Author: none@none.com (AFP)

An award-winning journalist in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK) has finally returned home after spending over five years in jail. Asif Sultan, a reporter with a now-closed magazine, was granted bail in an ongoing terrorism case by a court in the disputed region. Accused of “harbouring known militants” in August 2018, Sultan faced additional charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) after being implicated in a jail riot. Released briefly in February, he was rearrested two days later on fresh charges. Fortunately, Sultan has been released once again this week, although with strict bail conditions limiting his communication. The situation for…

The United States faces a growing threat from extremist movements in Afghanistan and Pakistan, as highlighted in a recent study. The group, made up of former senior US policymakers, emphasized the need for the US to move on from the trauma of two decades of war and refocus efforts on counterterrorism. While the study does not advocate for a return to America’s longest war, it urges decision-makers to address the rising threats posed by extremist groups in the region. Extremist movements like the Islamic State of Khorasan and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan are gaining strength and posing a danger to US and…

A shocking revelation was made in Vancouver as a fourth Indian national was charged with the 2023 murder of separatist Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Amandeep Singh, already in custody for gun charges, now faces charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. This incident led to a diplomatic clash between Canada and India after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hinted at Indian intelligence involvement in the killing. Nijjar, who advocated for the creation of a separate Sikh state called Khalistan, was shot dead in a Sikh temple parking lot. Trudeau later confirmed allegations linking Indian intelligence to the assassination.…

Activists in their 80s Charged After Glueing Themselves to Magna Carta Display In a bold protest at the British Library, two elderly activists, Anglican priest Sue Parfitt, 82, and retired teacher Judy Bruce, 85, glued themselves to the glass case containing the historic Magna Carta document. They held up a sign declaring “The government is breaking the law,” before being charged with criminal damage and released on bail by London’s Metropolitan police. Fortunately, the damage to the glass case was deemed minimal, and the Magna Carta itself remains intact. However, the gallery housing the display will remain closed until further…

Devastating flash floods wreaked havoc across multiple Afghan provinces, claiming the lives of more than 300 people, as reported by the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) on Saturday. The heavy rains on Friday unleashed torrents of water and mud, causing widespread destruction in various regions. In the aftermath, survivors in mud-soaked streets and damaged buildings scoured for belongings, while rescue workers and aid organizations raced against time to reach those affected. Baghlan province bore the brunt of the disaster with over 300 fatalities and thousands of homes either destroyed or damaged. While there were discrepancies in the death toll figures…

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party faced backlash for a cartoon video targeting minority Muslims during the national election campaign. The video, posted on social media, depicted opposition politicians scheming to redirect affirmative action programs from Hindus to Muslims. The election commission deemed the post objectionable and violated Indian law, prompting its removal from the platform. Despite the controversy, Modi continues to make similar claims during his campaign, referring to Muslims as “infiltrators” and criticizing their family size. His government’s focus on promoting the nation’s majority faith has stirred anxiety among India’s Muslim population. This incident is not the…

In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces criticism for inflammatory campaign speeches targeting Muslim minorities as he casts his ballot in the ongoing general election. Despite expectations of an easy win for Modi’s BJP party, voter turnout has dropped compared to previous elections, possibly due to high temperatures and predictions of Modi’s victory. Modi, known for his Hindu-nationalist politics, has made divisive statements against Muslims, accusing opposition parties of wealth redistribution to Muslim households. The rise in sectarian politics has left India’s Muslim population feeling increasingly marginalized and anxious about their future in the country. As the election commission monitors…

Al Jazeera is fighting Israel’s ban on its operations over coverage of the Gaza conflict. The network’s news director vows to take legal action until the end. Despite having its Jerusalem offices closed and equipment confiscated, Al Jazeera remains steadfast. The ban, condemned as “criminal”, does not deter the network’s commitment to reporting. With the website blocked in Israel, the news director remains confident in alternative sources for news distribution. Despite facing challenges, Al Jazeera remains dedicated to delivering critical information amidst conflict and security threats.Read more on Al Jazeera’s Response.\ Source link