There has been a rise in violent attacks against politicians in Germany recently. In the past week, there have been at least three incidents of violence against politicians. Why are political leaders being attacked? What's motivating people to choose violence?

Gravitas | Germany: Rise in Attacks Against Politicians Compared to Country's Nazi Past

In India's political arena, where ideologies diverge there's one arena where politicians seem to find common ground: the stock market. As revealed by recent disclosures submitted with the Prime Minister’s office and election affidavits, India's political elite have significantly bolstered their fortunes through savvy investments in equities.

Stocks emerge as a wealth multiplier for politicians

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday reserved its judgment in the hearing of a key case that would settle the issue of lifetime disqualification of some leading politicians, including former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan.

The verdict is expected to determine once and for all the controversy around the period of disqualification under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution and the Elections Act 2017.

A 2018 judgment by a five-member bench of the apex court had declared that disqualification under Article 62(1)(f) was for life, but changes made in the Elections Act 2017 on June 26, 2023, by a coalition government led by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) restricted it to a five-year term only.

A seven-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, conducted the hearing on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explained-without-bat-with-caretaker-pm-how-pakistan-elections-remain-a-delayed-affair-677160">Also read |&nbsp;Explained | Why Pakistan’s national elections remain a delayed affair</a>

During the hearing, the chief justice remarked that the Supreme Court verdict on lifetime disqualification and the amendments to the Elections Act 2017 could not co-exist. He also stated that discrepancies in the apex court's interpretation and the law could result in confusion in the upcoming general elections.

At the hearing's conclusion, the chief justice said a short order would be issued without specifying a time for its announcement.

"We will try to come up with a shorter order as soon as possible. Probably not today, but it will be very soon, God willing," he said.

During the hearing, which spanned several days, the court heard many lawyers, garnering their views on the duration of disqualification.

The remarks made by the chief justice and some other judges indicated they were not comfortable with the lifelong ban on convicted politicians, the Pakistani media reported.

However, it was not clear if the limit of disqualification should be imposed through a court order or an amendment to the Constitution.

Most of the arguments were in favour of nullifying the concept of the lifelong ban and limiting it to a five-year term. However, the chief justice repeatedly said that he also wanted to hear arguments supporting lifelong disqualification and asked lawyers to come forward.

Sharif, former prime minister and also a frontrunner for the fourth term in the February 8 general elections, was disqualified in the Panama Papers case in 2017. His rival Imran Khan, who was disqualified in the Toshakhana corruption case last year, also was hit by the same law.

However, Sharif got a kind of relief when his party-led government amended the election laws last year to limit the disqualification to five years, which allowed him to file nomination papers for the upcoming elections.

The controversy was not over as his candidature has been challenged as the interpretation of Article 62 (1) (f) clashed with the changes made in the Elections Act 2017. The outcome of the hearing would decide the future for both Sharif and Khan, as well as many other politicians.

Seventy-four-year-old Sharif's case was final until the period of disqualification was reduced. However, 71-year-old Khan's disqualification has not attained finality, and his appeal against it is still pending.

Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan IED blast: Roadside blast claims lives of 6 police officials

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-ied-blast-roadside-blast-claims-lives-of-6-police-officials-677896/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Incarcerated Khan's nomination papers for the February 8 general elections were rejected on December 30 based on disqualification due to his conviction in the offence of "moral turpitude" in a corruption case and other reasons, a government official had reasoned.

Earlier, the issue came into the focus of the Supreme Court last month during the hearing of a petition of a politician from Dera Ghazi Khan, Badshah Khan Qaisarani, who was disqualified for producing a fake graduation degree.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday reserved its judgment in the hearing of a key case that would settle the issue of lifetime disqualification of some leading politicians, including former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday reserved its judgment in the hearing of a key case that would settle the issue of lifetime disqualification of some leading politicians, including former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan. The verdict is expected to determine once and for all the controversy around the period of disqualification under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution and the Elections Act 2017. A 2018 judgment by a five-member bench of the apex court had declared that disqualification under Article 62(1)(f) was for life, but changes made in the Elections Act 2017 on June 26, 2023, by a coalition government led by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) restricted it to a five-year term only. A seven-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, conducted the hearing on Friday. Also read | Explained | Why Pakistan’s national elections remain a delayed affair During the hearing, the chief justice remarked that the Supreme Court verdict on lifetime disqualification and the amendments to the Elections Act 2017 could not co-exist. He also stated that discrepancies in the apex court's interpretation and the law could result in confusion in the upcoming general elections. At the hearing's conclusion, the chief justice said a short order would be issued without specifying a time for its announcement. "We will try to come up with a shorter order as soon as possible. Probably not today, but it will be very soon, God willing," he said. During the hearing, which spanned several days, the court heard many lawyers, garnering their views on the duration of disqualification. The remarks made by the chief justice and some other judges indicated they were not comfortable with the lifelong ban on convicted politicians, the Pakistani media reported. However, it was not clear if the limit of disqualification should be imposed through a court order or an amendment to the Constitution. Most of the arguments were in favour of nullifying the concept of the lifelong ban and limiting it to a five-year term. However, the chief justice repeatedly said that he also wanted to hear arguments supporting lifelong disqualification and asked lawyers to come forward. Sharif, former prime minister and also a frontrunner for the fourth term in the February 8 general elections, was disqualified in the Panama Papers case in 2017. His rival Imran Khan, who was disqualified in the Toshakhana corruption case last year, also was hit by the same law. However, Sharif got a kind of relief when his party-led government amended the election laws last year to limit the disqualification to five years, which allowed him to file nomination papers for the upcoming elections. The controversy was not over as his candidature has been challenged as the interpretation of Article 62 (1) (f) clashed with the changes made in the Elections Act 2017. The outcome of the hearing would decide the future for both Sharif and Khan, as well as many other politicians. Seventy-four-year-old Sharif's case was final until the period of disqualification was reduced. However, 71-year-old Khan's disqualification has not attained finality, and his appeal against it is still pending. Also watch | Pakistan IED blast: Roadside blast claims lives of 6 police officials Incarcerated Khan's nomination papers for the February 8 general elections were rejected on December 30 based on disqualification due to his conviction in the offence of "moral turpitude" in a corruption case and other reasons, a government official had reasoned. Earlier, the issue came into the focus of the Supreme Court last month during the hearing of a petition of a politician from Dera Ghazi Khan, Badshah Khan Qaisarani, who was disqualified for producing a fake graduation degree.

Pakistan Supreme Court reserves verdict in lifetime disqualification case

U.S. lawmakers targeted in multiple states. 'Swatting' incidents target Congress members during holidays. Watch the video to know more!

U.S. Politicians being targeted by prank calls in multiple states

Multiple Indian politicians especially from the opposition have alleged that they've received a hacking warning on their phones. iPhone manufacturer Apple has alerted a string of opposition leaders in India about what is called a possible state-sponsored attack on their phones.

India's ruling party rejects snooping charge after Apple's warning of state-sponsored attacks

Apple warns Indian politicians of 'state-sponsored attack'

In pics | Prominent politicians, organisations lose their blue check on Twitter

The personal data of millions of patients&nbsp;in top premier medical institute, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in India's capital New Delhi, is at risk&nbsp;after a ransomware attack on its servers. As per the latest update, the hand of Chinese hackers is suspected behind this attack. Most likely, the dark web, the hidden internet, was used to sell the stolen data. Over 1,600 searches for stolen AIIMS data were found, according to statistics. Details on VVIPs, including politicians and celebrities, are included in the stolen material. The cyber attack, which media reports citing insiders said is likely to have been done by Chinese hackers, specifically targeted five main AIIMS servers.

The staff at the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) is now investigating the data leak. But according to representatives of Intelligence Fusion &amp; Strategic Operations (IFSO), no data was lost. This is the first time IFSO has dealt with a hacking case. The primary goal of the hackers was to extort money, and more research is being done, as per reports.&nbsp;According to PTI news agency, hackers allegedly demanded a ransom of Rs 200 crore (Rs 20 million)&nbsp;in cryptocurrency. It is anticipated that the data leak discovered last Wednesday early may have affected three-four crore patients.

The emergency, outpatient, inpatient, and laboratory wings' patient care services are now being&nbsp;administered manually because the servers are still down. Additionally, the AIIMS network sanitization is ongoing. The antivirus programmes are being installed on desktops and servers&nbsp;and approximately 1,200 of the 5,000 machines have been secured. According to PTI, 20 out of 50 servers have been inspected, and this work is going on 24/7. 
 
The cyber attack on the AIIMS&nbsp;Delhi has compromised the personal data of millions of patients, including 'VVIPs'&nbsp;such as civil servants and politicians, according to officials aware of the development. AIIMS on Tuesday suspended two junior technicians from the computer IT division. However, no action had been taken against senior officials of the department till now.

The personal data of millions of patients in top premier medical institute, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in India's capital New Delhi, is at risk after a ransomware attack on its servers.

The personal data of millions of patients in top premier medical institute, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in India's capital New Delhi, is at risk after a ransomware attack on its servers. As per the latest update, the hand of Chinese hackers is suspected behind this attack. Most likely, the dark web, the hidden internet, was used to sell the stolen data. Over 1,600 searches for stolen AIIMS data were found, according to statistics. Details on VVIPs, including politicians and celebrities, are included in the stolen material. The cyber attack, which media reports citing insiders said is likely to have been done by Chinese hackers, specifically targeted five main AIIMS servers. The staff at the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) is now investigating the data leak. But according to representatives of Intelligence Fusion & Strategic Operations (IFSO), no data was lost. This is the first time IFSO has dealt with a hacking case. The primary goal of the hackers was to extort money, and more research is being done, as per reports. According to PTI news agency, hackers allegedly demanded a ransom of Rs 200 crore (Rs 20 million) in cryptocurrency. It is anticipated that the data leak discovered last Wednesday early may have affected three-four crore patients. The emergency, outpatient, inpatient, and laboratory wings' patient care services are now being administered manually because the servers are still down. Additionally, the AIIMS network sanitization is ongoing. The antivirus programmes are being installed on desktops and servers and approximately 1,200 of the 5,000 machines have been secured. According to PTI, 20 out of 50 servers have been inspected, and this work is going on 24/7. The cyber attack on the AIIMS Delhi has compromised the personal data of millions of patients, including 'VVIPs' such as civil servants and politicians, according to officials aware of the development. AIIMS on Tuesday suspended two junior technicians from the computer IT division. However, no action had been taken against senior officials of the department till now.

Delhi AIIMS ransomware attack: China involvement suspected, data of VVIPs, celebrities at risk

The SC of Pakistan has returned a petition filed by its bar association. The petition asks the apex court to reconsider the lifetime disqualification of politicians under an article in the constitution.

Pakistan's Supreme Court returns petition filed by bar association

Despite the Omicron scare, Indian politicians are campaigning in full swing. From packed political rallies to roadshows, it's like the virus curbs do not apply to them. Palki Sharma tells you why everything except election rallies have changed in this pandemic.

Gravitas: Politicians shrug off Omicron scare

In pics | Washington's century-old secret subway that is used by politicians, judges and movie stars

In pics | Washington's century-old secret subway that is used by politicians, Supreme Court judges and movie stars

Israel's technology firm NSO has been accused of using its cyber spyware Pegasus to surveil journalists globally. The latest findings are part of a global investigation called the Pegasus project.

Politicians, Journalists, HR Activists and others spied upon using Pegasus Spyware

Social media Facebook plans to eliminate an exemption for politicians that allows them to post content deemed deceptive or abusive, and will hold them to the same standards as other users.

Facebook plans to eliminate an exemption for politicians

How will we remember the coronavirus pandemic? Surely, as a source of great hardships but in the larger scheme of things, the virus was a pivot. It didn't just change our lives. It turned it upside down.

We realised that home can be work and work can be home. Same for schools. Our mobile phones became the rudders of our life, our source of entertainment and our source of livelihood. &nbsp;

The pandemic taught us that meet and greet is over-rated. Is isolation any better? Not really, but the pandemic made us more flexible. More open to changes. They say the post-pandemic world will be different.&nbsp;

For us, yes. Things will be a lot different but what about the power brokers of our world?&nbsp;The politicians, the spiritual gurus, the athletes, etc. Will things truly change for them?&nbsp;

In most countries, politicians were first in line for the vaccines. The virus tested leaders and their credentials. What would their message be? How quickly would they act?&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Some leaders simply did not have the answers and they were promptly voted out. There's one underway in Peru and this is the scene at polling booths. Massive crowds turned up because voting is mandatory there. Every citizen must vote. Co-morbidities and life-threatening conditions are not entertained as excuses. What a great sense of civic duty? Contrast that with Peru's pandemic response: 55,000 reported deaths and a health system in complete collapse. &nbsp;

Eighteen presidential hopefuls were in the fray and six of them ended up getting the virus. Maybe, these public rallies had something to do with that. Lockdowns for people, but rallies for politicians. &nbsp;

And it's not just Peru, it is election season in India as well. Every single political party has staged public rallies. Thousands of people attended these, right in the middle of a second wave. Elections are important, nobody is denying that but campaigning must be responsibly done. &nbsp;Right now, everybody seems happy working from home, except the politicians. &nbsp;

Keep the mask on, say the courts, even if you're alone in a car, because your car is a public space. No such rules for election campaigns, clearly.&nbsp;

Our second talking point is religion. It's given solace to millions in these tough times but it has also given us difficult scenes.

In Kumbh Mela at Haridwar, nearly a million devotees are there.&nbsp;All of them are heading to the banks of the Ganga. Taking a dip in the river during this time is considered auspicious but there are concerns. &nbsp;

And looking at these pictures, it is clear what those concerns are: no masks, no social distancing and one common body of water. It is a guaranteed super-spreader. Right now, India is hosting the biggest T20 league in the world, the Indian Premier League. It is being played behind closed doors. Only a handful of stadiums are hosting matches and even with such strict measures, a few players have got the virus. What if this cluster expands?&nbsp;

Remember, it's not just the players inside bio-bubbles, there is a huge support team, such as umpires, ground staff, broadcasters, etc. Just last week, 14 members of the broadcast team tested positive. So, here's the question? Is the IPL essential?&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Depends on how you look at it. For the sponsors and the cricketing board, yes but in the middle of a second wave, the risks are just too high. Not just cricket, club football, basketball, baseball and others have returned. Some with limited audience. There's a reason they call it a bio-bubble. It is not iron clad. One let-up and we could have a full-blown crisis in Indian cricket. So, what's the solution here?&nbsp;

It's simple rule of law. What happened in Norway recently? The prime minister was fined more than 2,000 dollars. Because she hosted a birthday party that violated virus controls. The PM apologised and agreed to pay the fine.&nbsp;

This spirit must be replicated everywhere. Politicians must be held accountable for their massive rallies. Sports administrators must answer for staging these massive leagues. The virus infects without discrimination. So, our response too must be sans blinkers.&nbsp;

How will we remember the coronavirus pandemic? Surely, as a source of great hardships but in the larger scheme of things, the virus was a pivot. It didn't just change our lives.

How will we remember the coronavirus pandemic? Surely, as a source of great hardships but in the larger scheme of things, the virus was a pivot. It didn't just change our lives. It turned it upside down. We realised that home can be work and work can be home. Same for schools. Our mobile phones became the rudders of our life, our source of entertainment and our source of livelihood. The pandemic taught us that meet and greet is over-rated. Is isolation any better? Not really, but the pandemic made us more flexible. More open to changes. They say the post-pandemic world will be different. For us, yes. Things will be a lot different but what about the power brokers of our world? The politicians, the spiritual gurus, the athletes, etc. Will things truly change for them? In most countries, politicians were first in line for the vaccines. The virus tested leaders and their credentials. What would their message be? How quickly would they act? Some leaders simply did not have the answers and they were promptly voted out. There's one underway in Peru and this is the scene at polling booths. Massive crowds turned up because voting is mandatory there. Every citizen must vote. Co-morbidities and life-threatening conditions are not entertained as excuses. What a great sense of civic duty? Contrast that with Peru's pandemic response: 55,000 reported deaths and a health system in complete collapse. Eighteen presidential hopefuls were in the fray and six of them ended up getting the virus. Maybe, these public rallies had something to do with that. Lockdowns for people, but rallies for politicians. And it's not just Peru, it is election season in India as well. Every single political party has staged public rallies. Thousands of people attended these, right in the middle of a second wave. Elections are important, nobody is denying that but campaigning must be responsibly done. Right now, everybody seems happy working from home, except the politicians. Keep the mask on, say the courts, even if you're alone in a car, because your car is a public space. No such rules for election campaigns, clearly. Our second talking point is religion. It's given solace to millions in these tough times but it has also given us difficult scenes. In Kumbh Mela at Haridwar, nearly a million devotees are there. All of them are heading to the banks of the Ganga. Taking a dip in the river during this time is considered auspicious but there are concerns. And looking at these pictures, it is clear what those concerns are: no masks, no social distancing and one common body of water. It is a guaranteed super-spreader. Right now, India is hosting the biggest T20 league in the world, the Indian Premier League. It is being played behind closed doors. Only a handful of stadiums are hosting matches and even with such strict measures, a few players have got the virus. What if this cluster expands? Remember, it's not just the players inside bio-bubbles, there is a huge support team, such as umpires, ground staff, broadcasters, etc. Just last week, 14 members of the broadcast team tested positive. So, here's the question? Is the IPL essential? Depends on how you look at it. For the sponsors and the cricketing board, yes but in the middle of a second wave, the risks are just too high. Not just cricket, club football, basketball, baseball and others have returned. Some with limited audience. There's a reason they call it a bio-bubble. It is not iron clad. One let-up and we could have a full-blown crisis in Indian cricket. So, what's the solution here? It's simple rule of law. What happened in Norway recently? The prime minister was fined more than 2,000 dollars. Because she hosted a birthday party that violated virus controls. The PM apologised and agreed to pay the fine. This spirit must be replicated everywhere. Politicians must be held accountable for their massive rallies. Sports administrators must answer for staging these massive leagues. The virus infects without discrimination. So, our response too must be sans blinkers.

Time to tread cautiously as Covid cases rise 

Leading the way: Politicians, Sportsperson and movie stars get vaccinated in India

In a bid to strengthen the stability and future of American democracy, Microsoft on Friday said it is temporarily cutting off donations to politicians, who supported efforts to overturn President Joe Biden's victory or voted against certifying the US election results.&nbsp;

Contributions from shareholders, employees, and family members are channeled through a Microsoft Corporation Stakeholders Voluntary PAC, which will be withheld for these lawmakers through the 2022 election cycle, according to corporate vice president Fred Humphries.&nbsp;

The political action committee will also create a Democracy Forward Initiative to support campaign finance reform and voting rights, Humphries added.&nbsp;

"We believe these steps are appropriate given the importance of these issues for the stability and future of American democracy," he said in a blog post.&nbsp;

The PAC suspended political contributions after the deadly attack last month on the US Capitol Building by supporters of former president Donald Trump.&nbsp;

In an unprecedented second impeachment trial, Trump is accused of fomenting the attack by his supporters on the US legislature, forcing a halt to proceedings to certify Biden's victory in the November presidential election.&nbsp;

The January 6 violence continues to reverberate in Washington. Prosecutors have charged some 180 people in the attacks, according to a tally by the George Washington University Program on Extremism, and hundreds more are under investigation.&nbsp;

The Justice Department has suggested it could build a case for seditious conspiracy by some Trump-supporting extreme-right groups in the attack.&nbsp;

In a White House rally just before the attack, Trump encouraged supporters to reject the election results and to 'fight like hell’.&nbsp;

The Microsoft PAC is suspending all donations to members of Congress, who voted to object to the certification of the election results, according to Humphries.&nbsp;

More than 3,000 Microsoft employees donate to the PAC, and Humphries said the announced moves resulted from feedback gathered from many of them in video-meetings.&nbsp;

"We do realize that these steps, while significant, will be too much or too little for some employees," Humphries said.&nbsp;

"There were several other good ideas that arose from our recent meetings, and we will continue to consider other ways we can strengthen the MSVPAC."&nbsp;

In a bid to strengthen the stability and future of American democracy, Microsoft on Friday said it is temporarily cutting off donations to politicians, who supported efforts to overturn President Joe Biden's victory or voted against certifying the US election results.

In a bid to strengthen the stability and future of American democracy, Microsoft on Friday said it is temporarily cutting off donations to politicians, who supported efforts to overturn President Joe Biden's victory or voted against certifying the US election results. Contributions from shareholders, employees, and family members are channeled through a Microsoft Corporation Stakeholders Voluntary PAC, which will be withheld for these lawmakers through the 2022 election cycle, according to corporate vice president Fred Humphries. The political action committee will also create a Democracy Forward Initiative to support campaign finance reform and voting rights, Humphries added. "We believe these steps are appropriate given the importance of these issues for the stability and future of American democracy," he said in a blog post. The PAC suspended political contributions after the deadly attack last month on the US Capitol Building by supporters of former president Donald Trump. In an unprecedented second impeachment trial, Trump is accused of fomenting the attack by his supporters on the US legislature, forcing a halt to proceedings to certify Biden's victory in the November presidential election. The January 6 violence continues to reverberate in Washington. Prosecutors have charged some 180 people in the attacks, according to a tally by the George Washington University Program on Extremism, and hundreds more are under investigation. The Justice Department has suggested it could build a case for seditious conspiracy by some Trump-supporting extreme-right groups in the attack. In a White House rally just before the attack, Trump encouraged supporters to reject the election results and to 'fight like hell’. The Microsoft PAC is suspending all donations to members of Congress, who voted to object to the certification of the election results, according to Humphries. More than 3,000 Microsoft employees donate to the PAC, and Humphries said the announced moves resulted from feedback gathered from many of them in video-meetings. "We do realize that these steps, while significant, will be too much or too little for some employees," Humphries said. "There were several other good ideas that arose from our recent meetings, and we will continue to consider other ways we can strengthen the MSVPAC."

Microsoft cuts funds to politicians, who didn’t certify US poll results

Over some $50 million dollars in unpaid bills, hundreds of South Sudanese politicians have been kicked out of hotels where they have been staying during the country's peace process, a hotel association said on Thursday.&nbsp;

For several years, around 300 politicians from the ruling party, different opposition groups and the military, have been staying in more than 18 hotels in Juba.&nbsp;

In 2013, South Sudan plunged into war, and after several failed peace deals, signed a new agreement in September 2018, which led to the formation of a unity government in February last year, which remains fragile.&nbsp;

Many of those involved in the talks, members of the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC), had been outside of the country, while some claimed they needed to be accommodated in hotels for security reasons.&nbsp;

Last month, the hotel industry issued two warnings to the government over the arrears, but to no avail.&nbsp;

"So, we decided to come with a final conclusion to chase out all the customers from NPTC that is including politicians, generals, who came for the implementation of peace," said Mel Garang, a representative of the South Sudan Hotel and Catering Association. &nbsp;&nbsp;

He said, some delegates had been in the hotels for three to four years.&nbsp;

"Last time, we were demanding more than $10 million but now, we realized some hotels were not with us and they are demanding up to $50 million (41 million euros)," said Garang.&nbsp;

Hotel owners, already faced with the depreciating South Sudanese pound, say they can no longer afford to pay their suppliers due to the mounting debt.&nbsp;

Tut Kew Gatluak, NPTC chairman and security adviser to President Salva Kiir, said, "we have paid some and some not yet."&nbsp;

A delegate, who was thrown out of the hotel, on condition of anonymity said the situation was embarassing.&nbsp;

Over some $50 million dollars in unpaid bills, hundreds of South Sudanese politicians have been kicked out of hotels where they have been staying during the country's peace process, a hotel association said on Thursday.

Over some $50 million dollars in unpaid bills, hundreds of South Sudanese politicians have been kicked out of hotels where they have been staying during the country's peace process, a hotel association said on Thursday. For several years, around 300 politicians from the ruling party, different opposition groups and the military, have been staying in more than 18 hotels in Juba. In 2013, South Sudan plunged into war, and after several failed peace deals, signed a new agreement in September 2018, which led to the formation of a unity government in February last year, which remains fragile. Many of those involved in the talks, members of the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC), had been outside of the country, while some claimed they needed to be accommodated in hotels for security reasons. Last month, the hotel industry issued two warnings to the government over the arrears, but to no avail. "So, we decided to come with a final conclusion to chase out all the customers from NPTC that is including politicians, generals, who came for the implementation of peace," said Mel Garang, a representative of the South Sudan Hotel and Catering Association. He said, some delegates had been in the hotels for three to four years. "Last time, we were demanding more than $10 million but now, we realized some hotels were not with us and they are demanding up to $50 million (41 million euros)," said Garang. Hotel owners, already faced with the depreciating South Sudanese pound, say they can no longer afford to pay their suppliers due to the mounting debt. Tut Kew Gatluak, NPTC chairman and security adviser to President Salva Kiir, said, "we have paid some and some not yet." A delegate, who was thrown out of the hotel, on condition of anonymity said the situation was embarassing.

Over $50 million in unpaid bills, South Sudan hotels kick out politicians

Famous politicians who got tested for or have contracted coronavirus

Famous teenage climate activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-sails-to-europe-sets-course-for-un-climate-summit-261882">Greta Thunberg</a>, at a United Nations summit, accused leaders, both political and business, of looking for loopholes to keep their own image intact in the fight against climate change.

"It seems to have turned into some kind of opportunity for countries to negotiate loopholes and to avoid raising their ambition," the 16-year-old Swede told the meeting in Madrid.

The 2015 Paris Agreement, which intends to avert catastrophic global warming, is grappling with implementation issues.

"I still believe the biggest danger is not inaction, the real danger is when politicians and CEOs are making it look like real action is happening when in fact almost nothing is being done apart from clever accounting and creative PR", Thunberg added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/leonardo-dicaprio-hails-greta-thunberg-calls-her-leader-of-our-time-259598">Thunberg, who sparked a global youth-led protest</a> movement after striking outside the Swedish parliament last year, said that asking children to skip school to protest inaction by governments on climate change was "not a sustainable solution".

"Zero in 2050 means nothing if high emission continues even for a few years," said Thunberg, who has become a symbol of youth anger against older generations and the political classes for foot-dragging over the environmental crisis.

"To stay below 1.5 degrees we need to keep the carbon in the ground."

The meeting took place in Madrid, Spain.

(With inputs from agencies)

Famous teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg, at a United Nations summit, accused leaders, both political and business, of looking for loopholes to keep their own image intact in the fight against climate change.

Famous teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg, at a United Nations summit, accused leaders, both political and business, of looking for loopholes to keep their own image intact in the fight against climate change. "It seems to have turned into some kind of opportunity for countries to negotiate loopholes and to avoid raising their ambition," the 16-year-old Swede told the meeting in Madrid. The 2015 Paris Agreement, which intends to avert catastrophic global warming, is grappling with implementation issues. "I still believe the biggest danger is not inaction, the real danger is when politicians and CEOs are making it look like real action is happening when in fact almost nothing is being done apart from clever accounting and creative PR", Thunberg added. Thunberg, who sparked a global youth-led protest movement after striking outside the Swedish parliament last year, said that asking children to skip school to protest inaction by governments on climate change was "not a sustainable solution". "Zero in 2050 means nothing if high emission continues even for a few years," said Thunberg, who has become a symbol of youth anger against older generations and the political classes for foot-dragging over the environmental crisis. "To stay below 1.5 degrees we need to keep the carbon in the ground." The meeting took place in Madrid, Spain. (With inputs from agencies)

Climate activist Greta Thunberg accuses politicians of 'polishing' their image

The Algerian prosecutor's office Sunday requested 20-year prison sentences for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algeria-first-corruption-trial-for-ex-pms-tycoons-opened-266294">several former politicians</a> accused of corruption, including two prime ministers who served under ex-president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, local media reported.

The trial is the first resulting from sweeping investigations into graft allegations launched after Bouteflika stepped down in April in the face of mass protests which erupted in February against his bid for a fifth term.

In all 19 defendants,&nbsp;two former premiers, other prominent ex-politicians and automotive industry tycoons, face charges ranging from money laundering to abuse of office and granting undue privileges.

The state prosecutor is seeking a 20-year prison sentence for ex-premiers Ahmed Ouyahia and Abdelmalek Sellal, local media reported.

A similar sentence is requested for former industry minister Abdeslam Bouchouareb, who is being tried in absentia as he has fled abroad.

It is the first time since Algeria's independence from France in 1962 that former prime ministers have been put on trial. Both Ouyahia and Sellal have denied the accusations against them.

The trial opened on Wednesday and a verdict is expected late Sunday or early Monday, according to lawyers.

Former industry ministers Mahdjoub Bedda and Youcef Yousfi are each facing 15 years in jail, while the prosecution is seeking eight-year prison sentences for other defendants, according to the Algerian media reports.

Also standing trial was Ali Haddad, former head of the main Algerian employer organisation, the Forum of Business Leaders (FCE), and Mohamed Bairi, CEO of the Ival group which owns industrial vehicle plant Iveco.

The defendants also include automotive industry tycoons Ahmed Mazouz and Hassane Arbaoui, as well as former public works and transport minister Abdelghani Zaalane.

Defence lawyers have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algerias-interim-president-calls-for-dialogue-to-prepare-new-elections-225135">boycotted the trial</a>, alleging the proceedings are "politicised" and surrounded by a climate of "settling scores".

The state prosecutor has also demanded that the property of the defendants be seized, and called for an international arrest warrant to be issued against Bouchouareb.

The Algerian prosecutor's office Sunday requested 20-year prison sentences for several former politicians accused of corruption, including two prime ministers who served under ex-president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, local media reported.

The Algerian prosecutor's office Sunday requested 20-year prison sentences for several former politicians accused of corruption, including two prime ministers who served under ex-president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, local media reported. The trial is the first resulting from sweeping investigations into graft allegations launched after Bouteflika stepped down in April in the face of mass protests which erupted in February against his bid for a fifth term. In all 19 defendants, two former premiers, other prominent ex-politicians and automotive industry tycoons, face charges ranging from money laundering to abuse of office and granting undue privileges. The state prosecutor is seeking a 20-year prison sentence for ex-premiers Ahmed Ouyahia and Abdelmalek Sellal, local media reported. A similar sentence is requested for former industry minister Abdeslam Bouchouareb, who is being tried in absentia as he has fled abroad. It is the first time since Algeria's independence from France in 1962 that former prime ministers have been put on trial. Both Ouyahia and Sellal have denied the accusations against them. The trial opened on Wednesday and a verdict is expected late Sunday or early Monday, according to lawyers. Former industry ministers Mahdjoub Bedda and Youcef Yousfi are each facing 15 years in jail, while the prosecution is seeking eight-year prison sentences for other defendants, according to the Algerian media reports. Also standing trial was Ali Haddad, former head of the main Algerian employer organisation, the Forum of Business Leaders (FCE), and Mohamed Bairi, CEO of the Ival group which owns industrial vehicle plant Iveco. The defendants also include automotive industry tycoons Ahmed Mazouz and Hassane Arbaoui, as well as former public works and transport minister Abdelghani Zaalane. Defence lawyers have boycotted the trial, alleging the proceedings are "politicised" and surrounded by a climate of "settling scores". The state prosecutor has also demanded that the property of the defendants be seized, and called for an international arrest warrant to be issued against Bouchouareb.

Algeria: Prosecutor seeks heavy sentences against ex-politicians charged with corruption

India celebrates the 70th anniversary of its constitution today. Politicians all over the country extended their greetings to the citizens on the occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed a joint session of Parliament on the occasion of 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution and called upon citizens to fulfil the duties enshrined in the Constitution. 
 
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that the Indian Constitution talks about both rights and duties of the citizens. 
 
"The Constitution of India highlights both rights and duties of citizens. This is a special aspect of our Constitution...Let us think about how we can fulfil the duties enshrined in our Constitution," Modi said. 
 
He said that the citizens ensured that the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution are always upheld. 
 
He also outlined Indian citizens' faith in the democracy and stated that the holy book of constitution functions as guiding light. 
 
"I especially bow down to 130 crore Indians, who never let their faith in India's democracy diminish. Always considered our constitution to be a holy book, a guiding light," the Prime Minister told the parliamentarians.

Watch: India celebrates Constitution Day

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-celebrates-constitution-day-today-264574/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended greetings to all the citizens on the occasion of the Constitution Day. 
 
"As a true sentinel of the Constitution, the Modi government is committed to working for the welfare of the 130 crore Indians as well as to maintain the unity and integrity of the country by following the ideals of Babasaheb Ambedkar ji. Greetings to all the countrymen on the Constitution Day," he tweeted. 
 
"The Constitution is the soul of our democracy. Our constitution, which binds the world's largest democracy in the thread of unity, is also federal and unitary," the Union Minister said in another tweet. 
 
November 26, which was earlier celebrated as Law Day, marks the day when India had adopted its Constitution back in 1949, more than two years after attaining independence from the British rule. 
 
Constitution Day is celebrated to mark the adoption&nbsp;of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly on this day in 1949. It came into force on 26th January 1950, marking the beginning of a new era in the history of the Indian Republic. 
 
The Constitution day was first celebrated in 2015 as a mark of tribute to India's first Law Minister Bhim Rao Ambedkar, who played a pivotal role in the drafting of the Indian Constitution. 
 
The declaration regarding the same was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 11, 2015, while laying the foundation stone of Statue of Equality in Mumbai.

On the 70th anniversary, the government has also planned to launch a campaign to make aware people about the fundamental duties that are mentioned in Part-5A of the Constitution. 
 
Meanwhile, Opposition parties staged a protest outside the Parliament as a joint sitting of both the Houses was underway in the Central Hall. 
 
Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and party leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, AK Antony among others boycotted the joint-session and protested outside the Parliament premises in front of the Ambedkar Statue opposing government formation in Maharashtra by BJP. 
 
The Opposition parties have announced to boycott the President Ram Nath Kovind's address at the joint sitting as well.

(With inputs from ANI)

India celebrates the 70th anniversary of its constitution today. Politicians all over the country extended their greetings to the citizens on the occasion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed a joint session of Parliament on the occasion of 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution and called upon citizens to fulfil the duties enshrined in the Constitution.

India celebrates the 70th anniversary of its constitution today. Politicians all over the country extended their greetings to the citizens on the occasion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed a joint session of Parliament on the occasion of 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution and called upon citizens to fulfil the duties enshrined in the Constitution. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that the Indian Constitution talks about both rights and duties of the citizens. "The Constitution of India highlights both rights and duties of citizens. This is a special aspect of our Constitution...Let us think about how we can fulfil the duties enshrined in our Constitution," Modi said. He said that the citizens ensured that the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution are always upheld. He also outlined Indian citizens' faith in the democracy and stated that the holy book of constitution functions as guiding light. "I especially bow down to 130 crore Indians, who never let their faith in India's democracy diminish. Always considered our constitution to be a holy book, a guiding light," the Prime Minister told the parliamentarians. Watch: India celebrates Constitution Day Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended greetings to all the citizens on the occasion of the Constitution Day. "As a true sentinel of the Constitution, the Modi government is committed to working for the welfare of the 130 crore Indians as well as to maintain the unity and integrity of the country by following the ideals of Babasaheb Ambedkar ji. Greetings to all the countrymen on the Constitution Day," he tweeted. "The Constitution is the soul of our democracy. Our constitution, which binds the world's largest democracy in the thread of unity, is also federal and unitary," the Union Minister said in another tweet. November 26, which was earlier celebrated as Law Day, marks the day when India had adopted its Constitution back in 1949, more than two years after attaining independence from the British rule. Constitution Day is celebrated to mark the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly on this day in 1949. It came into force on 26th January 1950, marking the beginning of a new era in the history of the Indian Republic. The Constitution day was first celebrated in 2015 as a mark of tribute to India's first Law Minister Bhim Rao Ambedkar, who played a pivotal role in the drafting of the Indian Constitution. The declaration regarding the same was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 11, 2015, while laying the foundation stone of Statue of Equality in Mumbai. On the 70th anniversary, the government has also planned to launch a campaign to make aware people about the fundamental duties that are mentioned in Part-5A of the Constitution. Meanwhile, Opposition parties staged a protest outside the Parliament as a joint sitting of both the Houses was underway in the Central Hall. Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and party leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, AK Antony among others boycotted the joint-session and protested outside the Parliament premises in front of the Ambedkar Statue opposing government formation in Maharashtra by BJP. The Opposition parties have announced to boycott the President Ram Nath Kovind's address at the joint sitting as well. (With inputs from ANI)

Constitution Day: PM Modi addresses joint session of Parliament, says he 'bows down to 130 crore Indians'

Politicians paid tribute to Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray on his seventh death anniversary.

Maharashtra caretaker chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar were among many who paid tribute to Thackeray. 
 
"Salutations to our inspirational source, Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray on his death anniversary," Fadnavis tweeted in Marathi. 
 
"Bal Thackeray was a Marathi Manoo who raised the voice for Marathis pride and their self-esteem. He did politics with a social cause. He was a unique orator who got unending affection of his followers. We bow down to him on his death anniversary," Pawar tweeted in Marathi. 
 
NCP leaders Chhagan Bhujbal and Jayant Patil paid their obeisances to Bal Thackeray at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. 
 
Born on January 23, 1926, in Pune, Thackeray had begun his professional career as a cartoonist with the English-language daily 'The Free Press Journal'. 
 
He later quit his professional job and founded the Shiv Sena in 1966 to advocate for the interests of the people of Maharashtra in Mumbai's political and professional landscape. 
 
Thackeray was also the founder of the Marathi-language newspaper 'Saamana'. He did not hold any official positions during his political career. 
 
Thackeray breathed his last on November 17, 2012, after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 86. 
 
Current Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aaditya Thackeray, alongside NCP leaders&nbsp;Chhagan Bhujbal and Jayant Patil will pay obeisance to the late supremo at Shivaji Park in Mumbai later in the day.

Politicians paid tribute to Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray on his seventh death anniversary. Maharashtra caretaker chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar were among many who paid tribute to Thackeray.

Politicians paid tribute to Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray on his seventh death anniversary. Maharashtra caretaker chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar were among many who paid tribute to Thackeray. "Salutations to our inspirational source, Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray on his death anniversary," Fadnavis tweeted in Marathi. "Bal Thackeray was a Marathi Manoo who raised the voice for Marathis pride and their self-esteem. He did politics with a social cause. He was a unique orator who got unending affection of his followers. We bow down to him on his death anniversary," Pawar tweeted in Marathi. NCP leaders Chhagan Bhujbal and Jayant Patil paid their obeisances to Bal Thackeray at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. Born on January 23, 1926, in Pune, Thackeray had begun his professional career as a cartoonist with the English-language daily 'The Free Press Journal'. He later quit his professional job and founded the Shiv Sena in 1966 to advocate for the interests of the people of Maharashtra in Mumbai's political and professional landscape. Thackeray was also the founder of the Marathi-language newspaper 'Saamana'. He did not hold any official positions during his political career. Thackeray breathed his last on November 17, 2012, after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 86. Current Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aaditya Thackeray, alongside NCP leaders Chhagan Bhujbal and Jayant Patil will pay obeisance to the late supremo at Shivaji Park in Mumbai later in the day.

Politicians pay tribute to Bal Thackeray on his seventh death anniversary

Petty Politics over health emergency? Is Pollution not affecting Politicians? Air Quality index in 'Hazardous Category'. Know more from Parthaa Bosu, the Air quality strategy expert.

An Apocalypse in New Delhi: Air quality index in 'hazardous category'

Politicians across party lines gathered at Nigam Bodh Ghat for the funeral of Ex-Finance Minister Late Arun Jaitley. Jaitley's son Rohan performs last rites. Look at the live visuals of cremation of BJP veteran Late Arun Jaitley.

Cremation at Nigam Bodh Ghat: India bids farewell, State funeral for Arun Jaitley

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-suspends-over-166000-terrorist-accounts-for-promoting-terrorism-217484">Twitter Inc</a> said on Thursday it would identify and de-emphasise tweets that broke its rules but came from important sources such as politicians, in order to strike a balance between free expression and accountability.

Twitter said the new rules would apply to politicians and government officials with more than 100,000 followers.

"We'll now clearly label any tweets which violate our terms of service but decide to keep up due to public interest," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-complained-to-twitter-ceo-about-lost-followers-source-213104">Twitter </a>Chief Executive Officer Jack Dorsey said.

If flagged, a notice would cover the offending tweet and require a user to click on a link to view it.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-facebook-twitter-rapped-for-not-doing-enough-in-european-union-fake-news-fight-219412">Google, Facebook, Twitter rapped for not doing enough in European Union fake news fight</a>

Critics have said the social media platform has not done enough to police tweets from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/modi-tops-twitter-2017-most-followed-list-amitabh-srk-virat-way-behind-597">politicians</a> that would be removed if a typical user posted them. Some have called on Twitter to take down vitriolic tweets from US President Donald Trump and other politicians, while Trump and other conservatives have repeatedly accused technology companies of favouring liberals.

Trump boasts more than 61 million followers on Twitter, and many of his tweets are in the news.

The White House declined to comment on the announcement.

Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., tweeted a link to coverage of the announcement by the conservative Daily Caller website and warned: "If they can do it to the Leader of the Free World imagine what they are doing to you and your voice!"

A Twitter spokeswoman said a human reviewer will decide which tweets receive the new label, not artificial intelligence monitoring. If a violation were found, a task force of teams would rule whether the questionable tweet should be considered in the public interest.

"There are certain cases where it may be in the public's interest to have access to certain Tweets, even if they would otherwise be in violation of our rules," Twitter said in a blog post.

It added, "We'll place a notice – a screen you have to click or tap through before you see the Tweet – to provide additional context and clarity." The notice will appear in the home timeline and across other areas such as search, Twitter said.

Trump was criticized last month when he tweeted, "If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran. Never threaten the United States again!" He referred to a former FBI agent last year as a "sick loser".

In another example of a tweet than many critics found offensive, Trump wrote in 2018 that North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un stated the "Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times" and asked if someone would "inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger &amp; more powerful one than his, and my Button works!"

Twitter added that "there are cases, such as direct threats of violence or calls to commit violence against an individual, that are unlikely to be considered in the public interest."

A Trump spokesman said this week that the White House is planning a July 11 social media summit but has not identified participants.

Trump said in a television interview on Wednesday without evidence that Twitter makes it "very hard for people to join me at Twitter ... and they make it very much harder for me to get out the message." He added, "Twitter is just terrible what they do."

Twitter declined to comment.

Twitter Inc said on Thursday it would identify and de-emphasise tweets that broke its rules but came from important sources such as politicians, in order to strike a balance between free expression and accountability.

Twitter Inc said on Thursday it would identify and de-emphasise tweets that broke its rules but came from important sources such as politicians, in order to strike a balance between free expression and accountability. Twitter said the new rules would apply to politicians and government officials with more than 100,000 followers. "We'll now clearly label any tweets which violate our terms of service but decide to keep up due to public interest," Twitter Chief Executive Officer Jack Dorsey said. If flagged, a notice would cover the offending tweet and require a user to click on a link to view it. Also read: Google, Facebook, Twitter rapped for not doing enough in European Union fake news fight Critics have said the social media platform has not done enough to police tweets from politicians that would be removed if a typical user posted them. Some have called on Twitter to take down vitriolic tweets from US President Donald Trump and other politicians, while Trump and other conservatives have repeatedly accused technology companies of favouring liberals. Trump boasts more than 61 million followers on Twitter, and many of his tweets are in the news. The White House declined to comment on the announcement. Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., tweeted a link to coverage of the announcement by the conservative Daily Caller website and warned: "If they can do it to the Leader of the Free World imagine what they are doing to you and your voice!" A Twitter spokeswoman said a human reviewer will decide which tweets receive the new label, not artificial intelligence monitoring. If a violation were found, a task force of teams would rule whether the questionable tweet should be considered in the public interest. "There are certain cases where it may be in the public's interest to have access to certain Tweets, even if they would otherwise be in violation of our rules," Twitter said in a blog post. It added, "We'll place a notice – a screen you have to click or tap through before you see the Tweet – to provide additional context and clarity." The notice will appear in the home timeline and across other areas such as search, Twitter said. Trump was criticized last month when he tweeted, "If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran. Never threaten the United States again!" He referred to a former FBI agent last year as a "sick loser". In another example of a tweet than many critics found offensive, Trump wrote in 2018 that North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un stated the "Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times" and asked if someone would "inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!" Twitter added that "there are cases, such as direct threats of violence or calls to commit violence against an individual, that are unlikely to be considered in the public interest." A Trump spokesman said this week that the White House is planning a July 11 social media summit but has not identified participants. Trump said in a television interview on Wednesday without evidence that Twitter makes it "very hard for people to join me at Twitter ... and they make it very much harder for me to get out the message." He added, "Twitter is just terrible what they do." Twitter declined to comment.

Twitter to de-emphasise, label politician tweets that break rules

As the UK takes center stage with the impending Brexit looming large, the world sees a very determined Theresa May shuttling between Brussels and London, dismissing her naysayers, fighting hard to avoid a ‘no-deal Brexit’. And every time she rises to make a speech in the parliament she exudes grit and determination. She is a fighter and it is out there for the world to see.

Yet, people can't seem to get past staring at Theresa May's leopard print shoes, her pencil skirts or her statement neck pieces.

Clothes are excellent means of self-expression for people, gender irrespective. Clothes, shoes, accessories go a long way in sending intended messages across without actually speaking out loud. We often let our clothes do the talking when it comes to leaving a strong impact.

Who would know that better than our women leaders whose every move is under the constant public scanner?

And it is not always easy for the lady bosses who run countries and rule people’s heart with the same panache to live under scrutiny round the clock, more so in an era dominated by social media designed etiquette.

It is sad but true that more often than not fashion choices of our powerhouse woman politicians go on to make bigger headlines than the job they passionately work at.

UK's Theresa May could tell you how tough it is to be a ruling PM who likes to keep it fashionable.

When it comes to fashion, women in politics “are held to a different standard across the board” than men, said Senator Moseley Braun, who represented Illinois, in the US Senate from 1993 to 1999.

Sadly, the sentiment hasn’t changed much since Moseley was in office.

This obsession with what the powerful women of the world wear is not a recent phenomenon. Republican Katherine Langley, who represented Kentucky back in the 1920s and early 1930s was a victim too. “She offends the squeamish by her unstinted display of gipsy colours on the floor and the conspicuousness with which she dresses her bushy blue-black hair,” a reporter had written.

Why should politicians who talk openly and positively about fashion be judged?

PM May has admitted that footwears are her “greatest love”. "I like clothes and I like shoes," she told the crowd at the 2015 Women in the World summit.

Media has always been too eager to pick on her. BBC had once while reporting Brexit focussed primarily on PM May’s shoes. However, thanks to some who wish to look beyond fashion statements, this reportage was rightly and thoroughly criticised. One viewer had pointed out that the shot "sends all the wrong messages, deflects from what she was saying, shows no respect for her position, and reinforces gender stereotypes." 
 
<img alt="Theresa May and Angela Merkel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="893282b8-8936-4603-a227-a55860382a6c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/may.jpg" />

German Chancellor Angela wardrobe choices have prompted "letter-writing” at times. She laments her male colleagues have never had to face similar criticism about their fashion choices. In a candid interview to Die Zeit she attempted to draw the attention to this very sexist glare of the world- "It's no problem at all for a man to wear a dark blue suit for a hundred days in a row, but if I wear the same blazer four times in two weeks, that leads to letter-writing from citizens,"

Hillary Clinton must have by now learnt not to be upset for being criticised for wearing pantsuits. Remember Project Runway’s Tim Gunn who back in 2011 had said shamelessly exclaimed, “Why must she dress that way? I think she’s confused about her gender.”

PM May herself offered to break the myth that working women of substance cannot have a nose for fashion when she went on record to say, "One of the challenges for women in the workplace is to be ourselves, and I say you can be clever and like clothes. You can have a career and like clothes.". “I also think it's important to be able to show that a woman can do a job like this and still be interested in clothes," she rightly claimed.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the newly sworn-in New York City Democrat, who is otherwise a hit among colleagues and media, could not escape unwelcome and distasteful comments on her style.

Washington Examiner's Eddie Scarry tweeted a photograph of AOC as a miss. Alexandria is popularly known as, with the caption, “that jacket and coat don’t look like a girl who struggles.” His tweet was intended to cast doubts on her working-class background, she claims she comes from.

Again, why should it be difficult to fathom that women politicians like other working professionals can be very well put together as they go about their everyday business?

Harsh criticisms have often come UK PM’s way and these were not always because she could not manage to strike a timely Brexit deal with the European Union.

On several occasions, she found herself in the eye of a storm for something as regular as the choice of the colour of her dress or the slit of her skirt. When Theresa May stepped out for the Pride of Britain Awards in an attire that stopped above the knee, netizens called her out. "Put your knees away," one Twitter user wrote.

When Melania Trump wore a pith helmet during a trip to Africa in July 2018 she managed to draw a lot of flak. An understandably angry Trump told reporters, “I wish people would focus on what I do, not what I wear.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's low-cut dress at an opera event in Oslo in 2008 caused quite a stir in the media. Die Welt’s headline read "How much cleavage should a chancellor show?" Internet never forgets to keep a count of the number of times an attire was repeated by the Chancellor and is quick to point out how she had worn the “dark blue dress to an annual music event in 2012 as she did in 2008”

Former US first lady Michelle Obama could have moved out of the White House in 2016 but by no means has people’s interest in her fashion choices diminished. Her style has often surpassed her work in the race to make headlines. Obama wrote in her memoir how a reporter had shown more interest in who designed her dress than her speaking engagement. To keep up the fashion pace felt like a task. “Optics governed more or less everything in the political world, and I factored this into every outfit," she wrote. "It required time, though, and money – more money that I’d spent on clothing ever before." 
 
<img alt="Michelle Obama" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fb0fae4-514d-469f-8f76-02d1fe9a4a63" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/michelle.jpg" />

Fortunately for us womankind these women have never let the cruelty take them down. These are ladies who like to live with no regrets and honestly, there isn’t any reason why they should.

Merkel said. "You can only carry out this profession when you aren't affected by things so quickly. You have to concentrate on the objective tasks."

"I have no regrets [about being famous for my shoes]," PM May once told a journalist. Politicians are like any other people and “not some different species”, she said sending out a message that she is approachable.

May is painfully aware that she will have to make peace with people judging her endlessly but she refuses to kill the fun. "Look, throughout my political career, people have commented on what I wear. That's just something that happens, and you accept that. But it doesn't stop me from going out and enjoying fashion." 
 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As the UK takes center stage with the impending Brexit looming large, the world sees a very determined Theresa May shuttling between Brussels and London, dismissing her naysayers, fighting hard to avoid a ‘no-deal Brexit’.

As the UK takes center stage with the impending Brexit looming large, the world sees a very determined Theresa May shuttling between Brussels and London, dismissing her naysayers, fighting hard to avoid a ‘no-deal Brexit’. And every time she rises to make a speech in the parliament she exudes grit and determination. She is a fighter and it is out there for the world to see. Yet, people can't seem to get past staring at Theresa May's leopard print shoes, her pencil skirts or her statement neck pieces. Clothes are excellent means of self-expression for people, gender irrespective. Clothes, shoes, accessories go a long way in sending intended messages across without actually speaking out loud. We often let our clothes do the talking when it comes to leaving a strong impact. Who would know that better than our women leaders whose every move is under the constant public scanner? And it is not always easy for the lady bosses who run countries and rule people’s heart with the same panache to live under scrutiny round the clock, more so in an era dominated by social media designed etiquette. It is sad but true that more often than not fashion choices of our powerhouse woman politicians go on to make bigger headlines than the job they passionately work at. UK's Theresa May could tell you how tough it is to be a ruling PM who likes to keep it fashionable. When it comes to fashion, women in politics “are held to a different standard across the board” than men, said Senator Moseley Braun, who represented Illinois, in the US Senate from 1993 to 1999. Sadly, the sentiment hasn’t changed much since Moseley was in office. This obsession with what the powerful women of the world wear is not a recent phenomenon. Republican Katherine Langley, who represented Kentucky back in the 1920s and early 1930s was a victim too. “She offends the squeamish by her unstinted display of gipsy colours on the floor and the conspicuousness with which she dresses her bushy blue-black hair,” a reporter had written. Why should politicians who talk openly and positively about fashion be judged? PM May has admitted that footwears are her “greatest love”. "I like clothes and I like shoes," she told the crowd at the 2015 Women in the World summit. Media has always been too eager to pick on her. BBC had once while reporting Brexit focussed primarily on PM May’s shoes. However, thanks to some who wish to look beyond fashion statements, this reportage was rightly and thoroughly criticised. One viewer had pointed out that the shot "sends all the wrong messages, deflects from what she was saying, shows no respect for her position, and reinforces gender stereotypes." German Chancellor Angela wardrobe choices have prompted "letter-writing” at times. She laments her male colleagues have never had to face similar criticism about their fashion choices. In a candid interview to Die Zeit she attempted to draw the attention to this very sexist glare of the world- "It's no problem at all for a man to wear a dark blue suit for a hundred days in a row, but if I wear the same blazer four times in two weeks, that leads to letter-writing from citizens," Hillary Clinton must have by now learnt not to be upset for being criticised for wearing pantsuits. Remember Project Runway’s Tim Gunn who back in 2011 had said shamelessly exclaimed, “Why must she dress that way? I think she’s confused about her gender.” PM May herself offered to break the myth that working women of substance cannot have a nose for fashion when she went on record to say, "One of the challenges for women in the workplace is to be ourselves, and I say you can be clever and like clothes. You can have a career and like clothes.". “I also think it's important to be able to show that a woman can do a job like this and still be interested in clothes," she rightly claimed. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the newly sworn-in New York City Democrat, who is otherwise a hit among colleagues and media, could not escape unwelcome and distasteful comments on her style. Washington Examiner's Eddie Scarry tweeted a photograph of AOC as a miss. Alexandria is popularly known as, with the caption, “that jacket and coat don’t look like a girl who struggles.” His tweet was intended to cast doubts on her working-class background, she claims she comes from. Again, why should it be difficult to fathom that women politicians like other working professionals can be very well put together as they go about their everyday business? Harsh criticisms have often come UK PM’s way and these were not always because she could not manage to strike a timely Brexit deal with the European Union. On several occasions, she found herself in the eye of a storm for something as regular as the choice of the colour of her dress or the slit of her skirt. When Theresa May stepped out for the Pride of Britain Awards in an attire that stopped above the knee, netizens called her out. "Put your knees away," one Twitter user wrote. When Melania Trump wore a pith helmet during a trip to Africa in July 2018 she managed to draw a lot of flak. An understandably angry Trump told reporters, “I wish people would focus on what I do, not what I wear.” German Chancellor Angela Merkel's low-cut dress at an opera event in Oslo in 2008 caused quite a stir in the media. Die Welt’s headline read "How much cleavage should a chancellor show?" Internet never forgets to keep a count of the number of times an attire was repeated by the Chancellor and is quick to point out how she had worn the “dark blue dress to an annual music event in 2012 as she did in 2008” Former US first lady Michelle Obama could have moved out of the White House in 2016 but by no means has people’s interest in her fashion choices diminished. Her style has often surpassed her work in the race to make headlines. Obama wrote in her memoir how a reporter had shown more interest in who designed her dress than her speaking engagement. To keep up the fashion pace felt like a task. “Optics governed more or less everything in the political world, and I factored this into every outfit," she wrote. "It required time, though, and money – more money that I’d spent on clothing ever before." Fortunately for us womankind these women have never let the cruelty take them down. These are ladies who like to live with no regrets and honestly, there isn’t any reason why they should. Merkel said. "You can only carry out this profession when you aren't affected by things so quickly. You have to concentrate on the objective tasks." "I have no regrets [about being famous for my shoes]," PM May once told a journalist. Politicians are like any other people and “not some different species”, she said sending out a message that she is approachable. May is painfully aware that she will have to make peace with people judging her endlessly but she refuses to kill the fun. "Look, throughout my political career, people have commented on what I wear. That's just something that happens, and you accept that. But it doesn't stop me from going out and enjoying fashion." (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Why should Theresa May, Angela Merkel, Michelle Obama be judged for what they wear?

The health (or really the lack of it) of our politicians is a touchy topic in India. It either becomes a joke or it is not talked about. Neither position has served the country well.&nbsp;

The health of our leaders must be open to scrutiny and should be part of public knowledge.

In liberal western democracies, the health of a leader is a matter of public knowledge. Boris Yeltsin’s alcoholism for example was a public fact.&nbsp;

Indian politicians on the other hand have usually been cagey about their health. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi was criticised for not making details of her illness public despite the fact that she ran the government.&nbsp;

The details of former prime minister Manmohan Singh’s heart bypass surgery were on the other hand shared with the public and India came up with a makeshift mechanism while he was admitted to Delhi's All India Institute for Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

BK Hariprasad’s statement on BJP president Amit Shah was in poor taste and people have missed the larger issue.&nbsp;

One has to acknowledge that the news of Amit Shah’s illness — he was admitted to Delhi's AIIMS on Monday with swine flu, Hariprasad said he had "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-president-amit-shah-admitted-to-aiims-suffering-from-swine-flu-190820">suar</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-president-amit-shah-admitted-to-aiims-suffering-from-swine-flu-190820"> ka </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-president-amit-shah-admitted-to-aiims-suffering-from-swine-flu-190820">zukhaam</a>"&nbsp;— was not denied but instead confirmed by the party.&nbsp;

Even in the case of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, the details of his ailment were shared with the public with maturity and grace. Even Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj showed grace and political maturity in sharing with the public the details of the procedure she underwent.&nbsp;

This is recent.&nbsp;

On the other hand, the establishment seemed uneasy about discussing former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s knees after they became public knowledge.

If you look at Narendra Modi’s campaign both pre- and post-poll, a frugal diet and yoga remain the common themes of the conversation around his daily schedule. Despite being in his 60's, Modi was able to harness an image of good health as his ability to serve his country better.&nbsp;

As has Putin.

It is not as if exceptions do not exist. FDR, president of the US during WW2, was paralysed from the waist down but not many pictures of him can be found in the papers. He ensured that his disability did not become a political issue.&nbsp;

Serving US presidents have also battled disease. Ronald Reagan was successfully treated for both skin and colon cancer while in office.

In India, politicians hide details of their health lest it becomes a prism through which they are perceived by the public.&nbsp;

Even health fads become politicised.&nbsp;

I remember a conversation I had (as part of a larger group of journalists) with Prime Minister Modi at Arun Jaitley’s residence.&nbsp;

Modi was speaking about an outsider making it to the country's top post vis a vis Lutyen’s Delhi which works like a "deep society" and is not kind enough to accommodate the views of people who come from other parts of the country. &nbsp;

"Former prime minister Morarji Desai did many things for the country but he is only remembered for one thing,” Modi said. Obviously, he was referring to Morarji's practice of imbibing his own urine, or what we in our childhood would call "Morarji cola”.&nbsp;

Both mental and physical health are important for a leader, and the nation must know about the health of those who govern them. The argument that disease is a private issue does not hold water here because people holding high office must show that they are fit enough to rule.&nbsp;

That also ensures that the system is not run through proxy.&nbsp;

The maturity that India has show in the past (in making the details of its leaders' health public) should be encouraged. The only safeguard needed is that a disability by itself should not bar a person from holding high office — it has not in the past.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

The health (or really the lack of it) of our politicians is a touchy topic in India. It either becomes a joke or it is not talked about. Neither position has served the country well.

The health (or really the lack of it) of our politicians is a touchy topic in India. It either becomes a joke or it is not talked about. Neither position has served the country well. The health of our leaders must be open to scrutiny and should be part of public knowledge. In liberal western democracies, the health of a leader is a matter of public knowledge. Boris Yeltsin’s alcoholism for example was a public fact. Indian politicians on the other hand have usually been cagey about their health. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi was criticised for not making details of her illness public despite the fact that she ran the government. The details of former prime minister Manmohan Singh’s heart bypass surgery were on the other hand shared with the public and India came up with a makeshift mechanism while he was admitted to Delhi's All India Institute for Medical Sciences (AIIMS). BK Hariprasad’s statement on BJP president Amit Shah was in poor taste and people have missed the larger issue. One has to acknowledge that the news of Amit Shah’s illness — he was admitted to Delhi's AIIMS on Monday with swine flu, Hariprasad said he had "suar ka zukhaam" — was not denied but instead confirmed by the party. Even in the case of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, the details of his ailment were shared with the public with maturity and grace. Even Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj showed grace and political maturity in sharing with the public the details of the procedure she underwent. This is recent. On the other hand, the establishment seemed uneasy about discussing former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s knees after they became public knowledge. If you look at Narendra Modi’s campaign both pre- and post-poll, a frugal diet and yoga remain the common themes of the conversation around his daily schedule. Despite being in his 60's, Modi was able to harness an image of good health as his ability to serve his country better. As has Putin. It is not as if exceptions do not exist. FDR, president of the US during WW2, was paralysed from the waist down but not many pictures of him can be found in the papers. He ensured that his disability did not become a political issue. Serving US presidents have also battled disease. Ronald Reagan was successfully treated for both skin and colon cancer while in office. In India, politicians hide details of their health lest it becomes a prism through which they are perceived by the public. Even health fads become politicised. I remember a conversation I had (as part of a larger group of journalists) with Prime Minister Modi at Arun Jaitley’s residence. Modi was speaking about an outsider making it to the country's top post vis a vis Lutyen’s Delhi which works like a "deep society" and is not kind enough to accommodate the views of people who come from other parts of the country. "Former prime minister Morarji Desai did many things for the country but he is only remembered for one thing,” Modi said. Obviously, he was referring to Morarji's practice of imbibing his own urine, or what we in our childhood would call "Morarji cola”. Both mental and physical health are important for a leader, and the nation must know about the health of those who govern them. The argument that disease is a private issue does not hold water here because people holding high office must show that they are fit enough to rule. That also ensures that the system is not run through proxy. The maturity that India has show in the past (in making the details of its leaders' health public) should be encouraged. The only safeguard needed is that a disability by itself should not bar a person from holding high office — it has not in the past. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The health of our leaders: The nation has a right to know

Iran's judiciary has banned the popular Telegram instant messaging app to protect national security, Iran's state TV reported on Monday.

"Considering various complaints against Telegram social networking app by Iranian citizens, and based on the demand of security organisations for confronting the illegal activities of Telegram, the judiciary has banned its usage in Iran," TV reported.

The order was issued days after Iran banned government bodies from using Telegram, which is widely used by Iranian state media, politicians, companies and ordinary Iranians.

A widespread government Internet filter prevents Iranians from accessing many sites on the official grounds that they are offensive or criminal.

But many Iranians evade the filter through use of VPN software, which provides encrypted links directly to private networks based abroad, and can allow a computer to behave as if it is based in another country.

"The blocking of Telegram app should be in a way to prevent users from accessing it with VPN or any other software," Fars said. The app had over 40 million users in Iran.

The order was issued days after Iran banned government bodies from using Telegram, which is widely used by Iranian state media, politicians, companies and ordinary Iranians

Iran's judiciary has banned the popular Telegram instant messaging app to protect national security, Iran's state TV reported on Monday. "Considering various complaints against Telegram social networking app by Iranian citizens, and based on the demand of security organisations for confronting the illegal activities of Telegram, the judiciary has banned its usage in Iran," TV reported. The order was issued days after Iran banned government bodies from using Telegram, which is widely used by Iranian state media, politicians, companies and ordinary Iranians. A widespread government Internet filter prevents Iranians from accessing many sites on the official grounds that they are offensive or criminal. But many Iranians evade the filter through use of VPN software, which provides encrypted links directly to private networks based abroad, and can allow a computer to behave as if it is based in another country. "The blocking of Telegram app should be in a way to prevent users from accessing it with VPN or any other software," Fars said. The app had over 40 million users in Iran.

Iran's judiciary bans use of Telegram app: State TV

With the Karnataka assembly election campaign picking up, an inter-religious faith conclave was organised here last evening.

It was attended by spiritual leaders, politicians and intelligentsia. The aim of the conclave was to foster and promote the spirit of patriotism, communal harmony and national integration among citizens. Its focus was to make a call to all sections of society not to exploit religious sentiments for political capital or advantage in the run-up to the election.

The conclave unanimously pledged that only through education and skill development can fraternity be promoted among religions and people could become immune to political rhetoric.

The conclave was organised under the banner of Ilm-o-Hunar, an organisation that seeks to educate and skill develop underprivileged sections of society.

Noted Islamic scholar and Chairman of the Ilm-o-Hunar Foundation Mufti Manzoor Ziayee said Tuesday, "A nation-wide movement is being launched from Bengaluru today which is called 'Ilm-o-Hunar' (education and skills). Every religion wants the development of India. We need education and development of skills to take the country forward. Only education and skill development can alter the prevailing vitiated political atmosphere. I exhort people to overcome the power of hatred and not to vote in the name of religion or caste."

Jain Dharm-Guru Acharya Lokesh Mani said "Why can't leaders of different faiths work together? We need to visit every state where elections are taking place to dispel the atmosphere of hatred among societies on the basis or religion, caste and community. We should work like a bridge to make amend of this negative attitude and put stop of polarization in the country. This can only achieved through education and awareness."

Maulana Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, an Imam, called upon religious leaders to work towards communal amity.

He said, "Leaders of different religions and sects are assembled here in Bangalore is very encouraging and significant development. Our religious faiths can be different but everyone is equal and citizen of India. The group of interfaith religious leaders is a brigade which will work like fire brigade which will extinguish hatred based on religion."

Mahila Empowerment Party President Dr Nowhera Shaikh said, "Humanity is the only religion...we must respect the spirit of Indian Constitution which calls upon being secular. If a Muslim fights in the name of its religion Islam he is communal, if a Hindu fights on the basis of Hinduism, he is also communal. Those who believe in humanity is real secular. We must keep in mind before making up our mind."

Poet and Aam Aadami Party leader Kumar Vishwash said that "I am lucky to get a chance to participate in an amazing summit which is very relevant in terms of country's prevailing atmosphere where leaders from different religious faiths, intellectuals, educationists, policymakers and politicians assembled to talk about imparting education and skill development to the youths aims at communal harmony is a welcome start. This is the need of the hour."

The other religious leaders attending the event included Dr Acharya Lokesh Mani, President Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti, Acharya Pramod Krishnan, President, Bhartia Sant Smiti, Paramjit Singh Chandhok, Member Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee, Father Michael, St Peace Mumbai, Congress leader and former Union Railways Minister C K Jafar Sharif, Congress leader and cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin and AIMIM leader and MLA Waris Pathan.

The conclave unanimously pledged that only through education and skill development can fraternity be promoted among religions and people could become immune to political rhetoric.

With the Karnataka assembly election campaign picking up, an inter-religious faith conclave was organised here last evening. It was attended by spiritual leaders, politicians and intelligentsia. The aim of the conclave was to foster and promote the spirit of patriotism, communal harmony and national integration among citizens. Its focus was to make a call to all sections of society not to exploit religious sentiments for political capital or advantage in the run-up to the election. The conclave unanimously pledged that only through education and skill development can fraternity be promoted among religions and people could become immune to political rhetoric. The conclave was organised under the banner of Ilm-o-Hunar, an organisation that seeks to educate and skill develop underprivileged sections of society. Noted Islamic scholar and Chairman of the Ilm-o-Hunar Foundation Mufti Manzoor Ziayee said Tuesday, "A nation-wide movement is being launched from Bengaluru today which is called 'Ilm-o-Hunar' (education and skills). Every religion wants the development of India. We need education and development of skills to take the country forward. Only education and skill development can alter the prevailing vitiated political atmosphere. I exhort people to overcome the power of hatred and not to vote in the name of religion or caste." Jain Dharm-Guru Acharya Lokesh Mani said "Why can't leaders of different faiths work together? We need to visit every state where elections are taking place to dispel the atmosphere of hatred among societies on the basis or religion, caste and community. We should work like a bridge to make amend of this negative attitude and put stop of polarization in the country. This can only achieved through education and awareness." Maulana Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, an Imam, called upon religious leaders to work towards communal amity. He said, "Leaders of different religions and sects are assembled here in Bangalore is very encouraging and significant development. Our religious faiths can be different but everyone is equal and citizen of India. The group of interfaith religious leaders is a brigade which will work like fire brigade which will extinguish hatred based on religion." Mahila Empowerment Party President Dr Nowhera Shaikh said, "Humanity is the only religion...we must respect the spirit of Indian Constitution which calls upon being secular. If a Muslim fights in the name of its religion Islam he is communal, if a Hindu fights on the basis of Hinduism, he is also communal. Those who believe in humanity is real secular. We must keep in mind before making up our mind." Poet and Aam Aadami Party leader Kumar Vishwash said that "I am lucky to get a chance to participate in an amazing summit which is very relevant in terms of country's prevailing atmosphere where leaders from different religious faiths, intellectuals, educationists, policymakers and politicians assembled to talk about imparting education and skill development to the youths aims at communal harmony is a welcome start. This is the need of the hour." The other religious leaders attending the event included Dr Acharya Lokesh Mani, President Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti, Acharya Pramod Krishnan, President, Bhartia Sant Smiti, Paramjit Singh Chandhok, Member Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee, Father Michael, St Peace Mumbai, Congress leader and former Union Railways Minister C K Jafar Sharif, Congress leader and cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin and AIMIM leader and MLA Waris Pathan.

Educate nation to save your generation, say inter-faith leaders

Police and politicians backed by the country&#39;s former strongman President Mahinda Rajapaksa joined anti-Muslim riots that rocked Sri Lanka&#39;s Kandy district this month, according to witnesses, officials and CCTV footage reviewed by Reuters.

Scores of Muslim mosques, homes and businesses were destroyed as mobs ran amok for three days in Kandy, the central highlands district previously known for its diversity and tolerance. The government declared a state of emergency and blocked social media platforms for a week to control the unrest.

The role of police and some local Buddhist politicians suggests the Sri Lankan government lost control of elements of its security forces, and that the violence was more than a spontaneous outbreak fuelled by fringe Buddhist extremists and hate-speech spread on social media.

Rajapaksa has denied that he or other leaders of his party were involved. Police said the allegations against officers and politicians were being investigated.

Victims and witnesses, whose accounts were partly backed by CCTV footage seen by Reuters, described members of an elite paramilitary police unit, the Special Task Force (STF), assaulting Muslim cleric and leaders. Local STF commanders declined to comment.

&quot;They came to attack,&quot; said A.H Ramees, a cleric at a mosque where worshippers say they were beaten by police who were supposed to be protecting them. &quot;They were shouting. There was filthy language. They said all the problems were because of us, that we were like terrorists.&quot;

Ruwan Gunasekera, a spokesman for the national police force, including the STF, said a special investigation unit was &quot;probing the deficiencies of the police in the incident&quot;. A second unit was examining the role of political actors, he said.

The riots were the latest example of rising Buddhist nationalism and anti-Muslim sentiment in the region and have unnerved Sri Lanka&#39;s multi-ethnic coalition government, which ousted Rajapaksa in an election in 2015, according to analysts and two sources familiar with the government&#39;s deliberations.

Buddhists make up about 70 percent of Sri Lanka&#39;s 21 million people. Tamils, most of whom are Hindu, account for 13 percent while Muslims make up about 9 per cent of the population.

Sri Lanka&#39;s Law and Order Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara has said the violence in Kandy was &quot;well organised&quot; and pointed the finger at members of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), a political party backed by Rajapaksa that scored a huge victory in local elections last month.

At a press conference flanked by senior leaders earlier this month, Rajapaksa said the accusations were politically motivated. In fact, the government fomented the violence to &quot;get the Muslim vote&quot; and to distract from its inadequacies, he said.

TRIGGER FOR VIOLENCE

The violence in Kandy was triggered by an attack on a Buddhist truck driver, H.G Kumarasinghe, by four Muslim men after a traffic dispute on Feb. 22.

As Kumarasinghe lay in a coma, calls for retribution and anti-Islam polemics flooded social media and the government ordered the deployment of 1,000 members of the STF.

Rioting erupted after his funeral 11 days later.

An excerpt of CCTV footage from the first day of attacks reviewed by Reuters showed police letting a large group of men through the cordon protecting the Noor Jummah mosque in Digana, a Kandy township.

The men rush into a multi-story building opposite the mosque. A local SLPP politician, Samantha Perera, can be seen pointing at the higher floors of the building.

Perera confirmed he was the person shown in the footage. He said he was trying to calm the rioters and only found out later the mosque had been attacked. &quot;I am a good Buddhist. I am not instigating violence against anybody,&quot; he told Reuters.

Cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said Perera was under investigation for &quot;attacking Muslim-owned shops and mosques with stones&quot;. At least three other SLPP politicians, including a national politician, were being investigated and another SLPP councillor has been arrested for setting fire to a mosque, he said. All deny any involvement in the violence.

&quot;There&#39;s a political motive to discredit me, Mahinda Rajapaksa and the party,&quot; Perera said.

&quot;MONSTER BEYOND CONTROL&quot;

Anti-Muslim sentiment has surged in Sri Lanka since 2009, when a long civil war against Tamil insurgents was brutally ended by Rajapaksa amid charges by a United Nations panel of experts of human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings by the military and STF.

As in Myanmar, from where 700,000&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;Muslims have fled an army crackdown in recent months, Buddhist hardliners in Sri Lanka have argued that Islam is a threat to the Buddhist way of life.

Though the level of violence is not comparable, the Sri Lankan Secretariat for Muslims, a civil society group, logged more than 600 attacks and threats to Muslims in the past five years, according to director Hilmy Ahamed, who added the rate of anti-Muslim violence had accelerated in the recent years.

&quot;The fear that Muslims are going to take over, are going to deprive you of your welfare, is so widespread,&quot; he said.

Veteran political analyst Jayadeva Uyangoda said Buddhist chauvinism in Sri Lanka was a &quot;monster beyond control&quot;, as local activists draw inspiration from the Buddhist extremists in Myanmar and Hindu radicals in India hostile to Muslims.

&quot;CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?&quot;

About 10 minutes after the incident near the Noor Jummah mosque shown in the CCTV footage, the mob returned via a back road, out of the line of sight of the mosque&#39;s exterior cameras, and threw a petrol bomb into the mosque&#39;s first floor office, according to witnesses Mohamed Niyaskhan, who said he was beaten and left bloodied, and the mosque secretary M.I.M Shukry.

The men burned Korans during 45 minutes of looting and destruction, they said.

Niyaskhan said earlier that day he had prepared food and drinks for STF members protecting the mosque, but they had left shortly before the attack.

&quot;No STF, no police were there,&quot; he said. &quot;They had gone around the corner. Can you believe it?&quot;

Later that day, eight to 10 members of the STF rushed the Hijrapura mosque, also in Digana, according to clerics and worshippers.

The police assaulted worshippers with batons, according to Ramees, the cleric.

CCTV footage shows police in riot gear striking Ramees and another cleric, M.S.M Nizam, four times with batons. A local Buddhist monk, Gerendigala Chanda Wimala, told Reuters he saw the men being manhandled by police and successfully demanded their release.

At about the same time, a local Muslim politician, Abdul Saleem Mohamad Fazil, and a friend Mohamad Faizal, were also attacked by members of the elite police unit, according to the victims and a witness, Father Christy Paul, the prelate at Digana&#39;s Catholic church.

&quot;Three STFs came through the back entrance of the house and started beating us,&quot; said Fazil, who suffered a deep head wound and said he spent in a night in prison after being refused medical treatment.

&quot;They grabbed some bottles from the landing and put them in a bag and said we were making petrol bombs.&quot;

Father Christy said he heard the men&#39;s screams and saw the police hitting them with batons. The men were cowering on the ground and not offering any resistance to the police, he said.

A local STF commander, asked about the incidents described to Reuters, declined to comment, citing restrictions on talking to the media. The law and order ministry referred to the police special investigation into alleged abuses.

Police say they have arrested more than 300 people involved in the riots.

Scores of Muslim mosques, homes and businesses were destroyed as mobs ran amok for three days in Kandy, the central highlands district previously known for its diversity and tolerance

Police and politicians backed by the country's former strongman President Mahinda Rajapaksa joined anti-Muslim riots that rocked Sri Lanka's Kandy district this month, according to witnesses, officials and CCTV footage reviewed by Reuters. Scores of Muslim mosques, homes and businesses were destroyed as mobs ran amok for three days in Kandy, the central highlands district previously known for its diversity and tolerance. The government declared a state of emergency and blocked social media platforms for a week to control the unrest. The role of police and some local Buddhist politicians suggests the Sri Lankan government lost control of elements of its security forces, and that the violence was more than a spontaneous outbreak fuelled by fringe Buddhist extremists and hate-speech spread on social media. Rajapaksa has denied that he or other leaders of his party were involved. Police said the allegations against officers and politicians were being investigated. Victims and witnesses, whose accounts were partly backed by CCTV footage seen by Reuters, described members of an elite paramilitary police unit, the Special Task Force (STF), assaulting Muslim cleric and leaders. Local STF commanders declined to comment. "They came to attack," said A.H Ramees, a cleric at a mosque where worshippers say they were beaten by police who were supposed to be protecting them. "They were shouting. There was filthy language. They said all the problems were because of us, that we were like terrorists." Ruwan Gunasekera, a spokesman for the national police force, including the STF, said a special investigation unit was "probing the deficiencies of the police in the incident". A second unit was examining the role of political actors, he said. The riots were the latest example of rising Buddhist nationalism and anti-Muslim sentiment in the region and have unnerved Sri Lanka's multi-ethnic coalition government, which ousted Rajapaksa in an election in 2015, according to analysts and two sources familiar with the government's deliberations. Buddhists make up about 70 percent of Sri Lanka's 21 million people. Tamils, most of whom are Hindu, account for 13 percent while Muslims make up about 9 per cent of the population. Sri Lanka's Law and Order Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara has said the violence in Kandy was "well organised" and pointed the finger at members of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), a political party backed by Rajapaksa that scored a huge victory in local elections last month. At a press conference flanked by senior leaders earlier this month, Rajapaksa said the accusations were politically motivated. In fact, the government fomented the violence to "get the Muslim vote" and to distract from its inadequacies, he said. TRIGGER FOR VIOLENCE The violence in Kandy was triggered by an attack on a Buddhist truck driver, H.G Kumarasinghe, by four Muslim men after a traffic dispute on Feb. 22. As Kumarasinghe lay in a coma, calls for retribution and anti-Islam polemics flooded social media and the government ordered the deployment of 1,000 members of the STF. Rioting erupted after his funeral 11 days later. An excerpt of CCTV footage from the first day of attacks reviewed by Reuters showed police letting a large group of men through the cordon protecting the Noor Jummah mosque in Digana, a Kandy township. The men rush into a multi-story building opposite the mosque. A local SLPP politician, Samantha Perera, can be seen pointing at the higher floors of the building. Perera confirmed he was the person shown in the footage. He said he was trying to calm the rioters and only found out later the mosque had been attacked. "I am a good Buddhist. I am not instigating violence against anybody," he told Reuters. Cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said Perera was under investigation for "attacking Muslim-owned shops and mosques with stones". At least three other SLPP politicians, including a national politician, were being investigated and another SLPP councillor has been arrested for setting fire to a mosque, he said. All deny any involvement in the violence. "There's a political motive to discredit me, Mahinda Rajapaksa and the party," Perera said. "MONSTER BEYOND CONTROL" Anti-Muslim sentiment has surged in Sri Lanka since 2009, when a long civil war against Tamil insurgents was brutally ended by Rajapaksa amid charges by a United Nations panel of experts of human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings by the military and STF. As in Myanmar, from where 700,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled an army crackdown in recent months, Buddhist hardliners in Sri Lanka have argued that Islam is a threat to the Buddhist way of life. Though the level of violence is not comparable, the Sri Lankan Secretariat for Muslims, a civil society group, logged more than 600 attacks and threats to Muslims in the past five years, according to director Hilmy Ahamed, who added the rate of anti-Muslim violence had accelerated in the recent years. "The fear that Muslims are going to take over, are going to deprive you of your welfare, is so widespread," he said. Veteran political analyst Jayadeva Uyangoda said Buddhist chauvinism in Sri Lanka was a "monster beyond control", as local activists draw inspiration from the Buddhist extremists in Myanmar and Hindu radicals in India hostile to Muslims. "CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?" About 10 minutes after the incident near the Noor Jummah mosque shown in the CCTV footage, the mob returned via a back road, out of the line of sight of the mosque's exterior cameras, and threw a petrol bomb into the mosque's first floor office, according to witnesses Mohamed Niyaskhan, who said he was beaten and left bloodied, and the mosque secretary M.I.M Shukry. The men burned Korans during 45 minutes of looting and destruction, they said. Niyaskhan said earlier that day he had prepared food and drinks for STF members protecting the mosque, but they had left shortly before the attack. "No STF, no police were there," he said. "They had gone around the corner. Can you believe it?" Later that day, eight to 10 members of the STF rushed the Hijrapura mosque, also in Digana, according to clerics and worshippers. The police assaulted worshippers with batons, according to Ramees, the cleric. CCTV footage shows police in riot gear striking Ramees and another cleric, M.S.M Nizam, four times with batons. A local Buddhist monk, Gerendigala Chanda Wimala, told Reuters he saw the men being manhandled by police and successfully demanded their release. At about the same time, a local Muslim politician, Abdul Saleem Mohamad Fazil, and a friend Mohamad Faizal, were also attacked by members of the elite police unit, according to the victims and a witness, Father Christy Paul, the prelate at Digana's Catholic church. "Three STFs came through the back entrance of the house and started beating us," said Fazil, who suffered a deep head wound and said he spent in a night in prison after being refused medical treatment. "They grabbed some bottles from the landing and put them in a bag and said we were making petrol bombs." Father Christy said he heard the men's screams and saw the police hitting them with batons. The men were cowering on the ground and not offering any resistance to the police, he said. A local STF commander, asked about the incidents described to Reuters, declined to comment, citing restrictions on talking to the media. The law and order ministry referred to the police special investigation into alleged abuses. Police say they have arrested more than 300 people involved in the riots.

Police, politicians accused of joining Sri Lanka's anti-Muslim riots

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