'Saudi Liberals' Website Founder Sentenced To 10 Years in Jail and 1,000 Lashes
New Age Islam News Bureau
8
May 2014
Death toll jumps to 310 in latest Boko Haram attack in Nigeria © Photo: East News/AP Photo/Sunday Alamba
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Arab World
• “Saudi Liberals” Website Founder Sentenced To 10 Years in Jail and 1,000 Lashes
• Jordanian commentators destroy studio during argument on Syrian civil war
• Fatwa Prohibiting Travelling Abroad Causes Controversy in Saudi Arabia
• 4 Killed in Baghdad Car Bombing
• Army Kills Militant Groups in Several Syrian Areas
• Huge Terrorist Attack on Aleppo Old City Antiquities
• Syria rebels to complete Homs evacuation Thursday: Governor
• Egypt’s cabinet approves new anti-sexual harassment law
Africa
• In New Video, Boko Haram Leader Declares War on World Leaders and Abraham Lincoln
• Death toll jumps to 310 in latest Boko Haram attack in Nigeria – reports
• Fears in Libya as Muslim Brotherhood rise to power
• Nigerian president pledges to free schoolgirls, end 'terrorism'
• S. Sudan war escalating into 'cycles of revenge': Amnesty
South Asia
• Pakistani Taliban militants among 29 killed in Ghazni operations
• Arms seized at rail stations meant for Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh
• Uighurs in China becoming ‘strangers in their own land'
• Afghan Taliban announce ‘spring offensive’ to begin on May 12
• First Afghan Hindu appointed Afghanistan’s special envoy
• 'Cases shifted to keep Khaleda away from politics': Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
Southeast Asia
• Aceh Rape Victim to Be Caned, Shariah Official Insists
• Isma Now Labels Chinese As ‘Extremists’ For Opposing Hudud
• Uphill task for Pakatan to maintain support as ideologies clash, leaders hauled up
• 100 MCA lawyers to fight implementation of Hudud
Europe
• Pizza Express Adopts Sharia Law in all UK Restaurants with Halal Chicken Slaughter
• World powers join search for abducted Nigerian schoolgirls
• EU: 6-party nuclear talks with Iran were ‘useful’
• France to keep troops in Africa against extremists
• UK Charity Commission asked to contribute to Brotherhood review
• UN says Lebanon still barring Palestinians fleeing Syria
Mideast
• ‘Al-Quds’ back in Gaza after 6-yr ban
• Israel mulls internment for hate crimes against Arabs
• Hamas executes two Israel spies
• Yemen army seizes major Qaeda bastion in south: Ministry
North America
• Funds raised in Maldives to support terrorism abroad: US State Department
• 'Scalia Law Is a Lot like Sharia Law,' Points Out John Fugelsang
• U.S. renews training of elite Iraqi forces in Jordan
• U.S. suspends embassy operations in Yemen
Pakistan
• 10 militants killed, 15 others injured in TTP infighting in North Waziristan
• Militant group threatens English-language schools
• IED blast kills 12 security personnel in N. Waziristan
• Pakistan ready to follow nuclear states in signing NPT
• Pakistani students learn reasons behind their country’s creation
• Rights advocate Rashid Rehman Khan gunned down in Multan
• Difficult to pursue talks if TTP doesn’t take concrete steps, says Siddiqui
India
• Lanka, Maldives under scanner as transit point for terror
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/audi-liberals-website-founder-sentenced/d/76922
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Arab World
“Saudi Liberals” Website Founder Sentenced To 10 Years In Jail and 1,000 lashes
May 8, 2014
A Saudi court has imprisoned blogger Raif Badawi for 10 years for "insulting Islam" and setting up a liberal web forum, local media report.
He was also sentenced to 1,000 lashes and ordered to pay a fine of 1 million riyals ($266,000; £133,000).
Amnesty International called the verdict "outrageous" and urged the authorities to quash the verdict.
Mr Badawi, the co-founder of a website called the Liberal Saudi Network, was arrested in 2012.
A Saudi newspaper close to the government reported that he had lost his appeal against an earlier, more lenient sentence of seven years and three months in jail and 600 lashes.
Last year he was cleared of apostasy, which could have carried a death sentence.
Mr Badawi had previously called for 7 May to be a "day for Saudi liberals". The website he set up has since been closed.
"Ruthless campaign"
Amnesty International describes him as a "prisoner of conscience" and has called for his release.
"Raif Badawi is the latest victim to fall prey to the ruthless campaign to silence peaceful activists in Saudi Arabia," it said in a statement.
Last October a Saudi journalist was freed after spending a year and a half in prison for writing insulting tweets about the Prophet Muhammad.
Hamza Kashgari fled Saudi Arabia for Malaysia in 2012 but was extradited just days later. He was released last year after making a public apology.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27318400
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Jordanian commentators destroy studio during argument on Syrian civil war
May 8, 2014
In a video released by Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), the heated debate between two Jordanian commentators on the crisis in Syria overheats.
Analysts Shaker Al-Jawhari and Baathist Muhammad Al-Jayousi hurled insults at each other and tore apart the desk separating them. By the time studio workers had separated them, the studio was in shambles.
The debate turned fight aired on Jordan’s 7 Stars TV.
http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/WATCH-Jordanian-commentators-destroy-studio-during-argument-on-Syrian-civil-war-351651
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Fatwa Prohibiting Travelling Abroad Causes Controversy In Saudi Arabia
May 8, 2014
A Saudi preacher’s religious edict, or fatwa, that prohibits travelling abroad has caused controversy in the kingdom, with one Saudi columnist denouncing it as “extremist bacteria.”
Sheikh Abdullah al-Suwailem, who is part of the Saudi Arabian Munasaha program that aims to rehabilitate al-Qaeda members held in prison, expressed “fear that whoever dies in the land of infidelity could go to hell,” in statements to the London-based al-Hayat newspaper last week.
“Travelling abroad is forbidden in Sharia except in cases of necessity and with conditions,” he said.
The first of these conditions, he said, is that a person has to be “a strong believer” and has to have religious “immunity” so as not to fall for “desires.”
“Whoever fears for himself falling for what is forbidden, such as drinking alcohol, should not travel except in the case of necessity,” he added.
Sheikh al-Suwailem told the newspaper that “God does not love” it when Muslims live among “the infidels,” noting that travelling to other Muslim countries is “less undesirable.”
He told the newspaper that even going to non-Muslim lands for the purpose of education or for business should be avoided.
“Travelling to the land of infidelity for the sake of doing business or studies is forbidden except in extreme necessity.”
But Sheikh Ahmed Bin Qassim al-Ghamdi, the former head of Makkah’s religious police, told the paper that “travel has many benefits and advantages for all, including for the imams and the religious scholars.
“Travel broadens one’s mind,” he said, quoting a verse in the Quran that encourages people to travel and discover the earth.
‘Extremist bacteria’
Saudi columnist Badria al-Bishr likened the sheikh’s statements to “extremist bacteria.”
In an op-ed published by al-Hayat, Bishr wrote that Sheikh al-Suwailem’s comments were part of a “systematic attack on the King Abdullah’s scholarship program” that sends thousands of students every year to complete their higher education in the West.
She noted that the scholarship program is upsetting some hardliners in the kingdom who would rather see Saudis educated under their control.
In addition, she said, there are millions of Saudis, including officials and religious figures, who travel every year to destinations including London, Spain and Australia.
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/features/2014/05/06/Fatwa-prohibiting-traveling-abroad-causes-controversy-in-Saudi-Arabia-.html
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4 Killed in Baghdad Car Bombing
May 8, 2014
Four Iraqis were killed and eight others injured on Thursday by a car bomb in Northern Baghdad, a security source said.
An explosives-laden vehicle blew up near a market in Northern Baghdad, the source told Anadolu Agency.
Iraqi security forces sealed off the area and transferred the victims to hospital, the source said, giving no further details.
There has been no claim of responsibility.
Baghdad has recently seen a lull in violence, coinciding with parliamentary elections held last week.
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930218000642
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Army Kills Militant Groups in Several Syrian Areas
May 8, 2014
Army units launched wide military operations against militants in several areas around Syria.
Infiltration attempt foiled in Aleppo
Army units foiled armed groups' infiltration attempt from al-Sheikh Said area in Aleppo towards safe areas, killing many militants and injuring others, SANA reported.
Army units clashed with armed groups on the axis of al-Sheikh Najjar-al-Breij, killing many of them and destroying their weapons.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930218000573
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Huge Terrorist Attack on Aleppo Old City Antiquities
May 8, 2014
An enormous attack on Aleppo old city antiquities was launched by militants on Thursday, blowing up tunnels they dug under archaeological buildings.
The terrorist attack left huge damage to the historical site according to primary estimations, SANA reporter in Aleppo province said.
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930218000509
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Syria rebels to complete Homs evacuation Thursday: Governor
May 8, 2014
At least 80 percent of rebel fighters have already pulled out of the battleground Syrian city of Homs and the rest will leave on Thursday, the provincial governor told AFP.
The negotiated withdrawal from the city centre where the rebels had held out under tight siege for nearly two years is the first in more than three years of conflict.
It leaves the rebels confined to a single district in the outskirts of a city that what was for long an iconic bastion of the uprising and Governor Talal Barazi said negotiations were well advanced for the rebels to leave that neighbourhood too in the coming weeks.
"Eighty percent of the rebels have left the city. The remaining 20 percent will leave on Thursday," Barazi told AFP.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/100761/World/Region/Syria-rebels-to-complete-Homs-evacuation-Thursday-.aspx
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Egypt’s cabinet approves new anti-sexual harassment law
May 8, 2014
Egypt’s cabinet approved on Wednesday a new anti-sexual harassment law, Al-Ahram's Arabic website reported.
The cabinet had amended the law and sent it to the justice ministry for revision last month. The justice minister then revised it and sent it back to the government for final approval.
Previously, there had not been a specific law proscribing sexual harassment in Egypt. However, three articles in the penal code were sometimes applied in cases of sexual harassment.
The new draft states that a sexual harasser is one who "accosts others in a public or private place through following or stalking them, using gestures or words or through modern means of communication or in any other means through actions that carry sexual or pornographic hints."
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/100741/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt%E2%80%99s-cabinet-approves-new-antisexual-harassment.aspx
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Africa
In New Video, Boko Haram Leader Declares War on World Leaders and Abraham Lincoln
May 8, 2014
In a new clip released online, the leader of the Nigerian terrorist group Boko Haram declares war on the West, denouncing a number of world leaders, as well as Abraham Lincoln.
The grainy video was released by the New York Times on Monday and shows a gun-toting Abubakar Shekau reading from a script in his left hand, flanked by two masked men in camouflage.
Addressing the camera, Shekau warns that "either you are with us ... or you are with Obama! Francois Hollande! George Bush. Bush! Clinton!" After pausing briefly he adds "Abraham Lincoln" to the list.
In another unhinged moment Shekau slams U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and then simply repeats "kill!" over and over.
Full report at:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/06/boko-haram-video_n_5273563.html?ir=WorldPost
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Death toll jumps to 310 in latest Boko Haram attack in Nigeria - reports
May 8, 2014
At least 310 people have been killed by the militant group Boko Haram in the latest assault in northern Nigeria widely believed to be the Islamists response to the operation conducted by the country's military in search for the 276 abducted schoolgirls. The latest of the brazen attacks said to have lasted for hours took place in the village of Gamboru Ngala on the border with Cameroon that Nigerian troops use as a base in the search.
The gunmen stormed the settlement in what appeared to be a well-coordinated move, with some of the casualties being reportedly burned alive.
A new Boko Haram massacre has killed hundreds in Nigeria's northeast, a senator said Wednesday, as police offered $300,000 dollars for information leading to the rescue of more than 200 schoolgirls held hostage by the Islamists. The latest insurgent attack targeted the town of Gamboru Ngala on the border with Cameroon, where gunmen this week razed scores of buildings and fired on civilians as they tried to flee.
Full report at:
http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_05_08/Death-toll-jumps-to-310-in-latest-Boko-Haram-attack-in-Nigeria-reports-7978/
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Fears in Libya as Muslim Brotherhood rise to power
May 8, 2014
The controversial appointment of Libya’s new Prime Minister Ahmad Maiteeq, following a chaotic vote, has raised fears of growing Muslim Brotherhood clout in the oil-rich North African nation.
The 42-year-old businessman, who hails from a wealthy family based in the city of Misrata, had won 113 out of 185 votes but failed to garner the 120 quorum needed to be confirmed as prime minister.
As a result, the voting was extended until he was able to win eight more votes in a step dismissed as illegitimate by many in the General National Congress (GNC) - the Libyan parliament.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/analysis/2014/05/06/Fears-in-Libya-as-Muslim-Brotherhood-rise-to-power.html
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Nigerian president pledges to free schoolgirls, end 'terrorism'
Reuters | May 8, 2014
ABUJA: Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan pledged on Thursday to find more than 200 schoolgirls abducted by Islamist rebels, saying their rescue would mark "the beginning of the end of terrorism" in the country.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) being hosted in the capital Abuja, Jonathan thanked foreign nations including the United States, Britain, France and China for their support in trying to rescue the girls, who were kidnapped from a secondary school on April 14.
He thanked delegates for coming despite the danger posed by militants, then quickly moved on to a speech about creating jobs in African economies.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/Nigerian-president-pledges-to-free-schoolgirls-end-terrorism/articleshow/34833877.cms
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S. Sudan war escalating into 'cycles of revenge': Amnesty
May 8, 2014
Civil war in South Sudan is spiralling into cycles of revenge far from the control of political leaders, Amnesty International warned Thursday, as pressure builds on commanders to stem the brutal conflict.
"The ethnic dimensions of the conflict are deepening as fighters engage in reprisal attacks, continuously escalating the cycle of violence," Amnesty said in a report, documenting scores of grim testimonies of war crimes in the world's youngest nation.
"The longer ethnic rivalries are allowed to deepen and fester, the more fragmented South Sudan will become, making reconciliation and sustainable peace much more difficult to achieve," it added.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/100767/World/Region/SSudan-war-escalating-into-cycles-of-revenge-Amnes.aspx
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South Asia
Pakistani Taliban militants among 29 killed in Ghazni operations
May 08 2014
At least 29 Taliban militants were killed following military operations conducted by Afghan national army (ANA) soldiers in eastern Ghazni province.
A spokesman for the Afghan National Army Thunder Corps, Nazifullah Sultani said the militants were killed during the operations in the past 24 hours.
Sultani further added that 35 militants were also injured during the operations which were conducted in Gilan district.
He said the operations were launched in Gilan district around a week ago to clear the area from the militants activities.
According to Sultani, at least 14 Pakistani Taliban militants were also among those killed during the operations.
The anti-government armed militant groups have not commented regarding the report so far.
Ghazni is among the volatile provinces in eastern Afghanistan where anti-government armed militant groups are actively operating in its various districts including Gilan.
http://www.khaama.com/pakistani-taliban-militants-among-29-killed-in-ghazni-operations-6079
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Arms seized at rail stations meant for Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh
May 8, 2014
The recent seizure of modern arms and explosives from the Airport and the Kamalapur railway stations on April 28 and 29 gives an impression that those were being brought in to use in violent attacks centring the verdicts
The supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami are allegedly funding import of arms and ammunition in the capital ahead of verdicts in war crimes cases against its top leaders Motiur Rahman Nizami and Delawar Hossain Sayedee.
The recent seizure of modern arms and explosives from the Airport and the Kamalapur railway stations on April 28 and 29 gives an impression that those were being brought in to use in violent attacks centring the verdicts which are set to be pronounced any day, according to investigators and intelligence officials.
Full report at:
http://www.dhakatribune.com/crime/2014/may/08/arms-seized-rail-stations-meant-jamaat
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Uighurs in China becoming ‘strangers in their own land'
World Bulletin/News Desk
May 8, 2014
A suicide attack by two men on a railway station in Xinjiang (East Turkestan) region last Wednesday has highlighted ethnic tensions in one of China’s most restive regions.
Both men were killed in the explosion in Xinjiang’s western city of Urumqi, along with a bystander, while 79 people were injured. With one of the attackers identified as Sedierding Shawuti, a 39-year-old member of China’s Muslim Uighur community, authorities have been quick to blame the attack - the first in Urumqi in 17 years - on Uighur muslims.
The attacks, however, are far from one way. Human rights organizations and activists have told the Anadolu Agency that religious, cultural and language restrictions on the Uighur community by Chinese authorities have sparked tension and violence in mineral and oil- rich East Turkestan for years.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/135803/uighurs-in-china-becoming-strangers-in-their-own-land
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Afghan Taliban announce‘spring offensive’ to begin on May 12
May 8, 2014
ISLAMABAD: The Afghan Taliban have announced that they will launch a “spring offensive” from May 12, with attacks across the country at a time when foreign troops were devising an exit strategy.
The announcement this year comes just weeks ahead of the presidential election runoff as no candidate secured 50 percent plus one vote in the April 5 polls. The second round is expected in mid-June.
A statement from the “Leadership Council of Islamic Emirate” says ‘Khaibar’ operations will formally start across Afghanistan from May 12 at 5am.
The Afghan government and Nato have not yet responded to the Taliban’s announcement.
In the past they rejected these offensives as propaganda.
“In order to fully complete our religious obligation and in defence of our Islamic homeland, we once again announce our annual spring operations under the name of ‘Khaibar’ with the onset of the new military year against invaders and their backers,” a statement from the Taliban stated.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/705793/afghan-taliban-announce-start-of-spring-offensive-from-may-12/
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First Afghan Hindu appointed Afghanistan’s special envoy
May 08 2014
A Hindu Afghan was was for the first time appointed as the ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
The Afghanistan embassy in Canada following a statement said the newly appointed ambassador Sham Lall Bathija, presented his Letters of Credence to His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, at a ceremony held in Rideau Hall, Ottawa.
Mr. Bathija was called an extraordinary, plenipotentiary and special envoy of the Afghan Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
Full report at:
http://www.khaama.com/first-afghan-hindu-appointed-afghanistans-special-envoy-8044
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'Cases shifted to keep Khaleda away from politics': Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
May 8, 2014
BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the allegation while addressing a press briefing at party’s Nayapaltan headquarters in the capital
he BNP has alleged that the makeshift of party chairperson Khaleda Zia’s graft case from court building to Alia Madrasha ground of Bakhshibazar is just to keep her away from politics.
BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the allegation while addressing a press briefing at party’s Nayapaltan headquarters in the capital on Thursday.
The spokesperson of the party condemned the decision of shifting the trial of Khaleda’s graft case and demanded to return the trial activities in the court building.
Fakhrul said: “A false and baseless case was filed against Khaleda Zia which was sent into speedy tribunal and the trial activities were shifted from court building to Alia Madrasha ground.
Full report at:
http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2014/may/08/fakhrul-cases-shifted-keep-khaleda-away-politics#sthash.6oc9Sb7H.dpuf
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Southeast Asia
Aceh Rape Victim to Be Caned, Shariah Official Insists
May 8, 2014
Banda Aceh. A woman in Aceh who was gang raped last week after being accused of having extramarital sex now faces the indignity of a public caning for the offense of having an affair.
“We want the couple to be caned because they violated the religious bylaw on sexual relations,” Ibrahim Latif, the head of the Shariah office in the eastern town of Langsa, said of the woman and her companion, a 40-year-old married man, who were raided by a group of men last Wednesday night at the woman’s home.
The woman was raped by the eight vigilantes, three of whom have since been arrested. Her companion was tied up and beaten. The pair were also doused with sewage by the attackers, who later took them to the Shariah police, or Wilayatul Hisbah.
Ibrahim said the fact that the woman had been raped would not be taken into consideration in determining the punishment for the religious crime that she was accused of committing.
“They have to be [caned] as a form of justice because the rapists will also be processed, but in a criminal court,” he said. “Besides, they’ve confessed to having sex on several previous occasions, even though the man is married and has five children.”
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/aceh-rape-victim-caned-shariah-official-insists/
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Isma Now Labels Chinese As ‘Extremists’ For Opposing Hudud
May 8, 2014
After the Chinese were told that they are "trespassers", a preacher is asking if they can be called "extremists" as well for allegedly interfering in matters related to Islam.
The preacher, Ustaz Sharipudin Ab Kadir, who heads the Syura Council of Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) and the group's Pasir Puteh branch, wrote in his column on Isma's website that the Chinese were uneasy with the Malays.
He questioned why they interfered in matters related to Islam, which was the religion of the Malays.
"Why do DAP and MCA, which are Chinese parties, fighting Hudud when its implementation only affects Muslims? Is this not overstepping their boundary and does it not show the extreme nature of the Chinese?
"Why do they stand in the way of the wishes of the Malays to practise their religion in their own country, when the Malays have never interfered or curbed them from practising their religions?
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/isma-now-labels-chinese-as-extremists-for-opposing-hudud
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Uphill task for Pakatan to maintain support as ideologies clash, leaders hauled up
May 8, 2014
Malaysia’s multi-racial fabric may be fraying and its institutions rotting due to what some say is the Barisan Nasional (BN) administration’s misrule since May 5 last year.
But observers and analysts feel that as things stand now, there is little chance that Pakatan Rakyat (PR) can offer a viable alternative for the public to resolve the problems afflicting Malaysia.
This is because there is fear the coalition is collapsing under the weight of its members’ competing ideologies.
The hudud issue effectively questions whether PR is up to governing Malaysia in all its pluralistic complexity as long as one partner, PAS, sticks to its guns to impose the Islamic criminal law.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/uphill-task-for-pakatan-to-maintain-support-as-ideologies-clash-leaders-hau
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100 MCA lawyers to fight implementation of hudud
May 8, 2014
MCA has formed a 100-lawyer team to oppose the implementation of hudud and will also go on roadshows nationwide to brief non-Muslims about the issue, said the party's shariah law and policy implementation chairman.
Gan Ping Sieu, who was also former MCA vice-president said the party will also hold seminars to explain why hudud cannot be implemented.
Hudud has become a topic of much debate and discussion after Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakub announced the state would be willing to implement hudud next year.
Gan said Malaysia was a secular nation according to the Federal Constitution, which was drawn up more than 50 years ago when the country was formed.
"MCA has always maintained its stand that it would not support the implementation of hudud law, whether national or regional."
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/100-mca-lawyers-to-fight-implementation-of-hudud
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Europe
Pizza Express Adopts Sharia Law in all UK Restaurants With Halal Chicken Slaughter
May 8, 2014
Pizza Express is using ritually slaughtered chicken in all its dishes containing the meat in order to comply with Sharia law.
Islamic religious law is being enforced by the popular high street chain in all its 400 restaurants across Britain in a bid to avoid being shunned by Muslim diners.
There is no mention on Pizza Express menus about the Halal slaughter of chickens - which complies with animal welfare rules because the animals are stunned first.
But there were calls for Pizza Express to be more transparent about the practise by telling customers on its menus - instead of only mentioning it on its website.
Pizza Express insisted its policy was "no secret".
Only chicken is slaughtered in line with Sharia law. Beef ingredients in Pizza Express dishes come from cows killed by conventional means.
Animal rights group Peta raised concerns over ritual slaughter on the grounds it involves killing animals, rather than the method used.
Full report at:
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/pizza-express-adopts-sharia-law-all-uk-restaurants-halal-chicken-slaughter-1447596
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World powers join search for abducted Nigerian schoolgirls
May 8, 2014
World powers, including the United States and China, have joined in the search for the more than 200 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram Islamists who have also killed hundreds in the country's northeast this week.
Amid global outrage over the kidnapping of the teenagers, the United States, Britain and France are sending specialist teams to Nigeria.
China promised to supply "any useful information acquired by its satellites and intelligence services" to Nigeria.
The police on Wednesday offered $300,000 (215,000 euros) for information leading to the rescue of the girls.
The latest insurgent attack targeted the town of Gamboru Ngala on the border with Cameroon, where gunmen this week razed scores of buildings and fired on civilians as they tried to flee.
Full report at:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/world-powers-join-search-for-abducted-nigerian-schoolgirls.aspx?pageID=238&nID=66159&NewsCatID=359
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EU: 6-party nuclear talks with Iran were ‘useful’
May 8, 2014
Nuclear experts from Iran and six world powers had "a useful meeting" in New York ahead of political talks next week aimed at reaching an agreement to limit Iran's ability to produce nuclear weapons, the European Union said late Wednesday.
An EU spokesperson said the talks were aimed at "further deepening" knowledge on the issues, and contributed to preparations for the high-level political negotiations on a comprehensive agreement in Vienna starting May 13. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly on the talks.
Iran's U.N. Mission said the two-day experts meeting ended Wednesday. Hamid Baeidinejad, the Foreign Ministry's director for political and international security affairs who led the Iranian delegation, did not comment on the talks.
While hopes are rising that an agreement can be reached, the toughest issues must still be negotiated, and any deal could still fall apart.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/05/08/EU-6-party-nuclear-talks-with-Iran-were-useful-.html
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France to keep troops in Africa against extremists
AP | May 8, 2014
PARIS: France's defense minister said that some 2,000 French troops will stay in Central African Republic at least until autumn, in part to keep terrorist network Boko Haram at bay.
The Islamic extremist group has claimed responsibility for kidnapping nearly 300 girls and young women in Nigeria in recent weeks, and for attacks around the region. France is providing military help to Nigeria to try to rescue the girls.
French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Thursday the French troops will stay in Central African Republic because of the need to "to not let a security vacuum emerge that Boko Haram could profit from."
He also said a French officer was killed by a homemade bomb overnight in northern Mali, where France is wrapping up a military operation to root out terrorists.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/France-to-keep-troops-in-Africa-against-extremists/articleshow/34829084.cms
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UK Charity Commission asked to contribute to Brotherhood review
May 8, 2014
The UK government has officially asked for a detailed report on the Muslim Brotherhood's possible charitable work in the UK and abroad, Ahram Online has learned.
A well-informed British source confirmed the UK Charity Commission (CC) has been contacted by the government team assigned to conduct a wide-ranging review on the Brotherhood.
The CC "has been asked if it has any relevant material to contribute to the review," the CC source said, adding that it would contribute any material it had.
On 1 April, British Prime Minister David Cameron commissioned an internal government review on the Brotherhood's philosophy, activities and impact on the UK's interests at home and abroad.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/100711/Egypt/Politics-/UK-Charity-Commission-asked-to-contribute-to-Broth.aspx
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UN says Lebanon still barring Palestinians fleeing Syria
May 8, 2014
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees said Lebanon was still denying entry to Palestinians fleeing the war in neighbouring Syria Wednesday, despite its insistence there was "no decision" to keep them out.
"UNRWA has been monitoring the situation at the crossing point at Masnaa between Lebanon and Syria and can report that no Palestine refugees from Syria have been allowed into Lebanon today and that some families trying to cross have been refused entry," said UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness.
"We have been given assurances by the Lebanese authorities that these restrictions are temporary. We hope that they will be lifted within the next few days," he said.
On Tuesday, Lebanese security chiefs agreed "there is absolutely no decision to bar them from entry, and the border is open to them," the official National News Agency reported.
The statement came after the UN and Human Rights Watch expressed concern over "increased restrictions" on fleeing Palestinians entering Lebanon.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/100742/World/Region/UN-says-Lebanon-still-barring-Palestinians-fleeing.aspx
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Mideast
‘Al-Quds’ back in Gaza after 6-yr ban
May 8, 2014
GAZA CITY — Gaza's Hamas rulers on Wednesday permitted a veteran West Bank newspaper to be distributed in the coastal territory for the first time in six years, taking a new step toward implementing a reconciliation deal with the rival West Bank government.
The return of the independent Al-Quds daily generated excitement in Gaza City, and all 1,500 copies that were delivered Wednesday quickly sold out.
"Al-Quds is back!" shouted Nabil Baker, a 42-year-old newspaper vendor, as he drove his bike through the streets, selling copies.
While devoted readers have followed Al-Quds online, he said there was something different about reading and touching the hard copy.
"The readers like Al-Quds more than any other paper. They are yearning to read it again," he said.
The Palestinian split goes back to 2007 when the militant group Hamas seized control of Gaza after routing the rival forces of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Abbas' Palestinian Authority, dominated by his Fatah movement, now governs parts of the West Bank.
After repeated attempts at reconciliation, the rival governments signed a unity pact last month calling for the two sides to form a unity government in June, and then hold new elections around year's end.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20140508204426
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Israel mulls internment for hate crimes against Arabs
May 8, 2014
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM — Israel plans to use detention without trial against Jewish extremists suspected of anti-Arab hate crimes, a minister said on Wednesday, as its failure to secure prosecutions drew mounting criticism.
As police confirmed yet another incident of nationalist-inspired vandalism, in which "Death to Arabs" and other racist graffiti was found in northern Israel, senior law enforcement officials were to discuss with ministers how to halt the wave of so-called "price tag" attacks.
"Price tag" is a euphemism for hate attacks by Jewish extremists predominantly targeting Palestinian and Arab-Israeli property.
"It is the government's intention to use administrative detention against those carrying out so-called 'price tag' attacks," Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch told army radio.
Administrative detention allows for suspects to be held without trial for up to six months. Such orders, which can be renewed indefinitely by a court decision, are almost exclusively used against Palestinians suspected of security-related offenses.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20140508204421
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Hamas executes two Israel spies
May 8, 2014
GAZA: Two Palestinians were executed in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday as Israeli spies, the enclave’s Hamas government said, adding they had helped the Jewish state’s armed forces carry out lethal operations.
The condemned men, one of whom was hanged and the other shot by firing squad, “provided the Occupation (Israel) with information that led to the martyrdom of citizens,” the Interior Ministry said in a statement. Since Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip in 2007, at least 19 prisoners have been executed, 10 of them as alleged spies.
Hamas refuses to recognize Israel and its charter calls for the destruction of the Jewish state.
Under local law, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is meant to have the final say on whether executions should be carried out.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/567471
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Yemen army seizes major Qaeda bastion in south: Ministry
May 8, 2014
Yemen's army seized control of major Al-Qaeda stronghold Azzan in the southern Shabwa province as an offensive against militants entered its tenth day Thursday, the defence ministry announced.
"Armed and security forces have entered Azzan," the second-largest city in Shabwa, the ministry said in a statement, quoting a military official.
A local government official in Shabwa confirmed that "army forces have entered Azzan without resistance" from Al-Qaeda fighters who "withdrew to Al-Koor," a mountainous region nearby.
The official told AFP that "an agreement was reached between local tribal dignitaries and Al-Qaeda, allowing militants to withdraw without fighting in order to spare the city bloodshed and destruction".
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/100777/World/Region/Yemen-army-seizes-major-Qaeda-bastion-in-south-Min.aspx
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North America
Funds raised in Maldives to support terrorism abroad: US State Department
By Ahmed Naish | May 7th, 2014
The Maldivian government believes that funds are being raised in the country to support terrorism abroad, according to the US State Department’s 2013 country report on terrorism.
The report however noted the absence of “reliable information regarding the amounts involved.”
“While no official studies yet have been conducted, the Maldivian Central Bank believes that criminal proceeds mainly come from domestic sources, as a large percentage of Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) are related to Maldivians,” the report revealed.
“The Maldives Monetary Authority [MMA] reports that hawala systems (informal money transfer networks) are being used to transfer funds between the islands, although the extent to which these systems are used to launder money is still unclear.”
AML/CFT
Full report at:
http://minivannews.com/politics/funds-raised-in-maldives-to-support-terrorism-abroad-state-department-country-report-on-terrorism-84229
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'Scalia Law Is A Lot Like Sharia Law,' Points Out John Fugelsang
May 8, 2014
Political commentator and comedian John Fugelsang pointed out a logical consequence of the Supreme Court's decision to uphold sectarian prayer in Greece v. Galloway on MSNBC's The Ed Show.
He suggested that the ruling was making Justice Antonin Scalia's version of U.S. law look "a lot like Sharia law" by allowing one religion to dominate, according to Raw Story.
“Jesus says you take care of the poor, you take care of the less fortunate,” Fugelsang said. “This is about a whole different thing: establishing Christianity as the dominant religion. If Jesus came back, he wouldn’t sue to make his name be said in Caesar’s house because Jesus wasn’t about asserting personal power.”
Full report at:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/07/scalia-sharia-law-john-fugelsang-scotus_n_5281560.html
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U.S. renews training of elite Iraqi forces in Jordan
May 8, 2014
The United States is resuming training for elite Iraqi soldiers in Jordan, a U.S. official said on Wednesday, as Washington seeks to bolster U.S. support for the Iraqi government's battle against Islamist militants.
A small number of U.S. special forces will take part in a training exchange in Jordan with Iraqi counterterrorism forces beginning in early June, a U.S. defense official said on condition of anonymity.
The program is similar to an initial counterterrorism training course U.S. forces held with Iraqi and Jordanian forces in Jordan earlier this year, and will involve a total of 50 soldiers from the United States, Iraq and Jordan, the official said.
"ISIL is our enemy as well as Iraq's, and we want to continue supporting them in this fight," the official said, referring to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, an al Qaeda-inspired group leading insurgencies in Iraq and Syria.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/05/08/U-S-renews-training-of-elite-Iraqi-forces-in-Jordan.html
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U.S. suspends embassy operations in Yemen
May 8, 2014
The United State temporarily suspended its embassy operations in Yemen on Wednesday, two days after gunmen shot dead a French security guard working with the European Union mission in the capital Sanaa.
“Due to recent attacks against Western interests in Yemen, we have temporarily suspended operations of our Embassy in Sana’a to the public. We continue to evaluate the security situation every day, and we will reopen the embassy to the public once it is deemed appropriate,” State Department Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement.
“Recent attacks against western interests and information we have received have given us enough concern to take this precautionary step,” Psaki added.
She said the United States remains committed to supporting Yemen enhance security through the transitional period.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/05/08/U-S-suspends-embassy-operations-in-Yemen.html
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Pakistan
10 militants killed, 15 others injured in TTP infighting in North Waziristan
May 8, 2014
NORTH WAZIRISTAN: Ten militants were killed and 15 others injured in clashes between Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) factions in the Shawal area of North Waziristan, Express News reported on Thursday.
The TTP infighting took place between the Shehryar Mehsud-led Hakimullah group and Waliur Rahman faction led by Khan Said alias Sajna.
More than 60 militants have been killed and scores more wounded in the infighting which began in the first week of April in South Waziristan Agency, which later spread to Tank district and North Waziristan Agency.
On the morning of May 7, five militants were killed and four injured in fresh clashes between TTP factions on the border of North and South Waziristan agencies.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/705766/10-militants-killed-15-others-injured-in-ttp-infighting-in-north-waziristan/
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Militant group threatens English-language schools
May 8, 2014
QUETTA: An armed group based in Panjgur, Balochistan’s western district, has threatened 23 English Language Learning Centers to shut down and stop imparting co-education and teaching in English, which they say is ‘Haram (prohibited) in Islam’.
Masked armed men barged into one language center on Wednesday and threatened the teachers and the young male and female students. “Co-education and learning English language is Haram (forbidden in Islam),” they told the teachers, according to one instructor who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The armed men destroyed the school’s furniture and tore textbooks during the incident.
Panjgur police have lodged an FIR against unidentified persons under the Anti Terrorism Act and security has been increased around the centers. “They also told girls who were on their way home from the English Language Center and threatened them, saying they should not go to the schools again,” SHO Panjgur police station Mohammed Murad told The Express Tribune.
However, the girls say they are not cowed. “I am not scared and will go to school under all circumstances,” said one of the girls, speaking with The Express Tribune over the phone. She said the man who was threatening the girls spoke in Balochi, with a local Panjguri accent.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/705755/panjgur-incident-militant-group-threatens-english-language-schools/
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IED blast kills 12 security personnel in N.Waziristan
May 8, 2014
PESHAWAR: A remote-controlled bomb exploded on Thursday killing at least 12 Frontier Corps personnel and injuring several others in Ghulam Khan Tehsil of North Waziristan tribal region.
However, a statement issued by the Inter Services Public relations (ISPR) confirmed that at least nine security personnel were killed and several others were critically wounded.
The Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was planted on the roadside which was detonated as the security forces convoy came near the Miramshah road.
Following the incident, additional security personnel immediately reached the site of the incident and cordoned off the area as a search operation went underway.
The victims were shifted to a nearby hospital.
No militant group has claimed responsibility for the incident so far which might have been an attack.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1104997/ied-blast-kills-12-security-personnel-in-nwaziristan
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Pakistan ready to follow nuclear states in signing NPT
May 8, 2014
Pakistan is ready to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), along with five other “have” states. However, not signing it wouldn’t make a difference to the country’s nuclear programme, according to Dr. Ansar Parvez, chairperson, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC).
Speaking at an international seminar on nuclear non-proliferation organised by the Centre for Pakistan and Gulf Studies (CPGS) and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung on Tuesday, Dr. Parvez asked, though India’s agreement with the U.S. came with driving force which was commercial, how many plants have been set up in India? He added that you must have a deep relationship with the people with whom you collaborate and they must stick to you in times of need.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/pakistan-ready-to-follow-nuclear-states-in-signing-npt/article5986277.ece
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Pakistani students learn reasons behind their country’s creation
May 8, 2014
The president of Nazria-e-Pakistan (Pakistan’s Perspective) Safiya Ishaq organized a program in Jeddah with the slogan “Awareness of Pakistan” for the students of the Pakistan International Schools Jeddah to inform them about the reasons for the creation of Pakistan, the two-nation theory and Pakistan’s ideology.
The chief guests of the program were Najia Aizaz, wife of the secretary of Pakistan foreign affairs minister and Afshan Khokher, wife of the Pakistan consul general.
The Nazria-e-Pakistan forum (The two-nation theory forum) in Jeddah is trying to keep alive the reasons and ideology of Pakistan based on the two-nation theory for the new generation to understand the importance of Pakistan’s creation as a separate state for the Muslims.
Ishaq explained the ideology of Pakistan and its importance. She highlighted Allama Iqbal’s mission and his perception of Muslims and Hindus being two different nations for whom it was impossible to live together in one country.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/567556
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Rights advocate Rashid Rehman Khan gunned down in Multan
May 8, 2014
MULTAN: Human Rights Advocate Rashid Rehman Khan was gunned down by unidentified attackers in Multan, DawnNews reported late on Wednesday night.
Initial reports suggest that Khan was targeted by two gunmen inside his office at Kachehri Chowk.
Sources told Dawn.com that two clean-shaven young men barged into Advocate Khan's office and shot him dead. They also injured his two lawyer friends, identified as Nadeem Parwaz and Afzal.
Injured were taken to Nishtar Medical Center where Parwaz is said to be in a critical condition.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1104788/rights-advocate-rashid-rehman-khan-gunned-down-in-multan
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Difficult to pursue talks if TTP doesn’t take concrete steps, says Siddiqui
May 8, 2014
A top aide of the prime minister has said that it’ll be difficult for the government to pursue peace talks, if the Taliban do not take immediate and concrete steps for taking the dialogue process forward.
“The government is facing public pressure on the issue. People are now demanding results of the [peace] process,” Irfan Siddiqui, the prime minister’s special adviser on national affairs told the BBC Urdu on Wednesday. He added that protracted talks did not augur well for the process.
“We had made it clear in the beginning [of the process] that we would try to take the process to a logical conclusion as soon as possible because this sensitive matter cannot continue for an indefinite period,” said Siddiqui, who was the coordinator of the first four-member negotiating committee formed by the premier to make peace with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/705585/peace-initiative-difficult-to-pursue-talks-if-ttp-doesnt-take-concrete-steps-says-siddiqui/
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India
Lanka, Maldives under scanner as transit point for terror
Indrani Bagchi,TNN | May 8, 2014
NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka and Maldives are under the scanner of India's security establishment as sources and transit points for Pakistan-supported terror elements who may be used to target vital installations in southern India.
Sources here said both countries were well aware of the emerging developments and have been coordinating more carefully in recent times. Maldives is a place of particular concern because of the radical elements, many of whom got indoctrinated in Pakistan.
This was brought to sharper attention after a Sri Lankan national, Shakir Husain, arrested in Chennai last week. He reportedly admitted to conducting surveillance of US and Israeli consulates in Chennai and Bangalore, something David Headley had done before the 26/11 Mumbai terror strikes. Hussain's arrest, officials said, was a multi-national operation, including Sri Lanka and a Southeast Asian nation. Police told a Chennai court on Monday Hussain had made almost 20 trips to India on reconnaissance missions and had apparently kept Indian Navy's Kochi and Vizag ports under his radar.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Lanka-Maldives-under-scanner-as-transit-point-for-terror/articleshow/34802049.cms
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