UAE Approves Draft Law Regulating Non-Muslim Places Of Worship
New Age Islam News Bureau
31 May 2023
Photo: English Madhyamam
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Arab World
• Criminally Good: ‘The Black Rose’ Show
At City Walk Wows Audiences In Jeddah
• Saudi citizen’s kidnapping adds new
chapter to Lebanon’s chronicle of crime and impunity
• Sudan Crisis Sparks EU Fears Of
‘Spillover’ To Other Nations
• Saudi Arabia’s KAUST hosts Global
Sustainable Development Congress
• Fashion forward: Kingdom launches
training programs with Paris institute
• Saudi Deputy Minister Attends Nigerian
President’s Inauguration
--------
Pakistan
• Pakistan: 5 Army Personnel Injured in
Explosion in North Waziristan
• Prime minister snubs PTI chief’s offer
for negotiations, again
• PIA aircraft stopped in Malaysia for
‘unpaid dues’
• 106 accounts blocked over ‘anti-state’
activities
• Belarus offers cooperation in
agricultural sector to Pakistan
• Govt introduces number of policy
initiatives to bring stability in economy: Dar
--------
Europe
• France threatens to ban US social
media network in EU over disinformation rules
• Germany arrests 7 alleged members of
network that helped finance Islamic State
• Islamist terror suspect seeks asylum
in Ireland after fleeing Russian authorities
• Russian colonel 'killed by Islamic
State' in Syria's Homs province
• Ukraine imposes sectoral sanctions
against the Islamic Republic of Iran
• Russia issues arrest warrant for Sen.
Graham over celebrating Russian deaths
• Russian foreign minister: West
supporting 'genocide' in Ukraine
--------
Southeast Asia
• Islam Isn't Under Threat In Malaysia
So Don't Use The Race And Religion Cards For Political Gains, Says Dy. PM Zahid
• Federal Court sets Aug 21 to hear
Sisters in Islam's leave application to appeal
• Funding Societies rolls out suite of
Islamic financing solutions
• China deploys police, makes arrests
after mosque clashes in Yunnan
--------
Mideast
• Under The Cover Of 'National Park',
Israel Annexes Muslim, Christian Site
• Boys From Islamic State Families
Undergo Rehabilitation in Syria, But Future Uncertain
• Islamic Revolution Conference Explores
Opportunities, Challenges of Governance
• Israel settlers led by Yehuda Glick
storm Al-Aqsa Mosque compound
• Enemies Exaggerating Border Skirmish
Issue: Senior Iranian Commander
--------
North America
• CAIR Urges Biden Administration Act on
China’s Destruction of Mosques, Suppression of Islam
• Trump vows to end birthday citizenship
for children of illegal immigrants if he wins 2024 presidential race
• Maduro, Lula announce 'new era' in
Brazil-Venezuela ties, slam US sanctions
--------
South Asia
• Afghan Officials Discover Ancient
Artifacts in Bamiyan Province
• Qatar Prime Minister, Taliban Supreme
Leader Hold Secret Talks in Afghanistan: Source
• Afghan Authorities Warn University
Lecturers to Refrain Criticizing the Ruling Regime
• Rohingya Remain ‘Top Priority’ For OIC
As Chief Visits Refugee Camp In Bangladesh
• Bangladesh Govt Teams Going To Saudi
Arabia: To Perform Hajj Or Assist Hajis?
• India Sidelines Pakistan by Increasing
Soft Power in Afghanistan: Report
• WFP Welcomes Contributions From China
to Crisis-Affected Families in Afghanistan
• UN Calls For Further Cooperation with
Afghan Education Sector
• OIC concerned over insufficient
funding for Rohingya case at ICJ
--------
Africa
• Religious Officials Of Islamic Da’wah
Centre Visit Malaysian Islamic Art Gallery
• MURIC Urges Imams To Initiative Weekly
Prayers For Tinubu, Shettima
• Nigeria complex, examine all angles
before taking decisions – Islamic group urges Tinubu, Shettima
• Peace Corps, Sexual harassment of
students prohibition, other bills Buhari failed to sign
--------
India
• 5 Held After Mob Attacks Hindu Man For
Dropping Muslim Classmate Home In Karnataka's Shivamogga
• Bageshwar Dham's Dhirendra Shastri
Says Delhi Teen's Murder a Case of 'Love Jihad'
• Illegal building of slain don Atiq
Ahmed's close aide Mohammad Muslim sealed by Lucknow Development Authority
• India to Host Shanghai Cooperation
Organization Summit in Virtual Format on July 4
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/uae-hindu-worship-temple/d/129895
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UAE Approves Draft Law Regulating Non-Muslim Places Of Worship
Photo: English Madhyamam
----
May 30, 2023
Abu Dhabi: The Federal National Council
(FNC) has approved a draft federal law regulating places of worship for
non-Muslims.
The draft law aims to promote the values
of tolerance and coexistence and will be applicable to all such places
nationwide, including those located in free zones. This came in a session today
chaired by SaqrGhobash, the FNC Speaker at the parliament’s headquarters in Abu
Dhabi.
The draft law also proposes the
formation of a committee to examine and classify non-Muslim religious
activities, rites, and customs in the country. Based on the recommendations of
relevant ministries, the UAE Cabinet will decide on the committee’s
composition, working system, and other responsibilities.
A competent entity will retain a
registration of licensed or designated roles and places of worship, and the
data held in this registry must contain the information provided in the
executive regulations of the draft law.
Provisions of article
The FNC introduced an article on the
allocation of rooms of worship, which stipulates the following:
- The executive regulations of the draft
law determine the conditions, requirements and procedures for allocating rooms
for worship by the competent authority.
- The competent authority issues the
final licence that grants the place of worship its personal legal status from
the date of issuance.
- The proposed law requires every place
of worship to open a bank account with a local bank, in line with the rules and
criteria set by the law’s executive regulations.
Fines
According to the draft law, a person who
contravenes any provision of the law, its regulations, or related decisions
shall be subject to a fine ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh3 million. The penalties
prescribed in the law shall be applied without prejudice to a more severe
penalty stipulated by any other law.
Existing places of worship must comply
with the proposed law’s rules within six months of the executive regulations’
implementation. This deadline can be extended by up to two years, with each
extension lasting six months.
Source: gulfnews.com
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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Alleges, Punjab
Police Chief Denies Violence Against Women In Custody
SSP
Investigations Lahore Anoosh Masood addressing a press conference in Lahore, on
May 30, 2023, in this still taken from a video. — YouTube/GeoNews
------
May 31, 2023
LAHORE / ISLAMABAD: A senior PTI leader
on Tuesday reiterated allegations that the government was using imprisoned PTI
women workers and supporters as a weapon against the party through blackmail,
harassment and illegal arrests, whereas the Punjab police, including the top
cop in the province, have vehemently refuted such claims.
PTI leader and former minister Hammad
Azhar lashed out at the government for allegedly “breaking all records of
barbarism and tyranny” and praised his party’s women for standing up to such
“vile tactics”.
“Women have been used as a weapon by
this regime,” he said in a tweet accompanying a short clip of two women being
escorted by Punjab police officials apparently on a court premises. The women’s
heads were covered with plastic shopping bags.
“The arsenal has been manifold;
blackmail, harassments, threats, illegal arrests and perhaps even more. But
women have also stood up against these vile tactics and shown tremendous
courage,” Mr Azhar added.
The government has rounded up hundreds
of people after the May 9 violent protests that erupted across the country
after PTI chief Imran Khan’s arrest.
In a separate tweet, he said the
Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) government was only capable of oppression
and couldn’t run the country.
The rulers, he said, had “completely
failed to settle matters with the IMF. The economy has crashed and the fear of
Imran Khan is still on their nerves”. He feared economic conditions to worsen
in the coming days.
Similar allegations have been levelled
by the PTI chairman in recent days.
Punjab IG refutes claims
But the inspector general of police in
Punjab, Dr Usman Anwar, dismissed allegations that women in custody were being
mistreated, abused or tortured.
Talking to reporters at his office in
Lahore on Tuesday, he claimed that several social media accounts who shared old
video footage and pictures of such torture on women in custody had been
identified and legal action would be initiated against them.
He lamented the “fabricated information”
shared on social media recently regarding the rape and torture of PTI woman
leaders and workers who are in jail or custody.
Flanked by Punjab Prisons IG Mian Farooq
Nazir and Lahore Investigation SSP Anoosh Masood Chaudhry, the IGP regretted
that “social media influencers” were spreading lies that the women released
from jail had cuts and wounds on their bodies.
He said some of such accounts had been
traced and sent to the Federal Investigation Agency for legal action.
“The posts, pictures or videos posted by
the social media influencers regarding women in the last few days has nothing
to do with the May 9 incident,” he said, stressing that the Punjab police were
all set to initiate legal action.
Mr Anwar clarified that there were
around 150 cameras to monitor jail staff and prisoners and no male staff had
ever interrogated a woman.
Ms Masood, the investigation SSP, also
dismissed reports that imprisoned PTI women were being mistreated.
She said that total 15 women belonging to
the PTI had been arrested in Punjab in connection with the May 9 riots. Of
them, 11 were in Lahore’s jails and two others were in a Rawalpindi prison.
“No male jail staff can enter the
special women’s cell of the jails where these women were kept,” she said,
adding that the lady doctors, including the gynaecologists, were also attending
them accordingly.
The police officer said she had visited
the jail and met all the detained women, including fashion designer Khadija
Shah.
She said Ms Shah had been given medicine
for asthma and another woman had been given medicine for skin disease.
She said PTI leader Yasmin Rashid had
been allowed to meet the visitors since she was on judicial remand.
Source: dawn.com
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Building Bridges: President Ilham Aliyev
Fosters Genuine, Supportive Relations Between Jewish And Muslim Communities
Photo:
Business Lend
-----
31 May 2023
BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 31. Over the
course of the last 30 years, Azerbaijan and Israel have forged a strong and
friendly interstate relationship that has evolved into a strategic alliance.
This alliance is built upon a shared understanding and cooperation on various
international issues. The ties between the two countries have extended beyond
defense to encompass sectors such as energy, establishing a robust and
multifaceted partnership.
The highly significant visit of Israel's
President Isaac Herzog to Azerbaijan marks a historic milestone. This momentous
occasion is set to significantly accelerate the development of bilateral
relations across various spheres, underscoring its profound importance.
In a landmark move, Baku made a historic
announcement in November 2022 to establish an Azerbaijani Embassy in Tel Aviv.
This decision, which signifies the depth of relations between the two nations,
is a testament to the concerted efforts in building robust diplomatic ties.
Since then, the relationship between the two countries has flourished, paving
the way for enhanced cooperation and engagement.
Economic indicators reveal a significant
surge in bilateral trade turnover, reaching as high as $1.7 billion, which is a
considerable amount. In the forthcoming years, both nations will focus on
enhancing the diversification of trade turnover. Through the implementation of
collaborative projects, the trade balance will become more equitable, reducing
its reliance solely on the energy sector. However, it is worth noting that
Azerbaijan has remained a dependable supplier of crude to Israel for many
years, with a 40-percent share of Israel's total oil imports.
During the talks, both parties also
discussed the matter of broadening collaboration in the energy sector. There
are significant prospects for investment projects, including the establishment
of energy interconnectors and potential cooperative ventures in other
countries.
Moreover, according to the most recent
data, around 10-15 Israeli companies have already submitted applications
through the Israeli Embassy in Azerbaijan to participate in projects in
Karabakh. However, the actual number of companies interested in contributing to
the restoration of Azerbaijan's liberated lands is even greater. In addition to
green energy, Israel has a wealth of expertise to offer in various sectors
including water management, agriculture, health, innovation, and smart cities.
In addition to the thriving economic
cooperation, the bond between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Israel serves as a
remarkable model for the entire world, characterized by fruitful, sincere,
open, and amicable relations rooted in mutual respect and support. Cultural
ties between Azerbaijan and Israel continue to flourish. A notable example is
the focus on tourism sector development discussed during the meeting between
President IlhamAliyev and President Isaac Herzog. As a result of these talks,
it was agreed to promptly increase the number of flights between the two
countries, not only during the summer season but throughout the year.
This is particularly important in terms
of shedding light on the rich history and vibrant life of Azerbaijan's
centuries-old Jewish community, President IlhamAliyev said, while making joint
press statement with President Isaac Herzog.
“This is a big asset for our country.
Representatives of Jewish community, citizens of Azerbaijan, people who
contributed and contribute a lot to the modern development of our country. They
fought shoulder-to-shoulder with us, with all the other representatives of
ethnic groups in Azerbaijan for our independence, and for our territorial
integrity. And today this factor is important not only for successful
development of Azerbaijan, intercultural peace and friendship but also for our
bilateral relations. I know that Azerbaijani representatives who live in Israel
also play an important role in building bridges between our countries. We have
diaspora organizations of Azerbaijanis all over the world. But only in one
country, in Israel, they are predominantly consist of people of Jewish origin.
And this is really a demonstration that there is no distinction, no division
between us,” President IlhamAliyev said.
Another area that both the Presidents
highlighted was the issue of security, and cybersecurity in particular. The
cooperation in cybersecurity between Azerbaijan and Israel is a relatively
recent endeavor. However, it has been exceptionally dynamic recently. Today,
cybersecurity is a vital component of national security for every nation.
Undoubtedly, the extensive expertise of Israeli firms in this domain will prove
invaluable to Azerbaijan, encompassing the training of young professionals and
education. These elements will serve as fundamental factors in accomplishing
objectives and safeguarding the country against various threats.
The enduring partnership in the defense
industry between Azerbaijan and Israel has already demonstrated its
effectiveness. Azerbaijan has had access to advanced Israeli equipment in this
field for numerous years, enabling us to enhance defense capabilities and
safeguard statehood, values, national interests, and territorial integrity.
This longstanding cooperation has played a crucial role in modernizing
Azerbaijani defense capabilities.
As President Isaac Herzog said in its
press statement yesterday, Azerbaijan is making a huge impact in the world and
in the region. And, indeed, Azerbaijan has emerged as a prominent player in
global issues such as transport connectivity and energy security. In these
critical areas, Israel's expertise and advanced technology play a vital role.
By enhancing bilateral relations, Azerbaijan and Israel can unlock fresh
opportunities that will benefit not only their own nations but also the broader
region, paving the way for new horizons of cooperation.
Source: en.trend.az
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Chinese Muslims Surround Mosque To Keep
It From Being Torn Down in Yunnan Province In A Rare Display Of Defiance
The Hui
ethnic group in Najiaying village defied authorities to make a stand against
their local mosque's planned demolition
------
By George Styllis
30 May 2023
Muslim protesters surrounded a 13th
century mosque in China’s Yunnan province to keep it from being torn down by
authorities in a rare display of defiance.
Hundreds of police in riot gear fought
back members of the Hui ethnic group who had rallied around their local
Najiaying Mosque after residents reported the arrival of cranes to demolish it.
Residents threw rocks at the police who
responded by hitting them with batons.
“This is our last bit of dignity,” a
local witness told CNN. “It’s like coming to our house to demolish our home. We
can’t allow that to happen.”
The protest marks a rare escalation in
tensions between southern Muslims and the authorities whose apparent attempt to
tear down the mosque shows there is to be no let up in China’s bid to crack
down on religion.
Despite being officially atheist, China
has taken a tougher stance on Islam in particular. While these efforts have
largely concentrated on Xinjiang, an autonomous territory in north-west China,
other parts of the country with large Muslim populations have also been
targeted.
In Yunnan and other nearby provinces,
residents say nurseries, childcare centres and religious schools run by Hui
have been closed down. Mosques have also been destroyed, with authorities
removing prominent Islamic features such as domes and minarets from thousands
across the country.
In 2018, thousands of Hui in Ningxia
protested by sitting inside a newly-built mosque for three days to prevent its
demolition. Authorities backed down from destroying it, but erected traditional
Chinese-style pagodas in place of its domes and minarets. The Najiaying Mosque
was one of the last remaining intact.
It again attracted the ire of
authorities in 2020 after it installed a new domed roof and a number of
minarets. A court ruled that year that the additions were illegal and ordered
them to be removed.
On Sunday, worshippers were denied entry
to the mosque for noon prayer, leading to violent confrontations, CNN reported.
“After arriving at the mosque, we
realised that they had driven the cranes into the compound and were ready for
the forced demolition,” a source told CNN, adding that scaffolding had already
been erected around the mosque.
The protest is believed to have lasted
for several hours before police allowed people into the mosque. Residents
continued to surround the mosque over the weekend, fearing that authorities
would return.
Police in Tonghai County, where Nagu is
located, said dozens of protesters have been arrested and urged those remaining
to hand themselves in by June 6. It called the incident “a serious obstruction
of social management order” and called on people to “actively report”
protesters.
Protests are rare in China but Beijing’s
strict lockdown rules saw several break out. In Xinjiang, public anger boiled
over after a fatal fire in a high-rise building, prompting crowds to take to
the streets of the capital Urumqi and chant: “End the lockdown!”
Authorities began restricting the
freedoms of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang in 2017 and have since reportedly
arbitrarily detained more than a million Muslims in re-education camps.
In 2021, the UK said it “agrees that
there is compelling evidence of widespread and systematic human rights
violations occurring in Xinjiang. This includes the extra-judicial detention of
over a million Uyghur Muslims and other minorities in ‘political re-education
camps’ since 2017.”
Source: telegraph.co.uk
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https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/05/30/chinese-muslims-mosque-torn-down-najiaying-hui/
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Al-Azhar rejects Zionist ambition to
change status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque: Grand Imam to Palestinian PM
Grand Imam
of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayyeb met with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohamed
Shtayyeh. Photo: Al-Azhar Facebook page
-----
30 May 2023
El-Tayyeb made the remarks while meeting
with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohamed Shtayyeh during his official three-day
visit to Egypt, Al-Azhar said in a statement.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is fully
Islamic, El-Tayyeb said, affirming that any temporal and spatial division of
the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound will not be accepted.
The United Nations and several Arab
countries worldwide, including Egypt, have repeatedly affirmed the need to
maintain the status quo at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem.
The decades-old status quo allows
non-Muslims to visit the mosque compound, whereas none but Muslim worshippers
are allowed to pray there.
However, Jewish visitors have constantly
defied the status accord, with some activists demanding that Jews should be
allowed to visit the sacred site and pray in it. The Israeli government has,
however, denied that it had plans to change the status quo at the mosque
compound.
“Speaking about this division [of
Al-Aqsa Mosque compound] is absurdity, falsification and extension of the
Zionist behaviour that is based on falsifying facts, usurping rights and lands,
and attempting to change the historical status quo of Jerusalem and its Islamic
and Christian features,” the grand imam stated.
Al-Azhar will continue to shed light on
the suffering of the Palestinian people and expose the Israeli crimes,
El-Tayyeb said.
“Has the time not come to arouse the
conscience of Arabs and for them to unite in the face of the daily crimes
committed by the Zionists against the Palestinian people?” he said.
The grand imam also called for the
international community to take action against Zionist terrorism against the
Palestinian people, who have suffered from the longest-ever occupation in
modern history.
Meanwhile, Al-Azhar will continue to
support the Palestinian people by all means and rehabilitate the Palestinian
cadres in medicine, health, Da’wah and education, said El-Tayyeb.
Establishing Al-Azhar Institute in
Jerusalem
El-Tayyeb instructed that studies be
made for establishing more Al-Azhar institutes in Palestine, including
establishing an institute in Jerusalem, to serve the Palestinian people.
He stated that Al-Azhar was ready to
provide the institute, which will be established in Jerusalem, with teachers,
administrators and other requirements, adding that Al-Azhar would bear all the
costs.
The grand imam also welcomed the
training of Palestinian imams at the Al-Azhar International Academy for
Training Imams and Preachers (AIATIP), expressing Al-Azhar’s readiness to
receive successive groups of Palestinian imams.
For his part, PM Shtayyeh expressed appreciation
for Al-Azhar grand imam’s great efforts to defend the Palestinian cause and
people. He also praised the imam’s upright stance on the rights of the
Palestinian people.
The Palestinian premier also praised the
“deeply rooted” relations between Palestine and Al-Azhar and the Islamic
learning seat’s efforts to support the Palestinian students enrolling in its
schools and universities.
Source: english.ahram.org.eg
Please click
the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/501951.aspx
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Arab World
Criminally Good: ‘The Black Rose’ Show
At City Walk Wows Audiences In Jeddah
May 30, 2023
JEDDAH: “The Black Rose” show at City
Walk in Jeddah puts audiences up close and personal with the thrilling and
action-packed world of organized crime.
From modern classics like “The
Godfather” by Mario Puzo to the hit TV series “Peaky Blinders” and “The
Sopranos,” Western pop culture has carved out a genre that is fascinated by the
sordid and adventurous criminal lifestyle.
“The Black Rose” brings that experience
to the stage through an immersive live performance that depicts street wars
between gangs and gives audiences a look at the dauntless world of cinematic
stunts.
In the production, a fierce conflict
erupts between two gangster families in Detroit, resulting in a sequence of
events involving gunfights, explosions and fires.
The spectacle takes place over a massive
set that includes three buildings, classic cars and a cast wearing detailed
costumes that emulate the early to mid-20th century. It has attracted huge
crowds of all ages and nationalities eager to witness the enthralling
experience.
The show’s Italian director Filippo
Scortichini told Arab News that “The Black Rose” was exclusively designed for
Saudi Arabia’s National Events Center.
“We want to take the audience to Chicago
in the 1930s through the atmosphere created, so we used the original cars of
1930 from Italy and we took the same firearms, as we wanted to reflect the
Mafia and what they do at night,” he said.
Three Saudis are among the 25-member
cast and crew of stunt performers.
One of them, 23-year-old actor Mohammed
Adel, said: “It is my first time performing in such a huge outdoor theater and
with international performers. It is such an honor.
“I have learned so many things from this
experience. Although we are taking part in the same show, each one of us was
keen to deliver their part in their own special way and that taught me a lot.”
Adel said the performers were also
introduced to Saudi theater.
“I explained many things about our
acting style here in Saudi and we both are very delighted to go through such an
experience.”
Adel has been acting since the age of 18
and has mostly performed in Saudi and historical productions.
Amani Al-Zahrany, who saw the production
recently, described the visual effects as “thrilling and daring.”
“The Black Rose” runs until June 6 and
there are two performances per day, at 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Up to 1,200
people per show can be accommodated and screens transmit Arabic translations to
the audience.
The City Walk recreational area is the
largest under the Jeddah Events Calendar. It has 10 entertainment sub-zones and
hosts events suitable for all age groups. To find out more go to
saudievents.sa.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2313151/saudi-arabia
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Saudi citizen’s kidnapping adds new
chapter to Lebanon’s chronicle of crime and impunity
May 31, 2023
JEDDAH: Despite the record-fast rescue
by Lebanese security services on Tuesday of a kidnapped Saudi citizen, the
incident comes as yet another reminder of the many heists, abductions and
hijackings that have plagued the Arab country since the 1970s.
Mashari Al-Mutairi, an employee of Saudi
Arabia’s Saudia airlines who lived in the Beirut suburb of Aramoun, was
abducted at about 3 a.m. on Sunday. The Lebanese Army’s intelligence
directorate found and freed him after a security operation on the border with
Syria.
He was received at the Saudi Embassy in
Beirut by Ambassador Walid Bukhari, who said in a statement: “The released
Saudi citizen is in good health, and we thank the army and internal security forces.
The security efforts confirm the Lebanese authorities’ keenness to secure
tourism security.”
News of Al-Mutairi’s abduction will have
come as little surprise to millions of Lebanese who have endured decades of
similar disappearances, hostage situations and armed robberies — crimes that
are again on the rise as the nation grapples with chronic economic woes.
In the first 10 months of 2021, the
number of car thefts rose by 212 percent, robberies by 266 percent and murders
by 101 percent compared to the same period of 2019, according to figures from
International Information, an independent consultancy based in Beirut.
Ever since the 1975-90 civil war,
Lebanon has been a transit, source and destination country for arms
trafficking. These same networks are today used to move stolen goods, control
the black market and facilitate the burgeoning drugs trade — many of them
controlled by the armed Shiite group Hezbollah, which continues to dominate
Lebanese public life.
“Any country that has a non-state actor within
it is considered a ‘failed state,’” Salman Al-Ansari, a Saudi political
researcher, told Arab News. “Lebanon has never been this dominated by a militia
that works for an outside power.
“The crime, drug smuggling, economic
collapse, currency decline are only symptoms of the actual root problem, which
is the lack of national sovereignty. There is no point in rectifying the
symptoms as long as the actual root problem exists. It’s like hoping to treat a
serious illness with a painkiller.
“Lebanon should change course and
realize that their future is very dark if they allow a non-state actor to
dictate its trajectory.”
Events in Lebanon today have echoes of
the bad old days of the 1980s, when kidnappings, torture, murder and drug
trafficking reached endemic proportions against the backdrop of the civil war,
which devastated the country.
Back then, Westerners were common
targets. In 1982, pro-Iran extremists kidnapped Davis S. Dodge, then president
of American University in Beirut, from the university campus. He was flown to a
prison near Tehran and held until his release a year later.
In 1984, Dodge’s successor as president
of the AUB, Dr. Malcolm Kerr, was shot dead by two gunmen outside his office.
The Islamic Jihad Organization claimed responsibility for the killing, citing
the US military presence in Lebanon as its motive.
The same year, William Francis Buckley,
a CIA operative working at the US Embassy in Beirut, was kidnapped by Hezbollah
and later murdered. One of the reasons for his abduction was thought to be the
upcoming trial of 17 Iran-backed militants in Kuwait.
Several times during this period, whole
planeloads of people were taken hostage. In 1984, a Kuwait Airways flight from
Kuwait City to Karachi, Pakistan, was hijacked by four Lebanese and diverted to
Tehran.
Due to unmet demands, the hijackers shot
and killed American passengers Charles Hegna and William Stanford, both of whom
were officials from the US Agency for International Development, before dumping
their bodies on the tarmac.
Less than a year later, on June 14,
1985, TWA Flight 847 was hijacked soon after taking off from Athens. For three
days, the plane went to and from Algiers and Beirut. US Navy diver Robert
Stethem was murdered aboard the flight.
Dozens of passengers were held hostage
over the next two weeks until they were finally released by their captors after
some of their demands were met. The hijackers had demanded the release of 700
Shiite Muslims from Israeli custody.
Western analysts accused Hezbollah of
hijacking the plane, a claim the group rejected.
In 1987, British humanitarian and
hostage negotiator Terry Waite traveled to Beirut to negotiate with the IJO,
which had taken several hostages. However, he was himself abducted by the group
and remained in captivity for 1,763 days — the first four years of which he
spent in solitary confinement.
A year later, Col. William Higgins, a US
marine serving with the UN forces in South Lebanon, was kidnapped and murdered
by a Hezbollah-aligned splinter group of the Al-Amal movement, “Believers
Resistance.”
Although Lebanon is no longer in the
grip of outright civil war, the financial crisis which began in 2019, combined
with the political class’s failure to establish a new government, have created
an environment of growing lawlessness and desperation.
Indeed, there are indications that the
kidnapping of Al-Mutairi could have been orchestrated by a criminal
organization with a hand in the production and trade of the amphetamine
Captagon, which blights the entire region.
Lebanese news station MTV reported in
recent days that a drug dealer known as Abu Salle, who is described as one of
the region’s most prominent cartel bosses, was behind Al-Mutairi’s kidnapping.
The Lebanese Army raid of a Captagon
factory in connection with the kidnapping lends weight to this theory.
Although Lebanese officials were quick
to condemn the kidnapping, there are concerns the incident could hamper efforts
to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, which have long been
strained by the influence of Hezbollah.
However, Al-Ansari is confident the
kidnapping will not obstruct progress on normalization.
“This could be considered a small
obstacle in the way, but at the end of the day, Saudi Arabia is committed to
having Lebanon back to the Arab fold in a way that it can have its own
sovereignty away from Iranian hegemony,” he said.
In March, Saudi Arabia and Iran restored
diplomatic relations under a Chinese-mediated deal. How this new arrangement
will impact the activities of Iran’s proxy forces throughout the region,
however, remains ill-defined.
“It is still unclear what the Chinese
mediation between Saudi Arabia and Iran will result in with regard to the
Lebanese file,” Al-Ansari said. “It will de-escalate the tension, but it will
not solve the problem overnight.”
Although Lebanon is a long way from
reaching stability, Al-Ansari believes Saudi Arabia “will work hard with the
highest level of government in Lebanon to find a way to have political and
economic reforms, combat corruption and drug smuggling, and have the right kind
of governance.”
International observers warned of a
potential power vacuum after long-time president Michel Aoun left power in
October. To this day, Lebanon’s parliament has yet to elect a new president,
prolonging the nation’s political paralysis.
“The Saudi ambassador to Beirut has been
vocal and supportive in finding a solution to the power vacuum and pushing for
reforms and appointing a government, because at the end of the day, Saudi
Arabia can’t provide anything if there is no actual solidified government in
Beirut,” Al-Ansari said.
“Saudi Arabia doesn’t want anything from
Lebanon except for it to be politically stable and prosperous. It will take a
long time to accomplish these goals, but at the end of the day, it’s up to the
Lebanese to decide their future, and the Saudis will be helping them with
whatever they can.”
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2313241/saudi-arabia
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Sudan crisis sparks EU fears of
‘spillover’ to other nations
May 30, 2023
RIYADH: The EU envoy to the Horn of
Africa has hailed Saudi-US efforts to end the violence in Sudan but warned that
the ongoing fighting continues to threaten regional stability.
In an interview with Arab News on Monday
Annette Weber, the EU Special Representative, said that the risk of a
“spillover” of violence was clear.
Weber arrived in Riyadh on Saturday to
discuss the Sudan crisis with officials from the Foreign Ministry and
representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
“The focus was on Sudan and the current
engagement of Saudi Arabia and the US in Jeddah with the two generals,” Weber
said in reference to preliminary talks between the rival Sudanese Armed Forces
and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
She said that a solution would not be
found without the Saudi and US efforts to get them talking.
“The focus was really on the question,
‘how can we get to a comprehensive agreement?’ A peace agreement. There’s clear
support from the EU member states for this engagement and for these
negotiations.”
While she acknowledged that gaining a
permanent ceasefire might be considered “far-fetched” at this point, she hoped
at least for a cessation of hostilities in order to allow aid shipments to Khartoum
and beyond.
“We all made it very clear that the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the US are doing this first step. The
‘pre-negotiation’ as they call it, for a ceasefire, opening a window for
humanitarian (aid),” she said.
However, she warned that the violence
could easily spread across the Horn of Africa without a firmer agreement in
place.
“We need to contain the conflict in
Sudan. I think this is very clear and I think … the faster they can agree in
Jeddah to have at least a ceasefire or cessation of hostility, the less likely
the spillover is going to be,” she said.
“But the risk of spillover is clear.
We’ve seen people crossing ... We’ve seen the risk of the conflict crossing
into Chad, into South Sudan.
“We see a lot of refugees crossing into
Egypt and into neighboring countries. The region is very volatile. The risk of
having an arc of instability between the Sahel and the Red Sea is serious.
“And for us as the EU, of course, it's
our neighbor. It's our neighborhood. So to contain the conflict and to end the
conflict is imperative.”
According to the UN, nearly 1.4 million
Sudanese have fled their homes since fighting began on April 15. Of those,
330,000 have crossed over to a neighboring country. To this day, Saudi Arabia
has helped more 8,200 people from more than 100 nationalities leave Sudan on
evacuation flights.
Saudi Arabia and the US urged the
warring sides to work toward a ceasefire and welcomed the start of
pre-negotiation talks in Jeddah on May 6.
Both sides agreed to a temporary
ceasefire on May 20. However, the deal fell apart almost immediately as
fighting continued in Khartoum and beyond. Saudi Arabia and the US said both
sides had a hand in its breakdown.
The EU representative said that the
efforts to support Sudan’s neighboring countries were “ongoing.”
“We are very much engaged in Chad and
South Sudan. It’s an ongoing effort. The EU has one of the biggest donors and
humanitarian efforts in Sudan now and before the war,” she said. “So we will
continue on this. That’s very clear.”
During her visit to the Kingdom, Weber
also met the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council JasemAlbudaiwi
to discuss regional cooperation and security.
“It is necessary for all of us: The EU,
Saudi Arabia, UN, and everyone, to cooperate and coordinate the relief efforts
and the humanitarian efforts,” she said, adding that the GCC was an “important
counterpart” in the region.
“I think we are aligned in the situation
in Sudan,” she added.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2313226/saudi-arabia
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Saudi Arabia’s KAUST hosts Global
Sustainable Development Congress
May 30, 2023
RIYADH: King Abdullah University of
Science and Technology is hosting the Times Higher Education Global Sustainable
Development Congress, the Saudi Press Agency has reported.
The event, which runs until June 1,
gathers more than 1,000 researchers and innovators from leading universities in
the region, as well as government agencies in Saudi Arabia.
Tony Chan, KAUST’s president, said that
the university’s hosting of the forum aims to establish new partnerships among
participants, while urging universities to focus their educational, research,
innovative, and awareness initiatives on generating tangible and influential
results.
Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih
is one of the speakers at the event, delivering a speech on “Investment in
Transformation” in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Falih said that the conference was an
excellent opportunity for reviewing efforts, innovative methods and research
expertise in the field of international sustainability, as well as boosting
cooperation between the Kingdom and international partners.
Several CEOs of important international
companies are also expected to speak at the event.
A panel discussion, “Shaping Global Food
Systems,” is also on the agenda, organized by the UN Global Compact network in
Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2313216/saudi-arabia
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Fashion forward: Kingdom launches
training programs with Paris institute
May 30, 2023
RIYADH: More than 50 aspiring designers
and would-be fashion entrepreneurs from across the Kingdom are being given the
chance to make their dreams come true with two new training programs launched
by the Fashion Commission in cooperation with the French Institute of Fashion
in Paris.
The first of the courses is the Fashion
Executive Business Certificate, which starts in June and aims to provide 30
students with a range of practical skills needed to succeed in the fashion
business.
The program comprises six hours of
digital courses over a period of two weeks, followed by eight days of training
in Paris and six days in Riyadh in October.
The students will learn about marketing,
business strategy, and retail and financial management, and get the chance to
visit fashion houses and meet influential figures from the industry. They will
also present their work to experts from the two organizing bodies.
The second element is the Fashion Design
course, which is an advanced program presented by industry experts from some of
the world’s top fashion houses. It aims to give 24 Saudi designers a cultural
experience as well as helping them hone their technical skills.
The course runs for three weeks and is
based entirely at the French Institute of Fashion. The participants will study
production techniques, materials, 3D drawing, planning and printing, with the
ultimate aim of producing an original work.
Once they have completed and produced
their designs, the garments will be professionally photographed and appraised
by a team of experts. At the end of the program, the trainees will be awarded a
certificate from the French Institute of Fashion.
Fashion Commission CEO BurakChakmak
said: “We value supporting and encouraging local creative people to help them
establish distinguished fashion brands in Saudi Arabia.
“Undoubtedly, these new programs will
contribute to preparing designers and honing their skills, enabling them to
flourish locally and globally.”
The courses would “provide trainees with
an opportunity to join a world-leading fashion institute, have an enriching
experience in Paris and meet experts in the field and learn from them,” he
said.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2313116/saudi-arabia
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Saudi deputy minister attends Nigerian
president’s inauguration
May 30, 2023
On behalf of King Salman, Deputy Foreign
Minister Waleed Elkhereiji recently attended the inauguration of Bola Ahmed
Tinubu as president of Nigeria.
The minister conveyed the greetings and
congratulations of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the
Nigerian leader, as well as their wishes for the government and people of the
African nation for further progress, growth and prosperity.
Thousands of Nigerians and several heads
of government attended Tinubu’s swearing-in ceremony in the nation’s capital,
Abuja. He succeeds Muhammadu Buhari as president.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2313186/saudi-arabia
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Pakistan
Pakistan: 5 Army Personnel Injured in
Explosion in North Waziristan
May 31, 2023
At least five Pakistani army forces and
a child were injured in a roadside bomb explosion that took place in the Khadi
area of North Waziristan on Tuesday, police said.
According to local sources, the
Pakistani army and security forces have surrounded the area and are searching
for the attackers.
The army has not yet commented about the
terror incident, however, police has said to local media that the attack
targeted a military vehicle while patrolling the area.
The victims of the incident have been
moved to Mir Ali Hospital, a tribal area close to the Afghanistan border where
the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has significant influence.
Pakistani security forces have been
persistently targeted by insurgent groups in Mir Ali and Miran Shah regions. It
is reported that lately, the militant fighters have launched attacks against
the country’s security forces using sophisticated weapons.
Since the outlawed TTP ended its
unilateral ceasefire with the Pakistani government in November last year, the
militant group has intensified its attacks across Pakistan, resulting in the
death and injury of scores of civilians and military personnel.
Though a separate group, the TTP remains
a close ally to the Taliban, which took over Afghanistan in August 2021
following the withdrawal of US and NATO forces from the country after two
decades of war.
Security remains a major challenge for
the coalition government as Pakistan is already grappling with economic crises
and political issues.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/pakistan-5-army-personnel-injured-in-explosion-in-north-waziristan/
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Prime minister snubs PTI chief’s offer
for negotiations, again
May 31, 2023
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
on Tuesday rejected outright Imran Khan’s offer to hold talks in the backdrop
of May 9 riots and violent protests staged by the PTI.
Rejecting the option of negotiations
with Mr Khan’s party, the PM said those who were involved in destroying public
and private property on May 9 should be held accountable for their anti-state
actions.
“Dialogue is a key to evolving democracy
but it cannot be held with ‘anarchists and arsonists’ in the garb of
politicians,” the premier said in a tweet.
His statement comes just days after Mr
Khan appealed to the powers that be for immediate talks with state officials.
In the past, he had called the incumbent
rulers “thieves” and categorically announced that he would never sit with them
for dialogue.
The prime minister, in his tweet,
admitted that dialogue was deeply embedded in the political process, which
helps democracy mature and evolve. He said many political and constitutional
breakthroughs occurred when political leaders sat across the table to craft a
consensus.
“However, there is a major difference
here, the anarchists and arsonists who wear the garb of politicians and attack
the symbols of the state do not qualify for a dialogue,” he added.
PM Shehbaz was of the opinion that such
people should rather be held to account for their militant actions, terming it
a prevalent practice even in developed democracies.
Military court trial for Imran?
Separately, in an appearance on DawnNews
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah accused Mr Khan of personally planning the
attacks on military installations before his arrest on May 9, adding that there
was evidence to prove this as well.
When asked if Imran would be tried in
the military court, Mr Sanaullah said: “Absolutely, why shouldn’t he? The
programme that he made to target the military installations and then had it
executed, in my understanding absolutely is a case of a military court.”
Dawn.com reported that the interior
minister accused the PTI chief of personally orchestrating the riots.
“[The evidence] is documented, it is in
tweets and his messages,” he added.
When asked how Mr Khan was able to
communicate with his party leaders even from jail, the interior minister
replied: “All this [planning] was decided before he went [to jail] that ‘who
will do what and where. And when he is arrested, what would be the strategy and
duties’. All of this was decided.”
Source: dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1756993/prime-minister-snubs-pti-chiefs-offer-for-negotiations-again
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PIA aircraft stopped in Malaysia for
‘unpaid dues’
May 31, 2023
RAWALPINDI: A Boeing 777 aircraft of
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was stopped at Kuala Lumpur International
Airport over a legal dispute.
The aircraft’s leasing company had
approached a local court on claims that the airline owed it $4.5 million.
The claim has been disputed by the PIA,
which stated that it owned the aircraft and the leasing company only owned one
of the mounted engines.
PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez Khan added
that the actual dues stood at $1.8m, which have been paid to the company.
The claim submitted by the company to
seek the impounding order was ‘incorrect’ and PIA has engaged its legal team in
Kuala Lumpur to contest the matter in court, the spokesperson added.
The passengers of the said flight have
been accommodated on an alternative aircraft, while the disputed Boeing 777
will also operate as a normal commercial flight from Kuala Lumpur, the PIA
spokesman concluded.
This is the second dispute that resulted
in the seizure of a PIA aircraft in Malaysia.
In January 2021, another Boeing 777 was
held back for two weeks over a case involving $14 million in unpaid dues.
Source: dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1756992/pia-aircraft-stopped-in-malaysia-for-unpaid-dues
--------
106 accounts blocked over ‘anti-state’
activities
May 31, 2023
ISLAMABAD: Over 100 social media
accounts have been blocked for promoting sectarianism, anti-state, terrorist,
and anti-Islam activities, at the request of the capital police.
Police officers said that, so far, 106
social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have been blocked
through the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
The step was taken in response to the
findings of the Provisional of Violent Extremism Unit (PVE) of capital police’s
Counterterrorism Department (CTD), police officers said.
“The PVE is monitoring the individual’s
social media accounts involved in different illegal activities, including
sectarianism, anti-state, terrorism, and anti-Islam.”
So far, the unit had recommended to
block 203 accounts — 164 Twitter, 38 Facebook, and one YouTube, of which 106
had been blocked by now, the officers said.
In this regard, separate requests were
sent by the Counterterrorism Department to the FIA for the closure of each
account with the details, along with screenshots of illegal activities.
Source: dawn.com
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.dawn.com/news/1756983
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Belarus offers cooperation in
agricultural sector to Pakistan
May 31, 2023
Pakistan and Belarus have desired to
build a comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnership that contributes to
the prosperity and wellbeing of the people of the two countries.
Addressing a joint news conference along
with his Belarusian counterpart Sergei Aleinik, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto
Zardari said we have mutually agreed to transform the profound goodwill shared
between our governments and people into a tangible cooperation across various
domains.
The Pakistan Foreign Minister said the
long term goals for Pakistan-Belarus partnership include strengthening economic
ties, expanding trade and commerce, fostering scientific collaboration,
enhancing defence cooperation, promoting cultural exchanging and deepening
people to people contacts.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said one key
outcome of this visit is the signing of an agreement between the governments of
Pakistan and Belarus on the abolition of visas for the holders of diplomatic
and official passports.
He said this landmark agreement will
facilitate travel and exchanges between our two countries.
He further said that an agreement was
also signed between the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and Belarus
Institute of Strategic studies.
The Foreign Minister said Pakistan is
committed to maintaining high level engagements and visits with Belarus to
further strengthen our bilateral relations and building trade.
He said both Pakistan and Belarus will
celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations
next year.
Speaking on the occasion, Belarusian
Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik said enhancing trade and economic cooperation
is of utmost importance for both the countries.
He said Pakistan has great potential for
investment and business activities.
Sergei Aleinik said Belarus is committed
to further develop and fortify the existing sustainable relations with
Pakistan.
He offered his country's cooperation in
the agricultural sector.
Source: radio.gov.pk
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https://www.radio.gov.pk/31-05-2023/pakistan-belarus-agree-to-enhance-bilateral-cooperation-in-agriculture
--------
Govt introduces number of policy
initiatives to bring stability in economy: Dar
May 31, 2023
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar says the
current government has introduced a number of policy initiatives to bring
stability and growth in the economy and improving ease of doing business.
He said this while talking to a
delegation of an international beverage company led by Eugene Willemsen, CEO
Africa, Middle East and South Asia in Islamabad.
He assured the delegation of
government's efforts to support the company for expanding its business and
investment in the country.
Eugene Willemsen expressed his
confidence in investment conducive environment of the country.
Source: radio.gov.pk
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https://www.radio.gov.pk/31-05-2023/govt-takes-initiatives-to-bring-stabilize-economy-dar
--------
Europe
France threatens to ban US social media
network in EU over disinformation rules
30 May 2023
France has threatened to ban Twitter
from the European Union if the American social media network fails to abide by
new disinformation regulations in the bloc.
On Tuesday, France's Digital Transition
and Telecommunications Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the European bloc could
not take the risk of a network such as Twitter because it is what he called a
hub of disinformation supporters.
"Disinformation is one of the
gravest threats weighing on our democracies,” he said on French radio network
France Info, warning, "Twitter, if it repeatedly doesn’t follow our rules,
will be banned from the EU."
The EU’s incoming Digital Services Act,
which enforces new rules on social media, will go into effect on August 25.
Barrot’s threat comes two days after the
EU Internal Market Commissioner announced that Elon Musk’s Twitter had
withdrawn from the bloc’s voluntary code to curb disinformation online, which
other Silicon Valley companies like Meta, parent of Facebook and Instagram,
Google and Microsoft have pledged to follow.
Musk has time and again claimed in
interviews that now there is less misinformation on Twitter since he bought the
site for $44 billion back in October.
All sites found in violation of the
Digital Services Act face fines of up to six percent of the site’s annual
revenue.
Source: presstv.ir
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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2023/05/30/704404/France-threatens-to-ban-Twitter-in-EU-over-disinformation-rules
--------
Germany arrests 7 alleged members of
network that helped finance Islamic State
31-05-23
BERLIN (AP) — Seven people were arrested
in raids across Germany on Wednesday against alleged members of a network that
helped finance the Islamic State extremist group’s activities in Syria,
prosecutors said.
The suspects — four women and three men,
with German, Turkish, Moroccan and Kosovo citizenship — were arrested in five
German states, while investigators searched 19 properties in Germany and one in
the Netherlands, federal prosecutors said in a statement. The suspects are
accused of supporting a foreign terrorist organization and, in some cases, of
violating export laws.
Prosecutors allege that the suspects
were “financial intermediaries” in a network in which two supporters of IS in
Syria had sought donations for the group via Telegram since 2020. They
allegedly collected and helped transfer donations.
The money was used to strengthen IS and
in particular to improve supplies to members of the group held at two camps in
northern Syria, prosecutors said. In some cases, they added, the money enabled
inmates to flee or be smuggled out of the Al-Hol and Roj camps.
At least 65,000 euros (nearly $70,000)
in total were transferred to Syria by the financing network, according to
prosecutors.
Wednesday’s arrests were linked to
numerous other investigations of people accused of donating to the network, in
which more than 90 other properties were being searched, they added.
Source: apnews.com
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https://apnews.com/article/germany-islamic-state-extremism-arrests-syria-8cc588bebc48f716c1d3aef55ec2ac36
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Islamist terror suspect seeks asylum in
Ireland after fleeing Russian authorities
30-05-23
Asuspected Islamic terrorist who fled
authorities in Russia has sought asylum in Ireland. The man faces allegations
of membership of a jihadist group which has been active in Syria and the North
Caucasus region in Russia.
His presence in Ireland emerged in legal
proceedings where he successfully challenged a tribunal decision to deny him
international protection here.
The High Court ruled there had been an
error in law by the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (Ipat) when
dealing with his application, which has now been remitted to the tribunal for
fresh consideration. The case has illustrated the caution with which some Irish
judges treat documents emanating from Russian authorities.
The man has denied claims by Russia’s
Federal Security Service, the FSB, that he was a member of the Imarat Kavkaz
terrorist group, whose aim is to expel Russia from the North Caucasus and establish
an Islamic emirate.
The group, also known as Imarat Caucasus
or Caucasus Emirate, was designated a terrorist organisation by Russia in 2010,
by the United Nations and the United States a year later, and by the United
Kingdom in 2013.
The UN associated it with Al-Qaeda,
finding it participated in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or
perpetrating of Islamic terrorism activities and has noted its aim to spread an
extremist ideology through armed combat and terror.
The High Court did not disclose when or
how the man came to Ireland. Russian authorities had been pursuing criminal
proceedings against him at the time.
In the man’s application for asylum, he
claimed he was falsely accused by the FSB of travelling to Syria. He also
claimed terror accusations were made against him because he failed to
co-operate with them.
The man claimed that if he is returned
to Russia, he will be sent to prison for a considerable period and that the FSB
would engineer his death and report it as a suicide or a heart attack.
Details of how and when the man arrived
in Ireland were not disclosed by the court.
Ipat found the man had a well-founded
fear of persecution on the grounds of religion and membership of his social
group and there was a reasonable chance he would be persecuted if returned to
Russia.
However, it rejected his application
after concluding there were “serious reasons” to consider he had committed a
“serious non-political crime” prior to his arrival in Ireland.
Mr Justice Garrett Simons, who heard the
appeal, found the decision was invalid and that Ipat had treated the man as an
actual terrorist rather than a suspected one.
Russian documents relied on by the
tribunal included a search warrant and a resolution to initiate criminal
proceedings. The judge said Ipat had mistakenly treated these documents as
“clear and reliable information” on the issue of criminal liability.
The judge also noted a US State
Department report from 2021 found there were credible reports authorities in
Russia detained and prosecuted individuals for political reasons. The report
said charges usually applied in politically motivated cases included terrorism,
extremism, separatism and espionage.
Mr Justice Simons said that while Ipat
was satisfied the man had a well-founded fear of persecution, it appeared
unwilling to contemplate that there was a risk the same authorities might
fabricate charges or falsify evidence.
Get ahead of the day with the morning
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Source: msn.com
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https://www.msn.com/en-ie/news/world/islamist-terror-suspect-seeks-asylum-in-ireland-after-fleeing-russian-authorities/ar-AA1bUOH2?li=BBr5MK2
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Russian colonel 'killed by Islamic
State' in Syria's Homs province
30 May, 2023
A Russian colonel stationed in Syria was
killed in a roadside attack by the Islamic State (IS) group in the countryside
to the east of Homs, Russian media reported over the weekend.
The military officer was hit by one of
IS's "most significant recent attacks" in the region, Russian
military blogger Rybar said of the news on his Telegram account.
The colonel was named as Oleg
Pechevisty; he had been deployed to Syria months earlier to carry out
"special tasks", according to Rybar.
Pechevisty was killed on the night of
May 25 to 26, said the local administration of his hometown of Poporozhsky in
its announcement of his death.
Hundreds of IS fighters are camped in
desolate areas of Syria where neither the US-led coalition nor the Syrian
regime of President Bashar al-Assad exert full control.
Russia intervened in the war in Syria in
2015, tipping the balance in President Bashar Al-Assad's favour. Moscow has
since expanded its military facilities in the country with a permanent air
base, and also has a naval base.
More than 500,000 people have been
killed in Syria's 12-year-old conflict and millions more are displaced, mostly
as a result of Syrian regime and Russian bombardment of civilian areas. Many
cities and villages have been left in ruins, and the country is living its
worst ever economic crisis.
Source: newarab.com
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https://www.newarab.com/news/russian-colonel-killed-islamic-state-syrias-homs
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Ukraine imposes sectoral sanctions
against the Islamic Republic of Iran
MAY 30, 2023
By HANNA SHTEPA
On 29 May 2023, the Ukrainian Parliament
approved the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine
to introduce sectoral special economic and other restrictive measures
(sanctions) against the Islamic Republic of Iran.[1]
The sanctions will apply for 50 years
and provide for the following:
prohibition on trade operations with
military and dual-use goods with residents of the Islamic Republic of Iran — if
the international transfers of such goods are subject to the controls in
Ukraine
prohibition on trade operations with
services related to the supply, sale, transfer, production or use of military
and dual-use goods with residents of the Islamic Republic of Iran — if the
international transfers of such goods are subject to the controls in Ukraine
ban on the transit of resources, flights
and transportation within the territory of Ukraine related to the operations
specified in paragraphs (i) and (ii) above by residents of the Islamic Republic
of Iran
suspension of the performance of
financial and economic obligations under the operations specified in paragraphs
(i) and (ii) above in favor of residents of the Islamic Republic of Iran
restriction on the exit of capital from
Ukraine by residents of the Islamic Republic of Iran
prohibition on the transfer of
technologies and on the rights to objects of intellectual property rights to
the residents of the Islamic Republic of Iran
prohibition on investments in or in
favor of the Islamic Republic of Iran
suspension of the service of electronic
means of payment (including transfers, settlements and cash withdrawals) issued
by the Islamic Republic of Iran
cancellation of the registration by the
National Bank of Ukraine of: (i) the international payment system — if its
operator is the Islamic Republic of Iran; (ii) a participant of the
international payment system — if the operator of the international payment
system is the Islamic Republic of Iran; and (iii) a participant (resident of
the Islamic Republic of Iran) of the international payment system — if the operator
of the international payment system is a resident of Ukraine
Source: sanctionsnews.bakermckenzie.com
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https://sanctionsnews.bakermckenzie.com/ukraine-imposes-sectoral-sanctions-against-the-islamic-republic-of-iran/
--------
Russia issues arrest warrant for
Sen.Graham over celebrating Russian deaths
30 May 2023
Russia has issued an arrest warrant for
Lindsey Graham after the US senator was caught on tape celebrating the deaths
of Russian soldiers in the Ukraine war.
The warrant was issued by Russia after a
video released by Ukrainian President VolodymyrZelensky's office highlighted
comments Graham made at a meeting with the Ukrainian president last week.
The ministry followed up by issuing a
warrant for his arrest as indicated Monday by its official record of wanted
criminal suspects.
The Investigative Committee, Russia's
top criminal investigation agency, has also moved to open a criminal inquiry
against Graham, a Republican from South Carolina.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on
Sunday hit back at Graham's provocative remarks, saying the Republican lawmaker
is a "shame" to the United States. “It is difficult to imagine a
greater shame for the country than to have such senators.”
Graham made the remarks during his third
visit to Ukraine since Russia launched its "special military
operation" in Ukraine in February 2022.
The video, which was recently posted by
the Ukrainian president’s office, appeared to show Graham applauding Russian
deaths. The video clip shows Graham meeting with Zelensky and discussing US
military assistance to Ukraine. At one point in the clip, Graham can be heard
saying: “The Russians are dying. It’s the best money we ever spent.”
At the meeting, Graham also called on
his government to increase its military aid as US President Joe Biden announced
his decision to support the delivery of much sought F-16 fighter jets to
Ukraine.
US senator dismisses criticism
Graham in a statement has dismissed the
criticism and lashed out at what he called the “Russian propaganda machine.”
The senator claimed that what he told Zelensky was that “it has been a good
investment by the United States to help liberate Ukraine.”
Meanwhile, Reuters claimed that the
published video was edited and there were no links between the remarks about
Russians dying and US financial aid.
Responding to the Reuters article,
Russia’s Foreign Ministry, however, has dismissed the “cynical attempts” to
justify Graham’s “cannibalistic” statements. The ministry suggested that the
outlet was conducting “crisis management” on behalf of the senator and
providing “ridiculous and shameful excuses” after his “Russophobic” statements.
“Attempts to justify such statements are
doomed to fail. It is already impossible to whitewash such words, even if they
were uttered separately,” the ministry said, noting that this isn’t the first
time Graham has made such remarks. Similar comments have also been uttered by
other US and Ukrainian officials.
The ministry accused Reuters of damaging
its reputation with its “cowardly excuses and ridiculous attempts to shield
Lindsey Graham” and suggested that the outlet was not conducting journalism,
but acting as a PR agency carrying out the orders of the “collective West.”
Graham is among more than 200 US members
of Congress whom Moscow banned last year from entering Russia.
Last year, Graham called for
"somebody in Russia" to kill President Vladimir Putin. He said it
would be "a great service" to the country and the world.
Russian politicians have condemned
Graham's remarks as 'unacceptable and outrageous'. They said he was threatening
Russian soldiers and their leader.
The West has given Ukraine billions of
dollars worth of weapons, such as rockets, drones, tanks, armored vehicles, and
communication systems.
Russia has said that the West was using
Ukraine as a proxy to fight against Russia. It warned that the conflict could
become much bigger.
Source: presstv.ir
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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2023/05/30/704391/Russia-puts-Lindsey-Graham-on-wanted-list-following-Ukraine-comments
--------
Russian foreign minister: West
supporting 'genocide' in Ukraine
30 May 2023
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
has condemned the US-led West for its support of what he called
"genocide" in Ukraine.
Lavrov said on Tuesday that the West was
"supporting genocide" in Ukraine by backing Kiev in its plans to
"destroy everything Russian" in Ukrainian pro-Moscow regions.
Speaking at a press conference in
Bujumbura, Burundi, Lavrov said the West has been turning a blind eye to Kiev's
persecution of the pro-Moscow residents in the Russian-speaking Donbas region.
"The conclusion is very simple -
the West directly supports genocide," he stated.
Earlier, Russia's Foreign Ministry
spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, published a post on social media in which she
stated the objective of Moscow's special military operation in eastern Ukraine
was to put an end to the "systematic extermination of the Donbas population"
that had been going on by neo-Nazis since 2014.
Meanwhile, Russia's President Vladimir
Putin made similar remarks, saying the Russian military campaign in eastern
Ukraine, which started in February 2022, aimed to de-Nazify the region.
Putin confirms strike on Ukrainian
military intel. headquarters
Meantime, Putin confirmed on Tuesday
that Russian forces had staged a successful strike on the headquarters of the
Ukrainian military’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) in the Ukrainian
capital, Kiev.
“We’ve been talking about the
possibility of striking the ‘decision-making centers.’ Naturally, Ukraine’s
military intelligence headquarters falls into such a category, and it was hit
two or three days ago,” Putin confirmed.
Putin also said that a drone from
Ukraine had reached the Russian capital, Moscow on Tuesday. He said the main
goal of Kiev in launching drone attacks on “residential buildings” in Russia is
to “intimidate” Russian citizens, adding that such moves were a “clear sign” of Kiev's “terrorist
activity."
Putin said Kiev aims to provoke the
Russians into retaliating against Ukraine's attacks by targeting Russian
residential areas.
“They are provoking us into taking
mirror actions. We’ll see what we can do about it. Yet, Ukrainian citizens, who
of course have no say about anything now, since Ukraine has unleashed a total
terror against its civilian population, must realize what the incumbent
authorities are pushing for,” Putin pointed out.
Putin noted that the continuous effort
to cause disruption at the Zaporozhye nuclear power Plant in Ukraine, as well
as potential attempts to use a “dirty” nuclear device, were the most serious
acts Kiev pursued.
The Ukrainian military has shelled
Zaporizhzhia nuclear power in the country’s volatile south as part of Kiev’s
continued provocations.
The Russian leader said Moscow's
military launches its strikes in Ukraine only on military targets, such as
ammunition dumps and fuel depots, using “high-precision” weaponry.
Source: presstv.ir
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2023/05/30/704387/Russia-Lavrov-Accuses-West-Supporting-Genocide-Ukraine
--------
Southeast Asia
Islam Isn't Under Threat In Malaysia So
Don't Use The Race And Religion Cards For Political Gains, Says Dy. PM Zahid
By Muhammad Yusry
Wednesday, 31 May 2023
PUTRAJAYA, May 31 — Deputy Prime
Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today stressed that the position of
Islam in Malaysia as the religion of federation will never be under threat.
Ahead of the anticipated state elections
in six states, he said that politicians should stop using race and religion for
their political gains as Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country.
“I'm of the view that if anyone feels
that Islam is being threatened, I want to make it clear that the federal
government and all of its 19 parties are bound by the Federal Constitution,
even Sabah and Sarawak governments.
“On May 14, during the Unity Convention,
we pledged to commit to our agreements. So any enhancement programmes are to
strengthen religions in Malaysia without getting rid or abandoning other races,
religions and culture,” he said after a townhall session at the Ministry of
Rural and Regional Development here.
The Umno president said that he welcomes
different opinions and views but when it comes to the country's development and
harmony, everyone has to unite.
“A report by the Centre of Independence
Journalism that has been published by local media yesterday and today said that
Malaysia's politicians used narrow-minded ways by playing the race and religion
card for political gains. This shouldn't be allowed and this issue should be
settled.
“As a country that is full of different
ethnicities, cultures and religions, we have to respect each other,” he said.
Zahid also said he hopes that the
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and the Communications and
Digital Ministry monitor any postings or writings that can create tension
between ethnic communities.
The report titled “Social Media Monitoring
of Malaysia's 15th General Elections” released yesterday found that Islamist
party PAS and its president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang were the most strident in
inciting ethnic-based narratives on social media in the lead-up to the 15th
general election (GE15).
It said Abdul Hadi and his party were
complicit in incitement by neither calling out nor restricting social media
users from further spreading hate in relation to ethnic groups.
Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ)
also said that the six state elections expected by August could see the
continued weaponisation of racial and religious issues online by political
parties as the problem has largely been unaddressed since the 15th general
election.
Its executive director Wathshlah Naidu
said a pilot study last year on the monitoring of hate speech and divisive
language on social media platforms found similar patterns and issues linked to
race and religion being exploited.
Source: malaymail.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/05/31/islam-isnt-under-threat-here-so-dont-use-the-race-and-religion-cards-for-political-gains-says-dpm-zahid/71821
--------
Federal Court sets Aug 21 to hear
Sisters in Islam's leave application to appeal
Wednesday, 31 May 2023
PUTRAJAYA, May 31 — The Federal Court
will hear on August 21 an application by the woman’s rights group SIS Forum
(Malaysia) for leave to appeal in a bid to quash a fatwa (edict) issued by the
Selangor religious authorities that labelled the group as deviant from the
teachings of Islam.
This was confirmed by SIS Forum’s
counsel, A. Surendra Ananth, and lawyer YusfarizalYussoff, who is representing
the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS), when contacted by Bernama.
On March 14 this year, the Court of
Appeal, in a 2-1 majority decision, dismissed the appeal brought by SIS Forum
and one of its co-founders, ZainahMahfoozah Anwar, to quash the fatwa.
The Court of Appeal held that the fatwa
prepared by the Selangor Fatwa Committee was not a final decision and thus
cannot be challenged through a judicial review application.
SIS Forum and Zainah appealed to the
Court of Appeal after failing in their bid to quash the fatwa at the High
Court, which dismissed their judicial review application on August 27, 2019.
In civil cases, litigants are required
to obtain leave before they can proceed with appeals to the Federal Court.
The fatwa, gazetted by the Selangor
State government on July 31, 2014, had declared that SIS Forum, any individual,
as well as groups that adopted the deviant ideologies of liberalism and
pluralism, were deviating from the teachings of Islam.
The fatwa also directed that any
publications containing liberal and plural views of Islam should be banned and
confiscated and further directs the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia
Commission (MCMC) to censor social websites which go against Islamic teachings
and the hukumsyarak.
In the notice of motion requesting the
leave, the SIS Forum proposed 10 questions of law for the Federal Court to
decide.
One of the questions is whether a fatwa,
once published in the Gazette under sections 48(6) of the Administration of the
Religion of Islam (State of Selangor) Enactment 2003, is a form of subsidiary
law and/or a delegated legislation? — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/05/31/federal-court-sets-aug-21-to-hear-sisters-in-islams-leave-application-to-appeal/71837
--------
Funding Societies rolls out suite of
Islamic financing solutions
30-05- 2023
PETALING JAYA: Funding Societies, the
largest unified SME digital finance platform in Southeast Asia, has launched
its Islamic financing product collection, a suite of syariah-compliant
financing solutions designed to meet the needs of creditworthy, underserved
Malaysian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) seeking to grow their
business.
These Islamic financing solutions
include Business Term Financing-i, Micro Financing-i and Invoice Financing-i.
Group COO Wong KahMeng who is also
Funding Societies Malaysia Modalku and co-founder, said: “Access to finance is
mission critical for inclusive growth and MSME development. Case in point,
there is a RM90 billion SME financing gap in Malaysia. To that end, SME digital
finance platforms like Funding Societies play an important role in closing that
gap. Given Malaysia’s leadership in Islamic finance, it is timely for us to
scale our syariah-compliant proposition to support creditworthy Malaysian SMEs
of all sizes to thrive.”
Funding Societies Malaysia country head
Chai Kien Poon said, “Following market feedback, we observed demand for Islamic
finance and Muslim entrepreneurs’ need for syariah-compliant financing. Islamic
finance is also appealing to non-Muslims given its emphasis on fairness and
transparency in fees and charges. Besides that, the introduction of our Islamic
financing aligns with Malaysia’s aspirations to be the leader in Islamic
finance as well as focus on the Islamic digital economy and fintech.”
Besides launching its Islamic financing
proposition, he said, it has developed syariah-compliant investment products
for investors.
“This allows investors to diversify
their investments while joining us to support a critical segment of the
Malaysian economy. We have seen very encouraging demand from investors (retail,
high net worth individuals and institutions) and look forward to working with
financial institutions to offer syariah-compliant investments to their
customers,” said Chai.
Source: thesundaily.my
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https://www.thesundaily.my/business/funding-societies-rolls-out-suite-of-islamic-financing-solutions-LE11043844
--------
China deploys police, makes arrests
after mosque clashes in Yunnan
MAY 30, 2023
BEIJING – China deployed hundreds of
police and made arrests in a mostly Muslim south-western town after clashes
erupted over the planned partial demolition of a mosque.
The town of Nagu, Yunnan province,
recently pushed ahead with plans to raze four minarets and the dome roof of the
Najiaying Mosque, a resident said on Monday, requesting anonymity.
The area is home to a sizable enclave of
Hui, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group who have come under pressure in the
face of a broad crackdown.
On Saturday, dozens of officers wielding
truncheons and riot shields repelled a crowd outside the mosque that was
hurling objects at them, videos circulating on social media and the witness
said.
“They want to proceed with forced
demolitions, so the people here went to stop them,” a woman who also asked not
to be identified told Agence France-Presse.
“The mosque is home for Muslims like
us,” she said.
“If they try to knock it down, we
certainly won’t let them,” she said. “Buildings are just buildings. They do no
harm to people or society. Why do they have to destroy them?“
Police have made an unspecified number
of arrests over the incident, and several hundred officers have remained in the
town from Monday, the two witnesses said.
People in areas around the mosque have
struggled intermittently with Internet outages and other connectivity issues
since the clashes, they added.
A notice issued on Sunday by the Tonghai
government, which administers Nagu, said it has opened an investigation into “a
case that severely disrupted social management and order”.
The notice ordered those involved to
“immediately stop all illegal and criminal acts”, vowing to “severely punish”
anyone who refuses to turn themselves in.
Those who voluntarily surrender before
June 6 will be treated with leniency, the notice added.
Contacted on Tuesday, an official in
Tonghai’s publicity department denied the Internet outages, but declined to
comment further.
Source: straitstimes.com
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-deploys-police-makes-arrests-after-mosque-clashes-in-yunnan
--------
Mideast
Under the cover of 'national park',
Israel annexes Muslim, Christian site
May 30, 2023
The historical Palestinian site, Nebi
Samuel, located in the occupied West Bank and housing a church, mosque and a
synagogue has been annexed by Israel under the cover of a "national
park." Israel's illegal takeover of the site and the subjugation of the
indigenous Palestinian residents were revealed by Haaretz in a report which
exposed one of the countless ways in which the occupation state has ethnically
cleansed the indigenous Muslims and Christian Palestinian communities from
historic Palestine.
Designating Palestinian towns and
villages razed to the ground as parks during Israel's first phase of ethnic
cleansing, is one of the most successful means of colonisation deployed by the
occupation state. During the Nakba in 1948 when over 750,000 Palestinians-three
quarters of indigenous Palestinian population – more than 600 villages and
towns were razed to the ground. Many of the sites of ethnic cleansing and
cultural erasure have been converted into parks.
A similar fate appears to be awaiting
Palestinian residents of Nebi Samuel. The area is said to contain the tomb of
the biblical Prophet Samuel. Thousands of years of history is buried there. The
site is sacred to Jews, to Christians and to Muslim. There's the mosque holding
prayers several times a day, and at its entrance is the Crusader church.
Until Israel's occupation of the site in
1967, the mosque and tomb had been surrounded by the village of Nebi Samuel.
The village was home to over 1,000 residents. Most fled during the Six Day War
which Palestinians describe as the second cycle of ethnic cleansing by Israel.
Palestinian residents of the village were prevented from returning to their
homes.
Israel's plan for the takeover of the
sensitive site took concrete shape in 1971 when Prime Minister Golda Meir
ordered the military to demolish the village's 46 homes. State Archives
documents show that the homes were demolished in order to build a Jewish only
settlement of some 1,000 villas for "Jews of means", according to
Haaretz. However, the planned settlement never materialised apparently because
environmental organisations opposed the construction, which they said would be
a blight on the landscape. It also became clear that the area was private
Palestinian property. Then-Attorney General Meir Shamgar explained at the time,
in 1973, that "If the owners of the land are present, it cannot be
appropriated." Those present are the residents of Nebi Samuel, who
remained living near the site.
Twenty-two years later, two weeks before
the signing of the Oslo II Accords, Israeli leaders decided it was time to
create facts on the ground, meaning that steps are to be undertaken to ensure
that it is impossible to reverse Israel's illegal annexation. Nebi Samuel was
declared one large park. As an occupying power Israel has no right to declare
territory under military control as a "national park". National parks can only be declared within
Israel.
"Creating the national park was an
admission that the land couldn't be taken over," Israeli journalist Amira
Hass told Haaretz, explaining that a ruse was devised to bypass restrictions.
"When they recognized the fact that the area couldn't be taken over and
built on, they pulled a political trick, making it so nobody could build there.
They effectively created a Disneyland there and even took off the Nebi Samuel
sign. They created another Jewish enclave in the West Bank."
Palestinian residents that live inside
the "park" can do virtually nothing to improve their lives. They
can't build or develop anything. They can't plant trees, lay sewage lines, or
put up a fence. Since the illegal Separation Wall was built two decades ago,
the residents have been completely shut off. The fences of the site separate
them from the rest of the West Bank.
Describing the plight of the
Palestinians in the Nabi Samuel area, Israeli academic Professor Idan Landau is
reported saying: "The 250 residents of the village are living in an
intolerable cage. They are cut off from the West Bank by the separation
barrier, as well as the apartheid road."
Source: middleeastmonitor.com
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https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230530-under-the-cover-of-national-park-israel-annexes-muslim-christian-site/
--------
Boys From Islamic State Families Undergo
Rehabilitation in Syria, But Future Uncertain
May 30, 2023
QAMISHLI, SYRIA —
For at least four years, thousands of
children have been growing up in a camp in northeast Syria housing families of
Islamic State group militants, raised in an atmosphere where the group's
radical ideology still circulates and where they have almost no chance for an
education.
Fearing that a new generation of
militants will emerge from al-Hol Camp, the Kurdish officials who govern
eastern and northern Syria are experimenting with a rehabilitation program
aimed at pulling children out of extremist thought.
It means, however, removing them from
their mothers and families for an unknown period, a practice that has raised
concerns among rights groups. And even if they are deemed rehabilitated, the
children's future remains in limbo with their home countries reluctant to take
them back.
"If these children stay in the
camp, this will lead to the rise of a new generation of extremists who could be
more fanatic[al] than those who were before," said Khaled Remo, co-chair
of the Kurdish-led administration's office of justice and reform affairs.
Recently, an Associated Press team was
allowed to visit the OrkeshCenter, a rehabilitation facility that opened late
last year. It's home to dozens of young boys taken from al-Hol. Ranging in age
between 11 and 18, they represent about 15 different nationalities, including
French and German.
At Orkesh, boys are taught drawing and
music, all with the theme of tolerance. They also learn skills for future jobs
like a tailor or a barber. They wake up early and have breakfast at 7 a.m.,
then have classes until 3 p.m., after which they can play soccer and
basketball. They live in dormitory-type rooms, where they are expected to keep
order and their beds made. They are allowed contact with parents and siblings.
Authorities did not permit the AP to
speak to the boys at the center, citing privacy concerns. During a separate
visit to al-Hol, no residents agreed to be interviewed. The AP also approached
families that were released from al-Hol, but none responded to requests for
comment. The newness of the program makes it difficult to assess its
effectiveness.
Still, the center underscores how
U.S.-backed Kurdish authorities are wrestling with the legacy of Islamic State,
years after the group was defeated in a brutal war in Syria and Iraq that ended
in 2019.
Al-Hol is an open wound left by that
conflict. The camp holds about 51,000 people, the vast majority women and
children, including the wives, widows and other family members of IS militants.
Most are Syrians and Iraqis. But there are also about 8,000 women and children
of 60 other nationalities who live in a part of the camp known as the Annex.
They are generally considered the most die-hard IS supporters among the camp
residents.
The camp population is down from its
high of 73,000 people, mostly because of Syrians and Iraqis who were allowed to
go home. But other countries have largely balked at taking back their nationals
who traveled to join IS after the radical group seized large parts of Iraq and
Syria in 2014.
Though Kurdish-led security forces run
the camp, they have struggled to keep control. IS radicalism remains rife, with
fervent followers intimidating others, particularly in the Annex, home to more
than 5,000 children.
Children in al-Hol have little to do and
little chance for education. Fewer than half the 25,000 children in the camp
attend reading and writing classes at its teaching centers.
During a recent tour by the AP inside
al-Hol, some young boys threw stones at the reporters. One drew a finger across
his throat in a beheading motion as he looked at the journalists.
"Those kids, once they reach the
age of 12, they could become dangerous and could kill and beat up others,"
the camp's director, JihanHanan, told the AP.
"So we had a choice, which is to
put them at rehabilitation centers and keep them away from the extreme ideology
that their mothers carry," she said.
Sheikhmous Ahmad, a Kurdish official
overseeing camps for displaced people, said that once the boys turn 13, IS
loyalists make them get married to young girls — another reason for removing
them.
So far, the number of children going through
rehabilitation is small, around 300, all of them boys from the Annex.
Ninety-seven are at the recently launched OrkeshCenter, near the border town of
Qamishli about a two-hour drive from al-Hol. The rest are at al-Houri, another
center that began taking in boys for rehabilitation in 2017, as U.S.-backed,
Kurdish-led forces took back territory from IS in Syria.
Al-Houri underscores the long-term
problem: Some of the boys have been at the center for years, since there is
nowhere else to go. The only alternative would be to send them back to al-Hol.
Only four children have been repatriated from al-Houri, administrators said.
"While the transfer of these boys
to separate detention centers may be well-intentioned, this is not
rehabilitation. This is indefinite detention without charge of children, who
are themselves victims of ISIS," said Letta Tayler, associate director of
the Crisis and Conflict Division at Human Rights Watch, using another acronym
for the group.
She said removal from the family may be
appropriate if the mother or another relative is victimizing the child.
Otherwise, separation could cause further trauma.
"For many of these children, who
have survived unimaginable horrors under ISIS and in the camps where they have
been held since the fall of ISIS, the mother and other family members are their
only source of stability," she said.
Kathryn Achilles, media director of the
Syria Response Office at Save the Children International, said separation from
the mother "should only ever be as a last resort, addressed by individual
countries after families return, in line with their laws."
Hanan, the administrator of al-Hol, said
they had few other options. One proposal is to set up rehabilitation centers in
or near the camp, she said.
"Maybe in the future we can agree
on something with international organizations regarding such centers as they
are the best solution for these children," Hanan said.
But Kurdish officials and humanitarian
agencies agree that the only real solution is for home countries to take back
their citizens.
"Once home, children and other
victims of ISIS can be offered rehabilitation and reintegration. Adults can be
monitored or prosecuted as appropriate," said Tayler of Human Rights
Watch.
The U.N.-backed Independent
International Commission of Inquiry on Syria called in March for repatriation
to be sped up. It added that the suffering inflicted on the camp's residents
"may amount to the war crime of committing outrages on personal
dignity."
Until a solution is found, the centers
create "an environment that is suitable to pave the way for mental change
for these children," said Remo, the Kurdish official.
Source: voanews.com
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https://www.voanews.com/a/boys-from-islamic-state-families-undergo-rehabilitation-in-syria-but-future-uncertain/7116464.html
--------
Islamic Revolution Conference Explores
Opportunities, Challenges of Governance
May, 30, 2023
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - The International
Conference on "Islamic Revolution and Contemporary Society: Opportunities
and Challenges" took place on Monday at the University of Tehran Student
Club.
The conference aimed to shed light on
the role of the Islamic Revolution in today's society and analyze the factors
that contribute to its stability, dynamism, opportunities, and challenges.
Mohammad EsmaeilNabatian, the head of
public relations at the University of Tehran, stated that the conference's
primary objective was to clarify the Islamic Revolution's impact on
contemporary society.
He mentioned that the conference
received 170 abstracts, out of which 75 were selected and published in three
volumes.
Nabatian further said that interviews
with pioneers and renowned researchers in the field of the Islamic Revolution
were conducted, which will be published as the fourth volume in the
conference's collection of scientific works.
Also at the conference, selected authors
presented their papers, as confirmed by the conference secretariat.
Additionally, an English panel was
organized, where nine researchers from various countries shared their
contributions both in person and virtually, focusing on Islamic Revolution
studies.
One of the notable speakers at the
conference was Sam Mehdi Torabi, the Director of Iran's Risalat Strategic
Studies Institute. In his speech, Torabi emphasized the significance of
governance as both a challenge and an opportunity in the second phase of the
Islamic Revolution.
He stressed that the Islamic governance
revolves around responsibility rather than avoidance and differs from other
systems by focusing on raising individuals and governing each other
responsibly.
Torabi drew examples from the governance
system established by Prophet Muhammad (PBHU) and the Ahlulbait (family),
illustrating that Islamic governance encompasses all of humanity.
He highlighted the need to understand
Islamic governance in the context of technological advancements and set
priorities accordingly. Torabi also addressed the issues arising from the
influence of liberalism disguised as Islamic principles in Iran, urging for
their resolution.
Torabi further underscored the
importance of countering negative propaganda in the media and accurately
reflecting Iran's advancements. He argued that Iran's Islamic ideology is the
only idea that can work for humanity.
Emphasizing the country's military
cooperation with Russia and China and its scientific achievements. Torabi
called for effectively conveying the reality and positive aspects of Iran's
progress to inspire hope among the younger generation and envision Iran at the
forefront of the world's future.
MarziehHashemi, an American-born Iranian
journalist and television presenter, also delivered a speech at the conference.
Hashemi highlighted the transformative
transition of the world order and stressed the need for proactive foreign
policy and seizing opportunities. She expressed optimism about the current
state of the Islamic Republic, reflecting on the progress made since the
revolution 44 years ago.
Hashemi discussed the formation of new
alliances, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS countries,
contrasting them with the declining influence of the G7.
She criticized the actions of certain
Western countries, particularly their handling of the conflict between Russia
and Ukraine, emphasizing the need for alternative alliances. Hashemi emphasized
the significance of regional unity and stability for Iran and expressed
confidence in Iran's future leadership in a multipolar world.
Mohammad Mehdi Esmaeili, the Minister of
Culture and Islamic Guidance and a member of the Supreme Council of Cultural
Revolution, also spoke at the conference.
He described the present era as the
golden age of Islamic rule and stressed the importance of religious
intellectualism in governance.
Esmaeili highlighted the challenges
faced by the Islamic Revolution today and the need for religious
intellectualism to provide valid answers to emerging questions.
He emphasized the determination of
officials in various sectors to bring revolutionary changes to the country's
cultural structures and pave the way for a modern Islamic civilization through
fundamental infrastructural changes.
The international conference provided a
platform for scholars and experts to explore the opportunities and challenges
associated with the Islamic Revolution's governance. Participants examined the
revolution's impact on contemporary society and discussed strategies to address
emerging issues and shape the future of Iran.
Source: tasnimnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2023/05/30/2903945/islamic-revolution-conference-explores-opportunities-challenges-of-governance
--------
Israel settlers led by Yehuda Glick
storm Al-Aqsa Mosque compound
May 30, 2023
Escorted by extremist Israeli Jewish
Rabbi Yehuda Glick, dozens of settlers forced their way into the Al-Aqsa Mosque
compound in occupied East Jerusalem this morning, reported Wafa news agency.
The Israeli settlers entered the site
through the mosque's Mughrabi Gate under armed Israeli protection and performed
Talmudic rituals and prayers inside and at the gates of Al-Aqsa, in addition to
carrying out provocative tours.
This comes after hundreds of Israeli
settlers last week raided the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound to mark the Jewish
holiday of Shavuot.
In a statement, the Islamic Endowments
Department in Jerusalem said 252 Israeli settlers broke into Al-Aqsa Mosque's
courtyard after Israeli groups called on settlers to intensify their raids on
Thursday and Friday.
The department added that the Israeli
police also restricted the entry of Palestinians since the dawn prayer.
Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third-holiest site
in Islam and an area where non-Muslim prayers and rituals are forbidden by
long-standing agreement.
However, since 2003, Israel has allowed
settlers into the compound almost daily.
Israel occupied East Jerusalem, where
Al-Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. It annexed the entire
city in 1980 in a move never recognised by the international community.
Source: middleeastmonitor.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230530-israel-settlers-led-by-yehuda-glick-storm-al-aqsa-mosque-compound/
--------
Enemies Exaggerating Border Skirmish
Issue: Senior Iranian Commander
May 31, 2023
Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the commander of the
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force (IRGC-AF), said that
“enemies” are attempting to escalate the border tension with Afghanistan into a
conflict and that there is no need to be concerned about it.
Hajizadeh said the enemies should be
aware that there would not be a war or confrontation between the two countries,
but he did not mention any specific group.
“Behind these issues are many of our
enemies who want to turn this into a big issue, turn it into a conflict, turn
it into a war, which will certainly not happen,” said Hajizadeh.
He also emphasized that the recent
border clash between Kabul and Tehran was a minor local issue that had been
settled and that the two countries’ authorities were attempting to use
diplomacy to prevent such incidents in the future.
Last week, one Taliban security force
and two Iranian border guards were killed after clashes between Taliban and
Iranian forces at the border crossing point.
The incident resulted in several
injuries amid tensions between the two countries over water rights.
“Today, in Nimroz province, Iranian
border forces fired toward Afghanistan, which was met with a counter-reaction,”
a spokesman for the Taliban-run interior ministry, Abdul NafiTakor, said in a
statement. “During the battle, one person was killed on each side, and many
were injured.”
Iranian officials blamed Taliban forces
for the clash, while Taliban authorities blamed Iran, saying they had responded
to the Iranian soldiers.
“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
considers dialogue and negotiation reasonable for any problem. Making excuses
for war and negative actions is not in the interest of any of the parties,”
Taliban defence ministry spokesperson EnayatullahKhowarazmi said.
Last week, Iranian officials warned the
Interim government of Kabul to consider Iran’s water rights from the Helmand
River following the 1973 accord, while the Taliban authorities reiterated that
they are committed to the treaty.
Source: khaama.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.khaama.com/enemies-exaggerating-border-skirmish-issue-senior-iranian-commander/
--------
North America
CAIR Urges Biden Administration Act on
China’s Destruction of Mosques, Suppression of Islam
May 30, 2023
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/30/2023) – The
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil
rights and advocacy organization, today called on the Biden administration to
take action to prevent China from partially demolishing a mosque and continuing
to suppress the Muslim minority and the practice of Islam in that nation.
Hui Muslim protesters clashed with
police at the Najiaying Mosque in Yuxi in Yunnan province. The protesters
sought to prevent an attempt by authorities to remove the mosque’s dome and
minarets, which is part of the government’s ongoing campaign to suppress Islam
and to “Sinicize” the faith. Government officials claim an expansion of the
minarets and dome’s roof was illegal.
Throughout China, the government has
demolished mosques or removed domes, minarets and other distinctive Islamic
features to make them into nondescript buildings.
SEE: Thousands of ethnic minority
Muslims defy Chinese authorities in defense of mosque (CNN)
https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/30/china/china-yunnan-hui-mosque-protest-intl/index.html
Crowd in China clashes with police over
plans to demolish mosque (AP)
https://apnews.com/article/china-muslim-mosque-protest-93e2e1e072fa908729b2b1598a1b06f0
Clashes at ancient China mosque over
planned demolition
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/30/clashes-at-ancient-china-mosque-over-planned-demolition
“We call on the Biden administration to
take concrete action to prevent the further destruction of China’s mosques and
to push back against the Chinese government’s ongoing efforts to suppress the
practice of Islam and other faiths in that nation,” said CAIR Research and
Advocacy Director Corey Saylor. “It cannot be business as usual with China
while that nation targets religious minorities in a campaign of erasure.”
Earlier this month, CAIR welcomed the
U.S. State Department’s highlighting of religious persecution in China in its
latest report. The Washington, D.C., based Muslim civil rights organization also
recently expressed support for a bipartisan call by some two dozen members of
Congress for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to halt the
initial public offering of Chinese fashion giant Shein until it proves it does
not use forced labor. In April, CAIR commended the efforts of congressional
lawmakers for urging greater enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention
Act (UFLPA)
The Chinese government is targeting
Uyghur Muslims and other Turkic ethnic minorities with a campaign of genocide.
Millions of Uyghurs have been detained in concentration camps in which
beatings, torture and rape are the norm. Millions more are being used as slave
labor on plantations and in Chinese factories.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil
rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American
Muslims.
La misión de CAIR esproteger las
libertadesciviles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y
empoderar a losmusulmanesenlosEstadosUnidos.
Become a Fan of CAIR on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/CAIRNational
Subscribe to CAIR’s Email List
https://action.cair.com/a/newsletters
Subscribe to CAIR’s Twitter Feed
http://twitter.com/cairnational
Subscribe to CAIR’s YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/cairtv
Follow CAIR on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/cair_national/
Donate to CAIR
https://action.cair.com/a/donate
Do you like reading CAIR press releases
and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of
defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by
making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you
make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable
goal. Click here to donate to CAIR.
If you would like to join CAIR’s media
list, please sign up here:
Source: action.cair.com
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https://action.cair.com/a/newsletters —
For more information, email: info@cair.com, CC ihooper@cair.com
--------
Trump vows to end birthday citizenship
for children of illegal immigrants if he wins 2024 presidential race
31 May 202
Donald Trump has pledged that if he is
re-elected as the US president in 2024, he will put an end to automatic
citizenship for children of illegal immigrants born in the United States, a
plan that contradicts how a 19th-century amendment to the US Constitution long
has been interpreted.
Trump, the front-runner for the
Republican presidential nomination in an increasingly crowded field, said on
Tuesday in a campaign video posted on Twitter that he would issue an executive
order directing federal agencies to stop what he described as birthright
citizenship. Such an action by Trump will definitely face a legal challenge.
The right to citizenship stems from the
14th Amendment to the Constitution, which was ratified in 1868, three years
after the end of the American Civil War, which ended the slavery of blacks in
the southern states, and overturned a Supreme Court ruling that had held that
slaves and free Africans were not entitled to US citizenship.
The amendment granted citizenship to all
persons "born or naturalized in the United States," including those
formerly enslaved, and has been interpreted to mean whether or not the parents
were in the country lawfully.
The proposed executive order, scheduled
for the first day of Trump's second term, would require at least one parent to
be a US citizen or legal permanent resident for their children to automatically
become US citizens, his campaign said in a press release.
When Trump was president in 2018, he
said he planned to issue an executive order to limit birthright citizenship,
but never followed through. Many legal scholars at the time were skeptical that
Trump could use executive power to roll back the right.
Trump on Tuesday also criticized Joe
Biden, the Democratic incumbent who defeated him in 2020 and is seeking
re-election in 2024, over the record number of immigrants caught crossing the
border illegally in recent years, calling the citizenship right for children
born on US soil a "magnet". Trump noted that many countries restrict
citizenship rights for non-citizens.
Trump is seeking to appeal to Republican
voters on the right wing of his party who support a crackdown on immigration.
As president, Trump pursued hard-line immigration policies and took steps
toward building a wall along the US-Mexico border, which he promised as a
candidate in 2016.
Republicans have criticized Biden for
rolling back the hardline policies of Republican former President Donald Trump.
Biden's new regulation restricting
asylum access at the border resembles similar measures implemented under Trump
that were blocked by US courts. The move also counters previous statements
Biden made in 2020 on the campaign trail, saying he thought it was
"wrong" for people not to be able to seek asylum on American soil.
Some Democrats and immigration advocates
have said the regulation undercuts the ability to seek asylum at US borders as
required by US law and international agreements. The American Civil Liberties
Union has already signaled it will sue over the Biden policy.
On the other side of the ideological
spectrum, a coalition of 22 Republican state attorney generals separately
opposed the measure, saying that it is "riddled with exceptions."
Source: presstv.ir
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2023/05/31/704424/Donald-Trump-birthday-citizenship-Joe-Biden
--------
Maduro, Lula announce 'new era' in
Brazil-Venezuela ties, slam US sanctions
30 May 2023
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has
visited Brazil on a formal invitation to take part in a South American leaders’
summit, marking a new thaw in bilateral ties despite persisting US efforts to
isolate the country.
Maduro hailed a “new era” in relations
between Brasilia and Caracas as he met President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on
Monday ahead of the regional summit, saying, “Brazil and Venezuela must be
united, from now on and always.”
Maduro, in his first visit to Brasilia
in years, also called for the establishment of a “multipolar” world rather than
a global system dominated by Washington.
For his part, Lula also lashed out at
American policy towards Venezuela, insisting that “it is inexplicable for a
country to have 900 sanctions placed on it, because another country doesn’t
like it."
Lula further vowed on Monday to boost
business with Caracas and voiced his support for Venezuela's accession to a
block of emerging-market nations, known as BRICs.
He also hailed the “historic”
restoration of ties between the two nations, emphasizing, “This is the start of
Maduro’s return, and (Tuesday’s) meeting will be the return of South American
integration."
Brazil had severed diplomatic relations
with Maduro’s government under Lula's far-right predecessor Jair Bolsonaro, who
maintained close ties with Washington and backed its brutal bans against
Venezuela.
The oil-rich Latin American nation began
going through a downward spiral of economic troubles in 2018, when the West,
led by the US, and its favored Venezuelan opposition contested Maduro's victory
in the presidential election.
Following the election, Western
countries began slapping Caracas with a slew of backbreaking sanctions, which
have been responsible for spawning the dire economic situation in the country.
More than 7.1 million Venezuelans, as UN
estimates show, have left their country and migrated to other Latin American
countries or the United States amid Venezuela’s high inflation as well as food
and medicine shortages following Washington’s crippling sanctions.
Tuesday's regional meeting is set to be
attended by eleven of the continent’s 12 heads of state with only contested
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte -- who rose to presidency last December
following the forced removal of the country's elected president Pedro Castillo
-- expected to miss it.
This is the first of its kind since 2014
when regional leaders met in Quito, Ecuador, at a gathering of the Union of
South American Nations (abbreviated in Spanish as UNASUR) that was created in
2008 by Lula and late Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez.
In recent years, Maduro’s international
travel has been curtailed due to the US-led sanctions, but last year's victory
of independent candidates during elections in neighboring countries, including
Brazil and Colombia, ushered in its return to the region's fold.
In September 2022, Colombia and
Venezuela reopened their border that was closed for several years as Colombian
leader Gustavo Petro took a major step towards normalizing ties with Caracas.
Most recently, Chilean President Gabriel
Boric appointed a new ambassador to Venezuela last week, after five years.
Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren said on Monday that there’s a need for
building strong ties with Caracas given areas of common interest.
Source: presstv.ir
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2023/05/30/704372/Venezuela-Maduro-visits-Brazil-blow-to-US-
--------
South Asia
Afghan Officials Discover Ancient
Artifacts in Bamiyan Province
By Nizamuddin Rezahi-
May 31, 2023
Officials in Afghanistan’s central
Bamiyan province have discovered at least 12 items of ancient artifacts the
provincial information and culture directorate said in a statement.
While searching foreign nationals at
Bamiyan Airport, artifacts and dust from the outskirts of Bamyan’s destroyed
Buddha statues were seized, according to the statement.
Out of the discovered items, 8 pieces of
ancient works include pottery, precious stones, and engraved iron plates, and
the other 4 items are grains, the provincial officials said.
Bamyan airport officials have prevented
the smuggling of soil and black stone samples possibly collected from the
remains of destroyed statues of Buddha.
The artifacts and ancient items have
been seized based on the orders of the Ministry of Information and Culture, Rahmatullah
Rahmani, head of culture and art of Bamyan information and culture directorate,
said.
“Ancient items are the national
treasures and every citizen is responsible for protecting and preventing them
from smuggling,” Rahmani said.
Smuggling artifacts and ancient items
have been a lucrative business for decades in Afghanistan. Having a strong
government network, smugglers were able to send precious stones and artifacts
beyond the borders with ease.
Although the Taliban officials
repeatedly claimed to have stopped smuggling these precious items overseas, the
lucrative illegal business is still popular in Afghanistan and in the region.
Source: khaama.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.khaama.com/afghan-officials-discover-ancient-artifacts-in-bamyan-province/
--------
Qatar Prime Minister, Taliban Supreme
Leader Hold Secret Talks in Afghanistan: Source
May 31, 2023
This month, the Qatari Prime Minister
met in secret with the Taliban supreme leader to discuss resolving tension with
the international community, according to a source briefed on the meeting.
Reuters reported that this meeting
signalled a willingness by Afghanistan’s rulers to discuss ways to end their
isolation.
The meeting between HaibatullahAkhunzada
and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani on May 12 in the
southern Afghan city of Kandahar is the first one the reclusive Taliban leader
is known to have had with a foreign leader.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammad
raised with Akhundzada included the need to end a Taliban ban on girls’
education and women’s employment and address the humanitarian crisis, the
report said.
Since the Taliban seized power in August
2021, they imposed several decrees that restricted women’s employment and
education, hampered humanitarian aid on the one hand and are a major reason why
no country has recognized their rule on the other hand.
Meanwhile, a UN report delivered in
March at the Human Rights Council in Geneva suggested that the way the Taliban
treated women and girls would qualify as a crime against humanity. While the
Taliban say, they respect women’s rights in accordance with their view of
Islamic law and Afghan traditions.
Akhundzad, the supreme leader of the
Taliban, has not shown little willingness to compromise on his edicts.
The Taliban in March 2022 barred girls
from high schools and extended the ban to universities in December.
They say they will reopen secondary
schools to girls when “conditions” have been met, including devising an Islamic
syllabus.
The source said Sheikh Mohammed and
Akhunzada also discussed efforts to remedy Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis.
According to the UN, nearly 75 per cent
of Afghanistan’s 40 million people need assistance, and the organization has
warned that financing is running out.
According to the source, Sheikh Mohammed
brought up with Akhunzada the “continued efforts on the ground” being made by
the Taliban to combat terrorism, which is likely a reference to Kabul’s efforts
to annihilate an ISIS offshoot.
In 2013, Qatar let the Taliban establish
a political office in Doha. It helped their negotiations with the US, which
resulted in the 2020 agreement for the withdrawal of the international force
under US leadership that they had opposed for 20 years.
Qatar has long pushed the international
community to adopt a “roadmap” outlining the steps the Taliban must take to
obtain recognition, claiming that isolating Afghanistan could deteriorate
regional security.
However, the US and its allies say the
Taliban harbour members of al-Qaeda and the Pakistani Taliban (TTP). The
Taliban authorities deny that, Reuters reported.
Source: khaama.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.khaama.com/qatar-prime-minister-taliban-supreme-leader-hold-secret-talks-in-afghanistan-source/
--------
Afghan Authorities Warn University
Lecturers to Refrain Criticizing the Ruling Regime
May 31, 2023
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Higher
Education in a letter has warned university lecturers to avoid criticizing the
Taliban regime in their research work, sources reported.
In the letter, it is stressed that
university lecturers should have a good command of both national languages
(Farsi and Pashto) and utilize national terminologies rather than using terms
that are alien to Afghan people and culture.
The letter contains seven decrees about
research and translation, sent by Hamidullah Muzamal, the head of the research
and translation department of the Ministry of Higher Education of the Taliban
on May 27.
Muzamal has clearly said that university
lecturers should defend the ruling regime and refrain from criticizing or
speaking against Taliban officials to avoid possible problems.
It is also stated that lecturers and
researchers should avoid using alien terms in their writes ups, adding the
country has common expressions for these words.
Banning the use of the term “Danishgah”
which has a Farsi root, which translates university in English has repeatedly
sparked widespread reactions in universities and media in Afghanistan.
While describing the term “Danishgah” as
foreign, the officials have banned using the term. The former government
officials and the Taliban did not have sensitivity towards non-Persian words
such as Urdu and English.
Previously, the Taliban authorities
repeatedly removed Farsi words from official plaques of universities in
different parts of the country.
Some critics of the Taliban
administration describe the move as a clear anti-Farsi language campaign that
will further widen the gap among the people of Afghanistan who are ethnically
and linguistically very diverse.
Source: khaama.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.khaama.com/afghan-authorities-warn-univesity-lecturers-to-refrain-criticizing-the-ruling-regime/
--------
Rohingya remain ‘top priority’ for OIC
as chief visits refugee camp in Bangladesh
May 29, 2023
DHAKA: The Organization of Islamic
Cooperation, which has said that the Rohingya remain a top priority for the
body, saw its chief official visit the refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar on Monday as
part of a five-day trip to the country.
OIC Secretary-General HisseinBrahim Taha
arrived in Bangladesh on Saturday and met with the country’s top officials,
including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The Rohingya situation was discussed in
Taha’s meetings with Bangladeshi officials, as the South Asian nation is
hosting more than 1 million refugees from the persecuted minority, most of whom
fled from Myanmar’s Rakhine State in 2017 to escape a deadly military
crackdown.
“(The) Rohingya is one of the top
priority issues for (the) OIC … These Rohingya people are suffering. They
deserve peace, security and a better life,” Taha told reporters after meeting
Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Minister A.K. Abdul Momen on Sunday.
The OIC chief also called on the
organization’s member states to support Gambia’s case at the International
Court of Justice, which alleges that Myanmar has violated the Genocide
Convention with its actions against the Rohingya in Rakhine State.
During his meeting with Hasina, Taha
thanked the Bangladeshi government and people “for their relentless efforts to
provide shelters, protection, hospitality, and necessary assistance to Rohingya
refugees,” the OIC said in a statement.
Bangladesh is not a signatory to the
1951 UN Refugee Convention, and has spent an estimated $1.2 billion a year to
support the refugees.
“For a long time, we have had them (the
OIC) beside us on the Rohingya issue. They have taken a leading role in
removing the plight of the Rohingya,” Momen told reporters.
Bangladesh’s Refugee Relief and
Repatriation Commissioner Mizanur Rahman said Taha spoke with members of the
Rohingya community in Cox’s Bazar during his visit on Monday.
“(The) OIC secretary-general exchanged
views with the Rohingya and listened to their plight,” he said. “Taha promised
to do the best on (the) OIC’s part to resolve the Rohingya crisis.”
Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are
facing compounding issues, including a further decrease of their rations from
the World Food Programme, which said a lack of funding has forced it to cut
food aid per person from $10 to $8 a month starting June 1.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2312536/world
--------
Bangladesh Govt Teams Going To Saudi
Arabia: To Perform Hajj Or Assist Hajis?
Rashidul Hasan
May 31, 2023
At least 200 of the 218 officials the
government is sending to Saudi Arabia to assist the Bangladeshi medical and
technical team during hajj do not have any technical training or background in
medicine.
Yet, the religious affairs ministry is
spending taxpayers' money to send them.
The ministry is sending another
"hajj technical delegation" to Saudi Arabia. But 23 of its 31 members
have no technical or IT background. This delegation is supposed to assist a
"hajj administrative team".
Many have said a large group of
officials and employees were given the opportunity to visit Saudi Arabia in the
name of technical and administrative support.
Most members of the delegations are
office assistants, personal assistants, administrative officials, chauffeurs,
gunmen, cops, security guards, cooks, cleaners, photocopy machine operators,
typists, record keepers and support staff.
Stakeholders in the sector also raised
questions about the rationale of sending a 75-member "administrative
team" and a 15-member high-profile team led by State Minister Faridul
Haque Khan to "oversee and coordinate hajj-related activities".
Secretaries of the cabinet division,
telecommunications ministry, roads and highways, the Prime Minister's Office,
and health ministry, a planning commission member, a ruling party lawmaker, and
religious affairs secretary of the Awami League are in the team.
Many people who performed hajj in 2019
and before, said they hardly ever found members of such delegations when they
needed them in Makkah.
Members of such delegations were almost
always busy performing hajj themselves instead of looking after the pilgrims,
they added.
The ministry has recently issued
show-cause notices upon seven employees and officials of a "hajj
administrative team" for not performing their duties at Bangladesh's hajj
office in Makkah.
In several similar show-cause notices,
the ministry said some of its delegates had travelled to Taif without informing
the authorities.
The ministry said their activities might
create a negative impression among pilgrims and tarnish the country's image.
HAJJ ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TEAM
According to a religious affairs
ministry notification, the main responsibilities of the delegation members are
to provide assistance at a health clinic, ensure prompt services to patients,
assist the hajj technical team, and to find the pilgrims who get lost during
hajj.
But a background check of the 218
individuals named on the list reveals that 12 are chauffeurs; three are
bodyguards of the state minister, attorney general and a secretary; 15 are personal
staff members of different top officials, including the chief whip of
parliament, Noor-e-Alam Chowdhury; and 70 are office assistants and
administrative officers.
Besides, there are night guards, cooks
and cleaners in the team.
A deputy director of the Department of
Environment, two deputy secretaries, four senior assistant secretaries, an
assistant police commissioner, a deputy police commissioner, an additional
police commissioner, and a personal secretary are also going.
Several officials and staffers from the
PMO, the Bangabhaban and different government offices in Jamalpur, which is the
constituency of the state minister for religious affairs, are in the
delegation.
Several officials of the hajj office,
requesting anonymity, said the mid- and senior-level officials who become
members of these delegations do not bother to carry out their responsibilities
during hajj.
"They either perform hajj
themselves or do whatever they want while the expenses are paid with public
money," a top official at the Ashkona Hajj Camp said.
HAJJ TECHNICAL TEAM
Only eight of the 31 delegates have
technical background.
The team includes an assistant personal
secretary and public relations officer of State Minister Faridul, several
personal staff members of Faridul's office and the public relations officer of
the religious affairs ministry.
There are personal staffers, a protocol
officer and several administrative officials from different ministries and
departments in the technical team.
When contacted, Faridul said he did not
have the time to comment on the matter while the religious affairs secretary
could not be reached over the phone.
Transparency International Bangladesh
Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said he wondered whether the individuals in
the team had any relevance to the purpose of the delegations.
"Is it merely their link to
political and governmental power that have determined their qualifications to
be rewarded with the opportunity to travel abroad spending taxpayers'
money?" he asked.
He also criticised the questionable
expenditure amid "multidimensional economic and financial pressures facing
the country".
Source: thedailystar.net
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/govt-teams-going-ksa-perform-hajj-or-assist-hajis-3333621
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India Sidelines Pakistan by Increasing
Soft Power in Afghanistan: Report
May 31, 2023
India is increasing its soft power in
Afghanistan by providing life-saving aid through Iran, sidelining Pakistan
which once played a major role in matters of Afghanistan, according to sources.
The Indian donation of 20,000 metric
tons of wheat is scheduled to arrive in Afghanistan in the coming months,
according to a spokesperson of the United Nations World Food Program
(WFP).
The vital aid is aimed at helping
Afghanistan’s hunger striven population and strengthening India’s long-lasting
relations with the war-torn country.
It also fulfills New Delhi’s commitment
to ship the wheat to Afghanistan through Iran’s Chabahar port. The goods will
eventually cross the Iranian border into Afghanistan’s eastern Herat province.
Previously, commercial goods from India
were delivered to Afghanistan through Pakistan instead of Iran. This shipment
also translates to Iran’s new role in providing goods to Afghanistan and
Pakistan’s peripheral role.
WFP claims that more than 19 million
people in Afghanistan are suffering from acute food insecurity and hunger,
putting the lives of millions of people and livelihoods in immediate danger,
according to Nikkei Asia, a Japanese publication that provides Asian news and
analysis to a global audience.
“The humanitarian needs across the
country remain very high,” the representative said, adding that “India’s grant
will help us reach hungry families where the need is greatest.”
The decision to deliver 20,000 metric
tons of wheat not only strengthens India’s position as an important donor to
Afghanistan but also underlines efforts to build positive relations with
Afghanistan’s de facto administration.
Despite not recognizing the Taliban
administration that took power in August 2021, India restored its diplomatic
presence in Kabul deploying a “technical team” in mid-2022. According to
experts, the region is too important to leave.
Source: khaama.com
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WFP Welcomes Contributions From China to
Crisis-Affected Families in Afghanistan
May 30, 2023
The UN World Food Program (WFP) welcomed
a contribution from the government of China to crisis-affected families in
Afghanistan for 2023.
With the funding, WFP will be able to
provide life-saving food assistance to nearly 70,000 food-insecure people in
areas struck by acute food insecurity, the organization said in a statement.
Wand Yu, Ambassador of China to
Afghanistan, said, “Since 2022, the Chinese government and people have donated
large amounts of humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan to help the people
overcome difficulties.”
Chinese Ambassador also said, this year,
China continues to cooperate with the World Food Programme to provide food
assistance to the people of Afghanistan through the Global Development and
South-South Cooperation Fund.”
According to WFP, nearly 15 million
people are experiencing crisis and emergency levels of food insecurity in
Afghanistan.
“This year, WFP in Afghanistan is faced with
an acute funding crisis, and this timely contribution from the Chinese
Government comes at a moment when continued support is most needed,” said
Hsiao-Wei Lee, WFP Afghanistan Country Director and Representative. “Over 15
million people are estimated to be experiencing acute food insecurity across
the country, and sustained humanitarian assistance is needed to keep already
worrying hunger and malnutrition rates from further increasing.”
Already this year, WFP was forced to cut
back its ration size for all families and reduce the number of beneficiaries by
8 million people due to lack of funding.
With this latest contribution, WFP plans
to buy nearly 1,500 metric tons of wheat flour, 185 tons of yellow split peas,
more than 130 tons of vegetable oil, and 15 tons of salt. This will allow WFP
to support nearly 70,000 families for two months.
In Afghanistan in 2022, WFP supplied
1.14 million tons of food and $325.8 million in cash transfers to 23 million
people. Of the 23 million people assisted, 11.6 million were women, and 12.3
million were children.
Source: khaama.com
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UN Calls For Further Cooperation with
Afghan Education Sector
May 30, 2023
The UN rapporteur visited Afghanistan
and called for increased cooperation with Afghanistan’s education sector.
Katharina Merkel, a UN rapporteur and
James Darcey travelled to Herat and said that the UN remained dedicated to
assisting Afghanistan’s education sector.
Meanwhile, the UN representatives met
with Mawlavi Abdullah Ameni, the provincial education director of Herat, and
they discussed ways to improve the country’s educational system and foster
cooperation with the UN.
Ameni emphasized the initiatives taken
by the Herat education department to create a standardized educational system
in cooperation with domestic and foreign donor agencies.
Meanwhile, he stressed the need for
increased cooperation with the aid agencies to support the education system in the
province further.
In his part, the UN envoy supported
these initiatives and called for increased coordination between the UN and the
Afghan education system.
It was said that the main reason for the
UN rapporteur’s travel to Herat was to evaluate UNICEF’s operations in
high-quality education.
The visit came amid an education ban for
Afghan females beyond sixth grade since taken over by the Taliban in August
2021 and higher education since December last year.
The suppressive policies by the current
regime have restricted Afghan females from their fundamental rights, including
education and working with aid agencies, and erased them from the public scene.
Despite massive criticism, the severe
restrictions policies are continued, restricting women and girls from their
fundamental human rights.
Source: khaama.com
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OIC concerned over insufficient funding
for Rohingya case at ICJ
May 31, 2023
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
(OIC) Secretary General HisseinBrahim Taha has expressed concern over
itsinsufficient funding for the Rohingya case.
Appreciating the support of Member
States for the Rohingya case, he assured that OIC will continue to encourage
them to contribute funds for the Rohingya case filed by The Gambia in the
International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The OIC secretary general reiterated
OIC's relentless support in resolving the Rohingya crisis, while visiting the
Rohingya Camps in Cox's Bazar on Monday.
Mentioning the Rohingya issue as an
important agenda of OIC, the OIC secretary general highlighted OIC's firm
support to The Gambia led initiative of taking legal recourse for ensuring justice
for the forcibly displaced Rohingya people from Myanmar at the ICJ.
He said the OIC is also working at the
international level for ensuring sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas
sheltered in Bangladesh, to Myanmar, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Recognising the government and people of
Bangladesh's immense generosity shown to the large number of forcibly displaced
Rohingya from Myanmar, the OIC secretary general underscored that
burden-sharing is crucial to solve this long-standing crisis, and appealed to
the international community to take more responsibility to ensure favourable
conditions for the safe, dignified and sustainable return of all Rohingyas to
their homeland, Myanmar.
The OIC secretary general and his
entourage visited Rohingya camps in Kutupalong, Cox's Bazar.
The Refugee, Relief and Repatriation
Commissioner (RRRC) welcomed him in the Rohingya Camp in Cox's Bazar.
During his visit to the Rohingya camps,
the OIC secretary general exchanged views with the representatives from the
Rohingya community.
The Rohingya representatives apprised
him of their strong desire to return to their ancestral home safely.
The OIC secretary general took note of
their concerns and assured them of OIC's support to continue to work closely
with Bangladesh to end this humanitarian crisis.
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/rohingya-influx/news/oic-concerned-over-insufficient-funding-rohingya-case-icj-3333956
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Africa
Religious Officials Of Islamic Da’wah
CentreVisit Malaysian Islamic Art Gallery
May 31, 2023
A series of meetings between the Islamic
Da’wah Centre (PDI) and its Malaysian counterparts ended with meetings at
Selangor International Islamic Art Complex in Shah Alam and Nasyrul Quran
Complex in Putrajaya recently.
The visitors, led by PDI Director Haji
Abdul Rajid bin Haji MohdSalleh, also toured Selangor International Islamic Art
Complex including Mushaf Gallery, Mahabbah Al-Haramain Gallery and RehlahNabawiyyah
Gallery.
The group also visited Brunei Darussalam
High Commissioner to Malaysia Brigadier General (Rtd) DatoPadukaAwang Haji
Mahmud bin Haji Saidin @ Haji MdSaidin during which he was presented a souvenir
in the form of Mushaf Brunei Darussalam.
Source: borneobulletin.com.bn
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MURIC Urges Imams To Initiative Weekly
Prayers For Tinubu, Shettima
May 30, 2023
The
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has charged all Imams in Nigeria to initiate weekly prayers for both
President Tinubu and Shettima.
The faith-based human rights
organization also admonished Nigeria’s new President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice
President, Senator KassimShettima to reflect deeply and examine all angles
before making decisions.
MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor
Ishaq Akintola, in his congratulatory
message, urged the duo to be conscious of the onerous task ahead of them.
MURIC
stated that similar prayers should be offered for Nigeria, immediately after every Friday
Jum’ah sermon.
“We congratulate President Bola Ahmed
Tinubu and Vice President KashimShettima for the successful inauguration which
took place yesterday, Monday, 29th May 2023.
“The new administration should make good
governance and life more abundant, their primary goals.
“We rejoice with the new president and
his vice and share with them their moments of glory”
The message reads: “We of the Muslim
Rights Concern (MURIC) congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice
President KashimShettima on their successful inauguration yesterday, Monday,
29th May 2023 at the Eagle Square.
“Even in the euphoria of victory, we
charge the duo to be conscious of the onerous task ahead of them. Nigeria is a
complex society, therefore, there is the need to reflect deeply and examine all
angles before taking decisions. They should make good governance and life more
abundant, their primary goals.
“Finally, we appeal to Nigerians, in
general, to allow the new administration to settle down and to cooperate with
it in its endeavor to improve the standard of living in the country”.MURIC said
Source: independent.ng
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https://independent.ng/muric-urges-imams-to-initiative-weekly-prayers-for-tinubu-shettima/
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Nigeria complex, examine all angles
before taking decisions – Islamic group urges Tinubu, Shettima
May 30, 2023
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has
told President Bola Tinubu and Vice President KashimShettima that Nigeria is a
complex society, urging them to examine all angles and reflect deeply before
taking decisions.
MURIC said this while congratulating
Tinubu and Shettima for their successful inauguration.
DAILY POST reports that Tinubu and
Shettima were sworn into office by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice
OlukayodeAriwoola, at Eagles Square in Abuja on Monday.
However, the Executive Director of
MURIC, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos, charged
Tinubu and Shettima to be conscious of the onerous task ahead of them.
“We rejoice with the new president and
his vice and share with them their moments of glory.
“Even in the euphoria of victory, we
charge the duo to be conscious of the onerous tasks ahead of them.
“Nigeria is a complex society,
therefore, there is the need to reflect deeply and examine all angles before
taking decisions,” he said.
Akintola advised them to make good
governance and improved life their primary goals.
“MURIC charges all Imams to initiate
weekly prayers for President Tinubu and his vice as well as our country
Nigeria, immediately after every Friday Jum’ah sermon.
“Finally, we appeal to Nigerians to
allow the new administration to settle down and to cooperate with it in its
endeavour to improve the standards of living in the country,” he said.
Source: dailypost.ng
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https://dailypost.ng/2023/05/30/nigeria-complex-examine-all-angles-before-taking-decisions-islamic-group-urges-tinubu-shettima/
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Peace Corps, Sexual harassment of
students prohibition, other bills Buhari failed to sign
May 31, 2023
Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s
eight years administration ended on Monday, May 29, ushering in the era of
President Bola Tinubu.
Buhari became President in 2015 amid
heightened hope as a messianic figure that would rescue the country from a
downslide.
Also, as a former military head of
state, Buhari’s ascendance into power was under the change mantra, in which he
promised Nigerians a more profitable deal than the erstwhile President Goodluck
Jonathan’s administration offered the country.
Before vacating office on Monday, Buhari
claimed his administration had been one of the best things to happen to the
country. He argued that the government had fulfilled most, if not all, the
promises it made to Nigerians during its campaigns.
However, opinions are divided on whether
the administration dwarfed the performance of previous governments and kept
faith with the people, as the former President had claimed.
In the opinion of many Nigerians, the
administration recorded a landmark achievement by signing the 2022 Electoral
Act and the constitutional amendment allowing states to licence, generate,
transmit, and distribute electricity.
However, not many were happy with the
previous administration for leaving out other key legislative bills passed by
the National Assembly.
DAILY POST examines some of the key
anticipated legislative Bills Buhari refused to assent to before he left
office.
Nigerian Peace Corp (Establishment) Bill
The Bill sought to give legal backing to
the establishment of the Peace Corps as a government parastatal and allow all
serving members of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, both regular and volunteers, to
be absolved into the proposed organisation at commencement. It was hoped that
the Corps would have absolved several unemployed Nigerians.
Sexual Harassment of Students in
Tertiary Educational Institutions (Prohibition) Bill, 2020.
The Deputy Senate President,
OvieOmo-Agege, sponsored the Bill.
With 25 clauses, the Bill sought to
promote and protect ethical standards in tertiary institutions. It also sought
to protect students against sexual harassment by educators in tertiary
institutions. It also proposed up to a 14-year jail term for offenders.
Bill for the Creation of the Office of
the Accountant-General of the Federal Government
The Bill sought an Act to Alter the
Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to
Establish the Office of the Accountant–General of the Federal Government
separate from the Office of the Accountant–General of the Federation
The Fifth Alteration Bill Number 24
It sought an Act to Alter the Second
Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to
empower the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly to Summon the
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Governors of States to answer
questions on issues on which the National and State Houses of Assembly have the
powers to make laws.
The Fifth Alteration Bill Number 29.
This sought an Act to Alter the
Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to
provide for a State of the Nation and State of the State Address by the
President and Governor.
Speaking to DAILY POST in an interview,
the President of the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN),
OluOmotayo, lamented about both the financial and human resources wasted in
passing those bills.
Omotayo said that the National Assembly
wasn’t radical as it lacked the necessary bite to keep the executive always on
its toes.
“It is unfortunate that the president
before leaving office did not assent to some bills passed by the National
Assembly, notably among which is the Peace Corps bill.
“The implication is that both financial
and human resources made towards the actualisation of the passage of those
bills automatically becomes a wasted effort.
“The National Assembly also is part of
the problem because if they actually considered the importance of some of these
bills, they should have passed it in time so that if the President withholds
assent for 60 days, they could after the expiration of 60 days re-pass the bill
and it becomes law.
“It is unfortunate that the outgoing
National Assembly was not radical in its approach thereby lacking the necessary
biting force to keep the executive always on its toes,” he said.
Source: dailypost.ng
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India
5 held after mob attacks Hindu man for
dropping Muslim classmate home in Karnataka's Shivamogga
May 30, 2023
By Anagha: Five men have been arrested
for allegedly attacking a 20-year-old Hindu man in Karnataka’s Shivamogga after
he dropped his 19-year-old female Muslim classmate home.
The Hindu man, Vinay Kumar, told police
that he was stopped by five people when he was on his way to Kalandar Nagar in
Badravathi after dropping his Muslim female classmate home. "When I told
them my name, they questioned why I was travelling with a Muslim girl. They
assaulted me on my face, left eye, leg, and back,” Vinay Kumar said.
“A man, Mizan Khan, jumped to our rescue
and took us to hospital for treatment,” Kumar said in his complaint letter.
Vinay Kumar's two friends, Yashavantha
(19) and Abhi (20), were also thrashed by the group when they came to the
rescue of Kumar.
The five men have been arrested under
Sections 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation), 504 (intentional insult
with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 143 (unlawful assembly), 147
(punishment for rioting), 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of
offence committed in the prosecution of the common object of that assembly)
and 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt) of the Indian Penal Code
(IPC).
Source: indiatoday.in
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https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/men-held-karnataka-shivamogga-attacking-hindu-man-drop-muslim-woman-home-2386497-2023-05-30
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Bageshwar Dham's Dhirendra Shastri Says
Delhi Teen's Murder a Case of 'Love Jihad'
MAY 31, 2023
Bageshwar Dham chief and controversial
preacher Dhirendra Krishna Shastri on Tuesday termed the brutal killing a
16-year-old girl in Delhi’s Shahbad Dairy as a case of “love jihad".
“The whole world witnessed a live jihad
incident involving a girl. Now, it is imperative for all of us to unite and
establish a Hindu Rashtra. Despite concerns that my statement might incite
riots, I will persist in advocating for Sanatan Dharma."
“Love jihad" is a term frequently
employed by right-wing activists to allege a strategy in which Muslim men
purportedly entice Hindu women into religious conversion through marriage.
The victim, Sakshi, was brutally stabbed
with a knife more than 20 times and her skull ruptured with a cement slab by
Sahil, a 20-year-old mechanic in a busy street on Saturday. The CCTV footage of
the crime which went viral on social media triggered shock waves across the
country.
The accused, who fled from Delhi after
the incident, was arrested from Bulandsher, Uttar Pradesh on Monday, following
a lead from a phone call made by Sahil’s aunt to his father. It was revealed
that Sahil had turned off his mobile phone after the incident and had taken a
bus to his aunt’s residence in Bulandshahr.
Earlier in the day, a Delhi court
granted Delhi Police permission to interrogate Sahil in judicial custody.
Duty Metropolitan Magistrate Jyoti Nain
took note of the plea made by the interrogators seeking two-day police custody
of Sahil.
According to the police, the accused,
Sahil, meticulously planned the murder for two days and carried out the attack
on Sunday as Sakshi had rebuffed him in front of her friends and refused to
continue their relationship.
Meanwhile, Delhi BJP president
VirendraSachdeva had on Monday said the gruesome incident was a “love
jihad" case. “The brutal murder of a Hindu girl by youth Sahil Sarfaraz in
Shahbad has once again shown that Love Jihad has now rocked Delhi as
well," Sachdeva said.
Sachdeva alleged Delhi Chief Minister
Arvind Kejriwal was afraid of losing the votes of minority community and
alleged the AAP convenor was “portraying" it as an “ordinary" murder
instead of “love jihad".
“The red Kalawa tied on the hand of
arrested Sahil Sarfaraz clearly showed that he is a member of Love Jihad gang
working in a well-planned manner," Sachdeva claimed.
Sachdeva said locals informed him that
the accused was harassing and the minor girl for “a long time". It is
“regrettable" that the Chief Minister of Delhi was “trying to
portray" the “brutal killing" of a Hindu girl as a law and order
issue, whereas it is a case of “Love jihad", Sachdeva said.
Source: news18.com
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https://www.news18.com/india/bageshwar-dhams-dhirendra-shastri-says-delhi-teens-murder-a-case-of-love-jihad-7960279.html
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Illegal building of slain don Atiq
Ahmed's close aide Mohammad Muslim sealed by Lucknow Development Authority
May 30, 2023
LUCKNOW: An illegal building in
RatanKhand of Shardanagar belonging to builder Mohammad Muslim, a close
associate of slain don Atiq Ahmed was sealed by Lucknow Development Authority
(LDA) on Tuesday.
As per officials, the building, spanning
over 300 sq. meters of land, is believed to be constructed without the approved
map, which was discovered during an inspection conducted by officials earlier
in March.
Notice was sent to Mohammad Muslim to
produce the approved map of the building. However, he could not produce the map
as requested. As a result, a case was registered in the LDA court in April, and
despite multiple hearings, the builder did not appear.
Devansh Trivedi, the Zonal Officer of
the enforcement wing of LDA, said that Mohammad Muslim had constructed a
basement, ground floor, first floor, second floor, and third floor on plot
number 1/185 registered on the name of Madhuri Pandey, covering an area of
approximately 300 square meters. Additionally, Muslim was operating a banquet
hall. Trivedi mentioned that since the map was not presented before the court,
the building has been sealed. If the builder fails to provide the map, a
demolition order will be issued.
Furthermore, LDA's enforcement wing
sealed a complex in LDA colony on Kanpur Road that was being used for
commercial activities. Additionally, 16 row houses on a plot measuring around
20,000 square feet in Rakshakhand, Udyan Dwitiya, Shardanagar, and an
under-construction plot in Gosainganj were also sealed.
The zone officer stated that sealing
orders were issued by the court in all the mentioned cases, and in compliance
with the orders, Assistant Engineer WP Singh, Junior Engineer Usman Ali, and
Nagendra Mishra carried out the sealing.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/illegal-building-of-slain-don-atiq-ahmeds-close-aide-mohammad-muslim-sealed-by-lucknow-development-authority/articleshow/100629930.cms
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India to Host Shanghai Cooperation
Organization Summit in Virtual Format on July 4
May 31, 2023
India will host the Shanghai Cooperation
Organization (SCO) annual meeting in a virtual format on July 4, the Ministry
of External Affairs of India said on Tuesday.
The Ministry also said that heads of
state of all members, including Russia, China and Pakistan, were invited.
The SCO summit was held in Samarkand,
Uzbekistan, last year, and all of the organization’s senior officials,
including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and his
Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, attended.
“Under India’s first-ever chairmanship,
the 22nd summit of the SCO Council of Heads of State will be held in the
virtual format on July 4, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” the MEA
said.
The defence and foreign ministers of the
eight-member alliance personally met in India earlier this month.
China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan have all been invited to the summit,
according to the MEA.
For the first time in April this year,
the Chinese defence minister came to India for SCO’s defence minister summit
after a military clash between India and Chinese forces on the Himalayan border
in May 2020.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s foreign minister
visited India earlier this month.
The SCO has become one of the largest
transregional international organizations and is an influential economic and
security bloc.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/india-to-host-sco-summit-in-virtual-format-on-july-4/
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URL:
https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/uae-hindu-worship-temple/d/129895