Ulema Wants Alleged Police Rapists in Aceh to Be Caned
New Age Islam News Bureau
22 Jan 2013
India
• SC Hears Petition on Muslim Policeman's Right to Sport Beard
• India, Pakistan spar over UN mission in Kashmir
• Jaipur Lit fest: Muslim bodies against Thayil, Joshi; RSS no to 7 Pak invitees
• Alarm over growing Chinese presence in Maldivian IT, telecom sectors
• 13/7 Mumbai blast suspect arrested from Darbhanga, Bihar
• Malegaon blast accused starts legal aid NGO to help those ‘wrongly arrested’
• India will not allow 3rd party involvement: Salman Khurshid
• Hafiz Saeed seeks ban on RSS, VHP
• Akbar Owaisi's judicial custody extended
• Shutdown in Hyderabad to protest Asaduddin Owaisi's arrest
• Shinde's statement on 'Hindu terrorism' based on facts, Salman Khurshid
• Sarpanches to be centre of new initiative in Kashmir
• J&K govt prepares people for nuke war
Mideast Asia
• Iraq denies torture of Saudi prisoners after Gulf Cup defeat
• Israelis vote in elections seen swinging to the right
• NATO Patriot missiles arrive in Turkey to counter Syria risks
• Netanyahu appears poised for third term as Israeli PM
• Arab Israelis must ‘vote in droves’ to defeat racism
Pakistan
• Desperate Pakistan puts pressure on India for peace talks
• Intervention on Qadri’s march averted Lal-Masjid like situation: PML-Q
• Indian H M’s 'Hindu terror' remarks India's internal matter: Pak
• Pak PM's corruption case put on hold till results of investigating officer's 'suicide' probe
• Working group discusses IED threat on Pak-Afghan border
• Khar defends govt response to LoC violations
• Rehman Malik apologises to Christians for comparing Qadri to Pope
• Drone attacks issue to be taken up with US envoy, FM tells Senate
• Six killed in incidents of violence in Karachi
• Zardari contempt case: LHC adjourns hearing to Feb 6
• Pakistani terror suspects held on moral grounds: Spy agency
• Qadri announces decision not to contest polls
• Over 400 Pakistanis detained in 5 countries: FM
• All parties’ conference: ANP undeterred by lukewarm response
• Hindu Panchayat accuses minority minister Mohan Lal’s firm of corruption
• Pakistan polio virus creeps into Egypt
Arab World
• Syria car bomb kills 30, separate blast rocks capital
• Car bombs in Baghdad suburbs kill 15, dozens wounded
• Egypt's Morsi opposes French intervention in Mali
• Saudi-born Arab expats stuck between a rock and a hard place
• Over 12,000 Syrians flee to Jordan in six days
• 15 Bahrain rioters in custody for 30 days
• Bahrain king calls political groups for new talks
• Arab countries leaders resume Economic and Social Development Summit’s sessions
• GCC official wants Arab League to set realistic goals
• Moussa: Customs union must for Arab common market
North America
• U. S. Senators furious at Pakistan-specific exemption of drones
• U.S. begins transporting French troops, equipment to Mali
• Two more Americans die in Algeria
Africa
• Canadian coordinated gas plant attack, says Algerian PM
• Algeria hostage crisis: survivors tell of cold-blooded killers
• Mali takes control of Douentza
• North Africa: The dark side of Arab Spring
South Asia
• Prince Harry ends Afghan tour, says he killed Taliban insurgents
• Maldives Parliament fails to pass critical child protection bills: report
• Police working neutrally, sincerely: PM Sheikh Hasina
• Maldives Parliament committee to investigate detention of underage orphanage minors
• Hearing in Bangladesh S C of jail killing acquittal adjourned
Europe
• UK to consider boosting French Mali operation support
• Russia sending aircraft to evacuate citizens from Syria
Southeast Asia
• Ulema Wants Alleged Police Rapists in Aceh to Be Caned
• Demands to Stop Extortion of Migrant Workers
• Aceh Police Deny Rape Claim against Officers
• Malaysian PM, solidarity trip to Gaza, urges Hamas-Fatah reconciliation
• Thai officials ‘sold’ Rohingya Muslims
• Malaysian leader Anwar wins defamation case against local daily
• Indonesia's Democracy Stuck in the Swamps
• Telkom to Install 100,000 Wi-Fi Hotspots in Schools across Indonesia
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
Photo: Syria car bomb kills 30, separate blast rocks capital
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Ulema Wants Alleged Police Rapists in Aceh to Be Caned
Nurdin Hasan | January 22, 2013
Banda Aceh. Islamic clerics in Aceh have demanded that the three police officers in the Simeulue district, who allegedly drugged and raped a 19-year-old woman, be caned for the reported offense.
Teungku Faisal Ali, the deputy head of the Aceh Consultative Assembly of Ulema (MPU), said on Tuesday that the alleged offenders, who have denied the allegations, deserved to be caned in public in keeping with the province’s partial adoption of Shariah law.
“The police officers should be processed by using Islamic Shariah to serve as an example for everyone that Islamic Shariah in Aceh applies for everyone including police officers who are law enforcers,” Faisal told the Jakarta Globe.
“There has been an impression among the public that police officers and soldiers who violate Islamic Shariah cannot be charged with Shariah law. It is a wrong perception because who ever lives and stays in Aceh is equal before the law.”
Marhadin, the uncle of the alleged 19-year old victim, said on Monday that the incident occurred last Thursday, when the woman arranged to meet one of the officers outside his rented room in the morning.
However, when they met, he and two other officers allegedly pushed her inside the room, where they forced her to consume methamphetamine. Marhadin said that she was raped by one of them while the others watched.
The police, however, insist there was no harm done, claiming that the sex was agreed upon beforehand and the officers had paid the victim afterward.
“The three police officers should be caned, even though it seems a light sentence, but it will serve as a lesson for people as it will have a deterrent effect and put them to shame publicly,” said Faisal, who is also the chairman of the Aceh chapter of Nahdlat ul Ulema.
But the Simeulue police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Parluatan Siregar told the Jakarta Globe that he would not charge the three officers with Shariah law as the sentence would be too light.
“[They'll] likely get six cane strokes that won't deter them,” he said.
He confirmed that the three officers had been placed in custody at the Simeulue Police office, not for the alleged sexual violence — after he claimed that the doctor who examined her did not find any rape indicators — but for using methamphetamine.
“What [was] said to be rape should be violence and threat, but there were none,” Parluatan said.
“The suspects admitted that they agreed to pay Rp 200,000 ($20.7) per intercourse. So, we will process them with national law. The first is on [the] drug consumption case, and secondly on indecent behaviour and violating code of conduct.”
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/ulema-wants-alleged-police-rapists-in-aceh-to-be-caned/566981
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India
SC Hears Petition on Muslim Policeman's Right to Sport Beard
By Dhananjay Mahapatra
Jan 22, 2013
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Centre and the Maharashtra government on a petition filed by a Muslim policeman seeking to exercise his religious right of keeping long beard.
The apex court has stayed disciplinary action initiated against the policeman who was permitted to grow beard only during the religious months.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/SC-hears-petition-on-Muslim-policemans-right-to-sport-beard/articleshow/18130268.cms
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India, Pakistan spar over UN mission in Kashmir
Jan 22, 2013
UNITED NATIONS: India and Pakistan got into a verbal exchange at the Security Council on relevance of the UN observer group at the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir, with India stressing the force's role has been "overtaken" by subsequent agreements signed by the two nations under which they resolved to settle differences "through bilateral negotiations".
The exchange occurred during a UN Security Council open debate on peacekeeping, which was organised by Pakistan under its current presidency of the 15-nation powerful UN body.
Presiding over the debate was Pakistan's foreign secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani, who said his country has been a "proud participant" in peacekeeping missions.
"Pakistan is also host to one of the oldest UN peacekeeping missions - the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). This Mission has played an important role in monitoring peace along the line of control in Jammu and Kashmir," Jilani said.
The reference to UNMOGIP was rejected by India's ambassador to the UN Hardeep Singh Puri, who suggested that it would be better to spend resources allocated for the observer group elsewhere in difficult economic times.
"Suffice it to point out that UNMOGIP's role has been overtaken by the Simla Agreement of 1972 between India and Pakistan, signed by the heads of the two governments and ratified by their respective parliaments.
"In times of austerity, we need to address the question whether the resources being spent on UNMOGIP would not be better utilised elsewhere," Puri said in his remarks at the debate, which was initially supposed to be presided over by Pakistan Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf.
The Pakistani Supreme Court had last week ordered the arrest of Ashraf in connection with a corruption scandal.
Puri stressed that under the Simla agreement, the two countries had resolved to settle difference "by peaceful means" through bilateral talks.
At the end of the debate, Pakistan's permanent representative to the UN Masood Khan, speaking in his national capacity, responded to Puri's remarks saying that no bilateral agreement between the two nations has "overtaken or affected" the role or legality of the observer group.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-Pakistan-spar-over-UN-mission-in-Kashmir/articleshow/18128550.cms
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Jaipur Lit fest: Muslim bodies against Thayil, Joshi; RSS no to 7 Pak invitees
Jan 22 2013
Jaipur : Threats from Muslim organisations, the BJP and the RSS seems to be shrouding the prospects of the five-day Jaipur Literature Festival set to begin on Thursday.
The BJP and the RSS Monday threatened “not to allow” seven Pakistani authors to event. “Looking at the present Indo-Pak relations, it is unacceptable to allow Pakistani writers to be here as guests. As of now we are politely saying that their names should be dropped from the list of invitees. If that is not done, we will make sure they are not allowed to enter Rajasthan. If they come, they will meet the fate of the two theatre groups, who sent back last week,” Suman Sharma, BJP state vice-president told The Indian Express.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/jaipur-lit-fest-muslim-bodies-against-thayil-joshi--rss-no-to-7-pak-.../1062756/
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Alarm over growing Chinese presence in Maldivian IT, telecom sectors
SANDEEP JOSHI
January 22, 2013
With Indian security agencies sounding an alarm over the growing influence of China in the Indian Ocean region, the Ministry of Communications and IT has agreed that Beijing’s state-owned companies should be kept at bay from the Maldives’ IT and telecom sectors.
Agreeing with an analysis by Indian intelligence agencies, particularly the Research & Analysis Wing (RAW), that “China increasingly targeting nations in our immediate neighbourhood is a matter of concern,” the Ministry has suggested a proactive approach to thwarting this move. Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/alarm-over-growing-chinese-presence-in-maldivian-it-telecom-sectors/article4329846.ece
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13/7 Mumbai blast suspect arrested from Darbhanga
Jan 22, 2013
NEW DELHI: Alleged Indian Mujahideen (IM) operative Danish Ansari, suspected to have played a role in the 13/7 blasts in Mumbai, was on Monday arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) from Bihar's Darbhanga district.
Ansari belongs to the same IM Bihar module to which slain IM accused Qateel Siddiqui and six others belonged. All suspects were arrested by the Delhi Police in December 2011 and have been accused of plotting the German Bakery blast in Pune in February, 2010, the Chinnaswamy Stadium blast in Bangalore (April 2010), the Jama Masjid firing that took place in Delhi in September 2010 and the July 13, 2011 blasts in Mumbai that claimed 26 lives.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/13/7-Mumbai-blast-suspect-arrested-from-Darbhanga/articleshow/18124628.cms
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Malegaon blast accused starts legal aid NGO to help those ‘wrongly arrested’
Jan 22 2013
Mumbai : In 2006, soon after the Malegaon bomb blasts, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested a Unani medicine practitioner alleging he harboured Pakistanis and smuggled the RDX used in the explosives.
After five years in prison, and a year outside on bail, Dr Salman Farsi Monday launched a NGO called Justice Legal Voice (JLV) to provide legal aid to the “wrongly arrested”. Farsi recalls that he was nothing but ‘accused number 4’ for five years, with law his only hope.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/malegaon-blast-accused-starts-legal-aid-ngo-to-help-those--wrongly-arr.../1062905/
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India will not allow 3rd party involvement, handle the issue bilaterally: Salman Khurshid
Jan 22 2013
United Nations : Responding to Pakistan's assertion seeking UN intervention in Kashmir, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said 'let's handle the issue bilaterally'.
Khurshid said, "India will not allow third party involvement and expect Pakistan to handle the issue bilaterally."
India and Pakistan got into a verbal exchange at the Security Council on relevance of the UN observer group at LoC in Jammu and Kashmir, with India stressing the force's role has been "overtaken" by subsequent agreements signed by the two nations under which they resolved to settle differences "through bilateral negotiations".
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/india-will-not-allow-3rd-party-involvement-handle-the-issue-bilateral.../1063018/
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Hafiz Saeed seeks ban on RSS, VHP
ANITA JOSHUA
January 22, 2013
Urges international community to declare India “a state supporting terrorism on its soil”
Jamat-ud-Da’wah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed on Monday demanded a ban on organisations such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and urged the international community to declare India “a state supporting terrorism on its soil” in view of Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde’s remarks on ‘Hindu terrorism.’
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/hafiz-saeed-seeks-ban-on-rss-vhp/article4330045.ece
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Akbar Owaisi's judicial custody extended
Jan 22, 2013
HYDERABAD: An Andhra Pradesh court on Tuesday extended MIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi's judicial custody till Feb 5 in a hate speech case.
As the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) legislator's 14-day custody was ending on Tuesday, the police produced him in the Munsif magistrate's court in Nirmal, about 200 km from here.
The court extended his judicial remand by another two weeks.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Akbar-Owaisis-judicial-custody-extended/articleshow/18129280.cms
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Shutdown in Hyderabad to protest Asaduddin Owaisi's arrest
I Jan 22, 2013
HYDERABAD: A shutdown is being observed here and in some other parts of Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday to protest Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi's arrest in a seven-year-old case.
Shops, business establishments and educational institutions remained closed in the old city and other Muslim-majority areas in Hyderabad.
State-owned road transport corporation (RTC) suspended majority of its bus services while auto-rickshaws were also off the roads.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Shutdown-in-Hyderabad-to-protest-Asaduddin-Owaisis-arrest/articleshow/18128150.cms
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Shinde's statement on 'Hindu terrorism' based on facts, Salman Khurshid
Jan 22, 2013
NEW DELHI: External affairs minister Salman Khurshid today backed home minister Sushilkumar Shinde's statement on " Hindu terrorism" saying it was based "entirely on facts" made available by investigative agencies. He, however, said that terror has no religion and colour.
"Let me just say this to you very clearly that our stated position, that is shared fully by the Home Minister and past Home Minister, is based entirely on facts as the investigative agencies have made available to the government," Khurshid told reporters here.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Shindes-statement-on-Hindu-terrorism-based-on-facts-Salman-Khurshid-says/articleshow/18132530.cms
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Sarpanches to be center of new initiative in Kashmir
Shishir Gupta
January 22, 2013
With an eye towards possible security fall-out of 2014 US troop-pullout from Afghanistan, Centre is working towards a new initiative in J&K to politically take on separatists in the Valley.
The government’s strategy is to use empowered sarpanches and panches to build a democratic movement in the valley at the grassroots level.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/newdelhi/Sarpanches-to-be-center-of-new-initiative-in-Kashmir/Article1-997882.aspx
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J&K govt prepares people for nuke war
Peerzada Ashiq
January 22, 2013
Amid tension along the Line of Control over the recent killing of soldiers, the J&K government on Monday came out with a list of dos and don’ts for the public in case of nuclear, biological and chemical warfare.
The “routine awareness” drive attracted criticism from some quarters for adding to the sense of insecurity.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/srinagar/J-amp-K-govt-prepares-people-for-nuke-war/Article1-997873.aspx
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Mideast Asia
Iraq denies torture of Saudi prisoners after Gulf Cup defeat
22 January 2013
An Iraqi official has denied reports that Saudi prisoners are being tortured in his country in retaliation for the Iraqi football team’s recent defeat at the Gulf Cup finals in Manama. “Reports of torture and abuse of Saudi prisoners are baseless and illogical,” spokesman of Iraq’s Interior Ministry Brig. Saad Ibrahim said in a statement to a local newspaper recently.
On the other hand, a Saudi citizen languishing in an Iraqi prison told the daily by telephone that a number of Saudi inmates have been subjected to abuse by their warders following the recent sport event. The prisoner appealed to the authorities in both countries to intervene swiftly to end the prisoners’ ordeal.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/iraq-denies-torture-saudi-prisoners-after-gulf-cup-defeat
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Israelis vote in elections seen swinging to the right
Jan 22, 2013
JERUSALEM: Israelis trickled into polling stations on Tuesday to vote in elections expected to return Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to power at the head of a government of hard line rightwing and religious parties.
A handful of voters were already queuing up as stations opened at 0500 GMT, waiting to mark their ballots in blue voting booths, though many Israelis were taking advantage of the election day public holiday to sleep in.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Israelis-vote-in-elections-seen-swinging-to-the-right/articleshow/18131187.cms
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NATO Patriot missiles arrive in Turkey to counter Syria risks
22 January 2013
ISKENDERUN: The first of six NATO Patriot missile batteries intended to protect Turkey from a potential Syrian attack arrived by ship from Germany yesterday, drawing a small but noisy protest from nationalist and leftist demonstrators.
Dozens of camouflaged German military vehicles carrying the batteries disembarked at the Mediterranean port of Iskenderun. About 150 Turkish Communist Party supporters fired pink smoke grenades and burned an American flag at a port entrance.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/nato-patriot-missiles-arrive-turkey-counter-syria-risks
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Netanyahu appears poised for third term as Israeli PM
22 January 2013
JERUSALEM: With no viable alternative in sight, incumbent Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears poised to secure a third term in office following Tuesday’s general election.
Netanyahu wraps up four years of relatively stable reign, in which he boasts of pushing the Iranian nuclear threat to the top of the international agenda, deterring terrorism against Israel and keeping its economy afloat despite a worldwide recession.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/netanyahu-appears-poised-third-term-israeli-pm
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Arab Israelis must ‘vote in droves’ to defeat racism
22 January 2013
The Arab League urged Arab Israelis to stage a massive turnout in the Jewish state’s legislative elections today, in a statement yesterday.
“The League calls on Arab citizens of Israel to turn out in droves for the elections so they are represented (in Parliament) and can oppose racist laws” that could be voted on in the Knesset, it said.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/arab-israelis-must-%E2%80%98vote-droves%E2%80%99-defeat-racism
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Pakistan
Desperate Pakistan puts pressure on India for peace talks
Jan 22 2013
Islamabad: Pakistan has conveyed to India at the diplomatic level that their Foreign Ministers should meet to discuss the ceasefire violations on the Line of Control that triggered tensions, a media report said on Tuesday.
The suggestion for talks was initially made through the media by Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar to gauge the possible reaction from India. Subsequently, the message was taken up through diplomatic channels; The News quoted its sources as saying.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/story-print/1063058/
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Intervention on Qadri’s march averted Lal-Masjid like situation: PML-Q
January 22, 2013
LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League – Quaid (PML-Q) president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain revealed on Tuesday that some government authorities had decided to use force against the participants of the long march organised by Tehrik-i-Minhaj ul Quran(TMQ) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, DawnNews reported.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Shujaat said that the decision was made to use force against the participants of Qadri’s long march on Jan 16 upon which he, seeking to avoid a repeat of the Lal Masjid operation incident, contacted Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf to press for negotiations.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/01/22/intervention-on-qadris-march-averted-lal-masjid-like-situtation-shujaat/
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Indian H M’s 'Hindu terror' remarks India's internal matter: Pak
Jan 22 2013
Islamabad: Pakistan has described as India's “internal matter” Home Minister Sushil kumar Shinde's remarks accusing the BJP and RSS of conducting terror training camps.
It was an “internal matter of India”, Foreign Office Spokesman Moazzam Khan said, reacting to Shinde's remarks.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/sushilkumar-shindes-hindu-terror-remarks-india.../1063090/
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Pak PM's corruption case put on hold till results of investigating officer's 'suicide' probe
22 Jan 2013
Islamabad, Jan. 22 (ANI): Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau chief has said that the RPPs case proceedings would be put on hold until an inquiry into NAB official Kamran Faisal's death concludes.
The move will effectively render all accused in the Rental Power Plants (RPPs) case invulnerable for a while, reports The Express Tribune.
Faisal, investigation officer of the RPPs case died under mysterious circumstances last week. Police have ruled the death a suicide.
Full report at:
http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2013/01/22/234-Pak-PM-s-corruption-case-put-on-hold-till-results-of-investigating-officer-s-suicide-probe.html
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Working group discusses IED threat on Pak-Afghan border
January 22, 2013
RAWALPINDI: A meeting of the Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) working group’s meeting was held on Monday at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
Delegates from the Afghan National Army (Ana), the International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) and Pakistan Army participated in the meeting of the working group.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/01/21/working-group-discusses-ied-threat-on-pak-afghan-border/
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Khar defends govt response to LoC violations
By Qamar Zaman
January 22, 2013
ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Hi na Rabbani Khar on Tuesday rubbished allegations emanating from the opposition over the government’s ‘inadequate’ response to skirmishes along the Line of Control (LoC), which had resulted in the killings of three Pakistani soldiers.
“We take pride in the fact that a democratic Pakistan has shown commitment of not escalating the tension,” Khar said in response to Leader of the Opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan’s criticism.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/497316/khar-defends-govt-response-to-loc-violations/
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Rehman Malik apologises to Christians for comparing Qadri to Pope
Jan 22 2013
Islamabad : Days after he angered Christians by comparing fiery cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri to the Pope, Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik met a delegation of the minority community's leaders and extended “heart-felt apologies” for hurting their feelings by his “uncalled for” remarks.
Malik invited a delegation of Christian leaders led by National Supreme Council of Bishops Chairman Ishaq Mazhar Sandhu to his office yesterday and formally apologised for his remarks.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/rehman-malik-apologises-to-christians-for-comparing-qadri-to-pope/1063111/
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Drone attacks issue to be taken up with US envoy, FM tells Senate
January 22, 2013
ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar on Tuesday said the issue of drone attacks would be taken up with US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson, DawnNews reported.
During a policy statement in the Senate, Khar said drone attacks were a violation of Pakistan’s territorial integrity, adding that the government was not oblivious to the challenges confronting the country.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/01/22/drone-attacks-issue-to-be-taken-up-with-us-envoy-fm-tells-senate/
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Six killed in incidents of violence in Karachi
January 22, 2013
KARACHI: Six people were killed in incidents of firing and violence in different areas of Karachi, while the police arrested two suspects during a targeted operation in, DawnNews reported on Tuesday.
One person was killed in a firing incident in Karachi’s Old Golimar area.
Two bodies bearing marks of torture were found in Baldia Town No. 2. One of the bodies had been beheaded and the head was found from Karachi’s Shershah area at the Dalda Mor.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/01/22/six-killed-in-incidents-of-violence-in-karachi-4/
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Zardari contempt case: LHC adjourns hearing to Feb 6
January 22, 2013
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday heard the contempt of court petition against President Asif Ali Zardari for not relinquishing the political office of PPP co-chairman, DawnNews reported.
A full bench, headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, heard the case.
During the hearing, Wasim Sajjad, the federation’s counsel, stated that the president enjoyed complete immunity under the Constitution.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/01/22/zardari-contempt-case-lhc-resumes-hearing/
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Pakistani terror suspects held on moral grounds: Spy agency
22 January 2013
ISLAMABAD: A lawyer acting for Pakistani intelligence said yesterday that a group of men detained for years on suspicion of terror attacks had been held on “moral grounds,” admitting there was no evidence against them.
The seven men were first arrested in November 2007 and their release ordered in May 2010, only for them to disappear.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/pakistani-terror-suspects-held-moral-grounds-spy-agency
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Qadri announces decision not to contest polls
January 22, 2013
LAHORE: Tehrik-i-Minhajul Quran (TMQ) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri on Tuesday announced his decision not to contest Pakistan’s upcoming general elections.
The Canadian-Pakistani cleric led thousands of people to Islamabad last week, protesting for electoral reforms. However, he called off the four-day sit-in after the federal government decided to accept some of his demands.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/01/22/qadri-announces-decision-not-to-contest-polls/
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Over 400 Pakistanis detained in 5 countries: FM
By Umer Nangiana
January 22, 2013
ISLAMABAD: More than 400 Pakistanis are currently detained in five countries across Europe, the Middle East and South Asia, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar said in a written reply to National Assembly (NA) question hour on Monday.
The Special Cell on Overseas Pakistanis (SCOP), in coordination with Pakistani missions abroad, is providing assistance to the detainees charged in cases of illegal immigration, theft and drug smuggling, the minister added.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/497321/over-400-pakistanis-detained-in-5-countries-fm/
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All parties’ conference: ANP undeterred by lukewarm response
January 22, 2013
PESHAWAR: Although two major political parties have refused to attend the Awami National Party’s (ANP) all-parties conference (APC), the ANP stands undeterred to form a joint counterterrorism policy.
Awami National Party (ANP) chief Asfandyar Wali Khan on Monday said his party will continue to extend invitations to major political parties in the country to help create a joint strategy to tackle terrorism. “We will keep asking political parties to come forward and formulate a joint anti-terrorism strategy, till they agree. We have to end militancy on Pushtun soil,” Khan said.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/497071/all-parties-conference-anp-undeterred-by-lukewarm-response/
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Hindu Panchayat accuses minority minister Mohan Lal’s firm of corruption
January 22, 2013
SUKKUR: Members of the Hindu Panchayat have accused a firm owned by Sindh Minister for Minority Affairs Dr Mohan Lal Koshistani of engaging in large-scale corruption, after it was awarded a contract to repair and renovate the historic Sadh Belo temple.
Sadh Belo Parbandhak Committee chairperson Advocate Mukesh Kumar and Hindu Panchayat senior vice president Ashok Kumar Dhanvani took up the issue with Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah on Sunday. The chief minister was accompanied by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Khursheed Ahmed Shah and MNA Nauman Islam Shaikh.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/497146/hindu-panchayat-accuses-minority-ministers-firm-of-corruption/
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Pakistan polio virus creeps into Egypt
January 22, 2013
ISLAMABAD: Originating from Pakistan, the crippling polio virus has now made its way into Egypt after China.
Following the export of the deadly virus to the Middle Eastern country, the Prime Minister’s Polio Monitoring and Coordination Cell, along with its international partners the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Unicef, on Monday directed all the provincial governments and the federal administration to immediately establish polio vaccination counters inside international departure lounges at all airports across the country.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/497215/from-indus-to-the-nile-pakistan-polio-virus-creeps-into-egypt/
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Arab World
Syria car bomb kills 30, separate blast rocks capital
Jan 22, 2013
DAMASCUS: A suicide car bombing in central Syria killed at least 30 people on Monday, a watchdog said, also reporting a powerful blast in Damascus, as the Arab League said UN efforts to end the conflict had failed to bring even a "glimmer" of hope.
The United Nations said it would conduct a major humanitarian operation in the war-torn country, with its mission to Syria describing the need for it as "enormous," having found people in dire need of medical and alimentary aid.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Syria-car-bomb-kills-30-separate-blast-rocks-capital/articleshow/18125181.cms
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Car bombs in Baghdad suburbs kill 15, dozens wounded
January 22, 2013
Iraqi officials say a string of car bomb attacks in and around Baghdad has killed 15 people and wounded dozens.
Police officials say the attacks started on Tuesday morning when a parked car exploded in Mahmoudiya, killing five people. The town is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) south of the Iraqi capital.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/car-bombs-in-baghdad-suburbs-kill-15-dozens-wounded/article4332335.ece
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Egypt's Morsi opposes French intervention in Mali
Jan 22, 2013
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA: Egypt's Islamist president on Monday stated his opposition to France's military intervention in Mali, saying its actions there would create a "new conflict hotspot" that separates the Arab north from its African neighbors to the south.
Addressing the opening session of an Arab economic summit in Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Morsi also declared his support for Algeria against threats to its security — a reference to the takeover by Islamic militants of a gas complex last week in that nation's remote southeast. Thirty-eight hostages and 29 militants died in the attack.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Egypts-Morsi-opposes-French-intervention-in-Mali/articleshow/18124436.cms
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Saudi-born Arab expats stuck between a rock and a hard place
22 January 2013
Arab expatriates, who were born in Saudi Arabia, said they couldn’t return to their home country, due to the political turmoil back home. At the same time, they face many obstacles in finding a job and continue living in the Kingdom.
The Nitaqat program for Saudisation that the Ministry of Labour has launched reduces the percentage of jobs available to expatriates in the private sector.
“The Nitaqat program does not take into consideration a person's birth in this country. Expatriates who were born in the Kingdom are considered no different from foreign workers who recently came Saudi Arabia,” said Faroq Al-Khateeb, economic analyst.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-born-arab-expats-stuck-between-rock-and-hard-place
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Over 12,000 Syrians flee to Jordan in six days
22 January 2013
More than 12,000 Syrians, mostly women and children, have sought refuge in Jordan in the past six days to escape the war in their homeland, the government said on Tuesday.
Some 25,000 Syrians have entered Jordan since the beginning of the year, Anmar Hmud, a government spokesman for refugee affairs told AFP.
‘More than 12,000 Syrians have fled to Jordan in the past six days. The majority of them were children and women,’ Hmud said.
Full report at:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-
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15 Bahrain rioters in custody for 30 days
22 January 2013
MANAMA - Bahrain’s public prosecution on Sunday ordered 15 rioters, including a woman to stay in custody for 30 days pending investigation.
“They are accused of rioting in Manama on last Friday (January18) following calls posted on social media websites,” Capital Prosecutor Fahd Al Bouainain said on Sunday.
Around 100 people staged a rally in Manama Suq and sparked panic among people, forcing some traders to shut down their shops after chaos.
Full report at:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-
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Bahrain king calls political groups for new talks
22 January 2013
DUBAI: Bahrain’s King Hamad has called for a new round of national dialogue, previously shunned by the Shiite-led opposition, the government’s Information Affairs Authority said.
King Hamad’s call follows last month’s plea for dialogue made by Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/bahrain-king-calls-political-groups-new-talks
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Arab countries leaders resume Economic and Social Development Summit’s sessions
22 January 2013
Riyadh: Under the chairmanship of Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defence, and President of the 3rd Economic and Social Development Summit, the leaders and heads of delegations of Arab countries resumed here today the Summit’s sessions currently being held at King Abdulaziz International Centre.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/arab-countries-leaders-resume-summit%E2%80%99s-sessions
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GCC official wants Arab League to set realistic goals
22 January 2013
Abdul Aziz Al-Owaisheq, assistant secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for negotiations and strategic dialogues, has urged the Arab League to be realistic and practical in its decisions and declarations, because impractical rhetoric does not lead to economic success.
“The Arab League can only maintain its credibility if it succeeds in abandoning exaggerated statements on ambitious projects, which the league and its member states cannot implement within the time-frames specified,” Al-Owaisheq said in a statement to a local newspaper.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/gcc-official-wants-arab-league-set-realistic-goals
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Moussa: Customs union must for Arab common market
22 January 2013
Amr Moussa, head of the Egyptian Congress Party and former secretary-general of the Arab League, predicted that the third Arab Economic Summit would boost Arab joint economic activity and will consequently lead to the establishment of a common Arab market in the near future.
Moussa expressed his hope the summit would support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularity following the two previous economic summits in Kuwait and Sharm El-Sheikh, which he said, approved billions of dollars in this regard.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/moussa-customs-union-must-arab-common-market
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North America
US Senators furious at Pakistan-specific exemption of drones
By Peer Muhammad
January 22, 2013
ISLAMABAD: Senators from both sides of the aisle raised an uproar on Monday over the US government’s new Counter-Terrorism Manual which exempts the CIA from conducting drone strikes within the Pakistani territory.
Senators drew the attention of the house towards a story reported by the Washington Post which suggested that President Barack Obama’s administration would, through a new counter-terrorism manual, allow the CIA to continue striking al Qaeda and Taliban targets in Pakistan for a year or more.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/497297/us-counter-terrorism-manual-senators-furious-at-pakistan-specific-exemption-of-drones/
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U.S. begins transporting French troops, equipment to Mali
Jan 22, 2013
(Reuters) - The United States has started transporting French soldiers and equipment to Mali as part of its logistical aid to French forces fighting Islamist militants in the north of the country, a U.S. official said on Tuesday.
Paris has launched a military campaign against Islamist fighters in Mali at the request of the Malian government, amid fears the vast desert country could become a launchpad for international attacks.
Full report at:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/22/us-mali-usa-idUSBRE90L0DR20130122
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Two more Americans die in Algeria
January 22, 2013
WASHINGTON: Two additional Americans were killed in last week’s hostage standoff at a natural gas complex in Algeria, bringing the final US death toll to three, an Obama administration official said Monday.
Seven Americans made it out safely. The overall death toll from the standoff has surpassed 80.
The FBI has recovered the bodies of the Americans and notified their families, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak publicly about the matter.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/01/21/two-more-americans-die-in-algeria/
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Africa
Canadian coordinated gas plant attack, says Algerian PM
22 January 2013
ALGIERS: A Canadian coordinated the attack on the In Amenas gas plant in the Sahara desert, Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal said on Monday.
“A Canadian was among the militants. He was coordinating the attack,” Sellal told a news conference.
Earlier, a security official said Algerian special forces scouring the plant following Saturday’s bloody end to the crisis found on the bodies of two militants documents showing them as Canadians.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/middle-east/canadian-coordinated-gas-plant-attack-says-algerian-pm
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Algeria hostage crisis: survivors tell of cold-blooded killers
Witness accounts emerge of ordeal that appears to have been planned with inside knowledge of gas facility
Julian Borger, diplomatic editor
The Guardian, Monday 21 January 2013
The extremist gunmen who took over the In Amenas gas field last week used a British hostage to draw other foreigners out of hiding, it emerged on Monday.
An Algerian survivor called Chabene told journalists that the hostage was held at gunpoint and "they threatened him until he called his friend in English saying: 'Come out, come out, they're not going to kill you. They're looking for Americans'… A few minutes later, they killed him."
Full report at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/21/algeria-hostage-crisis-survivors-accounts
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Mali takes control of Douentza
January 22, 2013
Malian forces on Tuesday held control of the strategic town that was under extreme Islamist rule for four months, as the French-led military intervention pushed northward in its second week.
Douentza had been the outer edge of Islamist rebel control until the militants surged southward earlier this month. While far from the capital, Douentza is only 190 kilometres from Mopti, which marks the line-of-control held by the Malian military.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/mali-takes-control-of-douentza/article4332185.ece
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North Africa: The dark side of Arab Spring
Jan 22 2013
Robert F. Worth
As the uprising closed in around him, Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi warned that if he fell, chaos and holy war would overtake North Africa. “Bin Laden’s people would come to impose ransoms by land and sea,” he said. “We will go back to the time of Redbeard, of pirates, of Ottomans imposing ransoms on boats.”
Recently that unhinged prophecy has acquired a grim new currency. In Mali, French paratroopers arrived to battle an advancing force of jihadi fighters who already control an area twice the size of Germany. In Algeria, a one-eyed Islamist bandit organised the brazen takeover of an international gas facility, taking hostages including more than 40 Americans and Europeans.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/north-africa-the-dark-side-of-arab-spring/1062895/
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South Asia
Prince Harry ends Afghan tour, says he killed Taliban insurgents
January 22, 2013
Prince Harry shot at Taliban insurgents during his time as an army helicopter pilot in Afghanistan, he says.
The prince, whose five-month deployment to the country has just ended, spoke about his role as an Apache co-pilot gunner, and whether he had killed.
"Yeah, so lots of people have. The squadron's been out here. Everyone's fired a certain amount," he said.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=44188
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Maldives Parliament fails to pass critical child protection bills: report
By Leah Malone | January 21st, 2013
A study recently published by the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) highlights numerous participation and protection policy deficiencies putting Maldivian children at serious risk of harm.
The report, Child participation in the Maldives: An assessment of knowledge analyses how much the Maldives – as a fledgling democratic state and society – knows of children’s rights to participation, and assesses the mechanisms in place to protect their fundamental human rights.
Full report at:
http://minivannews.com/politics/parliament-fails-to-pass-critical-child-protection-bills-report-51550
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Police working neutrally, sincerely: PM Sheikh Hasina
January 22, 2013
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday lauded members of Bangladesh Police for their professionalism saying they were discharging duties with full neutrality and dutifulness to maintain law and order.
Her party does not believe in using police as a political weapon, Hasina said.
"Police will act to protect the public safety according to the law. The duty of the police is to bring the law breakers to book, whatever powerful they are," she added.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=44197
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Maldives Parliament committee to investigate detention of underage orphanage minors
By Ahmed Nazeer | January 21st, 2013
Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP for Madaveli Mohamed Nazim has called on parliament’s national security committee to investigate the arrest of two minors living in the Villingili Orphanage.
The issue was discussed at the National Security Committee meeting on Monday. MPs decided to summon the head of the Department of Penitentiary and Rehabilitation Services (DPRS), the Ministry of Gender, Family and Human Rights, the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM), and representatives from the Villingili orphanage.
Full report at:
http://minivannews.com/society/parliament-committee-to-investigate-detention-of-underage-orphanage-minors-in-maafushi-prison-51514
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Hearing in Bangladesh S C of jail killing acquittal adjourned
January 22, 2013
The Supreme Court on Tuesday adjourned until tomorrow the hearing on the appeal filed against a High Court verdict that acquitted six former army personnel in the jail killing case.
The six-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice Md Muzammel Hossain passed the adjournment order after concluding the second days' hearing on the appeal.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=44203
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Europe
UK to consider boosting French Mali operation support
22 January 2013
The UK government is to discuss offering more help to French forces fighting Islamist rebels in Mali.
Two military aircraft have already been lent and David Cameron has said there could be further assistance with transport and surveillance.
But the Ministry of Defence says there are no plans for a ground combat role.
Following British deaths in an attack on a gas plant in Algeria by Islamist militants, Mr Cameron said north Africa was becoming a "magnet for jihadists".
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-21136882
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Russia sending aircraft to evacuate citizens from Syria
Jan 22, 2013
MOSCOW: Moscow will on Tuesday send two planes to Lebanon to evacuate over a hundred Russians from Syria, a ministry official said on Monday.
"At the request of the Russian leadership, the ministry will send two planes to Beirut in Lebanon so all the Russians who wish to can leave Syria," Irina Rossious, spokeswoman for the emergency situations ministry, was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency.
"More than one hundred Russians are expected to leave Syria on board these planes," she said without giving further details.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Russia-sending-aircraft-to-evacuate-citizens-from-Syria/articleshow/18123083.cms
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Southeast Asia
Demands to Stop Extortion of Migrant Workers
SP/Edi Hardum | January 22, 2013
Legislators have urged Manpower and Transmigration Minister Muhaimin Iskandar to crack down on officials who extort illegal fees from migrant workers returning from overseas.
Arif Minardi, a member of House of Representatives Commission IX, which oversees labor affairs, said at a hearing with the minister on Monday that officials from the National Agency for the Placement and Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (BNP2TKI) were still forcing workers to pass through a separate terminal at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport where they were harassed and shaken down.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/demands-to-stop-extortion-of-migrant-workers/566850
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Aceh Police Deny Rape Claim Against Officers
Nurdin Hasan | January 22, 2013
Banda Aceh. Police in Aceh have denied allegations that three officers in the Simeulue district forced a 19-year-old woman to consume methamphetamine and then raped her, claiming she was paid for the ordeal and enjoyed it.
Marhadin, the uncle of the alleged victim, said on Monday that the incident occurred last Thursday, when the woman arranged to meet one of the officers outside his rented room in the morning.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/aceh-police-deny-rape-claim-against-officers/566837
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Malaysian PM, solidarity trip to Gaza, urges Hamas-Fatah reconciliation
22 January 2013
GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories: Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak pledged solidarity with the Palestinians on his first trip to Gaza on Tuesday, and backed reconciliation efforts between Hamas and Fatah.
Najib, who entered via the Rafah crossing from Egypt along with his Foreign Minister Anifah Aman and other officials, was met by Hamas prime minister Ismail Haniya.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/malaysian-pm-solidarity-trip-gaza-urges-hamas-fatah-reconciliation
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Thai officials ‘sold’ Rohingya Muslims
22 January 2013
Thai officials have been selling boat people from Burma to human traffickers, according to reports.
The BBC has found that boats were being intercepted by the Thai navy and police, with deals then made to sell the people on to traffickers who transport them south toward Malaysia.
Thailand’s Army chief called yesterday for a probe into senior army officials suspected of helping to traffic Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar through Thailand and on to a third country.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/thai-officials-%E2%80%98sold%E2%80%99-rohingya-muslims
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Malaysian leader Anwar wins defamation case against local daily
January 22, 2013
A Malaysian court has ruled in favour of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim in his 50 million Ringgit defamation suit against a local daily, holding it responsible for publishing two inaccurate articles about the former deputy premier’s remarks on homosexuality laws.
The case pertains to an interview Mr. Anwar gave to BBC last year in which he spoke about homosexuality laws in Malaysia.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/malaysian-leader-anwar-wins-defamation-case-against-local-daily/article4332259.ece
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Indonesia's Democracy Stuck in the Swamps
John Mcbeth - Straits Times | January 22, 2013
Mired in a swamp of self-interest, money-making and legislative malaise, Indonesia's political elite has now ensured there will be no one else to share the spoils by severely limiting the number of parties that will contest the 2014 legislative elections.
Only 10 parties passed the General Election Commission (KPU) verification, in a screening process that has seen the overall field drop from the 48 parties which took part in the first democratic elections in 1999 to 24 in 2004, and then back to 38 in 2009.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/opinion/indonesias-democracy-stuck-in-the-swamps/566988
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Telkom to Install 100,000 Wi-Fi Hotspots in Schools Across Indonesia
Farid Firdaus | January 10, 2013
State telecommunications firm Telekomunikasi Indonesia announced on Thursday a plan to install 100,000 Wi-Fi hotspots at select schools across the country this year.
The company, also known as Telkom, said that each institution would contain three or four hotspots, and installation would cost around Rp 10 million ($1,028) to Rp 15 million ($1,542) per school for access to Internet with a speed of 1 Mbps.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/education/telkom-to-install-100000-wi-fi-hotspots-in-schools-across-indonesia/565279
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