Supreme Court stays NCPCR’s Communication On Shifting of Students of Unrecognised Madrasas to Govt Schools

New Age Islam News Bureau

21 October 2024

 

 

Supreme Court of India

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·         Supreme Court stays NCPCR’s Communication On Shifting of Students of Unrecognised Madrasas to Govt Schools

·         UK Islamic Terror May Get ‘Boost’ After Death of Hamas Leader, Ex-MI6 Chief Warns

·         ISIS-K Expands Recruitment Efforts, Targeting Isolated Muslim Immigrants In The West: NBC

·         At 10-Year Mark, US and Allies Weigh Future of Islamic State Mission

·         Militants Establish Parallel Courts in Pockets of Tirah Valley

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India

·         Coimbatore Man Booked for Keeping WhatsApp DP in Support of Islamic State

·         Sanjauli Mosque Demolition Begins in Shimla, Three Illegal Floors to Be Removed

·         Pak's ISI, Terror Groups Attempt to Exploit Online Platforms for Recruitment Efforts In J&K: Officials

·         Kashmir terror attack ‘aimed for maximum casualties’, NIA at the scene

·         J&K terror attack: Pakistan still trying to kill innocent people to disrupt peace, says LG Manoj Sinha

·         Militant killed in gunfight in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramullah, search on for another

·         Jammu &Kashmir: Doctor, five labourers killed in terror attack Ganderbal district

·         Expect J&K Assembly to Pass Resolution for Restoration of Article 370 In First Session: NC MP Mehdi

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Europe

·         Criticism of Mosque Finally Revealed as MEN Uncovers Secret Manchester Arena Bomb Report

·         I’ll stand for Russian president when Putin's gone, Navalny’s widow tells BBC

·         Decision time for two countries on future role in Europe

·         Germany and UK to sign ‘historic’ defence pact – Sunday Times

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South Asia

·         Deputy Minister of Culture and Arts Engages with UNAMA and EU Officials to Discuss Cultural Development

·         Attempted Murder Case: Complainant Doesn't KnowEminent Lawyer ZI Khan Panna

·         Include members of private sectors in advisory council

·         Task force formed to recover laundered money: finance adviser

·         Iran calls on UN to increase budget for Afghan refugees

·         Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Supports Partner Institutions

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North America

·         Group of American-Muslims Announces Support For Kamala, Walz

·         Gardaí disrupt Islamist fundraising drive in Ireland

·         CIA cut-out linked writer mocked for ‘Trump is Hitler’ hit-piece

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Pakistan

·         Police Break Up Karachi Rally Against ‘Enforced Disappearances’

·         PTI warns MNAs who backed constitutional amendment

·         PTI stance leaves many scratching their heads

·         Will file reference against ‘defectors’, says Mengal

·         Senators berate PTI for opposing amendment

·         PTI plans protests outside homes of ‘turncoats’, if any

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Mideast

·         Israel Gives The US Its Demands for Ending War InLebanon, Axios Reports

·         Islamic Jihad: Massacre in northern Gaza Strip is far greater than enemy's massacres in year

·         Settlers Break into Aqsa Mosque, Perform Talmudic Rites in Yards

·         UN peacekeepers say Israel army ‘demolished’ Lebanon watchtower, fence

·         Senior Israeli commander killed in north Gaza: army

·         Gaza war, settler attacks ruin Palestinian olive harvest

·         Israel warns of strikes on Hezbollah financial arm, tells Lebanese to evacuate

·         Jordanian FM calls Israeli offensive in Gaza ‘inhumane,’ urges international action

·         Iran President’s request to appoint Sunni MP in govt. resubmitted to parliament

·         Qatar calls for enhancing economic cooperation among Islamic countries

·         Iraq’s Sunni Endowment to resume work on Mosul Grand Mosque reconstruction

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Arab World

·         Saudi Minister Releases 15 Arabian Sand Gazelles At Buraidah Oasis

·         Saudi Professional Accreditation Program verifies skills of about 209,500 expatriate workers

·         Riyadh AI, drone exhibition to focus on agriculture

·         Saudi minister attends inauguration ceremony of Indonesian president in Jakarta

·         Saudi FM meets with Vanuatuan counterpart

·         Riyadh governor receives newly appointed French ambassador

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Africa

·         Risking Death to Smuggle Alcohol Past Somali Islamists

·         Fulani children now wayward due to lack of Western, Islamic education – Yobe Speaker

·         Tinubu’s Ministers Not Adding Value To His Government – APC Chairman, Okocha

·         “Some Politicians Who Are No Better Than Criminals Have Compromised The Judiciary” – Bode George Cries Out

·         Sudan: As fighting rages, food kitchens barely maintain supply

·         Sudanese army reports first defection of a senior RSF commander

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Southeast Asia

·         Freeze On Foreign Worker Employment Quota To Continue - Saifuddin Nasution

·         PM Anwar affirms Malaysia’s commitment to strategic partnership with Indonesia

·         Nearly 300,000 Malaysians lost jobs since 2020, manufacturing sector worst hit, says deputy HR minister

·         Global air traffic set for major rebound in 2024 with nearly 11pc growth, says Anthony Loke

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:   https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/supreme-court-ncpcr-madrasa-students/d/133503

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Supreme Court stays NCPCR’s Communication On Shifting of Students of Unrecognised Madrasas to Govt Schools

 

Supreme Court of India

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21.10.24

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the operation of the communications issued by child rights body NCPCR urging states to shift students of unrecognised Madrasas to government schools.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra took note of the submissions of senior advocate, appearing for Muslim organisation Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, that the communications of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and consequential actions of some of states needed to be stayed.

The organisation has challenged the action of Uttar Pradesh and Tripura governments directing that students of unrecognised Madrasas should be shifted to government schools.

The top court ordered the communications of the NCPCR issued on June 7 and June 25 this year should not be acted upon.

It also said the consequential orders of the states shall also remain stayed.

It also permitted the Muslim body to make states, other than Uttar Pradesh and Tripura as parties to its petition.

Source:telegraphindia.com

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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/supreme-court-stays-national-commission-for-protection-of-child-rights-communication-on-shifting-of-students-of-unrecognised-Madrasas-to-government-schools/cid/2057119

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UK Islamic Terror May Get ‘Boost’ After Death Of Hamas Leader, Ex-MI6 Chief Warns

 

Yahya Sinwar

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October 20, 2024

Islamic terror may get a “boost” in the UK following the death of Hamas’s leader, a former head of MI6 has said.

Asked if a ceasefire in the Middle East is more likely, Sir John Sawers said the situation will not change “a great deal”.

Sir John told Sky News’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips that Hamas may now focus on international terror, after Israeli troops killed Yahya Sinwar, who masterminded the Palestinian terrorist group’s October 7 attacks last year.

He said: “Islamic terrorism may actually get a further boost, if that’s the right word, from events in the Middle East.

“The frustrations that we’ll be seeing because of the lack of movement on the Palestinian question, because of the violence people are witnessing every day.

“And it could be that Hezbollah and Hamas, the new leaderships there, are focused so much on violence that they become not just terrorist organisations designated by western countries and aimed against Israel, but they could revert back to international terrorism, including here in the UK.”

He added that the police and intelligence agencies in this country should be “on their toes” and watch for rising signs of Islamic terror.

Sir Keir Starmer urged a ceasefire in the Middle East in a telephone call with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday.

The conversation came on the day a drone was launched at Mr Netanyahu’s home in Caesarea, on the Israeli coast, in an apparent assassination attempt.

The Prime Minister expressed alarm at the news, a Downing Street spokesperson said, before discussing the wider situation in the Middle East following the death of Sinwar on Wednesday.

The spokesperson said Sir Keir described Sinwar as “a brutal terrorist” who left the world “a better place without him”.

It followed comments made by Sir Keir in Berlin on Friday urging the international community to “make the most of” the “opportunity” presented by Sinwar’s death to secure a ceasefire.

But he also warned the world would not tolerate “any more excuses” for not allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The United States has also expressed concern about the amount of aid entering Gaza, warning in a letter to the Israeli government that it could suspend military funding for Tel Aviv if the humanitarian situation continued to deteriorate.

Both Israel and Hamas have signalled an unwillingness to call a ceasefire in the wake of Sinwar’s death, while Lebanese militant group Hezbollah continues to carry out rocket attacks.

Mr Netanyahu said the attack on his home, which he blamed on Hezbollah, had been a “grave mistake”.

He said: “This will not deter me or the State of Israel from continuing our just war against our enemies in order to secure our future.”

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has also vowed that Hamas will fight on.

Source:jewishnews.co.uk

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https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/uk-islamic-terror-may-get-boost-after-death-of-hamas-leader-ex-mi6-chief-warns/

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ISIS-K Expands Recruitment Efforts, Targeting Isolated Muslim Immigrants In The West: NBC

 

Photo: Khaama Press

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By Fidel Rahmati

October 20, 2024

NBC News reported that ISIS-Khorasan has recently intensified its recruitment efforts, aiming to launch attacks in the U.S. and the West.

The report, published on Sunday, cites U.S. officials and analysts, highlighting ISIS’s efforts to attract dissatisfied Muslims for terrorist attacks in the U.S. and Europe.

Counterterrorism experts have pointed to the arrest of an Afghan immigrant plotting an Election Day attack in the U.S., as well as plots in France, Sweden, and other countries, as evidence of the growing ISIS-K threat.

The report states that ISIS has spread propaganda in 12 languages, including Persian and Pashto, targeting the Muslim diaspora in the U.S. and Europe.

ISIS aims to exploit the feelings of isolation and alienation experienced by Afghans and Muslims in the West. According to experts, the group’s focus on disillusioned Afghan communities in Western countries is unsurprising.

ISIS’s propaganda on platforms like TikTok portrays the group as the only “true Islamic military organization” fighting against foreign influences like the U.S. in Muslim countries.

A Soufan Center researcher noted that ISIS propaganda emphasizes U.S. military interventions and portrays America as a “declining empire,” further fueling anti-Western sentiments.

U.S. officials have noted that as attention shifts to the Israel-Gaza conflict, ISIS is expanding its propaganda campaigns, attempting to recruit new followers.

The growing threat from ISIS, combined with recent arrests, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by security agencies in preventing terrorist activities, especially as the global focus remains divided between multiple crises.

Source:khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/isis-k-expands-recruitment-efforts-targeting-isolated-muslim-immigrants-in-the-west-nbc/

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At 10-Year Mark, US And Allies Weigh Future Of Islamic State Mission

 

Photo: DAWN.com

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21 October 2024

US defence secretary Lloyd Austin, who helped launch the US-led coalition against Islamic State a decade ago as a four-star general, cautioned allies at Nato headquarters in Brussels that Islamic State continued to be a threat that required international attention. File photo.

Image: REUTERS/Tom Brenner

Ten years to the day after the formal launch of the US-led operation against the Islamic State, the US and its Nato allies gathered in Brussels on Thursday to discuss the future of a mission facing increasing headwinds.

Niger kicked out the US military from its counter-terrorism base in West Africa this summer. Afghanistan has been largely off-limits since the Taliban's 2021 takeover. Iraq wants the Pentagon to start reducing its personnel and end coalition operations there. At the same time, US officials warned the global threat from Islamic State is growing in Africa and elsewhere, even as public attention has shifted to Russia's war in Ukraine and expanding conflicts in the Middle East.

US defence secretary Lloyd Austin, who helped launch the US-led coalition against Islamic State a decade ago as a four-star general, cautioned allies at Nato headquarters in Brussels that Islamic State continued to be a threat that required international attention.

“We're tackling a range of key challenges, including bullying from the People's Republic of China and Russia's reckless invasion of Ukraine,” Austin said.

“But as we do so, we must not lose sight of the threat Isis poses.”

At the height of its powers, Islamic State claimed control over swathes of the combined territories of Iraq and Syria. Its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, declared his cross-border caliphate from the pulpit of Iraq's historic al-Nuri mosque in 2014 and vowed to rule it.

Though territorially defeated in Syria five years ago, and seven years ago in Iraq, Islamic State has managed high-profile attacks while trying to rebuild. Most recently those include an assault on a Russian concert hall in March that killed at least 143 people and two explosions in the Iranian city of Kerman in January that killed nearly 100 people A 19-year-old Austrian suspected of masterminding a planned suicide attack on a Taylor Swift concert in August had vowed allegiance to the Islamic State militant group's leader.

“It is a threat that is evolving,” Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte said at the talks.

“There is an increase in lone wolf attacks. Terrorists are increasingly using new technologies and the epicentre is moving southwards into the Sahel, a region which is accounting for almost half of all deaths from terrorism.”

In Africa, jihadist groups with links to Al-Qaeda or Islamic State have killed thousands of civilians and displaced millions in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Experts said the conflicts in the Sahel are contributing to a sharp rise in migration towards Europe at a time when anti-immigrant far-right parties are on the rise and some EU states are tightening their borders.

“There's been deliberate efforts (by Islamic State) to try to diversify not only their leadership but some of their combat power to Africa, to Central Asia,” a senior US defence official said.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the US strategy was to ensure the Sahel-based threat doesn't spread south to Ghana, Ivory Coast, Benin, Togo and other countries in coastal West Africa. It will not be easy.

The US is searching for a plan B in West Africa after Niger's ruling junta in April ordered the US to withdraw its nearly 1,000 military personnel. In Iraq, an agreement between Washington and Baghdad will see the US-led coalition's military mission end by September 2025 as Iraq turns to more traditional bilateral security partnerships.

The US defence official said the details were being worked out but “all expectations are the footprint will shrink” over the next year. However, it is unclear what kind of US presence will remain in Iraq to support operations in Syria, which will continue.

Source:timeslive.co.za

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https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/africa/2024-10-21-at-10-year-mark-us-and-allies-weigh-future-of-islamic-state-mission/

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Militants establish parallel courts in pockets of Tirah valley

 

Tirah Valley

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Ibrahim Shinwari

 October 21, 2024

KHYBER: Undeterred by regular airstrikes and ground offensives by security forces against their positions, armed groups affiliated with proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Lashkar-i-Islam (LI) have established parallel courts in pockets of Tirah, according to local sources.

They said that armed militants also issued notices to government officials, police and even FC personnel to either abandon their official responsibilities or leave the region.

They said that armed men of outlawed TTP and LI also started collection of Ushr, an Islamic tax, from local drug dealers, who earned money through sale of cannabis, which was widely cultivated in the entire Tirah valley.

Local sources told this scribe that in the absence of a proper judicial system and an effective administrative setup, the banned TTP and LI have ‘filled’ the gap by asking people to bring their issues to their Shura (council) for ‘speedy and judicious’ resolution.

They said that locals had no other option but to approach Taliban for redressing their grievances, mostly pertaining to land and monetary disputes.

The areas where such parallel courts have been established include Momandu Ghuz, Peer Mela, Serrai Kandaw, Tangi, Manzawoon, Sherdara and Arhanga where TTP and LI have maximum presence with their armed volunteers conducting regular patrolling alongside collecting Ushr.

Locals said that those areas also witnessed some fierce battles between security forces and militants with the army also having support of helicopter gunships.

They said that armed militants had made announcements in local mosques after Friday prayers during the last three weeks and asked government employees to either distance themselves from their official responsibilities or leave the area.

Sources said that similar notices were also issued to police and FC personnel with most of the employees of various government departments opting to leave the areas under the militants control for fear of any action against them.

They said that Ushr was paid to militants in cash and Taliban showed leniency by receiving it in installments. “Local drug dealers are more than willing to pay Ushr to them as they know very well that if the amount is not paid voluntarily, Taliban would then come after them and take their share by force,” a local told Dawn.

It was also learnt during telephonic conversation with locals that trade activities were also badly affected in markets owing to presence of militants and the ongoing targeted operations against them.

They said that most people avoided travelling at nighttime and also stopped construction of new houses or repair of the old ones for fear of a sudden displacement in the wake of ongoing military operations.

They said that militants looted a truck loaded with food items some 10 or 12 days ago in Mumandu Ghuz area and took the driver and cleaner as hostage. “Local elders then negotiated the release of driver and his assistant along with handing over empty truck to security officials,” they added.

Sources said that people were not happy with the current situation as they were afraid of both security forces for launching a military operation in their area and militants, who continued to intimidate them to submit to their way of managing local affairs.

TTP and its local affiliate LI had resurfaced in Malakdinkhel, Qambarkhel, Kamarkhel, Sipah, Adamkhel and Zakhakhel in July with security forces launching limited scale intelligence-based military operations in the areas where videos of militants patrolling went viral on social media.

Source:dawn.com

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India

 

Coimbatore man booked for keeping WhatsApp DP in support of Islamic State

 October 20, 2024

The police have registered a case against a 41-year-old man from Coimbatore, on the charge of keeping a display picture on WhatsApp in support of the Islamic State (IS). The case was registered against Sheik Sabiullah, a resident of Muthusamy Servai Street at Kuniyamuthur.

The police contended that Sabiullah’s WhatsApp display picture supported the extremist militant group and it came to the attention of personnel working in the intelligence units of the Coimbatore city police.

 Post car blast, police enhance intelligence network in Coimbatore

Alagumariselvam, sub-inspector attached to the Kuniyamuthur police station, lodged a complaint against Sabiullah. He was booked under Section 113 (terrorist act - whoever does any act with the intent to threaten or likely to threaten the unity, integrity, sovereignty, security, or economic security of India or with the intent to strike terror or likely to strike terror in the people or any section of the people in India or in any foreign country) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

 Coimbatore car blast | Terror probe, politics and more

The police suspected him to have been motivated by the IS organisation and its principles.

According to police, Sabiullah had been under the watch of the two intelligence units of the Coimbatore City Police, namely the Intelligence Section and the Special Intelligence Cell.

Source:thehindu.com

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https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/coimbatore-man-booked-for-keeping-whatsapp-display-picture-in-support-of-islamic-state/article68775714.ece

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Sanjauli Mosque Demolition Begins In Shimla, Three Illegal Floors To Be Removed

OCTOBER 21, 2024

The process to demolish illegal portions of the Sanjauli mosque in Shimla began from the roof on Monday, days after the court of the Shimla municipal commissioner ordered the removal of three unauthorised floors of the controversial structure in Himachal Pradesh.

The court order applies to the second, third and fourth floors of the mosque. The next hearing in this matter is scheduled for December 21. Hindu organisations have been protesting against the unauthorised construction and have demanded the removal of the illegal portions.

The Waqf Board was given two months to carry out the directives on October 5. Sanjauli mosque committee president Muhammad Latif said the board received a copy of the demolition order on October 16.

The mosque committee delegation had submitted a representation offering to demolish the unauthorised floors of the mosque on September 12, a day after 10 people were injured during a protest demanding demolition of a portion.

The Muslim Welfare Committee had given a representation to the MC commissioner asking to seal an unauthorised portion of the mosque and said it will demolish the unauthorised portion. “It was a big decision to offer to demolish the mosque to ensure peace and brotherhood in the state. We spoke to the Waqf Board, the main people of the community in the district, local shopkeepers and others and everyone was of the opinion that peace should prevail,” Latif had said.

But, the Muslim bodies in the state were divided over the decision of the Shimla MC court. The All Himachal Muslim’s Organisation (AHMO) had said they will challenge the order in the court of appellate authority and fight till the Supreme Court.

Earlier, state spokesperson Nazakat Ali Hashmi had said the persons who gave the representation had no authority to make any such submission and the orders are contrary to the facts. He had maintained that the land belonged to the Waqf Board, the mosque is 125 years old and the “unauthorised” storeys are not illegal. The approval of maps is with the authorities but the MC court ordered demolition of the storeys, he had added.

Source:news18.com

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https://www.news18.com/india/shimla-process-to-demolish-illegal-parts-of-sanjauli-mosque-begins-9093159.html

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Pak's ISI, Terror Groups Attempt To Exploit Online Platforms For Recruitment Efforts In J&K: Officials

20.10.24

In a concerning shift in tactics, Pakistan's intelligence agency and terror groups are trying to ramp up recruitment efforts in Jammu and Kashmir through digital platforms, as direct interactions become increasingly difficult due to heightened security measures, officials said on Sunday.

These groups are now primarily using social media platforms and messaging apps such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Telegram to target vulnerable youth, according to an official.

They are using fake profiles and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to evade detection.

Once identified, these individuals are drawn into private groups where they are exposed to manipulative content, including fabricated videos depicting atrocities allegedly committed by security forces, the officials said.

This strategy is employed by handlers linked to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to incite hatred and foster a narrative conducive to recruitment.

In a troubling development, the officials said, the potential recruits are now being introduced to literature by Sayyid Qutb, an Egyptian extremist whose ideologies have significantly influenced radical Islamist organisations including Al-Qaeda.

Qutb, who was executed in 1966, advocated for active jihad against both secular governments and Western influence.

Historically, terror sympathisers relied on direct contact to recruit individuals but as security agencies have intensified their efforts to dismantle such networks, their methods have evolved, the officials said.

New recruits undergo virtual training via accessible online resources, including YouTube, before being assigned operational tasks within the region.

Officials have highlighted a marked increase in recruitment and indoctrination activities via social media, particularly in South Kashmir.

To counteract these threats, security agencies have established social media monitoring units that track potential recruits and neutralise threats in real time.

The proliferation of the internet has made social media an attractive tool for communication and information sharing, which in turn facilitates terrorist organisations in expanding their networks, the officials said.

Some individuals posing as extreme nationalists have been identified as having affiliations with radical groups, including the banned Jamaat-e-Islami, they said.

Moreover, terrorists are increasingly leveraging encrypted messaging platforms and apps such as Telegram and Mastodon, which are already banned in certain districts like Rajouri and Poonch, for covert communication and operational coordination, they said.

The United Nations has repeatedly underscored the effectiveness of terrorist groups in leveraging propaganda for various nefarious purposes, including recruitment and incitement to violence.

In response to these challenges, the UN Security Council had adopted the resolution 2354 of 2017 -- 'Comprehensive International Framework' -- which advocates for legal and law enforcement measures, public-private partnerships and the development of counter-narratives.

The resolution outlines key guidelines emphasising the importance of aligning counter-terrorism efforts with the United Nations Charter, acknowledging the primary responsibility of member states in combating terrorism, promoting coordination among relevant entities, tailoring counter-narratives to specific contexts, and ensuring compliance with international laws and human rights obligations.

In a bid to combat the spread of terrorist ideologies, the UNSC's Counter-Terrorism Committee has been tasked with identifying and compiling successful practices in countering terrorist narratives in collaboration with relevant non-United Nations entities.

During a debate on 'Countering the Narratives and Ideologies of Terrorism,' former Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin had highlighted the misuse of social media platforms by terrorist groups, emphasising the critical need for vigilant monitoring while safeguarding freedom of expression.

He had warned against the insidious influence of terrorism, likening it to a Hydra-like monster spreading its tentacles through targeted propaganda disseminated on the expansive social media networks intended to foster global connectivity.

As the situation evolves, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to combat this new wave of digital recruitment and indoctrination, the officials said.

Source:telegraphindia.com

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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/pakistans-inter-services-intelligence-terror-groups-attempt-to-exploit-online-platforms-for-recruitment-efforts-in-jammu-and-kashmir/cid/2056930

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Kashmir terror attack ‘aimed for maximum casualties’, NIA at the scene

 by Bashaarat Masood

 October 21, 2024

The militants who opened fire at a camp housing workers of an infrastructure company near Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Leh national highway in J&K were heavily armed and aimed to cause maximum casualties, police sources said.

Seven employees of the company, which is building the Z-Morh tunnel near Gagangir on the Srinagar-Sonamarg road, were killed in the firing.

The victims were identified as Faheem Nasir from Bihar, Anil Shukhla from Madhya Pradesh, Dr Shahnawaz from Bidgam in Kashmir, Mohammad Hanif from Bihar, Kaleem from Bihar, Sashi Abrol from Jammu, and Gurmeet Singh from Punjab.

There were at least two militants who turned up and opened fire indiscriminately at several parts of the camp the employees were staying in, including the mess, sources said.

“It seems they (militants) were heavily armed and were at the camp office for quite a good amount of time,” a police officer said. “From what we hear from the workers, it seems the attack was aimed at causing maximum casualties.”

Police sources said a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrived at the scene for forensic analysis. They said the NIA is most likely to take over the probe of the attack.

Source:indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kashmir-terror-attack-maximum-casualties-nia-scene-9630975/

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J&K terror attack: Pakistan still trying to kill innocent people to disrupt peace, says LG Manoj Sinha

21.10.24

A day after seven persons were killed in a terror attack in Ganderbal, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said Pakistan was still trying to kill innocent people and disrupt peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

Sinha asked the police to investigate the Ganderbal terror attack so that justice is done to the victims and their families.

"Yesterday, an unfortunate incident happened in Ganderbal. I urge the police and other authorities to look into it so that justice is done to the victims and their families," Sinha said at the Police Martyrs' Day function here.

On Sunday, a doctor from Kashmir and six non-local labourers were killed while five people sustained injuries in the terror attack at an under-construction tunnel at Gund in Ganderbal district.

"We won't forget yesterday's dastardly attack," Sinha said.

The LG said the there was still a threat from the "neighbouring country's on India. "It's still trying to kill innocent people in this region and to destabilise peace here," he added.

Sinha said there was a need to stop drug smuggling and improve counter-insurgency operations.

"We need to stop drug smuggling here. We need to be aware of possible threats. We need to improve counter-insurgency operations," he said.

The J-K LG said while innocents should be protected, the guilty should not be spared.

The LG paid tributes to those killed in the line of duty, and said their sacrifices will be remembered forever.

"Our forces have put up a brave fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and to honour them, 'Balidan Stambh' was built. Their sacrifices are supreme," he said.

Sinha assured the families of security personnel killed on duty that their education, health, insurance cover and other things will be taken care of. "We are with them for their bright future".

He said people should respect the sacrifices of the forces as no nation can develop if it is not secure. "Whenever any incident happens, police have to bear the brunt. So I request people to respect the sacrifices of our forces and encourage them," he said.

"We should salute them because forces are neither Hindus or Muslims or Sikhs. For the peace in the region, I request the people of Jammu and Kashmir to equally participate in this growth process," he added.

Source:telegraphindia.com

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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-terror-attack-pakistan-still-trying-to-kill-innocent-people-to-disrupt-peace-says-lieutenant-governor-manoj-sinha/cid/2057136

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Militant killed in gunfight in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramullah, search on for another

Updated: October 20, 2024

A joint team of the Indian Army and the police foiled an infiltration bid in north Kashmir’s Baramullah on Sunday, killing a militant. Combing operations are still on as the forces suspect the presence of one more militant in the area.

On Sunday, the Army had observed some suspicious movement in the Kamalkote sector of Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla and launched a search operation. As the Army closed in on the militants, they opened fire which led to a gunfight.

Police sources say that one militant was killed in the gunfight. However, his identity is yet to be ascertained.

While the Line of Control (LoC) along the frontier Kupwara sector has witnessed many infiltration attempts in the past few months, the Uri frontier has been silent. Today’s infiltration bid is one of the rare attempts by the militants to cross the border in this sector.

Source:indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/militant-killed-gunfight-jammu-and-kashmir-baramullah-9629376/

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Jammu & Kasshmir: Doctor, five labourers killed in terror attack Ganderbal district

20.10.24

A doctor and five labourers were killed when terrorists struck a tunnel-construction site on the Srinagar-Leh national highway in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Sunday, officials said.

The unidentified terrorists carried out the attack when the labourers and other staff working on the tunnel project at Gund in Ganderbal had returned to their camp late in the evening, the officials said.

They said the terrorists -- believed to be at least two -- opened indiscriminate fire on the group of labourers that included both locals and non-locals.

While two labourers died on the spot, three others and the doctor succumbed to their injuries subsequently, the officials said, adding that five people are undergoing treatment for injuries.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to track down the attackers, they said.

Top security officials, including Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, V K Birdi, have reached the spot to assess the situation.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the number of casualties in the attack may go up.

"The casualty figure from the Gagangir attack is not final as there are a number of injured labourers, both local and non-local. Praying that the injured make a full recovery as the more seriously injured are being referred to SKIMS, Srinagar," he said in a post on X.

Abdullah condemned the attack, which came barely four days after he was sworn in as the chief minister of the Union Territory.

"Very sad news of a dastardly and cowardly attack on non-local labourers at Gagangir in Sonamarg region. These people were working on a key infrastructure project in the area. 2 have been killed and 2-3 more have been injured in this militant attack. I strongly condemn this attack on unarmed innocent people and send my condolences to their loved ones," he said in another post on the microblogging platform.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha strongly condemned the heinous terror attack on civilians. "I assure the people that those behind this despicable act will not go unpunished. We have given full freedom to J&K Police, Army and security forces," Sinha said in a post on X.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the attack.

"Unequivocally condemn this senseless act of violence against two labourers in Ganderbal. Deepest condolences to their families," she said in a post on X before the officials revised the death toll in the incident.

In a post on X, People's Conference leader Sajad Gani Lone said: "Strongly condemn the dastardly act of terror wherein two persons have lost their lives in Sonamarg. This is an insane act of madness. My thoughts with these two families. May the perpetrators be brought to justice." Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra expressed grave concern over the attack and said such incidents will vitiate the atmosphere in the Union Territory. He urged the government to take immediate measures to prevent such brutal attacks on innocent labourers.

On Friday, the bullet-riddled body of a labourer from Bihar was found in Shopian district, officials said.

Source:telegraphindia.com

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Expect J&K Assembly to pass resolution for restoration of Article 370 in first session: NC MP Mehdi

20.10.24

National Conference leader Aga Ruhullah Mehdi has said that he expects the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly to pass a resolution for the restoration of Article 370 in its very first session.

"I expect that it (resolution on the restoration of Article 370) would be the first business. If not the first business, I expect the resolution will be passed in the first session (of the Assembly)," Mehdi, the Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar, said on 'X Space'.

"That is what I have committed myself to and I have full faith that the National Conference is also committed to it," he said.

Mehdi, who has been a vocal proponent of the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's special status that existed before August 5, 2019, said he does not feel there is a need to worry about the NC's stand on the issue.

"I don't see any signals that, God forbid, it will not happen. Based on my interactions (with party leaders) pre-election and post-election, there is no cause for worry.

"As you know, I am not part of the government or the legislative Assembly, I am in Parliament, but I will keep reminding them. We expect them to deliver on that," he said.

On the issue of the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley, the parliamentarian said an initiative needs to be taken on a societal level to ensure it.

"As far as the return of Kashmiri Pandits is concerned, my stand is unchanged. We have had some discussions with some KP (Kashmiri Pandit) friends in Delhi. We want to expand that initiative and in that, we need your help. We want to do something about it on the social level. You have seen the seriousness of the BJP over the past 10 years," he said.

"Let's, as a society, try to find a roadmap for the return of Kashmiri Pandit brethren," he added.

The Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday passed a resolution, urging the Centre to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir.

The resolution got the Lieutenant Governor's nod on Saturday and would now be sent to the Union government.

Source:telegraphindia.com

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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/expect-jammu-and-kashmir-assembly-to-pass-resolution-for-restoration-of-article-370-in-first-session-national-conference-leader-aga-ruhullah-mehdi/cid/2056986

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Europe

 

Criticism of mosque finally revealed as MEN uncovers secret Manchester Arena bomb report

ByJohn Scheerhout

 21 OCT 2024

Trustees of Didsbury Mosque 'did not have a formal method of controlling' literature which contained 'possibly extremist messages'. They also 'did not submit' a report to the Charity Commission about alleged links to 'an act of terrorism' after it was reported that the Manchester Arena bomber prayed there.

That's according to documents obtained by the Manchester Evening News following a long freedom of information battle.

The mosque was also told to ensure anyone using its 'Sharia Council', which provides rulings and advice to Muslims, 'are aware no ruling which it makes is legally binding', while it was also criticised for failing to record the suspension and reinstatement of an imam photographed wearing army fatigues in Libya.

The revelations are in an 'action plan' drawn up for the mosque, a registered charity, by the Charity Commission some 16 months after the 2017 suicide bombing at Manchester Arena which claimed 22 innocent lives and left hundreds more seriously injured.

The Charity Commission initially refused to provide its 2018 action plan to the M.E.N. following an application made under freedom of information legislation in March 2023, arguing disclosure would have a 'prejudicial and chilling effect' on dialogue with mosque trustees and 'seriously undermine' confidence in correspondence it has with the mosque remaining private. Only the first two pages of the 11-page action plan were made public at the subsequent Arena inquiry.

We took our case to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) arguing it was strongly in the public interest to release the 2018 action plan particularly following criticism in the public inquiry into the atrocity that mosque leaders had demonstrated 'wilful blindness' to extremism. During the watchdog's investigation the Charity Commission changed its position and agreed to release a redacted version of the action plan, which the ICO ordered the Charity Commission to release.

Arena families have praised the M.E.N. for its 'persistence' in obtaining the action plan and questioned whether the mosque has changed at all as its chairman - who was heavily criticised in the public inquiry - remains in post.

A controversial history

Suicide bomber Salman Abedi and his jailed accomplice brother Hashem attended Didsbury Mosque while their older brother Ismail, who has fled the country, volunteered in the mosque's Arabic school. Their father Ramadan had performed the call to prayer while their mother Samia Tabbal taught there briefly. The family also attended other mosques.

The third and final report of the public inquiry into the 2017 bombing, published in early 2023, concluded Didsbury Mosque was not an ‘active factor or cause’ in the radicalisation of suicide bomber Salman Abedi or brother Hashem. But leaders of the Burton Road venue had demonstrated ‘wilful blindness’ to highly-charged political debate at the mosque about the conflict raging in Libya before the atrocity, inquiry chairman Sir John Saunders concluded.

He criticised the ‘unreliable’ evidence of Fawzi Haffar, the chair of trustees at Didsbury Mosque, who he said 'tended to downplay the strength of the links between the mosque and the Abedi family'. He remains chair despite the criticism. By contrast Sir John praised the ‘generally truthful and reliable’ evidence of a liberal imam at the mosque, Mohammed El-Saeiti, who said in his evidence he was ostracised at the mosque after speaking out against radical Islam.

The action plan was drawn up by the Charity Commission following a two-day inspection of Didsbury Mosque carried out on August 9 and 10, 2018, some 16 months after the bombing. The plan made a series of criticisms and gave the trustees six months to address them. The Charity Commission says the actions suggested were 'complied with' by 2019.

The action plan pointed out that by law a charity that works with children or vulnerable groups 'must safeguard them from harm'. Among the potential harms referenced in the action plan is extremism. One of the mosque's stated aims is to provide education for children studying the Koran.

The action plant noted: "The current safeguarding policy only covers basic elements of safeguarding children and should be reviewed and enhanced." The mosque was told to appoint a 'designated safeguarding lead'.

'Sharia Court is not legally binding'

The mosque operates a 'Sharia Council' which provides advice and rulings to Muslims. But the action plan said the mosque trustees must ensure anybody using it 'are doing so voluntarily and are aware no ruling which it makes is legally binding'.

"The trustees should ensure that all safeguarding policies are implemented in the Sharia Court as they are in the rest of the Charity’s operations," said the action plan.

Charity Commission inspectors reviewed the mosque's written policy documents, including documents covering safeguarding, complaints, whistleblowing and anti-corruption. They found that 'not all policies had a review date' and some were 'out of date'. Some referred to the mosque as a 'company' even though it is a charity, according to the action plan, which also noted 'policies were too simplistic and lacking detail' and that 'responsibilities (are) not clearly defined'.

Inspectors found that 'key' policies concerning financial controls, 'speakers, events and literature', a 'code of conduct' and 'power to exclude individuals' were 'missing'.

The action plan said: "The trustees should review current policies and ensure that all have a defined review date, clear version marking and responsible individuals defined. The trustees should ensure that policies are regularly reviewed and updated as necessary. The trustees should also implement missing policies set out above, particularly financial controls policy."

Inspectors also noted that the mosque's 1986 'declaration of trust', a legal document which set up the charity, 'has not been updated for some time and is no longer fit for purpose'. The action plan said: "Recent disputes between trustees have exposed the shortcomings (of the declaration), particularly the lack of clarity regarding the appointment and removal of trustees."

The action plan referenced 'advice' the Charity Commission handed the trustees of the mosque in May 2018 which said they had 'not fully complied' with the mosque's declaration of trust and had 'enacted powers which were not specified'.

The action plan said it was 'counterproductive' for the mosque trustees to take on board views of a sub-group of its congregation, the General Activities Committee (GAC).

"Whilst it is right that the trustees are accountable to the beneficiaries of the Charity it is counterproductive to have a second ‘elected’ body operating within the Charity without any clear remit or recognised terms of reference," said the action plan.

The action plan went on: "Going forward the trustees should consider if such a group is necessary to act as a conduit for concerns or grievances to be brought to the trustees in a constructive way. If so, the trustees should clearly define its terms of reference and ensure that it is representative of all members and not a select few."

The Charity Commission inspectors also noted some mosque members had expressed 'confusion and concern' as the mosque owned 'several properties in addition to the main mosque which are held to generate income'. The action plan noted these properties were held in the names of individual trustees 'on trust' as the mosque, as a charity, 'cannot legally hold property in its own name'. The mosque has 'tangible assets' worth £2.6m, according to the latest available statement of its financial affairs from 2022.

The action plan suggested 'vesting the properties in the official custodian' until it progressed its plans to become an 'incorporated entity'. The trustees were told to inform the Charity Commission, in writing, of all the properties owned by the mosque and 'how ownership is reflected on with (sic) the land registry'.

The mosque was formally incorporated at Companies House under the name Manchester Community Centre Ltd as a 'charitable company' in July 2019, with Mr Haffar among the directors.

Charities must report serious incidents

Inspectors at the Charity Commission criticised the mosque for failing to record 'the suspension and reinstatement' of an imam at the mosque, Mustafa Graf, in 2017.

"The trustees must keep sufficient records to show their collective decision making, and retain these records for 6 years at a minimum," said the action plan.

Mr Graf, described to the M.E.N. in 2013 how he was captured and tortured in Libya by forces loyal to Colonel Gaddafi, who had been killed two years earlier during the Arab Spring uprisings, before managing to flee back to his home in Chorlton. He said he'd gone to Libya to visit family.

Pictures emerged after the Arena bombing of Graf in military fatigues in Libya but mosque leaders accepted his assertion it was to 'blend in' rather than fight.

Inspectors said charities were required to report 'serious incidents' including terrorism and extremism. They noted the mosque 'issued press statements and held a press conference stating the perpetrator had insignificant links with the charity' but that the trustees 'did not submit' a report of a serious incident to the Charity Commission 'regarding the alleged links between the Charity and an act of terrorism'.

The action plan states: "The trustees should read and understand the Commission's guidance in respect of reporting serious incidents and should, when necessary, report serious incidents to the Commission."

The inspectors noted that in the aftermath of the bombing 'it was alleged that leaflets with inappropriate and possibly extremist messages were distributed at the Charity’s premises at an open day', although they 'originated' from another organisation and weren't produced by the mosque.

"Whilst it is still unclear if the particular leaflet in question was ever distributed by the Charity it was clear that the trustees did not have a formal method of controlling literature available via the Charity and its library. The trustees identified this as a weakness," said the action plan, which recommended a new policy to check the distribution of material at the mosque.

Weeks after the bombing, an audience member on BBC Question Time waved an 'anti-western' leaflet he said he had been handed at the mosque during an open day. He read out an excerpt: "Living in a society in which people have accepted Western lifestyle as their way of life brings immorality to every step. Modesty, shame and honour have no place in Western civilisation."

'This should have been disclosed sooner - there are significant issues at stake'

Richard Scorer, a solicitor who represents the largest group of Arena families, said: "I commend the Manchester Evening News for its persistence in seeking disclosure of the Charity Commission action plan from 2018. Of course, this plan should have been disclosed much sooner – there are significant public interest issues at stake given the Arena bombing and a charity in effect gets a public subsidy through the tax system, so the public have a right to know what is going on and there should have been transparency from the outset.

"It is clear that serious problems were identified in the 2018 plan. However, although we are told that the issues identified in the action plan were addressed, because of the lack of transparency around this, we still don’t know exactly what action, if any, Didsbury mosque has taken since 2018 to tackle the issues raised. They should be open about this. We know that the chair of trustees at the mosque in 2018 remains as chair, despite the fact that he was heavily criticised in Sir John Saunders’ report. The fact that he remains in post despite these serious criticisms raises concerns that real change has not taken place.

"Proper and transparent regulation and oversight of charities is essential. We need to know a lot more about the current position before we can have confidence that this charity is operating as it should, and that the ‘wilful blindness’ towards extremism identified by Sir John has been addressed. I urge Didsbury Mosque to be transparent and tell us exactly what they’ve done and are doing now to tackle extremism so the community can be confident that all these issues are being properly addressed."

In a statement, the Islamic Centre Manchester, insisted 'no link has ever been established' between Salman Abedi's attack and the mosque although they accepted he was reported to have prayed there. The trustees insist there was nothing to report to the Charity Commission as his reported association with the mosque was 'already very much in the public domain'. The failure to record the suspension and reinstatement of Mustafa Graf was 'due to an oversight', according to the mosque. Moves to control leaflets 'from bad faith actors' had happened 'at many mosques', said the statement, which also criticised Mr Scorer as 'obsessed and hostile to Didsbury Mosque'.

On the front page it its website the mosque - a former Methodist church which is formally The Islamic Centre Manchester - maintains a link to a statement it made following the critical inquiry report which slams the 'misleading comments and smears' it alleges were made at the inquiry by a police counter terrorism boss and a barrister representing the largest group of families.

'Charities must learn from their mistakes and improve'

The Charity Commission confirmed it had recently 'concluded a compliance case into the charity' which it opened last year following the criticism in Sir John's report and that it 'made clear our criticisms of the charity's chair'.

A Charity Commission spokesperson said: “We have engaged extensively with The Islamic Centre (Manchester) to ensure the charity addresses shortcomings in its governance and management. We have made clear our concerns about the conduct of the charity’s Chair, finding that his statements and communications with the public inquiry exposed the charity’s reputation to undue damage and was evidence of misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration of the charity."

On the ICO's ruling, the spokeswoman added: "We regularly issue action plans to charities to ensure they take real action to learn from their mistakes and improve. These are not routinely disclosed.

"We issued an action plan to the trustees of The Islamic Centre (Manchester) in 2018 requiring them to improve their management and administration of the charity. We have had exchanges as we've monitored their compliance with it.

"We have now released additional information about that action plan, as doing so will not prejudice ongoing work. It is also relevant that we have previously disclosed relevant information to assist the inquiry into the Manchester Arena Bombing and that other information about the action we have taken is in the public domain. The ICO confirmed its agreement with this revised approach, and we’ve acted quickly to comply with its decision."

'We cannot know everyone who prays or if they have criminal intent'

The statement Didsbury Mosque sent to the Manchester Evening News said: "No link has ever been established between the mosque and Salman Abedi despite investigations by the Police, the security services, our independent internal investigations, the Charity Commission, and the Arena Inquiry. It is libellous to suggest otherwise. Abedi is reported to have come to pray at this mosque on a few occasions like thousands of other people every week who can say their prayers and leave, it is open to anyone to come and pray.

That is not evidence of a link. He had no link or role in our mosque. We cannot know everyone who prays or if they have criminal lifestyles or intent. Such simplistic assertions are not made about individuals just praying in other religious places of worship. We consider it Islamophobic to draw such a tenuous link to criminals who have simply prayed at a place of worship. We have seen with the recent riots what such loose/false assertions and linkages to a mosque in Southport can lead to.

"You have misunderstood the Serious Incident reporting requirement in this case. We were required to report the media reporting of the incident which was making all kinds of assertions and causing reputational damage to the mosque, to make the Commission aware of what was happening. There was no link of Salman Abedi to the mosque which we could have reported.

"We had already made a public statement stating he was reported to have prayed at the mosque a few times from the outset. Given huge media coverage with hundreds of media from all around the world and all kinds of investigations taking place, the Commission already knew about the incident, and we had issued a public statement, so we assumed we did not also need to make a formal report which seeks only basic information about an incident which were already very much in the public domain. We were told we still needed to do a formal incident report which we accept we did not do."

'Sharia marriages and divorces are not unusual'

On the advice suggested by the 2018 action plan regarding the mosque's Sharia Council, the statement went on: "The Charity Commission's Action Plan is from 2018 and is advice/guidance on legal requirements or advice on improvements, not evidence of wrongdoing. Where there is wrongdoing the Commission will normally investigate further and produce a report for the public.

"Most Charity Commission monitoring visits of charities lead to action plans for improvement, and it is one of the less serious forms of Commission interventions. We voluntarily provided the Action Plan to the Manchester Arena Inquiry at the outset, and it was available to the Chairman and his legal team who selected the relevant parts to the case and made it available to lawyers of the families, it was even referred to in the public proceedings, it is not secret or even new information.

"Our Sharia marriages and divorces provide religious legitimacy to marriages and do not replace legal civil marriages. It is known by most in the Muslim community that they are not legal marriages according to UK law. Usually, members of the community obtain Sharia marriages to fulfil religious conditions and then go on to have a civil marriage or divorce to comply with the law. Some mosques perform both at the same time. Administrators and Imams used to inform people of this verbally. The Commission's advice was not a finding of wrongdoing but a recommendation that we should put this in writing to those accessing this service, which was implemented. All other religious communities also perform religious marriages in their places of worship according to their tradition, it is not unusual."

'We are an open and transparent mosque'

On the failure to record the suspension and reinstatement of Mustafa Graf, the statement said: "The Police and Counter Terrorism cleared Mustafa Graf, and no action was taken i.e. he had not done anything wrong. The Mosque and Graf provided any information and assistance that was asked of them. MEN reported (sic) has previously also reported this. There was no wrongdoing, the reinstatement was made legally at a Board meeting but due to an oversight by the minute taker, the decision was not recorded in the written minutes."

On concerns in the 2018 action plan about the mosque's policy documents including its safeguarding policy, the statement said: "A Safeguarding policy was in place which was a legal requirement. We worked closely with the Manchester City Council safeguarding team. The matter relates to Madrasa children’s policy and not extremism or terrorism. The Commission recommended upgrading a policy which they do with many charities."

On the concern expressed about the GAC, the statement said: "This was not a political group, it was a user of services group to help improve services and plan activities, mainly consultative. The Commission pointed out that the group had no legal basis to make decisions."

On concerns expressed about the control of potentially extremist leaflets at the mosque, the statement said: "This is a recommendation of good practice from the Commission that they make to all mosques about the possibility of bad faith actors leaving leaflets not produced by mosques and to have some checks and controls in place. This has happened at many mosques."

The statement concluded: "The Action Plan and advice were completed a long time ago and we have given interviews on the media about improvements made since then. We do not think this warrants a news story as it is dated and nothing new, as you can see there is no evidence of anything to do with Salman Abedi or of extremism/terrorism. We are an open and transparent mosque that regularly invites the local community to open days and provides services such as food banks and aid to local people of all backgrounds and faiths.

"Sadly, some bad-faith actors take information out of context and use it for political propaganda for their purposes. We have been investigated and monitored since the tragic bombing (2017) by the Police, Counter Terrorism, and the Charity Commission, independent investigations we have been commissioned and interrogated by the Manchester Arena Inquiry. No evidence has been found of links to that incident or wrongdoing but only general improvements. Recommendations for improved management are not evidence of wrongdoing and can be found in all organisations."

Source:manchestereveningnews.co.uk

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I’ll stand for Russian president when Putin's gone, Navalny’s widow tells BBC

October 21, 2024

Katie Razzall

Yulia Navalnaya intends to be president of Russia, she tells me. She looks me straight in the eye. No hesitation or wavering.

This, like so many of the decisions she made with her husband, the opposition leader Alexei Navalny, is unambiguous.

Navalnaya knows she faces arrest if she returns home while President Putin is still in power. His administration has accused her of participating in extremism.

This is no empty threat. In Russia, it can lead to death.

Her husband, President Putin’s most vocal critic, was sentenced to 19 years for extremism, charges that were seen as politically motivated. He died in February in a brutal penal colony in the Arctic Circle. US President Joe Biden said there was "no doubt" Putin was to blame. Russia denies killing Navalny.

Yulia Navalnaya, sitting down for our interview in a London legal library, looks and sounds every inch the successor to Navalny, the lawyer turned politician who dreamt of a different Russia.

As she launches Patriot, the memoir her husband was writing before his death, Yulia Navalnaya restated her plans to continue his fight for democracy.

When the time is right, “I will participate in the elections… as a candidate,” she told the BBC.

“My political opponent is Vladimir Putin. And I will do everything to make his regime fall as soon as possible”.

For now, that has to be from outside Russia.

She tells me that while Putin is in charge she cannot go back. But Yulia looks forward to the day she believes will inevitably come, when the Putin era ends and Russia once again opens up.

Just like her husband, she believes there will be the chance to hold free and fair elections. When that happens, she says she will be there.

Her family has already suffered terribly in the struggle against the Russian regime, but she remains composed throughout our interview, steely whenever Putin's name comes up.

Her personal grief is channelled into political messaging, in public anyway. But she tells me, since Alexei's death, she has been thinking even more about the impact the couple's shared political beliefs and decisions have had on their children, Dasha, 23, and Zakhar, 16.

“I understand that they didn’t choose it”.

But she says she never asked Navalny to change course.

Her family has already suffered terribly in the struggle against the Russian regime, but she remains composed throughout our interview, steely whenever Putin's name comes up.

Her personal grief is channelled into political messaging, in public anyway. But she tells me, since Alexei's death, she has been thinking even more about the impact the couple's shared political beliefs and decisions have had on their children, Dasha, 23, and Zakhar, 16.

“I understand that they didn’t choose it”.

But she says she never asked Navalny to change course.

Yulia says: “When you live inside this life, you understand that he will never give up and that is for what you love him”.

Navalny was poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok in 2020.

He was flown to Germany for treatment and the German chancellor demanded answers from Putin’s regime.

Navalny worked with open-source investigators Bellingcat and traced the poisoning to Russia’s security service, the FSB.

He began writing his memoir as he recovered.

He and Yulia returned to Russia in January 2021 where he was arrested after landing.

Many ask why they returned.

“There couldn’t be any discussion. You just need to support him. I knew that he wants to come back to Russia. I knew that he wants to be with his supporters, he wanted to be an example to all these people with his courage and his bravery to show people that there is no need to be afraid of this dictator.

“I never let my brain think that he might be killed… we lived this life for decades and it’s about you share these difficulties, you share these views. You support him”.

After his jailing, Navalny continued his book in notebook entries, posts on social media and prison diaries, published for the first time. Some of his writing was confiscated by the prison authorities, he said.

Patriot is revealing - and devastating. We all know Navalny’s final chapter, which makes the descriptions of his treatment - and his courage in the face of it - even more poignant.

Navalny spent 295 days in solitary confinement, punished, according to the book, for violations including the top button of his fatigues being unbuttoned. He was deprived of phone calls and visits.

Yulia Navalnaya told me: “Usually, the normal practice is banishment just for two weeks and it's the most severe punishment. My husband spent there almost one year."

In a prison diary from August 2022, Navalny writes from solitary confinement:

It is so hot in my cell you can hardly breathe. You feel like a fish tossed onto the shore, yearning for fresh air. Most often, though, it is like a cold, dank cellar….. It is invariably isolated, with loud music constantly playing. In theory, this is to prevent prisoners in different cells from being able to shout to each other; in practice, it is to drown out the screams of those being tortured.

Navalnaya says she was prevented from visiting or speaking to her husband for two years before he died. She says Alexei was tortured, starved and kept in "awful conditions".

After his death, the US, EU and UK announced new sanctions against Russia. These included freezing the assets of six prison bosses who ran the Arctic Circle penal colony and other sanctions on judges involved in criminal proceedings against Navalny.

Yulia calls the reaction to his death by the international community “a joke” and urges them to be “a little less afraid” of Putin. She wants to see the president locked up.

“I don’t want him to be in prison, somewhere abroad, in a nice prison with a computer, nice food… I want him to be in a Russian prison. And it’s not just that - I want him to be in the same conditions like Alexei was. But it’s very important for me”.

The Russians claim Navalny died of natural causes. Yulia believes President Putin ordered the killing.

“Vladimir Putin is answering for the death and for the murder of my husband”.

She says the Anti-Corruption Foundation she now leads in her husband’s place already has “evidence” which she will reveal when they have “the whole picture”.

The book is as much a political work as a memoir, a rallying cry to anyone who believes in a free Russia. It is also being published in Russian, as an ebook and audiobook. But the publishers won’t send hard copies to Russia or Belarus, because they say they can’t guarantee the book would get through customs.

How many Russians will dare to buy it, even in electronic form, is unclear - and how much impact it could have remains questionable.

The message etched on every page is that Navalny never gave up. His arch wit shines through.

He says, in the punishment cell, he is getting “for free” the experience of staying silent, eating scant food and getting away from the outside world that “rich people suffering from a midlife crisis” pay for.

Only once does he share feeling “crushed”, during the hunger strike he undertook in 2021 in order to demand medical care from civilian doctors. “For the first time, I’m feeling emotionally and morally down,” he writes in one entry.

But Yulia says she never worried that he would actually be broken by the regime.

“I'm absolutely confident that is the point why finally they decided to kill him. Because they just realised that he will never give up”.

Even the day before he died, when he appeared in court, Navalny was filmed joking with the judge.

Yulia says laughter was his “superpower”.

“He really, truly laughed at this regime and at Vladimir Putin. That's why Vladimir Putin hated him so much”.

The writing is laced with a great deal of irony.

The book will sell better if he dies, Navalny writes:

Let’s face it, if a murky assassination attempt using a chemical weapon, followed by a tragic demise in prison, can’t move a book, it is hard to imagine what would. The book's author has been murdered by a villainous president; what more could the marketing department ask for?

In the end, Patriot is also a love story about two people fully committed to a cause they believed in.

A cause for which Yulia has now become the figurehead.

Source:bbc.com

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Decision time for two countries on future role in Europe

October 21, 2024

Two countries, Moldova and Georgia, are holding hold pivotal votes over the coming days that will decide their future path in Europe.

Both have felt the shadow of Russia’s war in Ukraine, and both are former Soviet republics.

While Moldova’s pro-EU president Maia Sandu is favourite to win and talks have begun on joining the European Union, the government in Georgia has been accused of “democratic backsliding” and turning away from Europe.

Moldova's twin vote

Moldovans are going to the polls on Sunday in a referendum on enshrining Moldova's path to EU membership in the constitution - alongside the presidential election.

A Yes vote would consolidate Moldova's status as a pro-Western, EU-facing country. It would also mean Moldova having to set out on a long path of democratic and judicial reforms to ensure it adheres to EU standards.

A survey last month suggested more than 63% of voters would back the Yes campaign. However, many in the pro-European camp have denounced what they say are Russian efforts to spread disinformation and influence the vote.

Moldova’s population is just over 2.5 million, while 1.2 million Moldovans live abroad.

Moldova’s incumbent president is Maia Sandu – the 52-year-old founder of the liberal Party of Action and Solidarity, who came to power in 2020 and is a committed pro-European.

She will face off against Alexander Stoianoglo, the former prosecutor general of Moldova who took many by surprise when he announced running for president in July.

He is supported by the pro-Russian Party of Socialists, whose leader is ex-president and popular opposition figure Igor Dodon.

Turnout on Sunday is predicted to be high – above 80%.

Recent polls suggest Sandu could win over 35% of the vote on Sunday, with Stoianoglo coming a distant second with 9%.

There are several other candidates, the majority of whom are pro-Russian. However, almost 30% of voters were still undecided, according to the polls.

If no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote, the presidential election will go to a run-off vote on 3 November.

Although Sandu should comfortably win both rounds, parliamentary elections next July look less positive for her party, which may have to work with less staunchly pro-EU forces if it wants to govern.

One figure who looms large over the election, although he is not a candidate, is Ilan Shor, a businessman and politician. His Shor Party was banned in Moldova last year following allegations of working with Russia to undermine Moldova’s security and constitutional order. Shor fled to Israel in 2019 after being convicted of fraud and money-laundering, and has recently been living in Russia.

He makes no secret of where his allegiances lie. In September, he offered money to convince “as many people as possible” to vote No or to abstain in the EU referendum.

Pro-European forces in Moldova have long warned of Russian interference in the election and referendum vote.

Russia still has a military base in the breakaway Moldovan region of Transnistria along Moldova's border with Ukraine, and there is also an autonomous Russian-speaking region called Gagauzia. The governor there, Eugenia Gutul, is an active supporter of Vladimir Putin and has been sanctioned by the EU for threatening Moldova's independence.

One Moldovan news website said the election campaign had been marred by Russia's "most slanderous, most violent and disruptive destabilisation campaign since the country's independence".

Authorities have linked some cases of vandalism and disinformation campaigns on social media to Shor and to his alleged Kremlin backers.

Last month, Moldova’s chief of police Viorel Cernauteanu said 130,000 Moldovans had received money transfers from Russia - amounting to $15m – as bribes to vote for Russia-friendly candidates and against the EU referendum.

On Thursday, Mr Cernauteanu alleged that dozens of Moldovans had recently travelled to Moscow, ostensibly to attend “cultural exchange programmes”, but actually receiving training to stir violence ahead of the elections.

The Kremlin maintains it "does not interfere in other people's affairs" and has accused Moldova's authorities of "denying many citizens a right to say that they support having good relations with Russia".

Georgia's pivotal vote

There is a lot of stake for Georgians when they vote in parliamentary elections on Saturday 26 October.

This country of 3.7 million people has become highly polarised - with the governing party, Georgian Dream, accused of dismantling civil society and adopting Russia-style laws.

Opposition parties, and Georgia's pro-Western president, have sought to frame this vote as a choice between Europe and Russia - a label firmly rejected by Georgian Dream.

It was only last December that Georgians were celebrating the EU granting their country official candidate status, with polls suggesting support from at least 80% of Georgians.

By the summer, the EU had frozen that process, because of a Russia-style “foreign influence law” that brought tens of thousands of protesters onto the streets of the capital Tbilisi.

The law requires media and NGOs with foreign funding to register as acting in the interest of a foreign power. Since then Georgian Dream has also enacted a law curbing LGBT rights.

The EU and US have all issued warnings against backsliding from democracy. The EU’s ambassador in Tbilisi has warned it could temporarily suspend its visa-free regime with Georgia if the vote is not deemed free and fair. US President Joe Biden pointedly withdrew a recent invite to a reception to Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.

Russia has accused the West of blatantly trying to put pressure on Georgia, denying that the Kremlin has itself has sought to do so.

But Georgian Dream maintains it is still on the path to joining the EU.

The prime minister promises a reset in relations with the West, and EU membership by 2030, as well as deepening co-operation with Nato.

The party has been in power since 2012, and if Georgian Dream wins a fourth consecutive election, party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire who made his fortune in Russia, has promised to ban opposition groups. But to do that they would need three-quarters of the seats in the 150-seat parliament to change the constitution.

The opposition itself is far from united, so while Georgian Dream has declined in popularity it still leads in the opinion polls.

Four opposition groups have a chance of securing the 5% of votes needed to get into parliament.

The biggest - United National Movement or UNM - is also considered the most divisive. Many voters still have bad memories of its nine years in power before Georgian Dream took office, so the other three opposition forces have shied away from forming a united front.

Coalition for Change, Strong Georgia and Gakharia for Georgia are all polling well but even if the four groups were to find common ground it might take months to form a government, clearing the way for a period of instability.

Although Georgians will be voting for the first time under a proportional representation system, seen by most parties as fairer, critics have complained that the party in power still maintains a grip on the media and controls the public space.

Since Georgia lost a short war with Russia in 2008, the two breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia which make up 20% of Georgian territory have been under effective Russian control.

Now, ahead of the election, the Kremlin has spoken of "normalising relations" with Tbilisi.

Georgia's government has avoided imposing sanctions on Russia, and used election posters to cast the vote as a choice between the devastation of the war in Ukraine or peace under Georgian Dream.

Source:bbc.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0e13yrg8ryo

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Germany and UK to sign ‘historic’ defense pact – Sunday Times

20 Oct, 2024

The UK and Germany will sign a bilateral defense agreement this week, paving the way for both nations to step up their military drills near Russia’s borders, The Sunday Times has reported.

Under the terms of the deal, Britain and Germany will cooperate on arms procurement and development, with the agreement serving as a “first step” for a larger deal between the UK and EU next year, the British newspaper reported.

The pact “is expected to enable British and German forces to conduct joint military exercises on NATO’s eastern border with Russia, most probably in Estonia and Lithuania,” The Times noted, without offering further explanation.

Britain and Germany already take part in NATO exercises, such as this year’s ‘Steadfast Defender’ drills. Conducted near Russia’s western borders, ‘Steadfast Defender’ involved 90,000 troops from all 32 NATO states, and was perceived in Moscow as open preparation for “a potential armed clash with Russia.”

In addition to these multilateral exercises, Germany already takes part in smaller-scale bilateral exercises, such as Germany’s ‘Grand Quadriga’ drills with Lithuania earlier this year, and its ‘Baltic Tiger’ maneuvers with Estonia in 2022. The Times’ article suggests that Britain could join these exercises once the new deal is signed.

British Defense Secretary John Healey told the newspaper that the deal is modeled on the 2010 Lancaster House agreement between the UK and France. Under this agreement, Britain and France pledge to create a joint expeditionary force to take part in military drills, to collaborate on developing drones and submarine technology, and to share nuclear-weapons data with each other.

During a two-day NATO summit in Brussels this week, Healey also announced that British troops stationed in Estonia will receive new drone warfare equipment and training, and that the UK will work with Germany, France, Poland and Italy to create new long-range missiles for Ukraine.

Source:rt.com

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South Asia

 

I’ll stand for Russian president when Putin's gone, Navalny’s widow tells BBC

October 21, 2024

Katie Razzall

Yulia Navalnaya intends to be president of Russia, she tells me. She looks me straight in the eye. No hesitation or wavering.

This, like so many of the decisions she made with her husband, the opposition leader Alexei Navalny, is unambiguous.

Navalnaya knows she faces arrest if she returns home while President Putin is still in power. His administration has accused her of participating in extremism.

This is no empty threat. In Russia, it can lead to death.

Her husband, President Putin’s most vocal critic, was sentenced to 19 years for extremism, charges that were seen as politically motivated. He died in February in a brutal penal colony in the Arctic Circle. US President Joe Biden said there was "no doubt" Putin was to blame. Russia denies killing Navalny.

Yulia Navalnaya, sitting down for our interview in a London legal library, looks and sounds every inch the successor to Navalny, the lawyer turned politician who dreamt of a different Russia.

As she launches Patriot, the memoir her husband was writing before his death, Yulia Navalnaya restated her plans to continue his fight for democracy.

When the time is right, “I will participate in the elections… as a candidate,” she told the BBC.

“My political opponent is Vladimir Putin. And I will do everything to make his regime fall as soon as possible”.

For now, that has to be from outside Russia.

She tells me that while Putin is in charge she cannot go back. But Yulia looks forward to the day she believes will inevitably come, when the Putin era ends and Russia once again opens up.

Just like her husband, she believes there will be the chance to hold free and fair elections. When that happens, she says she will be there.

Her family has already suffered terribly in the struggle against the Russian regime, but she remains composed throughout our interview, steely whenever Putin's name comes up.

Her personal grief is channelled into political messaging, in public anyway. But she tells me, since Alexei's death, she has been thinking even more about the impact the couple's shared political beliefs and decisions have had on their children, Dasha, 23, and Zakhar, 16.

“I understand that they didn’t choose it”.

But she says she never asked Navalny to change course.

Her family has already suffered terribly in the struggle against the Russian regime, but she remains composed throughout our interview, steely whenever Putin's name comes up.

Her personal grief is channelled into political messaging, in public anyway. But she tells me, since Alexei's death, she has been thinking even more about the impact the couple's shared political beliefs and decisions have had on their children, Dasha, 23, and Zakhar, 16.

“I understand that they didn’t choose it”.

But she says she never asked Navalny to change course.

Yulia says: “When you live inside this life, you understand that he will never give up and that is for what you love him”.

Navalny was poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok in 2020.

He was flown to Germany for treatment and the German chancellor demanded answers from Putin’s regime.

Navalny worked with open-source investigators Bellingcat and traced the poisoning to Russia’s security service, the FSB.

He began writing his memoir as he recovered.

He and Yulia returned to Russia in January 2021 where he was arrested after landing.

Many ask why they returned.

“There couldn’t be any discussion. You just need to support him. I knew that he wants to come back to Russia. I knew that he wants to be with his supporters, he wanted to be an example to all these people with his courage and his bravery to show people that there is no need to be afraid of this dictator.

“I never let my brain think that he might be killed… we lived this life for decades and it’s about you share these difficulties, you share these views. You support him”.

After his jailing, Navalny continued his book in notebook entries, posts on social media and prison diaries, published for the first time. Some of his writing was confiscated by the prison authorities, he said.

Patriot is revealing - and devastating. We all know Navalny’s final chapter, which makes the descriptions of his treatment - and his courage in the face of it - even more poignant.

Navalny spent 295 days in solitary confinement, punished, according to the book, for violations including the top button of his fatigues being unbuttoned. He was deprived of phone calls and visits.

Yulia Navalnaya told me: “Usually, the normal practice is banishment just for two weeks and it's the most severe punishment. My husband spent there almost one year."

In a prison diary from August 2022, Navalny writes from solitary confinement:

It is so hot in my cell you can hardly breathe. You feel like a fish tossed onto the shore, yearning for fresh air. Most often, though, it is like a cold, dank cellar….. It is invariably isolated, with loud music constantly playing. In theory, this is to prevent prisoners in different cells from being able to shout to each other; in practice, it is to drown out the screams of those being tortured.

Navalnaya says she was prevented from visiting or speaking to her husband for two years before he died. She says Alexei was tortured, starved and kept in "awful conditions".

After his death, the US, EU and UK announced new sanctions against Russia. These included freezing the assets of six prison bosses who ran the Arctic Circle penal colony and other sanctions on judges involved in criminal proceedings against Navalny.

Yulia calls the reaction to his death by the international community “a joke” and urges them to be “a little less afraid” of Putin. She wants to see the president locked up.

“I don’t want him to be in prison, somewhere abroad, in a nice prison with a computer, nice food… I want him to be in a Russian prison. And it’s not just that - I want him to be in the same conditions like Alexei was. But it’s very important for me”.

The Russians claim Navalny died of natural causes. Yulia believes President Putin ordered the killing.

“Vladimir Putin is answering for the death and for the murder of my husband”.

She says the Anti-Corruption Foundation she now leads in her husband’s place already has “evidence” which she will reveal when they have “the whole picture”.

The book is as much a political work as a memoir, a rallying cry to anyone who believes in a free Russia. It is also being published in Russian, as an ebook and audiobook. But the publishers won’t send hard copies to Russia or Belarus, because they say they can’t guarantee the book would get through customs.

How many Russians will dare to buy it, even in electronic form, is unclear - and how much impact it could have remains questionable.

The message etched on every page is that Navalny never gave up. His arch wit shines through.

He says, in the punishment cell, he is getting “for free” the experience of staying silent, eating scant food and getting away from the outside world that “rich people suffering from a midlife crisis” pay for.

Only once does he share feeling “crushed”, during the hunger strike he undertook in 2021 in order to demand medical care from civilian doctors. “For the first time, I’m feeling emotionally and morally down,” he writes in one entry.

But Yulia says she never worried that he would actually be broken by the regime.

“I'm absolutely confident that is the point why finally they decided to kill him. Because they just realised that he will never give up”.

Even the day before he died, when he appeared in court, Navalny was filmed joking with the judge.

Yulia says laughter was his “superpower”.

“He really, truly laughed at this regime and at Vladimir Putin. That's why Vladimir Putin hated him so much”.

The writing is laced with a great deal of irony.

The book will sell better if he dies, Navalny writes:

Let’s face it, if a murky assassination attempt using a chemical weapon, followed by a tragic demise in prison, can’t move a book, it is hard to imagine what would. The book's author has been murdered by a villainous president; what more could the marketing department ask for?

In the end, Patriot is also a love story about two people fully committed to a cause they believed in.

A cause for which Yulia has now become the figurehead.

Source:bbc.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

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Decision time for two countries on future role in Europe

October 21, 2024

Two countries, Moldova and Georgia, are holding hold pivotal votes over the coming days that will decide their future path in Europe.

Both have felt the shadow of Russia’s war in Ukraine, and both are former Soviet republics.

While Moldova’s pro-EU president Maia Sandu is favourite to win and talks have begun on joining the European Union, the government in Georgia has been accused of “democratic backsliding” and turning away from Europe.

Moldova's twin vote

Moldovans are going to the polls on Sunday in a referendum on enshrining Moldova's path to EU membership in the constitution - alongside the presidential election.

A Yes vote would consolidate Moldova's status as a pro-Western, EU-facing country. It would also mean Moldova having to set out on a long path of democratic and judicial reforms to ensure it adheres to EU standards.

A survey last month suggested more than 63% of voters would back the Yes campaign. However, many in the pro-European camp have denounced what they say are Russian efforts to spread disinformation and influence the vote.

Moldova’s population is just over 2.5 million, while 1.2 million Moldovans live abroad.

Moldova’s incumbent president is Maia Sandu – the 52-year-old founder of the liberal Party of Action and Solidarity, who came to power in 2020 and is a committed pro-European.

She will face off against Alexander Stoianoglo, the former prosecutor general of Moldova who took many by surprise when he announced running for president in July.

He is supported by the pro-Russian Party of Socialists, whose leader is ex-president and popular opposition figure Igor Dodon.

Turnout on Sunday is predicted to be high – above 80%.

Recent polls suggest Sandu could win over 35% of the vote on Sunday, with Stoianoglo coming a distant second with 9%.

There are several other candidates, the majority of whom are pro-Russian. However, almost 30% of voters were still undecided, according to the polls.

If no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote, the presidential election will go to a run-off vote on 3 November.

Although Sandu should comfortably win both rounds, parliamentary elections next July look less positive for her party, which may have to work with less staunchly pro-EU forces if it wants to govern.

One figure who looms large over the election, although he is not a candidate, is Ilan Shor, a businessman and politician. His Shor Party was banned in Moldova last year following allegations of working with Russia to undermine Moldova’s security and constitutional order. Shor fled to Israel in 2019 after being convicted of fraud and money-laundering, and has recently been living in Russia.

He makes no secret of where his allegiances lie. In September, he offered money to convince “as many people as possible” to vote No or to abstain in the EU referendum.

Pro-European forces in Moldova have long warned of Russian interference in the election and referendum vote.

Russia still has a military base in the breakaway Moldovan region of Transnistria along Moldova's border with Ukraine, and there is also an autonomous Russian-speaking region called Gagauzia. The governor there, Eugenia Gutul, is an active supporter of Vladimir Putin and has been sanctioned by the EU for threatening Moldova's independence.

One Moldovan news website said the election campaign had been marred by Russia's "most slanderous, most violent and disruptive destabilisation campaign since the country's independence".

Authorities have linked some cases of vandalism and disinformation campaigns on social media to Shor and to his alleged Kremlin backers.

Last month, Moldova’s chief of police Viorel Cernauteanu said 130,000 Moldovans had received money transfers from Russia - amounting to $15m – as bribes to vote for Russia-friendly candidates and against the EU referendum.

On Thursday, Mr Cernauteanu alleged that dozens of Moldovans had recently travelled to Moscow, ostensibly to attend “cultural exchange programmes”, but actually receiving training to stir violence ahead of the elections.

The Kremlin maintains it "does not interfere in other people's affairs" and has accused Moldova's authorities of "denying many citizens a right to say that they support having good relations with Russia".

Georgia's pivotal vote

There is a lot of stake for Georgians when they vote in parliamentary elections on Saturday 26 October.

This country of 3.7 million people has become highly polarised - with the governing party, Georgian Dream, accused of dismantling civil society and adopting Russia-style laws.

Opposition parties, and Georgia's pro-Western president, have sought to frame this vote as a choice between Europe and Russia - a label firmly rejected by Georgian Dream.

It was only last December that Georgians were celebrating the EU granting their country official candidate status, with polls suggesting support from at least 80% of Georgians.

By the summer, the EU had frozen that process, because of a Russia-style “foreign influence law” that brought tens of thousands of protesters onto the streets of the capital Tbilisi.

The law requires media and NGOs with foreign funding to register as acting in the interest of a foreign power. Since then Georgian Dream has also enacted a law curbing LGBT rights.

The EU and US have all issued warnings against backsliding from democracy. The EU’s ambassador in Tbilisi has warned it could temporarily suspend its visa-free regime with Georgia if the vote is not deemed free and fair. US President Joe Biden pointedly withdrew a recent invite to a reception to Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.

Russia has accused the West of blatantly trying to put pressure on Georgia, denying that the Kremlin has itself has sought to do so.

But Georgian Dream maintains it is still on the path to joining the EU.

The prime minister promises a reset in relations with the West, and EU membership by 2030, as well as deepening co-operation with Nato.

The party has been in power since 2012, and if Georgian Dream wins a fourth consecutive election, party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire who made his fortune in Russia, has promised to ban opposition groups. But to do that they would need three-quarters of the seats in the 150-seat parliament to change the constitution.

The opposition itself is far from united, so while Georgian Dream has declined in popularity it still leads in the opinion polls.

Four opposition groups have a chance of securing the 5% of votes needed to get into parliament.

The biggest - United National Movement or UNM - is also considered the most divisive. Many voters still have bad memories of its nine years in power before Georgian Dream took office, so the other three opposition forces have shied away from forming a united front.

Coalition for Change, Strong Georgia and Gakharia for Georgia are all polling well but even if the four groups were to find common ground it might take months to form a government, clearing the way for a period of instability.

Although Georgians will be voting for the first time under a proportional representation system, seen by most parties as fairer, critics have complained that the party in power still maintains a grip on the media and controls the public space.

Since Georgia lost a short war with Russia in 2008, the two breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia which make up 20% of Georgian territory have been under effective Russian control.

Now, ahead of the election, the Kremlin has spoken of "normalising relations" with Tbilisi.

Georgia's government has avoided imposing sanctions on Russia, and used election posters to cast the vote as a choice between the devastation of the war in Ukraine or peace under Georgian Dream.

Source:bbc.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0e13yrg8ryo

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Germany and UK to sign ‘historic’ defense pact – Sunday Times

20 Oct, 2024

The UK and Germany will sign a bilateral defense agreement this week, paving the way for both nations to step up their military drills near Russia’s borders, The Sunday Times has reported.

Under the terms of the deal, Britain and Germany will cooperate on arms procurement and development, with the agreement serving as a “first step” for a larger deal between the UK and EU next year, the British newspaper reported.

The pact “is expected to enable British and German forces to conduct joint military exercises on NATO’s eastern border with Russia, most probably in Estonia and Lithuania,” The Times noted, without offering further explanation.

Britain and Germany already take part in NATO exercises, such as this year’s ‘Steadfast Defender’ drills. Conducted near Russia’s western borders, ‘Steadfast Defender’ involved 90,000 troops from all 32 NATO states, and was perceived in Moscow as open preparation for “a potential armed clash with Russia.”

In addition to these multilateral exercises, Germany already takes part in smaller-scale bilateral exercises, such as Germany’s ‘Grand Quadriga’ drills with Lithuania earlier this year, and its ‘Baltic Tiger’ maneuvers with Estonia in 2022. The Times’ article suggests that Britain could join these exercises once the new deal is signed.

British Defense Secretary John Healey told the newspaper that the deal is modeled on the 2010 Lancaster House agreement between the UK and France. Under this agreement, Britain and France pledge to create a joint expeditionary force to take part in military drills, to collaborate on developing drones and submarine technology, and to share nuclear-weapons data with each other.

During a two-day NATO summit in Brussels this week, Healey also announced that British troops stationed in Estonia will receive new drone warfare equipment and training, and that the UK will work with Germany, France, Poland and Italy to create new long-range missiles for Ukraine.

Source:rt.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

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Attempted Murder Case: Complainant Doesn't KnowEminent Lawyer ZI Khan Panna

Oct 21, 2024

Eminent lawyer ZI Khan Panna, who backed the student protesters during the mass uprising, has been made an accused in a case over the attempted murder of a demonstrator in the capital.

Panna was among the Supreme Court lawyers who stood for a writ petitioner at the High Court on July 29, seeking orders to stop the use of bullets on the protesters.

He was also a member of a citizen's commission formed to investigate human rights violations and loss of lives during the protests.

Yet, the rights activist now finds himself among the 180 accused in the case filed with Khilgaon Police Station over the shooting of a protester.

The plaintiff, 52-year-old Mohammad Baker, sells vegetables on a rickshaw van in Banasree area. He filed the case on October 17 over the shooting of his son Ahadul Islam, 25.

Baker, however, said he did not know Panna and how his name ended up in the list of accused.

"A lawyer named Jashim and some other people made the list and I just signed the First Information Report [FIR]," Baker told The Daily Star over the phone yesterday.

"I wanted justice for my son. So, I sought their help to file the case," he said.

Baker added he had no details of lawyer Jashim. Several attempts by this newspaper to reach the lawyer failed.

According to the case statement, Ahadul and others were protesting near Meradia Bazar on July 19 afternoon when "many of the named accused along with other unnamed BGB, police personnel and Awami League leaders and activists opened fire at the behest of some other accused".

Ahadul suffered bullet wounds in the left leg and was beaten up as he fell on the ground, according to the case dossier. He later took treatment at multiple hospitals, Baker said in the FIR.

The other accused include Obaidul Quader, former road transport and bridges minister; Asaduzzaman Khan, former home minister; and Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, director general of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

Daud Hossain, officer-in-charge of Khilgaon Police Station, said they were investigating the case to check if the allegations were true.

Panna recently criticised the interim government on various issues, including Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus's remarks about a fresh start, and the cancellation of March 7 and several other national days. He also slammed the wholesale filing of murder cases across the country over killings during the uprising.

Talking about the case against him yesterday, Panna told reporters that he would fight the case legally as a lawyer.

He also said many might have been hurt by his direct criticism of some "mistakes" of the interim government. They could not tolerate the criticism and their feelings led to the filing of the case, said Panna.

Speaking to The Daily Star later, Panna said he had nothing to say about the "false case because he was wrongly implicated".

"I don't want to see anyone implicated in a false case…," he said.

Panna said he was against the quota system in government jobs all along, even before the students started the quota reform movement.

"I was connected to the movement until the end [of the AL regime] on August 5. Then why would I do such a thing [like being involved in the shooting on July 19] at Sheikh Hasina's directive?" asked Panna.

He sees his implication in the case as an ill attempt to shield the real culprits behind the incident.

The lawyer also said he filed a petition with the High Court, seeking anticipatory bail in the case. The court is set to hear the petition today.

Ain O Salish Kendra, of which Panna is the chairperson, and several other rights groups condemned the inclusion of Panna in the list of accused in the case.

Panna was one of the SC lawyers who stood by the six coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement when they were unlawfully detained by the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police for several days in late July.

The detectives were forced to release the coordinators on August 1.

Panna was a member of the National Mass Inquiry Commission formed by noted citizens on July 29 to probe gross violations of laws, human rights and loss of lives by the law enforcers during the mass protests.

The rights activist was one of the 30 lawyers who on July 21 issued a statement condemning the use of excessive and disproportionate force on the student protesters.

After the political changeover, he criticised the interim government for suspending an assistant commissioner in Lalmonirhat on October 7 because of her Facebook post slating the government.

Source:thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/zi-khan-panna-sued-murder-attempt-3731746

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Include members of private sectors in advisory council

Oct 21, 2024

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) yesterday raised concerns over the exclusion of the private sector from the interim government's advisory council and its insufficient involvement in ongoing policy reforms.

In a statement, TIB highlighted the critical role of the private sector in the economy and stressed the need for its active participation in the government's reform activities.

"Excluding this key sector makes it nearly impossible to establish a non-discriminatory and participatory development system, especially in labour reforms," the anti-graft watchdog said.

TIB called for the inclusion of private sector representatives in the advisory council, arguing that their participation is essential for ensuring comprehensive policy reforms.

The organisation also urged the formation of a commission to develop a "Business Integrity Strategy" aimed at enhancing transparency within the private sector.

TIB referred to media reports stating that the government plans to establish four reform commissions focused on health, media, labour, and women's rights in the second phase of its reform initiatives.

While welcoming these efforts, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman cautioned against the risk of corporate power being captured by a subset of the private sector, leading to corruption, money laundering, and collusion with political and bureaucratic actors.

"It is impossible to achieve meaningful results without the involvement of the private sector, which plays a crucial role in driving the economy and employment. Excluding them undermines efforts to build a fair and discrimination-free Bangladesh," Iftekharuzzaman said.

He emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in the private sector, warning that the exploitative system established through collusion between the previous authoritarian government and certain private sector actors had stifled economic potential.

To prevent future economic disorder, he urged the government to formulate a roadmap for reform and implement a Business Integrity Strategy within the private sector.

TIB also called for the formation of a special commission to oversee these efforts.

Praising the government's initiative to reform financial, social, and political structures, Iftekharuzzaman said these steps are crucial in preventing the return of authoritarianism.

However, he expressed concern that the reform agenda overlooks the private sector, which is the largest contributor to employment in the country.

"Reforming the private sector and ensuring its participation in the ongoing reforms is essential. Without it, addressing market disorder and restoring economic stability will be extremely challenging," he added.

Source:thedailystar.net

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Task force formed to recover laundered money: finance adviser

 Oct 20, 2024

The interim government's priority is to recover laundered money, said Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed today.

"A task force has been formed, and there is also a committee," he said, while talking to reporters after the advisory committee meeting on public procurement at the secretariat.

Highlighting the assistance needed to recover the laundered money, he mentioned the need for specific information in this regard.

"The governor of Bangladesh Bank went to Washington. We are going there too. Some help will come from there," he hoped.

Responding to questions regarding the time frame within which the laundered money will be recovered, the adviser said, "This money has been smuggled over a long period of time. It is not possible to determine the timeframe for their revival for the time being."

He also noted the rise in prices of vegetables and other essentials and promised that things will be under control soon.

"Vegetables are seasonal crops. We hope things will change in the coming days," he mentioned, adding that the government is selling goods in the open market.

He mentioned efforts by government agencies and private organisations to mitigate price-hike issues.

Source:thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/task-force-formed-recover-laundered-money-finance-adviser-3731961

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Iran calls on UN to increase budget for Afghan refugees

By Fidel Rahmati

October 20, 2024

 Naderyar Ahmadi, head of the Migration Affairs Department of Iran’s Ministry of Interior, has called on the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to increase its budget due to the many Afghan refugees in Iran.

He made these remarks on Saturday, October 19, in Geneva, during a meeting with Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

Ahmadi pointed out that the UNHCR has not adequately addressed the needs of Afghan refugees in Iran and emphasized that resettling vulnerable refugees in third countries remains one of Iran’s priorities.

According to the Iranian official, reducing the UNHCR budget for refugees in Iran has caused significant problems, including challenges in the educational system.

Iran’s request for UN support comes at a time when pressure on Afghan refugees in the country has been increasing in recent months.

Reports indicate that hundreds of Afghan refugees in various cities across Iran have been banned from working, studying, and participating in other activities.

Despite this, Iran continues to deport hundreds of Afghan refugees daily back to Afghanistan.

Currently, more than 2.5 million Afghan refugees are living in Iran illegally, according to official statistics.

The dire situation for Afghan refugees in Iran, coupled with the country’s ongoing deportations, underscores the urgent need for international assistance and intervention to address the humanitarian challenges faced by these displaced individuals.

Source:khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/iran-calls-on-un-to-increase-budget-for-afghan-refugees/

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Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Supports Partner Institutions

2024-10-20

KABUL(BNA): In a meeting today, Sunday Mawlavi Abdul Kabir, the deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs, affirmed the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to supporting partner institutions operating in Afghanistan.

The meeting took place with the head of Shelter No International Institute and several of its foreign staff.

During the discussion, the president of Shelter Now International highlighted the organization’s recent efforts to assist impoverished communities across multiple provinces. However, he also raised concerns regarding challenges faced in their operations.

In response, Mawlavi Abdul Kabir assured the representatives that the government would work to address these issues, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in improving the lives of those in need.

The commitment signals a continued partnership between the Islamic Emirate and international organizations focused on humanitarian aid.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/islamic-emirate-of-afghanistan-supports-partner-institutions/

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North America

 

Group OfAmerican-Muslims Announces Support For Kamala, Walz

 October 21, 2024

KARACHI: A group of American-Muslims has announced support for Democrat Kamala Harris for the upcoming election of US president and her running mate Tim Walz.

According to a statement on Sunday, the group said that as Americans they believe national security must be grounded in integrity and truth and their leaders must foster an America that gives “to bigotry no sanction”.

They said that the upcoming election presents a clear choice: a future that engages all Americans and promotes prosperity, peace, and democracy, or one that divides, eliminates freedoms, and thrives on chaos and dishonesty.

“As American-Muslims, who have served our country in and out of government, in both Democratic and Republican administrations, we believe in a foreign policy that strengthens alliances, defends human rights, and supports democracy — making America stronger,” said the statement signed by several figures representing various fields.

“While we may have policy differences with Vice President Harris and [Minnesota] Governor Walz, they offer the best path forward. They understand that America’s strength lies in honouring commitments, standing up to despots, defending freedom, promoting peace, and uniting people. By contrast, former President [Don] Trump will undermine alliances, align with autocrats, subvert truth, and promote opportunities only for the few.”

“We support Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz to lead this nation forward,” said the group, including Shuja Nawaz,

founding Director of the South Asia Centre, Atlantic Council, adding “We call on all Americans to join us in voting for them this November, ensuring a future where unity prevails, and national security is in the hands of responsible leaders who will keep us safe.”

Source:dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1866594/group-of-american-muslims-announces-support-for-kamala-walz

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Gardaí disrupt Islamist fundraising drive in Ireland

, 20 OCT, 2024

Garda anti-terror units are beginning the process of examining digital devices and documentation that was seized — along with over €100,000 in cash in various currencies — in an operation targeting Islamist fundraising activity in Ireland.

Security sources said the amount of cash seized indicates that the group targeted was engaged in “substantial” fundraising.

The operation was led by the Garda Special Detective Unit (SDU) and was assisted in their searches last Friday by officers from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).

Three homes in the southern and eastern parts of the country were targeted in what is described as an “evidence gathering” phase of the investigation.

It is part of an international operation comprising several countries and Europol, the EU police agency.

In a statement, Garda HQ said searches were carried out of three homes in the Garda Southern Region and Eastern Region.

“[This was] part of an investigation into suspected Terrorist Financing offences contrary to the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act, 2005," it said.

“The searches were led by the Special Detective Unit, supported by the Garda National Immigration Bureau and local Garda resources.”

The statement said: “In excess of €100,000 cash in various currencies has been seized, along with electronic devices and documentation.

It said this is “an evidence-gathering phase” of the investigation and that no arrests have been made yet and that investigations are ongoing.

It added: “The investigation is part of, and being supported by, international law enforcement and Europol.”

Sources said the amount of cash seized, and the fact it was made up of various currencies, indicated a “substantial” operation.

Investigators are hoping an examination of documents and mobile phones might provide important information.

They may establish how much money has previously been raised by the group.

The Garda security service has previously warned of an upswing in terrorist financing investigations, mostly related to Islamist fundraising.

A special section was set up within the SDU six years ago and is dealing with, on average, 60 cases a year.

There has been concern internationally at an expanding network — known as Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) — and the resurgence of the original Islamic State, based in Syria.

Source:irishexaminer.com

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https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41499545.html

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CIA cut-out linked writer mocked for ‘Trump is Hitler’ hit-piece

20 Oct, 2024

The Atlantic magazine and its staff writer Anne Applebaum have faced widespread criticism after publishing an op-ed that compares former US President Donald Trump to infamous dictators such as Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Benito Mussolini.

The article, which claims Trump is borrowing rhetoric from some of the 20th century’s most notorious leaders, has been ridiculed online, particularly by pro-Trump commenters and political figures. Some have also drawn attention to Applebaum’s links to the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a CIA cut-out.

The controversy erupted after Applebaum, a member of the board of NED, argued that Trump’s use of terms such as “vermin” to describe his opponents and his references to “criminal illegal immigrants as animals” echoed the dehumanizing language of the named dictators. The headline of her article – ‘Trump Is Speaking Like Hitler, Stalin, and Mussolini’ – ignited a flurry of backlash.

The Trump campaign dismissed the piece as “fake news by a third-rate media outlet,” while figures on social media openly mocked Applebaum and the magazine. Among the first to respond was journalist Glenn Greenwald, who commented, “When you spend eight years calling a person every bad name you can think of – including Hitler – and it doesn’t work, so you desperately decide to call him all the bad names at once.”

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, also ridiculed the piece, responding with “I can’t stop laughing.” British conservative commenter Ben Kew chimed in as well, mocking The Atlantic’s editorial process: “I love the idea that the editors sat around and thought, ‘Let’s come up with a headline for Anne Applebaum’s piece that will really scare the average voter.’”

Critics of Applebaum also pointed to her connections to the NED, a government-funded organization with links to US intelligence operations. Some, including journalist Mike Benz, accused her of pushing a pro-intelligence agenda. “Anne Applebaum is on the board of directors for the most notorious CIA cut-out in US history,” Benz stated, suggesting her opinion pieces often align with US national security interests.

NED is funded by the US State Department to do, in the words of its founder, Carl Gershman, what “was done covertly 25 years ago by the CIA.” In recent years, the NED has helped foment the 2014 Maidan coup in Ukraine, sponsored meetings of anti-Beijing officials and delegates in Taiwan, and financed a UK-based organization working to drive right-wing American news outlets out of business.

Applebaum’s published opinions and those of the US national security state rarely diverge. Writing for The Atlantic, she has advocated regime change in Russia, accused Trump of planning to “abandon” Ukraine and NATO, and accused Musk of “weakness” and “arrogance” over his refusal to help Kiev’s forces guide kamikaze drones into Russian naval targets in Crimea.

Despite her prominent role at NED, she has denied any personal links to the CIA. Nonetheless, critics highlight the close alignment of her views with US foreign policy initiatives.

The Atlantic has yet to respond to the widespread backlash against the article.

Source:rt.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.rt.com/news/605989-atlantic-applebaum-trump-hitler/

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Pakistan

 

Police break up Karachi rally against ‘enforced disappearances’

Imtiaz Ali

October 21, 2024

KARACHI: Police on Sunday picked up several activists when a large number of people tried to go to the Karachi Press Club (KPC) to protest against cases of enforced disappearances in Balochistan and the metropolis.

The protesters, belonging to several organisations, including Baloch Yakjehti Committee, Voice for Missing Persons, etc, holding a banner inscribed with ‘Ending silence on enforced disappearances’, gathered near Zainab Market.

They tried to march on the KPC but all roads leading to the venue were closed and contingents of police did not allow them to proceed further.

The traffic police closed M.R. Kiyani Road from Fawara Chowk, a portion of Aiwan-i-Saddar Road and Sarwar Shaheed Road up to the KPC for ‘security’ reasons.

Sammi Deen Baloch, leader of protesters, told media on the occasion that a “large number of persons had gone missing in parts of Balochistan and Karachi recently”.

She claimed that from Karachi only, nine Baloch students had been taken away whose whereabouts were not known.

She added that the KPC had become a dargah (shrine) for all kinds of protesters where they record their grievances over a host of issues but that day, all roads leading to it had been closed.

She said that they were unarmed citizens just carrying pictures/portraits of missing persons and wanted to lodge their protest but they were prevented from doing so.

She said they did not want any ‘tussle’ with law enforcers and only wanted to exercise their constitutional and legal right of peaceful protest.

Meanwhile, the BYC in a statement claimed that the police resorted to ‘baton charge’ to disperse protesters and took away several of them, including the BYC central deputy organizer Wahab Baloch.

However, DIG-South Syed Asad Raza told Dawn that the police did not resort to lathi charge. He said that the police handled the protest in a ‘better way’. However, he admitted that five people had been detained.

KPC slams police action

Meanwhile, Karachi Press Club president Saeed Sarbazi, secretary Shoaib Ahmed, and members of the governing body condemned the police for closing off roads leading to the Karachi Press Club, calling it an attack on democratic freedom and right of free speech.

The president stated that the press club had a proud history dating back to 1958 and it had always championed the cause of press freedom and democracy and raised voice for the marginalised and the oppressed.

“Any attempt to restrict individual or collective rights to protest by blocking access to the press club will be met with strong condemnation. The actions of the Sindh government and law enforcement mirror those of a dictatorial regime. The use of Section 144 to justify blocking roads is completely unacceptable. The governor and chief minister of Sindh must urgently address this critical issue,” says a press statement issued by the press club management.

Source:dawn.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.dawn.com/news/1866551/police-break-up-karachi-rally-against-enforced-disappearances

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PTI warns MNAs who backed constitutional amendment

By Web Desk

October 21, 2024

Warning of repercussion, senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser stated on Monday that the independent candidates belonging to his party, who supported the controversial constitutional amendment in the National Assembly, had committed treachery against both the party and Imran Khan, the party's founder.

A few independent PTI-backed members of the National Assembly (MNAs) provided vital support for the government to secure 225 of the 224 votes needed to amend the Constitution.

Mubarak Zeb, Usman Ali, Aurangzeb Khichi and Zahoor Qureshi were the PTI-endorsed independent MNAs who voted in the tweak's favour, while Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q)'s Chaudhry Ilyas also supported the legislation.

Under the judicial reforms passed during a late-night session of parliament, the chief justice of Pakistan will now be selected by a parliamentary committee and have a fixed term of three years. A new constitutional bench will also be formed.

"Those who voted [in favour of the bill] have committed treachery against the party and its founder," said Qaiser during a media talk.

mphasising that the votes cast were not in line with the party policy, Qaiser, a former speaker of the lower house, stated: "These were not their votes, they were votes for the founder of PTI."

He accused the government of ignoring parliamentary rules and procedures in pushing through the bill. "The government did not adhere to the proper rules and processes for this bill," he claimed.

The former speaker of the National Assembly further alleged that what transpired in the Parliament was unconstitutional and that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was not given proper representation in the Senate.

"What happened was unconstitutional, and there is no representation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the Senate," he added.

Qaiser condemned the tactics used by the government, accusing them of forcibly buying loyalties. "It's shameful that they think they have done something democratic or legal by forcibly buying loyalties," he remarked.

Calling for public action, he urged the nation to raise its voice against this betrayal. "I hope the nation will raise a strong voice," Qaiser said, while affirming that PTI will follow Imran's directives moving forward.

"We will continue our protest and make it even more effective," he added.

Qaiser announced that PTI no longer recognises the current assembly, calling it a "fake assembly" without the mandate of the people. "This assembly does not have the public’s mandate, and we do not consider its legislation valid," he asserted.

He also warned of legal action against those who showed disloyalty to the party. "There will be legal action against those who showed weakness," he said, adding that Zain Qureshi did not vote, and Shah Mahmood Qureshi is making sacrifices for the party.

Qaiser appealed to the public to boycott the dissident members, stressing that PTI would conduct a full inquiry and take action against those involved. "The party will carry out a complete inquiry, and those found guilty will face action," he concluded.

Source:thenews.com.pk

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1242341-pti-warns-mnas-who-backed-constitutional-amendment

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PTI stance leaves many scratching their heads

Ikram Junaidi

 October 21, 2024

ISLAMABAD: The PTI has chided the government for its “ulterior motives” behind the 26th Consti­tutional Amend­ment and announced protests against the legislation.

A statement, issued by a party spokesperson after the Senate passed the amendments with four votes against the bill cast by PTI and its allies, was in stark contrast to the remarks made earlier on Sunday by the PTI chairman, who said his party had “no objections” to the final draft but would not vote for it in parliament.

Gohar Ali Khan spoke to the media in the afternoon after what was probably the last of his numerous visits to the residence of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman for deliberations on the constitutional amendments.

“Our leader Imran Khan will always have the final say on party decisions, so we act on his instructions and recommendations,” the PTI chairman said, adding Mr Khan had instructed the party to have more consultations before voting “since this legislation is so serious”.

“Given that we have no time for further consultations, as well as all the delays, how the bill was processed and how our MNAs and senators were harassed and intimidated, the PTI cannot vote for this bill,” Mr Gohar declared.

When the Senate session began, some PTI senators were present in the house.

PTI’s parliamentary leader in Senate, Barrister Ali Zafar, said only four to five members are present as the rest were afraid that “they’d be coerced to vote in favour of the amendment”. He expressed appr­e­hension that some PTI members might be “brought” to the house to vote in favour of the amendment.

However, that didn’t happen, as only four members on the opposition benches first voted against the motion to table the bill and then against the amendments, which were passed after getting the required two-thirds vote.

PTI lawmakers ‘untraceable’

Earlier, in a video message, former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser said it was “unfortunate” that the PTI founding chairman was imprisoned and not allowed to meet anyone.

He alleged that MNAs and their families were being threatened when the house of one PTI member was bulldozed. PTI leaders also claimed on Sunday that some of their lawmakers were untraceable.

PTI central leader Omar Ayub Khan said they were unable to contact seven lawmakers, while Mr Gohar put the number at two. Both didn’t name any of the lawmakers.

However, sources confirmed that as many as 11 members of both houses were missing since Sunday morning.

Of them, nine were National Assembly members and two senators. According to sources, the “missing” legislators included MNAs Zain Qureshi, Zahoor Hussain Qureshi, Muhammad Aslam Ghumman, Usman Ali, Riaz Fatyana, Muhammad Miqdad Ali Khan, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Mubarak Zeb and Muhammad Ilyas Choudhary. The two senators were Faisal Saleem and Zarqa Suharwardy.

Reaction to amendment

In a statement, the PTI spokesperson claimed the 26th Constitutional Amendment was passed by a house that was “not a representative of people”.

The statement said it was a “Black Day” and announced plans to start a movement against the amendment.

“The goal of the amendment is nothing but to protect those who have been brought into the government through forgery.”

The doors of politics have been closed on PTI, Imran Khan and 240 million people of Pakistan. The independence of the judiciary has been curtailed, and the court has been made a tool that will act on the government’s directions,“ the PTI spokesperson added.

The aim of this legislation is to “stop the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court from becoming chief justice,” the statement said while referring to Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, who, before the amendment, was set to become the top judge after the incumbent’s retirement later this month. “It is unfortunate that the government ran from pillar to post to pass the amendment, but it has done nothing for the people of Pakistan and will not lessen their woes.”

The judiciary, which the PTI spokesperson called the only frontier of resistance “has been removed from the way of powers that be”.

The legislation to nominate one of the top three SC judges as the chief justice will make the judges “a tool of the government”.

Source:dawn.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.dawn.com/news/1866537/pti-stance-leaves-many-scratching-their-heads

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Will file reference against ‘defectors’, says Mengal

Kalbe Ali

 October 21, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Sardar Akhtar Mengal, the head of his own faction of the Balochistan National Party (BNP-M), has announced his intention to file a reference seeking the disqualification of two senators who voted in favour of the 26th Constitution Amendment Bill, in violation of the party line.

BNP-M senators Muhammad Qasim and Naseema Ehsan had voted in support of the bill, enabling the ruling coalition to complete its numbers in the upper house of the parliament.

Talking to Dawn soon after the passage of the amendment bill from the Senate, Mr Mengal alleged that he was expelled from the visitors’ gallery and the members’ lobby of the Senate by the sergeant-at-arms before the start of the voting process so that he could not meet the two party dissidents.

He said he had gone to the Senate just to have an eye contact with the two senators and in an effort to at least make them feel embarrassed, but security officials told him that he could not sit in the gallery and the lobby as per the directives of Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani.

The move appears to be part of extra security measures taken by the government ahead of the crucial vote in both houses of parliament, on Sunday.

Earlier, reports suggested that unidentified men had allegedly abducted the husband and a son of Naseema Ehsan from Parliament Lodges. During the Senate session on Oct 17, when the opposition members criticised the government for alleged harassment, Ms Ehsan took the floor, but she was so disturbed that she found it difficult to narrate details and just said: “The sanctity of chador and chaar diwari had been violated”.

Before the start of the Senate session, a video clip went viral on social media, showing security officials bringing BNP-M’s Muhammad Qasim, who had been missing for the past few days, to the house on a wheelchair.

“This is not an assembly, but a circus where everybody is dancing to the whip,” said Mr Mengal while declaring that he would not attend the NA sitting during the vote on the amendment bill since he had already resigned.

Source:dawn.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.dawn.com/news/1866578/will-file-reference-against-defectors-says-mengal

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Senators berate PTI for opposing amendment

Iftikhar A. Khan

October 21, 2024

• Ali Zafar says current draft allows govt to install judges of its choosing

• Dar claims follow-up amendments to CrPC in the pipeline

• ANP’s Aimal Wali says Pakistan needs judges like Qazi Faez Isa

• MWM senator says legislation becomes questionable when people are abducted, harassed for its sake

ISLAMABAD: Taking part in the debate in the Senate on the 26th Constitution Amendment Bill 2024, senators from the ruling coalition criticised the PTI for not becoming a part of the exercise to introduce essential amendments to the Constitution.

However, the party’s leader in the upper house, Barrister Ali Zafar, said there were several reasons why they had chosen not to become a part of this legislation.

“We were not given the opportunity to consult the founder PTI. There are some clauses in the current draft which are a big stain on democracy and a very serious flaw in it. There are those that will cause us irreparable harm in the future, which will be impossible to change,” he said, adding that most of the points in the current draft would allow the government to appoint judges of its own choice.

He expressed the fear that their “abducted comrades will be presented in the House for the constitutional amendment, who will vote by force or for any other reason.”

“Voting after forcing, beating and abducting people is not consensual, the manner in which the constitutional amendment is being done is not only a crime but also against religious values,” he argued.

Speaking in the Senate, Leader of the House Ishaq Dar said the passage of the constitutional package would be followed by reforms in the criminal justice system, adding that around 100 amendments would be introduced to the 150-year-old Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to ensure cheap and speedy justice.

“What we did today, was to me a curtain-raiser. Our real contribution will be to improve the CrPC as there is a great room for this,” he said while speaking after the House adopted the 26th constitutional amendment bill.

Mr Dar, who is also the deputy prime minister, explained that the amendments would include ensuring early filing and hearing of an appeal or a writ and the courts would be time-bound to decide them.

He said it was the unfinished agenda of the Charter of Democracy that had been fulfilled, which was signed on May 14, 2006 and later almost all others, including Imran Khan, had endorsed it.

PPP parliamentary leader Sherry Rehman said the amendment was not an attack on any institution and that her party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari demonstrated exemplary leadership throughout this process by ensuring the inclusion of lawyers and civil society, thereby broadening the scope of consultation.

During her speech, Senator Reh­man raised concerns over the current state of the judiciary and asked if the country’s judicial system was not broken. Globally, judges do not decide their own appointments, she said.

JUI-F’s Maulana Attaur Rehman invited PTI members to side with them, as they had got several controversial amendments removed from the package. “We achieved 80-90 per cent through negotiations and if someone sticks to achieving 100pc, then it is better for him to quit politics,” he remarked.

ANP chief Aimal Wali Khan said Pakistan needed judges like Qazi Faez Isa, adding that the country did not need a ‘Lahore Group’. “We are proud that we have stopped the appointment of judges like Saqib Nisar, Justice Gulzar and Justice Khosa in the future,” he maintained.

He accused the PTI of not being serious during the special committee meetings and alleged they would oppose whatever amendments were brought by PML-N.

MQM leader Faisal Sabzwari said that pro-people legislation would help resolve their issues and pointed out that if there would be a separate mechanism (bench) for constitutional and political issues, then the Supreme Court would be able to take up cases of common man.

MWM Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said parliament had the right to amend the Constitution, but it becomes questionable when people are abducted and harassed to get it done. He said if there was a consensus on the amendments, then no one would have objected.

Source:dawn.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.dawn.com/news/1866577/senators-berate-pti-for-opposing-amendment

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PTI plans protests outside homes of ‘turncoats’, if any

Mansoor Malik

 October 21, 2024

LAHORE: Well before the 26th constitutional amendment was put to vote in Senate, the PTI announced it would hold protests outside the residences of those who would defy party policy by voting in favour of the 26th constitutional amendment.

However, the government managed to pass the 26th Amendment bill in Senate, without requiring the votes of PTI members.

PTI’s Punjab chapter information secretary Shaukat Basra earlier declared that any party senator or MNA who supported the amendment would be considered a “traitor”, both in Pakistan and abroad.

He said such individuals would be treated like former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Basra likened such figures to dictators ranging from the Pharaoh to Pervez Musharraf, all of whom were proud to have absolute authority, thought that they would stay forever and unleashed fascism, but eventually, they all were eliminated. “Whatever fascism is happening in Pakistan, the people will witness its end as well,” he said. “We reject the 26th army constitutional amendment.”

In a separate tweet, Mr Basra said traitors had no compulsion as they sold their conscience. “When the PTI senators and MNAs will come to vote for the 26th amendments, they will not come at gunpoint nor be able to say they were kidnapped,” he stated.

After the government successfully passed the amendment in the Senate, Mr Basra questioned what further harm could come after its approval, alleging that the establishment had already imposed martial law.

He called on the PTI leadership to rally, stating that real freedom could never be achieved without coming out on the roads. He said PTI founding chairman Imran Khan “should give a decisive call for the party’s march towards Adiala Jail”.

Commenting on the amendment clauses, Mr Basra accused the establishment of seeking control over the judiciary to appoint judges who would serve their interests by violating the Constitution and the law. He alleged that the amendment was designed to secure the current government’s tenure and facilitate the continued victimisation of PTI and its founder.

In yet another tweet, he alleged that the establishment, with the backing of the Sharif and Zardari families and other “political orphans”, had taken control of the judiciary, desecrating the Cons­titution, the law and democracy.

PTI’s Punjab chapter acting president Hammad Azhar alleged that the government was in a hurry to take control of the Supreme Court after the retirement of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa in an attempt to conceal the “farce” of the February 2024 elections.

Meanwhile, PTI workers have expressed frustration, asking how they can oppose the “unconstitutional amendments” when the party leaders were in hiding and failed to participate in protests. They noted that the government had successfully crushed demonstrations, rendering the party’s protest campaign ineffective.

Source:dawn.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.dawn.com/news/1866579/pti-plans-protests-outside-homes-of-turncoats-if-any

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Mideast

 

Israel Gives The US Its Demands for Ending War InLebanon, Axios Reports

October 21, 2024

BEIRUT: Israel gave the United States a document last week with its conditions for a diplomatic solution to end the war in Lebanon, Axios reported on Sunday, citing two US officials and two Israeli officials.

Israel has demanded its IDF forces be allowed to engage in “active enforcement” to make sure Hezbollah doesn’t rearm and rebuild its military infrastructure close to the border, Axios reported, citing an Israeli official.

Israel also demanded its air force have freedom of operation in Lebanese air space, the report added.

A US official told Axios it was highly unlikely that Lebanon and the international community would agree to Israel’s conditions.

The White House could not be immediately reached outside regular business hours. The US State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The embassies of Israel and Lebanon in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

White House special envoy Amos Hochstein is visiting Beirut on Monday to discuss a diplomatic solution to the conflict, the report added.

Source:arabnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2576075/middle-east

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Islamic Jihad: Massacre in northern Gaza Strip is far greater than enemy's massacres in year

20 Oct 2024

The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine has confirmed that the scale of genocide in the northern Gaza Strip is much greater than the Zionist enemy's previous year of massacres and crimes against humanity.

The movement claims that the enemy is implementing a policy of collective punishment against civilians, leading to mass killings.

The movement holds the American administration responsible for managing the war, providing weapons, political and military cover, and allowing the enemy to continue its crimes without deterrent.

The movement urges all Islamic bodies, Arab parties, and humanitarian institutions to act quickly to save innocent lives.

Source:saba.ye

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.saba.ye/en/news3385997.htm

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Settlers break into Aqsa Mosque, perform Talmudic rites in yards

20 Oct 2024

Hundreds of Zionist settlers broke again into the Aqsa Mosque's yards for the fourth day of 'throne day', amid strict guard from Israeli police.

Over 434 settlers stormed the Holy Mosque and performed Talmudic rites in its yards, local sources told WAFA news agency.

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UN peacekeepers say Israel army ‘demolished’ Lebanon watchtower, fence

October 20, 2024

BEIRUT, Lebanon: UN peacekeepers in Lebanon on Sunday said the Israeli army “deliberately” damaged one of their positions in southern Lebanon, in the latest incident reported by the force that remains deployed in all positions.

An Israeli “army bulldozer deliberately demolished an observation tower and perimeter fence of a UN position in” southern Lebanon, UNIFIL said in a statement, adding that its forces remain in all positions “despite the pressure being exerted.”

Source:arabnews.com

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Senior Israeli commander killed in north Gaza: army

October 20, 2024

JERUSALEM: The Israeli military announced on Sunday the death of a brigade commander in a blast in northern Gaza, where Israeli forces have been engaged in a sweeping assault targeting Hamas.

Col. Ahsan Daksa, commander of the 401st Brigade, was killed in the Jabalia area when an explosive struck him as he left his tank, military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a briefing.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said in a separate statement that Daksa was killed “while fighting Hamas terrorists.”

Hagari said that another battalion commander and two officers were lightly wounded in the incident.

They stepped outside “to observe the area and were struck by an explosive,” he said.

Daksa, 41, was a member of the Druze community and was appointed brigade commander four months ago. He was one of the most senior army commanders killed in the year-long Gaza war.

His brigade “was leading the offensive” in Jabalia, said Hagari.

Israeli forces launched a withering land and air assault in Jabalia and other parts of northern Gaza on October 6, which the military says aims to prevent Hamas militants from regrouping.

The civil defense agency in the Hamas-run territory said that more than 400 people have been killed in the two-week assault, which was still underway on Sunday.

Daksa had been decorated for rescuing wounded soldiers during Israel’s 2006 war against Hezbollah. The two sides are currently again at war in Lebanon.

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog called Daksa “a hero,” saying his death was a “loss to Israel and for Israeli society.”

His death brings Israel’s military fatalities to 358 in the Gaza campaign since the start of the ground offensive in the Palestinian territory on October 27, 2023.

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Gaza war, settler attacks ruin Palestinian olive harvest

October 20, 2024

AL-ZAWAYDA: After a year of relentless war, Gaza’s olive harvest is set to suffer, while in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian farmers fear tending to their groves due to settler attacks.

For generations, olive harvests have been central to Palestinian life and culture.

“We are happy that the olive season has started, but we are afraid because we are in a state of war,” said Rami Abu Asad, who owns a farm in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza.

Workers picking the olives by hand stay alert, listening for drones or warplanes that could bomb without warning.

“But it is evident (to Israeli forces) that we are workers, and we do nothing else,” he said, noting a sweeping Israeli military operation in Jabalia, less than 20 km last year, which resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures.

Israel’s retaliatory onslaught in Gaza has killed 42,603 people, a majority of them civilians, according to data from the Health Ministry in the territory, which the UN considers reliable.

The ongoing war has reduced vast areas of Gaza to rubble, with about 68 percent of the territory’s agricultural regions damaged by the conflict and farmers unable to fertilize or irrigate their land, the UN says.

“The number of remaining olive trees is minimal, and the costs are very high,” Asad added.

Jamal Abou Shaouish, an agricultural engineer, expects this year’s harvest in Gaza to net just 15,000 tonnes, sharply down from around 40,000 tonnes in the years before the war.

Supply shortages and destruction caused by the war will also impact the quality of olives while pressing prices have soared due to the lack of fuel needed to run the machinery required for sorting and pressing the oil.

In the West Bank, the harvest has been marred by perennial fears of attacks by Israeli settlers, who regularly prevent Palestinians from accessing their olive groves or outright destroy their orchards.

For Khaled Abdallah, he has made the tough decision not to harvest the olives this season on his land near the Beit El settlement.

“I didn’t even consider going to these lands close to the colony because the situation is hazardous,” he said, saying he will instead focus on harvesting olives from a separate property in the village of Jifna, north of Ramallah.

Like other Palestinians who own olive groves near the settlements, Abdallah coordinated with Israeli advocacy organizations to obtain special permits for the crops.

“But there are no longer any rights organizations capable of protecting us from settler attacks, and there is no longer any coordination,” he lamented.

Olive groves have long been essential to the economy and culture of the West Bank but have also been the site of bloody clashes between farmers and encroaching Israeli settlers for decades, with the disputes hinging on access to land.

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Israel warns of strikes on Hezbollah financial arm, tells Lebanese to evacuate

October 20, 2024

BEIRUT/CAIRO: Israel’s military announced Sunday it is now taking aim at the Lebanon-based Hezbollah’s financial arm and will attack a “large number of targets” in Beirut and elsewhere. Explosions began in Beirut’s southern suburbs about an hour later.

Evacuation warnings affected southern Beirut, the eastern Bekaa valley and parts of southern Lebanon.

The warning came hours after Israel said it hit Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters in the Lebanese capital Beirut, while officials in Gaza said rescuers were still recovering people from the rubble after an Israeli attack on Saturday that killed dozens.

“Residents of Lebanon, the IDF (Israeli military) will begin attacking infrastructure belonging to the Hezbollah Al-Qard Al-Hassan Association — get away from it immediately,” the military’s spokesperson said in a statement on X.

The strikes will target Al-Qard Al-Hassan “all over Lebanon,” a senior Israeli intelligence official said. The financial institution has more than 30 branches across Lebanon including 15 across central Beirut and its suburbs.

Al-Qard Al-Hassan is a Hezbollah unit that’s used to pay operatives of the Iran-backed militant group and help buy arms, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with army regulations.

The registered nonprofit provides financial services and is also used by ordinary Lebanese. Its name in Arabic means “the benevolent loan,” and Hezbollah has used it to entrench its support among the Shiite population in a country where state and financial institutions have failed in recent years.

“It’s a big deal,” said David Asher, an expert on illicit financing who has worked at the US Defense and State Departments and is now a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute.

“AQAH is a cash-based organization. The cash will be trash” in the event of strikes, he said, adding that it has large accounts with big Lebanese banks.

Al-Qard Al-Hassan in a statement called the decision to target it a sign of Israel’s “bankruptcy” and assured customers it had taken “measures” to ensure their funds were safe. A stream of people left the areas surrounding its branches in Beirut.

Panic and confusion

In one evacuation notice, for the Choueifat area south of Beirut, the Israeli military mislabeled one target, causing confusion and panic. The location was labeled as Grand Cinema ABC Verdun, a theater in an upscale shopping mall in central Beirut more than 10 kilometers (6 miles) away.

A year of escalating tensions and frequent cross-border fire between Israel and Hezbollah over the war in Gaza turned into all-out war last month. Israel sent ground troops into Lebanon early this month.

Israel’s announcement came a day after US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called civilian casualties in Lebanon “far too high” in the Israel-Hezbollah war, and urged Israel to scale back some strikes, especially in and around Beirut.

In the northern Gaza Strip, officials said rescuers were still recovering people from the rubble after an Israeli attack on Beit Lahiya that left 87 people dead or missing on Saturday, according to the health ministry — one of the highest death tolls for months from a single attack.

Israel said it was investigating reports of the incident.

It marked an intensification of Israel’s offensives against Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza and Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, days after the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar raised hopes of an opening for ceasefire negotiations to end more than a year of conflict.

With US elections approaching, officials, diplomats and other sources in the region say Israel is seeking through military operations to try to shield its borders and ensure its rivals cannot regroup.

Israel is also preparing to retaliate for an Iranian missile barrage earlier this month, though Washington has pressed it not to strike Iranian energy facilities or nuclear sites.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was the subject of an assassination attempt by “Iran’s proxy, Hezbollah” on Saturday when a drone was directed at his holiday home. In a call with former US President Donald Trump, the prime minister reiterated that Israel would make decisions based on its own interests, according to a statement from Netanyahu’s office.

Israel’s government has spurned several attempts by the United States, its main ally and military backer, to broker ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon.

Beirut strikes

In Beirut, Israel said its air force had followed strikes on Saturday with an attack on Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters there as well as an underground weapons workshop.

Fighter jets killed three Hezbollah commanders, the Israeli military said.

Reuters witnesses saw smoke rising from Beirut’s southern suburbs, once a densely populated zone that also housed Hezbollah offices and underground installations.

On a visit near the border, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said forces were dismantling Hezbollah tunnels, weapons stores and infrastructure. “Our goal is to completely ‘clean’ the area so that Israel’s northern communities may return to their homes,” he added.

Hezbollah made no immediate comment on the strikes, but said it had fired missiles at Israeli forces in Lebanon and at a base in northern Israel.

Cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah erupted a year ago when the group began launching rockets in support of Hamas.

At the start of October, Israel launched a ground assault inside Lebanon in an attempt to stabilize the border region for its citizens who had fled rocket attacks in northern Israel.

On Sunday in southern Lebanon, security and civil defense sources said two aid workers were killed in an Israeli strike on a house being used as a clinic, while the Lebanese military said three of its soldiers were killed in a strike on an army vehicle.

Over the last year, Lebanese officials estimate that more than 2,400 people have been killed and more than 1.2 million people displaced. Fifty-nine people have been killed in northern Israel and the occupied Golan Heights over the same period, say Israeli authorities.

Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people and took 250 hostages in the attack that sparked the war, according to Israeli tallies. Israel’s military response in Gaza has left more than 42,500 people dead, Palestinian officials say.

Evacuation orders

A 41-year-old Israeli colonel was killed, and another officer was wounded in combat in northern Gaza on Sunday, the Israeli military said. Israel’s Channel 12 and public broadcaster Kan reported an explosive device had gone off under a tank.

Gaza’s health ministry said rescue operations following the strike in Beit Lahiya were being hindered by communications problems and by ongoing Israeli military operations.

The strike came two weeks into a major assault around Jabalia, just south of Beit Lahiya, where Israel says its troops have been trying to root out remaining Hamas fighters.

Israel said the strike hit a Hamas target, questioning an earlier death toll of 73 released by the Hamas media office.

As the fighting has continued, two of the three remaining hospitals in northern Gaza have been hit and patients, medical staff and displaced people injured, according to the United Nations. The UN has been urgently seeking access.

Israel says militants use civilian areas including schools and hospitals for cover, a charge Hamas denies.

More than 5,000 Palestinians left Jabalia via designated routes, an Israeli military spokesperson said on X.

Evacuation orders have fueled fears among many Palestinians that the operation is intended to clear them from northern Gaza to enable Israeli control of the area after the war.

Israel has denied this, saying it is trying to protect civilians and separate them from Hamas fighters.

Palestinians were also shocked by footage appearing to show people in a street in Jabalia being hit by a strike as they approached to rescue someone who had already been hit. Reuters verified the location of the footage, but not the date. Israeli officials had no immediate comment.

The Israeli offensive, triggered by the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, has made most of Gaza’s 2.3 million people homeless, caused widespread hunger and destroyed hospitals and schools.

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Jordanian FM calls Israeli offensive in Gaza ‘inhumane,’ urges international action

October 20, 2024

LONDON: Jordan’s deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs has issued a scathing condemnation of Israel’s military actions in northern Gaza, calling the ongoing offensive “inhumane” and a “war crime.”

Ayman Safadi took to his official X account on Sunday evening to denounce the Israeli government’s actions and urge immediate international intervention.

“The horror Israel is bringing on the entire population of northern Gaza is inhumane,” he wrote, adding that the offensive was “pure evil and a war crime that humanity should not tolerate.”

Safadi’s remarks came as the death toll in Gaza continued to rise.

Since the Israeli military launched its large-scale offensive following a Hamas attack in early October last year, more than 42,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to health officials in the enclave.

The retaliatory strikes have leveled entire neighborhoods and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians. Hospitals in Gaza are overwhelmed, struggling to treat the injured amid widespread shortages of medical supplies, food, and water.

“It is a massacre that should be faced with decisive international action to stop it immediately, including through imposing an arms embargo and effective sanctions,” Safadi continued in his statement.

The foreign minister accused Israel of deliberately targeting civilians, saying: “Israel is starving hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, bombing entire neighborhoods out of existence, burning displaced children in tents, and destroying hospitals.”

He also claimed that Israel was “brutally terrorizing the whole population to push them out of their homeland.”

International calls for a ceasefire have grown as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened, but efforts at the UN Security Council to broker a truce have stalled amid geopolitical divisions.

Safadi criticized the international community’s response, saying: “Failure to stop this massacre is a shame on the whole international community. The Israeli government is continuing with its inhumane war crimes because the world is allowing it to. The impunity must end.”

He further urged the Security Council to take concrete steps to prevent further loss of life.

“Israeli occupation forces should not be allowed to burn any more Palestinian children alive, should not be allowed to commit any more murders, and destroy any more schools or hospitals,” he said.

Safadi called for the immediate protection of civilians and the implementation of international law.

He said: “There is no justification for the failure by the international community and its institutions to protect the innocent, stop the ethnic cleansing, implement international law, and ensure justice.”

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Iran President’s request to appoint Sunni MP in govt. resubmitted to parliament

By IFP Editorial Staff

October 20, 2024

The renewed request for Hosseinzadeh’s resignation from his parliamentary seat was officially received, and it is expected to be discussed next week.

According to the parliamentary rules, one week after the resignation request is received, the issue will be brought to the open floor for debate.

As such, Hosseinzadeh’s resignation will likely be reviewed on Sunday, October 27.

During the process, Hosseinzadeh will present his case, and opponents will provide their arguments before a vote is held. If the majority agrees to the resignation, Hosseinzadeh will be eligible to join the government as the Vice President for Rural Development and Deprived Areas.

This is the second time the President has requested Hosseinzadeh’s appointment to the position.

The initial request was made in early September when the President issued a decree appointing Hosseinzadeh, a Sunni MP, to the role.

However, during a session on September 25, Parliament voted against accepting his resignation.

Source:ifpnews.com

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Qatar calls for enhancing economic cooperation among Islamic countries

October 20, 2024

Established in 1979 in Karachi, the ICCD is aligned with the  Organisation of Islamic Cooperation with 19 board of directors of member countries.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani, the Chairman of the Qatar Chamber, has called for the enhancement of economic cooperation between Muslim countries by introducing effective trade mechanisms.

Al Thani’s remarks came on Saturday during the 40th meeting of the General Assembly of the Executive Committee of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) in Istanbul.

The Qatar Chamber chairman had also led the entity’s participating delegation, according to Doha’s state news agency (QNA).

“[Al Thani] underscored the State of Qatar’s support for efforts aimed at enhancing economic cooperation among Islamic countries, noting that by establishing strong partnerships and developing effective trade agreements, these countries can improve their competitiveness in global markets,” QNA reported.

Delegation from Qatar’s Al Raqim competition explores potential collaborations in Turkey

In underlining Qatar’s support for cooperation among member chambers of Islamic countries, Sheikh Khalifa noted that such efforts would contribute to strengthening cultural and social ties between the members.

The latest meeting in Istanbul is focused on proposals that address various topics, including establishing an institution for women’s economic empowerment, while reviewing previous ones.

One of the previous proposals included having the Islamic Chamber’s membership as a general observer in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Established in 1979 in Karachi, the ICCD is aligned with the  Organisation of Islamic Cooperation with 19 board of directors of member countries.

Last year’s ICCD conference was held in Qatar where it adopted it new logo name, following the recommendation of the 35th Board of Directors meeting in Azerbaijan in July.

Source:dohanews.co

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Iraq’s Sunni Endowment to resume work on Mosul Grand Mosque reconstruction

2024-10-20

Shafaq News/ The governor of Nineveh, Abdul Qader al-Dakhil, announced on Sunday that the Sunni Endowment has pledged to resume the reconstruction of the Mosul Grand Mosque, which has been halted for months due to corruption allegations.

“The Sunni Endowment head Mashaan al-Khazraji visited Mosul two days ago. During the meeting, they discussed various issues, including the utilization of Sunni Endowment properties, job positions for imams and preachers, and the stalled reconstruction of the Mosul Grand Mosque on the city's eastern side.”Al-Dakhil told Shafaq News Agency.

"Al-Khazraji promised to restart work on the Mosul Grand Mosque project soon," al-Dakhil said, noting that the mosque, once completed, would serve as a cultural landmark for the city of Mosul.

The project came to a halt last year after lawmakers from Nineveh raised corruption concerns, prompting an investigation into the project’s financial records.

Previously, Nineveh’s Endowment Committee had called on both local and federal authorities to expedite the mosque's reconstruction.

Construction on the Mosul Grand Mosque began in the late 1990s during the former regime, but progress was interrupted following the US invasion of Iraq. Work resumed intermittently but has repeatedly been delayed due to funding shortages.

The renowned mosque, built in 1172 by Nur al-Din Zangi, is set to reopen to the public next year. The project is being carried out by UNESCO with funding from the United Arab Emirates and under the supervision of the Nineveh Antiquities and Heritage Inspectorate and the Sunni Waqf.

The mosque and its minaret, symbols of Mosul's history, were destroyed by ISIS militants in 2017. The militants had used the mosque as a backdrop for their leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi to declare a caliphate in 2014.

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Arab World

 

Saudi Minister Releases 15 Arabian Sand Gazelles AtBuraidah Oasis

October 20, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Environment and Chairman of the National Center for Wildlife Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli has released 15 Arabian sand gazelles at Buraidah Oasis Park in Qassim.

The initiative is part of the breeding and reintroduction program for endangered species in the 2024-2025 season, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It marked the start of this year’s wildlife release season and continues the center’s efforts to breed endangered species for national parks and natural reserves.

The center enjoys close cooperation with national entities on environmental conservation.

Mohammed Qurban, its CEO, said that the biodiversity of the oasis is assessed to determine the importance of releasing endangered species, including both resident and migratory animals.

The center’s initiatives not only promote ecotourism in Saudi Arabia, but also provide economic opportunities for the local community, he added.

The release is part of efforts to develop national wildlife plans by breeding and reintroducing endangered species, rehabilitating ecosystems and enriching biodiversity.

It aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative and supports the National Strategy for Environmental Conservation, contributing to the goals of Vision 2030 to create a positive environment and improve quality of life, Qurban said.

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Saudi Professional Accreditation Program verifies skills of about 209,500 expatriate workers

October 20, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is continuing its efforts to improve the quality of labor market outcomes through the Professional Accreditation Program, which has achieved record numbers since its launch and accredited about 209,500 workers in various professions, covering over 1,000 occupations worldwide.

The program aims to ensure that expatriate workers possess the necessary skills and qualifications in line with the requirements of each profession, aligning with the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations to guarantee a more efficient and high-quality work environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The program includes the professional verification and professional inspection services, both of which operate according to specific mechanisms and methodologies.

The professional verification service aims to verify the skills, experience, and certifications of expatriate workers in high-skill jobs. This process is fully automated and conducted through a unified electronic platform with a maximum processing time of 15 working days.

The professional inspection service targets workers with medium and low skill levels in professions that do not require academic degrees. It also assesses the skill levels of expatriate workers through practical and theoretical tests conducted both before and after workers enter the Kingdom.

The program enables employers to assess their workforce while using around 127 professional examination centers inside and outside the Kingdom.

The service is used by five countries among the largest exporters of expatriate workers to the Saudi labor market: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Egypt.

The program continues to grow and expand, covering additional countries and more professions, and this will result in raising awareness among employers and government and private institutions about the importance of employing qualified expatriate workers, ensuring job performance quality and improving the professional qualifications of workers across various sectors.

The program aims to regulate the entry of workers with the necessary knowledge and skills into the Kingdom and contribute to creating a labor market with trusted competencies.

Source:arabnews.com

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Riyadh AI, drone exhibition to focus on agriculture

October 20, 2024

RIYADH: The inaugural Saudi Arabia AI and Drone Exhibition and Forum will take place from Nov. 4 to 6 at the Arena Riyadh Venue, with a focus on the rapid growth of drones and artificial intelligence in agriculture.

The event will be held under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and supported by the World UAV Federation.

This forum aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy and achieve sustainability, positioning the country as a key regional hub for this industry.

It will display drone technology, robotics and AI, facilitating networking for startups and established companies, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event will feature workshops and seminars on the latest developments in agriculture, transport and logistics.

With more than 50 local and international brands participating, the exhibition will be a vital platform for attracting investors, distributors, suppliers and solution providers in the global drone industry.

Source:arabnews.com

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Saudi minister attends inauguration ceremony of Indonesian president in Jakarta

October 20, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir represented the Kingdom at the inauguration ceremony of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta on Sunday.

Prabowo was sworn in as president of Indonesia in Sunday’s ceremony and took the oath at parliament to officially succeed outgoing leader Joko Widodo.

Al-Jubeir conveyed the congratulations and greetings of the Saudi leadership to Prabowo, and the wishes of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for further growth, progress, and prosperity in Indonesia.

He also delivered a message from King Salman to the new president, Saudi Press Agency reported. arabnews.com

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2576040/saudi-arabia

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Saudi FM meets with Vanuatuan counterpart

October 20, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his Vanuatuan counterpart Matai Seremaiah Nawalu in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the reception, the two officials reviewed aspects of existing cooperation between their countries and ways to enhance and develop them in various fields.

They also discussed international developments and efforts made with regard to them.

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Riyadh governor receives newly appointed French ambassador

October 20, 2024

RIYADH: Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received recently appointed Ambassador of France to Saudi Arabia Patrick Maisonnave in Riyadh on Sunday.

Prince Faisal wished the ambassador success in his new duties, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, Vice Speaker of the Shoura Council Mishaal Al-Sulami met with Vice President of the French Commission on Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Armed Forces Helene Conway-Mouret on Sunday.

They emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening ties between the nations.

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Africa

 

Risking death to smuggle alcohol past Somali Islamists

October 21, 2024

Alcohol smuggler Guled Diriye is exhausted.

He has just returned from his trip transporting contraband from the Ethiopian border.

The 29-year-old slumps in his chair inside a colonial-style villa battered by years of fighting in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu - a city once known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.

His sandals are covered in a potent orange dust – the residue from the desert.

Mr Diriye’s dark eyes droop. The bags underneath speak of sleepless nights, the hours of tension traversing the dangerous roads and negotiating checkpoints with armed men.

There is also the haunting memory of a fellow smuggler who was shot dead.

“In this country, everyone is struggling and looking for a way out. And I found my way by making regular trips by road from the Ethiopian border to Mogadishu,” he says, explaining that smuggling was a means to support his family in a tough economic climate.

The use and distribution of alcohol is illegal. Somalia’s laws must comply with Sharia (Islamic law), which forbids alcohol, but it has not stopped a growing demand, particularly among young people in many parts of the country.

Mr Diriye’s neighbour Abshir, knowing he had fallen on hard times as a minibus-taxi driver, introduced him to the precarious world of alcohol smuggling.

Rickshaws began to take over the city, pushing minibus drivers out of business.

Both were childhood friends who had sheltered together in the same camp in 2009 during the height of the insurgency in Mogadishu - he was someone he could trust.

“I began picking up boxes of alcohol at designated drop points in Mogadishu on [his] behalf and manoeuvring through the city and offloading them at designated locations. I didn’t realise it at first but this was my introduction into smuggling.”

His involvement snowballed and Mr Diriye soon found himself navigating from the porous frontier with Ethiopia through Somalia’s rural hinterlands.

He understands that he is breaking the law, but says the poverty that he finds himself in overrides that.

The smuggling journey begins in Somali border towns such as Abudwak, Balanbale, Feerfeer and Galdogob.

“Alcohol mostly originates in [Ethiopia’s capital] Addis Ababa and makes it to the city of Jigjiga, in the Ogaden region,” Mr Diriye says.

The Ogaden or, as it is officially known in Ethiopia, the Somali region, shares a 1,600km (990-mile) border with Somalia. People on both sides share ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious ties.

Once the alcohol is loaded, it is moved across the plains of the Somali region, and then smuggled across the border into Somalia.

The border town of Galdogob is a major hub for trade and travel and has been hit hard by the flow of alcohol being smuggled from Ethiopia.

Tribal elders have raised concerns over alcohol-related violence.

“Alcohol causes so many evils [such as shootings],” says Sheikh Abdalla Mohamed Ali, the chairman of the local tribal council in the town.

“[It] has been seized and destroyed on multiple occasions but it's like living next to a factory. It keeps putting out more and more, no matter what we do.”

“Our town will always be in the midst of danger.”

But for the smugglers the goal is to get the alcohol to the capital.

“I drive a truck that transports vegetables, potatoes and other food products. When the truck is loaded up it’s filled with whatever I'm transporting, but I make the most money from the alcohol on board,” Mr Diriye says.

Sometimes smugglers cross into Ethiopia to pick it up and at other times they receive it at the border. But whichever approach is taken, concealment is a crucial part of the profession as the risks from being caught are immense.

“The loader’s job is the most important. Even more important than driving. He’s tasked with concealing the alcohol in our truck, with whatever we have on board. Without him, I wouldn’t be able to move around so easily — at least not without getting caught.

“The average box of alcohol I move has 12 bottles. I usually transport anywhere from 50 to 70 boxes per trip. Usually half the load on my truck is filled with alcohol.”

Large swathes of south-central Somalia are run by armed groups, where the government has little to no control: militias, bandits and the al-Qaeda affiliate al-Shabab roam with impunity.

“You can never travel on your own. It's too risky. Death is always on our minds,” Mr Diriye says. But that concern does not get in the way of business and there is a brutal pragmatism to thinking about the make-up of the team.

“If I get wounded in an attack on the road, there has to be a back-up who can continue the journey. Everyone knows how to drive and knows the roads well.”

Smugglers drive on dirt tracks and roads that have not been renovated in decades. Landmines and unexploded ordnances left behind from previous conflicts are also an issue.

“I travel through at least eight to 10 towns to reach Mogadishu. But we don’t count the towns, we count the checkpoints and who mans them,” Mr Diriye says.

They encounter various clan militias with different allegiances, either lingering in the distance or at roadblocks.

“In case we get jammed up by a clan militia, if one of us is from the same clan as that militia or even a similar sub-clan, it increases our chances of survival. This is why all three of us are from different clans.”

He painfully recalls: “I’ve encountered numerous attacks.

“One of the guys that works with me is relatively new. He replaced my last helper who was killed two years ago.”

Mr Diriye had been driving in suffocating heat for six hours, so decided to nap, passing the wheel to his helper.

“While I was sleeping in the back, I heard a large burst of gunfire that suddenly woke me up. We where surrounded by militiamen. My loader was screaming as he ducked in the passenger seat.” The substitute driver was killed.

Once the commotion ceased, the loader and Mr Diriye picked up their dead colleague from the front seat and put him in the back of the truck.

“I’ve never seen so much blood in my life. I had to wipe [it] away from the steering wheel and keep on driving. In all my years, nothing prepared me for what I saw that day.”

As the pair drove off and got a good distance away from the militiamen, they pulled over to the side of the road and laid his body there.

“We didn’t even have a sheet to cover his body, so I took off my long-sleeved buttoned-up shirt and made do with it.

“It was a difficult decision but I knew I couldn't keep driving around smuggling alcohol with a dead body in the truck. We had a few government checkpoints up ahead and I couldn’t jeopardise my load or my freedom.”

Two years later he says the guilt of leaving the body by the road still haunts him.

He left behind a family, and Mr Diriye is unsure they even know the truth surrounding the circumstances of his disappearance and death.

The danger that Mr Diriye faces is a recurring reality that many smugglers endure while illicitly ferrying alcohol from Ethiopia to Mogadishu, in order to quench the growing demand.

Dahir Barre, 41 has a slim build with noticeable scars on his face that appear to tell a story on their own. He has a dark sense of humour and seems hardened by the near-decade of smuggling that enables him to bypass the possible consequences of what he does.

“We face a lot of problems and dangers but still continue to drive despite the risk due to the poor living conditions in Somalia,” he says.

Mr Barre has been smuggling alcohol from Ethiopia since 2015 and says lack of opportunity made worse by years of poverty pushed him into the dangerous trade.

“I used to do security for a hotel in the city centre. I was armed with an AK-47 and was tasked with patting people down at the entrance.”

Long nights in a dangerous job with meagre pay did not feel worth it.

“One hundred dollars a month to stand in the way of potential car bombs that might plough through the front entrance sounds crazy now that I think of it.”

One of the day-shift guards then put him in touch with friends from the border region and “I’ve been travelling these roads ever since”.

“Back in 2015 I was only getting $150 per trip, compared to $350 per trip now and those days it was far riskier because al-Shabab had control over more territory, so you risked more encounters with them.

“Even the bandits and militias were more dangerous back then.

“If you had red or brown stained teeth, the militias would assume you chewed khat and smoked cigarettes, meaning you had money so they would abduct you and hold you for ransom.

“As drivers we’ve been through a lot and the danger still exists,” Mr Barre says.

If they are caught by al-Shabab fighters then it can be most dangerous since the armed group has a zero-tolerance policy on contraband, especially alcohol. The Islamist insurgents set the vehicle on fire and then detain the smugglers before fining them.

Other armed men can be more easily bribed with money or liquor.

It takes an average of seven to nine days to reach Mogadishu from the Ethiopian border. The smugglers then make their way to a pre-arranged drop-off point.

“When we arrive, a group of men will show up and unload the regular food products into a separate truck, then leave. Afterwards, once that’s done, another individual will arrive, sometimes accompanied by more than one vehicle and they’ll take the boxes of alcohol,” Mr Diriye says.

“But it doesn’t end there. Once it leaves my possession, it’ll pass through more hands, eventually ending up with local dealers in the city, who can be reached with a simple phone call.”

Mr Diriye often thinks about his entry into smuggling, and where his future may lie.

“My neighbour Abshir who initially got me into smuggling alcohol, stopped doing it himself three years ago.”

Abshir offered his nephew, an unemployed graduate at the time, a job in smuggling. But he was killed on his third trip in an ambush by bandits.

“Afterwards Abshir quit smuggling. He became religious and turned to God. I rarely see him any more.”

Despite the dangers, Mr Diriye says it will not deter him.

"Death is something that is predestined. I can't let fear come in the way of making a living. Sure, sometimes I want to throw the keys on the table and start afresh but it's not that easy. Temptation is everywhere and so is poverty."

Source:bbc.com

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Fulani children now wayward due to lack of Western, Islamic education – Yobe Speaker

October 20, 2024

By Shehu Usman

A joint Fulani socio-cultural group under the Fulbe Development and Cultural Organisation (FUDECO) has tasked Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State with creating a Ministry of Livestock Development.

According to them, the ministry, if created, will mitigate the perennial conflict between farmers and herders.

The Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Buba Chiroma-Mashio, and the Chairman of FUDECO in the state, Aliyu Usman Jejere, jointly issued this charge at an event to celebrate, for the first time, the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples in Damaturu, the state capital.

Chiroma-Mashio, who represented Governor Mai Mala Buni, explained that the lack of Western and Islamic education has forced Fulani children to become wayward, which is unethical to the culture and practices of the Fulani people.

“Lack of adequate grazing reserves, encroachment on farmlands, and the obstruction of cattle routes have resulted in clashes between farmers and herders. This is one more reason why the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni embarked on the construction of the Nazari grazing reserve in the Jakusko local government area and another in the Fika local government area of the state.

“This is due to the regular movement of herders, many of whom have children that are out of school. They need to be sensitized on the importance of enrolling in Nomadic schools,” he said.

In his part, the Chairman of the occasion, who also serves as the Commissioner of Higher Education, Science, Innovation, and Technology in the state, Professor Muhammad Bello Kawuwa, stated that it is time for the Fulani race to unite for the progress of the state and Nigeria as a whole.

He maintained that the exemplary leadership of Governor Buni has continued to foster harmony between the Fulani groups and other ethnic groups, stressing that no meaningful development can be achieved without unity.

The 2024 edition of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples was themed “Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact.”

According to the United Nations, Indigenous Peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact are the best protectors of the forest.

Source:dailypost.ng

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Tinubu’s Ministers Not Adding Value To His Government – APC Chairman, Okocha

20 October 2024

By Enioluwa Adeniyi

The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Rivers Caretaker Committee, Tony Okocha, has voiced concerns over the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s ministers, stating they are failing to add value to the current administration.

Okocha made these remarks on Sunday in Abuja during a session at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) news forum.

He highlighted that President Tinubu’s accomplishments have been significantly underreported, suggesting that the ministers are not adequately informing Nigerians about the administration’s successes.

“President Tinubu’s achievements are not in the public domain because most of his ministers failed to do the needful and are not adding value to the administration and the country,” he said.

Okocha emphasized the need for ministers to be more proactive in communicating the government’s achievements, arguing that it is essential to promote the administration’s successes.

“Gone are the days when they say don’t blow your trumpet yourself. These days, you have to blow it loud,” he added.

Reflecting on the challenges faced by the current government, Okocha noted that despite inheriting a difficult situation, the Tinubu-led administration has made strides that deserve recognition.

He contrasted Tinubu’s administration’s performance with former President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he criticized for poor governance. “The current government is working round the clock to reset the country,” he stated.

Okocha also pointed out that many ministers in the current administration are relatively unknown due to their lack of impact and failure to engage in effective public relations.

He specifically praised former Rivers governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike for his visibility, attributing it to his ability to share his achievements through media relationships.

“The president’s achievements in less than two years are unsung; until he has a broadcast, you won’t know what he has done,” Okocha remarked

He called for a shake-up in the cabinet, suggesting that ministers who are not performing should be replaced with more competent individuals. “Some of these ministers who are not doing well should be sacked to make way for more serious ones,” he advised.\

Source:naijanews.com

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“Some Politicians Who Are No Better Than Criminals Have Compromised The Judiciary” – Bode George Cries Out

20 October 2024

By Oladipo Abiola

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has cried out on the need to restore the integrity of the judiciary in Nigeria.

According to George, some politicians have compromised the integrity of the judicial system, and there are allegations that some judges are even on the payroll of influential politicians.

He, therefore, called on the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to ensure the integrity and esteemed status of the judiciary is restored.

Naija News reports George made the call in a statement on Sunday “The Time to End Judicial Rascality is Now.”

The former military governor of Ondo State added that it is worrisome and embarrassing that courts in the country have frequently been giving conflicting rulings on the same matter, with the situation now becoming an embarrassment to Nigerians.

He cautioned that if left unchecked, these actions could destabilize the country’s democracy.

He said: “I congratulate you on your confirmation by the Senate and your swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. As a bonafide Lagosian and jurist from a family of legal luminaries, I strongly believe the judiciary will benefit from your wealth of knowledge. With you at the helm, I am hopeful the judiciary will reclaim the prominence it once had from the 1950s to the 1980s.”

Raising the alarm on what he described as “judicial rascality” emerging from courts, George noted the urgent need to curb the current trajectory and avoid “judicial anarchy.”

He explained: “Judicial decisions today are becoming embarrassing. We have instances where a court, miles away from the scene of political conflict, issues confusing rulings, leaving Nigerians bewildered. While appellate courts have the power to overturn lower court decisions, we are seeing a disturbing trend where lower courts, without jurisdiction, issue counter orders, creating judicial chaos.”

George advised the CJN to convene a National Judicial Council (NJC) meeting with state and federal judges to address these inconsistencies and restore public confidence in the judiciary.

He hoped for a return to the time in the 1950s to 1980s when the integrity of the judiciary was above board.

He singled out some past Chief Justices, including Justice Adetokunbo Ademola, Justice Teslim Elias, and Justice Kayode Eso, for resisting external pressures and maintaining the integrity of the judiciary during their times.

“From the 1950s to the 1980s, judges were revered and feared for their impartiality. It was unheard of to attempt bribing a judge. But today, some judges are openly accused of being on politicians’ payrolls,” he said.

The PDP chieftain, however, lamented that in many political cases since 1999, judges have been accused of delivering judgments that serve the interests of powerful individuals rather than justice.

He questioned the delivery of judgement based on “technicalities” that undermine the will of the people. He condemned the trend where just a few judges determine the final verdict in an election participated by millions of voters.

“How can three, five, or seven judges decide the outcome of elections for millions of Nigerians? What is the essence of voting if judges impose their will over the electorate’s choice?” he queried.

George stressed the need for the judiciary to be vigilant and avoid rulings that could undermine the democratic process, saying judicial officers wield such extensive powers.

“Judicial institutional strength is key to Nigeria’s development. Judges must resist pressure from politicians and remain impartial. They hold the power of life and death after God, and their judgments must reflect that responsibility,” George stated.

He urged the CJN to take urgent action to restore the credibility of the judiciary, and save Nigeria from politicians who are bent on compromising the judiciary for their own selfish interests.

“Today, some politicians who are no better than criminals have compromised the judiciary. This is dangerous for our electoral system and for the future of Nigeria. The time to end judicial rascality is now,” George concluded.

Source:naijanews.com

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Sudan: As fighting rages, food kitchens barely maintain supply

21 October 2024

According to UN data, more than half of the population in Sudan, some 25.6 million people, "are in the high levels of acute hunger" or worse.

Free kitchens, or Takias, in war-ravaged Sudan, are now facing shortage of funds and supplies, as fighting continue to rage around the capital of Khartoum.

The prolonged conflict between the Sudanese Army and its rival, the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group has lasted for more than a yearl. It has caused severe damage to the agricultural production, one of the country's pillar industries, resulting in a continued deterioration of the food security situation.

The capital Khartoum and its surrounding cities of North Khartoum and Omdurman are among the most intense conflict areas, now with about five million residents trapped in the war zone. Most of these people have lost sources of income, but the prices of food and daily necessities have soared several times higher than before the conflict.

In addition to fleeing from air strikes, shelling and gun battles, people are also facing difficulties such as water and power outages, as well as food shortage.

In desperation, some Sudanese have set up Takias to provide free food to families who have run out of money and can't feed themselves.

The term Takia originated from the Arabic word "mutaka". In Sudan, it refers to a place where people perform religious rituals, such as the memorization of the Holy Quran by religious students, while also serving as a sanctuary for the impoverished and needy, providing them with access to food and refuge.

Forced to close

So far, over 350 Takias have been set up in the capital and its surrounding cities, helping about 500,000 families in this area. These Takias are generally very simple and set up in residents' homes. Nearby residents would come early to line up and wait for getting food ahead of mealtimes.

"We have set up six Takias in the sixth block of Khartoum. Some of them provide breakfast, while some others provide lunch. Each Takia can provide food for 220 to 250 families, usually rice, millet or beans," said Muhammad Khojali, head of Takias in the block.

The Takias mainly rely on funding from UN agencies and donations from overseas Sudanese, but since the beginning of this year, the Takias have been facing severe shortage of funds and supplies. Due to the escalation of the conflict, traffic to the capital and surrounding areas has been cut off, so humanitarian access is blocked.

Some of the Takias have been forced to close, and those that are still open have reduced their service from providing two meals a day to one, while several of them can only provide one meal a week.

"The situation is quite difficult, and there is an extreme shortage of food and water. The Takias also need more funding, as they have run out of money. So are the people here. We have no money or food," said Muhammad Adel, a resident in Khartoum.

The lingering conflict in Sudan has led to a sharp drop in grain production and disruptions in grain trade and agricultural product supply chains. An unprecedented food crisis has enveloped the country.

A recent UN report said that the conflict has left 97 percent of Sudanese facing severe hunger, adding that never in modern history have so many people faced hunger and famine as they are now in Sudan. Experts are worried that around 2.5 million people in the country could die from hunger by the end of this year.

Source:africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2024/10/21/sudan-as-fighting-rages-food-kitchens-barely-maintain-supply/

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Sudanese army reports first defection of a senior RSF commander

October 20, 2024

CAIRO: Sudan’s army said on Sunday a commander from its foe the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had defected with some of his troops, in what would be the first such move by a senior figure since the sides started fighting more than 18 months ago.

There was no immediate comment from the RSF which has seized control of large parts of the country in a conflict with the military that the UN says has caused one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Supporters of the army posted photos online purporting to show Abuagla Keikal — a former army officer who became the RSF’s top commander in the southeastern state of El Gezira — after he had defected.

The army, which has recently reported gains against the RSF in parts of the capital, said Keikal had decided to make the move because of his former force’s “destructive agenda.”

It did not go into further detail and there was no statement, in print or on video, from Keikal.

The conflict has displaced more than 10 million people, driven parts of the country to extreme hunger or famine, and drawn in foreign powers that have supplied both sides with material support.

It began in April 2023 when tensions between the RSF and the army, who had been jostling for position ahead of an internationally backed transition to civilian rule, erupted into open conflict.

The army and the RSF had previously shared power after staging a coup in 2021, two years after veteran autocrat Omar Al-Bashir was toppled in a popular uprising.

Source:arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2576022/middle-east

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Southeast Asia

 

Freeze on foreign worker employment quota to continue - Saifuddin Nasution

BERNAMA

21-10- 2024

PUTRAJAYA: The freeze on foreign worker employment quota applications will continue until a date to be announced later.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said this is because the total number of foreign workers in the country as of Sept 15 is nearing the stipulated ceiling.

He said the total number of foreign workers in the country is guided by the stipulation set by the Economy Ministry under the 12th Malaysia Plan, which is 157 per cent of the total workforce in the country.

“The government will study and reconsider the ruling on opening the quota on foreign worker employment.

“As such, it is informed that the freeze on foreign worker employment quota applications is extended until a date to be announced later,” he said in a statement today.

Saifuddin Nasution said the Workforce Recalibration Programme 2.0 registration period had ended on Dec 31, 2023 and the government has no plans to implement the programme again in the future.

Source:thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/freeze-on-foreign-worker-employment-quota-to-continue-saifuddin-nasution-CE13174262

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PM Anwar affirms Malaysia’s commitment to strategic partnership with Indonesia

BERNAMA

20-10- 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will continue to be a strategic partner to Indonesia, while strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two brotherly nations, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

In a Facebook post, Anwar expressed his confidence that the inauguration of President Prabowo Subianto will enhance collaboration with Malaysia and elevate the region’s standing on the global stage.

“I attended this meaningful and significant ceremony, marking a milestone in Indonesia’s democratic history and regional political development, as a gesture of respect for the people of Indonesia.

“With Bapak Prabowo Subianto’s long political journey, having faced numerous challenges and tests, I am confident that he will serve wholeheartedly and, together with Malaysia, help foster harmony and elevate the stature of this region to greater heights,” he said.

Earlier today, the prime minister attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prabowo, 73, as Indonesia’s President for the 2024-2029 term at the Indonesian Parliament.

He was among 19 foreign leaders and heads of state invited to the event, including Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., Prime Minister of Serbia Milos Vucevic, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Xanana Gusmao.

He also expressed his appreciation to Indonesia’s seventh President, Joko Widodo, for his contributions and cooperation with Malaysia during his tenure from Oct 20, 2014 to Oct 20, 2024.

Prabowo now takes the helm as the leader of the world’s third-largest democracy by population, following his victory in the 2024 Presidential Election on Feb 14 where he secured 59 per cent of the vote.

Alongside Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 37, Prabowo defeated challengers Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo, who received about 25 per cent and 16 per cent of the votes, respectively.

Source:thesun.my

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Nearly 300,000 Malaysians lost jobs since 2020, manufacturing sector worst hit, says deputy HR minister

21 Oct 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — A total of 293,639 individuals have lost their jobs from 2020 to Sept 27 of this year, according to Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad.

He said that the manufacturing sector has been the hardest hit, with 75,615 individuals affected, followed by the wholesale and retail sector with 43,614 job losses, and the professional, scientific, and technical activities sector, which has seen 23,907 jobs lost.

“Additionally, the information and communication technology (ICT) recorded 19,931 lay-offs; the accommodation and food and beverage service activities sector (23,124); the construction sector (21,233); the transport sector (20,953); and other sectors (65,262),” he said during an oral question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat.

He said this in his reply to a question from Oscar Ling Chai Yew (PH-Sibu), regarding the skills training programmes planned by the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) to enhance the marketability of graduates and local workers in the technology and Industry 4.0 sectors.

Abdul Rahman added that the ministry is dedicated to improving the marketability of graduates and workers, in alignment with current industry requirements.

He said that the statistics from the Social Security Organisation (Socso) showed that a total of 575,044 active job seekers were recorded on the MYFutureJobs Portal, from January to Sept 27 of this year, compared with 125,956 available vacancies, said Abdul Rahman.

“To address the challenge of underemployment, particularly among new graduates and local workers, KESUMA has introduced various programmes, including the training programme under the Employment Insurance System, the Future Worker Training (FWT) scheme, and the Industry 4.0 focused courses.

Additional initiatives include the Strategic Cooperation Programme and Technology Centre, as well as financing options from the Skill Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) for KESUMA skills trainees.

Meanwhile, he noted that the minimum wage increase, from RM1,500 to RM1,700 per month, effective Feb 1, 2025, does not apply to skilled and semi-skilled workers.

The wage increase will primarily impact low-level workers, such as labourers, he explained in response to Ling’s supplementary question regarding the incentive package for employers, following the decision to raise the minimum wage. — Bernama

Source:malaymail.com

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Global air traffic set for major rebound in 2024 with nearly 11pc growth, says Anthony Loke

21 Oct 2024

By Yiswaree Palansamy

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — The global airline industry is experiencing a significant resurgence, with a projected year-on-year increase of 10.4 per cent in passenger traffic, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said.

In his keynote address at the 16th ICAO Air Services Negotiation (ICAN2024) event here, Loke said that many regions are surpassing pre-pandemic air traffic levels.

“Connectivity to the Asia-Pacific region, for example, is expected to be fully restored by the end of this year. We are anticipating to see a year-on-year increase of 10.4 per cent in total passenger numbers globally for 2024,” he said.

“Here in Malaysia, we have seen similar growth. Our aviation sector is set to experience four per cent growth in overall passenger movement, driven by fleet expansions and the return of foreign airlines,” Loke added.

He said that in August 2024, Malaysia recorded 8.7 million passengers, marking a strong 12.7 per cent increase from the previous year and that the Asia Pacific region will remain the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) fastest-growing air transport region through 2035.

“In terms of air cargo, we expect a 6 per cent to 6.6 per cent year-on-year growth for 2024, amounting to roughly 20 billion freight tonne kilometres,” Loke added.

He noted that this growth is propelled by key factors, including China’s resurgence, a revival in the global technology cycle, and a broader economic stabilisation.

Source:malaymail.com

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