the site in 1989. The site has stood vacant for some time following
the closure of the nursery in 2022.
The
developers have applied for a "change of use" of the former
children’s nursery into a mosque and madrassa. The building would comprise of a
prayer facility for worship with classrooms for the madrassa, creating an after
school learning element.
The
application states that the ground floor worshipping element will also include
"hygienic ablution facilities". Bosses have highlighted that the
building will provide them with "enhanced security measures" in terms
of a lobby and entrance hall.
A report
adds: “There are very limited changes proposed to the building’s exterior. The
applicant is looking to meet the needs of the area’s Muslim resident community
by offering a place of worship and a madrassa.
“Within
Blackburn with Darwen, the proportion of Muslim population is the third highest
among all local authorities in the UK and the highest outside London. Whilst
all uses generate some activity, the worship/small madrassa element is not
considered to be unduly noisy and there are many examples within the borough
and beyond of where such facilities exist adjacent to residential properties.
“They
tend to operate without any known detriment to nearby occupiers. The existing
building has long served the local community as a large children’s nursery and
those residing nearby are well accustomed to its use and the activity generated
by it - such as comings and goings of parents and staff."
The
applicant says they are looking to better meet the needs of the area’s Muslim
resident community by offering a community worship facility accessible on foot
from surrounding residential streets.
Source: lancs.live
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https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/former-blackburn-nursery-mill-building-29633192
--------
Islamic
scholar condemns Iran’s outdated legal system
Sedigheh
Vasmaghi, an Islamic scholar and religious researcher, has criticized Iran's
use of archaic legal terms to issue death sentences for protesters.
In a
recent audio statement, she said, "The lives of thousands in the Islamic
Republic are threatened by terms like 'moharebeh' (waging war against God) and
'ifsad fil-arz' (corruption on earth), which are irrelevant in today's
world."
Vasmaghi,
who was released from Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison in April, described how
the Iranian judiciary exploits vague charges to suppress dissent and protect
the government’s interests.
"Thousands
have been executed or sentenced to death under the guise of implementing Shia
jurisprudence and Islamic law. However, the current usage of these terms and
the practices of the Islamic Republic have no historical basis in Islam,"
she noted.
Amnesty
International reported in April that 853 people were executed in Iran in 2023,
marking a record high in the last eight years.
She
further criticized the Iranian judiciary's exploitation of vague charges like
“propaganda against the system” and “gathering and conspiring against national
security”, used to suppress dissent and protect the government's interests.
After
being imprisoned in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison, Vasmaghi's health severely
deteriorated, resulting in her release. She lost her sight and suffered
life-threatening heart issues due to the harsh conditions of her imprisonment.
Her
arrest in March was for criticizing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, whom she
labeled a dictator, and for condemning the compulsory hijab laws.
Before
her release, Vasmaghi wrote to the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission and
international human rights organizations detailing the personal abuses and
systemic oppression she faced in Iran, particularly targeting women.
In her
appeal, Vasmaghi stressed the need to liberate Iranian women from oppressive
hijab laws, stating that religious women are not required to cover their hair
under Islamic Sharia according to her research.
"Many
Iranian women have opposed the mandatory hijab law for decades," she
noted, adding that she had removed her headscarf in protest against the
oppression of women.
The
mandatory hijab has been a focal point in the Women, Life, Freedom movement,
which gained momentum after the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of Iran’s
morality police in 2022.
Vasmaghi’s
arrest on March 16 occurred while attending the funeral of 16-year-old Armita
Geravand, also killed by hijab-enforcement agents in Tehran.
Source: iranintl.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.iranintl.com/en/202407281517
--------
Scotland's
largest mosque proposed for Category A listing
29 July
2024
It was
the first mosque building designed according to Islamic architectural
traditions in Scotland and includes a courtyard and Arabesque garden that
contribute to the special architectural interest.
It is
also a significant example of the use of Postmodern style of architecture, and
reflects local traditions by using red brick, pigmented red concrete and
terracotta tiles to reference the red sandstone traditionally used in much of
Glasgow.
Now
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is proposing to list The Glasgow Central
Mosque at Category A.
Built
between 1979 and 1984, the Mosque is located on the south bank of the River
Clyde in the Gorbals district of Glasgow.
Elizabeth
McCrone, Director of Heritage at HES, said: “The Glasgow Central Mosque is a
distinctive local landmark and an important building both in terms of its
architecture and the role it has played in the historical development of the Scottish
Muslim community.
"We
welcome comments through our consultation on our proposal to designate the
Glasgow Central Mosque, and we welcome information that can further increase
our understanding of the building and its use.”
Category
A is the highest level of listing in Scotland, denoting buildings of special
architectural or historical interest which are outstanding examples of a
particular period, style or building type.
In
Scotland, eight percent of all listed buildings (some 3,800) are category A,
60% category B and 32% category C.
The
consultation opened on Wednesday of last week today and runs until Wednesday,
August 21.
More
information about the consultation process and the building can be found in the
Report of Handling, which is linked on the consultation page.
Once the
consultation has closed, HES will consider the comments received and make a
decision on the designation.
Source: uk.news.yahoo.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://uk.news.yahoo.com/scotlands-largest-mosque-proposed-category-091110994.html
--------
Jalsa
Salana: On-site factory provides thousands of roti breads to UK food banks
Jul 28
A
campaign to provide thousands of roti breads to food banks across the country
has been introduced at the UK’s largest Islamic convention.
Held
annually at Oakland Farm in Alton, Hampshire, the Jalsa Salana attracts more
than 40,000 participants of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community from across the
world.
The
three-day convention allows its members to come together to share values in
“neighbourhood”, “love” and “spirit”, and to reflect on their faith.
The
on-site pop-up kitchen serves three cooked meals a day to guests throughout the
course of event, which began on Friday, while its roti plant produces around
10,000 fresh roti breads an hour.
This
year, organisers at the convention have introduced a campaign named Bread for
Britain, which will see 10 packs of 20 roti breads distributed to more than 50
food banks across the UK.
Zaki
Ahmedi, 22, from Manchester, delivered roti breads to a food bank in Bordon,
East Hampshire, on Saturday, saying “at times like this, we all have to support
each other”.
“Being
part of this campaign is really important to me because I know that people are
going through a cost-of-living crisis and my faith teaches (me) to always serve
humanity,” Mr Ahmedi, a paralegal, said.
“At
times like this, we all have to support each other, regardless of our religious
beliefs or backgrounds.”
The
campaign aims to address the issues of food insecurity to support those who are
users of food banks.
Faraz
Sethi, a 38-year-old chartered physiotherapist from Hampshire, has been working
at the roti factory since he was five years old and said it is a “phenomenal
responsibility”.
“It’s a
family tradition upheld by my brother and also my uncles, so it’s a very
close-knit family kind of environment – we provide food for sometimes up to
50-60,000 people,” he said.
“It’s
important to come (to the Jalsa Salana) to share neighbourhood, share community,
love, spirit.
“We love
seeing people from all walks of life, different countries, different
backgrounds, come here.
“To be
able to feed them three times a day, breakfast, lunch and dinner, with hot
rotis is a phenomenal responsibility and I’ll continue to do it until the day I
die, I think.”
His son,
Zachariah Sethi, 10, has marked his second year working at the roti factory at
the Jalsa Salana.
“I’ve
made a couple of friends there and it’s been really fun working in the roti
plant,” he said.
“We want
to help and we want to make every Jalsa the best Jalsa.”
Iffat
Mirza Rashid, a 25-year-old student at the University of Cambridge who
volunteers in the press and media department at the convention, said the
campaign is a way to “unite the country together”.
“Jalsa
is important to me because it is an entirely volunteer-led event, which I
believe really shows the power of humanity when we come together to selflessly
work towards a united cause,” she said.
“In this
case, the cause is to promote peace and justice and community, which are all
incredibly important values for me as a Muslim and as a British person.
“Bread
for Britain, this campaign, to distribute 10 packs of 20 rotis to food banks
across Britain, from north to south, is really a way to unite the country
together.”
Source: shropshirestar.com
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the text of the original Story
https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/viral-news/2024/07/28/jalsa-salana-on-site-factory-provides-thousands-of-roti-breads-to-uk-food-banks/
--------
Thousands
gather in the UK for global Muslim convention
juillet
29, 2024
Thousands
of Ahmadiyya Muslims from around the globe are gathered in United Kingdom, for
the annual Jalsa Salana UK Convention. The three day conference brings together
members to discuss how to build relationship with God, strengthen the ties of
brotherhood and discuss global peace.
With
messages of support from King Charles and other faith leaders from around the
world, ,the 3 day conference aimed at promoting global peace, unity and
brotherhood, has brought together Muslims from over 100 countries including
Cameroon.
More
than 45,000 people are attending one of the largest spiritual conventions in
the UK, the Jalsa Salana 2024 UK convention of Ahmadiyya Muslims.
The
conference which started on Friday July 26, is held annually on a farm in
Hampshire, attracting members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community from across the
world.
45
thousand participants are attending the 2024 Jalsa Salana UK, held annually on
a farm in Hampshire
The event
in its 58th year focuses on spiritual growth, self reflection and community
bonding.
This
year’s event is focused on prayers and peace, urging Muslims to contribute to
ending global volatility and unrest.
The
ceremony began with the traditional flag hoisting, led by His Holiness, Hazrat
Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. The
raising of the Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat, the community’s flag, alongside the Union
Jack, symbolizes the harmonious integration of faith and national loyalty.
In his
opening address, His Holiness emphasized the convention’s theme of “Unity and
Peace,” urging attendees to embody the true teachings of Islam by fostering
interfaith dialogue, compassion, and social justice. He highlighted the
community’s ongoing global humanitarian efforts, including disaster relief,
healthcare, and educational initiatives.
Dignitaries
and representatives from various faiths and communities were present,
reflecting the convention’s spirit of inclusivity and dialogue. Messages of
goodwill from prominent political and religious leaders were shared,
underscoring the importance of such gatherings in promoting global harmony.
The
first day of Jalsa Salana included spiritual lectures, prayers, and interactive
sessions focused on youth empowerment and women’s contributions. Exhibitions
showcased the rich history and global impact of the Ahmadiyya Community,
offering attendees a deeper understanding of its mission and values.
The
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is an Islamic messianic movement originating in British
India in the late 19th century. It was founded by Mizra Ghulam Ahmad, (1835-
1908)
First
held in 1964, Jalsa Salana UK moved to the present site at East Worldham in
2006 after it was purchased by the community to accommodate more attendees.
Jalsa
Salana serves as a platform for renewal and the elevation of spiritual
standards.
Source: crtv.cm
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://crtv.cm/2024/07/29/thousands-gather-in-the-uk-for-global-muslim-convention/
---------
North America
16-Year-Old,
Shahzad Masih, sentenced to Hanging in Pakistan for 'Blasphemy' Against Islam,
Petition Launched to Save Him
by:
Jessica Barshis
07/29/2024
A
petition has been launched to save a young Christian living in Pakistan who was
falsely accused of blasphemy and sentenced to death. Shahzad Masih was arrested
in July of 2017 when he was just 16 years old after a Muslim coworker reported
him for allegedly insulting the Prophet Muhammad, which he was found not guilty
of. Masih was nevertheless sentenced to execution by hanging in November 2022
and has sat in prison for over 6 years.
The
organizer of the petition, ACLJ, states that they have "mobilized our
legal team on the ground in Pakistan to represent him and appeal his
case," and adds that they will "take this case all the way to
Pakistan’s Supreme Court." The petition has garnered over 551,000 out of
the requested 1,000,000 signatures as of Monday.
In
October of 2022, the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ) reported that
they had presented this case to Members of the European Union Parliament before
Masih was convicted. The organization said that their "affiliate in
Pakistan has been working to defend him in court. In addition, our
international legal teams have been working to highlight his case across the
globe, including recently at the UN Human Rights Council and now at the
European Union."
The ECLJ
website explains that a Muslim coworker, Ishtiaq Ahmad Jalali, engaged Masih in
a conversation about Christian prophets and Muslim prophets. During the
conversation, Masih told Jalali that his father's friend had made derogatory
remarks about the Prophet Muhammad which made Jalili vocally upset. Masih was
later confronted by a Muslim sectarian group outside of the hospital where he
worked. He told them what happened, however the group decided to take the then
16-year-old to an Islamic religious school and hand him over to the police who filed
a blasphemy case against him.
The
police investigation did not uncover blasphemy from Masih's conversation.
Despite this, prosecutors still brought the case to trial. A witness had stated
that “Jalali began the religious conversation” and that Masih only said that
“his father has a friend named Ali, who uses derogatory remarks in the respect
of Holy Prophet.” An investigating officer also testified in court that he
"did not declare Shahzad Masih guilty" and noted that Jalili had
started the religious conversation.
The
United States Commission on International Religious Freedom reports that Masih
was convicted on November 22, 2022 and sentenced to death.
Source: humanevents.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://humanevents.com/2024/07/29/christian-16-year-old-boy-sentenced-to-hanging-in-pakistan-for-blasphemy-against-islam-petition-launched-to-save-him
--------
Trump
says Olympic opening ceremony was ‘a disgrace’
July 30,
2024
WASHINGTON:
US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Monday called the Olympics
opening ceremony in Paris a “disgrace,” after its creators came under fire for
what some said was a show gone too far.
“I’m
very open-minded but I thought what they did was a disgrace,” Trump told Fox
News, following condemnation from Catholic groups and French bishops of a scene
involving dancers, drag queens and a DJ in poses that appeared to recall
depictions of the Last Supper, although creators have said it was not meant to
represent the religious setting.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2559116/world
--------
Clock
ticking for Kamala Harris to name running mate
July 30,
2024
WASHINGTON: Newly thrust into the race for the White
House, Kamala Harris embarks Monday on a pivotal week for her campaign as she
intensifies the search for a running mate.
The US
vice president, who is all but certain to secure her party’s official
nomination to challenge Donald Trump this November, is set to announce the
number two on her ticket in the coming days.
Choosing
a vice president is a critical step for any presidential hopeful, a chance to
broaden their appeal to the electorate with a complementary partner.
It is a
process that normally spans several months, involving meticulous vetting of
contenders’ experience, their finances, hobbies — and any lurking scandals.
But with
Biden’s late exit from the race, Harris faces a “compressed timetable” of mere
weeks, says Joel Goldstein, a scholar of vice presidencies at Saint Louis
University.
Harris
is reportedly expected to reveal her choice by August 7 — less than 20 days
after launching her campaign.
Speculation
is rife about who will be selected, with political observers suggesting a
likely choice will be a white man with executive experience “beyond the
Beltway” — meaning outside Washington.
If she
wins in November, Harris would make history as the first woman, the first
person of South Asian descent, and the second Black person to serve as US
president.
“One of
the features of vice presidential selection often involves balance,” Goldstein
told AFP.
It is no
surprise then that commentators expect Harris’s pick to come from a more
Republican-leaning area than her home state of California, a Democratic
stronghold.
Of the
five names currently dominating discussion, four are Democratic governors: Josh
Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Roy Cooper of North Carolina, Andy Beshear of Kentucky
and Tim Walz of Minnesota.
The
fifth is US Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, a former astronaut.
Cooper,
Shapiro and Kelly all hail from swing states, critical battlegrounds on which
the election hinges — while Beshear is in his second term in reliably
Republican Kentucky.
Walz’s
Minnesota has similar demographics to pivotal Midwest neighbors Michigan and
Wisconsin.
Harris’s
selection process is being scrutinized all the more closely given the troubles
embroiling US Senator J.D Vance, Trump’s handpicked running mate.
The Ohio
Republican, a graduate of Yale Law School who styles himself as a blue-collar
hero, was chosen for his relative youth and fervent defenses of Trump, despite
previously opposing the billionaire.
But the
“Hillbilly Elegy” author’s popularity has taken a hit in recent weeks after
damaging old videos resurfaced.
In one
clip, he disparaged prominent Democratic women as “childless cat ladies,”
provoking fury among women voters, including several celebrities.
Meanwhile,
his past comments about being a “never Trump guy” who “never liked him” have been
remixed into a trending song on TikTok.
For
Goldstein, the turmoil engulfing Vance highlights a failure on the fundamentals
of the vice presidential vetting process.
“I think
the first questions have to be: can they get through the vetting screen? Are they
a plausible president who’s ready for the national stage?” he said.
In fact,
the primary role of a vice president is to replace the president in the event
of their death or resignation.
To date,
nine vice presidents have ascended to the presidency under such circumstances —
most recently Gerald Ford, who took over after Richard Nixon resigned amid the
Watergate scandal.
Apart
from breaking tie votes in the US Senate, the role, as defined by the
Constitution, remains quite limited.
The
first US vice president, John Adams, complained bitterly about his fate in a
1793 letter to his wife: “My country has in its wisdom contrived for me the
most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived or his
imagination conceived.”
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2559041/world
--------
CAIR-CA
Concludes Successful 18th Annual Muslim Youth Leadership Program
July 29,
2024
The
California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), the
nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, proudly
concluded its 18th annual Muslim Youth Leadership Program (MYLP) at the State
Capitol in Sacramento, held from July 25 through July 28.
The
four-day intensive program brought together 39 Muslim high school students from
across California, selected from a competitive statewide pool. These aspiring
leaders participated in workshops on community organizing, leadership
development, and public speaking, gaining essential skills and knowledge to
prepare them for future roles in government, law, and media.
SEE:
MYLP Photos
Program
Highlights
A key
highlight of this year’s MYLP was the mock legislative session, where
participants took on the roles of legislators, debating public policy issues
and preparing bills to present on the State Capitol Assembly Floor. This
practical exercise provided the students with a deep understanding of the
legislative process in California.
Participants
also had the unique opportunity to engage with professionals who work directly
within the legislative and governmental spheres. The “Working Under the Dome”
panel featured Deputy State Controller Hasib Emran and multiple capitol
staffers. The discussion offered advice on how to effectively advocate for
policy changes, the importance of civic engagement, and the various pathways to
working within the government.
In a
statement, CAIR San Francisco Bay Area (CAIR-SFBA) Executive Director Zahra
Billoo said, “This year’s MYLP participants have demonstrated remarkable
dedication and drive. It’s incredible to see these young individuals embrace
the opportunity to learn and engage with the legislative process firsthand.
Their energy and vision for the future are truly inspiring.”
“The
Muslim Youth Leadership Program provides invaluable opportunities for our youth
to learn about leadership and advocacy,” added CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush. “We
are dedicated to preparing these young individuals to take on tomorrow’s
challenges and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”
Background
Since
its inception in 2005, MYLP has seen over 570 California students participate,
many of whom have gone on to attend prestigious universities, such as Harvard,
Stanford, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, UC Berkeley, and UCLA. The program boasts
alumni who have become elected officials, community activists, and leaders in
various fields, continuing to make impactful contributions to their
communities.
CAIR-CA
commends the dedication and enthusiasm of this year’s participants and looks
forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in the future. The success
of the 18th annual MYLP underscores CAIR-CA’s commitment to empowering the next
generation of Muslim leaders.
CAIR-CA
is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy
organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect
civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ca-concludes-successful-18th-annual-muslim-youth-leadership-program/
--------
Early
Addition: New York City, mecca of women's fencing
Jul 29,
2024
Early
Addition is a daily newsletter to guide you through New York City news, plus
other tidbits from around the internet. Sign up here to get the full version in
your inbox every weekday morning.
Good
Monday morning in New York City, where the diners keep disappearing.
Here's
what else is happening:
Congrats
to Ozone Park fencer Lauren Scruggs on winning the silver medal in the women's
foil competition at the Paris Olympics. (Congrats as well to American Lee
Keifer, who won gold. (And good luck to Bensonhurst fencer Anne Cebula in her
epée events!))
Despite
Mayor Adams' campaign pledge to prioritize repairs for NYCHA playgrounds, one
in six public housing playgrounds is currently closed.
Robert
Menendez Elementary School in West New York, New Jersey, is changing its name
back to Public School No. 3 following its namesake senator's bribery
conviction.
Midtown
steakhouse Gallaghers put stickers on its framed photo of actor Perry Como
reading, "This is not Jeffrey Epstein. This is Perry Como," because
so many customers were asking why they had a picture of Epstein on their wall.
The New
York Times has removed a quote from a recent story about voter sentiment after
interviewing a self-described Trump supporter who, it turns out, can't vote
because she went to prison in the early 2000s for fraudulently sticking a
severed finger in a bowl of Wendy's chili in an attempt to get a settlement.
New York
City sidewalks are crowded.
Edna
O'Brien, the Irish author best known for her trilogy, "The Country
Girls," has died at the age of 93.
A new
study found that American adults are having sex an average of 5.6 times a
month.
And
finally, portion control:
Just a
bear... shoplifting. pic.twitter.com/SfE13aCqug
Source: gothamist.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://gothamist.com/news/early-addition-new-york-city-mecca-of-womens-fencing
--------
Arab World
Organization
of Islamic Cooperation condemns Israel’s confiscation of Palestinian
archeological sites
July 30,
2024
RIYADH:
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned on Monday the ongoing Israeli
colonial practices, particularly the confiscation of thousands of acres of
Palestinian land.
The
Jeddah-based organization said the latests of these practices was ceasing
archeological sites in Sebastia village in the West Bank.
The OIC
said that these practices fall within Israel’s discriminative policy against
hundreds of archaeological, historical, scientific and religious sites in the
Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem.
Israel
is trying to “erase and destroy the cultural and civilizational heritage of the
Palestinian people,” the organization said, adding that these actions are a
flagrant violation of a number of international laws and conventions.
The OIC
called on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO), to take immediate action to safeguard the tangible and intangible
cultural assets in the occupied Palestinian territory.
In early
July, Israel approved the largest seizure of land in the occupied West Bank in
over three decades, an anti-settlement watchdog group said, a move that could
further worsen already soaring tensions linked to the ongoing war in Gaza.
Peace
Now said authorities recently approved the appropriation of 12.7 square
kilometers (nearly 5 square miles) of land in the Jordan Valley. The group’s
data indicate it was the largest single appropriation approved since the 1993
Oslo accords at the start of the peace process.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2559056/saudi-arabia
---------
Saudi
Arabia signs development agreement with Kosovo
July 29,
2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Fund for Development CEO Sultan Al-Marshad on Monday signed a development
loan agreement worth over $14 million with Kosovo’s Minister of Finance, Labor
and Transfers Hekuran Murati in Kosovo.
The loan
will be used to finance the Pristina-Mitrovica Highway Project, its official
account reported on X.
The
scheme will enhance infrastructure, rehabilitate essential road services and
improve road safety standards for 27,000 vehicles daily. It will also create
job opportunities and support social development, the statement said.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2558931/saudi-arabia
--------
Fashion
Designers Set To Sparkle In Saudi Heritage Revival Contest
July 29,
2024
JEDDAH:
Designers from across the Kingdom are being invited to take part in the
Reviving Saudi Heritage competition organized by the Saudi Fashion Commission.
Under
the theme “Saudi Architecture Through the Ages,” entrants will be tasked with
creating unique and sustainable designs that celebrate the nation’s culture,
the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The
pieces must also incorporate Swarovski crystals, a kind of simulated diamond,
and experts from the company will hold workshops and one-on-one sessions with
the designers.
Anyone
interested in entering the competition, which is being held in collaboration
with the 100 Saudi Brands program, has until Aug. 10 to submit their
application and the winning designs will be announced on Sept. 25.
The
winner will receive a training opportunity at the Hanouf Fashion House in
Jeddah.
Applications
can be made via the Fashion Commission’s social media accounts: @FashionMOC,
@fashionmoc and @Sa100brands_official.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2558806/saudi-arabia
--------
Trees
and flowers bring beauty to Tabuk as part of municipality planting project
July 29,
2024
RIYADH:
Tabuk is undergoing something of a facelift, thanks to the city municipality’s
efforts to enhance the urban landscape through a number of revitalizing
initiatives.
Among
the efforts made so far are the planting of some 2.1 million seasonal flowers
and 14,500 shade-providing trees, which now grace Tabuk’s parks and main thoroughfares.
Abdulmajid
Al-Sarrah, deputy secretary for projects, stressed that the municipality’s
commitment extended beyond planting. The work has also involved the irrigation
and maintenance of 3 million sq. meters of green areas and the pruning of 9,870
palm trees.
The
large-scale initiative is part of Tabuk’s broader strategy to “humanize” the
city — a concept that prioritizes creating livable, green spaces within urban
environments. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the quality
of life for both citizens and residents, as well as visitors.
Meanwhile,
the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating
Desertification has continued to carry out its coastal project, planting 13
million mangrove seedlings. This is taking place in various regions — Jazan,
Makkah, Madinah, Tabuk, Asir and Eastern Province. The scheme aligns with the
goals of the Saudi Green Initiative.
The
center, in cooperation with its partners, aims to plant 100 million mangrove
trees along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coasts in the coming years. Currently,
it is working to increase green cover and reduce desertification in the coastal
areas by planting a million mangrove trees across various locations.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2558721/saudi-arabia
--------
Endangered
species find new home at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve
July 29,
2024
RIYADH:
The development department at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve has
restored natural wildlife in northeastern Saudi Arabia by resettling, breeding
and increasing animal, bird and reptile populations, the Saudi Press Agency
reported.
Over the
past four years, efforts to protect endangered animals such as the Arabian
oryx, sand gazelle, houbara bustard and red-necked ostrich have led to
significant population increases after animals were released to thrive, restore
their ecological roles and reproduce.
Aligned
with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to improve
quality of life and protect future generations, the reserve’s vegetation cover
has also flourished.
Since
2018, vegetation cover has increased from 1.5 percent to 6.7 percent. This
growth is the result of three successful desert afforestation projects
completed in 2023, with more than 593,700 trees planted, the SPA reported.
Covering
91,500 sq. km, the reserve hosts diverse species, trees, plants and grasses
crucial to ecosystem balance. It has more than 179 plant species, including 113
seasonal and 66 perennial varieties.
The
vegetation cover has become a haven for a wide range of birds, which are vital
to preserving the balance of the ecosystem by controlling insects, small
rodents and carrion.
Bird-nesting
activity has been observed, alongside a return of sand cats, wild cats, foxes,
honey badgers and desert hedgehogs.
The
reserve is also experiencing a resurgence of reptiles such as lizards and
snakes, alongside a thriving insect population.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2558701/saudi-arabia
--------
Mideast
Islamic
States Must Foresee Treacherous Plans of Zionism: Turkish Expert
Jul 29,
2024
TEHRAN,
Jul. 29 (MNA) – Turkish expert says Islamic states in the Islamic geography
should foresee the treacherous plans of Zionism and give maximum support to the
glorious resistance in Gaza.
In
mid-November 2023, German police raided 54 locations nationwide in the
so-called investigation of the Hamburg-based organization.
The AP
quoted Germany's Interior Ministry as saying that the Islamic Centre Hamburg
(IZH) has long been under observation by the country’s domestic intelligence
agency.
The IZH
had said that it “condemns every form of violence and extremism and has always
advocated peace, tolerance and interreligious dialogue.”
Following
the measure, the European country took another aggressive action by closing IZH
and its five sub-organizations.
Because
of the ban, Germany’s Interior Ministry said four Shiite mosques in the country
will be closed. The IZH’s assets are also being confiscated.
German
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has claimed that the Islamic organization would
be banned for propagating extremism, Dnyuz reported.
Also,
dozens of German police forces raided the Blue Mosque in Hamburg early on
Wednesday morning.
To shed
more light on the issue of Islamophobia, we reached out to a Member of the
executive board of Anatolian Youth Association of Turkey, Muhammed İkbal Şit.
About the
reasons behind such unfair behaviors towards Muslims, he said, " Hot
developments in the Islamic geography naturally affect the global economy.
Although
the breeze of an approaching world war makes the countries uneasy, it also
causes them to take both military and social precautions because they believe
that the upcoming war will be a theological war, not a geopolitical war.
Examples
of this have happened many times in the past, and today the reason for this is
the closure of the Hamburg Islamic Center (IZH) in Germany. "
In his
statement, Federal Minister of the Interior and Community of Germany, Faeser
stated that he banned IZH and its subsidiaries across the country on the
pretext of being of " an extremist organization pursuing
anti-constitutional goals."
Rejecting
the German officials' excuses and false flag, he added, " However, this
administrative decision (closure of Islamic center) stems from the policy of
alienating Iran and its allies in the international arena. The increasing
Islamophobia in Europe is to prepare European societies for a possible
theological war."
Source: en.mehrnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://en.mehrnews.com/news/218553/Islamic-states-must-foresee-treacherous-plans-of-Zionism
--------
Sheikh
Salah: Arab, Muslim public stance at genocide suppressed
29 Jul
2024
NASSERA
July 29. 2024 (Saba) -The Arab and Muslim public stance at the Zionist
persistent genocide in Gaza is "suppressed and suffocated", chairman
of Palestine's Islamic Movement has said, noting that "it's the
humanitarian disaster in Gaza that exported the Palestinian Cause from local to
global level."
"If
Arab and Muslim official stance can offer no more than what it has brought
about so far, it will be regretful. If the Arab League and the Islamic
Organization for Cooperation can do no more than what they have done, this
means they retired," Sheikh Raied Salah added at interview with Araby-21
website published on Monday.
The Arab
and Muslim public position is still suppressed, excepting for some activities
allowed for by regimes in accordance with their own interests, he said.
Betrayal
is the slightest word to dub the position that made the Palestinian people seem
to be out of the Muslim-Arab circle, bearing their pains and grieves alone,
made Quds something else other than what Prophet Mohamed described, and made
Aqsa Mosque something different from the Mosque mentioned in the Holy Quran,
Sheikh Salah added.
While
Gaza humanitarian disaster revived the earth's public conscience, the genocide
and other crimes against humanity cancelled any reason to justify the existence
of the United Nations, he said.
Source: saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3353849.htm
--------
Pezeshkian
calls for more unity between Islamic states
Jul 30,
2024
TEHRAN,
Jul. 30 (MNA) – Iran's newly-elected president Masoud Pezeshkian has called for
more unity between Islamic countries.
Pezeshkian
made the comments in a meeting with the Spokesman for Yemen's Ansarullah
Movement Mohammed Abdul-Salam on Monday night.
The
Iranian president expressed hope that with the synergy and cooperation of all
Islamic countries, the oppression against Muslims will end.
Mohammed
Abdul-Salam is visiting Tehran to participate in the swearing-in ceremony of
the newly-elected Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian.
The
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei endorsed the
presidential decree of the newly-elected president of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian in
a ceremony on Sunday.
The
endorsement ceremony of president-elect Pezeshkian was held on Sunday morning,
in the presence of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and other Iranian and
foreign officials.
The
swearing-in ceremony of Pezeshkian will be held in the parliament on July 30.
Source: en.mehrnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://en.mehrnews.com/news/218607/Pezeshkian-calls-for-more-unity-between-Islamic-states
--------
Ninth
global fatwa conf. affirms Egypt’s crucial role in promoting int’l peace:
Foreign ministry
July 29,
2024
The
Ninth Global Fatwa Conference affirms Egypt’s pioneering role in promoting
international peace and security through disseminating values of coexistence
and combating terrorism, said Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid.
The
conference, which will be hosted by Egypt, is considered an international event
that will see the participation of scholars from 100 countries, added Abu Zeid
on his “X” account.
The
General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide will organize on Monday a
two-day conference under the title of “Fatwa and The Ethical Foundation in an
Accelerating World.”
Source: egyptindependent.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.egyptindependent.com/ninth-global-fatwa-conf-affirms-egypts-crucial-role-in-promoting-intl-peace-foreign-ministry/#google_vignette
--------
Iran’s
new president warns Israel against attacking Lebanon
July 30,
2024
TEHRAN,
Iran: Iran’s new President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday warned Israel against
attacking Lebanon as tensions soar over a deadly rocket strike in the
Israeli-annexed Golan Heights blamed on Tehran-backed Hezbollah.
“The Zionist
regime (Israel) will make a great mistake with heavy consequences if it attacks
Lebanon,” Pezeshkian said during a call with French President Emmanuel Macron,
according to the Iranian president’s website.
Pezeshkian
assumed official responsibilities on Sunday after official endorsement from
supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei, and is to be sworn in to parliament on
Tuesday.
Israel
vowed to hit back after the strike on a football field in Majdal Shams, a Druze
Arab town in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, killed 12 youths on Saturday.
Israel
accused Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement of being responsible for the strike, which
the militant group denies.
Hezbollah
has traded near-daily cross-border fire with Israel in support of Hamas since
the Palestinian militant group’s October 7 attack on southern Israel triggered
war in the Gaza Strip.
Pezeshkian,
in his phone call with Macron, accused Israel of violating “all the
international frameworks and laws” in its “crimes” against Palestinians.
Iran’s
foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani on Sunday warned Israel that any new
military “adventures” in Lebanon could lead to “unforeseen consequences” and
“the broadening of the scope of instability, insecurity, and war in the
region.”
Kanani
accused Israel of pinning the blame on Hezbollah “to divert public opinion and
world attention from its massive crimes” in the Gaza Strip, where war has raged
since October 7.
He added
that Israel “does not have the least moral authority to comment” on the deaths
in Majdal Shams, on the Golan Heights, which Israel seized from Syria in 1967
and later annexed in a move not recognized by the United Nations.
Iran
does not recognize Israel and has made support for the Palestinian cause a
centerpiece of its foreign policy since the 1979 Islamic revolution.
The
Islamic republic has hailed Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel that sparked the
Gaza war but denied any involvement.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2559071/middle-east
--------
Ten
years on, many Yazidis uprooted by Daesh onslaught struggle to find safe,
stable homes
July 30,
2024
SINJAR,
Iraq: When Rihan Ismail returned to her family’s home in the heartland of her
Yazidi community, she was sure she was coming back for good.
She had
yearned for that moment throughout long years of captivity.
Daesh
militants had abducted then-adolescent Ismail as they rampaged through Iraq’s
Sinjar district, killing and enslaving thousands from the Yazidi religious
minority.
As they
moved her from Iraq to Syria, she clung to what home meant to her: a childhood
filled with laughter, a community so tight knit the neighbor’s house was like
your own. After her captors took her to Turkiye, she finally managed to get
ahold of a phone, contact her family and plan a rescue.
“How
could I leave again?” Ismail, 24, told The Associated Press last year, soon
after returning to her village, Hardan.
Reality
quickly set in.
The
house where she lives with her brother’s family is one of the few still
standing in the village. A nearby school houses displaced families.
Her
father and younger sister are still missing. In a local cemetery, three of her
brothers are buried along with 13 other men and boys killed by Daesh.
Ismail
passes it every time she has an errand in a neighboring town.
“You
feel like you’re dying 1,000 deaths between here and there,” she said.
A decade
after the Daesh assault, members of the Yazidi community have been trickling
back to their homes in Sinjar. But despite their homeland’s deep emotional and
religious significance, many see no future there.
There’s
no money to rebuild destroyed homes. Infrastructure is still wrecked. Multiple
armed groups carve up the area.
And the
landscape is haunted by horrific memories. In August 2014, militants stormed
through Sinjar, determined to erase the tiny, insular religious group they
considered heretics. They killed men and boys, sold women into sex slavery or
forced them to convert and marry militants. Those who could, fled.
It has
been seven years since Daesh was defeated in Iraq. But as of April 2024, only
43 percent of the more than 300,000 people displaced from Sinjar had returned,
according to the International Migration Organization.
Some
fear that if Yazidis don’t return, the community may lose its identity.
“Without
Sinjar, Yazidism would be like a cancer patient who’s dying,” said Hadi
Babasheikh, the brother and office manager of the late Yazidi spiritual leader
who held the position during Daesh’ atrocities.
This
strategically located remote corner of northwest Iraq near the Syrian border
has been the Yazidis’ home for centuries. Villages are scattered across a
semi-arid plain.
Rearing
up from the flatland are the Sinjar Mountains, a long, narrow range considered
sacred by the Yazidis. Legend says Noah’s ark settled on the mountain after the
flood. Yazidis fled to the heights to escape Daesh, as they have done in past
bouts of persecution.
In
Sinjar town, the district center, soldiers lounge in front of small shops on
the main street. A livestock market brings buyers and sellers from neighboring
villages and beyond. Some reconstruction crews work among piles of cinder
blocks.
But in
outlying areas, signs of the destruction — collapsed houses, abandoned fuel stations
— remain everywhere. Water networks, health facilities and schools, even
religious shrines have not been rebuilt. Sinjar town’s main Sunni Muslim
district remains mostly rubble.
The
central government in Baghdad and authorities in the semi-autonomous northern
Kurdish region have been wrestling over Sinjar, where each has backed a rival
local government.
That
dispute is now playing out in a debate over the displacement camps in the
Kurdish region housing many of those who fled Sinjar.
Earlier
this year, Baghdad ordered the camps to be closed by July 30 and offered
payments of 4 million dinars (about $3,000) to occupants who leave.
Karim
Al-Nouri, deputy minister for the displaced, said this month that difficulties
in returning to Sinjar “have been overcome.” But Kurdish authorities say they
won’t evict the camp residents.
Sinjar
“is not suitable for human habitation,” said Khairi Bozani, an adviser to the
Kurdish regional president, Nechirvan Barzani.
“The
government is supposed to move people from a bad place to a good place and not
vice versa.”
Khudeida
Murad Ismail refuses to leave the camp in Dohuk, where he runs a makeshift
store. Leaving would mean losing his livelihood, and the payout wouldn’t cover
rebuilding his house, he said. If the camps closed, he says he’ll stay in the
area and look for other work.
But some
are returning. On June 24, Barakat Khalil’s family of nine left the town in
Dohuk that had been their home for nearly a decade.
They now
live in a small, rented house in Sinjar town. They fixed its broken doors and
windows and are gradually furnishing it, even planting geraniums. Their old
home, in a nearby village, is destroyed.
“We
stayed in it for two months and then they (Daesh militants) came and blew it
up,” he said.
Now,
“it’s a totally new life — we don’t know anybody here,” said Khalil’s
25-year-old daughter, Haifa Barakat. She’s the only family member currently
working, in the local hospital’s pharmacy.
Although
life in Sinjar is tolerable for now, she worries about security.
Different
parts of the territory are patrolled by the Iraqi army and Kurdish peshmerga
forces, along with various militias that came to fight Daesh and never left.
Prominent
among those is the Sinjar Resistance Units, or YBS, a Yazidi militia that is
part of the primarily Shiite Popular Mobilization Forces.
Turkiye
regularly launches airstrikes against its members because it is aligned with
the Kurdistan Workers Party’ or PKK, a Kurdish separatist group that has waged
an insurgency in Turkiye.
The
presence of armed groups has sometimes complicated rebuilding. In 2022, a
damaged school in Sinjar was rehabilitated by a Japanese NGO. Instead, Japanese
officials complained that a militia took it.
This
month, the Nineveh provincial council finally voted to appoint a single mayor
for Sinjar, but disputes have delayed his confirmation.
The
would-be mayor, school administrator and community activist Saido Al-Ahmady,
said he hopes to restore services so more displaced will return.
But many
of those who have come back say they are thinking of leaving again.
In the
village of Dugure, on a recent evening, children rode bicycles and women in
robes chatted at sunset in front of their houses.
Rihan
Ismail, who once dreamed of a return to Sinjar, now wants to get away.
“You wouldn’t
be able to forget. But at least every time you come or go you wouldn’t have to
see your village destroyed like this,” she said.
Source: arabnews.com
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--------
What we
know about Hezbollah’s weapons arsenal
July 30,
2024
BEIRUT,
Lebanon: After a deadly strike on civilians in the annexed Golan Heights,
Israel has threatened retaliation against Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement,
accusing it of perpetrating the attack with an Iranian-made Falaq-1 rocket —
part of its wide-ranging arsenal.
Hezbollah
has traded near-daily cross-border fire with Israel in support of Hamas since
the Palestinian militant group’s October 7 attack on southern Israel triggered
war in the Gaza Strip.
The
Iran-backed group has used Falaq rockets in attacks on Israeli military sites
but says it had “no connection” to the strike Saturday on a football field that
killed 12 youths.
AFP
takes a look at the Shiite Muslim movement’s weapons cache:
Experts
say Hezbollah has a wide range of unguided heavy artillery rockets, ballistic
missiles, as well as anti-aircraft, anti-tank and anti-ship missiles.
Those
include Falaq-1 and Falaq-2 unguided rockets, which have a range of about 11
kilometers (seven miles) — according to a Hezbollah artillery officer
interviewed by the group’s Al-Manar channel earlier this month.
Artillery
rockets, including Falaq models, “are not accurate” and “have a margin of error
of up to three kilometers,” according to Riad Kahwaji, head of the Institute
for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis.
Military
analyst and retired Lebanese army general Khalil Helou said Hezbollah has
Iranian ballistic missiles that it has yet to use.
They
include the Fateh 110, a precision-guided missile with a range of around 300
kilometers, more than sufficient to reach Tel Aviv and Jerusalem from within
Lebanon.
Hezbollah
has expanded the size and quality of its arsenal since it last fought an
all-out war with Israel in 2006.
“The
group in 2006 reportedly had about 15,000 rockets, while unofficial estimates
in recent years suggest that this number has multiplied by almost 10 times,”
said Dina Arakji, an associate analyst at Control Risks consultancy.
Hezbollah
has been launching drones toward targets in northern Israel and the Golan
Heights.
The
group has said it sent surveillance drones on three occasions to film military
sites, including the Ramat David air base about 45 kilometers from the border.
Hezbollah
leader Hassan Nasrallah has said local production contributed to his group’s
large drone stockpile.
“Kamikaze
drones give a tactical advantage due to their high level of autonomy and have
the ability to be launched from anywhere,” said Arakji, noting they were inexpensive
single-use weapons.
Helou
said Hezbollah also had Shahed 136 attack drones and other Iranian unmanned
aerial vehicles, some “with double guidance — electro-optical and GPS.”
Nasrallah
has said previously that in an all-out war, Israel must expect “us on land, by
sea and by air.”
All of
Israel’s coasts, “all its ports, all its boats and ships” would be affected, he
said.
Helou
said Hezbollah had Russian anti-ship Yakhont missiles with a range of 300
kilometers, and Chinese-made Silkworm missiles.
Those
two weapons, “which are very precise and extremely fast, could be used against
targets at sea, including drilling platforms,” Helou said.
Hezbollah
has announced it downed several Israeli Hermes 450 and Hermes 900 drones with
surface-to-air missiles during the Gaza war, and has said it used the weapons
to target Israeli warplanes.
Helou
said Israeli aircraft have flown at low altitudes in an attempt to detect
anti-aircraft missiles that could be used against their drones or planes.
But
“it’s not just about having anti-aircraft missiles — you have to know how to
use them effectively,” he said.
Arakji
noted that “anti-aircraft missiles can put pressure on Israel’s multi-tier air
defense system.”
“While
the missiles do not significantly challenge Israel’s air supremacy,” she added,
they will require the Israeli army “to adjust its mode of operations.”
Last
month, Nasrallah said the number of fighters his group could count on “greatly
exceeded” 100,000, and his group had turned down offers from allies in Syria,
Iraq, Yemen and Iran to send combatants.
Helou
said Hezbollah could probably “mobilize more than 100,000 men, counting
reservists.”
However,
he noted “that doesn’t mean they are all ready and trained for fighting.”
Experts
have said Hezbollah likely has an extensive network of underground tunnels in
south Lebanon, as well as in the eastern Bekaa valley, near the border with
Syria.
But it
has evacuated positions in south and east Lebanon after Israeli threats of
reprisals, a source close to the group told AFP.
At least
348 Hezbollah fighters have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon since
October, according to an AFP tally based on official Hezbollah statements.
Helou
said Hezbollah was “prepared for a war of attrition according to the same model
as Hamas.”
“Its
leaders will be unreachable to Israeli aircraft, as they will be underground,”
he said.
Source: arabnews.com
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--------
Druze in
shock as war between Israel and Hezbollah strikes home
July 29,
2024
MAJDAL
SHAMS, Golan Heights: For many of the Druze community in the Golan Heights
mourning 12 youngsters killed in a missile strike at the weekend, the carnage
came as a shock despite the months of daily rocket fire and air strikes between
Israel and southern Lebanon.
Even
when the rockets were flying elsewhere, the community felt largely safe, said
Raya Fakher Aldeen, a resident of Majdal Shams, the Druze village where
children and teenagers were playing football when the missile landed on
Saturday.
“It was
a shock because not once in the last nine months, even when the sirens were
sounding, did we feel we were being targeted,” she said.
Israel
has accused the Iranian-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah of carrying out the
strike and on Monday, during a visit to Majdal Shams, Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu promised a “harsh response.”
Hezbollah
denies killing the youngsters but said it had launched strikes on what it said
were military targets in nearby areas of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
As
members of an Arab minority straddling Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and the
Golan Heights, the Druze, who practice a form of Islam, occupy a special niche
in the complicated politics of the region.
Unlike
most Israeli Palestinians, many Druze in Israel serve in the military and
police, including during the war in Gaza, and some have reached high rank.
But in
the Golan Heights, an area seized from Syria in the 1967 Middle East war and
later annexed by Israel in a move not generally recognized internationally,
many still identify as Syrians and refuse Israeli citizenship.
The
ambiguity of the Druze position was reflected in the resolutely non-political
funeral. Thousands mourned in Majdal Shams on Sunday but there was no sign of
either Israeli or Syrian flags and political talk was largely absent.
“Many
Druze feel angry and do not want to be fuel in this war for any side,” said
Fakher Aldeen.
The
standoff between Israel and Hezbollah, which began soon after the Hamas-led
attack on Israel on Oct. 7, has forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of
people on both sides of the Israeli-Lebanese border, but has so far stopped
short of the full-scale war that many now fear.
Sultan
Abu Jabal, a 62-year-old who works and lives in Majdal and who lost a
granddaughter in the attack, denounced what he said was a “crazy war.”
“They
are all innocent people. Why is it my problem if there are troubles between
Hezbollah and Israel?“
NO
ESCAPING REGIONAL POLITICS
However
the politics of the region is inescapable and though the youngsters killed in
the strike do not appear to have held Israeli citizenship, Israeli officials
including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant
have embraced them as their own.
“A
Jewish child murdered on the Gaza border on Oct. 7 and a Druze child murdered
on the Golan Heights are the same. These are our children,” Gallant said during
a visit to Majdal Shams.
On the
other side of the dividing line, Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, a former
Hezbollah opponent who has since reconciled with the movement, told Al Jazeera
television the Israeli claim that Hezbollah fired the rocket was a fabrication.
On the
Syrian side, Druze Sheikh Yousef Al-Jarbou offered prayers for the dead and
accused Israel of “committing daily massacres” in a speech published by Syrian
state media, accompanied by a photo showing Syrian and Druze flags behind him
and a photo of President Bashar Assad, a Hezbollah ally.
“The
incident is being exploited by all sides,” said Lubna Al Bassit, an anti-Assad
activist in Sweida, the Druze capital of Syria, who reflects the views of Druze
who blame Iran and Hezbollah.
“There’s
rivalry. Who is the real voice of the Druze community — is it the Israeli Druze
who are integrated in Israel and serve in the army, or is it the Lebanese who
have been taking a stance against Israel, specifically Jumblatt who is a
historic leader of the Druze,” said Mohanad Hage Ali of the Carnegie Middle
East Center.
As Lebanon
braces for Israeli strikes that are expected to be much heavier than those seen
so far in the war, the Druze of Majdal Shams are left to wait.
“We hope
this war will end and this massacre will be the last one in this devastating
war,” said Sheikh Salim Abu Jabal. “We call for peace. We don’t attack anyone
and we don’t accept being attacked by anyone.”
Source: arabnews.com
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--------
Southeast Asia
Indonesian
Islam embraces Pope Francis: peace and fraternity among peoples, nations and
religions
26 July
2024
by Paolo
Affatato
Jakarta
(Agenzia Fides) - The main Indonesian Islamic organizations welcome with deep
gratitude the visit of Pope Francis to Indonesia from 3 to 9 September and
appreciate its important significance in the context of promoting tolerance,
peace and fraternity among religious communities, peoples and nations.
According to Indonesian Islamic leaders of various currents and schools of
thought, his presence will have a positive and profound effect on the entire
nation, reinforcing harmony between the country's religious communities and
reaffirming the centrality of the spirit of fraternity and humanity that Islam
in Indonesia constantly lives and promotes, with particular attention to
educational processes and the fight against all forms of radicalism and
extremism. "Nahdlatul Ulama" and "Muhammadiyah", the
historic and prominent organiZations of "Islam Nusantara"
("Islam of the archipelago"), have always been active in promoting
and practicing an Islam "that walks with democracy, is alive and promotes
fraternity" in Indonesia. This role, often underestimated by mainstream
Western media and culture, has recently acquired significant international
recognition, thanks to the "Zayed Prize for Human Fraternity" 2024,
awarded to both organizations on 5 February in Abu Dhabi. For these two
associations, the Pope's visit represents a valuable opportunity for encounter,
communion and collaboration around universal principles such as peace and
fraternity.
Indonesia
is the most populous Muslim-majority country in the world, with 86.7% of the
population identifying as Muslim and more than 231 million faithful. The
population follows traditional Sunni Islam, but with an interpretation in line
with the “Pancasila”, i.e. the “Charter of the Five Principles” on which the
Constitution is based: belief in God, humanity, national unity, democracy and
social justice. This point of view is still promoted by associations such as
Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah.
The
oldest is the “Muhammadiya”, which has about 29 million followers in the
archipelago. founded in 1912, it is considered a reformist movement. Following
the teachings of the Egyptian Muhammad 'Abduh, who lived in Cairo at the end of
the 19th century, it preaches a purification of faith and emphasizes the sense
of moral responsibility of the individual, paying enormous attention to modern
education in Indonesia, especially higher education, with 14,000 schools from
primary to university and 7,500 kindergartens.
The
Nahdlatul Ulama ('Renaissance of the Ulamas') or NU, was born in 1926 as a
reaction to the expansion of Saudi Wahhabism in the international Islamic
world. The ancient Indonesian religious schools, the "pesantren", run
by NU, follow a traditional Islam, based on the classical writings of the
Ulamas of the Middle East and Indonesia. The movement embraces pre-Islamic
traditions and the Sufism of Abu Hamid al-Ghazali and today has some 50 million
members.
Both
organizations are expressions of civil society and have never turned their
extensive presence in the archipelago into political or partisan activity. Both
emphasize the "Indonesian" character of local Islam, recalling the
teachings of the Wali Songo, the "nine saints", Sufi masters who
arrived on the island of Java in the early 15th century, to whom the country's
Muslims attribute the spread of Islam in the archipelago, through a spiritual
and peaceful approach that, from the beginning, has coexisted with other
pre-existing cults such as animism, Hinduism and Buddhism. What they practice
is a tolerant and non-violent Islam with typically local traits: talk of
"Islam Nusantara" has become a "trademark" accepted even at
the state level and used by the government as well.
Islam
has no official role in the Indonesian Constitution, but there is a widespread
awareness in the nation that the State must deal with religion, a fundamental
element of social and cultural life, and related issues. For this reason, a
Ministry of Religious Affairs was created from the beginning of independence,
with departments dedicated to Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Hinduism,
Buddhism and Confucianism.
For the
visit of Pope Francis, the two organizations will be "at the
forefront." Muhammadiyah "will welcome Pope Francis with joy in
September," said the president of Muhammadiyah for international and
interreligious relations, Syafiq A. Mughni, from his headquarters in Jakarta.
"The arrival of the Pope is a universal symbol of the construction of
human fraternity, and his visit is full of meaning," said the leader, who
met Pope Francis in the Vatican not long ago. The spiritual impact of his
presence for the Islamic world will be important: "As Muslims we need
prayer, we need the appreciation of people outside Islam," he notes,
placing the meeting with the head of world Catholicism "in a broader
framework of people’s religious life." He adds: "It would be very
effective if we Muslims spoke in positive terms about Catholicism and, in the
same way, Catholics conveyed something positive about Muslims." This
approach of mutual goodwill "is a very powerful force to build a life in
common" and to the benefit of all humanity. He also stresses the need for
collaboration "between countries, peoples and religions to address global
problems such as extremism, the climate crisis and the differences between rich
and poor countries."
For his
part, Ulil Abshar Abdalla, an intellectual and Islamic scholar, head of the
executive committee of 'Nahdlatul Ulama' notes that "the visit of Pope
Francis is something long awaited and which we all consider a historic
moment." Ulil recalls and relates the Pope's visit to that of Ahmed
Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in Indonesia (which took place a few days
ago, in July, ed.), as "events that reinforce the spirit of interreligious
dialogue in the country". "The visit of these two great figures comes
at the right time and in the right situation, while a strong wind of interreligious
dialogue is blowing," notes Ulil.
In
addition to them, other Muslim leaders are very actively involved in meetings
between Islamic organizations in interreligious forums: the daughter of a great
Islamic leader such as Abdurrahman Wahid, known as "Gus Dur", Yenny
Wahid today heads the "Wahid Institute", an Islamic institute firmly
committed to cultural and social inclusion, dialogue, socialization and the
dissemination of an Islam that promotes harmony: "We have the utmost respect
for Pope Francis, a figure who inspires us in promoting compassion towards the
weak and marginalized. Pope Francis has always shown concern for the poor and
the excluded. "This has inspired many people, including myself, to do
good," he said in an online meeting organized by the Indonesian Embassy to
the Holy See. Professor Sumanto Al Qurtuby, director of the Nusantara Institute
on Culture and Religion and professor of anthropology at King Fadh University,
also appreciates Pope Francis’ approach to ecumenism, pluralism and peace,
noting that his work aims to "unite divided realities, value diversity as
divine expressions and promote peace at all times and in all
circumstances," a necessary message for all humanity torn apart by
conflict.
Indonesian
Ambassador to the Holy See Michael Trias Kuncahyono agrees, noting that the
Pope’s visit "is a historic moment not only for Catholics, but also for
the entire Indonesian nation," and represents "an important symbol of
tolerance and fraternity, principles that Indonesia must continue to promote,
giving priority to the values of humanity, peace and fraternity." He added
that the Pope decided to come to Indonesia "because he considers it an
example, especially in terms of teaching love and fraternity between peoples
and religions. We are grateful to him for this." (Agenzia Fides,
26/7/2024)
Source: fides.org
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--------
Anwar:
Social media licence targets online crime, safeguards freedom of speech
30 Jul
2024
PUTRAJAYA,
July 30 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said the new
regulations for social media and internet messaging services will not curb
freedom of speech in Malaysia.
Instead,
he reaffirmed that it is to tackle the spread of crime and harmful information
online.
“This
country is a democratic country, freedom must be given to people to voice their
views, whether they agree, criticise or oppose.
“Regarding
this digital, cyber and social media issue, it is used, for example, to abuse
others until some committed suicide. Some commit child sexual abuse,” he said
in his speech when officiating the National Safety Month 2024 here.
“Is this
justified? A scam that has reached RM2.5 billion. Many people are deceived
using social media facilities.
“When we
say we must block (such posts), it is said to restrict freedom. Is it freedom
to cheat? Freedom to steal and cause others to kill themselves?” he asked.
On
Saturday, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said social
media and messaging services with at least eight million registered users in
Malaysia will need to apply for a Class Application Service Licence under the
Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588).
This new
regulatory framework will take effect from August 1, with the licensing
requirement enforced from January 1 next year.
Source: malaymail.com
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--------
PM
Anwar: Malaysia firm on Sabah sovereignty amid Philippines’ claims
30 Jul
2024
PUTRAJAYA,
July 30 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today stressed that the unity
government will not compromise on defending the country’s sovereignty and will
never tolerate any demands, including over Sabah.
“(About)
the Philippines’ claim over Sabah, the Malaysian government has made a firm
statement that we will not compromise even an inch of our land and that we will
never get involved in any negotiations involving the rights and sovereignty of
our country,” he said.
Nevertheless,
Anwar said the diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and the Philippines is
still good, and he himself still maintains a very good and close relationship
with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Therefore,
this channel (relationship) should be used to maintain security.
“Our
security forces should understand that history has proven that (intrusion and)
attacks like the one that occurred in Sabah a few years ago happened in
unexpected circumstances,” he said when launching the National Security Month
celebration here today
Prior to
this, a video went viral on social media containing baseless, misleading
content and disputing the sovereignty of the state of Sabah.
Yesterday,
the Foreign Ministry in a statement reiterated the government’s long-standing
position that Sabah has always been an integral part of Malaysia.
According
to the statement, Sabah has been recognized by the United Nations (UN) and the
international community as part of Malaysia since the formation of the
Federation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963.
“The
ministry is undertaking a thorough investigation in cooperation with the
relevant ministries and agencies on the matter,” the statement read. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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--------
PM Anwar
approves RM100m for border security, plans talks with Thailand
30 Jul
2024
PUTRAJAYA,
July 30 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today that the
government has approved an additional RM100 million allocation to enhance
security facilities along the northern border of the peninsula.
He said
he will meet Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on August 3 to discuss border
issues and stimulate economic cooperation in the north of the peninsula and the
south of Thailand.
"For
this additional facility, I have agreed today to approve RM100 million for the
border in Kelantan, Kedah, and Perlis," he said during his speech at the
National Safety Month 2024 event here.
Last
November, Anwar met Srettha in Thailand to discuss advancing cooperation for
the development of the border area between Malaysia and Thailand. The meeting
focused on expediting the construction of key connectivity projects at the
border, aiming to foster economic activities and improve the overall well-being
of the people in the region.
Among
the discussed connectivity projects are the road alignment between the new
Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) facility in Sadao and Bukit Kayu
Hitam. Additionally, attention will be given to constructing the second bridge
at Sungai Golok-Rantau Panjang as part of the collaborative efforts to enhance
cross-border infrastructure.
Source: malaymail.com
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---------
Sabah
Day to kick off alongside National Month launch with vibrant celebrations on
Aug 1
30 Jul
2024
KOTA
KINABALU, July 30 — The launch of the ‘Bulan Kebangsaan Hari Sabah dan Kempen
Kibar Bendera 2024’ will take place at 7.30am this Thursday, August 1.
Chief
Secretariat of the event, Benedict Oliver Lidadun, said that various activities
to foster a sense of nationalism, especially among the people of Sabah will be
carried out during the ceremony.
“The
launching ceremony will be officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima
Hajiji Noor at the Kota Kinabalu City Hall grounds. It will include the
distribution of flags, stage performances, a school student reception, and the
flagging off of the ‘Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang’ convoy by the Sabah State
Information Department.
“At 3pm,
a delegation led by Kota Kinabalu City Hall Mayor Datuk Seri Sabin Samitah will
distribute Jalur Gemilang and Sabah flags to shopkeepers and the public around
Gaya Street.
“I
invite everyone in the Kota Kinabalu City area to join us in celebrating and
showing our unity, especially as we are also celebrating Sabah Day for the
first time this year,” he said during an interview with SABAHfM at the
Integrated Ministry of Communication Complex here yesterday.
In
addition, Benedict urged the public to fly the Jalur Gemilang and Sabah flags
to enhance the atmosphere of National Day and Sabah Day.
“This
year is historic as the state government has also officially recognised Sabah
Day. Therefore, let us fly both flags, the Jalur Gemilang and the Sabah flag,
at our homes, villages, buildings, cars and everywhere to show our love for our
country, Malaysia, and our state, Sabah,” he added.
Meanwhile
the public is also invited to the Hari Pahlawan 2024 celebration on Wednesday,
July 31.
The
event will be held at the Dataran Kawad Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontinjen Sabah in
Kepayan and will commence at 7.30am.
It will
be officiated by Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and Hajiji.
There
will be a special performance by the Sabah Police Contingent that will re-enact
the struggle and sacrifice of the national security forces in the invasion of
Tanduo, Lahad Datu in 2013. — The Borneo Post
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/07/30/sabah-day-to-kick-off-alongside-national-month-launch-with-vibrant-celebrations-on-aug-1/145435
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Govt
takes into account views, proposals in bolstering MADANI Economy - Amir Hamzah
30-07-
2024
KUALA
LUMPUR: The government will continue to strengthen the MADANI Economy by taking
into account the views and suggestions from all parties, especially to “raise
the ceiling” by driving economic growth and “raise the floor” by improving the
people’s quality of life.
Finance
Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said input from civil servants is
vital given their role in facilitating the process of investors coming into the
country.
“We want
to raise the ceiling, to draw in investors. There are many expectations
regarding governance, with the civil service being central to implementing
government regulations and policies.
“We want
to improve the process to facilitate investments, so civil servants have an
important role in identifying how to make the system better,” he said during
the Pre-Budget Dialogue with the Civil Service organised by the National
Institute of Public Administration (INTAN) here today.
“For
example, is there an incentive that we can offer to improve the process by
shortening the process flow? If it usually takes a month, could we shorten it
to a few days?” he added.
Amir
Hamzah also said that although the government is facing challenges due to
limited financial constraints, it will strive to assist the middle-income (M40)
and below-40 (B40) groups to balance their expenses in Budget 2025.
Meanwhile,
he emphasised the importance of improving the delivery system and services
provided by public servants to the people by avoiding leakages and inefficient
governance to save costs and reduce waste.
Amir
Hamzah explained that transparency in every implementation process is also
necessary to combat corruption.
If it
requires “redesigning” or “reengineering” a process, it should be carried out
to ensure high-quality and meaningful outcomes in the government’s efforts to
boost the MADANI Economy, he said.
Furthermore,
to enhance the delivery of services, Amir Hamzah urged public servants to adopt
the latest technology to improve their capabilities and become more efficient
in their respective organisations.
Source: thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/local-news/govt-takes-into-account-views-proposals-in-bolstering-madani-economy-amir-hamzah-IN12794729#google_vignette
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Malaysia
hopes China reciprocates by extending similar 30-day visa exemption - Foreign
Minister
30-07-
2024
KUALA
LUMPUR: The government hopes that China will reciprocate the 30-day visa
exemption facility that Malaysia offers to Chinese nationals by extending the
same to Malaysians visiting China, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad
Hasan.
He said
currently, Malaysians are allowed to visit China without a visa for 15 days.
“We ask
that it be based on reciprocity. Since we offer 30 days, we request that China
also provide 30 days. This is to make it easier for Malaysians to visit the
country and establish contacts with the people there, especially those
travelling for business,“ he said during the Oral Question and Answer session
in the Dewan Negara today.
He was
responding to a question from Senator Prof Emeritus Datuk Seri Dr Awang Sariyan
who wanted to know the steps taken to improve people-to-people and
government-to-government relations between Malaysia and China.
Malaysia
granted visa exemption for 30 days to Chinese and Indian citizens to visit the
country through the Visa Liberalisation Plan (PLV) which came into effect on
Dec 1 last year.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read
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https://thesun.my/local-news/malaysia-hopes-china-reciprocates-by-extending-similar-30-day-visa-exemption-foreign-minister-LN12793822
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Don’t
worry about reported presence of CCG ship in South China Sea - Anwar
30-07-
2024
PUTRAJAYA:
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has advised fishermen and anglers in
the South China Sea not to worry about the reported presence of a China Coast
Guard (CCG) vessel, particularly around Beting Patinggi Ali.
“Don’t
be afraid, don’t be afraid,” he said briefly when asked by reporters about
local fishermen’s concerns regarding the sighting of the vessel in the South
China Sea.
He said
this after officiating at the National Security Month 2024 at the Putrajaya
International Convention Centre today.
Also
present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Defence
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo
and National Security director-general Datuk Raja Nushirwan Zainal Abidin.
Media
reports said fishermen felt intimidated by the presence of the CCG ship, which
made it difficult for them to carry out their activities.
Beting
Patinggi Ali is located 84 nautical miles (155 km) from the coast of Miri,
Sarawak, and within Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The
Defence Ministry had previously emphasised that the Royal Malaysian Navy
continuously monitors six of Malaysia’s maritime areas, including the Straits
of Malacca, South China Sea, Sulawesi Sea and Sulu Sea, to detect suspicious
vessels and foreign warships.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read
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https://thesun.my/local-news/don-t-worry-about-reported-presence-of-ccg-ship-in-south-china-sea-anwar-FN12793732
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Jakarta
Police Arrest Admin of Child Pornography Telegram Group
July 30,
2024
Jakarta.
The Jakarta Police have arrested a resident of Kendal in Central Java,
identified by the initials MAFA, 20, who was the administrator of a child
pornography group on Telegram.
Jakarta
Police's Director of Special Criminal Investigations, Ade Safri Simanjuntak,
said that the case began when the police conducted a cyber patrol and
discovered a Telegram group named Deflamingo Collection. Upon investigation,
the group was found to contain child pornography content.
"The
suspect advertised pornographic content, including child pornography, through
the social media platform X with the username @DeflamingoOfc," said Ade
Safri on Tuesday.
Ade
Safri said that MAFA offered membership packages to those interested in joining
the group. The monthly package was priced at Rp 165,000 (around $10), while
individual videos were sold for Rp 15,000 each.
"When
a buyer wanted to subscribe, they would contact the admin via WhatsApp or
Telegram," he said.
Ade
Safri revealed that MAFA had been operating for seven months, from August 2023
to July 2024, with a monthly turnover of Rp 5,000,000 to Rp 7,000,000.
"The
group had 107 subscribed users, while the Telegram channel owned by the suspect
had 25,000 followers," he disclosed.
MAFA was
arrested at his boarding house in Bandung, West Java. He could face a maximum
of 15 years in prison.
Source: jakartaglobe.id
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https://jakartaglobe.id/news/jakarta-police-arrest-admin-of-child-pornography-telegram-group
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Africa
7
security forces and 5 rangers killed in Benin national park as jihadi violence
takes root
29-07-24
At least
seven members of Beninese security forces and five rangers working with a
conservation nonprofit have been killed in an attack by an armed group in
Benin's National Park W that was overrun by militants, according to the
conservation group.
The
attack earlier this week on Wednesday happened not far from the Mékrou River in
the 10,000-square-kilometer (3,800-square-miles) park which straddles the
borders with Burkina Faso and Niger, the African Parks group said in a
statement on Saturday.
Authorities
in Benin have not yet spoken about the attack, which is common with the
government and the military.
It is
the latest in a surge in violence in which jihadis from the conflict-battered
Sahel region that is south of the Sahara Desert have spread further into West
Africa, targeting coastal states like Benin.
It was
not clear which jihadi group attacked Park W, into which militants from
troubled neighbors Burkina Faso and Niger have recently moved, raising fears
they could use its vast protected area as a base for infiltrating other West
African countries.
The
al-Qaida linked JNIM group has been the most active in the Sahel and most
recently in coastal West African states like Benin and Togo.
Although
they were once believed to be spreading to the coastal states for better cover
to recuperate, get financing and gather weapons to launch more attacks on Sahel
governments, their fighters have started to attack communities and security
forces as militancy begins to take root.
Source: africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2024/07/29/7-security-forces-and-5-rangers-killed-in-benin-national-park-as-jihadi-violence-takes-roo/
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Boko Haram
kills cop, woman, steal arms in Borno
July 28,
2024
Insurgents
have invaded Jakana Police station in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno
State, killing a policeman and a woman, while carting away arms and ammunition.
Jakana,
which is situated along Damaturu -Maiduguri expressway, is about 45 kilometers
away from Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.
Security
sources said the insurgents also set ablaze two patrol vehicles and a
motorcycle, just as they took the security operatives by surprise, arrived at
the police station around 1:00am and engaged in a gun battle with the officers
until 3:00 am
“They
overpowered them and gained access into the police station and looted arms and
ammunition and destroyed 2 patrol vehicles.”
“One of
the vehicles belong to the police and the other for the members of Civilian
Joint Task Force (CJTF)” a source said.
Chairman
of Konduga Local government, Hon Abbas Ali Abari, confirmed the attack and
promised to provide details as soon as he gets them.
The
state Police spokesperson, Nahun Kenneth, could not be reached for comments
failed as he did not respond to phone calls or text messages.
Source: 21stcenturychronicle.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://21stcenturychronicle.com/boko-haram-kills-cop-woman-steal-arms-in-borno/
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Troops
kill eight terrorists, raid Boko Haram enclave in Borno
July 29,
2024
Troops
of the Nigerian Army conducting counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency
operations under the aegis of Operation HADIN KAI in North East Nigeria, have
eliminated 8 terrorists in Bula Marwa, just ahead of Siraja village in Borno
State.
According
to a statement by the army, the troops in conjunction with the Hybrid/Civilian
Joint Task Force, raided the terrorists’ enclave in the early hours of Sunday,
neutralizing the terrorists in a fierce gun battle.
The
troops also recovered one Automatic Grenade Launcher, an MK rifle, and a bag
containing a pair of desert camouflage and other terrorists’ uniforms from the
terrorists.
Further
surveillance of the general area is still ongoing in order to fish out any
other terrorists hiding in the general area.
The army
also assured Nigerians that the soldiers will continue to combat terrorism and
insurgency in collaboration with sister services and other security agencies to
protect the nation.
Source: dailypost.ng
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https://dailypost.ng/2024/07/29/troops-kill-eight-terrorists-raid-boko-haram-enclave-in-borno/
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MJC
calls for respect for places of worship after Brooklyn mosque shooting
30-07-24
Cape
Town - The Muslim Judicial Council of SA (MJC) has called on criminals to
respect places of worship following a shooting at a mosque in Brooklyn on
Friday.
Musallis
(worshippers) attending Jumuah prayers at the Brooklyn Masjid were left
traumatised after a gunman opened fire on an alleged gang boss inside the
mosque.
Videos
and sound clips taken by worshippers at the scene have since gone viral on
social media, as some described how they thought the mosque was coming under
attack.
Police
and gang sources, however, revealed that the shooting was allegedly related to
an underworld assassination plot.
It is
understood that the victim, an alleged 28s gang boss, was shot by a lone gunman
who opened fire as he tried to leave the mosque.
It is
understood the gunman entered the mosque with a firearm and waited for a chance
to fire at his target.
Police
spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said the police were investigating an attempted
murder case.
“Maitland
police are pursuing leads in a bid to apprehend the suspects who attempted to
kill a man in his late forties at a place of worship in Kings Road in Brooklyn
on Friday. Reports suggested that an unknown armed man entered the premises,
fired numerous gunshots, which resulted in the victim sustaining gunshot
wounds. He was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
“The
unknown suspect fled the scene and is yet to be arrested. The motive for this
attack is now the subject of an investigation by the SAPS. Maitland police are
investigating an attempted murder,” said Swartbooi.
According
to a Cape Argus source, the victim is the leader of the 28s gang in Brooklyn
and allegedly helped hide a state witness from alleged 28s gang boss Ralph
Stanfield.
MJC
president Sheikh Riad Fataar said he visited the mosque after the incident.
“The
shooting disturbed the contentment (of a mosque), it disturbed that serenity,
it disturbed a holy period. People were traumatised, people were upset, people
were crying, children were upset and we are concerned about our Muslim
community in the Brooklyn area.
“The
world is changing, people are brazen and you see there is no respect for places
of worship. And we have to prepare our imams and communities for such sad
events, such cowardly events. The MJC is going to work in co-operation with
disaster management, with SAPS bomb squad and so on so we can educate our
imams, who will in turn educate our communities in what we do in such
situations.”
Source: iol.co.za
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https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/mjc-calls-for-respect-for-places-of-worship-after-brooklyn-mosque-shooting-604cbff8-741c-425e-a418-10ca867d5572#google_vignette
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Marrakesh
festival celebrates Morocco's poetic and musical traditions
29-07-24
Morocco's
Kasbah Melhoun Art Festival celebrated the kingdom's poetry and traditional
instruments during a 6-day event.
All-women
troupes notably stood out while the Al Hadhra and Melhoun genres came under the
spotlight.
Member
Amina Bouyabri explains what differentiates the two genres.
"The
Marrakech Hadra shares many characteristics with melhoun art, as both follow
similar rules. The main difference is that Al Hadra is exclusively for women,
where they recite poetry and beautiful prose. Melhoun is distinguished by its
words and poetry, and both forms have distinctive words."
If Al
Hadra almost exclusively consists in the singing of prayers, inescapable themes
in melhoun include the beauty of people and nature, social issues and love.
Melhoun
was included in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural
Heritage of Humanity in December last year.
"Through
Laabat, we aim to bring this art to the youth, mothers and the general public,
to make them happy and enjoy our performances," Singer Rkia Ouamani says.
"This
ensures the continuation of this important heritage into the future."
The
verses are sung in dialectical Arabic and sometimes Hebrew.
In the
past, the practice was transmitted informally, through apprenticeships with
vocalists and transcribers notably.
Today,
it is also transmitted through organizations and music conservatories.
Transmission
through appeal is precisely the organizer's aim: "We tried to focus on the
technical and artistic aspects of this festival, bringing together the ideas of
several artistic groups who work with melhoun. Our goal is to present a rich
level of melhoun art in Marrakech, (particularly) in the Kasbah, and to offer a
strong spectacle for the people of Marrakech as well as for everyone
else."
The
second edition of the Kasbah Melhoun Art Festival featured various activities,
such as an exhibition of books written by melhoun sheikhs or scholars.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.africanews.com/2024/07/29/marrakesh-festival-celebrates-moroccos-poetic-and-musical-traditions/
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We Will
Recruit 30,000 Youths, Don’t Protest – Minister Of Police Affairs
29 July
2024
Minister
of State Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has advised Nigerian youths
not to go ahead with the planned hunger protest, stating that the Ministry of
Police Affairs is committed to recruiting 30,000 youths into the police force.
Imaan
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said President Bola Tinubu has good intentions for Nigerians
and his committed to ensuring economic challenges are addressed.
Imaan
said the ministry has also commenced recruitment of 10,000 youths into the
police force for the year 2024. She said that the ministry has improved efforts
to address abuse of citizens by certain officers.
She
added that the welfare of police officers has taken center stage in the
ministry. She explained that protest would not solve the hunger and challenges
faced by citizens.
The
Minister of State Police Affairs, in a statement on Sunday, called on Nigerian
youths to shun the planned protest and give dialogue a chance.
She
appealed, “Dear young people of Nigeria, as one of your own, I am writing to
appeal to your hearts, minds and conscience today.
“While I
acknowledge the numerous evolving challenges that drive the desire to protest,
the narratives accompanying the planned protest and its faceless nature
resemble those that often lead to destruction and chaos, setting our nation
back.
“I,
therefore, implore you to exercise some patience in this pivotal process poised
to birth a prosperous Nigeria of our dreams that we all collectively crave.
Consider the power of peaceful engagement, dialogue and collaboration over
protest and confrontation.”
Stating
the commitment of the Ministry of Police Affairs to addressing police and
civilian relations, improving the welfare of police personnel and recruiting
youth into the police force, Mrs. Sulaiman-Ibrahim added, “At the Ministry of
Police Affairs, we have made our programs people-centric, and they primarily
revolve around our dynamic youths while we strengthen communities, build
resilience and help with sustainable coping Mechanisms.
“We have
engaged youths and other members of local communities in multiple ongoing town
halls, we feel the pulse, we have taken stock, and we have now developed a
transformative roadmap for reforming the Nigeria Police Force.
“There
is a commitment to recruit over 30,000 young Nigerians into the Force annually
over the coming years, and the initial recruitment of 10,000 personnel for 2024
is already at an advanced stage. Welfare of our officers is undergoing review
to boost officers’ morale, and you can attest that there is an increasing level
of discipline and professionalism in the Force.
“We have
also partnered with the Ministry of Youths to create a platform for robust
engagement between the NPF and the youth and serve as a grievance reporting
channel
“We have
strengthened the Police Public Complaint Committee and enhanced the response
time of the Complaint Response Unit of the NPF, both key platforms for lodging
complaints against police officers from members of the public. We are closely
monitoring complaints and ensuring closure in all cases. We urge you to engage
with this team for any complaints or challenges relating to the NPF.”
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/07/29/we-will-recruit-30000-youths-dont-protest-minister-of-police-affairs/
---------
Boko
Haram Plans To Infiltrate Protest In Yobe, Police Warn
30 Jul
2024
The Yobe
State Police Command has warned that Boko Haram terrorists have perfected plans
to infiltrate the planned hunger protest in the state.
In a
statement, the command’s spokesman, Dungus Abdulkareem said that intelligence
gathering indicated that foreign mercenaries had been engaged to destroy lives
and property during the protest.
He,
therefore, called on individuals planning to participate in the protest to
exercise caution for a hitch-free protest, and that the protesters were
required to indicate proposed protest routes and assembly points.
He added
that recent insurgency activities in Gujba LGA, including an Improvised
Explosive Device (IED) explosion, had raised more concerns.
Source: dailytrust.com
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https://dailytrust.com/boko-haram-plans-to-infiltrate-protest-in-yobe-police-warn/#google_vignette
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South Asia
Taliban
Expel Fighter after Bamyani Girl’s Tragic Death: investigation underway
July 29,
2024
Local
sources have reported that the Taliban expelled a fighter who forcibly placed a
young Bamyani girl onto a military vehicle and referred him to the military prosecutor.
After
being released from Taliban detention, the girl tragically committed suicide.
The Taliban delayed her burial for several days, raising additional concerns.
Reports
indicate that the Taliban have yet to detain the soldier involved. Speculation
suggests that the expulsion may be an attempt to suppress potential protests.
The case
has been forwarded to the military prosecutor, but specific details regarding
charges or legal proceedings are currently unavailable.
The
exact charges against the Taliban fighter are unknown, and the circumstances of
the incident are still under investigation.
The
incident began when the Taliban fighter forcibly placed the girl onto his
military vehicle while she was traveling from the Punjab market to her home.
Following
this, the group’s intelligence agents detained the girl’s father and brother.
The family was transported to the Bamyan provincial capital, where the girl was
interrogated for at least three days.
The
reasons for the Taliban fighter’s actions and the subsequent arrest of the
girl’s family are unclear, as is whether formal charges were filed against the
family in Bamyan.
Reports
revealed that the 19-year-old girl experienced severe mental distress after her
detention and interrogation, worsened by the closure of her sewing workshop.
Her
sewing workshop in the Punjab market was shut down by the Taliban’s Department
of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice following her detention.
Since
the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, they have banned education for girls
beyond the sixth grade, leading to immense pressure on women and girls and
resulting in widespread violations of women’s rights.
The
tragic case of the Bamyani girl underscores critical issues regarding the
treatment of women and girls under Taliban rule.
The
delay in burying her body and the lack of clarity about the charges against the
fighter highlights broader concerns about human rights abuses and the
suppression of women’s rights in Afghanistan.
This
incident emphasizes the urgent need for ongoing international scrutiny and
advocacy to address and prevent such abuses.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/taliban-expel-fighter-after-bamyani-girls-tragic-death-investigation-underway/
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Shaheen
discusses health, climate change with French Chargé d’Affaires in Qatar
July 30,
2024
DOHA:
The Head of the Political Office of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Doha,
Mohammad Suhail Shaheen, in a meeting, with Jean-Marin Schuh, the French Chargé
d’Affaires for Afghanistan, discussed alternative projects for farmers, health
initiatives, and climate change, he said in a statement, on his X page the
other day. “I met Jean-Marin Schuh, French Charge D’affaires for Afghanistan,
and discussed with him follow-up of Doha III meeting, alternative projects for
farmers, private and health sectors and climate change,” Shaheen said.
Emphasizing the importance of the meeting in addressing ongoing challenges and
fostering cooperation between the two na tions on various fronts, Shaheen urged
that the imposed sanctions on the banking system should be removed. “In order,
that the country’s banks can operate without any challenges, the imposed
sanctions should be removed to support the private sector in the country,”
Shaheen further said. The Kabul Times
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/shaheen-discusses-health-climate-change-with-french-charge-daffaires-in-qatar/
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Deputy
PM Mawlawi Hanafi Highlights Islamic Emirate’s Commitment to Media and Cultural
Development
2024-07-30
KABUL(BNA):
Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs,
met with journalists and cultural figures from various provinces to discuss the
enhancement of print and visual media.
In a
statement from the ARG, Deputy PM Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi emphasized the Islamic
Emirate’s commitment to bolstering media and cultural initiatives across the
country.
In the
meeting, journalists and cultural representatives expressed their satisfaction
with the current security and the support for media and cultural activities under
the Islamic Emirate.
They
further highlighted the increased opportunities for journalistic work, cultural
preservation, protection of historical sites, and promotion of languages within
Islamic principles.
They
also requested greater support for the publication of works by Afghan poets and
writers.
For his
part, Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi acknowledged the journalists and cultural
figures as valuable assets to the nation. He assured them of the Islamic
Emirate’s dedication to preserving historical artifacts and enhancing media
infrastructure, and pledged efforts to support the publication of literary
works.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/deputy-pm-mawlawi-hanafi-highlights-islamic-emirates-commitment-to-media-and-cultural-development/
--------
China
and Afghanistan reject deployment of anti-drone systems at Bagram Airport
July 29,
2024
The
Chinese Embassy in Kabul told Khaama Press that China rejects any installation
of anti-drone systems at Bagram Airport. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Defense
Minister stated on X that the letter regarding the installation is false and
has been dismissed.
Earlier,
a letter circulated in the media from the Ministry of Defense in Kabul claimed
that Taliban officials had negotiated with the Chinese government to obtain
these systems and had secured China’s agreement.
China
strongly rejected such negotiation and called it fake news.
Abdul
Kabir, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Taliban government, has stated that due
to a lack of necessary equipment, they are unable to prevent drone flights over
Afghanistan. Speaking in Panjshir, he described drone flights as “bullying” and
lamented that their limited resources prevent them from countering such aerial
intrusions effectively.
Earlier
this year, Fasiuddin Fetrat, Chief of Staff for the Taliban government,
revealed that the U.S. still controls Afghan airspace and notes that American
drones frequently patrol Afghan skies, indicating that the airspace remains
under American occupation. Fetrat also mentioned that these drones might enter
Afghan airspace from neighboring countries.
The
Taliban’s inability to monitor or control drone activities highlights ongoing
challenges in Afghan airspace defense. Despite their efforts, the presence of
American drones and the lack of advanced equipment continue to hinder their
capabilities to assert control and address aerial surveillance effectively.
If the
report is accurate about the negotiation between Chinese and Taliban officials,
the installation could include radar and rockets designed to detect and
intercept U.S. drones and any other foreign unmanned aerial vehicles over
Afghanistan.
The
confirmation and implementation of this report would indicate that China is
moving beyond its previous economic focus to engage in military and security
objectives in Afghanistan.
Last
week, Mullah Abdul Kabir, the Deputy Prime Minister in Kabul, explicitly
referred to China and Russia as strategic allies of the Taliban regime, a
departure from previous statements.
If China
indeed takes such action and restricts U.S. control of Afghan airspace, it
would give real meaning to this strategic alliance.
According
to Afghan experts, if this happens, Afghanistan may once again become a
battleground for competing regional and global powers, particularly as the
conflict in Ukraine shapes new rivalries between Western and Eastern nations.
The
potential deployment of Chinese anti-drone systems in Afghanistan marks a
significant shift in geopolitical dynamics. If realized, this move would not
only redefine China’s role in Afghanistan security but also potentially
exacerbate the regional power struggle, impacting international relations and
security in the broader context of ongoing global conflicts.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/china-deploys-anti-done-systems-at-bagram-airport-to-block-us-uavs-over-afghanistan/
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Germany
intensifies secret negotiations to expel ‘Criminal’ Afghan and Syrian refugees
amid security concerns
July 29,
2024
Germany’s
Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, revealed on Sunday that confidential
negotiations are ongoing with various countries to deport “criminal” Afghan and
Syrian migrants. She emphasized that the focus is on removing violent Islamist
offenders.
In an
interview with the German newspaper Bild am Sonntag, Faeser stated, “Germany’s
interests are my top priority. The Federal Police can support the responsible
states in executing these deportations as swiftly as possible.”
Faeser
stressed that anyone who does not have the right to stay in Germany should be
required to leave the country promptly. This stance highlights Germany’s strict
approach to managing immigration and security threats.
The
statements come amidst reports that the German Foreign Ministry has conducted a
confidential assessment indicating ongoing military operations in various
regions of Syria. Critics of the deportations cite United Nations reports
stating that conditions for the safe return of refugees are not yet met.
Mario
Vogt, a member of the executive committee of Germany’s opposition Social
Democratic Party, has argued that the conditions for deportation should not
only apply to criminals but also to individuals with no prospects of staying.
Chancellor
Olaf Scholz recently announced that Germany will soon make decisions regarding
the deportation of Afghan migrants. This decision comes in the wake of rising
pressure and public debate about migration policies.
The
murder of a German police officer by an Afghan refugee in June has intensified
the pressure on the German government to expedite the deportation of certain
migrants. This tragic incident has heightened security concerns and influenced
policy discussions.
Amid the
dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, neighboring countries, including some
European nations, are also facing significant challenges related to Afghan
refugees. The forced deportation of these refugees exacerbates the crisis and
raises serious humanitarian and security concerns.
The
situation underscores a broader issue of international responsibility and human
rights.
The
current situation calls for a renewed focus on finding sustainable solutions
and upholding human rights standards in the face of global displacement
challenges.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/germany-intensifies-secret-negotiations-to-expel-criminal-afghan-and-syrian-refugees-amid-security-concerns/
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Tensions
Rise Between Hezbollah and Israel as Ansarullah Offers Support
2024-07-30
KABUL(BNA)
– Tensions have significantly escalated between Israel and Lebanon over the
past two days. Media reports indicate that Israel, fearing attacks from
Hezbollah, has deployed new iron dome defense systems along its border with
Lebanon. Additionally, Yemen’s Ansarullah group has declared its support for
Hezbollah in the face of Israeli actions.
Several
countries have called for de-escalation to prevent further conflict. The German
Foreign Minister has urged Iran and other regional actors to assist in reducing
the tensions between Tel Aviv and Lebanon.
The
European Union has also begun efforts to address the crisis, and the defense
ministers of the United States and Israel have discussed the situation in a
recent phone call.
The
latest escalation between Hezbollah and Israel was triggered by a rocket attack
three days ago in the occupied Golan Heights, which struck a football field,
resulting in approximately 30 casualties.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/tensions-rise-between-hezbollah-and-israel-as-ansarullah-offers-support/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/love-jihad-diversionary-opposition-party/d/132828