Installations and Properties Attacked, Anti-Army Slogans Raised; Group in Political Garb Did What Enemy Couldn’t In 75 Years: Pakistan Army
New
Age Islam News Bureau
11
May 2023
Director
General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) addresses a press conference
in Rawalpindi on April 25, 2023, in this still taken from a video. —
YouTube/GeoNews
-----
Pakistan
• Imran Khan Might Be Killed While in Custody: Former US
EnvoyZalmay Khalilzad
• Eight Killed In Clashes as Imran Lands in NAB Custody
• Attack on Corps Commander’s House: Audio Leaks Suggest
PTI Leadership Was On Board
• Proclamation of emergency remains an option if
disturbance continues
• PM calls PTI ‘terrorists’ protests ‘unforgivable
crimes’
• Ruling coalition hits back at PTI after deadly unrest
• Bilawal Bhutto urges PTI to shun violence, take
political route
--------
Southeast
Asia
Man Arrested
For Allegedly Insulting Religionby Making Fun of 'Salam'Words of Greetings in
Malaysia
High Court
rules conversion of 3 children to Islam valid
Men in
religious attire ignore doctor's advice not to smoke in restaurant
Malaysia climbs
7 spots on Global Terrorism Index 2022
--------
Europe
• Police arrest man who tried to set mosque on fire in
Germany
• Restoration Work of Mosques Underway In Azerbaijani
Territories Liberated From Occupation
• Charity regulator appoints Interim Manager to the Islamic
Centre of England
• Meet Egham's Partially Blind 86-Year-Old Walking 13
Miles through the Pain to Raise Money for Town's First Mosque
• Bosnia And Herzegovina FM Spoke About 5 Million
Muslims in the “Open Balkan”, and Caused Numerous Reactions
--------
Arab World
• Islamic Development Bank Prioritizing Poverty
Reduction in Member Countries
• UAE’s First Auction of Islamic Treasury Bonds In 2023
Oversubscribed 7.6 Times
• Islamic Development Bank Group Releases Integration
Report for Arab Countries
• Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment
and Export Credit (ICIEC) Honored with Global • Trade Review (GTR) Leaders in Trade Award
for Islamic Finance in Trade
• Economic integration is key for Arab nations and trade
and investment can boost it, conference hears
• Saudi program launches series of developmental
projects in Yemen
--------
India
• What Prime Minister’s Loud Silence on Attacks on
Muslims by His Ministers Says
• In a North Bengaluru Seat, a Lesson to Parties That
They Can't Take the Muslim Vote For Granted
• The Kerala Story: Why it is always controversial to
make a film on an Islamic State in India?
• The Kerala Story Is Not Against Muslims or Islam:
Producer Vipul Shah
--------
South Asia
• Conditions Not Yet Right for Girls to Return to School;
Final Decision by Religious Clerics: Afghan Minister
• Muttaqi Urges World to Engage with Islamic Emirate
• Acting Foreign Minister Muttaqi Meets Norwegian Charge
d’affaires in Kabul
• Qatar Provides Life-Saving Medicines to Afghanistan
• Contract Signed for the Extraction of Lead, Zinc Mines
in Afghanistan’s Bamyan
• GAAC to Uplift Afghanistan’s Airports to the Modern
Era
--------
Mideast
• Iran Urging Hamas to Join Forces with Islamic Jihad to
Attack Israel
• Israel Occupation Understands Only Language of Force,
Resistance - Dissolved Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood
• Hamas: The Blood of Martyrs Will Not Go To Waste &
We Insist On Jihad & Resistance
• All eyes on Hamas as IDF awaits reprisal for
assassination of Islamic Jihad leaders
• To Provoke Palestinians, Israeli Settlers Break Into Jerusalem's
Aqsa Mosque
• IDF kills 3 Islamic Jihad commanders in Gaza; over 460
rockets fired at Israel
• Trustees Removed From 'Iran-Run' Islamic Centre of England
• Palestinian Islamic Jihad seeks Egyptian-mediated
ceasefire
• Islamic Jihad conflagration is tip of iceberg for
Israel's growing Iran concern
--------
Africa
• Niger Intercepts Nearly 1,400 Boko Haram Followers -
Army
• Tunisia: Authorities open investigation into shooting
attack at synagogue
• Islamic Trade Body Signs Deals with African Countries
• Darfur residents fear escalating conflicts between the
army and the RSF
• Burkina Faso: kidnapped prefect found dead in forest
• Senegal opposition calls for protests over alleged
threat to bar Sonko from vote
--------
North
America
• Transgender Militia Leader's Appeal Denied In Minnesota
Mosque Bombing Case
• Appeals court upholds conviction of main defendant in
2017 Bloomington mosque bombing
• Prosecutors reveal link between terror defendant in
Virginia and Islamic State ‘empress’ from Kansas
• How one Muslim charity is fighting back against
Canada’s targeted audits
Compiled
by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/pakistan-army-attacked-slogans-political/d/129756
-------
Installations
and Properties Attacked, Anti-Army Slogans Raised; Group in Political Garb Did
What Enemy Couldn’t In 75 Years: Army
Director
General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) addresses a press conference
in Rawalpindi on April 25, 2023, in this still taken from a video. —
YouTube/GeoNews
-----
May 11, 2023
ISLAMABAD: The
Pakistan Army Wednesday said May 9 would be remembered as a dark chapter in the
country’s history when its installations and properties were attacked under a
well-planned conspiracy.
The statement
came as two days of violence following the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan
led to the death of at least seven people while scores were left injured in
Peshawar, Quetta, Lahore. Dozens of incidents of arson saw multiple state
properties severely damaged across the country, prominent among them the Radio
Pakistan building and offices of the Associated Press of Pakistan in Peshawar.
Earlier, the
army stated that May 9 would be remembered as a black chapter in the country’s
history when its installations and properties were attacked and anti-army
slogans were raised under a well-planned conspiracy, following the arrest of
PTI chairman who, according to NAB, was taken into custody from the Islamabad
High Court in accordance with the law.
The
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a statement, said the army troops
deputed on duty demonstrated patience, tolerance and restraint to the violent
acts of a group of miscreants. “In the larger national interests, the troops,
without caring for their repute, demonstrated utmost patience and tolerance,”
it said.
The media wing
of the Pakistan Army pointed out that “under nefarious planning, a heinous
attempt was made to make the army give an immediate reaction, which could be
used for nefarious political purposes, but mature response given by the army
foiled the conspiracy.”
“We are well
aware that behind it were orders, directives and complete pre-planning by some
sinister party leadership,” the ISPR statement said.
The
facilitators, planners and political activists involved in the protests had
been identified, asserting that strict action would be taken against them “as
per the law and all these evil elements will now be responsible for the
consequences,” it said. “Any further attack on the army, including all law enforcement
agencies, military and state installations and properties will be severely
retaliated, the responsibility of which will be on this very group that wants
to push Pakistan into a civil war and has expressed it multiple times.
“No one can be
allowed to incite people and take the law into their hands,” the army’s media
wing added.
The ISPR said,
on the one hand, “these miscreants evoke the nation’s emotions for achieving
their limited and selfish objectives and on the other hand, they deceive
people, continuing to highlight the army’s importance. This is an example of
hypocrisy.”
It said that
“this group wearing a political cloak” has done what enemies could not do in 75
years, all “in the lust for power”.
Meanwhile,
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his address to the nation on Wednesday night,
warned miscreants to stop causing violence in the country, otherwise, they
would be dealt with an iron hand. Observing that damaging property of the state
was an act of terrorism and anti-state action, the PM maintained that action
against those involved in such acts would be taken as per the Constitution and
law. He said the security and integrity of Pakistan were dearer to them than
their lives, saying that miscreants would not be allowed to succeed in their nefarious
designs. Shehbaz reiterated that Imran Khan was arrested on corruption charges
and there was all evidence against him in the Al-Qadir Trust case. “The
approval regarding 190 million pounds issue was sought while waving a sealed
envelope at the federal cabinet’s meeting,” Shehbaz said, questioning how it
could be the cabinet’s decision when no summary was seen at the meeting. He
pointed out that Imran Khan was the first beneficiary of the amendment to the
accountability law by the present regime. He said 90-day remand was used to be
given as per the previous accountability law.
The prime
minister said they could not express pleasure over the arrest of any leader,
saying that it was the responsibility of a leader that he should stop his
workers from crossing the law’s red line. “But the violent groups, by attacking
sensitive installations and raising anti-army slogans, did what our enemy could
not accomplish in 75 years,” he said. He also paid tributes to the masses for
rejecting the anti-state agenda and also appreciated the role of the Pakistan
Army, police and law-enforcement agencies. Also, military troops were called in
to assist the civil administration in maintaining law and order in the federal
capital Islamabad, Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
Earlier, the
federal cabinet meeting, chaired by PM Shehbaz Sharif, approved the deployment
of Pakistan Army under Article 245 of the Constitution in Islamabad, Punjab and
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces in view of the prevailing law and order situation
in the country. The federal cabinet allowed the requisition of Pakistan Army
troops in aid of civil power on the recommendation of the interior ministry
under Article 245 of the Constitution.
Following
approval by the federal cabinet, the Ministry of Interior issued orders,
authorising the deployment of Pakistan troops and assets for the maintenance of
law and order situation in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). The orders
say that decision to requisition the Pakistan Army was taken in pursuance to the
request made by the office of the Chief Commissioner, Islamabad.
Meanwhile,
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb strongly condemned
the attacks on the building and offices of Radio Pakistan and Associated Press
of Pakistan in Peshawar by the armed PTI gangs. In a statement, she said the
attack on the offices of Radio Pakistan and APP by the PTI armed gangs was
condemnable and deplorable.
Meanwhile, at
least seven people died and scores were left injured in incidents of violence from
Peshawar, Quetta, and Lahore besides incidents of arson that saw multiple state
properties severely damaged across the country, including the Radio Pakistan
building and offices of the Associated Press of Pakistan in Peshawar.
In Peshawar, at
least four people lost their lives while more than a hundred suffered bullet
injuries after the PTI protest turned violent. The deceased were identified as
Ibrar, 27, Dir Colony, Sikander, 20, Shaheen Muslim Town, and Bilal of
Landikotal. The fourth was yet to be identified. Similarly in Quetta, one
protester lost his life and two were killed in Punjab clashes.
The protesters
set on fire precious national assets, including the historic Radio Pakistan
Peshawar building and caused serious damage to public and private properties.
Since the Radio Pakistan building also houses the offices of the state’s news
agency, Associated Press of Pakistan, the protesters attempted to reach them.
The PTI protest
continued for the second consecutive day and the party activists gathered on
the GT Road near Balahisar Fort where they blocked the road for traffic. The
military authorities and Peshawar police also parked heavy containers on the
Khyber Road and blocked it for all types of traffic. The road passes through
the Peshawar Cantonment where sensitive installations are located, including
the official residence of the corps commander. Senior PTI leaders and
office-bearers were conspicuous by their absence in the protest rally. Most of
the protesters were quite young. They stopped an ambulance from Edhi
Foundation, disembarked a patient and started hitting it with sticks and kicks.
Finally, the ambulance was overturned and then set on fire.
There were
several armed men, and some of them were seen carrying AK-47 assault rifles and
pistols. The protesters opened fire at the police and in the subsequence
exchange of gunfire, four people were killed and more than 100 injured. The
wounded people were taken to nearby Lady Reading Hospital. The LRH spokesman,
Mohammad Asim, said they had received four bodies and 95 injured by firearms.
Senior security
officials told The News they had obtained enough material from cameras
installed in different locations of the city and would initiate legal
proceedings against those involved in damaging public and private properties.
“At least 42 people have been arrested from Peshawar city for violence,
ransacking and torching private and public properties,” the spokesman for
Peshawar Police said.
He said SP City
Abdul Salam Khalid, SP Saddar Malik Habib, SP Rural Zafar Ahmad, SP Security
Atiq Shah, DSP Shakil, four SHOs Ashfaq, Tehsinullah, Naeem Haider and Ijaz
Nabi were among 36 policemen wounded during pelting of stones and other violent
attacks by the protesters. Some of them suffered bullet injuries.
In Swat, the
police and district administration arrested 44 PTI workers and activists,
including former ministers Dr Amjad Ali and Shafiullah, during the ongoing
crackdown against the local leadership of the party. Former lawmakers,
including Malik Liaqat, Azam Khan, tehsil chairman Saeed Khan, Khurshid Khan,
adviser of former minister Murad Saeed and other office-bearers were also held
in the swoop.
In Balochistan,
the PTI activists protested in Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Chaman, Qila Saifullah,
Muslim Bagh, DukiHarnai, Ziarat, Sanjawi and other parts of the province,
demanding the release of Imran Khan.
Enraged PTI
workers took to the streets in different areas of Balochistan including Quetta.
One young worker of the PTI was killed and four others sustained injuries in a
clash between police and protesters on Airport Road Quetta. The body of the
deceased was shifted to Sandeman Provincial Hospital where he was identified as
Umer Aziz (27), a resident of Loralai.
Main highways
linking Balochistan with other parts of the country were also blocked by the
workers. The Pak Afghan Highway near Kojak Top area of Chaman city bordering
Afghanistan was blocked by the PTI workers. Mir Ziaullah Langove, Minister for
Home Tribal Affairs and PDMA, said the law-enforcement agencies were alert to
cope with any emergent situation in the province.
PTI senior
leader and former federal minister Asad Umar were rounded up on Wednesday. He
was arrested from the premises of the Islamabad High Court (IHC). According to
the report, nearly 1,000 people including various main party leaders including
Omer Sarfraz Cheema and Fawad Chaudhry were arrested. The PTI leader was
arrested under 16 MPO after he emerged from the Supreme Court where he remained
holed for almost the whole of Wednesday to evade arrest.
In Islamabad, a
group of PTI activists, equipped with lethal firearms, attacked the Police Line
Headquarters (PLH) Islamabad, but the police force deployed in and around the
premises foiled their attempt, a police spokesman confirmed. He said during the
spar between the police and the attackers, the miscreants opened fire at the
police. A cop identified as Hakim Khan sustained a bullet injury and was
shifted to PIMS hospital. However, the wounded cop was declared out of danger
by a team of surgeons. The PTI miscreants set on fire the office of the SSP
Islamabad Police, Industrial Area. According to a spokesperson for the
Islamabad police, the miscreants forcefully entered the SP office and set on
fire the entire record of the police station.
The violent
protesters had also blocked the traffic on Srinagar Highway from G-11 to G-14
and blocked traffic on Islamabad Expressway on Sohan as well. The protesters
attacked the children and women in private vehicles and looted goods from the
trucks. They blocked different roads including Murree Road, Liaquat Bagh,
Committee Chowk, Shamsabad, Faizabad, Rawat T-Chowk, Waris Khan, Kutchehry
Chowk, and other areas of Rawalpindi while violent skirmishes between the
police and the protesters continued till late Tuesday night. They set fire to
tyres and garbage lying on the side of the roads. Commissioner Rawalpindi
Division Liaquat Ali Chatha said that strict implementation of Section 144
would be ensured by the district administration.
The Islamabad
police have arrested over 130 PTI activists under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA)
and 16 under Maintenance of Police Order (MPO), while, over 700 were booked
under sedition, anti-terrorist act and instigating people to attack military
installations. In Hafizabad, police registered a case against more than 50 PTI
activists under ATA. Police said that the arrested workers had been detained in
jail for one month under 3 MPO. The detention orders were issued on the
summary, which was presented to the government.
“Police teams
arrested 945 lawbreakers and miscreants from across Punjab,” officials said in
a statement to the media, adding 130 officers and officials were injured in the
violence since Tuesday including DIG Operations Ali Nasir Rizvi. Rizvi had
received a serious injury on his eye socket and head. The victims are
undergoing treatment at Lahore Services Hospital. DIG Elite police Sadiq Ali
Dogar has been handed over an additional charge of DIG Operations Lahore. At
least six FIRs in Lahore including of attack and vandalising a sensitive
installation in Cantonment were also registered. PTI leaders Yasmin Rashid,
Ejaz Chaudhry, Mehmood Rasheed and others have been nominated in these FIRs.
In Lahore, on
Wednesday, the PTI workers attacked Shadman police station and torched over
half a dozen police vehicles. Askari Tower was also set on fire. Reportedly, a
body with burn injuries was recovered from the plaza. The PTI workers kept on
clashing with police at four major points Zaman Park, Liberty Chowk, Jail Road
PTI main office and The Mall Road. They set fire to tyres and used other things
to block roads. The protestors also pelted the police with stones. The cops
used tear gas shelling and batons to disperse them. The total number of arrests
in different districts has risen to 1,380, according to sources. A spokesperson
for Punjab Police said with the help of CCTV recordings and video footage, a
careful review is being taken to identify and arrest miscreants. At least 190
people were arrested by the Rawalpindi police as a result of a crackdown on the
PTI leaders, workers and supporters.
Separately, PTI
Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Wednesday that the party’s biggest
fear was that Imran Khan was in custody and his life was under threat. Qureshi
said the Punjab government sent a requisition for the deployment of the army,
which was surprising. “When the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court asked for
security for the May 14 elections, it was said that the army could not be
deployed due to security challenges, but surprisingly today, the deployment of
the entire army has been announced for Punjab. It is a huge contradiction and
the Chief Justice should take notice of it,” Qureshi said. He said police
raided his residence in Ghousia Complex, Multan and vandalised the doors of Bab
al-Quraish Secretariat office and arrested his nine workers and pilgrims from
Sindh which is a shameful act. Among those arrested are Amjad Tanyu, Rafiq
Tanyu, Ameer Solangi, Hub Ali Solangi, Waseem Tanyu, Noor Hasan Mehr, Hakim
Tanyu, Imran Pirzada, NaumanNoomi, he said. Meanwhile, Kotwali police
registered a case under different sections of CrPC including the Anti-Terrorism
Act and 16MPO for creating law and order and violating section 144 in Multan.
The FIR 478/23 nominated 36 PTI workers.
The Gujranwala
district police also registered cases against 113 nominated and 900 unknown PTI
activists for firing, murder, inflammatory speeches and damage to government
properties. In Sialkot, five policemen were injured due to stone-pelting by
protesters late on Tuesday night. In Kasur, charged agitators staged protest
demonstrations, blocked roads by burning tyres, used harsh and abusive language
against state institutions, disturbed public tranquillity and spread terror. In
Kasur, police lodged criminal cases against more than 600 including 150
nominated workers of PTI. In Toba Tek Singh, the police arrested PTI’s Kissan
Wing President Mehr Mumtaz Daultana, and Mehr UmerullahSaleempuri from
Pirmahal.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1069106-case-against-top-leadership-1-500-pti-activists-registered-for-attacking-corps-commander-s-house-army-describes-may-9-incidents-a-black-chapter
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Those Involved
In Religious Terrorism Are Not Ulama but People Who Seek 'Shortcut to Heaven':
Deputy PM
Deputy Prime
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi delivers his speech after chairing
the high-level committee on counter-terrorism meeting in Putrajaya. -NSTP/MOHD
FADLI HAMZAH
-----
By Adib Povera
May 11, 2023
PUTRAJAYA:
Those arrested for their suspected involvement in terror activities in the name
of religion are not religious scholars but people without strong religious
background.
Deputy Prime
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this was among the findings by a
high-level committee on counter-terrorism.
"Those who
engage in terror activities in the name of religion are not 'ulama' (religious
scholars), but people who do not have strong religious background.
"They get
involved in such activities because they think they can find
'jalansingkatkesyurga' (a shortcut to heaven).
"Do not
abuse the good name of our sacred religion to justify your involvement in such
terror activities," he told reporters after chairing the high-level
committee meeting here today
Zahid said the
committee has instructed the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim)
and several other agencies to develop a module to counter religious extremism
and terrorism.
Such measures
formulated by Jakim, he said, would be incorporated in the education curriculum
at the pre-school, primary, secondary and tertiary level.
"We have
also implemented several measures to combat irresponsible quarters and
extremists who abuse the good name of religion to gain political mileage.
"For
example, there are quarters who put forth claims and harp upon Islam to justify
their different opinion in politics.
"The
government is serious about tackling this issue to avoid people from being
misled by these irresponsible groups," he said.
On a related
matter, Zahid said Malaysia has improved its ranking by seven places in the
Global Terrorism Index (GTI).
He said the
country ranks 75th in the 2022 GTI compared to the 68th place the previous
year.
An increase in
rankings signify a country which has improved its position on the GTI.
Zahid added
that the country only reported two arrests linked to terrorism-related
activities last year (2022).
"Although
Malaysia has improved its position in the GTI, this does not mean we should be
complacent.
"We must
continue to remain vigilant and carry out the necessary preventive measures to
uphold the safety of the nation," he said.
Source: nst.com.my
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2023/05/908206/those-involved-religious-terrorism-are-not-ulama-people-who-seek
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Rise of Racism: Muslim and Immigrant Students
Targeted By Racists in Berlin
Reuters
Archive
In the third
quarter of 2022, Germany reported 120 anti-Muslim crimes. / Photo: Reuters
Archive
-----
11-05-23
In a school in
Berlin, a class with students from mostly Muslim and immigrant backgrounds has
become the target of a racist attack.
German police
announced that students were subjected to racist insults by a group of young
people celebrating birthdays in the Frauensee holiday resort in Brandenburg
State, where the students were camping.
28 people who
were involved in the attack have been identified, and an investigation has been
launched against them, police said.
Students
interrupted their camp due to the racist danger and returned to their homes
earlier than planned.
It is stated
that the police were called because the attackers tried to enter the camp
during the night and threatened students by banging on doors and windows. As a
result, the students returned to their homes under police supervision.
Berlin
Education Senator Katharina Günther-Wunsch condemned the racist attack in a
statement. "I will not and should not tolerate such attacks. The first
thing to do now is to help students in the best way possible," she said.
Germany has
been witnessing the rise of racism in recent years, fuelled by the propaganda
of far-right groups and parties trying to spread fear over immigrants.
A worrying
trend
Earlier this
year, a Muslim family was attacked by seven men in the East German town of
Merseburg, public broadcaster MDR reported.
The suspects,
aged between 19 and 33 years, first racially insulted the Muslim family and
then physically attacked them while pushing a stroller on the street.
According to
police, passers-by got involved and used irritants against the attackers,
injuring four. The family did not require any medical treatment following the
assault.
Police launched
a criminal investigation as the seven attackers are known to them by name.
Discrimination
against Muslims is widespread in Germany, according to research published last
October by the Expert Council on Integration and Migration (SVR).
Nearly 48
percent of respondents said they believe "Islam is not compatible with
German society," while 29 percent suggested restricting the practice of
Islam in the country.
Bodily injury,
insult, incitement to hatred, vandalism or the use of prohibited symbols are
the other forms of crimes against Muslims.
In the third
quarter of 2022, Germany reported 120 anti-Muslim crimes, leaving ten people
injured and several mosques damaged. However, "no suspect" has been
arrested over Islamophobic crimes, officials say.
Police are
doing too little to prevent racism and anti-Semitism, according to a study by
Mediendienst Integration.
The Federal
Anti-Discrimination Agency said it received more than 5,600 consultation
requests in 2021, with 37 percent about racial discrimination and 32 percent
about discrimination based on disabilities, Human Rights Watch reported.
A report by the
German Centre for Integration and Migration Research (DeZIM- Institute)
examined numerous aspects of Germany's racism problem.
The report
demonstrates that racial awareness in German society differs among categories.
For example, while approximately 60 percent of the population agree that racism
against Jews and people of colour exists in Germany, only 44.5 percent believe
anti-Muslim racism exists.
It also
suggests that the German public does not believe racism is a widespread social
problem. 33 percent of respondents think those affected by racism are
oversensitive, while 52 percent believe they are fearful.
More than half
of the respondents consider criticising racism is a form of oppression of their
freedom of expression, the report says.
The popularity
of Germany’s far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has risen after
openly protesting against Islam and refugees in the country.
The far-right
groups committed at least 1,138 acts of violence in the country last year.
According to
official figures, at least 478 people were injured in these attacks.
Source: trtworld.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.trtworld.com/europe/muslim-and-immigrant-students-targeted-by-racists-in-berlin-13186907
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Saudi Arabia to
Develop Madinah into a 'Modern Islamic and Cultural Destination'
Saudi Arabia
to develop Madinah into a ‘modern Islamic and cultural destination’
[@RuaAlmadinah/Twitter]
----
May 10, 2023
Saudi Arabia is
planning to transform Islam's second holiest city of Madinah into a
"modern Islamic and cultural destination" according to a report
yesterday by Arab News.
The project,
which is part of the Kingdom's Vision2030 strategy, will be overseen by Rua Al
Madinah Holding Co., a real estate firm owned by the Saudi Arabia's sovereign
wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), in partnership with French hospitality
multinational, Accor Group.
The Rua Al
Madinah project is already currently underway, located eastwards of the
Prophet's Mosque in the city and will include a 140-room Fairmont Hotel, 120
Fairmont branded residences, 466-room Swissotel and 328-room Novotel.
"We are
delighted to partner with a leading hospitality group that's known in the world
over for its bespoke and inimitable style," said Ahmed Al-Juhani, Rua Al
Madinah CEO. "The three new brands will enhance the appeal of the
project's master plan and help us offer a broad selection of hospitality
options to the city's visitors, providing something for everyone that meets
their need and budget and enrich their experience."
Duncan
O'Rourke, the CEO of the Middle East, Africa, Turkiye and Asia-Pacific region
at Accor, meanwhile, said: "We are proud to sign the first Swissotel
property and strengthen our Novotel offering in Madinah. Through these
signings, our primary goal is to support the diverse offering at the master
development of Rua Al Madinah."
Mohammed
Al-Khalili, chairman of Rua Al Madinah Holding, told Arab News: "The value
of the total project is almost SR140 billion ($37 billion). When completed, the
project will add 93,000 direct and indirect jobs."
According to
the Rua Al Madinah Holding website, the project aims to strengthen "the
position of Al Madina Al Munawwarah as a prestigious religious destination with
a modern architectural system derived from its ancient history," adding
that the company hopes "to raise the readiness of the central area of the
Prophet's Mosque by developing a distinct urban environment with a modern
infrastructure to host more visitors in line with the goals of the
vision."
In accordance
with Vision2030, the project aims to raise the Madinah's hospitality capacity
to be able to accommodate 30 million visitors by the year 2030.
Source: middleeastmonitor.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230510-saudi-arabia-to-develop-madinah-into-a-modern-islamic-and-cultural-destination/
--------
Communal Harmony:
Muslims Rebuild Ram Temple Ravaged In Cyclone in Gujarat’s Amreli Village
Communal
Harmony: Muslims Rebuild Ram Temple Ravaged In Cyclone in Gujarat's Amreli
Village
-----
May 11, 2023
AMRELI: In a
heart-warming example of communal harmony, a Muslim family helped rebuild a
temple of Lord Rama that was damaged when cyclone Tauktae left a trail of
destruction in the coastal Amreli district in May 2021.
The new avatar
of the small temple, which was built on land donated by a Muslim in Zar village
several years ago, was unveiled in the presence of acclaimed religious leaders,
including Ram KathakarMorari Bapu, on Wednesday.
The family of
Daudbhai Lalilya decided to take forward the legacy of the village's interfaith
amity by taking the responsibility of not just rebuilding the temple but also expanding
its courtyard so that more people can visit to pray. As the family spent lakhs
of rupees on the renovation, Laliya's nephews gave additional land for a bigger
premises.
After the
pranpatishtha (ritualistic installation) of Lord Ram's idol at the hands of
Sattadhar temple head priest VijaydasBapu of Sattadhar, the Laliya family
organized a feast for the entire village which has a population of around 1,200
including some 100 Muslims.
Original temple
was built on land given by Muslim family
A 'santsabha'
addressed by nearly 10 religious leaders was also organized at the Laliya
family's residence. "We have never treated each other as Hindus or
Muslims. Communal brotherhood has been a tradition in our village. We only pray
that the atmosphere of religious discord ends for good," said Daudbhai, a
rich farmer whose Laliya family has been living in Zar for generations.
Daudbhai said
it was his dream that MorariBapu remains present for the idol installation
ceremony.
Morari Bapu
said, "Communal unity has been intrinsic to our country's culture. In
between, this ethos was stained but people like Daudbhai are cleansing these
stains with their virtuous deeds."
Mumtaz Patel,
daughter of former Congress strongman Ahmed Patel, who was also present at the
event, said, "Communal harmony is still intact in villages of India. In
today's communally charged situation in the country, Daudbhai and his family
have become a beacon of hope for a better future."
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/muslims-rebuild-ram-temple-ravaged-in-cyclone-tauktae-in-gujarats-amreli-village/articleshow/100145233.cms
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Pakistan
Imran Khan Might Be Killed While in Custody: Former US EnvoyZalmay Khalilzad
By Fidel
Rahmati
May 11, 2023
Former US
Ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad tweeted that there is growing fear
that Imran Khan might be killed while in custody.
He also
expressed concern about the growing fear that Imran Khan might be killed in
custody. He added that the former prime minister had also expressed this
concern to the judge before the court on Wednesday.
“There is
growing fear that Imran Khan might be killed or assassinated while in custody.
Imran Khan expressed this concern to the judge in charge in the court today,”
Zalmay Khalilzad said on Twitter.
He continued,
saying, “As there is no flight risk, Imran Khan should be released from
detention, and appropriate measures must be taken to guarantee his security.”
He also warned
that Murdering Imran Khan would worsen the country’s situation.
“There are
credible reports of differences among senior officers on how Imran Khan has
been treated and the violations of the constitution and the rule of law to
serve the ambitions of a few. Murdering Imran Khan will make things a lot worse
in the country, Khalilzad added.
By doing so,
Pakistan will face international condemnation, isolation and even sanctions. On
the other hand, he called upon the government to embrace national
reconciliation, the rule of law and democracy by agreeing on an election date.
“In addition,
Pakistan will face international condemnation, isolation, and even sanctions.
The establishment should embrace national reconciliation, the rule of law, and
democracy by agreeing on a date for elections, he said.
“I hope the
leaders of the establishment in Pakistan will find the courage and wisdom to
recognize that the current course leads directly over the precipice.”
The former US
representative also said that the situation of affairs in Pakistan is rapidly
deteriorating, impacting people’s lives and eroding the cohesion of government
institutions.
Amid widespread
protests and violent altercations between Imran Khan’s supporters and riot
police, a Pakistani special anti-corruption court detained the former prime
minister for eight days while indicting him on separate corruption allegations.
Khan’s shocking
arrest on Tuesday worsened the country’s political unrest and spurred bloody
rallies throughout Pakistan. According to Khan’s party, violent skirmishes
between PTI supporters and security officials resulted in at least four deaths
and over a dozen injuries nationwide.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/imran-khan-might-be-killed-while-in-custody-former-us-envoy/
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Eight killed in
clashes as Imran lands in NAB custody
Malik Asad |
Manzoor Ali
May 11, 2023
ISLAMABAD /
PESHAWAR: At least eight people were killed, as many as 290 were injured, and
over 1,900 enraged protesters were rounded up in running battles with law
enforcers across the country on Wednesday, as an accountability court in
Islamabad handed over the custody of their leader Imran Khan to NAB for eight days
in connection with the Al Qadir Trust case.
The violent
protests provoked by the PTI chairman’s arrest entered the second day on
Wednesday, as police and PTI supporters engaged in bloody clashes throughout
the day that resulted in damage to several government installations, including
police stations.
Late in night,
PTI Senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhry was arrested hours after central
Secretary General Asad Umar taken into custody.
In a bid to
control the worsening situation, the government called in the military in
Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad. The deployment came a day after
protesters stormed the residence of the corps commander in Lahore and tore down
a gate of GHQ in Rawalpindi.
The attacks on
army property prompted a harsh statement from its media wing, with its
spokesperson calling out the ‘hypocrisy’ of a political group that used the
public for its “limited and selfish” interests.
Nevertheless, a
police office in Islamabad, a police station in Lahore, Radio Pakistan’s
building in Peshawar, and Scouts Fort in Chakkdara, Lower Dir, were set on fire
by the mob.
8-day remand
As his
supporters rallied for him outside Police Lines in Islamabad, an accountability
court was temporarily moved to the police headquarters which handed over the
custody of Mr Khan to the NAB officials for interrogation.
The media
persons were not allowed to witness the proceedings of the case. According to
officials, NAB sought 14-day remand of the former premier, but the court agreed
to grant eight-day physical remand.
NAB will
interrogate Mr Khan in the sub-jail as it took his custody from the
accountability court. According to NAB Deputy Prosecutor General Sardar
Muzaffar Abbasi, the NAB chairman can designate the said guest house as
sub-jail to detain Mr Khan. He said that under the National Accountability
Ordinance (NAO), the chairman can designate any place to detain suspects.
Mr Khan was
arrested on the high court’s premises and taken to the NAB Rawalpindi office in
G-6 on Tuesday.
The IHC chief
justice on the petition of Mr Khan held that the arrest was not per se illegal
but he questioned the manner in which the former prime minister was taken into
custody. The court has also commenced contempt proceeding against the secretary
of interior and the IG Islamabad.
In the case,
NAB alleged that Khan’s PTI government struck a deal with Malik Riaz that
caused a loss of more than $239m to the national exchequer, in a quid pro quid
arrangement with the real estate mogul.
No let-up in
protests
In Islamabad
and Rawalpindi, protests continued throughout the day. A number of protesters
gathered at various locations in the federal capital and Rawalpindi to protest
the arrest of their party chief.
In Islamabad,
more than 17 law enforcers were injured in clashes with protesters whereas the
mob set on fire the office of the SP Industrial Area and damaged Ramna police
station. The protesters also uprooted a railways track in Tarnol as well.
The Islamabad
police registered a number of cases against PTI supporters and detained more
than 200 party supporters in the federal capital. In Rawalpindi, the police
booked more than 1,500 PTI supporters and detained over 190 workers – 52 were
sent to Adiala Jail after they were produced in an anti-terrorism court.
In Lahore, the
mob besieged Shadman police station and damaged furniture and official
vehicles. The situation in Punjab, particularly Lahore, remained tense in light
of violent clashes between police and PTI workers.
A group of PTI
supporters attempted to storm the Governor House and CM Secretariat, but they
were pushed back by the police. At least 25 government vehicles were burnt
while 14 government buildings were stormed by them, according to the police.
Meanwhile, the
police claimed to have arrested over 1380 protesters across the province in a
crackdown on the former ruling party. The reports claimed that nearly 150
police personnel, including Lahore DIG Operation Nasir Rizvi, three SPs, and
dozens of SHOs, were injured in the clashes that erupted with the PTI
workers/activists.
In Gujranwala,
unknown persons started firing in a protest as a result of which Rashid, son of
Maqsood, was killed and several people were injured late on Monday night.
In Lahore, a
murder case was registered against the top leadership of the PTI, including
Imran Khan, and more than 1200 people at the Gulberg police station. The case
was registered in connection with arson at Askari Tower wherein a person
reportedly died in the fire.
In Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa, violent scenes were abundant, with protesters burning down the
building that housed offices of Radio Pakistan and the Associated Press of
Pakistan near the KP Assembly.
Peshawar
witnessed pitched battles between the police and protesters who were trying to
force their way to Khyber Road where key installations were located. The
violence in the province left at least seven dead and more than 122 injured.
The police also
arrested 274 persons across the province in connection with the violent
protests.
Three people
were killed and 81 others were injured in clashes in the provincial capital
while two others were killed in Kohat. Another protester died and 11 more were
injured in Chakkdara where protesters stormed an FC fort late on Tuesday.
Sindh remained
relatively peaceful, as Karachi police scuttled a PTI protest. At least 20
people were arrested in the provincial capital in addition to several arrests
in MirpurKhas. In Balochistan, police arrested over 60 local leaders and party
workers in Quetta and Chaman a day after violent demonstrations in the provincial
capital.
The PTI
provincial leadership and important leaders went into hiding to avoid arrests.
Police teams conducted raids on the residence of Qasim Suri, but he was not
present at home. However, police arrested his brother Bilal Suri.
Police also raided
the house of ex-PTI governor Zahoor Agha and arrested his two brothers as he
was not found at his residence. No protests were witnessed in the provincial
capital against the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan However, people staged a
demonstration in Chaman and Qila Saifullah.
Saleem Shahid
in Quetta, Munawer Azeem in Islamabad, Mohammad Asghar in Rawalpindi, Imran
Ayub in Karachi, and Asif Chaudhry in Lahore also contributed to this report
Source: dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1752254/eight-killed-in-clashes-as-imran-lands-in-nab-custody
--------
Attack on Corps
Commander’s House: Audio leaks suggest PTI leadership was on board
Mansoor Malik
May 11, 2023
LAHORE: Several
audio leeks apparently involving Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leaders on Wednesday
seem to suggest the party leadership was instigating its workers to attack the
Lahore’s Corps Commander’s House in Cantonment.
While some
leaders were urging party workers to gather at the Corps Commander House, party
ticket-holder Ibad Farooq claimed PTI central Punjab President Dr Yasmin Rashid
had clearly instructed them to set it to fire.
Dr Yasmin
Rashid, presently on the run to avoid arrest, told Dawn that it was a “doctored
audio clip” as she had never instructed anyone to torch the house. “I have just
gone there to stage a sit-in to protest her leader’s arrest.
Dr Rashid said
some workers had even tried to persuade her to storm the airport and PML-N
supremo Nawaz Sharif’s residence in JatiUmra “but I was asking them to return
to the Liberty Roundabout for a sit-in there.”
The PTI leader
alleged that her party’s opponents in power had also fielded their workers who
sabotaged and ransacked the army house in Lahore. “This was a complete
conspiracy.”
She said party
chief Imran Khan had given clear instructions to all leaders and workers to
remain peaceful and added that she kept asking workers through megaphone to
remain calm. She also condemned all those who stole various household articles
from the army house.
According to
her, it was surprising that no policeman or soldier was guarding the Corps
Commander’s House when charged workers reached there.
Dr Rashid
recalled that she was very much concerned when PTI workers had responded violently
to the police operation to arrest Imran Khan from Zaman Park on March 15. In an
audio clip leaked then, she was talking to President Dr Arif Alvi, urging him
to tell Mr Khan to give in and fight another day“. She went on to say that
petrol bombs had been thrown on police and a water canon had been set ablaze.
“If Khan sahab does not give in, the situation warrants that some people or
some policemen may die.”
Dr Rashid said
some 100 policemen had raided her residence on Tuesday night, damaged a computer,
a phone set and some household articles. She said the police had entered her
home after breaking the windows, took her husband and brother Sajid Nabi Malik.
“Later, the police released my husband but the whereabouts of Sajid Nabi Malik
were still unknown,” she added.
In a leaked
audio clip with party leader IjazMinhas, Dr Rashid can be heard asking whether
she along with workers should move to the Liberty Roundabout or continue
sitting there.
As Mr Minhas
suggested her to ask other leaders, she expressed her ignorance about “them”.
The party leader suggested her to move to Liberty Roundabout since they had
left the sit-in venue (purportedly Corps Commander House). “Since you left the
venue, the Liberty Roundabout is the best place to sit,” he stated and
suggested her to give a call for the night.
In a tweet, PTI
central Punjab president urged party workers to “protest, but do not take law
in your hands. Beware of rogue elements from other parties/institutions,
engaging you to resort to illegal methods”. She said the PTI was fighting for
Pakistan.
In another
tweet, she stated the PTI senior leadership was being arrested after the arrest
of Imran Khan. She also said the protesters and supporters, including women and
children, were being attacked and added internet services and social media had
been blocked.
In yet another
purported leaked audio clip, PTI Senator Ejaz Chaudhry could be heard telling
another person – believed to be his son Ali Chaudhry – the protesters had
ransacked the Corps Commander House and everything in the house including the
flowerpots had been destroyed. He stated three people also sustained bullet
injuries.
When Ali
Chaudhry asked that shots were fired as well, Senator Chaudhry replied in the
affirmative saying first they fired shots and then a burst of gun fire and
added that three people were hit by bullets. “Nothing is left in the house.
From flowerpot to everything has been blown away,” the PTI senator added.
Senator Chaudhry’s son remarked that “Myth has been broken”.
There are some
other party leaders’ leaked audio clips discussing protest demonstration at the
Corps Commander’s House.
PROTEST:
Meanwhile, Lahore on Wednesday wore almost a deserted look as there was thin
traffic on roads and the police blocked Liberty Roundabout and Canal Road near
Zaman Park to control PTI workers’ protests. Still a large number of party
workers managed to reach the Liberty Roundabout to stage sit-in.
Meanwhile,
owing to blockade of roads, the PTI leaders announced shifting the protest
venue from Liberty Chowk to party office at Jail Road, which was also cordoned
off by the police Police reportedly raided various PTI leaders and activists’
homes and arrested them or their relatives present there.
PTI leader
ShirinMazari tweeted that the police also launched another attack with heavy
shelling at Imran Khan’s Zaman Park residence, when his wife along with some
domestic staff was at home.
WHEEL-JAM: PTI
central Punjab general secretary Hammad Azhar has given a call for “Wheel-jam
strike” on Thursday (today) and closure of all markets in Lahore to express
solidarity with party chief Imran Khan.
Mr Azhar
tweeted that peaceful protests will continue till the release of Mr Khan and
urged the party workers to be alert from “certain Gullu Butt elements” joining
their ranks.
The PTI leader
also tweeted that police resorted to heavy shelling and use of water cannons
towards protesters. “They are literally attacking their own citizens –
incredibly disgusting,” he lamented.
Source: dawn.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.dawn.com/news/1752201/attack-on-corps-commanders-house-audio-leaks-suggest-pti-leadership-was-on-board
--------
Proclamation of
emergency remains an option if disturbance continues
May 11, 2023
ISLAMABAD:
Proclamation of emergency in Punjab and KP remains an option if the ongoing
disturbance furthers.
The
Constitution of Pakistan provides for such a situation if internal disturbance
goes beyond the power of a provincial government.
The Article 232
of the Constitution provides for the proclamation of emergency. It envisages if
the President is satisfied that a grave emergency exists in which the security
of Pakistan, or any part thereof, is threatened by war or external aggression,
or by internal disturbance beyond the power of a provincial government to
control, he may issue a proclamation of emergency.
In such a
situation, the President is bound to act on the advice of the Prime Minister.
However, for the imposition of an emergency due to internal disturbances beyond
the powers of a provincial government to control, a resolution from the
provincial assembly shall be required.
But in the
present situation, the provincial assemblies in both the provinces -- Punjab
and KP where the PTI protesters have become violent and attacked state
institutions -- are already nonexistent after having been dissolved early this
year.
According to
the Constitution, if the President acts on his own, the proclamation of
emergency shall be placed before both parliaments for approval by each House
within ten days. While a proclamation of emergency is in force, the parliament
shall have the power to make laws for a province, or any part thereof, with
respect to any matter not enumerated in the Federal Legislative List.
Once the
emergency is imposed, the executive authority of the Federation extends to the
giving of directions to a province as to the manner in which the executive
authority of the province is to be exercised. While a proclamation of emergency
is in force, according to the Constitution, Parliament may by law extend the
term of the National Assembly for a period not exceeding one year and not
extending in any case beyond a period of six months after the proclamation has
ceased to be in force.
Under the
Constitution, a proclamation of emergency shall be laid before a joint sitting,
which shall be summoned by the President to meet within thirty days of the
proclamation being issued and shall cease to be in force at the expiration of
two months unless, before the expiration of that period, it has been approved
by a resolution of the joint sitting.
The
Constitution also envisages while the proclamation of emergency is in force,
the President may, by order, declare that the right to move any court for the
enforcement of such of the Fundamental Rights conferred by Chapter 1 of Part II
as may be specified in the order, and any proceeding in any court which is for
the enforcement, or involves the determination of any question as to the
infringement, of any of the rights so specified, shall remain suspended for the
period during which the proclamation is in force, and any such order may be
made in respect of the whole or any part of Pakistan.
Source: thenews.com.pk
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1069116-proclamation-of-emergency-remains-an-option-if-disturbance-continues
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PM calls PTI
‘terrorists’ protests ‘unforgivable crimes’
May 10, 2023
Prime Minister
Shehbaz Sharif Wednesday came down hard on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI),
calling its workers "terrorists" and saying that they have committed
"unforgivable crimes" following the arrest of their party chairman
Imran Khan.
In his address
to the nation, the premier — whose government has been facing constant protests
from the PTI since it came into power last year in April — said strict action
would be taken against "state's enemies".
“The miscreants
will be dealt with iron hands. They will be punished according to the law,” the
prime minister said as he urged PTI protesters to immediately stop “anti-state
activities”.
He added that
by staging violent protests, the party’s workers had done in a few days what
the country’s enemies could not do in 75 years.
He hailed the
nation for “rejecting anti-state agenda” and also praised law enforcement
agencies, including the military, for showing restraint in the face of violent
protests.
He also accused
PTI leadership including Khan of instigating a “few hundred armed workers” to
attack the Pakistan Army.
PTI workers
“took patients out of ambulances and set the vehicles on fire”, the premier
said, adding that the party workers proved their “anti-state tendencies” by
damaging government infrastructure.
“They attacked
sensitive property as if they were enemies. I have never seen such
heartbreaking scenes.”
PM Shehbaz
iterated that protection of the country and its ideology was his
responsibility. “We will not allow anyone to conspire. We will not let their
nefarious agenda succeed,” he asserted.
‘All evidence
present in Al-Qadir Trust case’
The premier
stressed that upholding the rule of law meant fighting the battle in a court.
“Khan was arrested in connection with a corruption case. All evidence is
present in the Al Qadir Trust case, which NAB (National Accountability Bureau)
is conducting an inquiry into.”
He questioned
how Khan had gotten the then-federal cabinet to approve the decision related to
the Rs60 billion matter without sharing details with the members.
He said,
however, that happiness should not be expressed over the arrest of a political
worker.
‘Bitter’
political history
The premier
began his address by saying the country’s political history was “very bitter”.
During the
PTI’s tenure, cases were registered arbitrarily and the previous government decided
who to send to jail and who to show mercy, he claimed.
“A case related
to possession of 15 kilograms of heroine was registered against [incumbent
Interior Minister] Rana Sanaullah. It was the darkest time in Pakistan’s
history.”
The country’s
development was badly affected by the PTI government’s “blind political
revenge”, he continued.
PM Shehbaz said
the incumbent government had sought to resolve issues related to the NAB — on
whose orders Khan was arrested — and passed an amendment.
“The first
beneficiary of the amendment to the NAB laws is Imran Khan,” he said.
Referring to
the cases against him as well as other Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)
leaders, Shehbaz said that they faced them and appeared in courts despite
reservations. “Not even one of the allegations against us has been proved.
“The United
Kingdom’s National Crime Agency also gave us a clean chit.”
A day earlier,
PTI Chairman Khan was arrested from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) premises by
Rangers personnel on the orders of the NAB. An accountability court granted the
anti-graft watchdog Khan’s physical remand for eight days today.
Following the
arrest, violent protests broke out across the country, which have continued for
the second day today.
The violence
has claimed at least four lives in Peshawar with multiple injuries, including
to officials, reported from across the country. The government has also said
PTI workers attacked important state buildings and damaged private and public
vehicles.
The military
has been called in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the federal capital to deal
with the protests.
Meanwhile,
Sindh has imposed Section 144 to contain protests staged by the former ruling
party workers and supporters.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1068982-pm-sharif-addresses-nation-amid-violent-protests-in-pakistan
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Ruling
coalition hits back at PTI after deadly unrest
Syed Irfan Raza
May 11, 2023
ISLAMABAD: The
ruling coalition on Wednesday strongly condemned violent protests and the
ransacking of public and private property by unruly mobs after the arrest of
PTI Chairman Imran Khan two days ago and vowed that no more aggression would be
tolerated.
JUI-F emir
Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who also heads the Pakistan Democratic Movement
alliance, demanded the government take strict action against those who torched
public properties, including those belonging to the military.
In a press
conference in Islamabad, he said any institution that was trying to bring the
PTI back to power would also be guilty and blamed Mr Khan’s government for not
delivering a single development project in the past three and a half years.
PPP leader and
former president Asif Ali Zardari said in a statement that after the arrest of
Imran Khan, riots in the cities were regrettable and shameful.
He said he was
in jail for 14 years but never allowed party workers to take the law into their
hands. “The acts of harming public property and spreading chaos will not be
tolerated,” he added.
The former
president said the PTI chief had been arrested in a corruption case and should
face the courts instead of running away.
Information
Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb strongly condemned attacks on the building and
offices of state-run Radio Pakistan and the Associated Press of Pakistan in
Peshawar.
“The attack on
the offices of Radio Pakistan and APP by PTI’s armed gangs was condemnable and
deplorable,” she said in a message issued by her office.
The minister
said that following the pattern of a similar attack on PTV headquarters in 2014
allegedly on Mr Khan’s instructions, PTI workers on Wednesday attacked Radio
Pakistan and APP buildings.
She asked Radio
Pakistan’s director general to file an FIR against miscreants, who she said
tried to stop government broadcasting by cutting off lines, which was a serious
crime.
Ms Aurangzeb
said violence against government employees, vandalism and damage to property
were “acts of terrorism”.
She also
condemned the protesters for setting on fire the Chaghi Mountain Monument and
Radio Auditorium. She said at least 15 notices had been sent to Imran Khan in
the Al-Qadir Trust case, which was being investigated by the National
Accountability Bureau.
The minister
also accused PTI leaders of instigating arson and sabotage after Mr Khan’s
arrest on Tuesday.
She said that a
day after the unrest erupted, the PTI leadership on Wednesday claimed that
party workers did not do violent protests. “When the PTI workers were damaging
public and state property [on Tuesday], why didn’t the leadership stop them
from doing so?” she said.
Meanwhile, Law
Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the constant contact and cooperation among the
global states was a must to address pressing challenges faced by constitutional
democracies.
“The rise of
hybrid democracies, populism, nationalism, depleting level of truth, and rising
migration is the existing threats to democracies,” he said.
Former senator
Farahtullah Babar of the PPP said the constitutional democracies were facing challenges
the world over, but these had been pronounced more in Pakistan.
Energy Minister
KhurramDastgir Khan dubbed the PTI as a fascist party and accused it of being
involved in destructive activities since 2014, targeting both public and
private properties. “The party was more dangerous for Pakistan than its
arch-rival India,” he said at a press conference.
He said some 78
police officers had been injured in the violent protests since the PTI chief’s
arrest.
The minister
also mentioned the instances when protesters torched an ambulance in Peshawar
and how some of them took out their wrath on the military, torching the
residence of the corps commander in Lahore and gathering outside the entrance
to the army’s general headquarters in Rawalpindi and pelting it with stones.
Planning
Minister Ahsan Iqbal alleged that the countrywide ransacking of public and
private property was an outcome of a planned move of PTI.
Source: dawn.com
Please
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1752239/ruling-coalition-hits-back-at-pti-after-deadly-unrest
--------
Bilawal Bhutto
urges PTI to shun violence, take political route
May 11, 2023
Foreign
Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday told Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
to shun violence and adopt a political route, stating that Imran Khan-led party
needs to decide whether they want to become a “political party or an anti-state
party”.
Terming May 9 —
the day when violence erupted during which military installations were also
attacked following Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan's arrest
from the Islamabad High Court — as a "Black Day" in the history of
Pakistan, Bilawal said reiterated the matters need to be resolved in a
political manner.
Bilawal, while
addressing a press conference flanked by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah
and provincial Information Minister Sharjeel Memon, said that in the history of
Pakistan several days are marked as the "Black Days" and now May 9
has been added to the list.
Violent
protests erupted in Pakistan on Tuesday with dozens injured across several
cities and demonstrators attacking military buildings after Khan was arrested.
Tensions remained
high with paramilitary troops and police on the streets in major cities even
today; meanwhile, mobile data services remained suspended and schools and
offices were closed in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Islamabad
police said earlier today that troops have reached the capital city.
Protesters
stormed military buildings, ransacked the residence of a top army general in
Lahore, and set ablaze state buildings and assets in other places since Khan's
arrest in Al-Qadir Trust case.
In response to
a question on whether he considered banning the PTI, the foreign minister
responded: “A decision cannot be taken on television based on the video
evidence that has come out so far.”
He said that he
was not in favour of banning the PTI for attacking state facilities, adding
that he would be the last person to endorse such a move.
The Pakistan
Peoples' Party (PPP) chairman stated: “I am not in favour of banning anyone. We
must adopt a completely constitutional and legal procedures to ban PTI.”
He, however,
added that the idea of declaring PTI a proscribed outfit existed as a last
resort.
Moreover,
Bilawal called for PTI workers to end their violent protests, adding that the
party had done “what it had to do”.
"PTI
should not cause more harm,” he said, adding that the party leadership should
declare an end to violent protests and face the cases against them.
Bialwal also
expressed a desire to have an outcome that would create political stability in
the country.
'PPP never
celebrates arrests of political leaders'
“We [PPP] never
celebrates when a political leader is arrested because we believe that when
political leaders are arrested it is the loss of the politics at large,” he
said, reiterating that in such scenarios the PPP has never celebrated nor
distributed sweets.
Bilawal
maintained that the PPP has always been against the National Accountability
Bureau (NAB) — an autonomous anti-graft agency — and has always believed that
the institution should be shut down; however, the PTI has always strongly
supported the bureau.
“Khan sb
initiated a campaign to save NAB; when we demanded amendments he said that we
are seeking NRO and didn’t agree on the proposed amendments,” he said, adding
that now when the new laws were introduced it is the PTI chief who has become
its beneficiary.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1069201-imran-khans-arrest-bilawal-terms-may-9-black-day-in-history-of-pakistan
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Southeast
Asia
Man Arrested For
Allegedly Insulting Religionby Making Fun of 'Salam'Words of Greetings in
Malaysia
May 10, 2023
KUALA LUMPUR:
Police have arrested a local man suspected of insulting Islam by making fun of
the religion's 'salam' or words of greetings after a video clip over the matter
went viral on social media.
Police
secretary, DatukNoorsiahSaaduddin, said the 40-year-old suspect was arrested at
WangsaMaju here yesterday (May 9). Two mobile phones and three SIM cards
belonging to the suspect were also confiscated.
She said the
case is being investigated by Bukit Aman's Classified Criminal Investigation
Unit (D5) under Section 298A of the Penal Code for causing disharmony or enmity
on grounds of religion.
According to
Noorsiah, since the 3R (Ruler/Religion/Race) task force was established on
March 22, a total of 18 investigation papers have been opened and 12
individuals arrested.
"Police
would like to advise the public not to misuse social media by issuing mocking
statements that can cause anger, hatred, create disharmony or touch on the
sensitivities of the monarchy.
"Strict
action will be taken according to the provisions of the existing laws in order
to protect order and the interests of the community," she said. – BERNAMA
Source: nst.com.my
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2023/05/907986/man-arrested-allegedly-insulting-religion
---------
High Court
rules conversion of 3 children to Islam valid
By Rahmat
Khairulrijal
May 11, 2023
KUALA LUMPUR:
The High Court today ruled that the unilateral conversion of three children to
Islam by their converted father is valid.
Judge Datuk Wan
Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh today dismissed Hindu mother LohSiew Hong's judicial
review to challenge the conversion.
Loh's three
children were converted to Islam by her ex-husband without her consent in 2019,
and she is contesting the legality of it.
Loh is seeking
a declaration that her children are Hindus and that they were legally unfit to
embrace Islam without her approval.
She is also
seeking to reverse her children's registration of conversion to Islam dated
July 7, 2020 issued by the registrar.
Loh had named
the Registrar of Mualaf, Religious and Malay Customs Council of Perlis, besides
Perlis mufti Datuk Mohd AsriZainulAbidin and Perlis government as respondents.
Source: nst.com.my
Please
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https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2023/05/908204/high-court-rules-conversion-3-children-islam-valid
--------
Men in
religious attire ignore doctor's advice not to smoke in restaurant
By
HusnaSyamilaRiduan
May 11, 2023
KUALA LUMPUR: A
group of men in religious attire received criticism from the netizens when a
doctor posted on Facebook of them smoking at a food stall area here. recently.
Dr. Noor Ameera
Rahmat said the group sat right next to the doctor's table where all her kids
were present.
"We were
eating peacefully with clear and fresh air, but got interrupted by a group of
men who just came back from the mosque wearing kopiah (head cover) blowing
cigarette and vape smokes.
"How are
we to improve with this kind of mentality?" she stressed.
Dr Ameera also
mentioned she advised the men but was ignored, which led her to air her grouses
online.
Although the
post originally came from Facebook, it gained more than 400,000 views
collectively across all social media platforms where members of the public
slammed the selfish attitude portrayed by the men ignorant about their
surroundings.
"Religious
but immoral," said netizenHizam Sulaiman.
Others shared
similar encounters in separate events of them being scolded back for standing
up against rule breakers.
"I once
told a cleaner at a mosque not to smoke within the premise but he got mad at
me, telling me he works here so he knows better," said IzzulHafiy Bin
Zawawi.
Some questioned
the reason behind the viral post, highlighting not to make big of the ordeal on
social media despite the photo used was censored.
However, one
user, Rahizat Zainal asserted the action and said, "It is indeed a need
because our society has reached a point where it cannot be reprimanded.
This comment
was made in relation to an altercation similar to a recent viral video of an
elderly man who was furious when advised not to smoke in a restaurant.
The Health
Ministry enforced a rule in January 2020 that eateries throughout the country
are designated as non-smoking areas.
Those found
smoking in prohibited areas will be charged a compound of RM250.
The ministry
also noted the public should immediately report brazen offenders by taking a
photo of anyone smoking in prohibited areas, name of restaurant, address, time
and date before submitting it to the official hotline at +60108608949.
Source: nst.com.my
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/05/908161/men-religious-attire-ignore-doctors-advice-not-smoke-restaurant
--------
Malaysia climbs
7 spots on Global Terrorism Index 2022
By AdibPovera
May 11, 2023
PUTRAJAYA:
Malaysia has improved its position by climbing up seven places in the Global
Terrorism Index (GTI).
Deputy Prime
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia reached the 75th spot
in the 2022 GTI compared to 68th place the previous year.
Zahid said the
country only reported two arrests linked to terrorism-related activities in
2022.
"Although
Malaysia has improved its position in the GTI, this does not means we should be
complacent.
"We must
continue to remain vigilant and carry out the necessary preventive measures to
uphold the safety of the nation," Zahid told reporters after the chairing
the high-level committee on counter-terrorism here today.
Increased in
rankings signify a country has improved its position on the GTI.
Source: nst.com.my
Please
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https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/05/908145/malaysia-climbs-7-spots-global-terrorism-index-2022
--------
Europe
Police arrest
man who tried to set mosque on fire in Germany
May 10, 2023
Police have
arrested a man who tried to set mosque on fire in the German city of Dresden
late Tuesday evening.
The man spilt
petrol in front of a mosque and tried to set the building on fire, a police
spokesman said.
Witnesses
called the emergency services number after they saw the man spilling petrol
outside the mosque, which was well-attended at the time.
The man, 34,
was arrested and is under police investigation for attempted aggravated arson.
Though his
motive was initially unclear, the same suspect was said to have set fire to a
copy of the Holy Qur’an in a mosque in April. (dpa/NAN)
Source: newsdiaryonline.com
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https://newsdiaryonline.com/police-arrest-man-who-tried-to-set-mosque-on-fire-in-germany/
--------
Restoration
work of mosques underway in Azerbaijani territories liberated from occupation
10 May 2023
BAKU,
Azerbaijan, May 10. Construction of mosques and restoration of historical
monuments are underway in the territories liberated from Armenian occupation,
Chairman of the State Committee on Religious Associations of the Republic of
Azerbaijan MubarizGurbanli told journalists, Trend reports.
Gurbanli noted
that a special program has been prepared in this regard.
"Special
attention is paid to restoring the original appearance of mosques, most of
which were destroyed during the occupation," the chairman said.
Azerbaijan
constantly takes measures to develop international cooperation on
reconstruction projects, the laying of new infrastructure facilities continues,
roads are being rebuilt, and the work on clearing mines [planted by Armenian
armed forces in the previously occupied areas] doesn’t stop.
Source: en.trend.az
Please
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https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/society/3746345.html
--------
Charity
regulator appoints Interim Manager to the Islamic Centre of England
10 May 2023
The Charity
Commission has today announced it has appointed an interim manager to the
Islamic Centre of England.
The charity has
been the subject of a statutory inquiry by the regulator since November 2022.
The inquiry was opened due to serious governance concerns and follows extensive
engagement in recent years which includes issuing the charity with an Official
Warning.
Due to the
trustees’ failure to comply with their legal duties and responsibilities and
their failure to protect the charity’s assets, the Commission appointed an
interim manager to the charity on the 4th May 2023. Emma Moody of Womble Bond
Dickinson (UK) LLP, the appointed interim manager, will have all the powers and
duties of the charity’s trustees, and is appointed to the exclusion of the
current trustees. As part of the appointment, she will conduct a review of the
charity’s governance and administration and make recommendations to the
Commission based on her findings.
Charity
Commission Chair, Orlando Fraser KC, said:
We need to act
robustly where serious concerns about a charity exist, so that the public, and
the charity sector itself, can have confidence in what it means to have
charitable status.
The
investigators leading this inquiry are assessing all information thoroughly.
The appointment of an interim manager will help the Commission ensure the
charity’s governance is restored and is improved to a better standard.
The Islamic
Centre of England has charitable purposes which include advancing the religion
of Islam and promoting education and welfare among the Muslim community.
The
Commission’s inquiry remains ongoing. It is the Commission’s policy to publish
a report upon concluding an inquiry to detail its findings, conclusions, and
any regulatory action taken.
Notes to
editors:
The Charity
Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that
registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its purpose is to
ensure charity can thrive and inspire trust so that people can improve lives
and strengthen society.
Section
76(3)(g) of the Charities Act 2011 gives the Commission power to appoint an
interim manager to a charity to act as receiver and manager in respect of the
property and affairs of the charity.
Interim
managers are appointed where the Commission has identified misconduct or
mismanagement in the administration of a charity, and/or where there is a need
to protect a charity’s property. It is a protective measure.
Source: gov.uk
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https://www.gov.uk/government/news/charity-regulator-appoints-interim-manager-to-the-islamic-centre-of-england
--------
Meet Egham's
partially blind 86-year-old walking 13 miles through the pain to raise money
for town's first mosque
ByLauren
Cole-Lomas
10 MAY 2023
An 86-year-old
woman with painful arthritis and partial blindness has set herself the ultimate
challenge to walk 13 miles to raise money to help set up her town's first
mosque. Maja Hasan would like to see a new mosque set up in Egham, where a
former office building has been offered to the Runnymede Muslim Society.
Maja, who has
recently moved from her long-time home in north London to Surrey, set herself
the whopping distance in the hopes of initially raising £200. The fundraising
page reads: "For context, it takes her an average of 25 mins to walk the
480 meters to her local shop, after which she often needs a day in bed to
recover. So the 21 km target may take her several months to complete and a huge
effort."
Now halfway
through the big walk, Maja has raised an incredible £2,400 so far and is not
stopping there. Her new goal is to reach £3,000.
Maja is raising
money for the Runnymede Muslim Society, a group she has had close ties with
over the last 20 years. The group needs to raise money to secure a spot that
can be used as a Muslim place of worship, a community centre with sports and
education, and wellness facilities.
Maja said:
“There was a need for an Islamic centre, and it would be nice to go and walk
for them to get some money for the mosque and the other services. It will be a
family centre where people can meet.
“Usually I walk
every day, but I haven’t been feeling well so I am now getting back into it. I
went blind in my eye, and my sight has been slowly coming back. I can see a
little bit now it is going to be all right. I have an ulcer on my leg and
arthritis.”
Usman, Maja’s
son, says the walking is good for Maja and she is enjoying it and managing her
difficulties well, despite the pain of arthritis. He said: “She can do a longer
walk, but will be in bed all day after, as it really tires her out. We have had
so much interest in the walk, we might even extend it further, and mum is so
keen to do it.”
A big
achievement for Maja was conquering just over a mile in a day, which she took
slowly. Messages of support have flooded Maja's fundraising page, with many
left in awe with one calling her "a role model for our community".
Maja, who is a
Swiss national, used to enjoy horse riding, skiing and swimming in her youth in
Switzerland, and loved being outdoors. She has also lived in Pakistan before
settling down in London with her family in the late 1950s.
If the
community can raise enough money to secure the building, it could use Baron’s
Court, in Egham, which was formerly an office space.
Source: getsurrey.co.uk
Please
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https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/meet-eghams-partially-blind-86-26876909
--------
Bosnia And
Herzegovina FM Spoke About 5 Million Muslims in the “Open Balkan”, and Caused
Numerous Reactions
10-05-23
The Minister of
Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) ElmedinKonakovic (NiP) caused
numerous reactions with his latest statement about the “Open Balkan”, which
once again questioned the possible membership of BiH in this community.
Speaking the
day before yesterday about the first hundred days as Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Konakovic also referred to the “Open Balkan”, which consists of Serbia, North
Macedonia, and Albania.
“The story of
the ‘Open Balkan’ as a kind of ‘Serbian world’ is some kind of political
intrigue in which it is the ‘Serbian world’ – all Serbs in one state. How many
Muslims, and Bosniaks do we have in that potential state without borders,
regional cooperation, has anyone counted? Do you know how many there are – more
than five million,” he emphasized.
The
representative of the opposition party DF in the Parliament of the Federation
of BiH (FBiH), Dennis Gratz, is among those who condemned Konakovic for this
statement and accused him of superficiality in this matter.
“Every story of
this scale and intensity must be an occasion for a broad public debate. And for
that, resources, intellectual and other, and the outlines of a vision are
necessary. No. Nothing. Zero. Nix. He gets in front of the microphones and
starts a little story: a little bit about the SDA, a little bit about how he
saw it all, now that he’s here, a little bit of sarcasm, threatens or shows
some breadth, and so on until the chorus,” Gratz pointed out.
Part of the
public in BiH is against the “Open Balkan”, considering it to be a tool for
Serbia and Albania to dominate this part of Europe. For the parties from
RepublikaSrpska (RS), BiH should be part of the “Open Balkan”, claiming that it
is not a large-state project and that the country will benefit economically.
The “Open
Balkan”, of which neither Montenegro nor Kosovo are part, is also referred to
as a United States (U.S.) project. Gabriel Escobar, the special envoy of the
U.S. for the Western Balkans, said last year that his country supports the
“Open Balkan” as an economic initiative.
However, some
warn that BiH would not be able to realize the economic benefits promised by
this initiative, due to the internal arrangement. The complex system makes it
difficult to make and implement economic decisions, which is not the case in
other countries in the region. This is primarily the case in the FBiH, where
the decision-making and management procedure is significantly more difficult
than in the rest of the country.
Konakovic,
after a meeting with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in March of
this year, said that there will be no discussion at all about the “Open Balkan”
until the Berlin Process is ratified, Klix.ba reports.
Source: sarajevotimes.com
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https://sarajevotimes.com/bih-foreign-minister-spoke-about-5-million-muslims-in-the-open-balkan-and-caused-numerous-reactions/
--------
Arab World
Islamic
Development Bank prioritizing poverty reduction in member countries
May 11, 2023
JEDDAH: The
Islamic Development Bank is continuing to prioritize poverty-alleviation projects
in its most needy member countries.
This is
according to Dr. Hiba Ahmed, director-general of the body’s Islamic Solidarity
Fund for Development or ISFD, who spoke to Arab News on the sidelines of its
annual meeting that is taking place in Jeddah from May 10 to 14.
“It’s a work
fund, where we invest the capital and the return on capital is used for poverty
reduction. As of now, our capital is $2.6 billion. And we only specialize in
grants and concessional financing,” Ahmed told Arab News.
According to
Ahmed, concessional financing is important for poor countries because it
provides affordable financing models, where they can charge less than 1 percent
for access. “As of now, we did approve more than $1.2 billion worth of
projects, and 78 percent of it went to poor, less-developed countries.”
The ISFD was
established in 2007 as a special fund within the IDB to fight poverty and
promote pro-poor economic growth.
Since its
inception, the ISFD has approved $1.14 billion in loans and grants supporting
321 poverty alleviation projects, and 80 percent of ISFD’s project portfolio is
provided for the least-developed member countries.
To promote
sustainable development and economic transformation, Ahmed said the programs
focus on job creation, health, education, agriculture and community
development.
“We focus on
economic empowerment of youth and women and the generation of jobs ... This
supports our member countries substantially in terms of achieving their own
objectives. And since we focus on the poor countries, (the) least-developed
countries, we provide the opportunity for these countries to catch up in the
development agenda.”
Ahmed said
several new projects have been earmarked for this year.
“As of now,
especially in 2023, we did almost double our operations, and we did approve
around ($200.5 million). All these projects are mainly in economic empowerment.
(When it comes to) supporting youth and women, creating jobs, and so on, we are
expecting by the end of this year to add to this maybe around $100 million. So,
in total, we think that these contributions because they come in the form of
grants, they come in the form of concessional financing, they do support the
poor … substantially.”
Ahmed added:
“We do have a focus on education. Last year 22 percent of our approvals went to
education. We support the agricultural sector, we support the health sector,
and so on. So, all our sectors actually are our kind of core sectors for
poverty reduction.”
May 11 will
mark the official opening day of the IsDB annual meeting. The four-day meeting,
entitled “Partnerships to Fend off Crises,” will focus on the importance of
collaboration in addressing challenges faced by the bank’s 57 member countries.
The event serves as a platform for global leaders, policymakers, key stakeholders,
and other influential figures to come together and discuss critical development
issues.
During the
meeting, member nations will have the opportunity to present relevant
development projects and initiatives to strengthen partnerships and create valuable,
lasting impacts.
The event will
also give a chance to member countries to showcase their achievements and
success stories, as well as strengthen trade relations and encourage
investment.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2301366/saudi-arabia
--------
UAE’s first
auction of Islamic treasury bonds in 2023 oversubscribed 7.6 times
Shweta Jain
May 11, 2023
The first
auction of the UAE's dirham-denominated treasury sukuk for the year was
oversubscribed by 7.6 times, receiving bids worth Dh8.3 billion ($2.26
billion), the Dubai Media Office said on Wednesday.
The move comes
as part of the government's Sharia-compliant treasury bonds programme for this
year. The value of the first auction stands at Dh1.1 billion, the media office
said in a statement.
T-sukuk are
Sharia-compliant financial certificates. The issuer of a sukuk essentially
sells an investor group a certificate, and then uses the proceeds to purchase
an asset that the investor group has direct partial ownership interest in,
according to online financial encyclopaedia Investopedia.
The UAE, the
Arab world's second-largest economy, in April issued a dirham-denominated
treasury sukuk worth Dh1.1 billion as it diversifies its funding resources and
supports the growth of the Islamic economy.
In March, the
UAE raised Dh1.1 billion from the sale of treasury bonds.
The successful
launch of the T-sukuk auction reflects the “UAE's prudent strategic investment
policies and objectives, as the country continues to solidify its position as a
global investment destination and one of the most competitive and advanced
economies in the world, particularly in the Islamic economy sector”, said
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister of Finance.
“T-sukuk
issuances will offer high-quality Islamic assets at competitive prices due to
the increase in the investor base, which reflects positively on the country’s
economy and investment environment.”
In the Islamic
treasury bonds auction, the UAE government is represented by the Ministry of
Finance as the issuer, in collaboration with the UAE Central Bank as the
issuing and payment agent.
The latest
auction received strong demand through the eight primary bank dealers, the
statement said.
“Strong demand
was witnessed for two-year and three-year dirham sukuk at Dh550 million each,”
it said.
The statement
added that the first auction would be followed by a series of auctions, in line
with the proposed 2023 issuance plan.
The T-sukuk
will first be issued in two, three and five-year tranches, followed by a
10-year tenure sukuk at a later date, the Ministry of Finance said last month.
The first
T-sukuk auction will be followed by a listing on Nasdaq Dubai to promote
secondary market trading along with primary dealers, the Dubai Media Office
said.
“The T-sukuk
programme was developed in uniform pricing (the Dutch Auction) for final bid
acceptance of bids and final allocation amounts, regardless of the lower-priced
bids received to ensure full transparency in accordance with global best
practices for sukuk structuring,” it added.
“The programme
will provide safe investment alternatives, further contributing to the
development of the UAE’s investment environment.”
Source: thenationalnews.com
Please
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https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/economy/2023/05/10/uaes-first-auction-of-islamic-treasury-bonds-in-2023-oversubscribed-76-times/
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Islamic
Development Bank Group releases integration report for Arab countries
GokhanErgocun
10.05.2023
JEDDAH, Saudi
Arabia
Islamic
Development Bank (IsDB) Group released an integration report for Arab countries
at its annual meeting in the Saudi port city Jeddah on Wednesday.
The report was
prepared as part of the bank's efforts to overcome obstacles in front of
cooperation and integration of Arab countries, said Muhammad Al Jasser, the
group’s chairman.
The report,
covering years between 2010 to 2022, has noticeable changes, the chairman said.
The report
aimed to measure the level and progress of economic integration among Arab
countries of the bank under five dimensions.
The dimensions,
included trade and investment integration, financial markets integration,
production networks, connectivity and logistics, and human mobility and
institutional integration.
The report
said: "The index results reveal that the level of overall intra- Arab
integration was steady from 2010 to 2022.
"But the
structure of the integration index by dimension has changed considerably during
the same period."
While the
financial markets integration was the weakest dimension in 2010, it was the
largest driver of integration in 2021, the report said.
"On the
contrary, the human mobility and institutional integration dimension, which was
the strongest dimension in 2010, has gradually declined until 2021," it
added.
Source: aa.com.tr
Please
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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/islamic-development-bank-group-releases-integration-report-for-arab-countries/2894243
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Islamic
Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) Honored
with Global Trade Review (GTR) Leaders in Trade Award for Islamic Finance in
Trade
11-05-23
RIYADH, Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia, May 10, 2023/APO Group/ -- The Islamic Corporation for the
Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) (www.ICIEC.IsDB.org), the
insurance arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, is proud to
announce that it is the recipient of the prestigious Global Trade Review (GTR)
Leaders in Trade Award for Islamic Finance in Trade. This esteemed accolade was
presented to ICIEC during the GTR Saudi Arabia awards ceremony on May 9, 2023.
The GTR Leaders
in Trade Awards celebrate innovation, excellence, and growth in the trade,
commodity, supply chain, and export finance markets, with a specific emphasis
on Islamic finance. This award underscores ICIEC's unwavering commitment to
supporting and promoting trade within the Islamic world, fostering economic
development, and driving sustainable growth.
ICIEC CEO, Mr.
OussamaKaissi, expressed appreciation for the recognition, stating, "It is
with immense pleasure that we receive the GTR Leaders in Trade Award for
Islamic Finance in Trade. This award serves as recognition for ICIEC's
dedication to providing our member states with comprehensive, world-class
Islamic insurance and risk management services. We remain committed to driving
transformative change in the sector, and we thank GTR for acknowledging our
efforts in championing Islamic finance in trade."
Since its
establishment, ICIEC has been actively involved in its member states' economic
growth and development by offering Shariah-compliant insurance and reinsurance
solutions, reducing trade and investment risks, and promoting the expansion of
trade within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries. The GTR Leaders
in Trade Award cements ICIEC's position as a leader and pioneer in the Islamic finance
industry.
Source: africa-newsroom.com
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Economic
integration is key for Arab nations and trade and investment can boost it,
conference hears
May 11, 2023
JEDDAH:
High-level representatives of Islamic Development Bank Group member countries,
and other regional and international experts gathered in Jeddah on May 10 for
the 48th Annual Meetings of the group, which included the launch of its
Integration Report for Arab Countries.
In his keynote
speech, the chairman of the group, Mohammed Al-Jasser, said it is working to
overcome the obstacles to economic integration and capitalize on available
opportunities at the regional and international levels, while helping to
improve revenues across the Arab world and increase the region’s contributions
to the global economy.
Trade and
investment are two vital areas through which the group aims to support member
countries, by effectively implementing regional agreements, he added.
The discussions
revolved around the contents of the group’s latest Integration Report, which
includes information about the extent of economic integration in the Arab world
in a number of sectors, including trade and investment, the financial markets,
IT connectivity, and logistics.
Abdul Hakim
Elwaer, assistant director-general of the UN’s Food and Agriculture
Organization, said that economic integration can help improve food security in
the Arab region. There are a number of challenges to achieving this, he added,
some of which are political and some social or environmental.
“The Arab
region is the most arid region in the world and with the increasing effects of
climate change, coupled with scarcity of water resources, urban encroachment
and overpopulation, the situation will not improve in the future but rather it
will worsen and the region will have to face several challenges,” Elwaer said.
It is important
to create more opportunities for economic integration in the Arab world, and
river basin countries in particular, as they are better placed to supply food and
water resources to countries that need them, he added.
Sami
Al-Suwailem, acting director-general of the Islamic Development Bank Group
Institute and its chief economist, said that economic and trade integration
play a major role in building stable economies and boosting the wealth of
countries.
“It is
important to focus more on efficiency and productivity to achieve economic
integration, and on sharing best practices among the member countries through
South-South Cooperation,” he said.
Bahgat Abu El-Nasr,
director of the Arab League’s Arab Economic Integration Department, talked
about the role of trade in regional economic integration, including the need
for the political will to develop trade relationships, and highlighted the
implementation of major regional integration initiatives, including the Greater
Arab Free Trade Area and the Arab Customs Union.
Lilia Hachem
Naas, chief officer for the Middle East and North Africa at the International
Trade Centre in Geneva, discussed the effects that economic integration can
have in increasing productivity in the Arab world. She said trade is a key tool
for strengthening regional integration and can act as a driver for the creation
of job opportunities.
“To overcome
this obstacle of regional integration, a mechanism for transparency should be
established between the public and the private sectors,” Naas added.
Source: arabnews.com
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2301271/saudi-arabia
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Saudi program
launches series of developmental projects in Yemen
May 10, 2023
RIYADH: The
Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen has launched a
number of vital development projects in Yemen under the directives of King
Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Press Agency has
reported.
A ceremony was
held on Wednesday to mark the launch of the initiatives, which include work at
the Aden General Hospital — including constructing a cardiology clinic — and
two phases of rebuilding at Aden International Airport.
The hospital,
which boasts 20,000 square meters in all, will eventually contain 2,187 medical
instruments and a bed capacity of 270. A reproductive health unit, endoscopic
and physiotherapy units, as well as a laboratory and pharmacy, will be included
in the planned work.
The SPDRY
launch also involves an educational project to construct four schools around
Yemen, as well as the building of 170 housing units for low-income families in
Aden.
The SPDRY is
part of the Kingdom’s efforts to support the economic development of Yemen.
Launched in 2018, it has carried out 224 developmental projects and initiatives
across the country to assist the Yemeni people in various sectors, according to
the SPA.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2301171/saudi-arabia
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India
What Prime
Minister’s Loud Silence on Attacks on Muslims by His MinistersSays
11.05.23
Karan Thapar
Sometimes, more
than what you say or do, what you don’t object to or react against, thus
indicating acceptance, whether that’s tolerance or concurrence, can reveal what
sort of person you are and, in particular, your innermost thinking and, even,
your broader character.
In fact, this
is a significant part of what determines your image. And this is how we often
judge politicians and governments. Assessing their performance or evaluating
their policies can be complicated and challengeable. Their image is easier and
faster to respond to. We do it instinctively. It becomes the basis on which we
“like” or “dislike” ministers and governments.
Now consider
the number of times Prime Minister Modi has maintained complete silence when
members of his government, both senior and relatively junior, have said
atrocious things about Muslims.
The most recent
is Satya Pal Singh Baghel, the minister of state for law and justice. At an
event organised by the RSS on Monday, this is what he said: “Tolerant Muslims
can be counted on fingers. Their numbers are not even in thousands. Even that
is a tactic. It is to stay in public life with a mask. This route then leads to
the house of the governor and vice-president or vice-chancellor. But when they
retire from there, they begin to speak their mind.”
In any country,
for a minister to speak of fellow citizens in this contemptuous, foolish and
utterly false way would be intolerable. Not just because it’s wrong and untrue.
But for a deeper political reason. It colours and taints the government as a
whole. And, even more than that, it creates an impression, if not a firm
belief, about the Prime Minister who appointed this person. No head of
government could accept that.
Yet Mr Modi
has. Indeed, this is not the first time. His ministers have called Muslims
Babar Ki Aulad, his chief ministers taunt them with calls of Abba Jaan and
practically everyone in the BJP tells them to go to Pakistan. I’ve recalled the
first three examples that came to mind. If you do a Google search, you’ll find
hundreds stretching all the way back to 2014.
I can remember
only one instance when the Prime Minister chided a colleague for such speech.
It was the Ramzade-Haramzade comparison by Sadhvi NiranjanJyoti in 2014. That’s
almost 10 years ago. Thereafter, silence has been his response.
So how should
we read that silence? What does it tell us of the Prime Minister? What does it
reveal of what he thinks is acceptable or forbidden? And then — and this is
what Muslims ask themselves — what does it reveal of what he thinks of them?
How they can be
spoken of? And what they must accept as their lot in life? Finally, when such
questions are asked, does it hurt or even trouble him that he’s the cause of
such pain?
I don’t know
the answers. At least not definitively. But all of us can make a pretty good
guess. And there are pointers from the Prime Minister’s own behaviour. He was
the politician who once talked about shamshanghat and kabristan. He’s also the
person who claimed you can recognise rioters by the clothes they wear. And let’s
not forget the word “puppy”. I don’t need to say more. He may not have named
the community but it was quite obvious who he had in mind.
So, why is the
Prime Minister surprised when millions, at home and abroad, are convinced he
and his government are dismissive of Muslims? One or more of his ministers and
party men make this clear practically every day. His lack of response endorses
and confirms that view. Our press may not pick it up but the international
media would have to be deaf and blind not to do so.
Now, if the
Prime Minister wishes to contest and, perhaps, change the impression that
Muslims under his rule have become second-class citizens in their own country,
then he should immediately sack Satya Pal Singh Baghel. Any other Prime
Minister in a democracy would do so without a moment’s hesitation. But if the
Prime Minister of the world’s largest democracy, which he, in fact, claims is
the mother of democracy, retains such ministers — and remember there are many,
not Baghel alone — then he can only blame himself for the growing belief India
is no longer a country that respects its Muslim citizens.
This may not
worry the Prime Minister. As a citizen, it troubles me enormously.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/what-prime-minister-narendra-modis-loud-silence-on-attacks-on-muslims-says/cid/1935935
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In a North
Bengaluru Seat, a Lesson to Parties That They Can't Take the Muslim Vote For
Granted
Sumer Sharma
Bengaluru:
Located in Bengaluru’s Pulakeshinagar constituency, the Muslim-majority DJ
Halli locality made national headlines in 2020 when demonstrations against an
inflammatory post about Prophet Mohammed turned violent.
The post was
made by the nephew of incumbent MLA AkhandaSrinivasa Murthy, a popular local
leader who has held the seat since 2013. This may prove costly for Murthy, who
did not get the Congress ticket this time, and faces a tough contest against
his former party.
After he was
not named in the Congress’ first three candidate lists, Murthy resigned from
his position as MLA on April 16 and subsequently decided to contest on a
Bahujan Samaj Party ticket. BSP volunteers were visible in DJ Halli canvassing
for their candidate, and seemed fairly confident of his victory.
“The Congress
candidate is not even from here, what will he do when we have problems? Murthy
lives right here – if we have an issue, we can catch a hold of him,” said one
volunteer. Murthy does live close to DJ Halli and his aggressive campaign has
included numerous personal interactions and rallies.
When I asked
residents which way the wind was blowing, most said that ‘Anna’ – as Murthy is
fondly known – was everywhere. “He and his people have been much more visible
and active than Congress, and he’s pulling crowds.”
I gathered that
the perception was that he has worked for the constituency – got houses
constructed and got people their pensions. “Congress hasn’t done anything for
this area,” residents said.
Murthy’s
popularity is undeniable.
In 2018, he won
from Pulakeshinagar for the second time in his career by a massive margin of
81,626 votes – the highest of any candidate in that assembly election.
Pulakeshinagar is a seat reserved for Scheduled Castes but has a majority 54% Muslim
population, concentrated in the DJ Halli and KG Halli localities. It is also a
lower income neighbourhood.
These
localities were the epicentre of the violence that took place in August 2020,
when the inflammatory post about the Prophet by Murthy’s nephew P. Naveen
sparked a protest by locals in front of the DJ Halli police station. Tensions
between demonstrators and the police escalated quickly into violence, resulting
in three deaths from police firing, and the mob attacking Murthy’s house which
is located close to DJ Halli.
The police
proceeded to launch a wide-ranging crackdown in these areas, picking up
hundreds of local Muslim men, including minors, often without evidence or on
flimsy grounds. Murthy filed a complaint with the police regarding the damage
to his house, and residents seem to attribute the arrests that took place in
subsequent months partly to this complaint. As many as 480 people were arrested
in connection with the violence, including under laws like the stringent
Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. Of them, 67 are in jail even now.
The crackdown
has contributed to a broader feeling of persecution, where some feel that the
community is being punished for the actions of a few. One anguished woman said,
“Does he (Murthy) not know how difficult it is for us to manage without members
of our household?”, referring to men, often primary earners, who are still
imprisoned.
While it is
unlikely that Murthy’s complaint had much to do with the crackdown, the sense
is that at a time when the community felt the full force of the state bear down
on them he abandoned them. It is not like the demographic dynamics are lost on
residents, as one said, “We Muslims got him elected. And then he did nothing
for us.”
The incident
also appears fresh on people’s minds, with many locals bringing it up. One
young man explained, “Basically, it was this incident that has changed Murthy’s
reputation here. That’s why he wasn’t given the ticket.”
The clear
disaffection with Murthy because of his handling of the incident and its
fallout was perhaps the reason the Congress did not announce him as their
candidate. The question is whether it will also cost him his seat. The contest
appears to be close, and according to one middle-aged woman, “Everyone is
saying haathi-haathi” – referring to the BSP’s elephant election symbol – “will
come this time, but I think it’s all talk”.
Another woman
passionately asked, “Why hasn’t he gotten our boys out?”
Indeed, despite
some overt support, there is significant anger against Murthy over what they
see is a lack of effort on his part, to advocate for those arrested or get them
released on bail.
Then there is
the fact that it was his nephew who provoked the violence in the first place.
Congress
On the other
hand, many residents did not even know the Congress candidate A.C. Srinivasa
when I spoke to them. Srinivasa is not from Pulakeshinagar and fought the last
two elections from Mahadevapura. This seems to have been a last-minute choice
that has not put the party in the strongest position.
To make matters
worse, until May 6, Srinivasa had not even visited DJ Halli to interact with
voters – in stark contrast to Murthy’s concerted efforts. According to
residents, the Congress campaign has been lacklustre when compared to Murthy’s.
Perhaps the reason for this was the expectation of a comfortable victory in a
Muslim-majority seat that they had previously won with a large margin.
However, with
the challenge mounted by Murthy, they appear to have rallied in the final few
days – with DJ Halli corporator and former mayor R. Sampath Raj visible in the
area, meeting residents and holding rallies. It is clear, however, that if it
is about the candidate, then Murthy is the clear favourite.
However, the
party, too, is in play.
Most residents
in DJ Halli ultimately said that they would vote for the Congress.
Even those who
spoke of Murthy glowingly eventually revealed they intended to vote for the
party, Congress. One middle-aged woman explained it thus, “People might say
whatever, but they will vote for Congress only”. Within the ambit of this
preference are Murthy’s local representatives with whom people had close ties.
A couple of residents suggested this would be a strong factor for most in the
locality. The reason was fairly uncomplicated. “We have always voted for the
Congress, and will do so this time as well,” they said.
Loyalty to the
party and a history of having voted for them “for years” seem to be salient.
That a loyal core base might serve the Congress is also evidenced when we look
at recent election results.
In 2018, Murthy
won on a Congress ticket with an enormous 65% margin against Prasanna Kumar.
However, the same match in 2013 with Murthy on a Janata Dal (Secular) ticket
and Kumar representing the Congress saw Murthy win with a much smaller margin
of 10%. Clearly, 38% of voters chose the Congress both times despite the
candidate switch, and at least 24% of Murthy’s votes last time can be
attributed to the Congress ticket. It appears these voters will stay with the
party this time too, and coupled with the fallout of the violence, Murthy faces
a difficult challenge.
Apart from
party loyalty, there are three other reasons for voters choosing Congress.
First is the
violence – there is clear disaffection towards Murthy on this issue, which actually
appears to be the only major source of disaffection towards an otherwise
popular MLA.
Second is the
broad discontent about inflation and poverty that has emerged as a key issue
during this election and a reason that many are voting for the Congress. There
is significant distress due to inflation, particularly petrol and gas prices,
and suffering among the poor, who feel this Bharatiya Janata Party government
has done nothing for them – and a vote for the Congress is also to vote the BJP
out.
Third is a
broad consciousness among Muslims that the BJP government has pushed
discriminatory policies and rhetoric against them. Even the issue of the
violence needs to be framed in this broader context and indeed, whenever it was
being discussed, a broader sense of persecution also came up. There was a sense
that no one was speaking up for the Muslim community, not even “our
representatives”.
There was an
understanding of the BJP’s politics: “We have always lived in harmony in
Karnataka, but now they are spreading hate – through the hijab issue, these
Hindu-Muslim issues, etc. Since Modi has come, we have faced increasing
discrimination and persecution”. The Bommai government’s Hindutva push, in
particular the hijab issue, seemed to have created antipathy; and as the BJP
adopted an increasingly communal tone in the last week of elections, Muslim
voters seem to be incensed by their rhetoric and are keen to vote BJP out.
A Congress
victory in Pulakeshinagar would show that the party has a core base that can
carry it even in the face of a popular local leader – and more broadly show
that partisanship can trump candidate appeal in some places.
A defeat would
be a humbling lesson in better ticket distribution.
A victory might
also suggest that the Congress has managed to consolidate Muslim voters, due to
the BJP antagonising them through its policies and rhetoric, even in seats
where they face a strong contender. Perhaps most importantly, in a national
context where the BJP has tried to make Muslims increasingly politically
irrelevant, this contest shows that they can still hold their representatives
accountable and punish them for failing to stand with the community. It is a
lesson to secular parties that they cannot take Muslim votes for granted. Both
Congress and Murthy have learned this unexpectedly, in a “safe” seat they find
themselves fighting hard for.
Source: thewire.in
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https://thewire.in/politics/in-a-north-bengaluru-seat-a-lesson-to-parties-that-they-cant-take-the-muslim-vote-for-granted
--------
The Kerala
Story: Why it is always controversial to make a film on an Islamic State in
India?
May 11, 2023
In 2022, Vivek
Ranjan Agnihotri’s The Kashmir Files, which centred around the 1990s exodus of
Kashmiri Hindus from Indian-administered Kashmir, was one of the most talked
about films across the country. While it emerged a humongous success at the box
office, a particular section and some political parties called it a propaganda
film and alleged that it has distorted facts.
Now, Adah
Sharma starrer The Kerala Story is facing the same consequences. The human
drama, which released last Friday, follows the story of a group of women from
Kerala who are converted to Islam and join the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria
(ISIS). While it is trending phenomenally well at the box office, The Kerala
Story is garnering criticism from some political parties.
A few days
back, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee banned the film in her state saying that
it is made to defame Kerala adding, “Why did they make Kashmir Files? To
humiliate one section. What is this Kerala files? On the other hand, the film
has been declared tax-free in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and
Haryana.
The lead
actress of the film, Adah Sharma recently reacted to a section calling The
Kerala Story a propaganda movie as she tweeted, “And for the the few still
calling #TheKeralaStory a propaganda film ,saying these incidents do not exist
even after watching testimonials of several Indian victims,,,my humble request
, Google two words ISIS and Brides…maybe an account of white girls narrated to
you might make you feel that our Indian movie is real.”
Ahead of the
release, Kerala CM, PinarayiVijayan also bashed the film and said it has been
made “with the aim of communal polarisation and spreading hate propaganda”.
However, his government has not banned the film
Source: firstpost.com
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https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/the-kerala-story-why-it-is-always-controversial-to-make-a-film-on-an-islamic-state-in-india-12578362.html
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The Kerala
Story Is Not Against Muslims Or Islam: Producer Vipul Shah
11 MAY 2023
Written
ByNivedita
'The Kerala
Story' is receiving backlash in several parts of India for allegedly targeting
Muslims and Islam. Now, the producer and creative director of the film
VipulAmrutlal Shah has responded to the allegations and stated that the film
'is not against Muslims or Islam' but rather against terrorists. Directed by
Sudipto Sen, The Kerala Story was released in theatres on May 5, and there were
calls to ban the film in a few states including West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
In an interview
with Rediff, Vipul stressed that The Kerala Story "is not against Muslims
or Islam, it's against terrorists." He also added, "This film is not
against a particular religion or caste. What has been most satisfying is that
some people were posting angry, nasty and abusive messages against the film.
Three of them have publicly apologised on the same platform after seeing the
film, calling it a fantastic film. That's a very big vindication or validation
of what we have been saying. I'm sure, with time, as temperatures go down,
people will understand that this film is not against anyone, it's against
terrorism. And we are appealing to all those who are against terrorism, to join
us in our fight."
The Hindi film
stars Adah Sharma, YogitaBihani, Siddhi Idnani and Sonia Balani in lead roles.
It has been declared tax-free in Madhya Pradesh. At the box office, it crossed
the ₹50
crore mark on its fifth day of release, earning ₹11.14 crore on Tuesday. It has
earned ₹56.86 crore at the
domestic box office so far; The Kerala Story will be released internationally
on May 12.
Shah also
addressed the timing of the film's release, stating that there was an election
in India happening every three months. He added he didn't want to be deterred
from making the film and telling the stories of those affected.
Vipul, who is
married to actor Shefali Shah, last directed the Disney+ Hotstar web series
Human starring his wife. He has also directed features like Aankhen, Waqt: The
Race Against Time, Namastey London, London Dreams, Action Replayy and Namaste
England. He is also producing Force 4 directed by AbhinayDeo.
Source: outlookindia.com
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https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/the-kerala-story-is-not-against-muslims-or-islam-producer-vipul-shah-news-285290
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South Asia
Conditions Not
Yet Right for Girls to Return to School; Final Decision by Religious Clerics:
Afghan Minister
By
RohullahSangar,
10-05-23
He made the
remarks to reporters on a visit to Panjshir province.
Sayed
Habibullah Agha said that the final decision regarding the reopening of the
schools will be made by religious clerics.
“When the
conditions are prepared, based on Sharia law and cooperation with the nation
and the religious scholars, the schools will be reopened,” said Sayed
Habibullah Agha, acting Minister of Education.
This comes as
local officials in Panjshir said there will be a seminary established in the
province where more than 1,000 students will be able to study.
“Panjshir
province has played an equal role with all the other provinces. There will be a
‘Jihadi seminary’ for 1,000 Talib (students) approved for Panjshir,” said
Mohammad Mohsin Hashimi, governor of Panjshir.
“It (Islamic
Emirate) opened another door, so that if anyone does not like school or
university, the better place for them is seminary. I hope they will use this
seminary,” said Abdullah Sadid, a religious cleric.
The acting
Minister of Education said the “Jihadi” seminaries have been established based
on the decree of the Islamic Emirate’s leader in all provinces of the
country.
Source: tolonews.com
Please
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https://tolonews.com/index.php/afghanistan-183308
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Muttaqi Urges
World to Engage with Islamic Emirate
By FatemaAdeeb,
10-05-23
Speaking to
reporters following his visit to Pakistan, the acting Foreign Minister said
that the world should not try to control the policies of the Islamic Emirate
because this is not the solution for the current challenges in Afghanistan.
“Engagement
with Afghanistan is benefiting the people of Afghanistan and it is also
benefiting the world. Putting pressure on the people of Afghanistan and
freezing the assets of Afghanistan or monopolizing the political reputation or
diplomatic relations of Afghanistan is not a solution,” he said.
Muttaqi also
spoke of the improvement of relations of the Islamic Emirate with regional
countries, saying that he stressed the need to avoid the interference of others
in Afghanistan’s political issues.
“There was an
emphasis on the prevention of interference in politicals issue of Afghanistan
and there was also emphasis on the reconstruction and stability of
Afghanistan,” he said.
“The return of
girls to schools, and the formation of an inclusive government, which is one of
the main wishes of the Doha agreement as well as the people, and there should
be practical steps in this regard,” said Najib Rahman Shamal, a political
analyst.
This comes as
the recent UN meeting held with the participation of envoys of more than 20
countries and organizations in Doha called for the formation of inclusive
government, and honoring human rights including female’s access to work and
education.
Source: tolonews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://tolonews.com/index.php/afghanistan-183310
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Acting Foreign
Minister Muttaqi Meets Norwegian Charge d’affaires in Kabul
By Fidel
Rahmati
May 10, 2023
The Acting
Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, met with the Norwegian Charge d’affaires
Paul KloumanBekken on Wednesday in Kabul.
In the meeting,
both sides discussed topics of mutual interest. In addition, the issues of
Afghan refugees in the European Union were also discussed.
“The issues
related to Afghanistan should be discussed and solved through the diplomatic
channels with the incumbent government,” Muttaqi said while urging for
constructive interaction with the international community and world.
“in addition to
discussions on topics of mutual interest, effective security steps by IEA were
acknowledged & frequency of such meetings was stressed. Highlighting access
to consular services to address problems of Afghans residing in Europe, FM
Muttaqi said that dialogue & engagement about Afghanistan should be held
with authority exercising power & able to implement decisions,” the
statement said.
Since the
Taliban took control of power in the country, the de facto authorities
introduced suppressive policies against women and girls. As a result, the women
were wiped out from the public scene, education and working with local and
international organizations.
Meanwhile,
since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, no country has
recognized the Taliban government as the legitimate government of Afghanistan
and said the current regime is not inclusive, particularly in terms of ethnic,
political and religious.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/acting-foreign-minister-muttaqi-meets-norwegian-charge-daffaires-in-kabul/
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Qatar Provides
Life-Saving Medicines To Afghanistan
By Fidel
Rahmati
May 10, 2023
Qatar Fund for
Development (QFFD) has signed an agreement with the World Health Organization
(WHO) to support the provision of essential health services in underserved
areas in the 11 provinces of Afghanistan.
According to
the statement, with the funds from QFFD, WHO will procure pre-qualified
medicine for primary health care and facilitate delivery and distribution to
the health facilities in the provinces of Helmand, Daikundi, Ghor, Farah,
Samangan, Zabul, Takhar, Baghlan, Maidan Wardak, Paktika, and Nuristan.
The statement
also said that medicines would prevent and treat diseases related to sexual and
reproductive health and maternal, newborn, and child mortality.
In addition,
WHO will support the capacity development of health workers on medical supply
chain management and rational use of medicine as per national standard
treatment guidelines.
Mr Khalifa bin
Jassim Al-Kuwari, Director General of QFFD, said, “The State of Qatar stands at
the forefront of the global support of the Afghan people. Complementing ongoing
efforts, QFFD works with different partners to improve the livelihood of
developing, disaster-stricken, and conflict-driven areas worldwide. We look
forward to achieving tangible achievements and improving the livelihood of the
Afghan people by supporting the health sector”.
The fund will
contribute to more than one million patients and will have better access to
quality primary health care,” said Dr AlaaAbouZeid, Health Emergencies Team
Leader at WHO Afghanistan.
“The new
funding from the Qatar Fund for Development will even boost our capacity to
reach more people, especially women, children, the elderly and the most
vulnerable in the most underserved areas of the country,” says Dr LuoDapeng,
WHO Representative in Afghanistan.
Source: khaama.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.khaama.com/qatar-provides-life-saving-medicines-to-afghanistan/
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Contract Signed
For The Extraction Of Lead, Zinc Mines in Afghanistan’s Bamyan
ByFidelRahmati
May 10, 2023
A contract for
the extraction of lead and zinc mines in the province of Bamyan has been signed
between the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum and the Afghan Durrani Mine
Extraction Company, said a statement.
The Lead and
Zinc Mines are in the GandehKotal area of the Yakawlang district of Bamyan
province of Afghanistan.
Shahab Uddin
Delawar, the acting minister of mines and petroleum and the director of the
Mine Extraction and Processing Company, participated in a signing ceremony to
formally establish the contract.
For the company
mentioned above, a five-year contract for lead and zinc extraction has been
granted, Ministry said.
Due to their
importance in numerous industries and high market demand, lead and zinc mineral
extraction offers Afghanistan enormous economic potential.
In addition, to
the outstanding corrosion resistance, lead is frequently used in paints.
Another significant metal with numerous uses is zinc. Since it offers better
corrosion protection than iron or steel alone, it is generally utilized as a
galvanizing material for steel constructions like bridges and buildings.
It is expected
that the agreement will benefit the country’s mining sector, fostering economic
growth and, in addition, opening up job opportunities for the people.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/contract-signed-for-the-extraction-of-lead-zinc-mines-in-afghanistans-bamyan/
--------
GAAC to Uplift
Afghanistan’s Airports to the Modern Era
By Nizamuddin
Rezahi
May 10, 2023
UAE-based
Holding signed the third and final contract with the Taliban administration to
operate the three major airports in Afghanistan and made significant
investments in their infrastructure. GAAC is now looking to modernize and
upgrade Afghanistan’s airports.
Afghanistan’s
aviation sector has faced many challenges in recent years. The country’s
airports were severely damaged and many international airlines suspended their
flights to and from Afghanistan. GAAC Holding stepped in to restore the
airport’s functionality and safety. The company made an urgent investment of
USD 641,000 in equipment, facility management, food for airport staff, ground
support equipment and technology.
The investment
included repairing the runway lights, installing generators, providing x-ray
machines, metal detectors and explosive trace detectors, setting up a temporary
terminal building, supplying food and water for airport workers, and procuring
trolleys, tow tractors, loaders and buses. GAAC Holding also trained and
employed more than 500 local staff to operate the airport.
GAAC Holding
provides a range of aviation services, including ground handling, premium
services, aviation security, and air navigation services. The company has been
operating in Afghanistan since November 2020, when it was awarded a contract to
provide ground handling and premium services at three international airports:
Kabul, Kandahar, and Herat. The contract also included aviation security
services at these airports, as well as Mazar-e-Sharif.
In May 2022,
GAAC Holding signed another contract with the Ministry of Transport and Civil
Aviation (MoTCA) to develop, operate, and manage air navigation services in
Afghanistan. The contract granted GAAC Holding the exclusive right to provide
air traffic control, communication, navigation, surveillance, and
meteorological services for the entire Afghan airspace. The contract also
involved investing in modernizing the air navigation systems and equipment.
In September
2022, GAAC Holding announced that it would sign the third and final major
contract for running Afghanistan’s airports with the Taliban administration.
The contract would run for 10 years and would cover all aspects of airport
management and operations. GAAC Holding’s General Manager and Regional Director
Ibrahim Moarafi, in a statement, said that the contract would encourage major
international airlines to return to Afghanistan and would bring economic
benefits and job creation to the country.
GAAC Holding’s
achievements in Afghanistan are impressive by any standards. The company has
served 1.5 million passengers and handled more than 40,000 tons of cargo since
it started its operations in the country. It has also employed more than 1,000
local staff and trained them to international standards. GAAC Holding has
demonstrated its commitment and capability to support the development and
transformation of the aviation sector in Afghanistan, despite the challenges
and uncertainties.
Ghulam Jelani
Popal, the deputy head of Afghanistan transport and civil aviation ministry has
said the contract is valid for ten years to reporters in Kabul. GAAC already
secured contracts from the group to manage ground services and security of the
airports in Afghanistan.
After almost
two years, GAAC has announced that Afghanistan’s airports are ready for
international flights in terms of performance and safety – adding the company
has invested $641,000 in facility management, ground support equipment, and
technologies to improve airport performance.
The contracts
are anticipated to help the Taliban emerge out of isolation as it struggles to
gain recognition from the international community.
Ghulam Jelani
Popal, the deputy head of Afghanistan transport and civil aviation ministry has
said the contract is valid for ten years to reporters in Kabul. GAAC already
secured contracts from the group to manage ground services and security of the
airports in Afghanistan.
After almost
two years, GAAC has announced that Afghanistan’s airports are ready for
international flights in terms of performance and safety – adding the company
has invested $641,000 in facility management, ground support equipment, and
technologies to improve airport performance.
The contracts
are anticipated to help the Taliban emerge out of isolation as it struggles to
gain recognition from the international community.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/gaac-to-uplift-afghanistans-airports-to-the-modern-era/
--------
Mideast
Iran Urging
Hamas To Join Forces With Islamic Jihad To Attack Israel
11-05-23
Iran has urged
Hamas to join Islamic Jihad in a new round of attacks against Israel following
the killing of three militants in Gaza, Iran International has learned.
According to
informed sources, Tehran exerted strong pressure on Hamas to respond to
assistance it has received over the years and unite with Islamic Jihad, a close
affiliate of the Iranian regime, to launch a fresh wave of attacks.
In a surprise
air strike early Tuesday, Israel killed three Islamic Jihad commanders in Gaza,
who had planned attacks from Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
A large number
of rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel Wednesday afternoon, in what
appeared to be Palestinian retaliation for the targeting of Islamic Jihad
commanders.
Dawoud Shehab,
a spokesperson for the Iranian-backed Islamic Jihad, had said Israel "must
expect a response at any moment and anywhere,” but one day after the air
strike, a tense calm still prevailed.
The chief of
Iran’s general staff Mohammad Bagheri said Wednesday that Iran “will assist
Palestine with all its power,” according to Tasnim news agency affiliated with
the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC).
Meanwhile, one
source told Iran International that Tehran’s pressure has deepened existing
policy disagreements among Hamas leaders.
As a tense calm
prevailed earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel
is ready to fight Iran on multiple fronts if needs be. He insisted that “95% of
Israel’s security problems come from Iran,” referring to “an attempt by Iran to
start a multi-front campaign against us.”
Israel blamed
Iran for a large-scale military confrontation in early April when Palestinian
groups aligned with the Islamic Republic launched hundreds of rockets against
Israel from Gaza and Lebanon.
Iranian
officials did not try to hide their satisfaction that the “resistance front”,
as they call their militant proxies in the region, had “humiliated Israel.”
IRGC commander, in particular, call for more military action, boasting that end
of Israel is near.
Israel “will do
all it can to prevent Iran from establishing terror fronts around us,”
Netanyahu said at a conference for a right-leaning group of former senior
defense officers.
Iran
International’s sources say Hamas leaders in Gaza understand that a new
military confrontation will hurt Palestinian civilians and their livelihood.
They also have to face the danger of being targeted by Israel. However, leading
figures living outside Palestinian territories and enjoying more security and
close cooperation with Iran advocate for joining the Islamic Jihad in a new
confrontation with Israel.
Iran reached a
Chinese-brokered agreement with Saudi Arabia in March to restore diplomatic
relations after a seven-year hiatus. Official in Tehran have repeatedly claimed
that the move was a strategic defeat for the United States and a victory for
Iran.
Having partly
reduced their isolation in the region, the Iranian regime seemed emboldened and
intensified its rhetoric against Israel in March and April.
Meanwhile,
Israel is not just concerned about attacks by Tehran’s proxies and allies, but is
also worried about its expanding nuclear program.
By most
estimates Iran has accumulated enough enriched uranium to be able to build up
to five nuclear weapons within a few months.
Netanyahu also
reiterated in statements on Tuesday and Wednesday that Israel will do all it
can to stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and will try to prevent Iran
from “establishing terror fronts around us.”
Source: iranintl.com
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https://www.iranintl.com/en/202305109243
--------
Israel
occupation understands only language of force, resistance - dissolved Jordanian
Muslim Brotherhood
May 10, 2023
Jordan's
outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group expressed its condolences for the victims who
were killed in Israeli raids on the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, describing the
Israeli attacks as "a heinous crime".
The group said,
in a statement on Tuesday, that the Israeli raids as part of Israel's
"shameful record of criminality and terrorism," adding that the
Israeli operation "targeted Resistance leaders in Gaza" and killing
three Al-Quds Brigades leaders and several civilians, including women and
children.
"The
Muslim Brotherhood mourns this group of heroic martyrs and asserts its
confidence in the valiant Resistance that will not let this treacherous crime
pass without a response," the Jordanian group said in its statement,
adding that Israel "understands only the language of force, resistance and
jihad."
"May God
protect our people in Palestine, and we ask God for victory and empowerment for
the [Resistance's] heroes."
Source: middleeastmonitor.com
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https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230510-israel-occupation-understands-only-language-of-force-resistance-dissolved-jordanian-muslim-brotherhood/
--------
Hamas: The
Blood of Martyrs Will Not Go To Waste & We Insist On Jihad & Resistance
10/May/2023
GAZA May 10.
2023 (Saba) - The leader of the Islamic resistance movement Hamas, Ismail
Radwan, confirmed on Wednesday that the blood of the martyrs will not go to
waste and the movement will insist further on the path of jihad and resistance.
The news agency
"Palestine Today" quoted Commander Radwan in a brief statement:
"We mercy the spirit of ShahidiKabatiya at the dawn of the day the martyr
the hero Ahmed Assaf and the martyr the hero Rani Qatnat who were assassinated
by the cowardly enemy.
In the dawn of
the day, Assaf and Qayyatat were martyred and another was shot dead by Zionist
enemy forces after storming the town of Qabatiyeh, south of Jenin, in the north
of the occupied West Bank, amid armed clashes between resistance fighters and
incursive forces reinforced by military mechanisms.
Source: saba.ye
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3239275.htm
--------
All eyes on
Hamas as IDF awaits reprisal for assassination of Islamic Jihad leaders
By EMANUEL
FABIAN
10 May 2023
More than a day
after the Israel Defense Forces launched an operation against the Palestinian
Islamic Jihad and assassinated three senior members in simultaneous airstrikes
across the Gaza Strip, unusually the terror group had yet to respond.
Shortly after 2
a.m. on Tuesday, Israeli forces killed Khalil Bahtini, who commands Islamic Jihad
in northern Gaza; Jihad Ghanem, a top official in the group’s military council;
and TareqIzzed-Din, who Israel said directs Islamic Jihad terror activities in
the West Bank from a base in Gaza. The separate strikes on the three took place
within seconds, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
The airstrikes
also left 10 civilians dead, including four children and four women, according
to health officials in the Hamas-controlled territory. Islamic Jihad said the
wives of the three commanders and a number of their children were among the
dead.
Islamic Jihad,
as well as the so-called Joint Operations Room of various Palestinian terror
factions in the Gaza Strip — which includes both Hamas and Islamic Jihad —
vowed a response. Hamas separately said Israel would see a unified response
from terror groups that will “teach it a major lesson.”
Immediately
after the strikes, the IDF’s Home Front Command imposed restrictions on
movement and gatherings for people living within 40 kilometers (25 miles) of
Gaza, with officials assessing that a rocket barrage or other type of attack
was only a matter of time.
Those fears had
yet to materialize by late Wednesday morning, even after more than 30 hours
since the deadly airstrikes. Previous strikes on Islamic Jihad leaders were
answered within hours by barrages of rockets at Israeli civilians, some lasting
several days.
On Tuesday
afternoon, Islamic Jihad did unsuccessfully attempt to carry out an attack,
with the IDF saying a cell en route to carrying out an anti-tank guided missile
attack on the Gaza border was struck, and two members were killed.
IDF spokesman
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari assessed that the lack of an immediate response by
Islamic Jihad, or Hamas, was due to the military’s surprise attack.
“We have not
seen a rocket fired at Israel. This is a consequence of the IDF’s surprise
action against Islamic Jihad,” Hagari told Army Radio on Wednesday morning.
“Anything else
can happen today. We will assess the situation on whether to ease the
instructions for the residents,” he added.
Some
restrictions on areas further from the Gaza Strip may be lifted following
assessments, although the instructions issued for residents living close to the
border with the Palestinian enclave were expected to remain in place, over
fears of anti-tank missile attacks or sniper fire.
While Hamas
vowed a “unified response,” it was still unclear if it would actually join
Islamic Jihad in a reprisal attack, which could be a contributing factor to the
unusually long delay in the response.
Israeli
officials have stressed that the operation, dubbed Shield and Arrow, was
focused solely on Islamic Jihad, but would target Hamas too should it join the
fighting.
Hamas has
remained on the sidelines of several previous conflicts between Israel and
Islamic Jihad, helping keep them limited, and leading to some hopes that the
terror group had matured into a non-violent political actor.
Still, Hamas
also put its name to the umbrella group that claimed rocket fire earlier this
month, though the IDF believed Islamic Jihad was largely behind the attacks.
The ruling terror group was only involved in firing shoulder-launched missiles
at Israeli jets during the fighting, which saw 104 projectiles fired at Israel
in response to the death of an Islamic Jihad member who had been on hunger
strike in Israeli prison.
Should Hamas —
believed to have a larger and more advanced arsenal of weapons — join in with
responding to the deadly Israeli strikes, the fighting is expected to last
longer and be more intense than if Islamic Jihad were to respond alone.
Regardless, the
IDF — in particular its air defense units, the Home Front Command, and various
intelligence units — were remaining on high alert for any potential response,
with or without Hamas.
Source: timesofisrael.com
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https://www.timesofisrael.com/all-eyes-on-hamas-as-idf-awaits-reprisal-for-assassination-of-islamic-jihad-leaders/
--------
To provoke
Palestinians, Israeli settlers break into Jerusalem's Aqsa mosque
JERUSALEM,
Thursday, May 11, 2023 (WAFA) – Dozens of fanatic Israeli settlers Thursday
morning broke into the compounds of al-Aqsa Mosque under heavy protection from
the Israeli police, Islamic Waqf confirmed.
The Waqf said
that settlers, divded into groups, raided the holy Islamic Mosque from
al-Maghariba gate and took provocative tours in its compounds.
It added that
the extremist settlers performed Talmudic rituals in the eastern part of the
Mosque.
This comes at a
time as Israeli forces intensify measures against Palestinians coming from
Jerusalem to enter the Mosque, inspecting their IDs and briefly detaining them.
Source: english.wafa.ps
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https://english.wafa.ps/Pages/Details/135735
--------
IDF kills 3
Islamic Jihad commanders in Gaza; over 460 rockets fired at Israel
By JOTAM
CONFINO IN ISRAEL
May 11, 2023
Israeli
airstrikes killed an Islamic Jihad leader and two high-level operatives
overnight in Gaza as “Operation Shield and Arrow” continued, bringing the total
death toll in Gaza to at least 23.
IDF fighter
jets targeted Ali Ghali, the commander of the rocket launching force of the
Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip, who was in a hideout apartment in Khan Yunis.
“Ghali was
entrusted with the instruction and the launching of rocket fire toward Israel,
including the recent barrage of rockets toward Israeli territory as part of
operation ‘Shield and Arrow.’ Ghali instructed and took part in launching the
barrage of rockets toward Israel during operations ‘Guardian of the Walls’ and
‘Breaking Dawn,’ IDF said in a statement, referring to the two previous IDF
operations in Gaza.
IDF
spokesperson said Israel continued to only target Islamic Jihad, leaving Hamas
out of the conflict.
Islamic Jihad
fired over 460 rockets at southern and central Israel, including Tel Aviv,
since Wednesday afternoon. No Israelis were killed but extensive damage to
houses and cars were reported in different locations.
The continued
fighting came as numerous media, both in Israel Egypt, reported that Egypt had
mediated a ceasefire between Israel and Islamic Jihad on Wednesday night.
Israel’s
Foreign Minister Eli Cohen confirmed in an interview with Kan Public
Broadcaster that Israel had received ceasefire proposals via Egypt. Islamic
Jihad had reportedly demanded that Israel seize its targeted killings, which
Israel refused.
“I would like
to reiterate: Whoever harms us, whoever sends terrorists against us, will pay
the price…The campaign is not yet over,” Prime Minister Netanyahu said in a
speech on Wednesday night.
Israel launched
“Operation Shield and Arrow” overnight Tuesday, killing 15 Palestinians,
including three senior Islamic Jihad operatives. The Palestinian Health
Ministry in Gaza said the other 10 victims were civilians, including women and
children.
Israel has
targeted over 133 Islamic Jihad’s rocket and mortar shell launchers, weapon and
rocket manufacturing sites and military positions since Tuesday overnight.
Source: jewishnews.co.uk
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https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/idf-kills-3-islamic-jihad-commanders-in-gaza-over-460-rockets-fired-at-israel/
--------
Trustees
removed from 'Iran-run' Islamic Centre of England
Paul Carey
May 11, 2023
The Charity
Commission announced on Wednesday it had removed the trustees from the board of
the Islamic Centre of England amid reports the organisation is linked to Iran.
An interim
manager was appointed last week after the charity became the subject of a
statutory inquiry by the regulator in November 2022.
The inquiry was
opened due to serious concerns over the charity's governance, with the
organisation previously issued with an official warning.
The Charity
Commission said the trustees had failed to comply with their legal duties and
responsibilities, while neglecting to protect the charity’s assets.
Security
Minister Tom Tugendhat welcomed the decision on Wednesday, saying: “In recent
months, I've warned often about the threat that Iran poses to us here in the
United Kingdom.
“The actions of
the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and its agents have put lives in danger
in our own country.”
“Its leadership
[was] appointed by the head of the Islamic Republic of Iran and it is reported
to have celebrated the lives of people like Gen Soleimani, the head of the
IRGC, who [did] so much to spread hatred, death and destruction, not just in
the Middle East, but around the world.”
Emma Moody of
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP was appointed interim manager on May 4 and was
given the task of conducting a review of the charity’s governance and
administration.
She will make
recommendations to the Charity Commission based on her findings.
Source: thenationalnews.com
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https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/uk-news/2023/05/10/trustees-removed-from-iran-run-islamic-centre-of-england/
--------
Palestinian
Islamic Jihad seeks Egyptian-mediated ceasefire
(May 10, 2023 /
JNS) Palestinian Islamic Jihad has conveyed through Egyptian intermediaries
that it wants a ceasefire with Israel to end the latest round of violence that
erupted on Tuesday morning.
U.S. and Qatari
officials are also reportedly involved in seeking to restore calm to the area.
Palestinian
terrorists in the Gaza Strip unleashed several barrages of rockets at Israel on
Wednesday afternoon, breaking a tense day-long calm following the IDF’s
targeted killing of three top PIJ members.
Warning sirens
sounded across communities near the Gaza border, as well as in Ashkelon, Ashdod
and the greater Tel Aviv area.
Terrorists
fired some 300 projectiles in several salvos, according to the military.
In response,
Israel Air Force jets struck PIJ rocket infrastructure across the Strip. The
military said that it hit 108 Palestinian terror assets.
Israeli Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday night said that he had authorized the
targeted killings after scores of rockets were fired at Israel last week. The
IDF identified the targets as Khalil Bahitini, PIJ’s commander in northern
Gaza; JahedAhnam, a senior member of the terror group’s “military” council; and
TarekAzaldin, who directed its activities in Judea and Samaria.
“Israel’s
policy is clear: Those who seek to harm Israel will be harmed. Those who kill
our citizens will pay a heavy price. And those who fire on our cities and
civilians will be held responsible for their actions,” Netanyahu said.
Source: jns.org
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https://www.jns.org/palestinian-islamic-jihad-seeks-egyptian-mediated-ceasefire/
--------
Islamic Jihad
conflagration is tip of iceberg for Israel's growing Iran concern
May 10, 2023
While an
Egyptian-mediated ceasefire seems likely to take effect soon, the most recent
conflagration between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad is only the tip
of the iceberg for a broader Israeli concern.
Namely,
Israel's perception of the growing threat posed by Iran.
Violence
between Israel and the PIJ has been escalating in recent months in both the
Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Directed by Iran and fueled by Iranian funds,
arms, and antipathy for the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, the PIJ has
conducted numerous attacks on Israeli interests. Other attacks have been
prevented only by the diligence of the Israeli security services. Iran is using
the PIJ as its key proxy against the Israeli government. This strategy fits
within a hardening of Iranian security policy toward Israel and the West,
evinced in part by rampant Iranian assassination plots.
XI'S WAR ON
ECONOMIC REALITY
But Iran's
antics are also driven by short-term emotion. The aging Iranian leader
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is desperate to impose greater pain on Israel in
retaliation for its successful penetration of Iran's security and nuclear
apparatus. That penetration has embarrassed Tehran and provoked infighting. Yet
by using the PIJ to disrupt Israeli civil society, Iran can avoid injecting its
Lebanese Hezbollah ally into a conflict that might endanger Hezbollah's
position in Lebanon. Hezbollah is under pressure in Beirut amid continuing
economic and political crisis.
For Israel,
however, the interest in avoiding a larger conflict must be balanced against
the need to deter Iran from seizing the escalation curve. Hard-liners in Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government are also demanding that he
take a tougher stance against Iran and its Palestinian proxies.
When it comes
to the escalation curve, the Palestinian front is ultimately of peripheral
concern to Israel. Iran's nuclear program looms largest.
Israel is
deeply concerned over Iran's enrichment of uranium to near weapons-grade purity
levels and its continuing refusal to come clean with the International Atomic
Energy Agency over its past and present nuclear activities. For Israel, which
has a population of just 10 million people, the advent of an Iranian nuclear
weapon would be seen as the precursor to a second Holocaust.
In turn,
whatever happens with this current conflagration, it is likely that Israel will
continue to maintain heightened military pressure on the PIJ for the
foreseeable future.
Source: washingtonexaminer.com
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https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/jihad-conflagration-tip-of-iceberg-for-israels-iran-concern
--------
Africa
Niger
intercepts nearly 1,400 Boko Haram followers - Army
10-05-23
Nearly 1,400
followers of jihadist group Boko Haram have been intercepted fleeing into Niger
following clashes with a rival Islamic State group, according to the army.
The exodus into
southeastern Niger started in March, when the Islamic State West Africa
Province (ISWAP) pursued Boko Haram in its forest hideout of Sambisa,
northeastern Niger.
Niger's armed
forces have so far caught 1,397 people, many of them women and children,
according to a statement from the army's southeastern region, seen by AFP.
They have been
handed over to the Nigerian military authorities, it said.
"Around 30
terrorists" who refused to surrender were killed, it added.
Boko Haram
launched a bloody campaign in northeastern Nigeria in 2009 that has left over
40,000 dead and displaced around two million from their homes, according to UN
figures.
It became
globally notorious in 2014 for abducting 276 schoolgirls in the town of Chibok,
96 of whom remain missing.
But the group
split in 2016, giving birth to ISWAP, which now dominates in a fratricidal
conflict.
The Boko Haram
followers were trying to reach the marshlands of the vast Lake Chad region,
whose islands have long been a bolthole for jihadists.
The movement
was first spotted on March 7, as people walked along the KamadougouYoge River
marking the border between the two countries.
Six days later,
Nigerien troops in a regional anti-jihadist task force launched an operation
that killed 20 jihadists and captured 83 others, according to the army.
The
southeastern region of Diffa, which has borne the brunt of jihadist attacks
over the years, has been relatively calm since the start of 2023, a security
source told AFP.
However,
landmines sown by rebels continue to claim lives. Last month, seven soldiers
died and nearly a dozen were wounded in blasts.
Niger is also
facing a jihadist insurgency on its southwestern border with Mali.
Source: africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2023/05/10/niger-intercepts-nearly-1400-boko-haram-followers-army/
--------
Tunisia:
Authorities open investigation into shooting attack at synagogue
11-05-23
Tunisian
authorities opened an investigation on Wednesday into a shooting attack at a
synagogue that killed two Jewish pilgrims and three members of the country's
security forces.
The motive of
the gunman, whom guards killed before he could enter the building on the island
of Djerba, remained unclear.
The island's
historic Ghriba synagogue, thought to be one of the world’s oldest Jewish
temples, is a popular pilgrimage destination, but it was unknown if the
assailant, a member of the Tunisian National Guard, specifically targeted Jews
in Tuesday's attack.
The death toll
from the attack rose to five Wednesday when a guard who was hospitalized in the
immediate aftermath died of his wounds, according to a medical official cited
by Tunisia's TAP news agency.
Four other
members of Tunisia's security forces remain hospitalized in Djerba, including
one in critical condition.
Israeli and
Tunisian authorities and family members identified the civilian victims as
cousins: Aviel Haddad, 30, who held dual Tunisian and Israeli citizenship, and
Benjamin Haddad, 42, who was French.
Four civilians
were also wounded, the Tunisian Interior Ministry said.
The assailant,
a guardsman affiliated with the naval center in the island's port town of
Aghir, first killed a colleague with his service weapon before seizing
ammunition and heading toward the Ghriba synagogue, the Tunisian Interior
ministry said.
When he reached
the site, he opened fire on security units stationed at the temple.
The guards
fired back, killing him before he reached the entrance, the ministry said.
Source: africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2023/05/11/tunisia-authorities-open-investigation-into-deadly-shooting/
--------
Islamic trade
body signs deals with African countries
10.05.2023
The
International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) signed on Wednesday
agreements with African nations.
The signing
took place on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the Islamic Development
Bank (IsDB) Group in Saudi Arabia.
The group
signed a $500-million framework agreement with Mali and another $600-million
agreement with Djibouti.
It also signed
murabaha -- an interest-free loan option -- financing agreement with the Gambia
National Petroleum Company and the Gambia National Water and Electric Company.
The total figure for the two agreements was $55 million.
Beginning on
Wednesday, the four-day annual meeting in the Saudi port city of Jeddah, will
discuss global financial topics and host international agreements.
Source: aa.com.tr
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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/islamic-trade-body-signs-deals-with-african-countries/2894117
--------
Darfur
residents fear escalating conflicts between the army and the RSF
11-05-23
Residents of
Sudan's South Darfur state fear that the ongoing fighting between the army and
the Rapid Support Forces may reignite the conflict in the sprawling desert
region, which has already tasted the bitterness of war for the past two
decades.
Darfur has been
a battleground between the military and the paramilitary RSF since the conflict
began and on April 16, fighting erupted between armed men in Nyala, the state's
capital.
The war between
Sudan's generals is having increasingly severe consequences for civilians, with
a doubling over the past week of the number uprooted from their homes, the
United Nations said on Tuesday.
It led to a
fire that ripped through the city's main market, destroying stalls and merchandise.
Residents fear
the fighting is dragging in tribal militias, tapping into longtime hatreds
between the region’s two main communities - one that identifies as Arab, the
other as East or Central African.
“As the people
of Nyala city, we have been affected by a war that we have nothing to do with.
As a result of this war, Sudan has been damaged and the Sudanese people have
been affected in ways that we are not aware of. Generals are fighting for
power, while the Sudanese people are suffering and displaced." explained
Adam Hussein, resident.
“On April 16th,
at 5 am, an incident (fire) occurred, and firefighters were present near the
market but did not come to extinguish the fire. Up to this moment, the fire is
still burning, and we do not understand what is happening. People have been
severely affected. Several citizens who were shopping at the market, including
a vendor who keeps shedding tears when he sees the market in this condition,
have been impacted.” he added.
In the early
2000s, African tribes in Darfur that had long complained of discrimination
rebelled against the government, which responded with a military campaign that
the International Criminal Court later said amounted to genocide.
State-backed
Arab militias known as the Janjaweed were accused of widespread killings, rapes
and other atrocities.
The Janjaweed
later evolved into the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group, known as the
RSF, which is currently at war with the Sudanese military.
Source: africanews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.africanews.com/2023/05/10/darfur-residents-fear-escalating-conflicts-between-the-army-and-the-rsf/
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Senegal
opposition calls for protests over alleged threat to bar Sonko from vote
10/05
Senegal's
opposition coalition said Tuesday it would stage rallies over a threat to bar
one of its leaders, OusmaneSonko, from presidential elections after he was
convicted in a defamation case.
Sonko was on
Monday handed a six-month suspended term that could jeopardise his bid for the
2024 elections.
His possible
elimination would significantly alter the contest, and could also lead to
violence from his supporters.
Sonko claims
the judiciary is being used to sideline him from the vote.
"The
people have to mobilise to support OusmaneSonko in this fight," Khalifa
Sall, one of the coalition chiefs, told a press conference on Tuesday.
He joined other
heads of the YewwiAskanWi alliance in urging followers to turn out in force for
an already-scheduled rally due this Friday, and for another protest a week
later, on May 19.
Senegal is
traditionally a beacon of stability in troubled West Africa, but in recent
years has been buffeted by turbulence that has at times turned deadly.
Sonko, 48, came
third in the 2019 election against incumbent MackySall, and intends to stand
again next year.
But his
candidacy has been clouded by Monday's conviction, which saw an appeal court
increase a sentence of two months suspended, handed down in March, for defaming
Tourism Minister MameMbayeNiangtou.
The court also
ordered Sonko to pay 200 million CFA francs (around $330,000) in damages to
Niang.
The opposition
figure has not issued any public statement since Monday.
Sonko is also
facing trial later this month for alleged rape and death threats over a
complaint filed by an employee at a beauty salon where he went for a massage.
He says he is
the victim of a government plot to scupper his candidacy.
The government
has denied the accusation.
In 2021, the
rape charge against him helped trigger riots that left at least 12 people dead.
The
presidential party accuses Sonko of seeking to paralyse the country and of
drumming up anger on the streets in a bid to escape justice.
His
appointments with the justice system are often sources of tension and near-paralysis
of traffic in the capital Dakar, as he usually travels to court with a
procession of sympathisers.
Political
tensions have also been stoked by Sall's refusal to rule out running for a
third term as president, a move his opponents say would be unconstitutional.
Khalifa Sall --
the former mayor of Dakar, who is not related to the head of state -- and
former minister Karim Wade, the son of an ex-president, have also seen their
political careers truncated by legal cases.
Both are
prominent opponents of the current president.
Dethie Fall,
another YewwiAskanWi figure, called for a march on May 19 against a
"campaign to liquidate OusmaneSonko".
He said that
not to act "would be to let democracy be transformed into a monarchy and
dictatorship by President MackySall, who has only one idea in mind, the third
mandate".
The news of
Sonko's conviction caused sporadic unrest on Monday in Dakar and elsewhere.
However,
opposition calls for demonstrations have had a limited response in recent
months.
Authorities have
banned numerous rallies and deployed significant police resources.
Source: africanews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.africanews.com/2023/05/10/senegal-opposition-calls-for-protests-over-alleged-threat-to-bar-ousmane-sonko-from-vote/
--------
North
America
Transgender
militia leader's appeal denied in Minnesota mosque bombing case
11-05-23
A federal
appeals court on Wednesday affirmed the conviction of the leader of an Illinois
antigovernment militia who was sentenced to 53 years in prison for
masterminding the 2017 bombing of a Minnesota mosque, an attack that terrified
the local Muslim community.
A three-judge
panel rejected all the legal arguments raised by Emily Claire Hari. Her
attorneys argued that the key federal law involved — which pertains to damaging
religious property and the free exercise of religion — was invalid because it
exceeded Congress' authority.
The court also
rejected Hari's claim that prosecutors violated attorney-client privilege when
authorities seized two pages of notes from Hari's cell during a shakedown.
No one was hurt
in the bombing of the Dar al-Farooq Islamic Center, but more than a dozen
members of the mosque community gave victim impact statements about the trauma
they felt. Judge Donovan Frank said at sentencing that the evidence clearly
showed an intent to "scare, intimidate and terrorize individuals of Muslim
faith."
Several men
were at Dar al-Farooq for early morning prayers on Aug. 5, 2017, when a pipe
bomb was thrown through the window of an imam’s office. A seven-month
investigation led authorities to the rural community of Clarence, Illinois,
where Hari and co-defendants Michael McWhorter and Joe Morris lived.
Authorities say
Hari led a small group called the White Rabbits that included McWhorter, Morris
and others and that Hari came up with the plan to attack the mosque.
Prosecutors said at trial that Hari was motivated by hatred for Muslims.
McWhorter and
Morris each pleaded guilty to five counts and testified for the prosecution.
Michael McWhorter was sentenced to just under 16 years in prison while Morris
got about 14 years.
Hari's attorney
said in a filing during the proceedings that gender dysphoriafueled her
"inner conflict," saying she wanted to transition from male to female
but knew she would be ostracized, so she formed a "rag-tag group of
freedom fighters." But prosecutors said gender dysphoria was no excuse.
Hari is
incarcerated at a federal prison in Oklahoma that houses male and female
prisoners. After a review, the Biden administration last year updated Bureau of
Prisons policies to restore Obama-era protections for transgender inmates,
undoing a rollback ordered during the Trump administration.
Source: foxnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.foxnews.com/us/transgender-militia-leaders-appeal-denied-minnesota-mosque-bombing-case
--------
Appeals court
upholds conviction of main defendant in 2017 Bloomington mosque bombing
By STEVE
KARNOWSKI
May 10, 2023
A federal
appeals court on Wednesday affirmed the conviction of the leader of an Illinois
antigovernment militia who was sentenced to 53 years in prison for masterminding
the 2017 bombing of a Twin Cities mosque, an attack that terrified the local
Muslim community.
A three-judge
panel rejected all the legal arguments raised by Emily Claire Hari. Her
attorneys argued that the key federal law involved — which pertains to damaging
religious property and the free exercise of religion — was invalid because it
exceeded Congress’ authority.
The court also
rejected Hari’s claim that prosecutors violated attorney-client privilege when
authorities seized two pages of notes from Hari’s cell during a shakedown.
No one was hurt
in the bombing of the Dar al-Farooq Islamic Center in Bloomington, but more
than a dozen members of the mosque community gave victim impact statements
about the trauma they felt. Judge Donovan Frank said at sentencing that the
evidence clearly showed an intent to “scare, intimidate and terrorize
individuals of Muslim faith.”
Several men
were at Dar al-Farooq for early morning prayers on Aug. 5, 2017, when a pipe
bomb was thrown through the window of an imam’s office. A seven-month
investigation led authorities to the rural community of Clarence, Ill., where
Hari and co-defendants Michael McWhorter and Joe Morris lived.
Authorities say
Hari led a small group called the White Rabbits that included McWhorter, Morris
and others and that Hari came up with the plan to attack the mosque.
Prosecutors said at trial that Hari was motivated by hatred for Muslims.
McWhorter and
Morris each pleaded guilty to five counts and testified for the prosecution.
Michael McWhorter was sentenced to just under 16 years in prison while Morris
got about 14 years.
Hari’s attorney
said in a filing during the proceedings that gender dysphoriafueled her “inner
conflict,” saying she wanted to transition from male to female but knew she
would be ostracized, so she formed a “rag-tag group of freedom fighters.” But
prosecutors said gender dysphoria was no excuse.
Hari is
incarcerated at a federal prison in Oklahoma that houses male and female
prisoners. After a review, the Biden administration last year updated Bureau of
Prisons policies to restore Obama-era protections for transgender inmates,
undoing a rollback ordered during the Trump administration.
Source: twincities.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.twincities.com/2023/05/10/appeals-court-upholds-conviction-of-main-defendant-in-2017-bloomington-mosque-bombing/
--------
Prosecutors
reveal link between terror defendant in Virginia and Islamic State ‘empress’
from Kansas
By MATTHEW BARAKAT
ALEXANDRIA, Va.
(AP) — A northern Virginia man arrested on terrorism charges has a husband-wife
relationship with another American who was dubbed by authorities as an “
empress of ISIS ” for her work to establish an all-female battalion of the
Islamic State, prosecutors said Wednesday.
Mohammed
Chhipa, 33, of Springfield, Virginia, was arrested last week on charges that he
provided support to a terrorist group. Prosecutors allege that he transferred
nearly $200,000 in cryptocurrency, with some of that money traced back to the
Islamic State, to support Chhipa’s stated goal of helping smuggle female ISIS
members from detention camps. Other funds remain unaccounted for.
At a detention
hearing Wednesday, prosecutors also disclosed a relationship between Chhipa and
Allison Fluke-Ekren, an American from Kansas who is serving a 20-year prison
sentence. Fluke-Ekren pleaded guilty last year to organizing and leading the
KhatibaNusaybah, a battalion in which roughly 100 women and girls — some as
young as 10 — learned how to use automatic weapons and detonate grenades and
suicide belts.
Assistant U.S.
Attorney Anthony Aminoff told the judge that Chhipa considers himself to be
married to Fluke-Ekren, although the marriage was apparently conducted online
and has no legal status in the U.S. He said Chhipa, a naturalized U.S. citizen
originally from India, has been trying to adopt Fluke-Ekren’s children.
Court documents
in Fuke-Ekren’s case do not mention Chhipa by name, but also indicate that
Fluke-Ekren considered herself to be married to a man she met online. It is not
clear that the two have ever met in person.
Whatever the
relationship between Chhipa and Fluke-Ekren, the charges against Chhipa appear
unrelated to that relationship. Prosecutors say that between November 2019 and
July 2022, Chhipa used virtual currency to transfer more than $188,000 to
accounts known and unknown. An FBI affidavit states that some money remains
unaccounted for but that $18,000 went to wallets known to be used by ISIS women
located in Syria, while $61,000 went to cryptocurrency wallets in Turkey. The
affidavit states that money intended to arrive in Syria is often routed through
Turkey.
The affidavit
quotes text messages sent by Chhipa indicating he wanted the money to be used
to bribe guards at detention camps where families of Islamic State fighters are
still being held.
The affidavit
says Chhipa also met with an FBI “controlled persona” — either an undercover
agent or a confidential source — and accepted cash from the individual. Chhippa
then transferred the money to Bitcoin and sent it directly to a known ISIS
member, according to the affidavit.
Chhipa has been
under investigation for years. Indeed, prosecutors say he fled to Egypt in
August 2019, fearing he would be arrested after his home was raided. He was
brought back to the U.S. after authorities contacted Interpol, but he was not
charged until Monday. Prosecutors say Chhiipa continued to engage in illegal
conduct after he returned to the U.S., even though he know he was drawing authorities’
scrutiny.
Family members
who attended Wednesday’s hearing did not comment, but passed out a written
statement supporting him. The statement described Chhipa “as tirelessly working
for the betterment of women and children” and said he “has been targeted by
false allegations.
U.S. Magistrate
Judge John Anderson ruled at the conclusion of Wednesday’s hearing that Chhipa
should remain jailed while he awaits trial.
Source: apnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://apnews.com/article/islamic-state-financing-virginia-fluke-chhipa-20af92e2be08cd68be6656010f4d46e0
--------
How one Muslim
charity is fighting back against Canada’s targeted audits
By Umar A
Farooq
10 May 2023
After Muslim
charities faced two decades of systemic targeting at the hands of the Canadian
Revenue Agency (Cra), including audits and being shut down, one charity has
launched a legal defence that has caught the attention of the entire country.
The Muslim
Association of Canada (Mac), one of the largest Muslim organisations in the
country that boasts more than a dozen chapters, filed a legal challenge against
Cra in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in April 2022.
The legal
fight, in which Mac is calling for a Cra audit to be halted, is the culmination
of years of the Muslim community being subject to unwarranted targeting and
discrimination without Mac having the ability or know-how to defend themselves,
said Nabil Sultan, Mac's director of communications and community engagement.
What had led to
a chilling effect in the community has now become a story of resilience for
Canada's Muslim community. For years, Cra's targeting of Muslim charities led
to fear amongst Canada's Muslims, prompting a drop in support and donations to
these Muslim organisations, experts and practitioners in the charity sector
previously told MEE.
However, Mac's
recently launched legal challenge has now received the support of the Muslim
community as well as other civil society groups from outside the faith group.
Now with the
Muslim community larger in size, more established, and having learned a myriad
of lessons following the post 9/11 targeting of the community, it is ready to
fight back in the courts, Sultan told Middle East Eye.
"It's
really the story of the community going from being a small, inadequately
integrated, and post-9/11 highly visible and targeted community to becoming a
much more established community," Faisal Bhaba, an associate professor at
Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, Canada, told MEE.
"With
professionals, professional class and experts in fields that can actually
contribute to structural change, it forced the government to actually take it
seriously and consider doing something about it."
The audit
n 2015, Mac
received a notice from Cra that it would be audited. Audits are a routine
procedure in the charity sector, so the organisation did not have any concerns
about it.
"When we
initially got the call for an audit, we welcomed it. Just like you do your
taxes every year, it's part of the system and process with the
government," Sultan said.
"At the
time, we were not aware of the systemic discrimination within the audit
process."
However, very
soon that discrimination would become clear.
Over a span of
13 months, Cra had searched hundreds of desks and closets, downloaded over a
million financial transactions and almost 200 gigabytes of email data and
almost 500,000 emails.
"As soon
as the audit began, it became very clear that this was not a regular audit of a
charity and there was something much more sinister happening."
And more than
seven years later, the audit is still taking place.
It was not
until well into the audit process that Mac realised it was being conducted by
Cra's Review and Analysis Division (Rad) - a secretive arm of the agency tasked
to sniff out terrorism financing in the charity sector in the aftermath of the
9/11 attacks in the US. Experts say it tended to have an acute focus on Muslim
charities.
The
organisation, according to Sultan, was never told that it was Rad leading the
audit. It was only through an investigation by Mac's lawyers that they were
able to figure this out.
The audit's
conclusions flagged a number of concerns about the charity. It said it was
concerned about the organisation's acquiring of land and real estate, the
organising of Eid festivals, and it also specified several unsolicited emails
Mac received from foreign groups which Mac did not respond to.
"In the
particular case of the Muslim Association of Canada, they basically say the
money you spent on Eid festivals, this is not charitable. I want to see them do
the same thing to churches, synagogues and temples," said Faisal Kutty, a
lawyer and associate professor at Southwestern Law School who has advised
dozens of Muslim charities in Canada.
"The
standards are being applied in an unfair way," Kutty told MEE. "It
sounds very ridiculous because what do those organisations in other communities
do? They do the same thing."
The Muslim
charity received an Administrative Fairness Letter (AFL), a letter Cra sends
out to charities explaining why it may not qualify for charitable status. When
looking at the sources used in the AFL to justify their reasoning, the cited
experts included known Islamophobic and far-right experts who perpetuate
anti-Muslim sentiment.
Mac's story is
not unique. There has been extensive reporting in recent years about the Cra's
targeting of Muslim charities.
MEE previously
looked at 63 charities that had received a Notice of Intention to Revoke (NITR)
between 2015 and 2019 and found that while 60 percent of the organisations were
given a chance to repeal their revocations, all the Muslim charities it
reviewed during that period were not given the same chance.
However, at the
time, much of this was not known, as the Muslim charities that were targeted
had largely kept the issue to themselves out of fear that there could be
further reprisals or consequences.
"Much of
the reality that existed in terms of discrimination was hidden, it was not
publicly known during those earlier years," said Sultan.
Rather than
waiting for the results of the audit, which could lead to a NITR from Cra,
Sultan and the rest of Mac's leadership decided to fight against the entire
agency's bookkeeping process.
The fight back
In April 2022,
Mac submitted a filing with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Canada,
and over the next several months it went through a number of court hearings
discussing the Muslim charity's legal case.
Mac argues in
its challenge that Cra's audit infringes on several sections of Canada's
Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including the freedom of religion, expression,
and association.
The Canadian
government has asked for the case to be dismissed, arguing that Cra's selection
of Mac for an audit and its probe do not infringe upon the Charter's rights.
In a recent
hearing this past April, the court judge said he would issue a ruling within
several months.
If the court
ends up ruling in favour of Mac, then it could have a major impact on the way
in which Cra conducts its audits of charities, particularly Muslim charities.
It could also lead to greater scrutiny of the agency's practices when it comes
to how it deals with Muslim organisations and possibly prompt other charities
to challenge audits or revocation notices.
Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau has already acknowledged the prevalence of Islamophobia in the
auditing of charities, and his government has made attempts to look into
complaints made against Cra. In March, the National Security and Intelligence
Review Agency (NSIRA), an independent government watchdog, announced its
intention to probe Cra's review and analysis division.
"Sunlight
is always important to disinfect. Whatever the outcome of this is at the end of
the day, I think it's gonna maybe expose some of these issues," said
Kutty.
It is unclear
what the end result of the court case will be, but regardless of the outcome,
the charity has now stalwart support from inside and outside the Muslim
community.
More than 130
groups, both Muslim and non-Muslims, signed a letter calling for a moratorium
on Cra's audits of Muslim charities.
"We were
very encouraged by the fact that the broader charitable sector also came out in
support of Mac and called on the government to address systemic Islamophobia
within Cra," said Sultan.
The recent
court hearings have also been attended by two hundred members of the Canadian
Muslim community. There were so many in attendance that the court had to bring
in extra chairs due to the influx of attendees, according to Sultan.
"The
community certainly went through an evolution and currently is in a very
different state than it was 20 years ago, definitely after September
2001," he said.
"It was
within the context of that spirit and that developing resolve within the
community that Mac felt confident about taking on this challenge. Because we
really did feel that the Muslim community was on the same page and was not
going to continue to accept discrimination without a fight."
Source: middleeasteye.net
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/how-one-muslim-charity-legal-fighting-against-canadas-targeted-audits
--------
URL:
https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/pakistan-army-attacked-slogans-political/d/129756