Yogi Adityanath: “A Leader of the Congress” Carries a Bag Featuring Palestine, We Are Giving Jobs to The Youths of UP in Israel
New Age Islam News Bureau
18 December 2024
Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer, the Charge d'affaires of the Palestine Embassy in New Delhi, meets Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at her residence, in New Delhi.
PTI picture
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· Yogi Adityanath: “A Leader of the Congress” Carries a Bag Featuring Palestine, We Are Giving Jobs to The Youths of UP in Israel
· Chief Justice of Pakistan Sees Threats to Impartiality in Bhutto Murder Trial
· Saudi Rights Progress ‘Irreversible’ Due to Youth Popularity, Says EU Official
· Turkish Rescuers End Search of Syria’s Saydnaya Prison
· HR Activist Loses Appeal to Mount Private Charges Against Islamic Preachers Muhammad Zamri and Firdaus Insulting Non-Muslim Practices
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India
· J&K Axe On Kashmiri Sufi Saint Sheikh-Ul-Alam Chapter from The Class IX English Textbook Triggers a Row
· Protected Monument? Delhi HC Grants Time to ASI to Conduct Delhi Jama Masjid Survey
· Sambhal: Shahi Mosque Committee Raises Alarm Over ‘Bid’ To Reclaim Historic Well
· Atala Mosque Case: Jaunpur Court Defers Hearing Till March 2
· Omar to Meet Shah in Delhi Today to Discuss Statehood Restoration
· J&K: Arms, Ammunition Recovered from Forest Area in Kupwara
· All BJP-ruled states to have UCC, Congress wants to give quota to Muslims by raising limit: Amit Shah
· Avoidable: Supreme Court Collegium to Allahabad HC Judge On His Remarks Against Muslims
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Pakistan
· PTI Seeks Talks, Says Civil Disobedience Move Still an Option
· Civil disobedience movement 'put on hold as Imran worried about country'
· JUI-F warns govt of agitation if Madrassa bill not approved
· MNAs agree talks are way forward, but neither side willing to take first step
· 5 security men martyred in D.I. Khan, Shangla
· Law Minister announces extensive reforms to Cr. PC 1898
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Arab World
· Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Aims to Spur Collaboration in Space Sector
· Saudi Shoura Council speaker arrives in Pakistan on official visit
· First Regional Arab Youth Forum on Man, Biosphere is held in Jazan
· KSrelief provides urgent medical aid for Gaza child
· Chinese delegation visits Riyadh falconry festival
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Mideast
· At First Security Council Meeting Since Assad’s Fall, UN Envoy Calls for End toSyria Sanctions
· Palestinian families sue US government over military aid to Israel
· Syrian mass graves expose Assad’s ‘machinery of death’
· Netanyahu: Israeli troops will occupy Syria buffer zone for ‘foreseeable future’
· Muslim nations must unite to counter global hegemony: Leader’s aide
· Settlers storm Aqsa Mosque amid calls for confrontation
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Southeast Asia
· Three men detained for illegally crossing Malaysia-Thailand border - Police
· Red carpet welcome: 4,500-strong crowd welcomes Musa Aman back to Sabah in governor role
· RM10,000 fine for Old Klang Road man who dragged cat by neck in apartment corridor
· Penang police arrest 1,757, seize RM303,000 in 1,411 anti-gambling raids this year, says acting state police chief
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Europe
· IsDBI, EDB Strengthen Ties in Islamic Finance at Almaty Event
· Blackburn mosque demolition and rebuilding plan submitted
· EU investigates TikTok over alleged Russian meddling in Romanian vote
· Pentagon comments on bombing ‘operation’ that killed Russian general
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South Asia
· BNP, Jamaat Content with HC VerdictThat Declared Parts of The 15th Amendment Unconstitutional
· Tk 80,000cr Graft Allegation: ACC to Probe Hasina, Family
· Media should work for society reform, Farahi
· Afghans grappling with economic challenges as foreign assets remain frozen
· Russia Advances Efforts to Delist IEA from Prohibited Groups
· Over 22 million in Afghanistan to need aid by 2025: OCHA
· Taliban to build housing complex for foreign diplomats in Kabul
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Africa
· Osisiye Tafa: The Many Reasons Why I Converted to Islam
· Yinka Quadri bags Islamic chieftaincy title
· This Is Total Madness – Igbokwe Knocks Sowore Over Post On Buhari’s Birthday
· Alex Otti Strayed Away from APC Like the Prodigal Son – Keyamo
· Staff Shortage Hindering Our Ability to Carry Out Responsibilities – NAFDAC Cries Out
· President Tinubu Makes Fresh Promise To Buhari In Birthday Message
· Nigerian Police Haven’t Changed, SARS Is Coming Back, Extortion Is High – Isa Sanusi
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North America
· Gilgo Beach Serial Killings Suspect Charged With Seventh Murder
· US aeroplane stowaway attempts fresh escape to Canada
· Four paths Trudeau can take as his leadership faces scrutiny
· Tech entrepreneur found guilty of Cash App founder Bob Lee's murder
· Canada announces new border rules following Trump tariff threat
· Alleged CEO killer charged with murder
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/yogi-adityanath-carries-palestine-israel/d/134063
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Yogi Adityanath: “A Leader of the Congress” Carries a Bag Featuring Palestine, We Are Giving Jobs to The Youths of UP in Israel
Piyush Srivastava Lucknow/ 18.12.24
Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer, the Charge d'affaires of the Palestine Embassy in New Delhi, meets Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at her residence, in New Delhi.
PTI picture
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Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday took a veiled dig at Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for carrying a bag to Parliament with “Palestine” emblazoned on it while highlighting how Uttar Pradesh was helping youths find jobs in Israel.
“A leader of the Congress carries a bag featuring Palestine but we are giving jobs to the youths of Uttar Pradesh in Israel. Over 5,600 youths of Uttar Pradesh have gone to Israel. They are getting a salary of ₹1.50 lakh while lodging and food are free,” the Uttar Pradesh chief minister said in the Assembly on Tuesday without taking Priyanka’s name.
The Congress’s Wayanad MP had on Monday expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine by carrying abag with “Palestine” inscribed on it.
On Tuesday, Priyanka was seen carrying a cream-coloured handbag to Parliament on which was written “Bangladesh ke Hindu aur Isaiyon ke saath khade ho” (Stand with the Hindus and Christians of Bangladesh)”.
Adityanath didn’t say anything about Priyanka’s choice of bag on Tuesday.
Israel had sought around 10,000 construction workers from India to address skill shortages in the infrastructure and healthcare sectors in the wake of the Gaza war and the Centre had in November last year agreed to send them. Under that agreement, the Uttar Pradesh government has sent several unemployed youths to Israel.
“The Israel ambassador had recently met me and said that the youths of Uttar Pradesh were working well. They want to employ more youths from the state. And they have the assurance of security also,” Adityanath claimed.
Replying to a question on the state government’s "apathy" towards the unemployed youths, the chief minister said: “We follow transparency in appointment but I want to remind the people that a man with a fake degree of graduation was appointed chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) during Samajwadi Party's rule. He had secured third division in every examination and a forged degree of graduation…. We also shouldn’t forget that out of the 86 vacant posts of subdivisional magistrates, the SP government had appointed 56 from one caste only.”
Adityanath claimed his government had given seven lakh jobs since 2017.
Responding to Adityanath’s allegation that the SP government used to forcibly shut down temples, Yadav said: “It is not true that we closed any temple. Such things never happened during our rule (2012 to 2017).”
Speaking in the House, Adityanath also urged the Opposition to better understand the government’s policies and initiatives for the welfare of the youth in the state.
“The Opposition has limited itself to criticising the government. They should also say good things so that they also gain something good. Thefact is that we don’t play with anybody’s career. The youths are happy now becauseour public representatives go and distribute appointment letters to them to ensure that the system is transparent,” he said
The state government also proposed a supplementary budget of ₹17,865 crore.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/israel-job-counter-to-palestine-bag-yogi-adityanath-takes-dig-at-congress-mp-priyanka-gandhi/cid/2071456
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Chief Justice of Pakistan Sees Threats to Impartiality in Bhutto Murder Trial
Nasir Iqbal
December 18, 2024
ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi on Tuesday called the murder trial of late prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto a sobering reminder of how deviations from constitutional governance could unduly influence judicial proceedings in politically charged cases, undermining the ideals of impartiality and due process in such exceptional circumstances.
“This also accentuates the importance of recognising the courageous dissents of Justice Dorab Patel, Justice Muhammad Haleem and Justice G. Safdar Shah who stood their ground despite the prevailing atmosphere,” observed the CJP in a five-page note he issued on the presidential reference in the murder trial of PPP founder.
Their dissents, even if unsuccessful in altering the outcome, remain a testament to the enduring principles of judicial integrity and impartiality, underscoring the value of an independent judiciary committed to the rule of law, the CJP said in his note.
On March 6, the Supreme Court, after a delay of over 44 years, corrected a historic wrong by acknowledging that the murder trial of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was unfair and lacked due process, both at the trial stage and in endorsement of the verdict by the appellate court.
CJP Afridi regretted that the extraordinary political climate of the time and the pressures inherent in such an environment appear to have influenced the course of justice in a manner inconsistent with the ideals of judicial independence.
“It is, however, very pertinent to note that the present reference was avowedly filed against the backdrop of the restoration of the judiciary and the proactive role of the restored judiciary in addressing the matters of public importance,” he said.
He explained that the presidential reference highlighted the ‘admission’ of former CJP, the late Justice Nasim Hasan Shah, regarding external pressures in the decision of Mr Bhutto’s appeal, describing it as a regrettable chapter in the judicial history.
He was of the view that the reference might never have come before the court if not for the events recounted and the facts disclosed in the interview and autobiography of Justice Nasim Shah.
In the SC judgement, Justice Nasim Shah rejected the contention that the trial of Mr Bhutto was vitiated by bias on part of Justice Maulvi Mushtaq Hussain, who presided over the Lahore High Court during the trial. However, this stance directly contradicts his later remarks in an interview with Iftikhar Ahmad for the programme “Jawab Deyh”. In the interview, Justice Shah described Justice Maulvi Mushtaq as an overt enemy of Mr Bhutto, stating he should not have been part of the LHC bench.
In fact, the presence of Justice Maulvi Mushtaq on the LHC bench was referred to as Ziadati, a term that, within the context of the trial, could only be interpreted as bias. This clear contradiction in the views of Justice Nasim Shah raised concerns about the evaluation of the question of bias on part of Justice Mushtaq in the appeal.
Justice Nasim Shah revealed certain facts in his autobiography Memoirs and Reflections, suggesting that his inclusion in the bench for hearing Mr Bhutto’s appeal was orchestrated by Attorney General Sharifuddin Pirzada and Justice Maulvi Mushtaq.
Such manipulation of the bench composition undermined judicial impartiality and raised serious concerns about the fairness of the proceedings, CJP Afridi said.
He added that it demonstrated how Justice Maulvi Mushtaq pursued the matter zealously even after the high court had decided the case and the appeal was pending before the Supreme Court, despite his role having concluded with the decision of the high court.
This unwarranted involvement after conviction blurred the boundaries of judicial propriety and eroded confidence in the impartiality of the appellate process, the CJP stated. These accounts of events effectively undermined the expected impartiality of judicial decision-making in the trial of Mr Bhutto. If left unaddressed, such events risked eroding public confidence in the fairness of the judicial process, he observed.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1879385/cjp-afridi-sees-threats-to-impartiality-in-bhutto-murder-trial
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Saudi rights progress ‘irreversible’ due to youth popularity, says EU official
NADA ALTURKI
December 17, 2024
RIYADH: Much of Saudi Arabia’s progress is “irreversible” due to its popularity among young people, an EU human rights emissary has told Arab News.
Olof Skoog, EU special representative for human rights, sat down with Arab News to discuss the progress made by the Kingdom, ahead of the 4th EU-KSA Human Rights Dialogue that took place in Riyadh on Tuesday.
Regarding the changes in recent years, Skoog said: “I see them very much as genuine reforms. Saudi Arabia (has) a very youthful population. The country is quickly modernizing, in a way, more attuned to what happens around the world, and the young people are very much onto that.”
“That’s why I think that much of what is happening here is irreversible, in a way, because the next generation is going to demand to maintain these rights, at least, for girls and women.
“The more you see women take a very strong part in the entire workforce here, from lawyers to doctors to judges and politicians, I think that’s also going to be an irreversible inspiration for the next generation.”
Elaborating on Saudi Arabia’s progress in women’s rights, Skoog added: “I’ve been very impressed with the changes for women in particular.
“And during a very short period of time, a lot has happened for empowering women, including in the workforce. This is something we are happy to see. And, I’d like to encourage further steps in favor of equality in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, women’s rights have seen significant advancements, beginning with the 2018 lift of the ban on driving.
These reforms have extended into increased workforce participation, initiatives to empower women in the workforce, greater legal and social protections, increased leadership roles in government and business, participation in security and military service, and autonomy over travel and personal decisions.
Skoog also discussed the importance of addressing remaining challenges in both Saudi Arabia and the EU.
He said that there is still progress to be made by Saudi Arabia when compared with European societies, but also acknowledged the shared shortcomings of both regions: “Unfortunately, in all societies, including in Europe, there’s difficulties when it comes to gender-based violence, for instance, and we are trying to mobilize strong legislation and campaigns against that.”
Part of the EU’s role around the world is to promote and engage with civil society organizations and create a well-rounded space for them to share concerns.
With the delicate matter of addressing human rights issues seems to be a challenge to balance while promoting strong diplomatic and political ties, Skoog ensures that it does not have to be.
“I think Saudi Arabia is very much showing right now in this reform agenda that any authority, government and leadership needs to be very attentive to the interests, rights and aspirations of their population,” he said.
“It’s very much about human rights. It’s very much about building a strong contract between the population and the government, or the government and the population.
“It’s political rights, it’s civic rights, but it’s also economic, social and cultural rights, and they all go together.”
The special representative said that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2034 will bring global attention to the country’s labor laws, as was the case with Qatar when it hosted the event in 2022.
“I think with the World Cup, it’s just going to raise scrutiny from the outside world, even more to Saudis, you know, the construction industry and with everything that’s going to have to happen here,” he said.
A new area both entities are working hard to address is ensuring that the private sector is compliant with international obligations in promoting dignity and human rights in its workforce, supply chains, digital presence and sustainable practices.
“There’s quite a lot there that the EU is busy trying to make sure that, you know, if we find that the private sector is unable to voluntarily commit to certain codes of conduct or rules we’ve established, sets of regulations that bind them to it…
“The private sector companies that want to do business within in Europe need to show that they are responsible and sustainable in their supply chains,” he said.
While the EU provides a sense of guidance on the international standards of human rights conduct, collaboration is, ultimately, a two-way street.
The representative spoke about the importance of meaningful cross-regional dialogue, including criticism of the EU itself.
“There’s been, over the years, strong migratory pressures on the EU, as on many others, especially after 2015 with what happened in Syria then. I think that has also tested the EU’s commitment to international obligations when it comes to asylum and that kind of thing,” Skoog said.
“We also have xenophobia, racism, or antisemitism, or anti-Muslim expressions in our societies that need to be dealt with,” he added.
“No society is free from challenges and trying to strike the right balance between freedom of expression, but not in a way that brings hatred or also incites violence.”
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2583433/saudi-arabia
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Turkish rescuers end search of Syria’s Saydnaya prison
December 18, 2024
Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) teams work in Sednaya prison, which was known as a slaughterhouse under Syria's Bashar al-Assad rule, after al-Assad's ouster, in Sednaya, Syria, December 17, 2024. (REUTERS)
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ISTANBUL: Turkish rescue workers have ended their search for survivors in Syria’s notorious Saydnaya prison, their leader said Tuesday, after finding no detainees languishing in any hidden cells.
Located just north of Damascus, the prison became a symbol of rights abuses under president Bashar Assad, who was ousted by Islamist-led rebels on December 8.
The search by a 120-member team was conducted at the request of Syria’s new authorities, according to Okay Memis, director of Turkiye’s AFAD disaster relief agency.
“The entire building was searched and analyzed with a scanner, and no living person was found,” Memis told journalists at the site.
Prisoners held inside the complex, which was the site of extrajudicial executions, torture and forced disappearances, were freed early last week by the Islamist-led rebels.
But the complex is thought to descend several levels underground, fueling suspicions that more prisoners could be held in undiscovered hidden cells.
The Association of Detainees and Missing Persons of Saydnaya Prison (ADMSP), however, believes the rumors about hidden cells are unfounded.
The prison complex was thoroughly searched by Syria’s White Helmets emergency workers but they wrapped up their operations on Tuesday, saying they were unable to find any more prisoners.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, more than 100,000 people have died in Syria’s jails and detention centers since 2011, when Syria’s civil war erupted.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2583458/middle-east
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HR Activist Loses Appeal to Mount Private Charges Against Islamic Preachers Muhammad Zamri and Firdaus Insulting Non-Muslim Practices
17 Dec 2024
Global Human Rights Federation president S. Shashi Kumar (second from right) at a peaceful demonstration to protest alleged abuses against Hindu minorites outside the Bangladeshi High Commission in Kuala Lumpur on August 11, 2024. — Picture from Global Human Rights Federation website
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PUTRAJAYA, Dec 17 — The Court of Appeal today dismissed a final appeal by Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF) president S. Shashi Kumar to initiate private prosecution against preachers Muhammad Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu and Firdaus Wong Wan Hung who are charged with insulting the beliefs and religious practices of non-Muslims.
In a unanimous decision, Judge Datuk Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim, leading a three-judge panel, said Shashi failed to convince the panel of the error committed by Shah Alam High Court Judicial Commissioner Dr Wendy Ooi Su Ghee and Magistrate Mohamad Redza Azhar Rezali in the case.
“The magistrate’s decision to dismiss the appellant’s application and not continue the appellant’s examination in this case is correct and not a mistake.
“This court finds that both appeals are without merit, so the appellant’s appeal is dismissed and the decision of the Magistrate’s Court, confirmed by the High Court, is upheld,” said Judge Ahmad Zaidi.
The other two judges on the panel are Datuk Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali and Datuk Mohamed Zaini Mazlan.
In 2020, the police investigated the two preachers under Section 298A of the Penal Code for allegedly inciting enmity between different groups on religious or racial grounds.
On Jan 8, 2021, Shashi applied to conduct private prosecution at the Shah Alam Magistrate’s Court and on Sept 3, 2021, Magistrate Mohamad Redza dismissed the application on the grounds that the police investigation against Zamri was No Further Action (NFA), while the investigation against Firdaus was still in progress at that time.
Following the decision, Shashi filed an appeal at the Shah Alam High Court and in March 2023, the court upheld the decision by the Magistrate.
(A private prosecution is a prosecution conducted by a private individual or entity, rather than a prosecuting authority with a statutory power to prosecute)
Prior to this, during a proceeding at the Court of Appeal, the court was informed by the prosecution that the Attorney-General’s Chamber (AGC) decided not to pursue the charges against the two preachers.
At the proceeding today, Shashi was represented by lawyer S. Ravichandran, while the prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Solehah Noratikah Ismail. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/12/17/human-rights-activist-loses-appeal-to-mount-private-charges-against-islamic-preachers-muhammad-zamri-firdaus-wong-for-allegedly-insulting-non-muslim-practices/160202
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India
J&K Axe On Kashmiri Sufi Saint Sheikh-Ul-Alam Chapter from The Class IX English Textbook Triggers a Row
Muzaffar Raina
18.12.24
The Jammu and Kashmir government’s decision to remove a chapter on one of the most revered Kashmiri Sufi saints, Sheikh Nooruddin Wali, from the Class IX English textbook has triggered a row, months after the move.
Detractors have criticised the Omar Abdullah government for the move although the change had been carried out by the lieutenant governor’s administration before Assembly elections returned to Jammu and Kashmir.
Popularly called Sheikh-ul-Alam, he is revered by Muslims as well as many Kashmiri Pandits. His Charar-e-Sharief shrine was razed to the ground along with many houses in the area during the infamous 1995 siege by security forces to flush out militants who had taken refuge there, but later rebuilt.
Former Srinagar mayor Junaid Azim Mattu and his former deputy Sheikh Imran blamed the Omar government for the removal of the chapter on the saint.
“A new accomplishment by the new NC Government. Chapter of Prose by Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali (RA) removed from J&K Board English Textbook for Class 9th. And these people will fight for our ‘Tashakhus’ (special identity of Kashmir) status?,” Mattu posted on X.
Mattu also posted pictures of the table of contents of the book for two years, one with the chapter and another where it is missing.
Sheikh Imran said theremoval of the chapter wasa direct assault on “Kashmir’s rich cultural and spiritualheritage”.
“This brazen erasure under the JKNC government demands immediate accountability and the chief minister must respond,” he said. “Is the education department with you or not? Or are they still deciding mid-step because, Omar Abdullah Sahib, your backtracking skills could probably win gold at the Reverse Olympics,” he said, dripping sarcasm.
In the hybrid model of governance in J&K, the powers of lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha and chief minister Omar are not defined.
An English teacher at a government school said the change came at the start of the academic year this March but the issue has triggered a row only now.
“The chapter was there in last year’s English book. Later last year, we were told not to field questions in the paper (exam) from the chapter. In the session that began in March this year, the chapter was entirely removed,” he said.
Source:telegraphindia.com/
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-government-axe-on-kashmiri-sufi-saint-sheikh-ul-alam-in-school-book/cid/2071453
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Protected Monument? Delhi HCGrants Time to ASI to Conduct Delhi Jama Masjid Survey
17.12.24
The Delhi High Court has granted more time to the Archaeological Survey of India to conduct an inspection of the Jama Masjid in the national capital and file a report.
A bench comprising Justices Prathiba M Singh and Amit Sharma, while dealing with the PILs to declare the mosque a "protected monument", asked the ASI for the report at least a week before the next hearing on January 29, 2025.
"Let the survey/inspection as directed in the order dated October 23, 2024 be carried out and a report be filed at least one week before the next date of hearing with advance copies to all parties appearing in the matter," ordered the bench on December 11.
On October 23, the court asked the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) along with the representatives of the Waqf board to conduct the inspection of the Jama Masjid and its vicinity.
It also sought a sketch along with a table outlining the purpose for which the Jama Masjid premises were being used.
On December 11, however, senior advocate Anil Soni, appearing for the ASI, sought more time to complete the exercise. While granting further time, the bench permitted one counsel on behalf of the petitioner to accompany the team during the inspection.
The PILs filed by Suhail Ahmed Khan and Ajay Gautam in 2014 raised questions over the Jama Masjid not coming under the purview of the ASI.
They objected to the use of the "Shahi Imam" title by Jama Masjid's Imam, Maulana Syed Ahmed Bukhari, and the appointment of his son as the naib (deputy) Imam.
In 2015, the ASI informed the court that former prime minister Manmohan Singh had assured the Shahi Imam that Jama Masjid would not be declared a protected monument.
In its latest affidavit, the ASI said declaring the historic Jama Masjid a "protected monument" would have a "substantial impact" and no steps had been taken in this regard so far.
It said once a structure was declared a protected monument, certain regulations and prohibitions in the area around it would come into force.
Although the Mughal-era Jama Masjid is currently under the protection and guardianship of Delhi Waqf Board, the ASI has been undertaking its conservation and preservation work.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/protected-monument-delhi-hc-grants-time-to-asi-to-conduct-jama-masjid-survey/cid/2071390
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Sambhal: Shahi mosque committee raises alarm over ‘bid’ to reclaim historic well
Dec 17, 2024
The Shahi mosque committee in Sambhal has raised concern over an alleged attempt to alter the status of a centuries-old well beneath the mosque’s eastern wall. In a legal notice sent on Monday to the Uttar Pradesh government through the district magistrate, the committee highlighted its objections, stating that the well has been an integral part of the mosque premises for generations.
Reportedly, the committee took action after reports suggested that authorities were planning to reclaim the well, as mentioned in media statements.
Shakil Ahmad Warsi, the committee’s legal representative, stated that the administration’s purported plan to change the well’s status has caused alarm. “The well’s water has been exclusively used for wuzu (ablution) by the Muslim community and has never been part of non-Muslim rituals,” Warsi added.
Chief of the Shahi mosque committee, Zafar Ali, added that a motor had been installed in the well, which has since been covered, and a police picket has been set up for security. He warned that any interference with the well would violate the Supreme Court’s recent directives and the Places of Worship Act, besides potentially creating unrest among Muslims.
However, Sambhal district magistrate Rajendra Pensiya stated that he has yet to receive the legal notice issued by the Shahi Mosque Committee. Questioning the legitimacy of the committee, he remarked, “Who are they? Is the committee even registered?”
Pensiya clarified that the ongoing initiative to reclaim and revitalise wells in Sambhal is part of the administration’s broader policy for water and heritage conservation. “This effort will continue as planned,” he affirmed.
Around 17 to 18 wells, some located near temples and other sites, have been reclaimed, the DM said. “The reclaimed wells, several of which remain protected, are now being officially recorded in the land records,” he added.
The Sambhal administration has launched a comprehensive initiative to revive wells across the town. As part of this effort, a well near an abandoned temple in the Deepa Sarai locality was recently excavated and restored.
The dispute has gained further attention after violent clashes erupted in Sambhal on the morning of November 24, following a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Chandausi. The violence, including stone-pelting and vehicle torching, resulted in the deaths of five people.
Source:hindustantimes.com
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https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/sambhal-shahi-mosque-committee-raises-alarm-over-bid-to-reclaim-historic-well-101734456094391.html
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Atala mosque case: Jaunpur court defers hearing till March 2
Dec 17, 2024
The court of civil judge (junior division) in Uttar Pradesh’s Jaunpur district on Tuesday postponed the date of passing order for survey of the Atala Masjid till March 2, 2025 in view of the Supreme Court’s order to all courts refraining them from passing orders in cases related to religious places under the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, said district government advocate Satish Chandra Pandey.
A suit was filed before the Jaunpur court on May 17, 2024 by the Swaraj Vahini Association and Santosh Kumar Mishra, a local resident, seeking a declaration that the disputed property was ‘Atala Devi Mandir’ and followers of the Sanatan religion be allowed the right of worship therein.
The petitioners had also prayed for the possession of the disputed property and sought a mandatory injunction to restrain non-Hindus from entering the property in question.
The court had initially set December 16 for hearing the matter. During the proceedings, the opposition’s advocate submitted a copy of the Supreme Court order (Writ C 1246/2020, Ashwini Upadhyay vs. Union of India), dated December 12.
The top court has directed that no proceedings related to existing cases should continue until further notice. The apex court also barred from issuing interim orders, including orders for surveys or other directives in such matters until further hearings.
Hindu parties have claimed that the 14th century Atala Masjid in Jaunpur was originally an ancient Atala Devi temple. The petition claims that during Firoz Shah Tughlaq’s invasion of Jaunpur, parts of the temple were demolished but due to strong opposition from Hindu devotees, the structure remained partially intact.
Source:hindustantimes.com
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https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/atala-mosque-case-jaunpur-court-defers-hearing-till-march-2-101734454304404.html
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Omar to meet Shah in Delhi today to discuss statehood restoration
Fayaz Wani
18 Dec 2024
SRINAGAR: Nearly two months after the passage of a resolution in the Jammu and Kashmir cabinet on restoration of statehood, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is likely to meet Home Minister Amit Shah in the national capital for the second time on Wednesday. During the meeting, Omar is expected to discuss restoring statehood status to J&K and clarity on Transaction of Business Rules (TBR) in the Union Territory.
“Omar Abdullah would discuss early restoration of statehood to J&K with the home minister in New Delhi on Wednesday,” sources in the National Conference said.
The Omar government in its first cabinet meeting on October 19 passed the resolution calling for restoration of statehood in its original form. The resolution, which was cleared by Lt-Governor Manoj Sinha, has authorised the CM to take up the matter with PM Modi for restoration of statehood.
The NC had termed last month’s meetings between Omar and the PM as “very positive”. Tanvir Sadiq, NC legislator, said after the CM’s positive talks in Delhi, the government is hopeful of early restoration of statehood to J&K. “However, the time and choosing will be that of the Centre,” he said.
In absence of TBR, there is confusion on governance with bureaucrats being confused over dual power centres. Omar said, “A dual power centre system is never going to work. J&K is a strategic region bordering China and Pakistan.”
In absence of TBR, Sinha has recently overruled the CM’s decision of banning re-employment and extension to the Vice Chancellor of SKUAST- K and Jammu University.
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J&K: Arms, ammunition recovered from forest area in Kupwara
December 18, 2024
Security forces have recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and narcotics from a forest area near the Line of Control in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army said on Wednesday (December 18, 2024).
Acting on a specific intelligence input, the army and police launched a joint search operation in Amrohi area of Tangdhar near the LoC on Tuesday (December 17, 2024).
"During search, four Pistols, six Pistol Magazines, approx four Kgs of narcotics and other war-like stores have been recovered," the army's Srinagar-based Chinar Corps posted on its X handle.
Three houses, land of militants, supporters attached in Kashmir
"#ChinarCorps remains steadfast in its commitment to keep Kashmir terror-free," it added.
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All BJP-ruled states to have UCC, Congress wants to give quota to Muslims by raising limit: Amit Shah
by Vikas Pathak
December 18, 2024
Training his guns on the Congress on issues ranging from the Uniform Civil Code to Constitution amendments to its stand on reservation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah told Rajya Sabha Tuesday that every state with a BJP government would bring in the UCC the way it was done in Uttarakhand.
Replying to the two-day discussion in the House on the ‘Glorious Journey of 75 Years of the Constitution of India’, Shah accused the Congress of “appeasement” politics: “Under Article 44, our Constitution talks about the Uniform Civil Code. It did not become a reality because (Jawaharlal) Nehru brought in the Muslim Personal Law. I ask the Congress: In a secular state, shouldn’t there be one law for all communities? They gave Muslim Personal Law to Muslims, the rest that was common law came to be known as Hindu Code Bill.”
The Congress, he said, chose different personal laws but a common criminal code. “If you really want Muslim Personal Law, then have it in full. Why is the Sharia not applicable in criminal law? Will you chop off the hands of someone who commits theft?” he said.
The Congress, he said, was talking about increasing the quantum of reservation not for the SCs, STs and OBCs, but to give the increased quotas to Muslims, and it had done so in two states.
“They have called for reservation beyond 50 per cent. Two states have reservation on religious grounds. It is anti-Constitution because the Constitution prohibits it. They don’t want the welfare of OBCs. They want to increase reservation to give it to Muslims… give reservation on grounds of religion,” he said.
Accusing the Congress of being anti-OBC, he said the Kaka Kalelkar Commission report was sent to a library instead of being sent to the Cabinet. He said the Mandal Commission report was also shelved for 10 years, and OBC reservation was announced only after the Congress was voted out of power. He cited Nehru as having written to B C Roy that while the exit of C Rajagopalachari could have some adverse impact on the Cabinet, “our ministry wouldn’t be weakened by Ambedkar leaving the Cabinet”.
Shah slammed the Congress for its criticism of VD Savarkar and said nationalism and courage should not be seen from the lens of a party and ideology. “One hundred and forty crore people call Savarkar Veer (brave). I want to place it on record here that from 1847 to 1947, the only person to get two life sentences in one life was Savarkar. He jumped into the sea for the sake of freedom when captured. Such a brave family as the Savarkars – two brothers were in the same jail for 10 years without seeing each other – does not exist,” he said.
Shah quoted Indira Gandhi on Savarkar’s death in 1966 saying he was a great man and a great revolutionary. Recalling that she also saluted Savarkar in a letter on his 100th birth anniversary, he urged Congress leaders to at least learn from her.
“I appeal to all political parties and people today not to associate nationalism and courage with religion, ideology or party. The brave are brave, whichever party or ideology they belong to,” he said.
Keeping the focus of his attack on the Congress, especially the Nehru-Gandhi family, Shah wondered whether Article 1 of the Constitution permitted the Indira Gandhi government to cede the island of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka. And referring to the now-repealed Article that dealt with Jammu and Kashmir, he said: “Article 35A was brought by a Presidential Order without Parliament approving it. You consider not just your party but the Constitution as the property of one family.”
Referring to the discussion in the Constituent Assembly on the name of the country, Shah said that when Seth Govind Das advocated Bharat as the name, Nehru said the need was not to look to the past but to the future. “So, it became India that is Bharat. When you see with foreign spectacles, you won’t understand. That is why they have named their alliance INDIA,” he said.
Targeting Rahul Gandhi, who is Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, for repeatedly accusing the BJP of trying to change the Constitution, Shah said the 54-year-old who is still called a young leader should know that the Constitution itself allows changes through Article 368.
Both the Congress and the BJP, he said, amended the Constitution while in power, but the question was the intent behind the amendments. In what seemed similar to the charges against Congress made earlier by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Shah recalled the 1st, 24th, 39th and 42nd Constitution amendment Acts passed under Congress governments, saying these were all done to curtail people’s rights, weaken institutions and perpetuate the power of the government of the day.
“They had to pass laws. Some in Congress who had the courage began to remain absent so that the quorum wasn’t complete. So, they made an amendment to ensure that quorum wasn’t needed. They also increased the period of President’s Rule,” he said, referring to the Emergency.
He said lakhs of people were thrown in jail during the Emergency and there was press censorship. He recalled that The Indian Express published a blank editorial because of the censorship. He said as a young man during the Emergency, he got to know that Kishore Kumar’s songs had been banned and it affected the popular Binaca Geetmala programme on the radio.
He described the amendments to the Constitution by the Modi government as pro-people changes – to bring in GST, give constitutional status to OBC Commission, provide 10 per cent EWS quota, and pass the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam to pave the way for women’s reservation in Parliament and Assemblies. “They talk about federal structure. We amended the Constitution in 2021 to give state governments the right to take a call on which caste was backward,” he said.
He praised the Modi government for bringing the new education policy, abrogating Article 370 on Jammu and Kashmir, and bringing in three new penal laws that “Indianised” the system of justice.
“We also brought a law to penalise triple talaq. It was the Supreme Court that ruled that Shah Bano should get justice and that instant triple talaq be abolished. You did not accept it, but we did,” he said.
Shah also took a dig at the Opposition over its criticism of EVMs. “They talk about EVM, and 24 times the Supreme Court rejected the petitions. In Maharashtra, they lost badly, and on the same day they won Jharkhand. In Maharashtra, it was flawed, but in Jharkhand they took oath. So, EVM is right at one place and wrong at another.”
“In Maharashtra, a journalist got a copy of the Constitution they were distributing. It turned out to be blank inside. The introduction of the copy of the Constitution you carry says that Indira Gandhi attacked the Constitution,” he said.
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Avoidable: Supreme Court Collegium to Allahabad HC judge on his remarks against Muslims
December 18, 2024
SC collegium, Supreme Court Collegium, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, Sanjiv Khanna, hate speeches, hate speech, Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, Indian express news, current affairsHC judge was called by Collegium over his remarks at a VHP event
The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, held a meeting Tuesday with Allahabad High Court’s Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav and told him that his controversial remarks at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad event recently were avoidable, The Indian Express has learnt.
Details of what exactly transpired at the meeting, which lasted nearly 30 minutes, were not immediately known. All eyes are now on the Chairman of Rajya Sabha where the Opposition has made an impeachment bid against Justice Yadav, accusing him of “hate speech” and “incitement to communal disharmony”.
Speaking at an event organised on December 8 by the VHP’s legal cell on the premises of the Allahabad High Court, Justice Yadav had targeted Muslims and framed the Uniform Civil Code as a Hindu versus Muslim debate where the former had brought in reforms while the latter had not.
“You have a misconception that if a law (UCC) is brought in, it will be against your Shariyat, your Islam and your Quran,” Justice Yadav said. “But I want to say one more thing… whether it is your personal law, our Hindu law, your Quran or whether it is our Gita, as I said we have addressed the ills (buraaiyan) in our practices… kamiyan thi, durust kar liye hain (the shortcomings have been addressed) …untouchability… sati, jauhar… female foeticide…we have addressed all those issues… Then why are you not doing away with his law… that while your first wife is there…you can have three wives… without her consent… that is not acceptable.”
Justice Yadav went on to say that Hinduism had the seeds of tolerance which Islam didn’t. “It is taught to us that…even an ant should not be killed. That is perhaps why we are tolerant and generous. Hame kisi ka kasht dekh karke kasht hota hai… kisike peeda ko dekhke peeda hota hai… par aapke andar nahin hoti hai… Why? Because when a child is born in our community, they are taught about God, the Vedas and Mantras right from the childhood… they are told about non-violence… lekin aap ke yahan to bachhpan se bachhe saamne rakh kar ke vadh kiya jaat hai pashuon ka (in your community, animals are slaughtered in the presence of children)… toh aap kaise apeksha karte hain ki sahishnu hoga woh… udaar hoga woh (how do you expect the person to become tolerant, kind?).”
“I have no hesitation in saying that this is Hindustan… and the country will run according to the majority who live in Hindustan.” He said the “law will operate on the will of the majority… if you look at families or the society… the will of the majority prevails,” he had said.
These remarks were strongly criticised by Opposition parties. In a letter to CJI Khanna, CPM leader and former MP Brinda Karat wrote: “No litigant can hope for justice in a court in which a member holds such a biased, prejudiced, publicly expressed opinion against the minority community and in favour of a majoritarian approach.”
The Opposition’s notice in Rajya Sabha for an impeachment motion against Justice Yadav can be accepted or rejected by the Chairman.
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Pakistan
PTI seeks talks, says civil disobedience move still an option
December 18, 2024
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Advocate Ali Bukhari has said that the civil disobedience movement has only been postponed, not entirely withdrawn, stressing that the former ruling party is open to negotiations but criticised the government for failing to initiate dialogue with the Opposition.
The PTI leader's remarks came hours after the incumbent government of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) ruled out talks with the embattled PTI with the "sword of civil disobedience hanging on its neck".
"For the first time, a pleasant breeze came from the opposition [...] but talks cannot be held at gunpoint," Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said while speaking on the floor of the National Assembly on Tuesday.
Incarcerated PTI founder — in a post on X on December 6 — had warned the government of launching a "civil disobedience" movement if his demands - a judicial inquiry into the May 9, 2023, riots and November 26 crackdown on PTI protesters and release of its "political prisoners" — are not met.
The ousted prime minister also constituted a five-member negotiation committee comprising Omar Ayub Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Salman Akram Raja and Asad Qaiser.
Earlier today, Bukhari reiterated the party’s readiness for dialogue, saying, “We have always acted responsibly. Our committee remains prepared for dialogue. However, the government has not demonstrated any seriousness.”
"The PTI founder Imran Khan had only “postponed the civil disobedience movement, not called it off entirely," the former ruling party's member said, speaking on Geo News’ programme Capital Talk on Tuesday.
It is always the government’s responsibility to initiate dialogue to resolve disputes, Bukhari stressed.
Speaking during the same programme, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) leader Hafiz Hamdullah distanced his party from the former ruling party's civil disobedience call, saying the JUI-F would not support the PTI in its civil disobedience campaign. However, he said that his party would support the PTI in parliament on an issue-by-issue basis.
Meantime, PML-N leader Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry welcomed the PTI’s realisation of political engagement, saying that it is encouraging that the Imran Khan-led political party now realises politics is the solution to all problems.
However, he criticised the PTI’s previous actions, noting that peaceful protest is everyone’s right, but the PTI's demonstrations were neither peaceful nor political, as according to him, they were nothing but an onslaught by armed groups.
Dr Chaudhry underscored the importance of democratic norms for political parties to resolve their issues politically through negotiations. He slammed the PTI saying that it calls itself a political party while talking about marching on Islamabad.
Mixed signals
Earlier on Tuesday, the PTI lawmakers, while addressing in the lower house of the legislature expressed willingness to hold talks with the government but maintained they would "not beg", with firebrand politician Sher Afzal Marwat saying that terms of references (ToRs) should be chalked out for the negotiations.
Speaking on the NA floor, Marwat said that no negotiations would bear fruit unless "political forces discuss ToRs", adding that later they should discuss the terms of references with the establishment.
PTI lawmaker Ali Muhammad Khan lambasted the incumbent government for opening gunfire at the protesters in Islamabad on November 26, saying that politicians do not fire bullets, but talk.
"During our tenure, the PPP and the JUI-F held long marches but not a single bullet was fired," he said, adding that their hands were not "tainted with blood".
"When we did not give rights to West Pakistan, they created Bangladesh," he said, asking what would have happened if they had been allowed to form the government.
He noted that his party would not beg for talks. "If you think you can run the country by excluding Imran Khan, try it," he added.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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Civil disobedience movement 'put on hold as Imran worried about country'
By Web Desk
December 17, 2024
Paying heed to the requests of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders, jailed party founder Imran Khan has postponed the civil disobedience movement announced following the party's "do-or-die" protest in Islamabad for a "few days".
"He [Imran] is worried about the country [...] he will wait for a few more days," his sister Aleema Khan said while speaking to journalists outside Adiala Jail on Tuesday.
Imran — in a post on X — had warned the government of launching a "civil disobedience" movement if his demands — judicial inquiry of the May 9, 2023, riots and November 26 crackdown on PTI protesters and release of its "political prisoners" — are not met.
The ousted prime minister also constituted a five-member negotiation committee comprising Omar Ayub Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Salman Akram Raja and Asad Qaiser.
Earlier this week, the reports of the former ruling party and the government's agreement to use the parliamentary forum for negotiation emerged following a meeting between PTI stalwart Asad Qaiser with NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
However, Qaiser dismissed these reports saying that he visited Sadiq's residence for condolences. "No discussion regarding negotiations took place with the [NA] speaker," he added. Similarly, the government has also said that no talks with the PTI have been initiated.
Aleema, while talking to media today, said that Imran had demanded the government to fulfil his two demands, adding that the negotiation committee has also been tasked to hold dialogue with the incumbent government on the same two points.
"Imran warned that if these demands are not met, he will announce launching the civil disobedience movement," she added.
Meanwhile, PTI founder’s counsel Faisal Chaudhry also confirmed the development, saying that Imran had also put forward seven points, which according to him "justify the call for civil disobedience".
In response to a question, he said that the government was spreading confusion as it did not want to hold talks. Furthermore, he said, whoever in the opposition wants to meet the jailed PTI founder, will be welcomed.
However, he said, that the government might not allow the opposition leaders to meet Imran in prison.
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JUI-F warns govt of agitation if Madrassa bill not approved
By Web Desk
December 17, 2024
Amid rising tensions between the government and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) in the backdrop of Societies Registration (Amendment) Act 2024, the latter’s chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Tuesday threatened to take to the streets if the government delayed the matter further or refused to issue a gazette notification for the madrassa bill.
Addressing the National Assembly session, Fazl said legislation on the bill regarding madaris was made after the government expressed satisfaction on it. Whereas, the matter of registration of madaris in the Ministry of Education was part of an agreement, not an act, he added.
"As per the agreement, the government would cooperate in the registration of new madaris. There was an agreement that registration of those madaris that have been registered will be maintained.
“The agreement mentioned bank accounts of madaris will be opened and 3-year visas will be issued for foreign students of madaris,” however, he said, neither bank accounts were opened nor visas were issued for students. Hence, he said, that agreement was broken by the government.
Then they talked about the education ministry and President Asif Ali Zardari raised an objection over the bill on October 28, which was corrected by the NA speaker terming it a human error, before sending it back to the President House.
“Which meant the bill was received by the President's House on October 28,” he added.
Maulana Fazl emphasised the president had the right to raise objection once but not the second time. If the president did not sign the bill, then it became an act after 10 days, he maintained.
He also apprised the legislators that there was no mention of registration with the education ministry in the bill that was passed in the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
The JUI-F chief said madaris were earlier registered under the Societies Act of 1860.
He reiterated that the President House’s raising objection for a second time was unwarranted.
The speaker in an interview said, the JUI-F supremo apprised the House, the bill had become a law as per the books. The speaker cited an example from former president Arif Alvi’s tenure when a bill became law despite the then president’s not signing it, he noted.
In his remarks on the bill’s making an act will allegedly draw the anger of foreign powers, he said not a single parliamentarian was kept unaware regarding progress on the bill.
“Now they say that this will infuriate the FATF and others. If we are not free [nation] then let us know,” he said, adding that the cat was out of the bag that our legislations were made on "their" instructions.
“Are our legislations being made on other countries’ whims and desires? We are trying not to move towards bitterness. The religious seminaries have established in the last 24 years that they are with the law and constitution as well as the government,” he said.
Fazl said he was not against the modern education, noting the madaris students even achieved first, second and third positions in conventional educational institutes.
The politico said the Ittehad Tanzimat Madaris Deenia (ITMD) had given its stance that the bill had become an act. However, he said, the question was that why a gazette notification was not issued for it.
He also expressed anger over creating division among the religious scholars, saying the attempt would fail and they would not fight among themselves.
Reacting to Fazl’s remarks, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the bill was definitely passed by both houses with the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
Nevertheless, as per the Constitution’s Article 50, he said, the president was a part of the parliament and no legislation could be completed without his signature.
“As per Article 75, the president either approves the bill within 10 days or returns it to the parliament. When the president returns the bill, then it is presented before a joint parliamentary session, as per the Constitution. Then, the bill is passed in the joint session, with or without amendments,” he said.
Fazl replied that the president did not raise any objection when the speaker said there was no need to convene a joint session of the parliament. “When he [the president] did not object to it then the discussion ended.”
“The speaker said the mistake had been corrected. You should let this become a law, after that we will discuss other things. Consider things separately and do not mix them,” he said.
The JUI-F chief also said not accepting the curriculum of religious schools was the mentality of bureaucracy and establishment.
Wifaqul Madaris backs Fazl on bill controversy
Wifaqul Madaris al Arabia, the board of seminaries, has decided to launch a “mass contact drive” across the country in connection with the madrassa bill.
The decision was made during the body’s central executive committee meeting presided over by Mufti Taqi Usmani.
The huddle endorsed the decisions made in recent meeting of the Ittehad Tanzimat Madaris Deenia (ITMD) and decided to spread awareness among general public during Friday prayer congregations, Khatam-e-Bukhari Sharif functions and in Madaris.
The participants of the meeting were of the view that the madrassa bill has “become act” and urged the government to issue a gazette notification in this regard.
The sitting hailed the JUI-F chief, who was also among the attendees of the meeting, for raising the issue forcefully on the floor of parliament. Backing the Fazl’s stance, the body said that delaying tactics and obstacles in the affairs of madaris were “unacceptable”.
“The freedom and independence of seminaries will be protected at all costs. [Government’s] interference and dictation are unacceptable,” read the statement.
All the true boards and bodies of seminary schools were on the same page over the matter, it added.
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MNAs agree talks are way forward, but neither side willing to take first step
Iftikhar A. Khan
December 18, 2024
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly witnessed relative civility on Tuesday, as lawmakers from the ruling PML-N and opposition PTI agreed on the need for dialogue to settle their issues, though neither side seemed willing to take the first step.
The tone was set by a comment from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who, responding to PTI lawmaker Sher Afzal Marwat’s reconciliatory note, said, “For the first time, a breath of fresh air came from the opposition,” though Mr Asif maintained that talks could not proceed “at gunpoint”.
Mr Marwat, in his speech just before Mr Asif’s, abandoned his firebrand ways to propose the formation of a parliamentary committee to determine terms of reference (ToRs) for dialogue between the two sides.
Mr Marwat also emphasised that any dialogue must involve all political forces and, once ToRs were finalised, the establishment could also be brought on board.
But while PM’s aide Rana Sanaullah seemed to welcome the offer, he was adamant that the party had not formally approached them for talks.
“I request (Sher Afzal) Marwat sahib that if you have made this committee for talks with us — which you have not said a word about till this day — then officially come and say you have formed this committee for dialogue with the government or PML-N or allied parties,” he said.
The system could not run if the government and the opposition did not hold a dialogue, he said and asked the PTI to officially hold political dialogue with the government, especially in light of the committee formed by the opposition party.
Mr Sanaullah emphasised that the National Assembly speaker’s office was a “neutral venue” suitable for dialogue. “Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has always maintained his neutrality. It is as much yours as it is ours,” he stressed.
Khawaja Asif, while appreciating the shift in tone of PTI, rejected the possibility of dialogue under duress. “You are holding a gun of civil disobedience. Let us cross that bridge and we will talk after that,” he said. He also insisted that the PTI first create a “conducive environment” for talks.
The defence minister criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for prioritising political marches over governance, particularly in the wake of the Kurram clashes. “It is the provincial government’s duty to establish law and order,” he stressed.
Mr Asif also condemned PTI’s failure to acknowledge the martyrdom of security personnel during protests, calling it “selective condemnation”.
PTI stands firm but open
On the opposition benches, PTI leaders conveyed mixed signals, maintaining their willingness to negotiate while refusing to “beg”.
Mr Marwat reiterated the need for clear ToRs as the foundation for any talks. “Political forces must first agree on the ToRs before bringing in other stakeholders,” he suggested.
PTI’s Ali Muhammad Khan, meanwhile, criticised the government’s handling of the Nov 26 protests and accused it of “firing bullets at peaceful demonstrators”. As for talks with the government, he said, “Imran Khan will eventually be released. We won’t beg for negotiations. If you can run the country with him in jail, you can try and do that.”
Source:dawn.com
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5 security men martyred in D.I. Khan, Shangla
Irfan Mughal
December 18, 2024
DERA ISMAIL KHAN / SHANGLA: Five security personnel were martyred and several others injured in two separate incidents — an IED blast in Dera Ismail Khan and a militant attack on a police checkpoint in Shangla district — on Tuesday.
In the first incident, an improvised explosive device (IED) targeted a security forces’ vehicle in the Zarkani area of Daraban tehsil in Dera Ismail Khan. Three personnel were martyred and two others injured in the incident, sources said.
The martyred soldiers were identified as Ashfaq, Mukhtiar Wali and Arif, while Farzand and Sami sustained injuries. The injured were transported to Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dera Ismail Khan.
Following the blast, a heavy contingent of police and security forces arrived at the scene and started rescue and search operations.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, did not immediately confirm the incident.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi condemned the attack, stating that deteriorating security situation in the province was alarming. He also criticised the provincial government’s alleged inaction, alleging that the administration remained a mere spectator.
In a statement, the governor termed the attack on the security forces’ vehicle a conspiracy by elements against Pakistan, Islam and humanity. He also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured personnel.
Terrorist attack
In the second incident, armed gunmen stormed a police checkpoint in the Gunangar area of Chakesar tehsil, Shangla district, in the early hours of Tuesday, martyring two personnel, including an ASI, and injuring three others.
Shangla District Police Officer (DPO) Imran Khan said the militants launched a coordinated attack with heavy weapons, including rocket shells and hand grenades, targeting the remote checkpoint near the Indus River.
Constable Nisar Ahmed was martyred on the spot, while ASI Muhammad Hassan succumbed to his injuries at Battagram Hospital. The injured were identified as Arshad Iqbal, Arshad Ali and Rafatullah.
DPO Imran Khan said that one militant was also injured in retaliatory fire but managed to escape into nearby mountains, leaving blood stains along the route.
The funeral prayers for the martyred personnel were offered at Shangla Police Lines and attended by senior officials, including Deputy Commissioner Fawad Ahmed, MPA Mohammad Rashad Khan and former senator Maulana Rahat Hussain. A police contingent presented a salute as a mark of respect for their sacrifice.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police (IGP) Akhtar Hayat Khan praised the bravery of the personnel, vowing that their sacrifices would not go in vain. “Terrorists involved in the attack will be arrested and brought to justice soon,” he said.
Protest against militancy
Following the burial, residents, including members of civil society, staged a protest at Alpuri Chowk, demanding the restoration of peace and an end to terrorist attacks in the district.
Protesters warned of holding a sit-in if immediate measures were not taken to curb the resurgence of militancy.
Federal minister Engineer Amir Muqam also condemned the Shangla attack, describing it as a “cowardly act” that cannot shake the resolve of the nation’s security forces.
“These brave young men stand like a wall of steel against the enemy,” he said, paying tribute to the martyrs and their families.
Source:dawn.com
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Law Minister announces extensive reforms to Cr. PC 1898
December 18, 2024
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has presented a series of extensive reforms before the Federal Cabinet to the Criminal Procedure Code of 1898 in order to modernize country's judicial framework and in aligning with international standards.
The proposed reforms to Pakistan's Criminal Procedure Code introduce streamlined FIR registration with options for electronic submissions and preliminary inquiries, ensuring faster and clearer processes.
The amendments also require that only female officers can arrest women, enhancing respect and security in enforcement actions.
Prosecutors are empowered to identify flaws in police reports and can suspend investigations if evidence is lacking.
New provisions are set to accelerate trials and appeals, establishing definite timelines for case resolutions.
Source:radio.gov.pk
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Arab World
Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Aims to Spur Collaboration in Space Sector
WAAD HUSSAIN
December 18, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global leader in the space industry by unveiling initiatives that emphasize innovation, sustainability and international collaboration.
At the heart of this strategy is the launch of the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) in Riyadh and its Center for Space Futures, hosted by the Saudi Space Agency.
This transformative initiative comes at a pivotal moment for the space sector, as the industry faces increasing demand for fresh approaches.
The C4IR reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to pioneering solutions that will drive growth and innovation in the global space economy. It is also a key pillar of Vision 2030 — Saudi Arabia’s roadmap to economic diversification and technological advancement.
Speaking to Arab News, Nikolai Khlystov, lead for space technology at the World Economic Forum, described the initiative as timely. “The space industry is transforming very rapidly right now,” he told Arab News. “There is a need for new and innovative approaches.
“The Center for Space Futures is being created at a really interesting time. It will provide a new way to bring together different actors and introduce fresh perspectives and discussions just at the time when lots of new ideas and visions are being created.”
The center will act as a platform for collaboration between stakeholders across government, private industry, and international organizations. By fostering these connections, the center is expected to accelerate the development of innovative solutions for space challenges.
One of the primary missions of the C4IR is addressing the challenge of sustainability in space. Orbital debris and increasing satellite traffic present significant risks to the safety and future of space missions.
“This is specifically getting at the issue of traffic — the increase in traffic of satellites that we have, and the resulting increased risk of collisions,” said Khlystov.
“We have more and more active satellites giving us all this valuable data, but we also have many older debris fragments, both small and large, still floating up there.”
To address these issues, Khlystov said the C4IR is collaborating with WEF on its first major project. “We are working actively to see where we can find common ground and make small advances when it comes to the challenge of orbital debris and sustainability in orbit.
“By bringing together different actors and putting forward innovative ideas — whether it’s best practices or financial mechanisms — we hope to address these challenges.”
Neglecting sustainability could endanger scientific missions and the broader space economy.
By focusing on innovative solutions like satellite recycling, deorbiting technologies, and traffic management, Saudi Arabia is taking a proactive approach to ensure the long-term sustainability of space activities.
Saudi Arabia’s investments in the space industry are aligned with its goal of becoming a major contributor to the global space economy. With a combination of strategic global partnerships and a strong domestic industrial base, Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned to drive innovation.
“The Kingdom is really well positioned on the global arena, and it has also notable and innovative domestic industrial players,” said Khlystov.
“In terms of creating new economic models, particularly when it comes to space, it will be important to engage lots of industry on the ground.”
The economic impact of space activities is largely felt on Earth through the application of space data. “The biggest chunk of the impact of space activities is actually on the ground,” said Khlystov.
“It’s through space data — diverse satellite-generated data — which significantly impacts various industries.”
These applications, which include Earth observation, navigation, and connectivity, are already proving invaluable in sectors such as energy, minerals, and disaster management.
Saudi Arabia’s focus on leveraging space data aligns with its broader goals of improving efficiency and resilience in its domestic industries.
Public-private collaboration is deemed critical to the success of the space sector, particularly in addressing challenges like orbital debris and sustainability. Saudi Arabia’s global positioning makes it uniquely suited to lead such efforts.
“Public-private collaboration is key in this sector because it is a global sector by nature,” said Khlystov. “The Kingdom can lead on some of these key questions when it comes to space sector evolution, opportunities, and also challenges, particularly the challenge of space sustainability.”
The C4IR is designed to foster these collaborations by bringing together government agencies, private companies, and international organizations.
By building strong partnerships, Saudi Arabia is creating the foundation for a thriving space industry that benefits both regional and global stakeholders.
The global space industry is teeming with emerging technologies that promise to revolutionize the sector. While some, like asteroid mining and microgravity manufacturing, are still in their infancy, they represent exciting opportunities for the future.
“There are lots of exciting technologies being developed right now,” said Khlystov.
“There is, of course, the future applications where we’re going to be able to deorbit satellites and address this issue of space debris. Maybe refuel them, recycle them. Perhaps in the future, we’re also going to be able to manufacture different materials in orbit.”
Building a thriving space industry requires the right infrastructure and ecosystem. Saudi Arabia is already taking significant steps in this direction.
“The Kingdom already has many building blocks in place, including significant land resources, laboratory spaces for research and development, and an emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Khlystov.
“Establishing strong local champions, like the Neo Space Group, is crucial for driving innovation and growth.”
Saudi Arabia’s efforts to foster a healthy startup ecosystem and invest in infrastructure, such as dedicated laboratories, are laying the foundation for a sustainable and innovative space sector.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of international events, such as the “Connecting the World from the Skies” global forum, is another key aspect of its space strategy. These events provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration.
“These events are absolutely essential because they bring together different actors from around the world,” said Khlystov. “When you host these conferences in places like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it brings key actors together and facilitates dialogue.
“It also helps build new relationships while addressing important global discussions.”
By hosting such events, Saudi Arabia is fostering international partnerships that will advance the global space agenda.
With the launch of the C4IR and its focus on sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, Saudi Arabia is shaping the future of the global space industry.
“Congratulations to the Kingdom,” said Khlystov. “It’s going to be really exciting to see how these activities evolve, and we’re very much looking forward to the outcomes.”
Source:arabnews.com
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Saudi Shoura Council speaker arrives in Pakistan on official visit
December 17, 2024
RIYADH: Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh, the speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council, officially visited Pakistan on Tuesday.
Al-Asheikh arrived at Islamabad International Airport and was welcomed by Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki was at the airport, along with senior Pakistani officials and MPs, the SPA added.
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First Regional Arab Youth Forum on Man, Biosphere is held in Jazan
December 17, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is hosting the first Regional Arab Youth Forum on Man and the Biosphere, which started on Tuesday in the southern region of Jazan.
The event, which runs until Dec. 19, is being held by the National Center for Wildlife in partnership with the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.
The center said the forum represented a positive step forward in addressing biodiversity challenges, enhancing sustainable development and fostering climate resilience in the region.
Wildlife and biosphere experts, decision-makers, and officials from UNESCO and its Man and the Biosphere Program in the Arab region are speaking at the forum. They will visit the Farasan Island Marine Sanctuary, 50 km off the coast of Jazan, which is a natural habitat for endangered marine creatures, coral reefs and 230 species of fish.
In 2021, Saudi Arabia successfully registered the Farasan Islands with UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program which launched in 1971.
Mohammad Ali Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, said the forum, which aligned with the environmental goals of Vision 2030, reflected Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts to protect ecosystems and enrich biodiversity.
He added it aimed to enable Arab youth to preserve biodiversity, face environmental challenges and deepen cooperation between the region’s countries in wildlife and biosphere fields.
He said the center, formerly the Saudi Wildlife Authority, led training programs for the Saudi youth and contributed to environmental governance to preserve and improve the life of natural habitats.
The forum in Jazan supports UNESCO’s MAB Program, which enhances the relationship between people and their environments, as well as the Global Youth Biodiversity Network and other initiatives.
The program includes various sessions and workshops, with topics including the governance of the Man and Biosphere Program in Saudi Arabia, and the role and partnerships of youth networks in protecting biodiversity. There will also be the chance for Arab networks to share experiences in areas such as governance, strategies and financing.
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KSrelief provides urgent medical aid for Gaza child
December 17, 2024
RIYADH: In response to a plea for help, Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief has ensured the treatment of a critically ill Palestinian child from Gaza, Ahmad Sabra.
KSrelief arranged for Sabra’s treatment at the King Hussein Cancer Center in Jordan, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
The child’s family has expressed deep gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its swift response, which saved the youngster’s life and inspired hope among others from Gaza also seeking help, the SPA reported.
KSrelief has also initiated a project to treat cancer patients from Gaza at the King Hussein Cancer Center as a part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people amid the ongoing crisis.
The Kingdom’s aid agency has also continued its humanitarian efforts in Mauritania, Yemen and Turkiye, the SPA reported.
In Mauritania’s capital Nouakchott, KSrelief has been carrying out a 10-day voluntary medical project for pediatric cardiac surgery and catheterization which ends on Dec. 22.
A team of 28 specialists performed 10 open-heart surgeries and five catheterizations since the campaign began.
In another initiative, eight specialists are conducting a voluntary project for adult urology surgeries, completing 25 out of a planned 70 procedures.
In Yemen’s Socotra governorate, KSrelief has launched a volunteer project for home restoration and rehabilitation.
Sixteen volunteers are working to restore and rehabilitate homes for five vulnerable families, with assessments conducted through on-site visits.
In Turkiye, KSrelief recently launched a neurosurgery medical project. Since its inception, 19 volunteers have examined 170 individuals, providing critical care for those in need.
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Chinese delegation visits Riyadh falconry festival
December 17, 2024
RIYADH: A Chinese delegation visited the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, organized by the Saudi Falconry Club.
The festival, held at the club’s headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, runs until Dec. 19, with prizes exceeding SR36 million ($9.6 million) for Al-Mellwah racing and Mazayen (falcon beauty pageant) competitions.
The delegation, comprising executives and officials from Chinese companies, toured the festival, met falconers, and learned about the types and categories of falcons, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Delegates watched international competitions, including falcons racing over 400 meters, and learned about the judging process, speed measurement devices, and falcon movements.
The visitors also toured pavilions of participating entities, expressing admiration for the event and its organization, and thanked the Saudi Falconry Club for its hospitality.
The festival, a three-time Guinness World Record holder for hosting the largest gathering of falcons, brings together top falconers worldwide to celebrate falconry heritage, foster competition, and ensure its sustainability for future generations.
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Mideast
At First Security Council Meeting Since Assad’s Fall, UN Envoy Calls for End toSyria Sanctions
EPHREM KOSSAIFY
December 17, 2024
NEW YORK CITY: The UN’s special envoy for Syria has called for “broad support” from the international community for Syria and an end to crippling economic sanctions, to aid the reconstruction of the country after almost 14 years of civil war.
Speaking from Damascus on Tuesday, Geir Pedersen briefed members of the UN Security Council on the current situation in Syria. It was the council’s first open meeting about the country since the fall of dictator Bashar Assad’s regime on Dec. 8.
The UN’s humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, also appealed to all states to ensure “sanctions and counterterrorism measures do not impede” aid operations in Syria, which continues to suffer the effects of a humanitarian crisis that is one of the most dire in the world.
US, UK, EU and other international authorities imposed severe sanctions on Syria after President Assad’s crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 2011 spiraled into civil war.
They also slapped sanctions on Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham — the militant group that spearheaded the takeover of Damascus this month that ousted Assad — more than a decade ago. At the time, HTS was Al-Qaeda’s official affiliate in Syria but it broke ties with the terrorist group in 2016. However, it remains on the UN Security Council’s sanctions list, subject to a global assets freeze and arms embargo.
Western countries are now grappling with the question of how best to respond to the evolving situation in Syria now that HTS is in power. Though the group has softened its rhetoric, it is still widely labeled a “terrorist” organization by authorities in the West.
Pedersen said: “Concrete movement on an inclusive political transition will be key in ensuring Syria receives the economic support it needs.”
He noted the steps that are being made to achieve a peaceful and orderly transition of power in the country, including efforts to ensure the former government’s ministers remain safe, and calls for state employees to continue their work.
“This provides a strong first basis but it is not, in itself, enough,” Pedersen told council members. The transition must also be “credible and inclusive, including the broadest spectrum of Syrian society and Syrian parties, so that it inspires public confidence,” he added. He also stressed the need to draft a new constitution, and for free and fair elections.
Although events this month have sparked hopes of a real opportunity for peace, economic stability, accountability and justice in Syria, Pedersen warned that many people remain apprehensive about the “enormous” challenges that lie ahead.
“I worry that if this is not handled right, by both the Syrians and the international community, a turn for the worse again is possible,” he said.
Even though Assad is no longer in power, the “conflict has not ended yet,” Pedersen continued, highlighting as a particular concern the clashes between Turkish-backed and Kurdish groups in the north of the country.
“Although there is stability in many parts, and law and order improved, such stability can be fragile, with many front lines and open hostilities still ongoing in northeast, where civilians are being killed, injured and displaced. Such an escalation could be catastrophic,” he said.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces have carried out more than 350 strikes against military facilities, equipment and supplies across Syria since the fall of the Assad regime and the attacks continue, including a major assault on Tartus.
“Such attacks place a battered civilian population at further risk and undermine the prospects of an orderly political transition,” Pedersen said as he called on Israeli authorities to halt all “illegal” settlement activity in the occupied Syrian Golan.
“Attacks on Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must stop,” he added.
Pedersen said he has held talks with Syria’s new de facto leadership. He also visited the “dungeons” and “torture and execution chambers” of Sednaya prison, which he described as “a testament to the barbarity of the fallen regime towards its own people.”
He said that seeing this firsthand served as a stark reminder of the importance of transitional justice, of clarification of the fates and whereabouts of all those still missing or who were disappeared, and of ensuring due process is followed in criminal prosecutions as a necessary safeguard against acts of revenge.
“Without this, Syria and Syrians will not be able to heal,” Pedersen added.
As an urgent first step, he called for the preservation and protection of all evidence and materials related to alleged crimes, and of the sites of mass graves.
Fletcher, the UN humanitarian chief, told the Security Council that the humanitarian crisis in Syria remains one of the worst in the world, with 17 million people in need of support, more than 7 million displaced across the country, and millions more living as refugees.
Nearly 13 million people already face acute food insecurity, he added, and recent events have “only added to these needs.” More than a million people were displaced in less than two weeks during the events that culminated in the fall of the Assad regime, he said, and hundreds of civilians were killed or injured, at least 80 of them children.
Health services and water supplies have been interrupted and more than 12,000 schools temporarily closed, affecting millions of students. As borders and commercial routes remain closed, there are shortages of bread and fuel, Fletcher added.
“The flow of humanitarian support was severely disrupted, with most organizations temporarily suspending operations. Several warehouses have been looted. Multiple aid workers lost their lives,” he said.
He lamented the fact that the effort to fund aid for Syria, “the largest country appeal in the world,” is one of the most poorly supported.
“With just two weeks left in 2024, it is less than a third funded, the largest-ever funding gap for the Syria response,” Fletcher said. “Now is the time to invest in the Syrian people.”
Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, said Syria’s future is “currently quite uncertain given the internal lack of stability and the palpable threats to Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
He warned that there is “a real risk of Syria becoming a number of cantons, broken down by ethnic and religious characteristics,” and called on the Syrian people to make every effort to ensure that an inclusive national dialogue takes place, without separating people into “losers and winners.”
Slovenia’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, Ondina Blokar Drobic, told the council that a prosperous future for Syria will depend on a credible and inclusive political transition, and an inclusive Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process. She emphasized the necessity of participation by women in this process.
Drobic also underscored the obligation on all parties to take a stand against terrorism, as she stressed the importance of preventing Daesh and other terrorist groups from reestablishing their capabilities, and of denying them safe haven.
Syria’s caretaker authorities “must also respect Syria’s other international obligations, including the Chemical Weapons Convention,” she added.
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Palestinian families sue US government over military aid to Israel
December 17, 2024
WASHINGTON: Five Palestinian families on Tuesday sued the State Department over Washington’s billions in military aid to Israel, demanding the enforcement of US rules to curb arms flows due to allegations of human rights abuses.
The complaint, filed on Tuesday and to which the State Department has 60 days to respond, calls for the implementation of the so-called Leahy Law, which the plaintiffs and rights group say Israel has been illegally exempted from.
The law prohibits the provision of security assistance to units facing credible allegations of human rights abuses.
Since the start of Israel’s war against Hamas in October 2023, the United States has enacted legislation to provide more than $12.5 billion in direct military aid to its strategic ally.
The war was sparked by an attack by Hamas on Israel that resulted in the deaths of at least 1,208 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures that includes hostages killed in captivity.
Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed at least 45,059 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry which the United Nations considers reliable.
Much of the Palestinian enclave has been reduced to rubble in the process.
At a press conference in Washington on Tuesday, Palestinian-American plaintiff Said Assali said his aunt and her six children were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City, alleging US weapons were used to carry out the attack.
“Our families paid an unbearable price for the State Department’s refusal to enforce its own laws,” said Assali.
Two former State Department staffers told journalists US authorities apply an informal “Israel exception” when assessing the country’s military actions.
“The reality is that Israel operates under a different set of rules. The State Department has created this unique, burdensome, high-level process for determining (that) applies only to Israel,” said Charles Blaha, a former State Department official who worked on such determinations.
Josh Paul, who resigned from the State Department last year in protest of US policy on Gaza, offered a similar assessment.
The State Department declined to comment on the filing of the complaint.
Earlier this month, rights group Amnesty International accused Israel of “committing genocide” against Palestinians in Gaza since the start of the war.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant on suspicion of crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Israel’s government vehemently denies the allegations, and has appealed the warrants.
Ahmed Moor, a plaintiff in Tuesday’s lawsuit, said seven of his family members in Gaza were living “under a constant fear of bombardment,” and that one had been killed.
“My family members are people just like you and me, and their lives have been destroyed by American weapons in direct violation of American law,” he said.
“My family’s living a nightmare.”
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Syrian mass graves expose Assad’s ‘machinery of death’
December 17, 2024
QUTAYFAH, Syria: An international war crimes prosecutor said on Tuesday that evidence emerging from mass grave sites in Syria has exposed a state-run “machinery of death” under toppled leader Bashar Assad in which he estimated more than 100,000 people were tortured and murdered since 2013.
Speaking after visiting two mass grave sites in the towns of Qutayfah and Najha near Damascus, former US war crimes ambassador at large Stephen Rapp told Reuters: “We certainly have more than 100,000 people that were disappeared into and tortured to death in this machine.
“I don’t have much doubt about those kinds of numbers given what we’ve seen in these mass graves.”
“We really haven’t seen anything quite like this since the Nazis,” said Rapp, who led prosecutions at the Rwanda and Sierra Leone war crimes tribunals and is working with Syrian civil society to document war crimes evidence and is helping to prepare for any eventual trials.
“From the secret police who disappeared people from their streets and homes, to the jailers and interrogators who starved and tortured them to death, to the truck drivers and bulldozer drivers who hid their bodies, thousands of people were working in this system of killing,” Rapp said.
“We are talking about a system of state terror, which became a machinery of death.”
Hundreds of thousands of Syrians are estimated to have been killed since 2011, when Assad’s crackdown on protests against him spiralled into a full-scale war.
Both Assad and his father Hafez, who preceded him as president and died in 2000, have long been accused by rights groups and governments of widespread extrajudicial killings, including mass executions within the country’s prison system and using chemical weapons against the Syrian people.
Assad, who fled to Moscow, had repeatedly denied that his government committed human rights violations and painted his detractors as extremists.
The head of US-based Syrian advocacy organization the Syrian Emergency Task Force, Mouaz Moustafa, who also visited Qutayfah, 25 miles (40 km) north of Damascus, has estimated at least 100,000 bodies were buried there alone.
The International Commission on Missing Persons in The Hague separately said it had received data indicating there may be as many as 66, as yet unverified, mass grave sites in Syria. More than 157,000 people have been reported missing to the commission.
Commission head Kathryne Bomberger told Reuters its portal for reporting the missing was now “exploding” with new contacts from families.
By comparison, roughly 40,000 people went missing during the Balkan wars of the 1990s.
For the families, the search for the truth in Syria could be long and difficult. A DNA match will require at least three relatives providing DNA reference samples and taking a DNA sample from each one of these skeletal remains found in the graves, Bomberger said.
The commission called for sites to be protected so that evidence was preserved for potential trials, but the mass grave sites were easily accessible on Tuesday.
The United States is engaged with a number of UN bodies to ensure the Syrian people get answers and accountability, the State Department said on Tuesday.
Syrian residents living near Qutayfah, a former military base where one of the sites was located, and a cemetery in Najha used to hide bodies from detention sites described seeing a steady stream of refrigeration trucks delivering bodies which were dumped into long trenches dug with bulldozers.
“The graves were prepared in an organized manner — the truck would come, unload the cargo it had, and leave. There were security vehicles with them, and no one was allowed to approach, anyone who got close used to go down with them,” Abb Khalid, who works as a farmer next to Najha cemetery, said.
In Qutayfah, residents declined to speak on camera or use their names for fear of the retribution, saying they were not yet sure the area was safe after Assad’s fall.
“This is the place of horrors,” one said on Tuesday.
Inside a site enclosed with cement walls, three children played near a Russian-made military satellite vehicle. The soil was flat and levelled, with straight long marks where the bodies were believed buried.
Satellite imagery analyzed by Reuters showed large-scale digging began at the location between 2012 and 2014 and continued up until 2022. Multiple satellite images taken by Maxar during that time showed a digger and large trenches visible at the site, along with three or four large trucks.
Omar Hujeirati, a former anti-Assad protest leader who lives near the Najha cemetery, which was used until the larger Qutayfah site was created because it was full, said he suspected several of his missing family members may be in the grave.
He believes at least some of those taken, including two sons and four brothers, were detained for protesting against Assad’s government.
“That was my sin, what made them take my family,” he said, a long, exposed trench behind him where the bodies were apparently buried.
Details of Syria’s mass graves first emerged during German court hearings and US congressional testimony in 2021 and 2023. A man identified only as “the grave digger” testified repeatedly as a witness about his work at the Najha and Qutayfah sites during the German trial of Syrian government officials.
While working in cemeteries around Damascus at the end of 2011, two intelligence officers showed up at his office and ordered him and his colleagues to transport and bury corpses. He testified that he rode in a van adorned with pictures of Assad and drove to the sites several times a week between 2011 and 2018, followed by large refrigeration trucks filled with bodies.
The trucks carried several hundred corpses from Tishreen, Mezzeh and Harasta military hospitals to Najha and Qutayfah, he said in the trial. At the sites deep trenches were already dug and the grave digger and his colleagues would unload the corpses into the trenches, which would be covered with dirt by excavators as soon as a section of the trench was full, he said.
“Every week, twice a week, three trailer trucks arrived, packed with 300 to 600 bodies of victims of torture, starvation, and execution from military hospitals and intelligence branches around Damascus,” he told Congress in a written statement.
The grave digger escaped from Syria to Europe in 2018 and has repeatedly testified about the mass graves, but always with his identity shielded from the public and the media. (Reporting by Timour Azhari in Qutayfah and Anthony Deutsch in Amsterdam; Additional reporting by Reade Levinson and Stephanie van den Berg; Editing by Angus MacSwan and Alison Williams)
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Netanyahu: Israeli troops will occupy Syria buffer zone for ‘foreseeable future’
December 17, 2024
JERUSALEM: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Israeli forces will stay in a buffer zone on the Syrian border, and specifically on the summit of Mount Hermon, “until another arrangement is found that will ensure Israel’s security.”
Netanyahu made the comments from the mountain’s summit — the highest peak in the area — which is inside Syria, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the border with the Israel-held Golan Heights.
This was apparently the first time a sitting Israeli leader had set foot this far into Syria. Netanyahu said he had been on the summit of Mount Hermon 53 years ago as a soldier, but the summit’s importance to Israel’s security has only increased given recent events.
Israel seized a swath of southern Syria along the border with the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights in the days after Syrian President Bashar Assad was ousted by rebels.
Israel’s capture of the buffer zone, a roughly 400-square-kilometer (155-square-mile) demilitarized area in Syrian territory, has sparked condemnation, with critics accusing Israel of violating a 1974 ceasefire and possibly exploiting the chaos in Syria in the wake of Assad’s ouster to make a land grab.
Netanyahu traveled to the buffer zone with Defense Minister Israel Katz, who said he instructed the Israeli military to quickly establish a presence including fortifications, in anticipation of what could be an extended stay in the area.
“The summit of the Hermon is the eyes of the state of Israel to identify our enemies who are nearby and far away,” Katz said.
An Israeli military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with military regulations, said there is no plan to evacuate the Syrians living in villages within the buffer zone.
The buffer zone between Syria and the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights was created by the UN after the 1973 Mideast war. A UN force of about 1,100 troops had patrolled the area since then.
A UN spokesman said Tuesday that the advance of Israeli troops, however long it lasts, violates the 1974 deal that set up the buffer zone.
That agreement “needs to be respected, and occupation is occupation, whether it lasts a week, a month or a year, it remains occupation,” spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.
There was no immediate comment from Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, the insurgent group that led the ouster of Assad, or from Arab states.
Israel still controls the Golan Heights, which it captured from Syria during the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed — a move not recognized by most of the international community. Mount Hermon’s summit is divided between the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, Lebanon, and Syria. Only the United States recognizes Israel’s control of the Golan Heights.
With Assad now banished, bodies of more than 30 Syrians who vanished under his rule were uncovered in a mass grave on Monday. Forensic teams and rebels worked together to unearth the remains in the village of Izraa, north of the city of Daraa, as families of the missing stood by.
The relatives said they had initially hoped to find their loved ones in prison.
“But we didn’t find anyone and it broke our hearts. They were burned alive here after being doused in fuel,” said Mohammad Ghazaleh, who was waiting at the mass grave site.
Some of the bodies recovered showed evidence that they had been shot in the head or burned, said Moussa Al-Zouebi, head of Izraa’s health directorate.
Syria’s new authorities have set up a hotline for reporting missing persons and secret detention sites.
In the Syrian capital of Damascus, Qatar officially reopened its embassy on Tuesday — nearly 13 years after it severed diplomatic relations with Assad’s government.
Qatar had reaffirmed its “categorical rejection of the regime’s repressive policies against the Syrian people” in a statement earlier. Most foreign embassies in Syria have been shut down since after the country’s civil war erupted in 2011.
The French Embassy in Damascus raised its flag Tuesday in a “symbolic gesture” to show support for the Syrian people during the transition. It’s reopening is pending ongoing evaluation of political and security conditions, French Foreign Minister French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said.
The Turkish Embassy in Damascus also recently reopened.
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Muslim nations must unite to counter global hegemony: Leader’s aide
December 17, 2024
“The convergence and unity of Muslim countries, forming a Muslim power bloc, is the only way to liberate Muslim nations from the hegemony of global arrogance, particularly the United States and Israel,” Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi asserted.
The Iranian general accused the U.S. and Israel of being key drivers of instability, war, and human suffering across the region and the globe. Safavi argued that Muslim nations must prioritize sustainable security, regional peace, and self-reliance to achieve true progress and independence.
Safavi emphasized that the world is undergoing a profound geopolitical transformation, leading to the emergence of a new global order. Speaking on the subject, he stated, “The current world is in a geopolitical transitional phase, and we are witnessing the shaping of a new world order on both regional and international scales.”
According to Safavi, this evolving order is marked by the gradual decline of Western dominance and the rise of Eastern powers. He explained, “The global power system is slowly but surely shifting from the West to the East.”
Safavi highlighted the growing influence of Asian and Eurasian powers, such as China, India, Russia, and Iran. He noted that these nations are increasingly collaborating within frameworks like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS to challenge the unilateral dominance of the United States and its NATO allies. Their objectives, he said, include reducing global reliance on the U.S. dollar in trade and countering Western-centric policies.
The general also underscored the chaotic state of the world, attributing recent conflicts and wars to a 200-year-long struggle among global and regional powers for political, economic, and cultural dominance over strategically significant regions.
In conclusion, he called for greater collaboration and recognition among Muslim countries, stressing that their collective efforts could pave the way for a stronger, unified presence on the global stage.
Source:tehrantimes.com
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https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/507626/Muslim-nations-must-unite-to-counter-global-hegemony-Leader-s
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Settlers storm Aqsa Mosque amid calls for confrontation
17 Dec 2024
Tens of Zionist settlers early on Tuesday broke again into the Holy Aqsa Mosque's yards, intensely guarded by Israeli police.
The settlers stormed into the Mosque's al-Maghariba Gate, practiced Talmudic services and took provocative walks across its yards, the Palestinian center for information said.
In the meantime, Israeli forces escalated military measures in the nearby of the Mosque and the Old Town, denying visitors access to the Mosque.
Extremist settlers carry out provocative raids into the Mosque daily, except for Fridays and Saturdays, in a bid to take control of the holy place.
Source:saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3410543.htm
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Southeast Asia
Three men detained for illegally crossing Malaysia-Thailand border - Police
BERNAMA
18-12- 2024
KOTA BHARU: Three local men were detained for allegedly crossing the Malaysia-Thailand border via the Pohon Jambu illegal base in Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas on Monday.
General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said the men, all in their 30s, were detained at around 4 pm by personnel from the 9th Battalion during Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan.
“The suspects, comprising two passengers and a boat operator, tried to flee. Inspections on them did not uncover any illegal items,” he said in a statement today.
Nik Ros Azhan said the suspects were detained under Section 5(2) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and were subsequently handed over to the Pasir Mas District Police Headquarters for further action.
“The GOF will intensify efforts to curb illegal border crossings,” he added.
Kelantan police recently announced they would begin arresting Malaysians using illegal routes to cross the Malaysia-Thailand border, particularly along Sungai Golok, starting Dec 1.
Source:thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/three-men-detained-for-illegally-crossing-malaysia-thailand-border-police-DF13433356
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Red carpet welcome: 4,500-strong crowd welcomes Musa Aman back to Sabah in governor role
By Julia Chan
18 Dec 2024
KOTA KINABALU, Dec 18 — Sabah Governor, Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman, received a warm welcome upon his return to the state capital today at Terminal 2 of Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
Musa, who arrived on a government-sponsored private plane, was greeted with a red-carpet reception by several state leaders, senior civil servants, and family members.
Accompanying him were Sabah State Assembly Speaker Datuk Kadzim Yahya, Sabah State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong, and his son, Datuk Yamani Hafez Musa.
They were met by state Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohd Arif Mohd Arif, also his son-in-law, along with several state assemblymen and Umno leaders, including Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan, Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak, and other Barisan Nasional figures.
Outside the airstrip and VIP lounge, supporters — some clad in Umno shirts — held congratulatory banners and chanted “Hidup Tun.”
Sabah Police Chief Datuk Jauteh Dikun estimated that between 4,000 and 4,500 people, including invited guests and well-wishers, gathered to greet the former chief minister-turned-governor.
He noted that the crowd had been underestimated, with around 150 security personnel assigned to manage the influx of visitors, some of whom came from as far as Sandakan.
Musa, 73, returned from Kuala Lumpur after receiving his appointment documents from the King Sultan Ibrahim the previous day.
The reception he received starkly contrasts the criticism that has surfaced online, where several groups have questioned the political motivations behind his appointment.
Organisations like Sabah Muda and Mandiri Borneo have voiced concerns over Musa’s controversial political past and corruption charges, which were eventually dropped.
They argue that other qualified leaders with less contentious histories could have been appointed.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah senior lecturer Associate Professor Bilcher Bala, however, sees the appointment as a strategic move to ensure stability and continuity in Sabah’s governance.
“His extensive administrative experience positions him well to navigate the state’s complexities. His appointment has garnered congratulations from various political leaders, including those from PH, signalling broad acceptance and support for his role,” he said.
Bala added that this support was crucial for fostering unity and collaboration among political factions in Sabah, which is essential for the smooth running of the state’s governance.
Musa, who began his career as a businessman, served as Sabah’s longest-serving chief minister for 15 years before being ousted after the 2018 general election.
Following his removal, he largely stayed out of the political spotlight until his recent appointment as Governor.
It is not uncommon for former Sabah chief ministers to assume the governorship, though their tenure was previously limited to two terms (eight years). The term limit was removed in 2019 during the two-year Parti Warisan Plus administration.
Previous Sabah governors, including Tun Mustapha Harun in 1963, Tun Fuad Stephens in 1973, Tun Mohamad Said Keruak in 1987, and Tun Sakaran Dandai in 1995, all had stints as chief ministers before assuming the governorship.
Musa succeeds Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, who held the position for 14 years.
Musa’s tenure as chief minister ended controversially when Juhar replaced him with political rival Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal. After unsuccessfully attempting to retain his position, Musa left for London, citing medical treatment while seeking to legally challenge Juhar’s move.
In 2020, Musa tried to reclaim the chief minister role, claiming to have the support of the majority of state assembly members. However, Shafie called for a snap election before Musa could make a move.
Musa was unable to contest in the 2020 state snap elections, as the Umno state leadership, led by Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, did not select him as a candidate.
Since then, Musa had remained relatively quiet politically, though rumours of his return to a public office role had circulated.
His appointment as governor is now seen as a political move aimed at either uniting or strengthening Sabah’s fractured political landscape.
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/12/18/red-carpet-welcome-4500-strong-crowd-welcomes-musa-aman-back-to-sabah-in-governor-role/160324
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RM10,000 fine for Old Klang Road man who dragged cat by neck in apartment corridor
18 Dec 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 — A man who drew public anger in a viral video for mistreating a cat was fined RM10,000 by the Sessions Court here today.
Judge Norina Zainol Abidin imposed the sentence on Goh Kuan Pan, 43, after he pleaded guilty to the charge of dragging a British Shorthair cat by the neck with a rope, which caused inhumane suffering to the cat in the corridor of an apartment in Jalan Klang Lama near here between 11.17 pm and 11.42 pm, on Nov 21.
The judge also ordered him to be jailed for two months if he fails to pay the fine.
The charge was made in accordance with Section 44(1)(d) of the Animals Act 1953 which provides for a maximum fine of RM50,000 or a maximum imprisonment of one year.
On Nov 25, Bernama reported that police arrested a man in Jalan Klang Lama on suspicion of abusing the (British Shorthair) cat, which is a pedigree version of the traditional British domestic cat.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said the local man was arrested by a team from the Criminal Investigation Division (D9), Brickfields district police headquarters at his residence at 6.10 pm. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/12/18/rm10000-fine-for-old-klang-road-man-who-dragged-cat-by-neck-in-apartment-corridor/160323
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Penang police arrest 1,757, seize RM303,000 in 1,411 anti-gambling raids this year, says acting state police chief
18 Dec 2024
KEPALA BATAS, Dec 18 — Penang police have carried out 1,411 operations under Ops Dadu from January to November this year, targeting various gambling activities in the state.
Acting Penang police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said the raids resulted in 1,757 arrests and the seizure of RM303,000 in cash.
“Most of the operations focused on daily public lotteries, with 1,019 raids leading to 1,024 arrests and cash seizure amounting to RM86,000. This was followed by 324 online gambling operations, which saw 414 individuals detained and approximately RM85,700 confiscated,” he told reporters today.
He was met after officiating the Penang Criminal Investigation Department’s Case Exhibit Disposal Ceremony here, with state CID chief SAC Zailani Amit also present.
Mohd Alwi added that the police dismantled six call centres, arresting 33 individuals and seizing RM4,623 in cash. For gambling within premises, 18 raids led to 144 arrests and the seizure of RM72,639, along with various electronic devices and equipment.
He stressed that Penang police would continue their efforts to monitor and combat gambling activities in the state.
Mohd Alwi also denied allegations made on a Telegram channel that the police are protecting gambling syndicates, stressing that regular raids are conducted in collaboration with other agencies, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and local authorities.
He further noted that measures to combat gambling include blocking gambling websites with the help of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and working with utility providers such as Tenaga Nasional Berhad and water supply companies to cut off services to syndicate premises.
Meanwhile, Mohd Alwi said Penang police disposed of case exhibits worth RM1.52 million, involving 506 investigation papers from 2021 to this year.
The items included 1,337 bitcoin devices, 2,360 cartons of cigarettes, 700 cartons of liquor and computer sets. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/12/18/penang-police-arrest-1757-seize-rm303000-in-1411-anti-gambling-raids-this-year-says-acting-state-police-chief/160319
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Europe
IsDBI, EDB strengthen ties in Islamic finance at Almaty event
17 December 2024
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 17. The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), organized a workshop on Digital Postal Islamic Financial Services and Sukuk Finance Corporation (SFC) in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Trend reports.
The event attracted 250 online participants, with 25 EDB officials attending in person.
The workshop followed earlier discussions between IsDBI and EDB during 2024 meetings in Riyadh and Almaty. The EDB, planning to launch an Islamic banking window by 2025, aims to tap into the growing Islamic finance market in Central Asia.
Key members of the IsDBI delegation, including Sami Al-Suwailem and Yahya Rehman, joined EDB officials, including Chairman Nikolai Podguzov. Podguzov emphasized the collaboration's potential to introduce new financial products in Kazakhstan, supporting economic diversification.
During the workshop, EDB and IsDBI identified areas for future cooperation, agreeing to move forward with feasibility studies. This partnership will integrate Islamic finance principles with modern technology-driven financial services to promote financial inclusion and economic growth in the region.
Source:trend.az
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https://en.trend.az/business/3983264.html
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Blackburn mosque demolition and rebuilding plan submitted
18 December 2024
By Bill Jacobs
Plans have been submitted to knock down an existing mosque and build a modern new one in its place.
The proposal has been put forward by the Jamia Syeda Fatima Al-zahra in Bank Lane, Blackburn.
The current building is the former Crescent public house which shut some years ago, and under the proposals, this would be demolished and replaced with a purpose-built place of worship with more commonplace features of a mosque.
Supporting statements submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Council said: "The site is located within the Shadsworth with Whitebirk area of Blackburn close to the M65 motorway and A679.
"The proposed primary vehicular and pedestrian access is off Bank Lane with a secondary pedestrian-only access proposed off Shadsworth Road. Both streets have a speed limit of 30mph.
"The proposed development stands as a model of architectural innovation and meticulous planning harmoniously integrating with its context on multiple levels.
"The proposal involves demolishing the existing structure to create a more luxurious place of worship enhancing accommodation.
"The design revitalises the property's character and spatial sense elevating its intrinsic value and appeal.
"Our approach is a rejuvenation of the existing place of worship that expands on the current spatial footprint while maintaining a respectful synergy with the existing contextual milieu.
"The scheme endeavours to imbue the site with a distinct architectural character by sleek lines, open layouts, expansive windows and modern materials such as steel, glass and concrete.
"Further adorned with minimalist features - including external fixtures, porches, columns and asymmetry, and angular forms - the contemporary aesthetic incorporates elements like open spaces, gardens and expansive fenestration thereby exuding an air of cultivated sophistication."
The application states it:
undertakes a comprehensive rejuvenation of the extant property located at Bank Lane, meticulously tailored to align with the idiosyncratic requirements of the prospective client;
cultivates an elevated paradigm of a place of worship designed to appeal to connoisseurs of traditional spiritual standards thereby fortifying the long-term viability of the property
augment the aesthetic allure of the proposed project by a contemporaneous interpretation of modernist-inspired architectural elements thereby enhancing both spatial perception and the inherent character of the premises; and
breathe new life into the domicile by introducing meticulously planned landscaping elements thus mitigating the current dearth of soft landscape features on the site.
The plans add: "The main material used within the proposal of stone, Dekton, RAL 9005 aluminium windows and a slated roof.
"The frontal elevation is orchestrated with a nuanced symmetry.
"Positioned centrally the core atrium serves as an axial fulcrum flanked on either side by symmetrically configured gables hat project outward."
To comment on the plans visit the planning section of Blackburn with Darwen Council's website.
Source:lancashiretelegraph.co.uk
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https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/24801920.blackburn-mosque-demolition-rebuilding-plan-submitted/
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EU investigates TikTok over alleged Russian meddling in Romanian vote
17 December 2024
The European Union's executive has opened a formal investigation into TikTok because of "serious indications" of foreign interference in the recent Romanian presidential election using the video-sharing platform.
The second-round vote was cancelled earlier this month after declassified intelligence documents revealed 25,000 TikTok accounts were suddenly activated weeks before polls opened in the first round.
The accounts backed the independent candidate Calin Georgescu, a largely unknown far-right campaigner who described Russia's Vladimir Putin as a "patriot and a leader", although he denied being a fan.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said democracies had to be protected from foreign meddling.
EU regulators will assess if TikTok's advertising policies and the systems it uses to recommend content to users are in breach of the Digital Services Act (DSA), which is aimed at preventing the spread of disinformation and halting illegal activities online.
"Whenever we suspect such interference, especially during elections, we must act swiftly and firmly," von der Leyen said in a statement.
"It should be crystal clear that in the EU, all online platforms including TikTok must be held accountable."
Georgescu's election campaign had been focused primarily on TikTok and, although Moscow has denied interference, Romanian intelligence said Russia had identified the Nato member state as an enemy state and a priority target.
TikToks promoting the candidate were not marked as election content, which is illegal in Romania.
One account paid $381,000 (£300,000) on posts for Georgescu, who denied spending any money himself on the platform.
TikTok has vehemently denied the allegations, insisting "it is categorically false to claim [Georgescu's] account was treated differently to any other candidate".
Although the platform allows election content to be posted and shared organically, paid political advertising is banned.
After the run-off vote was cancelled, TikTok said that "when Romanian authorities contacted us to flag a number of videos that lacked identifiers... we took action on those videos within 24 hours".
Part of the EU investigation will look at the risks associated with "automated exploitation" of TikTok's algorithm, which provides tailored content on a user's "For You" page according to their interests and how they interact with the app.
It will also assess TikTok's policies on political advertisements.
On 5 December, the EU ordered TikTok to preserve internal documents about how it recommended content to users and any methods it had to mitigate "intentional manipulation" of its platform.
This encompasses content relating to any national elections in the EU between 24 November 2024 and 31 March 2025, including Romania, Ireland and Croatia.
The EU said it would carry out the investigation "as a matter of priority".
It runs alongside a separate investigation into TikTok's possible breach of the DSA regarding harmful content and protecting minors.
After the first round of the Romanian presidential vote, Romanian intelligence said that Georgescu's sudden jump in popularity was due to a "highly organised" and "guerrilla" social media campaign, from accounts sending identical messages.
Before the run-off round was cancelled, he was running neck and neck with reformist candidate Elena Lasconi.
Georgescu had campaigned to end political and military aid to Ukraine.
He is a conspiracy theorist who does not believe in the moon landings or the Covid-19 pandemic.
Source:.bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2v13nz202o
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Pentagon comments on bombing ‘operation’ that killed Russian general
18 Dec, 2024
The United States has firmly denied any involvement or prior knowledge of the bombing that killed Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov and his assistant in Moscow. Both the Pentagon and the State Department have distanced themselves from the targeted assassination, which is believed to have been carried out by Ukraine.
The commander of the Russian Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense Forces was killed along with his aide in an explosion outside his apartment early Tuesday morning. Multiple media outlets have reported that the assassination was executed on the orders of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU).
”I can tell you we were not aware of this operation in advance. We do not support or enable those kinds of activities,” Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder stated during a press briefing later that day.
Ryder added that he had seen reports about the blast but did not have additional information beyond what was available in the media, noting “so I’d have to refer you to the Ukrainians on that.”
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller echoed these sentiments. “I can tell you that the United States was not aware of it in advance and was not involved,” Miller said on Tuesday. He went on to describe Kirillov as a general “involved in a number of atrocities,” stopping short of branding him a legitimate target.
The assassination occurred just hours after Kiev accused the general of being linked to the use of chemical agents on the battlefield, a claim Moscow denies outright. While Kiev has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack, the SBU is widely believed to be behind the operation. Multiple media outlets, including Reuters, the BBC, and Ukrainian media, cited anonymous sources within the SBU describing Kirillov as “a war criminal and an absolutely legitimate target” for assassination.
Former Russian President and current deputy chair of the Russian Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, characterized the murder as a sign of Kiev’s desperation. “This is a clear indication of the agony of the Ukrainian government, which uses its remaining strength to justify its worthless existence to Western masters, prolong war and death, and explain away the catastrophic situation on the front line,” Medvedev said.
Kirillov took command of the Russian military branch in 2017. He was involved in investigating alleged Ukrainian use of chemical weapons against Russian troops and provided regular reports about American labs in Ukraine, which he claimed were involved in biological warfare research.
Kiev reportedly operates an extensive assassination program targeting individuals it considers enemies of Ukraine, according to media reports and statements by former officials. Moscow says Kiev is resorting to terrorist tactics due to its military failures. Russian investigators have accused the Ukrainian government of killing journalist Darya Dugina, military blogger Vladlen Tatarsky and other civilians.
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/609505-pentagon-general-kirillov-bombing/
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South Asia
BNP, Jamaat Content with HC VerdictThat Declared Parts of The 15th Amendment Unconstitutional
Dec 18, 2024
The BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami yesterday welcomed the High Court's verdict that declared parts of the 15th amendment unconstitutional, removing a major obstacle to reinstating the non-party caretaker government system.
BNP Standing Committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said people's expectations had been met.
In his immediate reaction to the HC ruling, Mosharraf said Sheikh Hasina had scrapped the caretaker government system to serve her party's interests, which led to "one-party rule" and ultimately to the fall of the previous Awami League government.
"People wanted it [caretaker government], and our leader Khaleda Zia introduced the caretaker government system. Sheikh Hasina abolished the system to secure her party's interests, paving the way for one-party rule and killing of democracy.
"As a result, the Awami League government fell, and Sheikh Hasina had to step down," Mosharraf told The Daily Star.
The BNP leader said three elections under caretaker governments allowed people to vote freely and change governments as per their will.
"The BNP came to power in 1991, Awami League took over in 1996, and the BNP returned to power in 2001. This shows that people were able to vote freely in the elections held under caretaker governments."
Mosharraf said people have fought for the last 16 years to restore the caretaker government system.
Accusing the AL of violating the constitution to cling on to power, Mosharraf said the parliamentary polls of 2014, 2018, and 2024 cannot be called elections.
Jamaat, on the other hand, congratulated the nation on the "restoration of voting rights".
In a statement, Mia Golam Parwar, secretary general of the party and also a former MP, hailed the HC's ruling as a significant victory for the people.
"The 15th constitutional amendment, passed by parliament on June 30, 2011, had stripped the people of their voting rights and ruined the electoral process.
"It also created a tendency to seize power without elections, resulting in no genuine elections being held in 2014, 2018, and 2024. What occurred in the name of elections was nothing but a farce," said Parwar.
Describing the HC verdict as a milestone for democracy, the Jamaat leader said it re-established people's rights.
"This is another victory for the people. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and greetings to the nation for this achievement in restoring voting rights through a legal battle."
Source:thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/bnp-jamaat-content-hc-verdict-3778891
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Tk 80,000cr graft allegation: ACC to probe Hasina, family
Dec 18, 2024
The Anti-Corruption Commission yesterday decided to launch a probe into allegations that Sheikh Hasina and her family members embezzled Tk 80,000 crore from nine priority projects.
The family members facing allegations are Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and Rehana's daughter Tulip Siddiq, a British lawmaker.
The projects are Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Ashrayan and seven other projects under Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority, ACC Director General (prevention) Akhtar Hossain told reporters yesterday.
"The decision to investigate Sheikh Hasina and her family members was made at a meeting of the commission," he said.
According to a complaint filed with the ACC, the aforementioned individuals embezzled Tk 59,000 crore from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant through several banks in Malaysia.
Another complaint said Hasina embezzled Tk 21,000 crore from Ashrayan and seven other projects by abusing power and fraud.
The development came two days after the High Court issued a rule questioning the legality of the ACC's inaction and failure to investigate into an allegation against Hasina of embezzling money from the Rooppur plant.
Nationalist Democratic Movement Chairman Bobby Hajjaj filed the petition, referring to reports published by different newspapers.
Hasina fled to India on August 5 in the face of a mass uprising led by students.
In another development, the ACC filed cases against former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, former additional deputy commissioner (Detective Branch) Harun or Rashid, his wife Shirin Akhtar, and his brother ABM Shahriar.
The case statement says Nawfel acquired illegal assets worth Tk 2.94 crore, Harun Tk 17.51 crore, Shirin Tk 10.76 crore, and Shahriar Tk 12.96 crore.
The graft watchdog also sued Hasina's former personal assistant Jahangir Alam and his wife Kamrun Nahar.
Jahangir was accused of illegally acquiring Tk 18.29 crore and Kamrun Tk 6.80 crore.
evidence of suspicious transactions of Tk 626 crore in his bank accounts, said sources.
ACC sources said around Tk 626.65 crore was deposited across 23 accounts in eight banks. The accounts are of Jahangir and entities he owns. Of the sum, Tk 624.60 crore was withdrawn.
The ACC investigators deem these transactions highly irregular and suspicious, they added.
The former prime minister during a press conference on July 14 shared how one of her former "peons" accumulated over Tk 400 crore and enjoyed extravagant helicopter trips.
Without mentioning his name, she said she took action against him.
That night, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit froze the bank accounts of Jahangir and Kamrun for 30 days.
Source:thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/tk-80000cr-graft-allegation-acc-probe-hasina-family-3778886
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Media should work for society reform, Farahi
December 18, 2024
KABUL: The Publication Deputy Minister of Information and Culture, Mawlavi Muhajer Farahi said on Tuesday that media should be used for intellectual improvement and society reform. Addressing a seminar for improving the capacity of the central and provincial heads of the provincials Information and Culture Directorates of the ministry, Farahi said: “The media have fundamental and important effects on the public mind in the current era and the media should be used positively for intellectual promotion and reforming of the society”. He also assured the minis try’s full cooperation with the media. Meanwhile, the Youth Affairs Deputy Minister of Information and Culture, Qari Mohammad Younus Rashid said: “Youths are the most valuable capital of our country, and Afghanistan is one of the countries that has a large population of young people.” He asked the relevant officials to pay special attention to the youth of all provinces and give them hope and educate them in such a way that they are the same with the morals and character of Mohammad (PBUH). The Kabul Times
Source:thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/media-should-work-for-society-reform-farahi
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Afghans grappling with economic challenges as foreign assets remain frozen
December 18, 2024
According to WFP, the increasing cold weather in parts of Afghanistan has exacerbated poverty, raising the demand for food among the population.
The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has reported that 15 million people in Afghanistan are uncertain about how they will secure their next meal. The organization stated on its official X account that it urgently requires $718 million to continue its operations for the next six months in the country. According to WFP, the increasing cold weather in parts of Afghanistan has exacerbated poverty, raising the demand for food among the population. On the other hand, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) recently expressed concern about a reduction in funding for humanitarian aid in Afghanistan. They warned that this budget cut could put millions of Afghans’ lives at risk. The need for aid in Afghanistan has been further intensified by factors such as the return of migrants, floods, earthquakes, and climate change, which have all contributed to the worsening situation. This comes as it has been more than three years since Afghanistan’s foreign assets have been frozen by the United States. When the Islamic Emirate took over the country in midAugust 2021, Afghanistan had $7 billion in foreign currency reserves with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The assets, which belong to the people of Afghanistan, were frozen. Afghanistan had roughly $9 billion in reserves held in banks across the U.S. and Europe, which were immediately frozen with the Islamic Emirate takeover. About $500 million belonging to private account holders in Afghan banks was also frozen. A number of regional countries have repeatedly called for the immediate release of Afghanistan’s assets. Most recently, Gang Shuang, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Afghanistan’s assets. According to a report from the Chinese newspaper, Gang emphasized the importance of strengthening engagement with the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan. He stated: “China urges relevant countries to immediately and unconditionally release Afghanistan’s overseas assets and return them in full.” Gang Shuang described the sanctions against Afghanistan’s frozen assets as “coercive, illegal, and unilateral” and called on Western countries, especially the United States, to halt them. According to this Chinese official, the people of Afghanistan are facing complex challenges such as food shortages, displacement, natural disasters, pollution, and unexploded ordnance. Afghanistan is facing a severe humanitarian and economic crisis, which has been exacerbated by the delay in the release of foreign currency reserves, which Da Afghanistan Bank needs to carry out essential central banking functions like maintaining stable exchange rates and prices. Banks play a crucial role in lending money to businesses and individuals who want to invest in capital or trade. And this can be done only when there’s enough liquidity in the banking system. The United States has been repeatedly urged to release Afghanistan’s foreign assets. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) as well as the people of Afghanistan have repeatedly asked the United States to release the frozen assets of Afghanistan’s central bank. It is worth mentioning that over the past three years, Afghanistan has faced an escalating humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations estimating that over 24 million people currently require humanitarian assistance. The Islamic Emirate, along with international organizations, are working to address the escalating humanitarian crisis by implementing various programs that are underway in the country. Mukhtar Safi
Source:thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/afghans-grappling-with-economic-challenges-as-foreign-assets-remain-frozen/
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Russia Advances Efforts to Delist IEA from Prohibited Groups
2024-12-18
KABUL(BNA): The Russian Parliament has approved legislation that paves the way for the potential removal of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan from its list of banned organizations. This bill empowers Russia’s Chief Justice to propose the delisting of such groups.
The Federation Council is set to review the legislation on Friday, after which it will be forwarded to President Vladimir Putin for final approval.
This legislative move follows recent remarks by President Putin, who referred to the Islamic Emirate as a partner in countering terrorism. Additionally, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called for the removal of Western sanctions imposed on Afghanistan.
Analysts view this initiative as a significant step in bolstering Russia’s regional diplomacy and enhancing its ties with the Islamic Emirate amid improving relations with Central Asian nations.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/russia-advances-efforts-to-delist-iea-from-prohibited-groups/
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Over 22 million in Afghanistan to need aid by 2025: OCHA
By Fidel Rahmati
December 18, 2024
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) for Afghanistan has reported that 22.9 million people in Afghanistan will require humanitarian assistance in 2025.
In a report released on Wednesday, December 18, OCHA highlighted that millions of Afghans, particularly women, face severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban.
According to the report, these restrictions have jeopardized the safety of Afghan citizens, especially minorities, leaving them vulnerable to discrimination and harm.
The report further revealed that out of the 22.9 million people in need, 21 million lack access to adequate healthcare and safe drinking water.
Additionally, 14.8 million people are facing severe food insecurity, while 7.8 million women and children urgently require nutritional support.
OCHA also warned of an impending drought crisis that is expected to threaten Afghanistan in early 2025, further exacerbating the humanitarian challenges.
The organization stated that humanitarian actors can only provide aid to 16 million of the 22.9 million people in need by 2025 due to funding constraints.
This follows a similar trend in 2024, where humanitarian efforts were underfunded, assisting only 15 million out of the 23 million people in need.
More than three years after the Taliban’s return to power, the economic and social conditions in Afghanistan continue to deteriorate, leaving citizens increasingly impoverished. The international community must urgently address the funding gaps to prevent further suffering and stabilize the situation.
Long-term solutions, including investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and women’s empowerment, are essential to breaking the cycle of dependency on aid. Without such measures, Afghanistan risks facing an unending humanitarian crisis that could have dire regional and global consequences.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/over-22-million-in-afghanistan-to-need-aid-by-2025-ocha/
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Taliban to build housing complex for foreign diplomats in Kabul
By Fidel Rahmati
December 17, 2024
The Taliban Ministry of Urban Development and Housing has announced that, at the request of the group’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it will build a housing complex for foreign diplomats in Kabul.
On Tuesday, December 17, the Ministry added in a statement that this housing complex will be constructed in the Darul Aman area of Kabul.
According to the Ministry, the “topographic” phase of the project has been completed, and work will soon begin on the construction.
The Taliban further noted that the housing complex will be built on approximately 371 acres of land.
This announcement comes at a time when the Taliban has been demolishing homes, mostly in poor neighborhoods of Kabul, and there is no indication of any plans to compensate for the damages caused to these homes.
The creation of a housing complex for foreign diplomats, while demolitions are taking place in impoverished areas, has sparked criticism among local residents.
It highlights the stark contrast between the Taliban’s priorities in accommodating foreign diplomats and their treatment of the Afghan population, particularly those in need of stable housing. As the situation unfolds, there are increasing calls for the Taliban to address the housing crisis for Afghan citizens and ensure that their basic needs are met.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/taliban-to-build-housing-complex-for-foreign-diplomats-in-kabul/
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Africa
Osisiye Tafa: The Many Reasons Why I Converted to Islam
December 17, 2024
My spiritual curiosity began to take root during pivotal moments of reflection. The night before turning 18, I was reading Wole Soyinka‘s “You Must Set Forth at Dawn” when I encountered his description of a man praying beside the pyramids in Egypt. For a moment, I felt a sense of peace, timeless history, and a desire to understand deeply the connections between spirituality, humanity, and the universal experiences that bind us.
I had been reading Ahmadou Kourouma‘s “Allah is not Obliged”, finding profound parallels between the small soldier’s life and my own journey. The Qur’an itself seemed to echo these sentiments, with verses that resonated deeply: ‘Do not back down from attack. O ye who believe! When ye meet a force, be firm and call Allah in remembrance much (and often); that ye may prosper.’ — Surah Al-Anfal, verse 45.
Death
Death became a lens through which I explored connections. Tombstones fascinated me—a life reduced to a paragraph, sometimes just three words. My fascination began with our family house in the village, situated opposite an Anglican Church’s gravesite. During a camping trip in Itasin forest, Ogun State, the Catholic church we camped in housed tombstones that seemed to whisper stories of lives lived and lost.
Since moving to Belfast on September 3, 2024, I’ve discovered a cemetery where I can walk, watch the trees, read the tombstones, and bask in sacred silence. The cemeteries here use salt containers—practical vessels strategically placed at the entrance. They remove odours that might attract animals, while local spiritual traditions believe salt helps the dead find solace in the afterlife.
My exploration of spiritual traditions deepened as I learned about death and ancestral rituals from various cultures. The practices of Egypt’s pyramids and Sulawesi’s Toraja people fascinated me. In Nigeria, I’d observed how death could fracture families, with relatives storing bodies in mortuaries while impoverishing themselves for “befitting” burials.
The Islamic practice of burial within 72 hours struck me as both practical and profound. It allowed families to celebrate a worthy life rather than get lost in elaborate mourning rituals.
Mentors
While attending Federal Government College, Odogbolu, my friend Hakeem Lawal, the Imam’s son, became an unexpected guide in my spiritual journey. We frequently discussed Islam, exploring its signs, the Arabic language, and the faith’s miraculous aspects. His gifts of ram meat during Sallah were more than gestures of friendship—they were invitations to understand a deeper spiritual tradition.
Malcolm X’s journey deeply inspired me. His conversion from a troubled past to becoming a powerful voice for social justice through Islam was transformative. Reading about his pilgrimage to Mecca, where he experienced a profound spiritual awakening that transcended racial boundaries, showed me the true depth of religious transformation.
Traditions and Practices
I noticed how Muslim daily practices seemed to cultivate valuable life skills. The five daily prayers, early rising, ablution, and Arabic memorisation were more than religious rituals. They were lessons in repetition, understanding arcane concepts, and maintaining personal hygiene—skills that could be applied to academics, personal development, and professional success.
“Islam is a perfect system,” became a phrase I heard often. As I read the Qur’an, with its comprehensive views on reproduction, agriculture, land use, wealth, profit sharing, and marriage, I became increasingly convinced of its holistic approach to human life.
My Conversion
When it came in June 2024, my conversion felt both sudden and inevitable. It happened at Yankari Game Reserve, a place that had always felt like my sanctuary. A chance encounter at the warm pool led to an impromptu visit to the central mosque. That Friday, surrounded by the faithful, I took my vows, had the ritual bath, and began classes with Chief Imam Mallam Naziru Zakari Muhammad.
Now, standing with my brothers at the Belfast Islamic Centre, hearing the muezzin’s call to prayer, I am amazed and grateful for my incredible journey. The path that began with a reading of an autographed copy of Wole Soyinka’s text in Akure has led me here—certain of joy, peace, and the profound happiness that comes from finding one’s spiritual home.
Source: bellanaija.com
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https://www.bellanaija.com/2024/12/osisiye-tafa-the-many-reasons-why-i-converted-to-islam/
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Yinka Quadri bags Islamic chieftaincy title
December 17, 2024
Veteran actor Yinka Quadri has been honoured with the Islamic chieftaincy title, Osupa Adini, a remarkable recognition of his contributions to the Islamic community.
This prestigious title is associated with Ma’had Thaqofat Arabic and Islamic Studies, and was bestowed upon him under the leadership of Chief Imam Fadeelat Sheikh Ibrahim Omodola of Araromi Central Mosque.
Quadri expressed his heartfelt gratitude for this honor, acknowledging the support of his spiritual father, Fadeelat Sheikh Ahmad Hanafy.
He also thanked his friends and family for their unwavering support, stating that they are the best anyone could ask for.
“Yesterday, I was bestowed with an islamic chieftaincy title of OSUPA ADINI , Ma’had Thaqofat Arabic and Islamic studies under the leadership of the chief host, Fadeelat Sheikh Ibrahim OMODOLA (Chief Imam of Araromi CENTRAL MOSQUE ) and the spiritual Father , FADEELAT SHEIKH AHMAD HANAFY.
‘I truly appreciate all of my friends and family for always standing by me, through thick and thin. You’re the best anyone could ask for,” he wrote on Instagram.
Source: thenationonlineng.net
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https://thenationonlineng.net/yinka-quadri-bags-islamic-chieftaincy-title/
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This Is Total Madness – Igbokwe Knocks Sowore Over Post On Buhari’s Birthday
17 December 2024
By Justina Otio
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe has berated activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over his remark on former President Muhammadu Buhari’s birthday celebration.
Naija News reports that Sowore had in a post on his Facebook page stated that Buhari does not deserve happiness considering the corruption recorded during his time in power.
The activist fumed that Buhari’s administration was marred by economic destruction, looting and massacres.
He wrote, “Considering the economic destruction, looting and massacres that occurred during his disastrous eight-year tenure, Muhammadu Buhari deserves NO happiness on his birthday”.
Reacting to Sowore’s post via the comment section, Igbokwe described the remark as unbelievable and unacceptable.
He wrote, “Sowore is turning to something else and he knows he is not above the law. This is unacceptable and unbelievable.
“This is total madness and I hope he realizes the magnitude of what he is doing. This is madness taken too far in the name of Alutta continua.”
‘You’ve Written To Shame Or Disgrace Presidents After You’ – Garba Shehu Hits Obasanjo On Buhari’s Birthday
Meanwhile, former spokesman to ex-president, Muhammadu Buhari, Garba Shehu, has slammed former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, in a birthday tribute to his principal on his 82nd birthday.
Naija News reports that Shehu, in his birthday message to Buhari, criticised Obasanjo for undermining his successors and always writing to disgrace them or outrightly calling for their removal after an election.
The former presidential spokesman praised Buhari for staying away from Abuja to give the new administration space to stabilise.
He also noted that since completing his tenure on May 29, 2023, Buhari had only visited the nation’s capital twice, keeping his promise to stay far from Abuja to avoid casting a shadow on the new administration
Shehu highlighted that Buhari now enjoys a simple routine, which includes staying updated with the news, spending time with his grandchildren, meeting guests, and inspecting his farm while indulging in his love for reading and watching TV shows.
He said, “On the other hand, since leaving office, first as a military leader and subsequently as an elected president after two terms, President Olusegun Obasanjo has called and written to every head of state after him to put them to shame or disgrace, and in some cases, outrightly asking for their resignation or ouster in the next election.
“The former president said to the hearing of everyone that once he handed over to his successor on May 29, 2023, he would be as far away from the nation’s capital, Abuja, so as not to cast a shadow over the new administration, to give them the space to effectively take off and stabilise without distractions. Being willing to renounce power is his extraordinarily admirable trait.
“Since leaving office, he visited Abuja just twice: first to officiate at the launch of Femi Adesina’s brilliant book Working With Buhari, and the second time as a guest of President Bola Tinubu when they convened a meeting of the Council of State.”
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/12/17/this-is-total-madness-igbokwe-knocks-sowore-over-post-on-buharis-birthday/
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Alex Otti Strayed Away From APC Like The Prodigal Son – Keyamo
17 December 2024
By Justina Otio
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has said that the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti strayed away from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Naija News recalls that the Abia governor left the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for APC in 2020.
Shortly after, he moved to Labour Party on which platform he coasted to victory in the 2023 general elections.
Speaking during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Abia International Airport, Keyamo described Otti as a prodigal son.
He said, “Today is not the day for politics, he strayed away, he was with us, he strayed away like the prodigal son.”
The groundbreaking ceremony for the airport comes after natives of Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North Area of Abia State staged a protest on December 1 over the use of communal land by the government for the proposed project.
‘You Have No Business Searching People’s Bags At Airport’ – Keyamo Tells DSS
Meanwhile, Keyamo, has stated that the Department of State Services (DSS) are not responsible for searching passengers’ bags at airports.
Naija News reports that Keyamo made this known during an interview on ‘This Morning’ programme on Arise News.
Using Lagos International Airport as an example, Keyamo said passengers enter through the arrival door and immediately encounter a screening machine for their bags.
Keyamo said the bags are inspected at a joint inspection table after the screening, which causes congestion due to the lack of space.
He said the congestion often leads to blockages that extend to the entrance gates, but the ministry has dismantled the joint inspection table at airports.
According to the minister, DSS officials are meant to profile those travelling in and out of the country for security checks and not check passengers’ bags.
He explained that the agencies now work with aviation security at the screening machine to eliminate repetitive searches.
He said, “What is that joint inspection table? You will see customs, DSS, NDLEA, quarantine, and on and on, all lined up on the same table.
“Each of them telling you to open your bags, and they’ll be dipping their hands into your bags one by one, passing you on to the next agency on the same table, and all, you know, I have not seen this in any part of the world.
“So you can then observe all the bags passing through the machine jointly, without harassing anybody.
“That is why the machines are there in the first place. You, NDLEA, customs, if you notice anything like drugs inside or suspicious package, pull the person aside, take the person away into your private screening room, and do your further searches there.
“DSS, you are not, you have no business searching people’s bags. You are profiling individuals who are going out of the country, people who have been maybe who are under security checks and all that.
“Go and stay with immigration. At the point of stamping their passports, you can pull the person aside a person that ought not to travel.
“DSS can work with immigration at their table, and they can just roam around. Roam around the airport, check faces of people, profile them.
“If you want to pull people aside as you think they should not travel, pull them aside to a private room, but don’t create a nuisance at airports where you see they are checking people’s bags.”
Speaking on the federal government’s recently approved measures to curb harassment faced by travellers with various agencies stationed at airports, Keyamo said the aim is not to remove these agencies but to streamline how they perform their duties.
He added, “Nobody expects to go through an airport without security checks.
“However, the complaints we have consistently received from Nigerians have been complaints bordering on extortion, corruption, and perhaps even the very tardy process of these security checks.
“There are some practices we have noticed among the security agencies that are not under our control that we think do not align with the best practices all over the world.”
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/12/17/alex-otti-strayed-away-from-apc-like-the-prodigal-son-keyamo/
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Staff Shortage Hindering Our Ability To Carry Out Responsibilities – NAFDAC Cries Out
17 December 2024
By Justina Otio
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has disclosed that it is severely understaffed
The Agency explained that the staff shortage is limiting it’s operations.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this while addressing newsmen.
She explained that while NAFDAC was often associated with regulating substandard and falsified medicines, the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, (PCN) is also involved in the process, specifically in the registration of drug-selling sites and practitioners.
However, Adeyeye noted that both agencies are severely understaffed, a situation that has affected their ability to effectively carry out their roles.
She called on the government to address the staffing issue to ensure efficient service delivery.
“PCN is responsible for registering drug-selling sites, whether a small kiosk or large shop, and also the practitioners.
“But both NAFDAC and PCN face staff shortages, which hinder our ability to reach every corner of the country,” she said.
Adeyeye pointed out that while NAFDAC had been working closely with PCN, the staff shortage remained a significant obstacle.
She compared Nigeria’s staffing situation with that of Indonesia, which, with a population of 280 million, had 20,000 staff at its regulatory agency, while Nigeria, with 220 million people, had only 2,000 NAFDAC staff.
On the recent labour union crisis at NAFDAC, Adeyeye clarified that the unions’ demands, including promotions for staff, were beyond the agency’s authority.
She explained that the number of promotions was determined by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOS), not NAFDAC management.
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/12/17/staff-shortage-hindering-our-ability-to-carry-out-responsibilities-nafdac-cries-out/
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President Tinubu Makes Fresh Promise To Buhari In Birthday Message
17 December 2024
President Bola Tinubu has made a fresh promise to build on the legacy bequeathed to Nigeria by his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.
Tinubu made the promise in a personally signed statement released by the presidency on Tuesday on the occasion of Buhari’s 82nd birthday.
In his message, the Nigerian leader said former President Buhari left a legacy of infrastructural developments and promised to build on the legacy.
President Tinubu, while wishing Buhari more good health, happiness and fulfilment on the occasion of his 82nd birthday, appreciated the former President for his service to Nigeria.
The statement commended the doggedness and resilience of Buhari in contesting presidential elections in 2003, 2007, and 2011 before winning them in 2015 and 2019, saying it’s a lesson about not giving up.
President Tinubu also expressed his respect and admiration for Buhari.
Tinubu’s message to Buhari, as made available to Naija News, reads:
“Dear President Muhammadu Buhari,
“On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to you on your 82nd Birthday.
“As you celebrate this remarkable milestone in Daura, we reflect on your years of dedicated service and leadership, which have significantly shaped the course of our nation.
“Your steadfast commitment to Nigeria’s advancement and unity inspires many, and your enduring legacy continues to guide our nation’s journey towards prosperity and stability.
“Your doggedness and resilience in contesting presidential elections in 2003, 2007, and 2011 before winning them in 2015 and 2019 also inspire us never to give up.
“I will continue to build on the infrastructure legacy you bequeathed to our nation as the leader of our country’s first All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
“On this special day, may you be surrounded by the love of your family and friends and continue to enjoy good health, happiness, and fulfilment in all your endeavours, now and in the future.
“Happy Birthday, and thank you for your services to Nigeria.
“With respect and admiration,
“Bola Ahmed Tinubu
“President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/12/17/breaking-president-tinubu-makes-fresh-promise-to-buhari-in-birthday-message/
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Nigerian Police Haven’t Changed, SARS Is Coming Back, Extortion Is High – Isa Sanusi
17 December 2024
By Udeze Ekene
The Country Director of Amnesty International, Isa Sanusi, has said no positive change has happened in Nigeria Police in personnel relationship with citizens.
Isa Sanusi said personnel of Nigeria Police have continued to extort, kill, torture and exploit Nigeria citizens they were supposed to protect.
He stated this in an interview with News Central on Tuesday. He claimed that the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) which was notorious for unprofessional conduct was coming back into the force despite the government’s claim that the unit was banned.
He accused the Police of harassing and extortion young male Nigerians for looking good and having good mobile phones.
“The police brutality is still going on. And when the government disbanded SARS, we thought that SARS is gone. Unfortunately, the reports we have been receiving is that SARS is gradually coming back through the back door, because people are still being arrested by heavily armed policemen who always go around in mufti without uniform and in commando-like style, intercepting, arresting young people.
“Just because you dress well or you are using a very expensive phone and you are a young man, you are a target of this kind of policemen. And we have been receiving this kind of reports many, many times.
“So the problem has been endemic. And all the things that the government has been saying and the police saying, well, we are going to disband SARS. We are going to, it’s just cosmetic. It’s not a sincere attempt to address the problem.
“And police have not changed. They are still extorting money from people. They are still committing atrocities, torturing people in their custody, collecting money in the process of either investigation and using torture to extract information from people,” he said.
The Amnesty International Country Director regretted that the government has also failed to hold Nigeria Police accountable for the unprofessional conduct against the citizens.
Sanusi promised that the international human rights organization would continue to amplify the voices of the citizens against police unprofessional practices.
He called on Nigerians to stand strong until they get justice, stating that police checkpoints should be used for revenue collection.
“We receive these reports every day. And it’s unfortunate that the Nigerian government is not listening to young Nigerians by addressing this problem. And if effort is not being made to address this problem, I believe that Nigerian youths will not give up and continue to seek for justice.
“And we have to also continue amplifying their voices because the police are meant to protect people. They are not meant to kill people or to take money from them by force. They are not meant to take what does not belong to them. They are not meant to use the checkpoint as a source of revenue for themselves,” he stated.
He further called on the government to reform the police and recruit citizens that have integrity into the force.
“Therefore, we have to continue to ask the government to do the right thing, to reform the police, make it better, pay them well, and employ people into the police who have integrity so that the institution will serve the people,” Sanusi added.
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/12/17/nigerian-police-havent-changed-sars-is-coming-back-extortion-is-high-isa-sanusi/
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North America
Gilgo Beach serial killings suspect charged with seventh murder
December 17, 2024
Rex Heuermann, a New York architect accused of a string of killings in Gilgo Beach on Long Island, has now been charged with the death of a seventh victim.
The 61-year-old was charged on Tuesday for killing Valerie Mack, who had been working as an escort in Philadelphia and was last seen by her family in New Jersey in 2000.
Prosecutors said Ms Mack was identified through DNA evidence, and they connected Mr Heuermann to her death in June because of a device found in his Long Island home where he supposedly kept detailed notes about serial killings.
He appeared in court on Tuesday and has pleaded not guilty to the murders.
Mr Heuermann has been held without bail since he was arrested in July 2023 outside his Manhattan architecture office.
He was initially charged with the murders of three women: Melissa Barthelemy, 24, Megan Waterman, 22, and Amber Costello, 27.
He was later charged with the murders of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25, Jessica Taylor, 20, and Sandra Costilla, 28
The women were believed to be working as sex workers at the time of their deaths.
Since 2010, police have been investigating a string of at least 10 deaths on Gilgo Beach, Long Island.
The remains include 10 adults and one toddler, and the killings date back to at least 1993.
At a news conference on Tuesday, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney was joined by family members of the victims, who he said had "steadfastly stood by their loved ones and jealously guarded their memories.
"We have nothing but respect and admiration for those victims' families."
Mr Tierney said there were additional suspected murders still under investigation.
"We are not limiting this investigation to Gilgo Beach," Mr Tierney told reporters. "We will continue to work these cases."
Prosecutors said the DNA found on Ms Mack's remains matched that of Heurmann's family members. His family members are not thought to have been involved in the alleged crimes, but the evidence points to the possibility that the killings were carried out in the family's home.
Mr Tierney said there was evidence of "careful and meticulous planning" and that the road near where Ms Mack's remains were found was listed as a "DS" in the document – which investigators believe stands for "dump site".
Prosecutors previously seized hundreds of electronic devices and 300 guns from the home, and say they found DNA evidence and a detailed "blueprint" of the crimes on Heuermann's computer.
A document included detailed labels outlining categories such as "problems", "supplies", "pre-prep", "prep" and "post-event", with references to "DNA", "tire marks" and "blood stains".
The document also highlighted lessons from past murders and killing methods that Mr Heuermann had researched.
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn54eq45ld7o
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US aeroplane stowaway attempts fresh escape to Canada
December 17, 2024
A stowaway who allegedly flew from New York to Paris without a ticket last month has been arrested again for trying to escape by bus from the US to Canada.
Svetlana Dali made the attempt after cutting off an ankle monitor that she had been given to wear after the earlier offence, US media reported.
A New York court mandated that she wear the monitor after allegedly flying on a Delta Airlines flight from New York's JFK International Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport without a boarding pass.
During a court hearing, she was ordered to not leave Philadelphia unless she was going to New York for meetings regarding her trial.
She was arrested in Buffalo, New York, on Monday, and is due to appear in court Tuesday afternoon.
Ms Dali surprised many when she snuck onto a flight without a boarding pass. She used a special lane for airline employees to get into the security line without a boarding pass, a complaint filed in New York court alleged.
She blended in with a large Air Europa flight crew and, despite not having a ticket, was screened by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents.
The 57-year-old - a Russian national and US permanent resident - slipped past Delta Airline agents who were helping other passengers at the gate.
Ms Dali then boarded the plane and was later arrested in Paris, when the flight landed, after the Delta crew discovered she did not have a ticket.
While on board, she reportedly moved from one toilet to another and never took a seat - until flight attendants began to notice.
"This is the only reported case of unauthorised access when over 18 million passengers were screened at TSA security checkpoints during the busiest Thanksgiving travel season ever," the TSA told CBS News, the BBC's US news partner, days after her arrest. "No one has ever fully breached the TSA security screening process."
After her arrest, Ms Dali unsuccessfully attempted to claim asylum in France, a source familiar with the matter told CBS.
She was flown back to New York earlier this month, where she was taken into custody and charged with obtaining transportation on an aircraft without consent or permission. She appeared in court earlier this month.
Source:bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd60n28vjqlo
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Four paths Trudeau can take as his leadership faces scrutiny
December 18, 2024
Nadine Yousif
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's future looks uncertain following the sudden resignation of his most senior cabinet member, a once close ally.
Chrystia Freeland - the former deputy prime minister and finance minister - quit her posts on Monday with an open letter to Trudeau, in which she outlined disagreements she had with him on spending and "the best path forward for Canada".
These disagreements, she said, were underscored by the threat of tariffs on Canadian goods from incoming US President Donald Trump - tariffs that economists say could deal Canada a devastating economic blow.
Questions are now being asked on Parliament Hill, including by some members of his own Liberal Party, about whether he is able to lead at this critical juncture.
He faces a few options on how to move forward.
Heed the calls for him to resign
Trudeau has been leader of the Liberal Party of Canada since 2013, and Canada's prime minister for just over nine years, since 2015.
Under the party's constitution, the leader can tender his or her resignation at any time. If it is effective immediately, an interim leader is appointed until party members can convene and vote on a new permanent leader.
Trudeau could also choose to stay in his post until that new leader is elected.
Once a new leader is appointed, Trudeau would have to relinquish his prime ministerial powers and hand them over to his successor.
Hang on and weather the storm
Trudeau is not signalling that he will voluntarily resign any time soon.
In an emergency meeting with his caucus following Freeland's departure, Trudeau told fellow Liberal members of parliament (MPs) - including some who had directly called for him to step down - that he would take time to reflect, according to multiple reports.
And in a holiday speech to Liberal Party faithful on Tuesday, he acknowledged politics came with "big challenges" but said: "In difficult times, it's not time to stop. It's time to be ambitious, audacious."
Trudeau has been under pressure since the summer, due to his plummeting approval ratings and a series of special election losses of once-safe Liberal seats that suggest major troubles for his party.
In October, he faced a small caucus revolt, with 24 MPs signing a letter calling for his exit.
Polls indicate that if a Canadian federal election were to be held today, the official opposition Conservative Party would be handed a decisive victory.
Trudeau has held on despite these troubles and has repeatedly vowed to run again as Liberal leader in the next election.
Only 13 out of 153 Liberal MPs have so far openly called for him to leave - nearly half of them are not seeking re-election themselves, according to tracking by CBC News.
Still, under the party's constitution, the leader's position can only be formally put to a vote by members following an election loss.
A no-confidence vote launches an election
Riding high in opinion polls with a double-digit lead, the Conservatives have tried for months to trigger an election by tabling a series of no-confidence votes in the House of Commons.
If a government loses a confidence motion or vote in the House, it is expected to resign or seek the dissolution of parliament, triggering a federal election.
The government needs the backing of a majority of the 338 members of parliament in a no-confidence vote. The Liberals are 17 seats shy of that.
The Conservative efforts failed after either the NDP or the Bloc Québécois backed the Liberals in return for support pushing forward their own respective political priorities.
With parliament adjourning for the holidays on Tuesday, Trudeau will not be facing the threat of another confidence motion until at least late January.
On Monday, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh for the first time called on Trudeau to resign, making the Liberal hold on power look increasingly shaky.
The NDP's House leader told broadcaster the CBC that its members would vote in favour of a no-confidence motion if the prime minister was still leader in the New Year.
Prorogue parliament to avoid a no-confidence vote
One way Trudeau could avoid the vote is by proroguing parliament - essentially a suspension that would stop all proceedings, including debates and votes, without dissolving parliament.
While a routine part of parliamentary procedure, it is sometimes used by governments to buy time during a political crisis.
Parliament was most recently prorogued by Trudeau in August 2020, when his government was facing an ethics scandal over its handling of a contract with a charity.
It was also used to avoid a no-confidence vote by Trudeau's predecessor, Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who prorogued parliament in December 2008 when federal opposition parties sought to form a coalition government.
Parliament resumed in January 2009. By then the coalition had fallen apart, allowing Harper to remain in power.
Whatever Trudeau decides to do, an election in the coming months is inevitable.
Canada must hold its next election on or before October, and ultimately, it may be voters who end up deciding his future.
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn54elwep72o
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Tech entrepreneur found guilty of Cash App founder Bob Lee's murder
December 18, 2024
A San Francisco jury has convicted a tech entrepreneur on charges of second-degree murder in the stabbing death of Bob Lee, the founder of mobile payment service Cash App.
Nima Momeni, 40, faces a sentence of 15 years to life in prison for the killing.
Mr Lee, 43, was killed in the early morning hours of 4 April 2023.
Police found him unconscious in the Rincon Hill neighbourhood with two stab wounds to his chest. He died later in hospital.
Momeni was found not guilty of the more serious charge of first-degree murder, which denotes a pre-meditated killing.
Jurors deliberated for seven days before announcing they had reached a verdict.
Following the conviction, Mr Lee's brother Oliver Lee said his family was "happy with the result".
"We're happy that Nima Momeni won't be on the streets, no longer has the opportunity to harm anyone else in this world," he said.
The six-week trial featured dramatic testimony, and details of Mr Lee's drug-fuelled final night.
According to prosecutors, Momeni stabbed Mr Lee with a kitchen paring knife because he was upset that he had introduced his sister, Khazar Momeni, to a man who gave her GHB, a so-called date rape drug.
Like the prosecution, Nima Momeni's defence team said he had been partying with his sister and Mr Lee on the night of his murder. But they said Momeni had been acting in self-defence.
Mr Lee, Momeni said, had lunged at him with a knife over what Momeni described as a "bad joke" at the expense of Mr Lee's family, according to CBS News, the BBC's US partner.
Prosecutors pushed back on this account, asking why Momeni did not report the incident to the police or tell anyone that Mr Lee had allegedly attacked him.
Autopsy reports indicated that Mr Lee was under the influence of alcohol, ketamine and cocaine at the time of his death. Defence attorneys argued that a pattern of drug use had made Mr Lee aggressive.
"We are victims of drug abuse," Momeni's mother, Mahnaz Tayarani, told reporters outside the courtoom on Tuesday. "I know my son... This is not a fair trial."
Ms Tayarani said her son would appeal against the conviction.
The incident had stoked fears over crime and safety in the Bay Area, with tech billionaire and Donald Trump ally Elon Musk saying at the time that "violent crime in SF is horrific".
While praising the conviction on Tuesday, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins took direct aim at Mr Musk, saying he had tried to shame the city and make the case "seem like lawlessness in San Francisco".
"We knew it was something different," she said.
The sentencing date will be set at a hearing on 10 January.
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cyv3n6depvjo
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Canada announces new border rules following Trump tariff threat
December 18, 2024
Canada has promised to implement a set of sweeping new security measures along the country's US border, including strengthened surveillance and a joint "strike force" to target transnational organised crime.
The pledge follows a threat from President-elect Donald Trump to impose, when he takes office in January, a 25% tariff on Canadian goods if the country does not secure its shared border to the flow of irregular migrants and illegal drugs.
Economists say such tariffs could strike a blow to Canada's economy.
Announcing details of the plan, Canada's minister of finance and intergovernmental affairs said the federal government would devote C$1.3bn ($900m; £700bn) to the plan.
The measures "will secure our border against the flow of illegal drugs and irregular migration while ensuring the free flow of people and goods that are at the core of North America's prosperity", Minister Dominic LeBlanc said on Tuesday.
The five pillars of the plan cover the disruption of the fentanyl trade, new tools for law enforcement, enhanced coordination with US law enforcement, increased information sharing and limiting traffic at the border.
They include a proposed aerial surveillance task force, including helicopters, drones and mobile surveillance towers between ports of entry.
The government is also giving the Canada Border Service Agency funds to train new dog teams to find illegal drugs, and new detection tools for high-risk ports of entry.
And LeBlanc provided further detail on the so-called "joint strike force" for Canadian and US authorities, saying it would include "support in operational surges, dedicated synthetic drug units, expanded combined forces, special enforcement units, binational integrated enforcement teams, and new operational capacity and infrastructure".
The new plan appears to correspond to the concerns publicly disclosed by Trump in recent weeks: the flow of fentanyl and undocumented immigrants into the US.
The number of crossings at the US-Canada border is significantly lower than at the southern border, according to US Border Patrol data on migrant encounters, as is the amount of fentanyl seized.
Mexico is also facing a 25% tariff threat.
LeBlanc said he and other officials had a "preliminary" conversation with Trump's incoming "border tsar" Tom Homan about the new plan.
"I'm in encouraged by that conversation," he said.
LeBlanc was present at a meeting last month between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Trump at Mar-a-Lago, a trip reportedly meant to head-off the levy.
The announcement comes on LeBlanc's first day as Canada's finance minister.
The longtime ally to Trudeau was hastily sworn in on Monday after the surprise resignation of Chrystia Freeland, who served as both finance minister and deputy prime minister.
Freeland quit her posts with a scathing open letter to Trudeau in which she outlined disagreements she had with him on spending and "the best path forward for Canada".
Her abrupt exit from cabinet has put additional strain on Trudeau's weakened minority government.
On Tuesday, in a speech to party faithful at a Liberal holiday event, a defiant Trudeau said there are "always tough days and big challenges" in politics.
"But this team doesn't hold the record for the longest minority in Canadian history because we shy away from these moments, we put in the work, whether it's easy or hard."
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czx5p41696po
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Alleged CEO killer charged with murder
17 Dec, 2024
The man accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has been charged with first- and second-degree murder. Luigi Mangione shot to infamy after the killing, which he described in a manifesto as motivated by anger at the US’ for-profit healthcare system.
The indictments were handed down by a grand jury in New York on Monday, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced at a press conference.
Mangione is currently detained in Pennsylvania, but the authorities in New York will seek his extradition, Bragg said last week.
If found guilty, the 26-year-old will face 20 years to life for the first-degree murder charge, and 15 to life for each of the two second-degree charges. First-degree murder charges are rare in New York, and are usually only used if a police officer, judge, or emergency responder is killed, or in cases of contract killing or terrorism.
Bragg told reporters that one of the second-degree charges was filed for murder “as an act of terrorism.”
Thompson was fatally shot outside a Hilton hotel in central Manhattan by a masked, hooded attacker on December 4. Mangione was apprehended by police in Pennsylvania five days later with a gun and a silencer “consistent with those used in the murder,” a handwritten manifesto, fake IDs, and a face mask.
“Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming,” Mangione wrote in his manifesto, adding that “the US has the #1 most expensive healthcare system in the world, yet we rank roughly #42 in life expectancy.”
“It is not an issue of awareness at this point, but clearly power games at play,” he continued, concluding: “Evidently I am the first to face it with such brutal honesty."
Mangione has since become an online folk hero to many on the American left, while an Emerson College poll this week found that 41% of 18-29-year-olds considered his alleged actions “acceptable.” Police in Florida arrested a woman last week for phoning in a death threat to the Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance company, in what appeared to be a copycat case inspired by Mangione’s alleged acts.
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/609502-ceo-killer-mangione-charged/
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