Elderly Muslim man in Karnataka beaten up, forced to chant Jai Shri Ram; FIR lodged
New Age Islam News Bureau
01 December 2023
A
65-year-old Muslim man was tortured by an unidentified duo in Gangavati town of
Koppal district (Videograb)
-----------
· Elderly Muslim man in Karnataka beaten up, forced to chant Jai Shri Ram; FIR lodged
· Israel announces strikes on Gaza after truce expires, clear sign that war has resumed in full force
· 'Fully prepared': Yemen says ready to resume anti-Israeli attacks as truce expires
· Stop Luring Muslims to Christian Programmes – MURIC warns Lagos Govt, attacks Oyakhilome
· Israel dismissed advance warning of Hamas attack: NYT
· European officials ‘deeply concerned’ for Muslims amid surge in attacks
------
India
· Varanasi court grants ASI ten more days to file Gyanvapi mosque survey report
· Few turn out for Modi’s Guarantee Vehicle in Jammu village, Prime Minister crestfallen
· Farmers’ body condemns detention of leader en route to Colombia at Delhi airport
· Archeological Body Gets 10 More Days To Submit Report On Gyanvapi Mosque
· Terrorist Killed In Encounter In Jammu And Kashmir's Pulwama
-----
Mideast
· Islamic Jihad, Hamas say responding to Israeli aggression as truce expires
· 7th day of truce: Eight Israeli hostages released in place of 30 Palestinians
· Jordan’s king calls on Israel to allow more aid into Gaza
· Since Gaza war began, violence against Palestinians has also surged in West Bank and gone virtually unnoticed
· Israel’s Herzog meets UAE counterpart to push for hostage release
-----
Arab World
· Palestinian Red Crescent official thanks Saudi Arabia for humanitarian aid in Gaza
· Saudi reserve participates in SGI, COP28 conferences
· KSrelief sends 14 ambulances to Gaza
· Joint Statement Issued at the Conclusion of the Visit of the President of Brazil to Saudi Arabia
----
Africa
· Muhammad, Shekarau urge government to leverage Islamic finance
· Police, others kill over 50 suspected bandits in Taraba
· Police in Kaduna arrest eight terrorists as leader escapes
· Malawians Pursue Opportunities in Israel Amid Economic Challenges
· Fake beauty promoter bags ten years jail terms in Kaduna
· Plateau Muslim community backs Gov Muftwang, dismisses rumoured marginalisation
· ECOWAS summit scheduled for December 10 in Abuja
· Floods in Somalia: more than a million people displaced
· Nigeria: 4 soldiers and militiamen killed in a jihadist ambush
------
North America
· Report: US provided Israel with more than 70,000 weapons since 1950
· CAIR-Ohio Meets with Governor DeWine, Urges Commitment to Combat Islamophobia and Address Crisis in Palestine
· Join CAIR and Community Partners for Friday Prayer and Pro-Palestine Rally Outside Israeli Embassy in Dc
· CAIR Urges Biden, Congress to Oppose New U.S. Aid to Israel After Netanyahu Pledge to Block Palestinian State, Resume War Crimes in Gaza
· ‘It Could Be Any One of Us’: Muslim Organization Helps Those Facing Homelessness
· Police investigating after man allegedly spreads feces in front of Centretown Islamic centre
------
Europe
· Top Russian court bans LGBT movement, brands activists as ‘extremists’
· Pope Francis described Tel Aviv’s ‘terrorism’ attacks in Gaza in ‘fraught’ call with Israeli President Herzog: WaPo
· Israel recalls ambassador from EU country
· NATO countries show no signs of war fatigue – Ukraine's Foreign Minister
------
Pakistan
· IHC seeks ECP response on Imran’s conviction appeal
· ‘Rifts’ prevail in PTI as party chief languishes in jail
· Afghan children born in Pakistan entitled to citizenship, says new plea
· Afghan refugees endure ‘long wait for freedom’
· Imran, Fawad not produced before ECP bench in contempt cases
· On complaint of martyr’s daughter: COAS warns landlord against diverting floodwater
· Elahi’s physical remand extended
· Toshakhana case: IHC reserves verdict on IK’s plea
-----
South Asia
· Islamic Emirate Strives to Ensure Food and Medicine Safety: Hanafi
· Afghanistan is developing in various fields for the first time: Muttaqi
· Qatar provides urgent relief to Herat earthquake victims
· Afghan govt slams lack of invite to COP28
· Central Bank raises private bank withdrawal limit to 70,000 Afghanis
· Canada welcomes 295 Afghan Refugees from Pakistan
· Nearly two thousand Afghan migrants return home from Iran
· Sinirlioğlu Presents Assessment of Afghanistan at Closed UNSC Session
· Earthquake and Deportation of Refugees Worsened Humanitarian Situation: And
· NEPA Criticizes Absence of Afghanistan Representative in COP28
· ANSA Returns 24 Tankers of Substandard Oil to Iran
· UNAMA Representative Meets Finance Ministry Official on Anti-Corruption Efforts
· PM for putting climate change victims in charge of fighting impact
· Leaders of two Islamist parties call on PM
-----
Southeast Asia
· RSAF plane carrying aid to Gaza civilians lands in Egypt; SAF to support humanitarian assistance
· Can’t release Aman Palestin accounts pending investigation, MACC tells Mahathir
· Mat Sabu: Perikatan’s SG4 fixated on Islamic jurisprudence rather than values, ‘doomed to fail’
· Group calls for halt to Johor govt’s plans for LGBT rehab centre
· Thai hostages from Gaza return home, mourn fellow workers
· China seeks ‘concrete’ roadmap for two-state solution to solve Gaza conflict
Compiled by
New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
-------------
Elderly
Muslim man in Karnataka beaten up, forced to chant Jai Shri Ram; FIR lodged
01st December 2023
A
65-year-old Muslim man was tortured by an unidentified duo in Gangavati town of
Koppal district (Videograb)
------------
HUBBALLI:
In a shocking incident, a 65-year-old Muslim man was tortured by an
unidentified duo in Gangavati town of Koppal district. An FIR was lodged in
this regard by the victim Husensab on November 30.
According
to the FIR, the victim returned to Gangavati from Hosapete on November 25 at
night. He was waiting for the autorickshaw after having a cup of tea when two
bike-born men approached him. They asked the victim where he was going and
offered him a drop.
After
the bike moved the duo started beating Husensab and also verbally abused him.
“The duo took me near the Pampanagar area and started abusing me and pushed me
from the bike. I pleaded that I could not see clearly and wanted to go back to
my house. They forced me to chant Jai Shriram and despite doing it they did not
stop attacking me,” recalled Husensab.
“The
attackers broke a beer bottle and tried to cut my beard with a piece of glass.
When they did not succeed one of them removed a matchbox and burnt my beard. I
thought I would be killed as the duo kept beating me until a few shepherds woke
up and came out to see after hearing my cries,” victim Husensab said.
The Town
police have registered an FIR and are investigating the matter. Senior police
officials are expected to call on the victim Husensab who is currently being
treated at a hospital. The police are going through the CCTV footage near the
bus stand, main roads and Pampanagar areas.
The victim
Husensab lives in a tiny house in Gangavati with his daughter. As his eyesight
is getting poor, he has been begging in many places in Koppal and Vijayanagara
districts for the last few months. Meanwhile, the members of the Social
Democratic Party of India (SDPI) have planned to stage a protest in front of
Tahsildar’s office in Gangavati.
“People
from all walks of life live in harmony in our district. It's sheer brutality
that a harmless old man has been beaten up and forced to chant religious
slogans. We are demanding action against the duo responsible for the attack and
mental torture of the victim. The SDPI has decided to take the medical expenses
of Husensab,” said Saleem, district president, of SDPI, Koppal.
Source: newindianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2023/dec/01/elderly-muslim-man-in-karnataka-beaten-up-forced-to-chant-jai-shri-ram-fir-lodged-2637820.html
-----
Israel
announces strikes on Gaza after truce expires, clear sign that war has resumed
in full force
01st December 2023
Palestinians
visit their houses destroyed in the Israeli bombings. (Photo | AP)
------------
JERUSALEM:
The Israeli military said Friday that its fighter jets have begun striking
Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, in the clearest sign yet that the war has
resumed with full force after a weeklong truce.
The
announcement came 30 minutes after the cease-fire expired at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT)
Friday.
Earlier
Friday, Israel accused Hamas of having violated the terms of the cease-fire,
including by firing rockets toward Israel from Gaza.
The
temporary truce in the Israel-Hamas war expired Friday morning, without
immediate word from mediator Qatar on an extension, raising the possibility of
renewed fighting.
The halt
in fighting began a week ago, on Nov. 24. It initially lasted for four days,
and then was extended for several days with the help of Qatar and fellow
mediator Egypt.
During
the week-long truce, Hamas and other militants in Gaza released more than 100
hostages, most of them Israelis, in return for 240 Palestinians freed from
prisons in Israel. Virtually all of those freed were women and children.
Reaching
agreements on swaps appeared to be growing harder as most women and children
held in Gaza had already been released.
Source: newindianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2023/dec/01/israel-announces-strikes-on-gaza-after-truce-expires-clear-sign-that-war-has-resumed-in-full-force-2637814.html
-----
'Fully
prepared': Yemen says ready to resume anti-Israeli attacks as truce expires
01
December 2023
Yemeni
police troopers march during a military parade in Sana’a, Yemen, on September
21, 2023. (File photo by Reuters
-------------
Yemeni
Armed Forces have pledged to resume their operations against targets deep
inside the 1948 Israeli-occupied territories, noting that they will stop
attacks as soon as the Israeli aggression against Palestinians in the Gaza
Strip comes to a "complete halt."
Yemen
released a statement late on Thursday, hours before a temporary truce between
the Hamas resistance movement and the Israeli regime expired on Friday morning.
“In line
with the directives of the leader of the Anasrullah resistance movement,
Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, and in response to popular calls by the great Yemeni
nation as well as freedom-loving Arabs and Muslims to stand firmly by
Palestinians and their proud resistance front, Yemeni forces voice their full
preparedness to re-launch their military operations against the Israeli enemy
if the latter opts to recommence its aggression against Gaza,” reads the
statement.
It
emphasized that Yemeni troops won’t hesitate to expand their attacks against
Israeli targets to include the Zionist regime's interests in the occupied
territories and at sea.
An
Israeli tanker has been seized off the coast of the Yemeni port city of Aden.
“Yemeni
Armed Forces as declared earlier will continue to prevent Israeli vessels from
cruising in the Red Sea waters and will adopt further measures to ensure
effective implementation of the step.
“Their
military operations will stop as soon as the Israeli aggression against
Palestinians in the Gaza Strip comes to a complete halt,” the statement pointed
out.
It
further called on Muslim nations and people across the world to support
Palestinians in their liberation struggle.
Since
Israel started its military attack on Gaza, Yemeni forces have carried out
several operations against the occupation regime. These operations include
firing ballistic and cruise missiles on occupied territories, and capturing at
least three Israeli ships that were sailing in Yemen's waters.
The crew
were under investigation and their nationalities were being verified by the
relevant Yemeni agencies.
Israel
launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after the territory’s Palestinian
resistance movements waged the surprise Operation al-Aqsa Storm against the
occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime’s decades-long campaign of
bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians.
The
Israeli aggression has so far killed more than 15,000 Palestinians, most of
them women and children.
Source: presstv.ir
Please click the following URL to read the
full text of the original
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2023/12/01/715591/Yemeni-forces-ready-to-resume-anti-Israeli-attacks-as-Gaze-truce-collapses
------
Stop
Luring Muslims to Christian Programmes – MURIC warns Lagos Govt, attacks
Oyakhilome
November
30, 2023
The
Lagos State Chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has called on the
education authorities in Lagos State to desist from luring innocent and
unsuspecting Muslim Students across the six educational districts of the State
to the annual Christian programme of the founder of the Christ Embassy, Pastor
Chris Oyakhilome, under the guise of fake humanitarian programmes.
In a
press statement released on Thursday, 30th November, 2023 by the Chairman of
MURIC in Lagos State, Dr Busari Muhammad Jamiu Ademola, the Islamic human
rights group bemoaned the attitude of the officers of the ministry of education
in luring students to the program through official invitation.
The
Statement reads:
“We are
deeply worried by the incessant luring of innocent Muslim Students to church
programmes, particularly that of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. The programme as
reliably investigated is sponsored by the cleric who, in conjunction with the
officials of the Lagos State ministry of education, arranged the transportation
of students to the venue. The students irrespective of their faiths are ferried
to Christian programmes and deceived with gifts.
“This
deceitful event has been on for more than five years. This year’s program which
is slated for December 3, 2023 is coined as ‘Invitation to Host Students in
Commemoration of Birthday of their Principal, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’ through
a school named Teens Voice Academy Lagos.
“This is
unbelievable and unspeakable of ministry officials directing principals of
public schools in the six districts to arrange students for such an event.
Where is the correlation? On whose directives is this happening? Is Pastor
Oyakhilome now the owner of Lagos State public schools? LASG has sold out Lagos
to Oyakhilome.
“Exempli
gratia, a memo signed and distributed by one MrsOyegbile, K.O on behalf of
TG/PS of District I, Agege, was circulated this week to school principals.
According to the memo, four venues (Sango Senior, Keke Senior, Oba
SanniKomolafe Youth center and Palmtime Resorts) have been designated as
meeting points for students to converge en route the venue. The circular also
announced MrOladiti Oladele Olaitan as the programme coordinator whose contact
(telephone number included) could be reached for any assistance.
“It is
then crystal clear that the organizers and certain elements in the ministry,
via educational districts are behind this programme to adulterate the faith of
innocent Muslim children with Christian ideologies.
“To this
end, MURIC strongly condemns the involvement of state paraphernalia in a
pastor’s birthday celebration. It is hero-worshiping taken too far.
“LASG
has no right whatsoever to use students of public schools for a private
individual’s birthday program. While we object to using any student, whether
Muslim or Christian for Oyakhilome’s party, we have serious objection to using
a single Muslim student for same.
“The
parents entrusted their children to LASG mainly for academic purpose, taking
them out on evangelical jamboree is definitely not part of the deal. It is
therefore gross abuse of trust to divert students’ attention to the birthday
party of a pastor.
“School
children can attend the governor’s function or that of the president of Nigeria
because those are government officials. The pastor is also free to organize
students of private schools to attend his birthday. We must draw a line of
demarcation between clerics and public officers.
It is
taking the joke too far if pastors and Imams are elevated to the level of
governors and heads of state by making students of public schools to attend
their birthdays. It is another form of slavery.
Source: politicsnigeria.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://politicsnigeria.com/stop-luring-muslims-to-christian-programmes-muric-warns-lagos-govt-attacks-oyakhilome/
------
Israel
dismissed advance warning of Hamas attack: NYT
December
01, 2023
NEW
YORK: Israeli officials had intelligence that Palestinian militant group Hamas
was preparing a wide-ranging attack before its October 7 assault but dismissed
the reports, The New York Times reported Thursday.
The
newspaper said a document obtained by Israeli authorities “outlined, point by
point, exactly the kind of devastating invasion that led to the deaths of about
1,200 people.”
The
document, which was reviewed by the newspaper, did not specify when the attack
might happen, but provided a blueprint that Hamas appears to have followed: an
initial rocket barrage, efforts to knock out surveillance, and waves of gunmen
crossing into Israel by land and air.
The
Times said the document, which included sensitive security information about
Israeli military capacity and locations, circulated widely among the country’s
military and intelligence leaders, though it was not clear if it was reviewed
by senior politicians.
But a
military assessment last year determined it was too soon to say the plan had
been approved by Hamas, and when an analyst with the country’s signals
intelligence warned the group had carried out a training exercise in line with
the plan, she was dismissed.
She
warned it was a “plan designed to start a war,” the newspaper said, but a
colonel reviewing her assessment suggested: “let’s wait patiently.”
The
warnings did not suggest that Hamas was likely to carry out the plan
imminently, and the intelligence community continued to believe that Hamas
leader Yahya Sinwar was not pursuing war with Israel, the Times said, likening
the intelligence failure to those in the United States before the September 11,
2001 attacks.
The
Hamas attack killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw around 240 people
taken hostage, according to Israeli officials.
Israel’s
retaliatory ground and air offensive in Gaza has killed more than 15,000
people, also mostly civilians, according to Hamas authorities.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2418376/middle-east
-----
European
officials ‘deeply concerned’ for Muslims amid surge in attacks
30
November 2023
Photograph:
Thomas Coex/AFP/Getty Images
-----------
Anti-racism
officials across Europe have called on law enforcement agencies to remain alert
for hate crimes against Muslims and “spare no effort” to protect them, in one
of the first statements aimed at addressing a rise in Islamophobia amid the
Israel-Hamas war.
The
statement, signed by representatives from 10 European countries as well as EU
officials, notes the rising number of hate crimes, hate speech and threats to
civil liberties that have targeted Muslim and Jewish communities across Europe
in recent months. Both “have become targets of physical and verbal attacks”,
with people feeling “more and more unsafe and threatened, online and offline”,
it read.
Addressing
Islamophobia in particular, the group said it was “deeply concerned” for
Muslims. “Such phenomena, if not addressed, can threaten social cohesion within
our societies and can expose vulnerable communities to further harms,” it said.
The
statement comes as tensions surge across the continent, leaving officials
scrambling to contain a rise in hate crimes that have included an attempted
arson on a synagogue in Berlin and more than 1,000 antisemitic acts in France.
“Antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred are equally reprehensible,” officials
noted in the statement, published on Wednesday.
Related:
The Guardian view on the impact of the Israel-Hamas war: UK minority
communities need support | Editorial
It
called on national authorities to “spare no effort to ensure the safety of
Muslim communities, whether it is in places of worship, workplaces, schools or
their homes”, and urged public safety and law enforcement agencies to “remain
alert to incidents of hate crimes and hate motivated violence against Muslims”.
Muslim
communities have voiced concerns over rising hostilities in recent weeks.
Earlier this month, the French Muslim Council told media that it had received
42 letters containing threats or insults in October alone. Mosques had also
been targeted, with 17 of them receiving threatening letters and 14 vandalised,
it said.
In
Berlin, a lawmaker, Jian Omar, of Kurdish-Syrian background, said he had been
attacked by a man wielding a hammer and spewing racist insults earlier this
month, while officials at the Ibn Badis mosque on the outskirts of Paris said
they had received a letter containing death threats. Both cases were under
investigation, but police said they were unable to increase security, Reuters
reported.
Thursday’s
EU statement, which makes no mention of the conflict in the Middle East –
instead referring to the “current geopolitical context” – comes a week after
Geert Wilders’ far-right, anti-Islam party became the biggest in the
Netherlands, causing fears among many Muslims in the country.
Shada
Islam, a Brussels-based analyst and commentator, described the statement as a
“small but much-needed step” towards fighting racism across Europe.
“For
someone like me who has long underlined that Muslims are European citizens and
shouldn’t be treated like permanent ‘outsiders’ but as major contributors to
the EU’s economy, prosperity, culture and future, it is quite a breakthrough
that the statement acknowledges that at least some EU policy people ‘are deeply
concerned with such developments and express solidarity with our fellow Muslim
citizens’,” she wrote on social media.
A day
earlier, the NGO Human Rights Watch pointed to the “deep concern” over rising
antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred in Europe. “Yet the response by EU
governments has been partial and ineffective, in part because they lack
adequate anti-discrimination data and protection strategies that address the
daily lived experiences of discrimination faced by Jewish and Muslim people,”
it said.
Source: yahoo.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/european-officials-deeply-concerned-muslims-163608983.html
-------
India
Varanasi
court grants ASI ten more days to file Gyanvapi mosque survey report
01.12.23
A
Varanasi court on Thursday granted ten more days to the Archaeological Survey
of India to file its survey report on the Gyanvapi mosque complex, The Hindu
reported.
The
Archeological Survey of India is carrying out the survey to find out whether
the mosque was built over a Hindu temple. On November 28, it filed an
application seeking three more weeks to complete the exercise.
Standing
government counsel Amit Srivastava, who filed the petition on behalf of the
Archeological Survey of India, said that the court told the authority not to
seek further time.
This is
the sixth time that the government agency has been granted an extension to
complete its report.
The
survey was ordered by a Varanasi district court on July 21 on a petition by a
group of Hindu litigants seeking the right to hold prayers inside the mosque
compound. However, on July 24, the Supreme Court put an interim stay on the
order, allowing the mosque committee to move the High Court against the survey.
On
August 3, the Allahabad High Court dismissed the mosque committee’s plea and
allowed the Archaeological Survey of India to carry out the survey, saying that
it was “necessary in the interest of justice.” The decision was upheld by the
Supreme Court the next day.
The
court, however, said that no excavation should be done as part of the survey
and that the authorities should ensure that no damage is caused to the
structure.
The
Varanasi district court’s verdict came after the Allahabad High Court held in
May that a scientific survey could be conducted of an oval-shaped object found
on the mosque premises.
The
oval-shaped object was found in May last year during a survey of the mosque
premises ordered by a Varanasi civil court. The Hindu litigants claimed that
the object was a shivling, a representation of the Hindu deity Shiva. However,
the caretaker committee of the mosque claimed the object was a defunct
fountainhead in the wazukhana, or ablution tank.
The
Supreme Court had ordered the area around the oval-shaped object to be sealed.
This area will not be surveyed.
Source: scroll.in
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the full text of the original
https://scroll.in/latest/1059919/varanasi-court-grants-asi-ten-more-days-to-file-gyanvapi-mosque-survey-report
-----
Few turn
out for Modi’s Guarantee Vehicle in Jammu village, Prime Minister crestfallen
01.12.23
J.P.
Yadav
What is
the population of your panchayat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday
asked Balveer Kaur, sarpanch of Rangpur, a village on the India-Pakistan border
in Jammu.
“Two
thousand, nine hundred and eighty voters; and the total population is 4,700,”
Kaur was prompt.
“Commendable!
You remember these numbers so well!” an impressed Modi said.
“Sir, I
have learnt grassroots work from you and I don’t forget the details,” Kaur was
prompt again.
Minutes
later, though, Modi looked crestfallen as the feisty village head
matter-of-factly said that only 250-300 people had assembled when the “Modi Ki
Guarantee WaliGadi” (Modi’s Guarantee Vehicle) reached the border village.
Kaur was
one of five people the Prime Minister interacted with via videoconferencing on
central welfare programmes, the webcast virtually turning into a general
election campaign as he urged the respondents to spread awareness about the
schemes’ benefits and give him their “blessings”. The event took place as
people were voting in the Telangana Assembly elections.
To Kaur,
an unhappy Modi said: “You said there are 4,700 people in your panchayat; then
at least 4,000 people should have been there when the vehicle came to the
village.”
The
Modi’s Guarantee Vehicles are government vans travelling across the country as
part of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, meant to “saturate” welfare programmes
by reaching those left out. But the drive is also being seen as an effort to
launch a virtual election campaign at government expense.
Kaur
hurriedly pleaded that this was the harvesting and sowing season and the
farmers were out working in the fields — so she didn’t want to disturb them.
Modi was
in no mood to accept the plea.
“Arre,
aadha ghanta keliyekarnatha ji. Aisethode hi nachaltahai. Khanakhanekeliyegharaate
hi hainna? Aisethode hi nachaltahai (Come on, it was only a matter of half an
hour. This is not the way. They come home for lunch, don’t they? This is not
the way),” the Prime Minister replied.
He
quickly thanked Kaur and ended the videoconference.
“Okay,
it was good talking to you. It’s nice that you are imparting awareness and
inspiring the women. Congratulations,” Modi said before disconnecting.
The Modi
government launched the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra on November 15 from Khunti
in Jharkhand, looking to cover 2.5 lakh gram panchayats and 3,700 urban local
bodies in over 14,000 locations. The Yatra is scheduled to end on January 25.
Last
month, the Election Commission stopped the government from undertaking the
Yatra in the five poll-bound states after receiving complaints that cited the
model code of conduct.
During
Thursday’s interactions with the five handpicked beneficiaries, the Prime
Minister fervently urged them to visit nearby villages and educate people to
avail the benefits of “Modi’s guarantee”.
He
stressed the slogan “Modi ki guarantee yani guarantee kipuri hone ki guarantee
(Modi’s guarantee means a guarantee for the fulfilment of the guarantee)”.
The
slogan appears likely to become the catchline of the BJP’s 2024 poll campaign.
Kaur was
the fifth and last respondent. The first was Sonachand Mishra from Deoghar in
Jharkhand, a beneficiary of the Jan Ausadhiprogramme under which the government
has set up shops that sell medicines at low costs.
To a
question from Modi, Mishra said his monthly medicine bill used to run up to Rs
12,000-13,000 but had fallen in the last two years to Rs 3,000-3,500.
Sounding
excited, Modi encouraged him to put up a board at his pakora shop advertising
the benefits of the Jan Ausadhi shops.
“You
(Mishra) are pocketing around Rs 10,000 each month. That kind of money you may
not be earning from your pakora shop. Modiji has saved Rs 10,000 by making
medicines cheap. You should tell others about this,” the Prime Minister said.
Mishra
promised to do so.
LakarPaleng
from Arunachal Pradesh told Modi that he had got a concrete house built under
the Prime Minister’s housing scheme thanks to the “kripa” (compassion) of the
Centre and the state government, and felt indebted.
Since he
had received so much benefit, Modi asked, would he give his “ashirvad”
(blessings), along with those of other villagers, to him?
Paleng
replied: “Ji, Sir.”
Modi
urged him to form five teams and visit five villages to spread awareness about
government schemes and the Modi’s Guarantee Vehicle.
Source: telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/few-turn-out-for-modis-guarantee-vehicle-in-jammu-village-prime-minister-crestfallen/cid/1983744
------
Farmers’
body condemns detention of leader en route to Colombia at Delhi airport
30th
November 2023
SamyuktaKisanMorcha,
a collective of farmers’ organisations, on Thursday strongly condemned the
brief detention of leader Chaudhary Yudhvir Singh and seven others.
Singh is
a national council member of SamyuktaKisanMorcha (SKM) and national general
secretary of BharatiyaKisan Union, another farmers’ organisation.
Singh
was detained for nine hours at Indira Gandhi International Airport around 2 am
on November 29 while he was in the process of boarding a flight to Colombia to
attend an international agriculture & environment conference.
“Police
didn’t tell on what grounds they detained me,” Singh told The New Indian
Express.
He
further said he has never received any legal notice related to any case where
restriction on international travel is mentioned.
“I live
in Delhi and conduct different farmers’ meetings around Delhi farmers but I do
not understand what made Delhi Police take such a step,” says Singh who heads
the Indian Coordination Committee of Farmers’ Movement. The organisation is a
part of the international farmers’ movement group La Via Campesina, spread
across 78 countries.
The SKM
leaders termed his detention as ‘illegal’ and ‘arbitrary’ and accused the Union
government of vindictive action as Singh participated in the historic farmers’
movement at the borders of Delhi in 2020-21.
“Singh’s
detention and not allowing him to travel abroad is nothing but vengeance by the
government against SKM,” said SKM in a press release. It further stated that
the government is hell-bent on suppressing the voice of farmers in the country
but its efforts will not succeed.
SKM is a
consortium of over 400 farmers' organisations across the country and criticises
the Union government for its pro-corporate policy. It was formed after a
year-long protest in 2020-21 against three controversial farm laws favouring
corporates.
Earlier,
SKM leaders campaigned against the incumbent Union Agriculture Minister
Narendra Singh Tomarin Dimni Assembly
constituency Morena district (MP) assembly seat for his anti-farmers policy.
They urged farmers to ensure the defeat of Tomar.
The SKM
accused Tomar of enacting three anti-farmer laws which caused the death of 725
farmers during the 380-day long farmers' protest in 2020-21.
Source: newindianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/nov/30/farmers-body-condemns-detention-of-leader-en-route-to-colombia-at-delhi-airport-2637552.html
------
Archeological
Body Gets 10 More Days To Submit Report On Gyanvapi Mosque
November 30, 2023
New
Delhi: A Varanasi court has given a 10-day extension to the Archaeological
Survey of India to file a report on its findings in the Gyanvapi mosque
premises. This is the fourth time the archaeological body got an extension to
file the report on its scientific survey, which was completed a month ago.
Two days
ago, the ASI had asked for 21 days' extension, which was opposed by the mosque
committee.
The
survey was ordered by a Varanasi court on July 21, after four women sought
permission to pray at the premises.
In April
last year, the court ordered a video survey of the complex on basis of their
petition. The survey conducted in May revealed a structure in the Wuzukhana,
that the petitioners claimed was a 'shivling'.
The
Wuzuhana has been kept out of bounds for the scientific survey by an order of
the Supreme Court.
The
mosque is located next to the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Right-wing
activists claim a temple existed at the site and was demolished in 17th Century
on the orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
After
Ayodhya and Mathura, Gyanvapi is the third temple-mosque row, which propelled
the BJP to national prominence in the '80s and '90s.
A case
is already being heard in Uttar Pradesh on the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi
Masjid Idgah dispute.
The
petitioners claim that it has been built at the birthplace of Lord Krishna, within
the 13.37-acre premises of the Katra Keshav Dev temple.
Several
petitions have been filed in local courts seeking the shifting of the mosque.
Source: ndtv.com
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https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/archeological-body-gets-10-more-days-to-submit-report-on-gyanvapi-mosque-4621308
----
Terrorist
Killed In Encounter In Jammu And Kashmir's Pulwama
December
01, 2023
Srinagar:
An unidentified terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces in
Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Friday.
A gun
battle broke out at New Colony in Arihal area of the district on Thursday after
security forces launched an anti-militancy operation in the orchards there, the
officials said.
One
terrorist was shot dead as the operation continued, officials said.
The
identity and group affiliation of the terrorist were not known immediately,
they said.
Source: ndtv.com
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https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pulwama-encounter-terrorist-killed-in-encounter-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-pulwama-4623097
----
Mideast
Islamic
Jihad, Hamas say responding to Israeli aggression as truce expires
01
December 2023
Several
explosions and gunfire have been reported in northern Gaza as Israel said it
has resumed its attacks on the besieged strip after a temporary ceasefire
expired.
Palestinian
media outlets also reported fierce clashes between Israeli forces and
Palestinian resistance fighters on Friday.
The
Gaza-based interior ministry said Israel launched artillery strikes on the
northwestern part of the Gaza Strip. A series of airstrikes also hit the
besieged strip.
Marwan al-Hams,
the director of al-Najar hospital in Rafah in southern Gaza, where many
Palestinians fled after being told by Israel to leave the north of the
territory, said strikes killed at least nine people in the city, including four
children.
Heath
ministry spokesperson in Gaza Ashraf al-Qudra confirmed that the death toll had
risen to 32 Palestinians.
Qudra
said the dead included ten people killed in al-Maghazi in central Gaza, nine in
Rafah in the South, and five in Gaza City in the north - hours after the truce
ended at 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) .
UNICEF
spokesperson James Elder described the scenes at a hospital in Gaza, saying
"this is a war on children". In his video, Leder said, "Inaction
by those with influence is allowing the killing of children."
Sirens
were sounded in several Israeli settlements near Gaza as the Israeli regime
claimed it had intercepted a rocket fired from Gaza. Israeli authorities said
they were restarting emergency measures in the area including closing schools.
The
al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement
(PIJ), said it attacked Israeli cities and towns on Friday morning in response
to "crimes against our people".
The
truce, which was extended twice, began on November 24. It had paused brutal
Israeli strikes on Gaza that began in early October.
International
bodies have called for more time to get medical supplies, food and fuel into
Gaza, where an estimated 1.7 million people have been forced from their homes.
The
fighting resumed after US top diplomat Antony Blinken visited the region and
held talks with Israeli leaders. Other world leaders, and aid groups, had
sought an extended pause.
Hamas
top official Osama Hamdan said the "responsibility for not extending the
ceasefire lies with the Zionist regime and the United States".
He said
the Palestinian resistance was seriously looking for a ceasefire and is still
pursuing it.
Ezzat
al-Rashq, a member of the Hamas political bureau, said: "What Israel did
not achieve in the 50 days before the ceasefire, it will not achieve with the
continuation of its aggression."
Hamas
frees eight more captives as part of a swap deal with the Israeli regime, which
is expected to release 30 more Palestinians in exchange.
Israel launched
the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas
waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in
response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and
devastation against Palestinians.
Tel Aviv
also blocked water, food, and electricity to Gaza, plunging the coastal strip
into a humanitarian crisis.
More
than 15,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed in
the Israeli strikes.
The
Israeli violence in Gaza has also raised tensions in the West Bank, where
nearly 240 Palestinians have been killed by soldiers or settlers since October
7, according to the Ramallah-based Palestinian health ministry.
The
truce saw the release of 105 Israeli captives held in Gaza and 240 Palestinian
prisoners.
The
ceasefire had allowed some humanitarian aid into Gaza but the aid supplies were
far below what is needed, according to aid workers.
Source: presstv.ir
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------
7th day
of truce: Eight Israeli hostages released in place of 30 Palestinians
Dec 1,
2023
DEIR AL
BALAH: Eight Israeli hostages were released from Hamas captivity in the Gaza
strip on Thursday as part of a temporary cease-fire deal that has lasted for
seven days, the Israeli military said. Israel freed 30 Palestinian prisoners in
the early hours of Friday under the truce deal, which has paused the deadliest
fighting in decades between Israel and Palestinians. International pressure has
mounted for the truce to be upheld as long as possible after weeks of Israeli
bombardment and ground campaign following Hamas' deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel
that triggered the war.
Thousands
of Palestinians in Gaza have been killed by Israel, and more than
three-quarters of the population of 2.3 million have been uprooted, leading to
a humanitarian crisis.
Israel
has vowed to resume the fighting - with the goal of dismantling Hamas - once
the cease-fire ends.
In what
has become a daily ritual, Hamas also released a video showing the hostages
being turned over to the Red Cross by militants. In one scene, masked gunmen
escorted two hostages to waiting vehicles as crowds of onlookers shouted and
whistled at them.
A
busload of 30 Palestinian prisoners released by Israel has been welcomed home
in the West Bank.
The bus
arrived early Friday in the city of Ramallah, hours after Hamas militants
released eight Israeli hostages after eight weeks of captivity in the Gaza
Strip.
Dozens
of men, some holding green Hamas flags, greeted the prisoners. The men were
hugged and the crowd chanted, "God is great."
The
exchanges have been taking place each night since last Friday as part of a
cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas.
The
cease-fire is set to expire Friday, but international mediators are working to
extend it by at least another day. Israel has vowed to resume its offensive
against Hamas in Gaza once the truce ends.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/7th-day-of-truce-eight-israeli-hostages-released-in-place-of-30-palestinians/articleshow/105643591.cms
-----
Jordan’s
king calls on Israel to allow more aid into Gaza
November
30, 2023
AMMAN/RAFAH:
Jordan’s King Abdullah on Thursday urged UN aid officials and international
groups to pile pressure on Israel to allow more aid into the beleaguered Gaza
enclave where the humanitarian situation is worsening, officials and aid
workers said.
They
said the monarch told an emergency meeting in Amman of UN officials, heads of
Western non-governmental organizations and representatives of Arab donors it
was unacceptable that Israel continued to hold back sufficient aid flows.
“The
monarch urged the international aid community to do their bit and save Gazans
who have endured a brutal war that has turned their land into an unliveable
place,” said one delegate who requested anonymity since deliberations were
taking place confidentially as requested by the royal palace organizers.
A
temporary truce between Israel and Hamas built around hostage and prisoner
releases has allowed substantially more aid into the densely populated territory
of 2.3 million people in the past six days. But deliveries of relief including
food, water, medical supplies and fuel remain far below what is needed, aid
workers say.
“People
in Gaza need a sustained cease-fire now. It is the only way to stop
indiscriminate killings and civilian injuries and allow for the delivery of
desperately needed humanitarian aid on a meaningful scale,” Medecins Sans
Frontieres (MSF) international president Christos Christou said.
“We are
already witnessing a humanitarian crisis of catastrophic proportions and it
will get worse if the violent onslaught resumes,” he told reporters in Amman.
With
Israel refusing to allow any aid in through its borders, supplies have been
flown and driven into Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula for delivery to Gaza through the
Rafah crossing.
Red
Crescent workers unloaded and sorted the latest deliveries of aid at Al Arish
airport in northern Sinai on Thursday. A Reuters reporter saw long lines of
container and flat bed trucks queued up on the side of the road to Rafah.
Israel
has bombarded Gaza in response to an Oct. 7 rampage into southern Israel by
Hamas militants who killed some 1,200 people and took more than 200 hostage.
Gaza
health authorities say more than 15,000 people have been confirmed killed in
Israel’s attack, about 40 percent of them children, with many more feared dead
and lost under rubble.
The
Israel-Gaza border is inoperable following the Oct. 7 attack from Gaza, an
Israeli official said. Israel had previously called for increasing the amount
of aid taken into Gaza from Egypt, including shipments provided by Jordan, said
the official, who requested anonymity.
BORDER
BLOCKAGE
UN aid
chief Martin Griffiths and senior UNRWA officials attending the Amman
conference told delegates it was crucial Israel reopens the Kerem Shalom border
crossing that before the war handled more than 60 percent of the truckloads
going into Gaza.
Bottlenecks
and capacity limitations at the Rafah crossing mean it cannot handle more than
200 trucks a day.
“Before
the war Gaza used to receive 500 trucks every day. We have never come close to
that figure since October 7,” said UNRWA director of communications Juliette
Touma, the UN aid agency providing aid to Palestinians.
Trucks
carrying aid through Rafah have to first go through Israeli inspections at the
crossing between Nitzana in Israel and Al-Awja in Egypt, to ensure that only
limited supplies of fuel are allowed and prevent what they term dual usage
goods from entering.
Israel’s
control of the amounts and type of goods entering Gaza has curtailed the aid
effort, and its acceptance of only limited supplies of fuel was hampering the
health system’s recovery, according to health and aid workers.
Truck
drivers on the Egyptian side of the border said they sometimes faced days-long
waits at the Nitzana crossing before inspections were completed.
NGOs and
UN officials also heard appeals from the monarch to accelerate delivery of aid
in Gaza’s north, where the United Nations says access remains limited and most
water production plants remain shut due to lack of fuel.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2418206/middle-east
-----
Since
Gaza war began, violence against Palestinians has also surged in West Bank and
gone virtually unnoticed
30th
November 2023
While
the world remains fixated on the devastating October 7 Hamas attacks and the
subsequent Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, there has been a pronounced – and
mostly unnoticed – escalation in violence against Palestinians in the occupied
West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Before
the recent events, this had already been the deadliest year for Palestinians in
the West Bank since 2005, with about 200 fatalities, mostly attributed to
Israeli security forces.
This
figure has more than doubled since October 7, including the killings of 55
children. That brings the yearly fatality total in the West Bank to more than
450 Palestinians so far, according to the United Nations.
The UN
has also recorded 281 settler attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank
since October 7, resulting in eight deaths. Four Israelis have been killed in
attacks by Palestinians.
In
nearly half of the settler attacks, Israeli security forces either “accompanied
or actively supported the attackers”, according to the UN.
A sharp
increase in displacements
It is no
coincidence the upsurge in anti-Palestinian violence this year has corresponded
with the coming to power of the most right-wing nationalist government in
Israeli history.
The new
hardline government promised to expand Israeli settlements in the West Bank,
which Israel has occupied since capturing the territory in the 1967
Arab-Israeli war.
This has
emboldened Israeli settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, who now
regularly engage in violence and provocative nationalist actions around the
al-Aqsa mosque compound.
Since
1967, Israel has built over 270 settlements containing approximately 750,000
settlers. Despite these settlements being deemed illegal under international
law, they remain protected by the Israeli military and their own security
squads.
In
February, the Israeli government transferred the West Bank from military to
civilian control, which critics claimed could represent a step towards
legalised annexation.
Since
October 7 alone, the Israeli human rights group B’tselem reports that 16
Palestinian communities have been “forcibly transferred” to Area C, which
covers about 65% of the West Bank and is under complete Israeli control.
Overall, over 1,000 Palestinians have been displaced in the West Bank due to
settler violence and access restrictions, according to the UN.
According
to a group of UN experts: "Israel’s continuous annexation of portions of
the occupied Palestinian territory […] suggests that a concrete effort may be
underway to annex the entire occupied Palestinian territory in violation of
international law."
Settler
violence against Palestinians also includes the uprooting of hundreds of olive
trees, destruction of property, blocked roads, armed raids and sabotaged wells.
Military checkpoints and barriers make movement between Palestinian areas
increasingly difficult.
Settlers
also enjoy civilian and political rights in the West Bank, while Palestinians
are subjected to military rule. This has been described by human rights groups,
such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and B'tselem, as well as
prominent Israelis, as apartheid.
In a
study of 1,000 cases of settler violence submitted to the Israeli judiciary
between 2005 and 2021, the human rights organisationYesh Din found 92% were
dismissed.
A recipe
for more violence
The West
Bank continues to be run, at least in parts, by the internationally recognised
Palestinian Authority (PA), led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of
Fatah.
However,
the PA is considered corrupt, and nepotistic and is deeply unpopular among
Palestinians in the territories. Recent polling revealed that 78% of
Palestinians want Abbas to resign. Primarily, this is because the PA is seen by
Palestinians in the West Bank as nothing more than Israel’s security
subcontractor and has suppressed demonstrations in solidarity with Gaza.
As a
result, a younger generation of Palestinian fighters has emerged in West Bank
towns and cities that transcend the longstanding divide between Hamas in Gaza
and the PA in the West Bank.
These
self-defence battalions are intended to defend Palestinians against Israeli
incursions, especially in the Jenin refugee camp and the old city of Nablus,
both of which have repeatedly been the subject of Israeli raids this year.
Meanwhile,
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s national security minister and the leader of the
Jewish Power Party, continues to openly defend settlers’ actions, setting the
stage for more attacks.
Earlier
this year, a joint statement by the Israeli military, Shin Bet (Israel’s
domestic security agency) and Israeli police condemned Jewish settler violence
against Palestinians, saying the increased vigilantism contradicted Jewish
values and were a form of “nationalist terror in the full sense of the term”.
Days later, though, Ben-Gvir blocked condemnation of the settlers and is
reported to have called them “sweet kids” who had been turned into adults in
detention.
After
the October 7 attacks, Ben-Gvir’s ministry announced it had purchased 10,000
assault rifles to be distributed to civilian security teams around the country,
including in West Bank settlements.
Other
senior Israeli politicians have also been seen to encourage violence. In March,
for instance, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who is also in charge of the
civil administration of the West Bank, said a Palestinian town called Huwara
should be “wiped out.”
The US
State Department said the comment amounted to an incitement of violence and
called it “repugnant”. Smotrich later apologised, calling it a “slip of the
tongue.”
All of
this has helped create an environment of fear, frustration and desperation
among Palestinians in the West Bank. Following five weeks of war in Gaza, the
Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research reported that 69% of
Palestinians say they “fear future settler attacks.”
The
upshot of this continued violence in the West Bank is the prospects for a
viable two-state solution are more remote than ever, leaving Palestinians with
little alternative then to continue resisting. The Conversation
Source: newindianexpress.com
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------
Israel’s
Herzog meets UAE counterpart to push for hostage release
November
30, 2023
DUBAI:
Israeli President Isaac Herzog met his Emirati counterpart on the sidelines of
UN climate talks on Thursday as part of a diplomatic push to release hostages
held by Hamas.
Herzog’s
visit to the United Arab Emirates comes nearly eight weeks into the
Israel-Hamas war and coincides with a day-long extension to a truce that has
seen Israeli hostages freed in exchange for the release of Palestinian
prisoners.
During
his meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Herzog underlined
“the necessity to act in any way possible to free the Israeli hostages held
captive by the murderous terrorist organization Hamas,” a statement from his
office said.
He
“appealed” to his Emirati counterpart “to employ his full political weight to
promote and speed up the return home of the hostages,” the statement said.
In a
separate statement on X, formerly Twitter, Herzog said he would hold “a series
of diplomatic meetings” in Dubai to push for the release of hostages.
More
than 140 heads of state and government are due to address COP28 on Friday and
Saturday, including Herzog, who is scheduled to make a speech lasting three
minutes on Friday.
“In my
meetings with world leaders I intend to raise the firm demand for the immediate
and unconditional release of all the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza,” Herzog
said.
“In
addition, I will detail and emphasize efforts to provide more and more
humanitarian aid to the civilians of Gaza,” he added.
Palestinian
president Mahmud Abbas was also scheduled to speak at COP28 but his office said
he was no longer going and his foreign minister would take his place.
Since
the truce began on November 24, 70 Israeli hostages have been freed in return
for 210 Palestinian prisoners.
Around
30 foreigners, most of them Thais working in Israel, have been freed outside
the terms of the deal.
Israel
has made clear it sees the truce as a temporary halt intended to free hostages,
but there are growing calls for a more sustained pause in the conflict.
Fighting
began on October 7 when Hamas and other militants from the Gaza Strip poured
over the border into Israel, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and
kidnapping about 240, according to Israeli authorities.
In
response, Israel vowed to destroy Hamas and unleashed an air and ground
campaign that the Hamas government in Gaza says has killed nearly 15,000
people, also mostly civilians.
The war
has cast a shadow over the UN climate talks in Dubai with activists demanding a
permanent cease-fire and an end to Israel’s 17-year blockade of the Gaza Strip.
The UAE
is one of the few Arab states to recognize Israel, having established ties in
2020 as part of the US-brokered Abraham Accords. But it is at pains to show
solidarity with Palestinians.
It has
dispatched a 150-bed field hospital to Gaza and has pledged to take in 2,000
Palestinians, including 1,000 children and an equal number of cancer patients,
for treatment.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2418241/middle-east
-----
Arab World
Palestinian
Red Crescent official thanks Saudi Arabia for humanitarian aid in Gaza
December
01, 2023
GAZA:
Executive Director of Palestinian Red Crescent Bashar Murad thanked the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia for providing humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
Saudi’s
aid agency KSrelief provided food and medical aid to displaced and wounded
Palestinians in Gaza.
Murad
said the aid was sent to the most impacted areas in Gaza and medical supplies
provided by the Kingdom were given to the health ministry and hospitals in the
area.
As of
Friday, over 24 Saudi aid planes arrived in Gaza through the Rafah crossing.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2418436/saudi-arabia
----
Saudi
reserve participates in SGI, COP28 conferences
November
30, 2023
RIYADH:
Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Natural Reserve Development Authority is
participating at the co-current Saudi Green Initiative Gallery and UN Climate
Change Conference — COP28 — in Dubai, today.
The
reserve will showcase its drone-based program, the biggest of its kind, in
protecting biodiversity in Saudi Arabia, for being more effective and efficient
in environmental activities and having a lower carbon footprint, the Saudi
Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
It has
already contributed to raising the efficiency of environmental monitoring and
protection teams by more than 220 percent.
Drones
have also helped to cut carbon emissions by more than 66 percent by reducing
dependence on fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
An
interactive screen will also display details of the pioneering Vegetation Cover
Evaluation Project, which uses remote-sensor technologies, as well as many
initiatives dedicated to expanding the vegetation cover and afforestation.
All of
ITBA’s projects and initiatives are fully aligned with the national goals of
the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, and dedicated to preserving the vegetation cover and
biodiversity, including rare and endangered species, as part of broader
environmental protection efforts.
The
Saudi Green Initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions, plant 10 billion trees
in the Kingdom over the next decades and protect 30 percent of the Kingdom’s
land and marine areas by 2030, as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to reach carbon
neutrality by 2060.
It is
worth noting that IBTA spans more than 91,500 sq km, making it the second
largest royal reserve in the Kingdom.
Known
for its picturesque nature and biodiversity, the reserve is home to 138 wild
species, including Rhim Gazelles, Oryxes, and more than 179 wild plants,
including Ziziphus, Acacia and Arta trees.
Source: arabnews.com
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-----
KSrelief
sends 14 ambulances to Gaza
November
30, 2023
RIYADH:
Fourteen out of the planned 20 ambulances provided by Saudi aid agency KSrelief
are en route to the Gaza Strip via the Rafah border crossing, the Saudi Press
Agency reported on Thursday.
The
ambulances are carrying crucial medical supplies including biometric devices,
oxygen devices, first aid kits, burn treatment kits, transport beds, splints
and straps.
Rafah,
overseen by Egypt, is the only crossing into Gaza not controlled by Israel.
KSrelief
has finalized four cooperation agreements with international organizations to
provide relief worth $40 million for Palestinians in Gaza.
On
Thursday, the 24th Saudi relief plane departed from King Khalid International
Airport in Riyadh to Al-Arish International Airport in Egypt.
On board
the plane are 31 tons of aid supplies, including food, shelter and medical
provisions.
This
initiative is part of an ongoing campaign dedicated to alleviating the
suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2418191/saudi-arabia
------
Joint
Statement Issued at the Conclusion of the Visit of the President of Brazil to
Saudi Arabia
30 Nov,
2023
Based on
the distinguished relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the
Federative Republic of Brazil and their friendly peoples, and at the kind
invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz
Al Saud, His Excellency the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil,
Luiz Inلcio Lula da Silva, paid an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
on 14-15/5/1445 corresponding to 28-29/11/2023.
His
Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince
and Prime Minister, received His Excellency the President of the Federative
Republic of Brazil at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh. His Royal Highness conveyed
the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin
Abdulaziz Al Saud, and his wishes for good health and wellness to His
Excellency and to the Federative Republic of Brazil and its friendly people
further progress and development. His Excellency sent his greetings and sincere
wishes of good health and wellness to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques,
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to the friendly Saudi people further
progress and prosperity. His Royal Highness and His Excellency held an official
session of talks, during which they reviewed bilateral relations between the
two countries and ways to develop them in all fields. Furthermore, views were
exchanged on the overall current regional and international situations.
His
Excellency the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Luiz Inلcio Lula da Silva, extended his
congratulations to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz
Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on winning the bid to host World Expo
2030.
Within
the framework of the distinguished relations of friendship and cooperation
between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Federative Republic of Brazil, the
two sides agreed to establish the Saudi-Brazilian Coordination Council, to
frame and regulate the existing and future aspects of joint cooperation between
the two countries. They also agreed on completing procedural steps and
activating the Council and its committees in the nearest future.
In the
economic, trade and investment fields, the two sides reviewed the most
prominent challenges of the global economy and the role of the Kingdom and
Brazil in facing these challenges. They praised the growth in the volume of
bilateral trade between the two friendly countries, noting that the Kingdom is
the first trading partner of Brazil in the region, and Brazil is the largest
trading partner of the Kingdom in South America. They discussed Ways to enhance
and diversify bilateral trade, intensify communication between the private
sectors in both countries, and hold trade and investment events to discuss
promising opportunities in these areas, and transform them into tangible
partnerships for the benefit of the economies of the two countries.
The two
sides praised the outcomes of the Brazilian-Saudi Investment Forum, which was
held in Sao Paulo in August 2023, which witnessed the signing of 25 investment
agreements between the two countries, valued at approximately 3.5 billion
dollars. The two sides also stressed the importance of continuing work to
strengthen partnerships between the private sectors in the two countries, by
creating a suitable investment environment, intensifying visits of mutual
delegations, and holding joint investment forums. The Brazilian side welcomed
the entry of Saudi companies into the Brazilian market to invest in the
qualitative projects within an investment road map of $10 billion through the
Public Investment Fund, where the Saudi Manara Company invested in the Brazilian
Company Vale at a value of 2.6 billion dollars, and the Saudi company SALIC
invested in the Brazilian companies Minerva Foods and BRF in the agricultural
and food industries sectors at a value of 765 million dollars. The Saudi side
expressed its aspiration for Brazilian companies to enter the Saudi market and
benefit from the investment opportunities provided by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030
projects. In this regard, the two sides stressed the importance of accelerating
the pace of negotiation between the two countries regarding an investment
agreement.
The
Saudi side also welcomed the entry of Brazilian companies specialized in
implementing major projects in the Kingdom, including water projects, and
enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the agricultural, fishery
and animal fields.
The two sides discussed the bilateral economic
cooperation, exploring avenues for expanding trade and investment, and agreed
to further deepen the partnership in other key areas including defense, science
and technology, renewable energy, education, climate action, and space
cooperation. Considering: (i) the remarkable recent increase in bilateral trade
between Brazil and Saudi Arabia; (ii) the complementarity and partnership
between the two economies – already quite clear in the food and agricultural
fields, but with great potential in sectors such as energy, minerals, chemicals
and petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, defense and tourism; and (iii) the
interest in increasing reciprocal investments, co-investments between Saudi and
Brazilian companies, investors, funds and agencies that promote investment,
where both sides deemed it appropriate: (i) to establish a mechanism for
dialogue on investments, at a technical level, with a focus on structuring
projects, to stimulate and facilitate investments, in order to encourage
partnerships that allow the achievement of projects of mutual interest; (ii) to
advance negotiations between both sides Financial and Investments agencies such
as BNDES, SFD and PIF to encourage co-investments in the strategic sectors, in
alignment with both counties investment strategies, and (iii) to further
stimulate bilateral talks on ways and instruments to facilitate investment,
improving the business environment in order to foster mutual investments. In
light of these considerations, the Brazilian side presented to the Saudi side
opportunities of investment in projects of the new growth acceleration program
PAC.
The two
sides expressed their satisfaction with the level of cooperation between the two
countries and joint projects in the fields of industry and mining, including
the poultry products factory project, whose investment volume amounts to 120
million dollars. They welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding
between the National Development Industrial Center NIDC in Saudi Arabia and the
Brazilian Company Vale to develop a factory and logistical center for
processing and producing high-quality iron pellets in the Ras Al-Khair
Industrial City in the Kingdom.
In the
field of energy, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to foster
technologies that support the global efforts to address climate change. In this
regard, Brazil and Saudi Arabia will endeavor to enhance cooperation in the
fields of renewable energy; abatement and removal technologies such as carbon
capture; utilization and storage CCUS; electric power; power grids; and energy
efficiency.
In the
field of energy, the Brazilian side acknowledged the Kingdom’s efforts in
enhancing the stability of the global oil markets, in a way that serves the
interests of producers and consumers and supports the growth of the global
economy.
The two
sides acknowledged the importance of trade partnership and cooperation in the
field of crude oil, refined products, petrochemicals and fertilizers, in
addition to discussing opportunities for joint projects in the petrochemical
sector, and innovative uses of hydrocarbons.
The two sides welcomed the signing of the
memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Mines and Energy of the
Federative Republic of Brazil and the Ministry of Energy of the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia.
Regarding
climate change issues, the two sides recognize that it represents one of the
greatest challenges of our time that needs to be addressed in the context of
sustainable development and of efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger. The two
sides agreed to broadening, deepening and diversifying their bilateral
cooperation on climate, as well as their joint efforts towards a strengthened
global governance under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change UNFCCC, its Kyoto protocol and its Paris agreement. They also agreed to
work together to ensure that the UNFCCC multilateral process from COP28 to
COP30 contributes to inclusive climate action, while uniting the international
community around the ultimate objective of the convention and the goals of its
Paris agreement, in the light of equity and the best available science, They
reiterated their determination to enhance the multilateral response to climate
change in a way that also tackle national circumstances of countries, including
by working closer together within the group of 77.
During
the visit, the two sides agreed on the importance of strengthening cooperation
in the following areas: (1) Chemical and polymer industry. (2) Aviation. (3)
Food processing and distribution, and exchanging experiences in the areas of
food supply chains and fresh foodstuffs. (4) Communications, technology,
digital economy, innovation, and space. (5) Combating cross-border corruption
crimes in all their forms. (6) Judiciary and Justice, and discussing
instruments for enhancing cooperation between the Ministry of Justice in the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Justice and Public Security in the
Federative Republic of Brazil. (7) Transport and logistics services. (8)
Health, supporting global initiatives to confront current and future pandemics,
risks and health challenges, and working through international organizations to
confront global health challenges and develop vaccines, medicines and
diagnostic tools. (9) Education, encouraging universities to strengthen direct
relations between them, and exchanging academic, educational, and research
experiences in the fields of creativity, innovation, and artificial
intelligence. (10) Radio, television, news exchange, training, and exchange of
visits between specialists from both sides. (11) Museums, music, theater,
performing and visual arts, exchanging cultural programs, and strengthening
partnerships in sports programs and activities.
They
have also agreed on the importance of continuing security cooperation and
coordination on issues of common concern, including combating all forms of
crimes, terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism and their
financing, and exchanging information, expertise and training in a way that
contributes to achieving security and stability in the two friendly countries.
The two
sides stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between the two
countries in international organizations and forums such as the International
Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the G20, and coordination between them to
support international efforts in confronting the challenges facing the global
economy.
Regarding
Brazil's upcoming presidency of the G-20, the two sides stressed the importance
of prioritizing the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic,
social, and environmental. They also emphasized the need to advocate
advancements in reforming global governance institutions, especially in the financial
sector, to address the increasing global and local inequalities.
In
international affairs, the two sides renewed their determination to continue
coordination and intensify efforts aimed at maintaining international peace and
security. They affirmed their determination to enhance cooperation and joint
coordination towards issues of concern to both countries on the regional and
international arenas, and to continue their support for all that would
establish peace and stability in the region and the world.
The two
sides discussed developments in the situation in Palestine, expressed their
deep concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stressed the need for an
immediate cessation of hostilities, and the need to protect civilians in
accordance with international laws and international humanitarian law. They
stressed the importance of the role that the international community must play
to stop the violence against civilians and all violations of international
humanitarian law. In this regard, the two sides welcomed the agreement for
humanitarian pause and call for its extension, as well as the release of all
hostages. The two sides stressed the need to enable international humanitarian
organizations to play their role in providing adequate humanitarian and relief
aid to the Palestinian people, including United Nations organizations,
especially the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees
UNRWA, and to support their efforts in this regard. The two sides stressed the
importance of intensifying efforts to reach a comprehensive and just settlement
of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in accordance with the principle of the
two-state solution, the Arab Peace Initiative, and all relevant UN resolutions,
in a way that guarantees a viable state of Palestine on the borders of 1967,
living side by side with Israel in peace and security.
Regarding
the Yemeni issue, the two sides affirmed their full support for international
and regional efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni
crisis, including UN-facilitated initiatives. The Brazilian side welcomed the
Kingdom’s efforts and its initiatives to promote dialogue and reconciliation
between the Yemeni parties.
The
Brazilian side welcomed the resumption of diplomatic relations between the
Kingdom and Iran, expressing its hope that this step would contribute to
enhancing security and stability in the region, in a way that preserves the
sovereignty of countries and non-interference in their internal affairs.
Regarding
the conflict in Ukraine, the two sides stressed the importance of settling the
crisis by peaceful means, giving priority to dialogue and diplomatic solutions,
and making all possible efforts towards restoring security and stability, and
limits the negative repercussions of this crisis.
At the
conclusion of the visit, His Excellency the President of the Federative
Republic of Brazil, Luiz Inلcio Lula da Silva, expressed his thanks and
appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al
Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the good reception and hospitality
that His Excellency and the accompanying delegation have received. His Highness
also expressed his best wishes for health and happiness to His Excellency, and
for further progress and prosperity for the friendly Brazilian people.
Source: alriyadhdaily.com
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Africa
Muhammad,
Shekarau urge government to leverage Islamic finance
01
December 2023
President,
African Islamic Economic Foundation, Baba Yunus Muhammad, has urged Federal
Government to leverage Islamic finance to build a sustainable healthcare in the
country.
Speaking
at a one-day international summit on Islamic financing as an alternative
funding source for primary healthcare in Nigeria, organised by Islamic Economic
Foundation and Duke Consult, with the support of Development Research and
Projects Centre (DRPC), yesterday in Abuja, Muhammad stressed the need to pay
attention to healthcare in Nigeria, and called on government to explore sources
of financing healthcare in Nigeria to ensure healthcare affordability and
accessibility.
He noted
that digital technology and Islamic Finance could play key role in
revolutionising healthcare and has the power to bring healthcare services to
those who need it most, bridge the gap between healthcare providers and
patients, allowing for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
Muhammad
implored government to harness digital technology for sustainable primary
healthcare infrastructure development in the country, adding that the summit
represents a significant milestone in the intersection of healthcare,
technology, and faith-based financial principles in one of Africa’s most
populous and diverse nations in its quest to improve healthcare access and
quality.
In his
contributions, former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, urged Federal
Government to invest in digital health technology through the instrument of
Islamic financing in order to bridge the gaps in healthcare delivery in
Nigeria.
He
stated that digital technology would improve access, reduce geographical
barriers, enhance the quality of healthcare services and provide specialised
healthcare for Nigerians, regardless of their social status.
Shakarau
observed that Islamic finance, with its principles of fairness and social
responsibility, can play a pivotal role in supporting the adoption and
implementation of digital health technology in Nigeria.
He
described the summit as an avenue with a unique platform to explore how Islamic
financing and digital health technology can intersect and drive Nigeria’s
primary healthcare transformation agenda.
While
supporting the need for Nigeria to review its dependence on budget as the only
source of healthcare financing, Dr Stanley Ukpai called on stakeholders at the
summit to find alternative funding sources to diversify its domestic funding
sources to fiancé health. The summit was attended by participants from Islamic
Development Bank, academia, the business community, and technology firms, among
others.
Source: guardian.ng
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https://guardian.ng/news/muhammad-shekarau-urge-government-to-leverage-islamic-finance/
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Police,
others kill over 50 suspected bandits in Taraba
01
December 2023
Taraba
State Police Command, in collaboration with the army, vigilante and
professional hunters, successfully neutralised more than 50 suspected bandits,
who had been terrorising communities in Bali Local Council of the state.
According
to the command’s spokesperson, Usman Abdullahi, the operation took place in
Tonti village, Maihula District. The Commissioner of Police, according to him,
received information about the invasion by over 100 gunmen, suspected to be
bandits in the early hours of November 28, 2023, who attacked Tonti village
during the Muslim morning prayers, creating a state of panic. Upon receiving
the information, he reportedly ordered the deployment of a tactical team from
Bali Division, with a collaborative effort from the army, vigilante and
hunters.
During
exchange of gunfire, the security operatives were said to have killed over 50
bandits, while some managed to escape with injuries. Contrary to rumours, the
command clarified that some of those killed were not professional hunters, but
innocent villagers caught in the crossfire.
IN a
related development, no fewer than four Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)
terrorists have been killed by their Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in San
San village of Mobbar Local Council, Borno State.
The
terrorists were reportedly killed on Wednesday, while they were planting an
explosive device along the patrol routes of 5 Brigade Troops of Operation Hadin
Kai (OPHK).
According
to military sources, in Maiduguri, the IED detonation was a clear case of
tactical boomerang of devastation of lives in heinous operations.
Counter-insurgency
expert in the Lake Chad region, ZagazolaMakama, disclosed, yesterday, in
Maiduguri that troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Sector 4
deployed to Wongonu, also discovered an IED in Chetimari terrorists’ hideouts
on November 23, 2023.
THE
Federal Government is set to deploy additional security operatives to secure
the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina State, against terrorists.
Vice
Chancellor of the institution, Prof Armaya’uHamisu, stated this during a press
briefing, yesterday. The institution had been in the news for the wrong
reasons, after five female undergraduate students were abducted by terrorists
more than 50 days ago.
One of
the students was, however, released a few days ago, with speculation that
millions of naira was paid by her family members before her release.
The VC
added that a timeline of about two weeks is expected in which the additional
security would be deployed, and that the permanent site of the institution
would be in full use by the second week of December.
Source: guardian.ng
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https://guardian.ng/news/police-others-kill-over-50-suspected-bandits-in-taraba/
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Police
in Kaduna arrest eight terrorists as leader escapes
By
SaxoneAkhaine, Kaduna
01
December 2023
Operatives
of the Nigerian Police in Kaduna state have arrested a syndicate of eight
terrorists, who engaged in kidnapping and armed robbery.The Command also said
based on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Musa Garba, operatives
have been ordered to comb nooks and crannies, including the den of bandits in
the state to make the Yuletide safe for citizens.
The
spokesperson of the Command, ASP Mansur Hassan, said operatives from the
Divisional Headquarters Maigana, succeeded in the arrest of eight suspected
kidnappers and armed robbers based on intelligence gathering.
According
to him: “The operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer had on November
17, 2023 at about 02:00 hours stormed the criminals’ den in Nuba farm and
arrested, Bello Suleiman 20-years-old, Ismail Abubakar 20-year-old, Usman
Suleiman 20-year-old, Umar Suleiman Gero 19-year-old and Isah Lawal 20-year-old
of FarinKasa village in Soba local council
of Kaduna state. Others are Abubakar Bello, 27-year-old of Sakaru
village in Soba local council, Ibrahim Mu’azu 20-year-old of Bagaldi village
Soba, and Umar Suleiman”.
Hassan
said: “Preliminary inquiry disclosed that the aforesaid suspects were
responsible for the abduction on August 25, 2023 of Kawu Ibrahim Yakasai.
Equally, a certain AdamuMu’azu ‘M’ of Bagaldi village was their kidnapped
victim in recent times. Their gang leader one alias Hanazawa ‘M’ of FarinKasa
village is at large though trailed. All the suspects will have their day in
court at the completion of the investigation.”
Source: guardian.ng
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Malawians
Pursue Opportunities in Israel Amid Economic Challenges
November
30, 2023
Hundreds
of people have queued outside a hotel in the Malawi capital this week for a
chance to work in Israel, wary of the war but willing to face the dangers to
escape their own country's woes.
More
than 220 Malawians flew to Israel on Saturday as part of a government labour
export programme aimed at finding jobs for young people and generating
desperately needed foreign exchange.
With
Malawi's economy in deep trouble, thousands are ready to take on jobs on
Israeli farms and orchards left deserted by the Gaza conflict.
"It’s
everyone’s dream to acquire capital. You know like in Malawi, most of Malawian
youths they tend to say we struggle, we struggle a lot when it comes to capital
even after finalisingtertiary education. So, if I'm to be successful during
this event of going to Israel, I will gain a lot of experience and possibly
open my farm," said Blessings Kanyimbo, an applicant
The
Israeli ambassador told The Nation newspaper the deal was a "win-win"
for the two countries.
Malawians
will earn good money and knowledge, while Israel will part fill its labour gap.
On top
of the foreign exodus, some 350,000 Israelis have been called up into the
military.
"A
number of youths are leaving Malawi for Israel where they will be engaged in a
number of agricultural activities, which is part of the labour export, a
private sector-driven initiative with the Malawi government coming in as a
regulator of labour-related issues," said ChikumbutsoMtumodzi, Director of
Information in Malawi.
"When
they go there, they are also paid. They are not just going there for internship
and work. They get paid," added Mike Ching’amba, Lilongwe University of
Agriculture and Natural Resources lecturer.
Asian
foreign workers have fled, while Gaza Palestinians have been barred since the
October 7 Hamas attacks that unleashed the war.
Dozens
of foreign workers were among about 240 people that Israel says were kidnapped
in the attacks.
Source: africanews.com
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Fake
beauty promoter bags ten years jail terms in Kaduna
By
Matthew Ogune Abuja
01
December 2023
Justice
A.AIsiaka of the Kaduna State High Court, has convicted and sentenced a fake
beauty promoter, Ogunleye Samson Oluwasola to ten years imprisonment for
cheating and obtaining by false pretence.
He was
jailed after pleading guilty to one-count charge bordering on cheating and
obtaining by false pretense, preferred against him by the Kaduna Zonal command
of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The lone
count charge reads: “That you Ogunleye Samson Oluwasola sometime in March, 2023
in Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently
induced one Solomon Suzie to deliver to you the sum of N740, 000.00 (Seven
Hundred and Forty Thousand naira) for an online photo contest, a pretence which
you knew to be false and you thereby committed the offence of cheating contrary
to Section 306(a) and punishable under Section 307 of the Penal Code Law of
Kaduna State, 2017.”
He
pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him. Based on his plea,
prosecution counsel, M. Lawal prayed the court to convict and sentence him
accordingly.
Justice
Isiaka, thereafter sentenced and convicted Samson to 10 years imprisonment. He
also forfeited two Iphones, Mercedes Benz E350, 2011 model, Toyota Camry 2011
XLE to the federal government. He has also restituted the sum of N740, 000.00
(Seven Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira only) to the victim.
Oluwasola’s
journey to the Correctional Centre began when a petitioner, Solomon Suzzie,
petitioned the EFCC alleging that she came across a beauty contest post on
WhatsApp and indicated interest. She joined the group and participated after
which she was selected as one of the contestants.
She was
constantly making payments for votes amounting to N740, 000.00(Seven Hundred
and Forty Thousand Naira) to an account provided by the group admin with no
winner announced . She was asked to pay more money and sensing foul play, she
petitioned the EFCC. Investigation further revealed that the entire scheme,
tagged “Online Photo Contest,” was designed by the suspect, the sole proprietor
in 2020, to defraud unsuspecting members of the public of their money.
Source: guardian.ng
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https://guardian.ng/news/fake-beauty-promoter-bags-ten-years-jail-terms-in-kaduna/
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Plateau
Muslim community backs Gov Muftwang, dismisses rumouredmarginalisation
Isaac
Shobayo
November 30, 2023
Contrary
to the insinuation that the Muslims in Plateau State are not represented in the
cabinet of Governor Caleb Muftwang, the leadership of the Muslim Umma in the
state has condemned the insinuation and declared that the Muslims are
adequately represented.
Addressing
newsmen in Jos, Plateau State, the spokesman of the Muslim Umma, Mubarak Isa,
said the governor has a good relationship with the Umma, adding that this has
resulted in the appointment of Muslims into various positions of authority in
the six-month-old Muftwang administration.
According
to him, the relationship between the governor, the government, and the Muslim
community is less than savory, adding that those behind the insinuation simply
want to soil a good relationship.
He said,
“We have come before you this day all the leadership of Muslim ummah from all
parts of Plateau State to pass a vote of confidence on the Executive Governor
of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Muftwang, on his six months of unprecedented
achievements.
“This
governor and government have shown that the dividends of democracy can reach
the common man from the first day in office. The Caleb Mutftwang-led “The Time
is Now” administration has displayed the spirit of oneness, brotherhood, and
development.
“With
this background, we want to state categorically that Gov. Caleb Muftwang is a
unifier. That’s the reason we want to air our view about Muftwang and tell the
world about his appointments and achievements with the Muslim community in
Plateau State.
They,
however, chronicled the appointments made under the Muftwang administration
including the appointment of HamisuAnani from Wase as ALGON chairman of Plateau
State, DanladiKwari from Jos North as Chairman of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare
Board, Dayyabu Dauda from Wase as secretary of the board of the Muslim Pilgrims
Welfare Board, and Bashir LawandiDatti as Commissioner for Youths and Sports.
Others
are Muhammed InuwaNyalum, Commissioner of Secondary Education, from Wase, and
Hajiya Jamila Tukur, Commissioner of Tourism, Culture, and Hospitality, from
Qur’an Pan.
According
to the Muslim Umma, all these include the ongoing renewal of urban
infrastructure within Muslim settlements in Jos North.
Isa
added, “We use this opportunity to condemn and dissociate the Muslim Ummah from
the campaign of calumny and blackmail being orchestrated against the person of
the governor by some mischief kingpins and doomsday apostles to the effect that
the governor does not like Muslims.
“The
peddlers of this misleading narrative are actually on a daredevil mission to
cause confusion and stoke discord in the land to justify the effort of their
paymasters. Let us reiterate that the Muslim Ummah in Plateau State is solid
with Gov. Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State, and we pray that the almighty Allah
will continue to protect him as he leads Plateau State to greater glory.”
Source: tribuneonlineng.com
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ECOWAS
summit scheduled for December 10 in Abuja
November
30, 2023
The next
summit of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), in crisis
after a series of recent military coups, will take place on December 10 in
Abuja, the Côte d'Ivoire presidency announced on Thursday.
"The
next ordinary summit" of Ecowas "will take place on December 10 in
Abuja", the Nigerian capital, according to a press release issued by the
presidency following a meeting in Abidjan on Wednesday between Ivorian head of
state Alassane Ouattara and the president of the regional organization's
commission, Omar AlieuTouray.
The last
summit took place at the beginning of August, and was entirely devoted to the
situation in Niger, following the military coup of July 26 that overthrew the
elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, who has since been sequestered in his
residence in Niamey.
The
Heads of State had threatened military intervention to restore President Bazoum
to office, and imposed heavy economic and financial sanctions on Niger, ruled
by a military regime led by General AbdourahamaneTiani.
"I
wouldn't say we've given up the military option. We have suspended it, while
waiting for the sanctions to produce results", said Abdel-FatauMusah,
Ecowas Commissioner for Political Affairs, in an interview published Thursday
on the Jeune Afrique website.
Regarding
the three-year transition period put forward by General Tiani before a return
to constitutional order, he felt that "many things are negotiable, but
under no circumstances will we accept a three-year transition".
"In
any case, dialogue has broken down for the time being. We have tried to meet
(the Niger leaders) and talk to them. They refuse," he added.
Of the
fifteen member countries of Ecowas, four have been ruled since 2020 by military
leaders following coups d'état: Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Guinea. All have
since been suspended from the organization, and will therefore not be
represented at the Abuja summit.
The
first three countries, plagued by jihadist violence, have formed an Alliance of
Sahel States (AES).
An
attempted coup in Sierra Leone, another Ecowas member, killed 21 people on
Sunday, according to senior officials in that country.
Source: africanews.com
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Floods
in Somalia: more than a million people displaced
November
30, 2023
More
than a million people have been displaced by flooding caused by heavy rains
that have been affecting Somalia for several weeks, the Somali president
announced on Wednesday evening.
The Horn
of Africa is facing torrential rains and floods linked to the El Nino weather
phenomenon, which have claimed dozens of lives and caused large-scale
displacement, particularly in Somalia, where the massive rains have destroyed
bridges and flooded residential areas.
"Our
country is in a critical state and our people have been affected by the floods
everywhere," President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said in an address, adding
that the floods had displaced over a million people and killed 101 in Somalia,
which has a population of around 17 million.
The head
of state also warned against the proliferation of disease.
The
authorities in Mogadishu declared a state of emergency on November 12 in
response to the scale of the disaster.
The Horn
of Africa is one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change, and extreme
weather events are becoming increasingly frequent and intense.
At least
120 people have been killed by flooding in Kenya, and 57 in Ethiopia.
"It's
a disastrous situation. Regions that were struggling to recover from the
economic and environmental impacts of a prolonged drought are now doubly hit by
floods", deplored the NGO Action Contre la Faim in a statement on
Wednesday.
The
region is emerging from its worst drought in forty years, following several
disappointing rainy seasons that have left millions in need and devastated
crops and livestock.
El Niño,
generally associated with rising temperatures, droughts in some parts of the
world, and heavy rains in others, is set to continue until April.
This
meteorological phenomenon has already wreaked havoc in East Africa. Between
October 1997 and January 1998, gigantic floods fuelled by the torrential rains
it caused claimed more than 6,000 lives in five countries in the region.
Source: africanews.com
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Nigeria:
4 soldiers and militiamen killed in a jihadist ambush
November
30, 2023
Four
members of the Nigerian security forces were killed Tuesday in an ambush set by
jihadists in northeastern Nigeria, anti-jihadist militias said on Wednesday.
The
jihadists, affiliated with the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP), attacked a
team of soldiers and anti-jihadist militiamen who were heading on motorbikes
towards the town of Monguno, located 140 km from the capital Maiduguri of Borno
State, two militias said.
"ISWAP
terrorists ambushed the patrol team and opened fire on them in Lingir village,
leading to a shootout. There were so many of them that the team had to
flee," it said. Musa Kaka, leader of an anti-jihadist militia in Monguno.
“Two
soldiers and two anti-jihadist militiamen were killed in the fighting and
several were injured,” he added.
The
jihadist insurgency which has lasted for 14 years in Nigeria is one of the main
security challenges facing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who came to power last
May and who notably promised to put an end to this violence in the northeast.
Even if
the intensity of jihadist abuses has gradually decreased in recent years,
ISWAP, which seceded from Boko Haram in 2016, still remains active in the Lake
Chad region where it regularly clashes with its former group.
ISWAP
regularly carries out attacks in rural areas on the Maiduguri-Monguno highway,
killing and kidnapping motorists, as well as periodic deadly incursions into
Monguno against soldiers and anti-jihadist militias.
In
recent days, its fighters have ordered residents of villages along the highway
between the towns of Gubio, Damasak, Layi, Jamu, and Kinsari to leave their
homes, according to Musa Kaka.
The
jihadist insurgency in Nigeria has left 40,000 dead and more than two million
displaced.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.africanews.com/2023/11/30/nigeria-4-soldiers-and-militiamen-killed-in-a-jihadist-ambush/
------
North America
Report:
US provided Israel with more than 70,000 weapons since 1950
01
December 2023
New data
has shed light on the extent of US military support for Israel’s war machine
over the past seven decades.
A recent
report shows that the United States provided Israel with over 70,000 weapons —
aircraft, ground vehicles, missiles and bombs — via military aid between 1950
and 2022.
Israel
is the largest recipient of US foreign military financing, with most of that
aid coming in the form of weapons grants, according to an Axios analysis of the
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Arms Transfers
Database. The analysis was released on Wednesday.
"I
think it's a safe assumption to say that US weapons are being used extensively
in the current Israeli operations in Gaza," Elias Yousif, a US arms
transfer expert at the Stimson Center, told Time earlier this month.
So far
this year, the report says that the US has provided Israel with at least 16
types of weapons. However, the type and number of weapons are not publically
known due to the US secrecy about the shipments.
Experts
have said these American weapons are likely being used extensively by Israeli
forces against Palestinians in Gaza.
Israel is the single largest recipient of US
foreign aid since World War II.
Since
the Nakba, the US has provided Israel with $260 billion in economic and
military funding.
US-made
AGM-114 Hellfire missiles were used to strike Gaza’s main hospital, al-Shifa
where several Palestinian patients were killed on Friday, according to reports.
The
report came amid a war that the Israeli regime has been waging against the
people of Gaza since October 7, which has so far claimed the lives of more than
15,500 Palestinians. The regime has also intensified its attacks against the
West Bank since the onset of the war.
Source: presstv.ir
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the full text of the original
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2023/12/01/715587/Report--US-gave-Israel-70,000-weapons-since-1950
------
CAIR-Ohio
Meets with Governor DeWine, Urges Commitment to Combat Islamophobia and Address
Crisis in Palestine
Ismail
Allison
November
30, 2023
(COLUMBUS,
OH – 11/30/23) — The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations
(CAIR-Ohio) met with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, alongside prominent leaders
from Ohio mosques, to address concerns related to security and the alarming
rise of Islamophobia in the state.
The
meeting, held at the Governor’s office on November 15, brought together
community leaders and Governor DeWine’s office in an effort to foster
understanding and cooperation in the face of growing challenges faced by the
Muslim community. Key topics of discussion included enhancing security measures
for mosques and Islamic centers, as well as strategies to counteract the rise
of Islamophobic incidents.
During
the meeting, CAIR-Ohio and the masajid leaders presented a list of recommendations
aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of the Muslim community. The
proposals encompassed both short-term and long-term initiatives, emphasizing
the importance of collaborative efforts between the government and the Muslim
community to address shared concerns.
Additionally,
CAIR-Ohio and 46 endorsed mosques and Muslim organizations submitted a letter
to Governor DeWine addressing the ongoing crisis in Palestine. The letter
outlined specific demands and called for immediate action to address the
humanitarian situation and advocate for justice in the region.
Governor
DeWine expressed his commitment to fostering a secure and inclusive environment
for all Ohioans and acknowledged the importance of collaborative efforts in
combating Islamophobia. He assured the attendees that their concerns would be
given careful consideration.
However,
it is with disappointment that CAIR-Ohio notes that despite the meeting and
receipt of the letter on behalf of the broader Ohio Muslim community, Governor
DeWine has yet to take tangible action on the following outlined demands:
1. Publicly condemn all forms of
discrimination, violence, and hate crimes targeting the Muslim and Arab
community in Ohio.
2. Address Israel’s violence against
civilians and settlement expansions as of late;
3. Express support for the sovereignty,
resistance, and will of the Palestinian people, who’ve lived under Israeli
occupation for over 75 years—in the same manner your office did regarding the
Ukrainian people;
4. And to meet with our community, that
include medical, legal, and human rights experts on Israeli apartheid and
oppression.
CAIR-Ohio
remains dedicated to engaging in constructive dialogue with government
officials and advocating for the rights and well-being of the Muslim community.
We call on Governor DeWine to fulfill the promises made during the meeting and
respond to the urgent concerns outlined in the letter.
“While
we appreciate the Governor’s meeting with Ohio Muslims, we now look forward to concrete
actions that will combat Islamophobia and address the pressing humanitarian
crisis in Palestine, including public statements on condemnation of Israel’s
genocide and the rise of violence against Muslims, Arabs, Palestinians, and
those perceived to be as a result of media and elected officials one-sided
statements” said CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi. “CAIR-Ohio remains
steadfast in its dedication to fostering a secure and harmonious environment
for all, and we call on Governor DeWine to join us in turning words into
impactful change.”
TAKE
ACTION: Send a letter to Gov. DeWine and other Ohio Elected Officials Urging
them to Address Demands
CAIR is
America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR-Ohio
has three offices in Ohio – Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. Its mission is
to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and
empower American Muslims.
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ohio-meets-with-governor-dewine-urges-commitment-to-combat-islamophobia-and-address-crisis-in-palestine/
-----
Join
CAIR and Community Partners for Friday Prayer and Pro-Palestine Rally Outside
Israeli Embassy in Dc
Ismail
Allison
November
30, 2023
(WASHINGTON,
D.C., 11/30/2023) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the
nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today invited
community members to attend jummah (Friday congregational) prayers and a rally
outside the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C.
CONTACT:
Mohamed Habbehh, American Muslims for Palestine, info@ampalestine.org; CAIR
National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530,
e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw,
202-999-8292, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim
Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager
Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com
The
event is organized by several American Muslim organizations advocating for
Palestinian human rights, including American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), CAIR,
Muslim American Society (MAS), Islamic Council of North America (ICNA), Muslim
Legal Fund of America (MLFA), and Muslim Ummah of North America (MUNA).
The
urgent objective of this gathering is to urgently address the need for a
lasting ceasefire in Gaza. Commencing with a compelling Friday sermon led by
the esteemed Dr. Osama Abuirshaid, the event will transition into a peaceful
protest, where participants will unite in a collective plea for peace and
justice for the people of Gaza.
NOTE:
Organizers are asking attendees to bring flags, banners, posters and prayer
rugs.
CAIR’s
mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote
justice, and empower American Muslims.
La
misión de CAIR es proteger las libertadesciviles, mejorar la comprensión del
Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanesen los Estados Unidos.
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/join-cair-and-community-partners-for-friday-prayer-and-pro-palestine-rally-outside-israeli-embassy-in-dc/
-----
CAIR
Urges Biden, Congress to Oppose New U.S. Aid to Israel After Netanyahu Pledge
to Block Palestinian State, Resume War Crimes in Gaza
Ismail
Allison
November
30, 2023
(WASHINGTON,
D.C., 11/30/23) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today urged
Congress and the Biden Administration to immediately halt plans to send a
proposed $14 billion in unrestricted financial and military aid to Israel in
response to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reported pledge to block the
creation of a Palestinian state after finishing the mass bombing of Gaza.
CAIR,
the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, strongly
condemned Netanyahu’s recent statements and actions, including his private
rejection of the an independent Palestinian state and his intentions to
escalate military operations in Gaza, funded by U.S. taxpayer money.
Reports
indicate that in the past week, Netanyahu privately informed Israeli lawmakers
that: “I am the only one who will prevent a Palestinian state in Gaza and [the
West Bank] after the war,” directly conflicting with the Biden administration’s
policy, which aims to rekindle discussions around a two-state solution.
The
Biden administration has requested $14 billion in military aid for Israel
following its military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in the deaths of
15,000 Palestinian civilians, including over 6,000 innocent children. While
already approved by the House, Democrats in the U.S. Senate are divided on
whether to attach humanitarian conditions to military aid for Israel, departing
from past practices of unconditional approval. Congress has 9 more days to
adopt such an aid package before the winter congressional recess.
Currently,
a humanitarian pause exists in Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, allowing for
ongoing hostage exchanges. However, this pause is scheduled to conclude today,
although there is a chance that negotiators could extend it by several days.
Israel has announced its intentions to resume its bombing campaign, potentially
extending operations to southern Gaza.
In a
statement, CAIR’s Director of Government Affairs Department Robert S. McCaw
said:
“As a
nation, we cannot continue to fund the far-right Israeli government’s genocidal
operations in Gaza while paying lip service to the idea of a two-state solution
that Benjamin Netanyahu rejects. Doing so makes us look like fools while
Netanyahu laughs his way to the bank with U.S. taxpayer dollars.
“We urge
a principled approach aligned with U.S. interests and values, and that starts
with supporting an immediate and permanent ceasefire.
“President
Biden and Congress can no longer ignore the Israeli government’s clear
opposition to an independent Palestinian state or its threats to resume its
genocidal campaign in Gaza. Congress and the Biden Administration must stand
against Netanyahu’s obstructionism and refuse to send more money to his
extremist government.”
The
organization urged the Biden Administration to leverage its influence to compel
Israel to agree to an indefinite ceasefire and resume negotiations to address
all outstanding issues and secure a just, lasting peace by ending the
occupation.
CAIR’s
mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote
justice, and empower American Muslims.
La
misión de CAIR es proteger las libertadesciviles, mejorar la comprensión del
Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanesen los Estados
Unidos.
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-urges-biden-congress-to-oppose-new-u-s-aid-to-israel-after-netanyahu-pledge-to-block-palestinian-state-resume-war-crimes-in-gaza/
----
‘It
Could Be Any One of Us’: Muslim Organization Helps Those Facing Homelessness
Joanna
Hernandez
November
30, 2023
Winter
in Chicago can be brutal, and it can be even worse for those experiencing
homelessness. A Latino Muslim organization is coming together to help those in
need on the city’s Southwest Side.
It’s a
frigid night in Chicago. A group of volunteers works together to pack up warm
chicken noodle soup. Members like Christopher Nevarez Azdar have been
participants in an initiative called Neighborly Needs.
“We’re
going to be out here for, like, two hours, and we’re going to be freezing, but
we can get to go back into our car and feel the warmth,” Nevarez Azdar said.
“But it’s the realization that these folks don’t have the opportunity to go to
a warm car or get under warm blankets.”
The
initiative is operated by the Ojala Foundation.
“The
word ojala means hope,” Raul Gonzalez said to the group of volunteers. “We are
not just trying to give food and resources. The main thing we are trying to
give is hope.”
Gonzalez
is one of the founders. It’s a mission he embarked on nearly six years ago.
“Neighborly
Needs came about in my kitchen, and we started to make peanut butter and jelly
sandwiches,” Gonzalez said. “We would go out and hand out and ran out of food
because the need is so big, … and we said we would be back next week.”
Before
the team heads out to neighborhoods like Pilsen and Little Village, members
like Christopher Abdulker Kareem Pavlicek begin with a prayer circle.
“We ask
Allah to reward you for that, and we hope you take something home with you every
time you come out,” Kareem Pavlicek said.
The
first stop is an encampment under a bridge. That’s where we meet 61-year-old
Yolanda Velasquez.
“I was
doing so well before my father passed away, working at Potbelly’s. I lost my
job, I went through a depression,” Velasquez expressed. “I lost my apartment,
and I’m sleeping in a tent. I’m homeless.”
For the
last five months, the Chicago native said, she’s been living on the streets.
Getting help has been challenging.
“They
are telling me that I’m not qualified anymore because they are giving all the
benefits to the Venezuelans,” Velasquez said. “I understand they need help,
too, but they are forgetting about the people who pay taxes in Chicago and are
homeless just like they are.”
With
temperatures dropping, Velasquez said she is desperate to find a warm space.
“I look
forwarded to every Friday to be here at least to get whatever I can,” Velasquez
said as tears ran down her cheek. “Anything helps me right now.”
It’s a
calling close to one of the members of the foundation.
“It’s
very personal,” Kareem Pavlicek said. “Some of the closest people to me, they
found themselves in this situation and they didn’t quite make it.”
The team
heads to the second stop where people are sleeping near a school.
Gonzalez
doesn’t shy away from telling his story about how he found his devotion to
Islam. It’s a journey he said has led him to give back.
“I have
a very hard past, and I needed peace, and I was always into stuff, always in
trouble,” Gonzalez said. “I want to penitentiary. I did a lot of time in prison
and was always angry, always looking for family. That’s my family now, Ojala
Foundation.”
Every
Friday, you’ll find Gonzalez and a group of volunteers not only passing out a
warm meal but also spreading the faith of Islam.
“These
people are no different, it could be any one of us,” Kareem Pavlicek said.
“We’re all just one really bad day away from finding ourselves in a desperate
situation.”
The
Neighborly Needs initiative has been running for five years on donations. To learn
more about the organization and how to help, visit ojalafoundation.org.
Source: wttw.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://news.wttw.com/2023/11/30/it-could-be-any-one-us-muslim-organization-helps-those-facing-homelessness
-----
Police
investigating after man allegedly spreads feces in front of Centretown Islamic
centre
Dec. 1,
2023
The
Ottawa Police Hate and Bias Crime Unit is looking for the suspect responsible
for allegedly smearing feces on the door of the Islamic Care Centre in
Centretown last month.
Police
say a male suspect was at the entrance of the centre just after 5 p.m. on Oct.
22. at the 300 block of Somerset Street W. and spread what appeared to be human
excrement on the front door.
The
Islam Care Centre offers support and services to Muslims in the city of Ottawa.
Police
say the man left the area immediately after.
The
suspect is being described as a white male and was last seen wearing a dark
blue hoodie, black pants, black shoes, a baseball cap and wearing a backpack.
Police
provided photos of the alleged suspect and the incident is being investigated
by the police's Hate Crime Unit.
Ottawa
police have said they are concerned about a rise in hate-motivated incidents
and crimes against Jewish and Muslim residents in the city since the start of
the Israel-Hamas war last month.
Anyone
who witnessed the incident or has any information is being asked to call the
Ottawa Police Service Hate Crime Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 5015. Tips may
also be sent electronically to hatebiascrime@ottawapolice.ca.
Source: ottawa.ctvnews.ca
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/police-investigating-after-man-allegedly-spreads-feces-in-front-of-centretowne-islamic-centre-1.6667696
-----
Europe
Top
Russian court bans LGBT movement, brands activists as ‘extremists’
December
01, 2023
Russia's
Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that LGBT activists should be designated as
extremists, in a move that representatives of gay and transgender people say
will lead to arrests and prosecutions.
A court
announced that it had approved a request from the justice ministry to recognise
"the international LGBT social movement" as extremist and to ban its
activities.
The move
is part of a string of laws outlawing the promotion of
"non-traditional" sexual relations and banning legal or medical
changes of gender.
President
Vladimir Putin, expected shortly to announce that he will seek a new six-year
term in March, has long sought to promote an image of Russia as a guardian of
traditional moral values in contrast with a decadent West.
In a
speech last year, he said the West was welcome to adopt "rather strange,
in my view, new-fangled trends like dozens of genders, and gay parades"
but had no right to impose them on other countries.
Mr.
Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters before the court decision was
announced that the Kremlin was "not following" the case and had no
comment on it.
The
Supreme Court took only just over two hours to issue its ruling. The
proceedings were closed to media, but reporters were allowed in to hear the
decision.
LGBT
activists had seen the decision as inevitable after the November 17 request by
the justice ministry, which said that "various signs and manifestations of
extremist orientation, including the incitement of social and religious
discord" had been identified in the activities of the LGBT movement in
Russia.
"Of
course it’s very alarming, and I don’t remember the threat ever being so
serious and real," Alexei Sergeyev, an LGBT activist in St Petersburg,
told Reuters TV in an interview earlier this month.
More
than 100 groups are already banned in Russia as "extremist". Previous
listings, for example of the Jehovah's Witnesses religious movement and
organisations linked to opposition politician Alexei Navalny, have served as a
prelude to arrests.
Mr.
Sergeyev said activities such as psychological and legal support, or even
"meetings where you can just sit and drink tea", would be driven
underground, depriving many LGBT people of support.
"They
will either commit suicide or simply be in some terrible state - their life
will be shortened and their health will deteriorate, they will drink and smoke
more, and so on, somehow trying to escape from this reality."
U.N.
Human Rights chief slams move
U.N.
human rights chief Volker Turk criticised the ruling, calling for it to be
repealed.
“I call
on the Russian authorities to repeal, immediately, laws that place improper
restrictions on the work of human rights defenders or that discriminate against
LGBT people,” Turk said in a statement.
Ravina
Shamdasani, spokesperson for the U.N. Human Rights Office, said the LBGT
community’s situation Russia was “just going from bad to worse”, with its
members fearing arrest and prosecution.
She
added that the lack of clarity around the court’s definition of LGBT movement
left the law open to abuse.
Homosexuality
in Russia
Homosexuality
in Russia was a criminal offence until 1993, and classified as a mental illness
until 1999. Since 2013, Russia has criminalised the “propaganda” of
non-traditional sexual orientations to children.
Last
year, that law was expanded to criminalise any action considered an attempt to
promote homosexuality in public, online, or in movies, books or advertising.
Source: thehindu.com/
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https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/top-russian-court-bans-lgbt-movement-brands-activists-as-extremists/article67593764.ece
-----
Pope
Francis described Tel Aviv’s ‘terrorism’ attacks in Gaza in ‘fraught’ call with
Israeli President Herzog: WaPo
30.11.2023
Pope
Francis used "terrorism" to describe Israel's attacks on the Gaza
Strip in a "fraught" telephone call with Israeli President Isaac
Herzog in late October, according to the Washington Post.
It is
"forbidden to respond to terror with terror," Francis told Herzog, a
senior Israeli official was quoted in the report.
Herzog
said during the call that his government was doing "what was needed in
Gaza to defend its own people.”
The pope
said in response that "those responsible should indeed be held accountable,
but not civilians," it said.
The
call, in which the pope called the Israeli campaign in Gaza an "act of
terrorism," was deemed so "bad" by Israel that it decided not to
make it public, according to the newspaper.
It said
that the Vatican declined to clarify if the pope was publicly or privately
describing Israeli actions in Gaza as "terrorism," but in a statement
to the Post, it acknowledged the call between the pope and Herzog.
"The
phone call, like others in the same days, takes place in the context of the
Holy Father’s efforts aimed at containing the gravity and scope of the conflict
situation in the Holy Land," it said.
A
spokesman in the Israeli president’s office declined to comment on the report
and said: "We are not inclined to make reference to private
conversations."
Israel
launched a massive military campaign in the Gaza Strip following a cross-border
attack by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, on Oct. 7.
It has
since killed over 15,000 people, including 6,150 children and 4,000 women,
according to health authorities in the enclave.
The
official Israeli death toll stands at 1,200.
Source: aa.com.tr
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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/pope-francis-described-tel-aviv-s-terrorism-attacks-in-gaza-in-fraught-call-with-israeli-president-herzog-wapo-/3069542
-----
Israel
recalls ambassador from EU country
30 Nov,
2023
The
Israeli Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday that it was recalling its
ambassador in Madrid, Rodica Radian-Gordon, for consultations after comments
made by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez about the ongoing war. Madrid's
ambassador in Tel Aviv was also summoned for a protest.
Speaking
with the Spanish broadcaster TVE, Sanchez said he had “serious doubt” that
Israel was in compliance with international humanitarian law while waging war
on the Palestinian group, given the imagery coming from the enclave and the
“growing numbers of children dying.”
“Because
of the outrageous remarks by the Spanish prime minister, who again repeated
baseless claims, I have decided to summon the Israeli ambassador in Spain for
consultations in Jerusalem,” Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said on X
(formerly Twitter).
“Israel
is acting, and will continue to act, according to international law, and will
continue the war until all the hostages are returned and Hamas is eliminated
from Gaza,” Cohen added.
Sanchez
also urged the European Union to recognize the Palestinian state as a political
solution to the current crisis. “It is in Europe’s interest to address this
issue out of moral conviction because what we are seeing in Gaza is not
acceptable,” he told TVE.
Israeli
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office also denounced the Spanish PM’s
“shameful remark on a day in which Hamas terrorists murdered Israelis in our
capital Jerusalem.” Three civilians were killed and at least eight others
injured in a bus stop shooting for which the Palestinian group has claimed
responsibility.
Sanchez
incited Israel’s ire last week, when he accused Netanyahu’s government of the
“indiscriminate killing” of Palestinian civilians and suggested that Madrid
might recognize Palestinian statehood unilaterally. He made these comments at a
press conference with his Belgian colleague Alexander De Croo, at the Rafah
border crossing between Egypt and Gaza.
Israel
declared war on Hamas after the Palestinian group’s October 7 incursion, which
claimed the lives of more than 1,200 Israelis in settlements bordering Gaza.
Since then, Israeli air and artillery strikes have left more than 15,000
Palestinians dead, according to health authorities in the Hamas-controlled
enclave.
The US
has also warned Netanyahu about the conflict, according to Israel’s Channel 12.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the Israeli War Cabinet they don’t have
enough “credit” to keep the war going for months and insisted they need to stop
targeting the UN and civilians when they move against southern Gaza.
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.rt.com/news/588303-israel-spain-ambassador-gaza/
----
NATO
countries show no signs of war fatigue – Ukraine's Foreign Minister
1
DECEMBER 2023
Ukraine's
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has insisted that NATO countries are showing no
signs of fatigue from the Russian war against Ukraine.
Source:
Kuleba in an interview with Associated Press, as reported by European Pravda
Quote:
"I heard a clear 'no' to any reference to fatigue, and I heard [a] clear
'yes' to increased support to Ukraine," Kuleba said after a meeting with
NATO counterparts in Brussels.
Details:
He added that some allies had made new support offers, but he refused to reveal
details.
"They
understand that in order for them to feel safe, in order for them not to end up
in a situation where NATO’s soldiers will have to fight, Ukraine has to win in
this war," the Foreign Minister noted.
He
emphasised that the Russian President Vladimir Putin is wrong if he is going to
keep on with the war he started at least until the 2024 US presidential
elections.
Kuleba
pointed out that Putin is always waiting for something.
"He
always waits for elections in another country to take place and for the new
government and new leadership to change the attitude, and President Putin
always failed, consistently failed, in his expectations," he said.
Kuleba
noted there may be disagreements among Western allies about ways to contain
Russia, but the understanding that Russia poses a threat "is consensual,
and I don't see that changing".
Background:
Earlier, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that NATO members remain
determined to continue supporting Ukraine in the fight against Russian
aggression.
Josep
Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said
earlier that he saw no sign of "war fatigue" among European countries
and is confident that assistance for Ukraine will keep coming.
Jens
Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, also expressed confidence that the Allies
will continue to provide Ukraine with significant amounts of military aid.
Source: pravda.com.ua
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/12/1/7431218/
------
Pakistan
IHC
seeks ECP response on Imran’s conviction appeal
December 1, 2023
Iftikhar
A. Khan
ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday sought a response from the Election
Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on former prime minister Imran Khan’s petition
seeking to set aside his conviction in the Toshakhana reference and the suspension
of his disqualification.
Arguing
before the IHC division bench, comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and
Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Mr Khan’s counsel Sardar Latif Khan Khosa said
that following his hastily announced conviction, the ECP had also issued the
order for his disqualification in haste.
He
pointed out that the trial court issued the verdict on Aug 5, while ECP
disqualified Mr Khan on Aug 8 and barred him from holding public office for
five years.
The
lawyer read out the order that disqualified Mr Khan and said that elections
were going to be held on Feb 8, while the PTI has been directed to conduct
intra-party elections within 20 days in a bid to “minus Mr Khan”.
Contempt
case against PTI chief may be tried in Adiala; notices issued to NAB in
corruption case
Advocate
Khosa argued that the PTI chairman would suffer an irreparable loss if his
disqualification was not suspended forthwith and it would also take a toll on
the political party.
He said
that the Constitution empowers the people to elect the leader of their choice.
Any breach in the constitutionally guaranteed rights would jeopardise the
election process and would be fatal for the state, he said.
Requesting
the court to suspend the disqualification, he further prayed for the suspension
of his conviction so he may be able to contest the Feb 8 elections.
ECP
counsel Amjad Pervaiz opposed the request, saying that this matter has already
been addressed. He suggested that the defence counsel could advance these
arguments during the hearing of the plea seeking suspension of the sentence.
Advocate
Khosa then requested the court to amend the order that suspended the sentence
and suspend the conviction instead.
Corruption
case
In a
related development, an accountability court in Islamabad issued a notice to
the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Thursday on a petition for
post-arrest bail for Mr Khan in a £140 million corruption case.
Accountability
Judge Mohammad Bashir issued the notice, which NAB prosecutor SohailArif
received in the courtroom.
The bail
petition was filed by Mr Khan through Advocate Khosa, naming the chairman and
director general of NAB as respondents.
Advocate
Khosa argued before the court that Mr Khan, a former prime minister and a
renowned cricketer, is being victimised for political reasons. He stated that
Mr Khan was implicated in a £140 million corruption case solely to defame him.
Later,
IntizarPanjhuta, an associate lawyer of MrKhosa, held a press conference on
this matter at the National Press Club in Islamabad. He denied any financial
gain for Mr Khan in this case.
Contempt
case trial
Separately,
following a failure to ensure Mr Khan’s production before it in a contempt
case, the ECP might consider conducting the trial against him in Adiala jail.
This was
indicated during a hearing of the contempt case against the former premier and
two members of his cabinet, Fawad Chaudhry and Asad Umar, on Thursday.
The
four-member ECP bench, headed by ECP member Nisar Ahmad Durrani from Sindh,
told Mr Khan’s counsel, Shoaib Shaheen, that the interior ministry had
submitted a report stating that Mr Khan could not be produced before it for
security reasons. The ministry proposed that the commission send a team to jail
to indict him.
The ECP
is yet to decide on the ministry’s report, forwarded to the commission and
other relevant ministries under the standard operating procedure. At the
outset, MrShaheen conveyed that the order from the last hearing had not been
provided to him.
MrDurrani
responded by saying, “The interior ministry submitted a report highlighting
that Imran could not be presented due to the current circumstances.”
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.dawn.com/news/1794063/ihc-seeks-ecp-response-on-imrans-conviction-appeal
-----
‘Rifts’
prevail in PTI as party chief languishes in jail
December
1, 2023
Ikram
Junaidi
ISLAMABAD:
The decision to nominate ‘newcomer’ Barrister Gohar Ali Khan for the slot of
PTI chairman in the upcoming party polls seems to have caused a rift within the
former ruling party, with some leaders comparing the nomination to the
appointment of Usman Buzdar as the Punjab chief minister — a move that had
drawn considerable flak for Imran Khan.
In
addition, a purported disagreement between Mr Khan’s sisters and his wife
Bushra Bibi also came to the fore on Thursday, in the form of a leaked audio
clip, wherein a voice thought to belong to the former first lady could
allegedly be heard sharing her reservations about Mr Khan’s sisters with
another person, thought to be her lawyer Latif Khosa.
The
appointment of Gohar Khan for the top slot ignored a number of other loyalists,
such as Ali Muhammad Khan, Senator Humayun Mohmand, and Advocate Hamid Khan,
said an insider.
A PTI
leader told Dawn on the condition of anonymity that the decision to appoint
Barrister Gohar Khan, who is an associate of PPP leader Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan,
was not a wise move due to his proximity to the PPP stalwart.
Gohar’s
nomination as ‘caretaker chairman’ irks loyalists; leaked clip sheds light on
differences between Imran’s wife and sisters
“Unfortunately,
Imran Khan has again done an experiment, just like Usman Buzdar, who left him
when his difficult time started. The position of the party chairman is very
sensitive and it could be used against the party,” he feared.
The PTI
leader also confirmed what many termed to be a rift between Mr Khan’s sisters
and his wife. He claimed that during her hearing at the jail, Bushra Bibi was
heckled by a group of men and on the next day, a similar treatment was meted
out to the sisters of the PTI chairman.
“We
strongly believe that the ladies were behind those slogans,” he alleged,
without sharing any proof.
Another leaked
clip
However,
the claims made by the PTI leader about the intra-family rift seemed to gain
credence in light of an alleged audio leak, which surfaced on social media on
Thursday. In the purported clip, a voice believed to be of Bushra Bibi tells
her lawyer that Imran’s sisters were not happy with her for hiring him.
In what
many see as a tacit confirmation of the contents of the purported audio,
MrKhosa said that those who leaked an audio conversation between a lawyer and
his client should be ashamed.
He said
that Justice Babar Sattar has already ordered to find out that who was behind
the leaked audios.
As per
the clip, Bushra Bibi supposedly told her sisters-in-law that she will hand all
cases, which were being delayed, to MrKhosa. She also purportedly said that Mr
Khan’s sister had claimed that MrKhosa misbehaved with her.
The
voice believed to belong to the former first lady also shared that Imran’s
sisters were also not happy with her statement in which she expressed
apprehension that the PTI chairman could be poisoned in jail.
During
the conversation, Latif Khosa said he did not misbehave with the sisters and
only told them that they should let him fight the case without interference.
PTI
makes trust deed public
At a
press conference, lawyer Intezar Hussain Panjutha claimed that the PTI chairman
had no role in the Al-Qadir Trust case, and that was why he asked him to make
the Al-Qadir Trust deed public.
The PTI
chairman’s counsel said that the documents were being brought to the media to place
the “actual facts in front of the nation regarding the false case made against
him”.
He
stated that the Al-Qadir University Project Trust was not set up for personal
gains. He said all the decisions about the trust were being taken by its board
of trustees.
The PTI
lawyer went on to say that the Al-Qadir Trust was also being governed in the
style of Shaukat Khanum Hospital and Numl University with no interference from
Imran Khan.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.dawn.com/news/1794101/rifts-prevail-in-pti-as-party-chief-languishes-in-jail
-----
Afghan
children born in Pakistan entitled to citizenship, says new plea
December
1, 2023
Nasir
Iqbal
ISLAMABAD:
With the Supreme Court set to take up on Friday (today) a case challenging mass
deportation of Afghan nationals, a fresh petition was moved before the court on
Thursday seeking a declaration that Afghan people’s children, who were born in
Pakistan, are entitled to the country’s citizenship under section 4 of the
Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951.
Headed
by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, a three-judge SC bench which includes Justice
Yahya Afridi and Justice Ayesha A. Malik will hear the petition moved by former
senator Farhatullah Babar through his counsel Umer Ijaz Gilani.
The
fresh petition has been moved by the faculty members of LUMS in public
interest, particularly in the interest of underprivileged and destitute persons
of Afghan origin living in Pakistan.
Moved by
Uzair J Kayani, Sadaf Aziz, Ali Raza, Angbeen Mirza, MadihaTallat and Aisha
Ahmad, the joint petition sought a declaration that the federal government’s
Oct 3 decision to deport Afghans en masse was contrary to section 230 of the
Elections Act 2017 and therefore of no legal effect.
SC to
hear case today; fresh petition seeks return of those deported
The
Supreme Court was urged to declare that mass deportation also violates sections
3, 4, 9 and 14(2) of the Foreigners Act 1946 and therefore ultra vires of the
Constitution.
The
petition sought restraining order against the federal and provincial
governments and all law enforcement agencies from implementing the government’s
decision and directions to revert to the previous procedure adopted for the
registration and processing of asylum applications in collaboration with the
UNHCR under previous agreements until such time as parliament enacts an
appropriate asylum and refugee legislation consistent with Pakistan’s
international obligations.
Regardless
of their status, the petition argued, even if refugees were aliens or
foreigners, the federal government was bound to treat them in accordance with
the Constitution and international law.
The
government’s decision not only fails to do so, but it directly violates the
requirements of the Constitution and international law in respect of such
persons.
The
petition contends that as per the UNHCR, as of November 2023, undocumented
Afghans were estimated to be 1.3 million. As per news reports, the federal
government now estimates undocumented Afghan refugees at 1.7m, out of a total
4.4m living in Pakistan.
An
estimated 600,000 new Afghan citizens arrived since August 2021 after the
takeover by the Taliban. An estimated 300,000 of these have tried to approach
the UNHCR to register as refugees, but the latter has not been permitted to do
so.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.dawn.com/news/1794097/afghan-children-born-in-pakistan-entitled-to-citizenship-says-new-plea
------
Afghan refugees
endure ‘long wait for freedom’
December
1, 2023
ISLAMABAD:
Abdullah was a well-known public figure in Afghanistan, a journalist and
university lecturer respected by his readers and students.
In
Pakistan, however, he is lying low — worried about being caught in a
deportation dragnet while still awaiting evacuation to the West after two
years.
He fled
his country when the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, on the advice of
US officials and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), fearing retribution from the
new authorities who had a history of targeting journalists.
The
30-year-old crossed into Pakistan along with an estimated 600,000 other
Afghans, tens of thousands of whom were promised asylum in third countries.
But more
than 345,000 Afghans have returned to their country or been deported since
Pakistan ordered undocumented migrants or those who have overstayed their visas
to leave.
“For
fear of the police, I haven’t left this room for 15 days,” said Abdullah, using
a pseudonym for security reasons.
“If I
could have led a normal life in Kabul, I would have become a street vendor or
shopkeeper. I would have preferred that to my current situation.”
Rights
groups have said many Afghans have been left in limbo — their visas expired
because of delays in the Pakistan registration system. Thousands are trapped in
an interminable relocation process established by Western nations, which has
significantly slowed.
Abdullah
has a valid visa, but said police have twice raided his home.
“In
Kabul, I was a journalist and university teacher. Here I’ve lost my identity,”
he told AFP from an apartment in Islamabad.
Since
fleeing Afghanistan he has exchanged only two or three e-mails with US
officials.
RSF has
arranged an interview for him at the French embassy in Islamabad.
‘Need to
live’
Ahmed, a
former British army interpreter in Afghanistan, was approved for evacuation
two years ago. Yet he remains stuck in an Islamabad hotel room, paid for by the
UK’s diplomatic mission.
“I have
been here more than 700 days,” the 32-year-old said, bitterly.
“I don’t
know the reason why the UK government is doing injustice with me, why I have
been stuck here. I need a life, I need education and I want to build my new
home,” said Ahmed, also using a pseudonym.
His
Pakistan visa expired over a year ago, and he fears being deported to
Afghanistan, even though Islamabad has pledged not to kick out people in his
situation.
“When I
text my caseworker, he’s telling me: ‘Be patient, be patient, be patient’,” he
told AFP.
Only 175
people have been resettled in the first six months of 2023, according to the
Migration Observatory, which analyses UK Home Office statistics.
The
United States has taken in 90,000 Afghans since August 2021 — again, the
majority from the evacuation of Kabul.
Precise
data on Afghans in Pakistan awaiting resettlement abroad is not available, but
British media have reported that more than 3,000 Afghans are in Islamabad
awaiting evacuation, while the German foreign ministry said 1,500 Afghans
approved for asylum are still in Pakistan or Iran.
About
20,000 people recommended for asylum by US officials, NGOs and American media
outlets are waiting in Pakistan for their cases to be examined, according to
Refugees International.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.dawn.com/news/1794059/afghan-refugees-endure-long-wait-for-freedom
-------
Imran,
Fawad not produced before ECP bench in contempt cases
December
01, 2023
Mumtaz
Alvi
ISLAMABAD:
PTI Chairman Imran Khan and former PTI senior leader Fawad Chaudhry were not
produced before the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday in the
contempt case.
A
four-member bench, headed by the Sindh Member Nisar Ahmad Durrani, heard the
contempt cases.
Alleged
contemnerAsad Umar and lawyers Shoaib Shaheen and Faisal Chaudhry appeared
before the forum on behalf of Imran and Fawad respectively.
The
bench has been listing the cases to charge-sheet the three alleged contemners
of the Election Commission as well as the chief election commissioner for
weeks. However, the presence of Imran and Fawad could not be ensured.
Last
year in August, the Election Commission issued contempt notices to Imran Khan,
Fawad Chaudhry and Asad Umar for using intemperate language and contemptuous
remarks against the commission. Two separate similar notices were issued to
Imran and Fawad on the same charges.
Imran’s
lawyer Shoaib Shaheen requested for providing him with a copy of the interior
ministry’s report, concerning his client’s security and contended that the
impression about the case will not go well. Nisar Durrani directed to provide a
copy of the report and told the lawyer, “Leave aside the impression, we will
work according to the law. You want to pursue the case but do not cooperate (in
the case)”. The lawyer also charged that his client was deliberately not being
produced before the bench. The Member Election Commission (Balochistan) Shah
Mohammad Jatoi remarked, “Earlier you were also not presenting (him)
intentionally. The question is why should we take the risk of presenting him
here?
Faisal
Chaudhry, representing Fawad Chaudhry, informed the forum that Fawad was in the
Adiala Jail and he was also not being presented before ECP. PTI former
secretary general Asad Umar told the bench that he had appeared in the Election
Commission most of the time and had abandoned politics. He also submitted his
reply in writing to the bench. The bench said an order would also be issued in
relation to his status. The hearing was adjourned till December 6.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1134121-imran-fawad-not-produced-before-ecp-bench-in-contempt-cases
-----
On complaint
of martyr’s daughter: COAS warns landlord against diverting floodwater
December
01, 2023
ISLAMABAD:
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir warned a landlord of Dera Murad
Jamali, a city in Balochistan’sNasirabad district, against diverting floodwater.
A short
video clip of Martyrs Day went viral on social media wherein the daughter of a
martyred soldier can be seen complaining to the army chief about the landlord
releasing floodwater onto the fields of her family.
She also
told Gen Munir that the landlord always diverted the floodwater to their home
in Dera Murad Jamali. After listening to her complaint, the COAS assured her of
all-out support to resolve her matter.
“Don’t
worry, he [landlord] will not release water in future,” the army chief can be
heard saying in the viral clip.
Speaking
on the occasion, the army chief also directed his staff to send a message to
the landlord that he must refrain from releasing floodwater in the future,
“otherwise your [landlord] water will reach somewhere else”.
The
Pakistan Army played a major role in the rehabilitation of the victims during
the 2022 devastating floods that wreaked havoc mainly in Balochistan, Sindh and
South Punjab.
The
country faced a loss of $31.5 billion in 2022-23 in the wake of the
unprecedented floods that hit Sindh, Balochistan, and some parts of south
Punjab, according to the Economic Survey 2022-23.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1134100-on-complaint-of-martyr-s-daughter-coas-warns-landlord-against-diverting-floodwater
-----
Elahi’s
physical remand extended
2023-12-01
LAHORE:
A city magistrate on Thursday extended physical remand of former Punjab Chief
Minister and PTI President Chaudhry Pervez Elahi in an illegal appointment case
for two more weeks.
Earlier,
the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) produced PTI President Pervez Elahi
before a magistrate and sought his physical remand in the Punjab Assembly
appointments case.
The ACE
charged Elahi of making illegal recruitments in the Punjab Assembly on grade 17
positions.
The
candidates were recruited in the provincial assembly by altering the records.
Source: brecorder.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.brecorder.com/news/40276073/elahis-physical-remand-extended
------
Toshakhana
case: IHC reserves verdict on IK’s plea
2023-12-01
ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC), Thursday, reserved its verdict in Chairman
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan’s petition seeking suspension of the
trial court’s verdict in the Toshakhana case.
A
division bench of IHC comprising Chief Justice of IHC Justice Aamer Farooq and
Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri heard the petition and after hearing the
arguments of Imran’s counsel Sardar Latif Khosa and Amjad Pervez advocate
representing the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), reserved the verdict.
During
the hearing, Khosa argued that the ECP was in such haste that it issued the
disqualification notification on August 8 while the trial court had announced
the sentence on August 5.
He added
that the order on the basis of which, the ECP disqualified his client had
already suspended.
He
requested the court to suspend the verdict as the general elections are going
to be held on February 8 and the rights of his client are being affected due to
this notification of disqualification.
The
counsel continued that in case the verdict is not suspended then the basic
rights of Imran will be affected due to his disqualification. He further said
that if his sentence is not suspended then it will affect the political
resulting in serious consequences.
In this
regard, he also mentioned different court verdicts while he also submitted his
written arguments.
In response
to his arguments, the ECP lawyer opposed the suspension of the trial court’s
verdict in the Toshakhana case. He submitted that the petition is not
maintainable and they did not give the reference to the court’s verdicts when
the court decided their another application in this connection. He also
requested the court to grant two-week time for preparation of arguments.
However,
the court directed him to submit the details of reference of court verdicts in
support to his arguments. At this, Khosa requested the court to decide the case
the same day.
The IHC
chief justice remarked that the court would decide the matter after reviewing
the details of the references of courts verdicts of the ECP’s counsel.
Imran
Khan in the petition, prayed to the court that instant application may be
allowed and while exercising the powers under Section 561-4 C.P.C. the omission
of not recording the contention of the learned counsel for the petitioner with
regard to the suspension of the impugned judgment dated 05.08.2023 may be
rectified and “in consequence whereof, operation of the impugned judgment dated
05.08.2823 may very graciously be ordered to be suspended/stayed till final
decision of the appeal in the interest of justice.”
He also
prayed that he may be allowed to array/ implead “The State” as party/Respondent
No 2 in the memo of appeal and he may also be allowed to file amended memo of
appeal accordingly.
In the
plea, the counsel contended that they had requested the IHC to completely
suspend the trial court verdict that had convicted his client in the Toshakhana
case. However, he added that the IHC in its August 28 verdict onlysuspended the
sentence of the PTI chief and not the trial court’s order.
Source: brecorder.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.brecorder.com/news/40276136/toshakhana-case-ihc-reserves-verdict-on-iks-plea
------
South Asia
Islamic
Emirate Strives to Ensure Food and Medicine Safety: Hanafi
2023-11-30
KABUL
(BNA): Deputy Prime Minister Mawlavi Abdul Salam Hanafi said that the Islamic
Emirate is working to guarantee food and medicine safety for the Afghan people,
and warned against the import and production of substandard and harmful
medicine and foodstuffs.
He made
these remarks at the launch of the digitalization process of the National Food
and Drug Administration in Kabul, which aims to standardize domestic and
imported products according to national and international criteria.
Deputy
Prime Minister stressed that food and medicine safety is a primary need and a
priority of the Islamic Emirate and that without it, people’s health would be
endangered.
He added
that in the past, chemical and harmful substances were sold as medicine and
food without any control.
He urged
the traders and producers of food and medicine not to bring in or make products
that harm people’s health and said that the National Food and Drug
Administration is responsible for identifying and prosecuting the offenders,
who are considered national traitors for harming the children and the people of
Afghanistan.
Dr.
Abdul Bari Omar, the acting head of the National Food and Drug Administration,
said that 50% of the administration’s system has been digitized and that they
will continue this work due to its economic and vital importance.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/islamic-emirate-strives-to-ensure-food-and-medicine-safety-hanafi/
----
Afghanistan
is developing in various fields for the first time: Muttaqi
December
1, 2023
Acting
Minister of Foreign Affairs Amir Khan Muttaqi has said in a meeting with a
delegation of the International Union of Muslim Scholars in Kabul that
Afghanistan is developing in various fields for the first time and it is now
among oil producing countries.
According
to a statement issued by the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, Muttaqi said in the meeting that the security in Afghanistan
is fully ensured and the country is witnessing increasing political and
economic progress.
Regarding
the Palestine issue, he said that “the current situation, martyrdoms,
immigration and sacrifices in this country have made us sad, but the prelude to
victory always carries such sacrifices.”
Muttaqi
also praised the efforts of the International Union of Muslim Scholars and
Qatar regarding the issue of Palestine.
According
to the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ali al-Qaradaghi,
Secretary General of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, thanked the
Islamic Emirate for welcoming, and conveyed the special greetings of Ismail
Haniyeh, the leader of the Hamas movement, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman
Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar.
He said
that the issue of Palestine concerns the entire Muslims.
In the
meeting, SebghatullahWasil, Deputy Minister of Education, spoke about the
achievements of the Islamic Emirate in the field of education.
According
to the statement, members of the visiting delegation said that Muslim scholars
of the world stand by the Islamic Emirate, the world needs the Islamic
Emirate’s experiences and Muslims are required to support it.
They
said: It is necessary to write the history of your conquerors against the
invaders; the recent earthquakes in Afghanistan and the forced deportation of
refugees from Pakistan are a test and we believe that you will succeed in it.
Muttaqi
thanked the delegation and Qatar for their assistance to the earthquake victims
and returnees and asked them to convey the true image of Afghanistan to the
people of the world.
Source: ariananews.af
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https://www.ariananews.af/afghanistan-is-developing-in-various-fields-for-the-first-time-muttaqi/
------
Qatar
provides urgent relief to Herat earthquake victims
Fidel
Rahmati
November
30, 2023
On
Thursday, November 30th, “Qatar Charity Foundation” and “Qatar Red Crescent”
extended their assistance to the victims of Herat province, Afghanistan.
The
Embassy of Qatar in Kabul is actively coordinating relief efforts as Qatar
extends its hand of support to the earthquake-affected regions of Herat.
In addition to the ongoing assistance, Qatar
is planning two additional flights to Afghanistan on December 3rd and 4th,
demonstrating its commitment to aiding those in need during this challenging
time.
In a
recent relief effort, six well-equipped camps and 1000 food packages were
delivered to Herat province on a domestic flight. Each food package contains 24
kilograms of essential supplies, ensuring aid reaches those in need within the
province.
It’s
important to note that this initiative is part of the ongoing support from the
Qatar Charity Foundation (2000 food packages) and the Qatar Red Crescent (6000
food packages), dedicated to providing transparent and vital assistance to
Afghan households during these challenging times.
Earlier,
Qatar provided humanitarian cargo, including 60 tons of instructional materials
for the education sector and vital food relief supplies. This delivery
underscores Qatar’s commitment to providing essential support to the people of
Afghanistan during these hard times.
The
humanitarian aid delivered to Afghanistan reflects Qatar’s unwavering
commitment to supporting the Afghan people in meeting their urgent essential
needs. Over the past few years, Qatar has consistently provided hundreds of
tons of vital humanitarian goods, including food supplies, through an air
bridge connecting Qatar to Kabul.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/qatar-provides-urgent-relief-to-herat-earthquake-victims/
-----
Afghan
govt slams lack of invite to COP28
2023-12-01
KABUL:
Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities on Thursday condemned a decision not to
invite its representatives to the UN climate conference, as the talks opened in
Dubai.
A
statement from the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) said that
despite “comprehensive efforts” to address climate change issues in the
country, Afghan delegates had not received invitations.
The
statement, reposted by a top government spokesman, said the snub was
“purportedly due to political factors”.
Since
retaking power in Afghanistan more than two years ago, no country has formally
recognised the Taliban authorities. The two-week-long COP28 is billed as the
largest-ever climate gathering, and the United Nations and hosts the United
Arab Emirates say they will be the most important since the Paris talks in
2015.
A
central focus will be a stocktake of the world’s limited progress on curbing
global warming. The NEPA statement underscored that “despite Afghanistan’s
minimal contribution of 0.08 percent to the global greenhouse gas emissions...
it remains one of the most susceptible countries to the deleterious impacts of
climate change”.
A recent
statement from the UN mission in Afghanistan, UNAMA, said the country ranks
eighth on the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Index of most vulnerable nations and
those least prepared to adapt to climate change. “Afghanistan is experiencing a
rise in extreme weather conditions, notably floods, drought, and sand and dust
storms, resulting in the loss of lives and livelihoods and significant damage
to infrastructure,” UNAMA said.
Source: brecorder.com
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https://www.brecorder.com/news/40276112/afghan-govt-slams-lack-of-invite-to-cop28
-----
Central
Bank raises private bank withdrawal limit to 70,000 Afghanis
Fidel
Rahmati
November
30, 2023
The
Central Bank of Afghanistan has announced an increase in the weekly cash
withdrawal limit from private banks, raising it from 50,000 to 70,000 Afghanis.
On
Thursday, this bank announced in a statement that individual account holders
can now withdraw 70,000 Afghanis per week and a total of 250,000 Afghanis per
month.
According
to the bank’s statement, individual account holders can now withdraw 1,000
dollars per week and 3,000 dollars per month in dollars.
The bank
continues to emphasize that customers of both government and non-governmental
organizations can withdraw up to 5% of their deposits from commercial banks,
provided that their monthly withdrawal amount does not exceed 100,000 US
dollars.
It
should be noted that citizens could withdraw 50,000 Afghanis from their
deposits once a week.
The
increased withdrawal limits for individual account holders in dollars provide
greater flexibility and access to funds for customers.
The
bank’s policy also promotes financial stability by allowing government and non-governmental
organization clients to access a portion of their deposits without exceeding a
specified monthly limit.
These
withdrawal limit changes aim to accommodate customers’ financial needs and
align with evolving economic conditions.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/central-bank-raises-private-bank-withdrawal-limit-to-70000-afghanis/
-----
Canada
welcomes 295 Afghan Refugees from Pakistan
Fidel
Rahmati
November
30, 2023
The
Canadian government has announced that it will continue to welcome Afghan
refugees to the country through a “charter” flight, bringing an additional 295
individuals from Pakistan.
On
Wednesday, the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Administration announced on its
social media platform that Afghan refugees have been successfully relocated
from Pakistan to the city of Toronto.
Canada
is close to fulfilling its commitment to welcome 40,000 Afghan refugees by the
end of the year. The Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship for
Canada announced earlier that the government has successfully relocated at
least 40,000 Afghan refugees to the country, honouring its pledge.
Marc
Miller has announced that Canada is actively processing existing immigration
requests and expanding its efforts to accept more Afghan migrants through
various immigration programs, including refugee resettlement and family
sponsorship.
The
Minister of Immigration for Canada highlighted that the initiative to relocate
40,000 Afghan refugees after the fall of Kabul represents one of the most
extensive resettlement programs for Afghans globally, and their commitment to
this work remains steadfast.
Mr.
Miller emphasized the devastating impact of the Taliban’s reign in Afghanistan,
particularly on the rights and freedoms of the Afghan people, especially women
and girls, which have been severely restricted.
Earlier,
the Minister of Immigration of Canada also acknowledged that the Taliban’s
takeover in August 2021 resulted in a profound political, economic, and
humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, affecting millions of individuals.
The
Canadian government continues its commitment to evaluate eligible applications
and provide essential services like healthcare, education, skills training, and
social support to Afghan refugees living in Canada. Additionally, Canada ranks
second only to the United States in Afghan resettlement. It has initiated
special programs to assist vulnerable Afghans, including women activists, human
rights defenders, persecuted minorities, LGBTQ individuals, and journalists.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.khaama.com/canada-welcomes-295-afghan-refugees-from-pakistan/
-----
Nearly
two thousand Afghan migrants return home from Iran
Fidel
Rahmati
November
30, 2023
The
Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations of Afghanistan has announced that more
than a thousand Afghan migrants have returned to their homeland from Iran.
On
Thursday, the Ministry said on its social media platform X that a total of
1,764 Afghan migrants have returned home from Iran.
The
ministry added that this number of migrants returned to the country from Iran
on Thursday through both forced and voluntary means.
The
Border Directorate of Islam Qala has stated that there are both families and
individuals among the returnees.
The
Ministry has clarified that some of these returnees have been referred to the
offices of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International
Organization for Migration (IOM) after being registered with the Migrants
Department for assistance.
It’s
worth noting that just Tuesday 28th of November, the Ministry of Migrants
Affairs also announced that approximately 2,455 Afghan migrants had returned to
the country from Iran.
It
should be mentioned that recently, thousands of Afghan migrants have been
deported daily by the Iranian government.
In the
wake of the Taliban’s return to power, many migrants have opted to leave
Afghanistan for neighbouring countries. This exodus is primarily driven by
factors such as the scarcity of job opportunities, economic hardships,
persecution, and security threats within the country.
Conversely,
a significant portion of returnees have been either deported from or
voluntarily returned to Afghanistan. Their decision is often prompted by the
mistreatment they face in host countries, including harassment and
deteriorating economic conditions in those countries.
The
complex dynamics of migration in Afghanistan reflect a challenging landscape
where people are forced to weigh the risks and benefits of leaving or
returning, all in the context of the country’s evolving political and economic
situation.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.khaama.com/nearly-two-thousand-afghan-migrants-return-home-from-iran/
------
Sinirlioğlu
Presents Assessment of Afghanistan at Closed UNSC Session
November
30, 2023
UN
Special Coordinator for Afghanistan, FeridunSinirlioğlu, on Tuesday presented
his report of an assessment of Afghanistan to the United Nations Security
Council (UNSC).
Switzerland
at the United Nations wrote on X that the UN Security Council held a private
meeting on the independent assessment on Afghanistan. "Special Coordinator
FeridunSinirlioğlu briefed the UNSC.”
“The
inclusion and active participation of women and girls in all aspects of life is
an essential condition for the country's future,” Switzerland at the UN said.
Official
account of the Permanent Mission of Malta to the UN said on its X account that
it attended a “private meeting” to discuss the independent assessment review to
address current challenges faced by Afghanistan.
“We
highlighted several concerns, including the various violations of the human
rights of women and girls,” Malta said.
The
Islamic Emirate’s spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, said that the situation in
Afghanistan has positively changed and that it should be supported.
“We
believe that the situation in Afghanistan is extraordinarily positive, and this
situation should be admired. It should be encouraged, so the situation becomes
better, not for the damages against security, development and achievements to
be diminished,” he said.
Political
analysts said that if the report is based on the realities on the ground, it
can help with solving some current challenges in Afghanistan.
“The
concerns are useless. Instead of giving slogans, it is better that the Islamic
Emirate sit face-to-face and talk about the various issues and at least give an
opportunity to the women of Afghanistan and the Islamic Emirate should
understand it,” said Abdul Jabar Akbari, a political analyst.
“The
remarks by Sinirlioğlu and the report that he provided to the UN, can get us
out of many problems if the Islamic Emirate pays practical and sincere
attention to it,” said Abdul ShokorDadras, a political analyst.
Earlier,
in a document accessed by TOLOnews, the Islamic Emirate articulated its stance
towards the assessment of the situation of Afghanistan conducted by a UN team,
saying that it welcomes recommendations that support the strengthening of the
national economy of the country and opening of the pathway to the recognition
of the “current government" and "encourages regional connectivity and
transit via Afghanistan.”
Source: tolonews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-186279
-----
Earthquake
and Deportation of Refugees Worsened Humanitarian Situation: And
2023-12-01
The
permanent representative of Afghanistan to the UN Human Rights Council in
Geneva, Nasir Ahmad Andisha, at the 114th conference of the International
Organization for Migration (IOM) expressed concern about the worsening of the
humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.
Andisha
said in this meeting that the earthquakes in Herat and the forced return of
Afghan immigrants are major factors in the deterioration of the situation in
Afghanistan.
"More
than half of the population is in need of humanitarian assistance and internal
displacement including due to natural disasters, climate changes -- and the
forced displacement continues. Most recently the earthquake in Herat province
brought significant devastation and loss. The sluggish response to the
devastating earthquake in Herat demonstrated the depth of vulnerability, lack
of capacity of the Taliban and the gap in international response. However we
appreciate IOM’s assistance providing relief to the affected communities,”
Andisha said.
Andisha
added that from August 2021 until now, thousands of specialists, people with
knowledge and skills, are leaving Afghanistan.
Meanwhile,
Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, said that the Islamic
Emirate is trying to handle the situation of immigrants in a better way.
“For
those who are experts and have knowledge, or can do something for the country,
good opportunities will be provided and currently we are working in various
sectors of the country’s development,” Zabihullah Mujahid said.
“We
request the high-ranking officials of the Islamic Emirate to have a meeting as
soon as possible with the officials and offices that are active in refugee
affairs in Afghanistan,” said Alireza Karimi, immigration rights analyst.
The
concerns of the permanent representative of Afghanistan to the UN Human Rights
Council in Geneva about the situation of deported immigrants while Afghan
immigrants were expressed while in Turkey, Pakistan and Iran are facing
mistreatment and a large number of them return to the country unwillingly every
day.
Source: tolonews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-186280
-----
NEPA
Criticizes Absence of Afghanistan Representative in COP28
November
30, 2023
As the
28th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) is being held in the
United Arab Emirates, the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA)
criticized the absence of Afghanistan's representative in this conference.
The head
of the climate change department of NEPA, Rohullah Amin, said the
non-participation of Afghan representatives in this conference will deprive the
country's citizens of financial opportunities to fight climate change.
"Afghanistan
should use the financial opportunities of climate change as a less developed
and vulnerable country,“ Amin noted.
The head
of NEPA added that this department was fully prepared to participate in this
conference and express the needs of the country in terms of climate change.
“Despite
the National Environmental Protection Agency's comprehensive efforts to
advocate for Afghanistan's stance and address the urgent needs of Afghanistan's
climate-affected population, expedite the financial aid process from global
climate finance mechanisms, submit Afghanistan's National Determined
Contribution (NDC) in accordance with the Paris Agreement, and revive halted
environmental projects for presentation at the Conference of Parties (COP),
Afghan delegates, regrettably, have not received invitations to the conference,
purportedly due to political factors,” NEPA said in a statement.
Afghanistan's
absence from this conference, according to some environmental experts, will
have a negative impact on the country's climate change issue.
"A
lack of participation from Afghanistan in these conferences will result in more
negative effects of climate change in Afghanistan, a worsening of the country's
humanitarian crisis, a shortage of food, and conflict over natural
resources," said Sayed Mohammad SulaimanKhail, environmental expert.
More
than 70,000 people attended the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference,
which was planned to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November
30 to December 12, 2023.
In
addition to several heads of state, representatives from 198 member countries,
the private sector, bilateral and multilateral UN financial institutions, civil
society, and the media participated.
Source: tolonews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-186282
------
ANSA
Returns 24 Tankers of Substandard Oil to Iran
2023-11-30
KABUL
(BNA): The Afghan National Standards Authority (ANSA) has informed Iran of the
return of 24 tankers of low-quality oil which was recently imported to
Afghanistan.
ANSA
announced in a post on the social networking platform X that it had returned 24
of low-quality oil (diesel and gasoline) that did not meet the agency’s
requirements to Iran via the port of Farah.
According
to ANSA, effective measures have recently been made to prohibit the importation
of low-quality oil into the country.
This
agency has urged that all traders should import high-quality goods into the
country or risk legal action.
It is
worth noting that ANSA returned 12 tankers of low-quality oil to Iran via the
same port a day earlier.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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the full text of the original
https://www.bakhtarnews.af/ansa-returns-24-tankers-of-substandard-oil-to-iran/
-----
UNAMA
Representative Meets Finance Ministry Official on Anti-Corruption Efforts
2023-11-30
KABUL
(BNA): Samuel Opoku-Agyakwa, the Director of the Rule of Law Section of the
United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), met with
MatiullahMojaddidi, a senior official of the Ministry of Finance, to discuss
the ministry’s achievements and challenges in combating administrative
corruption, collecting revenues, and adjusting laws.
According
to a statement from the Ministry of Finance, Samuel praised the Islamic Emirate
of Afghanistan for its progress in fighting corruption and increasing revenues,
and expressed UNAMA’s readiness to provide further support to the ministry.
The
statement also said that the meeting focused on the ministry’s work in
implementing the anti-corruption strategy, improving the tax system, and
harmonizing the legal framework.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
Please click the following URL to read the
full text of the original
https://www.bakhtarnews.af/unama-representative-meets-finance-ministry-official-on-anti-corruption-efforts/
-----
PM for
putting climate change victims in charge of fighting impact
Dec 1,
2023
Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina has coauthored an article on climate change with the
Global Center on Adaptation CEO Patrick Verkooijen in the famous American
weekly news magazine, Newsweek.
The
article was published yesterday (November 30) while the global leaders convened
for the COP28 climate summit in Dubai to find ways to fight climate change
impact globally.
Following
is the full article:
Let's
Put People Back at the Heart of Climate Action
By
Sheikh Hasina and Patrick Verkooijen
Climate
change is a global disaster inflicted by the rich upon the poor-and
increasingly upon themselves. Global leaders convening for the COP28 climate
summit in Dubai need to understand that their top-down approach can never work.
Rather, we need to put the victims in charge of the fight back and fund their
battle.
The
climate breakdown will not wait while leaders equivocate. It is already
unleashing typhoons and floods on communities, and spreading hunger through
crop failures and drought. Only a tiny fraction of climate funding reaches the
people battling the worst effects of climate change-they are without the
resources needed to protect themselves and their livelihoods, leaving them more
vulnerable. Climate injustice is being exacerbated.
Climate
action at a global level makes no sense unless it helps protect people on the
frontlines of climate change. We need to find ways to quickly and efficiently
channel all necessary funding to locally led climate-resilience initiatives.
This calls for fresh thinking and a new approach. At COP28, the world needs to
double down on adaptation finance. The Loss and Damage Fund must become fully
operational so we can respond rapidly and urgently to meet the needs of local
communities to rebuild infrastructure and adapt more effectively to climate
impacts. This is also a vital step toward climate justice.
Moving
from Global to Local
To
ensure adaptation finance flows from developed to developing countries double
to reach $40 billion by 2025, as pledged at COP26 in Glasgow, finance providers
must on average increase annual adaptation flows by at least 16 percent between
2022 and 2025. Yet adaptation finance flows to developing countries declined 15
percent in 2021 to $21.3 billion. That is clearly too little. Yet less than 6
percent of this sum, and perhaps as little as 2 percent, reaches
climate-resilience projects led by local communities. Estimates vary due to a
lack of properly tracking and reporting money flows-and this needs to improve.
But it's also because climate policy and decision-making flows from the top
down.
The
people who know which towns, streets, fields, and homes are most vulnerable are
those who live there. We must encourage and empower them to get together and
draw up and implement their own projects to protect themselves against the
consequences of climate change.
This is
easier said than done. Local communities often lack the time and skills to
manage longer-term projects aimed at strengthening climate resilience. They
need help and training to draw up project proposals; and to access funding they
need basic things such as legally constituted organizations and bank accounts.
Bangladesh
has always been a leader in locally led climate adaptation and recently the
government has been exploring various ways to channel climate assistance to
local communities. The Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan makes it easier to access
low-interest loans for adaptation, has a climate risk fund to train communities
and local governments to lead adaptation, expands green banking services, and
explores paying communities for ecosystem services.
Through
the Global Hub on Locally Led Adaptation in Dhaka, the government is also
helping scale up solutions and share best practices with other vulnerable
regions of the world. These efforts are already achieving dramatic improvements
on the ground.
From
Challenges to Opportunities
In
Mongla, the second-largest seaport in Bangladesh, the mayor and residents are
drawing up a plan to identify economic opportunities in their climate
challenges. Like other major cities, Mongla has seen a large influx of climate
migrants even as it struggles with rising sea levels-a consequence of global
warming-that are contaminating the city's fresh water supplies. Mongla is
mapping settlements, identifying key climate vulnerabilities, and developing
locally led initiatives. With the support of the U.K. and Canadian governments
working through BRAC, an international development agency, and the Global
Center on Adaptation, it is hoped that Mongla's People's Adaptation Plans might
become a blueprint for other towns and cities adapting to climate change.
This
shows us that locally led adaptation is the way forward. But we need to
massively scale up these approaches. For that, we need to find ways to finance
local communities, without creating undue risk for donors. Strong intermediary
organizations can be valuable here to act as a transmission belt to accelerate
People's Adaptation Plans into the portfolio of large financiers, including
international finance institutions such as the World Bank and Asian Development
Bank.
COP28
will only be a success if it achieves real benefits for the communities most
affected by the climate crisis. This year's climate summit must ensure that
finance flows to the poor communities most affected by climate change, and into
locally led, appropriate, and effective adaptation. If we achieve this, the
world will have taken a big step toward redressing the gross injustices of
climate change.
Source: thedailystar.net
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.thedailystar.net/environment/climate-change/news/pm-putting-climate-change-victims-charge-fighting-impact-3483181
------
Leaders
of two Islamist parties call on PM
Dec 1,
2023
Leaders
of Khilafat Rabbani Bangladesh and Nezam-e-Islami Party yesterday called on
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Gono Bhaban.
They
held discussions on various issues related to the upcoming national elections.
Faizul
Haque Jalalabadi and Anwarul Haque led their respective parties.
PM's
deputy press secretary KM Shakhawat Moon briefed reporters afterwards.
Hasina,
also the Awami League president, highlighted various steps taken to hold a
free, fair and acceptable election, and expected everyone's spontaneous
participation.
Leaders
of the parties appreciated the steps taken by the premier.
Source: thedailystar.net
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/leaders-two-islamist-parties-call-pm-3483141
-----
Southeast Asia
RSAF
plane carrying aid to Gaza civilians lands in Egypt; SAF to support
humanitarian assistance
DEC 1,
2023
SINGAPORE
- The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) stands ready to support the Republic’s
humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef)
said in a Facebook post on Nov 30.
Mindef
said the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) plane carrying supplies for
civilians in Gaza landed in Egypt in the afternoon (Singapore time) on Nov 30,
around 12 hours after departing from Changi Air Base (East).
The A330
Multi-Role Tanker Transport had left past midnight with 46 SAF personnel, who
included pilots, aircrew, engineers and army security personnel.
The
aircraft carried supplies such as medicine, sanitation items and food.
After
landing at El Arish International Airport, the supplies were handed to the
Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC), which will transport and distribute them to
civilians in Gaza.
In its
post, Mindef said the aid effort was led by the SAF’s Changi Regional
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Coordination Centre (Changi RHCC)
in close collaboration with the Egyptian government, Singapore’s Ministry of
Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Ministry of Health, the SAF and non-governmental
organisations including the Singapore Red Cross, Mercy Relief and Relief
Singapore.
The
handover was witnessed by Singapore’s Ambassador to Egypt Dominic Goh. The
Singapore Embassy in Cairo thanked the Egyptian government and ERC for helping
with the delivery of the humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Mindef
added that Ambassador Goh and Singapore’s military doctors also held
discussions with Egypt’s Ministry of Health, the ERC and United Nations
agencies to better understand the situation on the ground.
“Singaporeans
are deeply concerned about the welfare of the Palestinian people, and we hope
our small contribution helps alleviate some of the suffering in Gaza.
“We are
ready to do more,” said the embassy in a Facebook post.
Minister
for Defence Ng Eng Hen said in a separate Facebook post that the Changi RHCC
will continue to work with other agencies to provide relief as the crisis
evolves.
It led
efforts to coordinate and consolidate the aid items after MFA engaged the ERC
to determine which supplies were most needed.
Launched
in 2014, the Changi RHCC sent disaster relief teams and emergency supplies to
Nepal in 2015 after it was struck by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake, and to Laos in
2018 following flash floods caused by a dam collapse.
Mindef
had earlier issued a joint statement with MFA which said that the Government
deployed the aircraft because of the urgent need for aid while supply lines
remained open.
The two
ministries added that Singaporeans “have responded with heartfelt generosity”
and their contributions have exceeded $7 million in cash and in-kind donations.
More
than two-thirds of Gaza’s 2.3 million people have been displaced as a result of
Israel’s bombardments, with officials putting the death toll at more than
15,000 Palestinians since the Israel-Hamas war began seven weeks ago.
Meanwhile,
Israel said 1,200 Israelis were killed and more than 240 taken hostage after
Hamas gunmen attacked southern Israel on Oct 7. The attack prompted retaliatory
strikes from Israel, including a ground offensive.
Both
sides are currently in the midst of a truce that has since been extended for a
seventh day.
Source: straitstimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/rsaf-aircraft-delivering-aid-to-gaza-lands-in-egypt-saf-ready-to-support-s-pore-s-humanitarian-assistance-mindef
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Can’t
release Aman Palestin accounts pending investigation, MACC tells Mahathir
01 Dec
2023
Hajar
Umira Md Zaki
KUALA
LUMPUR, Dec 1 — Aman Palestin’s bank accounts cannot be unfrozen as
investigations against the group remain active, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption
Commission (MACC) said after ex-prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad called
for these to be released.
According
to Utusan Malaysia, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said his
investigators were still working to decipher the group’s funds and
transactions.
“As a
corruption prevention agency, the MACC definitely takes this case seriously
because it involves public interest.
“This
case also shows that donations from the public cannot be used for the benefit
of certain individuals,” he was quoted as saying.
Yesterday,
Dr Mahathir called for the accounts to be unfrozen ostensibly so that Aman
Palestin could provide aid to Palestinians whom he said would soon face winter
amid continued Israeli attacks.
Last
week, the MACC said it froze 41 bank accounts linked to Aman Palestin and
several other companies for the investigation into the alleged misappropriation
of RM70 million by the charity organisation.
Aman
Palestin later demanded the release of the accounts, and threatened to sue to
regain access.
Formed
in 2004, the Bangi-based Aman Palestin’s website said it was formed to collect
donations and channel these to those affected by conflicts in Palestine, Syria
and Lebanon.
Its
executive director is Abdullah Zaik Abdul Rahman, formerly the president of the
controversial Islamist group IkatanMuslimin Malaysia (Isma). Another director,
Zaini Awang, is also an Isma leader while its adviser Zainur Rashid is
currently Isma’s vice-president.
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/12/01/cant-release-aman-palestin-accounts-pending-investigation-macc-tells-mahathir/105249
-------
Mat
Sabu: Perikatan’s SG4 fixated on Islamic jurisprudence rather than values,
‘doomed to fail’
By
Muhammad Yusry
01 Dec
2023
KUALA
LUMPUR, Dec 1 — Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu has dismissed the longevity of
Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) control over the Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and
Perlis state governments or the so-called “SG4.”
Speaking
to Malay Mail, the politician known as Mat Sabu said the governments there
would not be able to sustain themselves if they remain wrapped up by issues of
Islamic jurisprudence rather than other policies.
“With
the current type of administration they practise, it won’t last,” he said in a
recent interview.
Mohamad
said the SG4, with the Islamist party PAS dominating their state governments,
are focusing too much on Islamic worship rather than Islamic values — such as
good governance and cleanliness.
“I give
you an example, if any PAS leader practises corruption, no one of their people
will bat an eye but if you see them wearing shorts at beaches, chaos will
happen.
“It will
become a huge issue because Islamic jurisprudence for them is much more
important. This type of mindset needs to be changed,” he suggested.
He
contrasted how neighbouring Thailand upholds cleanliness to the point of
marketing their public toilets in petrol stations as clean, to how unkempt the
Siti Khadijah Market is in Kota Baru.
“It’s
dirty, garbage is all over the place. Where’s the Islamic values and good
governance?” he asked.
The
former PAS deputy president also said the top countries practising Islamic
values are those that are not Muslim-majority countries such as New Zealand,
Japan and a few Scandinavian countries.
In June,
Malay Mail reported that Malaysia was ranked 43rd out of 149 in the most recent
version of Islamicity Index that measures how “Islamic” a country is, although
it is the best-performing Muslim-majority country with a score of 6.29.
European
country Denmark topped the list with a score of 8.87, followed by Ireland
(8.83), the Netherlands (8.78), Sweden (8.74) and Iceland (8.72).
Mohamad
mentioned the repeated cases of tahfiz schools — where Muslim children learn
Quran memorisation — were shut down by authorities, and how these instances
would impact the pupils.
“Lots of
tahfiz schools were established in the past, but after five or six years,
they’ll be closed down because they are not well maintained. The kids, where
will they go? If they want to continue their studies in Egypt, they can’t do
that. Their learning process was stopped halfway through.
“Things
like these should be taken care of. The owner of the schools can have a
Vellfire, three wives but in a few years, the schools will be closed down,” he
said, referring to the luxury minivan.
“If you
want to open a tahfiz school, then go ahead but it needs to be systemised, with
a healthcare system and everything from top to bottom,” he added.
He also
suggested that although PAS have governed Kelantan for over two decades, the
state now is much different from how it was under PAS’ late spiritual leader
Tan Sri Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.
“Let’s
look at the government of these four states. How far can they go? An exception
was Nik Aziz’s, which lasted longer. What we see is that they can’t survive.
Like I mentioned earlier, their good governance and Islamic behaviour is still
very low,” he said.
The
agriculture and food security minister cited the now-defunct
PartiSemangatMelayu 46 and PartiPejuangTanahair — which were formed by Umno
figures such as TengkuRazaleigh Hamzah and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad — as
examples of parties failing to win over the public’s heart after playing up
race and religion sentiments.
“Any
kind of extremism is doomed to fail. If you look at Semangat 46, half of Umno’s
supreme council was there, it is no more now. Look at Pejuang, which was led by
Dr Mahathir and his people, they were rejected by the people.
“And I
think Bersatu will follow that route, because how many of their MPs have
declared support to the prime minister so far?” he asked, referring to the
PartiPribumiBersatu Malaysia MPs that declared support to Datuk Seri Anwar
Ibrahim’s administration.
Bersatu
was also established by Dr Mahathir and former Umno deputy president Tan Sri
Muhyiddin Yassin. It had partnered with PakatanHarapan, but ended this in the
“Sheraton Move” that led to the fall of Dr Mahathir’s administration in 2020.
Dr Mahathir was recently appointed the unofficial adviser to the SG4.
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read
the full text of the original
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/12/01/mat-sabu-perikatans-sg4-fixated-on-islamic-jurisprudence-rather-than-values-doomed-to-fail/103461
-----
Group
calls for halt to Johor govt’s plans for LGBT rehab centre
30 Nov
2023
HUMAN
rights group Justice for Sisters (JFS) has called for an immediate review of
the Johor government’s plans to set up a rehabilitation centre targeting
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people deemed “deviant” to
Islamic teachings.
“Detaining
people on the grounds of changing their sexual orientation, gender identity and
expression (Sogie) undeniably amounts to torture,” JFS co-founder S. Thilaga
said.
She said
the criminalisation and any form of effort to change a person’s Sogie is a
violation of human rights guaranteed under both the Federal Constitution and
international human rights law.
Johor
Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid recently
said the centre, aimed to help the LGBT community, was the first to be
established in Malaysia.
He added
that the government has also allocated RM400,000 to set up the centre, which is
expected to begin operations next July.
“The
rehabilitation centre directly violates article 5 of the Federal Constitution
of Malaysia, which safeguards the personal liberty, privacy and dignity of all
Malaysian citizens. It also violates article 8 of the Federal Constitution,
which safeguards equality before the law and prohibits discrimination on the
basis of gender,” said Thilaga.
As a
signatory to the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women (Cedaw), she said Malaysia is required to ensure
that there are no discriminatory laws or practices against women in all
spheres.
In 2018,
the Cedaw committee called Malaysia to not only amend all laws which
discriminate LBTI (lesbian, bisexual, trans, and intersex) women, including the
provisions of the penal code and shariah laws that criminalise same-sex
relations between women, but also discontinue measures which aim to “correct”
or “rehabilitate” LBTI persons, she said.
Thilaga
said based on JFS’ survey of LGBT people in Malaysia, these practices result in
long-term severe impacts, including negatively impacting their mental health,
dropping out of schools, and suicidal ideation and attempts.
She said
JFS is concerned that these state-led efforts will further increase the trust
deficit in public institutions, creating more barriers for the LGBT community’s
access to redress and services such as healthcare, over concerns of being
reported or sent to rehabilitation centres or subjected to other Sogie-change
efforts.
“JFS
strongly urges the Johor government to halt its plans to establish the
rehabilitation centre. We also urge Suhakam, as the national human rights
institution, to engage the Johor government in a review of its plans given its
severe human rights impact, and to conduct a human rights impact assessment of
rehabilitation centres and similar state-sponsored Sogie-change initiatives,”
she added. – The Vibes, November 30, 2023.
Source: thevibes.com
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Thai
hostages from Gaza return home, mourn fellow workers
NOV 30,
2023
BANGKOK
- When the first group of Thai nationals held hostage by Hamas in Gaza arrived
at a Bangkok airport, they asked for a moment of silence to mourn the Thai
labourers who were killed.
“I’m
saddened that my 39 fellow workers died and would like everybody to take a
moment to mourn their loss,” the group’s representative UthaiSaengnuan told
reporters on Thursday.
Hamas
gunmen from Gaza killed 39 Thais and abducted 32 Thai labourers during the Oct
7 attack on Israel, according to the Thai government.
The first
group of 17 returned on Thursday from a total of 23 who have been released in
Gaza, with nine remaining in captivity.
The
returnees stood calmly in a line, some wearing shirts with the Thai and Israeli
flags.
“I would
like to thank the Israeli and Thai authorities who helped us... and hope that
the others will come back,” he said.
Before
the war, around 30,000 Thai labourers worked in the agriculture sector, making
the group one of Israel's largest migrant worker groups.
So far,
9,000 Thais have been repatriated.
“All
Thais were worried about you,” Prime Minister SretthaThavisin told the
returnees via a video call as they gathered for the press conference at
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Thai
migrant workers in Israel come mainly from the South-east Asian nation’s rural
north-east, seeking higher pay to send home to their families.
Family
members waited on Nov 30 to greet their relatives at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi
Airport.
“The
support of friends and allies helped secure the release of Thai hostages,”
Foreign Minister ParnpreeBahiddha-Nukara told reporters, adding that the
government would continue its efforts in securing the release of those who
remained captive.
MrParnpree
said he held talks with his counterparts in several Middle Eastern countries
with Hamas contacts. He was previously in Cairo and Doha for talks.
A Thai
Muslim group which held direct talks with Hamas said their efforts were crucial
in securing the early release of Thai hostages.
On the
first day of the ceasefire, ten Thai hostages were released without condition.
REUTERS
Source: straitstimes.com
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China
seeks ‘concrete’ roadmap for two-state solution to solve Gaza conflict
2023-12-01
BEIJING:
China called on the United Nations Security Council on Thursday to formulate a
“concrete” timetable and roadmap for a two-state solution to achieve a
“comprehensive, just and lasting” settlement of the Palestinian issue.
The
proposal was laid out in a paper stating China’s position on resolving the
Palestinian-Israeli conflict released by the Chinese foreign ministry, and as
China took over the rotating presidency of the Security Council for November.
The
15-member council needs to intensify its diplomatic mediation, relaunch the
two-state solution and convene a “more authoritative and effective” international
peace conference as soon as possible, the paper said.
It urged
the council to heed the general call of the international community for a
“comprehensive ceasefire” to stop the fighting.
Since
the start of hostilities in October, Beijing has refrained from condemning
Hamas, but instead said it opposed acts that harm civilians and sought for
de-escalation and a two-state solution.
China’s
foreign minister Wang Yi, who chaired a high-level Security Council meeting on
the Gaza conflict on Wednesday in New York, urged for a lasting truce in the
embattled territory and warned against the conflict from spilling over to the
entire Middle East region.
“Peace
cannot be limited and the ceasefire cannot have an expiration date,” China’s
official Xinhua news agency cited Wang as saying.
“Once
the window of opportunity is open, it should not be closed, and once the fire
has been extinguished, it cannot be rekindled,” he said while meeting the
press.
Wang
also said China will provide a new batch of emergency humanitarian supplies to
Gaza.
International
calls for Israel and Hamas to further extend a truce in Gaza have intensified
after Israel bombarded the enclave triggered by Hamas’ deadly rampage on Oct.7.
Israel
says Hamas gunmen killed 1,200 people and took 240 hostages, while health
authorities in Gaza say Israel’s attack has so far killed more than 15,000
people in the enclave.
China’s
President Xi Jinping on Thursday also reiterated Beijing’s support to the
Palestinians’ quest for statehood.
“The
crux of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict lies in the delay in the realisation
of the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people to establish an
independent state,” Xinhua cited Xi as saying in a congratulatory message to a
conference commemorating the International Day of Solidarity with the
Palestinian People, a UN-led observance.
“The
bitter lessons of the cycle of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict fully
demonstrate that only by upholding the concept of common security can
sustainable security be achieved,” Xi said.
He
called on the Security Council to shoulder its responsibilities and make
efforts to promote an end to the fighting, protect the safety of civilians and
stop the humanitarian catastrophe. Source: brecorder.com
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URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/muslim-man-karnataka-jai-shri-ram/d/131233