The Taliban will have no choice than to bend to the demands of Afghan women if they want to escape economic collapse and diplomatic isolation, a leading rights activist said.

Seventy-three-year-old Mahbouba Seraj decided not to flee Kabul last month when the Taliban seized back power, two decades after they were ousted.

Instead, from her home in Kabul, she has followed the Taliban's mixed messages, trying to decipher what lies ahead for the women of her country who she has dedicated her life to.

"This is becoming like a nightmare for everybody," she says.

The Taliban have incrementally stripped away freedoms for women excluding girls from secondary school, telling working women to stay home and unveiling an all-male government.

They claim it is only temporary, but many are distrustful and recognise a repeat of history unfolding.

"The first time, the Taliban had the same excuse, they said 'wait, we'll fix it for you'," she said from her home in Kabul.

"We waited for six years and it never came. There is no trust (in the Taliban) amongst the women of Afghanistan."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-speaks-to-pak-foreign-minister-qureshi-afghanistan-on-agenda-415444">Also read |&nbsp;Blinken speaks to Pak foreign minister Qureshi; Afghanistan on agenda</a>

Many women, she says, are confused and under severe pressure, frightened to leave their homes and face Taliban harassment.

Still, she admits to being optimistic, sure that the Taliban will be forced to adjust if they want to remain in power.

There are signs of some changes women can still be seen on the streets, many are still wearing headscarves instead of the all encompassing burqa and some forms of university education can continue, though under segregation.

"It's not Afghanistan of the 90s any more, this Afghanistan is different," she said.&nbsp;

"I really believe changes are going to happen. There is no other way, and the Taliban should realise it."

Economic collapse

The head of the Afghan Women’s Network, Seraj has long advocated for the equal participation of women in deeply patriarchal Afghanistan.

She moved to the United States in 1978, a year before the Soviets invaded Afghanistan, living in exile through the civil war and Taliban years, and returning after an international-backed government had been appointed.

Although still marginalised, Afghan women have fought for and gained basic rights in the past 20 years, becoming lawmakers, judges, pilots and police officers, though mostly limited to large cities.

Women's jobs "keep the economy going, shops, schools, feed families... That's why we must start moving without delay," Seraj said.

Under the Taliban's last brutal and repressive rule notorious for human rights abuses, women were effectively banned from education and work and only allowed to leave the house with a male chaperone.

In scenes unthinkable during that period, women have been at the forefront of several protests around the country,&nbsp;some numbering hundreds,&nbsp;demanding their participation in society.

They have petered out since the Taliban effectively blocked the right to assembly and dispersed crowds with gunfire, but Seraj says resistance is still brewing.

"Don't think that it's over, it's not going to be over, it's just going to come up in a different way," she said.

"And it will become dangerous, including for them (the Taliban)."

'Otherwise what's the point in living?'

A month after seizing power, the Taliban has yet to be formally recognised by any foreign nation.&nbsp;

Aid-dependent Afghanistan has seen its access to the international banking system cut and access to funding almost entirely frozen, while hesitant donor countries and agencies watch to see if the Taliban live up to their initial pledges of softer rule.

The health system is already on the brink of collapse. Staff have not been paid and there is a shortage of medicine, further complicated by a brain drain of skilled doctors.&nbsp;

If the Taliban persist, the international community "might take very drastic action" and stop all funding.&nbsp;

It would be the "worst case scenario for everyone".&nbsp;

She is pushing for the Taliban to meet with her and other women, to&nbsp; "arrive at a kind of midpoint acceptable to both camps".

"We should sit down and have a conversation about us, who we are, what we want," she said, with a loose blue headscarf over her grey hair.&nbsp;

Even as the Taliban increase their chokehold on women, she chooses to stay hopeful.&nbsp;

"I have to believe that something is going to change for the better, otherwise what's the point of living?," she said.

The Taliban will have no choice than to bend to the demands of Afghan women if they want to escape economic collapse and diplomatic isolation, a leading rights activist said.

The Taliban will have no choice than to bend to the demands of Afghan women if they want to escape economic collapse and diplomatic isolation, a leading rights activist said. Seventy-three-year-old Mahbouba Seraj decided not to flee Kabul last month when the Taliban seized back power, two decades after they were ousted. Instead, from her home in Kabul, she has followed the Taliban's mixed messages, trying to decipher what lies ahead for the women of her country who she has dedicated her life to. "This is becoming like a nightmare for everybody," she says. The Taliban have incrementally stripped away freedoms for women excluding girls from secondary school, telling working women to stay home and unveiling an all-male government. They claim it is only temporary, but many are distrustful and recognise a repeat of history unfolding. "The first time, the Taliban had the same excuse, they said 'wait, we'll fix it for you'," she said from her home in Kabul. "We waited for six years and it never came. There is no trust (in the Taliban) amongst the women of Afghanistan." Also read | Blinken speaks to Pak foreign minister Qureshi; Afghanistan on agenda Many women, she says, are confused and under severe pressure, frightened to leave their homes and face Taliban harassment. Still, she admits to being optimistic, sure that the Taliban will be forced to adjust if they want to remain in power. There are signs of some changes women can still be seen on the streets, many are still wearing headscarves instead of the all encompassing burqa and some forms of university education can continue, though under segregation. "It's not Afghanistan of the 90s any more, this Afghanistan is different," she said. "I really believe changes are going to happen. There is no other way, and the Taliban should realise it." Economic collapse The head of the Afghan Women’s Network, Seraj has long advocated for the equal participation of women in deeply patriarchal Afghanistan. She moved to the United States in 1978, a year before the Soviets invaded Afghanistan, living in exile through the civil war and Taliban years, and returning after an international-backed government had been appointed. Although still marginalised, Afghan women have fought for and gained basic rights in the past 20 years, becoming lawmakers, judges, pilots and police officers, though mostly limited to large cities. Women's jobs "keep the economy going, shops, schools, feed families... That's why we must start moving without delay," Seraj said. Under the Taliban's last brutal and repressive rule notorious for human rights abuses, women were effectively banned from education and work and only allowed to leave the house with a male chaperone. In scenes unthinkable during that period, women have been at the forefront of several protests around the country, some numbering hundreds, demanding their participation in society. They have petered out since the Taliban effectively blocked the right to assembly and dispersed crowds with gunfire, but Seraj says resistance is still brewing. "Don't think that it's over, it's not going to be over, it's just going to come up in a different way," she said. "And it will become dangerous, including for them (the Taliban)." 'Otherwise what's the point in living?' A month after seizing power, the Taliban has yet to be formally recognised by any foreign nation. Aid-dependent Afghanistan has seen its access to the international banking system cut and access to funding almost entirely frozen, while hesitant donor countries and agencies watch to see if the Taliban live up to their initial pledges of softer rule. The health system is already on the brink of collapse. Staff have not been paid and there is a shortage of medicine, further complicated by a brain drain of skilled doctors. If the Taliban persist, the international community "might take very drastic action" and stop all funding. It would be the "worst case scenario for everyone". She is pushing for the Taliban to meet with her and other women, to "arrive at a kind of midpoint acceptable to both camps". "We should sit down and have a conversation about us, who we are, what we want," she said, with a loose blue headscarf over her grey hair. Even as the Taliban increase their chokehold on women, she chooses to stay hopeful. "I have to believe that something is going to change for the better, otherwise what's the point of living?," she said.

Afghan activist says Taliban have no choice but to listen to women

The new anti-abortion law in Texas is a “terrifying” reminder of the fragility of hard-won rights, pro-choice activists have said.&nbsp; 
They have also warned of a “more aggressive, much better organised [and] better funded” global opposition movement.

Sarah Shaw, head of advocacy at MSI Reproductive choices was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "Even though we have seen little gains here and there, in some places, we can never, ever be complacent because we’re only ever really hanging on to these rights by the skin of our teeth."

She further said that the Texas law was “really terrifying” because of the emboldening message it sent to other anti-choice governments and organisations.

“This is all happening in the context of a rising, much more aggressive, much better organised, better funded and much more legitimised opposition movement than we’ve ever seen before,” Shaw said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-lashes-out-at-us-supreme-court-for-texas-abortion-law-410322">Also read |&nbsp;Joe Biden lashes out at US supreme court for Texas abortion law</a>

US President Joe Biden has openly condemned the US supreme court for rejecting to ban the abortion law. 
Biden said the supreme court judges, all appointed by former President Donald Trump, delivered an assault on a woman’s rights.

"The Supreme Court's ruling overnight is an unprecedented assault on a woman's constitutional rights under Roe v. Wade, which has been the law of the land for almost fifty years," Biden said in a statement. "This (Texas) law is so extreme it does not even allow for exceptions in the case of rape or incest."

Texas abortion law is one of the toughest and most restrictive abortion bans in the US in the past couple of decades.

As per the law, any member of the public from Texas can file a legal complaint against the doctors, health care providers and family members who support a woman in aborting a child after six weeks of the start of her pregnancy.

The new anti-abortion law in Texas is a “terrifying” reminder of the fragility of hard-won rights, pro-choice activists have said. They have also warned of a “more aggressive, much better organised [and] better funded” global opposition movement.

The new anti-abortion law in Texas is a “terrifying” reminder of the fragility of hard-won rights, pro-choice activists have said. They have also warned of a “more aggressive, much better organised [and] better funded” global opposition movement. Sarah Shaw, head of advocacy at MSI Reproductive choices was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "Even though we have seen little gains here and there, in some places, we can never, ever be complacent because we’re only ever really hanging on to these rights by the skin of our teeth." She further said that the Texas law was “really terrifying” because of the emboldening message it sent to other anti-choice governments and organisations. “This is all happening in the context of a rising, much more aggressive, much better organised, better funded and much more legitimised opposition movement than we’ve ever seen before,” Shaw said. Also read | Joe Biden lashes out at US supreme court for Texas abortion law US President Joe Biden has openly condemned the US supreme court for rejecting to ban the abortion law. Biden said the supreme court judges, all appointed by former President Donald Trump, delivered an assault on a woman’s rights. "The Supreme Court's ruling overnight is an unprecedented assault on a woman's constitutional rights under Roe v. Wade, which has been the law of the land for almost fifty years," Biden said in a statement. "This (Texas) law is so extreme it does not even allow for exceptions in the case of rape or incest." Texas abortion law is one of the toughest and most restrictive abortion bans in the US in the past couple of decades. As per the law, any member of the public from Texas can file a legal complaint against the doctors, health care providers and family members who support a woman in aborting a child after six weeks of the start of her pregnancy.

Activists say Texas anti-abortion law shows ‘terrifying’ fragility of women’s rights

The pandemic year of 2020 is being mentioned for another horrific milestone. Global Witness, in its report, said that 227 environmental activists were killed worldover. The number is highest till now for second consecutive year.

This translates to deaths of 4 activists per week. Key findings of the report said that half of the attacks took place in just three countries: Columbia, Mexico and the Philippines.

In Mexico, there were 30 lethal attacks against land and environmental defenders in 2020. This is 67 per cent increase from 2019. Almost third of the attacks were carried out against those opposing logging. Half of the attacks were directed against indigenous communities.

Colombia saw the highest number of killings for second year in a row in 2020. 65 land and environmental defenders were killed. Indigenous people were particularly impacted.

Situation in the Philippines is increasingly meeting international condemnation. Police and military have been cracking down on protests against damaging industries. Global Witness has noted the President Duterte's years in office have seen rise in attacks on environmental activists. 29 environmental activists were killed.

The pandemic year of 2020 is being mentioned for another horrific milestone. Global Witness, in its report, said that 227 environmental activists were killed worldover.

The pandemic year of 2020 is being mentioned for another horrific milestone. Global Witness, in its report, said that 227 environmental activists were killed worldover. The number is highest till now for second consecutive year. This translates to deaths of 4 activists per week. Key findings of the report said that half of the attacks took place in just three countries: Columbia, Mexico and the Philippines. In Mexico, there were 30 lethal attacks against land and environmental defenders in 2020. This is 67 per cent increase from 2019. Almost third of the attacks were carried out against those opposing logging. Half of the attacks were directed against indigenous communities. Colombia saw the highest number of killings for second year in a row in 2020. 65 land and environmental defenders were killed. Indigenous people were particularly impacted. Situation in the Philippines is increasingly meeting international condemnation. Police and military have been cracking down on protests against damaging industries. Global Witness has noted the President Duterte's years in office have seen rise in attacks on environmental activists. 29 environmental activists were killed.

Number of environmental activists killed world over highest for second year

After receiving multiple death threats due to her campaign against the development of wetlands in a national park, a prominent environment activist has been shot dead near her home in Kenya.&nbsp;

Joannah Stutchbury, who was 67, was shot at 10 pm local time on Thursday as she returned to her home on the outskirts of Nairobi.&nbsp;

As per her friends, she had stopped her car to clear branches blocking her driveway when she was shot several times.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-african-president-says-calm-has-been-restored-to-most-places-398597">Also read |&nbsp;South African president says calm has been restored to most places</a>

Neighbours found her body in the car with the engine still running and valuables still in the vehicle. This is how it was suggested that the attack was not a robbery.

Dr Paula Kahumbu, the CEO of WildlifeDirect, a conservation NGO, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "It is really awful. The conservation fraternity is very shaken. It is devastating".

The Kenyan president, Uhuru Kenyatta, condemned the killing. He said,&nbsp;For the longest time, Joannah has been a steadfast champion for the conservation of our environment and is remembered for her relentless efforts to protect Kiambu forest from encroachment".

(With inputs from agencies)

After receiving multiple death threats due to her campaign against the development of wetlands in a national park, a prominent environment activist has been shot dead near her home in Kenya.

After receiving multiple death threats due to her campaign against the development of wetlands in a national park, a prominent environment activist has been shot dead near her home in Kenya. Joannah Stutchbury, who was 67, was shot at 10 pm local time on Thursday as she returned to her home on the outskirts of Nairobi. As per her friends, she had stopped her car to clear branches blocking her driveway when she was shot several times. Also read | South African president says calm has been restored to most places Neighbours found her body in the car with the engine still running and valuables still in the vehicle. This is how it was suggested that the attack was not a robbery. Dr Paula Kahumbu, the CEO of WildlifeDirect, a conservation NGO, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "It is really awful. The conservation fraternity is very shaken. It is devastating". The Kenyan president, Uhuru Kenyatta, condemned the killing. He said, For the longest time, Joannah has been a steadfast champion for the conservation of our environment and is remembered for her relentless efforts to protect Kiambu forest from encroachment". (With inputs from agencies)

Environment activist shot dead outside Nairobi home

Hong Kong's High Court on Tuesday approved bail for a pro-democracy activist, who is among 47 charged with conspiracy to commit subversion under a sweeping national security law Beijing imposed on its freest city last year, the city's public broadcaster RTHK reported. 
 
Owen Chow, 24, who has been in jail for nearly four months, was ordered to pay HK$50,000 and follow a list of bail conditions, including not threatening national security, reporting to police every day and surrendering all travel documents, according to RTHK. 
 
Chow was the 12th activist in the case, who was given bail while awaiting trial. 
 
Foreign diplomats and rights groups are closely watching proceedings as concerns rise over the vanishing space for dissent in the former British colony, which has taken a rapid authoritarian turn since the law was imposed in June 2020. 
 
The case offers insight into how the security law drafted by Beijing clashes with Hong Kong's common-law traditions and could see activists held in custody for months until their trial begins. 
 
In contrast with past practice, the new law puts onus on defendants in the global financial hub to prove they will not pose a security threat if released on bail. 
 
Wong and the other charged activists are accused of organising and participating in an unofficial, non-binding primary poll in July 2020 that authorities said was part of a 'vicious plot' to 'overthrow' the government.

Hong Kong's High Court on Tuesday approved bail for a pro-democracy activist, who is among 47 charged with conspiracy to commit subversion under a sweeping national security law Beijing imposed on its freest city last year, the city's public broadcaster RTHK reported.

Hong Kong's High Court on Tuesday approved bail for a pro-democracy activist, who is among 47 charged with conspiracy to commit subversion under a sweeping national security law Beijing imposed on its freest city last year, the city's public broadcaster RTHK reported. Owen Chow, 24, who has been in jail for nearly four months, was ordered to pay HK$50,000 and follow a list of bail conditions, including not threatening national security, reporting to police every day and surrendering all travel documents, according to RTHK. Chow was the 12th activist in the case, who was given bail while awaiting trial. Foreign diplomats and rights groups are closely watching proceedings as concerns rise over the vanishing space for dissent in the former British colony, which has taken a rapid authoritarian turn since the law was imposed in June 2020. The case offers insight into how the security law drafted by Beijing clashes with Hong Kong's common-law traditions and could see activists held in custody for months until their trial begins. In contrast with past practice, the new law puts onus on defendants in the global financial hub to prove they will not pose a security threat if released on bail. Wong and the other charged activists are accused of organising and participating in an unofficial, non-binding primary poll in July 2020 that authorities said was part of a 'vicious plot' to 'overthrow' the government.

Hong Kong court grants bail to activist charged under security law: Media

Agnes Chow hails from a generation of Hong Kong democracy activists who cut their teeth in politics as teenagers and are now being steadily silenced by China.

The 24-year-old, one of the democracy movement's most recognizable faces, served just under seven months behind bars for her role in an "unlawful assembly" outside the city's police headquarters during 2019's huge and often violent democracy protests.

She was jailed alongside two other well-known youth activists, Joshua Wong and Ivan Lam. She entered the fraught world of Hong Kong's politics early.

Chow has described growing up in an apolitical Catholic household.

But at the age of 15, she joined the youth-led movement protesting against plans to implement "moral and national education" in public schools.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-democracy-activist-agnes-chow-released-from-prison-390942">Also Read |&nbsp;Hong Kong democracy activist Agnes Chow released from prison</a>

Students feared the plan would herald the kind of heavily censored education seen on China's mainland.

They staged huge sit-ins and the plan was eventually shelved in a rare example of protest forcing a Hong Kong government climbdown.

It was during those demonstrations she met fellow teen activist Wong.

Two years later, Wong, Chow, and other students were key figures in the "Umbrella Movement" -- 79 days of sit-ins and rallies sparked by Beijing's refusal to make good on its promise to one day grant Hong Kongers universal suffrage.

The protests were peaceful, but not successful.

Yet, a whole new generation of opposition politicians was forged in those rallies.

They would go on to become a major thorn in the side of Beijing as it tried to tighten its grip on the semi-autonomous financial hub, which was increasingly chafing under Chinese Communist Party rule.

Chow helped found the now-disbanded pro-democracy party Demosisto alongside Wong, Nathan Law, and other young political leaders.

She gave up a British passport to stand for Hong Kong's partially elected legislature, only to be barred from standing because her party advocated "self-determination".

Since then it has become common for authorities to disqualify politicians for the views they hold.

A new law passed last month will vet anyone standing for public office for their political loyalty, a campaign Beijing has called "Patriots rule Hong Kong".

One of Chow's most successful roles has been bringing international attention to the city's democracy movement, aided by fluency in English, Cantonese, and Japanese. She built a huge social media following in Japan in particular.

Her Twitter account, which primarily publishes in Japanese, has more than half a million followers. Chow may not be free for long.

She was one of the first opposition politicians to be arrested under Beijing's new security law -- for allegedly "colluding with foreign forces" by campaigning for sanctions. She has not yet been charged.&nbsp;

But if prosecutors take that step, she will almost certainly be denied bail and sent back to custody.

More than 100 people, including some of the city's most prominent democracy activists, have been arrested under the new law. 
Most of those charged are denied bail and those who are convicted face up to life in jail.

Agnes Chow hails from a generation of Hong Kong democracy activists who cut their teeth in politics as teenagers and are now being steadily silenced by China. The 24-year-old, one of the democracy movement's most recognizable faces, served just under seven months behind bars for her role in an "unlawful assembly" outside the city's police headquarters during 2019's huge and often violent democracy protests.

Agnes Chow hails from a generation of Hong Kong democracy activists who cut their teeth in politics as teenagers and are now being steadily silenced by China. The 24-year-old, one of the democracy movement's most recognizable faces, served just under seven months behind bars for her role in an "unlawful assembly" outside the city's police headquarters during 2019's huge and often violent democracy protests. She was jailed alongside two other well-known youth activists, Joshua Wong and Ivan Lam. She entered the fraught world of Hong Kong's politics early. Chow has described growing up in an apolitical Catholic household. But at the age of 15, she joined the youth-led movement protesting against plans to implement "moral and national education" in public schools. Also Read | Hong Kong democracy activist Agnes Chow released from prison Students feared the plan would herald the kind of heavily censored education seen on China's mainland. They staged huge sit-ins and the plan was eventually shelved in a rare example of protest forcing a Hong Kong government climbdown. It was during those demonstrations she met fellow teen activist Wong. Two years later, Wong, Chow, and other students were key figures in the "Umbrella Movement" -- 79 days of sit-ins and rallies sparked by Beijing's refusal to make good on its promise to one day grant Hong Kongers universal suffrage. The protests were peaceful, but not successful. Yet, a whole new generation of opposition politicians was forged in those rallies. They would go on to become a major thorn in the side of Beijing as it tried to tighten its grip on the semi-autonomous financial hub, which was increasingly chafing under Chinese Communist Party rule. Chow helped found the now-disbanded pro-democracy party Demosisto alongside Wong, Nathan Law, and other young political leaders. She gave up a British passport to stand for Hong Kong's partially elected legislature, only to be barred from standing because her party advocated "self-determination". Since then it has become common for authorities to disqualify politicians for the views they hold. A new law passed last month will vet anyone standing for public office for their political loyalty, a campaign Beijing has called "Patriots rule Hong Kong". One of Chow's most successful roles has been bringing international attention to the city's democracy movement, aided by fluency in English, Cantonese, and Japanese. She built a huge social media following in Japan in particular. Her Twitter account, which primarily publishes in Japanese, has more than half a million followers. Chow may not be free for long. She was one of the first opposition politicians to be arrested under Beijing's new security law -- for allegedly "colluding with foreign forces" by campaigning for sanctions. She has not yet been charged. But if prosecutors take that step, she will almost certainly be denied bail and sent back to custody. More than 100 people, including some of the city's most prominent democracy activists, have been arrested under the new law. Most of those charged are denied bail and those who are convicted face up to life in jail.

Agnes Chow: From teen activist to jailed Hong Kong democracy leader

Israel Police on Sunday arrested a prominent activist who campaigned against threatened expulsion of Palestinian families from homes in Sheikh Jarrah, neighbourhood in east Jerusalem.

Mona el-Kurd (23) was taken away for questioning. The police left a summons for her brother Muhammad.&nbsp; 
The family's lawyer, Nasser Odeh, said police charged Mona el-Kurd with "acts that disturb peace and order" and "riotous acts".

The footage of her being handcuffed and taken away was shared widely on social media.

Hamas, the Islamist group that controls the Palestinian enclave of Gaza, responded by launching volleys of rockets towards Israel on May 10, triggering an 11-day war between the Jewish state and Palestinian militants.

While Palestinians and their backers see the issue as a microcosm of the wider conflict over land, Jewish settlers and their supporters have labelled it a property dispute to be decided by Israeli courts.

Looming evictions

The el-Kurd twins, whose family is currently under threat of losing their home, have led an active protest movement on the streets and online.

They have gained more than 180,000 Twitter follower, and more than half a million on Instagram, using the hashtags #SheikhJarrah and #SaveSheikhJarrah to bring their neighbourhood's plight global attention.&nbsp;

Their father, who spoke to AFP in front of the police station, dubbed his daughter's arrest part of "an operation to terrorise the parents, because the voice that emerged from the neighbourhood was thanks to its youth".

He said his son Muhammad had been away teaching in the West Bank city of Ramallah but was on his way back to cooperate with the police summons.

Police did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel Police on Sunday arrested a prominent activist who campaigned against threatened expulsion of Palestinian families from homes in Sheikh Jarrah, neighbourhood in east Jerusalem.

Israel Police on Sunday arrested a prominent activist who campaigned against threatened expulsion of Palestinian families from homes in Sheikh Jarrah, neighbourhood in east Jerusalem. Mona el-Kurd (23) was taken away for questioning. The police left a summons for her brother Muhammad. The family's lawyer, Nasser Odeh, said police charged Mona el-Kurd with "acts that disturb peace and order" and "riotous acts". The footage of her being handcuffed and taken away was shared widely on social media. Hamas, the Islamist group that controls the Palestinian enclave of Gaza, responded by launching volleys of rockets towards Israel on May 10, triggering an 11-day war between the Jewish state and Palestinian militants. While Palestinians and their backers see the issue as a microcosm of the wider conflict over land, Jewish settlers and their supporters have labelled it a property dispute to be decided by Israeli courts. Looming evictions The el-Kurd twins, whose family is currently under threat of losing their home, have led an active protest movement on the streets and online. They have gained more than 180,000 Twitter follower, and more than half a million on Instagram, using the hashtags #SheikhJarrah and #SaveSheikhJarrah to bring their neighbourhood's plight global attention. Their father, who spoke to AFP in front of the police station, dubbed his daughter's arrest part of "an operation to terrorise the parents, because the voice that emerged from the neighbourhood was thanks to its youth". He said his son Muhammad had been away teaching in the West Bank city of Ramallah but was on his way back to cooperate with the police summons. Police did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli police arrest Palestinian activist in flashpoint district of Jerusalem

Qatar's public prosecution has charged a Kenyan man, who has written about migrant rights in the Gulf Arab state with receiving payment to spread disinformation, the government's communication office (GCO) said on Saturday.&nbsp;

Malcolm Bidali, who had been writing under a pseudonym, was arrested on May 5 for violating Qatar's security laws, according to a Qatari official. Rights groups have voiced concern that his detention may be in reprisal for human rights work.&nbsp;

"Mr Bidali has been formally charged with offences related to payments received by a foreign agent for the creation and distribution of disinformation within the State of Qatar," the GCO said in a statement, without elaborating.&nbsp;

It said his case was transferred to the Public Prosecution after a thorough investigation and that Bidali was 'receiving legal advice and representation ahead of the court date, which has not yet been set'.&nbsp;

Rights groups including Amnesty International said in a statement on Friday that Bidali, a security guard and blogger, told his mother in a May 20 phone call that he was being held in solitary confinement and had no access to a lawyer.&nbsp;

The GCO did not immediately respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

Bidali had a week before his arrest given a presentation to a large group of civil society organisations and trade unions about his experience working in Qatar, according to an earlier statement by Amnesty, Migrant-Rights.org, Human Rights Watch, FairSquare and the Business &amp; Human Rights Resource Centre.&nbsp;

Qatar's human rights record has been in the spotlight as it prepares to host the 2022 soccer World Cup, especially over migrants' living and working conditions.&nbsp;

Doha has introduced labour reforms that aimed to address some concerns.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Qatar's public prosecution has charged a Kenyan man, who has written about migrant rights in the Gulf Arab state with receiving payment to spread disinformation, the government's communication office (GCO) said on Saturday.

Qatar's public prosecution has charged a Kenyan man, who has written about migrant rights in the Gulf Arab state with receiving payment to spread disinformation, the government's communication office (GCO) said on Saturday. Malcolm Bidali, who had been writing under a pseudonym, was arrested on May 5 for violating Qatar's security laws, according to a Qatari official. Rights groups have voiced concern that his detention may be in reprisal for human rights work. "Mr Bidali has been formally charged with offences related to payments received by a foreign agent for the creation and distribution of disinformation within the State of Qatar," the GCO said in a statement, without elaborating. It said his case was transferred to the Public Prosecution after a thorough investigation and that Bidali was 'receiving legal advice and representation ahead of the court date, which has not yet been set'. Rights groups including Amnesty International said in a statement on Friday that Bidali, a security guard and blogger, told his mother in a May 20 phone call that he was being held in solitary confinement and had no access to a lawyer. The GCO did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Bidali had a week before his arrest given a presentation to a large group of civil society organisations and trade unions about his experience working in Qatar, according to an earlier statement by Amnesty, Migrant-Rights.org, Human Rights Watch, FairSquare and the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre. Qatar's human rights record has been in the spotlight as it prepares to host the 2022 soccer World Cup, especially over migrants' living and working conditions. Doha has introduced labour reforms that aimed to address some concerns. (With inputs from agencies)

Qatar charges migrant activist with taking payment to spread disinformation 

An Egyptian court has sentenced prominent activist Sanaa Seif to a year and a half in prison for 'spreading false news'.

A Cairo criminal court on Wednesday convicted Seif for spreading and broadcasting false news that would cause panic, the false allegation of the spread of the coronavirus in prisons and misusing social media sites. Seif has the right to appeal the ruling within 60 days, judicial sources said.

Seif was detained in June 2019 outside the public prosecutor’s office as she tried to file a complaint about the detention conditions of her brother Alaa Abdel Fattah, one of Egypt’s best-known activists, their family says. She was also among the activists who had campaigned on social media for the release of some prisoners amid fears that coronavirus would spread in prisons.

Three other members of her family were briefly detained in March 2020 for protesting over the same issue.

Seif's brother Alaa, a leading activist in the 2011 uprising that toppled former President Hosni Mubarak, was detained in September 2019, six months after his release from a five-year prison term.

Western countries, meanwhile, have called on Egypt to end the prosecution of activists, journalists and perceived political opponents under counter-terrorism laws, and to unconditionally release them.

An Egyptian court has sentenced prominent activist Sanaa Seif to a year and a half in prison for 'spreading false news'. A Cairo criminal court on Wednesday convicted Seif for spreading and broadcasting false news that would cause panic, the false allegation of the spread of the coronavirus in prisons and misusing social media sites.

An Egyptian court has sentenced prominent activist Sanaa Seif to a year and a half in prison for 'spreading false news'. A Cairo criminal court on Wednesday convicted Seif for spreading and broadcasting false news that would cause panic, the false allegation of the spread of the coronavirus in prisons and misusing social media sites. Seif has the right to appeal the ruling within 60 days, judicial sources said. Seif was detained in June 2019 outside the public prosecutor’s office as she tried to file a complaint about the detention conditions of her brother Alaa Abdel Fattah, one of Egypt’s best-known activists, their family says. She was also among the activists who had campaigned on social media for the release of some prisoners amid fears that coronavirus would spread in prisons. Three other members of her family were briefly detained in March 2020 for protesting over the same issue. Seif's brother Alaa, a leading activist in the 2011 uprising that toppled former President Hosni Mubarak, was detained in September 2019, six months after his release from a five-year prison term. Western countries, meanwhile, have called on Egypt to end the prosecution of activists, journalists and perceived political opponents under counter-terrorism laws, and to unconditionally release them.

Egyptian activist sentenced to 18 months for ‘fake news’

Hong Kong's High Court has released on bail one activist charged with conspiracy to commit subversion and remanded another in a widely monitored case involving 47 others.

The court was ruling on an appeal by prosecutors against a lower court's decision to grant bail to the activists. Hong Kong laws restrict media coverage of the content of bail hearings.

A lower court granted 15 activists bail last week after marathon hearings of 47 opposition figures, which stretched into the night for four consecutive days and saw some of the defendants falling ill and hospitalised. Of the 32 for whom bail was denied, about two dozen are appealing the decision, with hearings starting on Friday.

The 47 activists are accused of organising and participating in an unofficial, non-binding primary poll in July 2020 that authorities said was part of a "vicious plot" to "overthrow" the government.

The case offers an insight into how the security law drafted by Beijing clashes with the global financial hub's common-law traditions, and could see activists held in custody for months until their trial begins.

Foreign diplomats and rights groups are closely watching proceedings as concerns mount over the vanishing space for dissent in the former British colony, which has taken a swift authoritarian turn since the imposition of the law in June 2020.

In contrast with past practice, the new security law puts the onus on defendants to prove they will not pose a security threat if released on bail.

Prosecutors appealed the bail decisions, however, preventing the activists' immediate release. Four were released last Friday after prosecutors withdrew appeals. 
Former opposition lawmaker Helena Wong was released on bail on Thursday as the High Court rejected the appeal. Community-level democratic politician Ng Kin-wai was remanded in custody. The court will publish its reasons later.

Nine others are set to appear in court in two batches on Saturday and Monday.

Supporters of the security law, which punishes what it broadly defines as secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison, say it is necessary to restore stability in Hong Kong after months of pro-democracy protests in 2019.

Hong Kong's Department of Justice has said no one should interfere with independent prosecutorial decisions, as it would undermine the rule of law.

(with inputs from Reuters)

Hong Kong's High Court has released on bail one activist charged with conspiracy to commit subversion and remanded another in a widely monitored case involving 47 others.

Hong Kong's High Court has released on bail one activist charged with conspiracy to commit subversion and remanded another in a widely monitored case involving 47 others. The court was ruling on an appeal by prosecutors against a lower court's decision to grant bail to the activists. Hong Kong laws restrict media coverage of the content of bail hearings. A lower court granted 15 activists bail last week after marathon hearings of 47 opposition figures, which stretched into the night for four consecutive days and saw some of the defendants falling ill and hospitalised. Of the 32 for whom bail was denied, about two dozen are appealing the decision, with hearings starting on Friday. The 47 activists are accused of organising and participating in an unofficial, non-binding primary poll in July 2020 that authorities said was part of a "vicious plot" to "overthrow" the government. The case offers an insight into how the security law drafted by Beijing clashes with the global financial hub's common-law traditions, and could see activists held in custody for months until their trial begins. Foreign diplomats and rights groups are closely watching proceedings as concerns mount over the vanishing space for dissent in the former British colony, which has taken a swift authoritarian turn since the imposition of the law in June 2020. In contrast with past practice, the new security law puts the onus on defendants to prove they will not pose a security threat if released on bail. Prosecutors appealed the bail decisions, however, preventing the activists' immediate release. Four were released last Friday after prosecutors withdrew appeals. Former opposition lawmaker Helena Wong was released on bail on Thursday as the High Court rejected the appeal. Community-level democratic politician Ng Kin-wai was remanded in custody. The court will publish its reasons later. Nine others are set to appear in court in two batches on Saturday and Monday. Supporters of the security law, which punishes what it broadly defines as secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison, say it is necessary to restore stability in Hong Kong after months of pro-democracy protests in 2019. Hong Kong's Department of Justice has said no one should interfere with independent prosecutorial decisions, as it would undermine the rule of law. (with inputs from Reuters)

Court releases one Hong Kong activist on bail in case involving 47

Exiled journalists, human rights activists, and Uyghurs on Tuesday gathered at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) headquarters in Paris to persuade the anti-terror financing organisation to place Pakistan on the blacklist.&nbsp;

"We have gathered here outside the FATF building as it will be meeting next week to discuss and review the case of Pakistan to make it remain under grey list or put it in the black-list. The idea of protest was to gather dissidents from Balochistan, Pashtun areas, Tibet, Hong Kong and Uyghur community to build a united front and to remind people of Pakistan-China nexus," said Taha Siddiqui, Pakistani journalist in exile and editor of South Asia press.&nbsp;

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"Pakistan should be held accountable for its continued support to terror groups and terror financing. We're here to remind FATF News and its members to not come under China's pressure when they meet this week," tweeted South Asia Press responding to Taha Siddiqui's statement.&nbsp;

Fazal Rehman Afridi, Pashtun Rights Activist said, "It's very important for the international community. Look at the case of Daniel Pearl, the terrorist who murdered him, Omar Sheikh, who has recently been released by Sindh High Court. The human rights activists, who are working for the rights of the people, are languishing in jails. So, it shows Pakistan's duplicity, what the government is saying to the world and what actually is happening. Even if they promulgate laws against terrorism, they will not act upon it, because the judiciary of Pakistan has compromised its working on the dictates of the military establishment - it is involved in terror-training, terror-financing, not only in Pakistan but in the region and around the world."&nbsp;

"We request the international community, particularly the EU to look into the matter of GSP Plus, because Pakistan is a state that is financing terrorism, violating the human rights of its own people. Pakistani Army is involved in human rights violations, war crimes and crimes against humanity. It should be made accountable," added Afridi.&nbsp;

Exiled journalists, human rights activists, and Uyghurs on Tuesday gathered at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) headquarters in Paris to persuade the anti-terror financing organisation to place Pakistan on the blacklist.

Exiled journalists, human rights activists, and Uyghurs on Tuesday gathered at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) headquarters in Paris to persuade the anti-terror financing organisation to place Pakistan on the blacklist. "We have gathered here outside the FATF building as it will be meeting next week to discuss and review the case of Pakistan to make it remain under grey list or put it in the black-list. The idea of protest was to gather dissidents from Balochistan, Pashtun areas, Tibet, Hong Kong and Uyghur community to build a united front and to remind people of Pakistan-China nexus," said Taha Siddiqui, Pakistani journalist in exile and editor of South Asia press. × "Pakistan should be held accountable for its continued support to terror groups and terror financing. We're here to remind FATF News and its members to not come under China's pressure when they meet this week," tweeted South Asia Press responding to Taha Siddiqui's statement. Fazal Rehman Afridi, Pashtun Rights Activist said, "It's very important for the international community. Look at the case of Daniel Pearl, the terrorist who murdered him, Omar Sheikh, who has recently been released by Sindh High Court. The human rights activists, who are working for the rights of the people, are languishing in jails. So, it shows Pakistan's duplicity, what the government is saying to the world and what actually is happening. Even if they promulgate laws against terrorism, they will not act upon it, because the judiciary of Pakistan has compromised its working on the dictates of the military establishment - it is involved in terror-training, terror-financing, not only in Pakistan but in the region and around the world." "We request the international community, particularly the EU to look into the matter of GSP Plus, because Pakistan is a state that is financing terrorism, violating the human rights of its own people. Pakistani Army is involved in human rights violations, war crimes and crimes against humanity. It should be made accountable," added Afridi.

Activists protest in Paris to ensure Pak gets placed on FATF blacklist

Activist Karima Baloch family and friends are demanding for a proper investigation after the Toronto Police ruled out any foul play in her death. The 37 year old Baloch activist body was located by the police in Toronto two days after she was reported missing.

Pressure mounts on Canada to probe Karima Baloch's Death?

The family of a Ugandan activist, who was killed in an accident over the summer at one of America's top national parks, has filed a $270 million wrongful death claim.

Esther Nakajjigo was visiting Arches National Park in Utah with her French husband Ludovic Michaud in mid-June when an unsecured gate swung into the road, decapitating her as she sat in the passenger seat of their car.

Michaud is seeking $240 million in damages from the National Park Service, while Nakajjigo's family is seeking $30 million, US media reported Friday.

The newlywed couple had travelled to the park to celebrate the one-year anniversary of their first date.

In an interview carried by CBS4 television station in Denver this week, Michaud, who lives in Colorado, said he still has flashbacks of the accident and is "trying to figure out how to move forward, how to wake up in the morning."

"What he saw and experienced that day, I cannot even imagine," Deborah Chang, an attorney representing Michaud and the Nakajjigo family, told local media. "The end of the gate impaled the car like a lance, and literally beheaded his newlywed bride right in front of him."

Nakajjigo had a huge following in her native Uganda and was involved with numerous philanthropic projects.

She was especially interested in reducing teenage pregnancy and created a reality television show to empower women. She had come to the United States to further her education and met Michaud in June 2019 through a dating app.

The couple married in March and planned to throw a big wedding party in Uganda once the Covid-19 pandemic was over.

The family of a Ugandan activist, who was killed in an accident over the summer at one of America's top national parks, has filed a $270 million wrongful death claim.

The family of a Ugandan activist, who was killed in an accident over the summer at one of America's top national parks, has filed a $270 million wrongful death claim. Esther Nakajjigo was visiting Arches National Park in Utah with her French husband Ludovic Michaud in mid-June when an unsecured gate swung into the road, decapitating her as she sat in the passenger seat of their car. Michaud is seeking $240 million in damages from the National Park Service, while Nakajjigo's family is seeking $30 million, US media reported Friday. The newlywed couple had travelled to the park to celebrate the one-year anniversary of their first date. In an interview carried by CBS4 television station in Denver this week, Michaud, who lives in Colorado, said he still has flashbacks of the accident and is "trying to figure out how to move forward, how to wake up in the morning." "What he saw and experienced that day, I cannot even imagine," Deborah Chang, an attorney representing Michaud and the Nakajjigo family, told local media. "The end of the gate impaled the car like a lance, and literally beheaded his newlywed bride right in front of him." Nakajjigo had a huge following in her native Uganda and was involved with numerous philanthropic projects. She was especially interested in reducing teenage pregnancy and created a reality television show to empower women. She had come to the United States to further her education and met Michaud in June 2019 through a dating app. The couple married in March and planned to throw a big wedding party in Uganda once the Covid-19 pandemic was over.

Family of Ugandan activist killed in US files $270 mn claim

Climate activists on Tuesday (September 22) protested outside the office of Conde Nast, publisher of Vogue, Glamour and GQ magazines, demading the fashion media to "tell the truth" about the industry's impact on the environment.

Climate activists target Vogue, GQ publisher

The Communist Party of China is an "enemy" of humanity and is terrorising its own people, a blind Chinese human rights activist has said, urging other countries to join US President Donald Trump to stop China's "aggression". 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-son-lashes-out-on-rival-joe-biden-calls-him-pushover-to-china-323196">Also read | Donald Trump's son lashes out on rival Joe Biden, calls him 'pushover' to China</a> 
 
"Standing up to tyranny is not easy. I know. When I spoke out against China's 'one child'' policy and other injustices, I was persecuted, beaten and sent to prison and put under house arrest by the Chinese Communist Party," Chen Guangcheng said in his address to the Republican National Convention on Wednesday. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/if-elected-joe-biden-will-clear-path-for-chinas-treacherous-agenda-292289">Opinion | If elected, Joe Biden will clear path for China’s treacherous agenda</a>

Chen Guangcheng, who was brought to the United States by the Obama administration 2012, said the Chinese Communist Party is an "enemy of humanity." 
 
Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-us-china-relationship-took-a-turn-for-the-worse-314882">How US-China relationship took a turn for the worse</a>

"It is terrorising its own people. And it is threatening the well being of the world," he said adding that in China, expressing beliefs or ideas not approved by the CCP - religion, democracy, human rights - can lead to prison and the nation lives under mass surveillance and censorship.

He said the US must use its values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law to "gather a coalition of other democracies to stop China's aggression."

President Trump has led on this and we need the other countries to join him in this fight. A fight for our future," Chen Guangcheng, who is blind since childhood and is self-taught in law, said. He added that he knows standing up to fight unfairness is not easy and so does Trump "but he has shown the courage to wage that fight. We need to support, vote, and fight for President Trump . . . for the sake of the world."

Chen Guangcheng spoke excerpts at the Convention from his prepared remarks. In his full remarks, released by the Trump campaign and himself, he said outside its borders, the CCP ignores international treaties and norms, whether it is violating the rights of Hong Kong, cheating on trade deals, threatening Taiwan, or exploiting the World Health Organisation.

"The coronavirus pandemic, originating in China - and covered up by the CCP - has caused mass death and social upheaval around the world. In the same way, the virus of the CCP is threatening the people of the world," Chen Guangcheng said, according to the text of his full remarks.

Chen Guangcheng said that the CCP is focused on power and control, and acts without regard to the law or to human rights. "Countless activists have disappeared or are under house arrest. Just consider the sad plight of the Uyghurs in concentration camps."

Chen Guangcheng accused the Obama-Biden administration of having a policy of appeasement.

"The policy of appeasement of former administrations - including Obama and Biden - has allowed the CCP to infiltrate and corrode different aspects of the global community," he said on the policies of the Democratic Party.

"The Chinese Communist Party goes through the dance of diplomacy... but it seeks to make the rest of the world bow to its authoritarian vision. The CCP is waiting patiently for the US and other democracies to bend to its will under fear of economic retribution," he said, according to the text of his prepared remarks.

The Communist Party of China is an "enemy" of humanity and is terrorising its own people, a blind Chinese human rights activist has said, urging other countries to join US President Donald Trump to stop China's "aggression".

The Communist Party of China is an "enemy" of humanity and is terrorising its own people, a blind Chinese human rights activist has said, urging other countries to join US President Donald Trump to stop China's "aggression". Also read | Donald Trump's son lashes out on rival Joe Biden, calls him 'pushover' to China "Standing up to tyranny is not easy. I know. When I spoke out against China's 'one child'' policy and other injustices, I was persecuted, beaten and sent to prison and put under house arrest by the Chinese Communist Party," Chen Guangcheng said in his address to the Republican National Convention on Wednesday. Opinion | If elected, Joe Biden will clear path for China’s treacherous agenda Chen Guangcheng, who was brought to the United States by the Obama administration 2012, said the Chinese Communist Party is an "enemy of humanity." Also see: How US-China relationship took a turn for the worse "It is terrorising its own people. And it is threatening the well being of the world," he said adding that in China, expressing beliefs or ideas not approved by the CCP - religion, democracy, human rights - can lead to prison and the nation lives under mass surveillance and censorship. He said the US must use its values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law to "gather a coalition of other democracies to stop China's aggression." President Trump has led on this and we need the other countries to join him in this fight. A fight for our future," Chen Guangcheng, who is blind since childhood and is self-taught in law, said. He added that he knows standing up to fight unfairness is not easy and so does Trump "but he has shown the courage to wage that fight. We need to support, vote, and fight for President Trump . . . for the sake of the world." Chen Guangcheng spoke excerpts at the Convention from his prepared remarks. In his full remarks, released by the Trump campaign and himself, he said outside its borders, the CCP ignores international treaties and norms, whether it is violating the rights of Hong Kong, cheating on trade deals, threatening Taiwan, or exploiting the World Health Organisation. "The coronavirus pandemic, originating in China - and covered up by the CCP - has caused mass death and social upheaval around the world. In the same way, the virus of the CCP is threatening the people of the world," Chen Guangcheng said, according to the text of his full remarks. Chen Guangcheng said that the CCP is focused on power and control, and acts without regard to the law or to human rights. "Countless activists have disappeared or are under house arrest. Just consider the sad plight of the Uyghurs in concentration camps." Chen Guangcheng accused the Obama-Biden administration of having a policy of appeasement. "The policy of appeasement of former administrations - including Obama and Biden - has allowed the CCP to infiltrate and corrode different aspects of the global community," he said on the policies of the Democratic Party. "The Chinese Communist Party goes through the dance of diplomacy... but it seeks to make the rest of the world bow to its authoritarian vision. The CCP is waiting patiently for the US and other democracies to bend to its will under fear of economic retribution," he said, according to the text of his prepared remarks.

Vote for Trump to stop China's ‘aggression’: Chinese Human Rights activist

Edgar Alvarez, an artist and activist, is a Venezuelan living in Bogota, Colombia. The ‘craftivist’ works with plasticine figures, through which he explains and highlights the issues in the Andean region in recent years.

Colombian 'Craftivist' Edgar Alvarez models clay to educate the masses

China's prominent labour activists, who were arrested in coordinated raids in the city of Shenzhen last year have returned to their homes. The information of them returning was given by their close family members.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-cases-cross-396-million-death-toll-increases-to-273000-297709" hreflang="en">COVID 19: Cases cross 3.96 million, death toll increases to 273,000</a>

All five activists went through a closed-door trial. According to the China Labour Bulletin, Zhang Zhiru and Wu Guijun were imprisoned for three years and suspended for four years, whereas, &nbsp;Jian Hui, Song Jiahui and He Yuancheng were sentenced to 18 months, suspended for two years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-still-in-the-emergency-phase-justin-trudeau-297706" hreflang="en">We are still in the emergency phase: Justin Trudeau</a>

All five of them have been released on April 24 followed by a 14-day quarantine before they return home.&nbsp;

The activists' families got to know about their sentence and release when they returned home.&nbsp;

According to the China Labour Bulletin, these activists were arrested for "gathering a crowd to disturb public order."

The activists have been active participants and advocates for the factory workers' rights during the 2010s, the state-run Global Times had praised Zhang's efforts back in 2014.&nbsp;

Labour activists across China have been under constant pressure from the ruling Communist Party, the Chinese government has been suspicious of social organising outside its control.&nbsp;

Even after the release these five activists, worker groups and their former staff are monitored closely, the source of this information has denied being named.&nbsp;

Zhang’s ex-wife Xiao Hongxia said he seemed healthy and is in "good spirits" when she visited him on Friday.&nbsp;

"I brought his two sons who haven’t seen him for more than a year," she said. "They were very happy - what son wouldn’t be happy to see their father?"

(With inputs from Reuters)

China's prominent labour activists, who were arrested in coordinated raids in the city of Shenzhen last year have returned to their homes. The information of them returning was given by their close family members.

China's prominent labour activists, who were arrested in coordinated raids in the city of Shenzhen last year have returned to their homes. The information of them returning was given by their close family members. Also read: COVID 19: Cases cross 3.96 million, death toll increases to 273,000 All five activists went through a closed-door trial. According to the China Labour Bulletin, Zhang Zhiru and Wu Guijun were imprisoned for three years and suspended for four years, whereas, Jian Hui, Song Jiahui and He Yuancheng were sentenced to 18 months, suspended for two years. Also read: We are still in the emergency phase: Justin Trudeau All five of them have been released on April 24 followed by a 14-day quarantine before they return home. The activists' families got to know about their sentence and release when they returned home. According to the China Labour Bulletin, these activists were arrested for "gathering a crowd to disturb public order." The activists have been active participants and advocates for the factory workers' rights during the 2010s, the state-run Global Times had praised Zhang's efforts back in 2014. Labour activists across China have been under constant pressure from the ruling Communist Party, the Chinese government has been suspicious of social organising outside its control. Even after the release these five activists, worker groups and their former staff are monitored closely, the source of this information has denied being named. Zhang’s ex-wife Xiao Hongxia said he seemed healthy and is in "good spirits" when she visited him on Friday. "I brought his two sons who haven’t seen him for more than a year," she said. "They were very happy - what son wouldn’t be happy to see their father?" (With inputs from Reuters)

China releases five notable labour rights activists after year-long imprisonment

Calling Pakistan a "blot on humanity", a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/baloch-activists-hold-anti-pakistan-protest-outside-un-office-seek-intervention-250262">Baloch activist</a> has said the country which was created for Islam has emerged as the biggest enemy of the religion itself.

He also accused the Pakistani establishment of kidnapping children of the Baloch community.

<iframe data-google-container-id="5" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>"We aim to expose the real face of Pakistan before the&nbsp;world&nbsp;and let the&nbsp;world&nbsp;know that Pakistan is a blot on humanity. Pakstan is the biggest enemy of Islam. Pakistan was created for Islam and now it has become the biggest enemy of that religion," Shams Baloch, Central Council Member of Free Balochistan Movement.

"Pakistan gained control over Balochistan. Pakistan is a virus not just for India, Afghanistan or Balochistan, but for the entire&nbsp;world&nbsp;&amp; humanity," he added.

Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in the country.

Islamabad is also reportedly discriminating against its religious minorities, which is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc, making the Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/baloch-activists-demand-suspension-of-paks-membership-from-unhrc-165497">Various activists</a> belonging to the Baloch, Pashtuns, and Sindhi communities have been holding protests in Geneva to expose Pakistan over its illegal occupation and suppression of the minorities.

For long, Pakistan's establishment has been criticised over its practice of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings by international bodies and local human rights organisations that dare to speak out on the issue.

According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, an entity established by the Pakistani government, about 5,000 cases of enforced disappearances have been registered since 2014.

Most of them are still unresolved.

Independent local and international human rights organisations put the numbers much higher.

Around 20,000 have reportedly been abducted only from Balochistan, out of which more than 2,500 have turned up dead as bullet-riddled dead bodies, bearing signs of extreme torture.

Before being elected as Prime Minister, Imran Khan had admitted in multiple interviews about the involvement of Pakistan's intelligence agencies in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and vowed to resign if he was unable to put an end to the practice, holding those involved responsible.

Calling Pakistan a "blot on humanity", a Baloch activist has said the country which was created for Islam has emerged as the biggest enemy of the religion itself.

Calling Pakistan a "blot on humanity", a Baloch activist has said the country which was created for Islam has emerged as the biggest enemy of the religion itself. He also accused the Pakistani establishment of kidnapping children of the Baloch community. "We aim to expose the real face of Pakistan before the world and let the world know that Pakistan is a blot on humanity. Pakstan is the biggest enemy of Islam. Pakistan was created for Islam and now it has become the biggest enemy of that religion," Shams Baloch, Central Council Member of Free Balochistan Movement. "Pakistan gained control over Balochistan. Pakistan is a virus not just for India, Afghanistan or Balochistan, but for the entire world & humanity," he added. Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in the country. Islamabad is also reportedly discriminating against its religious minorities, which is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc, making the Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region. Various activists belonging to the Baloch, Pashtuns, and Sindhi communities have been holding protests in Geneva to expose Pakistan over its illegal occupation and suppression of the minorities. For long, Pakistan's establishment has been criticised over its practice of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings by international bodies and local human rights organisations that dare to speak out on the issue. According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, an entity established by the Pakistani government, about 5,000 cases of enforced disappearances have been registered since 2014. Most of them are still unresolved. Independent local and international human rights organisations put the numbers much higher. Around 20,000 have reportedly been abducted only from Balochistan, out of which more than 2,500 have turned up dead as bullet-riddled dead bodies, bearing signs of extreme torture. Before being elected as Prime Minister, Imran Khan had admitted in multiple interviews about the involvement of Pakistan's intelligence agencies in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and vowed to resign if he was unable to put an end to the practice, holding those involved responsible.

Pakistan is blot on humanity, virus for entire world: Baloch activist

What's next for Hong Kong's protest movement?

Activists from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unrest-protesters-plan-shopping-mall-sit-ins-after-hill-top-human-chains-249585">Hong Kong</a> and Xinjiang shared a platform to raise their voice against human rights violations by China on the sidelines of the 42nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday.

Beatrice Li and Andy Li, the two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activist-joshua-wong-seeks-trump-us-congress-support-249535">activists from Hong Kong</a>, brought used tear gas canisters, solid rubber batons, smoke grenade, rubber rocket and other arms used by the Hong Kong Police against the protesters to the side event to establish their claim.

<iframe data-google-container-id="4" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>They said that the residents of Hong Kong are denied fundamental rights and are living in fear of being targeted.

"Hong Kong police has physically and verbally assaulted the journalists and other citizens", said Beatrice Li, an activist from Hong Kong adding that the use of lethal and chemical weapons is causing health issues for residents.

Meanwhile, Andy Li, Human Rights activist from Hong Kong said, "If the Chinese government has already committed atrocities in other lands which they do not have legal control of, we cannot imagine what would have happened if they are allowed full legal control over the Hong Kong land."

"The people of Hong Kong have realised that the government of Hong Kong is accountable to China, not to its own people," he added.

Since June, millions of Hong Kong people began to mobilise against an extradition bill that would allow dissidents to be sent to face trial in China, whose criminal justice system is rife with human rights abuses.

Instead of listening to the demands of the people, the Hong Kong government has engaged in a coordinated suppression of Hong Kongers rights and freedoms, including those of assembly, expression and the press.

The Hong Kong Police Force has moreover used escalating tactics of state violence to suppress largely peaceful political protests.

According to data, 1,453 people have been arrested from June 09 until September 16.

Dolkun Isa of&nbsp;World&nbsp;Uyghur Congress, said people in Xinjiang have been suffering China's brutalities for the past many decades.

He also showed sympathy for Hong Kong people saying that China is breaking the democratic values of Hong Kong by interfering in its internal affairs."Hong Kong people don't want to be Xinjiang", he added.

Activists from Hong Kong and Xinjiang shared a platform to raise their voice against human rights violations by China on the sidelines of the 42nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday.

Activists from Hong Kong and Xinjiang shared a platform to raise their voice against human rights violations by China on the sidelines of the 42nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday. Beatrice Li and Andy Li, the two activists from Hong Kong, brought used tear gas canisters, solid rubber batons, smoke grenade, rubber rocket and other arms used by the Hong Kong Police against the protesters to the side event to establish their claim. They said that the residents of Hong Kong are denied fundamental rights and are living in fear of being targeted. "Hong Kong police has physically and verbally assaulted the journalists and other citizens", said Beatrice Li, an activist from Hong Kong adding that the use of lethal and chemical weapons is causing health issues for residents. Meanwhile, Andy Li, Human Rights activist from Hong Kong said, "If the Chinese government has already committed atrocities in other lands which they do not have legal control of, we cannot imagine what would have happened if they are allowed full legal control over the Hong Kong land." "The people of Hong Kong have realised that the government of Hong Kong is accountable to China, not to its own people," he added. Since June, millions of Hong Kong people began to mobilise against an extradition bill that would allow dissidents to be sent to face trial in China, whose criminal justice system is rife with human rights abuses. Instead of listening to the demands of the people, the Hong Kong government has engaged in a coordinated suppression of Hong Kongers rights and freedoms, including those of assembly, expression and the press. The Hong Kong Police Force has moreover used escalating tactics of state violence to suppress largely peaceful political protests. According to data, 1,453 people have been arrested from June 09 until September 16. Dolkun Isa of World Uyghur Congress, said people in Xinjiang have been suffering China's brutalities for the past many decades. He also showed sympathy for Hong Kong people saying that China is breaking the democratic values of Hong Kong by interfering in its internal affairs."Hong Kong people don't want to be Xinjiang", he added.

Geneva: Activists from Hong Kong, Xinjiang raise concerns over human rights violations by China

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-hit-pause-to-mark-september-11-attacks-248978">Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;activists</a> called off protests on Wednesday in remembrance of the September&nbsp;11, 2001 attacks on the United States and denounced a Chinese state newspaper report that they were planning "massive terror" in the Chinese-ruled city.

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;has been rocked by months of sometimes violent unrest, prompted by anger over planned legislation to allow extraditions to China, but broadening into calls for democracy and for Communist rulers in Beijing to leave the city alone.

"Anti-government fanatics are planning massive terror attacks, including blowing up gas pipes, in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;on&nbsp;September&nbsp;11," the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;edition of the China Daily said on its Facebook page, alongside a picture of the hijacked airliner attacks on the twin towers in New York.

"The 9/11&nbsp;terror plot also encourages indiscriminate attacks on non-native speakers of Cantonese and starting mountain fires."

The post said, "leaked information was part of the strategy being schemed by radical&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;in their online chat rooms".

The former British colony of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including an independent legal system, triggering the anger over the extradition bill.

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;leader Carrie Lam has said she will withdraw the bill but many&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;residents fear Beijing is steadily eroding the autonomy of the Asian financial hub.

China denies meddling and has accused the United States, Britain and others of fomenting the unrest.

"We don’t even need to do a fact check to know that this is fake news," said one protester, Michael, 24, referring to the China Daily post.

"The state media doesn’t care about its credibility.

Whenever something they claimed to have heard on WhatsApp or friends’ friends, they will spread it right away."

The&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;called off action on Wednesday.

"In solidarity against terrorism, all forms of protest in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;will be suspended on September 11, apart from potential singing and chanting," they said in a statement.

The China Daily report was worrying, said another protester, Karen, 23. "When they try to frame the whole protest with those words, it alarms me," she said.

"They are predicting rather than reporting. I think people calling it off today is a nice move."

&nbsp;

FAMILY FRICTIONS

The chairwoman of the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;Federation of Women, Pansy Ho, a prominent businesswoman and daughter of Macau casino operator Stanley Ho, said she was worried about violent extremism.

"Children of all ages are indoctrinated with police hatred and anti-establishment beliefs at school and online mobilised to conduct massive school strikes," she told the UN&nbsp;Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Lam said in a speech on Wednesday that&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;was grappling with significant challenges.

"My fervent hope is that we can bridge our divide by upholding the one country, two systems principle, and the Basic Law, and through the concerted efforts of the government and the people of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong," she told business leaders.

The Basic Law is&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's mini-constitution.

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;airline Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd has become the biggest corporate casualty of the unrest after China demanded it suspend staff involved in, or who support, the protests.

Cathay Pacific said on Wednesday inbound traffic to&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;in August fell 38 per cent&nbsp;and outbound traffic 12 per cent&nbsp;compared with a year earlier, and that it did not anticipate&nbsp;September&nbsp;to be any less difficult.

Joshua Wong, one of the prominent leaders of the 2014 "Umbrella" pro-democracy movement which brought key streets in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;to a standstill for 79 days, said in Berlin that the fight for democracy was an uphill battle.

"I hope one day not only&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;people, but also people in mainland China, can enjoy freedom and democracy," he said.

The protests spread to the sports field on Tuesday, as many football fans defied Chinese law to boo the national anthem ahead of a soccer World Cup qualifier against Iran.

Several peaceful protests are planned for the next few days, combining with celebrations marking the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Hong Kong activists called off protests on Wednesday in remembrance of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States and denounced a Chinese state newspaper report that they were planning "massive terror" in the Chinese-ruled city.

Hong Kong activists called off protests on Wednesday in remembrance of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States and denounced a Chinese state newspaper report that they were planning "massive terror" in the Chinese-ruled city. Hong Kong has been rocked by months of sometimes violent unrest, prompted by anger over planned legislation to allow extraditions to China, but broadening into calls for democracy and for Communist rulers in Beijing to leave the city alone. "Anti-government fanatics are planning massive terror attacks, including blowing up gas pipes, in Hong Kong on September 11," the Hong Kong edition of the China Daily said on its Facebook page, alongside a picture of the hijacked airliner attacks on the twin towers in New York. "The 9/11 terror plot also encourages indiscriminate attacks on non-native speakers of Cantonese and starting mountain fires." The post said, "leaked information was part of the strategy being schemed by radical protesters in their online chat rooms". The former British colony of Hong Kong returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including an independent legal system, triggering the anger over the extradition bill. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has said she will withdraw the bill but many Hong Kong residents fear Beijing is steadily eroding the autonomy of the Asian financial hub. China denies meddling and has accused the United States, Britain and others of fomenting the unrest. "We don’t even need to do a fact check to know that this is fake news," said one protester, Michael, 24, referring to the China Daily post. "The state media doesn’t care about its credibility. Whenever something they claimed to have heard on WhatsApp or friends’ friends, they will spread it right away." The protesters called off action on Wednesday. "In solidarity against terrorism, all forms of protest in Hong Kong will be suspended on September 11, apart from potential singing and chanting," they said in a statement. The China Daily report was worrying, said another protester, Karen, 23. "When they try to frame the whole protest with those words, it alarms me," she said. "They are predicting rather than reporting. I think people calling it off today is a nice move." FAMILY FRICTIONS The chairwoman of the Hong Kong Federation of Women, Pansy Ho, a prominent businesswoman and daughter of Macau casino operator Stanley Ho, said she was worried about violent extremism. "Children of all ages are indoctrinated with police hatred and anti-establishment beliefs at school and online mobilised to conduct massive school strikes," she told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Lam said in a speech on Wednesday that Hong Kong was grappling with significant challenges. "My fervent hope is that we can bridge our divide by upholding the one country, two systems principle, and the Basic Law, and through the concerted efforts of the government and the people of Hong Kong," she told business leaders. The Basic Law is Hong Kong's mini-constitution. Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd has become the biggest corporate casualty of the unrest after China demanded it suspend staff involved in, or who support, the protests. Cathay Pacific said on Wednesday inbound traffic to Hong Kong in August fell 38 per cent and outbound traffic 12 per cent compared with a year earlier, and that it did not anticipate September to be any less difficult. Joshua Wong, one of the prominent leaders of the 2014 "Umbrella" pro-democracy movement which brought key streets in Hong Kong to a standstill for 79 days, said in Berlin that the fight for democracy was an uphill battle. "I hope one day not only Hong Kong people, but also people in mainland China, can enjoy freedom and democracy," he said. The protests spread to the sports field on Tuesday, as many football fans defied Chinese law to boo the national anthem ahead of a soccer World Cup qualifier against Iran. Several peaceful protests are planned for the next few days, combining with celebrations marking the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Hong Kong protesters hit pause in memory of September 11

Iraqi journalists, activists, and researchers are facing a wave of accusations and threats by shadowy online groups they suspect are linked to powerful pro-Iran factions.

Parties, armed groups, and even officials in Iraq benefit from legions of supporters dubbed "electronic armies," which take to social media to anonymously sing their praises or mock their detractors.

These online rivalries now appear to have been fanned by months of rising tensions pitting Iran against the US and Israel.

This summer, suspicious explosions hit five camps and arms depots run by Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi, a network of mostly Shiite armed factions linked to Iran.

The Hashed was quick to blame Israel and the United States, but also said it suspected "agents" of the two countries contributed to the attacks.

That accusation was followed by an online campaign accusing a broad range of Iraqi nationals of "collaborating" with Israel and the US.

One graphic shared by an Arabic-language page named "Don't Tread on Us" accused 14 Iraqis of de facto supporting a policy of "normalisation with Israel."

Shared on social media, it named figures such as journalist Joumana Mumtaz and blogger Ali Wajih.

In response, Wajih penned a rare open letter to Iraq's prime minister Adel Abdel Mahdi, Hashed chief Faleh Fayyadh and his powerful deputy Abu Mehdi al-Muhandis.&nbsp;

"For years, a group of us journalists and bloggers have faced incitements to murder by people and pages that may be close to the Hashed, or directly linked to it," he wrote.

Allegations they were "agents" or seeking normalisation with Israel, Wajih said, were "empty and silly".

'A broader plot'?

Iraqis have long been opposed to Israel because of its occupation of Palestinian land.

Baghdad has however developed close ties with Washington since the American-led invasion that toppled ex-dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003.

Despite that, Washington's bitter rival Tehran also holds considerable sway in Iraq's political scene and within the Hashed.

In recent months, anti-Israel and anti-US rhetoric has been on the rise as Iraqis feel increasingly squeezed by the war of words between the two sides.

Some Iraqi factions have used the purported Israeli strikes to relaunch calls for US troops to leave Iraq.

Just last week, many of the same figures lashed out against US-funded Al-Hurra TV for a documentary alleging corruption among Iraq's religious bodies, both Sunni and Shiite.

Perceptions Iraq was being "attacked" by Israel and America were "broadened to include critical and independent Iraqi voices, who have been maligned as agents in a broader plot," said Fanar Haddad, an Iraq expert at the National University of Singapore.

"In this way, entrenched domestic interests and rivalries have been folded into the ongoing tensions between the Iran-led axis of resistance and the United States, Israel and their allies in the region," he said.

Rights groups react&nbsp;

Omar al-Shaher, a journalist named in the graphic, said there was "not a shred of proof" to back up the claims.

"These days, it's more dangerous than ever to have your name associated with the Israeli camp," he told AFP.

Historian Omar Mohammad, who documented atrocities in Mosul under the Islamic State group, said he suspected the new accusations came "as a result of the recent (purported) Israeli airstrikes and US-Iranian tensions."

Mohammad said the graphic's sleek production meant he was "absolutely" taking its threats seriously.

"It is institutional and professional. Seems there is a team specialised in dehumanising us," Mohammad told AFP from outside Iraq.

Media rights groups are worried such incitement could lead to real violence.

"The sensitivity of the Palestinian question in the region means that accusing someone of working with Israel is tantamount to calling for their killing," said the Journalistic Freedoms Observatory.

On Thursday, monitor and rights group Iraqi Media House called for better protection of journalists.

"The phenomenon of electronic armies has reached dangerous levels, issuing threats including incitement to violence and hatred," it said.

"We are surprised by the authorities' continued silence so far, including the judiciary, in a clear abandonment of its responsibilities when it comes to electronic crimes."

Iraqi journalists, activists, and researchers are facing a wave of accusations and threats by shadowy online groups they suspect are linked to powerful pro-Iran factions.

Iraqi journalists, activists, and researchers are facing a wave of accusations and threats by shadowy online groups they suspect are linked to powerful pro-Iran factions. Parties, armed groups, and even officials in Iraq benefit from legions of supporters dubbed "electronic armies," which take to social media to anonymously sing their praises or mock their detractors. These online rivalries now appear to have been fanned by months of rising tensions pitting Iran against the US and Israel. This summer, suspicious explosions hit five camps and arms depots run by Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi, a network of mostly Shiite armed factions linked to Iran. The Hashed was quick to blame Israel and the United States, but also said it suspected "agents" of the two countries contributed to the attacks. That accusation was followed by an online campaign accusing a broad range of Iraqi nationals of "collaborating" with Israel and the US. One graphic shared by an Arabic-language page named "Don't Tread on Us" accused 14 Iraqis of de facto supporting a policy of "normalisation with Israel." Shared on social media, it named figures such as journalist Joumana Mumtaz and blogger Ali Wajih. In response, Wajih penned a rare open letter to Iraq's prime minister Adel Abdel Mahdi, Hashed chief Faleh Fayyadh and his powerful deputy Abu Mehdi al-Muhandis. "For years, a group of us journalists and bloggers have faced incitements to murder by people and pages that may be close to the Hashed, or directly linked to it," he wrote. Allegations they were "agents" or seeking normalisation with Israel, Wajih said, were "empty and silly". 'A broader plot'? Iraqis have long been opposed to Israel because of its occupation of Palestinian land. Baghdad has however developed close ties with Washington since the American-led invasion that toppled ex-dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003. Despite that, Washington's bitter rival Tehran also holds considerable sway in Iraq's political scene and within the Hashed. In recent months, anti-Israel and anti-US rhetoric has been on the rise as Iraqis feel increasingly squeezed by the war of words between the two sides. Some Iraqi factions have used the purported Israeli strikes to relaunch calls for US troops to leave Iraq. Just last week, many of the same figures lashed out against US-funded Al-Hurra TV for a documentary alleging corruption among Iraq's religious bodies, both Sunni and Shiite. Perceptions Iraq was being "attacked" by Israel and America were "broadened to include critical and independent Iraqi voices, who have been maligned as agents in a broader plot," said Fanar Haddad, an Iraq expert at the National University of Singapore. "In this way, entrenched domestic interests and rivalries have been folded into the ongoing tensions between the Iran-led axis of resistance and the United States, Israel and their allies in the region," he said. Rights groups react Omar al-Shaher, a journalist named in the graphic, said there was "not a shred of proof" to back up the claims. "These days, it's more dangerous than ever to have your name associated with the Israeli camp," he told AFP. Historian Omar Mohammad, who documented atrocities in Mosul under the Islamic State group, said he suspected the new accusations came "as a result of the recent (purported) Israeli airstrikes and US-Iranian tensions." Mohammad said the graphic's sleek production meant he was "absolutely" taking its threats seriously. "It is institutional and professional. Seems there is a team specialised in dehumanising us," Mohammad told AFP from outside Iraq. Media rights groups are worried such incitement could lead to real violence. "The sensitivity of the Palestinian question in the region means that accusing someone of working with Israel is tantamount to calling for their killing," said the Journalistic Freedoms Observatory. On Thursday, monitor and rights group Iraqi Media House called for better protection of journalists. "The phenomenon of electronic armies has reached dangerous levels, issuing threats including incitement to violence and hatred," it said. "We are surprised by the authorities' continued silence so far, including the judiciary, in a clear abandonment of its responsibilities when it comes to electronic crimes."

In divided Iraq, 'electronic armies' threaten activists, media

Joshua Wong, Hong Kong pro-democracy activist granted bail.

Wion Dispatch: Bruce Harrison on Joshua Wong released on Bail

Renewed clashes broke out between pro-democracy protesters and police in Hong Kong on Tuesday night after dozens of demonstrators were charged with rioting -- an offence that carries a jail term of up to ten years.

The city is reeling from<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-locks-down-as-thousands-gather-for-latest-anti-extradition-bill-rally-237420"> seven weeks of mass rallies</a> some of which have ended in violence -- triggered by a controversial bill which would have allowed extraditions to mainland China.

They have evolved into calls for wider democratic reforms and a halt to sliding freedoms in the most significant challenge to Beijing's rule since the city's 1997 handover.

In the latest flashpoint police used pepper spray and batons on Tuesday night against protesters who had gathered outside a police station in Kwai Chung district, an AFP reporter on scene said.&nbsp;

Hundreds were protesting after police announced 44 people arrested in clashes on Sunday had been charged with rioting.

Protesters responded to the police charge by throwing plastic bottles and umbrellas.&nbsp;

In footage broadcast live on Now TV an officer could be seen aiming a shotgun at protesters throwing objects at him in a nearby bus station until he and his colleagues beat a hasty retreat.&nbsp;

Surge in violence&nbsp;

The last two weekends have seen a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../thousands-converge-on-hong-kong-police- headquarters-in-anti-govt-demonstration-229127">dramatic surge in the level of violence</a> used by both protesters and police who have repeatedly fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse projectile-throwing crowds.&nbsp;

A mob of pro-government thugs also attacked protesters putting 45 people in hospital.&nbsp;

Tuesday night's violence was brief and less pronounced in comparison but tensions remained high with the police charge having little effect in dispersing the crowds.&nbsp;

Before the clashes broke out, the crowds were chanting democracy slogans and spraying graffiti on the building's walls. The police station had metal shutters pulled down over the door and all public-facing windows.&nbsp;

Rioting is one of the most serious public order offences on Hong Kong's statute books and carries a sentence of up to a decade in jail.&nbsp;

Edward Leung, a prominent activist, was jailed for six years last year after he was found guilty of rioting in clashes with police in 2016.

Beijing warning&nbsp;

The move to charge the 44 protesters came a day after Beijing publicly threw its weight behind Hong Kong's unelected leader Carrie Lam and the police, saying violent protesters must be swiftly punished.

"No civilised society or rule of law society will tolerate rampant violence," Yang Guang, spokesman for the cabinet-level Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, told reporters in a highly unusual public press conference.&nbsp;

Yang blamed the violence on a "few radicals" and said it "bumped into the bottom line" of the "one country, two systems" principle that governs the financial hub.

He also accused Western politicians of making "irresponsible remarks" to "mess up Hong Kong" and contain China's development.

Beijing has issued increasingly shrill condemnations of the protests, but has left it to the city's government to deal with the situation.

Few compromises&nbsp;

Lam has shown no sign of backing down beyond agreeing to suspend the extradition bill and has made few public appearances.

Police have not released a detailed breakdown of arrests and charges since the protests began but an AFP tally of public statements shows at least 170 people have been arrested since 9 June.&nbsp;

Protesters have vowed to keep their campaign going until their core demands are met.&nbsp;

They include the resignation of Lam, an independent inquiry into police tactics, an amnesty for those arrested, a permanent withdrawal of the bill and the right to elect their leaders.

On Tuesday morning, activists held up trains on the city's subway system during the morning rush hour, leading to lengthy delays and long queues for buses.&nbsp;

It was not the first time they have used those tactics, but the disruption was more widespread than previously.&nbsp;

Under the 1997 handover deal with Britain, China promised to allow Hong Kong to keep key liberties such as its independent judiciary and freedom of speech.

But many say those provisions are already being curtailed, citing the disappearance into mainland custody of dissident booksellers, the disqualification of prominent politicians and the jailing of pro-democracy protest leaders.

Public anger has been compounded by rising inequality, the high costs of living and the perception that the city's distinct language and culture are being threatened by ever closer integration with the Chinese mainland.&nbsp;

Renewed clashes broke out between pro-democracy protesters and police in Hong Kong on Tuesday night after dozens of demonstrators were charged with rioting -- an offence that carries a jail term of up to ten years.

Renewed clashes broke out between pro-democracy protesters and police in Hong Kong on Tuesday night after dozens of demonstrators were charged with rioting -- an offence that carries a jail term of up to ten years. The city is reeling from seven weeks of mass rallies some of which have ended in violence -- triggered by a controversial bill which would have allowed extraditions to mainland China. They have evolved into calls for wider democratic reforms and a halt to sliding freedoms in the most significant challenge to Beijing's rule since the city's 1997 handover. In the latest flashpoint police used pepper spray and batons on Tuesday night against protesters who had gathered outside a police station in Kwai Chung district, an AFP reporter on scene said. Hundreds were protesting after police announced 44 people arrested in clashes on Sunday had been charged with rioting. Protesters responded to the police charge by throwing plastic bottles and umbrellas. In footage broadcast live on Now TV an officer could be seen aiming a shotgun at protesters throwing objects at him in a nearby bus station until he and his colleagues beat a hasty retreat. Surge in violence The last two weekends have seen a dramatic surge in the level of violence used by both protesters and police who have repeatedly fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse projectile-throwing crowds. A mob of pro-government thugs also attacked protesters putting 45 people in hospital. Tuesday night's violence was brief and less pronounced in comparison but tensions remained high with the police charge having little effect in dispersing the crowds. Before the clashes broke out, the crowds were chanting democracy slogans and spraying graffiti on the building's walls. The police station had metal shutters pulled down over the door and all public-facing windows. Rioting is one of the most serious public order offences on Hong Kong's statute books and carries a sentence of up to a decade in jail. Edward Leung, a prominent activist, was jailed for six years last year after he was found guilty of rioting in clashes with police in 2016. Beijing warning The move to charge the 44 protesters came a day after Beijing publicly threw its weight behind Hong Kong's unelected leader Carrie Lam and the police, saying violent protesters must be swiftly punished. "No civilised society or rule of law society will tolerate rampant violence," Yang Guang, spokesman for the cabinet-level Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, told reporters in a highly unusual public press conference. Yang blamed the violence on a "few radicals" and said it "bumped into the bottom line" of the "one country, two systems" principle that governs the financial hub. He also accused Western politicians of making "irresponsible remarks" to "mess up Hong Kong" and contain China's development. Beijing has issued increasingly shrill condemnations of the protests, but has left it to the city's government to deal with the situation. Few compromises Lam has shown no sign of backing down beyond agreeing to suspend the extradition bill and has made few public appearances. Police have not released a detailed breakdown of arrests and charges since the protests began but an AFP tally of public statements shows at least 170 people have been arrested since 9 June. Protesters have vowed to keep their campaign going until their core demands are met. They include the resignation of Lam, an independent inquiry into police tactics, an amnesty for those arrested, a permanent withdrawal of the bill and the right to elect their leaders. On Tuesday morning, activists held up trains on the city's subway system during the morning rush hour, leading to lengthy delays and long queues for buses. It was not the first time they have used those tactics, but the disruption was more widespread than previously. Under the 1997 handover deal with Britain, China promised to allow Hong Kong to keep key liberties such as its independent judiciary and freedom of speech. But many say those provisions are already being curtailed, citing the disappearance into mainland custody of dissident booksellers, the disqualification of prominent politicians and the jailing of pro-democracy protest leaders. Public anger has been compounded by rising inequality, the high costs of living and the perception that the city's distinct language and culture are being threatened by ever closer integration with the Chinese mainland.

Clashes in Hong Kong after police charge protesters with rioting

On Women's Day, activists unite across globe, brave crackdown by police

'I am my own UN' - Waris Dirie, Female genital mutilation activist

One of Pakistan's leading women's rights activists has been released from police custody, she told AFP Thursday, after Amnesty International said she and others had been detained "arbitrarily".

Gulalai Ismail was arrested along with 17 other members of the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM), a peaceful organisation defending the rights of ethnic Pashtuns, during a protest in Islamabad on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"It was very painful for my family, who tool 30 hours to know where I was," she told AFP, adding that she had been freed late Wednesday.

She was separated from the other activists, she said, and was not placed under official arrest.

"They didn't charge me with anything. They didn't let me contact my lawyer. They just kept moving me around," she said.&nbsp;

"You cannot arrest citizens and just disappear them."

An Islamabad police official dealing with the case swept the claims aside.

Police follow "a proper procedure and her claims of an encounter are unthinkable," he told AFP, referring to extra-judicial murders, or "encounter killings" as they are commonly known in Pakistan.&nbsp;

He accused Ismail and the other activists of uttering "anti-state slogans".

Ismail was briefly detained in October after speaking at another PTM meeting. Her brief disappearance this week has inflamed social networks, with the hashtag #WhereIsGulalai going viral.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She has been freed, but "as a human rights defender, she is still not safe," said Rabia Mehmood, a researcher for Amnesty International.

"It is really alarming that peaceful protests are constantly targeted by the Pakistani state," she added.

The PTM is demanding, among other things, an end to what it says are enforced disappearances and extra-judicial murders of ethnic Pashtuns by police and other security officials.&nbsp;

Ismail is also the co-founder of Aware Girls, an NGO that promotes gender equality. She has received several international awards.&nbsp;

One of Pakistan's leading women's rights activists has been released from police custody, she told AFP Thursday, after Amnesty International said she and others had been detained "arbitrarily".

One of Pakistan's leading women's rights activists has been released from police custody, she told AFP Thursday, after Amnesty International said she and others had been detained "arbitrarily". Gulalai Ismail was arrested along with 17 other members of the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM), a peaceful organisation defending the rights of ethnic Pashtuns, during a protest in Islamabad on Tuesday. "It was very painful for my family, who tool 30 hours to know where I was," she told AFP, adding that she had been freed late Wednesday. She was separated from the other activists, she said, and was not placed under official arrest. "They didn't charge me with anything. They didn't let me contact my lawyer. They just kept moving me around," she said. "You cannot arrest citizens and just disappear them." An Islamabad police official dealing with the case swept the claims aside. Police follow "a proper procedure and her claims of an encounter are unthinkable," he told AFP, referring to extra-judicial murders, or "encounter killings" as they are commonly known in Pakistan. He accused Ismail and the other activists of uttering "anti-state slogans". Ismail was briefly detained in October after speaking at another PTM meeting. Her brief disappearance this week has inflamed social networks, with the hashtag #WhereIsGulalai going viral. She has been freed, but "as a human rights defender, she is still not safe," said Rabia Mehmood, a researcher for Amnesty International. "It is really alarming that peaceful protests are constantly targeted by the Pakistani state," she added. The PTM is demanding, among other things, an end to what it says are enforced disappearances and extra-judicial murders of ethnic Pashtuns by police and other security officials. Ismail is also the co-founder of Aware Girls, an NGO that promotes gender equality. She has received several international awards.

Pakistan women's rights activist released from detention

The Pashtun Council Canada on Sunday held protests in Mississauga to condemn the killing of Arman Lonri, a prominent member of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-police-arrest-pashtun-rights-activist-amnesty-calls-for-release-192075">Pashtun movement</a>, and other Pashtun activists by the Pakistan state agency.

Speaking to the media, a member of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement said, “We have gathered here to express our anger over the killing of human rights activist Arman Lonri, a prominent leader and member of our movement, along with the injustice done to thousands of Pashtuns by the Pakistani state apparatus, who continue to arrest people and put them in private jails, not even in state jails.”

Pashtun Tahafuz Movement started a year ago, whereby a number of young individuals gathered together to demand the release of the missing people (those detained by the Pakistan government), including their mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers, the party member noted.

“But instead of listening to their demands and grievances, the Pakistan government started killing and imprisoning the leaders of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement,” he added.“Therefore, we Pashtuns from all around the world, demand an international inquiry into such atrocities.

&nbsp;We want the international community and the human rights organisations to initiate this process and force Pakistan to rearrange their policies and change its behaviour towards our civil rights demands.&nbsp;We want the state to stop terrorising and doing civilian atrocities on our soil,” the person said.

Reiterating the same demand, a member of the World Sindhi Congress, present at the protest, stated, “We are here today in solidarity with the Pashtun Council Canada, which is protesting against the murder of Lonri and other innocent Pashtuns by the Pakistan state agency.&nbsp;

Such atrocities have been going on in Pakistan since the last 70 years, with the Balochs, Sindhis, and Bangladeshis.”A Balochistan National Party member said, “We are together with our Pashtun brothers, sharing their grief. We will continue to raise our voice against the termination of civil rights by Pakistan and urge the state to stop the extrajudicial killings.”

The Pashtun Council Canada on Sunday held protests in Mississauga to condemn the killing of Arman Lonri, a prominent member of the Pashtun movement, and other Pashtun activists by the Pakistan state agency.

The Pashtun Council Canada on Sunday held protests in Mississauga to condemn the killing of Arman Lonri, a prominent member of the Pashtun movement, and other Pashtun activists by the Pakistan state agency. Speaking to the media, a member of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement said, “We have gathered here to express our anger over the killing of human rights activist Arman Lonri, a prominent leader and member of our movement, along with the injustice done to thousands of Pashtuns by the Pakistani state apparatus, who continue to arrest people and put them in private jails, not even in state jails.” Pashtun Tahafuz Movement started a year ago, whereby a number of young individuals gathered together to demand the release of the missing people (those detained by the Pakistan government), including their mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers, the party member noted. “But instead of listening to their demands and grievances, the Pakistan government started killing and imprisoning the leaders of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement,” he added.“Therefore, we Pashtuns from all around the world, demand an international inquiry into such atrocities. We want the international community and the human rights organisations to initiate this process and force Pakistan to rearrange their policies and change its behaviour towards our civil rights demands. We want the state to stop terrorising and doing civilian atrocities on our soil,” the person said. Reiterating the same demand, a member of the World Sindhi Congress, present at the protest, stated, “We are here today in solidarity with the Pashtun Council Canada, which is protesting against the murder of Lonri and other innocent Pashtuns by the Pakistan state agency. Such atrocities have been going on in Pakistan since the last 70 years, with the Balochs, Sindhis, and Bangladeshis.”A Balochistan National Party member said, “We are together with our Pashtun brothers, sharing their grief. We will continue to raise our voice against the termination of civil rights by Pakistan and urge the state to stop the extrajudicial killings.”

Pashtun Council Canada holds protest to condemn killing of prominent activist by Pakistan

Several Pashtun ethnic rights activists were killed and at least 25 were wounded in a Pakistan tribal region on Sunday, when Taliban militants attacked their gathering and security forces opened fire on protesters during disturbances that followed.

The violence took place in Wana, the main administrative centre for South Waziristan, one of the most volatile of the tribal lands on Pakistan`s border with Afghanistan.

Local tribesmen and one security official, speaking on condition on anonymity, said two people were killed and 25 wounded. But Manzoor Pashteen, the head of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), said in a posting on social media that at least 10 people died and 30 were wounded during Sunday`s violence.

In his Twitter post, Pashteen described how Taliban fighters had first attacked the PTM gathering. Later angry protesters threw stones, prompting "indiscriminate" firing by security forces, he said.

The PTM became prominent after the killing of a Pashtun youth by police in the southern city of Karachi in January. Since then it has held rallies across many towns and cities.

Ali Wazir, a PTM leader who was wounded in the attack, told Reuters that the militants wanted PTM to leave the area and were "dictating an end to PTM activities in Wana".

Some PTM members said they suspected the gunmen who attacked them belonged to a Taliban faction that has covert support from Pakistan`s powerful military. The military, which denies fostering proxy groups, did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The PTM alleges that thousands of Pashtuns were targeted in state-organised killings after Pakistan joined the US-led war on terror in 2001 and launched major military operations against militant strongholds in tribal areas between 2009 and 2014.

The military has been engaged in talks with PTM members to address some of their grievances.

Pashteen called for protests at UN offices in response to the latest outrage.&nbsp

"Pashtuns wherever should protest now and those who cannot should do it tomorrow in front of the UN offices because this state doesn’t listen to our voice," Pashteen said.

PTM supporters in Peshawar protested outside the Islamabad Press Club late on Sunday evening.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) assembly on May 27 approved the merger of the province with the semi autonomous tribal areas and frontier regions, in a move aimed at bringing them into Pakistan`s political mainstream.

 
&nbsp

Several Pashtun ethnic rights activists were killed and at least 25 were wounded in a Pakistan tribal region on Sunday, when Taliban militants attacked their gathering and security forces opened fire on protesters during disturbances that followed

Several Pashtun ethnic rights activists were killed and at least 25 were wounded in a Pakistan tribal region on Sunday, when Taliban militants attacked their gathering and security forces opened fire on protesters during disturbances that followed. The violence took place in Wana, the main administrative centre for South Waziristan, one of the most volatile of the tribal lands on Pakistan`s border with Afghanistan. Local tribesmen and one security official, speaking on condition on anonymity, said two people were killed and 25 wounded. But Manzoor Pashteen, the head of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), said in a posting on social media that at least 10 people died and 30 were wounded during Sunday`s violence. In his Twitter post, Pashteen described how Taliban fighters had first attacked the PTM gathering. Later angry protesters threw stones, prompting "indiscriminate" firing by security forces, he said. The PTM became prominent after the killing of a Pashtun youth by police in the southern city of Karachi in January. Since then it has held rallies across many towns and cities. Ali Wazir, a PTM leader who was wounded in the attack, told Reuters that the militants wanted PTM to leave the area and were "dictating an end to PTM activities in Wana". Some PTM members said they suspected the gunmen who attacked them belonged to a Taliban faction that has covert support from Pakistan`s powerful military. The military, which denies fostering proxy groups, did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. The PTM alleges that thousands of Pashtuns were targeted in state-organised killings after Pakistan joined the US-led war on terror in 2001 and launched major military operations against militant strongholds in tribal areas between 2009 and 2014. The military has been engaged in talks with PTM members to address some of their grievances. Pashteen called for protests at UN offices in response to the latest outrage. "Pashtuns wherever should protest now and those who cannot should do it tomorrow in front of the UN offices because this state doesn’t listen to our voice," Pashteen said. PTM supporters in Peshawar protested outside the Islamabad Press Club late on Sunday evening. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) assembly on May 27 approved the merger of the province with the semi autonomous tribal areas and frontier regions, in a move aimed at bringing them into Pakistan`s political mainstream.

Pashtun activists killed in Pakistan, blame militants and security forces

Pakistan treats Gilgit-Baltistan "like a colony", a US based activist from the strategic region bordering PoK has alleged, as he demanded that a UN established fact-finding mission be sent to determine the conditions of imprisoned dissidents.

Gilgit-Baltistan has a regional Assembly and an elected chief minister. Pakistan considers it a separate geographical entity.

Like Vietnam, Gilgit-Baltistan cannot end rights abuses without the help of the international community, Sange Sering, chairman of the Movement for Democracy in Gilgit-Baltistan, said at a recent event held at the US Capitol.

"Pakistan has been treating Gilgit-Baltistan like a colony", he alleged.

"We request President (Donald) Trump and the State Department to help the UN establish a fact-finding mission to determine the conditions of imprisoned political dissidents in Pakistan and to impress upon the Pakistani leadership to uphold democratic ideals including free speech and movement.

"As we speak, Pakistan's military and intelligence agencies are busy seizing thousands of acres of private land in Gilgit-Baltistan and those who oppose such illegal policies are declared terrorist and face torture and incarceration," Sering told a gathering of US lawmakers, Congressional staffers, government officials and human rights experts at the 24th Commemoration of Vietnam Human Rights Day.

The Asian Human Rights Commission's report on Gilgit-Baltistan states that such practices of land grabbing have resulted in the displacement of locals and a state sanctioned demographic change, he said.

The report claims that the non-local proportion of the population in Gilgit-Baltistan has increased significantly in recent years since government is violating a local law called State Subject Rule, which has opened the floodgates of immigration from Pakistan, he told the audience.

"Today, members of political and civil society organisations in Gilgit-Baltistan, many who I count as personal friends, face harsh treatment, long sentences and an unknown future for demanding right of speech, publication and movement across the Indo-Pak Line of Control," Sering said.

Rahat Husain, advocacy director for Universal Muslims Association of America (UMAA) spoke on Shia persecution in Pakistan.

"As Shia Muslims, we stand with all persecuted peoples, including the Christian community in Vietnam. Their plight is similar to that of the Shia Muslims in Pakistan, who suffer violence at the hands of state sponsored militants on a daily basis. These crimes against religious freedom must stop," he said.

Last year, media reports said that Pakistan was planning to declare the strategic Gilgit-Baltistan region as its fifth province, a move that may raise concerns in India as it borders the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh are the four provinces of Pakistan.&nbsp

The Asian Human Rights Commission's report on Gilgit-Baltistan states that such practices of land grabbing have resulted in the displacement of locals, says the activist.

Pakistan treats Gilgit-Baltistan "like a colony", a US based activist from the strategic region bordering PoK has alleged, as he demanded that a UN established fact-finding mission be sent to determine the conditions of imprisoned dissidents. Gilgit-Baltistan has a regional Assembly and an elected chief minister. Pakistan considers it a separate geographical entity. Like Vietnam, Gilgit-Baltistan cannot end rights abuses without the help of the international community, Sange Sering, chairman of the Movement for Democracy in Gilgit-Baltistan, said at a recent event held at the US Capitol. "Pakistan has been treating Gilgit-Baltistan like a colony", he alleged. "We request President (Donald) Trump and the State Department to help the UN establish a fact-finding mission to determine the conditions of imprisoned political dissidents in Pakistan and to impress upon the Pakistani leadership to uphold democratic ideals including free speech and movement. "As we speak, Pakistan's military and intelligence agencies are busy seizing thousands of acres of private land in Gilgit-Baltistan and those who oppose such illegal policies are declared terrorist and face torture and incarceration," Sering told a gathering of US lawmakers, Congressional staffers, government officials and human rights experts at the 24th Commemoration of Vietnam Human Rights Day. The Asian Human Rights Commission's report on Gilgit-Baltistan states that such practices of land grabbing have resulted in the displacement of locals and a state sanctioned demographic change, he said. The report claims that the non-local proportion of the population in Gilgit-Baltistan has increased significantly in recent years since government is violating a local law called State Subject Rule, which has opened the floodgates of immigration from Pakistan, he told the audience. "Today, members of political and civil society organisations in Gilgit-Baltistan, many who I count as personal friends, face harsh treatment, long sentences and an unknown future for demanding right of speech, publication and movement across the Indo-Pak Line of Control," Sering said. Rahat Husain, advocacy director for Universal Muslims Association of America (UMAA) spoke on Shia persecution in Pakistan. "As Shia Muslims, we stand with all persecuted peoples, including the Christian community in Vietnam. Their plight is similar to that of the Shia Muslims in Pakistan, who suffer violence at the hands of state sponsored militants on a daily basis. These crimes against religious freedom must stop," he said. Last year, media reports said that Pakistan was planning to declare the strategic Gilgit-Baltistan region as its fifth province, a move that may raise concerns in India as it borders the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh are the four provinces of Pakistan.

Pakistan treats Gilgit-Baltistan like colony, alleges activist

In the wake of the stray dog menace in Uttar Pradesh, an animal rights activist has suggested that the administration should ensure that there is no “illegal extermination” of the canines as this would only “worsen” the situation and lead to more conflict.

Gauri Maulekhi, member of the Uttar Pradesh Animal Birth Control Monitoring Committee, has shot off a letter to the state chief secretary to ensure that the local administration “actively” informs the people about the scientific and legal steps that are being taken by the government and “discourage” them from taking law into their hands.

Feral dogs have created panic in Sitapur and have mauled to death around 12 children since November. Maulekhi blamed the local municipal body for “knee jerk” reactions to deal with street dogs, which she said will lead to more conflict and bites and spread of disease in the long run.

“Instead of making any effort to implement the mandatory animal birth control programme to curb population of dogs and decrease man- animal conflict, the district administration is giving irresponsible statements leading to wanton killing of animals in Sitapur. “May I please request you to issue necessary instructions to seek compliance reports from the 16 municipal corporations, with regard to the minutes of the Animal Birth Control Monitoring Committee, dated 06.09.2018,” she wrote. She also said that people should be informed about the scientific and legal steps that are being taken by the government and discouraged from taking law into their hands.

“Ensure that no steps for illegal extermination of dogs is being taken by the district administration or the municipal corporation,” she suggested. According to her, the Supreme Court had ordered the implementation of the Animal Birth Control Dog Rules, 2001 for population management and rabies eradication. The rules also prescribe the obligations of the local authorities governments with respect to capturing, sterilisation, immunisation and release of dogs to control their population, she said.

Maulekhi claimed that widespread massacre of animals is going on in Sitapur in “complete violation of the law” and in “total disregard” of the directions of the Supreme Court. “Rather than resorting to scientific and legal methods for dog population management, knee jerk reactions are being taken to deal with street dogs, which will lead to more conflict and bites and spread of disease in the long run,” she added.

She asserted that this kind of violence is totally counterproductive and will not reduce but greatly increase man animal conflict.

Gauri Maulekhi, member of the Uttar Pradesh Animal Birth Control Monitoring Committee asserted that this kind of violence is totally counterproductive and will not reduce but greatly increase man animal conflict.

In the wake of the stray dog menace in Uttar Pradesh, an animal rights activist has suggested that the administration should ensure that there is no “illegal extermination” of the canines as this would only “worsen” the situation and lead to more conflict. Gauri Maulekhi, member of the Uttar Pradesh Animal Birth Control Monitoring Committee, has shot off a letter to the state chief secretary to ensure that the local administration “actively” informs the people about the scientific and legal steps that are being taken by the government and “discourage” them from taking law into their hands. Feral dogs have created panic in Sitapur and have mauled to death around 12 children since November. Maulekhi blamed the local municipal body for “knee jerk” reactions to deal with street dogs, which she said will lead to more conflict and bites and spread of disease in the long run. “Instead of making any effort to implement the mandatory animal birth control programme to curb population of dogs and decrease man- animal conflict, the district administration is giving irresponsible statements leading to wanton killing of animals in Sitapur. “May I please request you to issue necessary instructions to seek compliance reports from the 16 municipal corporations, with regard to the minutes of the Animal Birth Control Monitoring Committee, dated 06.09.2018,” she wrote. She also said that people should be informed about the scientific and legal steps that are being taken by the government and discouraged from taking law into their hands. “Ensure that no steps for illegal extermination of dogs is being taken by the district administration or the municipal corporation,” she suggested. According to her, the Supreme Court had ordered the implementation of the Animal Birth Control Dog Rules, 2001 for population management and rabies eradication. The rules also prescribe the obligations of the local authorities governments with respect to capturing, sterilisation, immunisation and release of dogs to control their population, she said. Maulekhi claimed that widespread massacre of animals is going on in Sitapur in “complete violation of the law” and in “total disregard” of the directions of the Supreme Court. “Rather than resorting to scientific and legal methods for dog population management, knee jerk reactions are being taken to deal with street dogs, which will lead to more conflict and bites and spread of disease in the long run,” she added. She asserted that this kind of violence is totally counterproductive and will not reduce but greatly increase man animal conflict.

Illegal extermination of dogs in Sitapur would only worsen situation, says activist

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