PM Anwar’s Deepavali message: Celebrating light over darkness, unity over division among Malaysians
New Age Islam News Bureau
30 Oct 2024
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today wished Happy Deepavali to all Hindu devotees in Malaysia. — Picture via Facebook/Anwar Ibrahim
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· PM Anwar’s Deepavali message: Celebrating light over darkness, unity over division among Malaysians
· Threat of Islamist extremism is real, don’t play politics with it
· Chaos at Waqf panel meet again after 'non-Muslim' board official backs bill
· Islamic scholar Dr. Zakir Naik praises Pakistan’s love, hospitality
· CNN bans conservative panelist after on-air ‘racist’ remark directed at Muslim journalist
· Saudi Arabia condemns Israel’s ban on UN agency for Palestinian refugees
· Muslim men on 'no-fly list' lose US appeal over treatment by FBI agents
· US Election Top 10: How 'racist' Trump is wooing Blacks, Muslims, Latinos and Desis
· Sultanate Council Dismisses Rumours Of Sultan Of Sokoto’s Death
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Southeast Asia
· ‘I Surrender to God’: Ex-Trade Minister Thomas Lembong Handcuffed and Dressed in Detainee Vest
· Malaysia condemns Israel for banning UN agency for Palestinian refugees in East Jerusalem, Gaza, and West Bank
· Malay and Islamic culture of 'accepting' apologies
· Police recover RM7.2 million ransom money in businessman kidnapping case
· Ban on EPF withdrawal to perform haj not true - Lim
· High Court orders Najib to enter defence in 1MDB case
· Court calls for Najib’s defence in RM2.27b 1MDB corruption and money laundering trial
· Jakim collected over RM12m in halal certification fees for 2023, Islamic affairs minister tells Parliament
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South Asia
· Bangladesh: An in-depth look at existing tensions
· NDMA and Islamic Welfare Organization Sign MoU to Expand Disaster Relief Efforts
· Muslim prayer leader shot dead in Yala
· Gradual implementation of Islamic teachings a must
· MoU signed to strengthen Qatar Afghanistan air transport, embassy
· Cement production factory worth $163 mln to be constructed in Jawzjan
· Nine Memorandums of Understanding Signed to Boost Entrepreneurship
· UNICEF Warns Kabul’s groundwater could run dry by 2030, urges action to prevent crisis
· Islamic Emirate Inks $163 Million Agreement with Turkish Firm for Jowzjan Cement Factory
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India
· Stormy scenes in House panel as Delhi Waqf administrator submits report
· Muslim traders in Hyderabad’s Afzalgunj observe bandh against Yati Narsinghanand’s objectionable statements
· Madras High Court backs damages to Muslim wife, says Shariat not judicial body
· Salman Khan gets death threat again with demand for Rs 2 crore; cops launch probe
· Jammu and Kashmir: Security forces kill militants linked to army convoy attack in Akhnoor
· Army officer lauds Akhnoor operation, says over 50 terrorists waiting to infiltrate into Jammu
· Why Muslims in Maharashtra support MVA despite underrepresentation in Opposition alliance
· As leaders flock to Antarwali-Saraati, Manoj Jarange-Patil holds his cards close: ‘Want Marathas, Muslims, Dalits to come together’
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Pakistan
· Ishaq Dar announces arrests in attacks on Chinese
· Pakistan, Saudi Arabia reaffirm resolve to further enhance bilateral ties
· MQM-P 'in talks' with govt over 27th Constitutional Amendment
· Fazl says 'dirty' draft would have passed without JUI-F votes
· PTI leader seeks review of SC ruling on Punjab election tribunals
· 12 killed in three accidents across Balochistan
· Asma Jahangir’s group retains supremacy in SCBA elections
· ANP accuses PTI of corruption, links with TTP
· SBP adopts two AAOIFI standards for Islamic banks
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Mideast
· Hamas, Islamic Jihad hail election new Hezbollah chief
· Israel escalates attacks as it promises to target new Hezbollah chief
· UN chief writes letter to Israeli PM protesting UNRWA ban
· Rocket attack targets Najaf imam's residence, injuring guard
· Former PM al-Maliki: We will return to al-Aqsa Mosque
· Israel must step in if it bans the UN agency that is a lifeline for Gaza, UN says
· Turkiye to pursue campaign against Kurdish group in Iraq, Syria
· Ten Danish Muslim leaders refuse to attend Minister-called meeting on antisemitism
· Jihad": Election Sheikh Qassem as Secretary General of Hezbollah confirms resistance solidity
· In Lebanon, a family’s memories are detonated along with their village
· Israeli strikes in northern Gaza kill at least 88, officials say
· Israeli tanks enter Khiam outskirts in deep south Lebanon incursion
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Arab World
· Saudi Arabia’s anti-terrorism chief meets Nigeria’s national security adviser
· Saudi cabinet anticipates two-state solution talks, calls for Gaza ceasefire
· Saudi crown prince meets with global leaders including Pakistani PM, Jordanian counterpart
· Jeddah forum focuses on coral reef conservation
· Riyadh’s deputy governor receives Egyptian premier
· Industry leader hails ‘avalanche’ of entertainment and tourism opportunities in Saudi Arabia
· KSA signs defense deal with Spain for new corvette ships
· Pope Francis greets delegation from UAE’s Abrahamic Family House at the Vatican
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Europe
· Biden alarmed at Georgia's disputed election and 'Russian laws'
· Mystery surrounds chemical letter scare at mosque
· Significant mental health burden for Mosque attack survivors - study
· World-first study reveals mental toll of March 15 mosque terror attacks
· CNN forced to apologise after panelist tells British Muslim journalist: 'I hope your beeper doesn't go off'
· Bodies recovered after flash floods in Spain
· France backs Morocco in dispute over Western Sahara
· This German grey eminence is trying for another color revolution
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North America
· Trump's Muslim allies slam Giuliani as 'unhinged lunatic'
· Harris and Trump vie for support from Arab and Muslim voters in Michigan
· CAIR-NY Welcomes Hate Crime Charges in Assault on Muslim Uber Driver
· CAIR, N. Virginia Mosque to Host Election Watch Party for Muslim Community
· Marcie Sclove: Thank you Hampshire Mosque
· Paul Pelosi attacker gets life in prison without parole
· Shawn Mendes says he's 'just figuring out' sexuality
· Adidas ends 'fight' with Kanye West over antisemitism
· Former Trump aide Steve Bannon released from jail
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Africa
· Wamakko, Lamido’s Political Rift Intensifies, Divides Sokoto Traditional Rulers
· Niger Assembly Raises Alarm As Bandits Take Over Military Training Camp In Kontagora
· EFCC Arrest Notorious Bank Hackers In Abuja
· Kano Governor Approves ?71,000 Minimum Wage For Civil Servants
· Tinubu Launches 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem, Commends Military
· Nigerian MP caught on camera assaulting delivery driver
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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PM Anwar’s Deepavali message: Celebrating light over darkness, unity over division among Malaysians (VIDEO)
30 Oct 2024
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today wished Happy Deepavali to all Hindu devotees in Malaysia. — Picture via Facebook/Anwar Ibrahim
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KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today wished Happy Deepavali to all Hindu devotees in Malaysia.
“Today marks, from a historical perspective, the victory over oppression and darkness, leading to the light of truth and justice.
“May we joyfully celebrate this festivity among Malaysians of various races and religions, sharing in the celebration and happiness. Thank you, Nandri,” he said in a short video message for Deepavali posted on his Facebook page.
Deepavali, also known as the Festival of Lights, will be celebrated tomorrow.
Meanwhile, in his post, the Prime Minister also wrote that the Festival of Lights symbolises the victory of light over darkness, goodness over corruption, and the power of knowledge over ignorance and arrogance.
“Certainly, as a society rich in culture, we must foster respect and understanding among communities.
“Let us take this opportunity to strengthen unity among different races and seek common ground, while also enhancing compassion towards those living in poverty and hardship,” he said.
He expressed his hope that this Deepavali celebration would also be marked by a spirit of fresh and pure awakening of thought, elevating the dignity of the entire nation. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/10/30/pm-anwars-deepavali-message-celebrating-light-over-darkness-unity-over-division-among-malaysians-video/155323
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Threat of Islamist extremism is real, don’t play politics with it
30 October 2024
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith
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The quest for an elusive mastermind of the Easter Sunday attack is founded on this fanciful conclusion.
Easter Sunday attacks were not the first terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka. But, they were the first since the LTTE massacres of worshippers in Kattankudy Mosques in 1990 to target ethnic minorities. That very tragedy has been exploited by self-interested groups, who have a strong innate grouse with the very foundation of the Sri Lankan State to undermine it and smear its security apparatus.
Now, it might help the American Ambassador to tell Cardinal Ranjith who the masterminds of the latest terror plot targeting Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka. Had the local intelligence agencies made those findings publicly known before the American travel advisory, one could safely bet that the usual chattering classes and other self-interested imbeciles would have cried blue murder of yet another plot to stir ‘Islamophobia’ by the Rajapaksas- or the “deep state’.
The JVP and NPP, including its President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, just like any other opposition political party, tacitly and actively contributed to perpetuating this toxic lie.
Now in power, they should get their act together.
There are few things the NPP - like any commonsense government – could do.
First is the most basic: They should recognise that the threat of Islamist terrorism to Sri Lanka is real and is the most likely source of a future terrorist attack. However, a succession of Sri Lankan governments had a problem with coming to terms with this reality.
It was the lack of political consensus on how to address the Islamist extremism in the country that ultimately led to the security lapses due to the absence of clear political guidance and finally contributed to the Easter Sunday attacks.
Second, Sri Lanka should reconfigure its national intelligence services to confront this particular transnational threat. That the Sri Lankan intelligence services have to be tipped off by the Indians of the latest terror plot on our soil and the Easter Sunday attack itself reveals the glaring inadequacies of the intelligence network. SIS and intelligence arms of tri forces excelled in building a competent intelligence network during the latter stage of the Eelam war. However, though the nature of the threat has changed since then, the intelligence services have not grasped the full extent of the changing security environment.
That it had failed to do so, even five years after the Easter Sunday attack, may also suggest misplaced and politicised priorities clouding itself from the real security threat.
Witch-hunting competent intelligence officials, most recently Suresh Salley- over a ludicrous allegation made by an asylum seeker, Asad Maulana, presumably to strengthen his asylum application- would only discourage the dedicated members of the intelligence services.
Sri Lanka should reinvent its intelligence agencies to monitor, intercept and pre-emptively act against the Islamist extremist threat. That might require diverting a portion of resources previously dedicated to confronting LTTE terrorism.
That would also require a larger cadre of Muslim ranks and files to be enlisted, considering the unique religious dimension and local knowledge required.
Third, transnational terrorism cannot be fought alone. It requires cooperation and collaboration with the international counterparts. The recent episode would reveal how the lack of cooperation and communication would haunt it.
On October 7th, Sri Lankan intelligence services were tipped off by the Indians about a possible terror threat. The government says the actions were taken, and security was beefed up afterwards. However, no communication was made with international peers with better experience in combatting a threat of that kind. Nor were foreign missions informed of the intelligence reports. The result was the American embassy pre-empting with a travel advisory, followed by other countries of the Five Eyes intelligence network and even the Russians. This unfortunate eventuality could have been averted had there been regular communication and cooperation with the foreign partners. Sri Lanka should invest in collaboration and coordination with the international peers and formalise that cooperation.
Fourth, training on less intrusive intelligence surveillance and policing would help the security forces. After the travel warnings, television footage showed STF commandoes in UniBuffels manning checkpoints, reminiscent of the height of the Eelam war. That is not how you conduct security policing in peace times, more so in tourist hotspots. That terrorises civilians, predominantly the ethnic minorities in the area and scares away tourists. Overdoing security is counterproductive, as much as underperforming it. The local counterparts can probably ask how agencies like Shin Bet conduct their policing activities, especially in its Arab majority areas.
Fifth, a degree in foreign policy commonsense would always help. A day after the travel advisories, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met the Iranian ambassador in Colombo. What do the Americans and Israelis think? What on earth is realistically the foreign country being cited as behind the attack?
Iran has a history of orchestrating attacks on Jewish targets around the world, including the 1994 bombing in Buenos Aires, Argentina, of a Jewish community centre killing 85. Recently, American security agencies beefed up security around synagogues, fearing Iran-instigated attacks in the wake of the Middle Eastern crisis.
Meeting with Ambassadors
hen, the president met with the ambassadors of Myanmar, where the military junta is massacring its people and South Africa. How many tourists are we receiving from these two countries?
Probably given the sense of urgency, he should have met the diplomats from the EU and the key source destinations of Sri Lankan tourism, which he met nonetheless later.
It is refreshing that Sri Lanka’s loudmouth and often empty foreign policy activism has somewhat been muted under this government. Its desire to not be seen as anti-Western might have helped shift to a saner approach. Still, small miscalculations could be misconstrued by the countries that matter in the international system. That should be avoided.
Last but not least, in the wake of travel advisories, local politics could not restrain their temptation. Mujibur Rahman, an SJB stalwart from Colombo, was heard questioning why the security forces protect the Jewish places of worship in Colombo and other places in the country? The answer is clear: That is because a bunch of Islamist terrorists are threatening to blow them up-- and bring a foreign war to this country.
Another SJB candidate from Weligama warned in his X account the Isralies not ‘to illegally occupy our land’ in the South! Knowing Sri Lankan politics, one would say these acts of petty politicking are aimed at winning a few thousand votes. But, they also feed into latent antisemitism in some quarters. One should be very careful when breeding monsters; they will come to devour you.
Sri Lanka should not import external grievances, which have become extremely venomous, into our midst and expect not to get bombed and blown up in the next terrorist attack.
We learnt it once the hard way, but Sri Lankans also have short memories, and its politics is brazenly self-seeking.
Source:dailymirror.lk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.dailymirror.lk/opinion/Threat-of-Islamist-extremism-is-real-dont-play-politics-with-it/172-294822
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Chaos at Waqf panel meet again after 'non-Muslim' board official backs bill
Oct 29, 2024
Opposition MPs after boycotting the meeting of Joint Parliamentary Committee on Waqf Amendment Bill
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Chaos erupted again during the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on the Waqf (Amendment) bill after the Delhi Waqf Board supported the proposed changes to the legislation, sources said. Delhi Waqf Board administrator IAS Ashwini Kumar backed the bill even as Opposition MPs called his stand "illegal".
The Opposition said the Delhi Waqf Board administrator was not a Muslim and argued that the law stated that non-Muslims could not be on the Waqf board. A BJP MP pointed out that when Arvind Kejriwal was the Chief Minister, he had appointed a Hindu administrator to the Delhi Waqf Board.
The opposition said the Delhi Waqf Board administrator came with its presentation without approval by the Delhi government, sources said. "He (administrator) should be booked for fraud," certain Opposition MPs demanded.
The Opposition MPs said the Delhi government's representative on the Waqf board should also be allowed to table its presentation to the parliamentary panel. The demand was accepted by the panel's chairperson.
On Monday, the opposition walked out of the meeting in protest against the presentation made by the Delhi Waqf Board. AAP MP Sanjay Singh flagged that the presentation was not vetted by the Delhi government. The opposition also alleged that the initial report of the Waqf Board was altered without Delhi Chief Minister Atishi's approval.
Atishi had also written a letter to the committee, saying the presentation should be considered as "null and void".
The meeting was also attended by TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee, who was suspended for a day for last week's unruly conduct. Banerjee had injured his hand after smashing a glass water bottle during the meeting following a heated argument with BJP MP Abhijit Gangopadhyay. On Tuesday, Banerjee said he got angry after Abhijit Gangopadhyay abused him and his parents.
Narrating the sequence of events, Banerjee said, "On that day, there was a hot exchange of words between Congress's Nasir Hussain and Abhijit Gangopadhyay. I said why was he (Abhijit Gangopadhyay) shouting? Then he started abusing me, my mother, my father and my wife... After the chairperson came, he was harsh towards me but soft towards him. This frustrated me. Then, I smashed the (glass) bottle on the table."
"I never had the intention of throwing the bottle at the chairperson. The chairperson has no power to suspend the members, only the Speaker does. Abhijit Gangopadhyay is a black spot on the judiciary and a rotten man," he further said.
Source:indiatoday.in
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https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/waqf-bill-parliamentary-panel-meeting-chaos-delhi-waqf-board-report-2624996-2024-10-29
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Islamic scholar Dr. Zakir Naik praises Pakistan’s love, hospitality
October 30, 2024
ISLAMABAD: Renowned Islamic scholar, Dr. Zakir Naik, has expressed his profound gratitude to the people and government of Pakistan for their exceptional hospitality during his recent visit to Pakistan.
Dr. Naik, who the Ministry of Religious Affairs invited, thanked Allah for the successful trip and acknowledged the efforts of the Pakistani authorities.
“I thank Allah that the visit to Pakistan was a success. I thank the government of Pakistan, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and the Federal Minister, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, as I came on their invitation,” Dr. Naik said.
Dr. Naik also expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, including the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, the Punjab Government, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Provincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, and the Governor of Sindh Kamran Tessori.
In addition, he noted that the reception was even warmer than expected, and the government made exceptional arrangements.
“I was welcomed in Pakistan 10 times more than I imagined. I have been going to many countries for years and met thousands of Pakistanis,” Dr. Naik said, comparing his experience to his numerous visits to other countries.
Dr. Naik informed that his visit to Pakistan was his first official one, although he had visited the country earlier in 1991. He expressed his gratitude to the people and religious institutions for their love and hospitality, which he found unparalleled compared to his hundreds of visits to other countries.
“Pakistan is the only country which was established in the name of Islam. The scholars and politicians should have a close relationship; the rulers and the scholars should be on the same page for the development of the country,” Dr. Naik emphasized.
Dr. Naik stressed the importance of unity among Muslims, citing the Quran and Sunnah as guiding principles. He highlighted the challenges faced by the Muslim community and emphasized the need for collective efforts to promote peace, unity, and interfaith harmony.
“Islam is a religion of peace, love, and brotherhood,” Dr. Naik said, reiterating his life’s mission to highlight Islam’s true message to the world.
Dr. Naik’s visit to Pakistan included meetings with prominent figures, including National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, to discuss challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah and the significance of interfaith harmony.
Overall, Dr. Naik’s visit to Pakistan was marked by warmth, hospitality, and a renewed emphasis on unity and cooperation among Muslims.
Source:dailyausaf.com
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https://dailyausaf.com/en/pakistan/islamic-scholar-dr-zakir-naik-praises-pakistans-love-hospitality/
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CNN bans conservative panelist after on-air ‘racist’ remark directed at Muslim journalist
30.10.2024
CNN has banned conservative commentator Ryan James Girdusky following a controversial exchange on “CNN Newsnight with Abby Phillip,” where he made a racially charged comment against journalist Mehdi Hasan, media reports said on Monday.
According to the Variety news outlet, during a Monday night discussion on CNN about former US President Donald Trump’s recent rally, Girdusky made a pointed reference to Israeli attacks on Hezbollah members, telling the Muslim journalist Mehdi Hasan: “I hope your beeper doesn’t go off.”
Hasan, the founder of Zeteo News, reacted with shock, asking: “Did you just say I should die?”
CNN responded swiftly, issuing a statement through anchor Abby Phillip, emphasizing the network's zero tolerance for racism and bigotry.
“We aim to foster thoughtful conversations and debate… But we will not allow guests to be demeaned or for the line of civility to be crossed,” the Variety quoted the CNN as saying, adding that Girdusky would no longer be welcome on the network.
Phillip, who removed Girdusky from the show during a commercial break, commented: “We want people who disagree with each other to talk… But when you cross the line of a complete lack of civility, that is not going to happen here.”
In response to CNN’s decision, Girdusky criticized the network on X, accusing it of double standards and saying: “You can stay on CNN if you falsely call every Republican a Nazi and have taken money from Qatar-funded media.”
“Apparently you can't go on CNN if you make a joke. I'm glad America gets to see what CNN stands for,” he added.
Source:aa.com.tr
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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/cnn-bans-conservative-panelist-after-on-air-racist-remark-directed-at-muslim-journalist/3378796
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Saudi Arabia condemns Israel’s ban on UN agency for Palestinian refugees
October 29, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi authorities on Tuesday condemned a decision by the Israeli parliament that prevents the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees from working in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem, describing it as a “flagrant violation of international law.”
The criticism by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs came a day after Israeli lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to ban the agency’s operations in those areas.
In a statement published by the Saudi Press Agency, the Foreign Ministry said the decision was a direct assault on international legitimacy that disregards the “unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe” affecting the Palestinian people and obstructs the UN’s role in providing essential services.
“The Kingdom affirms its categorical rejection of the continuous and systematic practices of the Israeli occupation authorities in politically and militarily targeting the United Nations’ agencies and its relief organizations,” the ministry added.
It accused Israeli authorities of attempting to erase the Palestinian identity through “ethnic cleansing,” and of obstructing efforts to establish a comprehensive peace process.
It reiterated Saudi Arabia’s unwavering support for UNRWA’s humanitarian mission, and pointed out that the agency’s mandate is rooted in UN Security Council Resolution 194, adopted in 1948, which enshrines the right of return for Palestinian refugees.
UNRWA, which was established in 1949, provides vital aid, including educational, healthcare and social services, to refugees in Palestinian territories and neighboring countries.
In addition to banning UNRWA operations, the new Israeli legislation prohibits Israeli officials from cooperating with the agency or its employees.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2577301/saudi-arabia
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Muslim men on 'no-fly list' lose US appeal over treatment by FBI agents
29 October, 2024
A US appeals court said three Muslim men cannot sue FBI agents after being placed on the "no-fly list" for refusing to become government informants.
The second US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan said the 16 agents were protected by qualified immunity, despite their "improper behaviour" and the three men's belief that Muslims in the United States had been unfairly targeted.
Circuit Judge Gerard Lynch wrote for a three-judge panel that the agents had no reason to believe they were violating the men's religious beliefs, because none of the men had told them so during their interactions.
Qualified immunity shields federal officials from liability for violating constitutional rights that were not clearly established at the time of the violation.
Muhammad Tanvir, Jameel Algibhah and Naveed Shinwari sued in 2013 after being put on the No Fly List for refusing to spy on US Muslim communities, despite no evidence the men threatened airline or passenger safety.
The men, all US citizens or permanent residents who were born abroad, said inclusion on the list violated their religious beliefs, cost them jobs, harmed their reputations, and kept them from seeing family in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Yemen.
Seeking damages
Though eventually removed from the list, they sought damages under the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993. The case in 2020 had reached the US Supreme Court, which upheld an earlier second Circuit ruling that the men could seek damages from the FBI agents. It did not address qualified immunity.
In Tuesday's decision, despite ruling in the agents' favour, Lynch faulted them for pressuring the men to become informants by "falsely and in bad faith accusing them of terrorism to deny them significant liberties under a program designed to protect lives from genuine terrorists."
"That," Lynch wrote, "is improper behaviour regardless of whether the agents knew of the (men's) particular religious beliefs."
A spokesman for U.S. Attorney Damian Williams in Manhattan, whose office represented the agents, declined to comment.
The men were represented by the Centre for Constitutional Rights, the City University of New York School of Law's Creating Law Enforcement Accountability & Responsibility project, and the law firm Debevoise & Plimpton.
In a statement provided by his lawyers, Tanvir said the case "was never just about money. We fought for a decade so people would know what happened to us and so the same thing would not happen to others. Even if this decision does not give us everything, we still won."
The government created the No Fly List after the 11 September 2001 attacks, to keep suspected terrorists off aircraft in the United States.
Tuesday's decision upheld a Feb. 2023 dismissal by U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams in Manhattan.
Source:newarab.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.newarab.com/news/muslim-men-no-fly-list-lose-appeal-over-fbi-treatment
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US Election Top 10: How 'racist' Trump is wooing Blacks, Muslims, Latinos and Desis
Oct 29, 2024
In an excoriating editorial with a rather harsh tone—so harsh it could be mistaken for an Amazon warehouse—Jeff Bezos, citing a Gallup poll, pointed out that journalists are now less trusted than Congress. Now, that’s rather disturbing, given that a congress is the collective noun for baboons.
In his op-ed—how great is America where even the owner must write an op-ed to be heard—he wrote: “We must be accurate, and we must be believed to be accurate. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but we are failing on the second requirement. Most people believe the media is biased. Anyone who doesn’t see this is paying scant attention to reality, and those who fight reality lose. Reality is an undefeated champion.” Of course, Bezos’ sudden both-sidedness and refusal to endorse a Presidential candidate might be forced by Musk becoming Trump’s BFF, but that’s a tale for another time. Tangents aside, one area where reality completely begged to differ from mainstream media is the trope that Donald Trump is deeply racist.
For the last eight years, the media has repeated ad nauseam claims about Donald Trump’s supposedly white supremacist tendencies, but one of the tangents of this unprecedented election is the deep inroads Trump has made with various minority groups, including African Americans, Indian Americans, Muslim Americans, and Hispanic Americans. It’s even more remarkable considering that Trump is up against a candidate of African-Indian origin and is still making inroads.
Of course, the last group is smarting after a rather ill-timed Puerto Rican joke at Trump’s Madison Square Garden, which isn’t the smartest political move in recent days, but then again, it’s beyond the scope of mere mortals to question Trump’s je ne sais quoi. Here’s how Team Trump has wooed each of these groups:
Indian Americans for Trump
This is, in purely statistical terms, the most desi American election of all time, with numerous sub-plots, including a Tamil-Telugu showdown. While half of Indian American voters identify as Democrat compared to 26% who identify as Republican, the number of those who bleed blue (to use a cricket term) is decreasing. A recent YouGov poll suggests that 61% of registered voters plan to vote for Harris, while 32% intend to vote for Trump.
While still a majority, the number of Indian Americans leaning Democrat has been declining since 2020. The gender gap is also evident, with 60% of women intending to vote for Harris compared to 50% of men who hope to vote for Trump. Anecdotally, many Indian Americans prefer Red states over Blue ones, mainly for conservative reasons, including the Democrats’ focus on the transgender issue. Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley were two important politicians of Indian origin running for the Republican nomination, and Trump’s economic policies and conservative values have found common ground with this group. Another reason is Donald Trump’s closeness to Indian PM Narendra Modi, recently praised by Trump as a ‘total killer’ when it comes to protecting Indian interests.
Source:indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/trump-us-election-top-10-racist-trump-blacks-muslims-latinos-desis/articleshow/114732989.cms
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Sultanate Council Dismisses Rumours Of Sultan Of Sokoto’s Death
30 October 2024
By George Oshogwe Ogbolu
Reports claiming that the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, is dead has been dismissed.
Speaking to Daily Trust, a senior Counselor in the Sultanate Council and Sa’in Kilgori, Dr Muhammadu Jabbi Kilgori, has described the rumours as false news.
He said the Sultan of Sokoto is hale and hearty and in Abuja on official engagement.
Kilgori said: “It is a fake news by some unscrupulous elements. We don’t know their motive. We don’t know what they want to achieve by fake news against the Sultan.
“But the Sultan is hale and hearty. I am right now with him. In fact, we just left Kaduna for Abuja where the Sultan is having another official engagement.
“Let the general republic disregard this story because it is not truth.”
A group known as Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) had also debunked reports of the Sultan’s death.
MPAC said, “We wish to notify the Ummah and address recent unfounded rumors concerning the supposed passing of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III. We unequivocally affirm that, Alhamdulillah, the Sultan is alive, in good health, and fully engaged in his esteemed responsibilities as a spiritual guide to millions in Nigeria and beyond.
“We urge the public to disregard the malicious rumors and to remain vigilant in verifying news sources. Such rumors only serve to distract and mislead. The Sultan’s leadership and contributions to promoting peace, unity, and Islamic values in Nigeria are invaluable, and we will not let false information tarnish his reputation. May Allah protect and preserve our leaders and inspire us all to uphold truth and respect in every word and action.
“We also note that the Sokoto State Government has previously denied any plans to dethrone the Sultan, describing such allegations as false. The government has reassured the public that the law guiding the appointment of traditional rulers in the state remains unchanged.”
Source:naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/10/30/sultanate-council-dismisses-rumours-of-sultan-of-sokotos-death/
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Southeast Asia
‘I Surrender to God’: Ex-Trade Minister Thomas Lembong Handcuffed and Dressed in Detainee Vest
Ilham Oktafian
October 29, 2024
Jakarta. Former Trade Minister Thomas Trikasih Lembong appeared at the Attorney General’s Office on Tuesday evening in a pink detainee vest shortly after he was announced as a corruption suspect related to alleged fraudulent sugar import.
With both hands cuffed, he was escorted by prosecutors from the AGO’s Special Crimes Division at 8.45 p.m. to the vehicle that would take him to the detention facility of the South Jakarta District Prosecutors’ office.
"I surrender everything to God the Almighty," he said briefly in response to questions from many journalists.
Thomas, 53, is accused of issuing an import permit for 105,000 tons of red sugar crystals in 2015 despite a domestic surplus, said AGO’s Director of Criminal Investigation, Abdul Qohar.
He was detained along with another suspect, a businessman identified by the initials DS.
Abdul added that the import license was granted to a private company, even though only state-owned companies are authorized to procure the commodity from foreign sources.
“At the time, the suspect, as trade minister, granted the import license without first coordinating with relevant state agencies,” Abdul explained.
Thomas served as trade minister from 2015 to 2016, before being appointed head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) until October 2019 under President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. During his tenure, he was one of Jokowi’s most trusted aides, often contributing to the president’s speeches on economic issues.
Since leaving the cabinet, Thomas has been an outspoken critic of the president and has voiced support for the presidential campaign of Anies Baswedan, another former Jokowi minister who has since joined the opposition.
Source:jakartaglobe.id
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Malaysia condemns Israel for banning UN agency for Palestinian refugees in East Jerusalem, Gaza, and West Bank
30 Oct 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 — Malaysia has unequivocally condemned the recent legislation passed by the Israeli Knesset to ban the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank.
Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry, Wisma Putra, on Wednesday issued a strongly worded statement denouncing the move as a direct assault on a UN agency and described it as “a serious insult to the international community and the sanctity of an international humanitarian agency.”
“Malaysia further underscores that the Zionist Israeli regime holds no sovereignty over the occupied State of Palestine, including East Jerusalem, where UNRWA’s presence is welcomed by an agreement between Palestine and the UN,” it said.
Wisma Putra said that the so-called legislation seemingly seeks to legalise what is clearly an illegal and deliberate action by the Zionist Israeli regime to dismantle UNRWA as part of its strategy to erase the Palestinian refugee issue.
The foreign ministry added that the action also undermines the right of return, which is upheld by UN General Assembly Resolution 194, and starve those surviving the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe and genocide in Gaza.
UNRWA remains an essential lifeline for over 5.9 million Palestinians, providing vital services in education, healthcare and humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees throughout the Middle East.
Malaysia also reaffirmed its unwavering support for UNRWA and urged the international community to take immediate, decisive action to safeguard the agency and bring an end to the ongoing suffering of Palestinians, added the statement.
On Monday (Oct 28), international media reported that Israel’s parliament has voted to ban the UNRWA from the country within 90 days, in defiance of US and other international pressure to maintain the largest provider of humanitarian assistance to the country’s Palestinian population.
In a 92-10 vote, the Knesset banned the agency, which operates in Israel according to a 1967 treaty, from conducting “any activity” or providing any service inside Israel, including the areas of annexed East Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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Malay and Islamic culture of 'accepting' apologies
Oct 30, 2024
COMMENT | There has been much condemnation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s “acceptance” of his predecessor Najib Abdul Razak’s apology for the 1MDB affair.
Although I may not be an expert on the Malay and Islamic cultures of accepting apologies, since no other Malay-Islamic experts would come to the fore, I offer my understanding and experience on this matter.
In the Malay culture that I am exposed to, there are several cultural norms or etiquette related to offering apologies and accepting them.
One culture is to ask for apologies concerning speech that may be deemed inappropriate such as, “Saya akhiri dengan ucapan terima kasih dan ampun maaf jika ada tersilap kata”.
(I would like to end with a word of thanks and seek your forgiveness if I misspoke.)
The audience will not say that they accept but it is deemed...
Source:malaysiakini.com
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Police recover RM7.2 million ransom money in businessman kidnapping case
BERNAMA
30-10- 2024
JOHOR BAHRU: The police have recovered RM7.2 million from the estimated RM20 million ransom money paid by the family of a businessman who was kidnapped on Oct 13.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the recovered ransom included RM1.95 million in cash, one million Singapore dollars (RM3.3 million) and 400,000 in cryptocurrency (RM1.75 million).
“Besides this sum, we also found case items including a Pietro Beretta pistol, 250 live rounds of ammunition and a pair of handcuffs,” he told a press conference, which was also attended by Johor Police chief Datuk CP M. Kumar, at the Johor Police Contingent headquarters, here today.
Elaborating, Mohd Shuhaily said so far, 14 individuals have been detained in connection with the case, and their roles in the kidnapping have been identified, including in the planning and execution of the abduction, disposal of evidence and management of the ransom funds.
However, he said the police are still investigating the motive and mastermind of the kidnapping of the businessman, who is a real estate developer.
“Regarding the victim’s family member who has also been detained, it is still under investigation. Revealing the identity might interfere with the investigation. For now, it is too early to share this information, but I can confirm that it is a woman,” he said.
Mohd Shuhaily said the case is being investigated under Section 3(1) of the Kidnapping Act 1961, and the public is advised not to speculate or make any comments that could disrupt investigation or manipulate facts to create public unrest.
Earlier, Johor Bahru High Court senior assistant registrar Chai Ing Hien issued a seven-day remand extension from tomorrow until Nov 6 for three Vietnamese suspects to facilitate further investigation under Section 3(1) of the Kidnapping Act 1961.
The three suspects, including a woman in her 30s, had previously been remanded for a week to assist investigation.
Also remanded was another local male suspect detained on Monday.
The 59-year-old businessman is believed to have been abducted around 5 am while waiting for an e-hailing service to take him to the airport for a business trip abroad. He was safely released on the same day of the incident.
Source:thesun.my
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Ban on EPF withdrawal to perform haj not true - Lim
BERNAMA
30-10- 2024
PUTRAJAYA: Allegations about a ban on withdrawing funds from the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) to perform the Haj are false and defamatory, said Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying.
He said swift action must be taken to prevent the spread of the false news from triggering sensitive issues related to the 3R (religion, race and royalty).
Lim said a police report has been lodged for the authorities to investigate and take necessary action against those responsible for manipulating information to create racial tension.
“The involvement of the police is important in ensuring the spread of this fake news is stopped immediately,“ he said in a statement today.
According to Lim, he had clarified in the Dewan Rakyat on October 28 that the EPF Sejahtera Account can be accessed by prospective pilgrims under the age of 55, subject to specific conditions.
He said the policy, introduced in 2013, has remained unchanged regardless of government leadership.
Source:thesun.my
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High Court orders Najib to enter defence in 1MDB case
BERNAMA
30-10- 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court here today ordered Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to enter his defence on four charges of using his position to obtain gratification totalling RM2.3 billion in 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds and 21 money laundering charges involving the same amount.
Justice Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah (now Court of Appeal judge) made the ruling after finding that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the former prime minister on all the charges at the end of the prosecution’s case.
“This court finds the charges against the accused are valid and correct in law. The ingredients that the accused is an officer of a public body have been proven in respect of all four charges of use of official position for any gratification for himself,” he said.
For all 21 money laundering charges, he said the offences had fulfilled the criteria under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
Justice Sequerah said on the defence’s allegations that the charges against Najib were defective, duplicitous and ambiguous, the court found that the time and place stated in the charges fulfil all the legal criteria under the Criminal Procedure Code.
“The court did not find that the accused has been misled by the charges,” said the judge.
Najib, 71, is facing four charges of using his position to obtain gratification totalling RM2.3 billion in 1MDB funds at the AmIslamic Bank Berhad branch on Jalan Raja Chulan, Bukit Ceylon here between Feb 24, 2011, and Dec 19, 2014.
He is charged under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act and can be punished under Section 24(1) of the same act.
Upon conviction, the former finance minister faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of either five times the amount of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
For the 21 money laundering charges, Najib is accused of committing the offences at the same bank between March 22, 2013 and Aug 30, 2013.
The charges are framed under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, which provides for a maximum fine of RM5 million and imprisonment of up to five years, or both, upon conviction.
The prosecution was led by deputy public prosecutor Kamal Baharin Omar while Najib was represented by counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, who led the defence team.
Najib has been serving a sentence in Kajang Prison since Aug 23, 2022, after being convicted in a separate criminal trial over misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd.
Following his conviction, the former Pekan MP filed a petition for a royal pardon on Sept 2, 2022, which resulted in a reduction of his 12 years’ imprisonment to six years and RM210 million fine to RM50 million.
Source:thesun.my
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Court calls for Najib’s defence in RM2.27b 1MDB corruption and money laundering trial
30 Oct 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 — Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s trial for corruption and money laundering involving 1Malaysia Development Berhad’s (1MDB) RM2.27 billion funds will continue as the High Court today ordered him to defend himself in this case.
Trial judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah said the prosecution had succeeded in proving a prima facie case for all 25 charges in the 1MDB trial against Najib.
This means the former finance minister has to continue to face all the 25 charges.
The 71-year-old Najib was given three choices: to remain silent; become his own defence witness and give his statement under oath from the witness stand; or give an unsworn statement from the dock.
He chose to testify from the witness stand for all four power abuse charges as well as for all 21 money-laundering charges in the 1MDB trial.
Najib was charged six years ago in September 2018 with four counts of power abuse and 21 money-laundering charges in relation to 1MDB’s RM2.27 billion, including over RM2 billion which was alleged to have entered his personal bank accounts.
Najib is currently a prisoner, as he was convicted in a separate trial over ex-1MDB unit SRC International Sdn Bhd’s RM42 million.
His 12-year jail term and RM210 million fine in that SRC case was reduced to six years’ jail and RM50 million fine by the Federal Territories Pardons Board earlier this year.
Any outcomes in Najib’s 1MDB trial will not affect his jail term and fine in the SRC case, as both cases are two different court cases.
While the trial judge was reading out the judgment, Najib’s daughter Nooryana Najwa, and two of his sons, Datuk Mohamad Nizar, Datuk Mohd Nazifuddin were seen in the public gallery in the packed courtroom.
The 1MDB trial was initially scheduled to continue on November 18 until November 22, but Najib’s lawyers Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah and Tania Scivetti requested for additional time to be given to the defence team, and suggested hearing resume on December 2.
Scivetti said the legal team would need to visit Najib in prison to get his instructions and to draft his witness statement; adding that they also need time to interview the other witnesses who will be testifying after their client.
Shafee said that it would be a “cumbersome” process as Najib is currently in prison and his lawyers could not bring all the documents there, and would have to split the process of preparing Najib’s witness statement into several sessions.
As the prosecution indicated it has no objection to the defence’s request for extra time before Najib begins his defence, the trial judge allowed the request to continue the trial on December 2 instead. The judge also said the five hearing dates in November will have to be replaced with other dates.
The 1MDB trial now has 97 hearing dates scheduled from December 2 this year until November 2025, with trial dates for every month in this period except for July next year.
Previously, the prosecution said it would offer 49 witnesses to Najib if he was called to enter his defence.
Najib’s lawyers today did not say in court how many defence witnesses they would call, but Shafee later told the media that the plan is to call in at least 11 defence witnesses.
What the High Court said today
In delivering the High Court’s decision today, the trial judge read out his detailed key findings for nearly two hours.
In dealing with the preliminary issues raised by Najib’s lawyers in the 1MDB trial, the judge rejected the defence’s argument that the 25 charges against Najib were defective, duplicitous, ambiguous, or bad in law.
Instead, the judge said all 25 charges had fulfilled the required legal criteria and did not prejudice Najib.
The judge also said the prosecution’s documents obtained from countries such as Barbados, Singapore and Switzerland in this trial can be admitted as evidence in court based on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act, and said this is a separate matter from the weight to be given to these documents as evidence.
As for Najib’s claim of multiple prosecution witnesses having purportedly given hearsay evidence about their verbal communication on 1MDB affairs with individuals who cannot be found such as fugitive Low Taek Jho, the judge said these witnesses’ testimony can be admitted as evidence in court as they fall within the exception to the hearsay rule.
While Najib’s lawyers’ arguments were based on the claim that their client is a victim and scapegoat of a scheme by some prosecution witnesses to defraud 1MDB, the judge however found these key prosecution witnesses to be credible and said they are not accomplices and had no motive to frame Najib.
The judge also pointed out that these prosecution witnesses are not the ones on trial, and also dismissed Najib’s claim that there was a shoddy or biased investigation in the 1MDB case.
The judge also said the court’s duty at this stage is to evaluate the credibility and reliability of the prosecution’s evidence to decide whether the elements of the charges against Najib have been established, based on Section 180 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
After having dealt with the preliminary issues, the judge cited the prosecution’s evidence in the 1MDB trial before ruling that the elements or ingredients of all 25 charges have been shown and would require Najib to enter defence.
For the four power abuse charges, the judge cited the prosecution’s evidence and witnesses’ testimonies on events such as Low having passed his mobile phone to then 1MDB chairman Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh with Najib on the line on September 26, 2009 just before a 1MDB board meeting on September 26, 2009 started.
The judge also said funds belonging to 1MDB and its related companies can be traced and shown to have entered Najib’s personal bank account, based on the money trail in this case.
Among other things, the judge noted that despite publicity about the 1MDB scandal by 2013, bankers who testified as prosecution witnesses had said Najib “had never raised enquiries about funds deposited in his AmIslamic bank accounts”.
The judge said 1MDB’s former CEO Datuk Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi had testified that Najib never lodged reports on the role played by Low, and said financial publication The Edge owner Tan Sri Tong Kooi Ong’s 2015 attempt to get clarification from Najib on 1MDB had gone “unheeded”.
The judge also said Najib had given instructions for the disbanding of a multi-agency taskforce, which was headed by then attorney general Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail to investigate allegations on 1MDB and transactions of money deposited into Najib’s account.
The judge said there was evidence that Najib took steps to remove the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief, and added that the attorney general who replaced Abdul Gani had closed the 1MDB case.
Among other things, the judge said Najib had not declared to Cabinet about his receiving of RM2.6 billion into his personal bank accounts, and that the spending of the funds from his accounts had included credit card spending.
The judge noted that prosecution witness and former Bank Negara Malaysia governor Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz had refused Najib’s July 2015 request to release a statement to say there were no wrongdoings involving the money credited into his account.
The judge also referred to audio recordings and transcripts of the recordings which have been accepted as evidence in the 1MDB trial, and said these were used to show attempts by Najib to cover up the 1MDB issue.
Among other things, the judge also said Najib had previously in a statement admitted that he had full control and authority over his AmBank bank account, and that ultimately Najib brought no benefits to the Malaysian government via 1MDB.
After going through all this evidence by the prosecution in court, the judge then ordered Najib to enter defence for the four power abuse charges.
As for the 21 money laundering charges, the judge said the prosecution had shown the three ingredients of the offences that would require Najib to defend himself against, namely the act of money laundering, that the money laundered was from unlawful activities, and that Najib knew that the money came from unlawful activities.
Source:malaymail.com
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Jakim collected over RM12m in halal certification fees for 2023, Islamic affairs minister tells Parliament
29 Oct 2024
By Zaf Seraj
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 — The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) collected RM12,153,640 in halal certification fees in 2023.
Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Islamic affairs, said the fees collected over the past 11 years have seen a significant increase since 2012 when Jakim collected only over RM3 million in revenue then.
“The total collection of halal certification fees received by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and the State Islamic Religious Council (Main) or State Islamic Religious Department (Jain) throughout Malaysia from 2012 to 2023 is RM80,032,254.43,” Na’im said in the Dewan Rakyat today.
The number of halal certificate holders is also up, compared to 4,000 holders in 2012, the minister said.
The total number of Malaysian halal certificate holders entered a record-breaking five digits last year with 11,161 holders.
Mohd Na’im was also asked by Labis MP Pang Hok Liong to clarify allegations that Jakim officers were corrupt.
The minister said there has been no evidence so far, and that he has asked Jakim’s director to investigate such claims.
Source:malaymail.com
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South Asia
Bangladesh: An in-depth look at existing tensions
October 30, 202403
Analysts and experts on South Asian affairs believe Hasina’s government is entirely
influenced by the UK, with her policies allegedly dictated by the British. Hasina’s
efforts during her tenure to reduce American influence may substantiate this claim.
Since its separation from West Pakistan, Bangladesh has experienced a fragile economic structure and an imbalanced social framework. Although South Asian countries are generally known for their religious, linguistic, ethnic, and racial diversity, Bangladesh has transformed this diversity from an asset into a challenge due to a lack of proper management. The multiplicity of political parties in the country is another serious issue. On one hand, most of these parties stand in opposition to the people’s beliefs and Islamic values. On the other hand, these parties lack independence in their political stances and actions, as each one is affiliated with regional or global powers, showing little regard for Islamic principles, public interests, or the current situation in the country. Analyzing the current realities in Bangladesh requires understanding past events and examining Hasina’s power. Without reviewing the historical events and the power the people have acted against, reaching a genuine conclusion will be challenging. Regarding Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, it must be said that she inherited her responsibilities from her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, former President of Bangladesh and leader of the Awami League. Sheikh Mujib and his family were executed in 1975 by officers who staged a coup against him. Since Hasina was abroad at the time, she survived the coup. In the years following, she lived in the United Kingdom, where she garnered political support, eventually returning to Bangladesh in 1981 to continue her father’s political path. Hasina’s political activities eventually led to her rise to power in Bangladesh. Her leadership marked a return to the policies of the Awami League. She first led the government between 1996 and 2001, and later, from 2009 until recent tensions, she remained in power. Although Hasina considers her government democratic, the reality appears different, as she has been repeatedly accused of election fraud. In these elections, her party, the Awami League, secured a sweeping majority in parliament, winning 233 out of 300 seats, along with nine seats from an allied party. Other parties rejected these results, labeling the election as a staged and engineered process by the British. The United States also expressed serious concerns about the transparency of the election after the results were announced. Despite this, the ruling government in Bangladesh, heavily influenced by Hasina’s regime, officially validated the victory, legitimizing her leadership against the will of the people. Analysts and experts on South Asian affairs believe Hasina’s government is entirely influenced by the UK, with her policies allegedly dictated by the British. Hasina’s efforts during her tenure to reduce American influence may substantiate this claim. Additionally, she made determined efforts to strengthen British influence in the military, politics, judiciary, and other key sectors. She had ongoing conflicts with Khaleda Zia, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and her political rival. Khaleda Zia inherited her political role from her husband, General Ziaur Rahman, who came to power in 1977 and was assassinated in 1981, allegedly by British agents. Khaleda Zia held the office of President of Bangladesh twice, from 1991 to 1996 and then from 2001 to 2006, before being accused of corruption and abuse of power, which led to her imprisonment. Under Hasina’s authoritarian rule, Bangladesh’s people faced dire health and economic conditions, as the government’s focus was solely on consolidating power and suppressing political rivals. Hasina’s hostilities extended beyond Islamic groups to secular parties competing against her, leading to the imprisonment of all her political opponents, including both Islamists and democrats. Following Hasina’s escape on August 5, 2024, which corresponds to 15 Asad 1403 (Hijri Solar calendar), political prisoners detained under her orders were released, including Khaleda Zia, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, and other detainees freed during recent protests. Firooz Ahmad Ebrahimi
Source:thekabultimes.com
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NDMA and Islamic Welfare Organization Sign MoU to Expand Disaster Relief Efforts
2024-10-29
KABUL(BNA): Mullah Nooruddin Turabi, Acting Director of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), signed a mutual cooperation agreement with Ahmad Shah Wafa, Acting Head of the Islamic Welfare Organization, along with Rahmatullah Khogyani, Program Officer, and accompanying officials.
According to a statement by NDMA’s press office, during the meeting, Mullah Turabi emphasized the necessity of continued support to the Afghan people, especially by providing assistance to families impacted by natural and man-made disasters.
He urged the Islamic Welfare Organization to tailor their aid to meet the specific needs of affected communities and distribute assistance accordingly. He also requested expedited assistance for 300 displaced families in Ghor Province, who were recently impacted by severe flooding.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Shah Wafa highlighted that the Islamic Welfare Organization has been actively involved in various forms of humanitarian assistance, including providing monetary, food, and non-food aid to families affected by crises. He confirmed the organization’s commitment to continued support for flood victims, refugees, and disaster-affected communities across Afghanistan.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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Muslim prayer leader shot dead in Yala
October30, 2024
YALA — A Muslim religious leader was shot dead in front of his house as he returned home from a local mosque in Muang district of Yala on Tuesday night. The slain prayer leader was Phu-ad Rasaeming, 54, a retired police senior sergeant major formerly at Lam Mai station in Muang district and imam
The attack was reported to police about 8.17pm on Tuesday. Police, soldiers and local officials sent to the scene found him lying dead The imam was riding a motorcycle when attacked, returning to his home from the mosque about 200 metres away. Police said he was ambushed by at least three men hiding in the darkness and firing automatic weapons and shotguns. Police were investigating, still unsure whether the attack was related to a personal matter or to southern unrest. Source:bangkokpost.com
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Gradual implementation of Islamic teachings a must
October 30, 2024
The current countrywide secure and available opportunity is the result of decades of jihad and sacrifices of the Mujahid people of Afghanistan, under the Islamic Emirate. Despite the obstacles and long years of war and insecurity by some world powers, the Afghan people ultimately reached their highest goal which is the restoration of a central government under the Islamic system in the country. So, the special available opportunity for the Afghans should be used as much as possible to mostly focus on the prosperity and tranquility of the people and the development of the country. Of course, a person who has full insight, intelligence and vision knows how valuable is this opportunity and knows what the priorities are, what the necessities are, and what the great joint plan should be used to counter intervening powers and malicious groups in our country’s internal affairs and how to save the people and the country against them. This is a clear fact that answers to all these questions and choosing an appropriate strategy against them are described in detail in the history and the biography of the holy prophet and his caliphates and close companions, which is a shining light for today’s Islamic rulers. At this time, we must acknowledge that first of all implementation of the politics and governance by the people of this era, requires a lot of patience and the assumption of a wise plan. Also, the rule of the holy Islamic teachings and Sharia laws and taking into consideration the gradual implementation of the Islamic teachings require wise guidelines that prove the capability of the Islamic system to consider the development of the nation under both Islamic norms and modern technology. To gradually apply the basic principles of holy Islam, a Muslim ruler has to fully observe how to handle the process of implementation by convincing the people to welcome and follow the laws. By this, the way to get rid of all kinds of obstacles and threats can be paved. Moreover, if these capabilities were not available during the governance process and if the rulers do not have the tolerance and courage while implementing the Sharia laws and gradual promotion of the rules, then it is recommended that they should stay away from this most important mission, as they may face the people with critical acceptance challenges and government with undeniable sabotage. Now, if we consider our situation, it is crystal clear that we are the people of the new era and incredibly we have shortcomings as we are facing threats and opposition from many world malicious groups. If we do not use intelligence, management and patience, we may lose all these possible achievements and the entire forty million people of the country will fall prey to these evil and corrupt groups who have critical hostility to the religious scholars and Sharia laws. So, let’s gradually implement the laws and rules of the Islamic Sharia and have the nation supporting and defendant.
Source:thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/gradual-implementation-of-islamic-teachings-a-must/
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signed to strengthen QatarAfghanistan air transport, embassy
October 30, 202400
DOHA: The Qatar-based Embassy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, in a statement, said the other day that an air service Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Kabul and Doha to strengthen the right to air transport between the two nations. Abdul Salam Haidari, Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation of the Islamic Emirate and Acting President of Qatar’s General Civil Aviation Authority co-signed the agreement, with Qatar’s Minister of Transport, Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, also in attendance, the statement said. The development comes as flights over Afghanistan increased over the past two months after flights diverted over Afghanistan to avoid the Iranian airspace amid growing conflict in the Middle East. According to Doha News, Qatar and Afghanistan have entered into a new agreement aimed at boosting air transport ties between the two nations. The agency on Monday confirmed that a memorandum of understanding was signed in Doha to enhance air service cooperation, marking a significant step towards expanding transportation rights and promoting increased bilateral connectivity. “This strategic initiative supports Qatar’s ongoing efforts to broaden its international air service network, allowing Qatar Airways, the nation’s flagship carrier, to reach new global destinations,” the agency added. The agreement is designed to facilitate a more robust movement of goods and passengers between Qatar and Afghanistan and to foster mutual growth in civil aviation, according to the Doha News. It also offers Qatar Airways new opportunities to expand its destination network, enhancing access for travelers in both regions and aligning with Qatar’s goal of positioning itself as a global air transport hub, the agency concluded. The Kabul Times
Source:thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/mou-signed-to-strengthen-qatarafghanistan-air-transport-embassy/
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Cement production factory worth $163 mln to be constructed in Jawzjan
October 30, 20240
KABUL: The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Beradar Akhund, participated in the signing ceremony of a contract for the construction of a large cement production plant in Jawzjan province, his office said in a statement Tuesday. The contract has been signed between the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum and the Turkish 77 Company to build a large cement produc tion plant in the Yatim Taq area of Jawzjan province, the statement said. According to the statement, the plant will have a daily production capacity of 3,000 tons of cement. Based on the contract, the Turkish company will be allowed to explore, extract, produce cement, and deliver social services, the statement said, adding that more than 1,200 people would be provided with job opportunities. Based on the figures of the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, a number of contracts worth hundreds of U.S. dollars have so far been signed with several domestic and foreign companies for cement projects in Jabal al-Saraj, Kandahar, and Herat, aiming for the country’s self-sufficiency in the cement sector. The Kabul Times
Source:thekabultimes.com
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Nine Memorandums of Understanding Signed to Boost Entrepreneurship
2024-10-30
KABUL(BNA): The Ministry of Industry and Commerce announced today the signing of nine memorandums of understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship in the country.
The agreements were established during a meeting chaired by Nooruddin Azizi, the Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce, and attended by officials from nine domestic organizations.
During the meeting, representatives from these organizations shared insights into their respective projects and activities. Azizi highlighted the critical need for transparency and adherence to Islamic principles in all initiatives, emphasizing that the beneficiaries—particularly families and unemployed individuals—should be the priority in these projects.
The total value of the projects, which are set to be implemented across various provinces, is approximately $3,284,056. The initiatives will focus on providing vocational and professional skills training in regions including Kabul, Parwan, Maidan Wardak, Herat, Balkh, Baghlan, Samangan, Faryab, Nimruz, Jawzjan, and Badghis.
This collaborative effort aims to strengthen the economic foundation of families and create opportunities for those seeking employment, ultimately contributing to the development of a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in Afghanistan.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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UNICEF Warns Kabul’s groundwater could run dry by 2030, urges action to prevent crisis
By Fidel Rahmati
October 29, 2024
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that Kabul’s groundwater could be depleted if no action is taken.
UNICEF stated on Tuesday, October 29, on the social media platform X that Kabul’s groundwater might run out by 2030 due to rapid urbanization and climate change.
UNICEF has not proposed a specific solution to prevent this crisis but mentioned that Roza Otunbayeva, the UN Special Representative in Afghanistan, and Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF’s representative in Afghanistan, visited water-scarce areas in Kabul.
The purpose of these UN officials’ visits to the water-crisis-affected regions was reported to be finding an effective solution to the ongoing crisis.
“Water is life. Due to rapid urbanization and climate change there could be no ground water in Kabul by 2030, if we do not act now. We can stop this,” UNICEF said.
Our Rep @TajudeenOyewale and SRSG @otunbayeva went to meet affected communities & find out how to help meet this basic human need,” the organization added..
The organization emphasized that if “we take action,” this crisis can be prevented.
The worsening water crisis in Kabul is further intensified by climate change, leading to prolonged droughts and shrinking water sources. Rapid urbanization without sustainable planning has also strained the city’s limited water resources.
Mismanagement of water resources in Kabul has exacerbated the situation, with poor infrastructure and lack of proper regulation contributing to the depletion of groundwater. Addressing these issues requires immediate and collaborative efforts to ensure sustainable water management and protect the city from a severe water crisis.
Source:khaama.com
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Islamic Emirate Inks $163 Million Agreement with Turkish Firm for Jowzjan Cement Factory
2024-10-29
KABUL(BNA): In a significant development for Afghanistan’s construction industry, a $163 million investment contract for the Yateem Taq cement project in Jowzjan province was signed between Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum and Turkey’s 77 Construction Company.
The signing event took place in Kabul in the presence of Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
According to Acting Minister of Mines and Petroleum, Mullah Hedayatullah Badri, the 30-year agreement with Turkish 77 Company encompasses exploration, extraction, production, and social services.
The cement plant is expected to produce 3,000 tons of cement daily and create around 1,200 direct jobs for locals, advancing Afghanistan’s goal of self-reliance in cement production.
Meanwhile, Turkey’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Cengiz Unal, highlighted the importance of this project for both nations and expressed optimism that Turkish companies’ involvement would encourage further Turkish investment in Afghanistan.
This contract adds to the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to reduce cement imports, following previous agreements worth $476 million for cement projects in Jabal Saraj, Kandahar, and Herat.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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India
Stormy scenes in House panel as Delhi Waqf administrator submits report
October 30, 2024
Stormy scenes were once again witnessed during the meeting of the joint committee of Parliament on the Waqf Bill with Opposition members raising an issue over a report submitted by the Delhi Waqf Board administrator.
The report was submitted on Tuesday, a day after Delhi CM Atishi Singh had written to panel Chairperson Jagdambika Pal stating that the officer submitted the report to the committee without getting approval from the Delhi government and that it should be treated as “null and void”.
The official gave oral evidence to the committee on Tuesday, amid dissent being shown by members of the Opposition parties.
There was an argument between ruling party MPs and Opposition MPs over the powers of the Waqf Board Administrator submitting the report.
On the first appearance at the committee meeting since breaking a bottle last Tuesday, TMC member Kalya Banerjee accused BJP’s Abhijit Gangopadhyay of provoking him which made him smash a glass bottle out of frustration.
Banerjee later told reporters: “On that day, there was a heated exchange of words between Naseer (Hussain, Congress member) and Gangopadhyay.”
“I asked Gangopadhyay why he was shouting… The Chairperson was not there. Later, the chairman was harsh on me but soft towards him (Gangopadhyay). This frustrated me,” Banerjee said.
“When I got injured, I had to let go of the bottle and it rolled towards the Chair. That day itself, I told the meeting that I had no intention to throw the bottle at the chairperson. I also expressed regret and said sorry four times,” he said.
Source:indianexpress.com
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Muslim traders in Hyderabad’s Afzalgunj observe bandh against Yati Narsinghanand’s objectionable statements
October 30, 2024
Business activities in Afzalgunj, Hyderabad, came to a standstill on Tuesday (October 29, 2024) as Muslim traders and businessmen observed a bandh in protest against the objectionable statements made by controversial preacher Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati against Prophet Muhammad some days back.
Traders downed their shutters in response to a call by Tahreek Muslim Shabban (TMS) along with other organisations and individuals.
Case booked against Yati Narsinghanand Saraswati for allegedly making remarks against Prophet Muhammed
Shops and business establishments in Afzalgunj remained closed till late in the evening. Speaking to the media, traders expressed their dismay, and frustration over the lack of action against Mr. Narsinghanand for his derogatory remarks. The protest was not limited to Afzalgunj alone, as several traders confirmed that shops in areas like Charminar and Siddiamber Bazaar were also shut as a mark of solidarity.
“The comments made against Prophet Muhammad are deeply hurtful and unacceptable. It is disappointing that no steps have been taken by authorities to address the issue. We hope that the Telangana government does something,” a trader said. The traders collectively condemned the remarks.
The traders maintained that the bandh remained peaceful. The protesting traders urged others in the nearby markets to join them in expressing their displeasure by closing businesses for a day.
In the recent past, TMS office bearer Mustaq Mallik had urged the public to register their protest against the controversial preacher by closing businesses till the evening on October 29. He had requested khateebs of masjids to disseminate information of this before Friday prayers.
Source:thehindu.com
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Madras High Court backs damages to Muslim wife, says Shariat not judicial body
Oct 29, 2024
Madras High Court’s Madurai Bench upheld the compensation for a Muslim wife subjected to domestic violence, emphasising that the Shariat Committee is a private body and does not have judicial authority.
The court’s decision comes in response to a civil revision petition filed by MA Rafi Ahamed, who sought to overturn a previous order that awarded his estranged wife, Vaseela Banu, Rs 5 lakh in compensation for domestic violence, along with Rs 25,000 for the maintenance of their minor child.
The case dates back to 2018 when Vaseela Banu filed a petition under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. She cited multiple instances of violence inflicted by her husband. In the initial ruling by the Judicial Magistrate Court, compensation was awarded to her, a decision later upheld by the Additional District and Sessions Judge in Tirunelveli on December 2, 2022.
During the hearings, Justice GR Swaminathan noted that Rafi Ahamed had attempted to end the marriage by pronouncing “Talaq” three times between 2017 and 2018. However, he failed to secure a judicial declaration confirming the dissolution of the marriage. The petitioner presented evidence of his divorce certificate issued by the Shariat Council of Tamil Nadu Towhead Jamath on November 29, 2017, but the judge emphasised that the Shariat Council lacks the authority of a court.
Rafi Ahamed had married another woman on January 28, 2018, shortly after his alleged divorce from Vaseela. However, Vaseela claimed that she had not received any notice regarding the third Talaq, rendering the divorce invalid to her.
“The certificate issued by the Chief Kazi of the Shariat Council does not constitute a legal divorce. Only courts duly constituted by the State can deliver judgments,” Justice Swaminathan remarked. He further stated that the revision petitioner had not provided any evidence to show that the third Talaq notice had been served to Vaseela Banu. Consequently, the judge ruled that the marriage was still valid, as no legal dissolution had occurred.
Source:indiatoday.in
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https://www.indiatoday.in/india/tamil-nadu/story/madras-high-court-shariat-private-body-not-judicial-upholds-compensation-for-muslim-wife-domestic-violence-2625218-2024-10-29
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Salman Khan gets death threat again with demand for Rs 2 crore; cops launch probe
30.10.24
Bollywood actor Salman Khan has allegedly received a death threat again along with a demand of Rs two crore following which the Mumbai police have registered an FIR against an unidentified person, an official on Wednesday.
The Mumbai traffic police on Tuesday received an anonymous message, threatening the actor would be killed if he did not pay Rs two crore, the official said.
The police registered a case against the unidentified person and an investigation was on into the matter, he added.
Earlier this month, the Mumbai traffic police's WhatsApp helpline desk received a threat message demanding Rs 5 crore from the actor.
The police have arrested a man from Jamshedpur in this connection.
The Mumbai police on Monday arrested a man from Noida in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly issuing a death threat to Salman Khan and NCP leader Zeeshan Siddique.
Notably, Khan had earlier received death threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Suspected members of the gang had opened fire outside the actor’s Bandra home in April this year.
A few months back, the Navi Mumbai police uncovered a plot by the Bishnoi gang to kill Khan, leading to security enhancement for the actor.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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Jammu and Kashmir: Security forces kill militants linked to army convoy attack in Akhnoor
Muzaffar Raina
30.10.24
Security forces achieved a breakthrough on Tuesday by eliminating two militants linked to an attack on an army convoy in Jammu’s Akhnoor the previous day.
Major General Sameer Shrivastava of the army’s 10 Infantry Division commended the forces for executing a “very successful” operation in a remarkably short time frame, with no casualties among the troops.
He acknowledged that BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles were deployed because of the challenging terrain, which has steep gradients, to ensure the soldiers’ safety. Tanks have rarely been used in anti-militancy operations.
“Three terrorists were killed. We suffered no loss. The operation was a good example of coordination and concluded in record time,” the officer said at a media conference. The officer added that they, however, lost army dog Phantom during the operation.
While one militant was killed on Monday, the other two were eliminatedon Tuesday.
The initial attack on the convoy prompted a swift reaction from the troops, aided by timely information from local schoolchildren who spotted the militants in a nearby temple. Although there were reports of damage to a temple, Shrivastava said there was no intentional destruction.
“When they were detected, we got immediate information from the village. That is why we could react very fast,”he said.
He added that the militants had not infiltrated recently and were hiding in the region, having planned a significant operation that failed when they opened fire on the convoy. Thanks to the quick response teams, the situation was contained without casualties.
“They could not deliver on the purpose they had come for. They opened fire on our convoy (as it was heading to the area to look for the militants). But because of our drivers and quick-reaction teams, there was no loss. The quick-reaction teams pinned them down immediately,”Shrivastava said.
“There are a lot of reports that the army used BMPs. I want to assure you that it was such an area where there was a 30-degree gradient and a lot of foliage. When we located the militants, going there was not possible without facing danger. We used these hard-end vehicles to reach there.”
Source:telegraphindia.com
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Army officer lauds Akhnoor operation, says over 50 terrorists waiting to infiltrate into Jammu
29.10.24
Over 50 terrorists are likely present on the launching pads across the border to sneak into Jammu region, a senior Army officer said, asserting that the forces are fully alert to the challenge and will foil any infiltration attempt, which change especially during the winter months.
Speaking to reporters after the successful elimination of three terrorists in Akhnoor sector near here, General Officer Commanding of 10 Infantry Division, Major General Sameer Srivastava said the Army will not allow the terrorists a free run to harm civilians.
Security forces on Tuesday morning gunned down two terrorists holed up in a forest area near a village in the Akhnoor sector, taking the number of militants killed in the 27-hour gunfight near the Line of Control (LoC) to three, officials said.
"The pattern of infiltration changes with each passing year, especially during snowfall and we are ready for the challenge," the officer said.
Flanked by Brigadier Kapil Taneja, commander of 28 infantry brigade and Deputy Inspector General of Police, Jammu-Kathua-Samba Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma, Maj Gen Srivastava said the challenges remain the same – counter the infiltration and terrorist actions.
"We are fully prepared as you have seen in the recent successful operations against terrorists. I am sure such successful operations will have an impact on terrorism," he said.
Asked about the number of terrorists likely present on the launching pads south of Pir Panjal, he said the inputs about the figure usually keeps varying with changing times.
"As per the joint intelligence reports, there are 50 to 60 terrorists present there," the senior Army officer said.
Describing the killing of three terrorists in Akhnoor as a major success for the security forces, he said they were not part of the fresh infiltration group.
Maj Gen Srivastava said, "This was a group which was present in the hinterland and we were tracking them for some time. They came here and got exposed." "The area (Akhnoor) will be kept under strict surveillance even as ground reports suggest that there were only three terrorists," he added.
He said the counter-infiltration grid has been strengthened and "no infiltration had taken place in this area".
The terrorists present in the hinterland are moving in small groups and had moved to this area for a direct action, he said.
Maj Gen Srivastava said there is no permanent presence of terrorists in Akhnoor, adding, "We will not let our guard down. The area has seen no infiltration for a long time." On a question about the recovery of sophisticated M-4 carbine from the slain terrorists and the possibility of Pakistan army directly providing arms to the terrorists, he said, "The source (of providing arms) can be many and it is very difficult to speculate." Asked whether the terrorists were planning a similar attack as the one in Gulmarg ahead of Diwali in Jammu, he quipped "that is what it appears", adding, "Any other reason to be there is very unlikely. Even if it was there, it (Jammu) was a wrong selection.” Responding to another question about the attire of the slain terrorists, he said the types of combat uniforms are easily available in the market.
The senior Army officer said a huge cache of arms, ammunition and IEDs were recovered from the dead terrorists but denied having recovered an explosive vest during the operation.
"No belt IED was found even as all of them had personal weapons and ammunition,” he said, adding 'fidayeen' (suicide) action is something very difficult to be carried out in this area." On terrorists targeting peaceful areas, he said terrorism is all about sensationalising things and "I think they came here (Akhnoor) to make sensational news".
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/army-officer-lauds-akhnoor-operation-says-over-50-terrorists-waiting-to-infiltrate-into-jammu/cid/2059258
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Why Muslims in Maharashtra support MVA despite underrepresentation in Opposition alliance
by Zeeshan Shaikh
October 29, 2024
“There is a sense of unease within the community regarding the limited political representation afforded to Muslims by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), but there is no outright anger against it,” says Dr Azimuddin, Coordinator of the Federation of Minorities NGOs of Maharashtra.
Azimuddin’s comments capture the current political landscape for Muslims in Maharashtra. Despite being underrepresented in the political offices and decision-making bodies of the MVA, many Muslims remain steadfast in their support for the alliance, which includes parties like the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, which had once openly called for the disenfranchisement of the community.
The forthcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra come just six months after the Lok Sabha polls, where the consolidation of Muslim and Ambedkarite Dalit votes significantly contributed to the MVA’s success in winning 30 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats. In fact, BJP leaders, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, attributed the Mahayuti alliance’s losses in 14 Lok Sabha seats to this consolidation, labelling it “vote jihad”, a term that suggests an aggressive and manipulative mobilisation of Muslim voters.
While the 2024 Lok Sabha elections marked a pivotal moment for Muslims as a voting bloc capable of influencing outcomes in favour of the MVA, the community still finds itself distanced from political representation and key decision-making roles in the alliance.
The 15 seats where Muslims comprise over 30% of the population The 15 seats where Muslims comprise over 30% of the population
Muslims in Maharashtra
Maharashtra’s 1.3 crore Muslims make up 11.56% of the state’s total 11.24-crore population. Of the state’s 288 Assembly seats, there are 38 constituencies where Muslims represent at least 20% of the population, including nine constituencies where they account for more than 40%. Despite this demographic significance, Muslim representation in Maharashtra’s political landscape has been minimal.
Over the past 25 years, the highest number of Muslims MLAs – at 13 or just 4.51% of the 288-member Assembly – was elected in 1999. In the 2019 Assembly elections, 10 Muslim MLAs were elected.
Prakash Ambedkar interview | ‘Muslims, Dalits will return to us as this Maharashtra election is about saving quota, not Constitution’
Following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, there was hope that secular parties would be more inclined to include Muslims in the state’s political framework. This sentiment led Maulana Sajjad Nomani, a prominent Muslim cleric, to reach out to MVA leaders, including NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, to advocate for greater Muslim representation.
“I urge the MVA leaders to ensure justice in the distribution of tickets,” Maulana Nomani said. “I have informed Sharad Pawar, with supporting data, that there are 25 constituencies where Muslims can win and contribute to the formation of a secular democratic government in Maharashtra.”
However, to date, the MVA has nominated only eight Muslim candidates for the forthcoming Assembly polls.
Historical presence of Muslim MLAs in Maharashtra Historical presence of Muslim MLAs in Maharashtra
Key issues for Muslim voters
Given the history of communal tensions in Maharashtra, ensuring peace and security remains a critical concern for Muslim communities. In recent years, the state has witnessed a surge in hate speeches at rallies organised by right-wing Hindu groups. Statements from individuals associated with the BJP, including former Chief Minister Narayan Rane’s son and Kankavli MLA Nitesh Rane, as well as religious figures close to the party, have been perceived as provocative and offensive by the Muslim community.
Against this backdrop, and amid heightened fears of social discrimination, many in the Muslim community are prioritising the defeat of the “politics of polarisation” over concerns about political representation.
“The average Muslim voter today is motivated by the need to secure a government that ensures their physical safety and addresses social discrimination. Their primary goal is to counter the BJP’s polarising ideology. This focus on defeating the BJP takes precedence over the broader issue of representation that some Muslim intellectuals and politically active individuals raise. Even if the MVA limits political representation for Muslims, the larger community is likely to support it for the sole purpose of opposing the BJP,” explains Talha Shaikh, a political activist from Nashik.
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However, many in the community feel that despite their substantial support, leaders within the MVA remain hesitant to address the specific issues affecting Muslims.
“There is a growing awareness among Muslims that these parties must navigate the complexities of openly associating with their community in a diverse and often polarised political landscape. Yet, there is a palpable frustration that, despite significant backing from the community, party leaders often refrain from even mentioning the word ‘Muslim’ in their speeches. While Muslims recognise the importance of contributing to a thriving democratic and secular India, the responsibility for upholding these principles should not fall solely on their shoulders,” asserts Aleem Faizee, a social activist from Malegaon.
The role of Muslim-centric parties
Historically, Muslims in Maharashtra have been viewed as a key support base for the Congress-NCP alliance. However, about a decade ago, there was a growing sentiment within the community to distance itself from the binary of Congress-BJP politics. A sense of political disempowerment and disillusionment with the Congress-NCP led many young Muslims to seek alternatives, contributing to the rise of parties like the Asadudding Owaisi-led All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), the Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi (VBA), and the Samajwadi Party (SP) as viable political options.
While these parties initially garnered support from the Muslim community, there is now a notable disillusionment with them too, as they are increasingly perceived as vehicles for the personal advancement of their leaders rather than genuine representatives of the community.
Infighting within these parties, including the AIMIM and SP, has further eroded their credibility, leading many to question their effectiveness.
“There is a growing belief among the Muslim electorate that voting for these parties does not serve the community’s interests. Many elected MLAs from these parties, with a few exceptions, have minimal impact on decision-making or policy formation. Their ability to act as a pressure group on the government is also lacking. Many voters feel it would be more effective to support the Congress rather than waste their votes on these parties,” says Irfan Shaikh, an activist from Igatpuri.
Source:indianexpress.com
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As leaders flock to Antarwali-Saraati, Manoj Jarange-Patil holds his cards close: ‘Want Marathas, Muslims, Dalits to come together’
by Manoj Dattatrye More
October 29, 2024
Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil’s efforts to get reservation for his community may not have worked out as he planned but ahead of the Assembly elections in Maharashtra, he is now eyeing the Muslim and Dalit communities too.
“I want Marathas, Muslims and Dalits to come together. I am making all efforts to unite all the communities so that we can get maximum MLAs elected and get our demands addressed,” Jarange-Patil said in Antarwali-Saraati village in Jalna district, adding that he would hold a meeting with gurus and leaders of both communities before picking the candidates he would support.
“We were supposed to announce the names of candidates. However, we have decided to hold a meeting with religious gurus and top leaders of Muslim and Dalit communities on October 31 and after that, we will take a decision,” Jarange-Patil, who has been besieged by aspirants and supporters from across the state since early Tuesday morning, said.
Jarange-Patil said he was supposed to announce the names of candidates he would support on Wednesday. “However, we had to postpone the decision as the religious gurus and leaders could not make it to Antarwali-Saraati due to a glitch in their helicopter. Now the meeting has been scheduled for October 31,” he said, adding in the same breath that he might not declare the names even on Thursday. “That will be done before November 4,” he said. Asked about the identities of the leaders, Jarange-Patil refused to divulge their names.
Emphasising that a change can only be brought about when different communities come together, Jarange-Patil said, “When different communities like Dalits and Muslims come together, it becomes a huge force. They have the power to bring in the change, they will uplift the lives of the poor because they know what poverty is and how it affects individuals.”
Those who met Jarange-Patil on Tuesday were told that he has neither declared support for any candidate nor the ruling Mahayuti or Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi.
Earlier, at a press interaction at Antarwali-Saraati, Jarange-Patil had hit out at Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis alleging he played a key role in depriving the Maratha community of the quota benefit. On Tuesday, it was no different. “Fadnavis never wanted to give reservation to the Maratha community. He tried to destroy the lives of the children of the Maratha community. He kept filing cases against our youth and they are finding it difficult to get jobs now,” he said. Asked if Fadnavis had ever invited him for talks, Jarange-Patil said, “Who wants to go? Fadnavis chapter is closed for me…”.
‘If they support, we will win’: Jarange-Patil back in demand
In the last two weeks, Antarwali-Saraati has come to life again. There is a constant surge of visitors, especially ministers, leaders and aspirants from all major political parties. Meanwhile, Jarange-Patil is holed up in a bungalow deep inside the village. The bungalow belongs to the village sarpanch and Jarange-Patil decides whom to meet.
His close associates said the activist has told aspirants to file nominations. “I will decide who will be the candidate the Maratha community would declare (support for),” he said.
A group supporting the candidature of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ajit Magar travelled from Hingoli to seek Jarange-Patil’s support. “We wanted to field our candidate from the Kalamnuri seat in Hingoli district. He finished the runners-up in the last election. In the current survey, his name was on top but he has not got a Sena ticket. That is why we pleaded with Jarange-Patil to support our candidate,” Govind Patil, a voter from Kalamnuri, said.
Mehraj Qureshi, another resident of Hingoli, said, “If the Maratha community extends support to our candidate, we are confident he will win. The Jarange-Patil factor matters a lot in our area…After meeting him, we hope he will extend his support to our candidate,” Qureshi said.
Amar Kale, a local villager, said, “In the last few days, minister Uday Samant, leaders Sanjay Shirsat and Imtiaz Jaleel and even Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati met him.”
Jarange-Patil’s team claimed the leaders were desperate to meet him. “Some have met him at midnight, some early morning…Some sit in the farm till he comes out of his room,” said Vijay Tarak, a close associate.
Jarange-Patil had decided to field 38 candidates in constituencies where the Maratha community has an overwhelming presence. He has also said that the Maratha community would support those who support their demand for reservation.
Source:indianexpress.com
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Pakistan
Ishaq Dar announces arrests in attacks on Chinese
Baqir Sajjad Syed
October 30, 2024
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday announced breakthrough arrests tied to recent attacks on Chinese nationals, pledging unwavering protection for the citizens of the country’s closest ally.
Mr Dar’s statement came at a conference by the Pakistan-China Institute, titled “China at 75: A Journey of Progress, Transformation and Global Leadership”, where he underscored Pakistan’s commitment to security amid rising incidents targeting Chinese citizens within its borders.
Without disclosing specifics, Mr Dar confirmed that authorities had apprehended multiple suspects believed to be involved in recent incidents.
“Most of the attackers have been hauled up,” he disclosed. “We will leave no stone unturned to protect the lives and properties of Chinese in Pakistan. These suspects will face justice after due process, and further details will be shared directly with President Xi Jinping during President Zardari’s visit to China next month.”
Earlier this month, a suicide attack near Karachi’s airport, claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army, left two Chinese citizens dead and 10 others injured.
Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, speaking on this occasion, expressed Beijing’s concerns over these threats and urged further action to safeguard Chinese citizens and investments.
“Security of Chinese citizens is paramount for President Xi,” Mr Jiang said, adding that Mr Xi has emphasised this in his meeting with Pakistani leaders on multiple occasions.
Mr Dar also referenced internal security challenges, indirectly criticising former Pakistani intelligence chief Faiz Hameed, who is currently undergoing a court-martial trial, for previous policies that Mr Dar said have weakened Pakistan’s security landscape.
Emphasising Pakistan’s determination to combat terrorism, Mr Dar highlighted the government’s recent counterterrorism operation, Azm-i-Istehkam, as a step toward restoring stability. He noted that while Pakistan faces minimal external military threats, “inimical forces” are aiming to weaken it economically.
China and Pakistan’s strategic alliance, anchored by CPEC, remains strong, Mr Dar stressed, adding that Pakistani security forces are fully committed to safeguarding this partnership as it continues its expansion into critical economic sectors.
Source:dawn.com
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Pakistan, Saudi Arabia reaffirm resolve to further enhance bilateral ties
October 29, 2024
In a major development, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday reaffirmed commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties, especially in the areas of trade and investment, culture, innovation and technology.
The resolve was expressed during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of the eighth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Conference in Riyadh.
The two leaders took stock of the ongoing bilateral engagements, especially in follow up to the decisions taken in previous high-level meetings held in Makkah and Riyadh in April, read a statement issued by the PM Office Media Wing.
Apprising the crown prince on his government's economic, institutional and policy reforms agenda, the prime minster said that the Kingdom had a central role in Pakistan’ future economic plans.
The prime minister appreciated Saudi Arabia's efforts to promote regional peace and stability in the Middle East and reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to standby the country in these efforts.
The two leaders exchanged views on regional developments and agreed to closely coordinate positions on regional issues.
The prime minister conveyed best wishes for the health and wellbeing of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.
Separately, on X handle, the prime minister posted that he had the honour of meeting Mohammed Bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia along with his delegation.
"Conveyed my deep gratitude for the kingdom’s valuable support to Pakistan in securing the IMF (International Monetary Fund) program."
The premier said that Pakistan’s ties with the kingdom are historical and time-tested.
“Thanked him for his gracious hospitality. Pakistan’s ties with Saudi Arabia are historical and time-tested. During our very productive talks we reviewed the progress in Pakistan-KSA relations across multiple sectors and reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in areas such as trade and investment , culture, innovation, technology, and beyond,” he further posted.
It is pertinent to mention here that PM Shehbaz Sharif is currently in the Kingdom to attend the eighth edition of two-day Future Investment Initiative (FII) being held in Riyadh.
Attended by global leaders, this year’s FII is themed “Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow” and focuses on global investments aimed at addressing major issues such as artificial intelligence, robotics, education, energy, space, finance, healthcare, and sustainability.
The participating countries engage in the dialogue for the promotion of investment and a sustainable future while highlighting the strength of their respective economies.
The FII conference featured discussions on artificial intelligence, robotics, education, energy, space, public health, and challenges confronting sustainable development.
PM invites global firms to invest
During the plenary session, PM Shehbaz invited global companies to invest in Pakistan and bring their expertise and creativity as “we build a future rooted in resilience and shared prosperity.”
“Pakistan stands ready to join those who dare to dream big,” he said, noting that no nation could overcome today’s challenges alone and no single country could harness the potential of tomorrow without the support of others.
While underscoring the importance of knowledge-based economy driven by innovation in domains of artificial intelligence, education and health, the premier called for collective global efforts and partnerships to overcome the contemporary challenges.
He said that he was elated to share that Pakistan, too, was on a transformative journey; a journey of resilience, sacrifice, and a relentless pursuit of stability and growth.
The prime minister, citing future course, said Pakistan was laying the foundation for a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation in three pivotal domains, artificial intelligence, education, and health in which they looked forward to forging useful partnerships.
“AI is more than a trend; it’s a force revolutionising economies, societies, and industries. At this critical juncture, Pakistan is not just embracing AI, we are committed to excelling in it,” he said, adding their mission was clear and it was to; encourage young minds to redefine the boundaries of AI; training skilled engineers and data scientists as the backbone of Pakistan’s AI growth; and equipping their workforce to harness the power of AI across industries.
PM Shehbaz further said that health was the cornerstone of human advancement and Pakistan’s healthcare sector was home to over 275,000 registered doctors with their youth pioneering new health-tech solutions.
With advancements in healthcare standards, they envisioned a future where their doctors and scientists collaborated across borders for a healthier tomorrow, he added.
“Imagine the impact, pooling resources in areas like genome sequencing and personalised medicine. With such collaborations, we can redefine the whole healthcare system,” he further emphasised.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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MQM-P 'in talks' with govt over 27th Constitutional Amendment
By Kiran Khan
October 30, 2024
KARACHI: Amid rumours suggesting another prospective constitutional tweak, which the federal government has denied, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has confirmed discussing the 27th Amendment to the Constitution with federal government representatives.
Speaking to Geo News on Tuesday, MQM-P's senior deputy convener Farooq Sattar said: "We discussed this with Prime Minister [Shehbaz Sharif] in our meeting, and he assured us that the local bodies clause would be included in the next constitutional amendment."
Sattar also acknowledged that while talks about another amendment are ongoing, no time frame has been set for when it would be introduced in parliament.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led government has yet to confirm any plans to further amend the Constitution after the 26th amendment, though there are reports of potential changes. Earlier this month, the government and its allies approved constitutional changes that included empowerment of parliament to appoint the Supreme Court's chief justice, a move criticised by opposition parties as an attempt to undermine the judiciary.
"It has been settled that parliament is supreme," Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said after his ruling coalition garnered the required two-thirds majority to amend the Constitution for the 26th time since it was enacted in 1973.
Meanwhile, sources within the MQM-P told Geo News that the party has formed a committee to build consensus on the new amendment. This committee, they said, would soon reach out to other parties in Islamabad.
Last week, sources reported that PM Shehbaz and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari discussed a proposed "27th constitutional amendment centered on provincial rights." The meeting also decided to take opposition party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), government ally MQM-P, and other parties into confidence on the next major legislation.
In a conversation with Geo News' Hamid Mir on Capital Talk, PML-N leader Tallal Chaudhry said that any future amendments would be based on need.
When asked about introducing a law regarding the minimum number of judges, he stated: "The parliament will decide on that, but the number of judges will be more than 23."
Source:thenews.com.pk
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Fazl says 'dirty' draft would have passed without JUI-F votes
By Web Desk
October 30, 2024
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has accused the government of “purchasing” 11 votes to ensure the passage of the recent 26th constitutional amendment impacting Pakistan’s judiciary, stressing that without the party's votes, "a very dirty" draft would have passed.
Talking to the media in Dera Ismail Khan on Wednesday, he said, “We had only eight votes. Without our support, a very dirty (unacceptable to the opposition parties) draft would have been passed.”
He stressed that the government had secured 11 votes to pass the constitutional amendment, alleging that these votes were “purchased.”
Fazl said, “We manage to pass this amendment while remaining in opposition.”
He said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) did not take part in the voting due to their circumstances, adding, "However, we kept them thoroughly informed throughout the negotiations."
Highlighting the ideological issues facing the country, he emphasised the need to align the country with the Constitution. He said that by 2028, Pakistan would see a “complete end to the interest-based system.”
The veteran politician expressed similar views yesterday while talking to the media following his address at the Jamia Arabia Naumania Salihiya.
He reiterated that the elimination of the interest-based system was not only a manifesto for the JUI-F but it was also the foundation of Pakistan’s ideology.
He assured that the end of the interest-based system would be achieved within the stipulated timeframe with economic benefits bringing prosperity to the nation.
Fazl reaffirmed his party’s commitment to protecting both Islamic beliefs and democracy.
In today's media talk, the JUI-F chief also voiced opposition to the imprisonment of political figures, including the PTI founder, signalling support for their release.
The Shehbaz Sharif-led government, with the assistance of allies including the PPP, passed the contentious legislation in both lower and upper houses of parliament, which changed the procedure for the appointment of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), fixed the post's tenure, and formed constitutional benches.
This method for appointing the country's top judge has been adopted for the first time after the enactment of the contentious 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which suggests that the CJP will be “appointed on the recommendation of the Special Parliamentary Committee from among the three most senior judges of the Supreme Court” with a two-thirds majority.
Under the amended law, a Special Parliamentary Committee recommended Justice Yahya Afridi, third on the seniority list (excluding the incumbent CJP Qazi Faez Isa), as the next CJP. Later, President Asif Ali Zardari confirmed Justice Afridi’s appointment in accordance with Articles 175A, 177, and 179 of the Constitution, per a Ministry of Law and Justice notification.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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PTI leader seeks review of SC ruling on Punjab election tribunals
Nasir Iqbal
October 30, 2024
ISLAMABAD: PTI leader Salman Akram Raja on Tuesday moved a petition before the Supreme Court seeking to review its Sept 30 verdict which upheld Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)’s plea relating to the appointment of the Punjab election tribunals.
Mr Raja who lost the Feb 8 general elections from NA-128 pleaded through the review petition that the Sept 30 judgement was decided by the Supreme Court without adverting to the maintainability of the cases.
Earlier in July 4, the Supreme Court had suspended Lahore High Court’s June 12 notification of constituting eight election tribunals in Punjab, as well as the high court’s determination that its chief justice had the final say in the appointment of tribunals to settle election disputes.
The petitioner has sought a determination from the apex court that the executive authority to allocate a petition to the election tribunals resides solely with LHC chief justice or the relevant high courts and not ECP and that the consultation meetings between the chief justice Lahore High Court (LHC) and ECP should not be used as a reason to supersede the nominations of the election tribunals.
The review petition pleaded that the parties were not heard on this preliminary objections, which amounted to violation of due rights of fair trial as enshrined under Article 10A of the Constitution.
The petition contended that the Sept 30 judgement contained inherent contradictions especially where the order held that there was no need of deciding these cases when consensus had been reached between the ECP and the LHC on the appointment of tribunals.
In its Sept 30 judgement, the Supreme Court had held that since the matter had been amicably resolved there was no need to decide these cases and had appreciated the two officials (CJ-LHC and ECP) for resolving the issue by realising their respective constitutional and legal responsibilities.
The review petition pleaded that the Sept 30 judgement had ventured far beyond by giving effect to what was being claimed as a consensus between LHC and ECP. Moreover, the remarks made in the judgment in relation to the future applicability of LHC’s order were liable to be expunged and recalled.
The petition pleaded that the ramification of the Sept 30 judgement extended well beyond the immediate impact on the petitioner’s rights and created a situation where the executive bodies could be allowed to act with disregard for established legal principles and judicial authority.
This potential for arbitrary governance undermines the principles of independence of judiciary and rule of the law. The Supreme Court as the custodian of constitutional democracy and the guardian of fundamental rights must exercise in its rulings to ensure they do not become tools for perpetuating undemocratic practices, the petition stated.
It contended that the Sept 30 judgement had created a misleading narrative, which does not fully account for the officeholders of the position of CJ-LHC besides creating a questionable precedent by implying that meaningful consultation between CJ-LHC and ECP must occur exclusively through face to face meetings all the time whenever needs arose.
“This requirement lacks statutory basis and risks undermining transparency and accountability in judicial-administrative interactions and opens the door to arbitrary interpretations of meaningful consultation,” the petition feared.
The mandate for physical meetings is an ambiguous procedural hurdle that may be difficult to operationalise effectively.
Besides, it is clearly an approach that should be discouraged as it creates for a situation where there would be less documentary record and therefore adversely affect the transparency of such consultation as well as accountability of the consultees in the public domain and may result in circumventing the rights of citizens under Article 19A of the Constitution, the petition added.
Source:dawn.com
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12 killed in three accidents across Balochistan
Ali Jan Mangi | Saleem Shahid
October 30, 2024
QUETTA: Twelve people were killed and 19 others injured in three accidents in Sibi, Noshki and Washuk districts of Balochistan, on Tuesday.
The worst tragedy took place in Washuk’s Nag area when a Zambyad vehicle carrying Iranian petrol collided head-on with another vehicle. Both vehicles caught fire, leaving the people inside with no chance to escape. Five of them burned to death.
“All the five people present inside the two vehicles burned to death,” the assistant commissioner of Washuk said. “The bodies were beyond recognition.”
In another accident, five passengers were killed and 13 others injured when a Jacobabad-bound van collided with a truck on the Quetta-Sibi highway near Mithri area of Sibi district. Two of the injured were in serious condition.
Levies officials put down the accident to overspeeding by both the vehicles. Levies and FC personnel shifted the bodies and the injured to the Sibi District Hospital.
In the third accident, two people were killed and six others injured in Daak area of Noshki district when a vehicle carrying a wedding party overturned. A woman was among the dead.
Source:dawn.com
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Asma Jahangir’s group retains supremacy in SCBA elections
Wajih Ahmad Sheikh
October 30, 2024
LAHORE: The Independent group, commonly known as ‘Asma Jahangir group’, maintained its hold on the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) for a second consecutive term on Tuesday, as its candidate Mian Rauf Atta was elected as president of the body in its election for the year 2024-25.
Reflecting their respective parties’ postures during the passage of 26th Amendment in parliament recently, the lawyers’ wings of the PML-N, the PPP and the JUI-F backed Mr Atta in the SCBA election, while the PTI and Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) supported Munir Ahmad Kakar of the Hamid Khan-led Professional group.
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar congratulated Mr Atta and Ahsan Bhoon, who heads the Asma group, on the victory in the bar election, hoping that the new president would continue to serve the legal fraternity.
The victory of the Asma group is being seen as a favourable development for the coalition government in the Centre as it supported its position on the 26th Amendment, led by president Shahzad Shaukat.
PTI Senator Hamid Khan was hoping to launch a countrywide lawyers’ movement to restore the ‘independence’ of the judiciary after winning the SCBA polls.
His group has been accusing the government of clipping the powers of the judiciary by bringing the amendment.
Speaking to the media in Lahore, winner Mr Atta said, “I thank all the professional lawyers.” He said there would be no compromise on the respect of the black coat, adding that his group had always upheld the supremacy of the Constitution and the law. “We will continue our struggle for the Constitution and the law in the future as well,” he added.
Mr Bhoon said the victory was for everyone. He said the lawyers believed in the supremacy of the Constitution and the law. He said the parliament is supreme and has the right to create and amend the Constitution. He maintained that there would be no compromise on the dignity of the judiciary and interference in institutions won’t be tolerated.
“Our opponents have been making a lot of noise as they are representatives of a political party. We, as lawyers, speak about the Constitution and the law,” Mr Bhoon said.
According to unofficial results, Mr Atta secured 558 votes, while Mr Kakar bagged 483 votes from Lahore, where a total of 1,042 SCBA members cast their votes.
In Peshawar, Mr Atta and Mr Kakar secured 127 and 125 votes, respectively. Mr Atta also won from Multan with 125 votes against his opponent’s 85.
In the 2024 elections, both candidates belonged to Balochistan as per rotation policy for the SCBA president’s slot.
Salman Mansoor of the Professional group was elected secretary by defeating Malik Zahid Awan of the Independent group. Mr Mansoor was a runner-up last year for the same position.
The official results would be announced after a few days in Islamabad.
Source:dawn.com
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ANP accuses PTI of corruption, links with TTP
Iftikhar A. Khan
October 30, 2024
• PM seeks names of senators for JCP
• Opposition leader proposes joint resolution seeking Senate completion
ISLAMABAD: The PTI came under fire in Senate for allegedly using billions of rupees obtained in graft in the BRT project in 2018 elections, its alleged links with outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and increasing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s debt to Rs1.5 trillion from Rs 97bn in 2013.
The serious allegations were levelled by ANP chief Aimal Wali Khan while speaking in the House on Tuesday.
Tracing the money trail, Mr Aimal alleged that PTI’s election campaign in 2018 was funded by the amount siphoned off from the Peshawar BRT project. He explained that the project’s cost was raised from Rs14bn to Rs100bn.
At least Rs32bn had been embezzled in the project, he said, adding that the money was first transferred to PTI’s accounts being operated in the US via Dubai before being transacted back to the accounts in Pakistan for general elections.
While lending strength to the allegation of PTI’s open support to the banned TTP, the ANP senator recalled that the TTP commander had issued a statement in 2013 in Waziristan that the PTI government would be “acceptable” to it.
Referring to the cipher controversy, Mr Khan said PTI’s narrative that began with accusing the US of conspiring to throw Imran Khan out of power had been exposed with the party thanking the 61 American senators who sought his immediate release from prison.
He then chided the PTI for accusing two of its senators — Saleem Rehman and Zarqa Suharwardy — of “supporting” the 26th amendment. “What is the criterion? They were absent and did not vote,” he remarked, and asked the PTI to apologise to its senators.
At this, leader of opposition in Senate Shibli Faraz said the ANP chief had not right to discuss PTI’s internal matter and, on another occasion, objected to the “inflammatory” remarks which may vitiate the environment.
Mr Faraz was on his feet when the quorum was pointed out by Senator Hidayatullah.
Irked by the move, he called it a “fixed match”, deploring that Mr Khan exited the hall after passing “venomous” remarks though he had promised to stay and listen to his response.
When the proceedings resumed, Senate chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani was in the chair to inform the House that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has written a letter seeking names of senators for the Judicial Commission of Pakistan.
The PTI senator said consultations on the matter were underway.
While responding to the ANP chief’s allegation, Mr Faraz said Mr Khan’s party in KP was fast losing political space, which was a reason for his election from Balochistan.
The opposition leader noted that the delay in holding Senate elections in KP sent a wrong message, regretting that the province was being deprived of its representation only to prevent PTI from gaining strength with 10 elected representatives from the province. He said the National Assembly, too, was incomplete, awaiting ECP’s notification as per court order.
WhatsApp hacking
Although Question Hour was not held on Tuesday, the interior ministry — in details provided to the Senate — said that around 1,500 WhatsApp accounts have been hacked across the country since July 1, adding that FIA had recovered some of the accounts, while work to recover the others was underway.
“FIA’s Cybercrime Wing (CCW) had received 1,426 complaints related to hacked accounts since July 1,” the ministry said, adding that the figure did not include users who had not reported compromised accounts.
It said 549 hacked accounts were successfully restored from the registered complaints, while the CCW was currently processing a further 877 complaints, with 20 cases escalated to formal inquiries.
Source:dawn.com
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SBP adopts two AAOIFI standards for Islamic banks
October 30, 2024
KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan has adopted two standards issued by the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), in an attempt to unify Sharia practices in the Islamic banking industry, a circular said on Tuesday.
The SBP said that “in order to standardise and harmonise” Sharia practices in Islamic banking institutions (IBIs) in the country, it has adopted AAOIFI Shariah Standards No36, ‘Impact of Contingent Incidents on Commitments’, and No 37, ‘Credit Agreement’.
These Sharia standards are applicable with certain clarifications and amendments.
Contingent incidents in standard no 36 refer to those incidents that occur suddenly and cause influence on transactions or commitments arising from those transactions after their valid occurrence, the circular said.
Therefore, contingent incidents are different from defects of will, which exist since the time of signing the contract, although their impact occurs later on, it added.
Contingent incidents are also different from termination of commitments on mutual consent of the two parties or as per the desire of any of them, when a party is entitled to such right under the nature of the contract or due to the condition stipulated in the contract.
As per the types of contingent incidents, from the standpoint of its influence, a contingent incident can be either of the type that necessitates amendments in the commitments, or the type which constitutes an external reason for termination of the contract.
According to Standard No 37, the term credit refers to the financial transaction according to which one of the two or more parties becomes indebted to the other. Indebtedness in such transactions can arise at the beginning of the transaction, and this is known as direct cash credit such as loans and discounting of commercial papers by conventional financial institutions. Instead, indebtedness could be probable at the end of the transaction, and that is incidental credit, such as bank suretyship, letters of guarantee, bills of acceptance and letters of documentary credit.
The term ‘credit facilities’ is used to denote credit in both of its types ie, cash and incidental credit. The concepts of credit and credit facilities are more comprehensive than the concept of financing which relates to the case of actual deferment of one of the two transacted objects, the SBP said.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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Mideast
Hamas, Islamic Jihad hail election new Hezbollah chief
Oct 29, 2024
In a statement on Sunday, Hamas congratulated members of Hezbollah for selecting Sheikh Naim Qassem as Secretary General of the resistance movement, saying his election is a sign of the group’s recovery from the targeting of its leadership, Press TV reported.
Hamas further wished Sheikh Qassem success in leading Hezbollah and the Islamic resistance in confronting the Zionist enemy and its colonial ambitions in Lebanon, Palestine, and the region.
In a separate statement, the Islamic Jihad extended its congratulations to members of Hezbollah on the appointment of Sheikh Qassem, saying the assumption of this position at this sensitive stage reaffirms the strength and resilience of the resistance in Lebanon and “a demonstration of its high capability to confront the enemy, thwart its aggression, and foil its plans.”
The Islamic Jihad further wished success and determination for members of Hezbollah and its leadership to continue the path of resistance until the liberation and defeat of the occupation.
On Tuesday, Hezbollah's Shura Council, the group's central decision-making body, appointed Sheikh Qassem as the group’s secretary-general.
The 60-year-old cleric is a veteran figure in Hezbollah, having served as deputy secretary general of the Lebanese resistance group since 1991.
He was appointed deputy secretary general under Hezbollah’s late secretary general, Abbas al-Musawi, who was killed by an Israeli helicopter attack in 1992, and remained in the role when Nasrallah became leader.
Sheikh Qassem has long been one of the leading spokesmen for Hezbollah, conducting many interviews with foreign media.
Source:newsnow.co.uk
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Israel escalates attacks as it promises to target new Hezbollah chief
NAJIA HOUSSARI
October 29, 2024
BEIRUT: Iran-backed Hezbollah announced on Tuesday the election of Sheikh Naim Qassem as its new secretary-general. He succeeds Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in Israeli airstrikes targeting his headquarters in Haret Hreik, a suburb of southern Beirut, on Sept. 27.
Confrontations between Hezbollah and Israeli soldiers have escalated along the border between Lebanon and Israel, particularly in the town of Khiam, with numerous casualties resulting from intensive raids across the south and Bekaa.
Following the announcement of Qassem’s election, Israel intensified its reconnaissance aircraft operations in the airspace over Beirut and its southern suburbs at low altitude.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant posted a picture of Qassem on his X account, and wrote: “The countdown to his appointment has begun.”
Israeli Minister of Energy Eli Cohen said: “Anyone who leads Hezbollah is a target for assassination.”
Israel targeted Nasrallah’s potential successor, Hashem Safieddine, in raids on the Al-Mareija area of the southern suburbs of Beirut on Oct. 4.
Qassem has been Hezbollah’s deputy secretary-general since 1991, and was born in 1953 in Beirut’s Basta Tahta district.
Qassem affirmed that “Lebanon cannot be separated from Palestine” following the assassination of Nasrallah.
He added: “We do not have any vacant positions within Hezbollah following the Israeli assassinations.”
Qassem also said that “the resistance will never be defeated because they’re the ones that own the land, and because they will fight and die in dignity.”
A political observer said that Qassem’s appointment had “significant connotations, especially in that Hezbollah was able to restore its structure and fill vacant positions following Israel’s painful strikes on its leadership.”
He added: “Qassem’s appointment is due to the fact that he has been present during Hezbollah’s key periods, from its inception until today.”
On behalf of the parliamentary bloc, Hezbollah deputy Ali Fayyad said: “Hezbollah is still fully able to confront Israeli aggression,” adding that “the militant party obliged the Israeli army to withdraw from some of the areas it invaded.”
In the south, fighting between Hezbollah and Israeli soldiers escalated around Khiam, which has been subjected to heavy artillery shelling.
Hezbollah said it had trapped Israeli soldiers during the confrontations, which also included heavy machine gun fire. Many Israeli drones were seen hovering over the area.
Israeli army vehicles, including two tanks and a bulldozer, reached the eastern edge of Khiam.
Israel also reportedly raided Chaqra, Majdal Selem, Yohmor, Chahabiya, Toulin, Baraachit, Archaf, Haddatha, the area between Majdal Zoun and Chihine, Kafra, and Deir Al-Zahrani.
The Israeli army issued new evacuation warnings to the residents of villages located south of the Litani River, instructing them to leave immediately and head north to the Awali River.
The town of Jbaa was targeted with nine raids which destroyed at least 12 residential buildings in less than an hour.
Residents said that “seismic missiles were used, turning neighborhoods and houses into rubble.”
The missiles destroyed the vicinity housing buildings responsible for General Security, Civil Status and the Lebanese Civil Defense, as well as the public square.
The Israeli army on Monday targeted more than 100 streets in Tyre. Entire neighborhoods were destroyed and seven people killed and 17 injured.
The following day an Israeli warplane attacked a location in Tyre where the funerals of paramedics from the Islamic Health Organization were taking place, resulting in further paramedics being wounded.
Some 30 airstrikes on Monday and Tuesday hit civilian homes, leaving 63 dead and dozens injured. The attacks destroyed entire neighborhoods in Jbaa.
Further Israeli airstrikes on Bekaa targeted 14 towns on the eastern and western mountain ranges. Israel resumed its attacks on Tuesday, targeting towns in the central Bekaa.
A missile also targeted the headquarters of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, resulting in injuries to peacekeeping soldiers from the Austrian contingent.
The Austrian Ministry of Defense said that “eight Austrian soldiers from the UNIFIL forces were injured in a missile attack on Naqoura, with no serious injuries reported.” It added that “the source of the attack is currently unclear.”
Despite coordination with UNIFIL, the Lebanese Red Cross said that the Israeli army had targeted its teams “while they were heading to rescue individuals injured in a morning shelling in one of the towns of the Tyre district, despite prior coordination.”
Source:arabnews.com
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UN chief writes letter to Israeli PM protesting UNRWA ban
October 29, 2024
UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres sent a letter Tuesday to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu protesting a new law that could effectively cripple the UN agency responsible for aiding Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).
The regulations approved by the Israeli parliament ban the UN agency from operating in Israel and occupied east Jerusalem, and prevent it from communicating and coordinating with Israeli authorities, which could essentially end its work in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Israel has long been at odds with UNRWA and has alleged that some of its employees were involved in the October 7 Hamas attacks that triggered the war in Gaza.
The ban is due to start in three months.
In the letter, which was seen by AFP, Guterres said the law could have “devastating consequences” for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank because there is no reasonable alternative to UNRWA for providing the aid and assistance these people need.
“I appeal to you and to the government of Israel to prevent such devastating consequences and to allow UNRWA to continue carrying out its activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, in accordance with its obligations under international law,” Guterres wrote.
The agency was created in 1949 by the UN General Assembly after the first Arab-Israeli war, shortly after the creation of Israel in May 1948 and the mass displacement of Palestinians in its wake.
Guterres argued that under international law an occupying power must implement mechanisms for aiding the people living in that occupied territory.
“Israel, as the occupying power, continues to be required to ensure that the needs of the population are met,” Guterres wrote.
“If Israel is not in a position to meet such needs, it has an obligation to allow and facilitate the activities of the United Nations, including UNRWA, and other humanitarian agencies, until the needs of Palestine refugees in the Occupied Palestinian Territory are met,” he added.
Source:arabnews.com
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Rocket attack targets Najaf imam's residence, injuring guard
2024-10-30
Shafaq News/ A source within the local police reported, on Wednesday, that the residence of Sadr al-Din al-Qabbanji, the Friday prayer imam in Najaf, was targeted in an armed attack.
According to the source, a guard stationed at al-Qabbanji's home, located in Al-Ghadeer district in central Najaf, sustained injuries early this morning following an RPG-7 rocket attack on the residence.
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Former PM al-Maliki: We will return to al-Aqsa Mosque
2024-10-29
Shafaq News/ Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition, lauded Iraq’s role in resisting Zionist-backed threats, particularly in the fight against ISIS, which he said aimed to destabilize Iraq’s government and state.
During a rally on Tuesday supporting Gaza and Lebanon, al-Maliki praised the "courageous and heroic" religious fatwa, issued by "the nation’s authority, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Sistani, which mobilized Iraqis against ISIS.”
Al-Maliki emphasized that the “sacrifices of martyrs and ongoing battles represent a path to ultimate triumph.”
Regarding Israel, Al-Maliki underscored that conflicts with Zionism are not mere reactions but part of a broader awakening powered by the will of the people.
He noted that "enemies believed that the martyrdom of leaders like [Hassan] Nasrallah and [Yahya] Sinwar would weaken the nation, but Iraqis are a people who embrace martyrdom, fighting to ensure victory."
The head of State of Law criticized nations that promote human rights yet disregard them in the face of these struggles, adding that Iraqis continue to fight to uphold their identity and unity as a people.
In closing, al-Maliki commended the bravery of Iraq, its people, and its resistance factions in supporting their brothers in resistance “without seeking reward.”
“One Day, we will return to al-Aqsa Mosque, reclaiming the will of the nation.”
Source:shafaq.com
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Israel must step in if it bans the UN agency that is a lifeline for Gaza, UN says
October 30, 2024
UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations stressed Tuesday that if Israel puts in place new laws cutting ties with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, the Israeli government will have to meet their needs under international law.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says there is no other UN alternative to the agency, known as UNRWA. It has been a lifeline during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, and the Israeli legislation “will have a devastating impact on the humanitarian situation” in the Palestinian territories, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.
The UN agencies for children, health and migration also stressed that UNRWA is the “backbone” of the world body’s operations in Gaza, where people rely on emergency food aid during the more than yearlong war , which has killed tens of thousands and left much of the enclave in ruins.
The United Nations is heartened by statements of support for UNRWA from all quarters and countries that often disagree with one another, Dujarric said, and “we would very much appreciate efforts by any member state to help us get over this hurdle.”
Israel has alleged that some of UNRWA’s 13,000 staff members in Gaza participated in the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, which sparked the war in Gaza. It also has accused hundreds of UNRWA staff of having militant ties and said it has found Hamas military assets in or under the agency’s facilities.
Israel passed two laws Monday that could prevent UNRWA from continuing its work, which isolated it among the UN’s 193 member nations. Even the United States, its closest ally, joined many governments and humanitarian organizations in opposing the Israeli legislation, which doesn’t take effect for three months.
Guterres sent a letter Tuesday to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlining his concerns and “the issues of international law that have been raised,” Dujarric said.
As an occupying power, under international humanitarian law, Israel is required to ensure the needs of the Palestinians are met, including for food, health care and education, the UN spokesman said. And if Israel isn’t in a position to meet those needs, “it has an obligation to allow and to facilitate the activities of the UN, including UNRWA and other humanitarian agencies, to meet those needs.”
“Should UNRWA cease to operate — and for us there is no alternative — Israel would have to fill the vacuum,” Dujarric said. “Otherwise, it would be in violation of international law.”
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon responded to the secretary-general’s letter to Netanyahu by saying, “Rather than condemning UNRWA for turning a blind eye to terrorism and in some cases participating in terrorism, the UN instead condemns Israel.”
He claimed in a statement that UNRWA isn’t interested in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, calling it “nothing but an arm of Hamas operating under the guise of the United Nations.”
“Israel will continue to facilitate humanitarian aid in Gaza according to international law,” Danon said, “but UNRWA has failed in its mandate and is no longer the right agency for this job.”
World Health Organization spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said UNRWA health workers have provided over 6 million medical consultations over the past year. They also have offered immunizations, disease surveillance and screening for malnutrition, and UNRWA’s work “couldn’t be matched by any agency — including WHO,” he said.
Jeremy Laurence, spokesman for the UN human rights office, said that “without UNRWA, the delivery of food, shelter, health care, education, among other things, to most of Gaza’s population would grind to a halt.”
UNRWA was established by the UN General Assembly in 1949 to provide relief for Palestinians who fled or were expelled from their homes before and during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war that followed Israel’s establishment, as well as their descendants.
At the UN’s regular Security Council meeting on the Middle East — this month open to all UN members — speakers supported UNRWA and denounced Israel’s wars against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, virtually all calling for immediate ceasefires.
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield expressed deep concern at the Israeli legislation, saying, “right now there is no alternative to UNRWA when it comes to delivering food and other life-saving aid in Gaza.”
She called on Guterres “to create a mechanism to review and address allegations that UNRWA personnel have ties to Hamas and other terrorist groups.”
UN spokesman Dujarric, asked about this request, said the UN’s internal watchdog is working on these issues. He said a letter from the Israeli government last week raising specific undisclosed issues is also being looked at “extremely seriously.”
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller went further, warning that the Israeli legislation “poses risks for millions of Palestinians who rely on UNRWA for essential services.”
Miller reiterated that the US opposes the legislation and will be discussing it with Israel in the days ahead. He says there may be consequences under US law and policy if it takes effect, referencing a letter that Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin sent to their Israeli counterparts saying humanitarian aid must increase or the country risks losing military assistance.
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Turkiye to pursue campaign against Kurdish group in Iraq, Syria
October 29, 2024
ISTANBUL: Turkiye will continue its military operations in northern Iraq and Syria against Kurdish PKK rebels so as to “eliminate” their threat, President Recep Tayip Erdogan promised on Tuesday.
“We are preventing the terrorists who live on our borders from breathing,” said Erdogan.
“Until the establishment of a country and a region without terror, we will continue this combat in several dimensions,” the president insisted as he cited the ongoing operations.
The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) claimed it was behind last week’s attack on the headquarters of Turkiye’s state-owned defense firm in Ankara, which killed five people and wounded 22.
“Where we detect a threat to our country, both within and outside our borders, nobody can prevent us from eliminating it,” Erdogan continued in an address to mark the 101st anniversary of the Turkish republic, saying he would stop at nothing to do so and “end terrorism.”
The PKK, which has waged an on-off insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984, is designated as a terror group by Turkiye and its Western allies.
Turkiye has been accused of targeting Kurdish civilians in cross-border strikes, a charge the army denies.
Erdogan dubbed last Wednesday’s attack as “the last efforts” of the separatist organization.
“We are now able to develop the weapons we need in the fight against terror and we do not require anyone’s permission,” Erdogan added.
The head of state said that Turkiye was in the process of equipping itself with “an iron dome” anti-aircraft defense system similar to one which Israel has, “but made of steel.”
He added that Turkiye had also become “the world’s largest manufacturer of drones” and that “since 2018, 65 percent of the sales of armed drones in the world have been made by Turkish companies.”
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Ten Danish Muslim leaders refuse to attend Minister-called meeting on antisemitism
By MATHILDA HELLER
OCTOBER 29, 2024
Representatives of 10 Muslim groups in Denmark canceled a meeting with the Integration Minister and the Church Minister in which they were set to discuss antisemitism in the Muslim community.
The ten Imams canceled last Thursday’s session at the last minute, saying it “creates more division than dialogue.”
A spokesperson for the Danish Muslim Union, Urfan Ahmed, told P1 Morgen Radio that, while the invitation appeared to be for a “dialogue meeting,” the Imams decided it was actually about “a violent one-sided monologue,” and so they chose not to attend.
“On behalf of the invited Danish Muslim groups, I would like to announce that we will not come to a meeting which is about shaming one population group at the expense of another. It creates more division than dialogue,” Ahmed said on Radio P1 Morgen.
Instead of holding the meeting, the Muslim organizations suggested that the two ministers visit the Danish Muslim Union in Hvidovre to discuss both antisemitism and Islamophobia, rather than solely focusing on the former, according to DR.
The invitation was sent by Immigration and Integration Minister Kaare Dybvad and Church Minister Morten Dahlin.
“Unfortunately, it says a lot about how some Danish Muslims find it difficult to recognize the problems with antisemitism and radicalization,” Dybvad said after the cancellation.
A source told The Jerusalem Post that “they feel if they show up they are giving legitimacy to the issue,” and so by avoiding the meeting, they were “showing [the ministers] who’s boss.”
Dahlin told Jyllands-Posten that the Imams had been summoned for the meeting because he and Dybvad recognized that “there are Islamic religious leaders in Denmark who do not use their influence for anything good.”
Dahlin added that some religious leaders – referring to the Imams – “contribute to or turn a blind eye while antisemitism and terrorist sympathies are given free rein in certain Muslim circles.”
Unequivical rejection of antisemitism
The meeting was intended to make it “unequivocally clear that [antisemitism] is not something we will accept in Denmark,” Dahlin added.
However, on P1 Morgen, Urfan Ahmed denied that antisemitism was prevalent in Denmark’s Muslim communities.
The interviewers asked, “Do you reject the diagnoses that are being made here by the ministers, i.e., that there is widespread antisemitism in certain Muslim environments?”Ahmed replied that he felt antisemitism was ubiquitous in “civil society” and not an issue specific to Muslims or Islam in particular.
Ahmed also referenced a recent survey by Jyllands-Posten about Danish Muslims’ attitudes toward Jews and Israel.
The study, released on the anniversary of the October 7 massacre, found that 35% of the Danish Muslim respondents believed Hamas’s attack on October 7 was justified.Just under a third (32%) expressed sympathy with Hamas, to some extent or significant extent.
Ahmed rejected the survey, saying there “was a lack of concrete evidence,” citing “methodological problems.”
However, The Jerusalem Post source said the study was fine and this criticism was being used to discredit it.
Source:jpost.com
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Jihad": Election Sheikh Qassem as Secretary General of Hezbollah confirms resistance solidity
29 Oct 2024
The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine today, Tuesday, from the leadership, cadres and supporters of Hezbollah, and from His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem, the highest congratulations on the great confidence he received by assuming the duties of Secretary General of Hezbollah, succeeding the martyr leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who rose as a martyr on the path of Al-Quds in the Zionist arrogance's face.
The movement said in a press statement: "Sheikh Naim Qassem's assumption of the position of Secretary General of Hezbollah at this sensitive stage is an affirmation of the solidity of the Islamic resistance in Lebanon, its regaining the initiative, and proof of its high ability to confront the enemy and hurt it, thwart its aggression and thwart its plans."
It added: "Over the years, we have known His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem, who is highly competent , very keen to support the Palestinian resistance, and a support in all arenas required by the cause of Palestine and supporting its resistance. We are confident in his ability to handle this stage and manage the party's rudder towards victory at this sensitive stage."
It stressed her full support for the brothers in Hezbollah, shoulder to shoulder in the arenas of jihad and resistance, calling on God to guide the footsteps of Sheikh Naim Qassem, his brothers and all Hezbollah mujahideen, to grant them success and determination to continue the march until the occupation is defeated.
Source:saba.ye
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In Lebanon, a family’s memories are detonated along with their village
October 30, 2024
ARAMOUN: Ayman Jaber’s memories are rooted in every corner of Mhaibib, the village in southern Lebanon he refers to as his “habibti,” the Arabic word for “beloved.” The root of the village’s name means “the lover” or “the beloved.”
Reminiscing about his childhood sweetheart, the 45-year-old avionics technician talks about how the young pair would meet in a courtyard near his uncle’s house.
“I used to wait for her there to see her,” Jaber recalls with a smile. “Half of the village knew about us.”
The fond memory contrasts sharply with recent images of his hometown.
Mhaibib, perched on a hill close to the Israeli border, was leveled by a series of explosions on Oct. 16. The Israeli army released a video showing blasts ripping through the village in the Marjayoun province, razing dozens of homes to dust.
The scene has been repeated in villages across southern Lebanon since Israel launched its invasion a month ago with the stated goal of pushing Hezbollah militants back from the border. On Oct. 26, massive explosions in and around Odaisseh sparked an earthquake alert in northern Israel.
Israel says it wants to destroy a massive network of Hezbollah tunnels in the border area. But for the people who have been displaced, the attacks are also destroying a lifetime of memories.
Mhaibib had endured sporadic targeting since Hezbollah and Israeli forces began exchanging fire on Oct. 8 last year.
Jaber was living in Aramoun, just south of Beirut, before the war, and the rest of his family evacuated from Mhaibib after the border skirmishes ignited. Some of them left their possessions behind and sought refuge in Syria. Jaber’s father and two sisters, Zeinab and Fatima, moved in with him.
In the living room of their temporary home, the siblings sip Arabic coffee while their father chain-smokes.
“My father breaks my heart. He is 70 years old, frail and has been waiting for over a year to return to Mhaibib,” Zeinab said. “He left his five cows there. He keeps asking, ‘Do you think they’re still alive?’”
Mhaibib was a close-knit rural village, with about 70 historic stone homes lining its narrow streets. Families grew tobacco, wheat, mulukhiyah (jute mallow) and olives, planting them each spring and waking before dawn in the summer to harvest the crops.
The village was also known for an ancient shrine dedicated to Benjamin, the son of Jacob, an important figure in Judaism. In Islam, he is known as the prophet Benjamin Bin Yaacoub, believed to be the 12th son of prophet Yaacoub and the brother of prophet Yousef.
The shrine was damaged in the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, then renovated. Pictures show the shrine enclosed in a golden cage adorned with intricate Arabic inscriptions beside an old stone mosque crowned by a minaret that overlooked the village. The mosque and the shrine are now gone.
Hisham Younes, who runs the environmental organization Green Southerners, says generations of southerners admired Mhaibib for its one-or two-story stone homes, some built by Jaber’s grandfather and his friends.
“Detonating an entire village is a form of collective punishment and war crime. What do they gain from destroying shrines, churches and old homes?” Younes asks.
Abdelmoe’m Shucair, the mayor of neighboring Mays el Jabal, told the Associated Press that the last few dozen families living in Mhaibib fled before the Israeli destruction began, as had residents of surrounding villages.
Jaber’s sisters attended school in Mays Al-Jabal. That school was also destroyed in a series of massive explosions.
After finishing her studies in Beirut, Zeinab worked in a pharmacy in the neighboring village of Blida. That pharmacy, too, is gone after the Israeli military detonated part of that village. Israeli forces even bulldozed their village cemetery where generations of family members are buried.
“I don’t belong to any political group,” Zeinab says. “Why did my home, my life, have to be taken from me?”
She says she can’t bring herself to watch the video of her village’s destruction. “When my brother played it, I ran from the room.”
To process what’s happening, Fatima says she closes her eyes and takes herself back to Mhaibib. She sees the sun setting, vividly painting the sky stretching over their family gatherings on the upstairs patio, framed by their mother’s flowers.
The family painstakingly expanded their home over a decade.
“It took us 10 years to add just one room,” Fatima said. “First, my dad laid the flooring, then the walls, the roof and the glass windows. My mom sold a year’s worth of homemade preserves to furnish it.” She paused. “And it was gone in an instant.”
In the midst of war, Zeinab married quietly. Now she’s six months pregnant. She had hoped to be back in Mhaibib in time for the delivery.
Her brother was born when Mhaibib and other villages in southern Lebanon were under Israeli occupation. Jaber remembers traveling from Beirut to Mhaibib, passing through Israeli checkpoints and a final crossing before entering the village.
“There were security checks and interrogations. The process used to take a full or half a day,” he says. And inside the village, they always felt like they were “under surveillance.”
His family also fled the village during the war with Israel in 2006, and when they returned they found their homes vandalized but still standing. An uncle and a grandmother were among those killed in the 34-day conflict, but a loquat tree the matriarch had planted next to their home endured.
This time, there is no home to return to and even the loquat tree is gone.
Jaber worries Israel will again set up a permanent presence in southern Lebanon and that he won’t be able to reconstruct the home he built over the last six years for himself, his wife and their two sons.
“When this war ends, we’ll go back,” Ayman says quietly. “We’ll pitch tents if we have to and stay until we rebuild our houses.”
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Israeli strikes in northern Gaza kill at least 88, officials say
October 30, 2024
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip: Two Israeli airstrikes in the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday killed at least 88 people, including dozens of women and children, health officials said, and the director of a hospital said life-threatening injuries were going untreated because a weekend raid by Israeli forces led to the detention of dozens of medics.
Israel has escalated airstrikes and waged a bigger ground operation in northern Gaza in recent weeks, saying it is focused on rooting out Hamas militants who have regrouped after more than a year of war. The intense fighting is raising alarm about the worsening humanitarian conditions for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians still in northern Gaza.
Concerns about not enough aid reaching Gaza were amplified Monday when Israeli lawmakers passed two laws to cut ties with the main UN agency distributing food, water and medicine, and to ban it from Israeli soil. Israel controls access to both Gaza and the occupied West Bank, and it was unclear how the agency known as UNRWA would continue its work in either place.
“The humanitarian operation in Gaza, if that is unraveled, that is a disaster within a series of disasters and just doesn’t bear thinking about,” said UNRWA spokesperson John Fowler. He said other UN agencies and international organizations distributing aid in Gaza rely on its logistics and thousands of workers.
In Lebanon, the militant group Hezbollah said Tuesday it has chosen Sheikh Naim Kassem to succeed longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike last month. Hezbollah, which has fired rockets into Israel since the start of the war in Gaza, vowed to continue with Nasrallah’s policies “until victory is achieved.”
A short while later, eight Austrian soldiers serving in the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon were reported lightly injured in a midday missile strike.
The peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL, said the rocket that struck its headquarters in Lebanon was “likely” fired by Hezbollah, and that it struck a vehicle workshop.
Strike in northern Gaza comes as Israel wages a major operation there
The Gaza Health Ministry’s emergency service said at least 70 people were killed and 23 were missing in the first of Tuesday’s strikes in the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya. More than half of the victims were women and children, the ministry said. A mother and her five children — some of them adults — and a second mother with six children, were among those killed in the attack on a five-story building, according to the emergency service.
A second strike on Beit Lahiya on Tuesday evening killed at least 18 people, according to the Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and militants in its count.
The nearby Kamal Adwan Hospital was overwhelmed by a wave of wounded women and children, including many who needed urgent surgeries, according to its director, Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya. The Israeli military raided the hospital over the weekend, detaining dozens of medics it said were Hamas militants.
“The situation is catastrophic in every sense of the word,” Safiya said, adding that the only remaining doctor at the hospital was a pediatrician. “The health care system has collapsed and needs an urgent international intervention.”
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller referred to the “horrifying incident” in Beit Lahiya in comments to reporters. He said Israel’s yearlong campaign against Hamas has ensured it cannot repeat the type of attack that started the war in Gaza, but that “getting to here came at a great cost to civilians.”
The Israeli military said it was investigating the first Beit Lahiya strike; it did not immediately comment on the second.
Israel’s recent operations in northern Gaza, focused in and around the Jabaliya refugee camp, have killed hundreds of people and driven tens of thousands from their homes.
The Israeli military has repeatedly struck shelters for displaced people in recent months. It says it carries out precise strikes targeting Palestinian militants and tries to avoid harming civilians, but the strikes often kill women and children.
On Tuesday, Israel said four more of its soldiers were killed in the fighting in northern Gaza, bringing the toll since the start of the operation to 16, including a colonel.
As the fighting raged, Hamas signaled it was ready to resume ceasefire negotiations, although its key demands — a permanent ceasefire and full withdrawal of the Israeli military — do not appear to have changed, and have been dismissed in the past by Israel. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said on Tuesday the group has accepted mediators’ request to discuss “new proposals.”
Hezbollah’s new leader has vowed to keep fighting Israel
Hezbollah said in a statement that its decision-making Shoura Council elected Kassem, who had been Nasrallah’s deputy leader for over three decades, as the new secretary-general.
Kassem, 71, a founding member of the militant group established following Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon, had been serving as acting leader. He has given several televised speeches vowing that Hezbollah will fight on despite a string of setbacks.
Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel, drawing retaliation, after Hamas’ surprise attack out of Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023. Iran, which backs both groups, has also directly traded fire with Israel, in April and then again this month.
The tensions with Hezbollah boiled over in September, as Israel unleashed a wave of heavy airstrikes and killed Nasrallah and most of his senior commanders. Israel launched a ground invasion into Lebanon at the start of October.
Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets into northern Israel on Tuesday, killing one person in the northern city of Maalot-Tarshiha, authorities said. Israeli strikes in the coastal city of Sidon killed at least five people, the Lebanese Health Ministry said.
Israeli laws targeting UN agency could further restrict aid
UNRWA and other international groups continued to express outrage Tuesday about the Israeli parliament’s decision to cut ties to the agency.
Israel says UNRWA has been infiltrated by Hamas and that the militant group siphons off aid and uses UN facilities to shield its activities, allegations denied by the UN agency.
Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer vowed that aid will continue to reach Gaza, as Israel plans to coordinate with aid organizations or other bodies within the UN “Ultimately, we will ensure that a more efficient replacement for UNRWA takes its role, not one which is infiltrated by the terrorist organization,” he said.
Multiple UN agencies rallied Tuesday around UNRWA, calling it the “backbone” of the world body’s aid activities in Gaza and other Palestinian areas. UNRWA provides education, health care and emergency aid to millions of Palestinian refugees from the 1948 war surrounding Israel’s creation and their descendants. Refugee families make up the majority of Gaza’s population.
Israel has sharply restricted aid to northern Gaza this month, prompting a warning from the United States that failure to facilitate greater humanitarian assistance could lead to a reduction in military aid.
In its attack on Israel last year, Hamas killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took around 250 as hostages. Some 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, a third of whom are believed to be dead.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed over 43,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities. Around 90 percent of the population of 2.3 million have been displaced from their homes, often multiple times.
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Israeli tanks enter Khiam outskirts in deep south Lebanon incursion
October 29, 2024
BEIRUT, Lebanon: Lebanese state media said Tuesday that Israeli tanks entered the outskirts of the village of Khiam, their deepest incursion yet into south Lebanon in a ground operation launched last month.
The official National News Agency reported the entry of “a large number of tanks belonging to the Israeli occupation army” into the eastern outskirts of Khiam, some six kilometers (nearly four miles) from the border with Israel.
Hezbollah said it destroyed two tanks using guided missiles and targeted Israeli troops south and southwest of Khiam with rockets and artillery.
Lebanon’s National News Agency said Israeli forces carried out a series of air attacks on Khiam later on Tuesday and launched a large-scale sweep “using heavy and medium weaponry.”
Iran-backed Hezbollah, which named deputy chief Naim Qassem as its new leader on Tuesday, has been battling Israeli forces in Lebanese border villages since the ground invasion began on September 30.
According to an AFP count based on Lebanese health ministry figures, 1,754 people have been killed nationwide since intensive Israeli strikes on Lebanon began.
Hezbollah claims that Israeli forces are yet to assert full control over any village in Lebanon, weeks into the invasion, amid repeated operations to repel Israeli attempts at infiltration.
The large town of Khiam holds symbolic significance.
It was home to a notorious prison run by the South Lebanon Army, an Israeli proxy militia, during Israel’s occupation of south Lebanon.
Israeli troops withdrew from the region in 2000 after 22 years.
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Arab World
Saudi Arabia’s anti-terrorism chief meets Nigeria’s national security adviser
October 29, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Moghedi, secretary-general of the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition, met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu in Abuja recently to strengthen efforts against terrorist groups.
During the meeting, Ribadu thanked Saudi Arabia for playing a leading role in maintaining regional security and supporting the coalition since its inception, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
He emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating closely with the coalition in combating terrorism, which has affected his country.
Al-Moghedi commended Saudi Arabia for its generous support, including funding initiatives for strategic projects benefiting member states.
He highlighted programs backed by the Kingdom for training security, military and civil agencies in affected states.
He also reviewed the coalition’s Sahel Program, aimed at supporting regional stability and countering terrorism.
Al-Moghedi and his delegation toured Nigeria's National Counter Terrorism Center, and met its director, Maj. Gen. Adamu Garba Laka to review the body’s resources, functions and operational mechanisms, as well as discuss potential collaboration.
This visit underscores the coalition’s vision to enhance cooperation among member states and foster a secure, stable future for Africa, the SPA report stated.
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Saudi cabinet anticipates two-state solution talks, calls for Gaza ceasefire
October 29, 2024
The Saudi cabinet expressed optimism that Wednesday’s high-level meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in Riyadh will establish a timeline for a sovereign Palestinian state and advance efforts to end the occupation.
Reiterating its position from the recent BRICS Plus 2024 Summit, the cabinet firmly opposed any escalation of conflict in the region.
It highlighted the serious threat that ongoing Israeli actions in Gaza pose to both regional and global security, calling for an immediate ceasefire, unobstructed humanitarian assistance, and a renewed commitment to achieving lasting peace.
The cabinet also stressed the importance of coordinated support for Lebanon, as articulated at the "International Conference in Support of the People and Sovereignty of Lebanon."
Saudi Arabia emphasized the need for collective assistance to help Lebanon navigate its current crisis, alleviate humanitarian impacts, and strengthen state institutions to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities and extend full sovereignty across all territories.
The cabinet also expressed gratitude for international pledges supporting displaced people and refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad region, showcasing Saudi Arabia's commitment to global humanitarian efforts.
It welcomed participants at the 8th Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference, hosted under the patronage of King Salman, aiming to drive economic stability, development, and climate action.
The cabinet highlighted significant agreements at the Energy Localization Forum, with deals worth SR104 billion ($27.6 billion) to boost Saudi energy localization and workforce development.
It praised outcomes of the Multilateral Industrial Policy Forum (MIPF), focusing on industrial policy's role in global supply chains and technology adoption.
The cabinet also commended SR55 billion in investments launched at Riyadh's Global Health Exhibition to enhance healthcare technologies and partnerships. It also valued the inaugural Global Corporate Social Responsibility Forum, promoting sustainable social development in Saudi Arabia.
The cabinet approved various agreements, including a political consultation MoU with San Marino and authorized discussions with Bahrain, Qatar, and Estonia on cooperation to develop the small and medium enterprises sector, startups, and entrepreneurship.
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Saudi crown prince meets with global leaders including Pakistani PM, Jordanian counterpart
October 29, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The prime minister and his accompanying delegation are in the Kingdom to attend the Future Investment Initiative conference.
During the conference, Sharif shared with attendees his government was looking forward to forging new partnerships in artificial intelligence (AI), education and health.
Speaking at the summit, Sharif said Pakistan was laying foundations for a knowledge-based economy, driven by innovation in the domains of AI, education and health.
Prince Mohammed also held talks on Tuesday with his Jordanian counterpart Hussein bin Abdullah, the President of Senegal Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Vietnamese prime minister Pham Minh Chinh, SPA added.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2577288/saudi-arabia
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Jeddah forum focuses on coral reef conservation
October 29, 2024
JEDDAH: The Red Sea Coral Reef Fish and Fisheries Forum began in Jeddah on Tuesday.
The two-day event aims to bolster efforts to preserve coral reef fish populations and fisheries while enhancing ecosystem sustainability in the Red Sea.
Organized by the General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea, the forum brings together 37 experts in marine ecosystems from Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Several governmental entities are taking part to discuss cooperation between Saudi Arabia and other countries.
Additionally, the event showcases initiatives to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities for sustainable development in the Red Sea.
The forum focuses on three main topics: Managing coral reef fisheries, mitigating the impact of fisheries on sea turtles and addressing threats to coral reefs to develop effective preservation strategies.
It is part of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture’s efforts to protect marine environments and enhance cooperation to achieve sustainable development goals for future generations.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2577308/saudi-arabia
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Riyadh’s deputy governor receives Egyptian premier
October 29, 2024
Prince Mohammed bin Abdurrahman bin Abdulaziz, deputy governor of the Riyadh region, received Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly upon his arrival at King Khalid International Airport on Tuesday.
Saudi Ambassador to Egypt Saleh bin Eid Al-Husseini was also present at the reception.
Separately, Prince Mohammed also received Pakistani Prime Minister Mohammed Shehbaz Sharif and several other officials.
Madbouly and Sharif are heading delegations for their respective countries to attend the Future Investment Initiative Conference in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2577315/saudi-arabia
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Industry leader hails ‘avalanche’ of entertainment and tourism opportunities in Saudi Arabia
MARCO FERRARI
October 29, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has experienced an “avalanche” of opportunities in the entertainment and tourism sectors in recent years, an industry leader told the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh on Tuesday.
Ben Elliot, founder of the luxury services company Quintessentially, said the developments in dining, hospitality and cultural tourism offer a wealth of new entertainment options for Saudis and foreign visitors alike.
“You’ve seen an avalanche, in the last five years, of opportunities for people not just in Saudi but people traveling to Saudi,” he said during a panel discussion.
The British businessman, a former co-chair of the Conservative Party, highlighted Sindalah, a luxury island resort that opened on Sunday and is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s flagship NEOM megacity project, as a prime example of the new hospitality offerings in the Kingdom.
“That — if we’re sitting here, God willing, in three years time — will be an extraordinary holiday destination for all manner of people, not just people from Saudi,” said Elliot.
He also praised AlUla as another of the country’s key tourism destinations. The ancient city, with its characteristic ornate rock carvings and rock dwellings, dates back about 2,000 years ago to the days of the Nabataean Kingdom. It opened up to international tourists to an unprecedented level when Saudi Arabia introduced its first tourist visa system in 2019.
“It’s amazing,” said Elliot. “But we wouldn’t have had any of these conversations three or four years ago; none of it was opened up. So I think everything is changing very fast. The key thing is to make sure that everything is done fastidiously well, not to rush some of those things.”
Hollywood TV producer Brent Montgomery, the CEO of Wheelhouse Entertainment who, among other achievements, is credited with creating the hit reality TV series “Pawn Stars,” was also a member of the panel.
He said he sees real potential for the entertainment industry in Saudi Arabia, as an increasingly interconnected world presents new opportunities for the development of content in regions other than North America.
“I think there’s a lot of opportunity to show and experience this region in non-fiction,” he added.
“I think the region is so serious about content … Because of Netflix and these other global platforms, you’ve seen creators, whether they be in front of the camera or behind the camera, making content that goes global.
“It used to be that when many of us TV producers would make a show in one region, it would take two or three years to hit other regions. Now, these programs hit immediately and I think people want to see it in other places.”
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2577287/saudi-arabia
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KSA signs defense deal with Spain for new corvette ships
October 29, 2024
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Defense signed an executive agreement with the Spanish Ministry of Defense in Madrid on Tuesday to support the construction of three multi-mission Avante 2200 corvette ships.
The deal aims to enhance training, experience exchange, and technical and logistical support for the Royal Saudi Navy as part of the Sarawat project’s expansion contract, the first phase of which was completed with the construction and delivery of five combat ships.
The agreement was signed by Lt. Gen. Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Gharibi, chief of staff of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, and Antonio Pineiro Sanchez, chief of staff of the Spanish Navy.
This agreement seeks to strengthen cooperation between the defense ministries to benefit the Royal Saudi Navy’s Sarawat project by constructing and supplying three additional Avante 2200 corvettes.
These capabilities will enhance the naval forces’ readiness to defend the Kingdom, protect vital interests, improve maritime security in the region, and support the national defense strategy under Vision 2030.
The agreement includes technical support from the Spanish Navy during the ships’ construction, system inspection and testing, and cooperation in academic and practical training for the crews of the second group of Avante 2200 ships.
It also covers operational and tactical training after delivery and commissioning for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces.
The three additional ships will have technical and combat specifications similar to those of the five previously delivered under the Sarawat project and will be equipped to handle air, surface, and subsurface threats with the latest combat and engineering systems.
At the conclusion of the signing ceremony, Al-Gharibi recorded a message in the VIP register, and both parties exchanged commemorative gifts and took group photos.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2577259/saudi-arabia
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Pope Francis greets delegation from UAE’s Abrahamic Family House at the Vatican
October 29, 2024
VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis welcomed representatives of the Abrahamic Family House in the UAE to a private audience at the Vatican on Monday, during which they reiterated their shared commitment to the promotion of interfaith dialogue and fraternity.
The Emirati delegation was led by Mohammed Khalifa Al-Mubarak, president of the interfaith center that is located in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District. It officially opened in February 2023 and includes the St. Francis Church, Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue.
Al-Mubarak presented the pope with a model of the three houses of worship in recognition of the pontiff’s leadership in efforts to advance peaceful coexistence and understanding between faiths.
“The Abrahamic Family House embodies the UAE’s enduring principles of mutual respect, interfaith understanding and harmony,” Al-Mubarak said.
“Our ongoing partnership with the Holy See signifies a profound commitment to His Holiness in nurturing a global community anchored in human fraternity and peaceful coexistence.”
The mission of the Abrahamic Family House is rooted in the Document on Human Fraternity, a landmark declaration of peace and mutual respect signed in 2019 by Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed El-Tayeb.
Since opening last year, St. Francis Church has played an active role in interfaith engagement, welcoming more than 130,000 worshippers to services and hosting more than 100 community events, including concerts by groups such as the Sistine Chapel Choir and the Little Singers of Paris.
The church was named in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, whose dedication to peace and compassion in the 13th century continues to inspire efforts to achieve global unity, officials said.
Pope Francis thanked his visitors for their devotion to the aims of the Document on Human Fraternity and its vision for a world in which peace and mutual respect are paramount.
Representatives of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue also attended the meeting, officials said, reflecting its commitment to fostering collaborations between faiths.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2577292/middle-east
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Europe
Biden alarmed at Georgia's disputed election and 'Russian laws'
30 October 2024
Paul Kirby
US President Joe Biden has called on the Georgian government to respond to international concern at the scale of violations in Saturday's election and repeal recent Russian-style laws.
The Georgian Dream government in the South Caucasus state, which borders Russia, claimed a fourth term in power after election authorities said it had won almost 54% of the vote.
"I have been deeply alarmed by the country’s recent democratic backsliding," Biden said, echoing concerns by the European Union, which has frozen Georgia's bid for membership and described latest developments as "deeply worrying".
Georgia's pro-Western president, Salome Zourabichvili, has refused to recognise the result.
She has spoken of a "Russian special operation" to influence the outcome and backed four opposition groups, who say the vote was "stolen" by an increasingly authoritarian party moving Georgia back into Russia's orbit under billionaire founder Bidzina Ivanishvili.
The US and EU have both called for an investigation into a catalogue of examples of intimidation, violence and ballot-stuffing, as well as alleged flagrant violation of the new electronic voting process.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Georgians had "a right to see that electoral irregularities are investigated swiftly, transparently and independently".
However, the US president's statement will sting the Georgian Dream leadership most, because it is most likely to cut through to Georgia's 3.7 million population.
Georgian Dream's prime minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, has sought to shrug off criticism of the poll. He told the BBC there were incidents in only a couple of polling stations, while in all the others "the environment was completely peaceful".
On Tuesday, he shared a platform with Hungary's Viktor Orban, who travelled to Tbilisi to praise the vote as "free and democratic".
Orban made no mention of the numerous allegations of vote violations and his visit annoyed many of the EU's 27 member states.
Thirteen foreign ministers said he did not speak on behalf of the EU, while Brussels contradicted Orban, making it clear observers had not declared the elections to be free and fair. It said developments in Georgia were "very worrying".
In recent months, Georgian Dream has passed a Russian-style "foreign agents" law targeting media and non-government groups that receive foreign funding, as well as a law curbing LGBT rights.
Orban, who had congratulated the Georgian Dream government even before the result was declared on Saturday night, also took a swipe at his EU partners.
"European politics has a manual. If liberals win, they say it’s democratic, but if conservatives win, there's no democracy," he told reporters after talks with Kobakhidze.
"Here the conservatives won, so these are the disputes - you shouldn't take them too seriously."
Viktor Orban arrived in Tbilisi on Monday night, a short distance from a large demonstration of tens of thousands of Georgians protesting against the result.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, who was also in Tbilisi, said it was a disgrace that the EU had not recognised the result of the Georgian vote.
Western exit polls for opposition TV channels suggested that four opposition parties combined had won the election, before the Central Election Commission declared Georgian Dream the winner with a majority in parliament.
Georgian monitoring group "My Vote" has compiled an exhaustive list of the types of violations that its 1,500 observers documented on Saturday and in the run-up to the vote.
My Vote said that ahead of the election, public teachers, cleaners and bus drivers were either asked to send in their IDs or had them confiscated, while families of vulnerable people were offered financial help in return for their vote.
On the day of the election, My Vote says several different schemes were used:
There was vote-buying and ballot-stuffing, while observers were prevented from doing their job
Election officials and authorities did not respond to allegations of criminal offences
The system of inking voters' fingers was not carried out properly, so voters could vote again elsewhere
Voters were able to use other people's ID numbers to cast their ballots with the complicity of election officials
Voters were able to collect numerous ID numbers by going from polling station to polling station.
President Zourabichvili had already told the BBC that so-called carousel voting had taken place, "when one person can vote 10, 15, 17 times with the same ID".
My Vote has called for the results from 196 polling stations to be annulled, alleging that they accounted for an extra 300,000 votes.
Georgia's prime minister has denied allegations of widespread irregularities, telling the BBC the elections were generally "in line with legal principles". He has also denied that his government is pro-Russian and "pro-Putinist".
Georgia's beleaguered election commission has accused its critics of a "manipulative campaign" of disinformation and said it would recount votes in five randomly selected polling stations in each of Georgia's 84 election districts.
The commission says the US company whose system it used maintained that "duplicating a voter on the voter list is impossible, as each voter is registered only once".
"It is impossible to vote multiple times with a single ID, undergo double verification, or have a single voter registered across multiple precincts," the commission added, adding that trying to discredit the system was no more than denying reality.
The Georgian president told Swiss radio that the commission was "completely dominated by the party of power, and non-government organisations... have no influence over it".
"This state is captured," said Eka Gigauri of Transparency International, which was involved in the My Vote monitoring mission.
"We know anything might happen... and we know no-one will investigate it or react."
Source:bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgej9vyld8qo
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Mystery surrounds chemical letter scare at mosque
ByNeal Keeling
29 OCT 2024
Mystery surrounds a chemical scare at a mosque as experts have been unable to identify a substance sent through the post to the venue.
Emergency services were dispatched to the building in Bury Old Road, Prestwich, after the material was delivered by post on Monday. Police are continuing to investigate to establish if the incident was an elaborate hoax or a real chemical attack intended to do harm.
Fire, police and ambulances were sent to the Masjid Bilal Islamic Centre, which is in a former library opposite a parade of shops.
In a statement issued to the Manchester Evening News today, Greater Manchester Police confirmed the suspect letter had been delivered by Royal Mail and added: "The substance in the letter was, on closer inspection by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, deemed to be only a trace amount and could not be sufficiently tested.
"The premises has resumed normal operations. The substance remains unknown, but no harm has come to any person at the premises. Police have seized the letter for forensic analysis."
In a statement issued yesterday, GMP said: "We have received a report of an unknown substance being delivered within a piece of mail to a premises on Bury Old Road, Prestwich. As a precaution, GMFRS were drafted in to assist us and evacuated the affected premises.
"No one has reported falling ill from the substance nd there is not thought to be a wider risk to those locally."
A spokesman for GMFRS said yesterday: "At around 4.15pm today (Monday), firefighters were called to assist Greater Manchester Police at an incident at a premises in Bury Old Road in Prestwich. Two fire engines from Whitefield and Broughton fire stations quickly arrived at the scene.
"Firefighters assisted GMP in carrying out an evacuation of the building and setting up a cordon as a precaution."
Source:manchestereveningnews.co.uk
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https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/mystery-surrounds-chemical-letter-scare-30254780
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Significant mental health burden for Mosque attack survivors - study
30 October 2024
A new University of Otago, Christchurch, study of participants from the Christchurch Muslim community has found more than 60 per cent had suffered from mental health conditions such as PTSD and depression in the aftermath of the 2019 Mosque terrorist attacks.
At least 250 survivors were present in the mosques, 51people were killed and another 40 sustained non-fatal gunshot injuries, when a white supremacist gunman opened fire during Friday juma’a (congregational) prayers on March 15th, 2019. The gunman live-streamed the attacks, resulting in repeated and widespread exposure to these horrific events for much of Muslim community.
The project, funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand and the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation, was co-designed with Muslim researchers and involved active community engagement and collaboration with local Muslims as well as a Muslim Reference Group.
The study, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, is the first phase of a proposed longitudinal study examining mental health effects for 189 terror attack survivors, bereaved family members, and the wider Muslim community. This report is of outcomes in the initial 11-32 months following the attack on two city mosques. It is believed to be the first international study to examine mental outcomes after a terrorist attack targeting a Muslim population in a non-Muslim context.
Lead author Dr Ruqayya Sulaiman-Hill, from the campus’s Department of Psychological Medicine, says the attacks left a trail of physical and psychological devastation in their wake, shattering the peaceful local Muslim community.
“The scale and violence of this act of terrorism was unprecedented in modern Aotearoa New Zealand, causing not only immediate, but as we have found, long term and significant mental health harm,” Dr Sulaiman-Hill says.
Of the 189 participants in the study, 17 per cent lost family in the attacks; 12 per cent were injured survivors; 19 per cent were non-injured survivors; 35 per cent were family members of a survivor; and 35 per cent were participants from the wider Christchurch Muslim community. The sample ranged in age from 19 to 74 years, with 60 per cent of participants female.
The findings show high prevalence of mental health conditions with 61 per cent suffering an anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some time following the attacks. In total, 31 per cent were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder; 43 per cent with MDD and 32 per cent with PTSD. Many had combinations of more than one of these conditions.
Study co-author Professor Caroline Bell, says they found those who had lost a family member, or were a survivor injured in the attacks, had a greater likelihood of being diagnosed with MDD. Those who had lost a family member or were a survivor of the attacks whether injured or not, had greater likelihood of developing PTSD. This highlights that being directly exposed to the attack, even if not injured, or bereaved was associated with PTSD.
“This is likely due to the perceived threat to life these participants felt, along with their being a direct witness to horrific experiences," Professor Bell says.
“This is important to emphasise, because the mental health needs of this group of people may not be prioritised in comparison to those bereaved or injured, which can lead to difficulty for them in accessing support.”
Contrary to most comparable studies, this study also found that being female was only associated with having an anxiety disorder after the attacks – and not PTSD or MDD.
“A possible explanation for this may be the sense of collectivism and peer support amongst Muslim women in the context of this attack,” Professor Bell says.
“Our results are also in line with other studies internationally which show that suffering a physical injury in a terrorist attack, regardless of severity, is strongly associated with mental health impacts which highlights to us the importance of screening for mental health impacts in injured survivors, in addition to treating their physical health needs.”
The study also found that almost all participants had high scores on the religious coping scale, indicating a strong engagement with the Muslim faith and suggesting that individuals utilised their religious beliefs to make sense out of their experiences. In addition, many participants scored highly for post-traumatic growth, suggesting potential for positive changes in an individual’s core beliefs following adversity. This was particularly evident in the domain relating to others, with the study revealing the highly interconnected nature of the small, diverse community, as reflected in high scores on measures of social support.
Source:otago.ac.nz
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.otago.ac.nz/news/newsroom/significant-mental-health-burden-for-mosque-attack-survivors-study
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World-first study reveals mental toll of March 15 mosque terror attacks
30 Oct 2024
More than half of the survivors of the 2019 Christchurch mosque terrorist attacks have suffered long-term mental health effects in the aftermath, a new study has found.
A University of Otago, Christchurch study found more than 60% of participants from the Christchurch Muslim community suffered from mental health conditions such as PTSD and depression in the wake of the attacks.
At least 250 survivors were present in the mosques, 51 people were killed and another 40 sustained non-fatal gunshot injuries, when a white supremacist gunman opened fire during Friday juma’a (congregational) prayers on March 15, 2019.
The terrorist livestreamed the attacks, resulting in repeated and widespread exposure to the horrific events for much of the Muslim community.
The project, funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand and the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation, was co-designed with Muslim researchers and involved active community engagement and collaboration with local Muslims as well as a Muslim Reference Group.
The study, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, is the first phase of a proposed longitudinal study examining mental health effects for 189 terror attack survivors, bereaved family members, and the wider Muslim community.
This report canvases outcomes in the initial 11-32 months after the attack on two city mosques.
It is believed to be the first international study to examine mental outcomes after a terrorist attack targeting a Muslim population in a non-Muslim context.
Lead author, Dr Ruqayya Sulaiman-Hill, from the campus’s Department of Psychological Medicine, says the attacks left a trail of physical and psychological devastation in their wake, shattering the peaceful local Muslim community.
“The scale and violence of this act of terrorism was unprecedented in modern Aotearoa New Zealand, causing not only immediate, but as we have found, long-term and significant mental health harm,” Sulaiman-Hill says.
Of the 189 participants in the study, 17% lost family in the attacks; 12% were injured survivors; 19% were non-injured survivors; 35% were family members of a survivor; and 35% were participants from the wider Christchurch Muslim community.
The sample ranged in age from 19 to 74 years, with 60% of participants female.
The findings show a high prevalence of mental health conditions with 61% suffering an anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some time following the attacks.
In total, 31% were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder; 43% with MDD and 32% with PTSD. Many had combinations of more than one of these conditions.
Study co-author Professor Caroline Bell says they found those who had lost a family member or were a survivor injured in the attacks, had a greater likelihood of being diagnosed with MDD.
Those who had lost a family member or were a survivor of the attacks whether injured or not, had a greater likelihood of developing PTSD. This highlights that being directly exposed to the attack, even if not injured, or bereaved was associated with PTSD.
“This is likely due to the perceived threat to life these participants felt, along with their being a direct witness to horrific experiences,” Bell says.
“This is important to emphasise, because the mental health needs of this group of people may not be prioritised in comparison to those bereaved or injured, which can lead to difficulty for them in accessing support.”
Contrary to most comparable studies, this study also found that being female was only associated with having an anxiety disorder after the attacks – and not PTSD or MDD.
“A possible explanation for this may be the sense of collectivism and peer support amongst Muslim women in the context of this attack,” Bell says.
“Our results are also in line with other studies internationally which show that suffering a physical injury in a terrorist attack, regardless of severity, is strongly associated with mental health impacts which highlights to us the importance of screening for mental health impacts in injured survivors, in addition to treating their physical health needs.”
The study also found that almost all participants had high scores on the religious coping scale, indicating a strong engagement with the Muslim faith and suggesting that individuals utilised their religious beliefs to make sense out of their experiences.
In addition, many participants scored highly for post-traumatic growth, suggesting potential for positive changes in an individual’s core beliefs following adversity.
This was particularly evident in the domain relating to others, with the study revealing the highly interconnected nature of the small, diverse community, as reflected in high scores on measures of social support.
Source:newstalkzb.co.nz
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/christchurch-mosque-terror-attack-survivors-face-ongoing-mental-health-struggles-study/
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CNN forced to apologise after panelist tells British Muslim journalist: 'I hope your beeper doesn't go off'
29 October 2024
A verbal altercation that took place during Abby Phillip's CNN show, with British-Muslim commentator Mehdi Hasan was seen to clash head on with American-Catholic commentator Ryan Girdusky on live US television.
The incident came ahead of November's US elections, with the panelists reflecting on Trump's recent New York City event and comments likening it to a Nazi rally.
CNN has now apologised following the incident, after Gidursky was heard to tell Hasan live on air: "I hope your beeper doesn't go off".
“Did your guest just say I should be killed on live TV?” Hasan instantly asked the show’s anchor, Abby Phillip.
An apparent nod towards Hezbollah, the comment appeared to be a reference to a string of recent remote attacks on electronic devices used by the militant group in Lebanon.
The string of incidents - which involved pagers and walkie-talkies - killed more than 30 people and wounded thousands more over two separate attacks on September 17 and 18.
The explosions were widely attributed to Israel, despite Israel denying any involvement.
The US debate then quickly appeared to take a rapid turn, after Hasan referenced his support for Palestinian rights but not Hamas.
Claiming he had "been called an antisemite more than anyone at this table" for his condemnation of Israel's treatment of Palestinians, Girdusky hit out.
In an apparent moment of confusion, Girdusky, founder of the 1776 Project PAC, appeared to confuse Hamas with Hezbollah, hitting out at his fellow panellist with the pager comment.
Following the comments and a subsequent commercial break, Phillip was forced to issue an on-air apology to Hasan.
She informed viewers that Girdusky had been removed from the show.
“I want to apologise to Mehdi Hasan for what was said at this table. It was completely unacceptable,” she said.
“I want to apologise to the viewers at home.”
CNN have also since said there is “zero room for racism or bigotry at CNN or on our air” and that Girdusky “will not be welcomed back at our network”. Hasan retweeted the statement on X.
However, Girdusky appeared to double down shortly after.
Posting to X, he said: “You can stay on CNN if you falsely call every Republican a Nazi and have taken money from Qatar-funded media,” he said.
“Apparently you can’t go on CNN if you make a joke. I’m glad America gets to see what CNN stands for.”
Source:lbc.co.uk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/cnn-forced-to-apologise-after-panelist-thrown-off-air-for-telling-british-muslim/
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Bodies recovered after flash floods in Spain
30 October 2024
Bodies have been recovered after torrential rain caused flash floods in south-eastern Spain, the leader of the Valencia region says.
"Dead bodies have been found, but out of respect for the families, we are not going to provide any further data," Carlos Mazon told reporters.
Spain has been hit by torrential rain and hailstorms, triggering flash flooding across multiple regions.
Six people are missing in Letur, which has a population of less than 1,000, in the eastern province of Albacete, officials say.
The number of bodies recovered was not specified. Rescue efforts are under way and continuing overnight.
Footage uploaded to social media shows floodwaters causing chaos, knocking down bridges and dragging cars through the streets. Other video appeared to show people clinging to trees to avoid being swept away.
Radio and TV stations have reportedly been receiving hundreds of calls for help from people trapped in flooded areas or searching for loved ones, as emergency services struggle to reach some areas.
Emergency services workers are using drones to search for the missing in the badly affected municipality of Letur, local official Milagros Tolon told Spanish public television station TVE.
"The priority is to find these people," she said.
Spain's state weather agency AEMET has declared a red alert in the Valencia region and the second-highest level of alert in parts of Andalusia.
Valencia city hall said all schools and sporting events are suspended on Wednesday, and parks will stay closed.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a post on X he was following reports of missing people "with concern".
He urged people to follow the advice of the authorities, adding that people should "avoid unnecessary trips.
Source:bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93qlpp5gxvo
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France backs Morocco in dispute over Western Sahara
30 October 2024
Natasha Booty
France's President Emmanuel Macron has told Morocco's parliament that he believes Western Sahara should be under Moroccan sovereignty, and has pledged to invest French money there.
Western Sahara is a territory on the north-western coast of Africa that has been the subject of a decades-long dispute.
It was once a Spanish colony, and is now mostly controlled by Morocco and partly by the Algerian-backed Polisario Front - which says it represents the indigenous Sahrawi people and wants an independent state.
France was the former colonial power in both Morocco and Algeria. It joins other nations including Spain, the US and Israel in backing Morocco's plan.
Lawmakers rose to their feet and applauded Macron on Tuesday when he said, "for France, this territory's present and future fall under Morocco's sovereignty".
His comments on Tuesday in Rabat echo surprise remarks he first made in July.
Signalling a change in France's long-held stance on Morocco's plan to grant Western Sahara autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, the French president said it was the "only basis" for a just and lasting political settlement.
France's backing of Morocco's territorial claim angered Algeria, which responded to the news by withdrawing its ambassador to Paris.
Algiers regards Morocco's presence there as an illegal occupation.
Analysts say France's decision to back Morocco's claim is an attempt to repair relations between the two nations, which had soured after Rabat was accused of attempting to spy on President Macron and France tightened visa restrictions for visiting Moroccan nationals.
Relations between Morocco and Algeria have become especially tense in recent years, with Algiers announcing in 2021 that it had severed diplomatic ties with its neighbour to the west.
On Tuesday, Macron also addressed colonialism but stopped short of an apology.
"Our common history also has dark parts. The time came for unequal treaties, when hubris and the mechanical force of European countries imposed themselves around the world, and when, even disguised as a protectorate, Morocco did not escape the ambitions and the violence of colonial history," he said.
In a sign of closening ties, France and Morocco are reported to have struck deals on energy and infrastructure among other things.
The AFP news agency says they have a total value of "up to €10bn", equivalent to $10.8bn or £8.3bn.
On Tuesday, Macron also pledged an unspecified sum of "investments and sustainable support initiatives to benefit local populations" in Western Sahara.
'Significant' development
Macron's invitation to Morocco came from King Mohammed VI, two months after his royal court hailed France's change of heart on Western Sahara as a "significant" development.
But Algeria has expressed its deep disapproval, saying France is denying Sahrawi people their right to self-determination.
The Polisario Front, meanwhile, has hit out at France for supporting what it says is a "violent and illegal occupation" by Morocco.
Western Sahara was annexed by Morocco in 1975.
A 16-year-long insurgency ended with a UN-brokered truce in 1991 and the promise of a referendum on independence, which has yet to take place because of disagreements over how it should be conducted and who should be eligible to take part.
Today, the African Union is the only international organisation to recognise Western Sahara as a state in its own right.
Source:bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1vdl92zlzqo
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This German grey eminence is trying for another color revolution
29 Oct, 2024
The Caucasus country of Georgia has had elections, and they did not go the way Western elites wanted. The governing Georgian Dream party, routinely derided in the West as “pro-Russian” and “anti-Western,” has won with 54% of the vote; an opposition alliance, extolled as “pro-Western” and in particular “pro-EU” has lost with less than 38%. The opposition alleges election irregularities big enough to invalidate the result; the government acknowledges some irregularities but points out that they happen everywhere and argues they are not significant enough to challenge its “landslide” win.
At the same time, Georgia sits on a classical geopolitical fault line between, for want of better words, East and West. In principle, that kind of situation could be managed, even exploited to a country’s benefit. In Georgia’s case, however, it was made much worse, as in the case of Ukraine, by the West’s, at best, reckless overreach enshrined in the 2008 Bucharest NATO summit decision to offer a vague yet explosive NATO perspective.
Think what you will of Georgian Dream’s billionaire founder and eminence grise Bidzina Ivanishvili, but he is right that this gratuitous and shortsighted NATO policy posed an enormous danger to both his country and Ukraine. In both cases, it contributed massively to the outbreak of war (in Georgia in 2008, in Ukraine in 2014). He may also be correct that it was motivated by something even worse than arrogant sloppiness; namely a cynical, premeditated Western strategy to sacrifice or at least risk these countries as expendable pawns on the grand chessboard of geopolitics.
Never mind that Georgian Dream is not actually against the EU, but just not unconditionally submissive toward it. In reality, it is the EU that has massively tried to interfere in the elections (via threats to Georgians’ visa privileges, among other things) and de facto suspended Georgia’s candidacy. And never mind also that Georgian Dream is not “pro-Russian” either. In reality, its signature style is to seek to maintain useful relationships with everyone. Its real sin, in the eyes of the West is that it is not anti-Russian, like the opposition. It is the West that is trying to impose an exclusive relationship on a country that is far better off with a foreign policy that works with and balances all relevant power centers, investors, and potential threats. Forcing Georgia to abandon this eminently sensible course is the real ambition of the West; and it will probably fail.
The upshot of all of the above is that now a “color revolution” coup attempt is in the air. So far, so dull. The Western “playbook” – to use a term beloved by those raging at Russia – is dog-eared, stained, and tattered with overuse. And yet, as one sign of insanity is obsessive repetition, here we are once more: The “pro-Western” opposition is now led, in effect, by a president, Salome Zourabichvili, originally parachuted in from the West, a literal foreign agent who still doesn’t speak native-level Georgian. She claims that Georgian Dream’s victory is so compromised by irregularities that it is fraudulent. And, more importantly, she asserts that – wait for it! – it is big bad Russia, once again, that is to blame. Most importantly, she has struck an extreme, uncompromising tone that leaves no room for ending this crisis with a compromise. At the same time, also in true “color revolution” style, the opposition is trying to mobilize two main forces to bring down the government: demonstrations in the capital city, as well as Western pressure and meddling.
On both counts, the opposition’s immediate success has been limited: The demonstrations are not big and at least the first reactions of the US and the EU leaderships have been verbose, but if you look closely, conspicuously cautious in substance, as the Financial Times editorial board has lamented. Meanwhile, Viktor Orban, prime minister of Hungary, which currently holds the European Council presidency, has visited Georgia in a show of support for the government. As so often, he is an outsider in the EU and his initiative has been widely disavowed. But then, he cannot be stopped either. If a “color revolution” is the plan, the first 48 hours after the elections have not indicated good prospects for it.
In this situation, tense, unresolved, and with the potential for serious violence, enter Michael Roth to do his worst. Roth, to his chagrin, may not be a household name outside Germany, but within its political and intellectual confines he has played a regrettably large role. An important member of the SPD party, which, at least formally, leads the current ruling coalition, Roth has been the chair of the German parliament’s foreign policy committee since 2021.
In this role, he has consistently been a hardliner. Obsessed with the war in Ukraine, for instance, he has reliably argued for military escalation over diplomacy and negotiations. Regarding the genocide and war crimes committed by Israel and its supporters (very much including Germany), he has been fanatically pro-Zionist, sharing one Israeli propaganda talking point after the other and slandering critics of Israel and its mass murder spree as “antisemites.”
Concerning Georgia, Roth’s involvement has long displayed a compulsive streak. During the violent protests against the country’s perfectly legal – and rather mild – transparency law this spring, Roth had to make an appearance on the streets of Tbilisi and do his best Victoria Nuland impression – and then talk about it, a lot. Roth deeply, messianically believes that he, an intellectually rather insular apparatchik from Berlin, knows best what is right for Georgia, and anyone disagreeing with him – including in Georgia – is either a “useful idiot” of Russia or just bought by it.
In his fresh intervention regarding the Caucasus nation, as delivered in an interview with the Deutschlandfunk radio station, Roth’s positions are a mix of the lazily predictable – and predictably misguided – and, sometimes, shockingly arrogant, even by his standards. In and of themselves, they hardly merit attention. Yet they are interesting if we read them as what they really are: not the expression of an individual mind, which is not Roth’s forte, but of a group think widely shared among not only German but EU “elites.”
Roth, of course, reiterates the usual Western talking points, namely that the Georgian election was stolen by what – with a grindingly plodding effort at wit – he calls “Georgian Nightmare” (instead of “Dream” – get it?); that Russia is behind it all; and that, finally, nothing will help except fresh elections. Meaning, of course, annulling the results of the ones that have already taken place. Like the hawks at Financial Times moreover, Roth also feels “very disappointed” by the initial official response from the EU, which he accuses of being too soft. One thing he demands, from his perch in Berlin, is not recognizing the election results. Less than that, and Michael will throw a tantrum.
Asked if he sees parallels with very recent Ukrainian history, Roth evades the obvious key issue: the question whether Western meddling could “help” Georgia to end up as ruined as Ukraine by coup and proxy war. Clearly smelling a trap, he prefers, he says, to compare Georgia and Belarus, going as far as to warn of the “Belarusification” of the Caucasus state. Whatever that may stand for in his mind, it is telling that, in the same interview, it is Roth who has a Freudian lapse and speaks of the people of Georgia as those “in Ukrai…” before barely catching himself on the last syllable. Clearly, for the master thinker from Germany, ultimately, it is all the same, a jumble of places to the east, which share that they must serve as battlegrounds for his Snyderian-Applebaumian fantasies of showing the Russians and scoring points against what he calls, with touching self-unawareness, their “imperialism.”
For Roth, Georgians as such and their lives and challenges do not really exist. While he professes his support for the “very many” who want into the EU, the others don’t interest him. But even those who find his favor by displaying the “correct” attitudes, are, ultimately, tools or one-dimensional cardboard characters to him. He simply denies that the elections had anything to do with real-life issues, such as “social or education policies.”
That cannot be, because, in the Rothoverse, proper Georgians only care about what he cares about, namely hackneyed, highfalutin’, and discredited narratives of EU “values.” And if the EU leadership won’t pull itself together the way Roth demands, then he turns those same Georgians into an amorphous mass of potential migrants with which to scare Brussels into action: “If the EU does not come to Georgia,” he warns, “then all the young [Georgians] will come to us.” Whether at home or on the move, for Roth, Georgians are a source of leverage, be it against Russia, or if necessary, even against the EU.
In the same vein, he labels the election results a “heavy blow” not only for Georgia but “for Europe,” insisting that they are not “anything we [my emphasis] can work with.” It is hard to think of a more naively revealing way of not saying but still hollering that what matters in the final analysis is “Europe,” which, in turn, is really just a word for Roth’s own political and ideological desires, frustrations, and hang-ups.
And it’s not as if Roth cannot see how dangerous all of this is. With respect to Moldova, he actually admits that it is “deeply split” over the issue of EU accession. Regarding Georgia, even he has noticed that “violence” cannot be excluded. And yet, nothing ever makes him question his own simplistic and selfish assumptions. Hiding in plain sight behind his rhetoric of solidarity and “standing with the people” in Georgia is the same false and condescending kind of friendship that has lured Ukraine to its ruin.
Yet this myopic and arrogant self-centeredness of such Western friends from hell is more than a personal bug. It’s a systemic feature that ironically is also undermining the authority and position of Western elites at home. Take for instance another recent interview with Roth. A self-defeatingly vain man, for this meeting he shamelessly commandeered as background to his personal magnificence the central Berlin monument to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust – proudly displaying personal, perfectly improper clout to ward off attendants who were rightly objecting. It is not only Georgians or Ukrainians who must cede place to Roth’s ego. So does the memory of the victims of the Holocaust and those who want to guard it from distressingly improper use.
Roth is incapable of genuinely recognizing his own mistakes. But he has the capacity to acknowledge frustration when his erroneous policies fail to find the complete support that he never doubts they deserve. In an interview with German news magazine Der Spiegel a month ago, he lamented that he had “not succeeded in explaining how to really achieve peace in Ukraine, namely… by strength and military capability.” Too many Germans, he clearly feels, are still not belligerent enough. Even more shockingly, “a dangerous vacuum” has opened up, “in which the supporters of Ukraine are being discredited as warmongers.” Let’s disregard the physics of the Rothoverse, where the void houses his critics. In the land of Annalena “360-degree” Baerbock, Roth, after all, is not the first German politician displaying a disturbing lack of elementary familiarity with the exact sciences.
What he was really trying to complain about with that confused simile was that, scandalously, those not agreeing with him still have a right to speak up in Germany. At least he knows who is to blame. Yes, Russia, of course. But apart from Russia, also other Germans. In particular, Sarah Wagenknecht and her party, the BSW. According to Roth, they have “hijacked the concept of peace.” And even those in Roth’s own party, the SPD, are guilty: If they dare diverge from his line by showing up at a demonstration for peace, he charges them with promoting a “calamitous shifting of the discourse,” a complicated way of saying that they don’t share his opinions.
The bottom line is that when things – fortunately – do not turn out the way Roth wants, even his regrets are self-serving. In effect, he blames citizens and voters, as well as those political opponents (and friends, too) who disagree with him and are doing a better job at convincing those voters. The thought that he might simply be wrong never enters his head. Roth is, in other words, a perfect representative of the narcissistic and obstinately self-righteous “elites” that the EU way of life fosters.
The tragedy – or comedy – is of course that it is exactly that kind of politician that is the worst danger to the EU itself because what Roth dismisses as “populism” and “Russian influence” is in reality to a large extent a rebellion against precisely his type of politician and apparatchik: selfish, ideologically doctrinaire and self-righteous, and perfectly incapable of the humility that true listening and learning would require.
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/606690-recent-election-georgia-eu/
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North America
Trump's Muslim allies slam Giuliani as 'unhinged lunatic'
BABA UMAR
October 29, 2024
Washington, DC — The comments of ex-New York mayor and prominent Donald Trump political advocate, Rudy Giuliani, that Palestinians "are taught to kill us at two years old" have kicked up a storm inside the Trump camp, with the ex-president's Muslim supporters aghast at Giuliani's fear-mongering and anti-Palestine speech.
"Giuliani is an unhinged lunatic who stands against the very existence of the Palestinian people," Bishara Bahbah, Trump's Muslim ally and chairman of Arab Americans for Trump group, told TRT World on Tuesday.
Bahbah is wooing Arab American voters to back the former president against Vice President Kamala Harris over the latter's unwavering military and monetary support for Israel in its ongoing war on besieged Gaza.
Giuliani in his inflammatory speech said Palestinians "are taught to kill us at two years old. They won't let a Palestinian in Jordan. They won't let a Palestinian in Egypt. And Harris wants to bring them to you."
He continued, "They may have good people. I'm sorry I don't take a risk with people who are taught to kill Americans at two. I am on the side of Israel. You are on the side of Israel. Donald Trump is on the side of Israel. And they are on the side of the terrorists."
Giuliani "falsely stated" that the Palestinians teach their children to kill Israeli children, Bahbah said, adding he was one of the 35 speakers prior to Trump's speech at a campaign rally in New York's Madison Square Garden on Sunday.
"It is unfortunate that he was not properly vetted regarding his comments on the stage," Bahbah added.
No stranger to controversies
Meanwhile, Trump's special envoy to the Arab and Muslim communities, Massad Boulos, said in a statement that Giuliani's comments "do not represent Trump or the Republican Party."
The Lebanese American businessman Boulos, whose son is married to Trump's daughter Tiffany, has been engaged in Trump's outreach to Arab and Muslim communities who are shifting away from the Democratic Party over the Gaza war.
But statements like the one made by Giuliani — which Trump has not reacted to so far — could disrupt the outreach of both Boulos and Bahbah at a crucial time with election just seven days away.
"Trump thrives on this kind of stuff," Democratic State Representative Christine Sinicki told TRT World, adding before the Republican leader could deliver what he is promising to his Muslim allies "he's got to get elected which I don't see happening."
" And I think if he does, there will be a lot of court cases."
She said Trump's promises of ending wars is an election stunt.
"You know, first of all, this is a war that's been going on for thousands of years, historically. Second of all, do you recall when Trump was president. He encouraged Russia to invade Ukraine," she added.
Renowned public opinion pollster, author, and public speaker, James Joseph Zogby took to X, formerly Twitter, to slam Giuliani.
"In the face of Israel's genocidal devastation of Gaza's children, Rudy Giuliani spouts racist and dangerous lies about Palestinians. He should be ashamed (but I don’t think he knows the meaning of the word)," said Zogby, who is also the founder of Arab American Institute.
Giuliani is no stranger to controversies.
He was recently ordered by a court to turn over his Manhattan apartment, a Mercedes and a variety of other personal belongings to two Georgia election workers who won a $148 million defamation judgment against him.
He is barred by the order from repeating false information about Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss or insinuating that votes in Georgia in the 2020 election were tampered with.
Besides the New York City apartment, 26 luxury watches and the 1980 Mercedes, he must also give away a shirt and picture signed by Yankees legends Joe DiMaggio and Reggie Jackson, a signed Yankee Stadium picture, a diamond ring, costume jewellery and money in certain bank accounts.
Meanwhile, addressing supporters at his Mar-a-Lago golf resort in Florida on Tuesday, Trump did not touch on Giuliani's comments and the controversy it has sparked but he downplayed controversial comments at the same rally made by a comedian.
Tony Hinchliffe, who goes by the stage name Kill Tony, on Sunday joked about Latinos having too many babies and called Puerto Rico "a floating garbage island."
"It was like a love fest, an absolute love fest, and it was my honor to be involved," Trump said at Mar-a-Lago. "Nobody's ever had love like that. That was love in the room, and it was love for our country. It was really love. So we're going to fight like hell for the next seven days."
Source:trtworld.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.trtworld.com/us-and-canada/trumps-muslim-supporters-slam-giuliani-as-unhinged-lunatic-18226117
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Harris and Trump vie for support from Arab and Muslim voters in Michigan
by Andrew Baum
October 29, 2024
Michigan is one of three “blue wall” states that will be key to determining the result of the presidential election coming Nov. 5. With approximately 400,000 Arab and Muslim Americans residing in the state, most in the Metro Detroit area, Arab and Muslim Americans are an important voter bloc Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have been competing for throughout their campaigns.
With Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and Lebanon escalating, the Harris-Walz campaign has faced extreme skepticism from Arab and Muslim American voters, many of whom are critical of Harris’ role in President Joe Biden’s administration. In Michigan’s February primaries, more than 100,000 voters voted “uncommitted,” signaling their disapproval of the Biden administration’s handling of the ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza. Since Biden’s withdrawal from the race, the Harris campaign has focused on trying to win back some of these skeptical voters.
In 2016, Trump won Michigan against Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton by 10,704 votes, becoming the first Republican to win the state since George H.W. Bush in 1988. In 2020, Arab and Muslim Americans helped Biden win the state by a margin of approximately 154,000 votes, mainly due to their opposition to Trump’s immigration policies. While in office, Trump boasted harsh immigration restrictions and a “Muslim ban,” a blocked executive order that attempted to ban travel from seven predominantly Muslim countries to the U.S. and suspended the resettlement of Syrian refugees. Trump has vowed to reinstate his former travel ban targeting Muslim countries and expand it to include Palestinian refugees.
The department of Arab and Muslim American Studies hosted Youssef Chouhoud, a political science assistant professor at Christopher Newport University, on Oct. 23 for a talk about his research about Arab and Muslim communities’ shifting sentiments on this year’s U.S. presidential election. The event, titled “Arab and Muslim Americans and the U.S. Presidential Election: Uncommitted or Unrequited?” aimed to encourage students and community members to recognize the importance of the Arab and Muslim communities in the upcoming election, according to AMAS director Juan Cole.
According to Chouhoud’s research, Muslim Americans are heavily concerned by the candidates’ stance on international policy, specifically regarding the ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Chouhoud’s survey found that 90 out of 100 Arab and Muslim participants viewed foreign policy in the Middle East as their top priority and believed that a candidate must have the same position as them on the issue in order to earn their vote. Chouhoud told The Michigan Daily this trend was especially prominent among youth voters and emphasized the importance of a vote in Michigan, which is not only a swing state but the state with the highest population and percentage of Arab Americans in the country.
“Looking at the data, youth voters are more inclined to take a pretty strong position when it comes to the crisis in Gaza,” Chouhoud said. “What I encourage (voters) to do is think through the ramifications of your vote because your vote means a whole lot more here in Michigan than it does elsewhere in the country.”
In an interview with The Michigan Daily, LSA senior Ghadeer Alrubaye, co-president of the Iraqi American Union at the University of Michigan, said Arab Americans are facing a difficult year, including feelings of betrayal by politicians and academic institutions amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
“It’s not just skepticism, it’s a lot of betrayal,” Alrubaye said. “I think that this year in particular has been the hardest for Arab Americans since 9/11. You’ve seen not only the most publicized genocide of our people and ethnic cleansing, but villainization, brutalization and coercion of silence on campuses.”
In August, Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential candidate, held a rally in the Metro-Detroit area where about four individuals from Students Allied for Freedom and Equality interrupted Harris during her remarks, declaring their opposition to Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Harris criticized the protesters for causing division within Democratic voters.
“You know what?” Harris said. “If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, I am speaking.”
Since then, Harris has changed her approach to skeptical voters and carefully navigated efforts to regain the support of Arab and Muslim American voters lost by the Biden-Harris administration. While consistently affirming Israel’s right to defend itself, Harris has expressed concern about the rising casualties and worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. After Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed by Israel, Harris remarked at a campaign rally in Oakland County on Oct. 18 that Sinwar’s death presented an opportunity to end the conflict.
“Sinwar’s death can and must be a turning point,” Harris said. “Everyone must seize this opportunity to finally end the war in Gaza, bring the hostages home and end the suffering once and for all. And I continue to believe diplomacy is the answer to beginning lasting stability across the Israel-Lebanon border.”
In a survey conducted by the Arab News, 45% of Arab and Muslim Americans are supporting Trump and 43% are vouching for Harris, while 4% are backing Green Party candidate Jill Stein. The latest data from the survey suggests that Trump is leading Harris 39% to 33% on which candidate voters believe is more likely to resolve the Israeli military campaign in Gaza. The two candidates are tied at 38% on who would “be better for the Middle East overall.”
These findings are poignant considering Trump’s presidency was marked by a strong pro-Israel stance. In 2018, he made the historic decision to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a city whose status is highly contested by Israelis and Palestinians.
One of Trump’s most notable endorsements came from Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib, who leads the only all-Muslim city government in the U.S. Ghalib, a Muslim immigrant from Yemen, wrote in a post on Facebook that he believes Trump should be the next president due to his strong fundamental principles.
“President Trump and I may not agree on everything, but I know he is a man of principles,” Ghalib wrote. “I’ll not regret my decision no matter what the outcome would be, and I’m ready to face the consequences.”
Trump reposted Ghalib’s endorsement on his Truth Social page shortly after the announcement.
Harris has also garnered support from Muslim leaders such as Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, the first Muslim individual to be elected to Congress.
Ellison wrote in a post on X that he believes that Harris will lead the Democratic Party, while championing consumer protection, public safety and reproductive rights.
“I’m joining Joe Biden in endorsing Kamala Harris for President of the United States,” Ellison said. “Harris is a fantastic choice to lead the Democratic ticket. She fought to protect consumers as California’s attorney general. She worked to improve public safety as a district attorney. She stood up for a democracy in the Senate. And there has been no more effective champion for reproductive rights than Vice President Harris.”
Alrubaye told The Daily he felt the Yemeni community in Hamtramck has been swayed by conservative religious values, leading some Muslim voters to align with the Republican Party.
“The Hamtramck community is very Yemeni, and the Yemeni community is very conservative (and) religious,” Alrubaye said. “Muslims have been won over by republicanism because of purely religious propaganda, being anti-LGBT, being anti-abortion.”
Source:michigandaily.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.michigandaily.com/news/government/harris-and-trump-vie-for-support-from-arab-and-muslim-voters-in-michigan/
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CAIR-NY Welcomes Hate Crime Charges in Assault on Muslim Uber Driver
October 29, 2024
The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the indictment of a Manhattan woman on hate crime charges for allegedly pepper spraying a Muslim Uber driver in anti-Muslim attack in July.
Jennifer Guilbeault, 23, faces charges of second-degree assault as a hate crime, third-degree assault as a hate crime, and aggravated harassment for allegedly spraying the driver after he began praying in Arabic at an intersection. When the woman’s friend asked why she attacked the driver, she allegedly responded, “he’s brown.”
“We welcome the hate crime charges in this case and thank law enforcement authorities for sending a clear message that those who allegedly carry out bias-motivated attacks will face the consequences,” said CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher.
She noted that from January to June 2024, CAIR documented 4,951 incoming bias complaints nationwide, a 69 percent increase over the same period in 2023.
Earlier this year, CAIR’s national office released its 2024 civil rights report, which revealed the highest number of complaints it has ever received in its 30-year history. Titled “Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate,” the report documented 8,061 complaints.
Nearly half of all complaints received in 2023 were reported in the final three months of the year.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
CAIR-NY also welcomed this hate crime charge back in September.
Source:cair.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ny-welcomes-hate-crime-charges-in-assault-on-muslim-uber-driver/
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CAIR, N. Virginia Mosque to Host Election Watch Party for Muslim Community
October 29, 2024
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), in partnership with Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center’s Minara Café, is pleased to announce a Presidential Election Watch Party for the local Muslim community on Election Day, November 5, from 7 to 11 PM. This event offers a welcoming and inclusive space for community members to gather and experience the unfolding election results together, fostering civic awareness and dialogue during this critical moment in the nation’s democratic journey.
LOCATION: Minara Café at Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center
DATE AND TIME: November 5, Election Day, from 7 to 11 PM
ACTIVITIES: Live election results viewing, interactive discussions, and educational programming on civic engagement. Limited refreshments, sponsored by CAIR, will be provided.
MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Members of the press are welcome to attend the event. To RSVP and gain permission to cover the Election Watch Party, please contact the CAIR Communications Department Manager Ismail Allison at iallison@cair.com, subject line: “Muslim Watch Party.”
CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280,?iallison@cair.com
The event, to be held at Minara Café, will feature live-streamed election results, interactive activities, and facilitated discussions designed to engage and inform attendees. Aiming to encourage community connection and engagement, the evening will provide an educational platform for understanding the democratic process and the importance of civic participation.
Through this event, CAIR and Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center seek to create an atmosphere that is both non-partisan and supportive of diverse viewpoints, welcoming community members to join in discussions about the election’s potential impact. Attendees will have the chance to participate in activities designed to deepen understanding of civic engagement while discussing the implications of the election results in real-time.
Objectives of the Presidential Election Watch Party:
Fostering Community and Inclusion: Providing a safe, non-partisan environment where community members feel welcome to watch the election results together.
Encouraging Civic Participation: Engaging attendees in meaningful discussions and providing educational resources to enhance understanding of the democratic process.
Promoting Political Awareness: Creating a forum for informed dialogue and reflection as community members witness this pivotal moment in the nation’s history.
This event represents CAIR and Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center’s continued commitment to supporting the civic engagement and political awareness of the Muslim community, encouraging an informed and active approach to democracy.
We invite all members of the local Muslim community to join us for an evening of unity, reflection, and community engagement. For more information, please contact CAIR at info@cair.com
Source:cair.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-n-virginia-mosque-to-host-election-watch-party-for-muslim-community/
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Marcie Sclove: Thank you Hampshire Mosque
10-29-2024
I am grateful to the Hampshire Mosque in Hadley for their recent open house (Oct. 26). The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, the food was outstanding, and most of all the program with Sabeel Ahmed from the GainPeace Project was excellent.
It is so important to remember in these times the foundation of Islam and its rich history in the U.S. and abroad. Thank you for opening your doors to all neighbors!
Source:gazettenet.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.gazettenet.com/Letter-to-the-editor-57687756
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Paul Pelosi attacker gets life in prison without parole
Nadine Yousif
Oct 30, 2024
The man who broke into the home of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and attacked her husband with a hammer has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on state charges in California.
David DePape was also convicted on federal charges in May leading to a 30-year prison sentence which will now be served concurrently.
In the state trial, a San Francisco jury found DePape guilty of kidnapping, first-degree burglary and false imprisonment of an elder. The attack left Paul Pelosi, now 84, in hospital for six days with a fractured skull and other injuries.
In a statement after the sentencing, the Pelosi family said that "legal justice has been served".
"Since the violent break-in and shouts of 'where’s Nancy?' two years ago, not a day goes by that we do not think of this devastating assault, its trauma — or the possibility of future attacks," the family said.
They added they hope the sentence sends a message "that political violence against elected officials or their family members will not be tolerated".
A lawyer for DePape said he plans to appeal against Tuesday's ruling.
"This was a really tragic end to a tragic story," attorney Adam Lipson told reporters after the hearing.
Mr Lipson had unsuccessfully lobbied the judge to hand down a more lenient sentence, arguing that DePape suffered from mental health issues and isolation, which he said made him vulnerable to propaganda.
Judge Harry Dorfman refused, saying that he did not feel sympathy for DePape.
"I feel sympathy for the victim in this case, who’s lucky to be alive," Judge Dorfman said as he handed down his sentence. “It’s my intention that Mr DePape will never get out of prison, he can never be paroled.”
Video of the incident that was played during the earlier trial showed DePape, a Canadian citizen who has lived in the US for two decades, breaking into the Pelosi home in California armed with a hammer on 28 October 2022.
DePape asked for Mrs Pelosi, who was not at home, when he confronted the lawmaker's husband inside the couple's house.
When police officers arrived after responding to a 911 call, they found Mr Pelosi and DePape both gripping the hammer.
Moments later - after being asked to drop the weapon - DePape abruptly struck Mr Pelosi before being wrestled to the ground by officers. The incident was caught on body cameras worn by the officers.
In addition to a fractured skull, Mr Pelosi suffered injuries to his arm and hand. He was struck three times during the attack.
The attacker had admitted during his federal trial that he planned to hold Mrs Pelosi hostage, interrogate her on camera and "break her kneecaps" if she did not admit to what he claimed were her lies.
Mrs Pelosi's daughter, Christine, read a letter written by her father, in which he said the attack left him with nerve damage and in fear of sleeping alone at home.
When given the chance to address the court at the state trial, DePape spoke at length about conspiracy theories surrounding the 11 September 2001 attack, according to the Associated Press, whose reporters were inside the court room.
DePape also said he believed his government-appointed lawyers were conspiring against him, the AP reported, forcing the judge to interrupt him several times.
Source:bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cje09qx348do
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Shawn Mendes says he's 'just figuring out' sexuality
Ana Faguy
Oct 30, 2024
Singer Shawn Mendes opened up about his sexuality during a performance in Colorado on Monday, saying he's "just figuring it out like everyone".
"I don't really know sometimes and I know other times. It feels really scary because we live in a society that has a lot to say about that," he told concert-goers.
According to fan footage of the concert posted on social media, Mendes made the comments before performing an unreleased song which seems to be inspired by how speculation about his sexuality made him feel.
The Canadian singer has previously criticised such speculation, calling out its intrusiveness.
Speaking during the performance Morrison’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Mendes said he had "thought about this for a minute today if I was gonna say something tonight”.
Cheered on by the crowd, he continued: “The truth is that I didn’t get to do a lot of 15-year-old things and discover parts of myself that you do at 15."
He continued: “There’s this thing about my sexuality, and people have been talking about it so long”, adding that it's “kind of silly, because I think sexuality is such a beautifully complex thing, and it’s so hard to just put into boxes.”
“It always felt like such an intrusion on something very personal to me. Something that I was figuring out in myself, something that I had yet to discover and still have yet to discover it."
"The real truth about my life and my sexuality is that, man, I'm just figuring it out like everyone."
He went onto speak about his unreleased song The Mountain, which includes the lyrics: "You can say I'm too young, you can say I'm too old, you can say I like girls or boys, whatever fits your mold".
Mendes told the crowd it was important to write that new song because "it felt like a moment where I could address it in a way that felt close to my heart".
"And I guess I'm just speaking freely now, because I just want to be able to be closer to everyone and just kind of be in my truth," he added.
In a 2018 interview with Rolling Stone, Mendes spoke about "this massive, massive thing for the last five years about me being gay".
The next year, he told the Guardian speculation had been "hurtful… I get mad when people assume things about me because I imagine the people who don’t have the support system I have and how that must affect them".
Mendes has had a number of chart-topping hits in the UK, US and Canada, including the single Señorita, which he released with Camilla Cabello - whom he also previously dated.
Source:bbc.com
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Adidas ends 'fight' with Kanye West over antisemitism
Faarea Masud
Oct 30, 2024
Adidas has ended its "fight" with Kanye West over antisemitic comments he made in 2022, which scuppered the sports brand and US rapper's "Yeezy" collaboration.
Adidas discontinued the collection at the time and started selling off Yeezy stock at wholesale prices.
However, on Tuesday, the firm said it had reached a settlement with Mr West to end all legal proceedings between them.
"There [aren't] any more open issues and there is no... money going either way," Adidas chief executive Bjorn Gulden said on a conference call.
"There were tensions on many issues [but]... both parties said we don't need to fight any more," Gulden said on the call about the firm's latest financial results.
The drama with West "belongs to the past", he added.
"When you have conflicts like this, you take provisions and you have legal opinions and there are negotiations and there are settlements being done, and this is the end to it.
"No-one owes anything to anybody anymore. Whatever was is history", he said.
Ending the partnership has left Adidas with Yeezy stock worth around €1.2bn (£840m), with the sports brand selling product in batches and donating the proceeds to NGOs, including its own recently launched anti-discrimination foundation.
The final Yeezy stocks will be sold by the end of 2024, the company said.
The decision to move on from the "fight" marks a stark contrast to 2022. At the time, Adidas said it does "not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech".
It added: "Ye's recent comments and actions have been unacceptable, hateful and dangerous, and they violate the company's values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness."
Adidas and Mr West began collaborating in 2014, which led to a hugely successful sportswear brand.
Demand for Yeezy products did not let up even after the furore, with many Yeezy trainers doing well in the resale market and selling for hundreds - and sometimes thousands - of pounds.
West had his accounts suspended on Instagram and X (then known as Twitter) when he made a series of antisemitic comments in October 2022.
He repeated the claims in a number of interviews and podcasts, not all of which were aired, over the next two months.
In December that year, Mr West appeared on conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' show InfoWars where he spoke of his admiration for Adolf Hitler.
The rapper, now separated from celebrity Kim Kardashian, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder years ago and has publicly spoken about his challenges with his mental health.
Source:bbc.com
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Former Trump aide Steve Bannon released from jail
Ana Faguy
Oct 30, 2024
Former Donald Trump advisor Steve Bannon has been released from prison after spending four months behind bars.
Bannon, 70, was released from a Danbury, Connecticut, correctional facility on Tuesday, Benjamin O'Cone, a Bureau of Prisons spokesman, told the BBC.
Bannon, a conservative podcast host who was key to Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, was convicted of two counts of contempt of Congress in 2022 for refusing to comply with a congressional subpoena related to a January 6 Capitol riot investigation.
“The four months in federal prison not only didn’t break me, it empowered me,” Bannon said on his podcast following his release.
“I am more energised and more focused than I’ve ever been in my entire life.”
Bannon is expected to hold a news conference in New York City later Tuesday.
Before he was sent to jail, he promised to continue to help Trump and his campaign from behind bars.
"I've served my country now for the last 10 or so years focusing on this," he told the BBC before going to prison, referring to politics and Trump's Make America Great Again slogan. "If I have to do it in a prison, I do it in a prison - it makes no difference at all."
Bannon has remained loyal to Trump and hostile towards Democratic figures, despite a falling out between the two during Trump's presidency.
"I’m a political prisoner of Nancy Pelosi, I’m a political prisoner of Merrick Garland; I’m a political prisoner of Joe Biden and the corrupt Biden establishment," he said before going to jail.
The Trump loyalist claimed on his podcast in May that Democrats were "going to do everything to steal this election".
He has repeatedly falsely claimed that the 2020 presidential election was stolen.
Bannon is still facing other legal troubles - having been indicted on charges of money laundering, fraud and conspiracy in a separate New York state case in 2022.
He has been accused of cheating donors to a fundraiser that promised to build a portion of a wall on the US-Mexico border. Bannon has pled not guilty to the charges.
Source:bbc.com
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Africa
Wamakko, Lamido’s Political Rift Intensifies, Divides Sokoto Traditional Rulers
30 October 2024
The ongoing rivalry between Senators Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and Ibrahim Lamido is deepening, with Sokoto’s traditional rulers increasingly drawn into the conflict.
Both senators are locked in a struggle for control over Sokoto’s All Progressives Congress (APC), with Wamakko established as the party’s figurehead and political mentor to the current governor, while Lamido seeks to challenge his influence.
This political feud has not only split Sokoto’s political scene but is now visibly affecting traditional institutions.
Daily Trust reports that prominent figures among traditional rulers have aligned with either Wamakko or Lamido, intensifying divisions within the APC.
Lamido’s faction has even threatened to restructure the party’s leadership to “rescue” it from Wamakko’s dominance.
According to Hon. Sani Yakubu Gudu, spokesperson for Lamido’s group, their campaign has garnered extensive support across traditional rulers, former commissioners, advisers, and legislators.
This sentiment became evident when 19 traditional leaders, including the District Head of Sabon Birni, Alhaji Abdullahi Muhammad Bawa, resigned their posts to support Lamido, citing concerns about governance and local welfare.
Notably, Bawa’s resignation underscores growing dissatisfaction, as he expressed loyalty to Lamido, whom he views as more attuned to the needs of the people.
Other leaders have echoed this shift, aligning with Lamido as they voice frustrations over government inaction on crises affecting local communities, including security and disaster relief.
One of the prominent figures among the resignations, Alhaji Lauwali Shuaibu, the ward head of Taka-Tsaba, highlighted Lamido’s support for the welfare of traditional communities as the driving force behind their loyalty.
“Lamido has shown consistent support in times of crisis, such as bandit attacks and natural disasters, which has won him our respect and allegiance,” he told journalists on Sunday.
Shuaibu said this support has compelled many traditional rulers to resign their official titles in favour of backing Lamido politically.
“Our villages have been ignored for too long. With Lamido, we see someone who actually listens to us,” Shuaibu added.
Echoing this sentiment, Alhaji Jamilu Gwanda Gobir, who resigned as Ubandoma of the Sarkin Gobir, explained that 10 traditional leaders joined him in stepping down.
“We want to support Lamido in the coming elections. This is our way of repaying him for his commitment to our communities,” he said.
“The neglect of our district is finally being recognised by someone willing to address it,” Gobir added
The murder of former Sarkin Gobir, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, by bandits has also fueled resentment toward the Wamakko-led faction, with analysts suggesting that it could sway local support away from the APC in the next election.
This sentiment has been further stoked by perceived neglect of the Sabon Birni district in power-sharing arrangements, adding weight to Lamido’s appeal.
Commentators warn that involving traditional rulers in political rivalries could destabilize the region.
Professor Bello Bada of Usmanu Danfodiyo University has cautioned that the politicization of Sokoto’s traditional institutions could undermine the region’s stability and democratic integrity, stressing that development, rather than political division, is what Sokoto needs.
Despite these developments, APC’s state chairman, Alhaji Isa Sadiq Achida, has downplayed Lamido’s impact, dismissing recent resignations as isolated cases influenced by personal factors rather than political loyalty.
Achida insists that the APC’s governance record will secure continued support.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/10/30/wamakko-lamidos-political-rift-intensifies-divides-sokoto-traditional-rulers/
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Niger Assembly Raises Alarm As Bandits Take Over Military Training Camp In Kontagora
30 October 2024
The Niger State House of Assembly has sounded the alarm over the takeover of a major military training camp by bandits in Kontagora.
Located in the Nagwamase military cantonment, the camp serves as a key training ground for the Nigerian Army’s artillery corps and spans vast land areas extending from Kontagora to parts of Mariga Local Government.
During Tuesday’s plenary session, Abdullahi Isah, the representative for Kontagora II State Constituency, raised a motion of urgent public importance, revealing that bandits have now occupied the once-secure military camp and established at least eight camps within the area.
This incursion has reportedly forced residents from over 23 nearby farming communities to flee due to relentless attacks.
“This military camp, now overtaken by bandits, has created a severe security crisis, with both Kontagora and Mariga local governments affected,” Isah stated.
He noted that communities surrounding the camp have faced escalated attacks in recent weeks, with some residents abducted and still held captive by the gunmen.
The Niger State legislators have called on the state government to collaborate urgently with military authorities to reclaim the training facility, allowing displaced residents to return to their homes.
The assembly emphasized the need for robust military support to secure the area and restore peace to the affected communities.
Source:naijanews.com
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EFCC Arrest Notorious Bank Hackers In Abuja
30 October 2024
By Richard Ogunsile
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja have arrested one Chima Anthony Nwigwe, leader of a reportedly notorious bank hacker.
Naija News understands that Nwigwe was apprehended along with three accomplices: Effiong Victor Emmanuel, Mohammed Bello Mahmud, the managing director of Downstone Ultimate Limited, and Daminan Ali.
They face allegations of conspiracy, unauthorized access to banking computer systems, and fraudulent withdrawals of depositors’ funds.
Dele Oyewale, the Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC confirmed the arrest of the syndicate in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday.
The statement indicated that the suspects were taken into custody during a sting operation conducted by EFCC agents in the capital.
Their arrest was prompted by credible intelligence regarding their suspected activities in hacking and compromising the databases of commercial banks, which led to unauthorized transfers and withdrawals via various digital platforms, as reported by the anti-graft agency.
The suspects are expected to face charges in court once the investigation is completed.
Gov Sanwo-Olu Did Not Drag EFCC To Court – Lagos Govt
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has dismissed reports that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sued the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Naija News reports that Sanwo-Olu had allegedly filed a lawsuit against the EFCC, alleging threats of arrest, detention, and prosecution once his tenure as governor concludes.
The suit, a fundamental rights enforcement action, was submitted to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja by Sanwo-Olu’s lawyer, Darlington Ozurumba.
During a court session on Tuesday, Ozurumba announced the withdrawal of an initial originating summons, stating that it had been replaced with a revised filing.
He confirmed that the EFCC had been served with the new court documents, although EFCC counsel Hadiza Afegbua indicated she had not yet received them, and the proof of service was not available in the court file.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case until November 11 for further mention.
But reacting in a statement to Naija News, the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), said Sanwo-Olu, at no time, sued or briefed any legal practitioner to file a suit on his behalf concerning the above subject matter.
According to him, the Lagos State Government is currently investigating how the case came to be without the government’s knowledge.
Source:naijanews.com
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Kano Governor Approves ?71,000 Minimum Wage For Civil Servants
29 October 2024
By Richard Ogunsile
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved a new minimum wage of ?71,000 for civil servants in Kano State.
This development was announced by the Governor on Tuesday at the Government House during the presentation of the Public Service Negotiation Committee Report by the Head of Civil Service for the state.
Governor Yusuf highlighted that the decision to introduce the new minimum wage took into account the substantial workforce in Kano and the financial limitations posed by the state’s low Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
He noted that implementing the new minimum wage will commence in November 2024.
“Kano state has one of the largest workforces in Nigeria, reflective of our population and specific local needs. Together with our financial constraints, including the low internally generated revenue (IGR) we inherited, we have decided to implement the new national minimum wage of ?71,000,” the governor stated.
He disclosed that the implementation of the minimum wage would increase the state’s monthly salary obligations by over ?6 billion, while an additional ?7 billion would be required for the 44 local government councils.
“Our administration is deeply committed to prioritizing the welfare of our civil servants, who tirelessly provide efficient, effective, and quality services to our people despite limited financial resources,” Yusuf said, stressing that this move reflects his administration’s dedication to social justice and economic growth.
Governor Yusuf also lamented the state’s low IGR, inherited from the previous administration, stating, “We inherited an average monthly IGR of only ?2 billion. By comparison, states such as Lagos generate an average of ?54.3 billion, Rivers ?14.5 billion, Ogun ?10.1 billion, and Delta ?7.1 billion.”
He emphasized the need for immediate reforms in the state’s revenue generation strategies to address its increasing obligations.
In his address to the civil servants, Yusuf encouraged them to improve service delivery and pursue innovative approaches to enhance public services.
“Let’s harness our collective strength to drive transformative change and achieve greatness in service,” he said.
The Head of Civil Service, Abdullahi Musa, commended the committee’s efforts in facilitating the effective implementation of the new wage during his presentation of the report. He assured the governor that the process would proceed seamlessly.
In his comments, Kabiru Inuwa, a representative of the civil servants, conveyed appreciation to the governor for his dedication to the welfare of the workforce.
“We thank the governor for approving the minimum wage despite the state civil servants being the most populous in the country,” he said.
Governor Yusuf concluded by urging the state’s workforce to intensify their dedication to productivity and efficiency, aiming for a brighter future for Kano State.
Source:naijanews.com
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Tinubu Launches 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem, Commends Military
29 October 2024
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday launched the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund at a ceremony held in the Council Chambers of the State House.
During the event, Tinubu praised the Armed Forces as Nigeria’s first line of defense and lauded their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s unity and stability.
Highlighting the military’s efforts in tackling security threats across the country, President Tinubu stressed the importance of peace and development, noting that these goals are unattainable without security.
He emphasized that the Armed Forces’ dedication to Nigeria’s progress is invaluable, especially in maintaining the nation’s unity.
In a show of appreciation for the contributions of fallen heroes, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, pledged N500 million on behalf of government officials.
Additionally, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced a donation of N200 million from the National Assembly, while Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, pledged N50 million on behalf of the service chiefs and Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The launch marks the beginning of nationwide activities leading to the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, honoring those who have sacrificed their lives for Nigeria’s security and stability.
Source:naijanews.com
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Nigerian MP caught on camera assaulting delivery driver
23 October 2024
A Nigerian lawmaker, Alex Ikwechegh, was filmed assaulting a Bolt driver who delivered a package to him at his home in Maitama, Abuja, on Sunday.
The incident quickly went viral, showing the representative for Aba North and South Federal Constituency (APGA) repeatedly slapping and verbally attacking driver Stephen Abuwatseya, who had requested Ikwechegh to come outside to collect his delivery.
In the video, Ikwechegh, visibly upset, criticized the driver for the perceived disrespect, stating it was inappropriate for someone of his social standing. He is heard making threatening remarks, including that he could "make the driver disappear" without facing repercussions.
The heated exchange escalated when Abuwatseya asked for the delivery fee, prompting Ikwechegh to slap him multiple times. "Do you know who I am? I slapped you, and there's nothing you can do," he boasted on camera, daring the driver to publicize the incident and even call the Inspector General of Police.
Background of Recent Tribunal Ruling in Ikwechegh's Favor
Ikwechegh recently reclaimed his House of Representatives seat following a September ruling by the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, which annulled the victory of Labour Party candidate Emeka Nnamani due to allegations of certificate forgery.
The tribunal directed that the certificate of return be issued to Ikwechegh, who had placed second in the election.
This case follows an earlier controversy in 2015, where Nnamani faced questions about his membership and academic credentials. Although he denied any wrongdoing, he claimed issues with record-keeping at the University of Port Harcourt had impacted his documents.
Source:africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2024/10/29/nigerian-mp-caught-on-camera-assaulting-delivery-driver/
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