Boston Attacks Began In Mali, Top Muslim Brotherhood Official Says
New Age Islam News Bureau
17
Apr 2013
Photo: Policemen at the site of the Bangalore blast
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India
• Bomb Blast near BJP Office in Bangalore, Sixteen Injured
• Gujarat to seek death for Kodnani, Babu Bajrangi
• Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind plans rally in Varanasi on April 19 to remind SP of its poll promises
• On road from Tajikistan to Kabul, being Indian helps
• NBW against Akbaruddin Owaisi for not appearing in court
• If Gulf shuts the door, Libya beckons Indians
• 52 kg heroin worth around Rs 260 crore seized from near Pakistan border
• Frame policy for Haj every five years: Supreme Court
• Not condoning delay in Babri case will cause irreparable loss: CBI to SC
• Bangalore blast will help BJP in election, Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad tweets
• ‘Bomb planters aimed at media attention'
• Don't politicise Bangalore blast: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs
• India to set up IT centre of excellence in Tajikistan
North America
'• Muslims are evil. Let’s kill them all': Fox News guest provokes furious reaction on Twitter
• Barack Obama endorses bipartisan US immigration overhaul
• US Muslims fear backlash if Islamists behind Boston bombings
• Panel concludes U.S. practiced torture after 9/11
• Terror safe havens in Pakistan threat to Afghan peace: US general
• US offers aid as Iran quake kills 40 in Pakistan
• Range of suspects 'wide open' in Boston bombings: FBI
• Authorities question Saudi national in Boston attack
• Boston in tearful tribute to marathon dead
• Young bombing victim becomes symbol of Boston tragedy
• Hospitals scramble to care for wounded in wake of Boston Marathon blasts
• Poisoned letter sent to US senator
• Pakistani-American wins drama Pulitzer
Pakistan
• Three-year jail term for candidate if ethnicity, religion used to gain votes: ECP
• Minorities demand ‘clear policies’ from political parties
• US drone destroys Taliban base in Pakistan, 5 dead
• Suicide attack kills 8 at Pakistan poll rally
• Pakistan survivors scour homes after quake kills 41
• Maulana Fazal ur Rehman seeks Jirgas for talks with Taliban
• Militants force thousands to flee FR Peshawar
• Two Terrorists Killed In Dera Ismail Khan
• Pak Navy gets Chinese-built warship
• Aftershocks in Balochistan
• Terrorist attacks on politicians will sabotage ‘election process’: HRCP
• Pakistani mother, son arrested in Nepal with fake Indian currency
Africa
• Nigeria Sets Up Islamic Extremist Amnesty Group
• As Islamic Radicals Retreat, Young Somalis Elope
• "Imam Sajads (AS) Treatise on Rights" publishes in Ethiopia
• Sudan: 500 Salamat Families 'Deported' From South Darfur Town
Southeast Asia
• House Hails Religious Harmony in Predominantly Christian NTT, Indonesia
• Indonesian Communication Ministry Mulls Over Extra Protection on Personal Data
• Indonesian Government Condemns Boston Marathon Attack
• Funding Survey Reveals Indonesia's Biggest Political Parties to Be Least Transparent
South Asia
• Attacks across Afghanistan kill 24
• Islamic organisation for amendment in NWDP, says it is against the holy Quran
• Celebrated Bangladeshi Tahmima among top 20 young British novelists
• Bangladesh made progress in HR but challenges remain
• President Waheed “most patient, just and capable” among candidates
• Maldives Civil Court orders Ministry to reconsider Hajj group selection
• Afghan leader expresses grief over Boston blasts
• Chinese Mourn Boston Marathon Bomb Victim
• Suu Kyi says no easy answer to sectarian violence
Europe
• Red Cross chief criticises drone use outside battlefields
• Leicester University also sounds alarm over segregation at Muslim student events
• Lavrov says Friends of Syria ‘negative’ for dialogue
• Abu Qatada: Home Office seeks Supreme Court appeal permission
• Hamza lieutenant wins European human rights battle over extradition
• EU court blocks terror suspect extradition
• Spain dismisses consul in Boston after bomb attack
Mideast Asia
• Free Gitmo Yemenis, protesters demand
• Sanctions on Iran may not be enough: Israeli PM Netanyahu
Arab World
• Boston attacks began in Mali, top Muslim Brotherhood official says
• Jordanian Muslim Salafi group 'happy' over Boston bombing
• Rocket attack kills at least 12 people in central Syria
• Saudi Arabia to Intensify Crackdown on Illegal Workers
• Saudi Arabia raps ‘act of terror’ in US
• Saudi E-encyclopaedia launched
• Jihadists claim Sinai rocket fire on Israel’s Eilat resort
• Mubarak retrial to take place 11 May
• Egypt PM sentenced in absentia to one year
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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Boston attacks began in Mali, top Muslim Brotherhood official says
17 April 2013
A high-ranking Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood official has linked the deadly Boston attacks to the U.S.-backed French war in Mali.
Essam Elerian, vice chairman of the Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), wrote in a statement posted in Arabic on his Facebook account that the “events began with the sending of French battalions to Mali in a war against organizations that are said to be part of al Qaeda.”
Elerian expressed sympathy with the families of the victims, but said the attacks “do not stop us from reading into the grave incident.”
“Who interfered in democratic transformations, despite the difficult transition from despotism, corruption, poverty, hatred and intolerance to freedom, justice, tolerance, development, human dignity and social justice?” he asked. “Who created Islamophobia through research and media? Who funded this violence?”
Earlier, Elerian’s FJP party published a statement in English condemning the “heinous attacks in Boston,” which killed three people and wounded more than 170 others.
The party said it “offers heartfelt sympathies and solemn condolences to the American people and the families of the victims.”
“Islamic Sharia [law] strongly condemns the attacks on civilians and the terrorizing of innocent people.
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/04/17/Boston-attacks-began-in-Mali-top-Muslim-Brotherhood-official-says.html
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India
Bomb Blast Near BJP Office In Bangalore, Sixteen Injured
Manu Aiyappa, TNN | Apr 17, 2013
BANGALORE: At least 16 people have been injured in a bomb blast near BJP office here in Malleshwaram on Wednesday morning. The injured include 8 cops, according to TV reports.
Investigators probing the blast now suspect that a bomb was fitted on a motorcycle parked near the BJP office.
Initially, the police had suspected that the explosion was due to a blast of LPG cylinder placed in the boot of a car.
"It's not a LPG cylinder blast as suspected," Bangalore police commissioner Raghavendra Auradkar told reporters after visiting the site.
Raghavendra Aurandkar said that police suspect the blast was caused by explosives strapped to a bike, parked near BJP office.
However, this can be confirmed only after investigations, he added.
Sources in the police said the bomb may have been fitted on a bike, probably a Splendor, which has been completely destroyed in the explosion.
The police suspect the bomb may have been placed on the motocycle's seat.
The police have launched a manhunt to trace the owner.
The extent of damage suggests that the bomb was strapped to the bike, sources added.
Cops are questioning mechanics to find if they fitted anything suspicious on to any bike in the recent past.
The police are also focusing on around half-a-dozen phone numbers on which calls were made to and from in the area between 10 and 11 am during which the blast took place.
(Inputs from Arun Dev, Anil Kumar M)
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Bomb-blast-near-BJP-office-in-Bangalore-several-injured/articleshow/19591996.cms
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Gujarat to seek death for Kodnani, Babu Bajrangi
Parimal Dabhi
Apr 17 2013
Ahmedabad : 2002 RIOTs Wants capital punishment for 10 in Naroda Patiya case; to appeal against acquittal of 7.
The Gujarat government will file an appeal in the Naroda Patiya massacre case to demand capital punishment for 10 convicts including Maya Kodnani, a former minister in the Narendra Modi government, and Bajrang Dal leader Babu Patel alias Bajrangi.
In August 2012, a special court in Ahmedabad had sentenced Kodnani to 28 years in jail for the massacre of 97 Muslims in Naroda Patiya on the outskirts of Ahmedabad during the post-Godhra riots of 2002. Bajrangi was sent to jail for the rest of his life.The state government has also decided to seek an enhancement of the sentences of 22 other convicts from the ordinary ‘life term’ of 14 years to 30 years.It will also appeal against the acquittals of seven of the 29 accused who got the benefit of doubt from the special trial court.The government’s appeals against the trial court’s order will be filed well after the three months available for the challenge. The state will have to seek the high court’s permission to file the appeals.
Lawyers Prashant Desai, Alpesh Kogje and Gaurang Vyas will argue the appeals to Gujarat High Court. Desai will be the special public prosecutor; Kogje and Vyas will be assistant prosecutors.
Vyas, who was special assistant public prosecutor before the special trial court, told The Indian Express, “The state government’s legal department had taken a decision to file appeals in the case some time back and a resolution was also passed... The panel of three lawyers was decided yesterday.”
Three sets of appeals will be filed for the three different sets of accused, Vyas said. Kodnani and Bajrangi are also accused in the Naroda Gam case, the verdict of which is yet to come.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/gujarat-to-seek-death-for-kodnani-bajrangi/1103632/
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Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind plans rally in Varanasi on April 19 to remind SP of its poll promises
Faisal Fareed
Apr 17 2013
Lucknow: The Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, headed by Arshad Madani, will organise a rally at Varanasi on April 19 to demand release of innocent Muslims framed in terror charges, reservation for Muslims, and a law to fix accountability of district officials during riots — all of which were promised by the Samajwadi Party during its election campaign.
“They had assured to release innocent Muslim youths languishing in prisons on fake terror charges. No one has been released yet. Some minor cases have been revoked. But we want terror charges to be dropped against Muslim youths,” Madani said. He also stated that nothing has been done so far on the other two demands.
During the last three months, both Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and Samjawadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav have held talks several times with Madani to keep him in good humour. “It is true that I have met them several times recently. I have raised the three issues several times. In fact, these issues were included in the election manifesto of SP at my insistence. Now I want that these should be fulfilled,” Madani said.
He said that although Mulayam and Akhilesh say they are committed to releasing youths framed on fake terror charges, nothing had been done. “If they are speaking truth, it may be that officials are delaying the things and spoiling the case. Our agitation will continue and we will raise our demand more vociferously,” he added.
After Jama Masjid’s Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari turned against the SP, Madani gained prominence in the party. He had successfully organised meetings at Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on February 23, which was attended by Akhilesh, followed by another in Lucknow on March 17, which was attended by Mulayam.
At Talkatora, Akhilesh had announced that no innocent Muslim will be harassed during his regime. Mulayam, who rarely speaks from paper, arrived in Jamiat meeting at Lucknow with several papers and listed the work being done for the welfare of Muslims. Still Mulayam had to face sloganeering by Jamiat workers. Both the meetings were well attended.
However, Jamiat has not invited any leader for the Varanasi rally. “It is up to them to attend the rally,” Madani stated.
The continuous focus on the three issues by Madani, who is also a faculty member at the country’s largest Islamic seminary Darul Uloom, Deoband, is seen by some SP leaders as a pressure tactics to accomplish a hidden agenda.
But Madani said: “There is no hidden agenda and political ambitions. I am raising only those issues which they had promised in their manifesto. After a year, we can always ask them about the results.”
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/jamiat-plans-rally-in-varanasi-on-april-19-to-remind-sp-of-its-poll-promises/1103559/
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On road from Tajikistan to Kabul, being Indian helps
Milind Ghatwai
Apr 17 2013
Dushanbe : Five years ago, when Vikram Yadav, a final-year medicine student, started on his first road journey to Kabul from Tajikistan, both he and his parents were worried. “My parents made me buy a local SIM card and kept calling be till I reached Kabul Airport,” he said.
Since there is no direct flight from Dushanbe to Delhi, most Indian students risk the 10-hour-long road journey, seven hours inside Afghanistan, to Kabul and then fly home from there. It also saves them a lot of money compared to flying from Dushanbe to Kabul. Unlike air travel, students can also carry more luggage with them.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/on-road-from-tajikistan-to-kabul-being-indian-helps/1103517/
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NBW against Akbaruddin Owaisi for not appearing in court
Apr 16 2013
Hyderabad : A local court today issued a non-bailable warrant against MIM legislator Akbaruddin Owaisi after he failed to appear before it in a hate speech case lodged against him at Nirmal in Adilabad district.
Second Metropolitan Magistrate Durgaprasad dismissed the petition filed by Akbaruddin's counsel seeking to dispense with his personal attendance and issued the NBW.
"Many opportunities were given to Akbaruddin asking him to personally appear before the court. However, as he did not appear, the magistrate issued the NBW. Now the police have to execute the same," a public prosecutor said.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/hate-speech-nbw-against-akbaruddin-owaisi-for-not-appearing-in-court/1103353/
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If Gulf shuts the door, Libya beckons Indians
April 16, 2013
As job opportunities shrink in the Gulf there is one country nearby — Libya — which seems to be welcoming skilled Indians, if meetings between the visiting Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed and the top leadership in Tripoli are any indication.
Mr. Ahamed called on President Mohammad Yousef Al-Magarief and Prime Minister Ali Zeidan — both of whom have spent time in India —and was told that Libya welcomed back all Indians who had fled the country following the civil war and NATO bombings. Of about 18,000 Indians, almost all of them active in the medical and IT sectors, who fled en masse, many are yet to return.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/if-gulf-shuts-the-door-libya-beckons-indians/article4624142.ece
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52 kg heroin worth around Rs 260 crore seized from near Pakistan border
Yudhvir Rana, TNN | Apr 17, 2013
AMRITSAR:In a major haul of narcotics, Border Security Force (BSF) seized 52 kilogram of heroin valued at around Rs 260 crore in the international market from two places along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab in the early hours of Wednesday.
The BSF personnel exchanged fire with the smugglers at both the places to prevent cross-border smuggling.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/52-kg-heroin-worth-around-Rs-260-crore-seized-from-near-Pakistan-border/articleshow/19591016.cms
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Frame policy for Haj every five years: Supreme Court
PTI | Apr 17, 2013
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the government to frame a five-year policy for regulating the Haj pilgrimage to replace the current annual plan which it termed as "ad-hoc and unsatisfactory".
The apex court also held the government's policy allowing repeaters to accompany women and elderly pilgrims as 'mehrams' (unmarriageable kin), but without availing subsidy, as "legal, constitutional, fair and reasonable".
"We accept the suggestion of the Amicus and hold that the practice of framing Haj policy on an annual basis is quite ad-hoc and unsatisfactory and must be replaced by a policy framework made for a period of five years. We, accordingly, direct that the Haj policy that is to be framed this year would be for a period of five years and would be called the Haj Policy 2013 2017," the court said.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Frame-policy-for-Haj-every-five-years-Supreme-Court/articleshow/19587840.cms
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Not condoning delay in Babri case will cause irreparable loss: CBI to SC
April 16, 2013
Not condoning delay in filing appeal against the Allahabad High Court’s order on dropping conspiracy charge against BJP leader L. K. Advani and others in the Babri Masjid demolition case would cause irreparable loss, the CBI told the Supreme Court on Tuesday.
The agency contended before a bench of Justices H. L. Dattu and J. S. Khehar that delay in approaching apex court against HC order be condoned and its appeal against Mr. Advani and others be heard on merit.
The bench, however, said that it will decide on condonation of delay only after hearing the contentions of Mr. Advani and others who have sought dismissal of CBI’s plea on the ground of delay. “In normal case we would have done it but in this there is objection from the other side. We will first hear all sides on the issue,” the bench said when senior advocate P. P. Rao, appearing for CBI, pleaded for condonation of 167 days delay.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/not-condoning-delay-in-babri-case-will-cause-irreparable-loss-cbi-to-sc/article4623655.ece
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Bangalore blast will help BJP in election, Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad tweets
IANS | Apr 17, 2013
NEW DELHI: The explosion near Karnataka's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office will help the party in next month's assembly elections, Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad said on Wednesday.
"If the blast near BJP's office in Banglore is a terror attack, it will certainly help the BJP politically on the eve of election," Shakeel Ahmad tweeted.
The assembly election in the state is scheduled for May 5.
His remarks were criticised by the BJP as unwarranted and uncalled for.
"Such remarks are uncalled for and should not have come from a senior Congress leader. The party (Congress) has already accepted defeat in Karnataka," said BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bangalore-blast-will-help-BJP-in-election-Congress-leader-Shakeel-Ahmad-tweets/articleshow/19595052.cms
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‘Bomb planters aimed at media attention'
Apr 17, 2013
AshokNath, 50, an entrepreneur who moved to Bangalore from Delhi in 2000, participated in the Boston Marathon on Monday. Having clocked 2:59 hours, his personal best, the four-time Boston Marathon qualifier was at his hotel when the bombs went off at the finish line.
I had no idea about the blasts until I reached my hotel. The race started at 10am and the explosions occurred four hours and 50 minutes later. I finished my race a minute under three hours and I switched on the television upon returning to the hotel, hoping to see some interviews with elite athletes. What I saw instead was a horrific act of terror.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Bomb-planters-aimed-at-media-attention/articleshow/19589419.cms
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Don't politicise Bangalore blast: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs
April 17, 2013
The Congress Wednesday said it never plays politics in dealing with terrorism and urged all parties not to politicise the issue after an explosion injured 16 people near the office of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Bangalore.
Karnataka will vote for a new assembly May 5.
"The Congress stand is clear. It does not do any politics in dealing with terrorism. I urge all parties to rise above politics," union Minister of State for Home Affairs R.P.N. Singh told reporters.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/newdelhi/Don-t-politicise-Bangalore-blast-RPN-Singh/Article1-1045788.aspx
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India to set up IT centre of excellence in Tajikistan
Apr 17, 2013
Aimed at expanding e-network across Central Asia, India on Wednesday decided to set up a centre of excellence in Tajikistan with a super computer to promote IT enabled services.
India also proposed to set up an enterprise development centre in Tajikistan for skill development and create more job opportunities for the youths in the resource-rich country.
“I am happy to announce that the Government of India has decided to collaborate with the Tajik Technical University to create a centre of IT excellence with a super computer. I have no doubt that this centre will become the seed for developing IT expertise among young people in Tajikistan,” Vice President Hamid Ansari said on Wednesday.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/india-to-set-up-it-centre-of-excellence-in-tajikistan/article4627235.ece
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North America
'Muslims are evil. Let’s kill them all': Fox News guest provokes furious reaction on Twitter
Rush appeared to imply in a tweet that the culprit was from Saudi Arabia
RICHARD HALL
16 APRIL 2013
While public officials were urging caution in the immediate aftermath of the bomb attack on the Boston Marathon, some were quick to apportion blame.
One of those was a Fox News guest commentator Erik Rush, who provoked a furious reaction after seemingly advocating the killing of Muslims in response to the attack.
With no information about the attackers yet made public, Mr Rush appeared to imply in a tweet that the culprit was from Saudi Arabia.
“@erikrush Everybody do the National Security Ankle Grab! Let's bring more Saudis in without screening them! C'mon! #bostonmarathon.”
Then when he was asked by another Twitter user whether he was blaming Muslims for the attack, Mr Rush responded: “Yes, they’re evil. Let’s kill them all.”
Mr Rush later claimed he was being sarcastic went he sent the response.
His comments nevertheless provoked a fierce reaction. One user wrote: “Hope people don't go on the ‘Muslims did it’ bandwagon. Don't be an idiot and know the facts first.”
Another commented: “Apparently someone at Fox News tweeted ‘Kill All Muslims’ after the explosions. As a Boston resident, and as a human being, I'm disgusted.”
Full report at:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/muslims-are-evil-lets-kill-them-all-fox-news-guest-erik-rush-provokes-furious-reaction-with-boston-bombing-twitter-rants-8575176.html
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Barack Obama endorses bipartisan US immigration overhaul
Reuters | Apr 17, 2013
WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama on Tuesday embraced a sweeping overhaul of the nation's immigration system put forward by a bipartisan group of US senators, saying it was "largely consistent" with his own principles for immigration reform.
Obama, who had said previously that he would submit his own bill if not satisfied with the Senate proposal, urged Congress to "quickly move" the bill forward and that he was "willing to do whatever it takes" to help.
The Democratic president spoke after meeting with two of the measure's chief sponsors, Senators John McCain, a Republican from Arizona, and Charles Schumer, a Democrat from New York.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Barack-Obama-endorses-bipartisan-US-immigration-overhaul/articleshow/19589199.cms
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US Muslims fear backlash if Islamists behind Boston bombings
Apr 17, 2013
US Muslims are watching closely as the probe into the Boston bombings unfolds, fearing a backlash like after 9/11 if an Islamist link is confirmed to the deadly attack.
Several Muslim groups issued statements within hours of Monday’s double bombing at the Boston Marathon, strenuously condemning the attacks which killed three and injured more than 100 people.
Investigators said Tuesday the range of possible culprits remains “wide open,” as speculation ranges from home-grown right-wing or white supremacist extremists to foreign Islamist groups or an al-Qaeda type cell.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/world/2013/04/17/US-Muslims-fear-backlash-if-Islamists-behind-Boston-bombings.html
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Panel concludes U.S. practiced torture after 9/11
17 April 2013
A nonpartisan panel has concluded that it was “indisputable” that terrorist suspects were tortured by the United States in the years after the September 11, 2001 attacks, with the knowledge of the U.S. president, according to the study released on Tuesday.
The report looked at U.S. practices in Iraq, Afghanistan and at the Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba. It also examined the CIA’s rendition programme, naming other countries that cooperated including Britain, Canada, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Egyt, Syria, Morocco and Jordan.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/panel-concludes-us-practiced-torture-after-911/article4626198.ece
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Terror safe havens in Pakistan threat to Afghan peace: US general
PTI | Apr 17, 2013
WASHINGTON: Safe havens to terrorists in Pakistan pose a great challenge to peace and stability in Afghanistan, even as ANSF has been making significant progress in war against terrorism, a top American general said on Tuesday.
"Safe havens in Afghanistan and sanctuaries in Pakistan continue to provide Taliban senior leadership some freedom of movement and freedom of action, facilitating the training of fighters, and the planning of operations," General Joseph Dunford, commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, said.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Terror-safe-havens-in-Pakistan-threat-to-Afghan-peace-US-general/articleshow/19586771.cms
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US offers aid as Iran quake kills 40 in Pakistan
April 17, 2013
Pakistani troops scrambled on Wednesday to aid the remote victims of an earthquake centred in nearby Iran, as the United States offered assistance and a strong aftershock jolted the region.
The epicentre of Tuesday's 7.8 magnitude quake lay in southeast Iran but all 40 deaths reported so far have been across the border in Pakistan's dirt-poor province of Baluchistan, where hundreds of mud-built homes suffered damage.
The powerful tremor shook the ground and caused panic as far afield as Kuwait and the Indian capital New Delhi. Thousands of people evacuated towering residential and office buildings in Dubai.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pakistan/US-offers-aid-as-Iran-quake-kills-40-in-Pakistan/Article1-1045597.aspx
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Range of suspects 'wide open' in Boston bombings: FBI
April 17, 2013
There have so far been no claims of responsibility for the deadly Boston bombings, and investigators are considering a wide range of suspects, the FBI said on Tuesday.
"The range of suspects remains wide open," FBI special agent Rick DesLauriers told a press conference in Boston, saying the probe into Monday's blasts was proceeding "methodically, carefully, yet with a sense of urgency".
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/worldsectionpage/chunk-ht-ui-worldsectionpage-bostonblast/Range-of-suspects-wide-open-in-Boston-bombings-FBI/Article1-1045581.aspx
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Authorities question Saudi national in Boston attack
17 April 2013
(CBS News) Following the twin blasts at the Boston Marathon that has claimed two lives and dozens injured, a Saudi national is being held in custody in relation to the incident who was near the scene of the blast, CBS News correspondent John Miller reported.
Law enforcement sources told Miller a witness saw a person acting suspiciously when the explosions happened along the marathon route.
Full report at:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57579736/authorities-question-saudi-national-in-boston-attack/
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Boston in tearful tribute to marathon dead
17 April 2013
Boston paid a tearful tribute on Tuesday to eight-old-old Martin Richard and two other people, including a Chinese student, killed in an attack on the city's marathon.
More than 1,000 people held a candle-lit vigil in a park near the boy's home in the Boston suburbs. Other ceremonies were held in the city for the three dead and at least 180 injured from Monday's attack on the marathon finish line.
Richard has become the face of the tragedy at the marathon finish line that remains largely unexplained to the public. Images of the boy have been given blanket coverage by US media.
But it was also revealed the two bombs killed a Chinese graduate student at Boston University, whose name has not yet been given, and Krystle Campbell, a 29-year-old restaurant manager.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/northamerica/Boston-in-tearful-tribute-to-marathon-dead/Article1-1045585.aspx
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Young bombing victim becomes symbol of Boston tragedy
By Jeff Glor
17 April 2013
CBS News) The picture of Martin Richard was taken after a school project last April. Today, it is heartbreaking.
In Dorchester, Mass., friends left flowers and a soccer ball for Martin, who played on the local team.
"He brought a smile to everyone's face," said Jose Calderon, whose kids were Martin's teammates. "Whether we won or lost, he was always one of the brightest stars on the team."
Family friends told us the Richards were nearly always together, like on Monday at the finish line of the race. They often ran together as a family.
Full report at:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57579949/young-bombing-victim-becomes-symbol-of-boston-tragedy/
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Hospitals scramble to care for wounded in wake of Boston Marathon blasts
Apr 16 2013
BOSTON : At Boston Children's Hospital, the list of the wounded included a 2-year-old boy with a head injury, a 9-year-old girl with leg trauma and six other children under the age of 15.
Over at Massachusetts General Hospital, which was caring for 29 victims, injuries ranged from cuts and bruises to serious shrapnel wounds. Trauma surgeons said they had performed several amputations by mid-evening on Monday.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/story-print/1103204/
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Poisoned letter sent to US senator
April 17, 2013
US authorities intercepted a letter that contained the deadly poison ricin and was bound for Senator Roger Wicker's office, officials said on Tuesday, triggering new security concerns a day after the terror attack in Boston.
The tainted letter was detected during a routine mail inspection at an off-site facility and did not reach the US Capitol or Wicker's Washington office, a Senate aide said, citing Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/worldsectionpage/chunk-ht-ui-worldsectionpage-bostonblast/Poisoned-letter-sent-to-US-senator/Article1-1045587.aspx
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Pakistani-American wins drama Pulitzer
April 16, 2013
NEW YORK: Pakistani-American Ayad Akhtar’s play “Disgraced” has won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
The play centers on the themes of racism, Islamophobia, sexism and apostasy, according to a report from The Guardian.
The Pulitzer jury described “Disgraced” as “a moving play that depicts a successful corporate lawyer painfully forced to consider why he has for so long camouflaged his Pakistani Muslim heritage.”
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/536293/pakistani-american-wins-drama-pulitzer/
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Pakistan
Three-year jail term for candidate if ethnicity, religion used to gain votes: ECP
April 17, 2013
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) strictly prohibited the use of clan relations, ethnicity and religion for the basis of asking for votes and warned of a three-year jail term for any political candidate found using such means, reported Express News on Wednesday.
In an attempt to eliminate the possibility of emotional blackmailing, the ECP provided this warning to all contesting parties.
Earlier on Sunday, the ECP reminded political groupings and their candidates that they would strictly enforce the code of conduct in place for the 2013 general elections. It called upon all contestants to refrain from eliciting votes “on the basis of religion, sect, caste or ethnicity”, citing a specific provision in the 46-clause code of conduct.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/536669/three-year-jail-term-for-candidate-if-ethnicity-religion-used-to-gain-votes-ecp/
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Minorities demand ‘clear policies’ from political parties
17 April 2013
ISLAMABAD: Representatives from different political parties on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to religious minorities and promised to work for a Pakistan where every person, regardless of caste, creed or faith, is treated equally.
Organised by the Coalition for the Rights of Minorities (CRM), in collaboration with the Global Human Rights Defence, the day-long national consultation on the “Election 2013, Role and Responsibility of the Religious Minorities” recommended complete security and protection of minorities during the elections especially on the polling day, credibility of the candidates and their accountability after the election, increasing seats of the minorities after a fresh census, having exact figures of all religious minorities, abolishing minority wings and inclusion of minority representatives at central leadership and central executive.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\04\17\story_17-4-2013_pg11_1
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US drone destroys Taliban base in Pakistan, 5 dead
April 17, 2013
A US drone fired two missiles into a Taliban training camp in Pakistan on Wednesday, destroying the compound and killing at least five militants, local officials said.
The attack took place in the Baber Ghar area of the South Waziristan tribal district on the Afghan border, a stronghold of Pakistani Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud where the faction runs several camps.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pakistan/US-drone-destroys-Taliban-base-in-Pakistan-5-dead/Article1-1045693.aspx
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Suicide attack kills 8 at Pakistan poll rally
April 16, 2013
A suicide bomber killed eight people and wounded dozens more at a Pakistan election campaign rally being attended by a senior politician in the northwestern city of Peshawar on Tuesday, officials said.
It was the fourth deadly attack on politicians or political parties in three days as the country prepares to hold historic polls on May 11.
Senior Awami National Party (ANP) leader Ghulam Ahmed Bilour escaped the Peshawar bombing with only minor bruises. He was shown on television footage with blood splatters on his shirt after the attack.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pakistan/Suicide-attack-kills-8-at-Pakistan-poll-rally/Article1-1045476.aspx
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Pakistan survivors scour homes after quake kills 41
17 April 2013
MASHKAIL: Pakistani survivors of a tremor centred in Iran that killed at least 41 people dug through the rubble of their ruined homes Wednesday as the military rushed to send aid to the remote region.
The United States also offered aid after the 7.8-magnitude quake, Iran’s most powerful in five decades, damaged an estimated three-quarters of the mud-built homes of Mashkail, a town in the dirt-poor Pakistani province of Balochistan.
Tuesday’s earthquake was felt across the region and though the epicentre lay in southeast Iran, all but one of the deaths reported so far have been across the border in Pakistan.
Efforts to help the survivors have been hampered by Mashkail’s remote location, communities are scattered, there are no paved roads, no electricity and limited mobile phone coverage, and no proper medical facilities.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/04/17/pakistan-survivors-scour-homes-after-quake-kills-41/
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Maulana Fazal ur Rehman seeks Jirgas for talks with Taliban
Muhammad Anis
April 16, 2013
ISLAMABAD: Promising legislation in the light of recommendations of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), the JUI-F chief Maulana Fazalur Rehman said it was not proper to stop candidates to seek votes in the name of religion.
Announcing party’s manifesto here on Monday, Rehman said bringing peace to country is top priority, promising continuation of talks with Taliban, protection of rights of minorities, giving women rights equal to men, provincial autonomy and free health and education,
He said his party’s top priority would be to take effectives measures to bring peace in the country. “After general elections, we will take forward the talks process with Taliban through tribal jirga,” Rehman said adding they believe in talks and reconciliation instead of use of force.
Full report at:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-22284-Fazl-seeks-Jirgas-for-talks-with-Taliban
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Militants force thousands to flee FR Peshawar
17 April 2013
PESHAWAR: Thousands of people fled the semi-tribal Akakhel area and shifted to different localities of Peshawar after receiving threats from banned militant group Lashkar-i-Islam of Khyber Agency.
A number of Akakhel people told Dawn on Tuesday that they had to leave their homes because Lashkar-i-Islam (LI) had warned them to support it or vacate the area.
They said that about 5,000 people had left the area. However, police put the number of displaced Akakhel persons at 2,000.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/04/17/militants-force-thousands-to-flee-fr-peshawar-2/
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Two Terrorists Killed In Dera Ismail Khan
17 April 2013
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: At least four police officials were injured and two terrorists killed when militants attacked a police mobile on Tuesday. According to sources, the police mobile came under attack by a terrorist group outside the house of the Political Agent (PA). Four police officials sustained injuries, while two of the terrorists were killed during crossfire. The injured policemen were shifted to a nearby hospital. Police cordoned off the area and started a search operation.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\04\17\story_17-4-2013_pg7_8
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Pak Navy gets Chinese-built warship
Apr 17, 2013
An F-22P frigate built for the Pakistan Navy with Chinese assistance was commissioned during a ceremony held at a naval shipyard in the southern port city of Karachi on Wednesday.
Pakistan Navy chief Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila was the chief guest at the commissioning of PNS Aslat, which was built at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works.
The event was also attended by senior officials from China and Pakistan, including the Chinese Ambassador and the vice president of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/pak-navy-gets-chinesebuilt-warship/article4627280.ece
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Aftershocks in Balochistan
Apr 17, 2013
A strong 5.7 magnitude aftershock on Wednesday rocked a remote region of Balochistan province where an earthquake killed dozens and flattened hundreds of houses even as Pakistani troops raced to provide aid to victims.
The epicentre of Thursday’s 7.8 magnitude quake lay in southeast Iran but most of the deaths reported so far have been reported across the border in Balochistan, where hundreds of mud brick homes were destroyed in Mashkel town and surrounding villages.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/aftershocks-in-balochistan/article4627182.ece
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Terrorist attacks on politicians will sabotage ‘election process’: HRCP
Apr 17, 2013
LAHORE: Strongly condemning recent terrorist attacks on political parties, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called upon the government to fulfill its duty of protecting the politicians.
HRCP said that is seriously alarmed at the series of murderous attacks on political leaders in different parts of the country that have already claimed many lives.
It expressed grief over a terrorist attack on an ANP meeting in Peshawar on Tuesday in which a dozen people were killed and also condemned an attack on the convoy of Sanaullah Zehri of PML-N in Balochistan which resulted in the death of his brother, a son and a nephew as well as the killing of an MQM candidate in Hyderabad.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/04/17/terrorist-attacks-on-politicians-will-sabotage-election-process-hrcp/
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Pakistani mother, son arrested in Nepal with fake Indian currency
Manesh Shrestha, TNN | Apr 17, 2013
KATHMANDU: A Pakistani woman and her son were arrested here for carrying counterfeit Indian currency worth over Rs 47 lakhs.
Twenty-two-year-old Danish Isha and his 45-year-old mother Jurekha Bano were searched on suspicion upon landing at Kathmandu airport from a Pakistan International Airways flight from Karachi on Monday and the son had Rs 47,28,500 wrapped around his waist in Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denominations, police said on Tuesday.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Pakistani-mother-son-arrested-in-Nepal-with-fake-Indian-currency/articleshow/19589680.cms
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Africa
Nigeria Sets Up Islamic Extremist Amnesty Group
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
2013/04/17
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria formed a panel that will create an amnesty program for Islamic extremists to try to quell a bloody guerrilla campaign of bombings and shootings that's killed hundreds of people across its north, the government said Wednesday.
The 26-person panel, created by President Goodluck Jonathan, has a 60-day deadline to come up with an offer for fighters belonging to the Islamic extremist network Boko Haram and other groups now fighting against government forces and killing civilians with apparent impunity. A similar program in 2009 worked to halt the majority of attacks by militants in Nigeria's oil-rich southern delta, but those fighting in the north have in the past rejected the idea of overtures from the government.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2013/04/17/world/africa/ap-af-nigeria-
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As Islamic Radicals Retreat, Young Somalis Elope
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
2013/04/17
WALAWEYN, Somalia (AP) — Outside a dilapidated two-story building, Abdi Ali says goodbye to his veiled girlfriend Anisa and they take two separate streets to avoid attention. Soon they're aboard a minibus heading outside Mogadishu, pretending they don't know each other.
After more than two hours of travel, they arrive at Walaweyn, a run-down town 90 kilometers (56 miles) north of Mogadishu, and are led inside a shanty by a man running a string of Arab worry beads through his fingers. Another man and woman walk out; they have just been married. Abdi Ali, who is 25, and his 23-year-old girlfriend will be next.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2013/04/17/world/africa/ap-af-somalia-
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"Imam Sajads (AS) Treatise on Rights" publishes in Ethiopia
17 April 2013
Sponsored by Iranian cultural office in Addis Ababa, "Imam Sajads (AS) Treatise on Rights" published and released in Ethiopia.
(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Sponsored by Iranian cultural office in Addis Ababa, "Imam Sajads (AS) Treatise on Rights" published and released in Ethiopia.
According to the public relations office of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization (ICRO), with the aim of developing and boosting the culture and teachings of Ahl-ul-Bayt in Ethiopia Iranian cultural office with the cooperation of Ahl-ul-Bayt World Assembly has published and released "Imam Sajads (AS) Treatise on Rights" in Amharic language in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
"Imam Sajads (AS) Treatise on Rights" is analyzed fundamental and basic frameworks of Human Rights from different dimensions.
http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=410020
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Sudan: 500 Salamat Families 'Deported' From South Darfur Town
16 APRIL 2013
Nyala — A total of 500 families of Salamat tribe's leaders are being deported from Rahad El Berdi city in South Darfur to Nyala in a move jointly coordinated by state and local authorities.
Rahad El Berdi, where many battles have been occurring, is the stronghold of the Al Taaysha tribe which has reportedly been carrying out strikes against Salamat tribesmen in an overspill conflict that began over two weeks ago in Central Darfur.
Ali Kushayb, an alleged war criminal indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) comes from the Al Taaysha tribe himself. He is reported to be the commander of the Central Reserve Forces (known as Abu Tira) in Rahad El Berdi and to be leading many attacks against the Salamat.
Full report at:
http://allafrica.com/stories/201304170011.html?viewall=1
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Southeast Asia
House Hails Religious Harmony in Predominantly Christian NTT, Indonesia
SP/Yoseph Kelen | April 17, 2013
Legislators have commended the East Nusa Tenggara administration for its ability to maintain religious harmony in the province.
“I have to give a thumbs up to the NTT [East Nusa Tenggara] administration and its people,” Mahrus Munir, a member of the House of Representatives’ Commission VIII, which oversees religious and social affairs, said during a visit on Monday to the provincial capital, Kupang.
“Here, the majority of the people are Christians, but there is no tyranny in NTT. I praise that.”
The Democratic Party legislator also praised the heads of several districts in NTT for setting aside funds from their regional budget to provide transportation to the airport for hajj pilgrims.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/house-hails-religious-harmony-in-predominantly-christian-ntt/586142
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Indonesian Communication Ministry Mulls Over Extra Protection on Personal Data
Jakarta Globe | April 17, 2013
The Ministry of Information and Communication may propose legislation to implement further protection on personal data, a ministry official said on Tuesday.
“The state should be able to provide data protection, including personal or private data,” Ismail Cawidu, secretary of the Directorate General of Public Information and Communication of the ministry, said during a discussion on Tuesday, as quoted by Antaranews.com.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/communication-ministry-mulls-over-extra-protection-on-personal-data/586262
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Indonesian Government Condemns Boston Marathon Attack
Gabriel Kerah | April 17, 2013
The Indonesian government condemned the Boston Marathon bombings that killed at least three people and injured more than 152 others on Tuesday.
“The Indonesian government condemns such actions and is sending its condolences to all victims,” said Teuku Faizasyah, a spokesman for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
He said the president was monitoring the situation in the city, and was in continual communication with Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa and the country’s diplomats in Boston.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/indonesian-government-condemns-boston-marathon-attack/586182
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Funding Survey Reveals Indonesia's Biggest Political Parties to Be Least Transparent
SP/Erwin Sihombing & Markus Junianto Sihaloho | April 17, 2013
The two biggest political parties in Indonesia are also the ones that are the least transparent about their funding, a leading watchdog has revealed.
Putut Aryo, a researcher with Transparency International Indonesia, said on Tuesday that the Democratic Party and Golkar Party were the least cooperative in sharing data about their funding for a survey being carried out since last June.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/politics/funding-survey-reveals-indonesias-biggest-political-parties-to-be-least-transparent/586164
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South Asia
Attacks across Afghanistan kill 24
17 April 2013
KABUL: Roadside bombs and insurgent attacks killed at least 24 people in five separate attacks across Afghanistan as violence steadily rises during this year’s spring fighting season, officials said Wednesday.
So far, April has been the deadliest month this year for Afghan and foreign civilians and security forces. According to an Associated Press tally, 182 people have been killed in violence around the nation this month.
In western Afghanistan, seven women and children died when their truck hit a roadside bomb near Shindad in Herat province, said Muhiudin Noori, a spokesman for the governor.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/448476
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Islamic organisation for amendment in NWDP, says it is against the holy Quran
17 April 2013
Tahfij- e-Haramine Parishad Bangladesh, an Islamic organisation, yesterday demanded that the government amend some provisions of the National Women Development Policy as those go against the holy Quran and Sunnah.
“As most of the provisions of the policy are based on the constitution and CEDAW, these provisions conflict with the Quran and Sunnah,” said Sadeq Ahmad Siddiqui, president of the organisation, at a press conference in the capital’s Jatiya Press Club.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/tahfij-e-haramine-demands-amendment/
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Celebrated Bangladeshi Tahmima among top 20 young British novelists
17 April 2013
Celebrated Bangladeshi writer Tahmima Anam has been named among the 20 best young British novelists of the decade by acclaimed literary magazine Granta.
Previously, the UK-based magazine bestowed the honour on authors such as Salman Rushdie, Ian McEwan and Zadie Smith.
Anam’s first novel, “A Golden Age,” won the 2008 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Book and was shortlisted for the Guardian First Book Award and the Costa First Novel Prize. Her follow-up novel, “The Good Muslim,” was nominated for the 2011 Man Asian Literary Prize.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/tahmima-among-top-british-20/
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Bangladesh made progress in HR but challenges remain
17 April 2013
Although Bangladesh has taken important steps to implement the recommendations made as part of the United Nations Universal Periodic Review on human rights in 2009, the country still needs to overcome some challenges in human rights issues, dignitaries said yesterday.
The country, however, has made considerable progress in ensuring safety of women and children. It has also made new legislations to combat domestic violence and human trafficking, they observed.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/bangladesh-made-progress-in-hr-but-challenges-remain/
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President Waheed “most patient, just and capable” among candidates: Dr Hassan Saeed
By Mohamed Naahee | April 16th, 2013
Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP) Leader Dr Hassan Saeed has said he believes President Mohamed Waheed is the only presidential candidate who has the required “patience and drive” to work alongside people with differing views.
The recent comments by Saeed – who currently serves as Special Advisor to President Waheed – were made the same month the DQP formally entered into a coalition with the President’s own Gaumee Iththihaadh Party (GIP) ahead of elections scheduled for September 7 this year.
Full report at:
http://minivannews.com/politics/president-waheed-%E2%80%9Cmost-patient-just-and-capable%E2%80%9D-among-candidates-dr-hassan-saeed-56342
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Maldives Civil Court orders Ministry to reconsider Hajj group selection
By Ahmed Nazeer | April 16th, 2013
The Civil Court has ordered the Islamic Ministry to re evaluate the proposals of four groups it previously rejected from arranging Hajj pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia this year for Maldivians.
The court ruled that the tenders of Al-manasik Private Limited, Al-fathuh Hajj And Umra Group, Al-Safa Private Limited and Classic Hajj And Umra Private Limited, should all now be reviewed by the country’s religious authorities.
The case was filed at the Civil Court by the four Hajj groups, which claimed that the Islamic Ministry had failed to comply and follow the correct procedures in selecting local companies to take Maldivians to Saudi Arabia.
Full report at:
http://minivannews.com/society/civil-court-orders-islamic-ministry-to-reconsider-hajj-groups-selection-over-procedure-row-56383
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Afghan leader expresses grief over Boston blasts
17 April 2013
KABUL: Afghan President Hamid Karzai expressed grief on Tuesday over the Boston marathon bombings, which killed three people and injured more than 100 in the US city.
Karzai in a statement denounced what he described as terrorist attacks in the “strongest possible terms”.
“Having suffered from terrorist attacks and civilian casualties for years, our people feel better the pain and suffering arising from such incidents,” he said.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\04\17\story_17-4-2013_pg14_6
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Chinese Mourn Boston Marathon Bomb Victim
Agence France-Presse | April 17, 2013
Beijing. China’s Internet users on Wednesday mourned a Chinese national killed in the Boston Marathon bombing as others attacked the exposure of the victim’s name despite a family request for anonymity.
Thousands posted messages online after the consulate in New York said a Chinese citizen was among three people killed in the explosions in the US city on Monday.
“Terrorism has no national limits, the victims have no national limits. Together we condemn, together we mourn,” one user of Sina Weibo, a social networking site similar to Twitter, wrote.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/international/chinese-mourn-boston-marathon-bomb-victim/586266
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Suu Kyi says no easy answer to sectarian violence
April 17, 2013
Myanmar's charismatic opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi made rare comments on Wednesday on sectarian violence in her nation, but said she was "not a magician" and will not be able to solve long-running ethnic disputes.
Speaking to students at Tokyo University while on a visit to Japan, Suu Kyi maintained her stand that the rule of law needs to be established in Buddhist-majority Myanmar and parties involved in the violence have to build an atmosphere of dialogue.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/restofasia/Suu-Kyi-says-no-easy-answer-to-sectarian-violence/Article1-1045731.aspx
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Europe
Red Cross chief criticises drone use outside battlefields
17 April 2013
GENEVA: Red Cross chief Peter Maurer on Tuesday condemned US drone strikes outside areas officially engulfed in armed conflict, warning against a creeping expansion of the definition of what constitutes a battlefield.
Washington’s secretive and controversial use of drones was not a problem in itself, said Maurer, as in the context of an armed conflict drones are considered legitimate weapons. “But if a drone is used in a country where there is no armed conflict... there is a problem,” the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross told reporters in Geneva, urging the “very restrained use” of the weapon. “A drone used in Afghanistan or Yemen is a drone used within the context of an armed conflict, and is thereby used legitimately,” he said. But drone use in Pakistan was “particularly problematic” he said. Returning from a trip to the United States, where he met with President Barack Obama, Maurer told AFP that “the US is very aware... of where we disagree with the use of drones”.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\04\17\story_17-4-2013_pg7_22
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Leicester University also sounds alarm over segregation at Muslim student events
A Second university in a matter of weeks has launched an investigation into claims that Muslim students are enforcing segregation between men and women at public events.
By John Bingham, Religious Affairs Editor
15 Apr 2013
Leicester University voiced concern after photographs emerged showing hand-written signs directing male and female students to sit in separate sections at a public talk on the existence of God organised by the university’s Islamic Society.
The meeting was addressed by Hamza Tzortzis, an Islamic speaker who tours university campuses, who was at the centre of controversy over segregation at University College London (UCL) last month.
Full report at:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9996122/Second-university-sounds-alarm-over-segregation-at-Muslim-student-events.html
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Lavrov says Friends of Syria ‘negative’ for dialogue
(AFP) / 17 April 2013
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday said the Friends of Syria grouping of Western and Arab countries opposed to the rule of President Bashar al-Assad undermined dialogue.
“Right now we see this process is making a negative contribution to the (Geneva) decisions,” Lavrov told reporters in Istanbul in remarks translated to Turkish from Russian, referring to a 2012 accord among world powers in Geneva aimed at solving the Syria conflict through talks involving all parties.
Full report at:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-
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Abu Qatada: Home Office seeks Supreme Court appeal permission
17 April 2013
The government has asked for permission to appeal to the Supreme Court against a ruling preventing the deportation of radical Islamic cleric Abu Qatada.
Court of Appeal judges last month upheld a ruling that he could face an unfair trial if he were deported to Jordan to face terror charges.
The move is the latest in a lengthy government battle to have him deported.
"The government remains committed to deporting this dangerous man," a Home Office spokesman said.
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22181312
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Hamza lieutenant wins European human rights battle over extradition
European judges have barred the extradition of a lieutenant of hate preacher Abu Hamza to America because it will breach his human rights.
By Tom Whitehead
16 Apr 2013
Haroon Aswat, from West Yorkshire, has been told he can stay in the UK even though he is accused of trying to set up a Jihad training camp in the US along with Hamza.
But the European Court of Human Rights has ruled his faces inhuman or degrading treatment if removed because of his mental condition.
Aswat, 39, suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and the judges concluded his health could be damaged because he faces possible detention in a US “supermax” prison if convicted.
The ruling was given even though the court accepted it was not clear exactly where Aswat would be detained.
Full report at:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/9997174/Hamza-lieutenant-wins-European-human-rights-battle-over-extradition.html
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EU court blocks terror suspect extradition
17 April 2013
LONDON: A European court yesterday blocked Britain from extraditing a mentally ill suspect accused of trying to set up a terrorist training camp in Oregon.
The European Court of Human Rights ruled that sending Haroon Aswat to a prison in the United States would breach his human rights due to the "severity of his mental condition."
The Strasbourg, France-based court said Aswat, a British citizen who is being held in England's Broadmoor secure psychiatric hospital, suffers from paranoid schizophrenia.
"In light of the medical evidence before it, the court found that there was a real risk that Mr. Aswat's extradition to the US, a country to which he had no ties, and to a different, potentially more hostile prison environment, would result in a significant deterioration in his mental and physical health," the panel of seven judges said.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/448399
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Spain dismisses consul in Boston after bomb attack
April 16, 2013
Spain dismissed its consul in Boston on Tuesday for failing to carry out his duties following the bombing in the US city's marathon that killed three people and wounded more than 170, a foreign ministry official said.
Consul Pablo Sanchez-Teran "has been informed that he was dismissed for breach of his consular obligations", the official told AFP.
Spanish media reported that the consul was dismissed from his post because the Spanish consulate in Boston closed on Monday at its normal hour after the twin blasts at the Boston Marathon in which some 90 Spanish nationals were registered as participants.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/worldsectionpage/chunk-ht-ui-worldsectionpage-
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Mideast Asia
Free Gitmo Yemenis, protesters demand
17 April 2013
SANAA: Relatives of Yemeni detainees at Guantanamo and activists demonstrated yesterday outside the US Embassy in Sanaa demanding the release of inmates on hunger strike.
“Obama, Obama, enough detentions,” the protesters chanted in an appeal to US President Barack Obama, an AFP correspondent reported.
Twenty protesters wore orange jumpsuits, similar to those worn by prisoners at the US detention center in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
“We urge the US government to immediately release the detainees at Guantanamo,” read a banner carried by protesters at the rally.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/448395
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Sanctions on Iran may not be enough: Israeli PM Netanyahu
AFP | Apr 17, 2013
JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Tuesday that "tough sanctions" currently imposed on Iran might not be enough to prevent Tehran from obtaining a military nuclear capability.
"We need to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons," he told foreign diplomats attending a reception at the presidential residence in Jerusalem, marking the 65th anniversary of the Jewish state's foundation.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Sanctions-on-Iran-may-not-be-enough-Israeli-PM-Netanyahu/articleshow/19587321.cms
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Arab World
Jordanian Muslim Salafi group 'happy' over Boston bombing
Published April 15, 2013
Associated Press
AMMAN, Jordan – The head of an extremist Jordanian Muslim Salafi group says he's "happy to see the horror in America" after the explosions in Boston.
"American blood isn't more precious than Muslim blood," said Mohammad al-Chalabi, who was convicted in an al-Qaida-linked plot to attack U.S. and other Western diplomatic missions in Jordan in 2003.
Full report at:
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/04/15/jordan-muslim-extremist-happy-over-boston-bombing/?intcmp=obnetwork#ixzz2QhLoqSvV
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Rocket attack kills at least 12 people in central Syria
AP | Apr 17, 2013
BEIRUT: A government rocket attack killed at least 12 people in a village in central Syria on Wednesday, while rebels battled regime forces over two key military bases in the northwest where government troops broke an opposition siege last week, activists said.
The fighting in both places ties into efforts by President Bashar Assad's military to reverse rebel advances that have left vast stretches of northern Syria in the hands of opposition fighters. The government is also eager to shore up supply lines to its forces stretched thin by the 2-year-old fight against a relentless rebellion in a conflict that has killed more than 70,000.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Rocket-attack-kills-at-least-12-people-in-central-Syria/articleshow/19598305.cms
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Saudi Arabia to Intensify Crackdown on Illegal Workers
April 17, 2013
RIYADH (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia will take new steps, including jail terms for small business owners and the hiring of 1,000 inspectors, to crack down on foreigners working illegally in the world's top oil exporter, Labour Minister Adel al-Fakieh said.
"We have and will continue to have millions of foreign workers. We have 7.5 million legal foreign workers and we need them," Fakieh told Saudi-owned MBC television this week, according to a transcript posted on the MBC website.
"We will continue to issue visas for others but those who want to come to this country have to respect the law."
Saudi Arabia has been deporting hundreds of thousands of illegal foreign workers as part of labor market reforms designed to reduce unemployment among its own citizens, which is officially estimated at 12.0 percent.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2013/04/17/world/middleeast/17reuters-saudi-labour-
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Saudi Arabia raps ‘act of terror’ in US
17 April 2013
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, sent yesterday separate messages of condolences to US President Barack Obama over the loss of lives in the two explosions during Boston marathon on Monday.
“The group responsible for this heinous crime is an enemy of humanity and it represents no one but itself. Condemning the act of terror, the king said in his message: “No religion, no values, will sanction this act.”
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/448337
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Saudi E-encyclopaedia launched
17 April 2013
RIYADH: Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah, deputy minister of foreign affairs and a member of the board of directors of the King Abdulaziz Public Library (KAPL), has launched the Saudi Arabian E-encyclopaedia.
A number of writers and intellectuals attended the event Monday afternoon at the KAPL headquarters in Riyadh.
Earlier, a hard copy of the encyclopaedia had been issued in 20 volumes, in addition to CDs.
The encyclopaedia contains all types of information about Saudi Arabia’s past and present, covering various aspects of life in the Kingdom.
http://www.arabnews.com/news/448346
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Jihadists claim Sinai rocket fire on Israel’s Eilat resort
17 April 2013
JERUSALEM: At least two Grad rockets fired from Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula exploded in the Israeli Red Sea resort of Eilat on Wednesday, causing no casualties, in an attack claimed by a jihadist group.
It was the first rocket attack on the southern resort city in eight months, with the Israeli army saying they were fired from the Egyptian Sinai, although there was no immediate confirmation from Cairo where a senior military official said troops were “investigating” the incident.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/448475
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Mubarak retrial to take place 11 May
Retrial of former president and his aides on charges of involvement in deaths of protesters during the 2011 uprising
17 Apr 2013
The Cairo Appeal Court has set the date for the retrial of Egypt's former president Hosni Mubarak on 11 May.
Mubarak, who received a life sentence last June for failing to protect peaceful protesters during the revolution, was granted a retrial in January due to procedural irregularities in the initial trial.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/69468/Egypt/Politics-/Mubarak-retrial-to-take-place--May.aspx
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Egypt PM sentenced in absentia to one year
Wednesday, 17 April 2013
An Egyptian court on Wednesday sentenced Prime Minister Hisham Qandil to a jail term of one year in absentia for failing to implement a 2011 ruling, sources said, adding the verdict was merely symbolic.
The Cairo misdemeanours court sentenced Qandil for failing to implement a ruling by an administrative court ordering the nationalization of textile factory Tanta Flax and Oil Company, the judicial sources said.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/04/17/Egypt-PM-sentenced-in-absentia-to-one-year-.html
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