‘Attempt To Murder Charge’ For Attending Tablighi Meet - Prima Facie Reflects an Abuse of the Power of Law: Allahabad High Court
New
Age Islam News Bureau
08
December 2020
Why press ‘attempt to murder charge’ for
attending Tablighi meet, asks HC
-----
•
Supreme Court Refused To Quash Firs against a TV Anchor for Defamatory Remarks
against Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti
•
Saudi Regime Forces Detain Senior Shia Scholar, Razes Shia Mosque To Ground In
Qatif Region
•
Bangladesh: Sedition Case Filed Against Islamist Hefazat-e-Islam Chief
•
New Zealand Probe into Mosque Shooting Blames Focus on Takfirism
•
US Acts Against Pakistan, China for Violations of Religious Freedom
•
Islamic Terror Groups Praise Recent Terror Attacks On France
•
Uyghur Muslims Forced to Eat Pork Every Friday in Chinese Concentration Camps
•
11 Villagers in Unlawful Custody: Court Awards 11-Month Term to SHO to Sweep
Mosque
•
Iran Dismisses Saudi Call for Inclusion in Nuclear Talks
India
•
‘Attempt To Murder Charge’ For Attending Tablighi Meet - Prima Facie Reflects
an Abuse of the Power of Law: Allahabad High Court
•
Supreme Court Refused To Quash Firs against a TV Anchor for Defamatory Remarks
against Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti
•
Muslim Groups: Help Rebuild Mosques and Spread Brotherhood across Hyderabad
•
BJP ‘Land Jihad’ Allegation Backfires in Jammu and Kashmir
•
No Love Jihad (Law) in Ongoing Assembly Session, Karnataka Will Enact Only
Anti-Cow Slaughter Legislation
•
MP ‘Love Jihad’ Law Could Have Provisions of Alimony and Attaching Accused’s
Property
•
PM Modi conveys India's full support to France in fight against terrorism,
extremism, radicalism
•
Terror plot: ISI henchman held in Dubai, 5 arrested in capital
------
Arab
World
•
Saudi Regime Forces Detain Senior Shia Scholar, Razes Shia Mosque To Ground In
Qatif Region
•
Kurdish Media: Turkey Reassigning Syrian Militants to Kashmir
•
Syria’s foreign minister goes to Iran for first visit abroad
•
As Lebanon subsidy crunch looms, two UN agencies warn of social catastrophe
•
Suspected al-Qaeda gunmen kill 5 south Yemen separatists
•
Iraqi forces arrest senior Daesh commander in Anbar
•
Israel evicts Syrians in occupied Golan Heights to establish wind turbines
--------
South
Asia
•
Bangladesh: Sedition Case Filed Against Islamist Hefazat-e-Islam Chief
•
Officials Seize Explosive-Laden Car, Nab Suspect
•
Taliban Attacks Rebuffed in Kandahar, Commander Killed
•
330% of Civilian Casualties Blamed on Trump Administration: Report
•
Security Forces Foil Car Bomb Blast in Kandahar
--------
New
Zealand
•
New Zealand Probe into Mosque Shooting Blames Focus on Takfirism
--------
North
America
•
US Acts Against Pakistan, China for Violations of Religious Freedom
•
American forces in Somalia are unwanted
•
Venezuela, Turkey relations peaked after coup attempt
--------
Europe
•
Islamic Terror Groups Praise Recent Terror Attacks On France
•
Macron dismisses calls to get tough with Egypt's Sisi on human rights
•
Germany cuts funding for Islamic Relief aid group over ties to Muslim
Brotherhood
•
Iran’s new nuclear activity worrying: UK, Germany, France
•
EU foreign ministers set to talk ties with US, Turkey
•
'Turkey won't allow imperialist expansionism on E.Med'
•
Lincoln man Ben John in court over terrorism offences
--------
Southeast
Asia
•
Uyghur Muslims Forced to Eat Pork Every Friday in Chinese Concentration Camps
•
Indonesia Receives Over A Million Chinese Covid-19 Vaccine Doses, Indonesia
Ulema Council to Ensure It Meets Halal Requirements
•
What Does Cleric Rizieq Shihab’s ‘Moral Revolution’ Mean For Indonesia?
•
‘Perak Move’ exposes myth about working for Ummah
•
NGOs say use of term 'Darul Hana’ an attempt to change Sarawak's identity as
secular state
-------
Pakistan
•
11 Villagers in Unlawful Custody: Court Awards 11-Month Term to SHO to Sweep
Mosque
•
China-Pakistan Air Forces to hold joint exercises
•
Fazlur Rehman Slams Govt over Banning Ansar-Ul-Islam Ahead Of Lahore Jalsa
•
Consensus in PDM on resignations: PML-N leader
•
Minor maid’s tormentor on judicial remand
--------
Mideast
•
Iran Dismisses Saudi Call for Inclusion in Nuclear Talks
•
Iran, Syria Discuss Bilateral Ties, Joint Fight against Terrorism
•
Iran Reiterates Firm Support for Syria in War on Terrorism
•
Iran Supreme Court upholds death sentence against journalist Ruhollah Zam
•
Turkey orders detention of 304 military personnel over suspected Gulen links
•
Yemeni VP hosts US officials to discuss designating Houthis as terrorist organization
•
Yemeni army launches drone attack against Saudi positions
--------
Africa
•
Ethiopian PM Abiy Denies the TPLF Is Fighting a Guerrilla War in Tigray
•
'US must not abandon civilian victims in Somalia'
•
Libya threatens to withdraw from ceasefire over Haftar
•
Libya and UK discuss training, combatting terrorism and organized crime
•
Morocco Arrests Three From IS-Linked Cell: Police
Compiled
by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/attempt-murder-charge-attending-tablighi/d/123698
--------
‘Attempt
To Murder Charge’ For Attending Tablighi Meet - Prima Facie Reflects an Abuse
of the Power of Law: Allahabad High Court
Dec
8, 2020
Why press ‘attempt to murder charge’ for attending
Tablighi meet, asks HC
-----
PRAYAGRAJ:
The Allahabad high court has observed that filing a chargesheet for “attempt to
Murder” against a person for attending the Tablighi Jamaat meet at New Delhi,
even though that person tested negative for the novel coronavirus infection,
prima facie reflects an abuse of the power of law.
“The
matter needs consideration,” Justice Ajay Bhanot said while directing the
counsel for the applicant, Mohammed Saad of Mau district, to implead the UP
DGP, Mau SSP and Mau circle officer as respondents in the case.
The
court also stayed criminal proceedings registered against Mohammad Saad at
police station Kotwali, Mau district, under IPC Sections 307 (attempt to
murder) and 270 (malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous
to life) in the court of the Juvenile Justice Board, Mau, till further orders.
The
counsel for Mohammad Saad contended that the prosecution said in the
chargesheet that the applicant had visited a religious congregation organised
by Tablighi Jamaat in New Delhi but did not intimate the administration of his
arrival after returning nor undergo voluntary quarantine. The counsel added
that the applicant had tested negative and contended that even if evidence
collected during investigation and in the FIR were taken at face value (though
denied as incorrect), no offence was disclosed against the applicant.
Times
View
Charges
of attempt to murder can only be applied if there is an intent to kill. Even if
the congregation is accused of being callous or reckless, it cannot be equated
with attempt to murder. The HC is right.
He
said that the original chargesheet was drawn up under IPC Sec 270 and another
IPC section, and even presented in the court, but it was then recalled and a
fresh chargesheet was submitted under IPC Secs 307 and 270 as per the orders of
the Mau circle officer.
Justice
Bhanot directed the circle officer to file a personal affidavit indicating how
an “attempt to murder” charge was made out from the facts on record from
material collected during the investigation, and to justify the amendment in
the chargesheet directed by him.
The
HC also directed the additional government advocate, representing the state
government, to file a “counter reply” in the matter within 10 days.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/why-press-attempt-to-murder-charge-for-attending-tablighi-meet-asks-hc/articleshow/79616462.cms
--------
Supreme
Court Refused To Quash Firs against A TV Anchor For Defamatory Remarks Against
Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti
Dec
8, 2020
Supreme Court on Monday refused to quash FIRs
registered against Journalist Amish Devgan for his remarks against Sufi Saint
Moinnuddin Chisthi.
------
NEW
DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to quash FIRs lodged against a TV
anchor for his alleged defamatory remarks against Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin
Chisti during a show on June 15, saying any attempt at dissemination of
discrimination on the basis of race, religion, caste, creed or region must be
condemned. The court granted Amish Devgan protection from arrest till
conclusion of the probe if he cooperates.
A
bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar and Sanjiv Khanna said, “We must act with the
objective for promoting social harmony and tolerance by proscribing hateful and
inappropriate behaviour... It is not penal threat alone which can help us
achieve and ensure equality between groups... As stated earlier, in a polity
committed to pluralism, hate speech cannot conceivably contribute in any
legitimate way to democracy and, in fact, repudiates the right to equality.”
Referring
to the relevant portions of the transcript of the TV debate anchored by Devgan,
SC said it was “apparent that the petitioner (the journalist) was an equal
coparticipant, rather than a mere host”. Emphasising the importance of freedom
of speech and expression, the bench, however, referred to various verdicts of
SC and said, “The argument that in a democratic society, there is no scope for
agitational approach and the law, if bad, can be modified by democratic process
alone was rejected on the ground that if the same is accepted it would destroy
the right to freedom of speech...”
Complaints
alleged that Devgan had insulted the saint belonging to the Muslim community
and thereby hurt religious sentiments and incited hatred against the community.
The court also ordered transfer of all seven cases registered in Rajasthan,
Maharashtra, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh to Ajmer where the first complaint
was filed.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/wont-nix-firs-against-anchor-for-sufi-saint-remarks-supreme-court/articleshow/79616469.cms
--------
Saudi
Regime Forces Detain Senior Shia Scholar, Razes Shia Mosque To Ground In Qatif
Region
07
December 2020
Hashim Muhammad al-Shakh
-----
Saudi
security forces have reportedly arrested a distinguished Shia scholar in the
country’s oil-rich Eastern Province as the Riyadh regime keeps its clampdown
against members of the Shia community in the kingdom.
The
London-based and Arabic-language Nabaa television news network, citing local
sources, reported that members of the General Intelligence Presidency cordoned
off the area around the house of Hashim Muhammad al-Shakhs in the city of
al-Ahsa on Monday, before breaking in and arresting the cleric.
The
sources added that the Saudi regime forces ransacked the house, terrorizing the
entire family.
They
then took away the Shia scholar to an unknown location at gunpoint.
Saudi
Arabia razes Shia mosque to ground in Qatif region
Also
on Monday, Saudi forces leveled to the ground a Shia Muslim mosque south of
al-Awamiyah town in Qatif region, located more than 420 kilometers (260 miles)
east of the capital, Riyadh.
Locals
said forces demolished Imam al-Hussein (PBUH) Mosque in al-Zarah neighborhood
without any prior notice, after forming a cordon around the site in the
morning, Lebanon's Arabic-language al-Ahed news website reported.
Eastern
Province has been the scene of peaceful demonstrations since February 2011.
Protesters have been demanding reforms, freedom of expression, the release of
political prisoners, and an end to economic and religious discrimination
against the oil-rich region.
The
protests have been met with a heavy-handed crackdown by the regime. Security
forces have increased security measures across the province.
Ever
since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman became Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader in
2017, the kingdom has intensified its crackdown on dissent despite
international condemnations.
Muslim
scholars have been executed, women’s rights campaigners have been put behind
bars and tortured, and freedom of expression, association and belief continue
to be denied.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/12/07/640217/Saudi-regime-forces-detain-top-Shia-scholar-in-Eastern-Province
--------
Bangladesh:
Sedition case filed against Islamist Hefazat-e-Islam Chief
Dec
07, 2020
A
Dhaka court on Monday ordered the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to probe
the sedition cases filed against the hardline Chief of the Islamist
organisation Hefazat-e-Islam Junaid Babunagari and others who had allegedly
threatened to pull down all the sculptures including that of Bangabandhu Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman. The court ordered the PBI to submit the report by January 7.
The
case was filed by the Muktijodho Monch alleging that Junaid Babunagari and a
few others had threatened to pull down the sculpture of Bangabandhu Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman thus insulting the father of the nation and the constitution of
the country. It also alleged that the accused were trying to create communal
hatred using religion for political gains.
In
the meanwhile, the High Court in Dhaka ordered authorities to take immediate
steps to protect all the statues of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman across
the country. It also directed the government to submit a report on the progress
in installing the sculptures of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at all the districts and
upazilas of the country, reports the official news agency BSS.
A
controversy has been generated in Bangladesh after the hardline Islamist
organisation Hefazat-e-Islam Chief Junaid Babunagari and other office bearers
threatened to tear down all sculptures in the country as they call it
‘un-Islamic’. They are opposing the government plan to erect a sculpture of
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of his birth centenary year
‘Mujib Borsho’ currently being observed in Bangladesh.
Following
the threat, an under construction statue of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
was damaged on Friday in Kushtia town of Bangladesh. Police have arrested four
persons including two students of a local madrasa for vandalism.
http://www.newsonair.com/News?title=Bangladesh%3A-Sedition-case-filed-against-Islamist-Hefazat-e-Islam-Chief&id=405683
--------
New
Zealand probe into mosque shooting blames focus on Takfirism
08
December 2020
An
investigation of shooting attacks at two mosques in New Zealand last year has
found that the country’s security agencies were “almost exclusively”
overwhelmed by the threat of Takfiri terrorism and missed that of a white
supremacist gunman behind the horrific attacks, which claimed the lives of 51
Muslim worshipers.
An
800-page report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry released on Tuesday said the
intelligence agencies had been too focused on the threat posed by Takfirism at
the expense of other threats, including white supremacy.
The
report said there had been an “inappropriate concentration of resources” on the
threat of Takfiri terrorism.
The
Royal Commission also decried police for failing to enforce proper checks when
granting a firearms license to the assailant, Australian national Brenton
Tarrant.
On
March 15, 2019, Tarrant opened fire on Muslim worshipers attending prayers at
two mosques in Christchurch. He live-streamed parts of the shooting rampage on
Facebook.
Shortly
before the terrorist attacks, Tarrant had published an ideological “manifesto”
filled with extreme views in which he described Muslim immigrants to Europe as
“invaders.”
But
despite the faults, the report found no issues within government agencies that
would have prevented the massacre.]
The
report prompted Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to apologize.
“The
commission made no findings that these issues would have stopped the attack.
But these were both failings and for that I apologize,” she said.
Gamal
Fouda, the Imam of al-Noor Mosque, condemned the report, saying it showed
“institutional prejudice and unconscious bias” existed in government agencies.
The
Islamic Women’s Council also said in a statement, “We find it concerning that
the Commissioners found systemic failures and an inappropriate concentration of
resources” on Takfiri terrorism, “and yet state that these would not have made
a difference to the terrorist being detected prior to the event.”
Authorities
in New Zealand were at the time slammed for turning a blind eye to repeated
warnings from the Muslim community that hate crimes against them were
escalating.
According
to the report, Tarrant was “socially isolated” and trained for the assault in
New Zealand by practicing shooting at a rifle club, working out at a gym, and
taking steroids to bulk up.
In
August, Tarrant was given a life without parole for the attack, which also
injured dozens of people.
The
report proposed 44 recommendations, all of which were accepted by the
government.
They
included tightening firearm licensing laws, setting-up a new national
intelligence and security agency, and appointing a minister to coordinate the
government’s response.
The
government said it would make changes so police can better record and respond
to hate crime.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/12/08/640252/New-Zealand-probe-into-mosque-shooting-blames-focus-on-Takfirism
--------
US
acts against Pakistan, China for violations of religious freedom
Dec
8, 2020
WASHINGTON:
The United States on Monday designated Pakistan and China in its list of
"Countries of Particular Concern" (CPC) for engaging in or tolerating
"systematic and egregious violations of religious freedom".
Both
Pakistan and China are among the 10 countries highlighted by the US State
Department as CPCs for their failure to stem the persecution and discrimination
of faith groups.
In
an official statement, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Burma, China,
Eritrea, Iran, Nigeria, the DPRK, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and
Turkmenistan have been designated as CPC under the International Religious
Freedom Act of 1998, as amended, for engaging in or tolerating systematic,
ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom.
The
Secretary of State further informed that countries - Comoros, Cuba, Nicaragua
and Russia have been placed on a Special Watch List for governments that have
engaged in or tolerated "severe violations of religious freedom".
"The
United States will continue to work tirelessly to end religiously motivated
abuses and persecution around the world, and to help ensure that each person,
everywhere, at all times, has the right to live according to the dictates of
conscience," Pompeo said.
Additionally,
al-Shabaab, al-Qa'ida, Boko Haram, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Houthis, ISIS,
ISIS-Greater Sahara, ISIS-West Africa, Jamaat Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin, and
the Taliban have been designated as "Entities of Particular Concern"
under the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016, Pompeo
said.
He
further said that Sudan and Uzbekistan have been removed from the Special Watch
List based on "significant, concrete progress" undertaken by their
governments the past year.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/us-acts-against-pakistan-china-for-violations-of-religious-freedom/articleshow/79616525.cms
--------
Islamic
terror groups praise recent terror attacks on France
December
7, 2020
Islamic
terror groups have praised the spate of terror attacks in France. The ISIS
praised the Nice attacks on RocketChat
On
October 29, 2020, three people were killed in a stabbing attack at Notre-Dame
de Nice, a Roman Catholic basilica in Nice, France. The suspect, identified as
Brahim Aouissaoui, a 21-year-old Tunisian, was shot by the police. Aouissaoui
who had a copy of the Quran and three knives with him, shouted “Allahu Akbar”
(God is Greatest) when approached by police who shot and seriously wounded him,
France’s anti-terror prosecutor Jean-Francois Ricard told a press conference.
Nice
Mayor Christian Estrosi characterized the attack in his city as a terrorist
incident. He said it was again the victim of what he called “Islamo-fascism.”
He said the suspect, taken to a hospital after being wounded during a police
arrest, did not stop saying “Allahu Akbar” during his detention. French
President Emmanuel Macron denounced the attack and said, “If we are attacked
once again it is for the values which are ours: freedom, for the possibility on
our soil to believe freely and not to give in to any spirit of terror. I say it
with great clarity once again today: we won’t surrender anything.”
The
Nice attack took after the murder of Samuel Paty, a French middle-school
teacher on October 16, 2020 in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, a suburb of Paris. The
perpetrator, Abdoullakh Abouyedovich Anzorov, an 18-year-old Muslim
Russian-born refugee of Chechen descent, killed and beheaded Paty with a
30-centimetre knife. Anzorov was shot and killed by police minutes later.
The
French President Emmanuel Macron gave France’s highest civilian award, the
Legion of Honour, to Paty and said he had been killed by “cowards” for
representing the secular, democratic values of the French Republic. “He was
killed because Islamists want our future,” Macron said. “They will never have
it.” “Our fellow citizens expect actions,” Macron said and promised that the
government will intensify a crackdown on radical Islam.
Islamic
terror groups have praised the spate of terror attacks in France. The ISIS
praised the Nice attacks on RocketChat. According to the terrorism monitoring
website, Counter Extremism Project (CEP), the ISIS supporters on RocketChat
praised the attack and shared photos of Aouissaoui and a video allegedly from
the aftermath of the assault showing emergency personnel recovering a body. The
ISIS published a full-page article in Al Naba featuring an image of Nice attack
and giving threatening calls to France.
Al
Shabab called the terrorists who perpetrated the France attacks as “gallant
knights” who “have treaded the path of the noble companions in dealing with
those who malign our religion.” The terror group then advised others to follow
in those footsteps as well in a “war” against secularism, naming recent
attackers in France “and the other unknown soldiers of Allah.” “Killing the one
who insults the Prophet is the right of every Muslim capable of applying it,”
the Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) declared in its statement, which told
would-be jihadists to “not ask for authorization to kill the one who insults
the Prophet” but to mind Sharia law and “spare those whom it is illegitimate to
target.”
https://www.newdelhitimes.com/islamic-terror-groups-praise-recent-terror-attacks-on-france/?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1790258_
--------
Uyghur
Muslims Forced to Eat Pork Every Friday in Chinese Concentration Camps
7th
December 2020
In
a newly published book by Sayragul Sautbay, a Uyghur Muslim who was released
from one of China’s detention camps spread across the northwestern province of
East Turkestan (renamed Xinjiang in Chinese), she details her horrifying ordeal
while being arbitrarily detained in a concentration camp.
Detailing
her continued nightmares and flashbacks of the numerous instances of
“humiliation and violence” she endured while being detained by China, her book
details the systematic cases of torture, sexual abuse, and forced
sterilization. In addition, she also details a highly disturbing instance of
humiliation and shame Uyghur Muslims were forced to endure while in the camps:
the forced consumption of pork.
Explaining
that the experience was “difficult to explain in words”, she describes that
every time she was forced to eat the meat, “I was feeling like I was a
different person. All around me got dark. It was really difficult to accept.”
In
addition to the already horrifying indignity of forcing Uyghur and other ethnic
minority Muslims to eat pork, the authorities reportedly forced them to eat
this on Fridays, the holy day of the week for Muslims. Sautbay stated:
Every
Friday, we were forced to eat pork meat. They have intentionally chosen a day
that is holy for the Muslims. And if you reject it, you would get a harsh
punishment…The days I have spent in the concentration camp will not be erased
from my memory, and I have to live with it my entire life.”
Another
worrying report coming from the region is that China is attempting to promote
agricultural development in Xinjiang/East Turkestan – particularly in the field
of pig farms. In November of 2019, Shohrat Zakir, Xinjiang’s top administrator,
had claimed that the region would be turned into a “pig-raising hub” – and
based on local reports, a new pig farm project in the southern Kashgar area is
aiming to produce more than 40,000 pigs every year and occupy a 25,000
square-meter area. The project is also reportedly not for export purposes, but
instead to “ensure the supply of pork in Kashgar”. This is strikingly
suspicious in the region that is around 90% Muslim.
Adrian
Zenz, a Uyghur scholar and anthropologist based in Germany, stated:
This
is part of the attempt to completely eradicate the culture and religion of the
people in Xinjiang. It is part of the strategy of secularization, of turning
the Uyghurs secular and indoctrinating them to follow the Communist Party and
become agnostic or atheist.”
Sautbay’s
account and the recent reports on the state-sponsored pig farming projects are
just another example of China’s brutal genocidal campaign – operating with
almost full impunity as much of the international community remains silent. In
addition to the numerous detention camps across the province of Xinjiang, or
East Turkestan, where up to two million Uyghur and other ethnic minority
Muslims are subjected to physical and psychological torture, mass rape, mass
sterilization, and forced renunciation of Islam and cultural identities, the
Uyghur people’s cultural, religious, and historical heritage sites are also
being systematically eradicated by China.
Important
burial grounds are being razed, mosques are being demolished or
“de-Islamified”, and a brutal crackdown on anyone deemed “too religious” means
that Uyghur Muslims in the region of East Turkestan/Xinjiang are being
systematically targeted by the state itself. Uyghur Muslims in the region can
be arrested and thrown in detention camps for something as simple as having a
beard, wearing a hijab, or praying in public.
The
Chinese government claims this is part of their “anti-terror” campaign, stating
that their horrifying campaign against Uyghur and other ethnic minority Muslims
within the region is because they remain a national threat to state security.
The state-sponsored campaign of genocide, however, is in no way justified and
is a blatant example of severe human rights violations and arguably should be
tried as a crime against humanity.
Frustratingly,
the majority of the international community continues to turn a blind eye to
the atrocities being conducted in China against the Uyghur Muslims. Muslim majority
countries have also decided to remain silent while loudly announcing new
partnerships with China in lucrative economic and political gains. Most
infamously, 37 nations signed a letter in support of China’s “remarkable
achievements in the field of human rights” last year – these countries included
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Algeria, Egypt, Pakistan,
Somalia, and Sudan.
As
China continues to systematically destroy Uyghur lives, cultural heritage, and
religious and linguistic identity, the world remains relatively passive while
the atrocities continue. Human rights groups and Uyghur activists across the
world continue to campaign against China’s ongoing genocide, however, with the
power of China’s political and economic leverage, it seems that the majority of
the international community will continue to turn a blind eye to the abuses
being conducted against Uyghur Muslims.
https://themuslimvibe.com/muslim-current-affairs-news/uyghur-muslims-forced-to-eat-pork-every-friday-in-chinese-concentration-camps?utm
--------
11
villagers in unlawful custody: Court awards 11-month term to SHO to sweep
mosque
December
8, 2020
SUKKUR:
District and Sessions Judge Kandhkot-Kashmore Jamsheed Ahmed Awan on Tuesday
awarded a unique punishment to SHO Kamal police station for illegally detaining
11 villagers by ordering him to keep a local mosque clean by working there for
11 months.
The
District and Sessions Judge, Kashmore-Kandhkot, Jamsheed Ahmed Awan, on Tuesday
heard the case of unlawful detention of 11 villagers by SHO Wakeel Ahmed
Jafferi of the Police Station Kamal. The victims were recovered following a
raid on the private detention centre by Commissioner Abdul Jabbar Domki. The
D&SJ convicted SHO Jafferi of Kamal Police Station to work at a local
mosque and keep it clean for 11 months, plant trees in Police Headquarters
within a week. He ordered the officer to appear before the court every month
along with a certificate of work at the mosque by its Pesh Imam, failing which
he will undergo 11 months of imprisonment
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/755532-11-villagers-in-unlawful-custody-court-awards-11-month-term-to-sho-to-sweep-mosque
--------
Iran
dismisses Saudi call for inclusion in nuclear talks
08
Dec 2020
TEHRAN:
Iran on Monday flatly dismissed a call by Saudi Arabia for Gulf states to be
consulted on any potential negotiations with the Islamic republic on its
nuclear programme.
Saudi
Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan had on Saturday sought that the
kingdom be “fully consulted” on “what goes on vis a vis the negotiations with
Iran”.
The
request was rejected on Monday by Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Saeed
Khatibzadeh.
“Everyone
is free to talk, but it’s better that they do not talk above their level so
that they don’t embarrass themselves,” he told reporters.
“Dwelling
too much about the place of a mediocre country in the region does not help,”
the spokesman said in response to repeated questions on the Saudi position.
Khatibzadeh
also accused Riyadh of funding extremist ideology and being responsible for
many of the “troubles” of the Arab and Muslim world, saying the Saudi people
“deserve better”.
President-elect
Joe Biden has signalled he wants the United States to return to the 2015 Iran
nuclear deal known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or
JCPOA.
The
accord has been on life-support since 2018, when US President Donald Trump
withdrew and began reimposing sanctions as part of a “maximum pressure”
campaign against the Islamic republic.
Since
2019, Iran has gradually walked back most of its key nuclear commitments in
response to the sanctions and what it calls Europe’s inability to provide it
with the agreement’s promised economic benefits.
Tehran
has maintained that its measures can be restored if the other parties to the
deal carry out their commitments.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1594541/iran-dismisses-saudi-call-for-inclusion-in-nuclear-talks
--------
India
Muslim
Groups: Help Rebuild Mosques And Spread Brotherhood Across Hyderabad
Dec
8, 2020
HYDERABAD:
Muslim groups and many Old City residents called on people to help rebuild
mosques and spread brotherhood in the city.
“We
want to give a message to our youths to rehabilitate mosques by establishing
prayers. Its time we took care of our historic structures,” said Asif Alam, a
trader in Begum Bazaar.
Many
mosques in the Old City and across Hyderabad need attention and people said
there was a need to care for them.
“There
are many mosques requiring attention and public representatives should take up
the matter to construct all of them,” said Syed Iftekar Hussaini, member of
Association of Save Waqf Properties (ASWP).
“It
hurts every Muslim in the city of Hyderabad. We demand that all mosques be
protected by the present regime and Muslim scholars and intellectuals must be
serious enough when it comes to this issue,’’ he said.
A
group of women said that though they would never forget Babri Masjid
demolition, they will call on people to save the remaining ones.
“We
want the reconstruction of Babri Masjid at the earliest, and we pray to the
Almighty and seek strength to protect mosques in the country,” said a woman in
Saidabad.
During
the recent Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections, opposition
parties also raised the issue in Old City, saying the All India
Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and other parties should do their bit to
save the religious structures in the state that needs urgent attention and
upkeep.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/muslim-groups-residents-call-for-rebuilding-mosques/articleshow/79614347.cms
--------
BJP
‘Land Jihad’ Allegation Backfires in Jammu and Kashmir
Muzaffar
Raina
08.12.20
When
the courts quashed the Roshni Act that regularised encroachments on government
land in Jammu and Kashmir, a gleeful BJP had alleged the legislation
represented a “land jihad” by Muslims keen on settling in Jammu to change its
Hindu-majority demography.
Now
the BJP-controlled Administration of the Union Territory has sought a review of
Jammu and Kashmir High Court’s October 9 order, having realised that the bulk
of the 19-year-old law’s beneficiaries in Jammu were non-Muslims.
The
government affidavit, moved on Friday, has sought modification of the court
order — which declared the Roshni Act unconstitutional and directed retrieval
of the occupied plots — saying it may “unintentionally” affect a large number
of poor people.
Lists
of the act’s beneficiaries that the government has released over the past
fortnight under the court’s orders reveal that the overwhelming majority among
the beneficiaries in Jammu were non-Muslims.
For
instance, one of the earliest lists that named 541 beneficiaries in Jammu
contained only 3 Muslim names.
Jammu
lawyer Sheikh Shakeel Ahmad, who had campaigned against the law for years but
felt outraged when it was given a communal colour, recently told this newspaper
that of the 44,000 kanals (5,500 acres) encroached on in Jammu district, only
1,180 kanals (2.7 per cent) had gone to Muslims. Jammu district is one of Jammu
province’s 10 districts.
The
government’s affidavit urged the high court to distinguish between influential
and ordinary beneficiaries.
Earlier,
the administration had publicly accused several senior Valley politicians,
including former chief minister Farooq Abdullah, of being beneficiaries of the
act, passed during Farooq’s tenure as chief minister. The politicians had
denied the allegation.
Many
believe that the first lists were released just before the district body polls,
which started on November 28, to tarnish politicians who had formed an alliance
to contest the elections to try and prove to the world that Kashmiris want
Article 370 restored.
Ahmad,
the lawyer, told a news conference in Jammu that at least three senior BJP
politicians had encroached on government land and wondered why their names had
not been made public. The BJP has denied the charge.
“We
would like to bring to the kind notice of the hon’ble court the fact that a
large number of common people would suffer unintentionally,” the government
affidavit says.
“This
includes landless cultivators and individuals who are themselves residing in
dwellings on small areas. They are unfortunately clubbed along with the rich
and wealthy land-grabbers....”
The
affidavit urged the court “to come up with appropriate mechanisms” to enable
the poor beneficiaries to retain their plots “subject to an appropriate ceiling
and on payment at an appropriate rate”.
Raja
Muzaffar Bhat, a politician and activist campaigning against the eviction of
poor beneficiaries, said the government seemed to have realised that “their
men” would be hit.
“I
think there was pressure from influential people within as well as from
ordinary people to make amends.…There are a lot of non-Muslims in Jammu, many
of them also poor, who have benefited and they would have been hit hard,” Bhat
told The Telegraph.
“The
government has issued thousands of eviction notices to poor people who have
been living for generations on forestland. They have the right to live there
under certain central laws that were extended (to Jammu and Kashmir) after the
abrogation of Article 370 provisions.”
BJP
spokesperson Anil Gupta said the review had been sought to “avoid collateral
damage”, and drew a distinction between “general people and rich
land-grabbers”.
Evictions
“could have caused unrest among the poor”, Gupta said, adding that the review
plea had “nothing to do with politics or winning elections”.
“Some
people see politics in whatever we do and are raising these issues after
realising they are losing the (district body) elections,” he said.
The
eight-phase District Development Council elections in Jammu and Kashmir end on
December 22.
According
to the high court, 604,602 kanals (75,575 acres) of encroached-on government
land had been transferred to the occupants against nominal payments.
Of
this, the Jammu region accounted for 571,210 kanals (71,401 acres) — 17 times
the land regularised in the Valley.
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/kashmir-bjp-land-jihad-allegation-backfires/cid/1799863
--------
No
Love Jihad (Law) in Ongoing Assembly Session, Karnataka Will Enact Only
Anti-Cow Slaughter Legislation
Dec
8, 2020
BENGALURU:
Two days after the BJP’s executive committee gave its nod and after several
cabinet ministers supported fast-tracking of a law against forcible conversion
for marriages, the Karnataka government on Monday decided not to introduce the
bill in the ongoing winter session of the legislature.
“No
love jihad (law) this time. We will enact only anti-cow slaughter legislation
in this session,’’ said revenue minister R Ashoka.
to
and fro
Home
minister Basavaraj Bommai, among those in the cabinet who favoured early
introduction of the contentious bills, on Monday said the state will keep the
anti-love jihad bill “ready” before the next session. He said he’s been asked
to gather information on UP’s ordinance.
Bill
against farmers, hope govt backs out, says DKS
Home
minister Basavaraj Bommai said he’s been asked to gather information on Uttar
Pradesh’s ordinance against forcible or fraudulent religious conversions which imposes
up to 10-year jail term and up to Rs 50,000 penalty under different categories.
However, law minister JC Madhuswamy has been maintaining that the government
has no plans to bring in a bill against love jihad in the backdrop of criticism
from the Congress.
‘It’s
to stop killing of cows’
In
Shivamogga, chief minister BS Yediuruappa said the bill against cow slaughter
will be tabled in the current session. “Farmers worship cow as god, and Indian
culture accords special place for it. The blanketban move is to stop killing of
cows,” Ashoka said.
A
team of officials led by animal husbandry minister Prabhu Chavan recently
visited Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat — which have enacted anti-cow slaughter law —
to study its implementation before introducing the bill in the session that
began on Monday. The minister held discussions with UP CM Yogi Adityanath in
this regard.
Earlier,
Siddaramaiah, opposition leader in the legislative assembly, had said the
Congress will oppose bills against love jihad and cow slaughter. KPCC president
DK Shivakumar said the BJP was playing a dangerous political game in a bid to
reap electoral dividends. “BJP functionaries are in the forefront of
beef-export business; we know in which state the business is thriving. The bill
is against farmers as it will affect them. I hope good sense prevails and the
government backs out from tabling the bill,” he said.
Rural
development and panchayat raj minister KS Eshwarappa attacked the Congress and
said, “People, especially women, regard cow as mother and goddess. Let
Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar ask their spouses whether they will endorse cow
slaughter.”
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/ktaka-govt-not-to-table-bill-against-love-jihad-in-this-session/articleshow/79616318.cms
--------
MP
‘love jihad’ law could have provisions of alimony and attaching accused’s
property
MILIND
GHATWAI
7
December, 2020
Bhopal:
In a bid to outdo other BJP-ruled states in introducing a stricter ‘love jihad’
law, the Madhya Pradesh government has said it will add provisions of attaching
property of the accused and payment of maintenance to the victim in case of
talaq (divorce).
“Soon
the ‘love jihad’ bill will come before the cabinet. We have added many
provisions, which are not there in laws being enacted by other states. We will
add attachment of property (of the accused), and, in case of talaq, maintenance
has to be given. We are also contemplating whether a deserted person (alleged
victim of ‘love jihad’) can get maintenance,” Home Minister Narottam Mishra
told reporters Sunday.
The
Shivraj Singh Chouhan government has already announced that the Madhya Pradesh
Freedom of Religion Bill 2020 will be tabled in the three-day session of the
assembly that will begin on 28 December.
Both
the CM and the home minister have referred to the proposed bill as ‘love jihad’
law.
On
Saturday, Chouhan had discussed the format of the proposed bill with top
officials at the secretariat. Mishra was, however, not present at the meeting.
VDO.AI
“No
person in the state will be able to convert anyone from one religion to another
directly or otherwise through marriage or any other fraudulent means by
intimidation, deceit or force,’’ the CM said in a statement before elaborating
on some provisions.
The
proposed bill provides a maximum punishment of 10 years and shifts the burden
of proof — that no conversion has taken
place — to the accused.
Besides
the affected person, parents or blood relatives will be able to file a
complaint. The offence will be cognizable, non-bailable and only sessions court
will take up the case. Marriage with the intention of conversion will be held
null and valid.
The
bill will provide jail term of between two to 10 years if the victim is minor,
female or belongs to SC/ST community, and a fine of at least Rs 50,000.
Attempts
to hide one’s religion will be punished with a jail term of three to 10 years
and a fine of at least Rs 50,000.
Mass
conversions (of two or more persons) will invite jail terms of five to 10
years, and a fine of at least Rs one lakh.
Also
read: Why Sonia, Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi have not said a word on Yogi govt’s
‘love jihad’ law
Other
provisions
The
home minister, meanwhile, Sunday said organisations involved in conducting such
marriages, those giving donations for such marriages and those receiving
donations for it will have their registrations cancelled.
He
said priests, gurus and maulvis who conduct such marriages will also be
punished. Advance intimation for all such marriages to the district magistrate
is must under the proposed law.
Mishra
further said that some other measures are also under consideration because MP
wants to make the most stringent law.
While
the Yogi Adityanath government has already come out with a law, other BJP-ruled
states such as Haryana, Karnataka, Assam have said they will follow suit.
The
Uttar Pradesh government came up with a ‘love jihad’ ordinance last month that
provides a maximum jail term of 10 years. MP, which had initially proposed a
five-year term for alleged ‘love jihad’ related offences, then doubled the
punishment to 10 years.
In
a statement Monday, state BJP president V.D. Sharma claimed more and more cases
of ‘love jihad’ are being reported from Madhya Pradesh as also other states.
“The
law proposed by the Chouhan government will keep such elements under check and
will set an example for other states to follow,’” the BJP leader added.
He
said everyone enjoys the freedom to marry, but the legislation was aimed at
people who marry by assuming false identity, who mislead and put pressure to
convert. He further said the term ‘love jihad’ was used by the Kerala High
Court.
‘Competition
shouldn’t dictate framing of law’
The
Congress, meanwhile, said “competition should not dictate framing of a law or a
rule”.
“Any
law that stems from competition will not succeed. It will not only weaken the
law, but also make it difficult to implement,” Congress leader Durgesh Sharma
told ThePrint.
He
said the Congress was not against the law, but against its potential to
discriminate and fulfill politically selfish interest.
https://theprint.in/india/mp-love-jihad-law-could-have-provisions-of-alimony-and-attaching-accuseds-property/562138/
--------
PM
Modi conveys India's full support to France in fight against terrorism,
extremism, radicalism
Dec
7, 2020
NEW
DELHI: In a telephonic conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reiterated India's full support to
France in the fight against terrorism, extremism and radicalism.
During
the talks, Modi also conveyed condolences for the recent terror attacks in
France, according to a Prime Minister's Office statement.
"Spoke
with my friend @EmmanuelMacron on the challenges and opportunities presented by
the post-COVID world. India stands by France in its fight against terrorism
& extremism," Modi said in a tweet.
Spoke
with my friend @EmmanuelMacron on the challenges and opportunities presented by
the post-COVID world. India… https://t.co/UUrmzAh5AT
—
Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 1607359874000
The
India-France partnership is a force for good in the world, including in the
Indo-Pacific, he said.
The
PMO statement on the telephonic conversation said the prime minister reiterated
India's full support to France in the fight against terrorism, extremism and
radicalism.
France
was struck by terror attacks recently. A teacher was beheaded outside his
school on October 16. On October 29, a man recently arrived from Tunisia killed
three people with a knife in a Nice church.
During
their conversation, Modi and Macron also discussed other bilateral, regional
and global issues of mutual interest, including improving the affordability and
accessibility of Covid-19 vaccines, post-Covid economic recovery, cooperation
in the Indo-Pacific region, maritime security, defence cooperation, digital
economy and cyber security, strengthening multilateralism, and climate change
and biodiversity.
The
two leaders expressed satisfaction at the depth and strength that the
India-France strategic partnership has acquired in recent years and agreed to
continue working closely together in the post-Covid era, the statement said.
Prime
Minister Modi also expressed his wish to welcome President Macron in India
after the normalisation of the public health situation.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-conveys-indias-full-support-to-france-in-fight-against-terrorism-extremism-radicalism/articleshow/79612438.cms
--------
Terror
plot: ISI henchman held in Dubai, 5 arrested in capital
Dec
8, 2020
NEW
DELHI: Delhi Police's special cell has carried out an operation leading to the
detention of most wanted gangster and ISI henchman Sukhmeet Pal Singh, alias
Sukh Bhikhariwal, in Dubai, with assistance from UAE police, top sources have
told TOI.
Simultaneously,
the special cell arrested two Punjab-based alleged assassins — who were in the
end stage of executing the killing of a right-wing leader in the capital —
along with three Kashmir-based Hizbul Mujahideen operatives from east Delhi
early on Monday, winding up a month-long investigation.
Bhikhariwal,
top sources said, was nabbed from a flat in Dubai after his location was
confirmed by Delhi Police's sources deployed on ground last month. Now, the
intelligence establishment at the highest level is coordinating the deportation
of Bhikhariwal, who has masterminded several targeted killings this year and
earlier, including the assassination of Shaurya Chakra awardee Balwinder Singh
Sandhu, who was shot dead by the two men in October.
The
cops said that this operation, which shows the growing cooperation between the
two countries, has exposed the Pak spy agency's new plan of trying to use the
Khalistan and Kashmir networks to revive extremism in Punjab and other parts of
the country. In the past three years, UAE and Indian intelligence had
coordinated on the arrest of AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel and
Rajiv Saxena, among others.
While
officials in Delhi Police remained tight-lipped on the UAE operation, they
elaborated on the operation in Delhi saying they had averted a "slew of
targeted killings" in the capital with these arrests.
The
cell had kicked off an operation in April this year after receiving inputs
about targeted killings being planned and executed by the ISI through
Bhikhariwal. "While these inputs were being developed, multiple teams were
dispatched to Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to collect specific
information with active coordination and cooperation of central intelligence
agencies," said DCP (special cell) Pramod Kushwaha.
Last
month, police commissioner S N Shrivastava had formed a crack team to carry out
the operation. The team comprised encounter specialist ACPs Lalit Mohan Negi
and Hriday Bhushan and inspectors Sunil Rajain, Ravinder Joshi and Vinay Pal to
execute the last phase of the operation.
A
few days ago, an intercepted chatter suggested that Bhikhariwal had instructed
his sharpshooters to commit another targeted killing of a right-wing leader in
Delhi on the instructions of ISI. Bhikhariwal had further tasked them to meet
some persons from Kashmir in east Delhi near the Ramesh Park bus stand,
Shakarpur. The suspects, belonging to Hizbul Mujahideen, were to hand over cash
to the assassins. Cops started to look out for a car with a J&K
registration number.
"Accordingly,
a trap was laid. Around 6.45am, two cars were spotted near the place of
information. The advance team immediately moved to verify the suspects. Sensing
police presence, the suspects tried to flee by firing at the police
party," DCP Kushwaha said. The police party too fired in self-defence.
Both sharpshooters were nabbed along with their three Kashmiri associates.
"The
Kashmiri men were found in possession of 2kg of fine-quality heroin and Rs 1
lakh in cash. Three sophisticated pistols of different make were recovered from
the two sharpshooters. A total of 13 rounds were fired during the exchange of
fire," Kushwaha added.
The
men from Punjab were identified as Gurjit Singh, alias Bhaa, and Sukhdeep
Singh, alias Bhura, while the Kashmiri suspects were identified as Shabbir
Ahmed, Ayub Pathan and Riyaz Rather.
Pathan
is claimed to have disclosed that he was working for Hizbul Mujahideen and his
handler was his cousin, Abdul Majeed Khan, who is at present based in
Rawalpindi and is a senior operative of Hizbul.
Khan
had introduced him to a Pakistan-based operative, codenamed
"Sadakat", who is handling channelling of funds to India through
narco-terrorism.
"Sadakat
tasked them to receive a consignment of narcotics — which was sent to India
through Pakistan — and deliver it to his other contacts in Punjab. They were
also tasked to pay Rs 1 lakh to to the assassins," DCP Kushwaha added.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/terror-plot-isi-henchman-held-in-dubai-5-arrested-in-capital/articleshow/79614755.cms
--------
Arab
World
Kurdish
Media: Turkey Reassigning Syrian Militants to Kashmir
2020-December-7
The
Kurdish-language Forat news website quoted informed sources as saying that the
Solaiman Shah militia affiliated to Turkey in Northern Syria are preparing
forces to be dispatched to Kashmir.
They
added that al-Makni Abu Amsheh, one of the militant commanders affiliated to
Turkey, has informed his forces that the Turkish army has demanded a list of
volunteers from the terrorist groups, including the so-called Syria National
Army, to be sent to Kashmir.
He
has also told them that Turkey will pay $2,000 to anyone who is ready to go to
Kashmir.
Turkish
officials have not yet shown any reaction to the report.
Claimed
by both India and Pakistan, Kashmir has remained a source of tension between
the two countries.
https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/13990917000998/Krdish-Media-Trkey-Reassigning-Syrian-Milians-Kashmir
--------
Syria’s
foreign minister goes to Iran for first visit abroad
07
December 2020
Iran’s
Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Monday hosted his Syrian counterpart
Faisal Mekdad in Tehran, in the top diplomat’s first official visit abroad.
During
their meeting, the two discussed “bilateral, regional and international issues,
as well as the joint fight against terrorism,” Iran’s foreign ministry said in
a statement.
Zarif
emphasized the “necessity of vigilance and consultation” between Iran and Syria
due to the “recent regional developments and condition,” it added.
Mekdad
arrived in Tehran on Sunday night and is expected to meet Iran’s top officials
in the next few days, according to the ministry.
He
succeeded Wallid Muallem as Syria’s foreign minister on November 22, after the
veteran diplomat died days before.
Iran
has been a staunch supporter of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad in the civil
war that has ravaged the country since 2011.
The
conflict has killed more than 380,000 people and displaced more than half of
Syria’s pre-war population.
“Iran
stands alongside the people and government of Syria in the fight against terrorism,”
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said in a tweet.
“A
political solution is the only possible choice to end the current crisis,” he
added.
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/12/07/Syria-s-foreign-minister-goes-to-Iran-for-first-visit-abroad-
--------
As
Lebanon subsidy crunch looms, two UN agencies warn of social catastrophe
07
December 2020
The
removal of subsidies in Lebanon without guarantees to protect the vulnerable
would amount to a social catastrophe, two UN agencies said on Monday, warning
there is no parachute to soften the blow.
With
Lebanon deep in financial crisis, the central bank has been subsidizing basic
goods by providing hard currency to importers at the old exchange rate of 1,500
Lebanese pounds to the dollar even as the currency fell by 80 percent from the
peg.
Central
bank governor Riad Salameh said last week the subsidies could be kept for only
two more months, urging the state should come up with a plan.
For
all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Though
Lebanon faces the gravest crisis since the 1975-90 civil war, policymaking has
been crippled by old rivalries between fractious politicians. Saad Hariri was
nominated to form a new government in October but one has yet to be agreed.
“The
impact of removing price subsidies on the country’s most vulnerable households
will be tremendous and yet there is almost nothing in place to help soften the
fall,” the UNICEF’S Lebanon country representative and the ILO’s regional
director wrote in an op-ed.
“It
is critical to realize that for Lebanon to fly off another cliff now, without
first putting in place an inclusive system of social guarantees, would be to
inflict a social catastrophe on the country’s most vulnerable people,
sacrificing their wellbeing, and that of the country as a whole, for many years
to come,” they wrote.
The
universal way in which Lebanon has been subsidizing basic goods including fuel,
wheat and medicine has been widely criticized, including by senior politicians
from ruling parties, because it does not target those most in need.
A
rough analysis shows up to 80 percent of the subsidies may actually be
benefiting the wealthiest 50 percent with only 20 percent going to the poorer
half, UNICEF Representative Yukie Mokuo and ILO Regional Director Ruba Jaradat
wrote in their op-ed.
The
caretaker government is due to meet Salameh on Monday to discuss the subsidies.
The
World Bank has said poverty is likely to continue to worsen and engulf more than
half the population by 2021.
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/12/07/As-Lebanon-subsidy-crunch-looms-two-UN-agencies-warn-of-social-catastrophe
--------
Suspected
al-Qaeda gunmen kill 5 south Yemen separatists
07
December 2020
Suspected
al-Qaeda gunmen killed five south Yemen separatists in Abyan province on
Monday, in the terror group’s biggest attack in the region for months, a
secessionist security official said.
The
five members of the Security Belt separatist force, which is dominated by the
Southern Transitional Council (STC), were killed at dawn on the outskirts of
Lawdar city, the official told AFP.
Read
more: Yemen’s army attacks Houthi positions in Taiz
“It
was gunmen believed to be from al-Qaeda who launched the attack and managed to
escape,” he said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
A
medic in Lawdar confirmed the death toll, while al-Qaeda has yet to issue any
statements on the attack.
Al-Qaeda
in the Arabian Peninsula has thrived in the chaos of Yemen’s civil war between
an internationally recognized government that is supported by the Arab
coalition and the Iran-backed Houthi militia.
The
US, which considers AQAP the terror group’s most dangerous branch, has carried
out a campaign of drone strikes against its leaders for the past two decades.
Monday’s
attack was the biggest in southern Yemen since August, when Aal-Qaeda killed a
dentist in Al-Bayda accused of guiding US drone strikes against its militants
and later that month blew up the medical center in which he worked.
Security
Belt forces played a decisive role in fighting against al-Qaeda and ISIS, which
were forced to withdraw from southern urban centers.
The
separatist STC wants the south to secede from the rest of the country, even
while it is allied with the central government in a fight against their common
foe, the Houthis, in the civil war.
The
government and rebels have been locked in a five-year-old war that has killed
tens of thousands -- triggering what the UN terms the world’s worst
humanitarian crisis.
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2020/12/07/Suspected-Al-Qaeda-gunmen-kill-5-south-Yemen-separatists
--------
Iraqi
forces arrest senior Daesh commander in Anbar
08
December 2020
Iraq’s
Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) has arrested the so-called deputy governor of
Daesh the Iraqi province of al-Anbar, a senior military spokesman said.
The
top Daesh commander was arrested on Monday by a CTS special force, according to
a statement by Major-General Yahya Rasool, the spokesman for the
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
In
the statement, seen by Shafaq News Agency, Rasool described the Daesh element
as a “dangerous terrorist leader.”
He
said the terrorist was arrested after “intense monitoring and a high-level
joint intelligence effort.”
Rasool
said the operation resulted in the arrest of two terrorists involved in Camp
Speicher massacre in Saladin Governorate.
On
June 12, 2014, Daesh terrorists killed around 1,700 Iraqi air force cadets
after kidnapping them from Camp Speicher, a former US base. There were
reportedly around 4,000 unarmed cadets in the camp when it came under attack by
Daesh militants.
Following
the abductions, the attackers took the victims to the complex of presidential
palaces and killed them. The terrorists also threw some of the bodies into a
river.
The
massacre was filmed by Daesh and broadcast on social media.
An
investigation committee later revealed that 57 members of Saddam Hussein’s
Ba’ath Party aided Takfiri Daesh terrorists in the massacre.
In
his Monday statement, General Rasool also noted that the Iraqi
Counter-Terrorism Service carried out two missions in the Fallujah district,
which resulted in the arrest of three members of the terrorist gangs.
Daesh
began a terror campaign in Iraq in 2014, overrunning vast swathes in lightning
attacks. However, shortly after the beginning of Daesh’s campaign, top Shia
cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani issued a religious edict (fatwa) and
called on his followers to rush to the national army’s help in the fight
against the Takfiri outfit.
The
fatwa helped bring together Shia fighters, Sunni tribesmen as well as Christian
and Izadi volunteers under the umbrella of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU)
to reverse Daesh’s gains and ultimately in Iraq in late 2017.
After
three years of fierce fight, former Iraqi prime minister Haider al-Abadi
declared the end of military operations against Daesh and the end of the terror
group’s territorial rule in the country on December 9, 2017.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/12/08/640250/Iraq-security-forces-daesh-anbar
--------
Israel
evicts Syrians in occupied Golan Heights to establish wind turbines
07
December 2020
Israeli
forces have closed a number of the main entrances to the villages in the
occupied Golan Heights of Syria, barring the locals from reaching their farms,
where the Tel Aviv regime wants to set up wind turbines.
Syria's
official news agency, SANA citing an unnamed local source, announced the news
on Monday, adding that crowds of locals in rural areas of Majdal Shams, Sheita
and Baqaatha, and Masada were gathering on the blocked roads leading to their
farms.
The
source added that Israeli soldiers were present in the areas in large numbers
and had already cut off the main roads there.
It
further said that infuriated locals spread in their agricultural lands to
prevent the regime from installing the colossal turbines.
People
of Golan continue defending their land: Activist
Separately
on Monday, Sidqi al-Maqt, an activist from the Druze community in the
Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, said in a statement to the Syrian TV Channel
that inhabitants of Golan would never allow Tel Aviv to carry out its scheme on
their farms.
Magt,
who spent several years behind bars in Israeli prisons before his release,
added that Golan villagers would defend their lands against the occupation
forces, no matter what the price would be, SANA reported.
He
stressed that the people of the Golan would continue their struggle against the
occupiers till the liberation of every inch of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.
In
1967, Israel waged a full-scale war against Arab territories during which it
occupied a large swathe of Syria’s Golan Heights and annexed it four years
later, a move never recognized by the international community.
Syria
has repeatedly reaffirmed its sovereignty over the Golan Heights, saying the
territory must be completely restored to its control.
In
March 2019, US President Donald Trump signed a decree recognizing Israeli
“sovereignty” over Golan during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu in Washington.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/12/07/640214/Syria-Israel-Golan-Heights-wind-turbines
--------
South
Asia
Officials
Seize Explosive-Laden Car, Nab Suspect
By
Mohammad Arif Sheva
08
Dec 2020
KANDAHAR,
Afghanistan – The Counter Narcotic Police of Afghanistan (CNPA) has seized an
explosive-laden vehicle, after carrying an operation in Police District 3 (PD3)
of Kandahar city, said the Ministry of Interior Affairs in a statement Tuesday.
At
least one suspect has been arrested in the case.
“CNPA
discovered & seized an explosives-laden vehicle in PD#3, Kandahar City of
Kandahar province,” said the MoIA in a tweet.
According
to the statement, at least 2,000 rounds of PK machine gun, including a huge
number of rockets and grenades, were loaded in the vehicle.
“The
vehicle was carrying 2,000 rounds of PK machine gun, 50 RPG-7 rocket propelled
grenade warheads & 17,960 light rounds,” the tweet added. “The driver was
arrested in connection with the case.”
The
came at a time the Afghan National Defense Security Forces (ANDSF) carried
multiple operations throughout the province, foiling a number of attempted
attacks by the Taliban insurgents since Monday.
https://www.khaama.com/officials-seize-explosive-laden-car-nab-suspect-34534/
--------
Taliban
Attacks Rebuffed in Kandahar, Commander Killed
By
Mohammad Arif Sheva
08
Dec 2020
KANDAHAR,
Afghanistan – At least five Taliban killed during a battle with Afghan National
Army (ANA) in Panjwae district of Kandahar province, said the Ministry of
Defense in a statement Tuesday.
According
to the statement, security forces have wrecked a huge amount of arms and
ammunition own by the insurgent groups during clashes.
“5
#Taliban were killed after they attacked #ANDSF positions in Panjwae district
of Kandahar province, yesterday,” said the MoD in a tweet. “Also, a large
amount of their weapons and ammunitions were destroyed during reciprocal
attacks of ANA.”
Meanwhile,
A Taliban commander, including five of his fighters, were killed in Maiwand district
of Kandahar province Monday, said the MoD.
“A
large amount of their weapons and ammunitions were destroyed during reciprocal
attacks of #ANA,” the ministry added.
In
a news form Uruzgan, officials said at least 16 Taliban were killed and further
11 were wounded in Gizab and Dehrawood districts of the province.
“They
were planning to attack #ANDSF positions when they were targeted by #ANA,” said
the ministry.
The
Taliban did not immediately comment on the incident.
https://www.khaama.com/taliban-attacks-rebuffed-in-kandahar-21-killed-23443/
--------
330%
of Civilian Casualties Blamed on Trump Administration: Report
By
Mohammad Haroon Alim
08
Dec 2020
American
President Donald Trump’s decision in 2017 to loosen military rules of
engagement in Afghanistan, the rules that were meant to protect civilians took
a sharp turn to an increase in the civilian casualties.
On
Monday Brown University Watson Institute’s Costs of War Project, released a
report that indicated a 330% increase in the number of civilians killed by
US-led airstrikes from 2016 to 2019.
“Some
of this harm could be avoided by tighter rules of engagement, as well as better
training. A negotiated ceasefire might also yield results at the bargaining
table and at the same time avoid escalating harm to Afghan civilians from
airstrikes.” the author of the report, Neta C. Crawford, said.
In
2007 to 2016, the Afghan government and US-led forces killed an average of 582
civilians, the report found.
During
trump’s administration from 2017 till 2019, named forces killed an average of
1,134 civilians in one year, a 95% increase according to the report.
Civilian
casualties have taken a dramatic increase due to the U.S. and allied forces
airstrike, the report indicates.
The
2019 was the year 700 civilians were killed due to airstrikes, more civilians
than in 2001 and 2002, the airstrikes decreased following the US-Taliban
agreement in Doha, Qatar in February of 2020.
As
strikes declined so the civilian casualties have decreased, report said.
According
to the United Nations, US-led and Afghan government airstrikes killed more
civilians than did Taliban militant attacks during the first half of 2019.
The
new report found that as US-led bombings declined following the agreement
reached with the Taliban in February 2020, Afghan government airstrikes have
increased.
According
to the report, “as a consequence, the Afghan Air Force (AAF) is harming more
Afghan civilians than at any time in its history.”
The
report says, “In the first six months of this year, the AAF killed 86 Afghan
civilians and injured 103 civilians in airstrikes. That rate of harm nearly
doubled in the next three months. Between July and the end of September, the
Afghan Air Force killed 70 civilians and 90 civilians were injured,” adding
that “As with the international airstrikes, some of this harm could be avoided
by tighter rules of engagement, as well as better training.”
Per
the highlights of the facts, total U.S. withdrawal of the infantry does not
mean a decrease in the civilian casualties, the combat is one-sided, and may
the airstrikes continue.
A
total of 43,000 civilians were killed in the US-led war, the analysis of this
report showed most civilians were killed by the Taliban, some civilians
including children were victims of US, Allied, and Afghan government bombings
and bullets.
https://www.khaama.com/330-of-civilian-casualties-blamed-on-trump-administration-report-8979879/
--------
Security
Forces Foil Car Bomb Blast in Kandahar
By
Mohammad Arif Sheva
08
Dec 2020
KANDAHAR,
Afghanistan – The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) foiled an
attempted car blast during an operation in Zherai district of Kandahar
province, said the Ministry of Defense in a statement Tuesday.
Officials
did not provide further details on how the plot was halted but said the
terrorist was identified before he succeed in his target of attacking security
forces.
“A
suicide attacker was identified and eliminated with his car bomb by #ANA when
he wanted to attack ANDSF in Zherai district of Kandahar prov,” said the MoD in
a tweet.
According
to the statement, “Fortunately, the ANDSF were not harmed in the incident.”
The
Taliban did not immediately comment on the incident.
https://www.khaama.com/security-forces-foil-car-bomb-blast-in-kandahar-345345/
--------
North
America
American
forces in Somalia are unwanted
07
December 2020
By
Julius Mbaluto
Well,
US presence in Somalia has been extremely controversial since the early 90s,
and, you know, subject to which a movie was made Black Hawk Down. So the thing is
at the moment US forces have been in Somalia in the name of fighting,
Al-Shabaab, the terrorist group.
In
the past, we have seen their approach or methodology used by the US forces not
working in Somalia. I'll give you an example, sometime back early 90s or late
90s after many years of civil war in Somalia, Kenya’s leadership called the
Somalia warring parties in Nairobi, and they created what they were calling a
transitional central government. Elections were conducted in Kenya and then
authority taken back to Somalia to govern.
Now,
of course, Kenya is a good neighbor they were trying to ensure these people in
their neighboring country. But the moment they went, the transition of the
central government began to roll. We saw the involvement of America sending
troops and supporting Ethiopia. And that was the end of the transitional
central government and emergency of the Islamic government that came in to
declare children law across the country. Then after that is when the bulk of
Al-Shabab, the current terror group began.
Has
America been successful? No. It was actually Kenya's defense forces which went
inside Somalia, and they managed to push back the activities of the Al-Shabaab
military group. The later, we see, Kenya Defense Forces being incorporated into
Africa Union force, Amazon, and since that time, it's not just been America.
These American troops are very, very... They're not that many. They're not that
much. Their impact alone cannot work. There is a lot of work that has been done
by Amazon forces.
So,
will they withdraw? I don't think it is very consequential. I don't think it
would make a huge difference. By the way, Somalia’s narrative, they don't want
forces in Somalia. They don't want any forces for their country. Will they
govern themselves? Probably, if they are given the chance, why not?
One
of the greatest crying points of Somalia are Somalian people has always been,
whether it's Amazon forces, or whether US forces, or whether it be elections of
their government. They just want to do it themselves. They don't want America
to be involved. They don't want Amazon to be involved, but can they contend
with the forces of Al-Shabab? We find that Al-Shabab, most of it, get irritated
by presence of the US.
We've
seen anytime America tried to attack any point of them quickly they came to
attack Kenya, Kenya is America. And America is Kenya, so we may see a different
picture emerging we may see different situations if they are gone. American
forces are withdrawn, because maybe then Al-Shabaab may stop attacking Kenya
because most of the assailants have attacked Kenya because they think Kenya as
an ally of the US. So celebration? Not quite. Internally Somalia needs to do a
lot of work for its own security operations.
Julius
Mbaluto, Founding Editor of Informer East Africa Newspaper: Julius is currently
the host for Global Radio Show, known as “Global Conversations” on Colourful
Radio. He is an award- winning International Journalist and a mentor to
Journalism students at City University. He is the Founder and Chief Editor of
Informer East Africa Newspaper published in the UK. Mbaluto’s broadcasting
career began at Carlton Television. He then joined ITV and, later, the BBC.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/12/07/640213/American-forces-in-Somalia-are-unwanted
--------
Venezuela,
Turkey relations peaked after coup attempt
Gokhan
Varan
06.12.2020
Existing
relations between Venezuela and Turkey peaked after a 2016 defeated coup
attempt in Turkey by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), Venezuela's
foreign minister said Saturday.
Venezuela
always had "good relations" with Turkey and President Nicolas Maduro
was one of the first leaders to condemn the July 15 coup attempt by FETO, said
Jorge Arreaza.
Relations
are not yet at the desired level but the Turkish and Venezuelan economies have
the potential to complement each other, he said while taking questions by
Mehmet Necati Kutlu, Latin Studies Center Director at Turkey’s Ankara
University
"Those
who want to invest in Venezuela from Turkey are being phoned and threatened.
There are some who are imposing sanctions. Therefore, I believe there is a need
for a new legal framework to protect private sector investments," he said.
"In the coming years we will see the best figures in trade with Turkey and
I believe we will establish closer cultural relations.”
Also,
he went on to say: "The Turkish Ambassador wants to inaugurate the
cultural center of Turkey in a short time and we also mentioned a mosque. We
are starting to get to know each other. We are very distant but very
alike."
Regarding
possible relations between Venezuela and the US, Arreaza said if the new
American administration wants dialogue, Venezuela is open to it.
"There
was no way a civilized dialogue with the Trump administration could continue. I
hope we can establish this with President-elect Joe Biden," he said.
"We will have to wait to see if Biden will allow being controlled by
military, industry, technological, financial groups, or whether he can put some
will of his own identity and personality to improve relations with Venezuela.”
The
US has been Venezuela's most important trade partner for 100 years but now it
is China, he said, adding we can have a "good relationship" with the
US under international law and mutual respect.
FETO
and its US-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup in 2016,
in which 251 people were martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.
Turkey
accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state
through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military,
police and judiciary.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/venezuela-turkey-relations-peaked-after-coup-attempt/2067106
--------
Europe
Macron
dismisses calls to get tough with Egypt's Sisi on human rights
07
December 2020
French
President Emmanuel Macron has defied widespread criticism of his close ties
with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi over flagrant human rights
violations in the African country, saying Paris will not take a tough line on
the government in Cairo and would not condition the sale of weapons as well as
military equipment to Egypt.
Macron
made the comment on Monday as he hosted Sisi, whom he referred to as his
"friend," for talks on the second day of his three-day official visit
to France.
The
Egypt president has long been facing international condemnation for his
crackdown on political and civil society groups since he took power in 2014, a
year after a military coup spearheaded by him toppled the country’s first
democratically elected President Mohamed Morsi.
Amnesty
International and other rights groups, ahead of the two presidents' meeting in
the Elysee Palace, censured France for having "long indulged President
el-Sisi's brutal repression of any form of dissent," and said it was
"now or never" for Macron to stand up for human rights.
Macron
told a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart on Monday that he
had brought up the issue of human rights during their discussions, but said he
would not condition France's deepening military and trade ties with Egypt on
the issue of rights.
"I
will not condition matters of defense and economic cooperation on these
disagreements over human rights… There is a strategic partnership between
France and Egypt, and we will continue progress to improve the situation,” the
French president said.
French
officials also dismissed rights-related criticism, claiming that the government
had a policy of avoiding public declarations about other countries' rights
records and instead raises concerns in private.
Macron
has already been taken to task by French rights activist groups for turning a
blind eye to the increasing violations of freedoms by Sisi's government over
the past years.
Since
the Sisi coup, Egyptian authorities have been engaged in a crackdown on
dissent, killing hundreds and arresting thousands, particularly from the
Brotherhood organization, which is Egypt’s oldest opposition movement.
Rights
groups in Egypt and across the world say the Cairo government has detained
thousands of people, including 200 people who have been sentenced to death in
mass trials.
Egyptian
courts have sentenced some 3,000 people to death since 2014, when Sisi took
power, according to the Arab Network for Human Rights Information, an
independent organization that documents human rights violations in the Middle
East and North Africa.
The
figure compares with fewer than 800 death sentences in the previous six years,
according to Amnesty International.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/12/07/640220/France-Macron-Egypt-Sisi-weapons-sales
--------
Germany
cuts funding for Islamic Relief aid group over ties to Muslim Brotherhood
Jennifer
Bell
07
December 2020
The
German government has ceased funding to aid organization Islamic Relief
Worldwide over its alleged ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, the Interior
Ministry said in response to a request for information from an opposition
party.
A
spokesman for the ministry told journalists it had information that both
Islamic Relief Worldwide and Islamic Relief Deutschland (IRD) had “significant
personal links to the Muslim Brotherhood” or related organizations and
affiliates.
For
all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
The
Muslim Brotherhood - a transnational Sunni Islamist organization founded in
Egypt by Islamic scholar and schoolteacher Hassan al-Banna in 1928 – has long
been denounced as a terrorist organization by Germany.
In
2018, a local German news outlet, citing German Intelligence and security
sources, said an official report has concluded that German security authorities
consider the Muslim Brotherhood group as “more dangerous” to Germany’s
democracy, compared to the ISIS.
The
ceasing of aid followed a question from Germany’s Free Democratic Party on
donations by the government to Islamic Relief Worldwide , earmarked for the
implementation of humanitarian aid in Syria, in particular to support health
facilities with medicines and medical supplies
The
decision to stop donations follows news reports in August that IR’s leadership
resigned en masse after the discovery that the aid organization’s new director
had labeled terrorists “heroes”.
The
director had described leaders of the Hamas extremist group as “great men” who
were answering "the #divine and holy call of the Muslim Brotherhood.”
The
comments were made in social media posts between 2014 and 2015 and uncovered by
terrorism researchers.
Headquartered
in Birmingham, UK, Islamic Relief describes itself on its website as “an
international aid agency that has served humanity for over 30 years by striving
to make the world a better, fairer place.”
It
adds: “We remain guided by the timeless values and teachings of the Quran and
prophetic example. As such, you don’t need to be a Muslim to work for us, but
you will need to show a commitment to our faith-inspired values – sincerity,
excellence, compassion, social justice and custodianship.”
The
organization employs more than 2,000 staff across 40 offices around the world.
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/world/2020/12/07/Germany-cuts-funding-for-Islamic-Relief-aid-group-over-ties-to-Muslim-Brotherhood
--------
Iran’s
new nuclear activity worrying: UK, Germany, France
Busra
Nur Bilgic Cakmak
07.12.2020
Iran’s
new nuclear activity is against the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)
and "deeply worrying", the UK, Germany and France said on Monday in a
joint statement.
“Iran’s
recent announcement to the IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency] that it
intends to install an additional three cascades of advanced centrifuges at the
Fuel Enrichment Plant in Natanz is contrary to the JCPoA and deeply worrying,”
said the statement.
“Furthermore,
we have taken note, with great concern, of the recent law passed by the Iranian
Parliament, which - if implemented - would substantially expand Iran’s nuclear
programme and limit IAEA monitoring access,” it added.
The
statement also said Iran’s move would jeopardize efforts to protect the JCPOA
and risk the return to diplomacy with US President-elect Joe Biden's
administration.
“If
Iran is serious about preserving a space for diplomacy, it must not implement
these steps,” said the statement.
“We
will address Iran’s non-compliance within the framework of the JCPoA. We
welcome the statements by President-elect Biden on the JCPoA and a diplomatic
path to address wider concerns with Iran. This is in all our interests,” it
added.
In
2015, world powers, including the US, China, Russia, France, Germany, and the
UK agreed to lift economic sanctions on Iran in return for Tehran agreeing to
limit its nuclear activity to civilian purposes.
Despite
a 2018 decision by the administration of outgoing US President Donald Trump to
withdraw from the accord, Germany, France, and the UK have repeatedly
underlined their commitment to the deal and urged Tehran to return to full
compliance with the agreement.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/iran-s-new-nuclear-activity-worrying-uk-germany-france/2068281
--------
EU
foreign ministers set to talk ties with US, Turkey
Rabia
İclal Turan
07.12.2020
Foreign
ministers of the EU bloc gathered in Brussels on Monday to discuss several
international issues, including the future of transatlantic ties and relations
with membership candidate Turkey.
“We
are going to talk a lot about transatlantic relations and present a proposal …
about a new refresh start with our engagement with the US,” foreign policy
chief Josep Borrell, who brought the proposal, told reporters in a doorstep
statement.
The
top diplomats of the EU member state will exchange views on transatlantic
relations, and the future of the relations with the US as well as the
post-election situation in Georgia, legislative elections in Venezuela, and a
Chinese security law for Hong Kong, according to the official agenda items.
Heiko
Maas, the German foreign minister, told reporters that relations with Turkey
would also be on their agenda today.
“Germany
has made considerable efforts in the last couple of months to find a way to
enhance dialogue with Turkey,” he said, criticizing Ankara for recent tensions
with EU members Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration in the Eastern
Mediterranean.
“Today
we will discuss what kind of consequences we would draw from this, also with a
view to the EU summit later this week,” he added.
Turkey
has sharply criticized Greece for rejecting its offers to engage in dialogue
over the disputes as well as taking steps that only serve to raise regional
tensions.
Today’s
meeting in Brussels is expected to determine the framework of the leader’s
agenda at the Dec. 10-11 summit.
Amid
recent tensions in the region, Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration have
upped their pressure on other EU members to impose sanctions on Turkey at this
week’s summit.
To
date, the EU's current term president, Germany, and most EU members have been
reluctant to take such action.
Turkey,
which has the longest continental coastline in the Eastern Mediterranean, has
rejected the maritime boundary claims of Greece and the Greek Cypriot
administration, stressing that these excessive claims violate the sovereign
rights of both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots.
Ankara
has sent several drillships in recent months to explore for energy resources in
the Eastern Mediterranean, asserting its own rights in the region, as well as
those of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Turkish
leaders have repeatedly stressed that Ankara is in favor of resolving all
outstanding problems in the region through international law, good neighborly
relations, dialogue, and negotiation.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/eu-foreign-ministers-set-to-talk-ties-with-us-turkey/2068210
--------
'Turkey
won't allow imperialist expansionism on E.Med'
Burak
Bir
07.12.2020
Turkey
will not bow to threats and blackmailing over the Eastern Mediterranean, the
Turkish president reiterated on Monday, stressing that the county will not
allow any "imperialist expansionism" on the sea, either.
"Turkey
will not accept plans and maps that aim to confine country to its coasts off
Antalya," Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the Workshop on Eastern Mediterranean
at Akdeniz University via a video message.
He
also said that any plans and maps excluding Turkey from its rights on the
Eastern Mediterranean are "unacceptable".
Recalling
his offer to hold an international conference on the Eastern Mediterranean,
Erdogan said that related issues will only be solved by bringing all the actors
in the region together around the same table.
"Our
country has never sided with tension in the Eastern Mediterranean issue, but
rather with peace, cooperation, fairness, and the establishment of
justice," he said.
Diplomacy,
negotiation for permanent solution
Stressing
diplomacy for a permanent solution, Erdogan said: "Diplomacy and
negotiation are the shortest and most secure way that will bring us together on
a common ground."
Noting
that Turkey has kept its calmness despite all the spoiled acts of Greece and
the Greek Cypriot administration since 2003, the leader vowed that Turkey will
preserve its stance which it has adopted so far.
"We
are following the developments very closely for both to guarantee our interests
and to protect the rights of our brothers in the Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus [TRNC]," he said, adding the EU should not be unfair to Turkey and
the Turkish Cypriots asserting union solidarity.
"I
believe that by acting with sincerity and common sense, we can find a
win-win-based formula that protects everyone's rights," Erdogan concluded.
Amid
recent tensions in the region, Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration have
increased their pressure on other EU members to impose sanctions on Turkey during
the upcoming EU leaders summit.
Turkey,
which has the longest continental coastline in the Eastern Mediterranean, has
rejected maritime boundary claims of Greece and the Greek Cypriot
administration, and stressed that these excessive claims violate the sovereign
rights of both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots.
Ankara
has sent several drill ships in the past weeks to explore for energy resources
in the Eastern Mediterranean, asserting its own rights in the region, as well
as those of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Turkish
officials have repeatedly stressed that Ankara is in favor of resolving all
outstanding problems in the region through international law, good neighborly
relations, dialogue, and negotiation.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/turkey-wont-allow-imperialist-expansionism-on-emed/2068044
--------
Lincoln
man Ben John in court over terrorism offences
05.12.2020
An
alleged far-right extremist has appeared in court accused of possessing
documents on combat, homemade weapons and explosives.
Ben
John, 20, appeared at the Old Bailey charged with seven counts of having a
record likely to be useful to a terrorist on or before 7 January.
Mr
John, of Addison Drive, Lincoln, spoke only to confirm his name and was granted
conditional bail.
He
is next due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on 12 March.
A
preliminary trial date has been set for 2 August.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-55189049?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1790258_
--------
Southeast
Asia
Indonesia
Receives Over A Million Chinese Covid-19 Vaccine Doses, Indonesia Ulema Council
to Ensure It Meets Halal Requirements
December
7, 2020
JAKARTA:
Indonesia has received 1.2 million doses of a Covid-19 vaccine made by China’s
Sinovac, officials said, as the world’s fourth most populous nation struggles
to get soaring case rates under control.
The
doses arrived in Jakarta late Sunday on a flight from Beijing, with another 1.8
million expected to be sent again next month.
Although
Chinese regulators have yet to clear any of country’s vaccines for mass
distribution, they have approved some advanced candidates for emergency use.
On
Monday, Indonesia’s Covid-19 response team chief Airlangga Hartarto said the
first batch of doses will be examined by the food and drug agency, with plans
to distribute them to medical workers and other high-risk groups.
The
country’s top Muslim clerical body, the Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI), will
also check the first consignment, officials said — to ensure it meets halal
requirements in the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation.
Late
Sunday, President Joko Widodo welcomed the delivery.
“We
are grateful that the vaccine is now available, and we can immediately prevent
the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak,” he said.
“(But)
I have to reiterate, first, that all procedures must be followed properly to
ensure public health and safety, and the efficacy of the vaccine,” he added.
In
August, Indonesia launched human trials of the Sinovac-made jab, with around
1,600 volunteers taking part in the six-month study.
The
Indonesian government has paid some 637 billion rupiah (US$45 million) for the
three million Sinovac doses. Another 100,000 more are set to be delivered by
another Chinese firm, CanSino.
China
has promised to make its vaccines available as a “global public good” as it
seeks to counter global criticism for its early handling of the pandemic.
“We
expect that multilateral vaccines [from other countries] will also start to
arrive gradually in 2021,” Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said Monday.
Indonesia
has been in talks with other pharmaceutical firms, including UK-based
AstraZeneca.
The
country is one of the Asian nations worst hit by the pandemic, with Covid-19
infections topping 575,000, and more than 17,000 deaths.
However,
the true scale of the crisis is widely believed to be much bigger, as the
country has one of the world’s lowest testing rates.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2020/12/07/indonesia-receives-over-a-million-chinese-covid-19-vaccine-doses/
--------
What
does cleric Rizieq Shihab’s ‘moral revolution’ mean for Indonesia?
December
8, 2020
JAKARTA:
Six supporters of Indonesian Islamic cleric Rizieq Shihab were killed in a
shootout on Monday, police said, raising worries the clash could reignite
tensions between authorities and Islamist groups in the world’s biggest Muslim
majority country.
Since
his return from self-exile in Saudi Arabia last month, Rizieq has declared
plans for a “moral revolution” causing unease in President Joko Widodo’s
administration as Indonesia battles the coronavirus pandemic and an economic
recession.
Who
is Riziek Shihab?
Hardline
Islamic cleric Rizieq Shihab has for years cut a controversial figure in
Indonesian politics.
Rizieq
heads the Islamic Defender’s Front (FPI) group.
He
was jailed in 2008 for inciting violence and left Indonesia in 2017 after
facing charges of pornography, and insulting state ideology, which were later
dropped.
With
a reputation for raiding bars, brothels and violently cracking down on
religious minorities, the FPI has since become politically influential.
In
2016, Rizieq was the figurehead of the mass 212 movement against Jakarta’s
former Christian governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, or Ahok, who was jailed on
charges of blasphemy for insulating Islam.
The
2016 mass rallies, the biggest since the fall of Suharto in 1998, raised
concern about the rise of identity politics and political Islam.
The
president, known as “Jokowi”, viewed the rallies as one of the biggest threats
to his government.
What
happened in shootout?
When
Rizieq returned to Indonesia he was met by tens of thousands of supporters and
in subsequent days held several events also attended by thousands.
Hard
hit by the pandemic and amid restrictions on mass gatherings, police have twice
summoned Rizieq for questioning over alleged violation of health protocols.
The
cleric has ignored the requests, most recently on Monday – the day of the
shootout in which police said six of his supporters were killed.
Police
say they were tailing a convoy of Rizieq supporters on a Jakarta highway just
after midnight after hearing they were preparing to mobilise, when firearms
were pointed at them.
Police
say they acted in self-defence when they opened fire and killed six people.
The
FPI claims Rizieq was traveling to a dawn prayer when they were attacked by
unknown assailants who “abducted” six of his bodyguards.
An
FPI spokesperson described the incident as an “extrajudicial killing”.
Amnesty
International Indonesia and Indonesia Police Watch have called for an independent
investigation.
How
big a force is Islam in Indonesian politics?
As
the world’s biggest Muslim-majority nation, Islam has always been important in
Indonesian politics.
Every
president has been Muslim. The 2016 rallies against the Jakarta governor saw
Islam take on an increasingly prominent political role.
In
a move widely seen as an attempt to appeal to Islamic voters, President Jokowi
chose a senior Islamic cleric, Ma’ruf Amin, as his vice-presidential running
mate in 2019.
To
further neutralise the threat posed by Islamists, in 2019 Jokowi appointed
fiery former general Prabowo Subianto as defence minister.
Prabowo
had harnessed support from Islamist groups when running against Jokowi.
While
Rizieq was overseas, hardline Islamic groups such as the FPI have been
relatively quiet and Jokowi had until the pandemic hit, been able to govern
without too much pushback.
What
could happen now?
Political
analysts say given the opposition vacuum, the coronavirus and the first
recession in 22 years, Rizieq may harness frustrations with the government and
pose a threat.
The
55-year-old cleric has already met with several key opposition figures and
there is a sense that politicking for the 2024 election is already underway.
More
immediately, Monday’s fatal clash with police may create six “martyrs” and give
the FPI a rallying point.
According
to sources and analysts that spoke to Reuters the government grossly
underestimated Rizieq’s continued appeal and following his reception was aware
it would have to carefully calibrate its response, fearing if it cracked down
too hard it may backfire.
Despite
more vocal backlash from pluralists and moderate Islamic groups such as the MUI
toward Rizieq this year, Monday’s incident was unlikely to have met the careful
approach the president and his key ministers had been aiming for.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2020/12/08/what-does-cleric-rizieq-shihabs-moral-revolution-mean-for-indonesia/
--------
‘Perak
Move’ exposes myth about working for Ummah
K.
Parkaran
December
8, 2020
Call
it a blow, hard-hit or otherwise, but the “Perak Move” proves just one thing.
All claims by politicians that they were doing things for the unity of the
Ummah or in the interest of the nation and the rakyat, to justify their wily
manoeuvres, is simply hogwash.
Who
would have thought that the 25 Umno assemblymen in the Perak state assembly who
voted against a motion of confidence in their coalition’s menteri besar would
actually turn against someone from their own ummah?
Neither
Ahmad Faizal Azumu himself nor the Perikatan Nasional leadership would have
expected to be stabbed in the back by their friends from the ummah. Like many
others, I believe it may have been orchestrated by the Umno leadership in an
obvious bid to show PPBM head, Muhyiddin Yassin, a thing or two.
They
drove home the point that this could happen at the national level and a few
other states with a wafer-thin majority if certain key positions and power are
not given to Umno.
If
their earlier exhortations, especially after GE14 — that the mainly non-Malay
opposition had taken over political power and thus the need for Umno, PAS and
PPBM to get together to retake their “rightful place” — was an honest rallying
cry, the drama in Perak would not have unfolded.
The
move by Faizal’s allies to go for the jugular when he needed them most proved
the hollowness of claims by the Muafakat Nasional partners that they made the
“Sheraton Move” in February to save the race and religion.
There
were merely using supremacy of race and religion in quest of power and the
privileges that follow.
While
the DAP had its many faults when it was in the government, I dare say that the
MN partners had nothing against the party other than the fact that there were
“too many” non-Malay ministers and deputy ministers for the first time in
Malaysian history, most of whom were from the party that has been branded as
Chinese-chauvinist.
It
had nothing to do with claims of Malays losing their political clout or being
ousted from senior government positions because the overall numbers hardly
changed. Yes, after the 2018 general election, the attorney-general, finance
minister and the chief justice were non-Malays or non-Muslims for the first
time in several decades.
But
aside from these positions, nothing was altered. The key heads of the civil
service, government-linked companies and armed forces continued to be held by
Malays as no one saw a need for change. Anyway, in less than a year, a Malay
Muslim took over from the Pakatan Harapan-appointed Chief Justice Richard
Malanjun.
So
when the PN-controlled state government of Perak collapsed, the orchestrators
behind it probably wanted it to be a hard slap in the face for the prime
minister whose party dominates the ruling coalition.
Umno,
which is not used to playing second fiddle in politics, wanted to show who is
boss, and they did it in a devastating style – 48 against,10 for and one spoilt
or absented vote in the confidence motion.
The
PPBM leadership must have been reeling in shock because Faizal was not only the
deputy president of the dominant party in PN, he was also Muhyiddin’s deputy,
and the state coalition chairman.
Well,
to former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s credit, he had warned several
times that Muhyiddin would most probably be at the mercy of the Umno warlords
who are trying to wrest control of the coalition and take the leading role at
the federal level.
So
here you go, we saw more betrayals now after the nasty “Sheraton Move” which
drove Malaysian politics to the lowest levels of hypocrisy, dishonesty and
charlatanism.
Soon
after the abysmal move in Perak, Zahid declared that Umno is open to forming a
new Perak state government by working with PH parties, even with their
arch-nemesis DAP! When this news was out, it reverberated in the social media,
shocking many supporters of both parties to the core.
In
response, a DAP leader, none other than Nga Kor Ming, who had never failed to
criticise Umno in the past, said the party was willing to work with its sworn
enemy in the “interest of the people and the nation”.
So,
we now have a seemingly nationalistic bunch of politicians from both sides of
the divide who announce that they are willing to make “sacrifices” and be in
power to save us poor rakyat from problems of political instability which in
the first place was caused by all of them!
So
all these treacherous political manoeuvring, party hopping, show of might and
sleeping with strange bedfellows is being done “in the interest of the rakyat”,
it seems.
Do
they seriously expect sane Malaysians to believe them? Come on guys, get real.
These politicians are sowing so much hatred and discord in our lives by their
actions that Malaysians tend to get drowned in this noise, unfortunately.
Racial
and religious divisions remain ripe grounds for fertilising hatred and
division. Our politicians are doing just that. We will be able to see through
their actions if each and every one of us imbibes a true sense of the Malaysian
spirit in us.
If
we fail to do this, the political charlatans will continue dividing us to rule
so that they can perpetuate their narrow concept of racial and religious
supremacy with their dubious claim of doing so for the sake of the rakyat and
nation.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2020/12/08/perak-move-exposes-myth-about-working-for-ummah/
--------
NGOs
say use of term 'Darul Hana’ an attempt to change Sarawak's identity as secular
state
07
Dec 2020
MIRI,
Dec 7 — Five local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) voiced their objection
yesterday to certain quarters using ‘Darul Hana’ when describing Sarawak,
claiming it was an attempt to change Sarawak’s identity from a secular state to
one based on religion.
In
a joint statement, the NGOs said Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) and other groups
should immediately cease using the term ‘Sarawak Darul Hana’ as it could
disrupt racial and religious harmony in the state.
"We
are aware that there are parties out there trying to disturb our religious
harmony by trying to change ‘Sarawak Bumi Kenyalang’ to ‘Sarawak Darul Hana’,
which was never agreed upon by all the races in the state.
“In
terms of history, the use of ‘Darul Hana’ in Sarawak is not suitable as it has
never been used since the setting-up of the modern government of Sarawak in
1841.
“Any
attempts by irresponsible elements to change the history of Sarawak which is a
secular state should be stopped immediately,” said the NGOs.
The
statement was signed by Dayak Think Thank Association deputy president Edward
Awan, Dayak National Congress president Paul Raja, Sarawak Iban Association
president Samuel Suring, Persatuan Balang Balai Nyabong president Mengga Mikui,
and Sarawak Dayak Iban Association Miri secretary Rafael Dru.
The
five NGOs said the administration of Sarawak since the formation of Malaysia
was based on the ‘agreement’ of all races, adding that parties such as PAS do
not know the history of Sarawak.
“We
do not dispute the history of any race, but historical references must be
accurate and the purpose is to promote good for all parties.
“In
terms of history that is generally known, Sarawak was under the rule of the
Sultan Tengah once upon a time only in the present part of Kuching, and not the
whole state of Sarawak as it is now (up to the divisions of Limbang and Lawas).
“Sarawak
today is not a continuation of the Tengah Sultanate government that only
existed and lasted from 1627 to 1657.”
In
April last year, Utusan Borneo had reported PAS Sarawak commissioner Jofrie
Jaraiee as defending the use of the term ‘Sarawak Darul Hana’ in a greeting
uploaded onto the party’s social media page in conjunction with the visit of
the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong to Kuching.
Jofrie
had said that ‘Darul Hana’ was the original name of Sarawak during the rule of
Sultan Tengah from 1627 till 1657, and that those who disputed this ought to
study the history of Sarawak prior to British rule. — Borneo Post Online
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/12/07/ngos-say-use-of-term-darul-hana-an-attempt-to-change-sarawaks-identity-as-s/1929462
--------
Pakistan
China-Pakistan
Air Forces to hold joint exercises
Dec
7, 2020
BEIJING:
A batch of Chinese air force's troops left for Pakistan on Monday to take part
in "Shaheen (Eagle)-IX", joint exercises, the Chinese military said.
The
troops left for Pakistani Air Force's air base in Bholari at Thatta district in
Sindh, northeast of Pakistan's port city of Karachi, to participate in the
drills, a statement issued by China's defence ministry said.
The
joint air force exercise, which will conclude in late December, is a project
within the 2020 cooperation plan of the two militaries, it said.
It
will promote the development of China-Pakistan military-to-military
relationships, deepen practical cooperation between the two air forces, and
improve the actual-combat training level of the two sides, it said.
The
first such drill was held in Pakistan in March 2011.
All
weather friends, China and Pakistan share close military ties. China helps
Pakistan to jointly produce JF-17 fighter jets.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/china-pakistan-air-forces-to-hold-joint-exercises/articleshow/79611294.cms
--------
Fazlur
Rehman slams govt over banning Ansar-ul-Islam ahead of Lahore Jalsa
December
8, 2020
LAHORE:
PDM’s president and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has condemned the PTI
government for banning his party’s youth volunteers wing, Ansar-ul-Islam, ahead
of the vital PDM public meeting in Lahore on December 13, terming the move
frustration and confusion in government circles.
In
a statement Monday, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the notification by interior
ministry was mala fide and a stigma on the face of the PTI government which
claimed to be the champion of democracy and justice. He alleged that the
notification was aimed at pressurising and blackmailing a political party to
desist it from just political struggle. He questioned why the government
considered a volunteer body as militant when it has been a constitutional part
of the party for decades and already registered with the Election Commission.
He
said never in the past any government or election commission had raised any
objection over Ansar-ul-Islam, but on the contrary the organisation was praised
for its remarkable discipline and organisational skills in performing security
duties of national and international public gatherings and providing relief
duties during 2005 earthquake, floods and other natural calamities.
He
also reminded the government that it was the same Ansar-ul-Islam which provided
security duty of last year’s Azadi March in Islamabad, where not a single glass
or flower pot was broken during the two weeks long activity.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/755543-fazl-slams-govt-over-banning-ansar-ul-islam-ahead-of-lahore-jalsa
--------
Consensus
in PDM on resignations: PML-N leader
Amjad
Mahmood | Zulqernain Tahir
08 Dec 2020
LAHORE:
The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) announced on Monday that it would hold
its Lahore rally as per plan on Dec 13 where former prime minister Nawaz Sharif
will make his ‘decisive’ speech.
“The
Dec 13 rally will be held at all costs and people from across the country will
participate in it, while Nawaz Sharif will deliver his decisive speech on the
occasion,” PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah announced at a news conference here.
Flanked
by PPP’s Qamar Zaman Kaira and other leaders of the PDM, he said it would be a
‘do or die’ event, but a peaceful effort to oust the government.
Talking
to Dawn later, Mr Sanaullah said mainstream opposition parties — Pakistan
Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Jamiat
Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) — had reached a consensus about resigning from the
National Assembly in order to push the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insatf (PTI)
government for a fresh election.
Kaira
says PPP leadership will take final decision
“The
opposition will resign from the National Assembly (in the first phase) and not
let the Imran Khan government hold by-polls. We want new free and fair
elections and there will be no compromise on this,” he said.
To
a question about resignations from provincial assemblies, Mr Sanaullah said the
PPP had reservations regarding resigning from the provincial assemblies along
with the National Assembly. “Therefore, the PDM may not resign from the
provincial assemblies initially,” he said.
“Nawaz
Sharif has spoken to PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and JUI-F chief Maulana
Fazlur Rehman and reached a consensus regarding resignations from the NA. The
other leaders of the alliance have also been taken into confidence,” Mr
Sanaullah said and added that an announcement in this regard would be made
after Tuesday’s PDM huddle.
During
the press conference and his talk with some TV channels, Mr Kaira, however,
remained non-committal over the resignation issue and said the top PPP
leadership would take the final decision.
About
the Lahore show, Mr Kaira said: “The situation will worsen only if the
government attempted to create hurdles in the holding of the public meeting and
the prime minister will be held responsible for the consequences.”
He
stressed the venue, Minar-i-Pakistan, for the show would not be changed and the
PDM leadership, along with the organising committee, would visit it on Dec 11
to make final arrangements.
Hundreds
of thousands of people would show their no-trust in the ‘incompetent’
government and seek respect for their vote, he added.
Mr
Sanaullah told a questioner that at least 500 workers would be maintaining
security and overseeing other arrangements at the rally venue. These workers,
he said, might be given some identity like a specific cap, uniform, badge, etc.
These measures, he added, should not be misconstrued as an attempt to raise a
uniformed force.
JUI-F’s
Maulana Safiullah said his party’s wing Ansarul Islam was not a militant wing
and it had been mainly tasked with maintaining discipline during various events
of the party, including its “million marches”.
Corner
meetings
PML-N
leader Maryam Nawaz, who on Monday held corner meetings in different
constituencies of Lahore to mobilise party workers for the PMD’s power show at
Minar-i-Pakistan, has also hinted at resignations from the assemblies. At the
same time Ms Nawaz gave a warning to those legislators who would not comply
with the direction of the leadership (to tender their resignation) that their
houses would be surrounded by party workers.
To
a question about Ms Nawaz’s fear (that some legislators may not resign), Mr
Sanaullah said: “Such legislators’ number cannot be in double figure and the
party is not much bothered about this. A majority of our lawmakers will follow
Mr Sharif’s direction.”
About
going for the long march on Islamabad option, Mr Sanaullah said: “Weather of
January is not favourable for this.”
During
her visit to the constituencies where her party candidates were elected in 2018
polls, Ms Nawaz took the pledge from the workers to come to the Dec 13 public
meeting at Minar-i-Pakistan which she termed a “do and die act”.
Ms
Nawaz expressed her delight seeing the charged workers saying: “Imran Khan
should see today is not Dec 13 but the whole Lahore has come out to give a
verdict against him.”
“I
have named Imran Khan ‘Tabedar Khan’(obedient Khan). Imran Khan said that he
would not stop this rally because he knows this cannot be stopped,” she said
and added the people would have to get rid of the ‘fake government’.
A
party worker got good thrashing from the security of Ms Nawaz for trying to
touch her.
Former
premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also visited his constituency (old city) here
first and mobilised the workers for the Dec 13 power show.
Meanwhile,
the Lahore police have booked 18 leaders, including Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Saad
Rafique, Javed Latif, Rana Mashhood, Mehr Ishtiaq and Attaullah Tarar and 500
workers violating Covid-19 SOPs during a rally.
On
the other hand, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar chaired a meeting of the
apex committee which was attended by Corps Commander Lahore Lt Gen Majid Ehsan,
GOC 10-Division Maj Gen Mohammad Aneeq-ur-Rehman Malik, DG Rangers Punjab Maj
Gen Mohammad Amir Majeed and high ranking military officials. Provincial ministers,
the chief secretary, the IG police and medical experts also attended the
meeting.
The
meeting resolved strict compliance of facemasks at public places and offices
and legal action will be initiated in case of any violation. It also dilated
upon the proposal of imposing fines over SOPs’ violation at public places and
decided to implement closure-timings of markets and bazaars.
Talking
to reporters, CM Buzdar said the opposition should realise that coronavirus was
spreading. “We will take action against the opposition for violating the law
(Covid-19 SOPs),” he warned.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1594535/consensus-in-pdm-on-resignations-pml-n-leader
--------
Minor
maid’s tormentor on judicial remand
08
Dec 2020
FAISALABAD:
A woman accused of torturing a minor maid was remanded in 14-day judicial
custody on Monday.
The
Madina Town police arrested the woman and produced her before magistrate
Muhammad Nasrullah and requested the court that physical custody of the suspect
was not required.
After
going through the case record, the magistrate said section 34 of the Punjab
Destitute and Neglected Children Act 2004 was non-bailable that’s why the woman
was being remanded in judicial custody for 14 days.
The
magistrate directed the police to produce the suspect before the court on Dec
21 and also submit a complete or incomplete report of the case under section
173 of the CrPC.
Munir
Ahmed, woman’s husband, had been booked in the case on same charges, however,
the magistrate granted him post-arrest bail on Sunday.
The
police said they had requested the court to send Munir to jail for 14 days
although nothing was required to recover from his possession.
Munir
and his wife had been booked by the Madina Town police on Dec 5 on charges of
subjecting minor maid Sadaf, a resident of Sahiwal, to torture. A footage
showing torture had gone viral on the social media which invited the attention
of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau and the police officials as well.
A
local lawyer, Zafar Iqbal, said he would provide free legal aid to Sadaf’s
family.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1594621/minor-maids-tormentor-on-judicial-remand
--------
Mideast
Iran,
Syria Discuss Bilateral Ties, Joint Fight against Terrorism
2020-December-7
During
the meeting, the two officials referred to the extensive and strategic ties
between Iran and Syria, stressing the two countries’ determination to expand
and consolidate relations, specially in the economic field.
Zarif,
for his part, expressed pleasure in the continued political process in Syria,
emphasizing Iran’s support for the Astana process.
He
also described the recent conference on the Syrian refugees in Damascus as a
positive step.
Zarif
also underscored the need for vigilance and consultations among Iran and Syria
and other countries given the recent regional conditions and developments.
Mekdad
appreciated Iran for continued support for Syria in the fight against terrorism
and extremism, and termed joint cooperation between the two countries in this
area important and a fundamental step to return peace and tranquility to Syria.
He
also said the US abnormal acts in the region which benefit Israel’s interests
have increased tensions.
In
relevant remarks earlier today, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed
Khatibzadeh noted the visit to Tehran by Mekdad, and stressed Iran’s continued
support for Damascus in the fight against terrorist groups.
“Tehran
is today hosting the first foreign visit of the new Syrian foreign minister,”
Khatibzadeh wrote on his twitter page on Monday.
He
added that studying the latest situation of the crisis in Syria, bilateral ties
and regional cooperation are on the agenda of Mekdad’s meetings with the
Iranian officials, and said, “Political solution is the only possible option to
end the current crisis.”
“Iran
is standing beside the Syrian people and government on the path of war on
terrorism,” Khatibzadeh said.
Last
month, Zarif in a telephone conversation with Mekdad underlined the need for
the further expansion of mutual cooperation.
During
the phone talk, Zarif congratulated Mekdad on his election as Syria's new
foreign minister.
Zarif
also once again expressed his condolence over the passing of Walid al-Muallem
and emphasized the expansion of strategic cooperation between the two
countries.
The
Iranian foreign minister once again extended his condolences on the death of
the late Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem while stressing continuation
of strategic cooperation between the two countries.
Walid
al-Muallem passed away last month at the age of 79 following years of poor
health and heart problems.
https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/13990917000830/Iran-Syria-Discss-Bilaeral-Ties-Jin-Figh-agains-Terrrism
--------
Iran
Reiterates Firm Support for Syria in War on Terrorism
2020-December-7
“Tehran
is today hosting the first foreign visit of the new Syrian foreign minister,”
Khatibzadeh wrote on his twitter page on Monday.
He
added that studying the latest situation of the crisis in Syria, bilateral ties
and regional cooperation are on the agenda of Mekdad’s meetings with the
Iranian officials, and said, “Political solution is the only possible option to
end the current crisis.”
“Iran
is standing beside the Syrian people and government on the path of war on
terrorism,” Khatibzadeh said.
Last
month, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a telephone
conversation with Mekdad underlined the need for the further expansion of
mutual cooperation.
During
the phone talk, Zarif congratulated Mekdad on his election as Syria's new
foreign minister.
Zarif
also once again expressed his condolence over the passing of Walid al-Muallem
and emphasized the expansion of strategic cooperation between the two
countries.
The
Iranian foreign minister once again extended his condolences on the death of
the late Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem while stressing continuation
of strategic cooperation between the two countries.
Walid
al-Muallem passed away last month at the age of 79 following years of poor
health and heart problems.
https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/13990917000569/Iran-Reieraes-Firm-Sppr-fr-Syria-in-War-n-Terrrism
--------
Iran
Supreme Court upholds death sentence against journalist Ruhollah Zam
08
December 2020
Iran's
Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence against dissident journalist
Ruhollah Zam, according to the country's judiciary spokesman.
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/12/08/Iran-Supreme-Court-upholds-death-sentence-against-journalist-Ruhollah-Zam
--------
Turkey
orders detention of 304 military personnel over suspected Gulen links
08
December 2020
Turkey
has ordered the detention of 304 military personnel in an operation targeting
supporters of the Muslim preacher that Ankara says was behind a failed coup in
2016, state-owned Anadolu news agency said on Tuesday.
Operations
targeting the network of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen have continued under a
four-year-long crackdown since the attempted coup in July 2016. Gulen denies
involvement in the putsch attempt, in which about 250 people were killed.
Tuesday’s
operation was initiated by the prosecutor’s office in the western coastal
province of Izmir and was spread over 50 provinces, Anadolu said.
The
suspects, including five colonels and 10 captains, most of them on active duty,
were believed to be in contact with people with links to Gulen’s network,
Anadolu said.
Since
the coup attempt, about 80,000 people have been held pending trial and some
150,000 civil servants, military personnel and others have been sacked or
suspended. More than 20,000 people had been expelled from the Turkish military
alone.
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2020/12/08/Turkey-orders-detention-of-304-military-personnel-over-suspected-Gulen-links
--------
Yemeni
VP hosts US officials to discuss designating Houthis as terrorist organization
Rawad
Taha
07
December 2020
Yemen's
Vice President Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar discussed the possibility of designating the
Iran-backed Houthi militia as a terrorist organization with senior US officials
on Sunday.
Al-Ahmar
stressed the importance of including the Houthi militia on the US' terrorism
list in discussions with US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern
Affairs David Schenker, local news agencies reported on Sunday.
He
emphasized that the Houthis had enacted a criminal coup in the country, which
placed the international community in a position significant responsibility to
implement a global reaction and pressure the Houthis and their financiers in
Tehran.
For
all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
"The
Houthi approach puts the international community in charge of responding to
popular, political and legal demands to criminalize the group and quickly
include it on terrorist lists," said al-Ahmar, according to reports from
the Yemeni News Agency.
He
noted the Houthis' continuous escalation, their lack of commitment to the
Stockholm Agreement, and their attacks and drones on Yemeni cities and brothers
in the Kingdom, and their committing crimes that outweigh what terrorist groups
are practicing and their defiance and disdain for the international community
and its decisions.
The
US Ambassador to Yemen Christopher Henzel was also reportedly in the meeting.
The
complexity of the military landscape
"The
Houthis, with the support of Iran, are compounding the military and political
scene and exacerbating the human suffering of Yemenis," he said.
He
also indicated that the government's priorities are to work to accelerate the
implementation of the Riyadh Agreement to bridge the rift and unify the ranks
of the Yemenis, noting that Yemenis refused to accept the Iranian experience or
the experience of Hezbollah in Yemen.
For
his part, US Assistant Secretary of State Schenker renewed his country's
support for the legitimate government and its willingness to strengthen various
areas of cooperation, including the field of counterterrorism.
Terrorist
organization
The
talks took place amid reports that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo may declare
the Houthi militia as a terrorist organization later this week.
According
to the Washington Post, Pompeo is finalizing the Iranian-backed group's
designation as a foreign terrorist organization.
The
Washington Post reported that the Houthi militia's declaration as a terrorist
group comes within the framework of the maximum pressure policy that President
Donald Trump's administration continues to follow in dealing with the Iranian
regime.
The
US National Security Adviser, Robert O'Brien, announced a week ago that the US
options are open to deal with the Houthi militia in Yemen. He also called on
the Houthis to turn away from Iran and stop attacking neighboring countries.
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2020/12/07/Schenker-Yemeni-Vice-President-discuss-listing-Iran-backed-Houthis-terrorist
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Yemeni
army launches drone attack against Saudi positions
07
December 2020
The
Yemeni army, backed by popular committees, has launched a fresh drone attack
against the positions of the Saudi-led coalition, whose war on Yemen’s
Ansarullah movement has killed thousands of civilians since 2015.
The
Saudi-led coalition’s spokesman, Turki al-Maliki, confirmed the drone attack,
but claimed that the coalition forces have managed to intercept the unmanned
aerial vehicle.
The
UAE’s Al-Khaleej newspaper quoted Maliki as saying that the drone attack had
been launched against southern regions of Saudi Arabia.
Yemen’s
Houthi Ansarullah forces had targeted Saudi positions with three drones last
week. Riyadh claims it has shot all of them down.
With
the intensification of the coalition attacks against civilian areas of Yemen,
the popular committees and the Yemeni army have resumed their deterring and
defensive attacks deep inside the Saudi territories in recent days.
In
late November, the Yemeni army launched a missile attack against the Saudi-led
coalition’s Camp Tadawain in Yemen’s Ma’rib, killing at least eight Saudi
forces.
Following
the attack, Spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces Brigadier General Yahya Saree
warned that such operations against the coalition positions will continue as
long as the Saudi aggression and the siege of Yemen continues.
He
also noted that Yemeni forces are observing and controlling the enemy’s
movements, and will target them wherever they are.
Supported
militarily by the US, the UK, and several other Western countries, Saudi Arabia
and a number of its regional allies launched the devastating war on Yemen in
March 2015 to crush a popular uprising that had overthrown a regime friendly to
Riyadh.
The
US-based Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) estimates that
the war has claimed more than 100,000 lives in Yemen.
Nearly
3,500 children have been killed in Yemen since 2015, Yemen’s Human Rights
Center says.
It
says that some 5,500,000 Yemeni children are also at the risk of catching
diseases due to malnutrition and shortage of health services.
Late
last year, Yemen’s health ministry warned that around three million children
under the age of five were suffering from malnutrition, 400,000 of whom were
suffering from severe malnutrition and were at risk of death every ten minutes
if they did not receive appropriate medical care.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/12/07/640249/Yemen-drone-attack-saudi-coalition
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Africa
Ethiopian
PM Abiy denies the TPLF is fighting a guerrilla war in Tigray
07
December 2020
Ethiopian
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed denied on Monday that a rebellious northern force his
troops have battled for over a month would have the capacity to mount a
guerrilla war from the mountains of Tigray.
Federal
troops have captured the regional capital Mekelle from the former local ruling
party, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), and declared an end to
their offensive.
For
all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
But
TPLF leaders say they are fighting back on various fronts around Mekelle.
Ethiopia experts fear a drawn-out insurgency with a destabilizing impact around
east Africa.
“The
criminal clique pushed a patently false narrative that its fighters and
supporters are battle-hardened and well-armed, posing the risk of protracted
insurgency in the rugged mountains of Tigray,” Abiy said in a statement.
“It
also claimed that it has managed to undertake strategic retreat with all its
capability and regional government apparatus intact. The reality is the
criminal clique is thoroughly defeated and in disarray, with insignificant
capability to mount a protracted insurgency.”
There
was no immediate TPLF response.
With
communications largely down and access for humanitarian workers and media
restricted, Reuters has not been able to verify claims from all sides on the
state of fighting.
Aid
needed fast
The
conflict, which has its roots in Abiy’s pushback against Tigrayans’ past
dominance of federal government and military posts, is thought to have killed
thousands of people.
It
has also sent nearly 50,000 refugees fleeing to Sudan, seen TPLF rockets fired
into Eritrea, stirred ethnic divisions, and led to the disarming of Tigrayans
in Ethiopia’s peacekeeping contingency combating al Qaeda-linked militants in
Somalia.
The
United Nations and aid agencies are pressing for safe access to Tigray, which
is home to more than 5 million people and where 600,000 relied on food aid even
before the war.
However,
two senior aid officials told Reuters over the weekend that looting and
lawlessness meant the region was still too dangerous to dispatch convoys.
The
government says that with peace restored, its priorities are the welfare of
Tigrayans and return of refugees. However, some residents, diplomats and the
TPLF say clashes persist, with protests and looting also reported in Mekelle on
Friday.
The
TPLF dominated government for nearly three decades, until Abiy took power in
2018 and began democratic reforms.
The
party accuses him of seeking to centralize power at the expense of Ethiopia’s
10 regions and says Tigrayan officials were unfairly targeted in a crackdown on
corruption and rights abuses. The government denies that and accuses TPLF
leaders of treason for attacking federal forces in early November.
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/world/2020/12/07/Ethiopian-PM-Abiy-denies-the-TPLF-is-fighting-a-guerrilla-war-in-Tigray
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'US
must not abandon civilian victims in Somalia'
Felix
Tih
08.12.2020
A
rights group has called on the US to not abandon civilian victims of its air
strikes after the planned troop withdrawal from the Horn of Africa country of
Somalia, according to a statement.
Amnesty
International made the statement on Monday few days after the US announced that
troops will be removed from the Horn of Africa country by January 2021.
The
US president ordered the Department of Defense and the United States Africa
Command (AFRICOM) to reposition the majority of personnel and assets out of
Somalia by early 2021, the Pentagon said in a statement on Friday.
It
also said the US will retain the capability to conduct targeted
counterterrorism operations in Somalia.
“Whether
or not US ground troops leave Somalia, AFRICOM must immediately implement a
strategy to ensure that it does not abandon any progress made towards
accountability for US military actions – including their reporting on civilian
casualty allegations,” Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International’s Director for
East and Southern Africa said.
“Regardless
of having boots on the ground or not, AFRICOM still must ensure justice and
reparation for the civilian victims of violations of international humanitarian
law and their families. And if air strikes continue, AFRICOM must ensure they
take all feasible precautions to spare civilians.”
On
April 28 in a rare admission, the US admitted killing two civilians during
their operations in Somalia, regretting the deaths and injuries caused by an
airstrike in 2019.
The
US has been involved in military operations against al-Shabaab terrorist group
in Somalia since at least 2007.
Airstrikes
have risen since early 2017. In June this year, the US military said it
conducted 63 strikes in 2019 and at least 40 during the first five months of
2020.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/us-must-not-abandon-civilian-victims-in-somalia/2068971
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Libya
threatens to withdraw from ceasefire over Haftar
Walid
Abdullah
07.12.2020
Libyan
Defense Minister Salahaddin Namroush has threatened to withdraw from a
ceasefire agreement in Libya over practices of warlord Khalifa Haftar.
"We
warn the UN and peace-supporting countries that if they don't curb war criminal
Haftar and stop his recklessness, we may withdraw from the 5+5 military
agreement,” Namroush said in statements cited by the media office of the
government’s “Volcano of Rage” Operation.
“We
will consider the ceasefire invalid if Haftar launches any military action,” he
warned.
On
Sunday, Haftar’s militia attacked a military camp in the southern town of
Awbari, a move decried by Libya’s High Council of State as a new violation of
the ceasefire by the eastern warlord.
"We
question why the UN and international community remain silent on Haftar’s
actions and threats to the ceasefire in southern Libya,” Namroush said.
Awbari,
964 km south of Tripoli, has a strategic importance given its close location to
the Sharara oilfield, the country’s largest.
On
Oct. 23, the UN announced a permanent ceasefire agreement between Libya’s
warring rivals during its facilitated 5+5 Libyan Joint Military Commission talks
in Geneva.
Libya
has been torn by civil war since the ouster of late ruler Muammar Gaddafi in
2011.
Based
in the capital Tripoli and currently led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, the
Government of National Accord was founded in 2015 under a UN-led agreement, but
efforts for a long-term political settlement have failed due to a military
offensive by Haftar.
Al-Sarraj's
government has been battling Haftar's militias since April 2019 in a conflict
that has claimed thousands of lives.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/libya-threatens-to-withdraw-from-ceasefire-over-haftar/2068265
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Libya
and UK discuss training, combatting terrorism and organized crime
By
Sami Zaptia.
6
December 2020
In
a meeting between Fathi Bashagha, Interior Minister of Libya’s internationally
recognized government in Tripoli, and Britain’s ambassador to Libya, Nicolas
Hopton, joint security cooperation was discussed.
During
the meeting held on Thursday 3 December, prospects for joint cooperation
between Libya and Britain were discussed, especially in the security field, and
British support for the Ministry of the Interior was discussed through training
the ministry’s security cadres in several security areas, the most important of
which was combating terrorism and organized crime, and benefiting from British
expertise in the field of security work, in addition to a number of topics of
common interest.
The
security situation in Libya was reviewed and the efforts made by the Ministry
of the Interior to extend security despite the difficult conditions the country
is going through were also discussed.
https://www.libyaherald.com/2020/12/06/libya-and-uk-discuss-training-combatting-terrorism-and-organized-crime/?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1790258_
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Morocco
Arrests Three From IS-Linked Cell: Police
DECEMBER
4, 2020
Moroccan
police said Friday they have arrested three men in the northern city of Tetouan
suspected of “terrorist plots” and links to the Islamic State group.
The
three had recorded a “video in which they pledge allegiance to the supposed
emir of (IS)… and specify the main objectives of their terrorist plans,” the
Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations said.
The
suspects had already conducted “several exploratory visits to identify the
targets” they intended to attack with explosives or through methods similar to
“Daesh,” the statement said, using the Arabic acronym for IS.
Among
the items seized during the operation were chemicals used to make explosive
devices, an IS banner, and several firearms, it added.
The
suspects were aged 21 to 38, and one had “family ties with a fighter in the
ranks of IS” in the Iraq-Syria arena, the statement said.
Morocco
regularly announces that it has dismantled radicalized cells, and according to
an official report, it made 79 arrests in 2019 related to “terrorism.”
https://www.thedefensepost.com/2020/12/04/morocco-arrests-is-cell/?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1790258_
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