Foundation For ‘Babri Masjid-Style’ Mosque In Murshidabad Laid By Ex-TMC MLA, BJP Reacts ‘Playing With Fire’
New Age Islam News Bureau
06 December 2025
Ex-TMC MLA Humayun Kabir lays foundation for ‘Babri Masjid-style’ mosque in Murshidabad, BJP reacts
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· Foundation For ‘Babri Masjid-Style’ Mosque In Murshidabad Laid By Ex-TMC MLA, BJP Reacts ‘Playing With Fire’
· Four Afghan Nationals Executed in Iran Amid Rising Human Rights Concerns
· Religious Radicalism Powering Insecurity In Nigeria, Says Islamic Cleric Akeugbagold
· Saudi Arabia, Regional Partners Reject Any Move To Displace Palestinians From Gaza
· Army Chief: Iran Armed Forces Stand Ready to Defend Islamic System at Any Cost
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India
· News Regulator Orders Five Channels To Remove ‘Love Jihad’ Shows About Letter In NCERT Textbook
· Jamaat-e-Islami and Hindutva Organisations Are "Birds Of The Same Feather" – Kerala CM
· Saudi Clerics, 40,000 Biryani Packets, 20,000 Locals: Ex-TMC MLA’s ‘Babri Mosque’ Event At Noon; Suspended MLA Thanks 'Police For Support'
· Calcutta HC Refuses To Interfere With Laying Of Foundation Stone Of ‘Babri Masjid’ By MLA Humayun Kabir
· UP Police Begin ‘Door-To-Door’ Hunt For Bangladeshis, Rohingya Under Govt Crackdown
· Deadline Ends Today, No Waqf Registration Extension: Rijiju
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South Asia
· IEA Highlights Commitment to Constructive, Respect-Based Relations With World Countries
· Islamic Emirate Reaffirms Position on Reopening Trade Routes with Pakistan
· Afghan, Russian Envoys Review Expanding Bilateral Relations
· Once voted to power, BNP will make it easier to conduct business: Amir Khosru
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Africa
· ‘I Swear To God We Will Repay You’ – Terrorist Threatens Kaduna Community After Troops Killed Two Insurgents
· Ex-Buhari’s Minister, Malami Denies Link To Terrorism Financing
· Bayelsa Ex-Gov, Dickson Accuses APC Of Politicizing Corruption, Terrorism
· Tragedy In Borno As Bomb Explosion Kills Four Teenagers
· Terrorism: They Silenced Us To Protect Powerful Sponsors – Retired General
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Arab World
· Saudi Arabia Promotes Values Of Moderation And Tolerance In Jakarta
· Saudi Arabia leads global anti-corruption efforts
· Shaping future society: How intellectual forums contribute to cultural development
· Royal reserve intensifies efforts for environmental conservation
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Mideast
· Eight Arab Islamic Countries Express Concern Over Israeli Statements On Opening Rafah Crossing In One Direction To Allow Gaza Residents To Cross Into Egypt
· Hezbollah chief says supports state diplomacy to stop Israeli aggression
· US envoy Waltz begins regional trip to promote Trump Gaza peace plan
· Syria nears anniversary of Assad’s fall amid renewed ‘deeply troubling’ abuses, UN warns
· Lebanon is committed to talks with Israel to avoid more war, president says
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North America
· US Supreme Court Agrees To Hear Case Challenging Birth Right Citizenship
· Outgoing NYC Mayor Bans Anti-Israel Boycotts Ahead Of Muslim Successor
· CAIR-NJ Supports Federal Discrimination Lawsuit Over Sayreville’s Denial of Mosque
· CAIR Condemns Israeli Foreign Agent’s Plan to Geofence, Mass Message Methodist Churchgoers with Anti-Palestinian Texts
· Baku's OIC Festival shines light on cultural diversity, unity in Islamic world - official
· Texas AG Paxton sues EPIC City developers after probe finds alleged fraud, misleading Muslim-only marketing
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Europe
· GB News Pays 'Substantial' Damages To Islamic Relief After Airing UAE Influencer's False Claims
· Bristol Mosque Leader Says Muslims ‘Disproportionately Impacted’ By Liveable Neighbourhood
· EU targets platforms that refuse to censor free speech – Telegram founder
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Southeast Asia
· MADANI Rahmah Sales effective in helping Malaysians with cost of living
· Malaysia and Singapore leaders pledge close cooperation for shared prosperity
· PM Anwar demands precision and integrity in all enforcement actions
· Anwar reaffirms full government support for MACC anti-corruption fight
· Anwar invites public to review government efforts at Rancakkan MADANI event
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/foundation-babri-masjid-mosque-murshidabad/d/137917
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Foundation For ‘Babri Masjid-Style’ Mosque In Murshidabad Laid By Ex-TMC MLA, BJP Reacts ‘Playing With Fire’
By HT News Desk
Dec 06, 2025
Ex-TMC MLA Humayun Kabir lays foundation for ‘Babri Masjid-style’ mosque in Murshidabad, BJP reacts
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Humayun Kabir went ahead with the foundation-laying on December 6 – the anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.
Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir on Saturday laid the foundation stone for a mosque in Rejinagar, designed to resemble Ayodhya’s Babri Masjid, in an event marked by tight security and politically charged reactions.
Kabir cut a ceremonial ribbon alongside visiting clerics as thousands gathered at the venue from early morning. Slogans of “Nara-e-Takbeer, Allahu Akbar” rang out across the grounds, where a large dais had been set up for the ceremony, reported news agency PTI.
The event unfolded under an extensive security presence, with large contingents of police, Rapid Action Force and central forces deployed across Rejinagar and neighbouring Beldanga to prevent any disturbance.
The administration ramped up security after Kabir announced the ceremony earlier this month.
Kabir was suspended by the Trinamool Congress earlier this week for what the TMC described as “communal politics.” Despite the suspension, he went ahead with the foundation-laying on December 6 – the anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.
BJP slams CM Mamata Banerjee
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sharpened its criticism of the state government soon after the ceremony began. “Mamata Banerjee has decided to polarise Muslims in West Bengal through her MLA Humayun Kabir, while distancing herself from him,” the saffron party alleged.
The West Bengal BJP shared a video on X and wrote a Bengali proverb “Dhori Machh Naa Chhui Paani,” which roughly translates to “getting something done without getting your hands dirty,” reported news agency ANI.
The BJP also questioned the timing of Kabir’s suspension, saying: “Why did she not suspend him earlier when he threatened Hindus by saying Muslims are 70 per cent and Hindus merely 30 per cent in Murshidabad?”
‘Playing with fire’
BJP leader Amit Malviya accused chief minister Mamata Banerjee of deliberately stoking tensions in a region known for its fragile communal balance.
In a post on X, he wrote, “West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is playing with fire. Reports emerging from Beldanga in Murshidabad have triggered serious concern, with Mamata Banerjee using ‘suspended’ TMC MLA Humayun Kabir to polarise Muslim sentiment for political gain.”
Malviya highlighted local accounts claiming that groups of Kabir’s supporters were “carrying bricks to construct what he claims will be a Babri Masjid,” adding that Kabir had allegedly said West Bengal Police were backing him and had provided security.
He also underlined the strategic sensitivity of the area: “Any organised disturbance could lead to a blockade of NH-12, which connects North Bengal to the rest of the state. Such a scenario would have grave implications for law and order and may even impact national security.”
In a legthy post, Malviya said the CM’s handling of the controversy reflected “calculated political intent rather than a commitment to preserving harmony.”
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/extmc-mla-lays-foundation-for-babri-masjid-style-mosque-in-murshidabad-bjp-reacts-101765011749416.html
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Four Afghan Nationals Executed in Iran Amid Rising Human Rights Concerns
By Fidel Rahmati
December 6, 2025
Four Afghan citizens were executed in Iran last month, underscoring increasing dangers for refugees amid harsh enforcement and worsening human rights conditions.
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harp increase in executions over the past month, with at least 152 people, including four Afghan nationals, put to death during November.
Among those executed were four women, highlighting ongoing concerns over Iran’s use of the death penalty and the targeting of vulnerable groups within the country.
The total represents a 70 percent rise compared with the same period last year, signaling a troubling escalation in capital punishment practices across Iran.
Most executions involved convictions for murder or drug trafficking, although details regarding the Afghanistan citizens executed remain limited, raising questions about legal procedures and due process.
Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, the Taliban executed a person in Khost province last week on charges of murder, showing that harsh penalties remain in use across the region.
The spike in executions and strict enforcement of laws in Iran is exacerbating the plight of Afghan refugees, many of whom face forced deportation back to Afghanistan amid harsh winter conditions.
Advocates warn that these deportations place vulnerable populations at extreme risk, highlighting the urgent need for international attention and protective measures for refugees and asylum-seekers.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/four-afghan-nationals-executed-in-iran-amid-rising-human-rights-concerns/
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Religious radicalism powering insecurity in Nigeria, says Islamic cleric Akeugbagold
DECEMBER 5, 2025
Taofeek Akeugbagold(Credit: The Guardian Nigeria News)
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An Ibadan-based Islamic scholar, Taofeek Akeugbagold, has identified religious radicalism as one of the factors breeding terrorism, banditry, and insecurity in Nigeria.
Mr Akewugbagold, a former chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), stated this in Ibadan on Friday.
The Islamic scholar said some preachers had brought about and passed down a lot of man-made ideologies to their followers, thus leading to religious radicalism and intolerance.
According to him, radical messages by an Islamic or Christian cleric, or any other person, promote hatred and enmity, ultimately affecting the country’s peaceful coexistence.
Mr Akeugbagold said the country is currently facing the consequences of such radical messages, as experienced by the rising rate of insecurity.
“If the Nigerian government truly wants to tackle insecurity and end banditry or terrorism, the issue of radicalism in preaching, be it in Islam, Christianity or traditionalism, needs to be brought to the barest minimum.
“Any Islamic or Christian cleric preaching hatred or enmity is misinterpreting the Quran or the Bible because none of the scriptures preaches that,” Mr Akeugbagold said.
He called on the federal government (FG) to order security agencies to arrest such religious preachers and block all external sources of terrorism funding.
Mr Akeugbagold said Saudi Arabia acted accordingly to curb religious radicalism, thus ensuring the country’s peace.
He debunked the notion that lack of education was largely responsible for insecurity, particularly in the northern part of the country.
According to him, some of the Northern residents are literate, especially in Islamic education.
“The tangible thing the government is missing out on, and has not addressed, is religious radicalism and their ideologies, which have been imbibed and passed on to others by religious preachers.
“In Islam, there are various schools of thought or ideology; there is the one that is liberal and the one that takes a hardline posture, and that hardline posture is the one in the northern part of Nigeria.
“So, the federal government needs to introduce certain measures to tame the hardline posture of radicalism in religious preaching to address the country’s insecurity,” he said.
Mr Akeugbagold says Islam encourages peaceful coexistence among adherents of other faiths, noting that those preaching radicalism are misinterpreting the scripture.
He congratulated the new minister of defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, urging him to look into strict religious ideologies and do everything possible to eradicate them urgently.
Source: gazettengr.com
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https://gazettengr.com/religious-radicalism-powering-insecurity-in-nigeria-says-islamic-cleric-akeugbagold/
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Saudi Arabia, regional partners reject any move to displace Palestinians from Gaza
December 05, 2025
The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkiye and Qatar on Friday expressed deep concern over Israeli statements regarding the opening of the Rafah crossing in one direction only. (AFP)
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RIYADH: The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkiye and Qatar on Friday expressed deep concern over Israeli statements about the opening of the Rafah crossing in one direction only, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In a joint statement, the ministers said it was a move that could facilitate the displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip into Egypt.
They firmly rejected any attempts to force Palestinians from their land, stressing the need for full adherence to the plan put forward by US President Donald Trump, which stipulated opening of the Rafah crossing in both directions and guaranteeing freedom of movement without coercion.
The ministers emphasized that conditions must be created to allow Palestinians to remain on their land and take part in rebuilding their homeland, under a comprehensive framework aimed at restoring stability and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
They reiterated their appreciation for Trump’s commitment to regional peace and underscored the importance of implementing his plan in full and without obstruction.
The statement also highlighted the urgent need for a sustained ceasefire, an end to civilian suffering, unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza, and the launch of early recovery and reconstruction efforts.
The ministers further called for conditions that would enable the Palestinian Authority to resume its responsibilities in the enclave.
The eight countries reaffirmed their readiness to continue coordinating with the US and international partners to ensure full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and other relevant resolutions, in pursuit of a just and lasting peace based on international law and the two-state solution, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2625172/saudi-arabia
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Army Chief: Iran Armed Forces Stand Ready to Defend Islamic System at Any Cost
By IFP Media Wire
December 5, 2025
Iranian Army Commander-in-Chief, Major General Amir Hatami, said the country’s armed forces remain steadfast in defending the Islamic Republic under any circumstances, stressing that even the slightest harm to the Islamic system is viewed as a direct blow to Iran’s independence and territorial integrity.
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Speaking during a meeting with the head and members of the Iranian Parliament’s Budget and Planning Committee, Hatami pointed to the long-standing hostility of the United States and Israel toward the Islamic Republic.
He said that since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Washington and Tel Aviv have used every tool at their disposal against Iran, with their enmity growing deeper and more intense over the years.
Referring to the recent 12-day war, Hatami said Iran had been engaged in negotiations with the United States when Israel, backed by Washington, launched a brutal assault aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear, missile, and air-defense capabilities and targeting senior commanders.
He added that Israel also pursued the broader objective of toppling the Islamic Republic itself.
He stressed that Israel’s aggression failed due to the Supreme Leader’s decisive guidance in reorganizing military command, the sacrifice and strength of Iran’s armed forces, and the vigilance of the Iranian people — ultimately forcing Israel to request a ceasefire.
“We emerged victorious because the enemy failed to achieve its goals,” he said.
Hatami added that Iran has not wasted a single moment since the conflict in strengthening its defense capabilities, making continued military empowerment a top priority.
He thanked the Iranian people for their crucial role in safeguarding national security during the 12-day conflict, reaffirming: “In every situation, we will stand to the last breath in defense of the Islamic system.”
Source: ifpnews.com
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https://ifpnews.com/army-chief-iran-armed-forces-stand-ready-to-defend-islamic-system-at-any-cost/
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India
News Regulator Orders Five Channels To Remove ‘Love Jihad’ Shows About Letter In NCERT Textbook
Scroll Staff
Dec 6, 2025
The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority on Tuesday directed five news channels to take down eight shows that linked a National Council of Educational Research and Training textbook to a “love jihad” conspiracy.
The complaint concerned the misrepresentation of a fictional letter in an old NCERT Class 3 Environmental Studies chapter titled Chitti Aayi Hai. The letter, written by a character named Reena to another character, Ahmed, was wrongly projected by the television channels as evidence of a love jihad conspiracy, according to the complaint.
Love jihad is a Hindutva conspiracy theory that Muslim men trick Hindu women into romantic relationships with the aim of converting them to Islam. The Union home ministry has told Parliament that Indian law has no provision defining such a term.
The programmes challenged by complainants Indrajeet Ghorpade and Utkarsh Mishra were aired on India TV, News18 MP/Chhattisgarh, Zee MP/Chhattisgarh, Zee News and ABP News.
In its December 2 order directing the removal of the videos, the regulatory body noted that just because an NCERT chapter shows a girl writing a letter to a boy from another religion, it does not justify being described as love jihad.
Retired Justice AK Sikri, the chairperson of the regulatory body, observed that India is a secular country, “which is the constitutional mandate as well”.
“Therefore, giving of this slant to a particular chapter in an NCERT book by the broadcasters would amount to the violation of the Code of Conduct,” Sikri said.
Complainants allege biased coverage
The complainants had alleged that even though the channels had been recently censured for their earlier coverage relating to love jihad, they had chosen to highlight a news story that was “entirely subjective”, “highly polarising” and largely pushed by groups seeking “notoriety and popularity”.
The channels had given a platform to persons promoting the claims, and in some cases, the anchors had casually endorsed the narrative through “dog-whistling” and tickers on the screen, the complainants had alleged.
They said that in the show by News18 MP/Chhattisgarh, the entire coverage revolved around the comments of Dhirendra Shastri, the head priest of the Bageshwar Dham, who claimed that Hindu women were in danger and that love jihad was a strategy to increase the Muslim population.
The complainants argued the show reinforced Shastri’s narrative through tickers and visuals, with “no critical examination” of whether the claims were communal or divisive.
In the broadcasts aired on Zee News and Zee Madhya Pradesh/Chhattisgarh, the complainants stated that even though teachers were interviewed, the broadcast suggested that the chapter in the textbook was “suspicious”.
They said that the reporter openly questioned the motive behind the chapter and implied that including a letter from “Reena to Ahmed” was problematic.
According to the complainants, the views clearly showed that the reporter himself opposed the chapter.
The complainants also alleged that on India TV, the channel showed extreme reactions, including that of a person who was “blackening” the textbook. The broadcaster did not question or challenge the conduct, thereby amplifying it, Ghorpade and Mishra had alleged.
A consistent pattern across all channels, according to the complainants, was the “absence of any critical engagement”. They said that News18 MP/Chhattisgarh and ABP News had challenged Shastri’s claims.
The complainants pointed out that none of the channels had made an effort to contact the NCERT for its explanation.
Merely reporting statements, say channels
During the hearings before the regulatory body, the channels defended their shows by arguing that they were reporting statements made by a parent, political leaders or other public figures.
News18 Madhya Pradesh/Chhattisgarh said it had aired the comments by Shastri and that it was not endorsing or verifying what he said. It also questioned whether the term love jihad can be construed to be “unconstitutional or unparliamentary”, and whether there was “any embargo against the usage” of the term.
India TV said that its coverage focused on the protests and had included NCERT’s response.
Zee and ABP News argued that the term love jihad had been used in the parents’ original complaint, and that their reporting was centred on the news value of the controversy.
NBDSA disapproves coverage, orders removal of shows
The regulatory body disapproved of the manner in which the news story had been dealt with.
Sikri, the chairperson of the NBDSA, noted that a parent had complained about the letter in the chapter and that the channels had justified their coverage saying that they were reporting about the complaint.
The shows being limited to covering the complaint as news might not have led to objections, Sikri said. “Instead, this complaint was turned into a debate by the broadcasters with a specific narrative, and in doing so, they did not interview any other persons or the 15 parents,” his order said.
The NBDSA order also noted that some channels had interviewed individuals whose views were already well known, but failed to bring on anyone with a different perspective.
The regulator observed that the way the shows had been structured “clearly showed a lack of objectivity”.
It directed the five channels to take down the videos from their websites, YouTube channels and other platforms. The broadcasters were asked to report compliance to the NBDSA within a week.
Source: scroll.in
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https://scroll.in/latest/1089069/news-regulator-orders-five-channels-to-remove-love-jihad-shows-based-on-letter-in-ncert-textbook
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Jamaat-e-Islami and Hindutva Organisations Are "Birds Of The Same Feather" – Kerala CM
Dec 05, 2025
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday said that Jamaat-e-Islami and Hindutva organisations are "birds of the same feather" and accused the Congress of joining hands with the Muslim outfit for electoral gains, terming their alliance as "suicidal".
Speaking at the 'Meet the Press' event in Ernakulam Press Club on Friday, the chief minister said that Jamaat-e-Islami intervenes in several matters in Kerala, despite not being a traditional organisation operating in the state.
Kerala's Muslim community includes Sunnis, Mujahids and other minorities, and a majority of them do not recognise Jamaat-e-Islami, he claimed.
Calling the Congress party's move a "suicidal stand", he said UDF voters would not be able to accept the ideology and politics of Jamaat-e-Islami. He alleged that Congress has entered into an "unholy alliance" solely for votes.
The chief minister said both Hindutva forces and political Islamists propagate religion-based nationalism and seek governance controlled by a religion. He likened their ideological approach to that of Mussolini and Hitler.
He referred to the teachings of Abul A'la Maududi and alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami had caused divisions among Muslim communities in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
"In India, political Islamists and Hindutva ideologues are birds of the same feather. Even if they appear to oppose each other, they have explored cooperation," he said.
He also claimed that during the launch of the Welfare Party of India in 2011 - the political wing founded by Jamaat-e-Islami - the only non-organisational person to be present in the event was BJP Minority Morcha leader Dr J K Jain and alleged that the organisation had held discussions with RSS in 2023.
He cited the Jammu and Kashmir elections as an instance where he alleged a nexus between BJP and Jamaat-e-Islami to defeat CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, who eventually won.
The chief minister said that while many Indian Union Muslim League followers oppose such alliances, the UDF is attempting to please both Jamaat-e-Islami and the BJP. "They are trying to pawn the peace and secularism of the state," he alleged.
On other issues, he said Kerala's public distribution system has been strengthened with over Rs 10,000 crore spent in the last nine-and-a-half years. Regarding paddy procurement, he alleged that some mill owners were deliberately refusing to cooperate with the government.
A new model involving cooperative groups would be piloted in Palakkad to ensure procurement under the supervision of the Civil Supplies Corporation, he said.
The chief minister said that decentralisation of power has been the foundation of Kerala's progress and achievements.
He said funds have been allocated to local bodies with a clear development vision, and many major achievements - including the state's declaration of being free from extreme poverty on November 1 - were possible due to their active intervention.
The chief minister said that in the current national context, protecting secularism and the federal nature of the country is crucial. The country is facing several challenges in this regard, he added.
He said the Left parties and the LDF are committed to safeguarding and strengthening secular values in Kerala.
"Our state has its own speciality in this respect and other states have recognised it," he said, urging voters to support these values in the upcoming elections. The chief minister said Kochi has witnessed a significant transformation.
Beyond conventional infrastructure development, initiatives have focused on improving the quality of life and delivering benefits directly to the people.
Highlighting major projects such as Kochi Metro and Water Metro, he said several other states and foreign countries have expressed interest in implementing similar Water Metro systems.
He cited various initiatives implemented in Kochi, including "Samrudhi," a program to eradicate hunger, and housing projects that built apartments for families living in colonies.
He also mentioned Operation Breakthrough to resolve waterlogging, the modernisation of the Ernakulam Market and improvements in the cultural sector.
Source: ndtv.com
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https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pinarayi-vijayan-likens-jamaat-e-islami-to-hindutva-organisations-9759359
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Saudi Clerics, 40,000 Biryani Packets, 20,000 Locals: Ex-TMC MLA’s ‘Babri Mosque’ Event At Noon; Suspended MLA Thanks 'Police For Support'
Dec 6, 2025
KOLKATA: Security has been stepped up in Murshidabad district, West Bengal, ahead of a controversial foundation-laying event planned by suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir.
Kabir told reporters: "All is well. Wait until it's 12 noon; the reading of the Quran will begin then. After that, the foundation stone will be laid. I am receiving all cooperation from the administration. Murshidabad Police and State Police are all supporting me. I thank them."
Residents and volunteers have begun preparations for the event. Safiqul Islam, from Uttar Barasat, was seen carrying bricks, saying his efforts were part of contributing to the mosque’s construction.
Kabir is expected to attend the ceremony, alongside roughly 2,000 volunteers helping organise the event.
Beldanga in Murshidabad district was transformed into a massive worksite on Friday.
Saudi clerics are expected to attend
Kabir, suspended by the ruling party on Thursday for repeatedly embarrassing the TMC, appeared unfazed by either political fallout or administrative scrutiny.
"Nearly 3 lakh people will gather across 25 Bighas near Moradighi on Saturday," Kabir told reporters, adding that religious leaders from several states had confirmed their presence.
"Two qazis from Saudi Arabia will arrive in a special convoy from Kolkata airport in the morning," he said.
Preparations at the sprawling venue off NH-12, the district’s main north-south highway, included contracting seven catering agencies to cook Shahi biryani for the crowd.
Organisers said around 40,000 meal packets were being prepared for guests and another 20,000 for local residents, pushing food costs above Rs 30 lakh. Overall, the venue budget is expected to reach Rs 60-70 lakh.
The dais, rising over the paddy fields, measures 150 feet long and 80 feet wide and will seat around 400 guests. The stage is estimated to cost Rs 10 lakh. Nearly 3,000 volunteers, including 2,000 who began work on Friday, will manage crowd movement, regulate access roads and prevent traffic bottlenecks.
Kabir said the ceremony will begin with Quran recitation at 10 am, followed by the foundation event at noon. "Formalities will start two hours earlier. By 4 pm, the ground will be cleared as per police directives," he added.
The administration has expressed concerns over the size of the expected congregation. Following a Calcutta High Court directive, district police held discussions with Kabir’s team to ensure public order and uninterrupted movement along NH-12. Nearly 3,000 personnel are expected to be deployed in Beldanga and Raninagar jurisdictions.
"Our primary concern is keeping the national highway running. Extra forces have arrived from the headquarters. Multiple diversion plans are in place," a senior officer said.
Officials noted that crowd control and potential highway congestion remain the biggest challenges. Saturday’s event is seen as a test of both mobilisation and Kabir’s political influence in a region where religion, symbolism and politics often intersect.
"People will come because this is a historic moment for the area," Kabir said, brushing aside political ripples and the heavy security presence.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/saudi-clerics-40000-biryanis-20000-locals-humayun-kabirs-babri-mosque-event-at-noon-suspended-mla-thanks-police-for-support/articleshow/125799636.cms
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Calcutta HC Refuses To Interfere With Laying Of Foundation Stone Of ‘Babri Masjid’ By MLA Humayun Kabir
December 06, 2025
SHIV SAHAY SINGH
Observing that the responsibility of maintenance of law and order would rest with the State government, the Calcutta High Court on Friday (December 5, 2025) refused to intervene in the foundation stone laying of a mosque by Bharatpur MLA Humayun Kabir on December 6.
Mr. Kabir has announced laying the foundation stone of ‘Babri Masjid’ in Murshidabad on December 6, and was on Thursday (December 4, 2025) suspended from Trinamool Congress for anti-party activities. The MLA on Friday (December 5, 2025) said that he will go ahead with the mosque inauguration on Saturday (December 6, 2025).
The division bench of Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul while hearing a petition which claimed the foundation stone laying of the mosque will impact the communal harmony of our state directed that the responsibility of maintenance of law and order would rest with the West Bengal government.
The counsels of the State government informed the Court that sufficient deployment of police forces on the ground to ensure that peace is not breached.
The counsels of the Centre also brought to the notice of the Court that 19 companies of the Central Armed Police Force, which were deployed in the region following the communal riots in Murshidabad earlier this year, still remain posted and would be ready for deployment in the eventuality of violence. Murshidabad had witnessed communal riots over protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in April 2025 which left three dead and hundreds of people homeless.
Speaking about the foundation stone laying of the mosque, Mr. Kabir said that a grand event was being organised in the Moradighi area of Beldanga, in which about 40,000 people will participate in the event. Security has been stepped up at Rejinagar, and the administration has deployed a large police force to maintain law and order in the area. Senior police officers also held discussions with Mr. Kabir over the proposed event on Saturday.
The development has evoked strong political reactions, Congress leader and former Lok Sabha MP from Baharmpur said the construction of the mosque is taking place because Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been constructing temples from the State exchequer. “Every action has equal and opposite requisition,” Mr. Chowdhury said.
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said that people have objections to the term ‘ Babri Masjid’ and the Trinamool Congress suspension of Humayun Kabir was only an eyewash. Mr. Adhikari said that he is certain that the Mamata Banerjee administration will allow the construction of the mosque in Murshidabad.
Source: thehindu.com
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https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/ahead-of-foundation-stone-laying-of-babri-style-mosque-in-murshidabad-calcutta-hc-refuses-intervention/article70361489.ece
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UP police begin ‘door-to-door’ hunt for Bangladeshis, Rohingya under govt crackdown
Piyush Srivastava
06.12.25
Yogi Adityanath’s police have begun “door-to-door” surveys across Uttar Pradesh to identify Bangladeshis and Rohingya refugees and put them in detention centres, multiple sources including a mayor and two senior police officers said.
Akash Kulhari, inspector-general (IG) of police, Jhansi range, confirmed that the state government had in a November 22 order directed the surveys and the establishment of detention centres.
Critics said the crackdown was an anti-minority measure by a party whose governments have been hounding Bengali-speaking Muslims across the country.
“According to the order, we’ll also make a detention centre in Jhansi. Illegal migrants living in Lalitpur, Jhansi and Jalaun districts (Bundelkhand region) will be kept there until they are sent back to their countries,” Kulhari told reporters on Friday.
Agra deputy commissioner of police Syed Ali Abbas claimed the city’s municipal corporation itself harboured illegal immigrants.
“We have a list of 3,000
such people employed by the Nagar Nigam,” he said. “Initial reports suggest that several private outsourcing companies have also hired such people in Agra.”
He added: “Our teams, including members of the local intelligence units, are going door to door to identify them. We’ll also check their crime records.”
Lucknow mayor Sushma Kharakwal claimed many Bangladeshis and Rohingya people worked as conservancy staff for the city’s civic body — which she heads — while giving evasive replies on why their antecedents had not earlier been verified.
Home department sources said an intelligence-based estimate of illegal immigrants, carried out at the state government’s behest two years ago, had counted 10 lakh aliens, of them 6,000 in Lucknow and Agra.
Asked what action was taken, they said nothing was done, indicating problems with identification. This survey, they claimed, would yield better results because it is being conducted “door
to door”.
Senior officers, too, used the term but none explained how the police would garner the manpower required for a statewide door-to-door drive.
Some observers feared that the label of “door-to-door” was being used to add credence
to a crackdown by a state government widely seen as hostile to minorities.
Kharakwal, the Lucknow mayor, claimed she had begun working to identify the “intruders” weeks before the November 22 order was issued.
“I began a search operation a few weeks ago and initiated the process for the deportation of 50 families,” she told reporters on Wednesday, without providing details.
“Later, when we intensified our search, 160 conservancy staff of the Lucknow Nagar Nigam ran away from here. They didn’t want to submit their identity proof and other details. We believe they were Rohingya, and had secured their local identity cards on the basis of forged documents.”
Asked whether the civic body had verified their Aadhaar cards, she said: “They ran away before we could check this properly. But we have their details and are still crosschecking.”
She added: “Some of them claim to be from Assam. If they have identity proof from Assam, we will check their details on the National Register of Citizens.”
Kharakwal claimed that most of the staff who had run away were criminals.
Under the government order, the lists of illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingya refugees are to be handed over to the divisional commissioners and IGs. Sources said vacant and unused government buildings, including community centres and police stations, would be converted into detention centres.
A home department official, who asked not to be quoted, said the administration expected to complete the crackdown by March next year.
Samajwadi Party president Akilesh Yadav said the drive was nothing but a reflection of the BJP’s “hatred against
a community”.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/up-police-begin-door-to-door-hunt-for-bangladeshis-rohingya-under-govt-crackdown-prnt/cid/2136426
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Deadline ends today, no waqf registration extension: Rijiju
Dec 6, 2025
NEW DELHI: Over 4.6 lakh waqf property uploads had been initiated till Friday evening on the minority affairs ministry's UMEED central portal.
The six-month deadline for uploading details, keeping with the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, will end Saturday, and Union minister Kiren Rijiju made it clear that there will be no extension. Those left out can approach the waqf tribunal, he said.
However, the ministry has said as a "humanitarian and facilitative" measure for those who were unable to register, no penalties or strict action will be initiated for the next three months, enabling those who may have not been able to upload due to genuine reasons to approach the tribunal.
As per the law, only if the tribunal is satisfied with the reasons for not filing within the deadline, it can allow an extension of up to six months.
The ministry also issued a statement on minority affairs minister Rijiju's remarks to reporters on Friday. "The six-month deadline mandated under the Act has ended, and cannot be extended due to provisions of the Act, and clear directions of the SC," he added.
"However, recognising the concerns of mutawallis, the minister assured that the ministry will not impose any penalties or take strict action for the next three months as a humanitarian and facilitative measure," the ministry said.
"Mutawallis who are unable to complete registration process before midnight on Saturday can approach the waqf tribunal, which has the legal authority to grant an extension. The minister has repeatedly emphasised that any change in the legally mandated timeline is not possible, as it is bound by the law passed by Parliament and upheld by SC," it said.
The Centre had launched the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) central portal on June 6 to create a digital inventory after geo-tagging all waqf properties which will be assigned a unique ID number.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/deadline-ends-today-no-waqf-registration-extension-rijiju/articleshow/125798075.cms
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South Asia
IEA Highlights Commitment to Constructive, Respect-Based Relations With World Countries
December 6, 2025
KABUL: Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, Mawlavi Abdul Salam Hanafi, reaffirmed the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to building constructive and respectful relations with the European Union and all countries.
Hanafi made the remarks in a meeting with Andreas Papaconstantinou, Director-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations of the EU, and his accompanying delegation, Arg said in a statement the other day.
Hanafi expressed appreciation for the EU’s continued humanitarian assistance, particularly its support for returning refugees and communities affected by natural disasters.
He welcomed the delegation’s acknowledgement of improved security conditions across Afghanistan and the EU’s enhanced ability to assess needs and deliver aid transparently.
He underlined that Afghanistan values political, economic, and cultural cooperation with EU member states and emphasized that the Islamic Emirate seeks positive engagement with all countries based on mutual respect and shared interests.
The EU delegation reiterated its commitment to supporting the Afghan population, noting that improved operational conditions now allow EU teams to engage directly with communities and deliver aid more effectively.
The delegation highlighted plans for youth employment initiatives and support programs for returnees, and expressed readiness to mobilize additional humanitarian aid.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/iea-highlights-commitment-to-constructive-respect-based-relations-with-world-countries/
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Islamic Emirate Reaffirms Position on Reopening Trade Routes with Pakistan
December 6, 2025
KABUL: The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has reiterated its stance on restoring normal trade and transit routes with Pakistan, emphasizing that these crossings were closed by Pakistan “illegally and as a tool of political and economic pressure,” causing harm to people on both sides.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, said in a statement the other day that Afghanistan procures its essential goods from multiple countries and is committed to expanding regional trade.
“The trade routes with Pakistan will reopen only after receiving strong guarantees from Islamabad that the crossings will not be used again for political leverage or to disrupt the movement of traders,” Mujahid emphasized.
He underscored that the rights of traders and citizens of both countries must be protected.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/islamic-emirate-reaffirms-position-on-reopening-trade-routes-with-pakistan/
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Afghan, Russian Envoys Review Expanding Bilateral Relations
December 6, 2025
ISLAMABAD: Russia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Albert Khorev, met with Afghanistan’s Ambassador and Special Representative to Islamabad, Mullah Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, to discuss the state of bilateral ties and recent regional developments.
According to a statement from the embassy the other day, Ambassador Shakeeb welcomed Russia’s growing engagement and described Moscow’s step toward recognizing the Islamic Emirate as “a valuable contribution to strengthening regional stability.”
He reiterated Afghanistan’s commitment to relations based on mutual respect, shared interests, and constructive cooperation.
Ambassador Khorev expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of ties and reaffirmed Russia’s intention to play a responsible and stabilizing role in regional affairs.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/afghan-russian-envoys-review-expanding-bilateral-relations/
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Once voted to power, BNP will make it easier to conduct business: Amir Khosru
Dec 5, 2025
If BNP is voted to power, it will prioritise relaxing rules to conduct business, especially by making it easier to send and receive money abroad, party leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said today.
"For Bangladesh to truly realise its full economic potential, we must widen opportunities and break the structural barriers that hold back our young creators and entrepreneurs," he said while speaking as a chief guest at a dialogue. The event, "Youth Voice, National Vision: Co-Creating Bangladesh's Future", was held at the KIB Complex in Dhaka's Farmgate.
The Dhaka Forum Initiative (DFI), in partnership with the Youth School for Social Entrepreneurs (YSSE), hosted the national youth policy dialogue.
"If people of this country choose us, our priority will be to simplify the way business is done, starting with making it easier to send and receive money abroad," he said.
These restrictions discourage investment and limit the ability of local innovators to grow, he said, adding, "We will streamline these processes to support both businesses and investors."
BNP is committed to investing in the film and wider creative industry, including establishing theatre districts and nurturing an ecosystem where creative professionals can thrive, he said.
"Employment generation will remain at the centre of our economic agenda, because no country can expand its GDP without creating meaningful opportunities for its youth," Khosru said.
Dr Mahdi Amin, adviser to BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman, speaking at the event, said, "It is a great opportunity to connect with so many vibrant young people today who have come from different parts of the country. Hearing directly from the youth is refreshing and reaffirming, because their insights must guide the policies that will shape Bangladesh's digital and economic future."
He added, "AI will significantly reshape Bangladesh's economy, but this transition can only succeed if young people are equipped to lead it. We need an upskilling agenda that prepares the youth for an AI-driven future and ensures their voices are reflected in national policymaking.
"As part of this vision, we plan to introduce a third language from class six so that future graduates have stronger global career opportunities. We will also ensure better benefits for primary teachers, because quality education begins with a supported and motivated teaching force."
Around 250 university students, young professionals and entrepreneurs participated in discussions covering a wide range of national priorities.
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/once-voted-power-bnp-will-make-it-easier-conduct-business-amir-khosru-4051366
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Africa
‘I Swear To God We Will Repay You’ – Terrorist Threatens Kaduna Community After Troops Killed Two Insurgents
December 5, 2025
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
Residents of Ungwan Nungu in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State are gripped by fear following fresh threats from terrorists, who vowed to retaliate after a military operation killed two gang members and led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and about ?1.6 million.
Community sources told Sahara Reporters on Friday that the resurgence of threats comes barely days after 10 residents, six women and four men, were abducted on their farms on November 29, a pattern that has become routine in the community.
According to residents, troops intercepted the terrorists on Friday as they attempted to collect ransom for abducted villagers. The soldiers reportedly recovered an AK-47 rifle, one round of 9mm ammunition, and cash believed to be ransom money.
The terrorists, in a Hausa-language audio obtained by Sahara Reporters, accused villagers of alerting soldiers, leading to the fatal ambush.
“The voice note is from the terrorists who are threatening us after two of them were suspected to have been killed,” one resident said.
An earlier attack in Ungwan Nungu saw about 15 people, mostly children, abducted, with five later abandoned because they were too weak to continue the trek.
In the audio message, a terrorist vowed violent retaliation against the community.
He said, “We thank you for what you have done for us. I hope you people want to live peacefully with us.
“Is that why you sent soldiers to us? Are you hearing me? I swear to Almighty God; do you know how mighty God is? We have ‘entered the same trousers’ with you. You brought us money and still sent soldiers along.
“Are you hearing me? I swear to God, everything the soldiers did to us, we shall repay you people. If we are still alive, we will definitely retaliate.
“I am telling you this not because I want to listen to whatever you are saying, but so that if something happens one day, you will not say we did not warn you. By God’s grace, we shall retaliate for what they did to us. If you people are still in this community, just wait and see.”
He warned that the group would return after regrouping. The terrorist also claimed the seized AK-47 must be paid for, threatening widespread attacks if the community failed to meet their demand.
He said, “Are you hearing me? From next month, after we have fully prepared, we are coming back, and you will see God’s miracles.
“They took one of our rifles, and because of that rifle only God knows how many lives will be lost. Except they pay us for that missing rifle.
“We have been dealing with you people and the security operatives peacefully. “But from now on, from the farms to the villages to the roads, including the security operatives, we will be attacking you unless you pay for the rifle the soldiers took from us.
“But if you refuse to pay for the rifle, rest assured no one in your community will live in peace. I swear to God, I give you two months, and you will regret it.
“Get ready. If you want to pay, you know how to find us. And if you refuse, we will come by ourselves and collect it from you.”
In the recording, a community representative pleaded innocence, insisting they did not inform the military.
He said, “I swear to God, we did not send soldiers to you. As we promised yesterday, we kept our promise. Why would we send soldiers to you people? He added that the Nigerian military had confronted the villagers, accusing them of hiding information about ransom negotiations.
“The Nigerian military is angry because yesterday we took money to deliver to you, and we did not inform them. Even today, we refuse to tell them anything.
“We did not send anyone to you people. Like I told you, we did not inform anyone. They are blaming us, asking why we are communicating with you people and refusing to let the security operatives know.”
With terrorists naming farmlands, roads, and villages as targets, Ungwan Nungu residents say they now live in terror, unsure when the attackers might strike again.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/12/05/breaking-i-swear-to-god-we-will-repay-you-terrorist-threatens-kaduna-community-after-troops-kill-two-insurgents/
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Ex-Buhari’s Minister, Malami Denies Link To Terrorism Financing
December 6, 2025
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
A former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has vehemently rejected allegations linking him to terrorism financing, following a report by SaharaReporters that named him among Nigerians allegedly connected to terror financiers.
The report, published on Friday, claimed that two suspects arrested in a counter-terrorism investigation were “linked to” Malami and other prominent Nigerians.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), denied any involvement in terrorism financing. He emphasised that neither Nigerian nor international agencies have ever accused, investigated, or charged him in connection with terrorism financing.
The statement reads, “My attention has been drawn to a recent publication in which my name was mentioned in connection with allegations of terrorism financing and so-called ‘links’ to persons described as terror suspects or alleged financiers.
“I consider it necessary, in the interest of truth, justice and public record, to make the following clarifications.
“First, I state clearly and unequivocally that I have never at any time been accused, invited, interrogated, investigated or charged by any security, law-enforcement, regulatory or intelligence agency, within or outside Nigeria, in respect of terrorism financing or any related offence.
“Secondly, even the retired military officer cited as the principal source in the said publication categorically admitted that he was not accusing me, or other named individuals, of financing terrorism. His own account, as reported, was limited to a vague assertion that certain suspects allegedly had some form of “business” or “institutional” relationship with various persons. That important clarification was, unfortunately, overshadowed by a headline and framing capable of misleading well-meaning members of the public into drawing inaccurate and damaging conclusions, which were unfortunately politically manipulated by my political opponents to create mischievous insinuations implying my involvement in terrorism financing.
“Terrorism financing is a grave crime with devastating consequences for national security and human life. Any attempt, whether by direct allegation or indirect innuendo—to associate an individual with such an offence must be grounded in verifiable facts, due process and lawful findings, not in conjecture, speculation, or guilt by association. To suggest that lawful professional or institutional engagements can, without more, be read as evidence of terrorism financing is both mischievous and unjust.
“For the avoidance of doubt, my public record in office stands in direct contradiction to any insinuation of complicity in terrorism financing. During my tenure as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, I worked with other arms of government and relevant institutions to strengthen, not weaken, Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework against money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
“The Federal Government, through collaborative work involving the Federal Ministry of Justice, the National Assembly and other stakeholders, established an independent Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) by law, in order to meet global standards on operational autonomy and to restore Nigeria’s standing within the international financial intelligence community.
“We supported and saw to the enactment of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which repealed the older Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act and provided a more comprehensive and stringent framework for combating money laundering and related offences, including those that may underpin terrorism financing.
“We similarly worked on the passage and implementation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which strengthened Nigeria’s legal regime against terrorism, updated offences and penalties, and reinforced provisions dealing specifically with the financing of terrorism in line with international standards and United Nations obligations.
“In furtherance of these laws, my office cooperated closely with key domestic institutions, such as the NFIU, the Central Bank of Nigeria, law-enforcement and regulatory agencies, and with international partners, to improve coordination, information-sharing and compliance across the anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorism-financing (AML/CFT) architecture.”
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/12/06/ex-buharis-minister-malami-confirms-he-has-been-linked-to-terrorism-financing/
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Bayelsa Ex-Gov, Dickson Accuses APC Of Politicizing Corruption, Terrorism
December 6, 2025
By Richard Ogunsile
Former Governor of Bayelsa State and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson, has taken a swipe at the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the ruling party of consistently turning grave national matters into political weapons.
Dickson said this was evident in the past prosecution of a former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayodele Oke, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), despite having no case against him.
Naija News reports that Oke, who was appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan to head the NIA, faced corruption allegations under the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari.
Dickson insisted the prosecution, which was eventually withdrawn, was politically motivated.
Speaking after the Senate screened President Bola Tinubu’s first batch of ambassadorial nominees, including Oke, Kayode Are, and Aminu Dalhatu, the senator said the ordeal “should not have happened in the first place.”
As Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Dickson said he specifically questioned Oke on the circumstances surrounding his exit from office.
Dickson, writing on ??, said, “I asked Oke, pointedly, to clear the air on the controversies leading to his exit from office. In his answers, Ambassador Oke… explained the issues leading to his departure from office and furnished us with a copy of a court order affirming his acquittal, following the withdrawal of the case against him.”
He said the development confirmed his long-held view that the APC indulges in selective prosecution. The senator accused the APC of weaponising some of the country’s most critical issues.
According to him, “Since its formation, the APC has always played politics with serious national issues such as corruption, terrorism, and the economy.”
He added that the party “politicised and ethnicised the Boko Haram and terrorism challenges,” which he said worsened during its administration, even with a President from the North.”
Dickson further accused the party of double standards on fuel subsidy.
“They played politics with the attempt at reduction of fuel subsidy, but have now turned around to impose a harsher version of total subsidy removal, which has plunged Nigerians into poverty,” he said.
‘Oke Was A Victim Of Vendetta Against PDP’
Dickson likened Oke’s experience to that of former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.
“After listening to Mr Oke’s explanation, I have no doubt that he was a victim of the APC’s misguided vendetta to criminalise the PDP and its leadership,” he added.
While stressing that no one opposes a genuine anti-corruption fight, Dickson said it must be fair and non-selective.
“It must be fought across board, as all are equal before the law,” he said.
Dickson cautioned that offices such as the National Security Adviser and the intelligence community should be handled with utmost discretion.
“These are strategic tools in the hands of the President and the nation, and must be jealously protected… in order not to compromise the security architecture of the country,” he warned.
He stressed that once a President issues a lawful order, the intelligence chief executing it must be protected. Dickson said he voted to clear Oke following the withdrawal of the EFCC case, which he insisted “should not have started in the first place.”
He added that he also backed the confirmation of the two other nominees, Kayode Are and Aminu Dalhatu, describing them as “very experienced and eminently qualified Nigerians.”
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/12/06/bayelsa-ex-gov-dickson-accuses-apc-of-politicizing-corruption-terrorism/
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Tragedy In Borno As Bomb Explosion Kills Four Teenagers
December 5, 2025
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
Four teenagers have died in a tragic explosion caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Banki, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Borno State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday, disclosing that the IED detonated behind the Banki Motor Park in Wajari Ward, where the victims were reportedly playing with the device.
Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, said the victims had allegedly picked up the device from a nearby bush before it exploded.
“Further findings indicate that the injured boy had gone with four of his friends to a makeshift room behind the motor park, where the deceased were playing with an IED allegedly picked from the bush, when it accidentally exploded,” the statement read.
The explosion, which occurred at about 12:40pm on Thursday, also left a 12-year-old boy, Mustapha Tijja, seriously injured. He is currently receiving treatment at the FHI 360 NGO clinic in Banki and is said to be responding to care.
The deceased were named as Awana Mustapha, 15; Malum Modu, 14; Lawan Ibrahim, 12; and Modu Abacha, 12.
Upon receiving the report from a local resident, Babagana Mohammed, officers from the Banki Division and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit swiftly moved to the scene, where they cordoned off the area to prevent further harm.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, has expressed condolences to the bereaved families and warned the public, especially children, to avoid handling unfamiliar or suspicious objects.
“The Commissioner of Police has strongly warned members of the public, especially children, to avoid playing with strange objects or suspected explosive devices, and to promptly report such sightings to the nearest police station,” the statement added.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/12/05/tragedy-in-borno-as-bomb-explosion-kills-four-teenagers/
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Terrorrism: They Silenced Us To Protect Powerful Sponsors – Retired General
December 5, 2025
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
A once-celebrated counter-terrorism operation approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari has resurfaced in controversy after retired Army General, Ali-Keffi, claimed the wide-ranging 2021 probe was deliberately shut down to shield powerful individuals implicated in terror financing.
Ali-Keffi, who once commanded the 1 Division and served as General Officer Commanding (GOC), was appointed in 2021 to lead Operation Service Wide (OSW), a multi-agency task force mandated to unmask the masterminds and financiers behind Boko Haram and dismantle their networks.
According to Ali-Keffi, the investigation went far deeper than anticipated, uncovering a sprawling network of financiers allegedly linked to senior government officials, influential military officers, and top financial institutions.
Documents obtained by Sahara Reporters verified that OSW, working with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), arrested several high-profile suspects in March 2021, tracing money flows tied to terror financing.
The findings were reportedly submitted to former President Buhari in September 2021. Ali-Keffi claims the then Chief of Army Staff, Faruk Yahaya (retd.), was briefed, a revelation that later linked him in some capacity to persons arrested under OSW.
Barely a month after the submission, Ali-Keffi said he was summoned to the Headquarters of Military Police on October 18, 2021, interrogated, and detained for 64 days, without charge, trial, or formal explanation.
“Till today, I don’t know my offence,” he said, claiming the detention and forced retirement were coordinated to halt the investigation.
Frustrated by the lack of redress, he said he petitioned President Bola Tinubu after the president’s election but received no response, prompting him to file a lawsuit at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
He alleged court processes were never served on the Army, and his lawyer suspects foul play.
Powerful Individuals Allegedly Linked To Suspects
General Ali-Keffi insists that his comments are not based on anonymous sources but on what he was personally told by the then-Director/CEO of the NFIU, Modibbo Hamman-Tukur Ribadu, who worked directly with OSW.
According to him, two suspects arrested by OSW were linked to the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd).
Also, two other suspects were linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), while one suspect was linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele. Gen. Faruk Yahaya (rtd) was linked to one suspect.
Ali-Keffi clarified, “I am not accusing Buratai, Malami, or Emefiele of terrorism financing.
“But I was informed by the former NFIU Director that investigations linked them to some of the suspects. I don’t know if they were later cleared but up to the time that I was arrested, detained, compulsorily retired and taken off the OSW, they were linked to some of the suspects.”
He also revealed that Buratai reportedly asked the then-NFIU boss to “prevail on me to release two suspects.” Ali-Keffi said he refused and instead informed Buhari directly, without naming Buratai.
According to Ali-Keffi, Buhari reacted angrily, telling him, “You report to me and to me alone.”
He further clarified that none of the influential individuals were directly found to be involved in terrorism.
He said, “Let me state again that the former Director of NFIU told me that Gen. Buratai, Malami, Emefiele and Gen. Yahaya respectively were linked to some of the suspects based on business connections.
“Note that a lot of the suspects were engaged in legitimate business, which was Bureau De Change which however, we suspected were ‘cover’ for their other nefarious activity, which was, terrorism financing.
“Throughout the time that I headed the OSW, we did not establish that Gen. Buratai, Emefiele, Malami and Gen. Yahaya, were linked with terrorism financing or knew that the suspects that they were linked with were involved in terrorism financing.”
$600Million Offshore Account And Attempted $50Million Bribe
One of the international suspects, Aboubacar Hima, was found to own an offshore account containing about $600 million, which the OSW traced through the NFIU. The Nigerian team alerted the United States, which subsequently froze the account.
Ali-Keffi said the then-NFIU boss later told him that someone acting on behalf of Hima offered $50 million to Nigeria to inform the US that it had no issues with the funds, effectively unfreezing the account. Ali-Keffi said he rejected the offer.
Upon his release from detention, he was informed that the Nigerian government eventually wrote to the US requesting that the account be unfrozen.
According to him, Buhari told the NFIU boss to reconcile with Malami over their differences.
Ali-Keffi Speaks On Efforts To Derail The Investigation
Ali-Keffi stated that the OSW had gathered extensive evidence for terrorism-financing charges against 48 suspects in custody.
However, he said he faced persistent pressure to downgrade the charges to money laundering, something he believed was designed to divert the case to the EFCC, which at the time was under the influence of Malami and chaired by Abdulrasheed Bawa, Malami’s relative.
He alleged that a top prosecution lawyer assisting OSW was removed without explanation after refusing to compromise her stance that terrorism-financing charges were warranted.
The AGF’s office failed to obtain necessary court orders for asset forfeiture and instead applied only for detention orders.
According to him, the presidency and powerful officials “wanted to kill the investigation.”
He said, “After my release from detention, I was told by Hamman-Tukur Ribadu that the Nigerian Government wrote to the US to unfreeze the account.
“Let me state that in the course of the investigation, sometime in August or September 2021, Abubakar removed one of the top prosecution lawyers who was assisting the OSW to build up the case without any explanation to me. I later learned that she refused to compromise her stance, which was that we (OSW) had sufficient evidence to present in court on charges of terrorism financing against all the 48 suspects that were in OSW custody.
“I recall that I stated in my letter of redress that pressure was being mounted on me to build a case of money laundering against the individuals and not terrorism financing.
“I suspected that the powers-that-be at the time wanted the case to be transferred to the EFCC, which is under the control of the Attorney General. The Chairman at the time was Mr Bawa, a relative of Malami.
“They wanted to ‘kill’ the investigation but my insistence and that of the lady from the AGF office, who was removed, made the Presidency to go after me by getting the Army to come up with trumped-up allegations against me.”
Release Of The Suspects After His Removal
Following Ali-Keffi’s removal, detention, and compulsory retirement, OSW was effectively halted. He revealed that the suspects arrested by OSW were eventually released.
None of the 20 top suspects, nor any of the others arrested, were ever charged in court. The suspects were allegedly warned not to speak to the media or take legal action over their nine-month detention.
He said these details were confirmed to him by an insider.
“I understand that the 20 suspects were never charged or taken to court. They were all released. I was made to understand from an insider that they (the suspects before they were released) were warned not to go to the media, or to go to the court as a result of their detention for over nine months. NFIU was pressured to drop the accusation of terrorism financing,” he said.
List Of Over 400 Targets, Including Boko Haram Leader, Shekau
Perhaps the most explosive detail came from Ali-Keffi’s disclosure that OSW had a list of over 400 individuals to be arrested or eliminated.
The list included the late Boko Haram’s most notorious commander, Abubakar Shekau.
He said, “Some of the 20 top suspects are part of the 48 that the OSW arrested.
“We had a list of suspects to be arrested or eliminated containing over 400 individuals. Shekau was in the list. Of course, we couldn’t arrest Shekau and so we ’engineered’ what happened to him.”
Ali-Keffi insists that the NFIU, EFCC, and the Office of the Attorney-General are in the best position to explain whether the funds traced to the terror sponsor suspects were recovered or released.
The former GOC maintains that his ordeal, including arrest, detention, and forced retirement, was a direct result of resisting attempts to obstruct a terrorism-financing investigation that touched some of Nigeria’s most powerful individuals.
Source: naijanews.com
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Arab World
Saudi Arabia promotes values of moderation and tolerance in Jakarta
December 05, 2025
JAKARTA: The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance delivered the Friday sermon at Al-Azhar Mosque in Jakarta as part of a ministry program organized in cooperation with its Indonesian counterpart.
The initiative reflects the ministry’s commitment to strengthening its religious and educational presence and fulfilling its mission of promoting the values of moderation and tolerance, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The sermon was attended by many worshippers eager to benefit from its spiritual and intellectual content.
The ministry also launched its 30th intensive training course in Jakarta.
The three-day program for 100 participants covers scholarly lessons and topics focused on instilling the values of moderation and centrism.
The Saudi government aims to boost its relationship with the Muslim world at all levels.
In October, the Kingdom launched a five-day scientific course in Ghana aimed at training and qualifying preachers and orators in the African country.
Source: arabnews.com
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Saudi Arabia leads global anti-corruption efforts
December 05, 2025
NEW YORK: The second Global Conference on Harnessing Data to Improve Corruption Measurement concluded under the joint organization of Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, or Nazaha, the UN Development Programme, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, and the International Anti-Corruption Academy, with participants from over 100 countries and 22 international organizations.
Held from Dec. 2 to 4 in New York, the conference culminated in the adoption of the New York recommendations on the future of corruption measurement, establishing a framework to expand the use of data for more effective anti-corruption policies and enhanced global transparency.
Saudi Arabia’s official delegation, led by Nazaha President Mazin Al-Kahmous, played a prominent role at the conference, where he emphasized the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption since the launch of Vision 2030 and the importance of accurate measurement for data-driven policies.
In his address, Al-Kahmous highlighted the Kingdom’s leading contribution to the development of the Vienna Principles Towards a Global Framework for the Measurement of Corruption.
Source: arabnews.com
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Shaping future society: How intellectual forums contribute to cultural development
HAIFA ALSHAMMARI
December 05, 2025
RIYADH: Modern nations do not transform on technological progress alone, but evolve through various factors such as values, religion, culture and assumptions that guide how societies interpret development.
Philosophy is one aspect of understanding civilization. Although it is often seen as abstract or far from reality, it plays an essential role in shaping a nation’s understanding of modernization.
It impacts how people see progress and discuss cultural identity, along with measuring the ethical implications of joining the global mindset.
Yet, by examining the philosophical thoughts that shape national narratives, people gain a deeper understanding of why societies adopt certain ideologies for development, resist others, and struggle to balance tradition with innovation.
Saudi Arabia, for example, defines its place on the global stage and navigates the complex tensions between heritage, aspiration and global responsibility through its own philosophy.
The Philosophy Forum, organized in Riyadh this week for the fifth year, witnessed the attendance of both local and international thinkers. During the conference, some Arab philosophers shared their beliefs in the idea that there is no absolute truth; while other philosophers differed, considering the Arab view on truth, culture and relativism.
“We must distinguish between the existence of relativity in science — the world is changing because it is relative — and our belief in absolute truths within our culture. For example, the only truly absolute thing in the world is death, which is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an,” Essam Gameil, professor of logic and critical thinking at Cairo University, told Arab News on the sidelines of the forum.
He added: “Our morals are unchanging; ethical principles are fixed. For example, respecting others is a fundamental principle; how can it be altered?
“Some concepts can be changed within the framework of science, but not in the humanities, not in religion, not in ethics. There are constants.
“It is the moral principles and rules that drive me forward,” Gameil said, adding that philosophy was created to solve issues that occurred in society during the time of Aristotle and Plato.
“It appeared to solve social problems … it was created to address lying, deception and more. Socrates was a moral philosopher and nothing else,” he said.
Gameil described Saudi Arabia as an example of “an extraordinary leap” in the Arab world in terms of development and philosophy.
He said that the Kingdom’s interest in philosophy and its organization of a major conference in the field stems from a crucial concept discovered by the Saudi leadership, which is that humanity has two aspects: A spiritual aspect and a material aspect, represented by the body.
“Studies typically focus on the body — artificial intelligence, engineering, and so on — but have often neglected the spiritual dimension. Philosophy is a human science; the more you emphasize it, the more certain concepts become firmly established and ingrained,” said Gameil.
Eman Al-Mulhem, a researcher in the philosophy of science at King Faisal University in Al-Ahsa, believes that the Kingdom’s situation presents three very promising paths: The philosophy and ethics of artificial intelligence, science and technology studies, and a re-reading of the Arab philosophical heritage using contemporary methodologies.
“This field is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. The question is no longer: What can a machine do? Rather, it has become: How do we preserve our humanity in a world where we share the power of decision-making with machines?” she said, highlighting the philosophy and ethics of AI.
She added: “We have a rich heritage, but we need modern tools to understand and reconstruct it, not just explain it. These fields are not only promising, but they are also capable of reshaping the role of philosophy in the Arab world.”
Al-Mulhem also works to connect Arab philosophical heritage to questions of contemporary science. She believes that philosophy is not detached from reality, but rather helps to reevaluate our relationship with science, humanity and the world.
On the question of whether Arab philosophical heritage is still suffering from global misconceptions, she said: “(It) still suffers some global misconceptions, such as being reduced to a mere extension of Greek philosophy or a stagnant tradition.”
However, the Riyadh International Philosophy Conference, which hosts philosophical minds from around the world, is helping to correct this image, she added.
“They present Arab heritage in a dynamic context, through the voices of its own scholars. At this conference, the world encounters Arab thoughts that engage in dialogue, produce ideas and critique — not as a static heritage, but as an integral part of contemporary global philosophy,” said Al-Mulhem.
“Philosophy is not far removed from humanity; it is closer than we imagine. Every question we ask, every attempt to understand the world, is a philosophical step,” she said.
“I believe that the Arab region today has a great opportunity to reclaim its role in producing knowledge, not just consuming it. And the Arab researcher is capable — given the right environment — of making a lasting impact that transcends geographical boundaries,” she added.
Source: arabnews.com
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Royal reserve intensifies efforts for environmental conservation
December 05, 2025
RIYADH: The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority is intensifying efforts to protect the vegetation, wildlife, and public property within its reserve, the largest in the Kingdom at 130,700 sq. km.
Distinguished by its nature, terrain and archaeological sites (some dating back to 8000 B.C.), its protection contributes to environmental sustainability and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of making the Kingdom a global environmental tourist destination, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The authority’s efforts include enforcing regulations against violators, in partnership with the Special Forces for Environmental Security; rehabilitating damaged lands affected by overgrazing and desertification; planting nearly 4 million seedlings; rehabilitating 750,000 hectares of degraded land to restore plant life; and distributing tonnes of native wild seeds.
The authority has urged adherence to regulations, stressing continuous monitoring and enforcement against violations.
The royal reserve, a vast ecological haven across the Northern Borders, Jouf, Tabuk and Hail regions, is a vital hub for migratory birds. It is home to more than 290 bird species, with 88 percent being migratory and 12 percent resident.
This accounts for 58 percent of all bird species recorded in the Kingdom. The reserve also protects 26 bird species listed as threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.
The reserve serves as the Kingdom’s first stop for flocks arriving from Asia and Europe in the autumn, and their last station before departing in spring.
With its rich biodiversity, balanced environment and varied landscapes, the reserve also stands as a natural sanctuary, hosting remarkable species such as the steppe eagle, the eastern imperial eagle, and the houbara bustard.
Source: arabnews.com
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Mideast
Eight Arab Islamic Countries Express Concern Over Israeli Statements On Opening Rafah Crossing In One Direction To Allow Gaza Residents To Cross Into Egypt
05 Dec 2025
Doha: The Foreign Ministers of the State of Qatar; the Arab Republic of Egypt; the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; the United Arab Emirates; the Republic of Indonesia; the Islamic Republic of Pakistan; the Republic of Turkiye; and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have expressed grave concern regarding statements made by the Israeli entity concerning opening the Rafah crossing in one direction to allow residents of the Gaza Strip to cross into the Arab Republic of Egypt.
In a statement today, the ministers reiterated their complete rejection of any attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land and emphasized the necessity of full adherence to the plan of US President Donald Trump, which includes opening the Rafah crossing in both directions, guaranteeing freedom of movement for residents, and not forcing any Gazans to leave.
They further emphasized the need to create suitable conditions for them to remain on their land and participate in building their homeland within a comprehensive vision for restoring stability and improving their humanitarian situation.
The ministers reiterated their appreciation for President Trump's commitment to establishing peace in the region and emphasized the importance of moving forward with the full implementation of his plan without delay or obstruction, in order to achieve security and peace and consolidate the foundations of regional stability.
In this context, the ministers stressed the need to fully establish a ceasefire, end the suffering of civilians, ensure the unrestricted and unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, initiate early recovery and reconstruction efforts, and create the conditions for the Palestinian Authority to resume its responsibilities in the Gaza Strip, thus establishing a new phase of security and stability in the region.
The ministers affirmed their countries' readiness to continue working and coordinating with the United States and all relevant regional and international parties to ensure the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and all related Security Council resolutions, and to provide a conducive environment for achieving a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace in accordance with international law and the two-state solution, leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders, including the occupied territories of Gaza and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
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Hezbollah chief says supports state diplomacy to stop Israeli aggression
December 05, 2025
BEIRUT: Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem on Friday said his group supported the Lebanese state’s pursuit of diplomacy to end Israeli attacks, while also criticizing the inclusion of a civilian representative in recent talks with Israel.
The state has chosen “diplomacy to end the aggression and implement” a November 2024 ceasefire deal “and we support it continuing in this direction,” Qassem said in a televised address.
Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives held their first direct talks in decades on Wednesday under the auspices of the year-old ceasefire monitoring mechanism, a move Lebanon’s president said was to avoid prospects of another war in Lebanon.
Qassem criticized the move and urged authorities to reconsider.
“We consider this measure an additional misstep on top of the sin” of the government’s decision in August to task the army with disarming Hezbollah, he said.
“Have you made a gratuitous concession? This concession will not change the enemy’s position, nor its aggression or occupation,” Qassem said, accusing Israel and the United States of wanting Lebanese authorities to be negotiating “under fire.”
“They want to eliminate our existence,” Qassem said, but “we will defend ourselves, our people, our country. We are prepared to sacrifice everything, and we will not surrender.”
He accused Israel of violating the year-old ceasefire that sought to end more than a year of hostilities between Israel and his Iran-backed group, which emerged heavily weakened with its arsenal pummelled and senior commanders killed including former chief Hassan Nasrallah.
Qassem said his group was cooperating with the Lebanese authorities, and that America and Israel should have “no say in how we manage our domestic affairs,” calling their imposition of conditions on Lebanon as “unacceptable.”
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has said the new talks were strictly limited to fully implementing last year’s truce and did not amount to broader peace discussions.
Source: arabnews.com
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US envoy Waltz begins regional trip to promote Trump Gaza peace plan
December 05, 2025
NEW YORK: US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz begins a trip to Jordan and Israel on Saturday to promote President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, the US Mission to the UN said, casting the visit as part of Washington’s push to advance regional stability and support the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803.
Waltz will travel from Dec. 6–10 and is expected to meet senior leaders in both countries. In Jordan, he will hold talks with King Abdullah II and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on bilateral cooperation and Amman’s role in facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza.
He will also meet humanitarian groups and review efforts to support Syrian refugees, the mission said.
In Israel, Waltz is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog to discuss US-Israel coordination at the UN and shared security priorities. He will tour Israel’s northern and southern borders for briefings on the implementation of Resolution 2803, visit the Kerem Shalom crossing to assess aid flows into Gaza, and review operations of the Coordination and Monitoring Mechanism for Gaza.
Waltz will also meet Acting UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov to discuss humanitarian work and efforts to advance peace.
The mission said the trip reflects Trump’s commitment to ending regional conflicts and securing a “peaceful and prosperous future” for the Middle East.
Source: arabnews.com
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Syria nears anniversary of Assad’s fall amid renewed ‘deeply troubling’ abuses, UN warns
EPHREM KOSSAIFY
December 05, 2025
NEW YORK: Syria is days away from marking the first anniversary of the fall of President Bashar Assad’s regime, but the country’s interim authorities face mounting criticism over continuing abuses and a fragile security environment, the UN human rights chief said.
In a statement on Friday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said early steps by the interim leadership, including the creation of national commissions for transitional justice and missing persons, and investigative bodies examining violence in coastal areas and in Suweida, were “encouraging but only the beginning” of a long process of accountability.
Trials for suspects linked to last year’s coastal violence have begun, and a draft law on transitional justice has been announced. But Turk said the human rights situation remains deeply troubling.
According to the UN, hundreds of people have been killed over the past year in summary executions, arbitrary killings, and abductions. Victims include members of minority communities and individuals accused of ties to the former government. Deaths were attributed to gunfire, stabbings, blunt-force attacks, shelling, hand grenades and explosive remnants of war.
The UN said perpetrators include security forces under the interim authorities, armed groups aligned with them, remnants of the former government’s forces, local militias, and unidentified armed actors.
Investigators also documented reports of sexual violence, arbitrary detention, looting, destruction of homes, forced evictions, and property confiscations, along with restrictions on free expression and peaceful assembly.
Turk warned that rising hate speech, both online and on the streets, had intensified violence against Alawite, Druze, Christian, and Bedouin communities.
The past year has also seen repeated Israeli military operations inside Syrian territory, including incursions and the occupation of additional areas. The UN said it had received reports of civilian casualties in a recent Israeli strike near Damascus, along with arrests and home searches carried out during military actions.
Turk expressed concern that former armed groups have been integrated into new security forces without adequate human rights checks, raising the risk of repeat violations.
“Proper vetting and comprehensive security sector reform are essential to prevent individuals responsible for serious abuses from entering the security forces,” he said.
He urged Syria’s interim authorities to ensure independent and transparent investigations into all violations, past and present, and to hold those responsible to account.
“Accountability, justice, peace, and the security of all Syrians are absolute prerequisites for a successful transition,” Turk said, adding that victims must have access to remedies and reparation.
The UN Human Rights Office said its Damascus program is supporting efforts to advance inclusive transitional justice and strengthen the rule of law as Syria navigates a post-Assad transition.
Source: arabnews.com
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Lebanon is committed to talks with Israel to avoid more war, president says
NAJIA HOUSSARI
December 05, 2025
BEIRUT: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told a visiting UN Security Council delegation on Friday that Lebanon has chosen the path of negotiations, not war, with Israel, as tensions continue to rise along the southern border between the countries.
Former ambassador Simon Karam has been appointed to lead the Lebanese delegation in ceasefire discussions with Israel, he added, in an effort “to spare the country another round of violence.”
Aoun’s comments came during talks in Beirut with the 15-member UN delegation, which was led by Ambassador Samuel Zbogar from Slovenia, which holds the presidency of the Security Council this month.
On Wednesday, Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives held their first direct talks in decades in Ras Al-Naqoura, beginning what Aoun described as “a new phase of negotiations.”
He continued: “Wars have never brought lasting solutions. Only negotiations can create the conditions for stability, resolve outstanding issues and reduce the suffering of civilians.”
The Security Council delegates traveled to Beirut from Damascus, where they had met Syrian officials on Thursday to reaffirm international support for Syria in the aftermath of the fall of the Assad regime a year ago.
In Lebanon, their meetings focused on implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, particularly efforts to place all weapons under the control of the Lebanese state. The resolution was adopted by the council in 2006 with the aim of resolving the conflict that year between Israel and Hezbollah. It calls for an end to hostilities, the withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Lebanon, the withdrawal of Hezbollah and other armed groups from parts of the country south of the Litani River, and the disarmament of Hezbollah and other armed groups.
Zbogar said the delegation sought clarity on the process for disarmament on nonstate armed groups, and specifically the continued armed presence of Hezbollah. Aoun affirmed the government’s commitment to the disarmament process. He vowed that the Lebanese army would fulfill its role in protecting citizens across the country, especially in the south, and stressed that there was a national consensus that no weapons should exist outside of state control.
“We have asked all parties to cooperate in implementing this decision, even if it takes time,” he said. “There will be no turning back.”
Zbogar reiterated the UN’s “full support for the diplomatic efforts required to resolve the dispute or reach a settlement regarding the international border with Israel.” The Security Council also backs the start of a negotiation process with Syria, he added.
He also affirmed the delegation’s commitment to stability in Lebanon, and the wider region, and its full support for the work of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, the mandate for which is due to expire at the end of 2026. With this in mind, he asked for Lebanon’s assessment of the future role of international forces.
Aoun told the delegation that Lebanon’s peace talks with Israel were shaped by national interest, not international pressure.
“Lebanon’s approach to the Joint Mechanism negotiations is not about appeasing the international community; it is driven by Lebanon’s own best interests,” he said.
“Our decision is final. I have communicated this to Arab and international officials, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and we are committed to taking this path.”
The peace talks aim to enable the full implementation of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, end Israeli hostilities against Lebanon, secure the release of prisoners, establish a timetable for a complete Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas, and resolve remaining points of contention along the Blue Line, the demarcation line between the countries set by the UN in June 2000.
“We hope they will produce positive results,” Aoun said. “Ultimately, their success depends on Israel’s position.”
He highlighted the Lebanese army’s successes so far in its efforts to clear the region south of the Litani River of armed groups and their weapons, but reiterated that the continuing Israeli occupation of some areas along the border was hindering full deployment.
“This, however, did not prevent the army from carrying out its mission in geographically vast regions, filled with valleys, where access is not always easy,” Aoun said.
He called on the international community to support the army’s mission, stressing the interconnected nature of regional stability, and adding that enhancement of “Lebanon’s stability contributes to the safety of other brotherly and friendly countries.”
Regarding Lebanon’s relationship with the UN’s Interim Force, Aoun confirmed that the Lebanese army will continue to coordinate with the peacekeepers in southern Lebanon until their “final day” in the country.
He added: “We had hoped UNIFIL would remain until the army completes its full deployment along the internationally recognized border.
“We welcome any country that is willing to keep its forces, partially or fully, in place to assist the army after UNIFIL’s withdrawal at the end of 2026.”
The speaker of the Lebanese parliament, Nabih Berri, who also met the Security Council delegation, said stability in southern Lebanon requires commitments by Israel to the implementation of Resolution 1701 and the 2024 ceasefire agreement.
“Negotiating under fire is impermissible and unacceptable,” he added, warning that “Israel’s ongoing aggression could reignite the war.”
During his meeting with the delegates, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stressed the need for an international force to provide support for the army when the UNIFIL mandate ends, to avoid a vacuum in southern Lebanon.
He suggested that a new international force could operate within the framework of the UN Truce Supervision Organization, or as a limited peacekeeping force similar to UN Disengagement Observer Force in the Golan Heights, in terms of its tasks, the nature of deployment and border control.
Meanwhile, UNIFIL said on Friday that peacekeepers on patrol near Bint Jbeil had been approached by six men on three mopeds, one of whom fired approximately three shots into the back of their vehicle. No casualties were reported.
The force said attacks on peacekeepers “are unacceptable” and represent grave violations of Resolution 1701. It reminded Lebanese authorities “of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers, and demand a full and immediate investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
UNIFIL also reported Israeli airstrikes in its area of operations on Thursday, while the Lebanese army continued its operations to clear unauthorized weapons and related infrastructure in southern Lebanon. The force encouraged the Israeli army to “benefit from the available mechanisms for liaison and coordination.”
In a statement on Friday during a Hezbollah gathering in the southern suburbs of Beirut, the Iran-backed organization’s secretary-general, Naim Qassem, commented on the negotiation process with Israel.
“All of our dealings, as a Lebanese State, with the Israeli enemy are limited to the ceasefire agreement,” he said.
Hezbollah supports the state’s choice to pursue a diplomatic path to end hostilities with Israel and “we stand by its decision to continue in this direction,” he added.
However, he argued that the participation of a civilian delegation in peace talks was a violation, because this was supposed to be contingent on the cessation of hostilities by Israel.
“You offered a free concession, which won’t change the enemy’s stance or aggression,” Qassem told the Lebanese government.
He also reiterated that Hezbollah refuses to give up its weapons in areas north of the Litani, stating that “this is an internal Lebanese matter and we reject any attempt to erase our existence.”
Source: arabnews.com
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North America
US Supreme Court Agrees To Hear Case Challenging Birth Right Citizenship
December 6, 2025
Brandon Drenon
The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case on whether some children born in the US have a constitutional right to citizenship.
On his first day in office in January, President Donald Trump signed an order to end birth right citizenship for those born to parents who are in the country illegally, but the move was blocked by multiple lower courts.
No date has been set yet for the Supreme Court arguments, and a ruling is months away.
Whatever the court decides could have major implications for Trump's immigration crackdown and for what it means to be an American citizen.
For nearly 160 years, the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution has established the principle that anyone born in the country is a US citizen, with exceptions for children born to diplomats and foreign military forces.
The language of the amendment states: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States."
Trump's executive order seeks to deny citizenship to the children of people who are either in the US illegally or are in the country on temporary visas. It is part of the Trump administration's broader effort to reform the nation's immigration system and combat what they have called "significant threats to national security and public safety".
The administration has argued the 14th Amendment clause "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" means the amendment excludes children of people who are not in the country permanently or lawfully.
Cecillia Wang, national legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union, which is representing the plaintiffs in the case, told the BBC's news partner CBS that no president can change the 14th Amendment's fundamental promise of citizenship.
"For over 150 years, it has been the law and our national tradition that everyone born on U.S. soil is a citizen from birth," Ms Wang said in a statement.
"We look forward to putting this issue to rest once and for all in the Supreme Court this term," she added.
The US is one of about 30 countries - mostly in the Americas - that grant automatic citizenship to anyone born within their borders.
After legal challenges were brought to Trump's executive order, several federal court judges ruled that it violated the Constitution, while two federal circuit courts of appeals upheld injunctions blocking the order from going into effect.
Trump then went to the Supreme Court to fight the injunctions. In a win for Trump, the court ruled in June that the injunctions issued by the lower courts exceeded their authority, though it did not address the issue of birthright citizenship itself.
The 14th Amendment was passed in the wake of the US Civil War in order to settle the question of the citizenship of freed, American-born former slaves.
US Solicitor General D John Sauer has argued that the amendment was adopted "to confer citizenship on the newly freed slaves and their children, not on the children of aliens temporarily visiting the United States or of illegal aliens".
He has said it's a "mistaken view" that birth on US soil confers citizenship and has argued that that understanding has had "destructive consequences"
About 250,000 babies were born to unauthorised immigrant parents in the US in 2016 - a 36% decrease from a peak in 2007, according to The Pew Research Center.
By 2022, the latest year that data is available, there were 1.2 million US citizens born to unauthorised immigrant parents, Pew found.
A study published in May by the thinktank Migration Policy Institute and Pennsylvania State University's Population Research Institute suggested that repealing birthright citizenship could increase the size of the unauthorized population in the US by an additional 2.7 million by 2045 and by 5.4 million by 2075.
Source: bbc.com
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Outgoing NYC mayor bans anti-Israel boycotts ahead of Muslim successor
5 Dec, 2025
Outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams has signed executive orders that oppose divestment from Israel initiatives and ban protests at houses of worship. He is set to be succeeded by the city’s first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani.
Mamdani, who will assume office on January 1, openly holds pro-Palestinian views. During his first meeting with US President Donald Trump last month, he characterized Israel’s military campaign against Hamas in the densely-populated Palestinian enclave as “genocide.”
On Tuesday, Adams signed an executive order that prohibits mayoral appointees from “engaging in procurement practices that discriminate against the State of Israel, Israeli citizens, or those associated with Israel.”
“New York City not only has a strong bond with the State of Israel because of our commitment to protecting a Jewish homeland, but also because it has always been a sound financial investment,” the order reads.
It adds that the measure is meant to help fight “back against anti-Semitism wherever it rears its ugly head.”
A second executive order envisages establishing designated zones outside of houses of worship “where protest activity would be prohibited or regulated.”
Last month, Adams condemned a pro-Palestinian rally held in the vicinity of a New York City synagogue. In a series of posts on X, he suggested the protest had in fact constituted “desecration.”
Also in November, he paid a visit to Israel, where he met with survivors of the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas militants, and was also received in the country’s parliament.
Adams vowed to “always stand with [them] in the fight against anti-Semitism.”
Over the past few years, New York has seen numerous pro-Palestinian protests over what many perceive as heavy-handed tactics employed by the Israeli military.
Source: rt.com
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CAIR-NJ Supports Federal Discrimination Lawsuit Over Sayreville’s Denial of Mosque
December 5, 2025
The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today expressed strong support for a federal lawsuit filed by Masjid Sadar against the Borough of Sayreville and its planning board, following the board’s denial of the congregation’s application to build a mosque on Ernston Road.
The lawsuit alleges that the board discriminated against the Muslim community and violated the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).
According to the lawsuit, Masjid Sadar has faced several hindrances during a 13-month review process, including eight public hearings and four separate site plan revisions.
Despite agreeing to reduce the size of the mosque and accepting two dozen conditions set forth by the board, the application for Masjid Sadar was ultimately rejected in June on the grounds of parking concerns. Parking calculations followed borough zoning ordinances, but Board officials demanded more than triple the required number of spaces. The lawsuit argues that in the borough’s zoning ordinance, houses of worship are subject to restrictions that do not apply to non-religious uses.
In a statement, CAIR-New Jersey said:
“The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act exists to prevent exactly this kind of discriminatory treatment. The record shows shifting standards, unreasonable demands, and a clear double standard applied to this Masjid Sadar. Sayreville officials must be held accountable for allowing bias to influence land-use decisions.
“Hundreds of Muslims live in and around Sayreville, yet the nearest mosque is miles away. Every community deserves equal access to houses of worship. Zoning laws cannot be used to keep certain faith groups out.”
CAIR-NJ is urging Sayreville to comply with federal law, resolve the dispute fairly, and ensure that religious minorities receive equal treatment in all municipal processes.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
Source: cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-nj-supports-federal-discrimination-lawsuit-over-sayrevilles-denial-of-mosque/
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CAIR Condemns Israeli Foreign Agent’s Plan to Geofence, Mass Message Methodist Churchgoers with Anti-Palestinian Texts
December 5, 2025
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned a reported propaganda campaign by a registered foreign agent of the Israeli government to use geofencing technology to identify United Methodist (UM) churchgoers and mass text them anti-Palestinian messages.
The reported campaign is part of the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s attempt to halt rising Christian support for Palestinian human rights in the wake of the Gaza genocide.
According to UM News: “Worshippers at several United Methodist congregations in Texas may soon be targeted with propaganda from a foreign government attempting to shore up its lagging support among U.S. Christians.
“In a Sept. 26 filing under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, a self-described ‘Christian-based marketing and communications firm’ reported that the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs is paying it more than $3 million to use ‘geofencing’ technology to identify the mobile devices of people inside hundreds of large churches in the western United States. Those devices will then be flooded with messages the company claimed will ‘combat low American Evangelical Christian approval of the Nation of Israel’…”
[NOTE: Geofencing allows marketers to target audiences by using their devices’ location services.]
In a statement, CAIR Deputy Executive Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said:
“This registered agent of the Israeli government’s disturbing geofencing scheme is yet another example of foreign interference designed to manipulate Americans and silence growing outrage over Israel’s U.S.-backed genocide in Gaza. It is unacceptable for any foreign government to secretly target American churchgoers with surveillance-based propaganda.
“People of faith have every right to stand with the oppressed, condemn U.S. support for the genocide in Gaza and support the fundamental human rights of the Palestinian people without being digitally tracked and manipulated by a foreign state. Israel’s attempt to ‘geofence’ Methodist worshipers and bombard them with anti-Palestinian or anti-Muslim messages is a dangerous and insulting attack on our society.”
“We urge federal authorities to investigate this operation, address any violations of U.S. law, and protect American religious communities from covert foreign influence efforts. We stand in solidarity with the United Methodist Church and their right to worship in peace, as well as their right to advocate for justice here and abroad.”
BACKGROUNDER (ISLAMOPHOBIA.ORG):
In late 2024, Israel reportedly increased its global public relations budget by $150 million. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said this money would support the government’s “consciousness warfare” efforts.
Leaked 2025 documents produced by Stagwell Global, a PR firm whose founder is tied to the Likud Party, reveal findings from research Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs commissioned. In its reporting on the leaked research, Drop Site New notes the research finds, “Israel’s best tactic to combat this, according to the study, is to foment fear of ‘Radical Islam’ and ‘Jihadism,’ which remain high.”
In other 2025 developments, Responsible Statecraft reports, “A newly-created firm called Show Faith by Works is embarking on a ‘geofencing’ campaign to target Christian churches and colleges across the American Southwest with pro-Israel advertisements.” Responsible Statecraft staff reviewed a Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) filing which says that the cell phone numbers of Christians attending worship services in four states will be harvested so the owners can be fed pro-Israel advertising. The larger $3.2 million contract “also includes trying to hire celebrity spokespeople and paying pastors to produce content.”
That same reporting notes that another firm, Clock Tower X LLC, “plans to deploy AI-driven tools: monthly SEO campaigns using the MarketBrew AI platform and efforts to shape outputs of GPT-based chatbots.” This campaign promises, “promises to produce 100 ads or pieces of content each month, plus 5,000 different variations of those ads.”
Source: cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-condemns-israeli-foreign-agents-plan-to-geofence-mass-message-methodist-churchgoers-with-anti-palestinian-texts/
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Baku's OIC Festival shines light on cultural diversity, unity in Islamic world - official
5 December 2025
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 5. The “OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week – 2025” is more than just a series of events; it is a true celebration of cultural diversity, shared heritage, and solidarity across the Islamic world, Hussein Ghazawi, Director of the Culture Department of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) General Secretariat, said at a press conference on the upcoming festival, Trend reports.
“We are pleased to see broad participation from OIC member states, as well as the coming together under one roof of OIC structures and representatives of the creative industries from across the Muslim world. Such extensive representation once again highlights the importance of cultural diplomacy and the strength of our shared values,” he said.
The festival will take place in Baku from October 5 through 12 with organizational support from the OIC, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan.
The Creative Week will host guests from over 50 countries, including government officials, representatives of international organizations, prominent figures in science, culture, and arts, and experts in creative industries. More than 5,000 participants are expected to attend panel discussions, screenings, exhibitions, and other events focused on cinema, theater, fashion, design, music, gaming, digital creativity, and startups, aimed at promoting Azerbaijan’s creative industries ecosystem on a global scale.
During the festival, high-level meetings of culture ministers from OIC member states will take place, alongside the “Cultural and Creative Industries Forum” (MYFORUM), the “Creative Village: Cultural and Creative Industries” exhibition (MYEXPO), the international film program Baku Cinema Breeze – 2025, the “Eastern Fashion Show” featuring young and renowned designers from OIC countries, the international gaming summit (G-HUB), and various cultural projects in theater, music, dance, and animation.
Since 2019, the OIC has held this festival in different member countries to strengthen cooperation in culture and creative industries, reinforce humanitarian ties, showcase the cultural heritage of member states, and promote contemporary art.
By hosting the festival for the first time, Azerbaijan will again demonstrate its growing role on the international cultural stage and its contribution to promoting multiculturalism, dialogue, and regional cooperation. Key themes of the festival include fostering intercultural dialogue, promoting tolerance, peace, and respect for diversity, encouraging collaborative projects in the economy, education, science, and tourism, building sustainable partnerships between member countries, and integrating creative industries into the global economy.
Source: trend.az
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https://www.trend.az/azerbaijan/society/4126174.html
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Texas AG Paxton sues EPIC City developers after probe finds alleged fraud, misleading Muslim-only marketing
December 5, 2025
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit on Friday against the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), Community Capital Partners (CCP) and several associated leaders, accusing them of running an illegal securities and land development scheme tied to a proposed 400-acre community known as "EPIC City."
The lawsuit, filed in Collin County, follows a monthslong investigation and a referral from the Texas State Securities Board. The state alleges the defendants raised tens of millions of dollars while violating securities laws, misleading investors about the project’s nature and location, and misrepresenting how funds would be used.
"The leaders behind EPIC City have engaged in a radical plot to destroy hundreds of acres of beautiful Texas land and line their own pockets," Paxton said. "I will relentlessly bring the full force of the law against anyone who thinks they can ignore the rules and hurt Texans."
According to the Verified Petition, CCP sold investment interests for $40,000 to $80,000, despite failing to register the securities or qualify for federal exemptions.
The state claims the group broadly solicited investors through meetings, social media and online promotions, which is activity not allowed under the exemptions they claimed.
Investigators also allege the developers failed to take reasonable steps to verify purchasers were accredited investors, with documentation missing or inadequate for a number of buyers.
The petition says the project was advertised as being "in the heart of Josephine, Texas," even after the city told developers in February 2025 that the land was not within its limits or utility district. Marketing materials allegedly continued to make the claim.
The state further points to alleged promotional materials that appeared to target Muslim buyers, including early website language and videos describing EPIC City as the "epicenter of Islam in North America."
Paxton’s office also alleges CEO Imran Chaudhary publicly promised he would take "not a cent" in salary, but later signed a contract paying him $360,000 a year through a separate company, a compensation arrangement not disclosed in written offering materials.
Investigators allege more than $1 million in investor funds were withdrawn for general operating expenses, exceeding what offering documents described.
Texas Securities Commissioner Travis Iles claims EPIC entities sold securities without meeting registration or exemption requirements and referred the matter to Paxton after identifying "flagrant" violations.
Paxton first announced his investigation in March, and sought the referral in October after uncovering additional concerns.
Paxton is asking the court to halt all fundraising tied to the project, freeze assets, appoint a receiver, correct public statements and impose civil penalties of up to $20,000 per violation. The suit also seeks the return of investor funds.
EPIC City, since rebranded as "The Meadow," was marketed as a master-planned development spanning Hunt and Collin counties. Court filings show hundreds of investors purchased units.
Fox News Digital has requested comment from EPIC, CCP and Paxton’s office.
Source: foxnews.com
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/texas-ag-paxton-sues-epic-city-developers-after-probe-finds-alleged-fraud-misleading-muslim-only-marketing
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Europe
GB News pays 'substantial' damages to Islamic Relief after airing UAE influencer's false claims
05 December, 2025
Islamic Relief has received "substantial damages" from GB News after the UK broadcaster aired false claims that the UK-based charity had funded terror groups.
The payout relates to GB News' hosting of Emirati influencer Amjad Taha on 16 February, when the social media personality used his appearance on The Camilla Tominey show to make the claims about the faith charity.
Taha claimed that Islamic Relief, which provides humanitarian relief to people of all faiths and backgrounds, "is sending money all the way to some terrorist groups in the Middle East", and is funding extremism.
Clips from the interview were shared widely on social media.
In September, GB News issued a statement admitting that the "allegation that Islamic Relief has funded terrorist groups is untrue". The broadcaster also removed the interview from its platforms.
"Islamic Relief has stated it does not promote or support extremism of any kind and that it is a purely humanitarian organisation. We apologise to Islamic Relief and are happy to correct the record," read the statement posted on its website.
A spokesperson for the charity said: "We are very pleased that it has been possible to draw a line under this complaint. GB News gave a platform to serious allegations which are not only totally untrue but run contrary to the core principles on which we operate.
"Given that our own humanitarian workers have themselves been killed by terrorists, these allegations are particularly offensive and deeply troubling. They perpetuate disinformation that not only threatens the lives of our colleagues, but also our beneficiaries."
Taha, a self-described author, analyst, and researcher, is one of several prominent Emirati social media influencers who have gained some traction among Western right-wing audiences, often for amplifying his country's foreign policy positions. This includes support for Israel and anti-Islamist, anti-Muslim Brotherhood talking points.
Taha has described Israel as "one of the great civilised nations" and accused Sudan's military, which is locked in a war with the UAE-backed Rapid Support Forces, of being linked to the Muslim Brotherhood.
In 2014, the UAE controversially included several Western charities with links to extremism, including Islamic Relief and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
Source: newarab.com
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https://www.newarab.com/news/islamic-relief-paid-damages-over-uae-influencers-false-claims
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Bristol Mosque Leader Says Muslims ‘Disproportionately Impacted’ By Liveable Neighbourhood
Alex Seabrook
05 Dec 2025
A mosque leader has warned leading councillors that Muslims would be disproportionately impacted by plans for a liveable neighbourhood. Bristol City Council is pressing ahead with controversial plans to roll out the South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood, including in Totterdown.
The hilly neighbourhood south of Temple Meads, famous for its colourful houses, could soon get a one-way system. Totterdown’s narrow streets are a pain for drivers to navigate and find a parking space, but the liveable neighbourhood aims to make this better with new restrictions.
The Bristol Jamia Mosque is located on Green Street in Totterdown. The mosque opened more than half a century ago and was the first one in Bristol, and is also the only mosque south of the river. Hundreds of worshippers arrive every week for Friday prayers, who could be impacted by the proposed one-way system around Totterdown and the new permitted resident parking zone.
Several locals warned councillors on the transport policy committee, about the impacts of the liveable neighbourhood, which also covers Southville and Bedminster. Council staff are considering the responses to a recent public consultation, before revealing any changes to their designs. Any changes would start to be rolled towards the end of next year.
Umran Iqbal, representing the mosque’s management committee, said: “There’s huge usage of the mosque in Totterdown and the Muslim community will be disproportionately affected by the current plans. We think the whole process should be stopped. We’re willing and happy to work with the council to try and find something that is a suitable solution for all of us.”
The committee also heard from other opponents of the scheme, who were concerned about the use of cameras on potential bus gates. These cameras would be used to catch drivers going through bus gates, by hitting them with fines, while allowing taxis, mopeds and buses to pass. Critics also said that many people need to drive to get to work or drop children off at school.
Ken Fyfe, who lives in Southville, said: “I went to one of the consultation events. The officer I spoke to was not interested in what I had to say. She didn’t take a single note. She kept insisting on the importance of children being able to walk safely up Stackpool Road — but they can walk safely up Stackpool Road as it is.”
Leading councillors have faced questions about whether the strength of public opposition could scupper the whole scheme. While some measures, such as resident parking permits, are more popular, other parts of the plans, like the bollards and planters blocking some roads, are more controversial.
Green Cllr Ed Plowden, chair of the transport committee, said: “We’re looking very carefully at the feedback, we’ll have another round of work to design things, we’re actively considering changes, and I can’t predict the future as to whether or not it will go ahead. There’s a number of hoops still to go through.
“There are people who are very keen on this idea and there are people who are dead against it. So we’re trying to find a path through that which will attract sufficient support.”
One option suggested by opponents was splitting up the proposals. This would involve rolling out the resident parking permits, but scrapping the plans for “modal filters”, i.e. bollards, planters and bus gates which block cars from driving through sections of certain streets. Pressed on whether this could be considered, the answer was unclear.
Cllr Plowden said: “That’s a really difficult question to answer. The simple answer would be ‘yes’, but if I say that then I may not be managing people’s expectations well.”
Also facing questions on the liveable neighbourhood was Green Cllr Tony Dyer, leader of the council, who on the same day was grilled by John Darvall on BBC Radio Bristol. He said views on the plans were “more evenly spread than what’s in the public domain”, but admitted that the plans would be scrapped if it became clear that residents didn’t want them to go ahead.
Cllr Dyer said: “We are looking at the responses we’ve received. We’ve had nearly 5,000 responses with a range of being very supportive to very anti. However, whether the South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood goes ahead is not pre-determined. We will be listening to what residents have to say.
“And if we’re not satisfied with what we’re going to be providing and the South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood is not something that residents want, then we won’t go ahead with that. If the South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood elements do go ahead, they will be different from what’s currently proposed, because they’ll be based on feedback from local residents.”
Source: bristolpost.co.uk
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https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/mosque-leader-says-muslims-disproportionately-10689088
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EU targets platforms that refuse to censor free speech – Telegram founder
6 Dec, 2025
The EU is unfairly targeting social media platforms that allow dissenting or critical speech, Telegram founder Pavel Durov has said.
He was responding to a 2024 post by Elon Musk, the owner of X, who claimed that the European Commission had offered the platform a secret deal to avoid fines in return for censoring certain statements. The EU fined X €120 million ($140 million) the day before.
According to Durov, the EU imposes strict and unrealistic rules on tech companies as a way to punish those that do not comply with quiet censorship demands.
“The EU imposes impossible rules so it can punish tech firms that refuse to silently censor free speech,” Durov wrote on X on Saturday.
He also referred to his detention in France last year, which he called politically motivated. He claimed that during that time, the head of France’s DGSE asked him to “ban conservative voices in Romania” ahead of an election, an allegation French officials denied. He also said intelligence agents offered help with his case if Telegram quietly removed channels tied to Moldova’s election.
Durov repeated both claims in his recent post, describing the case as “a baseless criminal investigation” followed by pressure to censor speech in Romania and Moldova.
Later on Saturday, Durov wrote: “The EU exclusively targets platforms that host inconvenient or dissenting speech (Telegram, X, TikTok…). Platforms that algorithmically silence people are left largely untouched, despite far more serious illegal content issues.”
Last year Elon Musk said the European Commission offered X “an illegal secret deal” to quietly censor content. “If we quietly censored speech without telling anyone, they would not fine us. The other platforms accepted that deal. X did not,” he wrote.
On Friday, European Commission spokesperson Tom Rainier said the EU fined X €120 million for violating the Digital Services Act. He claimed the fine was unrelated to censorship and was the first enforcement under the law. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the move on X, calling it “an attack on all American tech platforms and the American people by foreign governments.”
Durov and Musk have both faced pressure from EU regulators under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which came into force in 2023. The law requires platforms to remove illegal content quickly, though critics say it can be used to suppress lawful expression.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/629101-eu-targets-platforms-that-refuse-censor-free-speech/
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Southeast Asia
MADANI Rahmah Sales effective in helping Malaysians with cost of living
6 Dec 2025
MADANI Rahmah Sales, offering 10-30% discounts, have seen over 23,000 events in 2025, helping Malaysians with cost of living issues.
PUTRAJAYA: The MADANI Rahmah Sales programme has proven an effective government intervention to help Malaysians with the cost of living.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the sales have been held consistently across all 222 parliamentary constituencies, 600 state constituencies, and 40 Federal Territories zones over the last three years.
“With discounts of 10 to 30% lower than market prices, the MADANI Rahmah Sales continue to receive extraordinary response from the public,” he stated.
In 2023, 6,870 sales were held, a figure which rose to 12,419 in 2024 and reached 23,030 sales as of 30 November 2025.
Armizan said his ministry will continue the initiative throughout 2026 and is committed to empowering its implementation for wider public benefit.
The frequency of sales was increased to a minimum of two per month per state constituency starting in July 2025.
A dedicated sales calendar has also been introduced on the ministry’s website for the public to find information on locations.
Armizan earlier inspected a MADANI Rahmah Sale held in conjunction with the Rancakkan MADANI Bersama Malaysiaku programme in Putrajaya. – Bernama
Source: thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/people-issues/rahmah-sales-malaysians/
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Malaysia and Singapore leaders pledge close cooperation for shared prosperity
5 Dec 2025
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlights the vital, family-like ties with Singapore, as bilateral trade hits RM339.39 billion in 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Close cooperation and trust between the leaders of Malaysia and Singapore are vital for the shared prosperity of both nations.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the two countries are not just friendly neighbours but are like an interdependent family.
He made the remarks following his one-day working visit to Singapore for the 12th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat.
Anwar said he and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong are proud of their joint achievements.
“Hopefully, this momentum continues to strengthen Malaysia-Singapore relations,” he posted on Facebook.
The annual retreat is the highest-level mechanism for reviewing bilateral cooperation and discussing issues of mutual concern.
It is hosted alternately by Malaysia and Singapore.
Singapore remains Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner.
Bilateral trade reached US$78.70 billion (RM339.39 billion) from January to October 2025.
This figure represents 13.5% of Malaysia’s total trade for that period.
The year 2025 also marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. – Bernama
Source: thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/malaysia-and-singapore-leaders-pledge-close-cooperation-for-shared-prosperity/
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PM Anwar demands precision and integrity in all enforcement actions
5 Dec 2025
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says enforcement must be precise, uphold the law, and protect institutional integrity, with no one above accountability
PUTRAJAYA: All enforcement actions must be executed with precision to uphold the rule of law and protect institutional integrity, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
He stated that the reasons and procedures for any arrest must be clearly and promptly explained when questioned.
“The focus is not just on enforcing the law but also on its implementation,” Anwar said at the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day event.
He stressed that preserving the integrity of enforcement bodies is paramount when their methods are challenged.
Enforcement agencies must be bold and ready to act against their own members in cases of serious misconduct, he added.
This action is necessary to safeguard institutional integrity and keep the country secure.
Anwar emphasised that no one in his office or any agency would be protected from legal action.
“Whether it’s the Chief Secretary to the Government, the Attorney General, or Tan Sri Azam’s office, no one is above the law,” he said.
He acknowledged that fighting crime, corruption, and smuggling is challenging due to the vast resources of those involved.
Anwar noted that targets often have billions in assets and use their wealth to influence politics and infiltrate systems.
The government will maintain an open administration, welcoming complaints and feedback from all quarters.
Every enforcement action must strictly follow established legal procedures, the Prime Minister concluded. – Bernama
Source: thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/pm-anwar-demands-precision-and-integrity-in-all-enforcement-actions/
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Anwar reaffirms full government support for MACC anti-corruption fight
5 Dec 2025
PM Anwar Ibrahim pledges full backing for MACC, citing RM15.5 billion saved from corruption through enhanced inter-agency enforcement collaboration
PUTRAJAYA: The MADANI government continues to provide its full support to all enforcement agencies, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), in strengthening the fight against corruption.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that such support must be accompanied by a commitment to values, good governance, and consistent action.
He noted that while criticism in a democracy is normal, it is concerning when parties loudly oppose corruption yet defend major companies with integrity issues.
Quoting surah Al-Muddathir, Anwar said the verses remind people to rise from negligence and continuously purify their hearts and conduct.
“If we truly believe in Allah the Almighty, then purify ourselves, purify our thinking, purify our hearts,” he said in his speech at the International Anti-Corruption Day 2025 celebration.
The event was also attended by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
Anwar emphasised that the celebration is a platform to renew resolve, stating that no national reform can succeed without genuine values in integrity, economy, or justice.
“Good governance, stronger integrity, a fairer economy — none of these can happen if the values are not nurtured and practised,” he said.
He called for a national culture that firmly rejects corruption to be strengthened with greater determination.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that anti-corruption efforts since the Prophet’s time focused on character-building, creating a generation of strong integrity.
He criticised a perverse culture where bribe-givers are lauded as fighters, noting such behaviour clearly harms the nation.
On enforcement, Anwar said the government is strengthening collaboration between the MACC, Inland Revenue Board, Bank Negara, police, and Customs Department.
He revealed that coordination over the past two years has prevented RM15.5 billion from being misappropriated.
“Think about it — where would that money have gone if we had not acted? Straight into the pockets of the corrupt,” Anwar said.
He expressed appreciation for enforcement teams confronting large-scale smuggling cartels, despite their efforts being questioned in the past.
“Breaking the walls of a cartel is not easy. We are beginning to show results, and I salute all enforcement agencies,” he stated.
Anwar concluded by emphasising the need to cultivate a culture of good conduct across all government agencies for national progress. – Bernama
Source: thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/anwar-reaffirms-full-government-support-for-macc-anti-corruption-fight/
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Anwar invites public to review government efforts at Rancakkan MADANI event
5 Dec 2025
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim invites Malaysians to review and assess the MADANI government’s work at the Rancakkan MADANI programme in Putrajaya
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the MADANI government is entering its third year with various improvement efforts.
He said the ‘Rancakkan MADANI Bersama Malaysiaku’ programme allows the public to openly review the government’s work and assess ongoing changes.
“From today until Sunday, at Dataran Putrajaya, I invite everyone to come with their families and friends to invigorate this MADANI wave,” Anwar posted on Facebook.
He stated that public attendance is not merely to view achievements but also to express views, criticisms, and hopes.
The programme is a continuation of the government’s tradition of annual reporting to the people.
It serves as a platform to showcase achievements, policy progress, and reform results transparently. – Bernama
Source: thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/anwar-invites-public-to-review-government-efforts-at-rancakkan-madani-event/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/foundation-babri-masjid-mosque-murshidabad/d/137917