Supreme Court Says No New Hate Speech Law Needed, Stresses Duty Of Restraint
New Age Islam News Bureau
04 May 2026
Supreme Court Of India
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· Supreme Court says no new hate speech law needed, stresses duty of restraint
· Iran warns of ceasefire violation as US plans to escort Hormuz ship
· Saudi project clears 1,009 explosive devices in Yemen
· Ukrainian drone strikes Europe’s largest nuclear power plant – operator
· 'Impossible military op or ...': Iran mocks US, says Trump has only 2 options left
· Xenophobic Attacks: Tinubu Govt Summons South African Envoy
· Kangar hardware shop owner held over ‘Allah’ inscription on shrine
· UNICEF targets 1.3 million malnourished children in Afghanistan amid worsening crisis
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India
· ‘Assaulted, thrown off train’: Family of Bihar cleric found dead in Bareilly allege foul play
· West Bengal election results: BJP makes gains in TMC strongholds, including Muslim belts; leads in over 80 seats
· Congress slams Rs 10,000 airfare hike for Haj pilgrims, demands immediate withdrawal of circular
· ‘Hindu consolidation,’ says Suvendu Adhikari as BJP heads for big win in West Bengal
· Sign of changing times? Mirwaiz shares stage with mainstream leaders in Srinagar
· Congress Christian candidate set to create history in Kerala’s Muslim-dominated Malappuram
· Karnataka bypoll results: BJP eyes upset amid ‘anti-party’ activity allegations in Congress
· Govt employee among three who ram car into bike at Aligarh Muslim University, assault students with golf clubs
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Mideast
· Frankly Speaking: Negotiating is constitutional right of president and prime minister, says Lebanon’s ex-PM Fouad Siniora
· Israeli forces raid shops in Nablus, kill 26-year-old Palestinian
· Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 72,610
· Pakistan foreign minister discusses regional situation on call with Iran’s Araghchi
· Hezbollah pays steep price in battle to reverse its fortunes
· Israeli raid in the West Bank leaves 1 Palestinian dead and 4 wounded
· Syrian, Egyptian officials discuss regional security in Cairo
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Arab World
· Saudi Arabia upgrades roads as part of sweeping Hajj transport readiness plan
· Haramain high-speed rail boosts Hajj capacity to 2.2m seats
· Saudi Arabia backs Bahrain’s security measures
· Hayy Jameel hosts diverse arts, community initiatives in Jeddah
· Saudi crown prince receives written message from Uzbek president
· Diriyah art biennale concludes, featuring artists from 37 countries
· Makkah museum exhibits rare brass-engraved Qur’an
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Europe
· Consultant suspended after launching 'infidels' rant in hospital prayer room
· NATO holds secret meetings with movie makers – Guardian
· Ukrainian strike kills two civilians in Russia – governor
· Juma Mosque of Sabunchu: a timeless jewel of Absheron architecture
· UK to enter talks to join £78bn EU loan scheme for Ukraine
· State Dept forcing US citizenship on children of Russian diplomats – Zakharova
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North America
· 'If they misbehave…': Trump warns of fresh strikes, says he wants to 'eliminate' Iran's missile capability
· More Strait talks: Trump rolls out 'Project Freedom' to guide ships through Hormuz
· '15,000 cases in limbo': US government shuts down San Francisco immigration court four months ahead of schedule
· Row erupts over viral video using Charlie Kirk assassination audio for fashion transition: 'So gross, no empathy'
· Iran says US has responded to its latest peace proposal
· Two US service members reported missing in Morocco, officials say
· ‘I urged that our objective be regime change… so did Netanyahu’ – ex-Trump adviser on Iran
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Africa
· Masked men abduct prominent Malian lawyer in Bamako
· Peter Obi, Kwankwaso’s Defection: ‘The Problem With ADC Is Who Gets The Party Ticket’
· ‘Don Jazzy Opened My Mind To Many Different Things’ – Tiwa Savage
· How Kwankwaso Tried To Hijack NNPP – Aniebonam
· Why Army Hasn’t Transferred Detained Blogger To DSS
· Supreme Court Ruling Not Setback For ADC — Lawyer
· Desmond Elliot Declares Re-Election Bid For Lagos Assembly
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Southeast Asia
· Cheap not always good: Watch out for ‘badal haji’ scams, Putrajaya tells Muslim pilgrims
· Anwar calls on civil servants to help explain govt’s subsidy balancing act amid Middle East energy shock
· West Asia conflict has no impact on foreign investment in Johor, says MB
· PMO: Lee Hsien Loong to visit Pahang, Terengganu to deepen Malaysia-Singapore ties
· Man held in Bukit Mertajam over social media post allegedly insulting Selangor Sultan
· ‘Thank you, Mum’: In Mecca, young Malaysian pilgrim sees depth of parent’s sacrifice
· King salutes ‘Red Heroes’ on International Firefighters’ Day
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South Asia
· UN chief says 85% of crimes against journalists go unpunished
· UN chief says press freedom essential for peace and human rights
· DCs seek PM’s intervention on drug menace
· ‘Withdraw bar on access to SC courtrooms’
· DAG Rezaul Karim resigns to contest SCBA polls
· Why Afghanistan Urgently Needs More Producing Factories
· IEA Supports Media as a Pillar of National Interest
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/sc-says-new-hate-speech-law-not-needed/d/139894
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Supreme Court says no new hate speech law needed, stresses duty of restraint
04.05.26
Supreme Court Of India
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The Supreme Court has held that public figures, individuals and organisations have a collective duty to desist from delivering hate speeches to ensure "constitutional democracy" in a country shaped by the core Vedic values of “vasudhaiva kutumbakam" (the world is one family).
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta made the observation while declining to entertain a batch of petitions seeking, among other things, contempt proceedings and direction to the Centre to formulate suitable laws to deal with the rising incidents of "hate crimes in the country".
Writing the judgment, Justice Nath said the existing laws were sufficient and the problem lay in the non-implementation of the statutory provisions.
"Hate speech is thus not merely a deviation from acceptable discourse; it is fundamentally antithetical to the constitutional value of fraternity and strikes at the moral fabric of our Republic. It also runs counter to the deeper civilisational ethos of India... The philosophical underpinning of this ethos finds expression in the ancient maxim of ‘vasudhaiva kutumbakam’, the idea that the entire world is one family.. In constitutional terms, it resonates with the principle of fraternity, which calls upon every citizen to recognise the shared humanity and equal dignity of all others,” Justice Nath said.
He said hate speeches "undermined the constitutional promise of an inclusive and cohesive society by fostering hostility and discrimination against identifiable groups".
"It must, therefore, be borne in mind that the preservation of constitutional order is not the responsibility of the State alone. In a constitutional democracy, public discourse carries with it a corresponding duty of restraint and responsibility. Individuals, public figures, and institutions alike must remain mindful that words have consequences, particularly in a society as diverse as ours,” he added.
The court said the existing statutory framework contained adequate provisions to address acts that promote enmity, hatred or disturb public order.
"The grievance projected before us pertains not to any legislative vacuum, but to issues of enforcement," the bench said.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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Iran warns of ceasefire violation as US plans to escort Hormuz ship
May 04, 2026
TEHRAN/WASHINGTON: Iran warned on Monday that it would consider any US attempt to interfere in the Strait of Hormuz a breach of the Mideast ceasefire, as President Donald Trump said the United States would begin escorting ships through the blocked waterway.
Negotiations between the two countries have been deadlocked since a ceasefire came into effect on April 8, and Iran’s stranglehold on the strategic strait following US-Israeli attacks on Tehran has been a main point of contention.
Trump said Sunday the new maritime operation, which he dubbed “Project Freedom,” was a “humanitarian” gesture for crews aboard the many ships swept up in the blockade and which may be running low on food and other crucial supplies.
“We will use best efforts to get their Ships and Crews safely out of the Strait. In all cases, they said they will not be returning until the area becomes safe for navigation,” Trump said in a Truth Social post, noting operations would begin on Monday.
In response, the head of the Iranian parliament’s national security commission said: “Any American interference in the new maritime regime of the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a violation of the ceasefire.”
By blocking the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has choked off major flows of oil, gas and fertilizer to the world economy, while the United States has imposed a counter-blockade on Iranian ports.
Trump in his post said he was “fully aware that my Representatives are having very positive discussions with the Country of Iran, and that these discussions could lead to something very positive for all.”
He made no direct mention of what Tehran described as a 14-point plan “focused on ending the war.”
US Central Command said it would use guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms and 15,000 service members in the Hormuz effort.
UKMTO says Strait of Hormuz threat level remains critical
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said on Monday, on behalf of the Joint Maritime Information Centre, that the maritime security threat level in the Strait of Hormuz remains critical due to ongoing regional military operations.
UKMTO said mariners are advised to coordinate with Omani authorities via VHF channel 16 and should consider routing via Oman territorial waters south of the traffic separation scheme, where the US has established an enhanced security area.
‘Impossible operation’
US news website Axios, citing two sources briefed on the proposal, reported that Iran set “a one-month deadline for negotiations on a deal to reopen the strait,” dissolve the US naval blockade and end the war.
Earlier Sunday, the Revolutionary Guards sought to put the onus back on Trump, saying he must choose between “an impossible operation or a bad deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Washington’s European allies are concerned that the longer the strait remains closed, the more their economies will suffer, and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul demanded that it be reopened.
In a call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, Wadephul stressed that Germany supported a negotiated solution but that “Iran must completely and verifiably renounce nuclear weapons and immediately open the Strait of Hormuz.”
Oil prices are currently about 50 percent above pre-conflict levels, largely due to the supply snarls in the strait.
‘Suffocating the regime’
The US president, who spent the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, declined on Sunday to specify what could trigger new American military action.
But in his post he said that “if in any way, this Humanitarian (ship-guiding) process is interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US naval blockade was only part of a broader economic embargo.
“We are suffocating the regime, and they are not able to pay their soldiers. This is a real economic blockade, and it is in all parts of government,” he told Fox News.
In yet more bellicose rhetoric, Mohsen Rezaei, a military adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, said Iranian forces would sink US ships.
“The US is the only pirate in the world that possesses aircraft carriers. Our ability to confront pirates is no less than our ability to sink warships. Prepare to face a graveyard of your carriers and forces,” he posted on X.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2642219/middle-east
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Saudi project clears 1,009 explosive devices in Yemen
May 03, 2026
Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads, and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid. (Supplied)
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RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Masam project removed 1,009 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.
These include 928 unexploded ordnances, 78 anti-tank mines, and three anti-personnel mines, according to a recent report.
The explosives were planted indiscriminately across the country, posing a threat to civilians, including children, women, and the elderly.
The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale, and Saada.
This brings the total number of mines cleared since the launch of the Masam project in 2018 to 558,016, including 6,827 cleared in April.
Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads, and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
The project trains local demining engineers, provides them with modern equipment, and supports Yemenis injured by the devices.
Through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief, Saudi Arabia continues its efforts to clear mines from Yemeni territory, enhancing civilian safety and enabling people to live in a safe and dignified environment.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2642203/saudi-arabia
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Ukrainian drone strikes Europe’s largest nuclear power plant – operator
3 May, 2026
FILE PHOTO. © Sputnik / Konstantin Mikhalchevsky
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The Ukrainian military has targeted an external radiation control laboratory at Russia’s Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), the facility’s press service has said in a statement on Telegram.
Ukrainian forces have repeatedly attacked Europe’s largest nuclear facility since it came under Russian control in 2022, soon after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict. The power plant is located in Zaporozhye Region, which officially voted to join Russia in a fall 2022 referendum.
The laboratory targeted in the Sunday attack facilitates the round-the-clock monitoring of the radiological environment at the plant and is vital for planning any emergency response operations, the press service said.
“Such actions pose a threat not only for the nuclear security but also the for the radiological environment control system,” it added, warning that any damage to the laboratory could affect the timely assessment of the situation and response in case of emergency.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitoring team working at the station have been promptly alerted about the incident, the press service said. According to the statement, the strike did not result in any “critical” material damage or casualties and did not disrupt the operation of the power plant.
The UN nuclear watchdog confirmed receiving the report from the ZNPP and requested access to the lab for further inspection, the IAEA said in a post on X. Its Director General Rafael Grossi also condemned the strike by saying that “any attacks near nuclear sites can pose nuclear safety risks.”
The Monday attack came a day after Grossi visited Kiev for talks with Vladimir Zelensky, during which the Ukrainian leader urged the IAEA to pressure Russia to hand over control of the plant.
Ukraine has also repeatedly sought to interject proposals to take control of the plant into US-mediated peace talks with Russia.
Moscow has firmly rejected the idea of handing over the plant or allowing for its joint ownership with Ukraine or any NATO nations, citing a high risk of sabotage.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/russia/639390-ukrainian-drone-strikes-europes-largest/
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'Impossible military op or ...': Iran mocks US, says Trump has only 2 options left
May 3, 2026
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Sunday said the United States faces a choice between an “impossible” military operation or a “bad deal” with Tehran, mocking Washington’s narrowed options amid a prolonged diplomatic deadlock and rising tensions between the two countries.
In a statement carried by state television, the Guards’ intelligence organisation said US President Donald Trump “must choose between ‘an impossible operation or a bad deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran’,” adding that “the room for US decision-making has narrowed”.
The comments came as diplomatic efforts between the two sides have stalled after only one round of direct peace talks. Iranian officials have said Tehran submitted a 14-point proposal to mediator Pakistan.
Iranian media outlets Tasnim and Fars reported that the proposal includes a 30-day framework to resolve outstanding issues and focuses on ending hostilities rather than extending the ceasefire. The reported agenda includes the withdrawal of US forces from Iran’s periphery, lifting of a naval blockade, unfreezing Iranian assets, easing sanctions, and a mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz.
US outlet Axios, citing sources, reported the proposal also set a one-month deadline for negotiations covering reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the wider conflict, including in Lebanon.
Trump, posting on Truth Social, said he would review Iran’s plan but added he “can't imagine that it would be acceptable” and said Iran had not “paid a big enough price” for past actions.
He also said in remarks to reporters in Florida that US action was “a possibility” if Iran “misbehave[s]”.
Separately, Iranian officials said the country was prepared for both diplomatic engagement and continued confrontation as tensions persist across the region.
The ceasefire between the United States and Iran has remained in place since April 8, although negotiations have stalled following failed peace talks held in Islamabad, Pakistan. The weeks-long conflict, which began after US-Israel strikes on Iran on February 28, has seen diplomatic progress slow, with only one round of direct negotiations taking place so far.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/impossible-military-op-or-iran-mocks-us-says-trump-has-only-2-options-left/articleshowprint/130732379.cms
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Xenophobic Attacks: Tinubu Govt Summons South African Envoy
May 3, 2026
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government has summoned the acting High Commissioner of South Africa for a meeting in Abuja over recent attacks on Nigerians and their businesses.
Naija News understands that the meeting is expected to hold on Monday at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a statement, the spokesperson of the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the move was aimed at addressing developments capable of straining relations between both countries.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has extended an invitation to the acting High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa for a meeting scheduled to take place on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
“The objective of this engagement is to formally convey the Nigerian Government’s profound concern regarding recent events that have the potential to impact the established cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa,” the statement said
The ministry said discussions would centre on ongoing demonstrations in South Africa and reported cases of mistreatment of Nigerian nationals.
“Discussions will primarily focus on the ongoing demonstrations… and the documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses,” it stated.
While acknowledging growing concerns among Nigerians, the government appealed for restraint.
“The ministry is aware of the growing discontent among Nigerians concerning the treatment of their nationals in South Africa.
“Nevertheless, it implores the Nigerian public to remain calm and reiterates the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa,” the statement added.
Reports indicate that xenophobic protests have escalated in parts of South Africa, including Pretoria, with migrants facing harassment and violence.
Some incidents reportedly involved attempts to remove children of foreign nationals from schools.
The unrest has reportedly led to fatalities, including two Nigerians, raising concerns within the diaspora.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged foreign nationals to respect local laws while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to human rights.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/05/03/xenophobic-attacks-tinubu-govt-summons-south-african-envoy/
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Kangar hardware shop owner held over ‘Allah’ inscription on shrine
04 May 2026
KANGAR, May 4 — Police have arrested the owner of a hardware business in connection with the discovery of Jawi inscriptions bearing the word “Allah” on a small shrine at his premises in Seriab, here yesterday.
Kangar police chief ACP Yusharifuddin Mohd Yusop said the 61-year-old man was arrested at 3pm by officers from the district police headquarters’ Criminal Investigation Division.
“The case is being investigated under Section 298 of the Penal Code and Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act,” he said in a brief statement tonight.
Meanwhile, Perlis police chief Datuk Muhammad Abdul Halim earlier told Bernama that police received a report at 2.30 pm after a man watched a video about the incident on the Facebook page “SAYA ANAK PERLIS.”
He added that the Perlis Islamic Religious Affairs Department is also assisting in the investigation. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/05/04/kangar-hardware-shop-owner-held-over-allah-inscription-on-shrine/218612
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UNICEF targets 1.3 million malnourished children in Afghanistan amid worsening crisis
By Fidel Rahmati
May 3, 2026
UNICEF said it plans to treat 1.3 million children suffering from severe acute malnutrition in Afghanistan in 2026, as the country faces a deepening humanitarian crisis affecting millions.
The agency said the treatment program will be implemented nationwide with support from the Asian Development Bank, aiming to expand life-saving nutrition services in some of the most vulnerable communities.
UN officials have warned that more than three million children in Afghanistan are currently at risk of acute malnutrition, with numbers rising compared to the previous year due to worsening economic and food insecurity conditions.
The organization said the scale of need reflects a broader humanitarian emergency, driven by poverty, limited healthcare access, and the lasting impacts of conflict and economic decline across the country.
UNICEF noted that it treated around 610,000 children for severe malnutrition last year, but emphasized that current needs far exceed available resources, requiring urgent international funding and sustained support.
Aid agencies warn that without expanded interventions, the humanitarian situation could deteriorate further, leaving millions of children at risk of illness, long-term developmental harm, or death.
Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with widespread poverty, food shortages, and limited access to basic services affecting a large portion of the population.
Humanitarian groups say children are disproportionately affected, as weakened healthcare systems and economic hardship reduce access to essential nutrition, treatment, and preventive services.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/unicef-targets-1-3-million-malnourished-children-in-afghanistan-amid-worsening-crisis/
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India
‘Assaulted, thrown off train’: Family of Bihar cleric found dead in Bareilly allege foul play
Manish Sahu
May 3, 2026
The death of a 30-year-old cleric from Bihar, whose body was found on the railway tracks in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly last week, has taken a fresh turn, with his family claiming to possess an audio clip in which he is allegedly heard saying he was being harassed inside the train. Police, who initially suspected he accidentally fell from the train, said they are probing the case afresh.
The deceased, Maulana Tauseef Raza from Kishanganj district, was an imam at a mosque in Siwan. Police said the family is expected to arrive on Sunday to lodge a complaint.
Raza’s uncle, Rizwan Alam, alleged: “We suspect he was assaulted inside the train and then thrown from it.”
In the purported audio recording, the victim is heard telling his wife, Tabassum, that some people were harassing him inside the train and that he’d informed the police.
In a video circulating on social media, Tabassum alleged that her husband had called her, saying some people had caught him and were assaulting him on the train. She said she urged him to seek help from fellow passengers, but he told her that they were accusing him of being a thief.
Tabassum, in the video, said her husband was travelling to Siwan from Bareilly. She further claimed that police initially informed the family that he had slipped and fallen from the train, along with his luggage.
Superintendent of Police, Bareilly, Manush Pareek, said when the body was handed over to the family after the post-mortem, no suspicion of foul play was raised and they agreed with the police’s preliminary conclusion that the cleric had died after accidentally falling from a moving train. “We are in contact with the deceased’s family and will take appropriate action in the matter soon,” said the SP.
The incident
According to police, on the morning of April 27, they received information through the railway police about a body found lying near the tracks close to Palpur Fatak, under the Cantonment police station in Bareilly.
During an initial examination, police said they recovered documents from the deceased’s belongings, including an Aadhaar card, which helped establish his identity and contact his family.
Police further stated that the post-mortem examination revealed a lacerated wound on the victim’s head, which they earlier suspected may have been caused when he struck a pole after falling. The exact sequence of events remains under review as fresh allegations are examined, they said.
Speaking to The Indian Express on Saturday, Alam said his nephew had travelled to Bareilly to attend an Urs festival in the city.
“… On the evening of April 26, he boarded the Muzaffarpur Special Fare Summer Special train from Bareilly for Siwan.” He claimed Raza was talking to his wife when a young man allegedly began misbehaving with him.
“He told his wife during the call that someone was harassing him and that conversation was recorded on his phone. His wife also switched to a video call… but she was unable to capture the image of the person harassing Tauseef,” he claimed.
Alam added that “the family has a 36-second audio recording and a 2.63-minute video call related to the incident. We are coming to Bareilly tomorrow to get a case lodged into the matter”.
Asked why they didn’t tell police initially that Raza was being harassed, Alam said: “Tabassum and the rest of the family were in shock and not in a condition to explain anything… Later, after returning to Bihar, we checked Tauseef’s phone and found the recordings.”
Source: indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/bareilly-bihar-cleric-death-audio-assault-allegations-10667667/
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West Bengal election results: BJP makes gains in TMC strongholds, including Muslim belts; leads in over 80 seats
May 4, 2026
NEW DELHI: Early trends of the West Bengal assembly election results on Monday indicated significant gains for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance in several Muslim-dominated seats.
According to initial trends, the BJP appears on track to secure at least 80 out of these 135 seats.
BJP candidate and possible chief ministerial face Suvendu Adhikari hailed the outcome, claiming a "visible crack" in the TMC's Muslim support base.
"There has been a Muslim bifurcation. This bifurcation is particularly evident in Malda, Murshidabad, and North Dinajpur. In South Bengal and Cooch Behar, Muslims are still initially leaning more towards the TMC, but the kind of 90–95% consolidation seen in 2021 and 2024 is no longer there," Adhikari said.
"There are visible cracks in that support base," he added.
Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress appears to be struggling to convert votes in these Muslim-dominated seats despite campaigning heavily on the plank of secularism. The TMC is leading in 50 of these seats, while others are ahead in 4 seats.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that "everything is being reported wrong" and told party workers that there is no need to feel "disheartened."
"Counting agents and candidates should not leave the counting centre. This is the BJP's plan. I have been saying since yesterday that they will be shown ahead first. They have stopped counting at many places. Such machines have been found in Kalyani, where there is no match. Atrocities are being committed against the TMC from all sides through central forces," Mamata said.
"Through SIR, they tried to steal votes, and even now we are ahead by more than 100 seats, which is not being reported. Everything is being reported wrong. The Election Commission is working entirely as per its own will, and central forces are also with them. The police are also working with the central forces. I tell party workers that there is no need to feel disheartened; you will win after sunset. The counting of 2–4 rounds has taken place; the counting goes up to 14–18 rounds, and we will win. There is no need for anyone to be afraid," she added.
For decades, Muslim-dominated seats were held by the Congress and the Left. In the 2021 assembly election, Trinamool Congress dominated these Muslim-dominated seats, winning 119 out of 135, while the BJP managed just 21. Other parties had a negligible presence.
Similarly in 2016, TMC secured 100 seats, followed by the Congress with 25 and the CPM with 13, while the BJP won only 2.
West Bengal recorded the highest-ever voter turnout since Independence, with an impressive 91.66% polling in Phase II of the Assembly elections. In Phase I, the poll participation was 93.19%, taking the combined poll percentage to 92.47%.
In the 2021 West Bengal assembly election, the Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee secured a decisive mandate, winning 213 out of 294 seats with a vote share of around 48%, while the Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the principal opposition with 77 seats and roughly 38% of the votes, marking a sharp rise from its previous tally. The Left-Congress alliance failed to win any seats.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/west-bengal-election-results-bjp-makes-gains-in-tmc-strongholds-including-muslim-belts-leads-in-over-80-seats/articleshowprint/130764469.cms
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Congress slams Rs 10,000 airfare hike for Haj pilgrims, demands immediate withdrawal of circular
03 May 2026
The Congress on Sunday raised concerns over the hike in the airfare for Haj pilgrims, calling it an injustice and demanding the immediate withdrawal of the circular issued by the Haj Committee of India.
The opposition party's demand came after the Haj Committee of India raised the Haj airfare by Rs 10,000 per pilgrim this year, attributing it to the global rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices.
The BJP-led Centre asserted that the increase has been restricted through hard negotiations.
A circular issued by the Haj Committee of India mentioned that in view of the extraordinary circumstances arising out of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, a one-time revision in the airfare for Haj 2026 has been approved by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
"The revised airfare entails an additional amount of USD 100 per pilgrim, irrespective of embarkation point, to be borne by the pilgrims. The decision has been taken in view of pressing requests from airlines for revision of base fare by more than USD 400 on account of the sharp increase in Aviation Turbine Fuel prices due to the prevailing situation in the Middle East, after due examination of facts and consultation with stakeholders," the circular stated.
Accordingly, all Haj pilgrims this year are required to deposit Rs 10,000 towards the differential airfare by May 15, it added.
In a post on X, Congress MP and general secretary Syed Naseer Hussain said that on April 28, 2026, the Ministry of Minority Affairs issued a circular demanding an additional payment from every Haj pilgrim, payable by May 15.
He claimed that this demand was made without prior notice, without consultation, and without justification commensurate with its timing.
"Pilgrims had already paid in full across multiple instalments over many months. Many of them are elderly. Many are already in Saudi Arabia to perform the Haj. The hardship they face is not only financial. It is the direct consequence of mismanagement, and it is the experience of being treated as a revenue consideration rather than as citizens entitled to basic protection and dignity," the Congress leader said.
What makes this demand particularly difficult to accept is the cost that pilgrims had already borne before this circular was issued, Hussain asserted, adding that under the current government, the cost of performing Haj has risen to levels that place this pilgrimage beyond the comfortable reach of ordinary Indian families.
"The government charges airfares that are reported to be nearly double what an individual traveller pays on the open market for the same route. The full package, when totalled, represents a sum that most families could only accumulate over years of careful saving," Hussain said.
"This is not an expenditure on luxury. It is the fulfilment of a religious obligation that families plan and save for, in many cases, over the better part of a lifetime," he pointed out.
Hussain emphasised that the government has cited fuel price increases as the basis for this additional charge, yet the government has consistently maintained that the energy sector is stable and that citizens have been insulated from external shocks.
"On what basis, then, is this burden being placed specifically on Haj pilgrims?" he asked.
"If fuel costs have not warranted a broader public burden, why are pilgrims being asked to absorb this increase at the very last moment, after having already paid in full?" the Congress leader said.
The answer lies not in global aviation pressures but in institutional failure, he alleged.
"Private operators, who carry none of the government's diplomatic leverage or collective bargaining power, offer comparable packages in the open market. This makes the government's pricing difficult to justify on any administrative or economic ground," he said.
"The surcharge is not the cause of this failure. It is its most visible symptom: the result of the absence of competitive tendering, the lack of any price-stability mechanism, and the government's failure to maintain a contingency framework capable of absorbing external cost pressures without passing them on to pilgrims without warning," Hussain said.
The UPA government recognised that regulating private operators and holding public institutions to account is not a matter of generosity but a matter of governance.
Under the UPA, private operators were regulated, institutional pricing was kept accountable, and pilgrims were not left to bear the cost of administrative failure, Hussain said.
That standard of stewardship is precisely what is absent today, he argued.
"This government has neither regulated effectively nor planned adequately. A circular issued in the final days before departure is not a policy response. It is evidence of the absence of one," he said, hitting out at the Modi government.
"We are not asking for the extraordinary. We are asking the government to act in the interest of its own citizens, to demonstrate basic competence in management, and to use the considerable diplomatic and institutional leverage it possesses to negotiate on behalf of those it is meant to serve," Hussain said.
The Congress calls for the immediate withdrawal of the April 28 circular, the full refund of the amount collected under it, and the introduction of structural reform, including mandatory competitive tendering and a Haj Price Stability Framework, before the 2027 season begins, the AICC general secretary said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Minority Affairs, tagging videos of pilgrims hailing the arrangements by the government in Saudi Arabia while on Haj, said that such appreciation reflects the continued commitment to Haj management, ensuring every pilgrim receives timely care, support and dignity throughout the journey.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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‘Hindu consolidation,’ says Suvendu Adhikari as BJP heads for big win in West Bengal
May 4, 2026
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari Monday expressed confidence that the party would form the next government in West Bengal, owing to strong Hindu consolidation, as the party was headed for a huge victory in the the assembly elections 2026.
“This time, there is Hindu consolidation. The way Muslims used to vote for the Trinamool Congress, they have not done that this time. Some votes have gone to the pro-Muslim party. The BJP has also received some in small amounts. I was not expecting such a good performance in the Muslim booth in Nandigram…,” Adhikari, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, said.
Speaking to reporters soon after early trends showed the BJP edging ahead of the TMC in Bhabanipur and Nandigram, Adhikari said he would receive a “good turnout” in Bhabanipur against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by the end of vote-counting.
According to early trends, the Opposition BJP was surging ahead, while the Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee was currently trailing in Bhabanipur.
“The guarantee given by Prime Minister Modi to build Bengal under his leadership has been in his favour. There is no need to be so hasty. I will tell you after 11 am,” the BJP candidate contesting both from Bhabanipur and Nandigram asserted.
Elaborating on the vote-division between Hindus and Muslims in Bhabanipur, Adhikari said, “Initially, it will be a neck-and-neck fight in Bhabanipur. In the first round of counting, out of the 14 booths, six are Muslim-majority. They got 90-95% of those votes last time, but it didn’t happen this time; there is a crack. I am leading in the 8 Hindu booths. From round 9-10 in Bhabanipur, I will be leading… There is anti-incumbency, plus Hindus are consolidated in favour of the Lotus. This is a very good signal for us… There has also been a Muslim vote bifurcation, especially in Malda, Mushidabad and Uttar Dinajpur.”
Besides expecting a good turnout in Bhabanipur, Adhikari said he received three times more votes than in previous years in Nandigram. “I haven’t received the official figures from Bhabanipur, but in the first round, there are both Muslim Front booths and Hindu Front booths. After six or seven rounds, I will have a good turnout in Bhabanipur. All the channels are showing that I am leading. I got more votes than I expected in Nandigram. I got three times more. I fully expect the BJP government will be formed,” he stated.
The counting of votes for West Bengal’s 293 Assembly constituencies is currently underway.
Source: indianexpress.com
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Sign of changing times? Mirwaiz shares stage with mainstream leaders in Srinagar
Fayaz Wani
04 May 2026
SRINAGAR: Signalling the changing times in Kashmir’s political landscape, senior separatist leader and Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq shared the stage with mainstream leaders including National Conference president and three-time former J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah and PDP leader Iltija Mufti at an event in Srinagar.
It was for the first time since eruption of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir in 1989 that a top Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who is also cleric, is sharing a stage with mainstream leaders including Farooq Abdullah, Iltija Mufti, J&K Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, and Congress leader Saifu-ud-Din Soz.
Mirwaiz attended the book release function of “Healer in Exile” authored by Sachin Razdan on the life and contributions of his father and noted neurologist Dr. Sushil Razdan, a Kashmiri Pandit.
Mirwaiz’s presence at the gathering is widely viewed as more than symbolic. In past, separatist leader sharing a stage with mainstream leaders in Kashmir was unimaginable.
After the abrogation of Article 370, the separatist politics in Kashmir has taken a back seat with top separatist leaders and second rung leaders in jail while many have given up separatist path. Some former separatist leaders and members of banned Jamaat-e-Islami also unsuccessfully contested 2024 Assembly polls in J&K.
Mirwaiz, who was placed under house detention for nearly five years after Article 370 abrogation by the authorities, condemned the Pahalgam terror attack last year in which 25 tourists and a local ponywala were killed.
He has also dropped the title of the Hurriyat chairman from his X handle.
At the book launch, Mirwaiz, who has been advocating dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue, lauded the role of Kashmiri Pandits to the society in the valley.
The Kashmiri Pandits migrated enmasse from the Valley after the outbreak of militancy in Kashmir. They settled in Jammu, New Delhi and other parts of the country.
“I take this opportunity to remember and recall the contributions of hundreds of Kashmiri Pandit teachers and their service to the community,” Mirwaiz said.
However, the event was not without pointed exchanges.
The NC president Farooq Abdullah delivered what many perceive as a subtle rebuke to Mirwaiz’s past politics.
“Slogans of 'Allahu Akbar (Allah is great)' were raised, but we did not choose that path. We followed the path of Gandhi, and we still aspire to walk that path. India can prosper only when we are together,” he said.
Stressing that some people present at the event may not support him or his party, Abdullah said he harbours no hatred.
“I do not hate anyone. We have to go forward together, and if we do not, it will lead to destruction for us as well as for them,” he said and urged people to “leave path of falsehood and hold on to the truth.”
Mirwaiz had earlier slammed Abdullah’s son and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over governance issues.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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Congress Christian candidate set to create history in Kerala’s Muslim-dominated Malappuram
Shaju Philip
May 4, 2026
Congress candidate V S Joy is poised to create history in Malappuram district, as he leads in Thavanur seat against sitting legislator and former minister K T Jaleel, contesting as an Independent. If Joy wins, it would be the first time a Christain candidate has won from Muslim-dominated Malappuram.
In 1995, the Congress’s A K Antony had won from Tirurangadi seat in Malappuram in a by-election, but the party’s pre-eminent Christian face was at the time the sitting chief minister.
Given Kerala’s highly diverse and polarised social composition, the dominating community in a constituency is a big factor in who wins. Joy, the Malappuram district president of the Congress, does not have any community vote base in Thavanur where Christian population is only around 1.4%. Muslim population comprises more than half, at 54%, with the rest Hindus.
But Joy’s victory is also to a large part due to the efforts of its ally IUML (Indian Union Muslim League), which put its weight behind the Christian leader.
While Joy’s good rapport with the IUML in Malappuram made him acceptable to the party, the party that has a solid base among Muslims in the state wanted to defeat Jaleel, who has been a big critic of the IUML and its leadership.
In 2006, Jaleel had defeated IUML strongman P K Kunhalikutty from the now-defunct Kuttipuram seat – making the Thavanur fight a matter of prestige as well for the party.
Joy, incidentally, had been passed over by the Congress after his name figured for the by-election last year from the Nilambur Assembly seat. However, he had gone on to work whole-heartedly for the party’s chosen nominee, Aryadan Shoukkath, and helped ensure his win.
With the counting still on, Jaleel admitted his defeat, posting on Facebook: “I accept the people’s mandate. My congratulations to V S Joy. I have only love towards the people of Thavanur.”
Source: indianexpress.com
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Karnataka bypoll results: BJP eyes upset amid ‘anti-party’ activity allegations in Congress
May 3, 2026
As votes polled in the two Assembly bypolls in Karnataka will be counted on Monday, the results will come under scrutiny in light of allegations of “anti-party” activities in the Congress, though the contests will have no impact on its Government.
Bypolls were held for the Davanagere South and Bagalkot seats on April 9, following the demise of Congress legislators Shamanur Shivashankarappa and H Y Meti.
Congress fielded relatives of the deceased MLAs in both segments: Shivashankarappa’s grandson Samarth Mallikarjun in Davanagere South and Meti’s son Umesh Meti in Bagalkot.
The BJP fielded first-time candidate Srinivas T Dasakariyappa in Davanagere South and three-time MLA Veeranna Charantimath in Bagalkot.
The BJP is looking for an upset in the bypolls as the Congress was plagued by disgruntlement, especially in Davanagere South, during the elections.
The grouse in Davanagere South concerned the choice of Samarth as the candidate—Muslim legislators from the Congress had lobbied for a ticket for a leader of their community, highlighting that almost a third of the segment’s electorate were Muslims.
Samarth filing his nomination even before the Congress officially announced its candidate list had also not sat well with several leaders.
A day after the polls, a section of Muslim legislators, led by MLC Saleem Ahmed, accused some Muslim leaders of indulging in anti-party activities. Soon after, MLC Abdul Jabbar resigned as head of the state Congress’s minority wing before being suspended from the party.
The cabinet position of political advisor to the chief minister was withdrawn from another MLC, Naseer Ahmed, over the issue.
Although the party considered action against Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, it stopped short, fearing reprisal from the minority community.
In Bagalkot too, the Congress suspended three members for “anti-party activities” in the constituency: Murugesh, vice-president of the Bagalkot District Central Co-operative Bank and Kamatagi town panchayat members Gurulinga Patil and Ramesh Jamakhandi.
Both the Congress and the BJP have expressed confidence in favourable results in the bypolls.
Source: indianexpress.com
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Govt employee among three who ram car into bike at Aligarh Muslim University, assault students with golf clubs
03.05.26
Three persons were caught by the Aligarh Muslim University security staff after they drove onto the campus allegedly in an inebriated state, rammed their car into a two-wheeler driven by an undergraduate student and beat up students, officials said on Sunday.
Proctor Naved Khan told PTI that at around 10.00 pm on Saturday, a car carrying the sticker 'Bharat Sarkar' was driving on the road in front of the university library, when it rammed into a two-wheeler ridden by a student.
While no one was hurt, a commotion ensued and some students gathered on the spot. The occupants of the car were carrying golf clubs and started beating up the undergraduate student and some bystanders, according to Khan.
Soon, university security staff arrived and took away the car and its occupants. With the help of the police and CCTV footage, the intruders were identified as Prashant Kaushik, Ajay Chaudhary and Himanshu Rajpoot.
One of them, according to the complaint filed by the AMU security staff, is an employee of the central government.
The university security officials handed over the intruders along with a written complaint filed at the Civil Lines police station.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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Mideast
Frankly Speaking: Negotiating is constitutional right of president and prime minister, says Lebanon’s ex-PM Fouad Siniora
May 03, 2026
RIYADH: Lebanon’s former prime minister Fouad Siniora has forcefully defended the government’s decision to enter negotiations with Israel, insisting that such talks are firmly grounded in the country’s constitutional framework and should not be portrayed as an act of betrayal.
Appearing on the Arab News current affairs program “Frankly Speaking” at a moment of deep national division, with Israeli strikes continuing despite a ceasefire and Hezbollah rejecting direct engagement, Siniora dismissed accusations of treason leveled at the country’s leadership.
Instead, he argued that the real breach of national consensus occurred when Hezbollah initiated hostilities without state approval.
“Lebanon is a democracy and Lebanon has a constitution,” Siniora told Frankly Speaking host Katie Jensen. “And I believe that the president and the prime minister and the government are respecting the constitution.”
He added: “The constitution specifies clearly that to carry on in negotiating in terms of achieving a certain treaty, this is in the hands of the president in coordination and agreement with the prime minister.”
For Siniora, the issue is not whether Lebanon should negotiate, but whether it can afford not to. With large parts of the country still under bombardment and around a fifth of the population displaced, he framed diplomacy as both a constitutional duty and a national necessity.
Central to Siniora’s argument is a sharp critique of Hezbollah’s decision to open a front with Israel — a move that has brought devastating consequences to Lebanon’s civilian population.
“Did you ask anybody before really starting the war on Oct. 8, 2023?” he said, addressing Hezbollah’s leadership. “Did you ask anybody or got the approval of anybody … they did not ask anybody. They did not get the approval of anybody.”
This, he suggested, exposes a double standard among critics who now oppose negotiations while having supported or tolerated unilateral Hezbollah action.
“To the contrary, they took the initiative of launching these rockets on their own,” he said. “So whoever is going to really accuse the government … definitely the question has to be raised to them.”
His remarks echo a broader frustration within parts of Lebanon’s political establishment, where officials argue that decisions of war and peace have long been removed from state control.
The current crisis was triggered after Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the wider regional conflict in March, prompting a sustained Israeli military response that has included airstrikes, ground incursions and the creation of a so-called “Yellow Line” buffer zone inside Lebanese territory.
Despite a US-brokered ceasefire announced in April, Israeli attacks and Hezbollah counterattacks have continued, with Lebanese officials reporting civilian casualties and the widespread destruction of southern villages.
Siniora acknowledged the imbalance facing Lebanon at the negotiating table but insisted that the alternative — continued war — would be far more damaging.
“It has been proven all over, everywhere, every time, that the peaceful approach is less expensive and less painful at the end of the time from resorting to a military solution,” he said.
Siniora’s criticism of Hezbollah’s autonomy inevitably raises questions about his own tenure as prime minister between 2005 and 2009, when the group was part of a unity government and retained its armed wing.
Asked why he did not confront Hezbollah more directly during his time in office, Siniora pointed to the constraints of Lebanon’s political system and the decisions taken collectively by the cabinet.
“The decisions that were taken … regarding the authority and the unquestionable right of the government to take the decisions, I think these decisions were taken by the cabinet,” he said.
He emphasized that recent government positions — particularly those asserting the state’s sole authority over war, peace and negotiations — are consistent with constitutional principles that have long existed but were difficult to enforce in practice.
“The decision of war and peace has to be taken by the Lebanese government, and that it is the sole authority of the Lebanese state to negotiate on behalf of Lebanon,” he said.
At the same time, Siniora acknowledged the complexity of dealing with Hezbollah, describing it as deeply embedded within Lebanese society, particularly among Shiites.
“Hezbollah is well rooted within the Shiite community,” he said, noting that tens of thousands of people depend on the group for salaries and social services.
Rather than advocating confrontation, he argued for a gradual, inclusive approach that would bring Hezbollah’s constituency back under the authority of the state.
“The government has to show that it is really extending a hand to Hezbollah,” he said, highlighting the need to rebuild trust and ensure that all communities feel protected and represented.
While much of the focus remains on internal dynamics, Siniora stressed that Lebanon cannot navigate the current crisis alone. He repeatedly called for stronger international and regional support, particularly from the US and Arab countries.
“I think the Lebanese government deserves the support,” he said. “This is something that can be worked with the help of the Arab countries, but at the same time, the US has to play a very essential role.”
He linked Lebanon’s situation to broader diplomatic efforts in the region, arguing that negotiation — rather than military escalation — is increasingly recognized as the only viable path forward.
“What (US) President (Donald) Trump is doing now … he’s trying to negotiate,” Siniora said. “(We are doing) the same thing actually in Lebanon.”
For Siniora, Saudi Arabia occupies a central role in any future settlement, both as a historical supporter of Lebanon and as a key player in regional diplomacy.
“Saudi Arabia has been always … supporting Lebanon, supporting its democracy, supporting its independence,” he said, pointing to its role in brokering the Taif Agreement that ended the Lebanese civil war.
He suggested that Lebanon’s path to peace with Israel must be part of a broader regional framework rather than a standalone bilateral deal.
“Lebanon cannot go to peace alone with Israel,” he said. “This is a process that requires other Arab countries and on top of this, Saudi Arabia.”
Despite the ongoing violence, Siniora described the current moment as a rare opportunity to revive diplomacy after years of stagnation.
“This hasn’t taken place … between Lebanon and Israel since 1983,” he said of the recent talks. “So definitely … now we have a situation of direct talks and we have to build on it.”
However, he warned that negotiations cannot succeed without tangible improvements on the ground, particularly a genuine ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas.
“If the people in Lebanon are not sure they are going to go back to their villages … this is not helpful at all,” he said.
He also cautioned against attempts to impose a settlement through force, arguing that any durable peace must be negotiated and mutually accepted.
“I personally don’t believe anymore in using force in order to achieve peace,” he said. “I think we have to resort to diplomacy.”
Siniora painted a stark picture of Lebanon’s cumulative hardships, describing a nation battered by decades of conflict, foreign intervention and economic mismanagement.
“Lebanon has suffered from a great deal of hardships over the past few decades,” he said, citing repeated Israeli invasions, internal strife and a severe financial crisis.
Yet he also highlighted multiconfessional Lebanon’s unique social fabric as a source of resilience.
“This is a country that deserves, actually, saving,” he said. “What it really presents in the region … is an example of convivence and the living together among different communities.”
For Siniora, preserving this model requires urgent action to stabilize the country and restore state authority — a task he believes is in the interest not only of Lebanon but of the wider region.
“Instability … it flies from one region into another,” he warned. “It is something that one has to attend to.”
Beyond the immediate security crisis, Lebanon continues to grapple with the aftermath of its 2019 financial collapse, which wiped out the savings of millions and devastated the middle class.
As a former finance minister, Siniora faced pointed questions about whether those losses can ever be recovered.
“I cannot really claim that you can repay back every penny the depositors had,” he admitted. “But a good deal of it over time can be repaid.”
He rejected the notion that the state itself is irreparably bankrupt, arguing instead that mismanagement and lack of reform have been the primary obstacles.
“There is no government that goes bankrupt,” he said. “It is the administration that is bad … that goes bankrupt.”
Siniora pointed to earlier periods of economic growth during his time in office as evidence that recovery is possible, provided that political stability is restored and reforms are implemented.
“There is a way, actually, of doing so,” he said. “The Lebanese … they have proven that they can do it if they want.”
However, he acknowledged that rebuilding the economy will require significant external support, particularly for reconstruction and investment. “Lebanon now has a problem of reconstruction,” he said. “These two things … would require money.”
Ultimately, he argued that investing in Lebanon’s recovery is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one, given the risks of regional spillover.
As Lebanon stands at a crossroads, Siniora’s message is one of cautious determination. He sees negotiation not as a concession but as a constitutional right — and a necessary step toward ending a cycle of conflict that has defined the country for decades.
“I think what we have in Lebanon is determination,” he said.
Whether that determination can translate into tangible progress remains uncertain. The obstacles are formidable — ongoing violence, internal divisions, and a deeply entrenched armed actor operating outside state control.
Yet for Siniora, the alternative — continued war and economic collapse — is far more dangerous.
“There is a way of drawing this opportunity from this crisis,” he said. “I think it can be done.”
Source: arabnews.com
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Israeli forces raid shops in Nablus, kill 26-year-old Palestinian
May 03, 2026
LONDON: Israeli forces shot and killed a 26-year-old Palestinian and injured four others during a raid on Sunday in the city of Nablus, located in the occupied West Bank.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health confirmed that Nayef Samaro, 26, was killed after sustaining critical gunshot wounds to the head, according to the Wafa news agency.
Around 40 individuals had breathing difficulties due to tear gas inhalation, with ten cases needing hospitalization, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society.
Israeli forces entered Nablus via the Deir Sharaf military checkpoint, raiding shops in Al-Ein refugee camp and on the commercial Sufian Street. Palestinian medics treated three individuals who were injured by live ammunition, including two children, and a fourth man who sustained a serious head injury, Wafa added.
Israeli forces conduct daily and nightly raids in the West Bank, citing security concerns, during which they arrest or search the properties of individuals allegedly involved in political or militant activism.
Over 40 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli soldiers or settlers in the occupied West Bank since January, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Approximately 3 million Palestinians have been living under military occupation since Israel took control of the West Bank in June 1967.
Source: arabnews.com
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Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 72,610
May 04, 2026
The death toll in the war-torn Gaza Strip has risen to 72,610 since the conflict between Hamas and Israel erupted on October 7, 2023, with the number of injuries reaching 172,448, Gaza’s health authorities said Sunday.
The authorities said that since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on Oct. 10 last year, 830 Palestinians have been killed and 2,345 others injured.
Many bodies are believed to remain unrecovered under rubble.
Source: arabnews.com
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Pakistan foreign minister discusses regional situation on call with Iran’s Araghchi
May 04, 2026
KARACHI: Pakistan said Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Sunday night, where both parties discussed the regional situation and Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Source: arabnews.com
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Hezbollah pays steep price in battle to reverse its fortunes
May 03, 2026
BEIRUT: Hezbollah has paid a heavy price for going to war with Israel on March 2: Israel has occupied a chunk of southern Lebanon, displaced hundreds of thousands of its Shiite Muslim constituents and killed as many as several thousand of its fighters, according to previously unreported casualty estimates from within the group. The move has brought severe political consequences, too. In Beirut, opposition has hardened to its status as an armed group, which domestic rivals see as exposing Lebanon to repeated wars with Israel. In April, Lebanon’s government held face-to-face talks with Israel for the first time in decades, a decision Hezbollah firmly opposed. However, more than a dozen Hezbollah officials told Reuters they see a chance to reverse deteriorating fortunes by aligning with Tehran in its war with Israel and the United States. The group, founded by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in 1982, opened fire two days into the conflict, which began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.
The group’s calculations are based on the assessment that its participation would force Lebanon onto the agenda of US-Iranian negotiations, and that Iranian pressure can secure a more robust ceasefire than one that took effect in November 2024 following a conflict sparked by the war in Gaza, the officials said.
Hezbollah was mauled in the last war, which killed its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, along with some 5,000 fighters, and weakened its long-dominant hold over the Lebanese state.
Rearmed with Iranian help, it has used new tactics and drones, surprising many with its capabilities after a fragile 15-month truce during which Hezbollah held fire, even as Israel continued to kill its members.
Hezbollah lawmaker Ibrahim Al-Moussawi denied the group was acting on Iran’s behalf when it resumed hostilities, as alleged by opponents. He told Reuters Hezbollah saw a window to “break this vicious cycle ... where the Israelis can target, assassinate, bombard, kill, without any revenge.”
He acknowledged losses and damage in southern Lebanon but said “you don’t go into making calculations of how many are going to be killed” when “pride and sovereignty and independence” are at stake.
Hezbollah’s media office said the figure of several thousand fighters killed in the present war was false.
While a US-mediated ceasefire that took effect on April 16 has led to a significant reduction in hostilities, Israel and Hezbollah have continued to trade blows in the south, where Israel maintains troops in a self-declared “buffer zone.”
Yezid Sayigh, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut, said Hezbollah had “shown more resilience than many thought possible, but that was not a strategic gain in itself.”
“The only thing that will contain Israel is a comprehensive US-Iran deal,” he said. “Without a deal, there’s going to be a lot of pain for everyone. At best, a hurting stalemate.”
Graves freshly dug, and quickly filled
More than 2,600 people have been killed since March 2, around a fifth of them women, children and medics, Lebanon’s health ministry has reported. Its toll does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
Three sources, two of them Hezbollah officials, said the ministry’s figures do not include many of the group’s casualties. They said several thousand Hezbollah fighters have been killed, though the group does not have the full picture yet.
In a statement to Reuters, Hezbollah’s media office denied the figures cited by the sources, and that the numbers published by Lebanon’s health ministry included its members killed in Israeli strikes.
One source, a Hezbollah commander, said scores of fighters had gone to the frontline towns of Bint Jbeil and Khiyam intending to fight to the death. Their bodies have yet to be recovered.
In the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut, more than two dozen freshly dug graves were quickly filled with fighters’ bodies in the days after the ceasefire took hold. Simple marble tombstones identify some as commanders, others as fighters.
In one southern village alone, Yater, the council recorded the deaths of 34 Hezbollah fighters.
Lebanon’s Shiite Muslim community has borne the brunt of Israel’s attacks, forced to flee into Christian, Druze and other areas, where many blame Hezbollah for starting the war.
Israel has been entrenching its hold over a security zone stretching as far as 10 km (6 miles) into Lebanon and demolishing villages, saying it aims to shield northern Israel from attacks by Hezbollah militants embedded in civilian areas.
An Israeli government official said Hezbollah had abrogated the November 2024 ceasefire by firing on Israeli citizens on March 2. The threat to northern Israel would be eradicated, the official said, adding thousands of Hezbollah militants had been killed, and Israel was steadily destroying the group’s infrastructure.
The Israeli military says Hezbollah has fired hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel since March 2. Israel has announced 17 soldiers killed in southern Lebanon, along with two civilians in northern Israel.
Citing ongoing Israeli strikes, Hezbollah has called the April ceasefire meaningless and continued to attack.
Iran ‘will not sell’ their friends
A diplomat who has contact with Hezbollah described its decision to enter the war as a big gamble and a survival strategy, saying it felt it needed to be part of the problem so it could be part of an eventual regional solution.
It has yet to be seen if the gamble will pay off.
Tehran has demanded that Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah be included in any deal on the wider war. But US President Donald Trump said last month that any deal Washington reaches with Tehran “is in no way subject to Lebanon.”
A spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, Tahir Andrabi, referred Reuters to an April 16 statement in which he said peace in Lebanon was essential to the talks it is mediating between the US and Iran.
A Western official said they saw a possibility the US and Iran might eventually reach a settlement that does not address the war in Lebanon.
Asked about this, the US State Department, Iran’s mission to the United Nations in Geneva and Lebanon’s government did not immediately comment.
Hezbollah’s Moussawi said a ceasefire in Lebanon continues to be a top priority for Iran, adding Tehran shares Lebanon’s objectives, including that Israel halt attacks and withdraw from Lebanon. Hezbollah has “full trust in Iran — that the Iranians will not sell their own friends,” he said.
The State Department referred Reuters to an April 27 interview Secretary of State Marco Rubio did with Fox News, in which he said Israel had a right to defend itself against Hezbollah’s attacks, and that he didn’t think Israel wanted to maintain its buffer zone in Lebanon indefinitely.
The United States has urged Israel “to make sure their responses are proportional and targeted,” he said.
When the April 16 ceasefire was announced, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hezbollah’s disarmament would be a fundamental demand in peace talks with Lebanon.
Hezbollah has ruled out disarmament, saying the matter of its weapons is a topic for a national dialogue. Any move by Lebanon to disarm the group by force would risk igniting conflict in a country shattered by civil war from 1975 to 1990.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam have sought Hezbollah’s peaceful disarmament since last year. On March 2, the government banned the group’s military activities.
Hezbollah has demanded the government cancel that decision and end its direct talks with Israel.
Lebanese officials have told Reuters they believe direct talks with Israel under the auspices of the US are the best way to secure a lasting ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops, as only Washington has enough leverage with Israel to achieve those aims.
Source: arabnews.com
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Israeli raid in the West Bank leaves 1 Palestinian dead and 4 wounded
May 03, 2026
NABLUS, West Bank: One Palestinian man was killed and four others seriously wounded during an Israeli military raid in the Israeli-occupied West Bank city of Nablus on Sunday, the Palestinian Red Crescent said.
The Palestinian Health Ministry said the man’s wife was in labor at a local hospital when she was informed of his death.
The Red Crescent said five people were hit by gunfire during an Israeli military operation. Nayef Firas Ziad Samaro, 26, was killed, according to the Health Ministry, and his body was brought to the hospital where his wife was giving birth. Additionally, a 12-year-old was shot in the shoulder, according to the Red Crescent.
The raid took place as schools were letting out for the day, in an area crowded with civilians, witnesses said.
Israel’s military in a statement said it responded to a confrontation in the Nablus area in which several “terrorists” threw rocks toward soldiers. Soldiers fired and “several hits were identified.”
Palestinians, rights groups and international observers are warning about the worsening violence, where young Palestinian men are being killed with increasing regularity amid a broader climate of arson, vandalism and the displacement of farming communities near Jewish settlements and outposts in the West Bank.
At least 42 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the year, according to the United Nations humanitarian office. Armed settlers were responsible for at least 11 of those fatalities.
Source: arabnews.com
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Syrian, Egyptian officials discuss regional security in Cairo
May 03, 2026
LONDON: Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani and his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty held official talks in Cairo on Sunday to discuss various aspects of bilateral cooperation.
Al-Shaibani and Abdelatty were joined by Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar and Egyptian Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency.
The discussions focused on enhancing economic and trade cooperation while also reviewing regional security issues. Al-Shaibani and Abdelatty discussed ways to strengthen relations between Syria and Egypt. The meeting is part of Syrian diplomatic efforts to enhance cooperation with Arab countries and promote shared interests, according to SANA.
It is Al-Shaibani’s first visit to Egypt since the fall of the Bashar Assad regime in December 2024. In late April, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held a brief side conversation with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa during the Arab-European summit held in Cyprus.
Syrian officials have recovered the country’s relations with its neighbors and the international community following years of isolation under the Assad regime. They have emphasized investments, security cooperation, regional stability and engagement with international bodies.
Source: arabnews.com
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Arab World
Saudi Arabia upgrades roads as part of sweeping Hajj transport readiness plan
May 04, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is accelerating a major upgrade of its national road network to support safer pilgrim movement during Hajj, as authorities complete a broader, multi-sector transport readiness plan, according to reports carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The Roads General Authority, which operates under the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, said it is deploying what it described as the world’s largest fleet of advanced road surveying and assessment equipment to enhance safety and efficiency across the Kingdom’s highways.
The initiative is part of a wider transformation that has lifted Saudi Arabia’s standing in global road connectivity rankings, while aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to accommodate up to 30 million pilgrims annually by the end of the decade.
According to SPA, the specialized fleet uses high-resolution cameras and laser sensors capable of detecting surface defects such as cracks and rutting with precision of up to 0.05 millimeters, alongside systems measuring pavement thickness, road alignment and skid resistance. The technology is designed to accelerate maintenance decisions and improve overall road readiness, particularly during the peak Hajj season.
The authority said it is working to cut road fatalities to fewer than five per 100,000 people, in line with international benchmarks set by the International Road Assessment Program, while ensuring smoother traffic flow for pilgrims traveling between holy sites.
The road upgrades form part of a broader transport ecosystem prepared for the 2026 Hajj season, with the ministry announcing last month that it had finalized operational readiness across aviation, rail, maritime and land transport.
In the aviation sector, more than 3.1 million seats have been allocated across 12,000 flights, with six major hub airports staffed by around 22,000 personnel. Initiatives include off-site baggage check-in and expanded pre-shipment of Zamzam water to ease congestion.
Rail networks are expected to carry millions of passengers, including more than two million riders on the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro and over 2.2 million seats on the Haramain High-Speed Railway.
The Mashaaer Metro is only used by pilgrims traveling locally between specific holy sites within Makkah over a few days during Hajj. The Haramain railway connects the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, with stops in Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) in Rabigh.
Road transport will be supported by some 33,000 buses and 5,000 taxis, alongside inspection and traffic management teams, the Transport Ministry said.
Logistics and maritime operations are also being reinforced, with Saudi Post deploying an expanded delivery fleet and the Saudi Ports Authority finalizing arrival procedures at Jeddah Islamic Port. The National Transport Safety Center will remain on round-the-clock standby to coordinate emergency responses.
Together, the measures underscore the Kingdom’s push to deliver a seamless, multi-modal transport experience for millions of pilgrims, while reinforcing its ambitions to become a global logistics hub.
Source: arabnews.com
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Haramain high-speed rail boosts Hajj capacity to 2.2m seats
May 04, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia Railways has expanded capacity on the Haramain High-Speed Railway to more than 2.21 million seats for the 2026 Hajj season as the Kingdom ramps up transport services between Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
The increase represents more than 210,000 additional seats compared with last season, alongside a planned 5,308 trips — an expansion of roughly 11 percent to accommodate rising pilgrim demand.
Hajj transport operations on the line are set to begin on May 5, with initial departures from the King Abdulaziz International Airport station in Jeddah to Makkah, marking the formal start of rail services for the pilgrimage season.
The SAR said the network would deploy a fleet of 35 trains capable of speeds up to 300 kph along the 453-km corridor. The journey between Makkah and Madinah takes about two hours, with five stations connecting the two holy cities via Jeddah.
The capacity boost aligns with Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy and broader Saudi Vision 2030 goals to enhance mobility and improve services for pilgrims during Hajj.
First opened to the public for commercial operation in October 2018, the Haramain railway connects the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, with stops in Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport, and King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh.
It operates year-round, accommodating regular commuters, tourists, and pilgrims.
Source: arabnews.com
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Saudi Arabia backs Bahrain’s security measures
May 03, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday expressed support for measures taken by Bahrain to safeguard its security and preserve its sovereignty, the Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s support for the sovereign measures taken by the leadership of the Kingdom of Bahrain to safeguard its security and preserve its sovereignty.”
Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its full support for Bahrain in all steps it takes to address actions that could undermine its security and stability, and to deter attempts to target Bahrain’s sovereignty or interfere in its internal affairs.
The Kingdom also underscored that Bahrain’s security is an integral part of Saudi Arabia’s own security, as well as that of the wider Gulf region.
Meanwhile, the UN’s telecoms agency has decided to condemn, monitor and report on the impact of Iranian attacks on telecommunications infrastructure in four targeted countries in the Middle East.
Since the war in the region began on Feb. 28 with a barrage of US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Tehran has retaliated, attacking infrastructure across the Gulf.
The GCC countries, plus Jordan, demanded action at the UN’s International Telecommunications Union agency.
They submitted a draft resolution on the impact on civilian telecommunications and information and communications technology in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE and Jordan.
The ITU council — the agency’s governing body — considered their submission, and adopted the draft resolution “by consensus,” an ITU spokeswoman said.
Source: arabnews.com
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Hayy Jameel hosts diverse arts, community initiatives in Jeddah
May 03, 2026
RIYADH: In April, Art Jameel presented a diverse cultural and artistic program at Hayy Jameel, reflecting the vibrancy of Jeddah’s creative scene.
The program combined artistic performances, practical training and community initiatives. It strengthened the presence of contemporary arts and deepened engagement with social and environmental issues.
Featuring experimental film screenings exploring the evolution of motion pictures, the program also hosted interactive cultural sessions that enabled creators to exchange ideas and experiences, supporting the growth of a dynamic creative community.
The month also saw the launch of specialized training programs for youth, focusing on the development of artistic skills and the refinement of creative experiences through applied learning and hands-on practice in art studios.
In crafts and applied arts, “Hayy Makers” hosted a series of specialized workshops in ceramics and handicrafts. These workshops equipped participants with practical skills and enhanced their capabilities in design and artistic production within a stimulating educational environment.
Environmental activities held in conjunction with Earth Day included creative workshops focused on recycling and transforming waste materials into artworks.
These aimed to raise sustainability awareness and promote responsible environmental practices, alongside interactive experiences in organic farming and composting.
The program also included art exhibitions and visual commissions showcasing contemporary artistic experiences. These provided artists with platforms to present their work in public spaces and fostered visual dialogue with the wider community.
Source: arabnews.com
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Saudi crown prince receives written message from Uzbek president
May 03, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a written message from Shavkat Mirziyoyev, president of Uzbekistan, regarding relations between the two countries, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The message was received on behalf of the crown prince by Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Saudi minister of foreign affairs, during a meeting on Sunday with Bakhtiyor Saidov, the Uzbek minister of foreign affairs, in Riyadh.
Waleed Al-Khuraiji, the Saudi deputy minister of foreign affairs, and Saud Al-Sati, the undersecretary of the ministry of foreign affairs for political affairs, attended the meeting.
Source: arabnews.com
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Diriyah art biennale concludes, featuring artists from 37 countries
May 03, 2026
RIYADH: More than 25 newly commissioned artworks were unveiled as the third Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale concluded on Saturday at JAX District in Diriyah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The works were displayed across about 12,900 sq. meters of exhibition halls with scenography by design studio Formafantasma.
Held under the theme “In Interludes and Transitions,” the biennale drew on an Arabic colloquial phrase evoking the cycles of movement and settlement among nomadic communities in the Arabian Peninsula.
It explored ideas of mobility, migration and transformation, tracing connections between the region and the wider world across different historical periods.
The exhibition brought together 68 artists from more than 37 countries at the JAX District, near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif.
Highlights included “Folding the Tents” by Saudi artist Mohammed Al-Hamdan, also known as Hamdan, alongside Petrit Halilaj’s “Very Volcanic Over this Green Feather” and Theo Mercier’s “House of Eternity.”
The exhibition also featured a series of works developed through field research by international artists.
The closing week included a range of public programs, such as musical performances, a talk series featuring participating artists, and JAX Open Studios, alongside interactive outdoor events.
Co-Artistic Directors Nora Razian and Sabih Ahmed said the edition focused on continuity and solidarity: “As In Interludes and Transitions draws to a close, its message of continuity and solidarity remains prescient. We had the privilege of bringing forth a constellation of voices through newly commissioned works, existing projects, and programs and performances.”
Aya Al-Bakree, CEO of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, said the event succeeded in bringing together artists and ideas from around the world, enhancing cultural dialogue.
“As we close In Interludes and Transitions, we celebrate an edition that truly came alive through the people who experienced it. This biennale welcomed artists, communities and ideas from across the world to the JAX District in Diriyah.”
Al-Bakree added: “We were moved by the depth of connection audiences brought to the works, and how our public programs extended the conversation far beyond the gallery walls. This is our fifth biennale, and each edition reminds us why this work matters. I’m deeply grateful to all who contributed to making it possible.”
The event marks the fifth biennale organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation and signals a new phase in the development of JAX District.
An expanded master plan, supported by the international architecture studio, known as OMA, aims to expand the district to accommodate up to 215 creative entities across 78,000 sq. meters.
The biennale is preparing to host the third Islamic Arts Biennale at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, which is expected to run from Nov. 1, 2027, to March 1, 2028.
Source: arabnews.com
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Makkah museum exhibits rare brass-engraved Qur’an
May 03, 2026
MAKKAH: The Holy Qur’an Museum in the Hira Cultural District of Makkah offers a rich cultural and educational experience, enabling visitors to explore the history of the Qur’an.
The museum also showcases rare manuscripts and artifacts that document the journey of the Qur’an’s transcription through the ages, reflecting the care Muslims have given to the Holy Qur’an from the dawn of Islam to the present day.
Among the museum’s distinctive exhibits is a copy of the Qur’an engraved on brass plates dating back to the 18th century, showcasing the precision and mastery achieved in the Islamic arts. It also highlights the special attention given to Qur’anic transcription, which combined beauty with scholarly accuracy.
This artwork embodies a continuation of deep-rooted traditions in Islamic calligraphy and decorative arts, utilizing various materials from parchment and paper to metals.
It also highlights Muslims’ profound connection to the Holy Qur’an and their commitment to preserving it in artistic forms that blend creativity with reverence.
Source: arabnews.com
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Europe
Consultant suspended after launching 'infidels' rant in hospital prayer room
Damon Wilkinson
04 May 2026
A consultant hurled a 'tirade of abuse' at two men in a hospital prayer room because they followed a different branch of Islam to him, a disciplinary tribunal heard. Dr Nuri Attagour, a Sunni Muslim, called two Shia Muslims a string of 'derogatory names' in a five to 10 minute rant which took during the call to prayer towards the end of Ramadan.
Dr Attagour, a locum consultant physician, has now been suspended for three months following the incident at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary Hospital in Wigan after a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service panel found him guilty of serious misconduct.
The tribunal found that Dr Attagour launched a 'tirade of abuse' at two men, referred to as Dr A and Mr B, inside the prayer room at lunchtime on April 19, 2023 and at Mr B the following day. The consultant, the panel found, said called the pair 'infidels', 'filthy' and 'disbelievers'.
He also told them that the direction that they prayed in was wrong, that they were 'the biggest threat to Islam', and called them 'Kafir' which means infidels in Arabic. On April 20 Dr Attagour told Mr B he did not want to be with Shia Muslims 'in this life or the afterlife', that 'he would be burning in the hellfire' and called Shia Muslims 'low, evil, disgusting and liars'.
The tribunal heard that at the time the majority of Muslims working at the hospital 'appeared to be Sunni'. Dr A described the experience 'very unpleasant and toxic'. Mr B said it was an 'unexpected degradation' and a 'humiliation'.
Dr Attagour accepted that a 'verbal altercation' had taken place but denied saying many of the insults..
He said: "I am genuinely remorseful about my behaviour that day. However, I feel there has been an element of embellishment in the accounts of [Dr A] and [Mr B] about what I said to them."
Dr Attagour, the tribunal heard, has since undertaken 'remediation work' including courses in equality, diversity and human rights and had volunteered at a Shia mosque. Despite the differing accounts, the panel ruled that it was 'more likely than not' that Dr Attagour did make the alleged comments
The panel found Dr Attagour had a 'prejudice' towards Shia Muslims 'based on his own beliefs as a Sunni Muslim and his experience in his formative years in Libya'. They also said he was 'not being wholly truthful in his account and may have been embarrassed about how he had behaved'.
In a statement in February this year Dr Attagour said he now accepted his actions amounted to 'direct discrimination', adding: "This is purely because, due to their religious beliefs being different to mine."
The tribunal ruled Dr Attagour's actions amounted to 'religious intolerance of a serious nature' and 'direct discrimination and harassment' and found him guilty of serious misconduct. His registration was suspended for three months, pending an appeal period.
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
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NATO holds secret meetings with movie makers – Guardian
3 May, 2026
NATO is holding closed-door consultations with TV and film industry professionals across Europe and the US, The Guardian reported on Sunday. The move has prompted accusations that the bloc is working to leverage the arts for “fear mongering” and “propaganda,” it added.
The military bloc has held three private meetings with directors, producers and screenwriters in Los Angeles, Brussels and Paris, and is planning to convene with members of the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) in London next month, the newspaper wrote.
The upcoming meeting will be overseen by the British think tank Chatham House and will discuss the “evolving security situation in Europe and beyond,” according to the report. NATO cyber and innovation technology deputy head James Appathurai is expected to attend, among other officials, the newspaper added.
So far, the conversations have partly “inspired” at least “three separate projects,” The Guardian wrote, citing an internal WGGB e-mail.
The military bloc’s move has reportedly sparked concern in the film and TV industry. The planned meeting is “clearly propaganda,” Irish film writer Alan O’Gorman said, as cited by The Guardian.
“I think there’s fearmongering throughout Europe at the moment that our defenses are down,” he reportedly said, adding that he has seen a media and government push in Ireland “to present NATO in a positive light and align ourselves with them.”
Other screenwriters were “pretty offended that art would be used in a way that was supporting war” and believed they were being asked to “contribute towards propaganda for NATO,” he said, according to the newspaper.
The Washington-led military bloc has been undergoing a growing internal rift, with US President Donald Trump again describing NATO as a “paper tiger” after multiple member states refused to join his war on Iran in recent months. Tensions between European NATO countries and the US had already been heightened by Trump’s threats in preceding months to annex Denmark’s autonomous territory of Greenland.
The greatest threat the bloc currently faces emanates not from “external enemies,” but rather its “ongoing disintegration,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Saturday.
Source: rt.com
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Ukrainian strike kills two civilians in Russia – governor
04 May 2026
Two civilians were killed and four injured in Ukrainian drone strikes in Belgorod Region, Russia on Sunday, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said.
A drone struck a car carrying a married couple and their son in the village of Nechyaevka, the governor said on Telegram. The father and son were killed at the scene; the man’s wife was hospitalized.
A young man and a teenage girl were injured in an attack on a commercial building in the city of Gubkin. Both were sitting in a car parked outside. The girl was hospitalized with a brain injury and remains in critical condition. Another woman was injured in a separate strike in the regional capital, Belgorod. According to the governor, nearly a dozen residential buildings were damaged.
Ukraine has stepped up attacks deep inside Russia in recent weeks, launching more than 600 drones from Friday to Saturday. On Monday, a kamikaze drone hit a residential skyscraper in Moscow, not far from the capital’s business district.
Russia has accused Ukraine of deliberately targeting civilians with Western-supplied weapons. Last month, the Russian Defense Ministry published what it said was a list of addresses of European companies involved in manufacturing drones for Ukraine and warned Kiev’s backers that this could lead to further escalation.
Source: rt.com
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Juma Mosque of Sabunchu: a timeless jewel of Absheron architecture
03 May 2026
On the Absheron Peninsula, there are numerous beautiful mosques built in the refined traditions of the Shirvan–Absheron architectural school, known for its strictness, nobility, and remarkable harmony. One of these mosques is located in Sabunchu — a settlement with a rich history and particular significance for Baku.
Sabunchu gained particular prominence during the oil boom, becoming one of the key centres of oil production, attracting people from all over the Russian Empire. An important role in the development of the settlement was also played by the first narrow-gauge railway, originally intended for transporting oil to urban refineries, which transformed Sabunchu into a vibrant, dynamic, and multicultural hub. It was precisely in this historically rich environment that the mosque acquired a special place, serving not only as a religious building but also as a cultural landmark.
The mosque was built by Bashir Bey Ashurbeyov in 1897. It became an expressive example of architecture in which restrained monumentality, clear geometric forms, and finely balanced decorative details are harmoniously combined. According to some researchers and architectural historians, the project may have been designed by the architect Mashadi Suleymanov, whose name is associated with several significant buildings of that period.
The building has a clearly defined rectangular form, emphasising its strict geometry and functional character.
Particular attention is drawn to the main entrance, designed as a tall pointed arch portal. It highlights the central axis of the composition and serves as a key element of the façade. The portal is framed by austere yet expressive stone surfaces with decorative elements.
The entrance is further accentuated by a monumental kitab — an epigraphic inscription that not only carries informational content but also serves as an important artistic feature, setting a ceremonial tone for the entire structure.
The façades of the building are designed in a laconic and balanced manner. Their composition is based on the rhythm of elongated window openings with pointed tops, which give the walls a sense of vertical dynamism. Clear lines, restrained decoration, and carefully considered symmetry create an architectural image in which functionality and aesthetic austerity are harmoniously combined. At the same time, this restraint does not exclude subtle decorative refinement: the façades are adorned with delicate stone carvings featuring traditional motifs — geometric ornaments, floral patterns, and medallions, all carefully integrated into the overall wall composition.
The building is constructed from local limestone, which gives it a warm, soft hue and allows it to blend organically into the traditions of regional architecture, reflecting its uniqueness and artistic culture.
The interior space is distinguished by carefully considered proportions. The thick walls, reaching about one meter in width, give the structure a sense of reliability and solidity. Stone vaults resting on massive arches create a clear rhythm and add depth and solemnity to the interior.
The total height of the building up to the dome is approximately 10 meters, while the dome itself, quite large in scale with a diameter of about 6 meters, dominates the silhouette of the structure and emphasises its sacred significance.
The interior of the mosque creates the impression of a bright and open hall, where architecture is subordinated to the idea of harmony and spiritual peace. The layout is designed in such a way that throughout the day, sunlight gently enters through the tall windows, evenly illuminating the space. This produces a sense of lightness and elevation, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere.
A distinctive feature of the mosque is the presence of five mihrabs — a rare and symbolically significant solution associated with Shiite tradition. Also noteworthy is the recessed area in front of the mihrab. This space has not only spiritual but also functional importance: its level corresponds to the ground level outside the mosque. Thanks to this, on days of large gatherings, when part of the worshippers remains outside, the akhund (or another religious figure leading the service) can stand in this niche at the same level as those praying outside, creating a sense of unity and equality among all participants in the prayer. This architectural solution demonstrates a deep understanding of both the religious and social aspects of communal life.
Another interesting fact is related to the features of this mosque: like many religious buildings of Absheron, it does not have a minaret. For the purpose of the adhan — the call to prayer — Bashir Bey Ashurbeyov purchased a nearby house, whose roof was used for this function.
During the Soviet period, from 1937 to 1992, the building lost its original purpose and was used as a storage and industrial facility. Only in the years of Azerbaijan’s independence did the mosque once again regain its true function, opening its doors to worshippers and restoring its spiritual significance, while still preserving its status as an invaluable architectural gem.
According to the Cabinet of Ministers Resolution of the Republic of Azerbaijan No. 132 dated August 2, 2001, it was included in the list of immovable monuments of local historical and cultural significance, which confirmed its special historical and cultural value at the state level.
The Sabunchu Mosque is not only a place of worship but also an outstanding architectural monument reflecting the spirit of its era, the characteristics of local building traditions, and the worldview of society in the late 19th century. It is a truly priceless heritage that requires careful attention and preservation. Such monuments are not merely expressions of stone and form, but an important part of the cultural code — a living thread connecting the past, present, and future.
Source: caliber.az
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UK to enter talks to join £78bn EU loan scheme for Ukraine
04 May 2026
Richard Wheeler
The UK intends to begin negotiations to join a £78bn (€90bn) European Union loan scheme seen as providing vital support for Ukraine.
Sir Keir Starmer will tell the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Armenia on Monday about the UK's ambitions, which further signals the government's desire for closer ties with the EU.
The prime minister said the talks are aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defences while also trying to give UK firms access to future contracts.
He met Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday in Armenia, with the Ukrainian president asking Sir Keir to pass on his "best regards and thanks" to King Charles III for his "strong words" in support of Ukraine during his recent state visit to the US.
The two leaders held talks in a hotel in Armenia's capital Yerevan ahead of the EPC summit, to which 48 heads of state and government have been invited.
Sir Keir said the UK is "ready to do the necessary work" with allies on Monday to give Ukraine the "support you need, the pressure you need to continue to put on Russia to make sure that we get a just and lasting peace, but one that is right for Ukraine".
Downing Street said further sanctions by the UK on Russian companies are expected to be announced this week, in a bid to disrupt military supply chains.
Ahead of the EPC meeting, which first convened in October 2022 months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Sir Keir said "we all reap the benefits" when the UK and EU work together.
He added: "In these volatile times we need to go further and faster on defence to keep people safe.
"That is why we are beginning negotiations with the EU to ensure Ukraine gets the equipment it needs to defend its freedom, while driving opportunities for British industry to play its full part."
EU leaders last month approved the deal to lend Ukraine €90bn over the next two years after Hungary lifted its veto, with the funding described as "a matter of life and death" by Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka.
Two-thirds of it will be spent on bolstering Ukraine's defence needs while the rest will go on broader financial assistance.
No 10 also said Sir Keir will discuss the situation in the Middle East with European partners at the EPC.
This is expected to include how they can contribute to security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has severely limited traffic through the vital oil shipping channel in response to the bombing campaign by the US and Israel, which began in February.
Sir Keir has repeatedly outlined a desire to reset relations with Europe, including closer ties on security and the economy, but said it does not amount to a reversal of Brexit.
The Conservatives and Reform UK last month made clear their opposition to a government plan for legislation to allow the UK to adopt new EU laws without Parliament having to hold a full vote each time.
Source: bbc.com
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State Dept forcing US citizenship on children of Russian diplomats – Zakharova
04 May 2026
The US State Department is flouting both US federal law and diplomatic immunity in forcing American citizenship on children of Russian consular staff, with no option given to refuse, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in an op-ed on Monday.
These moves by the “deep state” are undermining US President Donald Trump’s unprecedented anti-immigration policy and his aim of ending birthright citizenship in the country, she said.
“It’s absurd and violates every rule in the book, and delivers a blow to their own president,” Zakharova wrote.
The US began the practice in 2023 under former President Joe Biden, “as if deliberately laying a mine under Trump in order to present him in the most ridiculous light,” she said, adding that neither federal law nor diplomatic agreements have been amended since.
Currently, children born of “foreign diplomatic officers” are exempted from US birthright citizenship under the Code of Federal Regulations and US Citizenship and Immigration Services policy, although they are considered lawful permanent residents.
Coercive naturalization also violates Russia-US agreements and international norms, which grant diplomats immunity from the laws of the host country, the spokeswoman said.
Zakharova also warned that the situation gives Washington potential leverage over Russian diplomats.
Moscow banned LGBTQ-related content in 2022, years after passing laws protecting minors from “LGBTQ propaganda.” In 2024, Russia also banned the adoption of children by countries that allow gender-reassignment surgeries and procedures.
Source: rt.com
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North America
'If they misbehave…': Trump warns of fresh strikes, says he wants to 'eliminate' Iran's missile capability
May 3, 2026
US President Donald Trump has said there is a "possibility" of fresh military strikes against Iran, warning action could follow if Tehran "misbehaves" or "does something bad," even as he reviews a new peace proposal from the country.
Speaking to reporters while boarding Air Force One in South Florida on Saturday, Trump said further strikes remain on the table.
"If they misbehave, if they do something bad, but right now, we will see. It's a possibility that could happen, certainly," he said.
"Well, I'd like to eliminate it, yeah, I'd like to. It'd be a start for them to build up again. And yeah, I would like to eliminate it," he added, when asked if Washington will continue to target Iran's missile-production infrastructure.
The US president also confirmed that he is reviewing a newly submitted proposal from Iran, but expressed doubts over its acceptability.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "I will soon be reviewing the plan that Iran has just sent to us, but can't imagine that it would be acceptable in that they have not yet paid a big enough price for what they have done to Humanity, and the World, over the last 47 years."
The post came shortly after he spoke to reporters, where he was asked whether he had seen the 14-point proposal. Trump responded, "No,I haven't. I'm looking at it up here," adding, "Yeah. I'll let you know about it later."
"They want to make a deal... They are having a hard time figuring out who their leader is... I'm looking at it... They told me about the concept of the deal. They're going to give me the exact wording now," he added.
Responding to questions on whether the US could step back, Trump said, "Well I wouldn't have to. I didn't say that. I said that if we left right now, it would take them 20 years to rebuild. But we're not leaving right now. We're going to do it so nobody has to go back in 2 years or 5 years."
Iran’s 14-point proposal
According to Iranian media reports, Tehran has submitted a 14-point plan aimed at ending the conflict across the region, including Lebanon. The proposal, reportedly sent via a Pakistani intermediary, calls for a comprehensive resolution within 30 days rather than a temporary ceasefire.
It includes demands such as guarantees against military aggression, withdrawal of US forces from around Iran, lifting of sanctions, release of frozen assets, and a new mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian officials said the proposal is aimed at a permanent end to the conflict. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said, "Now the ball is in the United States' court to choose either the path of diplomacy or continuation of a confrontational approach."
The developments come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the US maintaining pressure through military and economic measures.
The US has warned shipping companies against making payments to Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, cautioning that such transactions could invite sanctions. It has also imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports since April 13, disrupting oil exports.
Meanwhile, Trump has also signaled a possible reduction of US troops in Germany as disagreements persist with European allies over the Iran conflict. "We're going to cut way down, and we're cutting a lot further than 5,000," he added.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/if-they-misbehave-trump-warns-of-fresh-strikes-says-he-wants-to-eliminate-irans-missile-capability/articleshowprint/130726503.cms
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More Strait talks: Trump rolls out 'Project Freedom' to guide ships through Hormuz
May 4, 2026
US President Donald Trump unveiled an initiative called “Project Freedom”, aimed at assisting commercial vessels currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions in the Gulf region.
In a post on Truth Social on Sunday (local time), Trump said that multiple countries had requested American assistance to help their ships safely exit the strategically significant waterway.
“Countries from all over the World, almost all of which are not involved in the Middle Eastern dispute going on so visibly, and violently, for all to see, have asked the United States if we could help free up their Ships, which are locked up in the Strait of Hormuz, on something which they have absolutely nothing to do with,” the US President said.
He said the US would intervene to ensure safe movement of the affected vessels. “For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business,” he said.
Trump added that the ships involved belong to countries not directly connected to the ongoing conflict. “Again, these are Ships from areas of the World that are not in any way involved with that which is currently taking place in the Middle East. I have told my Representatives to inform them that we will use best efforts to get their Ships and Crews safely out of the Strait,” he said.
He further stated that once ships leave, they will not return until conditions are safe. “In all cases, they said they will not be returning until the area becomes safe for navigation, and everything else,” he added.
Trump said the initiative, named “Project Freedom”, will begin on Monday morning (Middle East time). “This process, Project Freedom, will begin Monday morning, Middle East time.”
He also noted that US representatives are engaged in what he described as “very positive discussions” with Iran, suggesting potential diplomatic progress.
“I am fully aware that my Representatives are having very positive discussions with the Country of Iran, and that these discussions could lead to something very positive for all,” Trump said.
He added that the movement of ships is intended to assist those unaffected by the conflict. “The Ship movement is merely meant to free up people, companies, and Countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong — They are victims of circumstance,” he said.
Describing the initiative as humanitarian in nature, Trump said, “This is a Humanitarian gesture on behalf of the United States, Middle Eastern Countries but, in particular, the Country of Iran.”
He also highlighted concerns over supply conditions on board vessels. “Many of these Ships are running low on food, and everything else necessary for large-scale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary manner,” he said.
Trump warned against interference with the operation. “If, in any way, this Humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully,” he said.
In a separate development, Trump also rejected Iran’s latest proposal to address the regional conflict, calling it “not acceptable”. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran has received Washington’s response to its proposal and is currently reviewing it.According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, the proposal was submitted as a response to a US plan and calls for an end to hostilities across multiple fronts, including Lebanon.
While the US had proposed a two-month ceasefire, Iran has pushed for a shorter 30-day timeframe and has stressed that efforts should prioritise ending the war rather than extending a ceasefire period.
The Iranian proposal, also includes calls for guarantees against military action, withdrawal of US forces from the region near Iran, the release of frozen Iranian assets, lifting of sanctions, and the establishment of a new mechanism for managing the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/more-strait-talks-trump-rolls-out-project-freedom-to-guide-ships-through-hormuz/articleshowprint/130742958.cms
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'15,000 cases in limbo': US government shuts down San Francisco immigration court four months ahead of schedule
May 3, 2026
US government has shut down the immigration court at 100 Montgomery Street in San Francisco earlier than planned, leaving thousands of cases in limbo and raising concerns among lawyers and advocates about delays and missed hearings.
The closure took effect eight months ahead of schedule and ended operations at one of the country’s busiest immigration courts. On its final day, only one person was seen waiting for services.
The step marked a quiet end to a facility that handled a large volume of asylum and removal cases.
According to legal experts, the shutdown affects around 15,000 pending cases.
Bill Hing, a professor of law and migration studies at the University of San Francisco, said the impact is significant. “We are talking about 15,000 cases that are in limbo in San Francisco. It's a major hub of immigration in the US Many people who are applying for asylum come to San Francisco, come to the Bay Area, and this is major blow for them,” he said, according to ABC News.
In the months leading up to the closure, the Department of Justice (DOJ) removed at least 20 of the court’s 22 immigration judges.
One of the dismissed judges, Jeremiah Johnson, questioned why he was terminated. When asked why he believed he was fired, Johnson said, “For doing my job. Immigration judges precede over removal proceedings. That is what the law states.”
Some legal observers believe the court’s asylum approval rates may have influenced the decision. Hing suggested the dismissals were linked to case outcomes. “They wanted to get rid of immigration judges that were fair when it came to asylum cases, so that is the real reason for closing this court,” he said.
The Executive Office for Immigration Review said the decision was made for administrative reasons. It stated it “determined it would be more cost effective to relocate its court operations at 100 Montgomery Street to the nearby Concord Immigration Court.”
However, the relocation has raised concerns about further delays. Immigration advocates say the Concord court already has a heavy caseload and may not begin hearings until later in the year.
“In San Francisco, there are 120,000 cases pending. In Concord is half -- 60,000 -- and that's where we are. What we are hearing from the court in Concord is that they won't start the hearings until December,” said Sergio Jaime-Lopez, community defender program manager for the Safe Center.
The Executive Office for Immigration Review also said new hearing notices will be issued to affected individuals. Despite this, legal advocates warn that confusion over case transfers could lead to missed court dates and possible deportation orders.
Full DOJ statement: "EOIR to Close the San Francisco Immigration Court Court's Sansome Street Location Will Become a Hearing Location FALLS CHURCH, Va. - The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) announced today that the San Francisco Immigration Court will permanently close, and its Sansome Street location will become a hearing location under the administrative control of the Concord Immigration Court, at the close of business on Sept. 4, 2026. EOIR, working with the General Services Administration, determined it would be more cost effective to relocate its court operations at 100 Montgomery Street to the nearby Concord Immigration Court. EOIR will begin issuing new hearing notices to all parties whose cases are reassigned to the Concord Immigration Court. Cases will still be timely adjudicated either at the Concord Immigration Court or remotely. - EOI"- Executive Office for Immigration Review, DOJ."
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/15000-cases-in-limbo-us-government-shuts-down-san-francisco-immigration-court-four-months-ahead-of-schedule/articleshowprint/130736685.cms
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Row erupts over viral video using Charlie Kirk assassination audio for fashion transition: 'So gross, no empathy'
May 3, 2026
A viral TikTok-style video featuring a fashion transition has sparked backlash after using audio linked to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The controversy began after a clip circulated online showing three women in casual clothes standing in a room. Moments later, the video cuts to them dressed in party-style outfits. The transition is timed to a short six-second audio clip said to capture the final moments of Kirk’s killing, including his voice and the sound of the fatal shot, followed by screams in the background. Kirk's last words: "Counting or not counting gang violence" can be heard in the clip.
The use of such audio in a aesthetic video format stirred a row. Turning Point USA, the conservative group founded by Kirk took to X to condemn the trend.
In a statement posted on X, the organisation said: “Turning Point USA condemns in the strongest terms the TikTok audio trend that uses or references the assassination of our founder, Charlie Kirk, for entertainment.”
The statement continued: “Charlie Kirk was the victim of a real act of political violence. Turning that into viral content is grotesque and dehumanizing. There is nothing harmless, funny, or acceptable about it. It reflects a culture that trivializes violence and reduces real human loss to a punchline.”
Calling for action, the group added: “This has no place on TikTok. Or anywhere. This audio needs to be removed.”
Turning Point USA condemns in the strongest terms the TikTok audio trend that uses or references the assassination of our founder, Charlie Kirk, for entertainment.
Charlie Kirk was the victim of a real act of political violence. Turning that into viral content is grotesque and… https://t.co/O351ztFV6k
The video in question appears to follow a familiar social media trend where users transition between outfits or moods in sync with a dramatic audio cue. However, using audio tied to a violent death crossed a line for many social media users, especially when presented in an entertainment context like on TikTok or Instagram.
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's wife, has also condemned recent trends and memes which involve pictures of Charlie used in a humrous way. Erika now leads TPUSA.
Charlie Kirk was assassinated on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, while addressing college students, after being shot in the neck by a sniper. His alleged killer, 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson, was later arrested. US vice president JD Vance attended his memorial service and President Donald Trump also called Kirk a martyr and a victim of "left-violence."
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/row-erupts-over-viral-video-using-charlie-kirk-assassination-audio-for-fashion-transition-so-gross-no-empathy/articleshowprint/130719949.cms
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Iran says US has responded to its latest peace proposal
May 4, 2026
Jaroslav Lukiv
Iran has received a US response to its latest peace proposal, Iranian state-linked media have said.
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson said the response, delivered via Pakistan, was now being reviewed, according to Tasnim news agency.
The US is yet to formally confirm it has replied to Tehran. However, President Donald Trump reportedly told Israel's Kan News on Sunday that the proposal was unacceptable to him.
Iranian state media said Tehran's 14-point peace plan asked Washington to withdraw its forces from near Iran's borders, end its naval blockade of Iranian ports, and for all hostilities to cease - including Israel's offensive in Lebanon.
It also called for an agreement between the two countries to be reached within 30 days.
Iranian state media added the proposal urged the two warring sides to focus on "ending the war" rather than extending a current ceasefire.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei was quoted by state media as saying that "at this stage, we do not have nuclear negotiations" - a key demand by Washington.
Iran has repeatedly denied it is seeking a bomb and says its programme is only for peaceful purposes, though the country is the only non-nuclear-armed state to have enriched uranium at near weapons-grade level.
On Sunday, Trump announced that the US would help countries with ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.
"For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business," he said in a post on social media without specifying which countries.
Trump said the process, which he called "Project Freedom", would start on Monday, adding if it was interfered with the interference "will have to be dealt with forcefully".
Iran has severely limited traffic through the strait since the war began in February. The US has also enforced a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
On Saturday, Trump confirmed that Washington had received the latest Iranian peace proposal.
In a brief post on Truth Social, the US president wrote: "I will soon be reviewing the plan that Iran has just sent to us, but can't imagine that it would be acceptable in that they have not yet paid a big enough price for what they have done to Humanity, and the World, over the last 47 years."
Speaking to reporters the same day in Palm Beach, Florida, he said he had been told "about the concept of the deal", adding: "They're going to give me the exact wording now."
Asked by the BBC about whether military strikes against targets inside Iran could be renewed, Trump said it was "a possibility".
"If they misbehave. If they do something bad," he said. "But right now we'll see."
The US president appeared disinclined to withdraw from the conflict entirely, saying "we're not leaving" and "we're going to do it, so nobody has to go back in two years or five years".
The Iranian state-linked agencies said Tehran's latest proposal was in response to a nine-point US plan, which envisaged a two-month ceasefire.
Trump wrote to members of the US Congress on Friday, arguing he did not need to meet a deadline for legislative approval of the war as the conflict had been "terminated" since a ceasefire took effect on 8 April, pausing the clock on any such obligation.
The ongoing blockade of Iranian ports, he claimed, did not represent a continuation of the conflict.
By law, a US president must receive the approval of Congress within 60 days of notifying lawmakers of military action, or else cease hostilities.
Friday was the 60th day since Trump formally notified Congress of strikes against Iran on 2 March, two days after the US and Israel launched their attacks.
During a series of public remarks on Friday, Trump also repeated his refrain that "Iran can never have a nuclear weapon".
Iran has repeatedly denied it is seeking a bomb and says its programme is only for peaceful purposes, though the country is the only non-nuclear-armed state to have enriched uranium at near weapons-grade level.
Trump's latest remarks come as US lawmakers - including some from his Republican party - are growing publicly frustrated with what many view as a costly, complex war with murky objectives.
Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley called on the Trump administration to begin redeploying forces away from the conflict and argued Congressional approval would be necessary for the war to continue.
"I don't really want to do that," Hawley said. "I want to wind it down."
Another Republican Senator, Alaska's Lisa Murkowski - a prominent Trump critic - cast doubt on the success of the operation and any potential talks.
"While the administration may point to ongoing negotiations, events on the ground and the rhetoric coming out of Tehran tell a different story," she said.
"But if the US steps back abruptly and prematurely, we almost certainly leave their critical capabilities intact.
"And those are not risks that I'm willing to take. But the answer is not a blank cheque for another endless war," Murkowski added.
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0px2x53k2o
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Two US service members reported missing in Morocco, officials say
May 4, 2026
Grace Eliza Goodwin
Two US service members have gone missing during military exercises in Morocco, the US African Command (Africom) has said.
Officials said they were last seen on Saturday near ocean cliffs in the vicinity of the Cap Draa Training Area, which is close to the city of Tan Tan in Morocco.
Initial reports indicate the missing soldiers, who were participating in African Lion 2026, an annual joint training exercise, may have fallen into the ocean, a US defence official told the BBC.
A search and rescue mission involving ground, air, and maritime resources from the US, Morocco and other countries is under way for the service members, Africom said.
"The incident remains under investigation and the search is ongoing," Africom said in a statement released on Sunday. "Our focus is on the service members involved and their families."
Authorities believe the incident was an accident and was not an act of terrorism or kidnapping, a US official told the BBC.
The soldiers were reported missing after they failed to return to the training area, and US and Moroccan forces then launched a search, the official said.
African Lion is an annual joint exercise designed to strengthen operations between US forces, Nato allies, and African nations.
It is the continent's largest annual joint military exercise, and is hosted across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia.
It focuses on all-domain operations, crisis response, and multinational coordination to enhance regional security and prepare for emergencies.
The exercise, which involves 5,000 personnel from over 40 countries and more than 30 US-based industry partners, is scheduled to run from 27 April to 8 May.
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn7prznmllko
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‘I urged that our objective be regime change… so did Netanyahu’ – ex-Trump adviser on Iran
3 May, 2026
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu encouraged US President Donald Trump to carry out a regime change operation in Iran for many years, former US National Security Adviser John Bolton has told Afshin Rattansi, the host of New World.
West Jerusalem wanted Trump to launch an attack against Iran during his first presidential term and continued lobbying for it during his second term, Bolton said, who served as national security adviser from 2018 to 2019.
“I urged that our objective be regime change, so did Netanyahu,” he told Rattansi, explaining that “There is no change in what Trump has been hearing from” the Israeli prime minister over the years. He nevertheless denied that Trump’s decision to launch the attack in late February was influenced by Israel.
Bolton criticized the president for what he called the lack of a clear goal in his campaign against the Islamic Republic and said Trump failed to “make the case to the American people” about “why regime change in Iran is necessary” – despite being a “very compelling one.”
Known for his hawkish foreign policy views, Bolton maintained that the US should continue to pursue regime change in Iran and claimed that the government in Tehran is “crumbling” from within. However, the former White House official came up short on specific strategies the US could use to unblock the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping remains severely disrupted by the conflict.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/639401-iran-regime-change-netanyahu-bolton/
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Africa
Masked men abduct prominent Malian lawyer in Bamako
May 4, 2026
A well-known Malian lawyer and politician critical of the ruling junta was abducted overnight by masked men in the capital Bamako, members of his family told AFP Sunday.
His disappearance comes as Mali's junta faces a major crisis following large-scale attacks on several of its strategic positions last weekend and the killing of its defence minister.
The assaults are being carried out by Tuareg separatists and Al-Qaeda-linked jihadists.
Tall was a member of the M5-RFP movement, a key player in the protests that led to the toppling of former president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.
Initially an ally of the military officers who seized power in 2020, he subsequently distanced himself from the junta, becoming a vocal critic.
"Two men in balaclavas came to take him away, they left with him," a family member who witnessed the scene told AFP, adding that the family had filed a complaint for abduction.
Tall's wife, who attempted to take photos of the episode, was manhandled by the masked men and had her phone taken away, another family member told AFP.
Last weekend's attacks targeted several strategic positions held by the junta and army across Mali, notably in Bamako and the nearby garrison town Kati, and left at least 23 people dead.
Civilians and children were among those killed and injured during the attacks, according to UNICEF.
On Friday, the prosecutor's office said it had "solid evidence" of "complicity" of certain military personnel, accusing them of helping with the "planning, coordination and execution" of the attacks.
It also alleged that exiled opposition politician Oumar Mariko, a former lawmaker and presidential candidate, had been involved.
Tall is serving as a defence lawyer for several military officers arrested in recent months by the junta on charges of "attempting to destabilise state institutions".
He has also filed legal challenges in various courts to contest the junta's decision to dissolve political parties.
Source: africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2026/05/03/masked-men-abduct-prominent-malian-lawyer-in-bamako/
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Peter Obi, Kwankwaso’s Defection: ‘The Problem With ADC Is Who Gets The Party Ticket’
May 4, 2026
More details have emerged on why former presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, left the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Sources who spoke with Daily Trust said the crisis was linked to the struggle for the ADC presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
One of the sources said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s insistence on contesting again complicated efforts to reach a consensus within the opposition coalition.
The source said, “The problem with the party leaders is mainly who gets the party ticket. If you remember, the last interview by the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, he said this is his last shot at the Presidency, and he is making all efforts to be on the ballot.
“Some of the leaders were hoping to prevail on him to concede the ticket to the South. But he is not backing down. He wants to make sure that he gives his best in the race. If you remember immediately, the Supreme Court delivered judgment on the last election, Atiku started calling for a coalition.”
Zoning Dispute Unsettled Party
Another source said the ADC failed to clearly define the rules of engagement for aspirants, especially on zoning.
The source said the party’s silence on whether its presidential ticket would be zoned to the North or South created uncertainty among major stakeholders.
The source said, “The problem with the ADC is failure to spell out the rules of engagement. The issue of zoning has also been there; the party has refused to be categorical. It is better for the party to have said this is our position on zoning. We are zoning to the North or the South. But if you are not zoning, then the party should have said so.”
According to the source, the party’s refusal to take a clear position has now affected its stability.
The source added that “Atiku wants to be on the ballot because it is his last try and Peter Obi wants to be on the ballot and has promised to do one term, because he knows by 2031, the Presidency will move to the North.”
Obi, Kwankwaso Join NDC
Meanwhile, Obi and Kwankwaso have officially joined the NDC and obtained their membership cards. They joined the party at its national headquarters on Sunday evening.
The national leader of the NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, was on hand to receive the new members.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/05/04/peter-obi-kwankwaso-problem-with-adc/
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‘Don Jazzy Opened My Mind To Many Different Things’ – Tiwa Savage
May 3, 2026
Nigerian female sensational singer, Tiwa Savage, has opened up about the difficulty she experienced during her transition from R&B to Afrobeats after she returned to Nigeria in 2012.
Naija News recalls that Tiwa Savage, who was inspired by the growth of the Nigerian music industry, started her career abroad as a backup singer for artists such as George Michael and Mary J, before her return to Nigeria and signing with Mavin Records.
Tiwa Savage, in an interview with TVC, said she was able to transition from R&B to Afrobeats because her former label boss, Don Jazzy, made her believe talent is unlimited.
According to the ‘Kele Kele Love’ crooner, Don Jazzy opened her mind to many different things and convinced her that she could achieve anything if she focused on it.
Tiwa Savage added that she does not regret returning to Nigeria and transitioning from R&B to Afrobeats.
She explained, “It was difficult for me to transition from R&B to street sounds. But when I was at Mavin Records, Don Jazzy opened my mind to so many different things. He made me believe that talent was not limited, that I could do anything if I really focused on it.
“He took me out of that R&B bubble and introduced me to other sounds.”
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/05/03/don-jazzy-opened-mind-many-different-things-tiwa-savage/
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How Kwankwaso Tried To Hijack NNPP – Aniebonam
May 3, 2026
The Founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Boniface Aniebonam, has rejected claims by the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, that his exit from the party was caused by externally influenced legal problems.
Aniebonam, in a statement on Sunday, May 3, said Kwankwaso’s departure from the party was not influenced by outside forces but by what he described as the former Kano State governor’s attempt to take over a party he did not establish.
His reaction followed Kwankwaso’s comment on Saturday, where he drew a comparison between the crisis in the African Democratic Congress and the circumstances that led to his exit from the NNPP.
Kwankwaso had, in a statement addressing what he called “misleading narratives” in the public domain about his departure from the ADC, said ongoing discussions about a possible realignment within the party were premature.
He also claimed that his exit from the NNPP followed legal challenges that made continued membership of the party difficult.
Kwankwaso had said, “We left the NNPP due to externally influenced legal problems that made our stay perilous. The ADC has now also been forced into this difficulty.”
But Aniebonam dismissed the claim, insisting that Kwankwaso was responsible for the crisis that led to his exit from the party.
He said, “The exit of Kwankwaso, Elder Buba Galadima, Dr Ahmed Ajuji and others from the NNPP was not influenced externally but by Kwankwaso’s intense fight to take over the NNPP, a party he did not register.”
According to him, Kwankwaso has a habit of blaming external influence for problems he created.
Aniebonam also linked the development to the defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the same attitude created political consequences for the Kwankwasiyya bloc.
He said, “It was the same attitude that led to the defection of Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State to the All Progressives Congress.
“Kwankwaso and Galadima’s expulsion from the NNPP was ratified by the courts. A man who, without second thoughts, betrayed the trust of his good friend who gave him a free platform to run for the presidential election in 2023. To turn around to make insinuations of external influence is ungodly.”
The NNPP founder said the party had warned the ADC about the possibility of facing similar challenges.
He alleged that Kwankwaso could repeat the same conduct in any political party he joins.
Aniebonam said, “We warned the ADC. Kwankwaso may still do same in any party he finds himself. He should move on and stop insinuations against his perceived enemies.
“We still wonder if it was external influence that advised Kwankwaso to attempt to hijack the NNPP.”
“We are fully convinced that the attempt by Kwankwaso and Galadima to hijack the NNPP and convert it to their personal belongings triggered escalating legal battles. Therefore, it is inappropriate for him to claim existence of external influence over the escalated legal battles,” he added.
Aniebonam Cites 2023 Agreement
Aniebonam said Kwankwaso and Galadima appeared to have forgotten the Memorandum of Association entered into between the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement ahead of the 2023 general elections.
According to him, the agreement allowed Kwankwaso and members of his movement to contest elections under the NNPP platform without cost.
He said, “The contract of agreement was for the purposes of the 2023 general elections, which enabled Kwankwaso to contest the presidential election and other elective positions among its members at no cost.”
The NNPP founder noted that Kwankwaso came a distant fourth in the presidential election behind President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi.
He added that although members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement won the governorship and other elective positions in Kano State on the NNPP platform, Kwankwaso failed to manage the success properly.
Founder Accuses Kwankwaso Of Misconduct
Aniebonam further alleged that Kwankwaso’s actions later led to mass defections of NNPP members to the APC.
He also accused him of unlawfully altering the party’s identity and internal documents.
He said, “Unfortunately, Kwankwaso could not manage the success in Kano, leading to mass defection of NNPP members to the APC.”
“The worst of his misconduct against the NNPP was the illegal conversion of the original logo and colour symbol of the party, including mutilation of our constitution without the consent of its founding fathers. Was this also externally influenced?” Aniebonam queried.
The exchange has again brought attention to the lingering crisis within the NNPP and the broader realignments among opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Source: naijanews.com
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Why Army Hasn’t Transferred Detained Blogger To DSS
May 4, 2026
The Nigerian Army has yet to transfer social media influencer and blogger, Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, to the Department of State Services (DSS), contrary to earlier claims.
The Army had earlier confirmed Chidiebere’s arrest, accusing him of attempting to incite soldiers and plotting what it described as “subversion” against the military high command.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army said the blogger was arrested alongside some soldiers following preliminary investigations into viral social media posts on troop welfare and feeding.
The statement claimed that Chidiebere had been handed over to “relevant civil authorities” for further investigation and possible prosecution, but did not specify the agency.
The Army said, “While the soldiers remain in own custody, Chidiebere has been handed over to the relevant civil authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.”
DSS Reportedly Reluctant To Take Custody
However, military sources told SaharaReporters that the agency referred to by the Army was the DSS.
The sources claimed on Sunday that Chidiebere had not yet been moved to DSS custody because the secret police were allegedly reluctant to accept him in his present condition.
One of the sources said, “Nigerian Army has yet to transfer Justice Crack to the DSS.
“They contacted the DSS on Saturday, but the fellow is said to be in bad shape, and DSS is careful not to accept him in battered condition.”
The source added, “They plan to charge him in court for encouraging mutiny.”
The Army’s statement followed public outrage over reports that Chidiebere was allegedly abducted and tortured after criticising the military.
According to the Army, Chidiebere’s engagement with some soldiers went beyond whistleblowing.
It is alleged that he was interacting with “vulnerable personnel” in a manner capable of causing discontent within the ranks.
The statement said, “While the matter is being investigated for breach of the Armed Forces’ Social Media Policy and an attempt to misinform the public, preliminary report reveals that the soldiers discussed a wide range of issues with Justice Chidiebere, who seemed to be inciting soldiers to create discontent within the system.
“An example was a chat bothering on subversion which Chidiebere had with the soldiers. It is important to state that a situation where civilians cultivate vulnerable personnel towards acts of subversion has far-reaching implications for discipline and national security.
“Hence, Justice Chidiebere was picked by the Nigerian Army alongside the soldiers for investigation.”
Relative Alleges Torture
SaharaReporters had earlier reported a viral video in which a relative of the blogger alleged that he was detained and tortured by military personnel.
The relative claimed that Chidiebere had been denied access to legal representation and the police.
In the video shared on 𝕏 by user @drkenon2 on Saturday, a woman believed to be his relative accused the military of punishing him for speaking for oppressed Nigerians.
She said, “Justice has been under the sun. He was tied to a tree, and he was left outside for 72 hours, and he’s been tortured by the military. What’s his crime? His crime is that he spoke for the oppressed Nigerians.”
She also alleged that Chidiebere was targeted for speaking against the alleged killing of a 24-year-old corps member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, by soldiers in Abuja, and for raising concerns over the welfare of junior soldiers.
“When are we going to finally fight for our voice? We don’t have a voice anymore. Nothing is working well in the country, and it can be anybody tomorrow,” she added.
Source: naijanews.com
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Supreme Court Ruling Not Setback For ADC — Lawyer
May 4, 2026
A constitutional lawyer, Fred Nzeako, has said the Supreme Court ruling referring the leadership dispute in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) back to the Federal High Court is not a setback for the party.
The Supreme Court had annulled the ruling of the Court of Appeal, which led to the de-recognition of Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The apex court referred the case back to the Federal High Court for determination.
Speaking on Arise News, Nzeako said the decision of the Supreme Court did not put the ADC in a difficult position.
He said, “I don’t think the Supreme Court asking them to go back to the Federal High Court is a setback.
“I’ll tell you how it is not. As we speak, there’s leadership of ADC headed by David Mark. There is no court pronouncement disqualifying their position. They have been elected by the NEC of the party.
“ADC has leadership, and that leadership is headed by Senator David Mark. Why I say they are not in a tight corner is that the matter in court can be going on.”
Nzeako also cautioned INEC against refusing to deal with the David Mark-led leadership of the party.
He said, “That’s why I warned INEC about their future actions. They have no reason not to interact with David Mark leadership.
“The law says, give notice. Once you have given that notice of 21 days, which they copiously did, whether INEC observes or not, is their business, they must not, and whether they observe or not does not nullify the convention.
“They have to satisfy the provisions of the law. It is now left to INEC to accept it only to observe or not observe.”
The lawyer also addressed concerns over INEC’s May 10 deadline for political parties to submit membership registers.
He said the register was not required for the conduct of general elections.
Nzeako said, “One of the major things that people have been talking about is that INEC has, by their timetable, by their timeline, said all political party must submit their register membership registers by May 10.
“Yes, you don’t need a membership register to conduct a general election.
“You don’t, because not every Nigerian must belong to political parties, but every Nigerian is authorised by law to go and vote. All you need is to have your own voters register to conduct the election.”
Nzeako Faults Direct Primary Provision
He said party membership registers were mainly relevant to the conduct of direct primaries.
According to him, the provision for direct primaries in the Electoral Act could hurt opposition parties.
He said, “You can now ask, what is the essence of the party register? It is only to ensure that, because when you conduct direct primaries, all members of the party will be involved, which is a very wicked provision that the National Assembly has inserted in the Electoral Act. They know why they did it.
“They did it primarily to harm the opposition parties because they made a provision that it is either you decide by consensus or by direct primaries.
“What is wrong with indirect primaries? We have argued this over and over again that there is nothing wrong with indirect primaries and there’s nothing wrong with direct primaries, but direct primaries are almost like going for a major election, because what it means is that all around the country, you will conduct votes.”
Source: naijanews.com
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Desmond Elliot Declares Re-Election Bid For Lagos Assembly
May 4, 2026
The lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Olushola Elliot, has declared his intention to seek re-election in the forthcoming legislative election.
Elliot announced his decision in a post shared on his Facebook page on Sunday, where he confirmed that he had obtained the nomination form to contest for another term.
The Nollywood actor turned politician said his decision was driven by his commitment to public service and his desire to build on the developmental efforts already recorded in Surulere Constituency I.
Elliot said his return to the Lagos Assembly would place him in a stronger position to attract more benefits to his constituency.
According to him, another term would make him a ranking member of the Assembly, giving Surulere Constituency I better leverage in legislative and developmental matters.
He stated, “My going back makes me automatically a ranking member and loads of benefits come to our constituency as a result of this feat.”
The legislator said his focus remained on ensuring that the people of Surulere continue to enjoy quality representation and visible development.
Elliot expressed appreciation to party leaders, ward executives, community leaders, youth groups, women groups and other stakeholders for their continued support.
He described their backing as important to his political journey and public service record.
The lawmaker said the confidence shown in him by the people of Surulere had strengthened his resolve to continue serving the constituency.
The Lagos lawmaker also appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful, united and focused throughout the electoral process.
He said unity and mutual respect would be important as the constituency prepares for another election.
Elliot added, “Our strength has always been in our togetherness, and I am confident that same spirit will guide us again.”
The legislator reaffirmed that his priority remained the continued development of Surulere Constituency I and the broader growth of Lagos State.
He said he would continue to support policies and legislative efforts aimed at improving the lives of residents and strengthening governance in the state.
Naija News reports that Elliot has represented Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly since 2015.
Source: naijanews.com
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Southeast Asia
Cheap not always good: Watch out for ‘badal haji’ scams, Putrajaya tells Muslim pilgrims
03 May 2026
BACHOK, May 3 — The government will continue to monitor suspicious offers related to badal haji services, particularly at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and on social media platforms.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the monitoring is being carried out continuously to ensure Malaysians do not fall victim to scams, especially at the last minute ahead of the Haj season.
“To date, no complaints have been received regarding badal haji fraud. Nevertheless, Tabung Haji has deployed personnel to monitor activities on social media as well as at KLIA.
“I advise Malaysians, particularly Muslims, to always refer to the relevant authorities to verify any offers or information and avoid potential losses,” he told reporters after officiating a Bakery and Pastry Business Empowerment Programme in Kampung Telong here today. Also present was Tabung Haji group managing director and chief executive officer Mustakim Mohamad.
Zulkifli noted that the cost of performing the Haj is high, and unrealistic offers may not fulfil the required pillars and obligations of the pilgrimage.
Earlier, Malaysian consul-general in Jeddah Tengku Mohd Dzaraif Raja Abdul Kadir also cautioned Malaysians against dubious badal haji services, particularly those offered at unusually low prices compared to actual costs.
Meanwhile, 30 women from the Kelantan Rehabilitation Centre for Persons with Disabilities took part in the programme to improve their skills and generate income by producing and selling their products. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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Anwar calls on civil servants to help explain govt’s subsidy balancing act amid Middle East energy shock
By Syed Jaymal Zahiid
04 May 2026
PUTRAJAYA, May 4 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today urged civil servants to play their role in explaining the fiscal strain facing the government amid a global energy shock triggered by conflict in the Middle East.
He said the government could be paying up to RM5 billion a month for petrol subsidies alone based on current oil prices, as he reiterated previous assurances that RON95 petrol and diesel prices would remain low despite the ballooning subsidy bill.
Despite attempts to mitigate the impact of rising oil prices, Anwar conceded that the prices of some basic goods had increased.
“Do we have a problem with living cost? Yes, I am not denying it,” he said at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability’s monthly assembly here.
“Must we manage this wisely? Yes. Can we afford to provide full assistance? I would say partially yes, because we cannot give total help because as you can see, even Budi95 has reached (RM5 billion) a month,” Anwar added.
“So as for Budi95, we will try our best to keep it because the number of those using it is too big.”
Malaysia’s fuel subsidy bill for April 2026 is estimated at approximately RM7 billion, raising concerns over pressure on public finances as critics call on the government to rethink petrol assistance that also benefits top income earners.
Malaysia has one of the cheapest RON95 retail fuel prices in the world, at just RM1.99 per litre.
The Anwar administration has said petrol and gas supplies remain secure at least until June, but officials have hinted at the possibility of inflationary pressures creeping up as supplies of oil derivatives such as fertilisers remain disrupted by the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz and export curbs elsewhere.
Malaysia imports phosphate used to fertilise food produce such as tomatoes and cucumbers, but exports urea.
Anwar’s Cabinet is expected to discuss cost-of-living issues at its meeting this Wednesday.
“Last Friday, I dined at a stall in Rawang. I asked the lady running the shop how business was, and she said it’s okay, business is good, but there’s a slight problem — every week there is a small price increase (for supplies),” Anwar said at the assembly.
“So, if it’s a little bit more for three weeks in a row, it starts to affect the shop. From what I heard, it certainly impacts small businesses. Therefore, I will bring this matter up during the Cabinet meeting this Wednesday.”
Source: malaymail.com
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West Asia conflict has no impact on foreign investment in Johor, says MB
04 May 2026
ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 4 — The ongoing conflict in West Asia has not affected foreign investor interest in Johor aa a major regional investment destination, said Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
He said that investor confidence in Johor remains strong despite the global economic uncertainties due to the current geopolitical conflict.
Onn Hafiz, who is also the Johor Natural Resources, Administration, Finance, Planning, Economic Development and Tourism Committee chairman, explained that strong foreign investor interest can be seen during the state government’s recent visit to China.
“The state government’s latest working visit to China showed the continued interest of its domestic companies keen to expand their operations to Johor.
“More than 30 companies have expressed interest in investing and expanding their operations in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), that is also in line with the ‘China Plus One’ strategy,” he said at the Johor state legislative assembly at the Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar here today.
The menteri besar was replying to a supplementary question by Anuar Abdul Manap (BN-Pemanis).
According to Onn Hafiz, most companies are now looking for stable and competitive locations to expand their businesses outside of China.
He said Johor meets the criteria by offering a conducive investment environment with consistent government support.
“The feedback from global logistics company DHL is also proof of Johor’s increasing attractiveness.
“DHL was reported to have successfully achieved its expansion target within two years compared to the original projection of 15 years, showing the great potential that Johor has,” he said.
Onn Hafiz said the JS-SEZ, which is a joint initiative between Malaysia and Singapore, is now seen as the latest growth engine in South-east Asia.
He said Johor’s success in attracting investment was the result of close cooperation between federal and state agencies, including the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) and related ministries.
“Investors see Johor as a stable and consistent state during global uncertainties, giving them the confidence to continue investing here.
“The state government will continue to strengthen the state’s investment ecosystem to ensure sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” he said.
Source: malaymail.com
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PMO: Lee Hsien Loong to visit Pahang, Terengganu to deepen Malaysia-Singapore ties
04 May 2026
SINGAPORE, May 4 — Singapore’s Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong will make a five-day visit to Pahang and Terengganu from May 4 to 8, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
In a statement on Sunday, it said the visit will be undertaken at the invitation of the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, and the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
It said Lee will have an audience with the Sultan of Pahang and be hosted to lunch by His Royal Highness, as well as meet the Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and other state leaders.
“Senior Minister Lee’s visit builds on the strong momentum of bilateral exchanges, deepening Singapore’s longstanding and multifaceted ties with Malaysia’s states and their leaders,” the statement said.
The PMO noted that in Terengganu, Lee will meet Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar and other state leaders.
During the visit, Lee will be accompanied by his wife, Ho Ching; Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong; Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Social and Family Development Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim; and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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Man held in Bukit Mertajam over social media post allegedly insulting Selangor Sultan
04 May 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 — A local man was arrested in Bukit Mertajam, Penang yesterday evening over an image allegedly insulting the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, posted on social media.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M. Kumar said the suspect, in his 30s, was detained at 7.10pm by a Bukit Aman CID team, with assistance from the Penang Police Contingent Headquarters and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
Two Samsung mobile phones and SIM cards, believed to have been used to upload the content, were seized.
“The arrest followed investigations into the Facebook account ‘Lucas Liam’, which is believed to have uploaded the offensive content on May 2,” he said in a statement yesterday.
The case is being investigated by the Classified Criminal Investigation Unit (USJT), Bukit Aman Prosecution/Legal Division (D5) under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Section 504 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“So far, 12 police reports have been lodged nationwide over the matter, and an application for the suspect’s remand will be made tomorrow,” he added.
M. Kumar also reminded the public not to misuse social media, particularly on sensitive issues involving religion, royalty and race (3R), as it could affect social harmony.
“Legal action will be taken without compromise to safeguard national security,” he said. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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‘Thank you, Mum’: In Mecca, young Malaysian pilgrim sees depth of parent’s sacrifice
04 May 2026
MECCA, May 4 — “Thank you, Mum… if not for you starting to save and plan since I was young, I might not be here today.”
Those were the heartfelt words of gratitude from Eusoff Azman, 18, one of Malaysia’s youngest haj pilgrims for the 2026 season, as he expressed appreciation to his mother after being given the opportunity to perform the fifth pillar of Islam at a young age.
The youth from Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, said his mother had opened a savings account and registered his name with the Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) in 2008, when he was still an infant.
“My mum registered me when I was very young; at that time, I didn’t understand anything. Alhamdulillah, this year my name was called (to perform the haj).
“Only after arriving in the Holy Land did I truly understand that my mum was not just planning my future in this world, but had also been thinking about my journey in the hereafter since I was a baby,” he said when met by reporters here recently.
The former Royal Military College (RMC) student described the opportunity to perform the haj at the age of 18 as the most meaningful experience of his life, especially as it was his first time travelling abroad without being accompanied by his family.
The fourth of six siblings said that both his parents, as well as several of his siblings, had already performed the haj, and now it was his turn, made possible through a culture of saving from a young age.
Despite travelling without family members, Eusoff said he never felt alone as he was surrounded by roommates who were much older and whom he regarded as his own family.
“I am the youngest in the group. My roommates are all in their 50s and 60s, but they treat me like their own child. They are always looking out for me, asking whether I have eaten or returned to the room.
“Here, I am not only learning about worship, but also about the meaning of life, how to respect elders and the value of brotherhood,” he said.
According to Eusoff, being in the holy city at a young age has given him a new perspective on his parents’ sacrifices, having consistently saved little by little to ensure his dream of becoming a guest of Allah became a reality.
He hopes his story will inspire other young parents to start planning their children’s haj journey as early as possible.
“Perhaps children may not understand it now… but one day they will realise that a parent’s love is not only about raising us, but also about paving the way for us to reach the Baitullah,” he said. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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King salutes ‘Red Heroes’ on International Firefighters’ Day
04 May 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today extended International Firefighters’ Day 2026 greetings to the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) personnel.
In a post on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s Facebook page, His Majesty expressed appreciation for the service, sacrifices, and steadfast commitment of the “Red Heroes”, always ready to risk their lives for public safety and national wellbeing.
Sultan Ibrahim also expressed pride in the vital role JBPM plays in handling emergencies, from fires and natural disasters to rescue operations.
The King also prayed for the safety and protection of all firefighters and personnel as they carry out their duties.
“Al-Fatihah for those who have left us forever. May they be placed among the faithful and the martyrs,” Sultan Ibrahim said. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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South Asia
UN chief says 85% of crimes against journalists go unpunished
By Fidel Rahmati
May 4, 2026031
António Guterres said that 85% of crimes committed against journalists worldwide go uninvestigated or unpunished, underscoring a global crisis of accountability in press freedom protections.
Marking World Press Freedom Day on 3 May, he warned that journalists face severe risks including censorship, surveillance, legal pressure, intimidation, and even targeted killings in conflict zones.
Guterres noted that in recent years the number of journalists killed, particularly in war-affected regions, has increased, with many attacks appearing to be deliberate and aimed at silencing reporting.
He also cautioned that economic pressure, emerging technologies, and information manipulation are increasingly undermining independent journalism and restricting access to reliable information.
According to him, weakening journalism fuels distrust, erodes social cohesion, and makes conflict prevention and resolution significantly more difficult.
In Afghanistan, press freedom has sharply declined since the return of Taliban rule, with journalists facing censorship, arrests, and operational restrictions across the country.
Media watchdogs report that many outlets have been closed or heavily controlled, while journalists operate under constant fear of detention or harassment for critical reporting.
Female journalists in Afghanistan have been particularly affected, with many barred from work or forced into exile, significantly reducing women’s participation in the media sector.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/un-chief-says-85-of-crimes-against-journalists-go-unpunished/
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UN chief says press freedom essential for peace and human rights
By Fidel Rahmati
May 4, 2026
António Guterres said that all freedoms depend on press freedom, warning that without free media there can be no peace, sustainable development, or protection of human rights.
Marking World Press Freedom Day on 3 May, he stressed that journalists must be protected and called for a world where “truth and truth-tellers” can operate in safety and without fear.
Guterres added that weakening journalism makes it far more difficult to prevent and resolve crises, as access to reliable information is essential for stability and accountability.
UNESCO also emphasized that free and trustworthy journalism plays a fundamental role in building peace and strengthening informed societies.
In Afghanistan, press freedom has sharply deteriorated since the return of Taliban rule, with increasing censorship, arrests, and restrictions on independent reporting.
Female journalists in Afghanistan face additional barriers, including workplace bans, movement restrictions, and limited access to media institutions, significantly reducing women’s role in journalism.
Reporters Without Borders warns that Afghanistan remains one of the most restrictive environments for journalists, citing systematic censorship and declining media independence.
Richard Bennett has repeatedly called for stronger international protection of journalists, highlighting growing risks faced by media workers under restrictive environments and conflict conditions.
UNICEF has also noted that restrictions on information access and media freedom indirectly harm children by limiting awareness, education, and access to essential services.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/un-chief-says-press-freedom-essential-for-peace-and-human-rights/
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DCs seek PM’s intervention on drug menace
4 MAY 2026
Deputy commissioners yesterday warned that the growing availability of drugs among youth, despite regular enforcement drives, poses a grave threat to the nation, urging the government to adopt tougher measures to curb the menace.
During a discussion with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on the opening day of the DC Conference, at least 11 deputy commissioners spoke, with four identifying drug abuse as one of the most pressing crises facing the country at present, according to sources present at the time.
Jhenaidah DC Noman Hossain mentioned that 10km of the district’s border remains vulnerable, adding that inadequate controls are allowing drug shipments to enter the country and fuel addiction among youth.
He also flagged online gambling as a major concern, adding that drug users are frequently drawn into gambling as well, and called for central intervention.
The prime minister then assured the deputy commissioners that his government would take coordinated action to address this problem.
Meanwhile, other DCs raised district-specific issues.
Bogura DC Toufikur Rahman requested government support to expand the local machinery industry, which he believes could play a significant role in the region’s development.
Khulna DC Hure Jannat drew the PM’s attention to the sufferings in Dumuria upazila caused by chronic waterlogging and sought national-level measures to resolve the crisis.
Habiganj DC GM Sharfaraz requested the establishment of two 50-bed hospitals in tea garden areas, a proposal the PM assured would be addressed.
Meanwhile, the Cox’s Bazar DC suggested disbursing funds for government land acquisition through the iBAS++, a government software, to curb corruption and public suffering.
During the session related to the Ministry of Health, several DCs said health services are being disrupted at district and upazila levels due to doctor shortages and the absence of appointed physicians.
Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain assured the DCs that the ministry would take the necessary steps to address this issue.
Additionally, the DCs of Netrokona and Pirojpur proposed the allocation of water ambulances to ensure healthcare services in the remote haor areas.
Following the session, Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon said DCs had flagged declining student interest in schools and stressed the need for joyful learning. He added that classroom competitions, curriculum updates, midday meals and school‑uniform support are on the government’s agenda.
Regarding proposals for a unified curriculum, primary schools in tea garden areas, and free education for children with disabilities, Milon said, “Every proposal is accepted. We must accept it and go ahead.”
On Qawmi madrasa education, the minister said he has held three meetings with representatives regarding degree equivalence and standardisation. He added that the ministry would soon submit a proposal defining the equivalence of Qawmi levels to SSC, intermediate, degree, and Dawra levels.
Addressing teacher shortages, Milon noted that 32,500 primary headmaster posts are currently tied up in court cases, while 14,300 primary teacher recruits are being brought “into discipline”. He added that primary schools require an additional 32,500 teachers and 15,000 staff, while government high schools need 7,000 teachers.
He said if the PSC cannot provide teachers, the ministry will consider holding a special exam. New primary teachers may be sent to Primary Training Institutes after joining, Milon said. “Those who fail the training will not be retained, and teachers will only be made permanent after two years of service.”
Following yesterday’s session, the DCs met with President Mohammed Shahabuddin. Today, the second day of the conference, discussions regarding 24 ministries and divisions will take place across five sessions.
The DCs will pay a courtesy call on the Speaker of the National Parliament this evening. The conference will continue until May 6, with 34 sessions scheduled over the four-day period.
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/dcs-seek-pms-intervention-drug-menace-4167076
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‘Withdraw bar on access to SC courtrooms’
4 MAY 2026
A group of journalists formed a human chain yesterday at the Supreme Court main gate, protesting the bar on reporters from entering the courtrooms of the Supreme Court.
The programme organised by the Supreme Court Reporters Forum (SRF) started at 12:45pm, and continued until 1:20pm on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day.
At the human chain, they demanded the immediate withdrawal of the authorities’ decision restricting media personnel from entering the SC courtrooms and called for full access to cover judicial proceedings and publish reports in the media.
SRF President Masudur Rahman Rana said journalists’ fundamental rights had been violated as they had not been allowed to enter the courtrooms since January 7.
SRF General Secretary Mahidi Hasan Dalim and Executive Member Mazharul Hoque Manna also spoke.
Source: thedailystar.net
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DAG Rezaul Karim resigns to contest SCBA polls
3 MAY 2026
Deputy Attorney General AKM Rezaul Karim Khandaker has resigned from his post to contest for the position of secretary in the upcoming Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) election, scheduled for May 13 and 14.
He submitted his resignation letter to the Attorney General’s Office on April 28, citing his decision to run in the polls.
Advocate Rezaul was appointed deputy attorney general during the tenure of the immediate past interim government,
Speaking to The Daily Star today, Rezaul said he has already submitted nomination papers and will run as a candidate from the “Green Panel”.
This year, the “Green Panel” is known as the Lawyers’ Unity Council, backed by Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP).
Earlier, two assistant attorney generals, Muhammad Mujahidul Islam and Ahmad Musanna Chowdhury, also appointed during the immediate past interim government's tenure, resigned on April 2, citing personal reasons.
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/dag-rezaul-karim-resigns-contest-scba-polls-4166521
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Why Afghanistan Urgently Needs More Producing Factories
May 4, 2026
By: Naseri
For decades, Afghanistan’s economy has remained heavily dependent on imports, foreign assistance, and traditional trade. While these sectors have played an important role in sustaining the country during difficult periods, they have not been enough to create long-term economic stability, large-scale employment opportunities, or sustainable national growth. One of the most important and urgent solutions to Afghanistan’s economic challenges is the establishment and expansion of producing factories across the country.
Industrial development is not merely an economic issue; it is directly connected to national stability, poverty reduction, self-reliance, and the future prosperity of the Afghan people. Countries that achieved economic strength and independence did so not only through trade or natural resources, but through building strong domestic industries capable of producing goods, creating employment, and supporting national development. Afghanistan must now move seriously toward this path.
Afghanistan possesses many of the basic elements needed for industrial growth. The country has a young and energetic population, abundant natural resources, strategic geographic location, and a growing domestic market. Yet despite these advantages, Afghanistan still imports a large portion of its everyday necessities from foreign countries. Construction materials, processed foods, clothing, medicines, household goods, and many other products are brought from abroad in massive quantities every year. This dependence on imports weakens the national economy and causes large amounts of money to leave the country continuously.
The establishment of more producing factories would help reverse this situation. Domestic factories can gradually reduce Afghanistan’s reliance on imported products by manufacturing goods inside the country. This would strengthen the national currency, support local businesses, and encourage economic circulation within Afghanistan itself. When products are made locally, the profits remain inside the country, workers earn incomes, businesses expand, and the economy becomes more resilient.
One of the greatest benefits of producing factories is job creation. Unemployment remains one of the most serious challenges facing Afghanistan today, particularly among the youth. Thousands of young Afghans complete their education or vocational training each year but struggle to find stable employment opportunities. As a result, many are forced to migrate abroad, work in informal sectors, or remain unemployed for long periods.
Factories have the power to absorb large numbers of workers from different educational and professional backgrounds. Industrial sectors require engineers, technicians, machine operators, drivers, accountants, security staff, administrators, marketers, and laborers. Even a medium-sized factory can provide direct and indirect employment to hundreds of people. When industrial zones expand, entire communities benefit economically through increased trade, transportation, housing, and services.
The reduction of poverty is another major reason why Afghanistan urgently needs more factories. Poverty cannot be solved through temporary aid alone. Sustainable poverty reduction requires stable economic opportunities and productive employment. Factories create value by transforming raw materials into finished products that can be sold domestically or internationally. This process generates wealth within the country and provides people with long-term income sources.
Afghanistan’s agricultural sector can especially benefit from industrialization. Every year, Afghan farmers produce fruits, vegetables, cotton, wool, and other agricultural products in significant quantities. However, much of this production is exported in raw form or wasted due to lack of processing facilities. By establishing food processing factories, packaging plants, textile factories, and cold storage facilities, Afghanistan can add greater value to its agricultural products before exporting them. This would increase profits for farmers and strengthen the country’s export capacity.
For example, Afghanistan is internationally known for products such as saffron, dry fruits, fresh fruits, carpets, and precious stones. Yet in many cases, foreign countries process, package, and market these goods more effectively than Afghanistan itself. With stronger domestic industries, Afghan products could reach international markets with higher quality standards, better branding, and increased competitiveness.
Industrial development would also strengthen national self-reliance. A country that produces more of its own basic necessities becomes less vulnerable to external economic pressures and international market disruptions. During times of political tension, border closures, or global crises, countries that depend heavily on imports often face shortages and inflation. Afghanistan has experienced such difficulties multiple times in recent decades. Expanding domestic production can help protect the country from similar economic vulnerabilities in the future.
In addition, producing factories can contribute significantly to government revenues. As industries grow, governments collect taxes from businesses, exports, transportation, and workers’ incomes. These revenues can then be invested in public services such as education, healthcare, roads, electricity, and infrastructure development. A stronger industrial economy therefore supports broader national progress.
However, achieving industrial growth requires serious commitment and strategic planning. Factories cannot succeed without proper infrastructure. Reliable electricity remains one of the biggest challenges for industrial investment in Afghanistan. Many existing businesses struggle with power shortages and high operational costs. Expanding energy production, improving electricity distribution, and investing in renewable energy projects are essential steps toward supporting industrialization.
Transportation infrastructure is equally important. Roads, railways, dry ports, and trade corridors play a major role in reducing transportation costs and improving access to domestic and international markets. Afghanistan’s strategic location between Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East gives the country enormous trade potential. If industrial development is combined with improved regional connectivity, Afghanistan could become an important commercial and manufacturing hub in the region.
Security and political stability are also critical factors for attracting industrial investment. Investors require confidence that their businesses, workers, and assets will be protected. Policies that encourage transparency, reduce corruption, simplify business procedures, and protect private investment can help create a more favorable environment for industrial growth.
Technical education and vocational training must also receive greater attention. Modern industries require skilled workers capable of operating machinery, maintaining equipment, and managing industrial processes efficiently. Afghanistan’s educational institutions should increasingly focus on technical and vocational programs aligned with the needs of the labor market. Cooperation between educational institutions and industries can help prepare the next generation of Afghan workers for industrial employment.
The role of the private sector cannot be ignored. While governments can provide infrastructure and supportive policies, private entrepreneurs and investors are essential drivers of industrial expansion. Afghan businessmen have already demonstrated resilience and determination under difficult conditions. With stronger support, financial access, and investment opportunities, they can play a leading role in establishing new factories and expanding domestic production.
Foreign investment may also contribute positively if managed carefully and transparently. International investors can bring technology, expertise, and capital that help accelerate industrial growth. At the same time, Afghanistan must ensure that industrial development primarily benefits the Afghan economy, workforce, and national interests.
Environmental considerations should also be part of Afghanistan’s industrial future. Factories should be developed responsibly, with attention to pollution control, waste management, and sustainable use of natural resources. Modern industrialization does not mean sacrificing environmental protection. On the contrary, sustainable industries can help ensure long-term economic and environmental stability together.
History has repeatedly shown that no nation can achieve lasting prosperity without building a productive economy. Countries that once faced poverty, war, and instability managed to transform themselves through industrial development, investment in production, and support for domestic industries. Afghanistan can follow a similar path if the necessary vision, planning, and determination are applied.
The Afghan people are hardworking, resourceful, and capable of contributing to national development. What they need are opportunities, investment, and a functioning economic system that rewards productivity and innovation. Producing factories offer exactly such opportunities. They create employment, stimulate trade, strengthen exports, reduce imports, support agriculture, and promote self-reliance.
Afghanistan stands at an important economic crossroads. Continuing dependence on imports and limited economic activity will only prolong unemployment, poverty, and financial instability. Expanding domestic industries and producing factories, however, can open the door to a more stable and prosperous future.
The need for industrialization is not a distant ambition for Afghanistan; it is an urgent national necessity. The sooner serious investment is made in factories, infrastructure, energy, education, and industrial policy, the sooner Afghanistan can move toward economic independence and sustainable national growth. Building factories ultimately means building a stronger economy, stronger communities, and a stronger future for the entire nation.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://www.thekabultimes.com/why-afghanistan-urgently-needs-more-producing-factories/
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IEA Supports Media as a Pillar of National Interest
May 4, 2026
The country’s Ministry of Information and Culture’s announcement that 141 licenses were issued for new media outlets last year is a clear demonstration of the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to supporting the media sector. This expansion, covering television, radio, print, online platforms, and news agencies, reflects a recognition that media plays a vital role in informing society, strengthening national unity, and safeguarding the country’s higher interests.
Media outlets in Afghanistan today face both opportunities and responsibilities. On one hand, the establishment of new organizations signals growth and diversity in the sector. On the other, journalists and editors must ensure that their work remains aligned with religious principles, national values, and respect for individual privacy. The Emirate’s policy emphasizes that media should reflect reality, avoid rumor-mongering, and contribute constructively to the nation’s progress.
The global context underscores the importance of this responsibility. Reporters Without Borders recently ranked Afghanistan 175th out of 180 countries in its World Press Freedom Index. While the report noted that no journalist was killed in 2026.
Yet freedom must coexist with responsibility. Journalism that undermines national interests or spreads baseless speculation weakens public trust and destabilizes society. Conversely, reporting that is factual, balanced, and respectful strengthens the bond between citizens and institutions. The Islamic Emirate’s support for media is therefore not unconditional, it is a partnership built on the expectation that outlets will serve truth, stability, and the collective good.
As Afghanistan continues to rebuild, media organizations must rise to the challenge of being both independent and responsible. They should highlight the nation’s achievements, address its challenges with honesty, and provide a platform for constructive dialogue. By doing so, they will not only fulfill their professional duty but also contribute to the preservation of national unity and the advancement of society.
In this spirit, the establishment of over 140 new outlets is more than a statistic, it is a call to action. Afghan media must embrace its role as a guardian of truth, a promoter of values, and a partner in the country’s journey toward stability and prosperity.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://www.thekabultimes.com/iea-supports-media-as-a-pillar-of-national-interest/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/sc-says-new-hate-speech-law-not-needed/d/139894