Afghanistan Court House Attack 'Kills 50 People'
New Age Islam News Bureau
3
Apr 2013
Southeast Asia
• 50% of Indonesian Kids Victims of Sex Abuse, Group Says
• Prosecutors in Jakarta Demand 12-Year Jail Term for Shiite Murderer
• Aceh given 15 days to rethink own bylaw
• Najib Calls Malaysia Election with Five-Decade Rule on Line
• Manila, Muslim Rebels Begin Drafting Law That May End Conflict
Arab World
• Amnesty 'Outrage' At Saudi Paralysis Sentence
• Egypt students storm office of top al-Azhar cleric
• In North Syria, Eating Herbs to Survive
• Gunmen in Iraq Kill Sunni Militiaman, His Mother
• Egypt's Islamist-led Shura Council amends law on political rights
• Egyptians Struggle as Wary Tourists Stay Away
• Syria's Assad says 'no word of truth' from Turkey PM
• Egypt's Constitution Party conflicts roll on as youth take over main HQ
• Gunmen attack Iraq’s Akkas gasfield, three workers killed
• Law on people with disabilities ‘far from being implemented’ in Lebanon
• Sharjah Islamic Plans Dollar Sukuk as Issues Surge to July High
India
• Fast track courts likely for cases involving “innocent Muslims”
• CBI to honour ISI founding member
• India hopes to stall Saudi Arabia labour law
• Do not politicise incidents involving Kashmiris: Omar Abdullah
• Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat video clip junks police's Liyaqat Shah claim
• PM okays proposal to dissolve India-Iran shipping joint venture
Pakistan
• Seven killed for ‘honour’ in three districts
• Xida Islamic Education College, China seeks assistance for language learning
• Aurat Foundation to monitor polls from a ‘gender perspective’
• Former Balochistan Advocate General kidnapped from Quetta
• '40% of Pak youth think Islamic law best for nation'
• UK aid ‘helping fund re-election campaign’ of PPP: report
• Most young Pakistanis pessimistic as economy struggles: survey
• Bengali immigrants in Karachi polarised over violence in Bangladesh
• Pakistan's 14-member caretaker cabinet takes oath
Mideast Asia
• Hamas condemns Fatah students for mock killing of Qatar's emir
• Israel Says Its Tanks Responded to Shots Fired From Syrian Side
• Israel Warns Gaza Militants against Escalation
• Turkish peace process hits snag over PKK withdrawal
North America
• Lego axes mosque-like play set after anti-Muslim complaints
• Obama Opacity on Afghanistan Seen Risking Strong Taliban
• Florida legislators join anti-Islamic crusade
• US has ‘real concerns’ about Egypt: Kerry
• Muslims Redefining Community
Africa
• Ethiopia Persecutes Muslims: HRW
• Libya says it should be allowed to try spy chief
• Mali fighting rages with Chad claiming key target
• 18 Killed in Head-On Bus Crash in Central Nigeria
• NGO calls for release of Libyan journalist
Europe
• Greek mosque opens for prayer for first time in 90 years
• France undecided over EU arms embargo on Syria
• Hollande arrives in Morocco amid French political scandal
• Greece: 5 jailed for militant anarchist attacks
• Russia Delivers Aid for Syria Refugees in Lebanon
South Asia
• Afghanistan Court House Attack 'Kills 50 People'
• Islamists’ ‘long march’ may take a militant turn in Bangladesh
• Artur brothers “direct threat to national security”: Maldivian MP
• Prominent atheist blogger arrested in Bangladesh
• Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mollah was passively involved
• Burmese Imam probed for possible negligence, after 13 children died
• 18-party supports the demands of Islamic clerics to stop campaign against Islam in Bangladesh
• Dhaka to launch 'combing operations’ against Jamaat
• 31 Afghans held at Chaman border
Australia
• Islamic fund to target asset leasing
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
Photo: Hundreds of al-Azhar university students angered by a mass outbreak of food poisoning at the university, hold signs and chant slogans as an ambulance carrying a poisoned student passes through the crowd in Cairo, Egypt, Monday, April 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Mostafa Darwish)
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/afghanistan-court-house-attack-kills/d/10996
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Afghanistan Court House Attack 'Kills 50 People'
Apr 3, 2013
A suicide bomb and gun attack on a court house in western Afghanistan has left more than 50 people dead and 90 injured, most of them civilians.
Militants disguised as soldiers tried unsuccessfully to free suspected Taliban members in capital of the Farah province, Afghan officials said.
After a fierce initial gun battle, shooting continued as militants took cover in nearby buildings.
The Taliban said they were behind the attack in Farah, which borders Iran.
This was the deadliest attack in Afghanistan since December 2011, the BBC's Caroline Wyatt in Kabul reports.
A bomb and gun attack on the governor's compound last May left six policemen, a civilian and four attackers dead.
'Suicide belts'
The attack began at approximately 09:00 local time (04:30 GMT) on Wednesday in the city of Farah, the Afghan officials said.
The militants set off a large army vehicles packed with explosives, damaging nearby buildings - including the local governor's office - and two banks packed with civilians.
The gun battle then broke out with Afghan security forces, as militants took up positions in a number of buildings.
Initial reports suggested the target was the governor's compound before officials, and a Taliban spokesman, confirmed the attack had focused on the courthouse.
Provincial police chief Afgha Noor Kemtoz told the AP news agency that six attackers wore suicide bomb vests.
Mr Kemtoz later said that the stand-off was over.
Afghan officials said that 34 civilians, 10 members of the security forces and nine militants died.
According to the police chief, the aim of the attack had been to free 15 Taliban prisoners who were being transferred to the courthouse for trial.
"Definitely the plan was to free the prisoners with this attack but, thank God, they did not succeed," he added. "All the prisoners are accounted for."
However, Taliban spokesman Qari Yusuf Ahmadi was quoted by Reuters news agency as saying all the prisoners had been freed.
Following the blast, gunmen entered several "government institutions", he was quoted as saying by the Pakistan-based Afghan Islamic Press news agency.
'Packed with civilians'
The majority of those wounded in the attack were civilians, a doctor at the local hospital told the BBC.
Local shopkeeper Sayed Jan told the BBC: "I heard a huge bang and when I looked I saw several attackers armed with light and heavy weapons running towards the bank and the court.
"There is blood and broken glass. There is a heavy exchange of gunfire and my shop has become a centre of the fighting."
Eyewitnesses, including doctors in the city, said both sides had used machine-guns and grenades.
Speaking to the BBC, a senior Afghan security source said the courthouse and nearby banks had been "packed with civilians" at the time of the attack.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22013106
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Southeast Asia
50% of Indonesian Kids Victims of Sex Abuse, Group Says
Fana F.S. Putra | April 03, 2013
Almost half of Indonesia’s children have fallen prey to instances of sexual harassment, according to a nongovernmental organization advocating children’s issues.
The National Commission for Child Protection (Komnas Anak) claimed on Tuesday that about 50 percent of the country’s 21 million children had been victims of such abuse, though the figure excluded children who did not report their cases to the authorities.
From January to April, Komnas Anak received 127 reports of child abuse in the Greater Jakarta area alone.
Arist Merdeka Sirait, the chairman of the commission, noted that East Jakarta had become the most unsafe area for children in the capital, having recorded the most cases of sexual harassment.
Komnas Anak said that 51 percent, or 67 reports, came from East Jakarta. Last year, the NGO received 2,637 reports on child abuse in Greater Jakarta, with 190 cases originating from East Jakarta.
“Jakarta had the highest instances [of sexual abuse cases] in 2012, with 663. East Jakarta is the most prone to sexual abuse against minors,” Arist said at his office in Jakarta.
He attributed the high rate of violence against children in East Jakarta to the area’s population density. He also said that about 80 percent of East Jakarta residents were in the medium to low income bracket.
“Low education level is also one of the factors,” Arist added.
The chairman praised the East Jakarta Police for their quick response and follow-up to every report they received.
“My hope is that the police will continue to solve all cases of sexual harassment against children in accordance with the law so that there can be a deterrent effect,” he said.
He cited the three East Jakarta areas that were most unfriendly to children as Kramat Jati, Ciracas and Cakung.
Arist also lamented First Lady Ani Yudhoyono’s lack of initiative to become an icon and defender of Indonesian children like Michelle Obama, the first lady of the United States, or Queen Elizabeth II, who he said always met with children from underprivileged families each time they visited another country.
“They always visit the poor people. The first lady should become an icon for the people, especially for children, because sexual crimes should be fought by not only one institution. It’s a common concern that needs to be fought together,” Arist said.
Neither the high number of cases of violence against children this year nor the declaration of 2013 as a year of national emergency over child sex abuse has prompted the first lady into action, he added.
Arist said that having such an icon was important for Indonesian children and society at large.
“There needs to be an icon. The first lady should have had the initiative to become the icon,” he said.
Given the first lady’s lack of initiative, Komnas Anak said it had decided to ask Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo to promote awareness about sexual violence against children.
On April 21, which coincides with Kartini Day, or National Women’s Day, Joko, along with Komnas Anak and other activist groups, will campaign to promote an end to violence against children in Jakarta.
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/50-of-kids-victims-of-sex-abuse-group-says/583315
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Prosecutors in Jakarta Demand 12-Year Jail Term for Shiite Murderer
Jakarta Globe | April 03, 2013
Prosecutors at the Surabaya District Court on Tuesday demanded a 12-year jail sentence for a man who murdered a Shiite follower during a mob attack in the Sampang regency in East Java, last August.
The defendant, Hadiri, allegedly stabbed Shiite follower Hamamah in the head during a fight between the Sampang Shiite community and Sunni Muslims in Nangkernang, in the Karang Gayam Village.
Prosecutor Zainal Arifin told the court that Hadiri had violated article 338 of the Criminal Code on premeditated murder.
“Besides the fact that the defendant was committed to a cruel crime, the other aggravating factor is he was not being cooperative in giving testimony,” said Zainal, as quoted by Republika.com.
Hadiri's lawyer Hidayat argued that the prosecutors' demands were too tough, claiming that none of the witnesses had supported their argument.
He added that Hadiri was the one who was stabbed in the back and neck.
“He fainted, and was conscious at the hospital,” Hidayat said as quoted by Tempo. “He did not know someone had died.”
A mob of 500 Sunni Muslims attacked a group of Shiite students and teachers, leaving seven injured and two dead from both sides in August 2012. The attack was allegedly provoked by Nahdlatul Ulama figure Roisul Hukama, with radical Sunni Muslim members torching dozens of houses, forcing Shiite members to live as refugees at a Sampang sport center after hiding in the forest.
The government had claimed that the attack was the result of a family conflict, because it followed a sibling rivalry between Roisul and his brother, Shiite leader Tajul Muluk.
Roisul has been named as a suspect for premeditated murder, participating in a mob attack, suggesting others commit a violent crime, assisting them as they commit a crime and assault that resulted in someone's death. He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison if convicted.
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/prosecutors-demand-12-year-jail-term-for-shiite-murderer/583418
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Aceh given 15 days to rethink own bylaw
April 03 2013
The central government has given the Aceh provincial administration 15 days to clarify Qanun (Bylaw) No. 3/2013 on the Aceh provincial flag and coat of arms by sending a letter to Aceh’s governor and the Aceh Legislative Council (DPRA).
The qanun, which took effect on March 25, assigns the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) flag and the Bouraq-and-Lion as the Aceh provincial flag and symbol.
The clarification letter was conveyed by Home Minister Gamawan Fauzi through Director General of Regional Autonomy, Djohermansyah Djohan, in a closed-door meeting with Aceh Governor Zaini Abdullah.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/04/03/aceh-given-15-days-rethink-own-bylaw.html
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Najib Calls Malaysia Election With Five-Decade Rule on Line
Barry Porter | April 03, 2013
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak dissolved parliament in preparation for elections that will determine whether his ruling coalition extends its unbroken hold on power since independence in 1957.
Under Malaysian law the contest must be held within 60 days of the dissolution of the legislature. The Election Commission will meet in a few days to announce a date for the poll, spokesman Sabri Said said in a text message.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/international/najib-calls-malaysia-election-with-five-decade-rule-on-line/583407
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Manila, Muslim Rebels Begin Drafting Law That May End Conflict
April 3, 2013
MANILA (Reuters) - Government representatives and the Philippines' largest Muslim separatist group began drafting legislation on Wednesday to end 40 years of conflict and set up an autonomous structure to run the poor, but resource-rich, south.
The 15-member Transition Commission has until next year to devise a framework for Bangsamoro, the Muslim-dominated region made up of five provinces and gripped for decades by guerrilla violence.
But its real work can only begin once parallel talks by "peace panels", due to start in Malaysia next week, are over.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2013/04/03/world/asia/03reuters-philippines-
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Arab World
Amnesty 'Outrage' At Saudi Paralysis Sentence
April 3, 2013
The reported sentencing of paralysis for a Saudi man as punishment for paralysing another man has been described as "outrageous" by a leading human rights group.
Saudi reports say the 24-year-old man could be paralysed from the waist down if he cannot pay his victim one million riyals (£250,000) in compensation.
Amnesty International says the sentence is a form of torture.
The man has been in prison for 10 years since he stabbed a friend in the back.
Saudi newspapers say Ali al-Khawahir was 14 when he paralysed his friend in the attack in the Eastern Province town of al-Ahsa.
The law of qisas, or retribution, in Saudi Arabia means his victim can demand that he suffers exactly the same punishment as he caused.
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22010122
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Egypt students storm office of top al-Azhar cleric
Apr 3, 2013
Hundreds of students at Egypt's al-Azhar university broke into the offices of the country's top Muslim cleric of the al-Azhar mosque.
The protest was sparked by a food poisoning that left 500 students in hospital on Monday.
The students say the incident was a sign of neglect by the head of the university and want him to resign.
In a statement, the university has warned the students not to "exploit" the food poisoning.
The statement added that such poisonings had occurred at other universities.
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22014123
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In north Syria, eating herbs to survive
2 April 2013
KHERBET AL-KHALDIYEH, Syria: For millions of Syrians displaced by fighting, every day is a struggle to survive, and for those in Kherbet Al-Khaldiye, that means eating and drinking whatever they can forage.
“We eat herbs and collect stagnant rainwater to drink and wash in,” says 24-year-old Hisham, his head covered in a red and white chequered keffiyeh scarf.
Hisham, who sports a budding blonde beard, was about to enter university when the fighting that has engulfed Syria erupted in 2011.
Now he has joined the wave of his compatriots displaced by the conflict.
In Kherbet Al-Khaldiyeh, a makeshift camp near the Turkish border, Hisham shows off a nearly-dry rivulet of water, infested with fungi and insects, surrounded by a swarm of children, many of whom have contracted skin infections because of the dirty water.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/446817
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Gunmen in Iraq Kill Sunni Militiaman, His Mother
April 3, 2013
Baghdad (AP) — Iraqi officials say gunmen have shot dead a member of an anti-al-Qaida Sunni militia along with his mother.
A police official said Yousef Sayhoud was killed on Wednesday in his home in the suburb of Abu Ghraib west of Baghdad.
He said the gunmen also wounded Sayhoud's brother. A health official confirmed the deaths.
They spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to talk to the media.
Sayhoud belonged to the pro-government group known as the Sahwa, which joined U.S. troops in the war against al-Qaida starting in 2005 at the height of the insurgency. Since then, it has been a target for Sunni insurgents still fighting the Shiite-led government, who consider them traitors.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2013/04/03/world/middleeast/ap-ml-iraq
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Egypt's Islamist-led Shura Council amends law on political rights
Upper house of Egypt's parliament, currently endowed with legislative powers, green-lights revised law on political rights to allow use of religious campaign slogans
2 Apr 2013
Deputies of the Muslim Brotherhood and their allies in the Islamist-led Shura Council (the upper house of Egypt's parliament, currently endowed with legislative powers) teamed up on Monday and Tuesday to approve amendments to a 1956 law on the exercise of political rights.
The amendments were introduced by the government after Egypt's Administrative Court ruled last month that the current version of the law – approved by the Shura Council on 21 February – was constitutionally and legally flawed. The law was referred back to the High Constitutional Court (HCC), which is not expected to issue a ruling on it in the short term.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/68305/Egypt/Politics-/Egypts-Islamistled-Shura-Council-amends-law-on-pol.aspx
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Egyptians Struggle as Wary Tourists Stay Away
By KAREEM FAHIM
April 3, 2013
AL-BAIRAT, Egypt — Many of this country’s post-uprising troubles wash up here, in a crumbling shack on a dirty canal, where 13 members of the Abdul Latif family have long relied on tourism to keep them from slipping from poverty into ruin.
Adel Abdul Latif supported his family making the Pharaonic alabaster figurines that vendors hawk at the temples around Luxor. He also worked in construction, which depended on the prosperity of the local hoteliers and other businesspeople who hired him.
Then the tourists stopped coming.
This winter there was so little work — during what had been the high season for tourism in Luxor — that the family had to rely on cash handouts and free blankets from a local charity staggering from its own financial woes.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/03/world/middleeast/egyptians-struggle-as-wary-tourists-stay-away.html?ref=world
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Syria's Assad says 'no word of truth' from Turkey PM
Erdogan has not said a single word of truth since the beginning of the crisis in Syria, President Bashar Al-Assad claims
3 Apr 2013
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad accused Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of not having said "a single word of truth" about Syria's conflict, in an interview with Turkish media posted on the web.
"Erdogan has not said a single word of truth since the beginning of the crisis in Syria," Assad told journalists working for Turkish television Ulusal and Aydinlik newspaper.
Turkey is a key backer of the Syrian revolt that broke out in March 2011.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/68350/World/Region/Syrias-Assad-says-no-word-of-truth-from-Turkey-PM.aspx
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Egypt's Constitution Party conflicts roll on as youth take over main HQ
A group of the liberal party's young members took over the main offices in Cairo and plan to stage a sit-in, demanding a change in leadership and early party elections
2 Apr 2013
The internal conflicts facing the liberal Constitution Party escalated on Monday evening when, according to news reports, a group of young members stormed the party’s main headquarters in downtown Cairo and occupied it.
The group of protesting members announced that their takeover of the headquarters had been legal, and that the building had been handed over legally by party co-founder Ahmed Darag in the presence of the police.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/68289/Egypt/Politics-/Egypts-Constitution-Party-conflicts-roll-on-as-you.aspx
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Gunmen attack Iraq’s Akkas gasfield, three workers killed
April 3, 2013
BAGHDAD: Gunmen attacked a contracting company in Iraq’s Akkas gasfield on Monday, killing at least three local workers and kidnapping two more before burning their camp in the remote western desert.
Akkas, operated by Korea Gas Company (KOGAS) in Anbar province near the Syrian border, is still not producing gas. But the attack is another indication of increased insurgent presence along the frontier where Syria’s war is spilling into Iraq.
“Gunmen in vehicles attacked the headquarters of a local company hired by KOGAS to do work in the field,” said the mayor of nearby al Qaim town, Farhan Ftaikhan. “They killed an engineer and two workers and kidnapped two more. Before they left they set fire to vehicles and offices.”
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\04\03\story_3-4-2013_pg7_21
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Law on people with disabilities ‘far from being implemented’ in Lebanon
April 03, 2013
By Niamh Fleming-Farrell
BEIRUT: In 2007 Lebanon signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Even earlier, in 2000, the country’s Parliament passed Law 220/2000, which also concerns the rights of persons with disabilities.
However, today, as the Arab Decade for Disabled Persons draws to a close, the former remains unratified, while the latter, says Dr. Nawaf Kabbara, “is far from being implemented.” Presenting a draft paper on the social inclusion of young men and women with disabilities in Lebanon, Kabbara addressed a national workshop Tuesday convened by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. He introduced participants from government ministries, non-governmental organizations and civil society to a veritable rap sheet of the country’s shortcomings in the implementation of this legislation.
Full report at:
http://dailystar.com.lb/News/Local-News/2013/Apr-03/212361-law-on-people-with-disabilities-far-from-being-implemented.ashx#ixzz2POTb0TFV
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Sharjah Islamic Plans Dollar Sukuk as Issues Surge to July High
By Tanya Angerer
April 02, 2013
Sharjah Islamic Bank (NBS) is planning to sell dollar-denominated sukuk after offerings of the securities in the U.S. currency reached an eight-month high in March. Bond risk in Asia was little changed today.
The lender, from the third-largest of the seven emirates in the U.A.E., is planning to meet investors in Asia and Europe from April 4 ahead of a possible sale of Islamic securities, according to a person familiar with the deal, who asked not to be identified because the matter is private.
Full report at:
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-04-02/sharjah-islamic-plans-dollar-sukuk-as-issues-surge-to-july-high
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India
Fast track courts likely for cases involving “innocent Muslims”
SANDEEP JOSHI
Apr 03 2013
Shinde assures MPs that such courts will be set up to expedite trial
Amid charges of “innocent” Muslims being falsely implicated in terror cases, the Union government is likely to set up fast track courts to expedite their trial.
Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde gave the assurance to a group of MPs and civil rights activists who met him to demand a “clear-cut time frame” for setting up such courts and freeing all the accused who have been in prison for two years or more.
The delegation presented a 14-point charter of demands, seeking immediate action to end the persecution of “innocent” Muslims who were “being falsely implicated on the charges of terrorist activities with fabricated evidence.”
Notably, Mr. Shinde recently wrote to Minority Affairs Minister K. Rahman Khan, backing the proposal to establish special courts for expeditious trial of terror cases involving “innocent” Muslim youths. Besides Muslims organisations and human rights groups, some political parties have demanded a mechanism to ensure that “innocent” Muslims are not held on fabricated charges.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/fast-track-courts-likely-for-cases-involving-innocent-muslims/article4574136.ece
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CBI to honour ISI founding member
TNN | Apr 3, 2013
NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation has approached the external affairs ministry with an unusual request. It wants the ministry to facilitate the India visit of the Lahore-based family of a Pakistani who had helped set up the country's spy agency, Inter-Services Intelligence.
The reason: the man in question, Khan Bahadur Qurban Ali Khan, was the first chief of the Special Police Establishment (SPE), the forerunner of CBI. Khan is to be honoured posthumously during the upcoming golden jubilee celebrations of CBI.
Khan, who was an officer of the erstwhile Indian Police during British rule, will be among a host of former directors of the country's premier probe agency who will be honoured at the April 6 event.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/CBI-to-honour-ISI-founding-member/articleshow/19353099.cms
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India hopes to stall Saudi Arabia labour law
Himanshi Dhawan, TNN | Apr 3, 2013
NEW DELHI: The gold rush for Indian workers threatens to come to an end with Saudi Arabia bringing in a new labour law that requires companies to hire one Saudi national for every 10 expatriate workers. The Nitaqat programme that came into force recently will hit an estimated 1.5 million Indians working in the West Asian nation the hardest. Faced by the prospect of lakhs of unemployed workers returning to India, the Centre has decided to send a ministerial delegation headed by overseas Indian affairs minister Vayalar Ravi to hold talks with the Saudi government.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-hopes-to-stall-Saudi-Arabia-labour-law/articleshow/19352656.cms
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Do not politicise incidents involving Kashmiris: Omar Abdullah
PTI | Apr 3, 2013
JAMMU: Lashing out at those giving political colour to every incident involving Kashmiris, chief minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said it creates a negative impact on the mindset of the people.
"There are people here who want to give political colour to everything. In Hyderabad a boy (Mudassir Kamran) commits suicide on personal reasons and in Kashmir it is tried to be analysed in a different way. As if he was murdered", Omar said.
Kamran, a Kashmiri student, was found hanging from the ceiling of his hostel room in Hyderabad last month.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Do-not-politicise-incidents-involving-Kashmiris-Omar-Abdullah/articleshow/19362340.cms
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Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat video clip junks police's Liyaqat Shah claim
Apr 03 2013
New Delhi : The All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat held a press conference here on Tuesday to present documented evidence against Delhi Police Special Cell’s claims that former militant Liyaqat Shah was arrested from Gorakhpur.
The organisation, which serves as an umbrella body of Muslim groups, showed a 57-second-long clipping featuring two personnel of the Sashastra Seema Bal talk about Shah and how he entered India with his family.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/muslim-majlisemushawarat-video-clip-junks-polices-liyaqat-shah-clai.../1096841/
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PM okays proposal to dissolve India-Iran shipping joint venture
Apr 03 2013
New Delhi : Saying that it was a fait accompli, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday approved a proposal moved by shipping ministry to dissolve a 39-year-old India-Iran shipping joint venture that has failed to do any business over the last few years owing to UN sanctions against Tehran.
The Iran-o-Hind Shipping Company Ltd, a joint venture between Shipping Corporation of India and the Islamic Republic of Iran, was set up by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as a gesture to strengthen India-Iran ties. India will now buy six of the seven vessels that the company owns, four of them at market value.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pm-okays-proposal-to-dissolve-indiairan-shipping-joint-venture/1096857/
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Pakistan
Seven killed for ‘honour’ in three districts
April 3, 2013
NAWABSHAH: Two women were among four persons killed on the pretext of Karo-Kari in the village of Gulzar Zardari on Tuesday.
The victims were identified as Kazbano, 18, daughter of Shah Mohammed Zardari; Shahzadi, 26, wife of Panah Zardari, Ismail, 20, son of Punhal Zardari, and Yousuf, 25, son of Faiz Mohammed Zardari.
Sources in police said that Shaukat Zardari, brother of Kazbano, and Moosa Zardari, brother of Shahzadi, who were behind the brutal act, had been arrested.
The bodies were taken to Peoples Medical College Hospital for an autopsy.
A heavy contingent of police was deployed around the village to avoid any untoward incident.
No FIR was lodged till the filing of this report.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/04/03/seven-killed-for-honour-in-three-districts/
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Xida Islamic Education College, China seeks assistance for language learning
April 02, 2013
Islamabad—National University of Modern Languages (NUML) and XIDA Islamic Education College, China will formally sign Memorandum of Understanding on Tuesday to initiate collaboration in education sector. This was agreed after a meeting of 12-member Chinese delegation of Xida Islamic Education College, Honghe Prefecture, Yunan Province, headed by President of College, Bao Cheng, with the officials of NUML.
President of the College, Mr Cheng told the Rector and DG NUML that “There are big number of Muslims living in YunNan Province and they have great interest in studying about their religion, Islamic culture and literature. We seek NUML assistance for the language learning, teachers’ training and the higher studies”. He said that since the university has highly qualified and experienced faculty members in Arabic Language and Islamic studies department, we want that our faculty members and students come here for training and further studies”. This will help us to strengthen our brotherly and Islamic relations further stronger, he added.
Full report at:
http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=202445
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Aurat Foundation to monitor polls from a ‘gender perspective’
April 3, 2013
LAHORE: Aurat Foundation Lahore has launched provincial General Election Monitoring (GEM) Cell to monitor the upcoming elections in Pakistan from a gender perspective.
In a statement issued here on Tuesday, Aurat Foundation stated that the aim of GEM Cell is to enhance women’s political participation during election and in post-election period. Under this initiative a team of GEM observers would set to monitor the electoral process from gender dimension.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\04\03\story_3-4-2013_pg13_5
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Former Balochistan Advocate General kidnapped from Quetta
Syed Ali Shah
Apr 3, 2013
QUETTA: Unknown gunmen kidnapped former Advocate General Balochistan, Salahuddin Mengal, from Quetta’s Sariab Road on Wednesday, police said.
Mengal was on his way home from the Balochistan High Court when armed men stopped his vehicle at Sariab Road. According to police, the kidnappers initially fired shots in the air to disperse the people. Then they picked up Mengal in a car. Mengal’s car was abandoned on Sariab road.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/04/03/former-balochistan-advocate-general-kidnapped-from-quetta/
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'40% of Pak youth think Islamic law best for nation'
Apr 03 2013
Ahead of crucial elections marking the first democratic transition in Pakistan's history, more than 90% of the youth believe the country is heading in the wrong direction while nearly 40% think Shariah or Islamic law would be the best political system, a survey said. These are among the
key findings of a new survey by the British Council that focussed on youths between 18 and 29 years, who are expected to play an important role in the May 11 general election.
The 'Next Generation Goes to the Ballot Box' report, published today, indicated deep pessimism among the youth, many of whom will be voting for the first time.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/Pakistan/40-of-Pak-youth-think-Islamic-law-best-for-nation/Article1-1036687.aspx
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UK aid ‘helping fund re-election campaign’ of PPP: report
April 3, 2013
KARACHI: A leading development economist has alleged, in evidence to a parliamentary probe, that the BISP was being used to buy support for Pakistan Peoples Party, a report published in British newspaper The Daily Telegraph said.
“The fact that it is called Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) tends to suggest that there is what is called clientelism,” Dr Ehtisham Ahmad, who held several senior positions at the IMF, told The Daily Telegraph. “The more you give the more benefit there is to the party that bears the Bhutto name.”
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/04/03/uk-aid-helping-fund-re-election-campaign-of-ppp-report/
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Most young Pakistanis pessimistic as economy struggles: survey
April 3, 2013
ISLAMABAD: Nearly 100 per cent of young Pakistanis are pessimistic about the future and believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, a survey released on Wednesday found.
A British Council study, entitled “Next Generation Goes to The Ballot Box”, also showed that only one in five young adults expect their economic situation to improve over the next year.
The findings make for disturbing reading for politicians who are trying to win over Pakistanis ahead of a May 11 general election.
Pakistan’s elected government completed its full five-year term last month, the first in the country’s turbulent history to do so.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/04/03/most-young-pakistanis-pessimistic-as-economy-struggles-survey/
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Bengali immigrants in Karachi polarised over violence in Bangladesh
April 3, 2013
KARACHI: As tensions persist in Bangladesh over the sentencing of those involved in ‘crimes against humanity’ during the 1971 Bangladesh War, the Bengali-speaking community in Karachi remains hugely divided over the events in their country of origin.
The protests in Bangladesh sparked on February 5, when the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Abdul Quader Molla, the assistant secretary-general of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami to life in prison after he was convicted of war crimes. Later, protesters expanded their demands to include a complete ban on Jamaat-e-Islami, along with its supporters and affiliates on grounds of being involved in genocide and crimes against humanity. A counter-protest was launched by the Jamaat-e-Islami, demanding the release of its accused and convicted members.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/530236/bengali-immigrants-in-karachi-polarised-over-violence-in-bangladesh/
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Pakistan's 14-member caretaker cabinet takes oath
PTI | Apr 2, 2013
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's 14-member interim cabinet of caretaker premier Mir Hazar Khan Khoso was on Tuesday sworn in by President Asif Ali Zardari with ministers drawn from all four provinces of the country.
Zardari administered oath to the 14-member caretaker cabinet as one candidate stayed away from the swearing in ceremony because he is serving in a government department.
The members of the interim cabinet of caretaker premier Khoso were sworn in during a brief ceremony at the presidency.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Pakistans-14-member-caretaker-cabinet-takes-oath/articleshow/19347304.cms
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Mideast Asia
Hamas condemns Fatah students for mock killing of Qatar's emir
Pro-Fatah students hanged an effigy of the Qatari leader; Hamas condemned the 'immoral' act
2 Apr 2013
The Gaza Strip’s Hamas movement condemned the actions of students from the West Bank's Fatah party who hanged an effigy of the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani on Tuesday.
Hamas expressed its rejection of what it described as an "immoral act" carried out by students from the Palestine Technical University in the West Bank city of Tulkarem during the closing ceremony of the university's student council elections.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/68291/World/Region/Hamas-condemns-Fatah-students-for-mock-killing-of-.aspx
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Israel Says Its Tanks Responded to Shots Fired From Syrian Side
By ISABEL KERSHNER and NICK CUMMING-BRUCE
April 3, 2013
JERUSALEM — The Israeli military said Tuesday night that its tanks had fired into Syria in response to shots fired from the Syrian side at an Israeli Army jeep in the Israeli-held Golan Heights, adding that the shells hit their target. Earlier that day, the Israeli military said, a mortar shell from Syria sailed over the Israeli-Syrian cease-fire line and crashed into an open field.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/03/world/middleeast/syria.html?ref=middleeast&gwh=38D09B98B70024C326348F9D3E6F2388
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Israel Warns Gaza Militants Against Escalation
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
April 3, 2013
JERUSALEM (AP) — Palestinian militants launched several rockets into southern Israel, while Israeli aircraft struck targets in the Gaza Strip early Wednesday, in the heaviest exchange of fire between the sides since they agreed to an internationally brokered cease-fire in November.
There were no casualties reported, but the violence nonetheless threatened to shatter the calm that has prevailed for more than four months and prompted Israel's new defense minister to warn that the Jewish state will not sit back if militants attack the south of the country.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2013/04/03/world/middleeast/ap-ml-israel-
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Turkish peace process hits snag over PKK withdrawal
April 03, 2013
ISTANBUL — Turkey’s peace process with Kurdish militants faces a hurdle as the rebels demand legal protection to prevent any military attack on them during their planned withdrawal after decades of fighting, a call rejected by the government.
The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) declared a ceasefire with Turkey last month in response to an order from its jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan after months of talks with Ankara to halt a conflict which has killed more than 40,000.
The next planned step is a withdrawal of PKK fighters from Turkish territory to their bases in the mountains of northern Iraq, but the militants say they could be vulnerable to attack from Turkish troops unless parliament gives them legal protection.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130403159683
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North America
Lego axes mosque-like play set after anti-Muslim complaints
3 April 2013
Toy giant Lego announced this week it is ending the production of its “Jabba the Hutt” play set following complaints that the model is anti-Muslim.
The Danish firm has agreed to withdraw the Star Wars toy set which features a mosque-like building inhabited by an obese, shisha-smoking alien complete with a belly-dancing figurine.
Lego denied the production cancellation of "Jabba the Hutt" is due to complaints made by a Turkish group in Austria.
“This sort of thing does not belong in a child’s bedroom,” said Melissa Gunes, a spokeswoman for Austria’s Turkish Cultural Association (TCA), in January.
Critics also claimed that the Lego palace bears an uncanny resemblance to Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia mosque. The TCA went on to protest that the figures in the set were “deceitful and criminal” characters such as gun-runners, slave masters and terrorists.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/world/2013/04/03/-Star-Wars-Muslims-vs-Lego-in-showdown-over-allegedly-mosque-like-play-set.html
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Obama Opacity on Afghanistan Seen Risking Strong Taliban
By Gopal Ratnam - Apr 3, 2013
President Barack Obama’s failure to spell out his plans for Afghanistan is adding to the risk that some Afghans will start negotiating deals with the Taliban, according to former U.S. officials who visited the country.
“In Afghanistan right now there’s a huge amount of anxiety about the scale and nature of the U.S. commitment long-term,” Obama’s former Undersecretary of Defense Michele Flournoy, who was on the trip last month and was the Pentagon’s third highest- ranking official, said in an interview.
Full report at:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-03/obama-opacity-on-afghanistan-seen-risking-strong-taliban.html
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Florida legislators join anti-Islamic crusade
April 2, 2013
Last week, someone told the Rev. Joel Hunter that they hoped his family dies in a fire.
Why? Because Hunter had the audacity to speak out against intolerance, specifically intolerance against Muslims
Hunter quickly paid the price, receiving hundreds of angry emails, including the death wish.
This is the state of discourse in Florida.
And it's fostered in part by the people you elect.
You see, once upon a time, the fringy crusade against all things Islamic was led by a handful of legislators who would boycott peaceful prayers by imams and file goofy bills that common-sense legislators ignored.
Full report at:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/os-scott-maxwell-joel-hunter-muslim-sharia-law-20130402,0,6046322.column
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US has ‘real concerns’ about Egypt: Kerry
April 3, 2013
WASHINGTON: The United States has “real concerns” about the direction being taken by the Egyptian government following recent arrests and political violence, Secretary of State John Kerry said on Tuesday.
“We have put a series of real choices to the government of Egypt, but in the end they have to make those choices,” Kerry told reporters, adding it was “a key moment for Egypt. It’s really a tipping point for Egypt.”
Kerry, who visited Cairo in March unlocking some $250 million in US aid to help revive the economy, admitted President Barack Obama and the administration “share real concerns about the direction that Egypt appears to be moving in.”
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/04/03/us-has-real-concerns-about-egypt-kerry/
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Muslims Redefining Community
04/01/2013
Engy Abdelkader Human Rights Attorney
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." -- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Sometimes expressions of community manifest at unexpected yet necessary moments.
Illustrative is the American response to the recent proliferation of anti-Muslim hate advertisements on government owned public transit systems in cities around the country.
From San Francisco to Washington, D.C. to Detroit to Chicago to New York, daily commuters have confronted a well-orchestrated hate campaign to defame and demean American Muslims and their Islamic faith:
Full report at:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/engy-abdelkader/muslims-redefining-community_b_2992801.html
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Africa
Ethiopia Persecutes Muslims: HRW
By Susan Yasin
02 April 2013
CAIRO – An international human rights group has accused Ethiopia of persecuting Muslims over their protests against government interference in their religious affairs and using flawed anti-terror laws to demonize Muslims and silence their protests.
“There seems to be no limit to the Ethiopian government’s use of its anti-terrorism law and unfair trials to stop peaceful dissent,” Leslie Lefkow, deputy Africa director of Human Rights Watch (HRW), said in a press release obtained by OnIslam.net on Tuesday, April 2.
“The government’s treatment of these Muslim leaders bears the hallmarks of a politically motivated prosecution.”
Protests have rocked Ethiopia over the past months over government interference in the religious affairs of the Muslim community.
Muslims say the government is spearheading a campaign in collaboration with the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs to indoctrinate their community with the ideology of a sect called "Ahbash".
Full report at:
http://www.onislam.net/english/news/africa/462079-ethiopia-prosecutes-muslim-activists-hrw.html
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Libya says it should be allowed to try spy chief
April 3, 2013
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Libya has formally applied to the International Criminal Court to be allowed to put Muammar Gadhafi's former spy chief on trial in Tripoli instead of sending him to The Hague to face justice.
In a lengthy submission published Wednesday, lawyers representing Libya argue that Abdullah Al-Senoussi's home country is willing and able to prosecute him and therefore has precedence over the world's first permanent war crimes tribunal.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130403159755
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Mali fighting rages with Chad claiming key target
March 4, 2013
Bamako: Heavy clashes in northern Mali have left at least 50 rebel fighters and a French soldier dead, following reports that two top Islamist militants have been killed in recent days.
The reports from Chad that its soldiers killed Mokhtar Belmokhtar, the mastermind of January's assault on an Algerian gas plant that killed 37 foreign hostages, as well as al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) commander Abdelhamid Abou Zeid, have not been confirmed by other sources.
But both French and Malian officials said clashes had intensified in the region in recent days, with French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian saying a French soldier had died "in some of the heaviest fighting that we have carried out on Malian territory".
Full report at:
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/world/mali-fighting-rages-with-chad-claiming-key-target-20130304-2fff6.html#ixzz2PN5BQe98
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18 Killed in Head-On Bus Crash in Central Nigeria
April 3, 2013
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Authorities say 18 people have been killed in a head-on collision between two buses in central Nigeria.
Jonas Agwu, a spokesman for Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps, said the crash happened early Wednesday morning near Gwagwalada, a town outside of Nigeria's capital, Abuja.
Agwu said investigators suspect the driver of a smaller, older bus fell asleep behind the wheel, causing the vehicle to drift into the other lane and hit a large touring bus. He said at least nine others were injured in the crash.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2013/04/03/world/africa/ap-af-nigeria-bus-
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NGO calls for release of Libyan journalist
April 03, 2013
TRIPOLI — Reporters Without Borders (RWB) has added its voice to calls for the release of newspaper editor Amara Hassan Al-Khatabi, who has been in prison for over three months.
Al-Khatabi is accused of defamation of members of the judiciary, after printing a list of 84 judges allegedly involved in corruption, in the privately-owned Ummah (Nation) newspaper.
The 67 year-old has been detained in a military prison since Dec. 19, following the publication of the list on Nov. 21. RWB, which promotes freedom of information and freedom of the press, says Al-Khatabi has been denied access to his lawyer.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130403159691
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Europe
Greek mosque opens for prayer for first time in 90 years
Wednesday, 3 April 2013
A 111 year-old mosque in Thessaloniki, Greece, opened its doors to Muslim worshippers for the first time in 90 years on Saturday, according to Hürriyet Daily News.
Kerin Uras, Turkey’s ambassador to Greece, said that reopening the mosque is “ a positive step in the right direction. We’re expecting the rest to come. I hope Athens will also be a place where Muslims can pray.”
Tugrul Biltekin, Turkey’s Thessaloniki consul general, said “I am so happy about this historical development. I hope mosques in Thessaloniki and other locations in the region will be open to Muslims during holy days.”
The Mosque was constructed by Vitaliano Poselli, an Italian architect, in 1902. However, it was closed for prayer in 1923.
Between 1925 to 1963 the mosque was used as an archaeology museum and was later used as the Thessaloniki Municipality’s exhibition hall.
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/features/2013/04/03/Greek-mosque-open-for-prayer-for-first-time-in-90-years.html
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France undecided over EU arms embargo on Syria
3 April 2013
France has not decided whether to support the lifting of an EU arms embargo on Syria, its foreign minister said Wednesday, in a U-turn from its previous stance favoring the supply of weapons to the war-torn country’s rebels.
“We have to give a response end of May. Until then, I can’t tell you yes or no,” Laurent Fabius said on BFM-TV, after being asked what position Paris would take over the renewal of the near two-year-old embargo.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/world/2013/04/03/France-undecided-over-EU-arms-embargo-on-Syria-.html
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Hollande arrives in Morocco amid French political scandal
Apr 3, 2013
CASABLANCA, Morocco - French President Francois Hollande arrived in Morocco on Wednesday fresh from battling an explosive tax fraud scandal that risks overshadowing his landmark two-day visit to the former colony.
Hollande, who was welcomed by King Mohammed VI at Casablanca, sought to limit the fallout from the scandal and insisted before leaving Paris that ex-budget minister Jerome Cahuzac who was charged in a tax fraud probe "did not benefit from any protection."
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130403159782
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Greece: 5 jailed for militant anarchist attacks
April 03, 2013
ATHENS, Greece — A Greek court on Wednesday convicted five people on terrorism-related charges related to a militant anarchist group which claimed responsibility for a string of bombings over six years and fired a rocket-propelled grenade into the U.S. Embassy in Athens but caused no deaths.
Two of the main suspects, Nikos Maziotis and his wife Panagiota Roupa, were convicted in absentia. They absconded last year following their release after spending the maximum 18 months in pre-trial detention.
Three other suspects were acquitted. The special court, which convened in a maximum-security Athens prison, sentenced Maziotis, Roupa and Costas Gournas to 25 years in prison, and gave 7 and 7 1/2-year terms to two more men.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130403159772
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Russia Delivers Aid for Syria Refugees in Lebanon
Apr 3, 2013
BEIRUT (Reuters) - A Russian plane carrying 36 tonnes of humanitarian aid for Syrian refugees in Lebanon landed in Beirut on Wednesday, the first such shipment by Moscow which has supported President Bashar al-Assad throughout the two-year-old conflict.
Russia's ambassador to Beirut Alexander Zasypkin said the Ilyushin transport plane brought blankets, food supplies and generators to Lebanon, where the United Nations says 398,000 Syrians are seeking refuge from the conflict in their country.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2013/04/03/world/middleeast/03reuters-syria-crisis-
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South Asia
Islamists’ ‘long march’ may take a militant turn in Bangladesh
HAROON HABIB
Apr 03 2013
Already volatile following months of violent campaign by Jamaat-e-Islami, which is opposing the war crimes trial, the political climate in Bangladesh is likely to become worse with the planned “long march” to Dhaka by radical Islamists later this week.
“Hefazat-e- Islam”, a newly floated Islamist organisation based in Chittagong, has announced a “long march”on March 6, claiming that it would be be joined by thousands of Islamists demanding punishment to “atheist bloggers” of Shahbagh. Being a counter move to the Shahbagh campaigners, “long march” is seen as an orchestrated bid to play national politics along religious lines.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/islamists-long-march-may-take-a-militant-turn/article4574036.ece
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Artur brothers “direct threat to national security”: Maldivian MP
By Minivan News | April 2nd, 2013
Parliament passed an extraordinary motion today (April 2) expressing concern that cabinet ministers’ connections to the Artur brothers posed a “direct threat to national security”.
Police meanwhile revealed they became aware of the Artur brothers presence in the Maldives in January, and launched an investigation to determine if they had been conducting any illegal activities in the country.
Police Spokesperson Chief Inspector Hassan Haneef told Minivan News police had contacted “relevant government authorities” in January to inform them of the Artur brothers’ links to drug trafficking, money laundering, raids on media outlets, dealings with senior government officials and other serious crimes in Kenya.
He was reluctant to share any further details given that “this is still an open case under investigation”.
Full report at:
http://minivannews.com/politics/artur-brothers-direct-threat-to-national-security-mp-fahmy-55624
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Prominent atheist blogger arrested in Bangladesh
PTI | Apr 3, 2013
DHAKA: An atheist blogger was arrested today in Bangladesh on charges of defaming Islam, a day after three others were held for anti-religious writings as part of a crackdown to prevent exploitation of religion on the Internet.
A team of Detective Branch (DB) of police arrested blogger Asif Mohiuddin at Segunbagicha in the capital, Dhaka.
The arrest came amid strong criticism over the government role, which many termed as "submissive", following some radical Islamist organisations' threat of unleashing anarchy if "atheist bloggers are not hanged", the Daily Star reported.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Prominent-atheist-blogger-arrested-in-Bangladesh/articleshow/19362914.cms
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Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mollah was passively involved
April 3, 2013
Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdul Quader Mollah was “passively” involved in the killing of Pallab, then student of Mirpur Bangla College, during the country’s Liberation War in 1971, the additional attorney general said on Wednesday.
MK Rahman said this while placing quotes from International Crimes Tribunal’s verdict against Mollah before the Supreme Court today.
Today was the second day of hearing on the government appeal filed seeking death penalty to Mollah for committing crimes against humanity in 1971.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/mollah-was-passively-involved/
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Burmese Imam probed for possible negligence, after 13 children died
April 3, 2013
A Burmese imam is being investigated for possible negligence after 13 children died in a fire at a Muslim school in Rangoon, police said.
Authorities were also quizzing a Muslim teacher in the case, reports said.
Police earlier blamed an electrical fault for the blaze. Most of the children escaped unharmed.
Riot police were deployed to the area as people gathered, concerned that the fire was linked to recent communal violence in other parts of the country.
At least 40 people have been killed since March 20 in the attacks which have mainly targeted minority Muslims.
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21998400
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18-party supports the demands of Islamic clerics to stop campaign against Islam in Bangladesh
April 3, 2013
The BNP-led 18-party alliance yesterday extended its “full moral support” to the “Aalim and Ulema’s justified demands to stop disrespectful campaign against Islam and Prophet Muhammad [pbuh]”.
“The Aalim and Ulema and Islamic scholars have expressed deep concern over the anti-Islamic campaign by some bloggers. They demanded that the government take legal action against these bloggers and we extend our full moral support to their justified demands,” said BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office.
Fakhrul, however, avoided queries regarding extending support to Hefazat-e-Islam’s April 6 long march.
http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/18-party-extends-support-to-demands-of-islamic-clerics/
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Dhaka to launch 'combing operations’ against Jamaat
HAROON HABIB
Apr 03 2013
But arrest of Shahbagh bloggers condemned as attack on free speech
Responding to a sustained, violent campaign, the Bangaldesh government has decided to launch a massive combing operation to nab the activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and its students wing, Islami Chatra Shibir. The Jammat’s campaign across the country in recent weeks has left eight policemen dead, several injured and property destroyed.
A number of newspapers including the leading The Daily Star, quoting home minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, said the joint force comprising police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the paramilitary Ansar troops “are fully prepared to begin the operation”.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/dhaka-to-launch-combing-operations-against-jamaat/article4576639.ece
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31 Afghans held at Chaman border
April 3, 2013
QUETTA: Levies Force arrested 31 illegal Afghan immigrants including women and children in the border town of Chaman here on Tuesday. Levies officials told that about 31 Afghans 4 children and 11 women among them illegally crossed into Pakistan through the Chaman border of Qilla Abdullah district. Levies Force, during a search, found them without legal travelling document and shifted to Levis Thana. Three Pakistani drivers who accompanied these illegal immigrants were also detained. Further investigation was underway.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\04\03\story_3-4-2013_pg7_9
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Australia
Islamic fund to target asset leasing
02 APR 2013
SHAUN DRUMMOND
A fund raised from Islamic investors by a global Islamic finance adviser will target co-investments in asset leasing in the infrastructure, aircraft and property sectors in Australia.
The Australian head of Amanie Advisors,Mark Darras, says the independent Islamic finance advisory house has worked on raising the fund and structuring deals for the past six to eight months.
He won’t reveal the size of the fund or the investors and issuers involved, as details are still being worked on, but says the first investment will fund aircraft leasing
“[The fund] will invest into the asset leasing sector. Asset leasing is very sharia-compliant and it is an area that has enormous interest overseas.”
Mr Darras, a lawyer, is also a member of the Takeovers Panel and deputy chairman of Australia Post.
Full report at:
http://www.afr.com/f/free/markets/capital/cfo/islamic_fund_to_target_asset_leasing_4UjldHi331pZjwPzLsmkzL
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/afghanistan-court-house-attack-kills/d/10996