66 Muslim Girls Were Converted To Hinduism And Married To Hindus In 9 Years, Claims Pandit KK Shankhdhar, The Priest Of August Mani Ashram Located In Murinath, Bareilly, U.P.
New Age Islam News Bureau
18 January 2023
Representational image.
-----
• Pakistan Ulema Support Christian Woman of Civil
Aviation Authority against ‘Blasphemy Threats’
• Twitter Discards Verified Blue Checks Reportedly
Purchased By Taliban Leaders
• Islamophobia Levels In Europe a Concern despite
Acquittal, Muslim Academic Warns
• Cleric Who Claimed Israel Was Using Covid Vaccines
to Spy on the World’s Population Convicted in Bangladesh
India
• Hindu Right-Wings Groups Seek Permission to Hoist
the Tricolour at Idgah Maidan in Bangalore on Republic Day
• Reach Out To Muslims without Expecting Votes In
Return: PM Modi to BJP Workers
• 'Refrain from Unnecessary Remarks' On Films, PM
Modi's Advice to BJP
• Govt to SC: Can’t Allow Outfits That Seek Islamic
Rule in India
• The Marang Buru to Adivasis Is What Ayodhya Is To
Hindus, Mecca To Muslims, Golden Temple To Sikhs: Salkhan Murmu
• 2 LeT ultras killed in Budgam encounter
• Pakistan decides to cut down Kartarpur Corridor
expenses by half
• After UN puts terror tag on Pakistan's prized
terrorist, broke and isolated Islamabad pulls out olive branch
--------
Pakistan
• Pakistan National Assembly Passes Bills To Enhance
Punishment for Disrespecting Ummahatul Momineen, Ahle-Bait, and Sahaba
• Pakistan's Election Commission suspends 271
lawmakers for not submitting financial statements
• Bill Introduced To Terminate Pakistan's Designation
as Major Non-Nato Ally
• Pakistan PMO: No Talks Unless India Revokes 'Art 370
Move'
• 4 terrorists killed during intelligence-based
operation in Balochistan’s Hoshab: ISPR
• Islamabad’s I-10 suicide bomber got training in
Afghanistan, investigation reveals
• Army aware of external enemies’ ‘nefarious designs’
to disturb peace in Balochistan: COAS Munir
--------
North America
• First Illinois Muslim American Lawmakers Begin Work
in Diverse Legislature
• US encourages EU, UK terror designation of IRGC:
State Department
• Blinken says US ‘appalled’ by execution of
British-Iranian national
• Türkiye 'Important Partner, Not Only In Region but
Around World': Pentagon
• Iran on Black teacher killing: People of colour
still facing severe human rights violations in US
--------
Europe
• About 150 Terrorist Entities, Individuals Based or
Linked With Pakistan Blacklisted By UN
• Dutch authorities arrest suspected Islamic State
security chief
• Far-Right Terrorism Rise in UK 'Masks Threat of
Islamist Extremism'
• Virgin Mary, Sufism and flamenco: Lost Muslim
influences in Spain
• EU’s Von der Leyen backs listing Iran’s Guards as
terrorist group
• Greece expresses ‘deep concern’ over Israeli
bulldozing activity on Jerusalem patriarchates property
• Greece’s Turkish minority sends letter to UN over
its problems
--------
South Asia
• Forming New Parties outside Afghanistan Not a
Solution: Islamic Emirate
• Rohingya fleeing Myanmar or Bangladesh by sea surged
fivefold in 2022- UN
• Taliban (IEA) Authorities Flog Nine People in
Kandahar
• Taliban Publicly Cut Off Hands of 4 Men over Alleged
Theft Charges
• UN's Top Woman in Afghanistan for Talks on Taliban
Crackdown
• Davos 2023: Qatar says engagement with Taliban
needed despite ‘disappointing’ actions
--------
Southeast Asia
• Keep Politics Out Of Mosques And Surau in Johor,
Says Crown Prince Tunku Ismail
• Ex-PAS man to join Umno’s Ulama council
• Malaysian opposition chief Muhyiddin to take legal
action in controversy over Sabah MPs
• Widodo Defends Right to Worship for Indonesian Minorities
--------
Mideast
• Iran's ‘Death Committee’ President Unyielding In
Defence of Clerical Rule
• Israeli Extremists Storm Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound
After 'Forces Harass Muslims At Site'
• Over 90 Nations Express 'Deep Concern' at Israeli
Punitive Measure
• Ra'am: Setting Conditions For Visiting the Al-Aqsa
Mosque Is Illegal
• Iran Strongly Condemns S. Korean President's
Meddlesome, Undiplomatic Remarks
• Iran Blasts British Royal Family for Massacring
Afghan Civilians
• Iran filmmakers call for release of dissident
director Jafar Panahi
• Israeli prime minister confirms citizen captured by
Hamas in Gaza is alive
• Iran arrested at least 96 Kurds in first half of
2023, rights group says
--------
Africa
• Mali: Displacement Crisis Deepens As Al-Qaida and Islamic
State Groups Drive Insecurity - UN
• Jordan summons Israeli ambassador after envoy
blocked from Al-Aqsa Mosque
• Tunisia president’s former top aide jailed in
absentia: Reports
• Jordanian, Egyptian and Palestinian leaders hold
trilateral summit to discuss Palestinian cause
• At least 10 soldiers killed in al-Shabaab attack on
Somali military base
• Libya’s parliament speaker says elections to be held
before November 2023
--------
Arab World
• Saudi FM Discusses Kingdom’s Economy, Oil, Iran And
US Ties In Davos
• CENTCOM chief pays tribute to US-UAE military ties,
condemns Iran-backed groups
• South Korean President visits Dubai’s Museum of the
Future
• Saudi Arabia asks UN to designate Houthis terrorist
group as Yemen peace talks stall
• Biden reaffirms US support for UAE against
terrorism, one year since Houthi attacks
• Saudi Arabia’s crown prince launches Events
Investment Fund set to be worth billions
• Kuwait reiterates support for ceasefire efforts in
Ukraine
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/muslim-girls-conversion-hinduism-shankhdhar/d/128905
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66 Muslim Girls Were Converted To Hinduism And Married
To Hindus In 9 Years, Claims Pandit KK Shankhdhar, The Priest Of August Mani
Ashram Located In Murinath, Bareilly, U.P.
Representational image.
-----
Translated from Urdu by New Age Islam News Bureau
Bareilly (Rakhshanda Azim)
Legislation is being enacted in various states of the
country against the alleged 'Love Jihad'. It is claimed that Muslim boys
systematically commit Hindu girls and marry them.
Contrary to this another kind of case has come out in
the Bareilly district of western UP. Here, between 2013 and 2022, not only 66
Muslim girls were married to Hindu boys, but their religions were also changed.
Even more surprising is that it was done in the same
temple and by the same priest. This is the case of August Mani Ashram located
in Murinath, Bareilly, where the priest Pandit KK Shankhdhar has married 66
Muslim girls to non-Muslims (Hindu religion) in 9 years.
Now Pandit KK Shankhdhar has submitted an application
to the SSP in which he has demanded security citing the threat to his life.
Today, the Urdu daily 'Inquilab' newspaper representative spoke to the district
administration and senior lawyers of Rae Bareilly in this regard.
Senior Advocate Zubair Ahmed said that when it comes
to conversion or conversion for marriage, an application has to be submitted to
the District Magistrate 6 months in advance and it is assumed that both the boy
and the girl have a religious identity. People from both sides do not object to
this marriage, this matter is examined and then they are given the right to
marry with Muslim or non-Muslim rituals.
In this regard, the 'Inquilab' representative also
spoke to Pandit's Shankhdhar. He claimed that since 2013, he has managed to get
66 Muslim girls married to non-Muslim boys. When the reporter questioned him
about the implementation of pre-marital legal proceedings, he said that his
ashram has a 'Vadhak Prakostha', which follows the law and conducts marriages
and information is also given to the District Magistrate in this regard. He
further said that we get the girl married after doing Shudhikaran with Ganga
Jal, while according to the law even in the Hindu religion, marriage cannot
take place until the girl becomes a Hindu.
However, to change the religion, not only Shudhikaran
but also the permission of the District Magistrate is required. District
Magistrate Shivkant Dwivedi clearly said that he does not know anything about
it.
He said, recently a girl had applied here, but he has
no information about the other 65 girls. At the same time, he said that there
is no such law for this. If someone wants to marry by changing his /her
religion and is an adult, then he can do it. On the other hand, SSP Akhilesh
Kumar Chaurasia said that the Saints of August Mini Ashram came to him and
demanded security.
In the matter of conversion and marriage of Muslim
girls, he also said that if someone changes religion voluntarily, there is no
problem with it. Yes, if there is a dispute, the police must look into it.
Now legal experts are raising the question that if a Hindu
girl marries a Muslim boy, all the Hindu organizations create a commotion in
the name of 'Love Jihad' and pressurize the administration and officers and
reconvert her to their religion, somehow or the other. And when 66 Muslim girls
are married to non-Muslim boys, then what 'Jihad' should it be called?
While from the administration to the priest of the
temple, they are not ready to give any reasonable answer in this matter. And it
is evident that the game being played to get Muslim girls to one-sidedly
abandon Islam and adopt Hinduism is known from top to bottom by all, but by
accepting it without any fuss. The law is being openly violated.
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Pakistan Ulema Support Christian Woman of Civil
Aviation Authority against ‘Blasphemy Threats’
Image Source: AP REPRESENTATIONAL
------
Naeem Sahoutara
January 18, 2023
KARACHI: In a rare move, religious scholars have
announced that they would stand by a female Christian official of the Civil
Aviation Authority (CAA) who had been threatened by a Muslim colleague of
implicating her in a false blasphemy case to settle a “personal dispute” in the
metropolis recently.
Religious leaders from both Muslims and Christians
said that the move aimed at showing solidarity with the victim that she was not
alone.
A viral video showed a CAA official, identified as
Salim, threatening a female colleague to accuse her of allegedly committing
blasphemy for disallowing entry of a vehicle without number plate in the cargo
area at Karachi airport. Later, a CAA spokesperson said the male official had
been suspended.
In the latest move, a delegation of ulema from
different sects led by Allama Ziaullah Sialvi, the chairman of the Ulema Amn
Council Pakistan, met with the woman.
“We met our sister and assured her that we stand by
her both on the religious as well as legal grounds,” Allama Sialvi told Dawn.
“If she wants to take a legal action and lodge an FIR
of the incident against the CAA official, we will fully support her during the
investigation and in court as well,” he declared.
He said that no one would be allowed to misuse
religion against ‘our non-Muslim brethren’ since it not only defamed the
country, but also set wrong examples to victimise anyone for personal benefit.
Bishop Khadim Bhutto, who is leading an interfaith
initiative with Allama Sialvi, told Dawn that on his request the ulema had also
visited the CAA office and submitted a joint application with the director
general, requesting him to take disciplinary action against the official
involved.
Source: Dawn
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1732233/ulema-support-christian-woman-against-blasphemy-threats
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Twitter Discards Verified Blue Checks Reportedly
Purchased By Taliban Leaders
Photo: NDTV News feed/
@ndtvfeed
----
January 18, 2023
The microblogging social media platform Twitter has
removed account verification for Taliban leaders who were using a paid-for
verification feature to get the verified blue tick. Hedayatullah Hedayat and
Abdul Haq Hammad, two senior Taliban figures, both had blue ticks as of Monday,
according to the Guardian.
Hedayatullah Hedayat is the head of the Taliban's
department for "access to information," and Abdul Haq Hammad, head of
the media watchdog at the Afghan Ministry of Information and Culture.
According to the news outlet, only "active,
prominent, and authentic accounts of public interest" were previously
given the blue "verified" check mark by Twitter. However, users can
now purchase them through the Twitter Blue service for a price since Elon Musk
acquired the site last year.
When the BBC reported that Afghanistan's hardline
Islamist rulers had begun using Twitter's paid-for verification service, it
sparked criticism from a number of social media users throughout the world.
According to the news outlet, the presence of
hard-line Islamists on Twitter has been a topic of controversy for some time.
In October 2021, former US President Donald Trump, who was suspended from the
platform after his supporters ransacked the US Capitol, said: "We live in
a world where the Taliban has a huge presence on Twitter, yet your favourite
American President has been silenced."
"The Twitter Blue service was introduced in
December. It costs $8 per month, and an increased fee of $11 is paid by those
using the Twitter app on Apple devices."
Twitter Blue subscribers gain "priority ranking in
search, mentions, and responses" to help fight spam and bots, according to
the site.
The Taiban leaders have been communicating with the
rest of the world and disseminating their decisions for a very long time using
Twitter.
Source: ND TV
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original story:
--------
Islamophobia Levels In Europe a Concern despite
Acquittal, Muslim Academic Warns
Hafez's apartment was one
of around 60 homes of Muslim activists and academics raided in November 2020,
in what Austria's interior minister called "Operation Luxor"
(facebook)
-----
17 January 2023
Austrian intelligence services still view political
Islam as a threat to the country, Austrian academic Farid Hafez warned in a new
column on Tuesday, days after he was acquitted of "terrorism" charges
for his work on Islamophobia.
Last Wednesday, the Higher Regional Court of Graz,
Austria's second-largest city, dropped the charges against Hafez and ruled that
no evidence was provided in the allegations.
In an article for Middle East Eye, Hafez said he felt
relieved but remained concerned about the mounting levels of Islamophobia in
Europe and in Austria.
"There is a lot of work to be done on behalf of
the Austrian intelligence service," Hafez wrote, warning that they were
"primed by alarmist experts spreading conspiracy theories to draw a
picture of an immediate Muslim threat".
Hafez, who was a professor at the University of
Salzburg, was among around 60 families of Muslim activists and academics who
were raided in November 2020 in what Austria's interior minister called
"Operation Luxor".
Hafez wrote that "special forces of the Austrian
police stormed my house in Vienna at 5am, they handed me a search warrant that
claimed that I could be a terrorist wanting to topple the Egyptian government
and create a worldwide caliphate. I was astounded, to say the least."
He added that the raid "left my whole family,
especially my young children, traumatised. I felt constantly insecure due to
the tapping of my phone and other surveillance measures. My bank account and
assets were frozen for two years."
The professor said that Austrian security services treated
his academic work on Islamophobia with suspicion.
"The intelligence agency’s regular reports
outlining why I was seen as a security threat delved deep into my academic work
on Islamophobia, relating it to conspiracy theories," he wrote.
After threats to his academic career and false claims,
including that his Catholic director at Georgetown University in Washington, DC
was a "staunch Islamist", Hafez migrated to the United States.
Hafez, who is now a professor at Williams College in
the US, is best known for issuing an annual report on European Islamophobia and
as one of the founders of the Austrian Muslim Youth Association.
Source: Middle East Eye
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original story:
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/austria-islamophobia-europe-concern-acquittal-muslim-academic
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Cleric Who Claimed Israel Was Using Covid Vaccines to
Spy on the World’s Population Convicted in Bangladesh
Ibrahim was arrested for
religious incitement in late 2021 under Bangladesh's Digital Security Act.
(Facebook/Mufti Kazi Ibrahim Fans)
-----
January 18, 2023
DHAKA: A popular Islamic preacher who claimed Israel
was using Covid vaccines to spy on the world’s population has been convicted in
Bangladesh over his controversial sermons.
Kazi Ibrahim, 62, is the chief cleric of a mosque in
downtown Dhaka and used his platform to make multiple spurious claims about
coronavirus.
Several of his sermons went viral at the peak of the
pandemic, including one in which he claimed to have found a mathematical
formula that could be used to make a homemade vaccine.
Ibrahim was arrested for religious incitement in late
2021 under Bangladesh’s Digital Security Act, though police did not publicly
disclose the specific sermon for which he was charged.
He pleaded guilty to the charge and a court on Monday
sentenced him to time served, prosecutor Nazrul Islam said.
Ibrahim made a number of public comments suggesting a
sinister side to Covid vaccinations.
He amplified suggestions by Brazil’s then-president
Jair Bolsonaro that inoculation could lead to women growing beards and men
speaking with effeminate voices.
Ibrahim also said Microsoft founder and philanthropist
Bill Gates had teamed up with the Israeli government to implant microchips in
vaccinated Bangladeshis as a tool of social control.
Source: Dawn
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1732255/cleric-convicted-over-covid-disinformation-in-bangladesh
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India
Hindu Right-Wings Groups Seek Permission to Hoist the Tricolour at Idgah Maidan in Bangalore on Republic Day
K.M. Rakesh
| Bangalore
18.01.23
Several Hindu Right-wing groups have sought the
Karnataka government’s permission to hoist the Tricolour at the Idgah Maidan in
the Bangalore locality of Chamrajpet on Republic Day.
While the administration is yet to respond, Muslim
organisations have emphasised that the Supreme Court had last August ordered
status quo on the Idgah, a playground where Id prayers have been the only
public events held for about 200 years.
The development comes at a time Sangh parivar outfits
have been accused of trying to polarise voters along religious lines ahead of
next summer’s Assembly elections. Karnataka has already witnessed a controversy
over Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations last August at the Idgah Maidan in Hubli,
400km from here.
The Chamrajpet Naagarikara Okkootta (Chamrajpet
Residents’ Association) and at least a half-dozen other organisations have
jointly written to the state government seeking permission to hoist the
national flag on January 26 at the Idgah Maidan here.
The same groups had last August sought and obtained permission
from the state government to conduct puja on Ganesh Chaturthi at the Idgah
Maidan here. The matter went to Karnataka High Court, which ruled in favour of
the puja, but the Supreme Court subsequently ordered status quo at a special
hearing.
The state government deployed riot police to prevent
unpleasantness during Ganesh Chaturthi.
The apex court is now dealing with a dispute over the
ownership of the Idgah. Muslim organisations believe it to be waqf property but
the state government had claimed, while giving permission for Ganesh Chaturthi
celebrations there, that it belonged to the Bangalore civic body.
Hussain Sharief of the Central Muslim Association of
Karnataka, which is fighting the legal battle, cited the court case when asked
if the organisation had any objection to the Tricolour being hoisted on the
Idgah.
“The Supreme Court has already ordered status quo in
the matter, which means that only the two Id prayers annually are allowed
there, apart from using the space as a playground,” he told The Telegraph.
“We have always known it as a property belonging to
the Karnataka State Waqf Board. Let us wait for the court to decide its
ownership.” Mohan Gowda, spokesperson for the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, said
his organisation supported the demand to unfurl the Tricolour on Republic Day
and urged the government to accept it.
“Otherwise we shall be forced to launch an agitation
with like-minded groups,” he said in a video message. Chamrajpet, a densely
populated area in the middle of old Bangalore and a short distance from the
railway station and bus station, has historically been a trading hub.
The largely commercial area is dotted with alleys
flanked by houses where people of all faiths live. Hindu Right-wing groups had
first sought to hold the Ganesh Chaturthi, Dasara and Deepavali festivals at
the 2.1-acre Idgah here back in 2002 but a cautious government had refused
permission.
Source: Telegraph India
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/hawks-use-republic-day-to-stir-idgah-maidan-pot/cid/1910522
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Reach out to Muslims without expecting votes in
return: PM Modi to BJP workers
Jan 17, 2023
NEW DELHI: At the National Executive meeting of the
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called
upon party leaders to reach out to the minorities, including Muslims, without
expecting votes.
In his valedictory address at the two-day National
Executive meeting of the BJP in the national capital on Tuesday, PM Modi spoke
about areas where the party needs to be strengthened ahead of the 2024 Lok
Sabha elections.
According to a source, Prime Minister Modi emphasised
on reaching out to people of all religions. He told members to visit
universities and churches.
"PM called upon BJP workers to meet Pasmanda
Muslims, Bohra community, Muslim professionals and educated Muslims without
expecting votes in return," sources said.
PM Modi also instructed BJP leaders to refrain from
unsolicited remarks against any community, sources added.
During the customary valedictory adderess, PM Modi
said this is the best time for India and efforts should be doubled to
contribute to the country's development. He also said the 'Amrit Kaal' should
be transformed into 'Kartavya Kaal' as only then can the country progress
rapidly.
PM Modi said under the resolution of 'Ek Bharat
Shresth Bharat', all states should cooperate with each other and be
accommodative of each others' language and culture.
Prime Minister Modi exhorted all BJP fronts to connect
more with the villages in the border areas. He said BJP workers should play
their part in the development of aspirational districts.
PM Modi also gave the mantra for environmental
protection and saving the planet.
Source: Times Of India
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
--------
'Refrain from Unnecessary Remarks' On Films, PM Modi's
Advice to BJP
JANUARY 18, 2023
Amid raging controversy over Shah Rukh Khan and
Deepika Padukone-starter film ‘Pathaan’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
reportedly advised the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders to refrain from
making any “unnecessary remarks" on films.
The advice was given during BJP national executive
meeting held on January 16 and 17 in New Delhi. A few media reports stated that
their sources quoted PM Modi as saying that “some people give statements on
some film" which plays on TV and in media all day. The prime minister
asked the party workers to avoid making such remarks.
Modi’s statement comes at a time when Shah Rukh Khan‘s
‘Pathaan’, which landed in a soup over saffron costumes, is set for release on
January 25. The controversy was triggered after Madhya Pradesh home minister
Narottam Mishra objected to the song ‘Besharam Rang’, claiming that it hurt religious
sentiments of the Hindu community. Mishra said that “the way saffron and green
coulours have been used" in the costumes used in the song is
objectionable.
OBJECTION IN BIHAR
Another BJP leader in Bihar, Hari Bhushan Thakur
Bachaul, threatened to stall the release of the film. “It was a dirty effort by
the makers of the film to weaken the ‘Sanatan’ culture of the country. The
saffron colour is a symbol of ‘Sanatan’ culture," Bachaul said.
“The sun is of saffron colour and the colour of fire
is also saffron. It is a symbol of sacrifice. The film’s makers have described
saffron as a ‘Besharam’ (shameless) colour, which is extremely unfortunate and
objectionable. The short dress of the heroine is a show of vulgarity. This is
the reason why majority of the countrymen are demanding to boycott the
film," he added.
Reacting to the objections, JD(U) leader Upendra
Kushwaha said that no political party has the copyright of any particular
colour, and the BJP is unnecessarily creating controversy.
OBJECTION IN MAHARASHTRA
Maharashtra BJP leader Ram Kadam also said the
filmmakers should clarify their position on the raging debate. He added that
the state will not screen any film or serial that insults Hindutva.
He also questioned the filmmakers if the movie was a
ploy to gain “cheap publicity" or whether there was a conspiracy behind
their decision. The BJP leader said, “Several Hindu organisations and even on
social media voices have offered criticism. Isn’t it the moral responsibility
of the makers to clear their stand rather than keep quiet on the issue? Is this
a move to gather cheap publicity and is there a conspiracy?"
Ram Kadam added that since the state of Maharashtra
has a BJP government which follows the Hindutva ideals, the government will not
allow any film or serial to run which insults Hindutva emotions.
OBJECTION IN UTTAR PRADESH
The BJP leaders in Uttar Pradesh demanded that the
Yogi Adityanath government ban ‘Pathaan’ in the state and initiate stringent
action against the makers. “Vulgarity with saffron colour was being committed
in a song in the movie and it is an insult to the Hindu community and Sanatan
culture. Hence, we have expressed our concern," BJP leader Rajesh
Kesarwani said.
OBJECTION IN CHANDIGARH
A right-wing organisation based in Chandigarh had in
December urged the local administration to ban the screening of ‘Pathaan’, and
sought criminal action against its makers over the song ‘Besharam Rang’.
“We have filed a complaint with the deputy
commissioner (DC), Chandigarh, seeking a complete ban on the upcoming movie
Pathaan in Chandigarh. The release of this movie will hurt the religious
sentiments, feelings of a particular community,” Vijay Singh Bhardwaj,
president of the Anterrashtriya Hindu Parishad, was quoted by Indian Express.
“In the released song of this film, makers of this
movie insulted the saffron colour, which is holy for the Hindu community. We
opted to submit our complaint to the DC as maintenance of law and order falls
under him. We have planned to hold protests against the film and the song,”
Bhardwaj said. He maintained that similar complaints are being lodged in
Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.
PATHAAN GETS ‘UA’ CERTIFICATE FROM CBFC
Directed by Siddharth Anand, ‘Pathaan‘ has received a
UA certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). According
to trade analyst Taran Adarsh, the film received its certificate on January 2,
2023. The film’s runtime is 146.16 minutes- which is 2 hours and 26 minutes.
Reports on several entertainment portals stated that
CBFC also demanded over 10 cuts in ‘Pathaan’. The demanded cuts also include
Deepika Padukone‘s saffron bikini, which stirred several controversies. Other
than that, the board reportedly demanded the word RAW to be removed from the
film. According to reports, CBFC also directed ‘Pathaan’ makers to change a few
dialogues in the film.
PM MODI’S MESSAGE TO REACH OUT TO MINORITIES
At the national executive meeting, PM Modi also asked
BJP members to reach out to every section of society, including minorities such
as Bohras, Pasmandas and Sikhs, and work for them without electoral
considerations.
News agency PTI quoted its sources as saying that in
this backdrop, Modi suggested party workers refrain from making unnecessary
remarks on irrelevant issues such as movies as they put the party’s development
agenda on the back-burner.
Various party members who were part of the audience
said the prime minister spoke highly of ‘sufism’ and also asked them to meet
professionals from different walks of life and visit places like universities
and churches to connect with them.
Source: News18
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
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Govt to SC: Can’t Allow Outfits That Seek Islamic Rule
in India
Jan 17, 2023
By Utkarsh Anand
Any organisation that has the objective of
establishing Islamic rule in India cannot be permitted to exist, the Union
government told the Supreme Court on Tuesday as it justified the eighth
successive ban on the Students’ Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).
“SIMI is against Indian nationalism, and works to
replace it with an international Islamic order...Their stated objectives are
contrary to the laws of our country. Especially, their object of establishing
Islamic rule in India can, under no circumstances, be permitted to subsist,”
said the affidavit filed by the Centre in the court.
Stressing that SIMI continues to exist despite the
continuous proscription since 2001, the government pointed out that the latest
order of five-year ban in 2019 was necessitated in view of the group carrying
on its unlawful activities through more than three dozen front organisations,
which had regrouped across several states under different names.
“There are over three dozen other front organizations
through which SIMI is being continued. These front organizations help SIMI in
various activities including collection of funds, circulation of literature,
regrouping of cadres, etc. SIMI continues to indulge in unlawful activities
causing a serious threat to the internal security of the country,” stated the
affidavit filed through the ministry of home affairs (MHA).
“SIMI is against Indian nationalism, and works to
replace it with an international Islamic order...Their stated objectives are
contrary to the laws of our country. Especially, their object of establishing
Islamic rule in India can, under no circumstances, be permitted to subsist,”
said the affidavit filed by the Centre in the court.
Stressing that SIMI continues to exist despite the
continuous proscription since 2001, the government pointed out that the latest
order of five-year ban in 2019 was necessitated in view of the group carrying
on its unlawful activities through more than three dozen front organisations,
which had regrouped across several states under different names.
“There are over three dozen other front organizations
through which SIMI is being continued. These front organizations help SIMI in
various activities including collection of funds, circulation of literature,
regrouping of cadres, etc. SIMI continues to indulge in unlawful activities
causing a serious threat to the internal security of the country,” stated the
affidavit filed through the ministry of home affairs (MHA).
It emphasised that SIMI had been banned not only
because its members were carrying out unlawful activities, but because the
objects of SIMI itself were illegal and challenged the sovereignty and
integrity of India.
The MHA further asserted its power to issue repeated
orders banning an organisation under the UAPA, arguing a ban can be renewed if
the grounds continue to exist.
“This time period after which a ban automatically
ceases to exist is not a restriction on the central government’s power to ban
the organisation again. However, if the central government is said not to have
this power, then organisations with the most anti-national purposes would
thrive with impunity after the expiry of the first ban,” it said.
Supporting its notification in January 2019 banning
the organisation, the Centre maintained that the existence of SIMI is proved on
account of the current and unlawful activities undertaken by its members in
furtherance of the unlawful objectives of SIMI.
Source: Hindustan Times
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The Marang Buru To Adivasis Is What Ayodhya Is To
Hindus, Mecca To Muslims, Golden Temple To Sikhs: Salkhan Murmu
17 JAN 2023
Tribal outfit, Adivasi Sengel Abhiyan (ASA) on Tuesday
launched 'Marang Buru Bachao Bharat Yatra' (Save Parasnath Hill) to free it
from the alleged "clutches" of the Jain community. Tribals and locals
in the Giridih district situated village have alleged that the Jain hegemony
over the tribal lands and Marang Buru hills (Parasnath) has deprived them of
their own rights and customs.
The month-long march by Adivasi Sengel Abhiyan (ASA)
seeks to garner support from across the country to "free" Parasnath
Hill or 'Marang Buru'. ASA president Salkhan Murmu in Jamshedpur said that its
members staged demonstrations in front of 50 tribal-dominated district
collectorates in Assam, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, and Jharkhand
simultaneously to press for its demand.
The ASA activists waved placards and staged dharnas
during the day at Kokrajhar, Chirang, and Baksa in Assam, Malda, Purulia and Bankura in West Bengal,
Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore in Odisha, Kishanganj, Katihar, and Purnia in
Bihar and Jamshedpur, Bokaro and Dumka in Jharkhand, he said. The tribals
consider Parasnath Hill as the holiest 'Jeherthan' (place of worship) by the
tribals.
Murmu, a former MP who led the dharna in Jharkhand's
Jamshedpur during the day, said that meetings will be organized in other tribal
pockets of the country by ASA to mobilize support for its demand. The
Association will also submit a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu through
district magistrates of all 50 districts in the five states in support of its
demand before the Yatra ends in the last week of February. Salkan had earlier
written to the president and appealed to her to restore the sanctity of the Marang
Buru and hand it over to the tribals.
He also accused the JMM-led Jharkhand government for
handing over Marang Buru to the Jain community. "The government has
betrayed the Adivasi community. Marang Buru is an identity of the tribals who
believe that it protects them," Murmu said. The Jain community is
protesting against the Jharkhand government's decision to turn the hill, which
it considers among its holiest places, into a tourist destination.
Shortly after the Union government accepted the
demands of the Jain community protesting against a 2019 government notification
to make the Jain pilgrim site of Parasnath an eco-tourist hub, the Jharkhand's
tribals have also become vocal for their rights and access to the tribal land
which they have been worshipping for centuries.
At a distance of about 160 km from Jharkhand's capital
Ranchi, Giridih's Marang Buru or Parasnath hill rises up to 4,500 feet above
sea level. There are about 30 temples there dedicated to Jain Tirthankars and
monks who attained moksha on this mountain. Many temples are said to be more
than 2,000 years old.
Murmu said that the Marang Buru is as significant for
the devout tribals as is Ayodhya Ram Mandir for Hindus, Mecca and Medina for
Muslims, Vatican city for Christians, and the Golden Temple for Sikhs. ASA, he
said, will also raise the issue of the inclusion of 'Sarna' religion in the
census and its opposition to the government's move to include the Kurmi caste
in the category of scheduled tribes.
Source: Outlook India
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2 LeT ultras killed in Budgam encounter
Jan 18, 2023
Two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, who had managed to
give security forces the slip during a combat operation on Saturday, were
killed after a brief firefight in central Kashmir's Budgam district on Tuesday.
Source: Times Of India
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Pakistan decides to cut down Kartapur Corridor
expenses by half
Jan 17, 2023
AMRITSAR: Owing to a negligible number of devotees
going to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur Sahib, Pakistan on a day-long
pilgrimage from India, the Pakistan government has decided to cut down its
expense by fifty per cent.
“Kartarpur's monthly expenses has be reduced by fifty
percent” informed Aamir Hashmi, spokesperson, Evacuee Trust Property Board
(ETPB), a Pakistan government department that looks after the religious places
of Sikhs and Hindus and the properties attached to them. These Gurdwara's and
temples were left behind in Pakistan after the 1947 Indo-Pak partition .
The decision to curtail expenses was taken in a high
level meeting held at Lahore under the Chairmanship of ETPB Chairman Habib ur
Rehman Geelani and was attended by ETPB Secretary Muhammad Nasir Akram,
recently appointed ISI officer Abu Bakar Aftab Quresh as Chief Executive
Officer of Project Management Unit (PMU), that manage the affairs of Kartapur
Corridor, additional secretary Rana Shahid Saleem, Sanaullah Khan etc.
“We have decided to save every single penny spent
extra on different heads such as petrol and electricity," said Hashmi.
When asked why they had decided to cut short expenses,
he replied, the number of devotees visiting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartaprur
Sahib was less than one hundred a day and there were loans to pay which were
taken for the construction of Kartarpur Corridor. "Sometimes 80 pilgrims
are arriving or other day they are around 100" he said.
Gurdwara Darbar Sahib is situated about 4.5 kilometres
inside Pakistan from the international border at Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur
district of Indian Punjab . The Kartarpur Corridor was inaugurated on November
9, 2019 with an expectation of a minimum of 5000 pilgrims crossing the border
every day to pay obeisance at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib but the footfall has now
gone around 100 only which is believed to be the reason behind Pakistan to take
frugal measures.
However, he claimed the pilgrim's facilities at
Kartarpur Corridor were not being compromised.
"Twenty-four hours medical facilities will be
provided in the Kartarpur Corridor. The number of scholarships for Hindu and
Sikh students named after Baba Guru Nanak has been increased from 50 to 100 which
will be increased further so that students can continue their academic
activities” he said.
Source: Times Of India
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After UN puts terror tag on Pakistan's prized
terrorist, broke and isolated Islamabad pulls out olive branch
Jan 17, 2023
WASHINGTON: The UN Security Council on Monday
designated Pakistani national Abdul Rehman Makki as a global terrorist after
China lifted its technical hold on the process amid a political and economic
meltdown in Islamabad.
Makki, who is the brother-in-law of the like-wise
designated Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief and 26/11 perpetrator Hafiz Saeed, was
put on the global terror list by the Security Council's ISIL (Da’esh) and
Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee for "participating in the financing,
planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating" terrorist acts or
activities by Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Specifically, the sanctions committee said Makki and
other LET/JUD operatives "have been involved in raising funds, recruiting
and radicalizing youth to violence and planning attacks in India, particularly
in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)." It held Makki and LET responsible for or
having involvement in prominent terror strikes, including the 26/11 attack on
Mumbai, attacks on CRPF personnel in Rampur (2008) and Srinagar(2018), and on
the Red Fort on December 2000.
Makki, born in Bahawalpur in Punjab Province of
Pakistan, is already on the US Department of the Treasury's "Specially
Designated International Terrorist" list. Like Hafiz Saeed, he has been
convicted Makki for terror financing and is currently in prison -- only on
account of international pressure on Islamabad and the dire economic straits
Pakistan is in for its nurturing of terrorists and terror groups.
Beijing's turnaround came amid growing terror attacks
on its nationals in Pakistan and a change of Chinese ambassadors in both
Washington and Islamabad. China's ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong returns to
Beijing this week, days after its envoy to Washington, Qin Gang, also returned
to become the country's new foreign minister.
For years, Pakistan tried to avert a terrorist
designation for itself and the terror groups and operatives it coddled, mainly
with Chinese help. But evidently even Beijing ran out of patience,
acknowledging, "Terrorism is the common enemy of humanity."
Pakistan parlous economy and its perilous existence is
now talk of the diplomatic circuit after its Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif
lamented that a nuclear power like Pakistan had to go around and beg the world
for assistance. In an interview with an Arabic news channel, he called for
talks with India after acknowledging that three wasteful wars -- all of which
Pakistan initiated -- and its military-driven approach had proved devastating
to the country.
Source: Times Of India
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Pakistan
Pakistan National Assembly Passes Bills To Enhance
Punishment for Disrespecting Ummahatul Momineen, Ahle-Bait, and Sahaba
January 17, 2023
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Tuesday passed two
private member bills including the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 and
Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils (Amendment) Bill, 2021 as reported by the
standing committees.
The bills were piloted by Moulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali
and Dr Nafisa Shah in the House respectively.
The statement of objects and reasons of the Criminal
Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 says that a few people are involved in blasphemy on
the internet and social media etc, and they upload such pages and messages
covertly.
However, due to Capital Punishment in section 298c,
the ratio of people involved in blasphemy of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is very
low. The fact may be observed that disrespecting the Companion of the Holy
Prophet (PBUH) and other sacred personalities not only promotes terrorism and
disruption in the country but also hurts people from all walks of life.
In section 298-A of the Pakistan Penal Code, the
punishment against the person who disrespects the wives, family and Companions
of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), is imprisonment for a minimum of three years period
along with a nominal penalty while this is a bailable crime.
Due to this simple punishment, the criminals, despite,
the punishment, commit the same crime again. Hence, due to such simple
punishment, the people try on their own to punish the criminal which increases
the violence.
It is the responsibility of Parliament to review all
factors by which terrorist activities promote and prosper within Pakistan by
comprehending this matter with sensitivity and seriousness.
Moreover, some crimes mentioned in the list of crimes
are very lesser in nature than disrespect of Ummahatul Momineen, Ahle-Bait,
Khulfa-e-Rashideen and Sahaba-e-Kiram but their punishments are more than that
mentioned in section 295-A of Pakistan Panel Code.
The Punishment under section 381 of PPC is
imprisonment for ten years and a minor punishment has been provided for those
who defame Ummahat-ul-Momineen, Ahle-Bait, Khulfa-e-Rashideen and Sahaba-e-Kiram
as compared to that provided in section 298-A of PPC.
Source: Pakistan Today
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Pakistan's Election Commission suspends 271 lawmakers
for not submitting financial statements
17.01.23
Pakistan's top election body has suspended the
membership of 271 lawmakers across the country for not submitting their
statements of assets and liabilities.
The statements have to be filed by December 31 every
year, and the lawmakers were directed by the Election Commission of Pakistan
(ECP) to submit their financial statements up to June 30, 2022, by January 16,
2023. It also warned that failing to submit the financial statements would
result in the suspension of their respective memberships.
The ECP said on Monday that those targeted include 136
Members of the National Assembly, 21 senators, and 114 Members of Provincial
Assemblies.
As opposed to the 35 Members of the National Assembly
(MNAs) and three senators who had failed to submit their statement of assets to
the ECP by last year's deadline of January 16 the number was significantly
higher this year due to resignation by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
lawmakers from the National Assembly, the Dawn newspaper reported on Tuesday.
According to the list issued by the ECP, there is no
suspended Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) from Punjab, given that the provincial
assembly has already been dissolved.
Apart from the MNAs and senators, the memberships of
48 MPAs from Sindh, 54 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 12 from Balochistan have
been suspended.
The suspended MNAs include senior Pakistan Muslim
League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders and cabinet members Ahsan Iqbal and Khawaja Asif.
The chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Noor Alam Khan, was among those
whose membership was suspended.
Other federal ministers on the list were Sajid Turi,
Mufti Abdul Shakoor, Chaudhry Tariq Bashir Cheema, and Mohammad Israr Tareen.
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) Convener
Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui was also on the list.
The 21 suspended Senators include former finance
minister and PTI senator Shaukat Tarin.
Source: Telegraph India
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Bill introduced to terminate Pakistan's designation as
major non-Nato ally
Jan 18, 2023
WASHINGTON: A US lawmaker has introduced a legislation
in the US House of Representatives that seeks to terminate Pakistan's
designation as a major non-Nato ally, and require annual certification from the
president with certain conditions for Islamabad to be given such a designation.
The bill (HR 80) was introduced by Congressman Andy
Biggs, who represents the fifth Congressional district of Arizona.
It needs to be passed by the house and the senate
before it can be signed into law by the US President, and has been sent to the
House Foreign Affairs Committee for necessary actions.
Normally, such bills do not fructify, but the present
bill reflects the sentiments of the lawmakers against Pakistan, which is known
for harbouring terrorism and using it as a matter of State policy.
For any further continuation of Pakistan's designation
as a major non-Nato ally, the bill asks the US president to issue a
certification that the country has shown progress in arresting and prosecuting
Haqqani Network senior leaders and mid-level operatives and has taken steps to
demonstrate its commitment to prevent the Haqqani Network from using any
Pakistani territory as a safe haven.
Both conditions are seen to be a tall order for
Pakistan given that many in the US believe the Haqqani network to be a
veritable arm of the ISI.
Source: Times Of India
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Pakistan PMO: No talks unless India revokes 'Art 370
move'
Jan 18, 2023
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's office Tuesday
amended his seemingly unconditional offer of “serious and sincere talks” with
counterpart Narendra Modi “to resolve our burning issues like Kashmir”, saying
a dialogue with India would be possible only if the latter reversed its
“illegal action of August 5, 2019” on J&K.
The condition of rolling back the decision to revoke
the erstwhile state of J&K’s special status popped up a day after Sharif
was quoted as saying in an interview to news channel Al Arabiya that his
message “to the Indian leadership and PM Modi” was to “let us sit across the
table” for talks.
Sharif said the UAE could play an important role in
bringing the two countries to the table, adding he would hold talks with
“sincerity of purpose”. The Pakistan PM said his country and India being
neighbours, there was no choice but to live with each other.
Pak PMO: No talks unless India revokes'Art 370 move'
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, in an interview to news
channel Al Arabiya, said India and Pakistan being neighbours had no choice but
to live with each other. "It is up to us to live peacefully and make
progress or quarrel with each other, and waste time and resources. We have had
three wars with India and it only brought more misery, poverty and unemployment
to the people. We have learned our lesson and we want to live in peace,
provided we are able to resolve our genuine problems," he said.
Sharif said that the Pakistan Muslim League (N)
government wanted "to alleviate poverty, achieve prosperity, provide
education, health facilities and employment to our people, and not waste our
resources on bombs and ammunition".
"This is the message I want to give to PM
Modi," he said.
Sharif said it was no secret that the neighbours were
nuclear powers and armed to the teeth. "God forbid, a war breaks out, who
will live to tell what happened?"
Referring to the interview, a spokesperson for the
PM's office said Sharif had consistently maintained that Pakistan and India
must resolve their bilateral issues through dialogue. "However, the PM has
repeatedly stated on record that without India's revocation of its step on
Kashmir, negotiations are not possible," he tweeted.
Source: Times Of India
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4 terrorists killed during intelligence-based
operation in Balochistan’s Hoshab: ISPR
Naveed Siddiqui
January 18, 2023
Security forces gunned down at least four terrorists
during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Balochistan’s Hoshab, the
military’s public affairs wing said on Wednesday.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services
Public Relations (ISPR), an IBO was initiated “to clear a hideout linked with
firing incidents on security forces along M-8, in general area Talsar, Hoshab”
on a tip-off about the presence of terrorists.
“As a result of continuous intelligence, surveillance
and reconnaissance (ISR) of the area, a location of terrorists was identified
and security forces were heli inserted [to nab the terrorists].”
The statement said that while the forces were
establishing positions to cut off escape routes, four terrorists opened fire on
the troops.
During the heavy exchange of fire, all four terrorists
were killed, while a cache of arms and ammunition including improvised
explosive devices (IEDs) was also recovered from their possession, the ISPR
added.
A day earlier, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir
visited Balochistan’s Khuzdar and Basima areas where he was briefed on the
prevailing security situation and the formation’s operational preparedness,
along with measures being taken to ensure a “peaceful and secure environment”.
In a statement, the military’s media wing quoted the
COAS as saying that the Pakistan Army was aware of the “nefarious designs of
external enemies of Pakistan” to disturb the peace in Balochistan.
Over the past few months, the law and order situation
in the country has worsened, with terrorist groups executing attacks with near
impunity across the country.
Insurgents in Balochistan have also stepped up their
violent activities and formalised a nexus with the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban
Pakistan (TTP).
Source: Dawn
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Islamabad’s I-10 suicide bomber got training in
Afghanistan, investigation reveals
Munawer Azeem
January 18, 2023
ISLAMABAD: The suicide bomber, who blew himself up in
the capital last month got trained in Afghanistan before conducting the attack,
Dawn has learnt.
Sources close to the investigation of the bomb blast
in the capital’s sector I-10/4 on Dec 23 said that the bomber received his
militancy training in Afghanistan in 2022. After the training, he returned from
Afghanistan in late 2022 and stayed in Parachinar in Kurram Agency, they added.
Before reaching the capital on Dec 23, the suicide
bomber moved different localities, including Hangu where he stayed with a
facilitator who brought him to the capital in the morning at Pirwadhai Bus
Terminal, they added.
The facilitator watched the bomber board a taxi and
later he left from the spot, the sources said.
The investigation revealed that he was wearing a bag
pack, carrying the explosives, the sources said, adding it is yet to be
established whether the bag was given to him or whether he travelled with it.
After arriving at the terminal, the suicide bomber
spoke with someone (considered another facilitator) on a mobile phone.
The whereabouts of this other person were traced close
to the vicinity of the Pirwadhai Bus Terminal and he had been there since the
past few days.
The explosive used in the suicide blast was
Trinitrotoluene (TNT), weighing 12kgs to 14kgs, the sources said, adding that
in the past C4 (Composition 4, including RDX) was used to carry out similar
attacks by local militants and terrorists.
The suicide bomber detonated the explosive by removing
a pin attached with it, they said, adding that the investigators found the pin
at the spot.
The bomber was 22-years-old, a native of Khyber
District, they said, adding that he was educated at a seminary.
So far the target of the suicide bomber was yet to be
identified, they said.
Source: Dawn
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Army aware of external enemies’ ‘nefarious designs’ to
disturb peace in Balochistan: COAS Munir
Naveed Siddiqui
January 17, 2023
Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir said on Tuesday
that the Pakistan Army was aware of the “nefarious designs of external enemies
of Pakistan” to disturb the peace in Balochistan.
According to a press release issued by the Inter
Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief made the remarks while
visiting the province’s Khuzdar and Basima areas.
He was received by Quetta Corps Commander Lt Gen Asif
Ghafoor.
The ISPR statement said Gen Munir was briefed on the
prevailing security situation and the formation’s operational preparedness,
along with measures being taken to ensure a “peaceful and secure environment”.
“While interacting with troops, COAS emphasised on
maintaining optimum operational readiness to thwart attempts by foreign
sponsored and supported hostile elements to destabilise Balochistan,” the
statement said.
“We are aware of the nefarious designs of external
enemies of Pakistan to disturb the hard-earned peaceful environment in
Balochistan,” the ISPR statement quoted the army chief as saying.
He also said that the army’s deployment and operations
were being “focused” in Balochistan to provide an “enabling environment for
benevolent people-centric socioeconomic development”.
Over the past few months, the law and order situation
in the country has worsened, with terrorist groups executing attacks with near
impunity across the country.
Insurgents in Balochistan have also stepped up their
violent activities and formalised a nexus with the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban
Pakistan (TTP).
Source: Dawn
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North America
First Illinois Muslim American Lawmakers Begin Work in
Diverse Legislature
January 17, 2023
Kane Farabaugh
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS —
Walking through the center of the city in the shadow
of the looming domes of two state Capitol buildings — the old one and the new —
it’s hard to miss the signs of history marked throughout Springfield, Illinois,
the launching pad of the political careers of U.S. presidents Abraham Lincoln
and Barack Obama.
“It is surreal to know that Abraham Lincoln was in the
same position as me at one point,” said Nabeela Syed while standing in front of
a statue of the “Great Emancipator” at the entrance to the current Illinois
state Capitol.
While Lincoln made a name for himself at the old
Capitol building a few blocks away, history is very much on the mind of Syed as
she walks amid the rows of well-polished wooden desks and leather chairs lined
up on the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives.
“Our tour guide said he actually took a picture of
Barack Obama in the same exact place that me and my family were posing,” Syed
told Voice of America. “So, to think about the history that exists here in
Springfield and the history that we’re contributing, it’s an incredible
feeling.”
Making history
Syed and her colleague Abdelnasser Rashid are about to
make their own history as the 103rd Legislative session in Illinois gets
underway. They are the first Muslim American lawmakers ever elected to the Statehouse.
“I think considering that Illinois has the highest per
capita population of Muslims, I do wish it happened sooner, because I know the
importance of representation,” Syed said.
In November, Syed defeated an incumbent Republican to
win her suburban Chicago district.
“Not only am I Democrat, but I am a hijab-wearing
Muslim, Indian American woman,” said Syed. “Our values, the way that we
communicate our message, the way we engage our community, went beyond those
things that people consider obstacles, and we flipped our district.”
At 23, Syed is also among the youngest women ever
elected in Illinois and begins her term among other notable firsts in the
Illinois House of Representatives, led by the first Black speaker, with the
first female Republican House leader, and the largest Asian American caucus in
the General Assembly.
“As the first Palestinian elected to the legislature
and as one of two Muslims, I also carry the voices of so many people who have
been marginalized and have been yearning for representation. And I take that
responsibility very seriously,” said Rashid, who now represents a suburban
Chicago district with a large Latino population.
“It is not just about adding the number of colored
faces, it is more about perspectives and strategies and position. That’s why I
think they got the support from the broader community, not only the Muslim
population alone,” said Kikue Hamayotsu, a political science professor at
Northern Illinois University.
She credits Rashid and Syed’s successful election campaigns
to their focus and messaging on the issues concerning voters and not
necessarily their identity.
“The things and policies they talked about are more
about imminent important issues such as reproductive health, abortion law. Also
gender issues, religious freedom at a time when religious conservatism is
rising to influence politics,” Hamayotsu said.
“I think the lesson of my election and Nabeela’s
election and so many more — it’s not just Muslims,” said Rashid. “It’s folks
like Hoan Huynh, a Vietnamese refugee who was elected. People like Sharon
Chung, a Korean-American who was elected. The number of people who are in the
Illinois legislature is reflective of the diversity of our state. This is
something that we should take pride in, and something that we should embrace so
that our government continues to reflect the wishes of its people. I think
where we have a strong healthy vibrant democracy, we’ll have better outcomes
for all of us.”
'Our democracy is composed of us'
As he reflects on a long, memorable day that included
his swearing-in ceremony, Rashid was hopeful about the signal his and Syed’s
elections send to others with similar backgrounds who may be debating their own
political careers.
“My election gives confidence to people who may have
been hesitant to run but now realize that they can. I’ve had people come to me
and say, ‘I didn’t think that you could win, and now my eyes are open,” he
said.
Syed hopes others who also wear the hijab might see
her as an example of what is possible instead of what is not.
“Our democracy is composed of us,” she told VOA. “And
we are contributing to making America amazing.”
Source: VOA News
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US encourages EU, UK terror designation of IRGC: State
Department
17 January ,2023
The US supports the recent consideration of the
European Union and the United Kingdom to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization amid ramped-up pressure to
further isolate the Iranian regime.
While the IRGC is designated as a foreign terrorist
organization and a specially designated global terrorist by the US, European
countries have been hesitant to follow suit.
But in recent months, as Tehran cracked down on
protestors and stalled talks to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, attitudes appear
to be changing in European capitals.
Iran has also detained several European citizens and
even executed a dual Iranian-British citizen, who Tehran accused of being a
foreign spy.
On Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von
der Leyen voiced her support for designating the IRGC as a terror group. Doing
so would make it illegal to belong to the group or hoist its flag in public.
British media reports have suggested that London is
seriously considering the move.
The State Department said it is encouraging its allies
to consider the designation.
“Certainly, we encourage our allies and partners to
consider any applicable sanctions authorities, including whether the IRGC
should be designated as a terrorist organization under their laws,” a State
Department official told Al Arabiya English. “As you know, the IRGC remains
designated by the United States as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a
Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).”
The Biden administration reportedly considered
dropping the IRGC from its blacklist last year as it became adamant about
reaching a nuclear deal with Iran. However, bipartisan opposition to the
agreement within the US Congress and reported Pentagon frustration put this on
hold.
Source: Al Arabiya
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Blinken says US ‘appalled’ by execution of
British-Iranian national
January 18, 2023
WASHINGTON: The United States is appalled by Iran’s
execution of Alireza Akbari, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, vowing
that Tehran’s abuses in its crackdown of widespread demonstrations will not go
unpunished.
“We were appalled by the execution of Mr. Akbari just
as we’ve been appalled by everything we’ve been seeing on the streets of Iran
over the last months since these protests began: mass arrests, sham trials, the
executions, the use of sexual violence as a tool for protests’ suppression,”
Blinken said at a news conference.
“These abuses will not go without consequence.
Together with many other countries, we’ve been moving forward with a variety of
unilateral actions, multilateral measures, using UN mechanisms, to try to hold
Iran to account,” he added.
Akbari, 61, a British-Iranian national who once served
as Tehran’s deputy defense minister, was handed a death sentence on charges of
spying for Britain.
London has said the charges against him were
politically motivated. It repeatedly called for his release. Following the
execution, it imposed sanctions on Iran’s Prosecutor General
The execution drew widespread condemnation and looks
set to further worsen Iran’s long-strained relations with the West, which have
deteriorated since talks to revive its 2015 nuclear deal hit deadlock and after
Tehran unleashed a deadly crackdown on protesters last year.
Source: Arab News
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2234396/world
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Türkiye 'Important Partner, Not Only In Region but
Around World': Pentagon
Servet Günerigök
18.01.2023
WASHINGTON
Türkiye has an important partnership with the US on
the global stage, a spokesman for the Pentagon said Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Brig.
Gen. Pat Ryder responded to a question on the Pentagon's possible message to
Congress on the conclusion of a deal to sell F-16 fighter jets to Türkiye.
Ryder said it is a Congressional decision to make,
adding "the United States and Turkey share an alliance and they're an
important partner, not only in the region but around the world.”
Asked by Anadolu how important this potential sale is
for military relations, which have been strained over the years due to several
issues, he stressed that the US views Türkiye as "an important ally."
"Certainly when it comes to the bilateral
relationship between the United States and Turkey, we've always said that
Turkey is an important partner and important ally.
"And so we'll continue to work closely with
Turkey's leaders on how we can bolster that relationship and insure that our
mutual defense needs are considered," he added.
The US State Department sent Congress its decision on
the potential sale of F-16 fighter jets to Türkiye for a tiered review last
week, sources told Anadolu on Friday.
The notification on the sale has been conveyed to the
chairs and ranking members of relevant committees in the House of
Representatives and Senate, according to sources who spoke on condition of
anonymity.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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Iran on Black teacher killing: People of color still
facing severe human rights violations in US
18 January 2023
Iran says the American police's recent grisly murder
of an unarmed Black teacher bespeaks the dire human rights conditions that
people of color face across the United States.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani made
the remarks in a tweet on Tuesday, commenting on the death of the victim,
Keenan Anderson, after he was repeatedly tasered by police officers in Los
Angeles, a development that has sparked a massive outcry throughout the United
States.
Anderson, 31, cousin of Patrisse Cullors, a co-founder
of the Black Lives Matter movement, died at a hospital in Santa Monica,
California, after suffering a cardiac arrest following the incident on the
afternoon of January 3 in Los Angeles’ Venice neighborhood.
Kan'ani described Anderson's death as
"tragic." He reminded that the murder had coincided with the day that
marks the birth of Martin Luther King Jr., the legendary American civil rights
leader, who dedicated his life to the realization of equal treatment for the
United States' African-American community.
The murder, the spokesman said, indicated that
"despite the passage of five decades following Luther King's murder, his
dreams of the Black Americans' equal entitlement to civil rights...has not been
realized."
"The people of color," he added, "are
still subject to severe violation of basic human rights and racist
treatment."
According to reports, the school teacher was
repeatedly tasered by Los Angeles police officers and heavy-handedly restrained
following a traffic accident. In a 13-minute body-cam footage released by the
Los Angeles Police Department, Anderson was seen begging for help as multiple
officers held him to the ground and one officer pressed his elbow along with
his body weight onto his neck.
Source: Press TV
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Europe
About 150 terrorist entities, individuals based or
linked with Pakistan blacklisted by UN
Jan 17, 2023
NEW YORK: About 150 terrorist entities and
individuals, either based or with links to Pakistan have been blacklisted by
the UN, with the latest addition being of Abdul Rehman Makki, the
Lashkar-e-Taiba deputy chief designated by the Security Council's Al Qaeda
sanctions committee.
The UN Security Council's 1267 ISIL (Da'esh) and Al
Qaeda Sanctions Committee added 68-year-old Makki to its list of designated
terrorists on Monday, subjecting him to assets freeze, travel ban and arms
embargo.
As per the Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee list, nearly
150 terror entities and individuals blacklisted by the UN are either based in
Pakistan, have links in the country or operate from the Pakistan-Afghanistan
border areas.
Among those who have been blacklisted are
Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leader and Mumbai terror
attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed, a top commander of the LeT and key conspirator
of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi, founder of
Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group Masood Azhar and Fugitive
underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, who has addresses in Pakistan.
Last year, India said during an open briefing of the
Counter-Terrorism Committee that Pakistan, the "epicentre of terrorism
nurtures terrorist entities with links to more than 150 UN-designated entities
and individuals."
"The world had witnessed the horrors of the 2008
Mumbai terror attack, the 2016 Pathankot terror attack, and the 2019 Pulwama
terrorist attack. We all know from where the perpetrators of these attacks came
from," Counsellor in India's Permanent Mission to the UN Rajesh Parihar
said as he delivered India's national statement at the open briefing on the
work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) with the
Member States of South and South-East Asia.
In a reference to Pakistan, he had said it was
"regretful" that victims of these dastardly attacks are yet to get
justice, and the perpetrators, facilitators and financiers of these attacks
continue to walk free and "still enjoying State support and hospitality".
Makki's listing comes seven months after China put a hold on a joint proposal
by India and the US to designate the head of the political affairs wing of
JuD/LeT and the brother-in-law of LeT chief Saeed.
Decisions to list individuals and entities under the
1267 sanctions committee are made through consensus.
Source: Times Of India
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Dutch authorities arrest suspected Islamic State
security chief
January 17, 2023
Dutch authorities arrested a Syrian man on Tuesday who
is suspected of having been a security chief for the Islamic State and Jabhat
al-Nusra extremist groups during Syria's grinding civil war, prosecutors said.
"It is suspected that from his position at IS he
also contributed to the war crimes that the organization committed in
Syria," the National Public Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement.
The 37-year-old man, whose name wasn't released, was
detained in the small village of Arkel, about 30 miles east of the port city of
Rotterdam, prosecutors said in a statement.
The man is suspected of holding "a managerial
position in the security service of IS" from 2015-2018, prosecutors said.
For two years prior to that, he allegedly carried out the same work for Jabhat
al-Nusra. Prosecutors say he held both functions "in and around the
Yarmouk refugee camp" south of the Syrian capital, Damascus.
The suspect applied for asylum in the Netherlands in 2019
and later settled in Arkel, prosecutors said. He was scheduled to appear before
an examining magistrate in The Hague on Feb. 20.
Source: Fox News
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https://www.foxnews.com/world/dutch-authorities-arrest-suspected-islamic-state-security-chief
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Far-Right Terrorism Rise in UK 'Masks Threat of
Islamist Extremism'
Laura O'Callaghan
Jan 17, 2023
Britain cannot afford to underestimate the threat
Islamist terrorism continues to pose to its security, an expert has warned,
amid growing emphasis on the rise of far-right ideology among prisoners.
Dr Paul Stott, head of security and extremism at
Policy Exchange, said officials were shining a light on the threat of far-right
terrorism while playing down that of Islamist extremism, which he argued was
greater.
Dr Stott also warned of a possible resurgence of ISIS
and what he considered a lack of focus by the UK on the Middle East.
In the year to September, 239 people were in custody
for terrorism-related offences in Britain, Home Office figures showed. The
number of extreme right-wing prisoners hit its highest level on record while
the proportion classified as Islamist extremists fell to its lowest.
In an interview with The National, Dr Stott cautioned
against using the data to misjudge the make-up of the UK’s terrorism landscape.
He highlighted the same set of statistics, which
showed 155 (65 per cent) were Islamist extremists while 66 (28 per cent) were
far-right extremists.
“It’s a great paradox,” Dr Stott said. “In my view,
the British far-right is weaker than it has been at any point in my lifetime.
“I think it’s important that we see it in context.
“I don’t think it’s that difficult; it should be
perfectly simple. There are two significant threats in terms of terrorism and
one is bigger than the other.”
The Prevent strategy, the government's counter-terrorism
programme, has in the past failed to acknowledge the severity of the threat
posed by Islamist extremism, Dr Stott said. Instead, he said the government
channelled more energy towards highlighting far-right risks or unclassified
cases which are linked to mental health concerns.
The publication of a review of the strategy — which
exists to prevent radicalisation and thwart terrorist attacks — has reportedly
been delayed due to a row among ministers.
The policy came under renewed scrutiny after it was revealed
that the home-grown terrorist who murdered Sir David Amess, a Conservative MP,
had continued to plot his attack in secret after being referred to the
programme.
There are high hopes that the review, led by William
Shawcross, will lead to closed loopholes in the Prevent strategy.
Mr Shawcross, an experienced writer and commentator,
was appointed to conduct the review in 2021. He was previously responsible for
regulating aid groups across England and Wales in his role as chairman of the
Charity Commission.
A shake-up of the policy is well overdue, Dr Stott
said, adding that clarification on non-ideological terrorism is urgently
needed.
Only 18 terrorist inmates (8 per cent) as of September
were classified as having no specific ideology. Yet huge amounts of resources
are being used by Prevent officials in trying to deal with cases in this
bracket.
“I think what we’re looking for is a greater degree of
focus,” Dr Stott said. “An enormous amount of Prevent referrals are being made
for those showing mixed, unclear or unstable ideologies.
“It’s a catch-all category. I hope the Shawcross
review will give some clarity to that because it does not appear to have the
same logic or the same basis as Islamist or far-right extremism.
“It’s just not clear what these individuals are
suffering from.
“The suspicion is that it is mental health support
that is needed and it will be fast-tracked.”
Age a factor in radicalisation
The former researcher at the Henry Jackson Society and
tutor at SOAS University of London said his years of experience in
counter-terrorism suggested there were huge differences between how people came
to be radicalised by different ideologies.
Dr Stott said it was common for groups of young men to
be drawn to Islamist ideology, a trend the West saw in the huge numbers who
moved to Syria to join ISIS, while the far-right is attractive to loners.
“If you look at the age profiles of far-right
terrorists it often involves significantly older people,” he said, citing the
killer of Labour MP Jo Cox and a Dover migrant centre fire-bomber as examples.
“They are people who are sometimes quite isolated and
seek what will give them a degree of comfort.
“Lockdown may have influenced radicalisation. It would
not be surprising because we’ve been through an extraordinary period.”
A government representative said. “The terrorist
threat in the UK is complex and constantly evolving, which is why the
government takes all forms of terrorism seriously — including the extreme
right-wing. We are committed to tackling all those who spread views that
promote violence and hatred against individuals and communities, and that
radicalise others.
“Prevent remains a vital tool against radicalisation
and has already changed and saved the lives of individuals from all walks of
life, with over 3,000 people offered early interventions through the Channel
programme."
Lack of focus on Middle East is 'dangerous'
Security experts recently warned Britain and its
allies should be braced for a possible resurgence of ISIS in Syria as early as
this year.
They said the terrorists might try to liberate 10,000
of its fighters from Syrian prisons and detention camps as a way to rebuild its
caliphate.
At the height of its rule, ISIS held a third of Syrian
territory and 40 per cent of Iraq.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces are
responsible for running prisons and camps housing ISIS fighters, and their
wives and children.
Dr Stott said the possible return of ISIS should sound
alarm bells in Britain and jolt the government into taking preventive action.
He suggested the SDF needed more support to contain the threat before it is too
late.
“There's very little focus in the UK on the Middle
East at the moment,” he said. “That's potentially quite dangerous.
“It's the Kurds who are holding the line against ISIS.
They were badly led down by [former US president Donald] Trump but support for
the Kurds is important.
“What may well [happen] is they are not going to be
able to do this indefinitely. If we don't have a resolution to this [ISIS
fighters] may break out from prisons.
“There's also the issue that some of the young people
who are coming of age in these camps are of fighting age and are ideal recruits
for ISIS.”
In late 2019, Mr Trump astonished foreign policy
experts and politicians in his own party by pulling support from the Kurds.
Source: The National News
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Virgin Mary, Sufism and flamenco: Lost Muslim
influences in Spain
By Steffani Garcia
17 January 2023
The Virgin Mary has a uniquely exalted place within
Islam - an overlooked and sometimes simplified commonality between Islam and
Christianity, particularly Catholicism.
Both Abrahamic faiths designate Mary or Maryam as the
mother of Jesus and both revere her as one of the greatest women in their
respective traditions.
It is no surprise then that in lands historically
shared by Christians and Muslims there is a tradition of devotional practices
common to both faiths, particularly in the land of "la convivencia"
(coexistence), or Al Andalus.
The name "Al Andalus" refers to the
collective of Muslim-ruled taifas, or mini-Islamic kingdoms, in the Iberian
Peninsula between 711 and 1492 CE, whose boundaries constantly changed as the
Christian conquest of the region, or Reconquista, progressed.
Christian control over Spain was followed by the
vicious and merciless Inquisition, which started in 1478 and only disbanded in
1834.
Those in charge of the Inquisition sought to expunge
Spain of anything that was deemed not Spanish or Christian. Many of the victims
of these attacks and investigations were native Iberian Jews and Muslims.
The persecution of these groups was formative in the
creation of Spanish identity, as one rooted firmly in Christianity.
Ultimately, it did not matter where you were born, if
you did not abide by the Inquisition’s stringent brand of Catholicism, you were
not Spanish.
It was the Inquisition that forced many Muslims and
Jews underground, as crypto-Muslims and Jews - people who outwardly practiced
Catholicism but held to their original religions in secret.
Notably, it was during this period of forced
occultation that many of the customs, traditions and art styles associated with
Spain manifested.
They include the mudejar architecture, which dominates
Spanish towns and cities. The word "mudejar" comes from the Arabic
mudajjan, meaning subjugated or domesticated, and refers to the group of
Muslims who remained in Iberia after the Inquisition.
There is also flamenco, which many anthropologists say
is etymologically derived from the Arabic term "falah mengu" meaning
"wandering peasant" in Arabic.
Flamenco as we know it today arose in the early 18th
century at the height of the Inquisition, in towns in Baja Andalusia, as an
amalgamation of the musical traditions of oppressed Arabs, Sephardic Jews and
gitanos (gypsies).
Arguably, the imprint of Islam, Arabs and the
Inquisition has not only marked Spain’s place names and buildings, but the very
religious disposition that it ironically sought to instil and preserve, the way
even modern-day Spaniards practice their faith.
Anyone who is familiar with the Spanish brand of
Catholicism knows too well the multiple devotions of the Virgin Mary that are
held sacred in this part of the Mediterranean.
Golden flower-strewn effigies are regally paraded
through the streets, from "la Virgen del Carmen" to "la Virgen
de las Angustias" during their feast days.
Moreover, the reverence of sainthood is also
culturally pervasive; every town and city in Spain has a patron saint, and a
typical Spanish family will celebrate their saint’s day with as equal
significance as their birthday.
Sufi influences
One of the arguments for this unique religious
character is its roots in "tasawuf" or Sufism, a tradition within
Islam that prevails to this day in certain communities in North Africa.
Sufism is characterised by ritualism and esotericism;
sacred areas or institutions are known as zawiyas, and are periodically visited
by groups of devotees or brotherhoods known as tariqas. Zawiyas often form
around the tombs of past Sufi teachers or saints.
A prime example of this is the visitation of the tomb
of Sidi Boumediene (Abu Madyan) in Tlemcen, Algeria. Incidentally, Sidi
Boumediene was a key founder of Sufism in the Maghreb region, and born in
Ishbiliya, modern-day Sevilla, in Andalusia.
In the historic region of Al Andalus, you could find
these zawiyas throughout its territory and find its parallel in the devotion
many Andalusians have towards various depictions or devotions of the Virgin
Mary.
One such devotion to the Virgin Mary, called "la
Romeria de la Virgen de Fuente Clara", is based on a legend in which Mary
appears to the soldiers of Rey Santo during the conquest of Seville in around
1248.
Some scholars of Al Andalus claim that before being
taken over by Catholics, the site of the pilgrimage allegedly belonged to the
tomb of a Sufi saint.
Similar to the Sufi tradition of visiting tombs, the
romeria is a pilgrimage, where devotees make their way by foot and horse,
accompanied by illustrious caravans, to a particular holy site, often covering
long distances.
These devotions are usually organised by cofradias,
which are voluntary groups of laymen dedicated to the preservation of religious
sites, and hermandades (brotherhoods).
That style of organisation also offers compelling
similarity to the way Sufi tariqas and zawiyas were organised in the region,
something academic Francisco Botella Maldonado alludes to in his book Las
llaves escondidas de Al Andalus (The Hidden Keys of Al Andalus).
Another inextricable link between the Sufism of Al
Andalus and its illustrations in latter-day Catholic Spain is the story of San
Juan de la Cruz (St John of the Cross), a prolific Spanish priest and mystic.
Luce Lopez-Baralt, a professor at the University of
Puerto Rico, proposes that the poetry and teachings of St John were directly
influenced by Muslim mystics such as the Andalusian scholar Ibn Arabi.
St John's esoteric poem, Ascenso al Carmelo (Climbing
Mount Carmel) and Ibn Arabi’s Futuhat al Makkiyya (The Meccan Illumination)
both evoke the idea of ridding oneself of the idea of truth in our earthly
lives and instead understanding that only God is the ultimate truth.
St John’s writings come centuries after Ibn Arabi, and
highlight a key tenet of Sufi Islam, "fana" (to cease to exist),
which alludes to extinguishing one’s ego to seek closeness to God.
It is a near certainty that St John picked up most of
his Sufi lore from the moriscos (Muslim converts to Christianity), or even his
own mother, Catalina Alvarez, who was a morisca herself.
Convergence of cultures
A final anecdote to present is the story of "La
Ermita de Nuestra Senora de las Angustias"(Hermitage of Our Lady of
Sorrows), founded in 1720 in the coastal town of Nerja, Malaga, and
commissioned by the fascinating Bernarda Maria Alferez Velasco, who married
into the wealthy Lopez de Alcantara family.
What is unique and ironic about Alferez Velasco is
that she was a crypto-Muslim, and as a result was unscrupulously investigated
by the courts of the Inquisition in a scandal that spanned over two years.
Her land and possessions were seized and she was
forced to wear a sambenito (a penitential garment used to signal heretics
during the Inquisition). She was ultimately spared execution because of her
noble stature.
We can infer that the arguable Muslim influence on La
Virgen de la Fuente Clara or St John of the Cross’s writings is a result of the
convergence of different cultures and how they symbiotically influence one
another.
But, it begs the question, why would a Muslim woman
build a chapel devoted to the Virgin Mary? Some argue that she simply followed
the instructions and influence of her husband, Lopez Enrique, a powerful and
ageing Christian. However, he died in 1713, years before the consecration of
the hermitage.
Bernarda may have found it both comforting and a form
of disguise to manifest this explicit and very outward display of devotion to
the Virgin Mary, which she could reconcile with her own Islamic faith.
Considering the sanctification of Jesus as the son of
God contravenes tawhid, or the oneness of God, in Islam, the veneration of Mary
may not have had the same sense of sacrilege for a Muslim.
Moreover, these sincere adorations of the Virgin Mary
were not uncommon amongst the morisco population at the time of the
Inquisition, possibly as a way of disguising their faith.
Fundamentally, amongst these anecdotes and
anthropological theories, one thing is clear: the veneration of the Virgin Mary
is a shared one amongst Christians and Muslims.
Source: Middle East Eye
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EU’s Von der Leyen backs listing Iran’s Guards as
terrorist group
January 17, 2023
DAVOS, Switzerland: European Commission President
Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday she backed listing Iran’s Revolutionary
Guards (IRGC) as a terrorist organization to respond to the “trampling” of
“fundamental human rights” in the country.
Ties between the EU member states and Tehran have
deteriorated in recent months as efforts to revive nuclear talks have stalled.
Tehran has detained several European nationals and the bloc has become
increasingly critical of a continuing violent crackdown on protesters,
including executions.
“The reaction of Iran regime is atrocious and horrible
and they are trampling over fundamental human rights,” she told reporters on
the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski resort of Davos.
The European Union is discussing a fourth round of
sanctions against Tehran over the crackdown and Iran’s supply of weapons to
Russia. Diplomatic sources have said members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard
Corps (IRGC) will be added to the sanctions list next week.
But some member states have called for the bloc to go
further and classify the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a
terrorist organization. Britain is expected to make the decision in the coming
weeks.
“We are looking indeed at a new round of sanctions and
I would support also listing the Revolutionary Guards. I have heard several
ministers asking for that and I think they are right,” Von der Leyen said.
Widespread anti-government demonstrations erupted in
Iran in September after the death of young Kurdish Iranian woman Mahsa Amini,
who had been detained by morality police for allegedly flouting the strict
dress code imposed on women.
Iranian leaders vowed tough action against protesters
they have described as rioters, accusing enemies including the United States of
fomenting the unrest.
Designating the IRGC as a terrorist group would mean
that it would become a criminal offense to belong to the group, attend its
meetings, and carry its logo in public.
Set up after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution to protect
the Shi’ite clerical ruling system, the Guards have great sway in Iran,
controlling swathes of the economy and armed forces and put in charge of Iran’s
ballistic missile and nuclear programs.
Speaking in an interview with Reuters, Finland’s
Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said the “appalling” capital punishment,
stalling of the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) and supply of drones and weapons from
Iran to Russia needed a firm reaction.
“All these components: human rights, delivering arms
to Russia and blocking the final agreement on JCPOA have been negative factors
and I think the EU is more and more reacting. It’s important we react
strongly,” he said, adding that there was still debate among EU members on
sanctions and the listing of the IRGC.
Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom, whose
country currently holds the EU presidency, cautioned that the IRGC was already
listed on the tougher human rights sanctions regime, but that the debate was
open among EU states.
Source: Arab News
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2234176/world
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Greece expresses ‘deep concern’ over Israeli
bulldozing activity on Jerusalem patriarchates property
18.01.2023
Greece expressed “deep concern” Tuesday over the
bulldozing of a plot of land by Israeli forces which belongs to the Greek
Orthodox Church.
“We reiterate in the strongest terms our continued
support for the protection of the property rights and privileges of the Greek
Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Palestinian sources said Sunday that Israeli forces
began bulldozing a 5,000-square-meter (1.23-acre) plot of land owned by the
patriarchate in Eastern Jerusalem's Silwan neighborhood, which is home to over
60,000 Palestinians.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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Greece’s Turkish minority sends letter to UN over its
problems
Ayhan Mehmet
17.01.2023
KOMOTINI, Greece
Greece’s Turkish minority sent a letter Tuesday to the
UN’s special rapporteur on minority issues about problems it is facing.
The letter was sent by the Friendship and Equality
Party (DEB) and was supported by numerous minority religious, educational, and
civil associations. It highlighted problems with minority education, including
Greece’s intervention in the minority’s autonomous educational system.
While more than 100 minority schools were closed in
the last two decades, authorities did not permit the opening of bilingual
kindergartens whose curricula would be taught in Turkish and Greek, said the
letter.
It underscored that authorities also act in violation
of international obligations regarding the Turkish minority’s rights by not
legally allowing them to elect their religious leaders.
The letter said Turkish institutions are closed under
the pretext that Greece does not have an internationally recognized Turkish
minority and hence associations’ names cannot include “Turkish.”
It is noteworthy that Greece does not act in
accordance with a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that
favored the minority concerning the status of the associations, it added.
The Western Thrace region, near the northeastern
border with Türkiye, is home to a substantial, long-established Muslim Turkish
minority numbering around 150,000.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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South Asia
Forming
New Parties Outside Afghanistan Not a Solution: Islamic Emirate
By
Imran Danish
In
reaction to the formation of a new political party by former intelligence chief
Rahmatullah Nabil, the Islamic Emirate said that the appearance of parties
outside the country is not a solution for the problems faced by Afghanistan,
adding that the country needs unity among the people.
Islamic
Emirate Spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said that those who form such parties have
already been tested by the nations and are a failed experience of Afghanistan.
“The
announcement of parties and movements is not a solution to the problems. Even
if it changes its color and covers for hundreds of times, Afghans know them,”
he said.
Nabil
announced the formation of a new party on Monday evening, He called on the
international community, neighboring countries and political figures to take
steps for the start of the intra-Afghan dialogue in Afghanistan.
“To
pass through the crisis and ensure peace in the country, the contribution of
elders in the formation of a major summit and presence of the people and other
sides is important," he said.
After
the fall republican government, several parties were established outside Afghanistan.
Analysts
said that the announcement of parties overseas doesn’t impact the situation in
Afghanistan.
“The
parties that are founded outside the country are formed by those who are known
for our people," said Torialai Zazai, a political analyst.
Source:
Tolo News
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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-181648
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Rohingya
fleeing Myanmar or Bangladesh by sea surged fivefold in 2022- UN
17
January, 2023
NEW
DELHI (Reuters) -The number of Rohingya fleeing Myanmar or Bangladesh by sea
surged fivefold to more than 3,500 in 2022 from a year earlier, the U.N.
refugee agency said on Tuesday, in the deadliest year for the ethnic minority
group at since 2014.
At
least 348 Rohingya died or went missing as they attempted to cross the Andaman
Sea and the Bay of Bengal last year, with the figure reaching alarming levels
after the sinking of a boat in December, with all 180 Rohingya Muslims on board
presumed dead, the UNHCR said in a statement.
“They
undertake dangerous sea journeys seeking protection, security, family
reunification, and livelihoods in other countries. Growing desperation in
Myanmar and Bangladesh appears to have driven the increasing numbers
undertaking sea journeys in 2022,” the agency said.
The
Rohingya, a mostly Muslim minority group that has lived in Myanmar for
centuries but has been denied citizenship in the Buddhist-majority nation since
1982, are seen as illegal immigrants from South Asia.
Nearly
1 million Rohingya from Myanmar are additionally living in crowded facilities
in Muslim-majority Bangladesh, including tens of thousands who fled Myanmar
after its military conducted a deadly crackdown in 2017.
Most
boats carrying the Rohingya departed from Myanmar and Bangladesh, the UNHCR
said, and those on board disembarked primarily in Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia
and Bangladesh.
In
2014, more than 700 people were estimated to have lost their lives or were
missing with nearly 60,000 taking the risky sea journeys, an UNHCR spokesperson
told Reuters.
The
number of women and children undertaking the dangerous sea journeys rose by 7%
last year from 2021, and comprised nearly 45% of those disembarking.
Source:
The Print
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--------
Taliban
(IEA) Authorities Flog Nine People in Kandahar
By
Nizamuddin Rezahi
January
17, 2023
The
Islamic Emirate court in southern Kandahar has announced that nine people
allegedly accused of committing “adultery and theft” have been flogged in
public in this province.
Kandahar
province’s court of appeals announced in a press release on Monday that nine
individuals allegedly accused of committing adultery and theft have been lashed
in public. The Taliban authorities have not provided further clarifications in
this regard.
Meanwhile,
according to official sources, the Islamic Emirate authorities have lashed a
man and woman in front of a huge crowd in Badakhshan province, accused of
having extramarital affairs.
Public
punishment which includes flogging, stoning, and public execution has been
widely exercised by the Taliban authorities across the country in the recent
past, drawing massive criticism from the international community.
Taliban
Supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued a series of decrees in the recent
past, legitimizing some strict practices which are not in line with the
contemporary lifestyle of the people. Barring Afghan girls from getting
secondary education and university lessons is a clear example, which sparked
serious demonstrations in some parts of Afghanistan.
Additionally,
the latest announcement by the Taliban which restricted women employees from
working with non-governmental aid organizations was another clear example of their
gender-based apartheid policies.
Although
a considerable number of international aid organizations and foreign
governments called on Afghanistan’s de facto authorities to reverse their
decision – respect human rights, particularly that of women and girls, nothing
has changed for better so far.
Afghan
women and girls have been left deprived of their inherent rights to participate
in education, work, sports and more – with no hope, no future, and no prospects
under the country’s ruling regime.
Source:
Khaama Press
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of the original story:
https://www.khaama.com/taliban-iea-authorities-flog-nine-people-in-kandahar/
--------
Taliban
Publicly Cut Off Hands Of 4 Men Over Alleged Theft Charges
January
18, 2023
Kandahar:
The Taliban on Tuesday publicly flogged nine convicted of robbery and
"sodomy" in Ahmad Shahi Stadium in Kandahar.
"The
Supreme Court said in a statement that nine people were punished in Ahmad Shahi
Stadium in Kandahar on Tuesday on charges of robbery and 'sodomy'",
tweeted Tolo News.
Local
authorities and Kandahar residents were in attendance during the lashing. The spokesman
for the provincial governor, Haji Zaid, said the convicts were lashed 35-39
times.
Meanwhile,
former Policy Advisor to Minister for Afghan Resettlement & Minister for
Refugees in the UK, Shabnam Nasimi said that the Taliban have reportedly cut off
the hands of four people in a football stadium in Kandahar.
"The
Taliban have reportedly cut off the hands of 4 people in a football stadium in
Kandahar today, accused of theft, in front of spectators. People are being
lashed, amputated & executed in Afghanistan, without fair trial and due
process. This is a human rights violation," she tweeted.
Despite
international condemnation, the Taliban has resumed the flogging and the public
execution of criminals following a decree by the hard-liners' supreme leader.
UN
experts are deeply aggrieved about a public execution and that flogging has
resumed in Afghanistan and call on the de facto authorities to halt immediately
all forms of severe, cruel and degrading forms of punishments.
They
said in a statement, "Since November 18, 2022, the de facto authorities
have reportedly carried out floggings of over 100 individuals, both women and
men, in several provinces including Takhar, Logar, Laghman, Parwan and Kabul.
Each was given between 20 and 100 lashes for alleged crimes including theft,
'illegitimate' relationships or violating social behaviour codes. While the
criminalisation of relationships outside of wedlock seems gender-neutral, in
practice, punishment is overwhelmingly directed against women and girls. The flogging
has been carried out in stadiums in the presence of officials and members of
the public."
On
December 7, 2022, the Taliban publicly executed a man in Farah city, Farah
province, in what appears to be the first public execution since seizing power
in August 2021.
"Senior
de facto officials, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Chief Justice, were
in attendance. The application of these punishments began after the Supreme
Leader on November 13, 2022 ordered the judiciary to implement Hudood (crimes against
God) and Qisas (retribution in kind) punishments across the country,"
added the statement.
Public
floggings and executions violate universal principles prohibiting torture and
other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Afghanistan is a
State party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the
Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or
Punishment, which prohibits torture, or other cruel, inhuman or degrading
punishment. The public spectacle of these punishments makes them especially
distasteful and undignified.
"We
are additionally raising doubts about the fairness of the trials preceding
these punishments, which appear not to satisfy basic fair trial guarantees.
International human rights law prohibits the implementation of such cruel
sentences, especially the death penalty, following trials that apparently do
not offer the required fair trial guarantees," added the statement.
PromotedListen
to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com
Source:
ND TV
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--------
UN's
Top Woman In Afghanistan For Talks On Taliban Crackdown
18
JAN 2023
The
highest-ranking woman in the United Nations arrived in Kabul on Tuesday at the
head of a delegation promoting the rights of women and girls, a response to the
recent crackdown by Afghanistan's Taliban rulers.
Deputy
Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, a former Nigerian Cabinet minister and a
Muslim, was joined by Sima Bahous, executive director of UN Women, the UN
agency promoting gender equality and women's rights, and Assistant Secretary
General for political affairs Khaled Khiari, UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq
said.
Haq
said he could not disclose their schedule or specific meetings in Kabul for
security reasons.
UN
officials have held a series of high-level consultations across the Gulf, Asia
and Europe “to discuss the situation in Afghanistan in an effort to promote and
protect women's and girls' rights, peaceful coexistence and sustainable
development,” the spokesman said.
Members
of the delegation met with leaders of the 57-nation Organization of the Islamic
Conference, the Islamic Development Bank, groups of Afghan women in Ankara,
Turkey, and Islamabad, and a group of ambassadors and special envoys to
Afghanistan based in Doha, the capital of Qatar, he said.
“Throughout
the visits,” Haq said, “countries and partners recognised the critical role of
the UN in finding a pathway to a lasting solution as well as the need to
continue to deliver lifesaving support” and asked that efforts be intensified
“to reflect the urgency of the situation.”
A
December 24 order from the Taliban barring aid groups from employing women is
paralysing deliveries that help keep millions of Afghans alive, and threatening
humanitarian services countrywide.
As
another result of the ban, thousands of women who work for such organisations
across the war-battered country are facing the loss of income they desperately
need to feed their own families. The Taliban previously banned girls from
attending secondary schools and women from attending universities and issued
restrictions on foreign travel and their movements within the country.
The
Taliban took power again in August 2021 following the chaotic withdrawal of US
and NATO forces after 20 years in Afghanistan. As it did when it first ruled
the country from 1996 to 2001, the militant group has gradually reimposed
Islamic law, or Sharia, driving women out of schools, jobs and aid work, and increasingly
into their homes.
The
officials of other nations with whom the UN leaders met said it was important
for the international community to unite and speak with one voice, Haq noted.
“The
need for a revitalised and realistic political pathway was consistently
highlighted and all remained firm on the fundamental principles, including
women's and girls' rights to education, work and public life in Afghanistan,”
he said.
Source:
Outlook India
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--------
Davos
2023: Qatar says engagement with Taliban needed despite ‘disappointing’ actions
17
January, 2023
DAVOS,
Switzerland (Reuters) – Qatar’s foreign minister said on Tuesday that recent
measures taken by Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration were “very
disappointing” but that Doha would continue engaging as the only way forward to
achieve change on the ground.
Sheikh
Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said Doha was also consulting with other
Muslim countries to establish a dialogue with Taliban officials in Kandahar,
and while it would “not be an easy job” it was important to keep trying.
Source:
The Print
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--------
Southeast Asia
Keep
politics out of mosques and surau in Johor, says crown prince Tunku Ismail
18
Jan 2023
JOHOR
BAHRU: All mosques and surau (small prayer halls) in Johor are banned from
conducting any talks or discussions on political affairs, according to an order
by Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim who is also chairman of the state’s
Islamic Religious Council (MAINJ).
Malaysian
media reported the Johor Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Mohd
Fared Mohd Khalid announcing the crown prince’s order after MAINJ’s special
meeting on Tuesday (Jan 17).
Mr
Mohd Fared said that the order is in accordance with Section 96 of the Islamic
Religious Administration Enactment (State of Johor) 2003.
“I
would like to stress that any holding of political programmes in the mosque
will not be allowed at all,” said Mr Mohd Fared as quoted by Sinar Harian.
“Action
will be taken against anyone who compromises the order by allowing political
programmes in nature to take place,” he added.
Besides
the ban on political talks, all activities involving religious discourse as
well as the speakers involved must first be approved by the relevant religious
bodies.
“Any
activities in the form of religious talks, usrah (small group discussions),
sharing of religious knowledge or others, must obtain authorisation and
approval from JAINJ (Johor Religious Affairs Department).”
“All
speakers who deliver lectures and share religious knowledge must also be
accredited and officially recognised by MAINJ,” said Mr Mohd Fared as quoted by
Sinar Harian.
Mr
Mohd Fared said that guidelines on the prohibition will be placed in 850
mosques and 2,000 surau throughout Johor as soon as possible.
JAINJ
will also meet with all mosque and surau chairmen, state assemblymen, and
leaders of all political parties in the state to explain the ban.
“(Mosques
are) a gathering place for Muslims to hold religious ceremonies, meetings and
activities related to the unity of the community,” said Mr Mohd Fared.
However,
he also noted how some parties hide behind religious programmes to spread
certain political beliefs.
“Mosques
and suraus are now being misused by some insensitive parties when religious
programmes are mixed with political elements, causing misunderstanding and
division among Muslims,” said Mr Mohd Fared who is Barisan Nasional’s Semerah
assemblyman.
He
added that the prohibition was not unprecedented as Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim
Iskandar had previously ordered that the religious sanctity and dignity of
mosques and surau in the state be maintained.
According
to the Malay Mail, in 2019, Sultan Ibrahim ordered JAINJ to act against mosque
officials who allowed politicians to conduct activities in mosques, despite
several reminders not to allow them.
The
Johor ruler made clear that mosques in the state are meant to be free of political
ideology.
In
other states, religious speakers have also been banned from or given stern
warnings against preaching political messages in mosques.
According
to Free Malaysia Today, the Kelantan Islamic and Malay Customs Council (MAIK)
reminded mosque officials not to be involved in any political activities during
the 15th General Elections (GE15) late last year.
In
Selangor, the state Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) in 2021 revoked the
Islamic teaching certificate of political activists for fear that their
certificate would be misused to benefit political parties.
Source:
Channel News Asia
Please click the following URL to read the full text
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https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-johor-politics-ban-mosque-surau-3213841
--------
Ex-PAS
man to join Umno’s ulama council
January
17, 2023
PETALING
JAYA: Former PAS leader Khairuddin Aman Razali will be made a member of the
council of ulama (religious scholars) that is to be set up by Umno, says its
president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
In
a Facebook post, Zahid said Khairuddin will be assisting Dusuki Ahmad in the
council.
He
added that the former plantation industries and commodities minister had
previously served as the secretary of the Islamic party’s Syura Council.
Khairuddin
was a two-term Kuala Nerus MP before the dissolution of Parliament last October.
Last
year, he was sacked as secretary of the PAS Syura Council on Feb 11. A month
earlier he was expelled from the party’s central committee.
On
March 14 last year, Khairuddin announced that he was resigning from PAS and
will be an independent MP. He was also reported to have said that he would not
be joining Umno nor setting up a new party.
However,
in the recent 15th general election (GE15), Khairuddin tried to defend his seat
on a Barisan Nasional ticket but lost to Alias Razak, the candidate from PAS.
Zahid
said Dusuki is an Umno veteran and has vast experience and connections among
ulama and Islamic scholars in and outside the country.
Source:
Free Malaysia Today
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https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/01/17/ex-pas-man-to-join-umnos-ulama-council/
--------
Malaysian
opposition chief Muhyiddin to take legal action in controversy over Sabah MPs
JAN
17, 2023
KUALA
LUMPUR - Malaysia’s opposition leader Muhyiddin Yassin said on Tuesday that his
party will take legal action over a decision by Parliament’s Speaker to allow
four Sabah MPs to keep their seats instead of holding a fresh by-election to
replace them, after their recent defections.
Tan
Sri Muhyiddin is president of opposition Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, whose
four MPs in eastern Sabah state claimed they had defected to an umbrella organisation,
Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), before Malaysia’s Nov 19 General Election in 2022.
Under
Malaysia’s new anti-hopping law, MPs who defected from one party to another
after the general election last year would automatically lose their seats, and
a fresh by-election must be called.
They
can retain their seats only if they defected before the polls, as claimed by
the four lawmakers, or if the whole party decided to switch sides as a bloc to
support another coalition.
The
controversy arose after GRS, of which Bersatu is a member, switched sides after
the general election to support the so-called unity government led by Prime
Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Bersatu
remains an opposition party in the federal Parliament.
Speaker
Johari Abdul, a member of Datuk Seri Anwar’s party, ruled this week that the
four Sabah lawmakers can keep their seats as they had jumped to GRS prior to
the polls.
PM
Anwar has control of two-thirds of the 222-strong Parliament, meaning his
government will not be affected even if a fresh by-election is held for the
four seats.
But
holding this special vote could reveal that Bersatu and its partner Parti Islam
SeMalaysia remain on a winning path, called the “green wave”, that could weaken
perceptions of the Anwar administration.
Mr
Muhyiddin disagreed with the Speaker’s decision, saying the act by the MP
quartet of moving to another faction – even before the general election –
triggered a clause in Bersatu’s Constitution that terminated their membership,
Malaysiakini news site reported.
He
also said that GRS is not a political party but an umbrella organisation of
which Bersatu is a founding member.
“Therefore,
GRS cannot be defined as another political party, based on the spirit of Clause
10.2.3 of the Bersatu Constitution,” he said in a statement.
Further,
Mr Muhyiddin added, there was also evidence that the four MPs were in Bersatu
when they won the Nov 19 General Election.
Two
days before nominations for the election, on Nov 3, 2022, Mr Muhyiddin said,
Sabah Bersatu secretary Mohamed Razali Mohamed Razi had written to party
headquarters with a list of GRS candidates attached.
On
the list, the former premier said, the four men were listed as Bersatu members.
He said he had submitted the said correspondence to the Speaker as evidence.
The
four Sabah MPs who now support Mr Anwar are Mr Armizan Mohd Ali, Mr Khairul
Firdaus Akbar Khan, Mr Jonathan Yasin and Mr Matbali Musah.
Source:
Straits Times
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--------
Widodo
Defends Right to Worship for Indonesian Minorities
January
18, 2023
Amid
concerns over cases of obstruction of worship for religious minorities
including Christians by Muslims in Indonesia, President Jokowi Widodo has told
heads of provinces and districts to guarantee equal religious freedom to all.
During
a coordination meeting with heads of provinces and districts in Sentul, West
Java province on Jan. 17, Widodo said local officials should be “careful” to
ensure every believer enjoys the same right to worship.
"Those
who are Christians, Catholics, Hindus, and Confucians ... have the same rights
in terms of freedom of religion and worship," he said, alluding to the
four religions recognized by the state in the world’s largest Muslim-majority
nation.
He
said the constitution guarantees freedom of religion for all, therefore every
regional head must pay attention to this matter.
Widodo
also highlighted the role of the Forum for Religious Harmony [FKUB] in each
region, which often makes agreements contrary to the constitution, such as
“agreed not to allow the building of places of worship."
"Don't
let the name of the constitution be defeated by an agreement. The constitution
must not lose to an agreement," he said.
The
FKUB, which was formed by the local government and consists of representatives
of all religions, is often criticized by human rights groups who accuse it of
making decisions or policies that appease Muslims.
Widodo
also asked military leaders, police, and prosecutors to pay attention to freedom
of worship and urged regional heads not to issue regulations that contradict
the constitution.
He
said he brought it up because "I see it's still happening."
“Sometimes
I think, how difficult is it for people to worship. It's sad to hear
that," he said.
The
Setara Institute for Democracy and Peace, the research and advocacy institute
for religious freedom, reported that Catholics and Protestants have frequently
faced harassment and abuses over places of worship since 2017. Churches faced
resistance to construction, theft, destruction, and attacks including bombings.
In
recent years, the number of cases has continued to fluctuate, from 16 in 2017,
13 in 2018, 20 in 2019, and 7 in 2020 to 24 in 2021.
During
Christmas last year, the residents and officials banned the Bethlehem Batak
Protestant Church in Batu Gede, Bogor district, West Java province from holding
Christmas services in their homes.
In
a video circulated on social media, residents forbade the congregation to
worship at home because they considered it not a place of worship.
The
Lebak district head in Banten province also prohibited Christians from
celebrating Christmas in the area, which does not have a church, by using
shophouses and asking them to worship in churches far away.
Reverend
Palti Panjaitan, chairman of a solidarity group for victims of religious
persecution told UCA News that the president's statement was "certainly
welcome because so far the president has been silent" on repeated
violations.
"However,
it needs to be followed up by revoking the 2006 Joint Ministerial Decree which
has been a tool to perpetuate violations of the rights of minority
groups," he said.
He
said the joint regulation, which requires the approval of other religious
groups before building a house of worship "violated the
constitution."
"The
establishment permit should not come from the community, but from the
state," said the pastor of the Batak Society Christian Church Philadelphia
in Bekasi district, West Java. The church has been unable to obtain a permit
for a building since 2007 due to resistance from hardline groups and the local
government.
He
said the president should also ask for strict law enforcement against those who
obstruct freedom of religion.
"Every
time there is a violation by state or non-state actors, action must be taken,”
he said.
Catholic
priest, Father Antonius Benny Susetyo, known for his activism for interfaith
dialogue and communal harmony, also welcomed the president’s move.
“Regional
heads must carry out the constitutional mandate to guarantee freedom of
religion as emphasized by the president. They must also provide guidance and
understanding to their communities so that mutual respect for fellow believers
is created,” the former executive secretary of the Indonesian bishops’
commission on Interreligious Relations and Beliefs, told UCA News.
In
dealing with the problem of refusing to build houses of worship or allowing the
carrying out of worship activities, the regional head must also play a role in
initiating deliberations with all religious adherents, the priest said.
Source:
UCA News
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https://www.ucanews.com/news/widodo-defends-right-to-worship-for-indonesian-minorities/100065
--------
Mideast
Iran's
‘Death Committee’ President Unyielding In Defence of Clerical Rule
17
January ,2023
As
a young prosecutor in Tehran, Ebrahim Raisi sat on a “death committee”
overseeing the execution of hundreds of political prisoners in the Iranian
capital, rights groups say.
Now
president three decades later, and seen by many as Iran's potential next
Supreme Leader, Raisi is presiding over an uncompromising response to domestic
and international challenges which have seen Iranian courts pass dozens of
death sentences.
Four
people have been hanged after being convicted on charges related to popular
unrest that erupted in September over the death in police custody of Mahsa
Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman. On Saturday, Iranian media said
former Defense Ministry aide Alireza Akbari was executed for spying.
The
executions triggered condemnation from Europe and the US, but Raisi has
insisted that “identification, trial and punishment” of all those who
authorities believe were involved in violence will continue.
“The
executions are aimed at creating a republic of fear in which the people don't
dare to protest and the officials don't dare to defect,” said Ali Vaez, the
International Crisis Group think-tank's Iran Project Director.
Akbari,
who had acquired British nationality and was living abroad, was “lured back”
and arrested three years ago, Britain's foreign minister James Cleverly said
this week.
Raisi
is overseeing an unyielding crackdown on the unrest, in which campaigners say
more than 500 protesters and dozens of security force personnel have been
killed, echoes his role in a purge of political prisoners in 1988.
Then,
in a few weeks following the July ceasefire which ended eight years of war with
Iraq, Iranian authorities conducted secret mass executions of thousands of
imprisoned dissidents and opponents of the Islamic Republic.
Inquisitions,
known as “death committees”, were set up across Iran comprising religious
judges, prosecutors and intelligence ministry officials to decide the fate of
thousands of detainees in arbitrary trials which lasted just a few minutes,
according to a report by Amnesty International.
While
the number of people killed across the country was never confirmed, Amnesty
said minimum estimates put it at 5,000.
Raisi,
then deputy prosecutor general for Tehran, was a member of the capital's death
committee, according to Amnesty.
Human
Rights Watch, in a report published last year, quoted a prisoner saying he saw
Raisi at a prison outside Tehran and that Raisi would go to the execution site
to ensure the process was carried out correctly.
Asked
in 2021 about allegations he was involved in the killings, Raisi said: “If a
judge, a prosecutor has defended the security of the people, he should be
praised ... I am proud to have defended human rights in every position I have
held.”
The
presidential office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on
this article.
Iranian
officials acknowledged the executions but played down the scale. In February
1989, President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said that “less than 1,000 were
executed”. In 2016, another member of the Tehran “death committee” said, “We
are proud to have carried out God's order,” state media reported.
“Raisi
has been brought up as president for a few reasons, including his brutality,
loyalty, and lack of conscience. He showed these characteristics in 1988,” said
Saeid Golgar of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
“He
is entirely on board with political repression.”
Sanctioned
by US
Raisi
was born in 1960 to a religious family in Iran's northeastern Shi'ite Muslim
city of Mashhad. He lost his father at the age of five, but followed his
footsteps to become a cleric.
As
a young student at a religious seminary in the central holy city of Qom, he
joined protests against the Western-backed Shah in the 1979 revolution. Later
his contacts with religious leaders in Qom made him a trusted figure in the
judiciary.
Raisi
served as deputy head of the judiciary for 10 years, before being appointed
prosecutor-general in 2014. Five years later, the US imposed sanctions on him
for human rights violations, including the 1980s executions.
Seeking
the presidency, Raisi lost to pragmatic incumbent Hassan Rouhani in a 2017
election. His failure was widely attributed to a then 28-year-old audio tape
that surfaced in 2016 and purportedly highlighted his role in the executions.
In
the recording, the late Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri, then deputy supreme
leader, spoke of the killings. Montazeri’s son was arrested and jailed for
releasing the tape.
Raisi's
2021 presidential campaign ended in a victory which brought all branches of
power in the country under the control of hardliners loyal to Supreme Leader
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for the first time in years.
His
election win appeared to burnish Raisi's chances of one day succeeding the
83-year-old Khamenei, but some analysts and insiders believe that his failure
to boost an ailing economy and his foreign policy difficulties have damaged his
prospects.
Khamenei,
not the president, has the final say on all major policy under Iran's dual
political system split between the Shi'ite clerical establishment and the
government.
Raisi
“is not driving the repression. He's an instrument of it,” ICG's Vaez said.
But
his hardline stance, closely aligned with Khamenei, helped guide policy abroad
as well as at home.
Since
his election, Iran has played hardball in negotiations to salvage its tattered nuclear
deal with world powers, betting it has the leverage to win wide sanctions
relief in return for curbs on its increasingly advanced uranium enrichment
technology.
Khamenei
threw his weight behind the original 2015 deal negotiated by the government of
pragmatist Rouhani, winning a temporary lifting of Iran's economic and
political isolation.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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--------
Israeli
extremists storm Al-Aqsa Mosque compound after 'forces harass Muslims at site'
17
January, 2023
Dozens
of extremist Israelis stormed occupied East Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque compound
on Tuesday, escorted by Israeli forces, pan-Arab news website Arabi 21
reported.
The
radicals worshipped at the site in breach of the longstanding status quo
governing it, according to Palestinian sources.
Israeli
forces reportedly began harassing Muslim worshippers at the site from early
Tuesday to clear the way for the incursion.
Under
the agreement, Muslims alone are permitted to pray at Al-Aqsa, the
third-holiest place in Islam and the most-sacred Muslim site in Palestine.
Non-Muslims are, however, able to visit.
Israeli
extremists routinely raid Al-Aqsa, hoping to see the site divided – in terms of
physical space and time available for use – between Jews and Muslims.
Many
radicals want a Jewish temple to be built at the compound.
Tuesday's
raid comes after far-right Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir
stormed the compound earlier this month, drawing widespread international
criticism.
The
Palestinian foreign ministry called Ben-Gvir's attendance at the site a
"serious threat", while Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh
cast it as a bid to turn Al-Aqsa Mosque "into a Jewish temple".
The
Qatari foreign ministry said Doha "condemns in the strongest terms"
Ben-Gvir's "storming of the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque under the
protection of the Israeli occupation authorities".
At
the time, Jordan's foreign ministry spokesperson Sinan Majali said Amman
summoned the Israeli ambassador to "convey a protest message about the
recklessness of the Israeli national security minister in storming the blessed
Al-Aqsa Mosque".
Jordan
has a special role in Jerusalem as custodian of the Christian and Muslim holy
places there.
The
US ambassador to Israel, Tom Nides, said Washington "has made it clear to
the Israeli government it opposes any steps that could harm the status quo in
the holy sites".
Also
on Tuesday, Israeli forces shot dead a Palestinian man, bringing the toll of
Palestinians killed so far this year in the West Bank to 15, according to an
AFP tally.
Source:
The New Arab
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
https://www.newarab.com/news/israeli-radicals-storm-al-aqsa-mosque-compound
--------
Over
90 Nations Express 'Deep Concern' at Israeli Punitive Measure
2023-January-17
In
a statement released Monday by the Palestinians, the signatories called for a
reversal of the Israeli measures, saying regardless of their position on the
General Assembly’s resolution, “we reject punitive measures in response to a
request for an advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice",
The AP reported.
The
193-member General Assembly voted 87-26 with 53 abstentions on December 30 in
favor of the resolution which was promoted by the Palestinians and opposed
vehemently by Israel. Even though rulings by the International Court of Justice
are not legally binding, they can be influential on world opinion.
Israel’s
new hard-line government responded on January 6, approving steps to penalize
the Palestinians in retaliation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a
meeting of his Cabinet two days later that the measures against the
Palestinians were aimed at what he called “an extreme anti-Israel” step at the
United Nations.
The
government’s Security Cabinet decided to withhold $39 million from the
Palestinian Authority and transferring the funds instead to a compensation
program for the families of Israeli victims of Palestinian attacks.
It
also decided to deduct the amount of revenue Israel typically transfers to the
cash-strapped Palestinian Authority by a sum equal to the amount paid last year
to families of Palestinian prisoners and those killed in the conflict. The
Palestinian leadership describes the payments as necessary social welfare,
while Israel says the so-called Martyrs’ Fund incentivizes violence.
The
Security Cabinet also targeted Palestinian officials directly, noting it would
deny benefits to “VIPs who are leading the political and legal war against
Israel". The first Palestinian affected was Foreign Minister Riad Malki
who said in a statement on January 8 that he was returning from the Brazilian
president’s inauguration when he was informed that Israel rescinded his VIP
travel permit, which allows top Palestinian officials to travel more easily in
and out of the occupied West Bank than ordinary Palestinians.
The
statement released Monday was signed by representatives of Arab nations and the
57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation and 37 other countries — 27 of
them from Europe, including Germany, France and Italy, as well as Japan, South
Korea, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa.
Palestinian
UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour welcomed the statement of support, telling The
Associated Press, “we exercised our democratic rights to go to the General
Assembly in a peaceful way, a legal way, and put a question to the ICJ to seek
an advisory opinion.”
“What
is amazing about that statement,” he stated, is that it was signed by some
countries that abstained or voted against the resolution referring the question
to the court.
“But
to punish people for going to the General Assembly in an adoption of a
resolution is something else,” Mansour continued, adding, “That’s why they
stood with us and opposed this policy of the Israeli government, and they are
demanding a reversal of this decision.”
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
--------
Ra'am:
Setting conditions for visiting the Al-Aqsa Mosque is illegal
Dalit
Halevi
Jan
18, 2023
The
Ra’am Party, which represents the southern faction of the Islamic Movement in
the Knesset, on Tuesday condemned the Israeli treatment of the Jordanian
Ambassador who came to visit the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
A
statement published on behalf of the party said that its chairman, Mansour
Abbas, contacted the Jordanian Ambassador, Ghassan Majali, "after he was
prevented from entering the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque today", adding that
Abbas "rejects and condemns this illegal move".
Abbas
stressed the "rooted right of Arabs and Muslims to enter the blessed
Al-Aqsa Mosque and pray there at any time" and expressed opposition to the
attempts of the new government in Israel and the Minister of National Security,
Itamar Ben Gvir, to enforce a new policy preventing or allowing Arab
ambassadors to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque, similar to the policy enacted towards
the Arab members of the Knesset.
The
statement further said that Ra’am condemns the Israeli effort to establish
facts on the ground, perpetuate the occupation and exercise sovereignty over
the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and calls on the Israeli government to respect the
Hashemite guardianship of the holy site and the Islamic right to it, and not to
infringe on the right of Muslims to pray at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and visit it at
any time.
The
statement followed Tuesday’s diplomatic incident at the Temple Mount. Jordan’s
Foreign Ministry said it had summoned the Israeli Ambassador to Jordan,
claiming Ambassador Majali was temporarily delayed from ascending the Temple
Mount before leaving the site.
The
Jerusalem Police rejected the claims that the Jordanian Ambassador was
prevented from entering the Temple Mount, and pointed out that the director of
the Jordanian Waqf arrived together with the Ambassador without any prior
coordination with the police, and he was the one who decided at a certain point
to leave the place on his own initiative.
Source:
Israel National News
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/366075
--------
Iran
Strongly Condemns S. Korean President's Meddlesome, Undiplomatic Remarks
2023-January-17
Kana'ani
said on Monday that Tehran is following up on Yoon's
"interventionist" remarks concerning the quality of Iran's relations
with the UAE.
Addressing
the UAE-based Korean forces during a recent trip to the Persian Gulf Arab
state, Yoon drew a parallel between the alleged threat posed to his country by
North Korea and what he called the "threat" facing Abu Dhabi from
Iran. He then described Iran as the "most-threatening nation" to the
UAE.
Reacting
to his remarks, the Iranian diplomat stated, "The quoted remarks of this
[South] Korean official reveal his complete unawareness of the historical and
cordial relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Persian Gulf
littoral countries, including the UAE, as well as [his lack of knowledge about]
high-speed and positive developments [that are unraveling] in this regard.”
"The
foreign ministry is diligently pursuing the recent positions of this country,
especially the remarks made by its president, on the relations between Iran and
the UAE, which totally lack diplomatic validity," the spokesperson
continued.
He
added that Iran is awaiting the South Korean Foreign Ministry's explanation in
this regard.
The
comments came at a time that in addition to its unfriendly positions on Iran,
South Korea has been holding billions of dollars in Iranian funds. The frozen
asset issue started in 2018 when former US President Donald Trump withdrew from
a 2015 nuclear deal and reinstated economic sanctions against Iran.
Iranian
officials stated the South Korean government is obliged to unfreeze the
country's frozen funds, stressing that unilateral US sanctions cannot justify
Seoul’s inaction in repaying debts to Tehran.
The
two sides had previously agreed to use the funds for purchase of humanitarian
items by Iran, something that has again been prevented as a result of South
Korea’s commitment to honor the sanctions.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
--------
Iran
Blasts British Royal Family for Massacring Afghan Civilians
2023-January-17
Kana'ani
on Monday denounced the UK and some European countries over their reaction to
Iran’s execution of dual British-Iranian citizen Alireza Akbari who had been
sentenced to death over spying for the British Secret Intelligence Service.
“The
UK move against Iran’s national security received Iran’s firm intelligence and
judicial response," Kana'ani wrote on Twitter, adding that the UK's hype
and support of the London government by certain European countries, which claim
to be defending human rights, show that they are escaping and breaking law.
“The
British regime, whose royal family member has admitted to have killed 25
innocent people and viewed them as chess pieces he was removing from the board
without being ashamed, as well as those who have turned a blind eye to this war
crime are not capable of advising others on human rights,” the spokesperson
wrote in another tweet.
He
was referring to Prince Harry, the duke of Sussex, who has confirmed in a
memoir that he killed 25 people while on deployment in Afghanistan with the
British Army. Harry stated he was neither proud nor ashamed of doing so. He
also described eliminating the targets as like removing “chess pieces” from a
board.
The
comments by Kana'ani came days after Iran executed Akbari who was sentenced to
death over long-running espionage for Britain’s spy apparatus MI6. The convict,
who had been sentenced to death on charges of “corruption on earth” and
“extensive activities against the country's internal and external security”
through espionage for the British government’s spy agency, was hanged on
Saturday.
Akbari,
who was arrested in 2019, had received 1,805,000 euros, 265,000 pounds, and
$50,000 for espionage activities for the United Kingdom.
He
was spotted by Iran’s intelligence forces when he met with a number of British
intelligence officers in the UK embassy in Tehran.
Among
other crimes, Akbari is said to have played a role in the assassination by
Israel of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a top nuclear scientist, in 2020.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
--------
Iran
filmmakers call for release of dissident director Jafar Panahi
17
January ,2023
Iran’s
main filmmakers’ union on Tuesday called on authorities to release renowned
dissident director Jafar Panahi, who has been imprisoned for six months.
Panahi,
62, one of Iran’s most awarded filmmakers, was arrested on July 11 and is
serving a six-year sentence handed down in 2010.
The
House of Cinema, which brings together professional filmmakers in Iran, called
for his release “as soon as possible,” in a statement posted on its website.
It
appealed for Iran’s judiciary to take into account the “physical condition and
illness” of the filmmaker, without elaborating.
Panahi
has won the top prizes in Venice for “The Circle” and Berlin for “Taxi”, as
well as best screenplay at Cannes for “Three Faces.”
On
top of his six-year sentence, he was handed a 20-year ban from making or
writing films, travelling or even speaking in the media, but he continued to
work in Iran.
He
was convicted of “propaganda against the system” after supporting 2009 protests
over the disputed re-election of then president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
In
July, Panahi was arrested at the Tehran court where he had gone to follow the
case of another award-winning director, Mohammad Rasoulof, who had been
detained a few days before.
On
Wednesday, Rasoulof’s lawyer told AFP that his client had been released on
January 7 for two weeks on health grounds.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
--------
Israeli
prime minister confirms citizen captured by Hamas in Gaza is alive
17
January ,2023
Israeli
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Tuesday that an Israeli citizen
held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip was alive, a day after the Palestinian militant
group released a video showing the man appealing for help.
On
Monday Hamas released footage showing Avera Mengistu, an Israeli said by his
family to be suffering from mental health problems and who has been held by
Hamas since he crossed into Gaza in 2014.
“Yesterday
we received confirmation of what we knew this whole time, that Avera is alive,”
Netanyahu said on Tuesday. “This is a young man, not in good health and the
responsibility of his fate lies entirely on Hamas.”
The
video, showing Mengistu seated in front of a blank wall and appealing to Israel
for help, was the first image shown of him since his capture but there was no
immediate official confirmation from Israel that the footage was genuine.
However
his brother Ilan said the family believed it was.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
--------
Iran
arrested at least 96 Kurds in first half of 2023, rights group says
17
January ,2023
Iran
has arrested at least 96 Kurdish citizens since the start of 2023 as part of
its crackdown on months-long protests sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa
Amini, a human rights group said on Tuesday.
Rights
group Hengaw, which reports on human rights abuses in Iran’s Kurdish regions,
said at least 96 Kurds – including 13 minors and five women – were detained by authorities
in the first half of 2023.
Iran
has launched a deadly crackdown in response to protests sparked by the death of
22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman Amini, who died on September 16 following her
arrest by the morality police in Tehran.
The
protests, which began in Amini’s home province of Kurdistan, quickly escalated
into calls for the overthrow of the Islamic Republic.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
--------
Africa
Mali:
Displacement crisis deepens as Al-Qaida and Islamic State groups drive
insecurity - UN
The
security situation in Mali is worsening. The United Nations Secretary-General
highlighted key findings of a new report on the Sahelian country that was circulated
Monday (Jan.16).
Al-Qaida
and Islamic State extremist groups are driving insecurity in central Mali and
continue to clash near populated areas in the northern Gao and Menaka regions,
the U.N. chief said in a new report.
Antonio
Guterres said "the level and frequency of incidents of violence remain
exceptionally high," with attacks by "violent extremist groups"
against civilians accounting for the majority of documented human rights
abuses.
"The
attacks carried out against civilians by terrorist groups, the battle for
influence among them and the violent activities conducted by community militias
remain a chilling daily reality, as do the attacks against the Malian Defense
and Security Forces and against MINUSMA," the U.N. peacekeeping force, he
said.
Guterres
said in the report to the U.N. Security Council that "going forward,
military operations to combat the extremist groups will continue to be a
crucial component for the restoration of security."
In
central Mali, he said, the extremists are capitalizing on intercommunal
conflicts to expand their influence and secure new recruits.
In
the northern Gao and Menaka regions (eastern Mali), Guterres said fighters from
the al-Qaida affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin known as JNIM and
the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara also continue to clash, causing
civilian casualties and thousands to flee the violence.
He
said the number of people displaced in Mali increased from 397,000 to 442,620
as of October, with some 1,950 schools closed affecting over 587,000 children.
Humanitarian assistance is reaching only 2.5 million people of the 5.3 million
in need, he said.
The
secretary-general stressed that the ultimate success against the extremist
groups will hinge of whether the operations are accompanied by efforts "to
ensure respect for human rights and international humanitarian law, foster
social cohesion, address structural fragility and deliver basic services."
A
decade-long Islamic insurgency
Mali
has struggled to contain an Islamic extremist insurgency since 2012. Extremist
rebels were forced from power in Mali’s northern cities with the help of a
French-led military operation, but they regrouped in the desert and began
launching attacks on the Malian army and its allies. Insecurity has worsened with
attacks on civilians and U.N. peacekeepers.
In
August 2020, Mali’s president was overthrown in a coup that included Assimi
Goita, then an army colonel. In June 2021, Goita was sworn in as president of a
transitional government after carrying out his second coup in nine months.
France, Mali’s former colonial ruler, pulled out the last of thousands of
French forces in August 2022 amid acrimonious exchanges with the transitional
government.
In
late 2021, Goita allegedly allowed the deployment of Russian private military
contractor known as Wagner group.
The
report does not name Wagner. It says MINUSMA "documented violations of
international humanitarian and human rights law allegedly committed during
military operations conducted by the Malian armed forces, accompanied by
foreign security personnel and dozos," who are traditional hunters.
It
says the U.N. force also documented "some instances in which foreign
security personnel appear to have committed violations of human rights and
international humanitarian law while conducting both air and ground military
operations in the center of the country."
Political
dialog essential to Mali's stabilization
On
the political front, Mali’s presidential election which had been scheduled for
February 2022 is now slated to take place in February 2024.
Guterres
pointed to progress in putting a single electoral management body into
operation and the submission of a preliminary draft constitution. He urged
authorities to expedite implementation of the electoral timetable published in
July 2022.
Equally
important to Mali’s lasting stabilization, he said, is implementation of the
2015 peace agreement signed by three parties — the government, a coalition of
groups called the Coordination of Movements of Azawad that includes ethnic
Arabs and Tuaregs who seek autonomy in northern Mali, and a pro-government
militia known as the Platform.
"However,"
Guterres said, "the recent decision by the movements to suspend their
participation in the implementation process is cause for serious concern."
Source:
Africa News
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
--------
Jordan
summons Israeli ambassador after envoy blocked from Al-Aqsa Mosque
Laith
Al-Jnaidi, Abdelraouf Arnaout
17.01.2023
AMMAN,
Jordan
ordan
summoned the Israeli ambassador on Tuesday to protest police obstruction of the
kingdom’s envoy during his visit to Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem.
In
a statement, the Jordanian Foreign Ministry said the Israeli envoy was handed
“a strongly-worded letter of protest to be delivered immediately to his
government.”
The
letter included a reminder that the Jordan-run Jerusalem Waqf Department is the
exclusive authority supervising holy sites in Jerusalem, including Al-Aqsa Mosque,
the statement said.
“Israel,
as an occupying power, must adhere to its obligations under international law
and the international humanitarian law towards the occupied city of Jerusalem
and its sanctities, especially the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque,” ministry spokesman
Sinan Majali said.
Israel
must “put a stop to attempts to change the historic status quo” in occupied
Jerusalem, he added.
According
to eyewitnesses, the Jordanian ambassador was stopped by Israeli police at the
Lion's Gate (Bab al-Asbat), at the northern side of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and
prevented from entering the site on claims of lack of coordination.
Israeli
police, for its part, said the Jordanian diplomat was not denied entry but
briefly delayed from entering the site, according to public broadcaster KAN.
Jordan
has been the official custodian of Muslim and Christian holy places in
Jerusalem since 1924, and was publicly acclaimed as the custodian of
Jerusalem's holy sites.
For
Muslims, Al-Aqsa represents the world's third-holiest site. Jews, for their
part, call the area the Temple Mount, saying it was the site of two Jewish
temples in ancient times.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
--------
Tunisia
president’s former top aide jailed in absentia: Reports
17
January ,2023
Tunisian
President Kais Saied’s former chief of staff was sentenced in absentia on
Tuesday to prison over audio recordings critical of him, local media reported.
Nadia
Akacha had been a key aide to Saied until she quit in January last year, citing
“fundamental differences of opinion” over the national interest.
Some
three months later, 11 audio recordings appeared online featuring a woman,
purportedly Akacha, relating details from private meetings since the
president’s July 2021 power grab.
In
some, the woman criticized the president and staff members or shared gossip
about his in-laws.
Akacha
has denied being the woman in the recordings, describing them as fakes aiming
to undermine her former boss.
On
Tuesday, a Tunis court sentenced Akacha in absentia to 14 months in jail, local
media reported, adding that the sentence was in relation to a suit filed by the
president’s sister-in-law.
Prosecutors
had opened an investigation in May to determine the recordings’ authenticity.
Akacha
left the country after her resignation. Tunisian media have reported she has
since been living in France.
A
constitutional lawyer like the president, she was appointed as Saied’s legal
adviser in late 2019 before becoming his chief of staff in January 2020,
traveling widely with him domestically and abroad.
Her
departure was a blow to Saied six months after he suspended parliament and
sacked the government in a shock move against the political system that had
emerged from the country’s 2011 revolt.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
--------
Jordanian,
Egyptian and Palestinian leaders hold trilateral summit to discuss Palestinian
cause
January
17, 2023
CAIRO:
King Abdullah of Jordan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met in Cairo on Tuesday to discuss the
latest developments related to the Palestinian cause.
During
the trilateral summit, the leaders emphasized the need to end all illegal, unilateral
Israeli actions that are undermining the pursuit of a two-state solution and
the prospects for achieving a just and comprehensive peace, the Jordan News
Agency reported.
El-Sisi
and Abbas reaffirmed the Hashemite custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy
sites in Jerusalem, as well as Egypt’s critical role in safeguarding the sites
and their inherent Arab Muslim and Christian identities.
King
Abdullah and Abbas thanked Egypt for its efforts to maintain stability in Gaza
while also providing assistance in rebuilding the strip. The three leaders also
emphasized the importance of maintaining international support for the work of
the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, which
provides critical humanitarian aid.
At
the conclusion of the summit they issued a statement, reaffirming the need to
preserve the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and continue efforts
to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.
Source:
Arab News
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2234331/middle-east
--------
At
least 10 soldiers killed in al-Shabaab attack on Somali military base
17.01.2023
MOGADISHU,
Somalia
At
least 10 soldiers were killed and several wounded in an al-Shabaab attack on a
military base in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region on Tuesday morning.
The
deadly assault on a base in Hawadley, some 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of
the capital Mogadishu, began with a suicide car bombing, according to Ahmed
Ibrahim, a security official in the area.
“There
was heavy fighting between the army and the terrorists. The death toll could
rise,” he told Anadolu.
Local
clan militias who are supporting the Somali military’s anti-terrorism efforts
are also housed at the base, he said.
Among
the 10 confirmed fatalities so far is Col. Abshir Mahmud Mohamed, a battalion
commander of the Somali army, according to Ibrahim.
Al-Shabaab
claimed responsibility for the attack, which came a day after the al-Qaeda
affiliate lost control of the strategic towns of Haradhere and Galcad in the
central Galmudug state.
The
terror group claimed to have killed 63 soldiers, including a senior military
commander, in the assault.
The
Somali army, backed by local militias, has been engaged in a sweeping offensive
against al-Shabaab since last year after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
declared “all-out war” on the terrorist group.
Somalia
has been plagued by insecurity for years, with al-Shabaab and Daesh/ISIS being
among the main threats.
The
UN has warned of growing instability in the country, issuing periodic reports
last year that detailed attacks by al-Shabaab and pro-Daesh/ISIS terror groups.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
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Libya’s
parliament speaker says elections to be held before November 2023
Ibrahim
al-Khazen
17.01.2023
Libya’s
Parliament Speaker Aguila Saleh said the country’s stalled elections will be
held before November after an agreement between the rival legislative chambers.
On
Jan. 5, Saleh met in Egypt with Khaled al-Mishri, chairman of the Tripoli-based
High Council of State (HCS), which acts as a senate, where they agreed to
announce a roadmap for holding the polls.
Speaking
to Al-Qahera News late Monday, Saleh said he was looking forward to holding the
Libyan elections.
“Laws
regulating the electoral process are currently being agreed upon,” he added.
"The Libyans need an executive authority, and the interests of the Libyans
must be placed above all else.”
Saleh
added that the Libyan elections will be held before November after an agreement
between the parliament and HCS.
Oil-rich
Libya has remained in turmoil since 2011 when longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi
was ousted after four decades in power.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please click the following URL to read the full text
of the original story:
--------
Arab World
Saudi
FM discusses Kingdom’s economy, oil, Iran and US ties in Davos
17
January ,2023
Saudi
Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Tuesday at Davos 2023 that
the current oil price stability in the market showed that Saudi Arabia was
right to take its stance during last year’s disagreement with the US over the
OPEC+ decision to reduce oil output targets.
He
spoke of energy security: “Energy security is absolutely key. And here what we
feel in the kingdom is that stability is absolutely the key to that energy
security. So one of what we believe the successes of, for instance, OPEC+ has
been it has been able to deliver a relatively stable oil price, one that is
predictable by both consumers and producers.”
While
renewable resources were becoming more established in the world, the Prince
said: “In that interim period, we need to maintain a stable supply of
traditional energies and one that is priced in a way that ensures that
stability and that I think we have been able to do.”
He
also highlighted the economic model of the Kingdom, highlighting that it is
going to be this year’s fastest growing economy in the world.
The
prince continued to list the Kingdom’s achievements such as the success of
Vision 2030 in transitioning the economy in a significant way away from a
dependance on hydrocarbons, on oil as a source of revenue for the government
and as a proportion of the GDP.
He
added: “That process continues to go on. We are activating all kinds of areas
of the economy. Unemployment is significantly down, labor force participation
up, especially for women.”
Iran
Prince
Faisal touched upon the tensions with Iran. “When it comes to Iran, you know,
we have reached out. We are trying to find a path to dialog with our neighbors
in Iran because we believe very strongly that dialog is the best pathway to
resolving differences.”
He
continued: “And we feel quite strongly that what we are doing in the Kingdom
and what others in the region, especially the GCC countries, are doing in
addressing the challenges of their economy and investing in their countries in
focusing on development rather than geopolitics, is a strong signal to Iran and
others in the region that there is a pathway beyond the traditional arguments
and the traditional disputes towards joint prosperity. And I think the more we
can build a sense of cooperation in the region, the more we can work together,
the more we can deliver not just prosperity for our people, but also for our
immediate region and beyond.”
Saudi-US
ties
Prince
Faisal addressed the question about “speculations that there were some
challenges in the relationship” between Saudi Arabia and the US.
“We
have a strong partnership with the US and we continue to work through that
partnership. That doesn't mean we don't always we that we it doesn't mean that
we always agree. We sometimes disagree.”
He
added: “We certainly disagreed on the issue of the oil market. In the end, we
believe that I think our position was the correct one and it showed through
what we see now. The oil price continues to be stable in and we have a
responsibility to the broader oil market, to the broader economies of the world
to make sure that we continue to provide that stability.”
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please click the following URL to read the full text
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--------
CENTCOM
chief pays tribute to US-UAE military ties, condemns Iran-backed groups
17
January ,2023
US
Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Gen. Erik Kurilla reiterated the importance of
the “strategic partnership” between the United States military and the UAE
during a phone call with the Chief of Staff of the UAE’s Armed Forces on
Tuesday.
The
top US military general for the Middle East called Staff Lt. Gen. Engineer Issa
Saif Mohammed AL Mazrouei on the first anniversary of the drone and missile
attack on Abu Dhabi, which was carried out by the Iran-backed Houthis last
year.
“Last
year’s attack by Houthi forces on private citizens, civilians, and public
facilities on Emirati soil is a stark reminder of the risk to the region posed
by Iranian-backed groups,” Kurilla said in a readout of the call.
The
Houthis, who control Yemen’s capital city of Sanaa, carried out hundreds of
drone and ballistic missile attacks on civilian targets inside Saudi Arabia and
the UAE last year as the fighting continues between the Iran-backed fighters
and the internationally recognized government of Yemen.
Last
year’s attack killed three civilians and injured six others after targeting a
fuel tanker in Abu Dhabi.
On
Tuesday, Kurilla said the UAE had always been a “strong” and “reliable”
partner.
He
added: “I recognize the sacrifice that UAE has made over the past twenty years
in multiple operations and campaigns alongside CENTCOM forces. CENTCOM is
committed to the security and stability of the region.”
In
a similar statement earlier in the day, US President Joe Biden said Washington
remained steadfast in its pursuit of diplomacy to bring a peaceful end to the
Yemen war. He also said the US would continue to support the security of the
UAE and “our other partners in the Middle East, including providing needed
military assistance.”
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please click the following URL to read the full text
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--------
South
Korean President visits Dubai’s Museum of the Future
18
January ,2023
South
Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol visited Dubai’s iconic Museum of the Future
during his first official state visit to the United Arab Emirates, the official
Emirates News Agency WAM reported on Tuesday.
President
Yoon was greeted by Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Emirates
airline group Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, among other senior officials.
During
his tour of the Museum, which showcases various aspects of humanity’s future
including technologies that are shaping our collective future, Yoon was briefed
on the Museum’s initiatives and objectives. These include providing a global
platform for future-driven institutions and serving as an international think
tank in partnership with specialized research institutions to study current and
future challenges.
“The
Museum of the Future inspires the world to build a better future for humanity
and presents a new vision for the future,” Yoon said.
He
also emphasized the importance of international efforts and partnerships in
finding solutions for global challenges through science and technology, and
noted that the strategic partnership between the Republic of Korea and the UAE
is set to grow in the future.
Yoon
also participated in a panel discussion on the role of science and innovation
in shaping humanity’s future, which explored new opportunities for
collaboration between the UAE and the Republic of Korea. The panel included
government officials and leaders from the local technology and education
sectors.
The
president’s visit to the UAE reflects the shared vision of the two countries to
promote the values of tolerance, peace and cooperation, and their belief in the
importance of imagining and designing the future in order to proactively
prepare for it.
The
two nations have strengthened their strategic partnership in recent years with
increased cooperation in various governmental, economic, scientific and
technological sectors, and particularly in the space sector, such as the
successful launch of DubaiSat 1 project jointly developed by scientists and
engineers from the UAE and the Republic of Korea in 2009.
Yoon’s
official state visit to the UAE kicked off on Sunday when he arrived in Abu
Dhabi and was welcomed at the Qasr Al Watan where he was welcomed by Sheikh
Mohamed bin Zayed, the UAE’s President.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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Saudi
Arabia asks UN to designate Houthis terrorist group as Yemen peace talks stall
17
January ,2023
Saudi
Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Abdulaziz al-Wasil on
Monday called on the Security Council to designate the Houthis as a terrorist
organization as the Iran-backed group continues “to stall and reject peaceful
solutions.”
The
Security Council must “take more stringent measures” against the Houthis,
adding that their designation as a terrorist group has become an urgent matter.
Saudi
Arabia has not seen any real desire from the Houthis to end the conflict in
Yemen and reach a comprehensive political solution, he said during the meeting
that was held to discuss the latest developments in the war-torn country.
The
Kingdom will continue to support all international efforts to bring peace to
Yemen in accordance with international and regional initiatives, al-Wasil said.
Speaking
at the Security Council meeting on Monday, UN envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg
thanked Saudi Arabia and Oman for their diplomacy and said discussions in the
past month have developed “options for mutually acceptable solutions to
outstanding issues.”
Source:
Al Arabiya
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Biden
reaffirms US support for UAE against terrorism, one year since Houthi attacks
17
January ,2023
President
Joe Biden reaffirmed the US’ commitment to the safety and security of the UAE
as the Gulf nation marks one year since the deadly Iran-backed Houthi attack on
the country.
“Working
in close cooperation with my friend President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the
United States will continue to support the UAE as it defends itself against
threats – whether from Yemen or anywhere else,” Biden was quoted as saying in a
statement released by the White House.
“We
remain steadfast in our pursuit of diplomacy to bring a peaceful end to the war
in Yemen, and the United States will continue to support the security of the
UAE and our other partners in the Middle East, including providing needed
military assistance,” it added.
“Therefore,
as we commemorate the tragic events of one year ago, we stand resolute to
ensure it cannot happen again.”
Three
people were killed and six injured when a drone and missile attack caused a
fuel tank to explode.
At
the time, the Yemen-based militia claimed responsibility for the attack saying
it conducted an operation “deep in the UAE,” with the group’s spokesman saying
they fired five ballistic missiles and “a large number” of explosive-laden
drones at “sensitive sites” in the UAE.
The
act was met with global condemnation and threats of sanctions. The US, UK and
France also agreed to bolster the UAE’s defenses.
Adviser
to the UAE President Dr. Anwar Gargash wrote on Twitter on the eve of the
terrorist attack:
“…The
nation is more powerful and invincible and more determined to continue its
development path. They [Iran-backed Houthis] wanted to shake confidence in our
country, but it is stronger than any terrorist threat, proud of the
determination of its leadership and people and its capabilities to protect its
gains and achievements and our national cohesion.”
He
continued, “A year has passed, and terrorism has only increased us in strength
and honor.”
In
2020, Biden’s administration revoked a terrorist designation of the Houthis
introduced by former President Donald Trump. Biden also announced ending US
support for the operations of the Arab Coalition, which intervened in Yemen in
2015 to support the internationally recognized government.
Yemen’s
Iran-backed Houthis are still in control of the capital city of Sanaa. A
UN-brokered truce deal agreed in April which rolled over twice delivered the
longest stretch of relative calm that has largely held since its expiry on
October 2.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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Saudi
Arabia’s crown prince launches Events Investment Fund set to be worth billions
January
17, 2023
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced the launch of the
Events Investment Fund (EIF), a fund that aims to develop a sustainable
infrastructure for the culture, tourism, entertainment, and sports sectors
across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The
EIF aims to create strategic partnerships to boost the local industry and
increase foreign investment. It will conceptualize, finance, and oversee the
development of more than 35 venues by 2030, the state news agency reported.
The
fund will focus on developing and increasing direct foreign investment
opportunities for a contribution of SR28 billion ($7.45 billion) to the
Kingdom’s gross domestic product by 2045.
The
creation of EIF aims at positioning the Kingdom as the global hub of cultural,
tourism, entertainment, and sports activities. It seeks to develop a
world-class sustainable infrastructure including indoor arenas, art galleries,
theaters, conference centers, horse-racing tracks, auto racing tracks, and
other facilities across the Kingdom. The SPA reported that the fund aims to
deliver its first asset by 2023.
Source:
Arab News
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2233876/business-economy
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Kuwait
reiterates support for ceasefire efforts in Ukraine
January
18, 2023
KUWAIT:
Kuwait has reiterated its support for international ceasefire efforts in
Ukraine and emphasized the need to respect the sovereignty of states amid the
recent war escalation.
The
official statement was issued after a meeting between Kuwait’s Foreign Minister
Sheikh Salem Al-Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Ukrainian Ambassador to Kuwait
Oleksandr Balanutsa where the two discussed the latest developments of the war.
During
the meeting, the foreign minister reaffirmed Kuwait’s stance towards the war,
calling for an adherence to the principles of international law, the United
Nations Charter and territorial sanctity with internationally recognized
borders, reported the Kuwait News Agency.
He
reiterated his country’s support for international efforts to achieve ceasefire
in Ukraine, deescalate the violence, promote dialogue and reach a peaceful
solution.
Balanutsa
praised Kuwait’s humanitarian support for Ukraine and its supportive stance to
efforts that aim to end the suffering of civilians impacted by the war and
achieve peace.
Source:
Arab News
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of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2234511/middle-east
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