Around 100 Muslim women were listed for auction on an illegal Indian website. Cyber police has named an 18-year-old girl as the mastermind behind this 'auction'. How did a teenager unleash such hatred? How do we tackle this pandemic of hate? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Muslim women 'auctioned' in India

According to state media reports, UAE has issued its first civil marriage licence to a non-Muslim couple.

A country of about 10 million, around 90 per cent of the UAE’s total population are foreigners.

Until now, marriages and divorces in the UAE have been conducted in accordance with Islamic law.

The new move is aimed at showing itself as a modern nation in the largely conservative Gulf region.

The official news agency, WAM, said a Canadian couple were the first to marry under a new law on the personal status of non-Muslims in the Emirati capital of Abu Dhabi.

The move “contributes to the consolidation of Abu Dhabi’s position as a world-leading destination for skills and expertise from around the world,” WAM said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-be-in-uae-on-january-6-no-visit-to-kuwait-440214">PM Modi to be in UAE on January 6; no visit to Kuwait</a>

Civil marriage in West Asia, the birthplace of Islam, Christianity and Judaism, is uncommon and usually conducted under a religious authority of one of the three monotheistic beliefs.

Civil marriages are allowed in Tunisia and Algeria.

While some countries in the region allow civil unions based on certain conditions, some only recognise civil marriages conducted abroad and others not at all.

The UAE has taken measures in the past year to make its economy more attractive to foreign investment and talent, including introducing longer-term visas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-uae-us-and-israel-west-asian-quad-meet-in-next-few-weeks-eam-jaishankar-429130">India, UAE, US and Israel 'West Asian Quad' meet in next few weeks: EAM Jaishankar</a>

It has also&nbsp;revised laws&nbsp;regarding cohabitation before marriage, alcohol and personal status laws.

Earlier this month, UAE&nbsp;announced&nbsp;all government entities will adopt a new Western-style work-week schedule consisting of four-and-a-half days with Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday forming the new weekend.

(With inputs from agencies)

According to state media reports, UAE has issued its first civil marriage licence to a non-Muslim couple. A country of about 10 million, around 90 per cent of the UAE’s total population are foreigners.

According to state media reports, UAE has issued its first civil marriage licence to a non-Muslim couple. A country of about 10 million, around 90 per cent of the UAE’s total population are foreigners. Until now, marriages and divorces in the UAE have been conducted in accordance with Islamic law. The new move is aimed at showing itself as a modern nation in the largely conservative Gulf region. The official news agency, WAM, said a Canadian couple were the first to marry under a new law on the personal status of non-Muslims in the Emirati capital of Abu Dhabi. The move “contributes to the consolidation of Abu Dhabi’s position as a world-leading destination for skills and expertise from around the world,” WAM said. Also read | PM Modi to be in UAE on January 6; no visit to Kuwait Civil marriage in West Asia, the birthplace of Islam, Christianity and Judaism, is uncommon and usually conducted under a religious authority of one of the three monotheistic beliefs. Civil marriages are allowed in Tunisia and Algeria. While some countries in the region allow civil unions based on certain conditions, some only recognise civil marriages conducted abroad and others not at all. The UAE has taken measures in the past year to make its economy more attractive to foreign investment and talent, including introducing longer-term visas. Also read | India, UAE, US and Israel 'West Asian Quad' meet in next few weeks: EAM Jaishankar It has also revised laws regarding cohabitation before marriage, alcohol and personal status laws. Earlier this month, UAE announced all government entities will adopt a new Western-style work-week schedule consisting of four-and-a-half days with Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday forming the new weekend. (With inputs from agencies)

UAE grants first civil marriage licence to non-Muslim Canadian couple

Pakistani paceman Hasan Ali was mercilessly trolled for his team's defeat in the T20 World Cup semi-final. Disgruntled fans are targeting his wife, his mother his 'Shia' identity. Here's what Palki Sharma has to say.

Gravitas: Pakistan's Hasan Ali subjected to vile abuses & threats

Artificial Intelligence is linking violence and terrorism to the word 'Muslim'. How did technology learn these toxic stereotypes? Can artificial intelligence be made politically correct? Palki Shara tells you.

Gravitas: Artificial Intelligence is racist and islamophobic

The Shia-Sunni divide has torn apart West Asia for decades. What is the root cause of this conflict? Is it driven by religion or politics? On Gravitas Plus, Palki Sharma decodes the underlying tensions behind the great Islamic schism.

Gravitas Plus: The Shia-Sunni Divide: Understanding the split

Thailand&nbsp;on Tuesday decriminalised kratom, a tropical leaf long used as a herbal remedy but which some health regulators around the world have criticised as potentially unsafe.

Kratom -- scientific name Mitragyna speciosa -- is part of the coffee family, used for centuries in Southeast Asia and Papua New Guinea for its pain-relieving and mildly stimulating effects.

It has become increasingly popular in the United States, where the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against its use, citing risks of addiction and abuse.

The change to Thai law means "the general public will be able to consume and sell kratom legally", government&nbsp;spokesman&nbsp;Anucha&nbsp;Burapachaisri said in a statement.

A&nbsp;Thailand&nbsp;Development Research Institute study estimated that decriminalisation will save authorities about 1.69 billion baht ($50 million) in prosecution costs.&nbsp;

Kratom stimulates the same brain receptors as morphine, though with much milder effects, and in&nbsp;Thailand&nbsp;it is mainly used in the deep south, where Muslim workers use it for pain relief after manual labour.

It has not been subject to international restrictions, though the World Health Organization announced last month that it was examining whether kratom should be considered for control.

Phil Robertson of Human Rights Watch said the decriminalisation of kratom -- which is native to&nbsp;Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea -- was "welcome, and frankly long overdue".

"The legalisation of kratom in&nbsp;Thailand&nbsp;ends a legacy of rights-abusing criminalisation of a drug that has long been used in traditional, rural communities in the country," Robertson told AFP.

Soontorn Rakrong, an adviser to the committee on drafting the new legislation who has long advocated decriminalisation, said farmers in southern&nbsp;Thailand&nbsp;could grow kratom as a crop to make up for a fall in rubber prices.

In Indonesia, kratom is legal but its status is under review, with some politicians pushing for it to be banned.

Thai lawmakers have shown some appetite for reforming the kingdom's harsh anti-drug laws in recent years.

In 2019,&nbsp;Thailand&nbsp;became the first Southeast Asian country to legalise medical marijuana, and the government has invested in the extraction, distillation and marketing of cannabis oils for use in the health industry.

But overcrowded Thai prisons are still packed with inmates handed long sentences for drugs offences -- possessing just a few methamphetamine pills can earn a decade in jail.

Jeremy Douglas of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime said&nbsp;Thailand&nbsp;is discussing and considering drug rehabilitation and diversion programmes for meth users to ease some pressure off the system and "also because it is more effective".

Thailand on Tuesday decriminalised kratom, a tropical leaf long used as a herbal remedy but which some health regulators around the world have criticised as potentially unsafe.

Thailand on Tuesday decriminalised kratom, a tropical leaf long used as a herbal remedy but which some health regulators around the world have criticised as potentially unsafe. Kratom -- scientific name Mitragyna speciosa -- is part of the coffee family, used for centuries in Southeast Asia and Papua New Guinea for its pain-relieving and mildly stimulating effects. It has become increasingly popular in the United States, where the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against its use, citing risks of addiction and abuse. The change to Thai law means "the general public will be able to consume and sell kratom legally", government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said in a statement. A Thailand Development Research Institute study estimated that decriminalisation will save authorities about 1.69 billion baht ($50 million) in prosecution costs. Kratom stimulates the same brain receptors as morphine, though with much milder effects, and in Thailand it is mainly used in the deep south, where Muslim workers use it for pain relief after manual labour. It has not been subject to international restrictions, though the World Health Organization announced last month that it was examining whether kratom should be considered for control. Phil Robertson of Human Rights Watch said the decriminalisation of kratom -- which is native to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea -- was "welcome, and frankly long overdue". "The legalisation of kratom in Thailand ends a legacy of rights-abusing criminalisation of a drug that has long been used in traditional, rural communities in the country," Robertson told AFP. Soontorn Rakrong, an adviser to the committee on drafting the new legislation who has long advocated decriminalisation, said farmers in southern Thailand could grow kratom as a crop to make up for a fall in rubber prices. In Indonesia, kratom is legal but its status is under review, with some politicians pushing for it to be banned. Thai lawmakers have shown some appetite for reforming the kingdom's harsh anti-drug laws in recent years. In 2019, Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to legalise medical marijuana, and the government has invested in the extraction, distillation and marketing of cannabis oils for use in the health industry. But overcrowded Thai prisons are still packed with inmates handed long sentences for drugs offences -- possessing just a few methamphetamine pills can earn a decade in jail. Jeremy Douglas of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime said Thailand is discussing and considering drug rehabilitation and diversion programmes for meth users to ease some pressure off the system and "also because it is more effective".

Thailand legalises kratom, popular plant-based pain reliever

A bomb exploded in Bahawalnagar, central Pakistan, killing at least two persons and injuring 52 others who were attending a Shia parade commemorating Ashura (August 19).

According to Reuters, the parade began at Imam Bargah Jamiatu Zehra, and as it reached Jail Road, an explosion occurred, leaving numerous people injured.&nbsp;

The home minister told Pakistani media that at approximately 10 am, a man tossed a grenade at a procession passing by Jamia Masjid in Muhajir Colony in Bahawalnagar, adding that the assailant had been apprehended.&nbsp;

Ashura commemorates Imam Hussein Ibn Ali's martyrdom in 680 AD near Kerbala, in what is now Iraq, on the 10th day of the lunar calendar month of Muharram, which occurs this year on August 19.&nbsp;

Shia Muslims commemorate the occasion with massive public ceremonies, which sometimes include bloody self-flagellation or cutting to symbolise a link to Hussein's sufferings, whose death represents a larger battle against oppression and tyranny.&nbsp;

A number of additional processions are taking place around Pakistan, in both small and large towns and cities.

(With inputs from agencies)

A bomb exploded in Bahawalnagar, central Pakistan, killing at least two persons and injuring 52 others who were attending a Shia parade commemorating Ashura (August 19).

A bomb exploded in Bahawalnagar, central Pakistan, killing at least two persons and injuring 52 others who were attending a Shia parade commemorating Ashura (August 19). According to Reuters, the parade began at Imam Bargah Jamiatu Zehra, and as it reached Jail Road, an explosion occurred, leaving numerous people injured. The home minister told Pakistani media that at approximately 10 am, a man tossed a grenade at a procession passing by Jamia Masjid in Muhajir Colony in Bahawalnagar, adding that the assailant had been apprehended. Ashura commemorates Imam Hussein Ibn Ali's martyrdom in 680 AD near Kerbala, in what is now Iraq, on the 10th day of the lunar calendar month of Muharram, which occurs this year on August 19. Shia Muslims commemorate the occasion with massive public ceremonies, which sometimes include bloody self-flagellation or cutting to symbolise a link to Hussein's sufferings, whose death represents a larger battle against oppression and tyranny. A number of additional processions are taking place around Pakistan, in both small and large towns and cities. (With inputs from agencies)

Muharram: Ashura procession attacked in Pakistan, two dead, 50 injured

A case of alleged conversion and inter-religious marriage is snowballing into a big controversy in the Kashmir valley. Three girls from the Sikh community had gone missing after they eloped with Muslim men. One of the girls has been traced by Jammu and Kashmir police and handed over to the family.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>The Sikh community took out many protests In Srinagar demanding the other two girls to be traced and handed over to the families. They also demanded for a change in conversion laws. The issue is also in the notice of Lieutenant&nbsp;Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and the home ministry. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

The family of a Sikh girl in Srinagar's Rainawari area of downtown filed a report with the police saying their&nbsp;daughter was abducted. The police later arrested both the daughter and her husband. When produced in the court, the judge decided that the girl is an adult and has the right to go wherever she wishes to. Although the man was taken into custody while the girl was taken by her parents.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Soon after the judge's direction, the Sikh&nbsp;community took out protests in Srinagar alleging that the decision&nbsp;was biased. They also allege that the parents of the girl were not allowed inside the courtroom while the man's family was. Police say ''the matter is being investigated''.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

The father of the girl said that we are under a lot of stress and there is no one to listen to our problems. He says the government should provide us security so that we feel safe.<o:p></o:p>

''This girl is a minor, she just turned 18 two months ago, last year she had brain surgery after she developed a clot. We had repair work going on, and he was working as a labourer here renovating my house. He knocked on my door, he pushed and kicked me and took my girl away. He said if you shout I will kill you with my pistol. There was a car waiting outside and He took my girl away. We went to the police in the early morning. And later police said we have traced the girl from the jungle and took her to the women police station. They didn't allow us to meet until they took us to court. And they didn't even allow us to enter the courtroom. They gave us the girl at 11;30 pm. We don't&nbsp;feel safe and no one listens to us.'' said Rajinder Singh Bali, father of the girl.<o:p></o:p>

Akali Dal Leader and Delhi Gurdwara committee&nbsp;president, MS Sirsa flew down to Srinagar&nbsp;to take stock of the situation.

He, while speaking to the media said. ''four girls have been forcefully&nbsp;converted, an 18-year-old girl was married to a middle aged man and we were told that she married of her own choice. The district judiciary also did not&nbsp;give any justice, he didn't even allow the parents of the girls to come inside the courtroom. The middle-aged man's whole relatives were inside the courtroom so that the girl was under pressure to give her statement against the parents. Leaders of our community world wide have condemned this act. We have written to the governor also, not only asking the government to handover these girls back to their families but also bring in changes&nbsp;in the law. We are sad that the majority community is not standing with us right now. ''<o:p></o:p>

While the Sikh community leaders and members said that if the government doesn't&nbsp;take action in&nbsp;these cases, the youth of the community will tackle the situation themselves.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

''Two girls were taken to court after their statement, they were converted. One is an 18-year-old girl who was taken by a 45-year-old man, who had twice married before. We want this to stop. We have a very small population, around 60 thousand. The brotherhood between the majority committee has always been there and we want them to intervene and return our daughters. We want conversion laws to be made here too. The girl's family wasn't allowed to come inside the court. We appeal to the leaders here also to come forward to stop these things. If the government doesn't&nbsp;do anything our youth are ready to tackle the situation. Baldev Singh, President Sikh Committee, Srinagar.<o:p></o:p>

The members of the majority community also came forward and were seen protesting and asking the government to handover the girls to their parents as soon as possible.

&nbsp;''We are protesting here even if I am alone with my daughter here. We will protest even if there are not many people. We want Sikh girl back at any cost. Sikh brothers have stayed with us through thick and thin and we will too. I am a common citizen and I couldn't see my Sikh brothers and sisters protesting alone. We all should protest for this. These Sikhs are the same who came to our rescue during floods,'' said a local citizen.&nbsp;

A case of alleged conversion and inter-religious marriage is snowballing into a big controversy in the Kashmir valley. Three girls from the Sikh community had gone missing after they eloped with Muslim men.

A case of alleged conversion and inter-religious marriage is snowballing into a big controversy in the Kashmir valley. Three girls from the Sikh community had gone missing after they eloped with Muslim men. One of the girls has been traced by Jammu and Kashmir police and handed over to the family. The Sikh community took out many protests In Srinagar demanding the other two girls to be traced and handed over to the families. They also demanded for a change in conversion laws. The issue is also in the notice of Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and the home ministry. The family of a Sikh girl in Srinagar's Rainawari area of downtown filed a report with the police saying their daughter was abducted. The police later arrested both the daughter and her husband. When produced in the court, the judge decided that the girl is an adult and has the right to go wherever she wishes to. Although the man was taken into custody while the girl was taken by her parents. Soon after the judge's direction, the Sikh community took out protests in Srinagar alleging that the decision was biased. They also allege that the parents of the girl were not allowed inside the courtroom while the man's family was. Police say ''the matter is being investigated''. The father of the girl said that we are under a lot of stress and there is no one to listen to our problems. He says the government should provide us security so that we feel safe. ''This girl is a minor, she just turned 18 two months ago, last year she had brain surgery after she developed a clot. We had repair work going on, and he was working as a labourer here renovating my house. He knocked on my door, he pushed and kicked me and took my girl away. He said if you shout I will kill you with my pistol. There was a car waiting outside and He took my girl away. We went to the police in the early morning. And later police said we have traced the girl from the jungle and took her to the women police station. They didn't allow us to meet until they took us to court. And they didn't even allow us to enter the courtroom. They gave us the girl at 11;30 pm. We don't feel safe and no one listens to us.'' said Rajinder Singh Bali, father of the girl. Akali Dal Leader and Delhi Gurdwara committee president, MS Sirsa flew down to Srinagar to take stock of the situation. He, while speaking to the media said. ''four girls have been forcefully converted, an 18-year-old girl was married to a middle aged man and we were told that she married of her own choice. The district judiciary also did not give any justice, he didn't even allow the parents of the girls to come inside the courtroom. The middle-aged man's whole relatives were inside the courtroom so that the girl was under pressure to give her statement against the parents. Leaders of our community world wide have condemned this act. We have written to the governor also, not only asking the government to handover these girls back to their families but also bring in changes in the law. We are sad that the majority community is not standing with us right now. '' While the Sikh community leaders and members said that if the government doesn't take action in these cases, the youth of the community will tackle the situation themselves. ''Two girls were taken to court after their statement, they were converted. One is an 18-year-old girl who was taken by a 45-year-old man, who had twice married before. We want this to stop. We have a very small population, around 60 thousand. The brotherhood between the majority committee has always been there and we want them to intervene and return our daughters. We want conversion laws to be made here too. The girl's family wasn't allowed to come inside the court. We appeal to the leaders here also to come forward to stop these things. If the government doesn't do anything our youth are ready to tackle the situation. Baldev Singh, President Sikh Committee, Srinagar. The members of the majority community also came forward and were seen protesting and asking the government to handover the girls to their parents as soon as possible. ''We are protesting here even if I am alone with my daughter here. We will protest even if there are not many people. We want Sikh girl back at any cost. Sikh brothers have stayed with us through thick and thin and we will too. I am a common citizen and I couldn't see my Sikh brothers and sisters protesting alone. We all should protest for this. These Sikhs are the same who came to our rescue during floods,'' said a local citizen.

Alleged conversion snowballing into a controversy in Kashmir valley

Several hundred mourners joined a public funeral service on Saturday to bid farewell to a Canadian Muslim family run over and killed by a man in a pick-up truck on last Sunday in an attack the police said was driven by hate. 
 
The hour-long ceremony started after the four coffins draped in Canadian flags rolled into the compound of the Islamic Centre of Southwest Ontario, and ended with prayers and condolences offered by religious and community leaders. 
 
The four victims, spanning three generations, were killed when Nathaniel Veltman, 20, ran into them while they were out for an evening walk near their home in London, Ontario. A fifth family member, a nine-year-old boy, is recovering from his injuries in the hospital. 
 
Police have said the attack was premeditated and allege the family was targeted because of their Islamic faith. 
 
The funeral procession later proceeded for a private burial. 
 
"And the very fact their coffins are draped in the beautiful Canadian flag is an apt testimony of the fact that the entire Canadian nation stands with them," Raza Bashir Tarar High Commissioner for Pakistan to Canada told the gathering. 
 
The family moved to Canada from Pakistan some 14 years ago. 
 
The attack sparked outrage across Canada, with politicians from all sides condemning the crime, spurring growing calls to take action to curb hate crime and Islamophobia. The city of London, 200 km (120 miles) southwest of Toronto, has seen an outpouring of support in the aftermath of the attack. 
 
That has given some hope to the grieving community to look beyond the tragedy. 
 
"Irrespective of colour and creed, the expressions of raw emotion, the prayers, the quiet tears, the messages of comfort from people we know and from people that are complete strangers, it has been the first step towards finding a way to heal," Ali Islam, maternal uncle of Madiha Salman, one of the victims, told the gathering. 
 
Veltman, who returns to court on Monday, faces four charges of first-degree murder and one of attempted murder. 
 
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called the killings a 'terrorist attack' and vowed to clamp down on far-right groups and online hate. 
 
"I think we're emotionally exhausted," Imam Aarij Anwer told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp before the ceremony. "We're looking forward to having some closure on Saturday." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Several hundred mourners joined a public funeral service on Saturday to bid farewell to a Canadian Muslim family run over and killed by a man in a pick-up truck on last Sunday in an attack the police said was driven by hate.

Several hundred mourners joined a public funeral service on Saturday to bid farewell to a Canadian Muslim family run over and killed by a man in a pick-up truck on last Sunday in an attack the police said was driven by hate. The hour-long ceremony started after the four coffins draped in Canadian flags rolled into the compound of the Islamic Centre of Southwest Ontario, and ended with prayers and condolences offered by religious and community leaders. The four victims, spanning three generations, were killed when Nathaniel Veltman, 20, ran into them while they were out for an evening walk near their home in London, Ontario. A fifth family member, a nine-year-old boy, is recovering from his injuries in the hospital. Police have said the attack was premeditated and allege the family was targeted because of their Islamic faith. The funeral procession later proceeded for a private burial. "And the very fact their coffins are draped in the beautiful Canadian flag is an apt testimony of the fact that the entire Canadian nation stands with them," Raza Bashir Tarar High Commissioner for Pakistan to Canada told the gathering. The family moved to Canada from Pakistan some 14 years ago. The attack sparked outrage across Canada, with politicians from all sides condemning the crime, spurring growing calls to take action to curb hate crime and Islamophobia. The city of London, 200 km (120 miles) southwest of Toronto, has seen an outpouring of support in the aftermath of the attack. That has given some hope to the grieving community to look beyond the tragedy. "Irrespective of colour and creed, the expressions of raw emotion, the prayers, the quiet tears, the messages of comfort from people we know and from people that are complete strangers, it has been the first step towards finding a way to heal," Ali Islam, maternal uncle of Madiha Salman, one of the victims, told the gathering. Veltman, who returns to court on Monday, faces four charges of first-degree murder and one of attempted murder. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called the killings a 'terrorist attack' and vowed to clamp down on far-right groups and online hate. "I think we're emotionally exhausted," Imam Aarij Anwer told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp before the ceremony. "We're looking forward to having some closure on Saturday." (With inputs from agencies)

Muslim victims of truck attack given farewell with coffins draped in Canadian flags

Thousands of people marched on Friday in support of a Canadian Muslim family run over and killed by a man driving a pick-up truck on last Sunday in an attack the police described as a hate crime. 
 
The four victims, spanning three generations, were killed when Nathaniel Veltman, 20, ran into them while they were out for an evening walk near their home. A fifth family member, a 9-year-old boy, survived. 
 
People in London, Ontario marched about 7 kilometers (4.4 miles) from the spot where the family was struck down to a nearby mosque, the site close to where Veltman was arrested by police. 
 
Some carried placards with messages reading 'Hate has no home here', 'Love over hate'.&nbsp;Similar events were held in other cities in Ontario, Canada's most populous province. 
 
"The best part was not just the numbers ... but the diversity of the people coming from every single community in London, coming together for this cause," said 19-year-old college student Abdullah Al Jarad at the march. 
 
The attack sparked outrage across Canada, with politicians from all sides condemning the crime, spurring growing calls to take action to curb hate crime and Islamophobia. 
 
Veltman made a brief court appearance on Thursday and will return to court on Monday. He faces four charges of first-degree murder and one of attempted murder. 
 
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called the killings a 'terrorist attack' and vowed to clamp down on far-right groups and online hate. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of people marched on Friday in support of a Canadian Muslim family run over and killed by a man driving a pick-up truck on last Sunday in an attack the police described as a hate crime.

Thousands of people marched on Friday in support of a Canadian Muslim family run over and killed by a man driving a pick-up truck on last Sunday in an attack the police described as a hate crime. The four victims, spanning three generations, were killed when Nathaniel Veltman, 20, ran into them while they were out for an evening walk near their home. A fifth family member, a 9-year-old boy, survived. People in London, Ontario marched about 7 kilometers (4.4 miles) from the spot where the family was struck down to a nearby mosque, the site close to where Veltman was arrested by police. Some carried placards with messages reading 'Hate has no home here', 'Love over hate'. Similar events were held in other cities in Ontario, Canada's most populous province. "The best part was not just the numbers ... but the diversity of the people coming from every single community in London, coming together for this cause," said 19-year-old college student Abdullah Al Jarad at the march. The attack sparked outrage across Canada, with politicians from all sides condemning the crime, spurring growing calls to take action to curb hate crime and Islamophobia. Veltman made a brief court appearance on Thursday and will return to court on Monday. He faces four charges of first-degree murder and one of attempted murder. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called the killings a 'terrorist attack' and vowed to clamp down on far-right groups and online hate. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands march in support of Muslim family killed in truck attack in Canada

Greece reacted angrily on Sunday a statement by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu that described members of a Muslim minority in northern Greece as Turkish and that said they were not accorded full civic rights. 
 
The statement by Cavusoglu, during a private visit to the northern Greek region of Thrace on Sunday, came ahead of his official meetings on Monday with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias in Athens. 
 
The two foreign ministers clashed openly last month at a news conference in Ankara following a meeting aimed at easing months of tension between the two historic rivals. 
 
"We want Greece to give the same rights as we provide to the Greek Orthodox Church and Greek minority to the Turks in Western Thrace," Cavusoglu said,&nbsp;according to a video provided by the Turkish Foreign Ministry. 
 
A century after the two countries fought a war that displaced more than a million people on both sides of the border, Turkey says the roughly 120,000-strong Muslim community in the region is a Turkish minority, a position rejected by Athens, which describes them as Greek Muslims. 
 
"Turkey's continuous efforts to distort reality, as well as its claims alleging lack of protection of these citizens' rights or discrimination, are unfounded and are rejected in their entirety," Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexandros Papaioannou said in a news release. 
 
The two countries, both members of the NATO alliance, are at odds over issues ranging from competing maritime territorial claims in the eastern Mediterranean to the status of Cyprus and the treatment of migrant boats. 
 
They came close to armed conflict last year when naval vessels from each side manoeuvered close to each other in disputed waters during a standoff over energy exploration. 
 
Tensions have eased slightly in recent months and officials resumed exploratory talks over their disputes earlier this year following a five-year hiatus. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Greece reacted angrily on Sunday a statement by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu that described members of a Muslim minority in northern Greece as Turkish and that said they were not accorded full civic rights.

Greece reacted angrily on Sunday a statement by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu that described members of a Muslim minority in northern Greece as Turkish and that said they were not accorded full civic rights. The statement by Cavusoglu, during a private visit to the northern Greek region of Thrace on Sunday, came ahead of his official meetings on Monday with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias in Athens. The two foreign ministers clashed openly last month at a news conference in Ankara following a meeting aimed at easing months of tension between the two historic rivals. "We want Greece to give the same rights as we provide to the Greek Orthodox Church and Greek minority to the Turks in Western Thrace," Cavusoglu said, according to a video provided by the Turkish Foreign Ministry. A century after the two countries fought a war that displaced more than a million people on both sides of the border, Turkey says the roughly 120,000-strong Muslim community in the region is a Turkish minority, a position rejected by Athens, which describes them as Greek Muslims. "Turkey's continuous efforts to distort reality, as well as its claims alleging lack of protection of these citizens' rights or discrimination, are unfounded and are rejected in their entirety," Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexandros Papaioannou said in a news release. The two countries, both members of the NATO alliance, are at odds over issues ranging from competing maritime territorial claims in the eastern Mediterranean to the status of Cyprus and the treatment of migrant boats. They came close to armed conflict last year when naval vessels from each side manoeuvered close to each other in disputed waters during a standoff over energy exploration. Tensions have eased slightly in recent months and officials resumed exploratory talks over their disputes earlier this year following a five-year hiatus. (With inputs from agencies)

Greece rejects Turkish minister's comments on Muslim minority

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Sunday (May 30) visited Muslim community in Greece. He met the community members in Komotini, a town in northern Greece. His visit to the town came ahead of a visit to Athens aimed at improving ties between Turkey and Greece.

The Greek town he visited was once part of the Ottoman Empire.

Cavusoglu is scheduled to hold talks with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday (May 31).

Last year, Turkey-Greece relations were strained over decades-old dispute between the two countries over maritime jurisdiction and rights to offshore resources in the eastern Mediterranean.

The two countries have since resumed bilateral talks to address the dispute.

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Sunday (May 30) visited Muslim community in Greece. He met the community members in Komotini, a town in northern Greece.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Sunday (May 30) visited Muslim community in Greece. He met the community members in Komotini, a town in northern Greece. His visit to the town came ahead of a visit to Athens aimed at improving ties between Turkey and Greece. The Greek town he visited was once part of the Ottoman Empire. Cavusoglu is scheduled to hold talks with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday (May 31). Last year, Turkey-Greece relations were strained over decades-old dispute between the two countries over maritime jurisdiction and rights to offshore resources in the eastern Mediterranean. The two countries have since resumed bilateral talks to address the dispute. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkish foreign minister meets Muslim community in Greece

As night falls in Sudan, villagers rush to pull over travellers with a friendly roadblock of hospitality celebrating Islam's holy fasting month of Ramzan, traditions enduring despite dire economic troubles.

Rugs are rolled out on the roadside verge in an impromptu al fresco dining room to celebrate iftar, the fast-breaking evening meal to mark the end of a baking hot day without either a mouthful of food or a drop to drink.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="UK Muslims urged to get Covid-19 jab during Ramadan">UK Muslims urged to get Covid-19 jab during Ramadan</a>

"This is a custom that our grandparents began," said Aboulmaali Mohamed Ibrahim, offering a meal in the village of Nuba, some 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of Sudan's capital Khartoum.

"They began inviting travellers for meals following the construction of this road in the 1960s."

To fasting travellers, the meal is a much welcomed break from their exhausting long trips on Sudan's often rutted roads.

But to residents living in villages along the road, it is part of upholding Sudan's long-held traditions of hospitality to strangers and, amid a tough economic crisis, proof that the important things in life must remain the same.

The call for the evening prayer announces the end of another fasting day.

A feast is provided. Parched travellers, struggling after a day in the sun without liquid, are firstly handed a cool and refreshing squeezed juice.

Jugs of the local speciality "hilw-mor", or "bitter-sweet", a drink spiced with ginger and cinnamon, is also poured into cups.

Then an array of traditional food ranging from porridge to plump dates is placed out for all to share.

While some villagers are laying out the food, others are still busy waving to stop cars and buses on the busy highway, encouraging people to stop and join.

Ibrahim, despite struggling on the meagre income he earns as teacher, has insisted on sharing his iftar meal every day since Ramzan began on April 13.

"We just bring whatever we have to the iftar table, no matter how little it is,"&nbsp;he said.

Sudan has been struggling since the April 2019 toppling of hardline president Omar al-Bashir, following protests against his rule triggered by economic hardship.&nbsp;

Severe shortages of food staples and price hikes remain among the pressing issues, two years after Bashir's fall, said Ibrahim.

Inflation last month shot up over 330 per cent, the government said.

People now often queue for hours to buy basic foods or to fill their cars with petrol.

Households suffer from frequent power cuts, and gas canisters for cooking are often hard to find.

The transitional government, which came to power after Bashir's ouster, has embarked on painful reforms hoped to rebuild the economy.

In February, it introduced a managed float to the local currency in an attempt to close the yawning gap between the official and black market rates.

Other bold measures include reducing costly subsidies on fuel and other commodities.

But others fear the measures risk fanning popular discontent before coming to fruition. &nbsp;

Mudather Saad, another villager from Nuba, says they typically host around 150-200 travellers to the iftar meals each evening -- but on busy nights even more.

"Our guests sometimes exceed 300 -- especially on weekends," said Saad, as he joined other villagers to block the road and beckon travellers to eat.&nbsp;

With only minutes to go before the call to prayer, Saad and others flag down a bus packed with some 60 passengers.

Omar Hussein, the bus driver, travels the route regularly and is always stopped as iftar time approaches.

"I never worry about missing iftar," Hussein said. "I am always sure someone will offer us something on the way." &nbsp;

As night falls in Sudan, villagers rush to pull over travellers with a friendly roadblock of hospitality celebrating Islam's holy fasting month of Ramzan, traditions enduring despite dire economic troubles.

As night falls in Sudan, villagers rush to pull over travellers with a friendly roadblock of hospitality celebrating Islam's holy fasting month of Ramzan, traditions enduring despite dire economic troubles. Rugs are rolled out on the roadside verge in an impromptu al fresco dining room to celebrate iftar, the fast-breaking evening meal to mark the end of a baking hot day without either a mouthful of food or a drop to drink. Also read: UK Muslims urged to get Covid-19 jab during Ramadan "This is a custom that our grandparents began," said Aboulmaali Mohamed Ibrahim, offering a meal in the village of Nuba, some 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of Sudan's capital Khartoum. "They began inviting travellers for meals following the construction of this road in the 1960s." To fasting travellers, the meal is a much welcomed break from their exhausting long trips on Sudan's often rutted roads. But to residents living in villages along the road, it is part of upholding Sudan's long-held traditions of hospitality to strangers and, amid a tough economic crisis, proof that the important things in life must remain the same. The call for the evening prayer announces the end of another fasting day. A feast is provided. Parched travellers, struggling after a day in the sun without liquid, are firstly handed a cool and refreshing squeezed juice. Jugs of the local speciality "hilw-mor", or "bitter-sweet", a drink spiced with ginger and cinnamon, is also poured into cups. Then an array of traditional food ranging from porridge to plump dates is placed out for all to share. While some villagers are laying out the food, others are still busy waving to stop cars and buses on the busy highway, encouraging people to stop and join. Ibrahim, despite struggling on the meagre income he earns as teacher, has insisted on sharing his iftar meal every day since Ramzan began on April 13. "We just bring whatever we have to the iftar table, no matter how little it is," he said. Sudan has been struggling since the April 2019 toppling of hardline president Omar al-Bashir, following protests against his rule triggered by economic hardship. Severe shortages of food staples and price hikes remain among the pressing issues, two years after Bashir's fall, said Ibrahim. Inflation last month shot up over 330 per cent, the government said. People now often queue for hours to buy basic foods or to fill their cars with petrol. Households suffer from frequent power cuts, and gas canisters for cooking are often hard to find. The transitional government, which came to power after Bashir's ouster, has embarked on painful reforms hoped to rebuild the economy. In February, it introduced a managed float to the local currency in an attempt to close the yawning gap between the official and black market rates. Other bold measures include reducing costly subsidies on fuel and other commodities. But others fear the measures risk fanning popular discontent before coming to fruition. Mudather Saad, another villager from Nuba, says they typically host around 150-200 travellers to the iftar meals each evening -- but on busy nights even more. "Our guests sometimes exceed 300 -- especially on weekends," said Saad, as he joined other villagers to block the road and beckon travellers to eat. With only minutes to go before the call to prayer, Saad and others flag down a bus packed with some 60 passengers. Omar Hussein, the bus driver, travels the route regularly and is always stopped as iftar time approaches. "I never worry about missing iftar," Hussein said. "I am always sure someone will offer us something on the way."

Shrugging off economic woes, Sudanese share Ramzan meal

Egypt on Thursday sentenced Mahmud Ezzat, the 76-year-old top leader of the banned Muslim Brotherhood, to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of "terrorism", the state-run Al-Ahram newspaper reported.

"The Cairo Criminal Court on Thursday sentenced Mahmoud Ezzat, the acting supreme guide of the Muslim Brotherhood designated as a terrorist, to life for murder and terrorism charges," according to the newspaper.

Ezzat was arrested in August 2020 in Cairo, after being on the run for several years.&nbsp;

He was found guilty of "incitement to murder" and of having "supplied weapons" during clashes between demonstrators outside the headquarters of the Muslim Brotherhood in 2013, said a judicial source, who also confirmed the sentence.

In 2015, Ezzat was handed a death sentence in absentia, as well as given life imprisonment, after having been found guilty for having supervised the assassination of soldiers and government officials.

He was accused of involvement in the murder of the state prosecutor Hisham Barakat, who died in hospital after a car bomb tore through his convoy in Cairo in 2015.

The Brotherhood was outlawed in Egypt in 2013, months after the army overthrew Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, who hailed from the movement.

Morsi was deposed in 2013 by the army, then led by Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who has since become president.

Founded in 1928, the brotherhood established itself in the mid-twentieth century as the main opposition movement in Egypt.

Ezzat is reported to have joined the Muslim Brotherhood in the 1960s, and spent time in jail under Egypt's late presidents Gamal Abdel Nasser, Anwar Sadat and Hosni Mubarak.

Egypt on Thursday sentenced Mahmud Ezzat, the 76-year-old top leader of the banned Muslim Brotherhood, to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of "terrorism", the state-run Al-Ahram newspaper reported.

Egypt on Thursday sentenced Mahmud Ezzat, the 76-year-old top leader of the banned Muslim Brotherhood, to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of "terrorism", the state-run Al-Ahram newspaper reported. "The Cairo Criminal Court on Thursday sentenced Mahmoud Ezzat, the acting supreme guide of the Muslim Brotherhood designated as a terrorist, to life for murder and terrorism charges," according to the newspaper. Ezzat was arrested in August 2020 in Cairo, after being on the run for several years. He was found guilty of "incitement to murder" and of having "supplied weapons" during clashes between demonstrators outside the headquarters of the Muslim Brotherhood in 2013, said a judicial source, who also confirmed the sentence. In 2015, Ezzat was handed a death sentence in absentia, as well as given life imprisonment, after having been found guilty for having supervised the assassination of soldiers and government officials. He was accused of involvement in the murder of the state prosecutor Hisham Barakat, who died in hospital after a car bomb tore through his convoy in Cairo in 2015. The Brotherhood was outlawed in Egypt in 2013, months after the army overthrew Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, who hailed from the movement. Morsi was deposed in 2013 by the army, then led by Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who has since become president. Founded in 1928, the brotherhood established itself in the mid-twentieth century as the main opposition movement in Egypt. Ezzat is reported to have joined the Muslim Brotherhood in the 1960s, and spent time in jail under Egypt's late presidents Gamal Abdel Nasser, Anwar Sadat and Hosni Mubarak.

Egypt jails top Muslim Brotherhood leader for life

Hindus are positively influencing various important areas of Bangladesh including politics, economy and culture. Although there is a religious minority, they are in harmony with Muslims.

Hindus positively influence Bangladesh's important areas

German authorities carried out raids at several locations in Berlin and Brandenburg on Thursday after banning a Berlin Salafist Muslim group, police said.&nbsp;

Berlin's senate department for interior affairs on Thursday said it banned a 'jihad-salafist' association Jama'atu Berlin, also known as Tauhid Berlin, and that police had undertaken the raids, without giving further details.&nbsp;

German newspaper Tagesspiegel said the group glorified 'Islamic State' fighting on the internet and called for the killing of Jews, adding that criminal proceedings were pending against some of its members.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-court-sentences-is-recruiter-to-10-year-jail-for-planning-attack-366008">German court sentences IS recruiter to 10-year jail for planning attack</a>

The newspaper added that the group had contact with Anis Amri, a failed Tunisian asylum seeker with Islamist links, who hijacked a truck and drove it into a Christmas market in Berlin, killing 12 people in 2016.&nbsp;

Salafists - strict Sunni Muslims - include peaceful private people, activists seeking the implementation of Sharia law and militants advocating violence to establish states they might regard as representing true Islam.&nbsp;

The number of Salafists had risen in Germany to an all-time high of 12,150 in 2019, Germany's domestic intelligence said in its annual report last year, listing them among 'Islamist extremists'.&nbsp;

It said the number of Salafists had more than tripled since 2011 and that the Salafist scene in Germany was going through a consolidation stage, adding that followers were keeping a low profile in public.&nbsp;

German authorities carried out raids at several locations in Berlin and Brandenburg on Thursday after banning a Berlin Salafist Muslim group, police said. Berlin's senate department for interior affairs on Thursday said it banned a 'jihad-salafist' association Jama'atu Berlin, also known as Tauhid Berlin, and that police had undertaken the raids, without giving further details.

German authorities carried out raids at several locations in Berlin and Brandenburg on Thursday after banning a Berlin Salafist Muslim group, police said. Berlin's senate department for interior affairs on Thursday said it banned a 'jihad-salafist' association Jama'atu Berlin, also known as Tauhid Berlin, and that police had undertaken the raids, without giving further details. German newspaper Tagesspiegel said the group glorified 'Islamic State' fighting on the internet and called for the killing of Jews, adding that criminal proceedings were pending against some of its members. Also Read: German court sentences IS recruiter to 10-year jail for planning attack The newspaper added that the group had contact with Anis Amri, a failed Tunisian asylum seeker with Islamist links, who hijacked a truck and drove it into a Christmas market in Berlin, killing 12 people in 2016. Salafists - strict Sunni Muslims - include peaceful private people, activists seeking the implementation of Sharia law and militants advocating violence to establish states they might regard as representing true Islam. The number of Salafists had risen in Germany to an all-time high of 12,150 in 2019, Germany's domestic intelligence said in its annual report last year, listing them among 'Islamist extremists'. It said the number of Salafists had more than tripled since 2011 and that the Salafist scene in Germany was going through a consolidation stage, adding that followers were keeping a low profile in public.

Germany bans Salafist Muslim group, raids several locations

China on Monday rejected 'slanderous attacks' about conditions for Muslim Uighurs and other minorities living in its Xinjiang region, insisting that they enjoyed the freedom of religion and labour rights just like other citizens in the country.

China rejects genocide charges in Xinjiang region

A prominent Muslim scholar has warned that the West’s failure to include the incarceration in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the Muslim world of pro-democracy religious scholars risks perpetuating autocratic rule.

“The world manufactures the condition that it condemns. We don’t rise up to condemn the persecution of Muslim democrats when it occurs, and we don’t go out of our way to protect Muslim democrats. In fact, there is a deeply embedded hypocrisy when it comes to the Muslim world,” said Khaled Abou el Fadel, a Kuwait-born University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Islamic law professor and human rights activist.

Mr Abou el Fadel was speaking at a virtual conference, organized by the Washington-based Arab Center for Law and Research to focus attention on Sheikh Salman al Oudeh, a popular but controversial religious scholar, who is one of several religious figures incarcerated since 2017 on terrorism-related charges. Saudi prosecutors have demanded the death sentence for Mr. Al-Oudeh.

The conference was held days after prominent Saudi women’s rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul was released after more than three years in prison as part of the kingdom’s effort to blunt criticism from the Biden administration that has pledged to make human rights a central plank of its foreign policy.

Mr Al-Oudeh was detained after he called in a tweet to his millions of followers for reconciliation with Qatar in the wake of the economic and diplomatic boycott imposed by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt on the Gulf state.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/islamophobia-a-fungible-prop-for-muslim-religious-soft-power-360288">Islamophobia: A fungible prop for Muslim religious soft power</a>

A long-standing Islamist proponent of reform in Saudi Arabia with an affinity for the Muslim Brotherhood, Mr. Al-Oudeh has been in and out of prison as his thinking evolved from a degree of support for jihadism against foreign occupation to becoming a key figure in the government’s efforts to rehabilitate militants and steer youth away from militancy.

In the wake of the 2011 popular Arab revolts that toppled the leaders of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen, Mr. Al Oudeh became a proponent of peaceful revolution to achieve social and political change, the importance of civil society, humanist interpretations of Islam, contextualization of Islamic law, rejection of theocracy, pluralism as opposed to sectarianism, minority rights, and democracy.

He laid out his thinking that was grounded in Islamic tradition in a book, Aislat al-Thawra &nbsp;(Questions of Revolution), that was immediately banned in Saudi Arabia. Mr Al-Oudeh was initially barred from leaving the kingdom and delivering sermons in mosques while his popular television program was shut down.

Critics charged that Mr Al-Oudeh’s thinking represented a fusion of Western principles with his Salafist background rather than a break with the ultra-conservative school of thought. They also asserted that the scholar vacillated between silence and reconciliation on issues of gender and minorities such as Shiites.

Mr Abou el Fadel, who has rejected repeated Saudi attempts to co-opt him, positioned the importance of thinkers like Mr. Al-Oudeh and the need to include them in Western support of human rights in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the Middle East in the context of a sustained autocratic campaign to suppress any call for political change that is rooted in Islamic theology.

“There is a well-orchestrated, systematic assault against all forms of theological thinking in Islam that is supportive of reconciling Islamic theology and ethics with democratic governance, accountability in governance, limited power in governance, rule of law in governance, and a system of rights… The only democracy that can survive in the Islamic world is a democracy that reconciles itself with Islamic values. The idea that a democracy that is antithetical to Islamic values has no future in the Muslim world,” Mr. Abou el Fadel said.

“Those that rule countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the Emirates know that very well. And that is why…they are targeting the ideological thrust of democracy itself. We must recognize that the idea of political despotism as an unethical enterprise is well supported in the Islamic tradition… But it was always recognized as a rather unideal situation, an ethical failure that can be tolerated, but an ethical failure nonetheless,” he went on to say.

Targeting Middle Eastern projections of a ‘moderate’ Islam that propagates absolute obedience to the ruler, rejects political change, and endorses authoritarian, if not autocratic rule, Mr Abou el Fadel argued that “there is no way to reconcile between despotism and monotheism and tawhid (the oneness of God). The very notion of tawhid, the very notion of being a Muslim and submitting to God means that you cannot submit to a mundane ruler absolutely and totally. No mundane ruler has a moral claim to represent the rule of God.”

“It is why the persecution of Salman al Oudeh must end. It is a blotch on the conscience of the world. The world of human rights, the world of democratic advocacy will remain in a perpetual state of hypocrisy as long as people like Salman al Oudeh remain in prison and confront a very dark future,” Mr. Abou el Fadel said.

By implication, Mr Abou el Fadl was arguing that Western governments and activists were doing themselves a disservice by not putting equal emphasis on getting secular civil society activists and religious dissidents sprung from jail.

To be fair, human rights groups like Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, ALQST, and Democracy in the Arab World Now (DAWN) have highlighted the plight of Mr Al-Oudeh and other religious figures. Mr Abou el Fadel serves on an advisory board of Human Rights Watch.

Founded by murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, DAWN counts Mr Al-Oudeh’s son, Abdullah Aloudh, a Washington-based scholar, among its senior executives.

While Western governments, including the Biden administration, have largely remained silent, analysts and activists appear at times to diverge on what the emphasis of human rights pressure on Saudi Arabia should be.

Saudi Arabia scholar Madawi al-Rasheed recently took issue with a suggestion by Bruce Riedel, a Brookings Institution scholar, former CIA official and ex-advisor on South Asia and the Middle East to several US presidents, to focus in the wake of the release of Ms Al-Hathloul on the plight of former Saudi crown prince and interior minister Mohammed bin Nayef.

Prince Mohammed, a US darling widely viewed as a potential threat to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was arrested a year ago on charges of treason and has been held incommunicado since.

“Bruce Riedel forgets the abysmal human rights record of MBN who consolidated the Saudi police state that MBS came to benefit from. Instead of calling for putting him on trial, he wants him free,” Ms Al-Rasheed tweeted. She was referring to the two Saudi princes by their initials.

In a separate tweet, Ms Al-Rashid added: “No piecemeal progress on the plight of prisoners of conscience - all prisoners of conscience mean all prisoners.”

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

A prominent Muslim scholar has warned that the West’s failure to include the incarceration in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the Muslim world of pro-democracy religious scholars risks perpetuating autocratic rule.

A prominent Muslim scholar has warned that the West’s failure to include the incarceration in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the Muslim world of pro-democracy religious scholars risks perpetuating autocratic rule. “The world manufactures the condition that it condemns. We don’t rise up to condemn the persecution of Muslim democrats when it occurs, and we don’t go out of our way to protect Muslim democrats. In fact, there is a deeply embedded hypocrisy when it comes to the Muslim world,” said Khaled Abou el Fadel, a Kuwait-born University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Islamic law professor and human rights activist. Mr Abou el Fadel was speaking at a virtual conference, organized by the Washington-based Arab Center for Law and Research to focus attention on Sheikh Salman al Oudeh, a popular but controversial religious scholar, who is one of several religious figures incarcerated since 2017 on terrorism-related charges. Saudi prosecutors have demanded the death sentence for Mr. Al-Oudeh. The conference was held days after prominent Saudi women’s rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul was released after more than three years in prison as part of the kingdom’s effort to blunt criticism from the Biden administration that has pledged to make human rights a central plank of its foreign policy. Mr Al-Oudeh was detained after he called in a tweet to his millions of followers for reconciliation with Qatar in the wake of the economic and diplomatic boycott imposed by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt on the Gulf state. Also Read | Islamophobia: A fungible prop for Muslim religious soft power A long-standing Islamist proponent of reform in Saudi Arabia with an affinity for the Muslim Brotherhood, Mr. Al-Oudeh has been in and out of prison as his thinking evolved from a degree of support for jihadism against foreign occupation to becoming a key figure in the government’s efforts to rehabilitate militants and steer youth away from militancy. In the wake of the 2011 popular Arab revolts that toppled the leaders of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen, Mr. Al Oudeh became a proponent of peaceful revolution to achieve social and political change, the importance of civil society, humanist interpretations of Islam, contextualization of Islamic law, rejection of theocracy, pluralism as opposed to sectarianism, minority rights, and democracy. He laid out his thinking that was grounded in Islamic tradition in a book, Aislat al-Thawra (Questions of Revolution), that was immediately banned in Saudi Arabia. Mr Al-Oudeh was initially barred from leaving the kingdom and delivering sermons in mosques while his popular television program was shut down. Critics charged that Mr Al-Oudeh’s thinking represented a fusion of Western principles with his Salafist background rather than a break with the ultra-conservative school of thought. They also asserted that the scholar vacillated between silence and reconciliation on issues of gender and minorities such as Shiites. Mr Abou el Fadel, who has rejected repeated Saudi attempts to co-opt him, positioned the importance of thinkers like Mr. Al-Oudeh and the need to include them in Western support of human rights in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the Middle East in the context of a sustained autocratic campaign to suppress any call for political change that is rooted in Islamic theology. “There is a well-orchestrated, systematic assault against all forms of theological thinking in Islam that is supportive of reconciling Islamic theology and ethics with democratic governance, accountability in governance, limited power in governance, rule of law in governance, and a system of rights… The only democracy that can survive in the Islamic world is a democracy that reconciles itself with Islamic values. The idea that a democracy that is antithetical to Islamic values has no future in the Muslim world,” Mr. Abou el Fadel said. “Those that rule countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the Emirates know that very well. And that is why…they are targeting the ideological thrust of democracy itself. We must recognize that the idea of political despotism as an unethical enterprise is well supported in the Islamic tradition… But it was always recognized as a rather unideal situation, an ethical failure that can be tolerated, but an ethical failure nonetheless,” he went on to say. Targeting Middle Eastern projections of a ‘moderate’ Islam that propagates absolute obedience to the ruler, rejects political change, and endorses authoritarian, if not autocratic rule, Mr Abou el Fadel argued that “there is no way to reconcile between despotism and monotheism and tawhid (the oneness of God). The very notion of tawhid, the very notion of being a Muslim and submitting to God means that you cannot submit to a mundane ruler absolutely and totally. No mundane ruler has a moral claim to represent the rule of God.” “It is why the persecution of Salman al Oudeh must end. It is a blotch on the conscience of the world. The world of human rights, the world of democratic advocacy will remain in a perpetual state of hypocrisy as long as people like Salman al Oudeh remain in prison and confront a very dark future,” Mr. Abou el Fadel said. By implication, Mr Abou el Fadl was arguing that Western governments and activists were doing themselves a disservice by not putting equal emphasis on getting secular civil society activists and religious dissidents sprung from jail. To be fair, human rights groups like Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, ALQST, and Democracy in the Arab World Now (DAWN) have highlighted the plight of Mr Al-Oudeh and other religious figures. Mr Abou el Fadel serves on an advisory board of Human Rights Watch. Founded by murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, DAWN counts Mr Al-Oudeh’s son, Abdullah Aloudh, a Washington-based scholar, among its senior executives. While Western governments, including the Biden administration, have largely remained silent, analysts and activists appear at times to diverge on what the emphasis of human rights pressure on Saudi Arabia should be. Saudi Arabia scholar Madawi al-Rasheed recently took issue with a suggestion by Bruce Riedel, a Brookings Institution scholar, former CIA official and ex-advisor on South Asia and the Middle East to several US presidents, to focus in the wake of the release of Ms Al-Hathloul on the plight of former Saudi crown prince and interior minister Mohammed bin Nayef. Prince Mohammed, a US darling widely viewed as a potential threat to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was arrested a year ago on charges of treason and has been held incommunicado since. “Bruce Riedel forgets the abysmal human rights record of MBN who consolidated the Saudi police state that MBS came to benefit from. Instead of calling for putting him on trial, he wants him free,” Ms Al-Rasheed tweeted. She was referring to the two Saudi princes by their initials. In a separate tweet, Ms Al-Rashid added: “No piecemeal progress on the plight of prisoners of conscience - all prisoners of conscience mean all prisoners.” (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: A Muslim scholar says human rights policy needs to focus on religious scholars

Many coronavirus victims have been denied dignity in death. In Sri Lanka, they are also being discriminated in death.

Colombo has forced Muslims to cremate their loved ones lost to the virus. Sri Lanka says cremation stops the further spread of the disease. However, the United Nations has called Sri Lanka's enforced cremations a human rights violation.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-sri-lanka-accused-of-human-rights-violation-359535/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sri Lanka has been accused of human rights violation and the UN has asked the South Asian country to stop forced cremations.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lanka-to-get-indias-covid-vaccine-gift-next-week-358800" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka to get India's Covid vaccine gift next week</a>

In March 2020, Sri Lanka made cremations compulsory for coronavirus victims. It said burning the dead stopped the spread of the virus.

What Sri Lanka actually wanted to block&nbsp;was the rights of its Muslim minorities, and history is the proof of it. Muslims make up for 10 per cent of Sri Lanka's population. They have been targeted, marginalised and discriminated against since the 2019 Easter attacks.

When the pandemic struck, Sri Lanka's Buddhist monks blamed Muslims for the spread of the virus and&nbsp;said burying coronavirus victims would contaminate the groundwater.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-to-conduct-investigation-into-war-crime-allegations-358737">Also read|&nbsp;Sri Lanka to conduct investigation into war crime allegations</a>

Science says burial poses no risk of contagion. The World Health Organization says "people who have died from COVID-19 can be buried or cremated according to local standards and family preferences."

Sri Lanka ignored science and&nbsp;pandered to Islamophobia instead.

In December 2020, at least 19 Muslims were cremated and among them&nbsp;was a baby.

Muslims usually bury the dead and&nbsp;view cremation as a desecration of the deceased. By enforcing cremation,&nbsp;Sri Lanka's president Gotabaya Rajapaksa deepened the already existing divide in the country.

The UN said, "such hostility against the minorities exacerbates existing prejudices, intercommunal tensions, and religious intolerance, sowing fear and distrust while inciting further hatred and violence."

Sri Lanka has, now, been asked to put an end to forced cremations.

Many coronavirus victims have been denied dignity in death. In Sri Lanka, they are also being discriminated in death. Colombo has forced Muslims to cremate their loved ones lost to the virus.

Many coronavirus victims have been denied dignity in death. In Sri Lanka, they are also being discriminated in death. Colombo has forced Muslims to cremate their loved ones lost to the virus. Sri Lanka says cremation stops the further spread of the disease. However, the United Nations has called Sri Lanka's enforced cremations a human rights violation. Sri Lanka has been accused of human rights violation and the UN has asked the South Asian country to stop forced cremations. Also read| Sri Lanka to get India's Covid vaccine gift next week In March 2020, Sri Lanka made cremations compulsory for coronavirus victims. It said burning the dead stopped the spread of the virus. What Sri Lanka actually wanted to block was the rights of its Muslim minorities, and history is the proof of it. Muslims make up for 10 per cent of Sri Lanka's population. They have been targeted, marginalised and discriminated against since the 2019 Easter attacks. When the pandemic struck, Sri Lanka's Buddhist monks blamed Muslims for the spread of the virus and said burying coronavirus victims would contaminate the groundwater. Also read| Sri Lanka to conduct investigation into war crime allegations Science says burial poses no risk of contagion. The World Health Organization says "people who have died from COVID-19 can be buried or cremated according to local standards and family preferences." Sri Lanka ignored science and pandered to Islamophobia instead. In December 2020, at least 19 Muslims were cremated and among them was a baby. Muslims usually bury the dead and view cremation as a desecration of the deceased. By enforcing cremation, Sri Lanka's president Gotabaya Rajapaksa deepened the already existing divide in the country. The UN said, "such hostility against the minorities exacerbates existing prejudices, intercommunal tensions, and religious intolerance, sowing fear and distrust while inciting further hatred and violence." Sri Lanka has, now, been asked to put an end to forced cremations.

Sri Lanka's forced cremation on Muslim population during COVID is human rights violation: UN

As hardline Islamists flex their muscles against liquor stores in Baghdad, a bigger story is emerging. The liquor shops owned by Christiansd and Yazidis are being targetted. Out of the 14 alcohol shops firebombed in past two months, most were owned by these minorities.

Some are suspecting turf war for control of the lucrative niche trade in Muslim majority Iraq. 
&nbsp; 
The shops have been firebombed in the middle of the night or just before dawn, with three simultaneous attacks in different districts Monday night alone.&nbsp;

Andre, an Iraqi Christian, said his shop was firebombed a few weeks ago by two people on a motorcycle just before dawn, according to the store's security camera footage.&nbsp;

He said it had cost him thousands of dollars to replace the lost merchandise and repair the shop.

"These groups want the last of the Christians to leave the country. They're targeting us," Andre told AFP, as his brother stacked new bottles of whisky on restored shelves.

He blamed security forces for negligence, saying a police patrol that had been deployed nearby left its post for hours, which gave the attackers a window of opportunity.&nbsp;

"Why doesn't the government arrest them?" Andre asked angrily, saying he had even provided authorities with the license plate number of the attacking vehicle from their CCTV footage.&nbsp;

The attackers had "time to place the explosives, take pictures before and after and publish them on Facebook," he said.

Another business owner, speaking on condition of anonymity in fear of reprisal attacks, said it was an attempt to crush the shrinking community of Iraqi secularists.&nbsp;

"We are all that's left of a liberal lifestyle. There are attempts to kill this ancient side of Baghdad -- if they win, Baghdad will have lost its liberal side," he said.&nbsp;

In recent weeks, an array of Islamist groups have ramped up their rhetoric against Baghdad's liquor stores and other establishments that they insist are violating religious edicts against drinking and other trades considered sinful.

One such group, "Rubu Allah" or "God's gang," claimed responsiblity for raiding a massage parlour in the heart of Baghdad and physically assaulting the women inside.

As hardline Islamists flex their muscles against liquor stores in Baghdad, a bigger story is emerging. The liquor shops owned by Christiansd and Yazidis are being targetted.

As hardline Islamists flex their muscles against liquor stores in Baghdad, a bigger story is emerging. The liquor shops owned by Christiansd and Yazidis are being targetted. Out of the 14 alcohol shops firebombed in past two months, most were owned by these minorities. Some are suspecting turf war for control of the lucrative niche trade in Muslim majority Iraq. The shops have been firebombed in the middle of the night or just before dawn, with three simultaneous attacks in different districts Monday night alone. Andre, an Iraqi Christian, said his shop was firebombed a few weeks ago by two people on a motorcycle just before dawn, according to the store's security camera footage. He said it had cost him thousands of dollars to replace the lost merchandise and repair the shop. "These groups want the last of the Christians to leave the country. They're targeting us," Andre told AFP, as his brother stacked new bottles of whisky on restored shelves. He blamed security forces for negligence, saying a police patrol that had been deployed nearby left its post for hours, which gave the attackers a window of opportunity. "Why doesn't the government arrest them?" Andre asked angrily, saying he had even provided authorities with the license plate number of the attacking vehicle from their CCTV footage. The attackers had "time to place the explosives, take pictures before and after and publish them on Facebook," he said. Another business owner, speaking on condition of anonymity in fear of reprisal attacks, said it was an attempt to crush the shrinking community of Iraqi secularists. "We are all that's left of a liberal lifestyle. There are attempts to kill this ancient side of Baghdad -- if they win, Baghdad will have lost its liberal side," he said. In recent weeks, an array of Islamist groups have ramped up their rhetoric against Baghdad's liquor stores and other establishments that they insist are violating religious edicts against drinking and other trades considered sinful. One such group, "Rubu Allah" or "God's gang," claimed responsiblity for raiding a massage parlour in the heart of Baghdad and physically assaulting the women inside.

Non-Muslim shopowners being targetted in Iraq

After Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on December 1 dismissed petitions filed by members of the Muslim community against the government's regulation that makes cremations mandatory for COVID-related deaths, the authorities said that it would cremate the bodies of 19 Muslim coronavirus victims, overriding the families’ objections against the compulsory policy.

The island nation has been experiencing a surge in cases since October, with the number of infections increased more than eight-fold since then to over 29,300 and 142 dead.

Coronavirus victims' bodies are claimed by families and then cremated -- a practice forbidden under Islamic law -- under the strict supervision of health authorities.

But families of 19 Muslims killed by the virus have refused to claim the bodies from a morgue in the capital Colombo, triggering the edict by Attorney-General Dappula de Livera.

"Bodies of Covid-19 victims not claimed by families can be cremated in terms of quarantine regulations," De Livera's spokeswoman said, adding that the bodies would be cremated this week.

Five were cremated on Wednesday, police said.

The policy has been challenged by Muslims, with 12 petitions filed by the minority community and civil society groups in the Supreme Court.

But the top court rejected the petitions last week, without giving reasons why it made that decision.

The Sri Lanka Muslim Council has said a majority of the country's coronavirus victims were Muslim.

A council spokesman added that members of the community feared seeking medical help if Covid-19 positive, as they did not want to be cremated.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation last month urged Colombo to permit Muslims to bury their family members "in line with their religious beliefs and obligations".

Sri Lanka made Covid-19 cremations compulsory in April amid fears spread by influential Buddhist monks -- who support President Gotabaya Rajapaksa -- that burying bodies could contaminate groundwater and spread the disease.&nbsp;

The World Health Organisation states both burials and cremations are permitted.

There have been ongoing tensions between Muslims -- who make up 10 per cent of Sri Lanka's 21 million population -- and the majority Sinhalese who are mostly Buddhists after local jihadists were accused of being behind the deadly 2019 Easter bombings.

(With inputs from agencies)

After Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on December 1 dismissed petitions filed by members of the Muslim community against the government's regulation that makes cremations mandatory for COVID-related deaths, the authorities said that it would cremate the bodies of 19 Muslim coronavirus victims, overriding the families’ objections against the compulsory policy.

After Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on December 1 dismissed petitions filed by members of the Muslim community against the government's regulation that makes cremations mandatory for COVID-related deaths, the authorities said that it would cremate the bodies of 19 Muslim coronavirus victims, overriding the families’ objections against the compulsory policy. The island nation has been experiencing a surge in cases since October, with the number of infections increased more than eight-fold since then to over 29,300 and 142 dead. Coronavirus victims' bodies are claimed by families and then cremated -- a practice forbidden under Islamic law -- under the strict supervision of health authorities. But families of 19 Muslims killed by the virus have refused to claim the bodies from a morgue in the capital Colombo, triggering the edict by Attorney-General Dappula de Livera. "Bodies of Covid-19 victims not claimed by families can be cremated in terms of quarantine regulations," De Livera's spokeswoman said, adding that the bodies would be cremated this week. Five were cremated on Wednesday, police said. The policy has been challenged by Muslims, with 12 petitions filed by the minority community and civil society groups in the Supreme Court. But the top court rejected the petitions last week, without giving reasons why it made that decision. The Sri Lanka Muslim Council has said a majority of the country's coronavirus victims were Muslim. A council spokesman added that members of the community feared seeking medical help if Covid-19 positive, as they did not want to be cremated. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation last month urged Colombo to permit Muslims to bury their family members "in line with their religious beliefs and obligations". Sri Lanka made Covid-19 cremations compulsory in April amid fears spread by influential Buddhist monks -- who support President Gotabaya Rajapaksa -- that burying bodies could contaminate groundwater and spread the disease. The World Health Organisation states both burials and cremations are permitted. There have been ongoing tensions between Muslims -- who make up 10 per cent of Sri Lanka's 21 million population -- and the majority Sinhalese who are mostly Buddhists after local jihadists were accused of being behind the deadly 2019 Easter bombings. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka to cremate Muslim COVID-19 victims despite objections

The body of Iran's assassinated top nuclear scientist has been taken to the first of several revered Shiite Muslim shrines ahead of his burial set for Monday, state media reported.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has accused arch-foe Israel of acting as a US "mercenary" and killing Mohsen Fakhrizadeh when assailants opened fire at him and his bodyguards near Tehran on Friday.

As part of the funeral procession, Fakhrizadeh's body arrived in the northeastern city of Mashhad late Saturday and was taken to Imam Reza's shrine, for prayers and to circle the tomb, state news agency IRNA reported.

His remains will next be taken to Fatima Masumeh's shrine in Qom, south of Tehran, and then to Imam Khomeini's shrine in the capital, according to the defence ministry.

The funeral itself will be held on Monday, in the presence of high-ranking military commanders and his family, the ministry said on its website, without specifying the location.

The killing of Fakhrizadeh -- whom Israel has dubbed the "father" of Iran's nuclear programme -- has once more heightened tensions between the Islamic republic and its foes.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for the perpetrators to be punished and urged that Fakhrizadeh's "scientific and technical efforts" be continued.

Iran's parliament held a closed session Sunday, joined by the intelligence minister, Mahmoud Alavi, to "investigate the assassination," ISNA news agency reported.

Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf said that any "decisions made will be made public soon".

The United States slapped sanctions on Fakhrizadeh in 2008 for "activities and transactions that contributed to the development of Iran's nuclear programme", and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once described him as the father of Iran's nuclear weapons programme.

Iran has repeatedly denied seeking to develop nuclear weapons.

The New York Times said an American official and two other intelligence officials had confirmed Israel was behind the attack, without giving further details.

Israel has declined to comment on the death of Fakhrizadeh.

The assassination comes less than two months before US President-elect Joe Biden is due to take office, after a tumultuous four years of hawkish foreign policy in the Middle East under President Donald Trump.

Rouhani has blamed the killing on "the wicked hands of the global arrogance, with the usurper Zionist regime as the mercenary".

Iran generally uses the term "global arrogance" to refer to the United States.

The body of Iran's assassinated top nuclear scientist has been taken to the first of several revered Shiite Muslim shrines ahead of his burial set for Monday, state media reported.

The body of Iran's assassinated top nuclear scientist has been taken to the first of several revered Shiite Muslim shrines ahead of his burial set for Monday, state media reported. Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has accused arch-foe Israel of acting as a US "mercenary" and killing Mohsen Fakhrizadeh when assailants opened fire at him and his bodyguards near Tehran on Friday. As part of the funeral procession, Fakhrizadeh's body arrived in the northeastern city of Mashhad late Saturday and was taken to Imam Reza's shrine, for prayers and to circle the tomb, state news agency IRNA reported. His remains will next be taken to Fatima Masumeh's shrine in Qom, south of Tehran, and then to Imam Khomeini's shrine in the capital, according to the defence ministry. The funeral itself will be held on Monday, in the presence of high-ranking military commanders and his family, the ministry said on its website, without specifying the location. The killing of Fakhrizadeh -- whom Israel has dubbed the "father" of Iran's nuclear programme -- has once more heightened tensions between the Islamic republic and its foes. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for the perpetrators to be punished and urged that Fakhrizadeh's "scientific and technical efforts" be continued. Iran's parliament held a closed session Sunday, joined by the intelligence minister, Mahmoud Alavi, to "investigate the assassination," ISNA news agency reported. Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf said that any "decisions made will be made public soon". The United States slapped sanctions on Fakhrizadeh in 2008 for "activities and transactions that contributed to the development of Iran's nuclear programme", and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once described him as the father of Iran's nuclear weapons programme. Iran has repeatedly denied seeking to develop nuclear weapons. The New York Times said an American official and two other intelligence officials had confirmed Israel was behind the attack, without giving further details. Israel has declined to comment on the death of Fakhrizadeh. The assassination comes less than two months before US President-elect Joe Biden is due to take office, after a tumultuous four years of hawkish foreign policy in the Middle East under President Donald Trump. Rouhani has blamed the killing on "the wicked hands of the global arrogance, with the usurper Zionist regime as the mercenary". Iran generally uses the term "global arrogance" to refer to the United States.

Iran nuclear scientist's body taken to Muslim shrine

French President Emmanuel Macron has given an ultimatum to French Council of Muslim Faith. Earlier this week. Macron along with French interior minister met leaders of French Council of Muslim Faith and requested them to accept a charter that seeks to oppose political Islam. The council has been given 15 days and there are signs that the charter will be accepted.

The council has already agreed to set up a national body in France that will oversee accredition of Imams in the country.

Through the charter, France wants to underline two things

<ol>
	<li>Islam is a religion and not a political movement</li>
	<li>There will be no foreign interference among French Muslim communities</li>
</ol>

Sentiments in France and Muslim countries have run high ever since the terror attacks over caricatures of Prophet Mohammed took place in recent months. France has been firm on its stand saying that it will guard values of the republic while there have been calls to boycott French goods in Muslim countries.

On Friday, Macron even <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-and-russia-promoting-anti-france-sentiment-says-emmanuel-macron-344353">accused Turkey and Russia</a> of promoting anti-French sentiment in Africa by funding people who whip-up resentment against France through media.

Macron's government has also prepared a bill to prevent radicalisation. This was proposed earlier this year. Some tough measures have been proposed. Homeschooling will be restricted to discourage Madrasa styled education. There is provision for harsh punishment for those who intimidate public officials on legal grounds. The proposed law also wants children to have an identification number. A number that can be used to ensure that they are attending school. Parents who will break this law could face up to six months in prison, as well as large fines.

Macron's crackdown on radical Islam is being welcomed but he is getting his share of criticism too.&nbsp;

As per a new security law tabled by his government, filming the police will be banned. Anyone found in violation of the provision can be fined up to USD 53,000 and/or sent to jail for a year.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-and-russia-promoting-anti-france-sentiment-says-emmanuel-macron-344353">Turkey and Russia promoting anti-France sentiment, says Emmanuel Macron</a>

&nbsp;Those critcising the provision are saying that it will limit free speech. Journalists are slamming the prosposal.

French interior minister defended his government in French parliament.&nbsp;

"Journalists will be able to film, citizens will be able to film. What we don't want is calls to murder. We may have a difference on this point, but let's also debate normally by reading the text without fantasy," he said.

However, his assurances seem hollow. Because when he was defending the proposal in parliament --- there were protests outside the french national assembly.&nbsp;

A journalist who was covering the demonstration was arrested for filming protests. As per reports, the journalist was arrested even after he presented his credentials to the law enforcement officials.

Journalists and human rights groups took to the streets this week in Paris to voiced their opposition for the proposed security law. They said that citizens could lose their powers to keep the powerful in check.

Local police may get more autonomy because of the new security law. There is also talk of expanding the use of surveillance drones in high crime areas.

&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron has given an ultimatum to French Council of Muslim Faith. Earlier this week. Macron along with French interior minister met leaders of French Council of Muslim Faith and requested them to accept a charter that seeks to oppose political Islam.

French President Emmanuel Macron has given an ultimatum to French Council of Muslim Faith. Earlier this week. Macron along with French interior minister met leaders of French Council of Muslim Faith and requested them to accept a charter that seeks to oppose political Islam. The council has been given 15 days and there are signs that the charter will be accepted. The council has already agreed to set up a national body in France that will oversee accredition of Imams in the country. Through the charter, France wants to underline two things Islam is a religion and not a political movement There will be no foreign interference among French Muslim communities Sentiments in France and Muslim countries have run high ever since the terror attacks over caricatures of Prophet Mohammed took place in recent months. France has been firm on its stand saying that it will guard values of the republic while there have been calls to boycott French goods in Muslim countries. On Friday, Macron even accused Turkey and Russia of promoting anti-French sentiment in Africa by funding people who whip-up resentment against France through media. Macron's government has also prepared a bill to prevent radicalisation. This was proposed earlier this year. Some tough measures have been proposed. Homeschooling will be restricted to discourage Madrasa styled education. There is provision for harsh punishment for those who intimidate public officials on legal grounds. The proposed law also wants children to have an identification number. A number that can be used to ensure that they are attending school. Parents who will break this law could face up to six months in prison, as well as large fines. Macron's crackdown on radical Islam is being welcomed but he is getting his share of criticism too. As per a new security law tabled by his government, filming the police will be banned. Anyone found in violation of the provision can be fined up to USD 53,000 and/or sent to jail for a year. Also Read | Turkey and Russia promoting anti-France sentiment, says Emmanuel Macron Those critcising the provision are saying that it will limit free speech. Journalists are slamming the prosposal. French interior minister defended his government in French parliament. "Journalists will be able to film, citizens will be able to film. What we don't want is calls to murder. We may have a difference on this point, but let's also debate normally by reading the text without fantasy," he said. However, his assurances seem hollow. Because when he was defending the proposal in parliament --- there were protests outside the french national assembly. A journalist who was covering the demonstration was arrested for filming protests. As per reports, the journalist was arrested even after he presented his credentials to the law enforcement officials. Journalists and human rights groups took to the streets this week in Paris to voiced their opposition for the proposed security law. They said that citizens could lose their powers to keep the powerful in check. Local police may get more autonomy because of the new security law. There is also talk of expanding the use of surveillance drones in high crime areas.

France gives ultimatum to French Council of Muslim Faith

A cartoon of the prophet was created and published by the controversial Charlie Hebdo magazine.&nbsp;

The religion of Islam prohibits images of Allah, Mohammad and all major prophets. But European publications have often stirred controversy with their depictions of the prophet.

The prophet Mohammad preached that he was simply a man. A messenger for the word of Allah or god. Not to be revered himself as a deity.

Islamic scholars interpret those teachings --- as a complete prohibition on any portrayal of the prophet. Non-muslims may find that strange.

But this is one of the central tenets of Islam, worship god alone idolatry is forbidden.

But many European publications have tested these rules of Islam. Charlie Hebdo has gained worldwide fame for its controversial cartoons of the prophet.

Muslims across the world have protested against their covers. But for the journalists at Charlie Hebdo, the offence is the point. They believe that submitting to the demands of the Muslim community will damage French secularism.

Secularism is a very important part of French culture. The constitution requires the government to remain neutral towards religion.

At the same time --- public displays of religious faith are discouraged.

But Charlie Hebdo's tough stand triggered deep divisions. With members of the Muslim community taking to the streets.

Asking the French magazine to respect their religion. France is not the only European country to witness divisions like these.

This is a tussle between freedom of speech and religion and a cultural conflict playing out across Europe.

i15 years ago, Danish newspaper Jyllands Posten carried controversial depictions of the Mohammad. The newspaper published a series of them.

Some depicted the prophet as a terrorist with a bomb. The cartoons brought worldwide fame for its editor Flemming Rose.

They also earned him enemies. There was a huge outcry in the Islamic world. Danish goods were boycotted in Muslim countries. Denmark's diplomats --- were issued summons in Tehran and Baghdad.

Several European newspapers responded --- by reprinting the controversial cartoons.

Things became much worse for Swedish artist, Lars Vilks. He has been a target of at least two failed assassination attempts.&nbsp;

Vilks had created controversial cartoons of the prophet for an art exhibition. The Al Qaeda put a 100 thousand dollar bounty on his head. He had to be put under police protection.

In recent times --- the depiction of the prophet has become a political issue.

Two years ago, Dutch politician Geert Wilders announced that he plans to hold a Prophet Mohammad cartoon competition. The event was shelved over fears of a violent backlash.

But last year --- Wilders revived the competition. It lasted only for a few hours. A photograph of a dark man was declared as the winner.

The debate over the depiction of the prophet will perhaps never be resolved.

A cartoon of the prophet was created and published by the controversial Charlie Hebdo magazine. The religion of Islam prohibits images of Allah, Mohammad and all major prophets.

A cartoon of the prophet was created and published by the controversial Charlie Hebdo magazine. The religion of Islam prohibits images of Allah, Mohammad and all major prophets. But European publications have often stirred controversy with their depictions of the prophet. The prophet Mohammad preached that he was simply a man. A messenger for the word of Allah or god. Not to be revered himself as a deity. Islamic scholars interpret those teachings --- as a complete prohibition on any portrayal of the prophet. Non-muslims may find that strange. But this is one of the central tenets of Islam, worship god alone idolatry is forbidden. But many European publications have tested these rules of Islam. Charlie Hebdo has gained worldwide fame for its controversial cartoons of the prophet. Muslims across the world have protested against their covers. But for the journalists at Charlie Hebdo, the offence is the point. They believe that submitting to the demands of the Muslim community will damage French secularism. Secularism is a very important part of French culture. The constitution requires the government to remain neutral towards religion. At the same time --- public displays of religious faith are discouraged. But Charlie Hebdo's tough stand triggered deep divisions. With members of the Muslim community taking to the streets. Asking the French magazine to respect their religion. France is not the only European country to witness divisions like these. This is a tussle between freedom of speech and religion and a cultural conflict playing out across Europe. i15 years ago, Danish newspaper Jyllands Posten carried controversial depictions of the Mohammad. The newspaper published a series of them. Some depicted the prophet as a terrorist with a bomb. The cartoons brought worldwide fame for its editor Flemming Rose. They also earned him enemies. There was a huge outcry in the Islamic world. Danish goods were boycotted in Muslim countries. Denmark's diplomats --- were issued summons in Tehran and Baghdad. Several European newspapers responded --- by reprinting the controversial cartoons. Things became much worse for Swedish artist, Lars Vilks. He has been a target of at least two failed assassination attempts. Vilks had created controversial cartoons of the prophet for an art exhibition. The Al Qaeda put a 100 thousand dollar bounty on his head. He had to be put under police protection. In recent times --- the depiction of the prophet has become a political issue. Two years ago, Dutch politician Geert Wilders announced that he plans to hold a Prophet Mohammad cartoon competition. The event was shelved over fears of a violent backlash. But last year --- Wilders revived the competition. It lasted only for a few hours. A photograph of a dark man was declared as the winner. The debate over the depiction of the prophet will perhaps never be resolved.

European publications that have stirred controversy over the depiction of the prophet

Clashes broke out at an anti-Islam rally in the Norwegian capital of Oslo. The situation came to a head when a female member of SIAN ripped pages from the Quran and spat on them.

Norway: Anti-Islam protester ripped pages from Muslim holy book

Praying for health: Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha in 'new normal' way

Gazans are thronging beaches and crowding markets filled with holiday sweets and clothes as they prepare to celebrate the Eid largely free of the coronavirus restrictions affecting the Muslim festival elsewhere.

Cut off from world, and virus, Gaza prepares for Eid like nowhere else

Indonesia has cancelled the haj pilgrimage this year for people in the world's largest Muslim-majority nation due to concerns over the coronavirus, the religious affairs minister said on Tuesday.

Each year hundreds of thousands of Indonesians go on the haj to Saudi Arabia, where Islam's two holiest sites -- Mecca and Medina -- are located. For many Indonesians, the religious pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime event, with the average wait time 20 years due to a quota system, according to the country's cabinet secretariat.

Saudi authorities have already said the haj and umrah pilgrimages -- which attract millions of travellers from around the world -- will remain suspended until further notice.

Fachrul Razi, Indonesia's religious affairs minister, said the decision to cancel hajj this year was made due to concerns over the coronavirus and ongoing travel restrictions.

The quota for Indonesian pilgrims this year was 221,000, with more than 90 per cent already registered to go, according to the religious affairs ministry website.

Dewi, an employee of a telecommunications company in Jakarta and registered to perform the pilgrimage this year, told Reuters that while she had waited six years, she had made peace with the news.

"If that is the decision, I will accept it," said Dewi, who did not want to give her full name. "After all, I believe that everything happens with God's permission."&nbsp;

Indonesia has cancelled the haj pilgrimage this year for people in the world's largest Muslim-majority nation due to concerns over the coronavirus, the religious affairs minister said on Tuesday.

Indonesia has cancelled the haj pilgrimage this year for people in the world's largest Muslim-majority nation due to concerns over the coronavirus, the religious affairs minister said on Tuesday. Each year hundreds of thousands of Indonesians go on the haj to Saudi Arabia, where Islam's two holiest sites -- Mecca and Medina -- are located. For many Indonesians, the religious pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime event, with the average wait time 20 years due to a quota system, according to the country's cabinet secretariat. Saudi authorities have already said the haj and umrah pilgrimages -- which attract millions of travellers from around the world -- will remain suspended until further notice. Fachrul Razi, Indonesia's religious affairs minister, said the decision to cancel hajj this year was made due to concerns over the coronavirus and ongoing travel restrictions. The quota for Indonesian pilgrims this year was 221,000, with more than 90 per cent already registered to go, according to the religious affairs ministry website. Dewi, an employee of a telecommunications company in Jakarta and registered to perform the pilgrimage this year, told Reuters that while she had waited six years, she had made peace with the news. "If that is the decision, I will accept it," said Dewi, who did not want to give her full name. "After all, I believe that everything happens with God's permission."

Country with the largest Muslim population in the world cancels Haj pilgrimage over coronavirus concerns

The US Congress on Wednesday authorized sanctions against Chinese officials over the mass incarceration of Muslim Uighurs, ramping up pressure on another front in the troubled relationship between the Pacific powers. 
 
The House of Representatives voted with just one dissent in favor of the Uighur Human Rights Act, hours of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took a major step to press China on another major issue -- the autonomy of Hong Kong.

Rights groups say at least one million Uighurs and other Turkic Muslims in China's northwestern Xinjiang region have been incarcerated in camps in a massive brainwashing campaign with few modern parallels.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-bid-of-global-dominion-trump-offers-to-negotiate-between-india-china-standoff-301402">Also read:&nbsp;In bid of global dominion, Trump offers to negotiate between India-China standoff</a>

"If America does not speak out against human rights (violations) in China because of some commercial interest, then we lose all moral authority to speak out on human rights violations any place in the world," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said.

The message was bipartisan with Michael McCaul, the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, accusing China of "state-sponsored cultural genocide."

Beijing is out to "completely eradicate an entire culture simply because it doesn't fit within what the Chinese Communist Party deems 'Chinese,'" McCaul said.

"We can't sit idly by and allow this to continue," he said. "Our silence will be complicit, and our inaction will be our appeasement."

The legislation requires the US administration to determine which Chinese officials are responsible for the "arbitrary detention, torture and harassment" of Uighurs and other minorities.

The United States would then freeze any assets the officials hold in the world's largest economy and ban their entry into the country.

The law specifically mentions Chen Quanguo, the Communist Party chief in Xinjiang. Previously posted in Tibet, Chen has built a reputation for clamping down on restive minorities.

China denounces 'smears'

China initially denied the mass incarceration but has since described the camps as vocational training centers aimed at discouraging Islamic radicalism.

After an earlier version of the law passed in December, the Chinese foreign ministry accused the United States of hypocrisy in its own "counter-terrorism" efforts.

"This bill deliberately smears the human rights condition in Xinjiang, slanders China's efforts in de-radicalization and counter-terrorism and viciously attacks the Chinese government's Xinjiang policy," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, urging the United States to stop the law.

Trump can veto the legislation. But Congress could easily override his veto.

Trump last year hesitated at signing another law that angered China that sought to safeguard Hong Kong's autonomy but went ahead in the face of overwhelming support in Congress.

The House of Representatives passed a tougher version of the law that would restrict exports of technology involved in the mass surveillance of Uighurs, as critics fear a new dystopian model with Beijing tracking minorities' every move.

The Republican-led Senate stripped out the export provision to ensure unanimous passage, letting Trump handle technology issues as part of his long-running trade war with the Asian power.

The Commerce Department last week imposed sanctions on eight Chinese companies and an institute seen as complicit in the persecution of Uighurs and other minorities, including through surveillance.

The final version of the bill also requires a classified report by US intelligence on Xinjiang as well as a study led by the FBI on alleged efforts by China to target US citizens and residents of Uighur heritage.

Rubio and a Democrat, Representative James McGovern, have introduced separate legislation that would ban all exports from Xinjiang, a major supplier of cotton.

The lawmakers say forced labor is so prevalent in Xinjiang that it is impossible to ensure that products from the region are free of slavery.

The US Congress on Wednesday authorized sanctions against Chinese officials over the mass incarceration of Muslim Uighurs, ramping up pressure on another front in the troubled relationship between the Pacific powers.

The US Congress on Wednesday authorized sanctions against Chinese officials over the mass incarceration of Muslim Uighurs, ramping up pressure on another front in the troubled relationship between the Pacific powers. The House of Representatives voted with just one dissent in favor of the Uighur Human Rights Act, hours of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took a major step to press China on another major issue -- the autonomy of Hong Kong. Rights groups say at least one million Uighurs and other Turkic Muslims in China's northwestern Xinjiang region have been incarcerated in camps in a massive brainwashing campaign with few modern parallels. Also read: In bid of global dominion, Trump offers to negotiate between India-China standoff "If America does not speak out against human rights (violations) in China because of some commercial interest, then we lose all moral authority to speak out on human rights violations any place in the world," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. The message was bipartisan with Michael McCaul, the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, accusing China of "state-sponsored cultural genocide." Beijing is out to "completely eradicate an entire culture simply because it doesn't fit within what the Chinese Communist Party deems 'Chinese,'" McCaul said. "We can't sit idly by and allow this to continue," he said. "Our silence will be complicit, and our inaction will be our appeasement." The legislation requires the US administration to determine which Chinese officials are responsible for the "arbitrary detention, torture and harassment" of Uighurs and other minorities. The United States would then freeze any assets the officials hold in the world's largest economy and ban their entry into the country. The law specifically mentions Chen Quanguo, the Communist Party chief in Xinjiang. Previously posted in Tibet, Chen has built a reputation for clamping down on restive minorities. China denounces 'smears' China initially denied the mass incarceration but has since described the camps as vocational training centers aimed at discouraging Islamic radicalism. After an earlier version of the law passed in December, the Chinese foreign ministry accused the United States of hypocrisy in its own "counter-terrorism" efforts. "This bill deliberately smears the human rights condition in Xinjiang, slanders China's efforts in de-radicalization and counter-terrorism and viciously attacks the Chinese government's Xinjiang policy," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, urging the United States to stop the law. Trump can veto the legislation. But Congress could easily override his veto. Trump last year hesitated at signing another law that angered China that sought to safeguard Hong Kong's autonomy but went ahead in the face of overwhelming support in Congress. The House of Representatives passed a tougher version of the law that would restrict exports of technology involved in the mass surveillance of Uighurs, as critics fear a new dystopian model with Beijing tracking minorities' every move. The Republican-led Senate stripped out the export provision to ensure unanimous passage, letting Trump handle technology issues as part of his long-running trade war with the Asian power. The Commerce Department last week imposed sanctions on eight Chinese companies and an institute seen as complicit in the persecution of Uighurs and other minorities, including through surveillance. The final version of the bill also requires a classified report by US intelligence on Xinjiang as well as a study led by the FBI on alleged efforts by China to target US citizens and residents of Uighur heritage. Rubio and a Democrat, Representative James McGovern, have introduced separate legislation that would ban all exports from Xinjiang, a major supplier of cotton. The lawmakers say forced labor is so prevalent in Xinjiang that it is impossible to ensure that products from the region are free of slavery.

US Congress passes Uighur human rights bill, prodding Trump to punish China

Kabul's markets were teeming on Friday in the countdown to the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr as Afghans disregarded government safety guidelines to contain rising coronavirus infections across the country.

Afghanistan had recorded 9,216 cases of COVID-19, the lung disease caused by the virus, and 205 deaths as of Friday, the health ministry said. The highest number of cases has been in Kabul, a city of six million that has been under a lockdown of varying intensity since March 28.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/drastic-increase-in-attacks-on-civilians-in-afghanistan-300341">Also watch:&nbsp;Drastic increase in attacks on civilians in Afghanistan</a>

"It's almost two months that Afghans have been in quarantine and surely everyone has suffered a lot during this period," Ghulam Hussain, a Kabul resident at one busy market, told Reuters.

Prices for everything in the market have shot up during the lockdown, he added.

Two of the largest markets in the heart of Kabul visited by Reuters were packed, with most shoppers not wearing masks or gloves and not observing social distancing rules. &nbsp;

"I admit that everyone should observe the hygiene (guidelines) and follow the government and doctors` advice, but what about the attacks and killings that are happening in our country and claim the lives of our people daily?" asked Abdul Saleem, another shopper.

While there has been a partial relaxation of the lockdown, with Kabul`s local administration also announcing fresh guidelines for residents in the lead-up to Eid on Friday, people have been ignoring appeals to respect social distancing.

The Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, will be observed either on Saturday or Sunday in Afghanistan, subject to the sighting of the moon.

Most shoppers visiting markets were looking for dried foods to make traditional Eid dishes and new clothes to mark the occassion. 
&nbsp;

Kabul's markets were teeming on Friday in the countdown to the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr as Afghans disregarded government safety guidelines to contain rising coronavirus infections across the country.

Kabul's markets were teeming on Friday in the countdown to the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr as Afghans disregarded government safety guidelines to contain rising coronavirus infections across the country. Afghanistan had recorded 9,216 cases of COVID-19, the lung disease caused by the virus, and 205 deaths as of Friday, the health ministry said. The highest number of cases has been in Kabul, a city of six million that has been under a lockdown of varying intensity since March 28. Also watch: Drastic increase in attacks on civilians in Afghanistan "It's almost two months that Afghans have been in quarantine and surely everyone has suffered a lot during this period," Ghulam Hussain, a Kabul resident at one busy market, told Reuters. Prices for everything in the market have shot up during the lockdown, he added. Two of the largest markets in the heart of Kabul visited by Reuters were packed, with most shoppers not wearing masks or gloves and not observing social distancing rules. "I admit that everyone should observe the hygiene (guidelines) and follow the government and doctors` advice, but what about the attacks and killings that are happening in our country and claim the lives of our people daily?" asked Abdul Saleem, another shopper. While there has been a partial relaxation of the lockdown, with Kabul`s local administration also announcing fresh guidelines for residents in the lead-up to Eid on Friday, people have been ignoring appeals to respect social distancing. The Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, will be observed either on Saturday or Sunday in Afghanistan, subject to the sighting of the moon. Most shoppers visiting markets were looking for dried foods to make traditional Eid dishes and new clothes to mark the occassion.

Afghans throng markets ahead of Muslim holiday despite virus fears

Dozens of emerging painters' work is now being curated at an online exhibition gallery, MYART, sponsored by Art TV. The online gallery has received praise from Pakistan's artist community. Despite the millions of views that the exhibition received, only a few paintings have been sold.

Pakistan holds 'first' online-only art exhibition amid coronavirus lockdown

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