Latest news with #Muslim-majority
News18
a day ago
- News18
UP Sisters Held For ‘Obscene' Reels Are From This Muslim-Majority Village That Calls Them...
Last Updated: The conservative villagers often called Meharulnisha and Mehak 'bad influence', 'disgraceful' and even taunted them, saying, "Papa ki pari aa gayi (Papa's princesses are here)." In the small village of Shahbazpur Kalan in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal, Meharulnisha (21) and Mehak (20) dreamed of becoming famous. The only way they knew was through social media. What started as posting fun, day-to-day videos from their life turned obscene. As they browsed what was trending online, they also began creating videos with stronger language and revealing clothes. These clips, which the sisters regularly posted on their mehakpari143 Instagram page, earned them millions of views, over 5 lakh followers and even more criticism. However, what they never thought was that the content could also lead to their arrest. Their controversial videos landed them in trouble because the villagers thought they were 'vulgar" and requested that the police take necessary action. On July 15, Meharulnisha (Pari) and Mehak were arrested, along with two other influencers, Hina and Jarrar Aalam, with whom they frequently collaborated. All four of them were arrested from Aalam's studio in Pakbada, near Moradabad. They were charged under Section 67 of the IT Act (publishing obscene material online) and Section 296 of the BNS (public obscenity). A day later, they were granted bail. 'We felt bad after hitting the post button on Instagram, we swore only on videos. In reality, we do not say any cuss words," said Mehak to The Print. Both sisters wanted to become movie stars and idolised actresses like Sridevi and Deepika Padukone. As they knew that becoming an actress was out of their reach, they turned to social media instead of the silver screen. Villagers are unhappy that they were granted bail. 'They should have been kept for a few more days so that they learn what mistake they have committed," said an auto driver from the village who followed Mehak and Pari's journey on Instagram. The resentment towards the sisters has been growing for years now. And it's not just for their social media presence, but also their outspoken and independent nature. The conservative villagers of Shahbazpur found them 'disgraceful", and with their online presence, the number of people who resented the sister duo grew significantly. Some even thought that Mehak and Pari should not be granted bail so soon. One of their neighbours, Mohammad Kamil, told the outlet, 'We have kids at home, what will they learn? The sisters are a bad influence." Mehak and Pari don't come from a rich family. They live with their mother and eight siblings in a one-storey house in Shahbazpur Kalan. The Muslim-majority locality is renowned for producing edible silver foil, known as chandi ka warq, which is often used in sweets. Their family was also in the same business, along with the two sisters. They saved money and, with their father's help, bought a scooter in 2020. That was the first time the sisters tasted freedom. They rode around the village and even ran errands in the vehicle, something the villagers weren't accustomed to seeing. The men in their conservative village couldn't digest their freedom, and would often taunt them. Mehak shared, 'We bought the scooter after dreaming about it for years. But our neighbours never liked it, they would come and taunt us, saying 'Papa ki pari aa gayi (Papa's princesses are here).'" They have also faced judgment for being bold and independent. However, things changed for their family once their father was diagnosed with a kidney disease. His treatment brought their livelihood to a standstill. Their mother, Naeema, stepped up to earn for the family. Just like her daughter, she was outspoken, for which villagers even called her 'disgraceful". She found out about her daughters' social media activities on the day they were arrested. Naeema said, 'My daughters are naive; they did not want to hurt anyone's sentiments. I am scared something will happen to them." Three months ago, Mehak and Pari's lives changed when they met influencers Hina and Jarrar Aalam. They cast them in a YouTube series called Jugnu Pari, where they played fairies. It was their dream-come-true moment. Eighteen episodes of the show are available on the platform and have been watched by thousands. Now, after being released on bail, the sisters are lying low. First Published: July 19, 2025, 09:34 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Trump's MAGA Ambassador Nominee Faces Protests
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Scores of protesters gathered outside the U.S. embassy in the Malaysian capital on Friday to protest against the nomination of Nick Adams, an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump and outspoken conservative pundit, as ambassador to the mostly Muslim country. Adams, an Australian immigrant and naturalized U.S. citizen, is a prominent social media commentator who calls himself an "alpha male" and has been a staunch supporter of Israel and critic of pro-Palestinian activists. Newsweek reached out to Adams for comment. Protesters in Muslim-majority Malaysia hold signs during a demonstration against the US envoy nominee Nick Adams outside the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur on July 18, 2025. Trump nominated Adams, an outspoken and self-proclaimed "alpha... Protesters in Muslim-majority Malaysia hold signs during a demonstration against the US envoy nominee Nick Adams outside the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur on July 18, 2025. Trump nominated Adams, an outspoken and self-proclaimed "alpha male" a week ago. More MOHD RASFAN/AFP/Getty Images Why It Matters Muslim-majority Malaysia is the chair this year of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, and the criticism of Trump's nominee comes as the country is trying to negotiate a trade deal with the United States in the hope of dodging a 25 percent U.S. tariff due to come into force on August 1. Trump's nomination of Adams this month stirred outrage among some of the president's opponents at home who said Adams was unfit for the job. Several of Trump's nominations have also raised eyebrows. The Malaysian protests could stir more opposition to Trump's diplomatic nominations, which have to be confirmed by the Republican-held U.S. Senate. What To Know About 60 Malaysian protesters gathered outside the U.S. embassy in Kuala Lumpur to call on the U.S. to reconsider the nomination of Adams as the new U.S. envoy, media reported. An organizer of the protest, Iskandar Fareez, told the Australian broadcaster ABC that Malaysians were concerned about Adams's behavior and social media posts that showed "Islamophobia tendencies and misogyny." "This is worrying, especially for a Muslim-majority country like Malaysia, where we have our own culture and sensitivities," said Fareez, the vice-chief of the youth wing of Malaysia's Democratic Action Party. "It's a reminder to those involved in the confirmation process that, look at Malaysia, we are not happy with this choice," Fareez said of the protest. Some of the protesters in Kuala Lumpur chanted "reject" and held up signs reading: "No space for racists and Islamophobes in Malaysia!" In 2022, Adams wrote The Most Dangerous President In History, a book savaging the presidency predecessor, Joe Biden. He has been a staunch Trump backer, supporter of Israel and critic of campaigners for Palestinian causes. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told reporters it was too early to decide on Adams' appointment but his government would give the matter due consideration. "At the same time, we will seek to protect the good relations between Malaysia and the United States," Anwar said, according to Reuters. What People Are Saying Nick Adams said on X on July 10 after his nomination: "Mr. President, thank you for the honor of a lifetime. In your America, all dreams come true. It will be my honor to represent the United States of America in Malaysia." Protest organizer Iskandar Fareez told the ABC: "An ambassador should have a steady hand and a deep grasp of the cultural sensitivities of the country that he would be serving in." What Happens Next The Republican-held U.S. Senate must confirm nominations of ambassadors.
Business Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business Times
Trump's controversial pick for Malaysia envoy to get Anwar's ‘due consideration'
[KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said his government will give 'due consideration' to President Donald Trump's pick as ambassador, seeking to balance relations with Washington and domestic ire over some of the potential envoy's political commentary. Anwar has faced pressure to reject the nominee, Nick Adams, an Australian-American commentator and a self-described 'alpha male' Trump supporter. Critics within the Muslim-majority country have labelled him Islamophobic, citing his social media posts supporting Israel, and pointed to his enthusiasm for racy restaurant chain Hooters as out of sync with its cultural norms. 'The government will give it due consideration while maintaining good relations between Malaysia and the United States,' Anwar told reporters on Friday (Jul 18), state-run Bernama reported. He added it was too early to comment further. Rejecting Adams risks complicating Malaysia's efforts to negotiate with the Trump administration to lower its threatened 25% levy, scheduled to start Aug 1. The South-east Asian nation is also seeking to ease Washington's concerns over suspicions it's been used to divert sensitive technology to China, circumventing US regulations. Adams has sought to assuage concerns, addressing Malaysians in an X post last week, saying 'I can't wait to experience your noble culture and learn much from you.' His appointment still needs to be confirmed by the US Senate, where Trump's Republican party holds a slim majority. He could face a rocky hearing there, where the president's pick to serve as ambassador to neighbouring Singapore struggled to answer questions about the city-state and its ties to Washington. Malaysian government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil has said that the country has the right to reject the ambassador, but that it hasn't received an official notice regarding the nomination, according to Bernama. 'Malaysia deserves better,' Kasthuri Patto, a Malaysian lawmaker in the ruling Democratic Action Party, allied with Anwar, said in a statement on Wednesday, accusing Adams of 'sexism, misogyny and religious bigotry.' BLOOMBERG
Roya News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Roya News
Malaysians protest against Trump's nominee for US ambassador
Dozens of Malaysians protested near the US embassy in the capital on Friday, calling for President Donald Trump's nomination as envoy to the Southeast Asian nation to be rejected. Trump nominated right-wing commentator Nick Adams, known for his outspoken views and strong pro-'Israel' stance, as ambassador to multicultural, Muslim-majority Malaysia a week ago. Protesters chanted "Reject Nick Adams" and "Destroy America" and held up posters depicting Adams with a red cross over his face. Other placards read: "No space for racists and Islamophobes in Malaysia." The marchers, organised by the youth wings of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Pakatan Harapan (Alliance of Hope) coalition, submitted a memorandum to the embassy near the centre of Kuala Lumpur. They urged the US government to withdraw Adams's nomination and "consider a candidate who is more professional, moderate, and attuned to the importance of Southeast Asia's regional stability". Around 90 police officers watched the peaceful demonstration and redirected traffic. Adams, 40, was born in Australia and is a naturalised US citizen. "Single. Alpha Male. Wildly Successful. Built like a Greek God. President Trump's favourite author," Adams has described himself on social media platform X. He has also said on X that "if you stand with Palestine you stand with radical Islamic terrorists and Jew hatred". Malaysia has no diplomatic ties with 'Israel' and has repeatedly condemned its actions in Gaza and elsewhere. 'No paid holiday' Kuala Lumpur and Washington are also locked in tariff negotiations after the Trump administration threatened to slap a 25 percent tariff on imports from Malaysia. Diplomats agreed that Adams's nomination, which has yet to be confirmed, has placed Anwar's government in a delicate position. It must negotiate a trade deal with Washington as an August 1 deadline approaches while also trying to mitigate growing calls to reject Adams's appointment to the country of 34.5 million people. Anwar said it was too early for his government to decide whether to accept Adams's nomination. "The government will surely give consideration (to the public's views) and to also preserve the dignity as well as the good relations between Malaysia and the US," Anwar told The Star newspaper. Raja Ahmad Iskandar Fareez, a 36-year-old protester, told AFP: "The ambassadorship to Malaysia is not a paid holiday job for any loyalist... or any Tom, Dick or Nick." "In a very uncertain world that we are living in today, we need a skilful diplomat with a steady hand that understands the culture, that understands the nuances of Malaysia." Adams said online shortly after his nomination that it was "nothing short of a lifetime's honour to take the President's goodwill and spread it to the great people of Malaysia".
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
'No space for racists, Islamophobes': Malaysians protest against Trump's US envoy pick
KUALA LUMPUR: Dozens of Malaysians protested near the US embassy in the capital on Friday, calling for President Donald Trump's nomination as envoy to the Southeast Asian nation to be rejected. Trump nominated right-wing commentator Nick Adams, known for his outspoken views and strong pro-Israel stance, as ambassador to multicultural, Muslim-majority Malaysia a week ago. Protesters chanted "Reject Nick Adams" and "Destroy America" and held up posters depicting Adams with a red cross over his face. Other placards read: "No space for racists and Islamophobes in Malaysia." The marchers, organised by the youth wings of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Pakatan Harapan (Alliance of Hope) coalition, submitted a memorandum to the embassy near the centre of Kuala Lumpur. They urged the US government to withdraw Adams's nomination and "consider a candidate who is more professional, moderate, and attuned to the importance of Southeast Asia's regional stability." Around 90 police officers watched the peaceful demonstration and redirected traffic. Adams, 40, was born in Australia and is a naturalised US citizen. "Single. Alpha Male. Wildly Successful. Built like a Greek God. President Trump's favourite author," he had described himself on X. Adams has also said on X that "if you stand with Palestine you stand with radical Islamic terrorists and Jew hatred." Malaysia has no diplomatic ties with Israel and has repeatedly condemned its actions in Gaza and elsewhere.
