Afghan Female Footballer in Germany, Nazira Khairzad, Faces Deportation Threat
New Age Islam News Bureau
21 April 2025
· Afghan Female Footballer in Germany, NaziraKhairzad, Faces Deportation Threat
· Saudi’s First Female Racer, ReemaJuffali, Welcomes A New Future for Saudi Motorsport
· Lawmaker Orit Strock from The Religious Zionism Party Is Only Woman Named to Muslim Sharia Court Committee of Israel
· Georgina Rodriguez: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Soon-To-Be Wife Wears Hijab After Jetting Off Mosque inDubai to Celebrate Easter
· LefkaVillage Lights Own Fire in Protest Against North Hijab Law
· US Plans toRemove Special Envoy Office forWomen InAfghanistan
· 27 Women's Rights Activists Write ToCA Demanding Meghna Alam'sRelease
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/afghan-female-germany-footballer-deportation/d/135251
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Afghan Female Footballer in Germany, NaziraKhairzad, Faces Deportation Threat
By Fidel Rahmati
April 20, 2025
An Afghan female footballer, seeking refuge in Germany after fleeing Taliban threats, now faces deportation under EU asylum policies.
NaziraKhairzad, a former player of the Afghanistan women’s national football team, is facing possible deportation from Germany to Italy, despite fleeing her home country due to security threats posed by the Taliban. Her case has raised significant concern among human rights activists and refugee advocacy groups.
According to Deutsche Welle on Saturday, April 19, Khairzad sought asylum in Germany after the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, citing targeted threats due to her role as a female athlete and public figure. However, under the European Union’s Dublin Regulation, Germany has requested that she be sent back to Italy—the first EU country she entered.
The German government’s position is shaped by EU policies that delegate the responsibility of processing asylum claims to the first EU country of entry. Germany has increasingly limited its intake of new asylum seekers, prompting controversy around the fairness of such decisions, especially in high-risk cases like that of Khairzad.
ElkeGabsa, the legal representative for Khairzad’s family, has warned that deporting her to Italy could violate fundamental human rights. Gabsa emphasized the psychological and social consequences of family separation and called on German courts to intervene to prevent further trauma for the Khairzad family.
Following the Taliban’s return to power, thousands of Afghans—especially women, journalists, and athletes—fled the country due to the threat of violence, persecution, and retribution. Many now find themselves trapped in bureaucratic limbo within Europe’s complex asylum system, vulnerable to deportation and denial of protection.
Across the EU, Afghan refugees are encountering mounting legal and humanitarian challenges. In nations like Italy and Greece, limited infrastructure, overcrowded refugee centers, and prolonged processing times exacerbate the plight of asylum seekers, many of whom were once symbols of progress in Afghanistan.
The case of NaziraKhairzad symbolizes the broader crisis facing Afghan refugees in Europe today—where protection needs often collide with rigid immigration protocols. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have repeatedly called on EU member states to prioritize humanitarian considerations over procedural technicalities in asylum cases.
The deportation threat against NaziraKhairzad highlights the urgent need for policy reforms that reflect the unique vulnerabilities of Afghan refugees. European governments must adopt a more compassionate and case-sensitive approach to ensure protection for those fleeing genuine danger.
Source: khaama.com
https://www.khaama.com/afghan-female-footballer-in-germany-faces-deportation-threat/
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Saudi’s First Female Racer, ReemaJuffali, Welcomes A New Future for Saudi Motorsport
Apr 21, 2025
Reema Al Jufalli
Photo by: Qiddiya Media
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“I look at this as a blank canvas”, ReemaJuffali says when she discusses not only helping to bring through the next generation of Saudi women racers but increasing motorsports participation in the region as a whole.
She is clearly passionate about the subject as she talks with vigour – but she has not been all talk and no action, launching her own team, Theeba Motorsport, and now working alongside Qiddiya to open up what was a narrow pathway for Middle East racing talent.
Her desire to push forward with plans is no doubt fuelled by the fact her own story dovetailed with changes in Saudi Arabia, where women were allowed to drive for the first time seven years ago.
“In 2017 I had actually also just moved back to Saudi. I was abroad studying, working from college and it was a time where I was also finding my feet, figuring out what's the next thing I should be doing,” she said.
“I thought: ‘Alright, now is the right time to finally – like, I've been thinking and talking about racing for so long, at least I could really get my racing licence and then figure everything else afterwards’.
“I was in the UK at the time and Rockingham was where I got my racing licence and I remember sitting there a bit intimidated by the whole thing, I had no idea what they were asking about at all and at the time Saudis couldn't get their licences, a Saudi couldn't get a licence from Saudi Arabia.
“So I came out with the UK motorsport licence and then I decided to race in the Middle East, my first championship, October 2018. I signed up to the TRD GT86. So I did that and honestly didn't know what was ahead of me, didn't know how to start.
“Women were starting to drive in Saudi in June and I happened to be racing in October, the timing was very much like the stars aligning, if you like.”
Juffali would race in the United Kingdom in Formula 4, working hard not only to promote motorsport but selling her own racing talent to potential sponsors back home, something she admits did not come naturally as an introvert.
Soon, though, she was also thinking much bigger and would launch her own team to capture thriving talent in Saudi Arabia and beyond in the MENA region.
“I looked at setting up my team and taking the next step and looking at investing in the sport,” she explained.
“Then many doors opened, many routes and obstacles and learning about what it takes to have a good race team, to get the results, and I have a lot of respect for everyone who's doing it!
“The point of the team and what I wanted out of it was really to propel Saudi talent through and it is an ambitious dream, and it still continues to be one.
“I think it’s an opportune time in Saudi now to get behind the sport and build what essential grassroots that we can have and establish, because the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is the only active circuit at the moment.
“There's one coming up in Qiddiya, and for me it's about making sure, once it has launched and we have all of these facilities, that there's a platform for the youth to come through from all facets of the sport.
“I know I'm in a unique position being a Saudi, racing at the circuits like I did in Europe and Britain, but it's different when you're talking about your own home. I look at this as a blank canvas as well and I think Qiddiya do too, and that's super exciting that you're coming into a country that is super excited about investing in the sport.
“Eventually we will see talents coming through – maybe not right now, maybe not yesterday, but I really want to see things happen tomorrow and that bit of patience that's required to build something that's a lot bigger than me.”
Juffali, a Jeddah local, spoke alongside Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Qiddiya managing director Abdullah Aldawood ahead of the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – which will relocate to the new Speedway Track once it is completed.
The self-styled ‘City of Play’ will also contain the Mercedes-AMG World of Performance, with immersive and interactive exhibits for motorsports fans.
Juffali believes having a brand such as Mercedes involved shows Qiddiya means business and will also be playing a part in helping her own mission, which was helped along when Farah AlYousef followed in her footsteps by becoming another local woman to participate as an F1 Academy wildcard in Jeddah.
“It was an honour to share a table with Toto and Abdullah, being a part of that conversation,” she added.
“Having world leaders like Mercedes come in, the vision of Qiddiya which is not a small [one] – they're saying: ‘We want to build the facilities, we want to look at how to make the fan engagement immersive, we want people to feel what it takes to understand the engineering side, contextualizing things’ and that is something that's not been done before.
“What they're doing is much larger, and to be amongst them and talking and sharing my experience, hopefully people can learn from my experience.
“I think Qiddiya, with magnitude of the project, they're going to touch not only women but all Saudis. The interest from them supporting young drivers is present, and I think you can see that already with Farah and myself, in support races for F1 – it is still the beginning and it's really about making sure we do things right from here.”
Source: autosport.com
https://www.autosport.com/F1-Academy/news/saudi-first-female-racer-future-saudi-motorsport-qiddiya-city/10715348/
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Lawmaker Orit Strock from The Religious Zionism Party Is Only Woman Named to Muslim Sharia Court Committee of Israel
Apr 21, 2025
The Israel Bar Association will exclude women and elect two male representatives to the committee for appointing Qadis (judges) serving in the Muslim Sharia Court. This marks a departure from the association's nearly decade-long practice of appointing a woman as its representative on the committee. The only woman on the committee, representing Muslim women, will be Minister for Settlement and National Missions Orit Strock from the Religious Zionism Party.
With the support of Bar Association Chairman Amit Becher, the National Council will vote on Tuesday to elect two male candidates while rejecting the candidacies of two Muslim women. Female lawyers appealed to Becher to appoint a woman as the association's representative, but their request was denied. Attorney Lara Saadi told Ynet and YediothAhronoth: "The Sharia Court handles tens of thousands of cases annually, primarily concerning divorce, alimony and custody. Muslim women are always a party to these cases, often the weaker side. Who will represent them on the committee?"
The Sharia Court, similar to the Rabbinical Court for Jews, handles personal status matters for Muslims in Israel. Qadis are appointed by the Committee for the Appointment of Qadis, which includes representatives from the Knesset, the government, the judiciary and the Bar Association.
The National Council will consider four Muslim candidates—two men and two women. However, due to internal politics, the council, with Becher's backing, decided to reject the candidacies of the two women, attorneys Abrar Salman and Rowan Aziza, and to elect only men. This decision breaks a decade-long precedent in the Bar Association, which has historically appointed women to the committee.
Between 2014 and 2017, the association appointed attorney FadiaAtamleh, who also served in the subsequent term. In 2021, attorney Yasmin Barhoum was appointed. The government, however, has ensured female representation by appointing Minister Orit Strock as its representative on the committee, making her the only woman among the nine members.
Last week, female lawyers from the Jerusalem district protested the decision to exclude women. OrnaNavon, chair of the district's Gender Equality Committee, along with ShiraFedida and Lara Saadi, chair of the Women's Advancement Committee, wrote: "The Bar Association Law states that one of its goals is to promote human rights and the fundamental values of the State of Israel, including equality and the rights of women to dignity and proper representation. These rights are constitutionally protected."
The lawyers expressed outrage that, for the first time in a decade, the association would not appoint a woman to the committee. They wrote: "The Bar Association chairman has repeatedly declared his commitment to equality among sectors and to strengthening the professional community of female lawyers by ensuring proper representation in various roles."
Two months ago, Becher published a post advocating for the independence of the Supreme Court, which he argued was essential for ensuring proper representation of women among government ministry directors, citing a ruling in the Women's Lobby case. Despite the lawyers' demands, Becher refused to change his position.
Saadi emphasized the importance of gender equality and representation. "The gender equality and representation of women in the Bar Association and its institutions are crucial values that must be preserved. Representation on the committee for appointing qadis is especially important given the committee's authority,"she said. "The Sharia Court handles tens of thousands of personal status cases annually—primarily divorce, alimony, custody and housing. Muslim women are always a party to these cases. Additionally, many female lawyers specialize in personal status law and represent Muslim women in Sharia Courts, often having experienced the challenges of divorce themselves."
She added that "female lawyers understand the struggles of Muslim women and the legal process better than others and can best reflect their needs during the committee's discussions on appointing qadis. It is essential that at least one woman lawyer represents the Bar Association and Muslim women in the decision-making process."
In its response, the Bar Association said that: "The claim that the chairman is promoting specific candidates is false. The candidates were presented by elected representatives of the Arab sector. The chairman of the Jerusalem district attempted to promote a male candidate of his own. After failing, he cynically and improperly used the agenda of women's advancement to present candidates unfamiliar to the association, supported by those driving the judicial overhaul, for the purpose of political attacks.
"The chairman, who appointed a female director-general for the association, promoted women in all areas of management and was the first to present a fully gender-equal national list, will not accept false moral lectures from those supporting the destruction of Israel's liberal democracy."
Source: ynetnews.com
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1zhouqjgg
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Georgina Rodriguez: Cristiano Ronaldo’s soon-to-be wife wears hijab after jetting off mosque in Dubai to celebrate Easter
20.04.2025
The 31-year-old Argentine-Spanish model took to Instagram to share elegant snapshots of herself wearing a traditional abaya and hijab during her visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, just hours before Easter Sunday.
Georgina shared the photos to her 65.9 million followers on Instagram as she posed in the grand marble halls and soaring minaret.
Her caption was kept minimal with a white heart, signalling peace.
Georgina’s visit to the UAE came as part of the family’s Easter holiday, but the timing of her mosque appearance raised eyebrows, particularly as it coincided with a Christian celebration.
However, fans in the comments since praised Georgina for her open-mindedness and respect for other faiths, while others speculated that the photos may hint at a deeper spiritual exploration.
One comment read: “you look so pretty with hijab”
Another user wrote: “Impressive! Never saw an empty Mosque. I've known her since construction and I've never seen her empty. Exclusive visit for sure.”
One other comment read: “Why is a Catholic going inside a mosque? Muslims don’t go in to Catholic Churches so why is a serious devout catholic go in to a mosque?”
Another wrote: “Thank you for your respect for other cultures and religions️ you’re so sweet and beautiful.”
Rodriguez’s time in the Emirates follows another deeply personal moment for her family with Ronaldo, having just celebrated their daughter Bella’s third birthday.
Cristiano and Georgina shared touching tributes on social media, filled with warmth, love, and bittersweet reflection.
On Good Friday, Ronaldo posted a candid photograph of himself lying in the grass with little Bella, kissing her cheek as she laughed joyfully under the sun.
“Happy birthday, my love! Our love is always with you,” he wrote, his words translated from Spanish.
Georgina’s own tribute came in the form of an intimate kitchen video, where Ronaldo is seen doting on their daughter.
“Today is my baby's 3rd birthday. I love you with all my heart,” she wrote.
“Many celebrations and thank you so much for choosing me as your mum.”
Yet behind the joy lies a story of loss.
Bella was born in 2022 alongside her twin brother Ángel, who heartbreakingly passed away shortly after birth.
At the time, the couple publicly mourned, stating: “Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness.”
Despite personal challenges, Cristiano continues to embrace his role as a devoted father to five, while Georgina gracefully balances motherhood, glamour, and the media spotlight.
Source: pulsesports.ng
https://www.pulsesports.ng/lifestyle/story/cristiano-ronaldo-and-georgina-rodriguez-celebrate-one-half-of-their-twins-3rd-birthday-on-good-friday-with-emotional-message-2025041909404596973
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Lefka village lights own fire in protest against north hijab law
20 April 2025
The village of Elia, near Lefka, on Saturday night lit its own fire in protest against the north’s ruling coalition’s decision to legalise the wearing of hijabs by children at public schools.
The protest was organised by the village’s “action committee”, which wrote, “we did not bow down to Abdul Hamid, to the Queen of England, to Makarios, or to Grivas, and we will never bow down to religious orders and sects!”.
Abdul Hamid II was the Ottoman sultan who leased Cyprus to the British Empire, effectively ending Ottoman control of the island after three centuries in 1878.
Meanwhile, action committee spokesman Mehmet Bicen said the fire “is not just a reaction, but an awakening”.
“If no step is taken, this fire will burn the government as well,” he said.
The fire’s lighting was attended by village residents, as well as Turkish Cypriot Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe member ArmaganCandan, opposition party TDP leader ZekiCeler, as well as Cyprus Turkish secondary education teachers’ trade union (Ktoeos) leader Selma Eylem and secretary-general Tahir Gokcebel.
The event is a replication of the nightly fires which burnt outside the north’s parliament every weekday last week, supported by opposition political parties and trade unions.
The first such protest saw an estimated 2,000 people attend, after around 13,000 had taken to the streets the previous week for the same purpose.
Cyprus Turkish teachers’ trade union (Ktos) leader Burak Mavis also confirmed to the Cyprus Mail that next week, the nightly protests will move around the island.
Monday’s protest is set to take place in Kyrenia, while Wednesday’s protest will take place in Famagusta and Thursday’s protest will take place in Morphou. The protests will return to Nicosia on Tuesday and Friday.
Source: cyprus-mail.com
https://cyprus-mail.com/2025/04/20/lefka-village-lights-own-fire-in-protest-against-north-hijab-law
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US Plans to Remove Special Envoy Office for Women in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati
April 21, 2025
The U.S. plans to remove the Special Envoy for Women in Afghanistan, raising concerns about support for women’s rights.
Four U.S. officials have revealed that the Trump administration is planning major changes within the U.S. State Department, as outlined in a draft executive order. These changes could include eliminating the position of Special Envoy for women of Afghanistan, a post created to advocate for the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.
According to a report by The New York Times April 20, the draft order aims to dissolve offices tied to democracy promotion, human rights, immigration, and climate change. The proposed restructuring aligns with the administration’s goal of streamlining foreign policy to match the president’s strategic vision.
The document further indicates that positions related to women’s affairs, including the Office of the Special Envoy for Women of Afghanistan, are listed among those to be cut. The removal of such roles could have far-reaching implications for women’s rights advocacy in conflict and post-conflict regions.
This overhaul is described as part of a broader effort to “reduce waste and align foreign policy spending with U.S. national interests.” The proposed reforms aim to be implemented by October 1, according to the document. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity, as the draft has not yet been finalized or publicly released.
Should the draft plan go into effect, it could also result in the closure of dozens of U.S. embassies and consulates, particularly in African and European nations, significantly reducing America’s diplomatic footprint.
Human rights advocates and international policy experts have expressed serious concern, warning that eliminating the envoy post could signal a rollback of U.S. commitment to women’s rights, especially in fragile states like Afghanistan, where international pressure remains vital to protecting hard-won freedoms.
As the world watches these potential shifts unfold, critics argue that cutting support for gender-focused diplomacy contradicts long-standing U.S. foreign policy goals. They urge Congress and global stakeholders to ensure that women’s rights remain a central pillar of international engagement.
Source: khaama.com
https://www.khaama.com/us-plans-to-remove-special-envoy-office-for-women-in-afghanistan/
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27 women's rights activists write to CA demanding Meghna Alam's release
Apr 21, 2025
A group of 27 women's rights activists has written to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, calling for the immediate release of model Meghna Alam, who was recently detained under the Special Powers Act, 1974.
The letter sent via email yesterday stated that Meghna was detained on April 9 by officials of the Detective Branch and Bhatara Police Station, "in violation of her fundamental rights and in defiance of a court order".
The incident was made public through a Facebook Live video streamed by Meghna herself.
In the letter, the activists said the footage showed a group of armed men forcibly attempting to enter her residence after sunset "under the pretext of verifying birth registration".
When Meghna refused to open the door, they allegedly broke it down, confiscated her devices "without showing a warrant", and detained her without stating the reason or providing identification, the letter added.
The letter further mentioned that the officers returned shortly afterward and took away the CCTV hard drive of the building.
That night, Bhatara Police Station reportedly confirmed to Meghna's family that she was in DB custody but refused to register a General Diary (GD) entry regarding her detention.
At the DB office, officials allegedly denied having her in custody.
It was not until almost 24 hours later, on April 10, that Meghna was reportedly produced before a court at 10:30pm and sent to Kashimpur Central Jail for 30 days under the Special Powers Act, accused of posing a threat to national security, damaging diplomatic relations, and conspiring to harm the country's economy.
The letter termed the events a "serious violation of fundamental rights and contempt of court" and demanded a thorough investigation.
The signatories include Barrister TabassumMehenaz, Ishrat Jahan Prachi, ParsaSanjanaSajid, NasrinSiraj, Mirza Taslima Sultana, Moshahida Sultana, NazneenShifa, ZeenatAraHaque, SyedaGulrukh, Farzana Wahid, Amina Sultana Sonia, Ayla Amin, Syeda Noor-e-Raihan, AdhoraMadhuri, AdibaRaisa, Padmini Chakma, NazifaTasnimKhanomTisha, ArunimaTahsin, Sumi Azuman, KabyaKrittika, Shahela Akhtar Umama, WasimaFarzana, DilshadSiddika, SenjutiMaksurat, Antara Farnaz Jan, TrishiaNashtaran, and Mahima Chowdhury.
Source: thedailystar.net
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/27-womens-rights-activists-write-ca-demanding-meghna-alams-release-3876376
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/afghan-female-germany-footballer-deportation/d/135251