US MUSLIM INMATE WINS RELIGIOUS FREEDOM LAWSUIT AGAINST JAIL
A US federal court has partly undone a decision made against a Muslim inmate, ruling that a Virginia jail must defend its practice of broadcasting Christian services on every television screen on Sundays, which the inmate argues is a violation of the Constitution’s freedom of religion clause. The US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit stated the case should return to the district court for reconsideration. The court cited the allegation of the inmate, who said that prisoners have no way of avoiding the broadcasts in every common area other than retreating to their cells, which he said “felt like an ultimatum: Be Christian or be penalised”. The appeals court’s decision comes as a result of a 2017 lawsuit filed by David Nighthorse Firewalker-Fields, a Muslim former inmate at the Middle River Regional Jail who claims the weekly broadcasts unconstitutionally favoured Christianity. In the lawsuit, Firewalker-Fields argued that while the jail had offered Sunday services, it did not offer a Friday prayer service for Muslim inmates.
TÜRKIYE CANCELS SWEDISH DEFENCE MINISTER’S VISIT
Türkiye has cancelled a planned visit to Ankara by Sweden’s Defence Minister Pal Jonson following his country’s decision to allow protests to take place outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm. Rasmus Paludan, a Swedish-Danish politician who leads the right-wing Hard Line party, obtained permission to stage a demonstration outside the Turkish embassy in the Swedish capital, where he said he intended to “burn the Qur’ān”. Last year, violent riots broke out across Sweden after Paludan announced that he would go on a Qur’ān-burning “tour” during the holy month of Ramadan. Turkish presidential spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin called the burning of the Qur’ān “a clear crime of hatred”. “Allowing this action despite all our warnings is encouraging hate crimes and Islamophobia,” he tweeted. “The attack on sacred values is not freedom but modern barbarism.” Criticising Sweden for giving a permit for a planned burning of the Qur’ān, Türkiye’s Foreign Minister on January 21 said racism and hate crimes do not count as freedom of thought.Türkiye’s foreign ministry summoned Sweden’s ambassador on January 20 over the planned protests. Many countries including Pakistan and Afghanistan on January 22 added their voices to the growing condemnation of a far-right politician in Sweden for desecrating the Quran, calling on Stockholm to take action and prevent such provocative acts in the future.
MOROCCAN JOURNOS SLAM EU CRITICISM OF FREEDOM OF PRESS
Morocco’s National Press Council on January 20 condemned the European Union (EU) Parliament’s latest criticism of freedom of the press in the North African country. The council stated: “This is a desperate attempt to serve geostrategic agenda in favour of European sides.” On January 19, the MEPs urged Morocco to: “Respect freedom of expression and media freedom” and to “guarantee imprisoned journalists (…) a fair trial.” Morocco did not officially react to the EU Parliament’s decision, but Moroccan pro-government media labelled it “interference” and “extortion”. The National Press Council criticised the EU, stating it: “Longs for the domination [it had over Morocco] in the past.” The council also questioned the timing of the decision, which relates to cases dating back to 2021 and 2022. The council asserted that the EU issued its decision based on: “Inaccurate reports from foreign organisations that are often biased and systematically seek to undermine Morocco’s image.”
OVER 90 STATES SLAM ISRAEL OVER ‘PUNITIVE MEASURES’ AGAINST PALESTINE
More than 90 countries have expressed their “deep concern” at Israel’s punitive measures against the Palestinian people, following a UN request for an advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The UN General Assembly voted 87-26 with 53 abstentions on 30 December in favour of the resolution calling for the ICJ to give an opinion on the legality of Israeli policies in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. In a statement, the signatories called for a reversal of Israeli measures, saying regardless of their position on the General Assembly’s resolution, “We reject punitive measures in response to a request for an advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice”. In response to the successful Palestinian initiative at the UN, Israel’s new far-right government seized $39m of tax revenues collected on behalf of the Palestinian Authority (PA). The statement released by the PA on its Twitter account was signed by representatives of Arab nations and the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, as well as 37 other countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa.
TURKISH STUDENTS SUPPORT ORPHANS WITH THEIR POCKET MONEY
Turkish students from the southeasternMardin province extended a helping hand to orphans across the world with their pocket money. As part of a campaign, named “Every class has an orphan sibling” and launched by the Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), students from HaciSuphiyeBolunmez Imam Hatip Secondary School saved nearly 5,500 Turkish liras ($292) per month and sponsored 22 orphans in need in Sudan, Sri Lanka, Albania, Afghanistan and Palestine. Mehmet FatihAkman, a teacher in the school said that every class in the school tries to embrace an orphan student. Hira Dag, 11, a student joining the campaign, said they willingly supported the project, voicing her happiness to be part of it. Semanur Demir, a 12-year-old student, said they especially support orphans in difficult situations to fulfil their dreams. “I hope this help will ensure a good future for them.”
KAZAKH PREZ DISSOLVES LOWER HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on January 19 dissolved the lower house of parliament and called an early election for March 19. “In accordance with the Constitution, after consultations with the chairmen of the chambers of Parliament and the Prime Minister, I signed decrees on the dissolution of the Majilis and the early termination of the powers of maslikhats,” Tokayev said in a statement shared by the presidency. The extraordinary voting for deputies of the Majilis will be held on March 19, while the election of deputies to the maslikhats, local representative bodies elected by the people of a region, will be scheduled by the Central Election Commission. Tokayev said 70% of the deputies of the Majilis will be elected from party lists and 30% will be from single-mandate constituencies. Voting for maslikhats of regions and cities of significance will also be held based on a mixed electoral system. He also said the Central Electoral Commission and the General Prosecutor’s Office will control the observation of the elections, their transparency and fairness, as the electoral process will be closely monitored by domestic and international observers.
KUWAIT PURCHASES TURKISH-MADE DRONES IN $370M DEAL
Kuwait has signed a deal to purchase the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 armed drones, the arms manufacturer Baykar announced on January 18. The company said in a tweet that it secured the deal, worth $370m, ahead of companies from the US, Europe and China. Kuwait will get 18 Bayraktar TB2 as part of the deal. A report said that each Bayraktar TB2 goes for about $5m and each aircraft requires 100 MAM-L smart micro munitions, which together are worth $15m. There is also additional cost for training and command-and-control centres, which varies based on the number of drones purchased. Each centre can control up to six drones.Bayraktar TB2 drones have a proven track record against adversaries in conflicts in Libya, Syria and Nagorno-Karabakh. Twenty-eight countries use Bayraktar TB2s, including Nato ally Poland. Last year, Turkey struck a deal with the United Arab Emirates to sell 120 Bayraktar TB2s in a $2bn deal.So far they have proved effective in combating Russian troops deployed deep inside Ukrainian territory, as well as within Russia’s borders.
Türkiye, US agree to maintain pace in ‘positive bilateral agenda’
January 19
Türkiye and the US agreed Wednesday to continue their engagement under a strategic mechanism to review progress and maintain momentum in their “positive bilateral agenda,” said a joint statement.
“The two sides welcome increased bilateral meetings, including at the highest level, under the (Türkiye-US) Strategic Mechanism,” said the statement, which came after a meeting between Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the State Department.
To date, the top diplomats have met four times as part of the mechanism.
Cavusoglu and Blinken “reiterated their commitment to a concrete and results-oriented positive bilateral agenda,” said the statement, adding they discussed strengthening the Türkiye-US defense partnership, including modernization of Türkiye’s F-16 fleet.
Among the other issues they discussed were the Ukraine war, the South Caucasus, bolstering the NATO alliance, the NATO membership bids of Sweden and Finland, the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, the fight against terrorism, the Syria crisis and bilateral relations, said the statement.
On NATO, Cavusoglu and Blinken “reaffirmed their long-standing commitment to collective defense as Allies, as well as to NATO’s Open Door Policy.”
“They discussed the implementation of the trilateral memorandum signed by Finland, Sweden and Türkiye to advance Finland and Sweden’s application to join the NATO Alliance,” it said.
On the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, the two men agreed on the importance of preserving stability and channels for communication.
On the fight against terrorism, both nations “planned to maintain close coordination and collaboration in the efforts to fight against terrorist organizations, notably ISIS/Daesh and the PKK,” the statement added.
Cavusoglu and Blinken also discussed the Syrian crisis and reiterated the commitment of Türkiye and the US to a Syrian-led political process in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
“They welcomed the recent UN Security Council vote to extend the cross-border delivery of humanitarian assistance into Syria. The two sides also addressed broader issues in the Middle East and Africa,” said the statement.
The two men also “appreciated the continuous growth in Türkiye-US bilateral trade relations.”
US sees Türkiye ‘as a reliable ally,’ says White House
January 19
The US sees Türkiye as “a reliable ally,” the White House said Wednesday, as the two nations’ top diplomats met in Washington, D.C.
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre made the remarks in response to a question about Sweden and Finland’s NATO bids. A reporter asked if President Joe Biden considers Türkiye “a reliable NATO ally,” citing “an impasse” over the accession of the Nordic nations to the military alliance.
“We do see Turkey as a reliable ally,” Jean-Pierre responded.
The Biden administration also hailed US relations with Türkiye, with State Department spokesman Ned Price saying, “We have a very constructive relationship with Turkey.”
“We are grateful for the role that Turkey has played in helping to address many of the most pressing challenges of our time,” said Price.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu as part of the Türkiye-US Strategic Mechanism.
The mechanism was launched last April following a meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Rome.
Palestine hails ICJ’s reception of request to assess Israeli occupation
January 21
Palestine on Saturday welcomed an announcement by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on receiving a request from the UN to issue an advisory opinion on the legality of the Israeli occupation and its impact on the Palestinian people.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said it received an official letter from the ICJ Registrar, Philippe Gautier, informing Ramallah that it had “officially received the referral of United Nations General Assembly Resolution No. (247/77) requesting an advisory opinion from ICJ “on the nature of the decades-long Israeli occupation.
The ministry called on all countries to submit their “legal depositions” to the ICJ on the legality of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian land.
On Friday, the ICJ confirmed the reception of a request from the UN General Assembly to issue an advisory opinion on the legal consequences of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories.
The announcement came after the UN General Assembly passed a resolution on Dec. 31 seeking the ICJ opinion on Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territories.
Following the move, Israel on January 6 announced a package of sanctions against the Palestinian Authority, including the deduction of millions of dollars from its tax earnings, halting construction activities in the West Bank, and revoking VIP cards of some government officials.
Tens of thousands of Israelis protest against Netanyahu justice plans
January 21
Tens of thousands of Israelis joined demonstrations in Tel Aviv on Saturday against judicial reform plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s new government that protesters say will threaten democratic checks and balances on ministers by the courts.
The plans, which the government says are needed to curb overreach by activist judges, have drawn fierce opposition from groups including lawyers, and raised concerns among business leaders, widening already deep political divisions in Israeli society.
Among those protesting was former Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid.
“People who love the state came to defend its democracy, its courts, the idea of a common life and a common good,”Lapid tweeted, vowing to “not give up until we win”.
Netanyahu has dismissed the protests, now in their third week, as a refusal by leftist opponents to accept the results of last November’s election, which produced one of the most right-wing governments in Israel’s history.
The protesters say the future of Israeli democracy is at stake if the plans, which would tighten government control over judicial appointments and limit the Supreme Court’s powers to review government decisions, go through.
“They want to turn us into a dictatorship, they want to destroy democracy,” the head of the Israeli Bar Association, AviChimi said. “They want to destroy judicial authority, there is no democratic country without a judicial authority.”
As well as threatening the independence of judges and weakening oversight of the government and parliament, they say the plans will undermine the rights of minorities and open the door to more corruption.
“We are fighting for democracy,” said Amnon Miller, 64, among crowds of protesters, many bearing white and blue Israeli flags.
“We fought in this country in the army for 30 years for our freedom and we won’t let this government take our freedom.”
Saudi Arabia: ‘No normalisation with Israel without Palestine state’
January 21
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al-Saud announced on Thursday that there would be no normalisation of ties with Israel without a Palestinian state, news agencies reported.
“We have said consistently that we believe normalisation with Israel is something that is very much in the interest of the region,” he told Bloomberg TV during an interview held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
But he stressed: “True normalisation and true stability will only come through giving the Palestinians hope, through giving the Palestinians dignity.”
According to Bloomberg, the foreign minister said an agreement to create a Palestinian state would be a precondition to establishing formal diplomatic ties with Israel.
Israel normalised ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Morocco in 2020. The deal, known as the Abraham Accords, was signed in a bid to normalise diplomatic relations, establish economic agreements and support social exchanges.
READ: Netanyahu says he discussed Saudi Arabia with White House’s Sullivan
Following the Abraham Accords, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been working hard to forge official ties with Saudi Arabia.
When he met with White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Thursday, he discussed several issues with him, including reaching a breakthrough with Saudi Arabia.
PA hails Saudi stance on normalisation with Israel
January 21
The Palestinian Authority (PA) on Friday welcomed the stance of Saudi Arabia on the normalisation of ties with Israel, stating: “This is a real support for the Palestinians and their cause.”
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the PA said: “The stance of Saudi Arabia reflects a real support for the Palestinians and their cause, as well as a real support for the rights of Palestinians at all international platforms.”
The statement added: “This stance comes under the leadership of King Salman and his Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman.”
Meanwhile, the statement hailed the Saudi “full support” for the right of Palestinians to self-determination and the creation of their free state with East Jerusalem as its capital based on international resolutions.
This came as Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al-Saud confirmed on Thursday that there would be no normalisation of ties with Israel without a Palestinian state, news agencies reported.
“True normalisation and true stability will only come through giving the Palestinians hope, through giving the Palestinians dignity,” he told Bloomberg TV during an interview held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
According to Bloomberg, the foreign minister confirmed that an agreement to create a Palestinian state would be a precondition to establishing formal diplomatic ties with Israel.
Lebanon minister calls to end Israel’s siege on Gaza
January 21
Lebanese Minister of Culture, Judge Muhammad Wissam Al-Murtada, on Friday called to lift the Israeli siege imposed on the Gaza Strip, Quds Press reported.
This came during a visit by a delegation of the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA) to the Lebanese minister at his office in Beirut.
According to Quds Press, PCPA’s delegation consisted of Secretary General Hisham Abu Mahfouz, Spokesperson Ziyad Al-Aloul, Director of its office in Lebanon Hanan Aruri, member of its General Secretariat Ahmad Meshaal and reporter Wafaa Bahani.
The Lebanese Minister stressed the importance of bringing together all efforts in the battle to liberate Palestine: “In order to get stronger and achieve victory.”
He reiterated: “The importance of unity among all the Palestinian factions and all cultural colours which are partners in the same country.”
The PCPA’s delegation thanked the minister for his stance in support of the Palestinian people, as well as his anti-Israeli occupation views.
“This visit comes as part of a tour being carried out by the PCPA that includes meetings with Palestinian factions and international figures to mobilise official and public support for the Palestinian cause,” Al-Aloul explained.
Al-Aloul, who is also the coordinator of PCPA’s campaign against the Israeli siege on Gaza, confirmed that PCPA is exerting much effort to break the siege imposed on the coastal enclave, whose residents have been enduring harsh living conditions for 16 years.
Tunisia organisation calls for holding president accountable after refusal to declare property
January 21
The Tunisian I Watch organisation, which specialises in monitoring the work of the executive and legislative authority, has called for holding President Kais Saied accountable after he refused to declare his gains, despite the passage of more than three years since he assumed authority.
The organisation shared a statement issued on Friday: “Chapter ten of the law relating to the declaration of gains and interests and combating illicit enrichment and conflicts of interest stipulates that every person shall be subject to the obligation of declaration, and to submit a new declaration every three years in case he continues his duties, within a deadline not exceeding 60 days from the end date of the three-year period. The deadlines for the declaration expired on 20 December, 2022, and it is clear that the president of the republic has not yet declared his gains, in clear violation of the law.”
The organisation called for: “Application of the law and deducting two-thirds of the grants delivered to the president of the republic for each month of delay, as per the provisions of Chapter No. 31 of the law relating to declaring gains and interests and combating illicit enrichment and conflicts of interests.”
It also called on Saied to respect, comply with and apply the law, in line with his statements regarding the application of the law to all.
The organisation considered that: “The new minister of trade’s commencement to her duties without declaring her gains is a clear violation of the law, as Chapter No. 31 of the law, relating to declaring gains and interests and combating illicit enrichment and conflict of interests, stipulates that declaring the gains for members of the government is a condition for starting their responsibilities.”
The Tunisian organisation renewed its call to open the headquarters of the Tunisian Anti-corruption Authority (INLUCC), as its continued closure encourages “corruption and illicit enrichment”. Moreover, it leads to: “Violating the rights of individuals, disrupting litigation paths and investigating financial and administrative corruption cases.”
I Watch called on Saied months ago to declare his property after three years of assuming authority, noting that he had dissolved INLUCC to avoid declaring his gains.