‘Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan Now Largest Terror Group in Afghanistan, Supported by Afghan Taliban and Al-Qaeda’: UN Monitoring Report
New Age Islam News Bureau
12 July 2024
·
‘Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan Now Largest Terror
Group in Afghanistan, Supported by Afghan Taliban and Al-Qaeda’: UN Monitoring
Report
·
Taliban Official Labels Ashura Ceremony as
‘Political and Foreign Innovation’
·
The Mullahs’ Regime’s Failure to Annihilate the
Iranian Resistance Through Genocide and Massacre: UN Special Rapporteur On
Human Rights
·
Pakistan Rules Out Talks with
‘Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, Urges Taliban Rulers to Take Action Against
Terrorists
·
‘Assault’ Case: Congress DalitSC/ST Leader Says
Family Will Convert to Islam If BJP MLA, Husband Don’t Face Action
Europe
·
Doncaster mosque told to pay former imam
£20,000 over religious harassment
·
US plan to deploy missiles in Germany a ‘direct
threat’ – Moscow
·
France planned to send 2,000 troops to Ukraine
– Russian intel
--------
South Asia
·
Shia Protesters In Herat March In Response To
Taliban Restrictions
·
UN publishes names of 61 sanctioned Taliban
officials
·
OCHA appeals for urgent funding to address
Afghanistan’s worsening economic crisis
·
Afghanistan and China Ink $25 Million USD
Cotton Export Agreement
·
FM Muttaqi and Saudi Ambassador Al-Buqami
Pledge to Enhance Bilateral Cooperation and Support
--------
Mideast
·
Islamic Jihad: Assaulting Ibrahimi Mosque
Insults Muslims
·
Grand Mufti Of Palestine Condemns Enemy's Roof
Of Courtyard Of Ibrahimi Mosque
·
Ancient city Gordion, Aslanhane Mosque in
Türkiye receive UNESCO World Heritage certificates
·
Israeli forces ceiling yard of Hebron’s
Ibrahimi Mosque in an attempt to change its features
·
Israel says a soldier killed near border with
Lebanon
·
60 bodies found after Israeli operation in Gaza
City
--------
Pakistan
·
May 9 mayhem: ATC rejects Imran Khan's
'political victimisation' allegations
·
Release of TTP men was a mistake, admits
interior minister
·
Supreme Court verdict halts Constitution
amendment bid: PTI
·
Pakistan, Azerbaijan eye enhancing bilateral
investment up to $2bn
·
HRCP blasts 'unconstitutional' order allowing
phone tapping
·
Pakistan to send agri graduates to China for
higher education
·
Pak SC rules in favour of Sunni Ittehad Council
in reserved seats case
--------
India
·
UP Police Books Journalists for Causing “Hatred
and Anger” In SocietyAfter Posts On Alleged Muslim Lynching: Media Watchdogs in
India
·
Undeterred by Terror Attacks, Thousands of
Amarnath Pilgrims Throng Jammu Base Camp Daily
·
‘Big step’: V-P Dhankhar lauds SC order on
maintenance for Muslim women
·
How Divorced Muslim Women Can Seek Maintenance
Under Section 125 CrPC?
·
EAM Jaishankar holds bilateral talks with
Bhutan, Bangladesh counterparts
·
Kathua ambush: Security forces intensify search
operations, more detained for questioning
------
Arab World
·
Diriyah’s $2bn Mega-Project Set to Redefine
Saudi Landscape
·
Qormuz Bringing Traditional Saudi Culture to
Future Generations, Says Founder
·
Patients receive hearts from donors in Saudi
Arabia, UAE
·
Saudi authority is first in world to achieve
ISO’s new AI management system certification
·
KSrelief signs agreement worth $9 million to
support Yemen Humanitarian Fund
·
SDAIA launches data protection awareness campaign
·
Saudi Green Building Forum hosts decarbonisation
event in New York
--------
North America
·
US ‘Moving Forward’ With 500-Pound Bombs For
Israel
·
Biden Says Israel-Gaza War Should End Now and Israel
Must Not Occupy Gaza
·
West refusing to accept 44,000 Afghan helpers
stranded in Pakistan
·
US to resume shipment of heavy bombs to Israel
despite rising civilian deaths
·
Muslim Voters Are Sending a Message
--------
Africa
·
Severe Penalties for Homosexuality In Burkina
Faso
·
Mali's junta lifts three-month suspension on political
party activities
·
Terrorists Plan To Attack Critical National
Infrastructures – Nigerian Military Reveals
·
Borno Govt Trains Repentant Boko Haram Members
In Phone Repairs, Carpentry, Others
·
Don’t dethrone Sultan, Muslim groups tell Gov
Aliyu
·
Kenyan president dismisses all cabinet
ministers after weeks of protests
·
Ugandan TikToker jailed 6 years for insulting
president
--------
Southeast Asia
·
Fahmi to Meet TikTok Next Week To Discuss
Cyberbullying After Woman’s Death
·
US Pleased ToSee JETP Money Is Flowing To
Indonesia
·
PM Anwar ‘mobbed’ by schoolchildren during
Putrajaya lunch stop
·
Tribunal Issues Award for First Sexual
Harassment Complaint - KPWKM
·
Malaysia poised as key source amid US-China
trade tensions - MITI
·
Prayer Ceremony held in conjunction with
Installation of 17th King of Malaysia
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
‘Tehreek-i-Taliban
PakistanNow Largest Terror Group InAfghanistan, Supported By Afghan Taliban And
Al-Qaeda’: UNMonitoring Report
July 12,
2024
KARACHI:
The proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is now the largest terrorist
group in Afghanistan, enjoying operational and logistical support from both the
Afghan Taliban and factions of the Al Qaeda terrorist network, according to a
United Nations monitoring report.
“The
Taliban do not conceive of TTP as a terrorist group: the bonds are close, and
the debt owed to TTP significant,” states the 15th report of the ISIL (Daesh)
and Al-Qaeda/Taliban Monitoring Team, submitted to the UN Security Council.
Estimating
its strength at around 6,000-6,500 fighters, the report notes that TTP is now
the largest among the two dozen or so such groups that enjoy freedom to
manoeuvre, under the oversight of the Taliban regime.
This
lends credence to Islamabad’s stance that Kabul is unwilling to act against
Pakistan-facing terrorist groups, something officials such as Defence Minister
Khawaja Asif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi have reiterated time and again.
The
report notes that TTP “continues to operate at significant scale in Afghanistan
and to conduct terrorist operations into Pakistan from there, often utilising
Afghans”.
“TTP has
intensified attacks against Pakistan, significantly increasing from 573 in 2021
to 715 in 2022 and 1,210 in 2023, with the trend continuing into 2024,” the
report, updated until May 28, states.
This
also lines up with Islamabad’s claims of the involvement of Afghan nationals
in a number of recent terrorist attacks, such as the Bisham bombing, which
claimed the lives of five Chinese engineers and their Pakistani driver. The
report also mentions this particular incident.
It also
backs Pakistan’s worry that Nato-calibre weapons, especially night vision
capability, have been provided to TTP since the Taliban takeover, adding
lethality to terrorist attacks against Pakistani border posts.
Al Qaeda
support
The
report also questioned the Afghan Taliban’s willingness to mitigate the TTP
threat to Pakistan, given their historic ties, and describes the Taliban’s “ad
hoc support to, and tolerance of, TTP operations”, which even includes the
supply of weapons and permission for training and support from Al Qaeda in the
Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).
“AQIS
assists TTP in conducting terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, with Tehreek-i
Jihad Pakistan (TJP) claiming responsibility so as to relieve pressure on the
de facto [Afghan] authorities.”
Recalling
the Sept 2023 clash between the Pakistani military and Afghan fighters — what
the report termed the “largest TTP attack” of the past year — it said that when
a large number of fighters launched a coordinated attack against two military
posts in north-western Chitral, they were aided by a sizeable contingent from
Al Qaeda.
Noting
that Al Qaeda cells are operating in multiple Afghan provinces, mainly in the
south-east, the report states most facilities associated with the group are
mainly meant to train local fighters along with TTP operatives.
Al
Qaeda’s support to TTP includes “sharing of Afghan fighters for its tashkils
(in this context, military staffing or a formation) and training camps in
Afghanistan. Training provided by AQIS has resulted in TTP shifting tactics and
high profile attacks against hard targets”.
IS-K
IS-K,
which has recently expanded its outreach to Russia, claiming a couple of daring
attacks, features prominently in the UN report, which notes the Afghan
Taliban’s success against this threat, also highlights glaring gaps.
IS-K and
its affiliates in the region are estimated to have around 4,000 to 6,000
fighters, while others assess the core strength at 2,000-3,500. They have
reportedly infiltrated the main ministries of interior, defence and
intelligence while also seeking to covertly embed members in other groups such
as TTP.
While
acknowledging Kabul’s claim that its operations had pushed key IS-K personnel
across its borders, the report voiced concern over the impact this displacement
would have on the security situation in Pakistan, Iran and other Central Asian
states.
In
response to the “high attrition rates” of its fighters, the report notes how
IS-K has limited its presence in Afghanistan and expanded its external
operations, “with skilled operatives and suicide bombers encouraged to travel
to Europe, the Russian Federation and other neighbouring countries.”
Describing
their operations as “tactical rather than strategic”, the report notes that the
Taliban’s counter-terrorism capabilities are deficient to meet the nature of
that threat.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1845334
--------
Taliban
official labels Ashura ceremony as ‘Political and Foreign Innovation’
July 12,
2024
The
Taliban’s chief of information and culture in Herat has denounced the Ashura
ceremony as an “innovation” and stressed the need to curb “political and
foreign innovations.”
This
Taliban official made these remarks during a meeting with a group of Shia
clerics in Herat, where other Taliban officials were also present, discussing
security arrangements for Ashura.
Ahmadullah
Muttaqi addressed this issue during a meeting attended by several Taliban
officials and Shia clerics in Herat.
According
to Herat Information and Culture Department video footage, Mr. Muttaqi stated,
“We should not say anything about the essence of [Ashura] ceremony.”
However,
he emphasized the presence of “political innovations” in this ceremony that “do
not exist in the book (Quran).”
The
Taliban official highlighted the necessity of abstaining from such innovations.
Ahmedullah
Muttaqi attributed Ashura to “foreign customs and innovations” and emphasized
the need to tackle them.
He did
not specify which aspects of the Ashura ceremony he categorized as
“innovation,” “political innovation,” or “foreign innovation.”
Mr
Muttaqi stressed that it is currently the responsibility of the Taliban
government to ensure the security of the Ashura ceremonies, which should be
conducted in a manner that contributes to security.
Meanwhile,
recent actions and statements by Taliban officials regarding Ashura ceremonies
underscore ongoing tensions and concerns surrounding religious practices and
cultural expressions in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
These
developments also highlight the complexities of ensuring religious freedoms and
cultural practices in the country’s socio-political landscape.
Earlier,
videos and images circulated on social media depicted Taliban members removing
and tearing down Ashura flags in Shia areas, asserting that such flags should
not be displayed in public spaces like streets or rooftops.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/taliban-official-labels-ashura-ceremony-as-political-and-foreign-innovation/
--------
The
Mullahs’ Regime’s Failure to Annihilate the Iranian Resistance Through Genocide
and Massacre: UN Special Rapporteur On Human Rights
July 11,
2024
Iranian
youth at the Free Iran 2024 rally
-------------
A few
weeks before the Free Iran 2024 Summit, Mr. Javaid Rehman, the UN Special
Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, presented a new report describing the
execution of political prisoners in the 1980s and the 1988 massacre as crimes
against humanity and genocide.
On July
1, the third day of the Free Iran 2024 World Summit, titled “Iran: “Crimes
Against Humanity and Accountability for Perpetrators,” many participants
endorsed Mr. Javaid Rehman’s report and emphasized the need to pursue and
punish the perpetrators of this “genocide.”
Ambassador
Joachim Rueker, President of the UN Human Rights Council until 2015, said, ”
Professor Javaid Rehman published or talked about a new landmark report in
which he, according to reports, concluded that the 1988 massacre of thousands
of political prisoners in Iran amounted to crimes against humanity, and it is
reported that he also mentioned genocide. I think this report needs to be out
there for the public to see what the Special Rapporteur has found.”
Mr. Mark
Ellis, Executive Director of the International Bar Association, emphasized the
possibility of prosecuting the masterminds and perpetrators of the 1988
genocide, citing the example of Syria.
Dr.
Wolfgang Schomburg, a former German Federal Judge, confirmed this and added
there has been and still is a mechanism to hold these crimes accountable.
Other
experts, including former UN rapporteurs, former ambassadors to the UN Human
Rights Council, and former ministers of justice, also spoke, all indicating
their belief in the legal victory of the Iranian people against the regime of
executions and massacres.
Khomeini’s
aim in the 1988 massacre was not just a hysterical reaction or revenge against
the PMOI for their persistence and ideals. Khomeini feared his regime’s
overthrow and believed that by an entire generation of PMOI members and
supporters, he could erase the memory of the 30,000 dissidents from contemporary
history and extend his rule for centuries.
One of
the magnificent aspects of this year’s Free Iran Summit was that alongside the
widespread campaigns of the Iranian people in political, legal, and other
fields, new generations of PMOI supporters were present in various gatherings
and conferences. Wherever the cameras turned, teenagers and young people were
actively participating to show their support for the Iranian Resistance and the
Iranian people’s fight for freedom.
Many
supporters attended the event with their families.
The
youth held flags and pictures of Iranian Resistance leaders. Many of them are
born abroad and have never seen Iran.
One of
the most emotional and impactful speeches was delivered by a member of this new
generation of resistance supporters, “Amineh Gharaei,” the daughter of a PMOI
martyr executed during the 1988 massacre of political prisoners. Her speech,
filled with deep pain and unavenged grief, brought tears to many in the
audience and was interrupted multiple times by applause and emotions.
Especially when she recounted her childhood memories in “November 1988” and the
“three consecutive months” of waiting outside the prison for news of her
father’s conditions, which ended “without any trace of his body, grave, or even
a piece of his clothing.”
Fortunately
and proudly, Amineh is now part of the resistance herself and proudly
proclaims: “Today, I stand here. Alongside the glorious PMOI organization. The
same resistance whose name is the highest red line for the regime… and today, I
stand before you, PMOI, and you, dear Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, and I swear that the
greatest honor of my life is knowing the Mojahedin and being alongside them.”
Amineh
was not alone; others, such as Behrouz, accompanied her on behalf of his three
martyred uncles, reminding and proving the longstanding message of the
resistance leader: “Rest assured, for every hand of a Mojahed that is broken,
ten more will be added. For every eye of a Mojahed that is taken out, a hundred
more will be opened. And for every heart of a Mojahed that is torn and every
head that is broken, a thousand more blessed hearts and heads will replace
them.”
With
this new and passionate generation that has overcome all storms of
demonization, censorship, and silence, and is thwarting the regime’s schemes,
with the multitude of young people inside the country joining the PMOI
Resistance Units and those abroad who have forsaken the highest opportunities
in the most advanced countries to join the resistance, with these noble
children of the heroic people of Iran, who have now become the officials,
managers, moderators, and organizers of the Iranian Resistance’s rallies, the
outcome of Khomeini and Khamenei’s “genocide” has been nothing but the
flourishing and promising future of a globally renowned democratic alternative.
The
pain, blood, and bitter memories of the past four decades have not been erased
from the collective memory of the Iranian people, and the rebellious
generations inside and outside Iran stand defiantly against the decrepit
regime, declaring, “We stand firm!”
Source: english.mojahedin.org
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://english.mojahedin.org/article/the-mullahs-regime-failure-to-annihilate-the-iranian-resistance-through-genocide-and-massacre/
--------
Pakistan
rules out talks with TTP, urges Taliban rulers to take action against
terrorists
July 11,
2024
Foreign
Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch speaks during weekly press briefing on
July 4, 2024. — APP
---------------
Pakistan has ruled out the possibility of
holding any dialogue with the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP),
citing the terror outfit's involvement in the killing of Pakistani and foreign
nationals.
"The
TTP is involved in the killing of Pakistani and foreign citizens inside
Pakistan," FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said in a weekly news
briefing in Islamabad on Thursday.
The
foreign office spokesperson said Pakistan expects the Afghan authorities to
take action against terrorist groups that have found sanctuaries on its soil
and are using them for launching terror attacks across the border.
"Pakistan
respects Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity and expects the
authorities in the neighbouring country to uphold their sovereignty," she
said.
Responding
to a question regarding the repatriation of Afghan refugees, Baloch said
Pakistan is committed to implementing the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan
(IFRP).
"The
IFRP is meant for the implementation of the laws of Pakistan," she said,
adding that the plan was designed to launch action against illegal immigrants
residing in Pakistan without documentation.
She
further stated that illegal immigrants from several countries have been sent
back to their respective countries under the IFRP.
While
referring to the repatriation of illegal foreigners including Afghans to their
home countries, the FO spokesperson said that the first phase of this plan was
near completion.
Clarifying
there were multiple categories of Afghan refugees residing in the country, the
spokesperson stressed the government had not given any understanding to the
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) about the
"suspension" of the plan.
She
pointed out that the government had extended the validity of the Proof of
Registration cards of Afghan refugees for a year.
In a
July 9 meeting with top Pakistani officials including Prime Minister Shehbaz,
UNHCR Filippo Grandi appreciated the country for "suspending the Illegal
Foreigners Repatriation Plan", a statement from the UN body had said.
The
statement further said that Grandi had also sought assurance from Pakistani
authorities that the repatriation plan would remain on hold.
To a
question, Baloch said Pakistan and the United States have a multifaceted and
robust partnership.
She said
Pakistan believe this relationship should move forward on the basis of mutual
respect, sovereign equality and non-interference in each other's internal
affairs.
'Kashmir
Martyrs Day to be observed on July 13'
In her
media briefing, Baloch also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to providing
political, diplomatic, and moral support to the Kashmiri people for the just
and peaceful solution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security
Council resolutions.
Baloch
said the 93rd 'Youm-e-Shuhada-e-Kashmir' (Kashmir Martyrs Day) would be
observed on July 13 to honour the martyrdom of 22 Kashmiris who sacrificed
their lives in Srinagar in 1931, bravely facing the indiscriminate firing of
Dogra forces under the former Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir.
“We
salute their courage, which ignited a determined movement for the rights and
freedoms of the Kashmiri people and their right to self-determination. This
movement continues to this day," she said.
The FO
spokesperson mentioned that like the Dogra forces, Indian occupation forces
have martyred thousands of Kashmiris in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and
Kashmir (IIOJK) in recent decades simply for advocating for their rights.
“Burhan
Muzaffar Wani, an iconic youth leader from Kashmir, was among the hundreds who
fell victim to extrajudicial killings in the IIOJK. His eighth martyrdom
anniversary was observed on July 8th,” she remarked.
Commenting
on Israeli aggression in Gaza, Baloch said Pakistan strongly condemned this
week’s indiscriminate attacks by Israel on four schools in the besieged
territory, which resulted in the massacre of dozens of women and children
seeking shelter there.
These
attacks are further evidence of Israel’s genocidal campaign against the people
of Gaza, she concluded.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1208672-pakistan-rules-out-talks-with-ttp-urges-taliban-rulers-to-take-action-against-terrorists
--------
‘Assault’
Case: Congress DalitSC/STLeader Says Family Will Convert to Islam If BJP MLA,
Husband Don’t Face Action
Congress’s
Junagadh city SC/ST cell president Rajesh Solanki's son Sanjay Solanki, a
leader of the Congress’s student wing, was allegedly assaulted by BJP MLA Geetaba
Jadeja’s son
Written
by Gopal B Kateshiya
July 12,
2024
Congress’s
Rajesh Solanki. Express photo
--------------
The
president of the Congress’s Junagadh city SC/ST cell, whose son was allegedly
assaulted by BJP MLA Geetaba Jadeja’s son in May, said that his whole family
and many others from the Dalit community would convert to Islam if Gujarat’s
BJP government doesn’t seek the MLA’s resignation and the arrest of her
husband.
Congress’s
Junagadh city SC/ST cell president Rajesh Solanki is also the head of the
Junagadh Jilla Anusuchit Jati Samaj, an informal organisation of the Dalit
community. His son Sanjay Solanki is a leader of the Congress’s student wing –
National Students’ Union of India (NSUI).
Gondal
BJP MLA Geetaba Jadeja’s son Jyotiradityasinh alias Ganesh has been arrested
for the alleged assault on Sanjay.
On
Wednesday, Rajesh Solanki went to the office of the Junagadh District Collector
and collected application forms to seek the state government’s permission for
religious conversion. The move came days after he told the media on July 6 that
he and around 150 members of the extended Solanki family would convert to Islam
if the BJP government didn’t act against Geetaba and her husband Jayrajsinh
Jadeja.
Rajesh
demanded that by August 15, the BJP should seek Geetaba’s resignation and book
Jayrajsinh under IPC section 120B (criminal conspiracy) for his alleged role in
the assault on Sanjay in the intervening night of May 30 and 31.
Jyotiradityasinh
(25) was booked on May 31 after Sanjay (26) filed a police complaint, alleging
that Jyotiradityasinh and others kidnapped him from Junagadh following an
argument over the MLA’s son’s driving.
Sanjay
alleged in the complaint that the accused took him to Gondal in Rajkot
district, threatened him with a pistol, stripped him and forced him to
apologise while recording it on a mobile phone.
Subsequently,
police arrested Jyotiradiyasinh and 10 others on charges of attempt to murder
and under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities)
Act. All the accused are presently in judicial custody.
However,
Sanjay’s father Rajesh alleged that Jyotiradityasinh’s father Jayrajsinh, a
former three-time MLA from Gondal, was also part of the conspiracy of
kidnapping and assaulting Sanjay.
“BJP has
been ruling Gujarat for the past 25 years, and at least 5,000 incidents of
atrocities against Dalits have been registered during this period. Victims of
Una atrocities have not got justice even after eight years. It is the duty of
the Gujarat government to protect citizens, but Gondal Ganesh, who is son of
the sitting MLA and a former MLA, kidnapped my son,” Rajesh told media persons
outside the Collector’s office on Wednesday.
Rajesh
told The Indian Express on Thursday that he has given the government and the
BJP time till August 15. “If the government and the BJP don’t listen to us and
agree to our demands, we shall lead a huge rally to Gandhinagar and submit
memorandums to the Chief Minister, Governor and the BJP president to demand
justice for Dalits. If the government doesn’t move even after that, we shall
convert to Islam as it won’t make sense to be part of a religion whose members
break our backs, but who are happy to marry their daughters to those who offer
namaz while refusing to acknowledge us as fellow Hindus,” he said.
Rajesh
Solanki’s political career began within the BJP, and he was elected to the
Junagadh Municipal Corporation on a BJP ticket in 2004. In 2009, he switched
over to the Congress and won local body polls the same year and in 2014, before
losing in 2019.
N F
Chaudhary, Resident Additional Collector of Junagadh, confirmed that Rajesh
collected application forms for conversion. “However, we have not received any
filled up forms from them yet,” he said. He also said that the Gujarat Freedom
of Religion Act empowers a district magistrate to ascertain if any individual
is seeking conversion out of duress, or if someone is luring an individual to
convert and so on.
Congress
Dalit leader conversion, islam conversion, rajkot, Conversion, conversion law,
forced conversion, Hindu Muslim conversion, Ahmedabad news, Gujarat news, India
news, Indian express, Indian express India news, Indian express India
Congress's
Junagadh city SC/ST cell president Rajesh Solanki has given an ultimatum to the
BJP government to take action against BJP MLA Geetaba Jadeja and her husband
for allegedly assaulting his son. He has threatened to convert to Islam if his
demands are not met and has also collected application forms for conversion. A
rally is planned to demand justice for Dalits.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/congress-dalit-leader-says-family-will-convert-to-islam-if-bjp-mla-husband-dont-face-action-9447922/
--------
Europe
Doncaster
mosque told to pay former imam £20,000 over religious harassment
11th Jul
2024
Mohammed
Khan took Doncaster Mosque Trust to an employment tribunal, claiming he was
unfairly dismissed because he raised concerns about financial mismanagement.
The
hearing also ruled that members of the place of worship in Hyde Park accused
him of following the beliefs of a rival branch of Islam.
Employment
Judge Kirsty Ayre said the Trust must compensate Mr Khan, a former Sunni imam
at Doncaster Jamia Mosque, after the ruling said several senior members of the
mosque made several comments insinuating that he practiced the rival Shia
ideology.
The
tribunal found that the organisation left Khan with no option but to leave his
position at the mosque when it "side-lined" him by steadily handing
his responsibilities as imam over to other members."The claimant was
offended, as a Sunni imam, at being associated with the Shia religious
ideology," the tribunal ruled. "He felt angry and frustrated at
colleagues, who are from the same Sunni ideology as the claimant, associating
him with a different ideology."
The
tribunal panel concluded that Khan was left feeling "denigrated" by
his colleagues' comments, which included one volunteer at the mosque saying the
imam was "not one of us."
Another
volunteer said the imam should be banned from the mosque for his Shiite
beliefs, the decision said.
The
dispute between Sunnis and Shiites — the two biggest branches in Islam — dates
back to the beginning of the religion in the seventh century. Sunni Islam is
the predominant branch in the Arab world, while the Shiites constitute the
majority of the population in Iran, Iraq and Azerbaijan.
Mr Khan
took on the role as an imam at Doncaster Jamia Mosque in December 2020. His
role involved leading prayers, collecting donations and teaching children in
the mosque's school, until he quit at the end of 2022, according to the ruling.
"To
be accused of having Shia sympathies is a serious matter, particularly when the
accusations are made by other Sunni Muslims involved in the running of a Sunni
mosque," the judge wrote.
The
breakdown in Mr Khan's relationship with the mosque came to a head in August
2022 when another newly-appointed imam gave him a choice between a pay decrease
to around a third of his previous salary or the option to resign, the ruling
said.
The
tribunal said that the ultimatum was "one of, if not the most, clear and
blatant breaches of the implied term of trust and confidence" the panel
had ever seen.
"This
was a very stark ultimatum, which put the claimant in an impossible
position," the tribunal reported. "He was effectively being pushed
out of his imamate duties and forced into a more junior and substantially less
well paid role."
At
earlier hearings, Mr Khan had accused mosque leaders of financial
mismanagement.
Mr Khan
said worshippers would donate up to £1,300 to the mosque every Friday and he
would hand that money over to the mosque’s cashier and ask him to sign a
receipt book.
According
to Mr Khan, the cashier said “we don’t really need to do all this” during a
meeting in October 2021, but he insisted that charity trustees had a duty to
keep proper financial records and they were failing to do this.
A new
imam was appointed in February 2022 and began collecting donations for a new
community centre.
Mr Khan
said that the new imam, who had not been keeping accurate records of the
donations, announced in March that £35,000 had been raised but another £80,000
was needed.
According
to Mr Khan, members of the congregation approached him and said they were
concerned their donations were not being spent on a new community centre.
He then
confronted trustees at a meeting in April, claiming they were misusing the
donations in breach of obligations set out in the Charities Act 1993.
Mr Khan
said he had another dispute with the trustees in July 2022, when they announced
they were planning to use £6,000 of the money to pay off utility bills.
In her
ruling, Judge Ayre said: “I take account of the fact that the nature of the
wrongdoing the claimant (Mr Khan) was concerned about was that thousands of
pounds of donations was unaccounted for, and that people were asking the
claimant about it.
"I
also take account of the fact that the (trust) is a place of worship and a
charity, which the public would expect to demonstrate high levels of honesty
and integrity.”
Source: doncasterfreepress.co.uk
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https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/people/doncaster-mosque-told-to-pay-former-imam-ps20000-over-religious-harassment-4698921
--------
US plan
to deploy missiles in Germany a ‘direct threat’ – Moscow
11 Jul,
2024
US plans
to deploy long-range missiles in Europe are a threat to global security and
could pave the way for an escalation of already tense relations between Moscow
and NATO, Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov has said.
On
Wednesday, the US and Germany issued a joint statement that Washington “will
begin episodic deployments of the long-range fires capabilities of its
Multi-Domain Task Force in Germany in 2026, as part of planning for enduring
stationing of these capabilities in the future.”
The
systems will include SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles with ranges of up to 460km and
2,400km, respectively, as well as developmental hypersonic weapons, according
to Washington. The assets have a “significantly longer range than current
land-based fires in Europe,” the statement added.
In a
post on Telegram on Thursday, Antonov denounced the move as “a serious mistake
by Washington.” “Such extremely destabilizing steps are a direct threat to
international security and strategic stability,” he said.
The
envoy stressed that the planned deployment “increases the risks of a missile
arms race,” adding that it could unleash “uncontrolled escalation amid
dangerously soaring Russia-NATO tensions.”
Antonov
also said that Russia has always sought to reduce the risks posed by
disagreements over missile capabilities. “Instead of the desire for peace that
Russia has demonstrated many times, the Americans have embarked on the dangerous
path of militarism,” according to the ambassador.
He
emphasized that Russia’s tolerance for encroachments on its security is “not
unlimited.” “Doesn’t Germany understand that the emergence of American missile
assets on German soil will lead to these facilities ending up in Russian
crosshairs? This is not saber-rattling, it is the simple logic of a normal
person,” Antonov explained.
He went
on to blast the US for not thinking about how to minimize the fallout from the
collapse of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF). Signed in 1987
at the end of the Cold War, it barred Moscow and Washington from possessing
many types of nuclear and conventional missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500km.
The US
unilaterally withdrew from the treaty in 2019, citing alleged Russian
non-compliance, a charge denied in Moscow. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister
Sergey Ryabkov suggested earlier this week that the US pulled out of the
agreement to create formerly banned missile systems to put pressure on China.
At the
same time, Russia has said that it intends to keep abiding by the INF’s terms,
but warned that it could reverse that policy if Washington starts deploying
missiles covered by the treaty in any region of the world.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/russia/600855-us-missiles-germany-threat-russia/
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France
planned to send 2,000 troops to Ukraine – Russian intel
11 Jul,
2024
Russia’s
Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has declassified a report by an operative
who stated in March that France was preparing to send a contingent of about
2,000 soldiers to fight in Ukraine.
The
briefing was published in the latest issue of the SVR’s ‘Scout’ magazine. In
it, an operative using the pseudonym Felix claimed that the French army was
“concerned about the increased number of Frenchmen killed in the Ukrainian
theater of military operation,” particularly after Russian forces destroyed a
temporary deployment center for foreigners near Kharkov in January.
That
strike alone killed “dozens of French citizens,” Paris reportedly estimated,
noting that since then, similar attacks have “become the norm in the Ukraine
conflict.” The French Defense Ministry has privately acknowledged that it has
not seen such losses since the war in Algeria in the second half of the 20th
century, according to Felix’s cipher telegram.
The SVR
operative reported that the exact number of casualties and the idea that there
are any French servicemen in Ukraine at all is being deliberately covered up by
French authorities. They allegedly fear that the number of casualties “has
passed the psychologically significant threshold” and that their publication
could spark mass public protests and discontent among acting officers.
Despite
these issues, Felix said the French authorities were nevertheless preparing a
contingent to send to Ukraine, claiming that this group was initially planned
to include some 2,000 troops. However, the French military is supposedly
concerned that it would be impossible to covertly send such a large force into
Ukraine, as it would become a priority target for Russian forces.
Previously,
French President Emmanuel Macron repeatedly hinted that his country could send
soldiers to fight on the side of Kiev, sparking condemnation from Russia as
well as pushback from most of Paris’ allies within NATO.
The
French leader later also confirmed that he was trying to form a coalition
willing to deploy specialists to train the Ukrainian military on the ground,
and claimed that several nations had already agreed to join the effort. Last
month, senior Ukrainian officials reported that the first group of French
instructors was already on its way to the country.
Moscow
has repeatedly warned against additional military aid to Kiev, while Russian
President Vladimir Putin has claimed that Western military specialists have
long been active in Ukraine “under the guise of mercenaries.” He cautioned that
the deployment of Western forces to Ukraine could lead to a “serious conflict
in Europe and a global conflict.”
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/russia/600863-russian-intel-france-troops/
--------
South Asia
Shia
protesters in Herat march in response to Taliban restrictions
July 12,
2024
Groups
of Shia protesters in Herat marched through the city’s 12th, 9th, and 13th
districts, waving Ashura flags and chanting “Labbaik Ya Hussain” as they
expressed their religious devotion and voiced dissent against recent statements
made by the Taliban.
Caravans
of Shia protesters in Herat marched through the city’s 12th, 9th, and 13th
districts, waving flags of Ashura and chanting “Labbaik Ya Hussain.”
This
protest movement was sparked by statements from Ahmadullah Muttaqi, the Taliban’s
cultural chief, who deemed Ashura a “bid’ah” (innovation).
Earlier,
Ahmadullah Muttaqi, Taliban’s head of information and culture, on Wednesday,
labelled Ashura ceremonies as “bid’ah” during a meeting with local officials
and Shia representatives, emphasizing the need to combat “political and foreign
innovation-bid’ahs.”
The
protestors in Herat expressed their “disgust” towards Muttaqi’s remarks with
the midnight protests on Thursday, July 11.
With the
arrival of the Islamic month of Muharram and the days of Ashura, the Taliban
launched a widespread campaign in various cities, including Kabul and Herat, to remove Shia religious
symbols such as mourning flags.
Recently,
the Taliban have taken down Ashura flags from Jibrail district and other
Shia-populated areas of Herat.
Taliban
intelligence reportedly detained seven protesters on Wednesday who had
protested against the Taliban’s obstruction of Ashura ceremonies.
Some
residents of Herat suggest that tensions between Ashura mourners and local
Taliban authorities have escalated, resulting in a heightened military presence
in the city. These residents fear potential clashes between the populace and
Taliban forces due to the Taliban’s interference in mourning ceremonies.
Meanwhile,
the situation in Herat remains tense as Shia protesters continue to demonstrate
against Taliban restrictions on religious observances, particularly during the
holy month of Muharram and the commemoration of Ashura.
The
crackdown on Ashura symbols by Taliban forces has exacerbated tensions, raising
concerns about potential confrontations between civilians and Taliban
authorities in the city.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/shia-protesters-in-herat-march-in-response-to-taliban-restrictions/
--------
UN
publishes names of 61 sanctioned Taliban officials
July 12,
2024
The
United Nations Sanctions Monitoring Team has identified 61 Taliban officials
currently under international sanctions in its latest report.
Out of
these sanctioned individuals, 35 are members of the Taliban cabinet and senior
officials, as detailed in the UN Security Council’s published list on its
website.
Key
figures like Mullah Hasan Akhund, Abdul Ghani Baradar, Abdul Salam Hanafi, and Abdul
Kabir are prominently listed among the sanctioned Taliban leadership.
Also
included are Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Foreign Minister, and Sirajuddin Haqqani,
the Interior Minister, who recently obtained temporary permission to travel to
the UAE for Hajj and attend a security meeting.
Notable
figures such as Abdul Haq Waseeq, head of intelligence, Noor Mohammad Saqib,
minister of Hajj and religious affairs, and Khairullah Khairkhwa, minister of
information and culture, are also subject to sanctions.
The sanctions
prohibit these individuals from traveling abroad without Security Council
authorization and freeze their assets outside Afghanistan.
The
Monitoring Team’s mandate was extended by a consensus of 15 permanent and
non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for another year.
The U.S.
ambassador to the UN emphasized that the team’s mission extension aims to
combat terrorism and uphold human rights, particularly women’s and girls’
rights in Afghanistan.
China’s
ambassador also stressed the importance of preventing Afghanistan from becoming
a hub for terrorist activities once again.
Several
members of the Haqqani network are also listed in the sanctions, including
Khalil-ur-Rahman Haqqani and Yahya Haqqani, among others.
Officials
from the Taliban’s Ministry of Higher Education and Ministry of Education are
also on the list. Mohammad Ibrahim Omari, Abdul Baqi Haqqani, Fazlullah Rabi,
Nek Mohammad, and Abdul Qados Mazhari face global sanctions for allegedly
obstructing girls’ education.
The
sanctions list extends to various ministries and administrative bodies within
the Taliban regime, reflecting international efforts to enforce compliance with
global norms.
The
comprehensive 26-page report compiled at the request of member states
underscores ongoing international scrutiny and efforts to impose travel
restrictions and asset freezes on Taliban leaders and affiliates.
The
prominent Taliban officials and their associates in the UN sanctions list
underscore global efforts to address security concerns and uphold international
norms amidst Afghanistan’s evolving political landscape.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/un-publishes-names-of-61-sanctioned-taliban-officials/
--------
OCHA appeals
for urgent funding to address Afghanistan’s worsening economic crisis
July 12,
2024
The
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has
warned about Afghanistan’s worsening economic crisis.
According
to OCHA, critical services like healthcare, shelter, food, and education are
threatened due to severe funding shortages.
In a
statement released on Wednesday, OCHA highlighted that six million people could
lose access to essential health services without adequate funds.
Additionally,
4.5 million individuals may be deprived of protective services, further
exacerbating the humanitarian situation.
OCHA’s
concerns extend to nearly five million children at heightened risk of
infectious diseases due to inadequate access to clean water.
The
organization emphasized that 300,000 children currently enrolled in educational
programs may lose their opportunity for primary education.
Earlier
assessments by OCHA revealed that following the Taliban’s assumption of power,
over 23.7 million Afghans, which constitute more than half the population,
require urgent humanitarian assistance.
To
address these urgent needs, OCHA has appealed for $3 billion to support
humanitarian efforts across Afghanistan.
The
situation remains critical, with OCHA stressing the immediate necessity of
sufficient funding to prevent further deterioration in the lives of millions of
vulnerable Afghans.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.khaama.com/ocha-appeals-for-urgent-funding-to-address-afghanistans-worsening-economic-crisis/
--------
Afghanistan
and China Ink $25 Million USD Cotton Export Agreement
2024-07-11
KABUL(BNA):
On the sidelines of the National Export Day celebration, an agreement worth $25
million USD was signed between Afghan and Chinese companies for the export of
10,000 tons of cotton.
According
to BNA, the agreement was signed today in the presence of Mullah Abdul Ghani
Baradar Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of the Islamic
Emirate of Afghanistan, and Nooruddin Azizi, Acting Minister of Industry and
Commerce.
The
contract was formalized between representatives of the Afghan company, Afghan
White Gold and the Chinese company, Shanghai Chuban Textile.
Under
this agreement, 10,000 tons of cotton will be exported from Afghanistan to
China.
It is
noteworthy that currently, exports from Afghanistan are ongoing to
approximately 80 countries worldwide across 24 commercial sectors.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/afghanistan-and-china-ink-25-million-usd-cotton-export-agreement/
--------
FM
Muttaqi and Saudi Ambassador Al-Buqami Pledge to Enhance Bilateral Cooperation
and Support
2024-07-11
KABUL(BNA):
The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi held a
promising meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Faisal bin
Talq Al-Buqami, in his office.
During
the meeting, they discussed various aspects of the bilateral relations between
Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia, including achievements in various sectors.
In the
meeting, FM Muttaqi highlighted the shared religious, cultural, and historical
ties between Afghans and Saudis, expressing the Islamic Emirate’s eagerness to
expand relations with Saudi Arabia.
He
further expressed hope that during Ambassador Al-Buqami’s tenure, Kabul and
Riyadh’s bilateral relations would further strengthen.
Meanwhile,
Ambassador Al-Buqami emphasized the deep historical connections between the two
countries and assured his commitment to enhancing these relations. He pledged
continued humanitarian assistance from Saudi Arabia to Afghanistan and
commended the Islamic Emirate’s efforts, particularly in maintaining security
and combating narcotics.
The
meeting concluded with Minister Muttaqi briefing the Saudi Ambassador on
political, economic, and security advancements in Afghanistan and expressing a
desire for expanding diplomatic missions in both countries.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/fm-muttaqi-and-saudi-ambassador-al-buqami-pledge-to-enhance-bilateral-cooperation-and-support/
--------
Mideast
Islamic
Jihad: Assaulting Ibrahimi Mosque insults Muslims
11 Jul
2024
GAZA
July 11. 2024 (Saba) -The Zionist assault seen by the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron
is a classified crime against the mosque and Islamic divine places, Palestine's
Islamic Jihad Movement said on Thursday.
"The
crime committed today by the Zionist enemy comes as part of its plots aimed to
Judaize the Ibrahimi Mosque and all other sacred places, to impose division of
the where and when, to destabilize the mosque's historical and religious
situation, and to change its Islamic identity," the movement added in a
statement.
This
violation against Muslims' dignity requires Arab and Muslim countries and
rights institutions to assume their duties, and all parties to take move needed
to put an end to these Zionist assaults, the statement read.
Source: saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3347944.htm
--------
Grand
Mufti OfPalestine Condemns Enemy's Roof Of Courtyard Of Ibrahimi Mosque
11 Jul
2024
RAMALLAH
July 11. 2024 (Saba) -The Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and the Palestinian Diar,
the preacher of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Mohamed Hussein, condemned
the occupation authorities' Thursday morning on the roof of the courtyard of
the Ibrahimi Mosque, in an attempt to Judaize the place, change its features,
structure and external shape, and violate its sanctity.
He
pointed out in a statement that this attack constitutes a serious harm to the
landmarks of the Holy Mosque, a provocation to the feelings of Muslims, an
attack on freedom of worship in it, and portends a dangerous escalation against
Palestinian holy sites.
He
stressed that the policy of the occupation authorities to target and destroy
mosques and prevent worshipers from reaching them comes within a systematic and
dangerous policy of attacking sanctities and the right to freedom of worship
called for by heavenly laws and guaranteed by international laws and norms,
adding that the occupation authorities through these attacks aim to deprive
Palestinian citizens from performing their religious rites in their mosques,
warning of the danger of these practices, which may drag the entire region into
a religious war, which will harm the whole world. Not only in Palestine, he
pointed out that these violations and attacks come in light of flawed and
shameful international silence.
Sheikh
Hussein appealed to organizations and bodies concerned with human rights,
foremost of which is UNESCO, to intervene to stop Israeli violations against
the Palestinian people, their holy sites and lands, calling on Arabic and
Islamic countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to exert
effective efforts towards saving Allah homes in Palestine, and indicated that
the language of condemnation and denunciation is no longer acceptable, but
rather actual action must be taken to stop the crimes of occupation at various
levels.
Source: saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3347935.htm
--------
Ancient
city Gordion, Aslanhane Mosque in Türkiye receive UNESCO World Heritage
certificates
11.07.2024
The
ancient city of Gordion and Aslanhane Mosque in Turkish capital Ankara have
received UNESCO World Heritage certificates, the Ankara Metropolitan
Municipality said on Thursday.
A
statement by the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality said that Mayor Mansur Yavas
took over the certificates for the acceptance of the Gordion ancient city and
Aslanhane Mosque to the UNESCO World Heritage Permanent List from Prof. M. Ocal
Oguz, the president of Executive Board of Turkish National Commission for
UNESCO.
Thus,
the ancient city of Gordion and the Aslanhane Mosque were registered as
cultural or natural assets that should be protected for the benefit of all
humanity.
Gordion
is the first world heritage site from Ankara and the 20th from Türkiye to be
included in the list, while the Aslanhane Mosque, which dates back to the 13th
century and is made of wooden materials and supports, is the second cultural
treasure from the capital city to be included in the list.
The decision
to add these structures to the UNESCO World Heritage List was made in September
2023 during the Extended 45th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Saudi
capital Riyadh.
Source: aa.com.tr
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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/culture/ancient-city-gordion-aslanhane-mosque-in-turkiye-receive-unesco-world-heritage-certificates/3272627
--------
Israeli
forces ceiling yard of Hebron’s Ibrahimi Mosque in an attempt to change its
features
11 July، 2024
Occupied
Jerusalem, SANA-The Israeli occupation forces ceiling the yard of the Ibrahimi
Mosque in Hebron city in the West Bank in an attempt to Judaize the place and
change its features.
” The occupation took advantage of the aggression waged against the
Palestinian people in Gaza Strip and closed the courtyard area and its yard
with sheet metal, in an attempt to change the features of the Ibrahimi Mosque,
“Wafa Agency quoted the Director of Hebron Endowments, Ghassan Al-Rajabi, as
saying on Thursday.
Al-Rajbi
added that such step considered a blatant assault against the sanctity and
status of the Mosque, a provocation to the feelings of Muslims, and an assault
on freedom of worship there, and comes within a series of ongoing Israeli
violations throughout the governorate, including the Old City and the Ibrahimi
Mosque.
He
called on international human rights institutions and the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to take urgent
action to stop these violations and stand by their responsibilities,
considering that the Ibrahimi Mosque has been added on the World Heritage List.
Source: sana.sy
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the text of the original Story
https://sana.sy/en/?p=334104
--------
Israel
says a soldier killed near border with Lebanon
July 12,
2024
JERUSALEM:
Israel’s military said on Friday that one of its soldiers was killed in combat
near the border with Lebanon a day earlier.
The
military identified the dead man as a 33-year-old sergeant. It did not specify
how he died, but Israel’s Haaretz newspaper said he was killed in a drone
strike.
The
Iran-backed Hezbollah group and Israel have been trading fire for nearly nine
months in hostilities that have played out in parallel to the Gaza conflict,
raising fears of an all-out war between the heavily armed adversaries.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2548326/middle-east
--------
60
bodies found after Israeli operation in Gaza City
July 12,
2024
GAZA
CITY, Palestinian Territories: Around 60 bodies were found under the rubble of
a Gaza City neighborhood, officials in the Hamas-run territory said Thursday,
after Israel’s military declared an end to its operation there.
The
upsurge in fighting, bombardment and displacement in the eastern district of
Shujaiya came as talks were held in mediator Qatar toward a truce and hostage
release deal.
US
President Joe Biden told reporters that his administration was “making
progress” toward a ceasefire agreement as he called for an end to the
Israel-Hamas war.
His
statement came after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded that Israel
retain control of key Gaza territory along the border with Egypt — a condition
that conflicts with Hamas’s position that Israel must withdraw from all Gaza
territory after a ceasefire.
Gaza’s
civil defense agency said around 60 bodies had been found under the rubble in
Shujaiya, after some of Gaza City’s heaviest combat in months.
Hamas
said Israel’s operation there had left “more than 300 residential units and
more than 100 business destroyed.”
Mohammed
Nairi, a Shujaiya resident, said he and others returning to the neighborhood
had seen “immense destruction that defies description. All the houses were
demolished.”
Israel’s
military said on Wednesday it had completed its mission in Shujaiya after two
weeks, but bombardments and fighting continued to shake Gaza City.
Witnesses
said tanks and troops had moved on to other parts of the city.
An AFP
correspondent reported air strikes on the Sabra neighborhood while militants
engaged in heavy clashes with Israeli forces in Tel Al-Hawa.
Hamas
reported 45 air strikes in the Gaza City area, as well as in Gaza’s
southernmost city of Rafah, where Netanyahu had said the intense phase of the
war was nearing its conclusion.
Netanyahu’s
office confirmed that its negotiating team, led by Mossad intelligence chief
David Barnea, had returned to Israel following talks with mediators in Doha on
Thursday.
Speaking
after the team’s return, Netanyahu said Israel needed control of the
Palestinian side of Gaza’s border with Egypt to stop weapons reaching Hamas.
He added
that Israel must also be allowed to keep on fighting until its war aims of
destroying Hamas and bringing home all hostages are achieved.
In
Washington, Biden acknowledged “difficult, complex issues” remain between
Israel and Hamas, but that progress was being made in reaching a ceasefire
deal.
“There’s
a lot of things in retrospect I wish I had been able to convince the Israelis
to do, but the bottom line is we have a chance now. It’s time to end this war,”
he said after a NATO summit.
The
Washington Post had reported on Wednesday that both Israel and Hamas had
“signalled their acceptance of an ‘interim governance’ plan” in which neither
would rule the territory and a US-trained force of Palestinian Authority
supporters would provide security.
The
Pentagon has also announced it will soon permanently end its problem-plagued
effort to deliver aid to Gaza by sea from Cyprus using a temporary pier that
had been repeatedly damaged by weather conditions.
The UN’s
health agency meanwhile said that only five trucks carrying medical supplies
were allowed into Gaza last week.
“More
than 34 of our trucks are waiting at the Al Arish crossing, and 850 pallets of
medical supplies are awaiting collection. A further 40 trucks are waiting at
Ismailiya in Egypt,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Friday on social
media platform X.
Hamas’s
October 7 attack on southern Israel that sparked the war resulted in the deaths
of 1,195 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli
figures.
The
militants also seized hostages, 116 of whom remain in Gaza, including 42 the
military says are dead.
Israel
responded with a military offensive that has killed at least 38,345 people in
Gaza, also mostly civilians, according to figures from Gaza’s health ministry.
The
Israeli army dropped leaflets on Wednesday warning “everyone in Gaza City” that
it would “remain a dangerous combat zone.”
The
leaflets urged residents to flee, and set out designated escape routes from the
area where the UN humanitarian office said up to 350,000 people had been
sheltering.
The UN
said the latest evacuations “will only fuel mass suffering for Palestinian
families, many of whom have been displaced many times,” and who face “critical
levels of need.”
Hamas
official Hossam Badran said that Israel was “hoping that the resistance will
relinquish its legitimate demands” in truce negotiations.
But “the
continuation of massacres compels us to adhere to our demands,” he said.
Israel’s
military said operations were also continuing in the Rafah area where “dozens”
of militants were killed over the past day.
The
military said it responded with air and ground strikes after five rockets were
fired from the area toward Israel on Thursday.
The
military separately acknowledged Thursday it had “failed” to protect Kibbutz
Beeri, where more than 100 people died during Hamas’s October 7 attacks.
A
summary of the inquiry, made public after being presented to kibbutz residents,
said there had been a “lack of coordination” in the military response.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2548296/middle-east
--------
Pakistan
May 9
mayhem: ATC rejects Imran Khan's 'political victimisation' allegations
July 11,
2024
LAHORE:
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Thursday dismissed incarcerated
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan's allegations of
"political victimisation" in cases related to the riots of May 9,
2023, in a written verdict issued on his bail pleas.
In the
four-page verdict, ATC Judge Khalid
Arshad stated that "reasonable grounds" existed to link the former
premier with alleged offences committed during the May 9 riots.
The
court had turned down the pleas seeking extension in the interim bails granted
to jailed politician in three cases related to the May 9 violent protests two
days ago.
The May
9 mayhem referred to the riots that broke out in many parts of the country last
year following the ex-PM's arrest in a corruption case.
Imran
Khan's Interim Bail Rejected in May 9 Cases | Breaking News
The
alleged PTI supporters attacked several state buildings including military
installations, prompting the civil and military authorities to try the rioters
under Army Act.
The
verdict stated that two witnesses produced by the prosecution told the court in
their testimonies that a meeting was held at Khan's Zaman Park residence in
Lahore on May 7, 2023, which they also attended along with 15 senior leaders of
the former ruling party.
In the
meeting, the petitioner [Imran Khan] expressed fears about his arrest in the
Islamabad High Court (IHC) on May 9, the verdict read, adding that the politico
also ordered the PTI leaders to gather the party workers under the leadership
of Dr Yasmin Rashid in case of his arrest.
The
party leaders, in the same meeting, was instructed by the petitioner to
"attack military installations, government properties and the police
officials to create pressure on the government and armed institutions for his
release", the verdict read.
Furthermore,
the deposed premier also recorded a video message to incite the party workers,
saying: "If he is arrested, the condition of the country will be worsened
like that of Sri Lanka". The clip was produced by the prosecution along
with its transcript.
"Actually
the case of the prosecution against the petitioner is that he hatched the
alleged criminal conspiracy which was agreed by the top leadership/accused and
the same was conveyed through modern devices especially online to the
protesters/accused who in result of the alleged instigation, launched attack,
entered forcibly in Jinnah House and set it on fire while waging war against
the State intending to over-awe the government," it read.
The ATC
verdict stated that the "recovery of alleged articles used for the
recording of video messages of instigation is to be affected from the
petitioner".
The
court also rejected the allegations of "political victimisation" on
behalf of the petitioner, terming it the claims were "not appealing to
prudent mind".
"A
peaceful demonstrator becomes terrorist when he hatched criminal conspiracy,
disseminate it and shared common object with other accused who being armed
attack, attempt to damage or damage the state properties like Jinnah House
intending to jam government machinery as per Sec.6 Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 and
he loses his normal rights of a law abiding citizen," the court observed.
After
hearing arguments from both sides, the ATC stated in its verdict that Khan's
"pre-arrest bail has no merits and is hereby dismissed while withdrawing
his already granted interim bail" as "reasonable grounds exist to
connect the petitioner with the alleged offences".
Cases
against ex-PM Khan
The
deposed prime minister, who was ousted from power via the opposition's
no-confidence motion in April 2022, has been facing a slew of charges ranging
from corruption to terrorism since his removal as premier.
He has
been behind bars since August last year after he was sentenced in the
Toshakhana case and subsequently sentenced in other cases ahead of the February
8 elections.
Khan
secured relief in the other cases, including £190 million reference and
Toshakhana, and was acquitted in the cipher case last month.
However,
he remains behind bars due to his conviction in the iddat (un-Islamic nikah)
case only.
Pleading
before Lahore's ATC, the government had demanded Khan's arrest in all three
cases, including the Jinnah House case, saying his arrest was essential for
interrogation.
The
rejection of bail pleas came as PTI was hoping for Khan's release from prison
this month as district and sessions court in Islamabad is expected to announce
verdict on the PTI founder's main appeal challenging conviction in the iddat
case.
The
former premier along with his spouse Bushra Bibi is currently serving
seven-year jail term each at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail after the couple was
convicted in the iddat case on February 3, 2024.
Last
month, the sessions court turned down the pleas of the ex-premier and his wife
to suspend their seven-year sentences in the iddat case.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1208687-may-9-mayhem-atc-rejects-imran-khans-political-victimisation-allegations
--------
Release
of TTP men was a mistake, admits interior minister
July 12,
2024
ISLAMABAD:
Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi on Thursday admitted that the release of
jailed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants back in 2021 was a mistake.
During a
meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior held here with Senator
Faisal Rehman in the chair, Mr Naqvi said the release of the banned outfit’s
prisoners had been made with hopes for an improvement, but this did not happen.
He noted
that the surge in terrorism cases in the country being witnessed today was
because of the release of those TTP prisoners. The government had in November
2021 released over 100 TTP prisoners as a “goodwill gesture” to reciprocate the
ceasefire announced by the outlawed group earlier that month.
The
officials also clarified that the prisoners were not released in compliance
with any demand made by the TTP, which is currently engaged in negotiations
with the government.
Naqvi
says no new operation is being launched
“The
Taliban prisoners were released as a goodwill gesture,” Mr Naqvi said.
On
November 8, 2021, the TTP announced in a statement that it had reached an
agreement with the government to cease hostilities for one month.
“The
ceasefire agreement between the Pakistan government and the TTP will remain in
effect for one month. It could be extended should the two sides agree,” the
group said in a statement, adding that it would equally apply to both sides.
PPP
Senator Shahadat Awan, during the Senate panel’s meeting, asked as to on whose
orders those under judicial custody prisoners had been released.
He also
sought to know the identity of the released TTP prisoners and the charges
against them.
The
interior minister promised to give a detailed briefing on the matter at a
separate meeting.
The
minister did not give a clear reply to Senator Irfan Siddiqui’s question about
the status of 5000 TTP families reportedly brought to Pakistan for resettlement
in the tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa (KP) during the PTI days in
power.
Mr
Siddiqui said the former prime minister on record talked about his plan. He
said the 5000 families would mean somewhere around 50,000 individuals.
He had
sought to know the exact number of TTP men brought for resettlement and the
details as to how many of them had been sent back to Afghanistan.
‘No new
operation’
In reply
to another question by Senator Irfan Siddiqui about operation Azm-i-Istehkam,
the interior minister claimed that no new operation was being launched and
blamed the media for creating such an impression.
He said
that six points of the National Action Plan (NAP) had not been implemented and
the plan was to implement these.
“As such
no new operation was being launched,” Mr Naqvi said. He also said there was no
plan to carry out operation in some specific areas. The panel was also informed
that Punjab and Sindh governments were carrying out joint operation against
dacoits in katcha area.
The secretary
of interior ministry, while briefing the committee on security of Chinese
nationals in Pakistan, said helicopters were now being used for surveillance of
Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams while bullet-proof vehicles are being used to
transport Chinese engineers working on the projects.
Senator
Umar Farooq said that security of common citizens and not foreigners should be
the government’s priority.
Mr
Siddiqui, who also chairs the Senate’s standing committee on foreign affairs,
took exception to these remarks, and said that these Chinese were neither
tourists nor part-time visitors, adding that the Chinese were playing a key
role in national security and economic developments.
He said
they were being targeted under a conspiracy to strain Pakistan’s relations with
China, and the responsibility to provide them fool-proof security must be
fulfilled.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1845298/release-of-ttp-men-was-a-mistake-admits-interior-minister
--------
Supreme
Court verdict halts Constitution amendment bid: PTI
July 12,
2024
ISLAMABAD:
Supreme Court ruling has blocked ruling coalition's desire to amend the
Constitution according to its wishes, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman
Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said on Friday.
His
remarks came as he addressed the media after the apex court, in a majority
verdict, declared that the PTI is a political party and eligible for reserved
seats denied by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
The
order has effectively deprived the government of a two-thirds majority in the
Parliament, essential for amending the Constitution.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1208922-sc-verdict-blocked-govts-attempt-to-amend-constitution-pti
--------
Pakistan,
Azerbaijan eye enhancing bilateral investment up to $2bn
July 11,
2024
Prime
Minister Shehbaz Sharif Thursday hoped that Pakistan and Azerbaijan will be
ready to ink agreements worth $2 billion when he visits Azerbaijan in November
this year, saying there is great potential in both sides to multiply this
figure in years to come.
President
of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in Islamabad on Thursday on
a two-day official visit from July 11-12, at the invitation of PM Shehbaz.
Pakistan
and Azerbaijan today agreed to enhance the bilateral investment up to US$2
billion in areas of mutually beneficial projects during President Ilham Aliyev
official visit to Islamabad.
In a
joint press stakeout along with President Ilham, after witnessing the signing
of agreements and MoUs in diverse areas between the two countries, PM Shehbaz
said: “We have discussed an initial figure of $2 billion investment in areas of
mutually beneficial projects."
“In
today’s in-depth conversation, we have agreed to enhance our bilateral trade
besides discussing areas of joint cooperation and joint investments,” he said,
adding that the bilateral investment volume of less than $100 million does not
reflect the strength of our brotherhood and friendship in the field of joint
investment in areas which are mutually beneficial.
Expressing
satisfaction over the bilateral meeting, the prime minister said discussions
were held on mutual trust and confidence where both sides expressed their
unwavering commitment to move forward and touch higher levels of achievements
in the fields of trade and investment.
The two
sides have discussed several projects in the areas of energy infrastructure and
defence, the visiting dignitary said.
Referring
to PM Shehbaz's last year visit to Azerbaijan, President Ilham said the visit
was a breakthrough and the two countries have always supported and cooperated,
adding the two countries now engage in practical elements of cooperation like
trade, energy, investment and corridors of transportation.
Pakistan,
Azerbaijan sign 15 MoUs
Additionally,
the two countries today signed 15 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and
agreements to promote bilateral cooperation in a range of fields including
trade, commerce, tourism, mines & minerals, science and technology, law and
justice, and cultural exchange programs.
PM
Shehbaz and President Ilham witnessed the signing ceremony held at PM House.
Deputy
PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Foreign
Affairs Samir Sharifov signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of Pakistan on Consular Affairs.
The preferential
trade agreement between the government of Azerbaijan and the government of
Pakistan was signed by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Deputy Minister of
Economy of Azerbaijan Sahib Mammadov.
Similarly,
an MoU on cooperation between the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan and the
Ministry of Privatization of Pakistan in the field of privatisation of state
property was signed by Minister for Privatisation Abdul Aleem Khan and Deputy
Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan Sahib Mammadov.
Another
agreement on transit trade between the governments of Azerbaijan and Pakistan
was also signed between the two countries.
The two
sides also agreed on a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the Minister of
Justice of Azerbaijan and the Minister of Law and Justice of Pakistan. The MoC
was signed by Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar and Azerbaijan's Minister for
Defence Industry Vugar Mustafayev.
A
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in mineral resources and
geology was signed by Petroleum Minister Dr Musadik Malik and Azerbaijan's
Minister of Energy.
The
Cultural Exchange Program between Pakistan and Azerbaijan for 2024-2029 was
signed by Minister for Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar and Azerbaijan
Minister of Foreign Affairs Samir Sharifov.
Additionally,
the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan and the
Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication of Pakistan signed an
MoU on cooperation in information and communication technologies.
An MoU
on cooperation between Azerbaijan Television and Radio Broadcasting (CJSC) and
Pakistan Television Corporation (PTVC) was signed by Secretary Information
Shahera Shahid and Ambassador of Azerbaijan Khazar Farhadov.
The two
sides also signed an MoU on establishing twin links between the cities of Baku
and Islamabad, and another MoU between the Small and Medium Business
Development Agency of Azerbaijan and SMEDA Pakistan.
The
governments of the two countries also signed an agreement for scientific and
technological cooperation. Another agreement on cooperation in the field of
tourism was signed by Secretary IPC Nadeem Irshad Kayani and Azerbaijan's
Minister of Defence Industry.
An MoU
on cooperation in the field of literature between an institute of literature
named after Nizami Ganjavi of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS)
and the Pakistan Academy of Literature (PAL) was signed by Chairman Pakistan
Academy of Letters Prof Dr Najeeba Arif and Ambassador of Azerbaijan Khazar
Farhadov.
The Air
Services Agreement was also signed between the two countries
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1208704-pakistan-azerbaijan-eye-enhancing-bilateral-investment-up-to-2bn
--------
HRCP
blasts 'unconstitutional' order allowing phone tapping
July 11,
2024
The
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has lambasted the government over
allowing the country’s top spy agency to tap calls of citizens, terming it
unconstitutional.
In a
statement issued on Wednesday, the commission said it was “deeply concerned” by
the recent "unconstitutional notification" issued by the federal
government granting officers of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) freedom
to intercept and trace the calls of nationals.
Through
a notification on Monday, the government approved permission for the
intelligence agency to intercept and trace calls and messages, in the
apprehension of an offence against national security. The order was slammed by
the opposition as well as other people concerned about citizens' privacy and
basic rights enshrined in the constitution.
The
federal cabinet approved the relevant circular allowing a designated officer of
the ISI to carry out the tracing of calls under Section 54 of the
Telecommunication (Re-organisation) Act 1996. However, the officer nominated by
the agency cannot be of less than grade 18.
The said
section of the Telecommunications Act allows the federal government to
authorise any person or persons to intercept calls and messages or to trace
calls through any telecommunication system in the interest of national
security.
It also
states that the government will have preference and priority in the
telecommunication system over any licensee for the defence or security of the
country against any foreign aggression.
"The
federal government in the interest of national security and in the apprehension
of any offence is pleased to authorise the officers [...] to be nominated from
time to time by ISI to intercept calls and messages or to trace calls through
any communication system," read the notification issued by the Ministry of
Information.
Meanwhile,
the HRCP termed notification a “flagrant violation of citizens’
constitutionally protected rights to liberty, dignity and privacy under
Articles 9, 14 and 19”.
“It also
contravenes the spirit of the apex court’s ruling in the Mohtarma Benazir
Bhutto case,” it added.
While
claiming that the measure would be used against political opponents, the human
rights body pointed towards the government’s acting in violation of a high
court order.
“It is
no coincidence that this follows on the heels of an Islamabad High Court order
stating that state officials are not authorised to surveil citizens.
"Given
the poor track record of governments and intelligence agencies alike, this
measure will invariably be used to clamp down on political dissent through
means of blackmail, harassment and intimidation,” it stated.
The HRCP
demanded the government to urgently introduce “watertight” checks and balances
to all surveillance practices— "at a minimum as prescribed in the
Investigation for Fair Trial Act 2013”.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1208581-hrcp-blasts-unconstitutional-order-allowing-phone-tapping
--------
Pakistan
to send agri graduates to China for higher education
July 12,
2024
Pakistan
will send 1000 graduates of agriculture studies to China for higher education
and training.
This
came at a meeting of Minister Counsellor of Chinese Embassy in Pakistan XU
Hangtian with Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Rana
Tanveer Hussain in Islamabad today.
The
meeting finalized the process for sending agri graduates to China as the scholarship
was announced during recent visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to
China.
The
scholarship aims at enhancing capacity and expertise of Pakistani graduates in
food and agriculture sectors.
Students
will learn modern agricultural practices, technical skills, innovative
techniques and research in agriculture sector in China.
The
training will cover specific skills in agriculture and food safety. Students
will be selected from all over Pakistan while students from Balochistan will be
given preference.
Confucius
Institute of Agriculture University Faisalabad will implement the program.
Source: radio.gov.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.radio.gov.pk/12-07-2024/pakistan-to-send-1000-graduates-of-agriculture-studies-to-china-for-higher-education
--------
Pak SC
rules in favour of Sunni Ittehad Council in reserved seats case
Jul 12,
2024
Islamabad,
Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday awarded reserved seats to an ally of jailed
former prime minister Imran Khan in a keenly awaited judgment on the issue of
apportioning seats reserved for women and minorities among political parties.
The
Sunni Ittehad Council had filed a plea challenging the Peshawar High Court
decision upholding the Election Commission of Pakistan's move to deny its share
in reserved seats in the National Assembly and provincial assemblies.
A 13-member full bench headed by Chief Justice
Isa and comprising justices Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Munib Akhtar, Yahya Afridi,
Aminuddin Khan, Jamal Mandokhail, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Ayesha Malik, Athar
Minallah, Syed Hasan Rizvi, Shahid Waheed, Irfan Saadat Khan and Naeem Akhtar
Afghan heard the case.
Chief
Justice Isa had announced after the proceedings on Tuesday that the panel
decided to reserve the verdict for mutual consultation, which it announced on
Friday.
A
majority of eight judges ruled in favour of the SIC by overturning the judgment
of Peshawar High Court.
The
judgment was announced by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah.
Earlier,
after concluding the hearing on Tuesday, the 13 judges spent two days in mutual
consultations before announcing the verdict.
The
court initially announced that a three-member regular bench headed by the chief
justice would announce the verdict at 9 am, but shortly after that, the timing
was changed and the bench announcing the verdict was changed when it was
announced that the original 13-member bench would issue the judgment at noon.
The
dispute about the reserved seats was related to the rejection of a SIC plea by
the ECP to award its share in the 70 reserved seats in the National Assembly
and another 156 in the four provincial assemblies.
Khan’s
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf could not contest the February 8 elections as the ECP
rejected its intra-party elections and deprived it of the bat symbol for
contesting the elections as a party.
Hence it
was not eligible to claim the seats reserved for women and minorities that are
awarded to the winning parties based on proportional representation.
So its
candidates, who had won independently but with the support of PTI, were asked
by the PTI leadership to join a SIC to form a parliamentary party to claim
reserved seats.
Source: hindustantimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pak-sc-rules-in-favour-of-sunni-ittehad-council-in-reserved-seats-case-101720772018056.html
--------
India
UP
Police BooksJournalists for Causing “Hatred and Anger” In SocietyAfter Posts On
Alleged Muslim Lynching: Media Watchdogs in India
11 Jul
2024
Media
watchdogs in India have accused the police in Uttar Pradesh state of “grave
overreach” for filing cases against journalists after they wrote about the
alleged lynching of a Muslim man last week in social media posts.
Police
in the northern state’s Shamli district charged two journalists – Wasim Akram
Tyagi and his cousin Zakir Ali Tyagi – for commenting on the killing of Firoz
Qureshi in the district’s Jalalabad town.
The
journalists were charged with causing “hatred and anger” in society. Three
other Muslims who shared their social media posts were also named in the first
information report (FIR) filed by the police. None of them have been arrested
so far.
Wasim, a
reporter with Hind News newspaper in Dehli, told Al Jazeera on Thursday he was
“shocked” when he heard that charges had been filed against him over the
alleged lynching.
“Now, as
journalists, if we can’t call murder a murder, what should we call it, then? If
a journalist is not going to raise questions, who will? … If we are going to be
charged for this, it raises questions on press freedom,” the 36-year-old told
Al Jazeera.
“The
impact this will have is that anytime you write something, you will have to
think twice: What if an FIR is filed over writing this or that?”
Zakir, 25, also rejected the police charges,
saying he merely disseminated information that had already been shared by the
Qureshi family. He said he was “not surprised” by the FIR against him.
“I was
expecting the FIR for a long time because I had been only posting and writing
about lynching cases recorded across India,” he told Al Jazeera, adding that
this was not the first time a police case was registered against him.
Cases of
mob lynching of Muslims by Hindu groups and mobs, mainly under the pretext of protecting
cows, an animal considered holy by a large section of Hindus, spiked after
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
came to power in 2014. Dozens have been killed in such attacks.
Zakir
said the people charged by the police in the Shamli case, including him, were
being targeted because they were Muslims.
“Everything
we wrote, all the questions we have raised, were also written or used in videos
by Hindu journalists,” he told Al Jazeera. “But no FIR was registered against
them.”
Al
Jazeera reached out to police officials in Shamli but received no response.
Meanwhile,
the police also filed an FIR against several persons allegedly involved in
Qureshi’s killing after his family filed a complaint against the suspects. It
is not yet clear if any arrests were made.
But the
police claim Qureshi’s death was not a case of mob lynching. “The man was
beaten up by a few men when he entered their home. But he died at his [own]
home. We have also conducted a postmortem,” a senior police officer in Shamli
told India’s Scroll website.
However,
Qureshi’s brother Mohammed Afzal insisted it was a case of lynching. He told
The Quint website there were injuries all over the deceased’s body, including
on his stomach and back, suggesting he was assaulted with an intent to kill.
Journalist
Wasim also questioned the police version.
“While
the police say this was not a case of lynching, the family says Qureshi was
beaten up. There is a recorded video of them saying that. And it was on that basis
that we raised questions regarding the police’s conduct towards the death,” he
said.
‘Crime
to report a crime’
India’s
press bodies, including the Press Club of India, the Indian Women’s Press Corps
and Digipub News India Foundation, a group of digital-only news outlets,
condemned the police action against the journalists, saying they were
“extremely perturbed” by the charges levelled against the journalists and
demanding that the FIRs be immediately withdrawn.
“Registering
an FIR against journalists sharing information in the public interest is a
grave overreach and misuse of criminal laws and an assault on press freedom
that has a chilling effect,” Digipub said in a post on X.
“While
the police has contested the nature of the incident, saying it wasn’t communal
in nature, there was no cause for filling cases against journalists who were
putting out information made available to them.”
Kunal
Majumder, who represents the Committee to Protect Journalists in India, said
the investigations against Zakir and Wasim Akram for highlighting “police
misconduct and sectarian tensions” were alarming.
“The
authorities should drop this investigation and focus on addressing the issues
raised by these journalists rather than punishing them for their work,” he said
in a statement.
Journalist
and author Ziya Us Salam told Al Jazeera that the police filing cases against
journalists was meant to “simply intimidate” them.
“On one
hand, the mainstream media turns a blind eye to lynching instances. On the
other, when independent media covers such attacks, the administration tries to
muzzle it through such actions,” said Salam, whose 2023 book, Being Muslim in
Hindu India, argues that the minority community is “under siege” in a BJP-ruled
India.
“It
seems it’s a crime in Modi’s India to report a crime,” he said, adding that
“one has to fight on” since being silent was “not an option”.
Multiple
journalists have complained of harassment in recent years, with rights groups
and media watchdogs accusing the Modi-led government of cracking down on the
press critical of its affairs.
In
October, NewsClick website’s founder and editor Prabir Purkayastha was
arrested, after a New York Times report alleged his portal was supported
financially by a Chinese-based network. India’s Supreme Court in May ordered
Purkayastha’s release on bail, calling his arrest “illegal”.
Indian
tax authorities also raided the offices of the BBC in New Delhi and Mumbai in
2022, shortly after the British broadcaster released a documentary critical of
Modi.
India is
ranked 159 out of 180 countries in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, released
by media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Source: aljazeera.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/11/police-in-india-book-journalists-for-post-on-alleged-lynching-of-muslim-man
--------
Undeterred
by terror attacks, thousands of Amarnath pilgrims throng Jammu base camp daily
July 11,
2024
Despite
recent terror attacks in the Jammu region, thousands of devotees from across
the country have been thronging daily the Amarnath Yatra base camp in Jammu
chanting slogans like ‘Bam Bam Bhole’ and ‘Har Har Mahadev’.
From the
Jammu base camp, they start their onward journey to the cave shrine situated at
a height of 3,880 metres in the south Kashmir Himalayas.
Expressing
grief over the terror attacks on the Army personnel and pilgrims in the region,
the Amarnath yatris said they have no fear as they have full faith in Lord
Shiva. They added that it would be a great privilege for them if they die on
the way to Amarnath.
The
52-day annual pilgrimage started on June 29 from the twin routes: the
traditional 48-km route from Nunwan in Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag and
the 14-km shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district of central
Kashmir.
Over
2.50 lakh pilgrims have so far paid obeisance at the cave shrine, with the
yatra scheduled to end on August 19, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.
For the
past one week, pilgrims numbering between 4,600 and 6,500 are leaving Jammu
every day for twin base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam in the Kashmir valley.
“There
is no such thing as fear or terror, as we are on our way to Amarnath to pay
obeisance at the cave shrine. Bholenath is with us. We do not fear anything or
anyone. We have reached Jammu today and will leave from here tomorrow,” Indore
resident Santosh Das told PTI.
Sixty-two-year-old
Das, who first came on the pilgrimage in 1998 when terrorism was at its peak,
said that terrorists from Pakistan cannot intimidate the pilgrims as they do
not fear for their lives once the pilgrimage has begun for the abode of
Bholenath. “We condemn the terror attack. We have full faith in our troops, who
will soon avenge the martyrdom of the jawans. Our hearts go out to the families
of the martyrs. We pay homage to them,” he said.
Like
him, Aarti Singh, who is a part of a 60-member group from Ranchi, said that had
they been terrorized, they would not have come to take part in the Amarnath
Yatra. “The number of yatris would have decreased had there been fear or
terror. That is not happening. Terrorists can’t stop this yatra by engineering
attacks,” she said.
Singh,
whose brother and uncle are in the armed forces, said, “We are proud of our
forces, who laid down their lives to protect us and the country. Pakistan and
its terrorist forces cannot derail peace in Jammu and Kashmir. We do not fear
them.”
Chanting
“Bam Bam Bhole”, “Har Har Mahadev”, and “Bholenath Ki Jai,” a group of 43
enthusiastic pilgrims from Haridwar entered the Bhagwati Nagar base camp for
their onward journey to the twin base camps of Pahalgam and Baltal on Thursday.
“Come what may, militants cannot terrorize us and derail peace and development.
They cannot take on the Army, so they engineer cowardly attacks. They will soon
be killed by our forces, and their designs will be defeated,” Gurvinder Sharma
of Haridwar said.
Over
2,700 pilgrims have arrived in Jammu from various parts of the country for
their journey to Kashmir to pay obeisance at the cave shrine. Over 2,100 tokens
have been issued at the registration counters, token centres, which saw a heavy
rush of pilgrims in Jammu.
The
shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure called the “lingam” that wanes and
waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that the “lingam”
symbolizes the mythical powers of Shiva.
Over the
past month, terrorists targeted four locations in Kathua, Doda, Reasi, and
Udhampur districts, resulting in the deaths of 15 people including nine
pilgrims and six security personnel, while 46 others were injured.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/undeterred-terror-attacks-amarnath-pilgrims-throng-jammu-base-camp-daily-9447790/
--------
‘Big step’:
V-P Dhankhar lauds SC order on maintenance for Muslim women
July 11,
2024
Vice-President
Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday hailed the landmark Supreme Court judgment on
maintenance for Muslim women describing it as a “big step” and asserting that
assistance has to be equitable irrespective of religion.
The top
court had on Wednesday ruled that a Muslim woman can seek maintenance from her
husband under Section 125 of the CrPC and said the “religion-neutral” provision
applies to all married women irrespective of their religion.
In an
apparent reference to the verdict, Dhankhar said “Only yesterday you must have
seen a great Supreme Court judgment. It is being debated in public platform.”
“The assistance has to be equitable, uniform for all, irrespective of their
religion. That’s a big step,” he said addressing representatives of an industry
body.
The
bench observed that if Muslim women are married and divorced under Muslim law,
then Section 125 of the CrPC as well as the provisions of the Muslim Women
(Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986 are applicable.
The
option lies with the Muslim divorced women to seek remedy under either of the
two laws or both laws.
“This is
because the 1986 Act is not in derogation of Section 125 of the CrPC but in
addition to the said provision,” the bench said.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/big-step-v-p-dhankhar-lauds-sc-order-on-maintenance-for-muslim-women-9447117/
--------
How
Divorced Muslim Women Can Seek Maintenance Under Section 125 CrPC ?
July 11,
2024
In a
landmark decision, the Supreme Court has ruled that divorced Muslim women can
seek maintenance from their former husbands under Section 125 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure (CrPC), a provision that applies to all women regardless of
their religion. This ruling emphasizes that Section 125, now part of the
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, offers more beneficial terms for divorced
Muslim women compared to the 1986 Act.
The case
in question involved a Muslim man challenging a Telangana High Court order that
required him to pay ₹10,000 in interim maintenance to his
ex-wife. He argued that maintenance should be governed by the 1986 Act, not
Section 125 CrPC. However,
the Supreme Court dismissed his appeal, reaffirming that Section 125 CrPC
applies to all women.
Understanding
Section 125 CrPC:
->
Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Augustine George Masih clarified that Section 125
CrPC includes the maintenance rights of Muslim women. Maintenance is a legal
entitlement for married women, not charity, and applies to all women
irrespective of religion. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce)
Act, 1986, does not override the secular provisions of Section 125 CrPC.
> The court underscored that husbands are
obligated to provide financial support to their wives, suggesting practical measures
such as joint bank accounts and shared ATM access to ensure economic stability
for women within the household.
> If a Muslim woman is divorced during a
pending Section 125 CrPC petition, she can seek recourse through the Muslim
Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, while continuing the
Section 125 petition.
What is
Section 125 CrPC?
Section
125 of the CrPC mandates that a person with sufficient means must provide
maintenance to:
> His
wife, unable to maintain herself,
> His legitimate or illegitimate minor child,
whether married or not, is unable to maintain itself,
> His legitimate or illegitimate child (not
being a married daughter) who, due to physical or mental abnormality or injury,
is unable to maintain itself,
> His father or mother is unable to maintain
themselves.
A
Magistrate of the first class can order such maintenance as deemed fit upon
proof of neglect or refusal.
Case
Background: The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal from a Muslim man who
contested a maintenance order under Section 125 CrPC, arguing that the 1986 Act
should take precedence. This decision reinforces the precedent set by the Shah
Bano case, which established that Muslim women could seek maintenance under the
secular provisions of Section 125 CrPC.
Historical
Context – Shah Bano Case:
> The 1985 Shah Bano case was a significant
moment for Muslim women’s rights in India. The Supreme Court ruled that Muslim
women were entitled to maintenance under Section 125 CrPC.
> In response, the Rajiv Gandhi government
enacted the 1986 Act, which limited maintenance to the ‘Iddat’ period and child
support up to two years post-divorce.
> Despite this, the principles of the Shah Bano
verdict persisted. The Supreme Court in Daniel Latifi Vs Union of India (2001)
reaffirmed the 1985 judgment, ensuring Muslim women were not deprived of
protections under Section 125 CrPC.
> Upholding the constitutional validity of the
1986 Act, the Supreme Court ruled that a Muslim husband’s maintenance
responsibility could extend beyond the Iddat period, requiring fair provisions
for the divorced wife’s future.
In
conclusion, the Supreme Court’s ruling ensures that divorced Muslim women can
seek maintenance under Section 125 CrPC, reinforcing the secular and inclusive
nature of the law.
Source: newsx.com
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EAM
Jaishankar holds bilateral talks with Bhutan, Bangladesh counterparts
July 11,
2024
External
Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday held separate meetings with his
counterparts from Bangladesh and Bhutan, focusing on ways to boost bilateral
ties in diverse areas.
The
meetings took place in Delhi on the sidelines of a retreat session of the
foreign ministers of member nations of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for
Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).
“Good to
meet Bangladesh FM @DrHasanMahmud62 this evening in New Delhi. The frequent
high-level exchanges reflect the strength of India-Bangladesh Maitri. Discussed
ways of advancing it further,” Jaishankar said on ‘X’ following his talks with
Bangladesh counterpart Hasan Mahmud.
On his
talks with Bhutanese Foreign Minister DN Dhungyel, Jaishankar said views were
exchanged on taking forward the unique ties of friendship and goodwill between
India and Bhutan.
“Pleased
to meet @FMBhutan DN Dhungyel on the sidelines of BIMSTEC Retreat. Exchanged
views on taking forward our unique ties of friendship and goodwill,” he said.
The
external affairs minister also met with Sri Lanka’s Minister of State for
Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya.
“Pleased
to receive Sri Lanka MoS @TharakaBalasur1 on BIMSTEC FMs sidelines. Discussed
our bilateral partnership,” Jaishankar said on ‘X’.
Besides
India, the BIMSTEC comprises Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Nepal,
and Bhutan.
Source: indianexpress.com
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--------
Kathua
terror attack: J-K, Punjab police, BSF officials discuss ways to strengthen
security grid along IB
July 11,
2024
Senior
BSF and police officials from Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab on Thursday
discussed ways to share real-time inputs and further strengthen the
anti-infiltration grid along the International Border in a meeting in Kathua
district, where five army personnel were killed in an ambush by terrorists
three days ago.
The
interstate security review meeting came in the backdrop of information that the
terrorists behind the Monday ambush on an army patrol could have infiltrated
through the International Border (IB) either into Kathua and Samba districts in
the Jammu region or Pathankot in Punjab, officials, aware of the developments,
said.
The
security grid along the IB in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab was reviewed along
with measures to plug any loopholes to counter infiltration from Pakistan, they
said while giving details of the meeting that was held at the District Police
Lines in Kathua and chaired by Border Security Force (BSF) Special Director
General, Western Command, Y B Khuraia.
Jammu
and Kashmir Director General of Police R R Swain and his Punjab counterpart
Gaurav Yadav were among those present at the more than three-hour-long meeting.
Strengthening
coordination and sharing of real-time inputs among police and border guarding
agencies were also discussed in detail with a focus on strengthening the
synergy to counter terror threats, and smuggling of weapons and narcotics, the
officials said.
They
said the meeting was also attended by J-K Additional Director General of Police
(Law and Order) Vijay Kumar, Punjab ADG (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla, ADG
(Jammu Zone) Anand Jain and inspector general-rank BSF officers of Punjab and
Jammu.
The
meeting also comes at a time when terror activity has increased in the
otherwise peaceful Jammu region with terrorists managing to carry out five
attacks within a span of one month — between June 9 and July 8.
On the
infiltration, the officials said the routes in Jammu, believed to have been
used by the terrorists, were active when militancy was at its peak in the area
over two decades ago. The Jammu region was cleared of terrorists but the
revival of terror activities has led to serious security concerns.
They
said it is believed that the terrorists after infiltrating reached the dense
forests of Machedi that connects Basantgarh in Udhampur and Bhaderwah in Doda
district.
The
ambush was laid on the Machedi-Kindli-Malhar mountain road near Badnota village
in Kathua. More than 60 people have so far been detained for questioning in
connection with the attach as a massive search for the terrorists entered its
fourth day on Thursday.
Source: indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kathua-terror-attack-bsf-police-officials-review-security-9447315/
--------
Arab World
Diriyah’s
$2bn mega-project set to redefine Saudi landscape
July 11,
2024
RIYADH:
Diriyah Co. recently unveiled a monumental SR7.8 billion ($2 billion)
construction deal for a mixed-use complex in the region’s north, the Saudi
Press Agency reported.
The
contract, the largest in Diriyah’s development history, will usher in a
sprawling development that seamlessly blends advanced educational facilities,
cultural landmarks, cutting-edge office spaces, and a luxurious hotel. It will
also bring together elite developers from across the world.
The agreement
was signed by Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Co., Ahmed Al-Bassam, CEO
of El-Seif Engineering Contracting, and Chuanhai Wei, CEO of the Saudi branch
of the China State Construction Engineering Corp.
Construction
is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2024.
Inzerillo
emphasized the significance of the contract, stating: “This agreement
represents a major step in our ongoing commitment to establish Diriyah as one
of the world’s most important tourist destinations and cultural hubs.”
He added
that the deal exemplifies the strong economic ties and robust commercial
partnerships being forged between Saudi Arabia and China.
According
to SPA, this deal highlights the development’s exceptional capacity to draw
substantial economic opportunities to the Kingdom, capitalizing on its immense
investment potential and investor-friendly climate, with governance standards
that rival the best in the world.
It is
designed to attract substantial foreign investment, create numerous job
opportunities, and significantly boost the Kingdom’s GDP. Furthermore, it aims
to solidify Diriyah’s status as a global beacon of heritage and culture.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2547871/saudi-arabia
--------
Qormuz
bringing traditional Saudi culture to future generations, says founder
July 11,
2024
Riyadh:
Fashion brand Qormuz is blending traditional Saudi identity with contemporary
styles in a bid to develop designs for modern Saudi Arabia, its founder has
told Arab News’ “The Mayman Show.”
Abdulrahman
Al-Abed, who is this week’s guest on the podcast, said that Qormuz is more than
a Saudi fashion house — it is a lifestyle brand.
In
blending Saudi culture with modernity, Qormuz creates everything from cups to
jackets, forging a new identity for its customers.
"Qormuz,
it’s like, not a fashion house. I would only be more specific about how we
design our lifestyle. So, we mainly do fashion — it’s a part of our status. But
we also do lifestyle design,” Al-Abed said.
The
brand, by merging old and new, aims to develop designs for the modern Kingdom,
he added.
“We love
to bring and relive the culture again — to take this culture to the future with
the next generation. We do our design, sometimes a cup, a T-shirt, a prayer
bead, a jacket. Usually, we use our touch that the tradition touches.”
Al-Abed,
a history buff — designed and made an embroidered jubba for Saudi actor Mohamed
Al-Shehri that went viral; it was the first time an actor has worn customary
Arab attire on the red carpet of the Venice International Film Festival.
The
Qormuz founder told “The Mayman Show” that he was proud to see the traditional
Saudi garment recognized worldwide in a blend of heritage and style. The jubba,
which was mistaken by some as a fashion statement, gave Al-Abed an opportunity
to educate the public on cultural attire.
“It’s
good to sometimes get recognized for your work in this situation — you know,
that went viral. More than 40 million views worldwide. Russian magazines, Yemen
magazines and Indian magazines. The funny thing is that most of them talk about
the jubba like it’s an avant-garde piece,” Al-Abed said.
Even
some Saudis commented on the bisht with an assumption that it was modified by
the designer. The Qormuz founder said: “The Jubba is one of our most successful
stories that I feel proud of and feel proud to bring this piece to life again,
you know?”
Fashion
is all about influence, said Al-Abed, adding that taking the jubba to Venice
showcased Saudi heritage on the global stage.
“The
Kingdom can influence other cultures through its a distinct cultural look,” he
said.
“That’s
one of the moments that I’m totally proud of. Why? Because we influenced — the
Saudi people influenced the local and international community. We showed others
our culture.”
Among
other international fashion accolades, Al-Abed also designed DJ Khaled’s
apparel during the American producer’s appearance at MDLBEAST Soundstorm in
AlUla.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2547641/saudi-arabia
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Patients
receive hearts from donors in Saudi Arabia, UAE
July 11,
2024
RIYADH:
The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre has given hope to three
patients, two men and one girl, after it successfully transplanted hearts from
donors in Riyadh, Jeddah and Abu Dhabi.
The
journey of hope began with medical teams traveling from the hospital’s cardiac
unit to Abu Dhabi and Jeddah to remove the hearts from two donors. The hearts
were then transported by private jet to Riyadh.
A team
from King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre then traveled to the
King Abdulaziz Medical City to remove the third heart. It was transported by
ambulance with the cooperation of the traffic department of the Riyadh region,
which accelerated its arrival.
Traffic
patrols escorting ambulances from King Khalid International Airport and King
Abdulaziz Medical City to the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre
helped enable the transplant operations to take place within less than 24
hours.
One of
the patients was a 9-year-old girl suffering from a weakened heart muscle. Her
life had been saved by implanting an artificial pump last March.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2548091/saudi-arabia
--------
Saudi
authority is first in world to achieve ISO’s new AI management system
certification
July 11,
2024
RIYADH:
The Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence has become the first
organization in the world to achieve the International Standards Organization’s
42001:2023 certification for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems, the
Saudi Press Agency reported.
The ISO
standard, which was introduced in December last year, is the first of its kind
for AIMS. It provides guidance on addressing the challenges posed by AI, such
as ethical values, transparency and continuous learning.
It also
defines a systematic approach for managing risks and opportunities, and for
achieving a balance between innovation and governance in organizations that
adopt AI technologies in their work.
Abdullah
Al-Ghamdi, the president of SDAIA, said he was proud of the accreditation and
that it represents recognition of the implementation by the authority of
appropriate standards and practices related to management of AI, and reflects
Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation for excellence in the field of data and AI.
He added
that the authority’s progress and successes would not be possible without the
continuing support of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is chairman of its
board of directors.
This
support enables the organization to serve as a national reference point for
data and AI, he added, and to regulate, develop and manage the implementation
of these technologies in ways that ensure they are properly governed and
position Saudi Arabia as a leader in the field.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2548101/saudi-arabia
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KSrelief
signs agreement worth $9 million to support Yemen Humanitarian Fund
July 11,
2024
RIYADH:
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center signed an agreement on
Thursday with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian
Affairs, committing $9 million to support the Yemen Humanitarian Fund.
The fund
is an OCHA-managed country-based pooled fund operating under the leadership of
the UN Humanitarian Coordinator. It makes funding directly available to
humanitarian partners operating in Yemen, enabling them to deliver assistance
to people who need it most.
The
agreement aims to continue to respond to the urgent needs outlined in the Yemen
Humanitarian Response Plan and support the participation and integration of
women-led organzations into the governance of the fund.
It also
aims to support capacity-building for non-governmental organizations and
leverage regional partners for better coverage.
The
collaboration underscored KSrelief’s commitment to humanitarian aid around the
world, the aid organization said on X.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2548021/saudi-arabia
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SDAIA
launches data protection awareness campaign
July 11,
2024
JEDDAH:
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority on Thursday launched a
data protection awareness campaign in the Kingdom.
The
“Understand Your Data” campaign aims to raise awareness of the Saudi personal
data protection system and related rights, said Al-Rabdi bin Fahd Al-Rabdi,
head of the SDAIA’s National Data Management Office.
It will
promote the importance of protecting personal data, cases of personal data
disclosure and the obligations of entities covered by the system’s provisions,
Al-Rabdi added.
The
authority seeks to promote data holders’ right to know the purpose for which
their data has been processed, the right to request changes to personal data
and the right to request the deletion of data.
Al-Rabdi
called on personal data holders to exercise due diligence when making
disclosures to entities that store their data.
The
Saudi Personal Data Protection Law came into force on Sept. 14 last year.
Entities covered its provisions were granted one year to update their data
systems in line with the new law.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2547951/saudi-arabia
--------
Saudi
Green Building Forum hosts decarbonization event in New York
July 11,
2024
LONDON:
A forum on decarbonization in built-up areas was held at Columbia University in
New York on Wednesday evening, hosted by the Saudi Green Building Forum, as
part of the ongoing UN high-level political forum.
The
event was attended by leading sector experts from around the world, who
discussed the importance of decarbonizing built-up environments, which they
argued would be crucial for achieving global sustainable development goals.
Dutch-American
sociologist and leading authority on global cities, Dr. Saskia Sassen, was a
guest of honor at the event and she shared perspectives on addressing complex
urban systems and advocating for inclusive approaches to sustainable
development.
“The
commitment to sustainable practices and green business initiatives is crucial
for achieving the goals outlined in the ‘Urgent Green Actions for Global Agenda
2030,’” Faisal Al-Fadl, secretary-general of the Saudi Green Building Forum,
said.
“We
emphasize this commitment on sustainable practices and green initiatives that
play a vital role in creating a more environmentally friendly and sustainable
future,” he added.
David
Styers, from the UN Volunteer Stakeholder Group, emphasized the “pivotal role
of volunteers in advancing sustainable development goals,” as he referenced
case studies from Guatemala, India, and Kenya.
Kehkashan
Basu, president of the Green Hope Foundation, highlighted the importance of
localized sustainable solutions and education in achieving Agenda 2030 goals,
with initiatives such as climate resilience education and solar-powered
agriculture.
In
closing remarks, UNESCO student representative for Arab states, Najd Al-Fadl,
said it was vital that global action was taken to promote renewable energy solutions
for a sustainable future and combat misinformation about green energy.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2547946/saudi-arabia
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North America
US
‘moving forward’ with 500-pound bombs for Israel
July 12,
2024
WASHINGTON:
The United States is “moving forward” with sending 500-pound bombs to Israel
after a pause over concerns that 2,000-pound munitions in the same shipment
could be used in populated areas, a US official said Thursday.
Washington
halted the bomb shipment in early May when it appeared Israel was on the verge
of a major ground operation in Rafah in southern Gaza that the US government
strongly opposed, with Israel eventually launching a more limited incursion
instead.
“We’ve
been clear that our concern has been on the end-use of the 2,000-pound bombs,
particularly in advance of Israel’s Rafah campaign which they have announced
they are concluding,” the US official said on condition of anonymity.
“Because
of how these shipments are put together, other munitions may sometimes be
co-mingled. That’s what happened here with the 500-pound bombs,” the official
said, adding: “Because our concern was not about the 500-pound bombs, those are
moving forward as part of the usual process.”
Last
month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly accused President Joe
Biden’s administration of slowing down weapons deliveries to Israel, which has
been at war in Gaza since the October 7 attack by Hamas.
US officials
denied the accusations, saying that the single bomb shipment was the only one
affected, with the two sides later signaling progress on resolving the rift.
Biden
said during a news conference on Thursday that the 2,000-pound bombs would not
be sent to Israel.
“I’m not
providing the 2,000-pound bombs. They cannot be used in Gaza or any populated
area without causing great human tragedy and damage,” the president said.
The
United States is Israel’s main military backer, but the White House has voiced
frustration over the rising civilian death toll in Gaza, where Israel has
conducted more than nine months of operations against Hamas.
The
unprecedented October 7 attack by Palestinian militants on southern Israel that
triggered the war resulted in the deaths of 1,195 people, mostly civilians,
according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.
The
militants also seized hostages, 116 of whom remain in Gaza, including 42 the
military says are dead.
Israel’s
retaliatory offensive aimed at eliminating Hamas has killed at least 38,345
people, also mostly civilians, according to data from the Gaza health ministry.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2548226/world
--------
Biden says
Israel-Gaza war should end now and Israel must not occupy Gaza
July 12,
2024
WASHINGTON:
US President Joe Biden said on Thursday the Israel-Gaza war must end now and
Israel must not occupy the enclave after the war, telling reporters his
ceasefire framework had been agreed on by both Israel and Hamas but there were
still gaps to close.
“That
framework is now agreed on by both Israel and Hamas. So I sent my team to the
region to hammer out the details,” Biden said in a news conference.
Biden in
late May detailed a proposal of three phases aimed at achieving a ceasefire,
the release of hostages in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel,
Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and the rebuilding of the coastal enclave.
CIA
Director Bill Burns and US Middle East envoy Brett McGurk were in the Middle
East this week meeting with regional counterparts to discuss the ceasefire
deal.
“These
are difficult, complex issues. There are still gaps to close. We’re making
progress. The trend is positive. I’m determined to get this deal done and bring
an end to this war, which should end now,” Biden said in the press conference.
Palestinian
Islamist group Hamas has accepted a key part of a US plan, dropping a demand
that Israel first commit to a permanent ceasefire before signing the agreement.
Israeli
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted the deal must not prevent Israel
from resuming fighting until its war objectives are met. At the outset of the
war, he pledged to annihilate Hamas.
Netanyahu’s
office said on Wednesday he was committed to securing a Gaza ceasefire deal
provided Israel’s red lines were respected.
Biden
told reporters on Thursday that Israel must not occupy Gaza while also offering
some criticism of Israel’s war cabinet, saying “Israel occasionally was less
than cooperative.”
Biden
also expressed disappointment at some of his steps not having succeeded in
Gaza, citing the planned winding down of the US military’s humanitarian pier
off the coast of Gaza as an example. “I was hopeful that would be more successful,”
he said.
The
Biden administration has faced international criticism for its continuing
support of Israel in the face of growing civilian casualties.
The
United States, Israel’s important ally, has seen months of protests around the
country in opposition to the war and to US support for Israel.
A dozen
US administration officials have quit, citing opposition to Biden’s Gaza
policy. Rights advocates also note a rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia in
the US amid the war.
The
latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered
on Oct. 7 when fighters led by Hamas, which controlled Gaza, attacked southern
Israel. They killed 1,200 people and took around 250 hostages, according to
Israeli figures.
The Gaza
health ministry says that since then over 38,000 Palestinians have been killed
in Israel’s assault on the coastal enclave, which has displaced nearly all its
2.3 million population, caused a hunger crisis and led to genocide allegations
that Israel denies.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2548231/middle-east
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West
refusing to accept 44,000 Afghan helpers stranded in Pakistan
11 July
2024
At least
44,000 Afghans approved for relocation to Western nations following the
Taliban's return to power are still waiting in limbo in Pakistan.
More
than 120,000 people, mostly Afghans, were airlifted from Kabul in a chaotic
evacuation after the Western-backed government collapsed in August 2021.
Hundreds
of thousands more Afghans have fled since then, with many promised new lives in
the nations involved in their country's 20-year occupation.
The
exodus was triggered by the humiliating withdrawal of Western forces from
Afghanistan and the Taliban's sudden takeover of the country. Afghan people who
had worked for the occupying forces feared retribution and attempted to
relocate to the West, preferably the United States.
US
lawmakers, who had initially agreed to take in all the Afghan employees serving
the foreign forces, walked backed on the decision. Other Western countries are
also refusing to accept those they had initially accepted for relocation,
leaving tens of thousands of Afghans stranded.
Pakistani
foreign office spokeswoman Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Thursday that three years
after the Taliban takeover, there were still 25,000 Afghans approved for
relocation to the US living in Pakistan.
A
further 9,000 Afghans resident in Pakistan have been accepted by Australia, as
have 6,000 by Canada, 3,000 by Germany and more than 1,000 by Britain -- all
yet to be relocated.
“Pakistan
has been working with governments of Australia, Canada, Germany, the US, the
UK, France and Italy who agreed to take a certain number of Afghan nationals,”
Baloch said.
“For
that we have remained engaged with them and we have urged them to expedite the
approval and visa issuance process for these individuals so that they can
relocate as early as possible,” she added.
Afghan
refugees say the longer the refugees are forced to wait for visas in Pakistan,
the higher the risks of being deported to Afghanistan.
US
military forces' presence in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan relied heavily
on support from thousands of locals who put themselves in danger to serve
alongside foreign troops, diplomats, and contractors.
They
provided intelligence, linguistic, cultural, and geographic information to the
occupying forces. This cooperation with the foreign forces put them at great
risk of retribution by their compatriots who saw them as traitors.
Since
2006, the US Congress has established several Special Immigrant Visa (SIV)
programs to allow eligible applicants to resettle in the United States. After
the fall of Kabul, thousands of Afghans who had filed such refugee resettlement
applications entered neighboring Pakistan.
But
three years on, they remain trapped in legal limbo, while facing persistent
threats for their collaboration with the US.
Islamabad
says the country currently hosts nearly three million Afghans, with close to
2.4 million possessing some form of legal documentation.
Some
600,000 Afghans have traveled to Pakistan since the Taliban took over, but
faced with the threat of arrest and eviction, more than half a million have
crossed back into Afghanistan.
More
than 70 percent of the 3.6 million Afghans who left their country after the
Taliban seized back power in August 2021 fled to Iran, but many Iranians
believe their real numbers are much higher, presenting the country with
numerous social, economic and political challenges.
Source: presstv.ir
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/07/11/729148/Afghan-44,000-in-Pakistan-still-awaiting-US-resettlement
--------
US to
resume shipment of heavy bombs to Israel despite rising civilian deaths
11 July
2024
The
administration of US President Joe Biden is set to resume shipping heavy bombs
to the Israeli regime in defiance of international calls against the move, in
line with Washington’s untrammeled support for the occupying entity in its
months-long genocidal war on Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Speaking
on condition of anonymity on Wednesday, a US official said Washington would
resume shipping 500-pound bombs to Israel. The official added, however, that the
US would continue to hold back on supplying 2,000-pound bombs over what he
claimed to be “concerns” about their use in the densely populated city of Rafah
in southern Gaza.
“We’ve
been clear that our concern has been on the end-use of the 2,000-lb bombs,
particularly for Israel’s Rafah campaign which they have announced they are
concluding,” the official said.
“Our
main concern had been and remains the potential use of 2,000 lb bombs in Rafah
and elsewhere in Gaza ... because our concern was not about the 500 lb bombs,
those are moving forward as part of the usual process,” the official added.
The US
media also confirmed that the shipment of 500-pound bombs to Israel is getting
underway.
The
bombs “are in the process of being shipped” after a two-month pause and are
expected to arrive in Israel in the “coming weeks,” The Wall Street Journal
reported, citing an administration official. “Heavier 2,000-pound bombs that
were meant to be part of the same shipment are still on hold.”
In May,
the Biden administration paused a planned shipment to Israel of 2,000-pound and
500-pound bombs amid concerns about Israel’s plans for a possible ground
assault on Rafah, where 1.5 million displaced Palestinians have sought refuge.
Israeli
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Washington in June for
“withholding weapons and ammunition to Israel” in recent months, adding that
Secretary of State Antony Blinken had assured him that restrictions would be
lifted on arms transfers to Israel.
During
his latest visit to Washington, Israeli minister of military affairs Yoav
Gallant said there had been significant progress on the issue of US munitions
supply to Israel, adding that “obstacles were removed and bottlenecks were
addressed.”
The US
has historically provided enormous amounts of military aid for Israel. This has
accelerated since the start of the regime's barbaric aggression on Gaza in
October last year.
In
defiance of international condemnation, the regime has flouted a UN Security
Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as its genocidal
war on the besieged Palestinian territory lingers on for the 10th month.
Israel
unleashed its bloody Gaza offensive on October 7, 2023 after Palestinian
resistance groups carried out a historic operation against the occupying entity
in retaliation for the regime’s intensified atrocities against the Palestinian
people.
According
to the Gaza Health Ministry, the Tel Aviv regime has so far killed at least
38,295 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in Gaza, and injured 88,241
others.
Source: presstv.ir
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/07/11/729130/US-shipment-heavy-bombs-Gaza-Strip
--------
Muslim
Voters Are Sending a Message
JULY 12,
2024
On July
4, while Americans were celebrating Independence Day, something remarkable was
unfolding on the other side of the Atlantic. British Muslims, who make up about
6 percent of the total population, were coming out in numbers to defy the
political current and vote against the party that was destined to form the
government. It was a compelling subplot in a general election that was
otherwise devoid of interest. The odds on a Labour victory had become so short
at the bookmakers that gamblers had to wager £100 to win a pound back.
The
bookies weren’t wrong; in the early hours of Friday morning, it became obvious
that the Conservative Party had slipped to its worst-ever defeat, eventually
returning 121 seats out of a total 650. Reflecting the vagaries of the firs-past-the-post
electoral system, Labour had won in a landslide, despite receiving fewer votes
than in the catastrophic defeat of 2019.
But in
an ironic twist, the most sensational results in the election were in the
constituencies that Labour ended up losing. Last week, five pro-Palestinian
independents, who were running in areas with significant Muslim populations,
shook the political establishment by winning their seats. Of the five, only
former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn had a national profile.
In the
run-up to the general election, and for the first time in history, the Muslim
community of the United Kingdom began to organize itself into a voting bloc
that could challenge the status quo. Mosques, community centers, and civil
society organizations joined hands to create a political movement that was
committed to putting the Gaza crisis at the center of the election.
After
the Hamas attack on October 7, the two main parties in Westminster reached a
consensus that Israel’s military response constituted a legitimate form of
self-defense. In October, then-leader of the opposition Keir Starmer said that
Israel had a right to withhold water and power from Gaza’s civilian population.
A month later, he whipped his members of parliament to vote against a
cease-fire motion, raising the ire of British Muslims who have historically
supported Labour.
These
voters were galvanized by an organization called The Muslim Vote, which
identified around 75 constituencies where Muslims formed a large enough part of
the electorate to influence the result and endorsed independent candidates who
were running on a pro-Gaza platform. Along with the five candidates who won,
there were many who lost narrowly and managed to build up a public profile.
Given
the often parochial nature of American politics, it’s unlikely that the shock
waves from these results will have reverberated in the White House. But if
American Muslims take comparable action to their British counterparts in
November, President Joe Biden ought to be very concerned indeed. Of the million
or so Muslims who turned out in the 2020 presidential election, approximately
80 percent chose to vote for President Biden. Today, the number supporting him
has collapsed to around 5 percent, according to a survey released by Emgage, an
organization that aims to boost political engagement in America’s Muslim
communities.
Such a
drop could prove catastrophic in states like Michigan and Pennsylvania where
Biden’s majority is smaller than the total Muslim population. The success of
the uncommitted movement has already proven that Muslim voters, as well as the
anti-war left, are capable of organizing themselves into a bloc. More than 13
percent of those who voted in the Michigan Democratic Primary cast their
ballots as “uncommitted.” That number was almost 19 percent in Minnesota,
totaling around 46,000 voters, which was more than Hillary Clinton’s margin of
victory there in 2016. In Arizona, a state that Biden carried by around 10,000
votes in 2020, almost 16,000 Democrats voted for Marianne Williamson after she
called for a cease-fire.
Perverse
though it may seem, what might end up saving Biden is the virulence of Donald
Trump. It seems doubtful that Muslim voters in the United States would be
willing—whether through apathy or protest—to chart a course for an angry
Islamophobe to regain the White House where he could resume the sort of
policies that led them to flock to President Biden. Unlike the British general
election, where it was clear far in advance that the Conservatives wouldn’t
win, the outcome in November is expected to be tight, and there is certainly no
reason to believe that a Trump presidency would be any better for Muslims than
the last time he was in office.
Trump,
who delivered the now infamous Muslim ban, has consistently demonstrated his
contempt for the Palestinian people, in both word and deed. He was the
president who formally recognized Jerusalem as the Israeli capital and the
candidate who used the term “Palestinian” as an insult for a rival during
June’s televised debate. He has also promised crackdowns on pro-Palestinian
protests and threatened to deport foreign students who demonstrate on college
campuses.
But with
two pro-cease-fire candidates on the ballot—Jill Stein and Cornel West—the
Biden/Harris ticket seems to have put itself in a position where it is asking
thousands of Muslim voters to reelect them by voting against their conscience.
Time will tell how they choose to respond.
Source: thenation.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/muslim-voters-uk-us/
--------
Africa
Severe
penalties for homosexuality in Burkina Faso
The
military junta Captain Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso has approved a revised
family code that criminalizes homosexuality.
This
decision makes Burkina Faso one of the 22 out of 54 African countries that do
not allow same-sex relationships, with severe penalties such as death or long
prison sentences in some regions.
The
council approved a decree for a new Personal and Family Code (CPF) that
"enshrines the ban on homosexuality" in the country, the presidency
announced in a statement.
"From
now on, homosexuality and related practices are prohibited and punishable by
law," emphasized the Minister of Justice, Edasso Rodrigue Bayala.
Although
the specific penalties were not outlined, and the text is yet to be approved by
the deputies of the Transitional Legislative Assembly,
Burkina
Faso may now joins the ranks of Uganda that enacted one of the harshest
anti-LGBTQ laws globally in May of last year.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2024/07/11/severe-penalties-for-homosexuality-in-burkina-faso/
--------
Mali's
junta lifts three-month suspension on political party activities
Mali's
military junta on Wednesday said it would allow political parties and
associations to resume their activities.
The
announcement by the council of ministers came three months after activities
were suspended, purportedly to safeguard public order.
At the
time, political parties were protesting against the military government’s
decision to stay in power beyond a March 2024 deadline for returning to
civilian rule.
The
suspension in April came days before the start of a national dialogue for peace
in Mali, that has been battling a jihadist insurgency for over a decade.
Military
leaders, who have been in power since 2020, justified the move saying political
parties posed a danger to the discussions on the country’s political future.
Despite
a boycott of the dialogue by the main political parties and what remains of the
opposition, the discussions went ahead with supporters of the regime.
In May,
it recommended the military remain in power for “two to five additional years”
And that the current head of the junta be allowed to run for any future
presidential election.
Over the
past two years, the junta has broken its long-standing alliance with France and
its European partners to turn militarily and politically towards Russia.
It also
kicked out the UN peacekeeping mission, Minusma, deployed to help restore
stability in the north where government troops are battling the Islamist
insurgency.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2024/07/11/malis-junta-lifts-three-month-suspension-on-political-party-activities/
--------
Terrorists
Plan To Attack Critical National Infrastructures – Nigerian Military Reveals
11 July
2024
The
Nigerian Military has unveiled plans by terrorists who are members of Boko
Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) to attack some critical
national infrastructures in the country.
This
revelation was made public on Thursday during a press conference by the
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba.
He,
however, added that relevant security agencies have been put on standby to
forestall such attacks.
General
Buba also called on citizens to rally support for security forces to defeat
terror in Nigeria.
Buba
said, “We are aware of some of the plans to target some critical infrastructure
in the country. Accordingly, we have emplaced measures to forestall such plans.
“Security
agencies responsible for securing critical infrastructure and facilities have
also been placed on alert. Accordingly, some of such plans have been
frustrated.”
The
Defence Headquarters (DHQ) image maker said the insurgents are enemies of the
country who must be defeated. He emphasized the readiness of the security
forces to deal with all such threats.
“These
terrorists are the enemy that must be fought and defeated. They are responsible
for keeping the nation in an almost constant state of counter terrorism and
counter insurgency,” Buba said, adding that the terrorists “Will not stop doing
what they are doing, until they are stopped.”
He added
that “In this fight, citizens must understand that, we must never compromise on
security, otherwise everyone’s security will be compromised. This is a
situation that cannot be over emphasised for us to live in safety and
security.”
While
asking for the support of the citizens in the fight against terrorists, the DHQ
spokesperson vowed that they would not leave any stone unturned in the task of
securing the nation and its citizens.
“We
recognise and have included this as part of our strategy to win the war.
Overall, we have no choice but to fight for the safety and security of our
citizens. We also fight to safeguard our nation and preserve our way of life as
a people. For us as a force, Defence is the essence of what we do as an armed
forces.
“Accordingly,
we would defeat the terrorists on the battlefield and help our nation flourish
again,” General Buba said.
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/07/11/terrorists-plan-to-attack-critical-national-infrastructures-nigerian-military-reveals/
-------
Borno
Govt Trains Repentant Boko Haram Members In Phone Repairs, Carpentry, Others
11 July
2024
The
Borno State government announced that a total of 8,490 repentant Boko Haram
members have been successfully reintegrated through the Borno Model process.
According
to the government, some of the individuals have been trained in phone repairs,
mechanic works, carpentry and all sorts of trades.
The
State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar,
mentioned during an oath-taking ceremony for 560 former insurgents in Maiduguri
on Wednesday that the recently reintegrated terrorists are considered low risks
and minors.
He added
that they have received clearance from the military, other security agencies,
and traditional leaders from their respective communities.
The
commissioner also highlighted the success of the program, citing surveys that
indicated those reintegrated into society have not violated any rules or
returned to the bushes.
Tar
said: “For the past three years, we established the Borno Model for the mass
return of insurgents and those who were trapped in the line of violence. Today
we are winning out an additional 560 returnees who are risks and minors. They
have been trained in phone repairs, mechanics, carpentry and all sorts of
trades.
“This
platform has been very successful, so people should not be worried because of a
few challenges. Office of the National Security Adviser has shown confidence in
this process (Borno Model), and we are working with other state governments who
are exploring ways and means of adopting our Borno Model.”
On his
part, the Borno State Special Adviser on Security Affairs, Brig. General
Abdullahi Ishaq (rtd), said Governor Babagana Zulum‘s administration, through
the Borno Model, has reintegrated 8,490 low risks and minors into society.
He said:
“As I speak today, we have so far reintegrated a total of 8,490 low risks and
minors. In the past, we resettled 7,930 and now 560 people, many of them 10
years ago when insurgents invaded their villages and were forcefully taken
away.
“There
are almajirai, farmers, fishermen, and others who were forced against their
will to join the Boko Haram sect; so, these are low risks and minors. The
community leaders came here to screen and request that we should release them
to the community.
“Many of
them are from Konduga, Dikwa, Ngala, Marte, Kukawa, Mobbar, Bama, Gwoza, and
other LGAs.
“After this
training, they will also receive starter packs at the end of the programme,
before being returned to the communities that had screened them for the
training.”
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/07/11/borno-govt-trains-repentant-boko-haram-members-in-phone-repairs-carpentry-others/
--------
Don’t
dethrone Sultan, Muslim groups tell Gov Aliyu
July 11,
2024
Coalition
of Muslim Organisations in Nigeria (CMON), comprising 33 Muslim groups and
associations in Nigeria, has called on the executive governor of Sokoto state
to strengthen and reinforce the influence of His Eminence, Sultan Muhammadu
Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Sultanate.
The call
was made at a press conference addressed by the President of the Muslim Media
Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, on Thursday in
Abuja.
Tribune
Online recalls that the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) had indicated that there
are “feelers” suggesting that the Sokoto State Government was planning to
dethrone Muhammad Abubakar as the Sultan of Sokoto.
According
to Balogun, Governor Ahmad Aliyu should not only strengthen and reinforce the
power and influence of Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar and the Sultanate but also
build on the legacies of past administrations in empowering the Sultan by
making him the true leader of the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria.
“What we
expect the Sokoto State government and Governor Ahmad Aliyu to do is to further
strengthen and reinforce the power and influence of Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad
Abubakar and the Sultanate.
“Governor
Ahmad Aliyu should build on the legacies of past administrations in empowering
Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni, and make him a true Sarki of the
Muslim Ummah in Nigeria. He (Sultan) should be protected from the control of
politics, power and government,” Balogun said.
The MMPN
President added that the Sultan should be granted immunity from dethronement
and his influence expanded. Balogun said by so doing, history would be lenient
and kind to Governor Aliyu and his name would be written in gold.
“This
eminent and illustrious son of Sokoto, who is a symbol of global peace and
unity, is not only a pride to the Nigerian Muslim Ummah but has also been a
pride to the global Muslim community. We appeal to Governor Ahmad Aliyu and his
administration to preserve the revered seat of the Sultan and to avoid any
political brigandage that will demean or reduce the influence and authority of
the Sultan.
“The
Governor should prevent the rumoured dethronement, which we believe will affect
the peace in Sokoto and gravely affect the Muslim Ummah of this nation. This
political jingoism is capable of bringing the Muslim Ummah of this nation into
disrepute as well as returning to the dark old days of Northern and Southern
Muslim dichotomy. It will not do the Muslims in this country any good, nor the
good people of Sokoto State.
“We call
on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevail on Governor Ahmad Aliyu and his
government to halt whatever plans they have as long as that will lead to
diminishing the power and influence of the Sultan, or worse still, lead to his
dethronement.”
The
Sokoto State Government has stated that speculation about an alleged plan to
dethrone the Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Sa’ad, is the work of mischief-makers.
The
government’s spokesperson, Sambo Danchadi, in a statement on Tuesday, said an
executive bill forwarded to the State House of Assembly has no provisions to
dethrone the Sultan.
Source: tribuneonlineng.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://tribuneonlineng.com/dont-dethrone-sultan-muslim-groups-tell-gov-aliyu/
--------
Kenyan
president dismisses all cabinet ministers after weeks of protests
11-07-24
Kenyan
President William Ruto on Thursday dismissed almost all of his Cabinet
ministers and promised to form a new government that will be lean and efficient
following weeks of protests over high taxes and poor governance.
In a
televised address, the president also dismissed the attorney general and said
ministries will be run by their permanent secretaries.
Ruto
said he made the decision after listening to the people and that he would form
a broad-based government after consultations.
Kenya
has seen three weeks of unrest in which protesters stormed into parliament on
June 25 after a finance bill was passed that proposed tax increases. More than
30 people died in the protests, which have morphed into calls for the president
to resign.
Ruto
said the prime Cabinet secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, a key political ally, would
remain in office.
He said
the dismissals followed “a holistic appraisal of the performance” of the
Cabinet and that the new government would help him “in accelerating and
expediting the necessary, urgent and irreversible implementation of radical
programs to deal with the burden of debt, raising domestic resources, expanding
job opportunities, eliminating wastage and unnecessary duplication of a
multiplicity of government agencies and slay the dragon of corruption.”
Ruto appointed
21 Cabinet ministers following his election in 2022. Critics accused the
president of choosing political cronies and departing from the previous
practice of picking technocrats to be in charge of ministries.
Three
ministers resigned from their elected positions to take up ministerial
appointments. Others lost the election and were seen as being awarded by the
president with political appointments.
Several
ministries including agriculture and health have been engulfed by corruption
scandals involving fake fertilizer and misappropriation of funds.
The
protesters accused the Cabinet of incompetence, arrogance and displays of
opulence as Kenyans battle with high taxes and a cost of living crisis.
Demonstrators
called for the president's resignation even though he said he would not sign
the finance bill that proposed higher taxes.
Ruto on
Friday apologized for the “arrogance and show of opulence” by legislators and
ministers and said he took responsibility and would speak to them.
He also
announced austerity measures including the dissolution of 47 state corporations
with overlapping functions to save money and the withdrawal of funding for the
First Lady's office, among others.
Analyst
and commentator Herman Manyora called the dismissal of the Cabinet a “bold
move” that was necessary to quell the discontent in the country.
This is
the first time a sitting president has dismissed Cabinet ministers under the
new constitution. The last time a similar move occurred was in 2005 after a
failed referendum when then-President Mwai Kibaki dismissed his ministers to
assert his political authority.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2024/07/11/kenyan-president-dismisses-all-cabinet-ministers-after-weeks-of-protests/
--------
Ugandan
TikToker jailed 6 years for insulting president
A
24-year-old Ugandan man has been sentenced to six years in prison for using
TikTok to spread hate speech and false information against President Yoweri Museveni
and the entire first family.
Entebbe
Chief Magistrate Court's Chief Magistrate, Stellah-Maris Amabilisi, delivered
the sentence on Wednesday. Edward Awebwa, who ran the account "Save Media
Uganda," was arrested for posting a video insulting the president; his
wife and his son.
Kampala
Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire stated that Awebwa
shared videos mocking the president between February and March 2024.
This
sentencing is part of a broader campaign by security agencies against people
using social media to insult senior government officials.
Awebwa
is one of several content creators jailed under the Computer Misuse Act of 2022
for spreading "malicious information" and "hate speech."
Human rights activists have challenged this law in the Constitutional Court,
calling it repressive.
The
Computer Misuse Act defines offensive communication as the "willful and
repeated use of electronic communication to disturb or attempt to disturb the
peace, quiet, or right of privacy of any person with no purpose of legitimate
communication." The offence can result in a fine, up to one year in
prison, or both.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2024/07/11/ugandan-tiktoker-jailed-6-years-for-insulting-president/
--------
Southeast Asia
Fahmi to
meet TikTok next week to discuss cyberbullying after woman’s death
12 Jul
2024
PUTRAJAYA,
July 12 — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil expects to meet with officials
from social media platform TikTok next week to address cyberbullying following
the death of a local content creator said to have been harassed online.
He said
his ministry has contacted TikTok and its representatives have agreed to work
with the Malaysian government on this matter.
“Before
today’s press conference, we have contacted TikTok to inform them that they
need to take responsibility and they have said that they are ready to cooperate
with us to overcome this situation.
“They
will meet with us next week,” Fahmi told a press conference at his ministry
here today.
His
response comes after the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ordered the
police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to take
strict action against those who commit online bullying.
Fahmi
also said the government will campaign to raise awareness on online safety in
schools.
“At each
school, there will be police officers stationed to raise awareness on
cybersecurity from school children.
“They
will touch on cyberbullying, scams and personal conduct,” he said.
Rajeswary
Appahu who used the name Esha on social media was reported to have been found
dead at home on July 5, a day after filing a complaint at the Dang Wangi police
station here against two people for allegedly harassing her on TikTok.
The
30-year-old was reported by The Star newspaper to have also claimed to have
received death and rape threats by one person during a “live session” on her
social media platform.
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/07/12/fahmi-to-meet-tiktok-next-week-to-discuss-cyberbullying-after-womans-death/143508
--------
US
Pleased to See JETP Money is Flowing to Indonesia
July 11, 2024
Jakarta.
An American government official said Thursday that the promised JETP money
worth billions of dollars meant to help Indonesia’s energy transition is
already moving.
In 2022,
coalitions of affluent countries and banks vowed to help Indonesia wean off coal
through a climate financing package known as the Just Energy Transition
Partnership (JETP). The promised funding -- which mostly consists of loans --
totaled $20 billion at the time. Half of it will come from public money
mobilized by International Partners Group (IPG) -- a US-Japan-led coalition of
rich nations. The remaining $10 billion will come from financial institutions
that belong to the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (Gfanz).
Last
year, Indonesia launched a plan that detailed how the country would spend the
$20 billion. It was also during that time the IPG decided to increase the
funding by another $1.5 billion. According to Alexia Latortue, the assistant
secretary at the US Department of Treasury, the funding has witnessed some
progress.
Latortue
said $1 billion of the promised public money already got approved, while
another $2.4 billion was still in negotiations. About $126 million of the
approved projects include the 31-megawatt Phase I Ijen geothermal project run
by local firm Medco Cahaya Geothermal in East Java. Providing this geothermal
commitment is the government-run US International Development Finance
Corporation.
“We are
moving towards implementing the ambition to have more energy security as well
as affordable and clean energy in Indonesia. … This is linked to having a
bright green growth in this country, which will create an estimated of over
300,000 quality jobs, and making sure that the transition is just and to the
benefit of all Indonesians,” Latortue said at a press briefing in Jakarta,
shortly after a closed-door meeting members of the Indonesian Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (Kadin).
“And so
for this, we are very pleased to see financing flow,” Latortue said.
Speaking
at the same press conference, Kadin’s deputy chairwoman Shinta Kamdani
commented on the JETP funding, particularly on how it can help sunny Indonesia
unlock its solar power potential. Kadin data shows that Indonesia boasts 3,686
gigawatts of renewable energy, about 3,295 gigawatts of which come from solar
energy.
Shinta
said: “Solar power projects [under the JETP] are still waiting for the
government regulations. There are many projects in the pipeline. The money is
ready, and the projects are already there. … So in principle, it is just a
matter of how the government can take advantage of the already existing funds.
And so, the government is aware that there is a need to improve the
regulations.”
Indonesia
is eyeing to reach net zero emissions by 2060 or sooner. The country today
still heavily relies on coal for its power generation.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://jakartaglobe.id/news/us-pleased-to-see-jetp-money-is-flowing-to-indonesia
--------
PM Anwar
‘mobbed’ by schoolchildren during Putrajaya lunch stop
12-07-
2024
PUTRAJAYA:
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was joyfully ‘mobbed’ by excited
schoolchildren eager to catch a glimpse of him when he stopped by a food stall
here for lunch before performing Friday prayers.
His
arrival at the An-Najah Precinct 9 stall around 12.45 pm was warmly received by
the crowd, particularly the enthusiastic schoolchildren from the nearby Sekolah
Kebangsaan Putrajaya Presint 9 (2).
As the
Prime Minister, clad in a light blue Baju Melayu, arrived at the stall, the
schoolchildren excitedly rushed to shake hands with him.
Anwar
spent about 30 minutes savouring a variety of dishes at the stall, accompanied
by An-Najah Cooperative secretary Zainal Mohd Yusoh.
After
lunch, Anwar made his way to the nearby Surau An-Najah, located about 60 metres
from the stall, to join nearly 1,000 congregants for Friday prayers.
Surau
Imam Hazim Malim led the Friday prayers and delivered a sermon entitled
“Perihal Mizan”.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/local-news/pm-anwar-mobbed-by-schoolchildren-during-putrajaya-lunch-stop-LF12714438
--------
Tribunal
issues award for first sexual harassment complaint - KPWKM
12-07-
2024
PUTRAJAYA:
The Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment (TAGS) has issued an award for its
first complaint involving physical sexual harassment by a male employer towards
a female employee, according to the Women, Family and Community Development
Ministry (KPWKM).
It said
the award was issued within 60 days from the first hearing date, which was on
May 23, in accordance with the provisions under Section 19(1) of the
Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 [Act 840].
KPWKM
said that after considering the evidence and testimony presented, TAGS found
that the complainant had proved that the respondent had committed sexual
harassment against her.
“Therefore,
TAGS ordered the respondent to issue an apology statement as requested by the
complainant,“ KPWKM said in a statement here today.
TAGS
provides an alternative channel to civil courts for handling sexual harassment
complaints quickly, easily and cheaply.
KPWKM
urges victims of sexual harassment to come forward and file complaints at the
TAGS counter at KPWKM or contact the Talian Kasih 15999 for any enquiries.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/local-news/tribunal-issues-award-for-first-sexual-harassment-complaint-kpwkm-NF12713680
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Malaysia
poised as key source amid US-China trade tensions - MITI
12-07-
2024
KUALA
LUMPUR: The ongoing trade tension between the United States and China may
position Malaysia as a key source for importing raw materials, parts and
components, and new finished products for companies looking to reduce their
reliance on either of the two superpowers.
According
to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the uncertainty in
US-China trade relations will encourage multinational companies from other
nations to seek alternative production locations in third countries, including
Malaysia.
“This
could lead to increased foreign investment and employment opportunities in
Malaysia,“ the ministry said in a written response posted on Parliament’s
website on Thursday.
MITI was
responding to a query from Mohd Misbahul Munir Masduki (PN-Parit Buntar)
regarding the risks and implications for Malaysia amid the US-China trade
tensions.
Simultaneously,
MITI noted that Malaysia could seize the opportunity to attract investment from
China, particularly as the United States increases tariffs on Chinese goods.
“However,
Malaysian companies are advised to conduct thorough due diligence to ensure
that potential Chinese business partners do not intend to use Malaysia as a
means to circumvent high US tariffs,“ it said.
MITI
affirmed that Malaysia will continue its policy of neutrality, maintaining good
relations with all its trading partners, including the United States and China.
“In
balancing the challenges and opportunities arising from this trade tension, the
actions and initiatives taken by the government will consider the needs and
interests of local companies,“ the ministry said.
Moreover,
MITI highlighted that the trade tensions have already spurred an increase in
foreign investment, with American giants such as Intel investing RM30 billion
in Malaysia and Global Foundries establishing an operational hub in Penang.
The
ministry also acknowledged that the Russia-Ukraine crisis will have an indirect
impact on Malaysia’s semiconductor industry.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/local-news/malaysia-poised-as-key-source-amid-us-china-trade-tensions-miti-EF12713430
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Prayer
Ceremony held in conjunction with Installation of 17th King of Malaysia
12-07-
2024
KUALA
LUMPUR: Istana Negara, with the cooperation of the Johor Mufti Department, held
a prayer ceremony today in conjunction with the Installation Ceremony of His
Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the 17th King of Malaysia on July 20.
A post
on Sultan Ibrahim’s official Facebook page today revealed that the ceremony was
held at the Istana Negara main surau, and began with congregational Maghrib
prayers.
Johor
Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid, Johor
state secretary Tan Sri Dr Azmi Rohani and Johor State Islamic Religious
Council advisor Datuk Nooh Gadot attended the ceremony, along with Comptroller
of the Royal Household of Istana Negara Datuk Zailani Hashim; Istana Negara
Grand Chamberlain Datuk Azuan Effendy Zairakithnaini, Istana Negara Religious
Officer Datuk Munir Md Salleh, other Istana Negara officials and staff, as well
as Johor state government heads of department.
The
events held in conjunction with the King’s Installation Ceremony will begin
with the Yasin Recital and ‘Doa Selamat’ at the National Mosque on July 18;
followed by the Special Friday Sermon and Prayers, also at the National Mosque,
the following day.
The
Installation Ceremony of Sultan Ibrahim as the 17th King of Malaysia will be
held in the morning on July 20, which will be followed by a Royal Banquet in
the evening.
Also
lined up is Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia’s visit to the
Orang Asli Hospital in Gombak on July 23, the “Raja Kita” exhibition at the
National Museum on July 25, and the Royal Tea Reception at Istana Negara on
July 27.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/local-news/prayer-ceremony-held-in-conjunction-with-installation-of-17th-king-of-malaysia-DF12712881
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