Latest news with #pro-Islamic
American Military News
01-08-2025
- Politics
- American Military News
Speak Out, Lose Service: Iran Targets SIM Cards Of Dissenting Voices
This article was originally published by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and is reprinted with permission. Iranian authorities are increasingly disconnecting citizens from mobile services for posting critical content about the Islamic republic on social media, a coercive tactic that links freedom of expression to access to essential digital tools. The practice, which intensified in the summer of 2024 and is resurging again, targets journalists, activists, academics, and ordinary users across the country. Individuals are reporting sudden SIM card deactivations after publishing posts on platforms such as X and Instagram that criticize government policies or actions. To restore service, users say they are often required to delete the offending content, sign written pledges to avoid future criticism, and, in some cases, publish statements in support of the Islamic republic. Ali Akbar Gorji, a constitutional law professor at Tehran's Shahid Beheshti University, is one of those who had his SIM card deactivated after commenting on Iran's tensions with Israel. He told the Shargh newspaper that authorities made restoring his SIM card access conditional on deleting his critical posts and publishing pro-Islamic republic content. Radio Farda has learned that Gorji was specifically instructed to post up to 20 times in support of the state. Others have reported similar experiences. A text message sent to affected individuals says their 'hostile and biased activities' were identified by 'artificial intelligence' and therefore their access to their SIM cards or internet services 'have been restricted or suspended.' It then lists a series of measures that need to be taken in order to restore access. Several journalists and activists told Radio Farda that they were summoned by state bodies and instructed to meet various conditions in order to regain access to mobile services. These demands include signing pledges stating that the user will 'not engage in activities, express opinions, or post comments that will undermine psychological, social, or political security' of the country. Users must also accept that violating these pledges may result in renewed restrictions or prosecution. One academic said they were forced to remove posts dating back to the 2022 nationwide protests, which gave rise to the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement and challenged the legitimacy of the Islamic republic. On X, a user named Foad Ahmadi said his SIM access was suspended for allegedly supporting Israel. But the consequences went beyond telecommunications — he reported being locked out of online banking and unable to use ride-hailing apps. Journalist Sadaf Fatemi experienced a similar block, prompting her to delete critical posts. These cases form part of a broader pattern involving directives from judicial bodies, the cyber police (FATA), and the intelligence organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). Legal experts, including lawyers Mousa Barzin and Hadi Jafarpour, argue that these actions violate both Iranian law and international human rights standards, as they are carried out without due process and rely on vague legal provisions. This tactic is viewed as a continuation of the state's broader repression following the 2022 protests. Beyond its chilling effect on dissent, this practice disrupts access to vital services like banking and communication tools. It also raises serious concerns about digital rights, freedom of speech, and account security. Iran consistently ranks poorly on global indices related to civil liberties and expression. In its most recent annual report, Freedom House cited 'vaguely defined restrictions on speech, harsh criminal penalties, and state monitoring of online communications' as key factors deterring Iranians from engaging in free and open discourse.
Time of India
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Don't elect Muslim immigrants': Islamophobic attacks follow NFL headquarters mass shooting after Muslim NYPD officer gets killed
The tragic shooting on Park Avenue has ignited a wave of political disinformation (Getty Images) A tragic mass shooting on Park Avenue in Manhattan has become the latest flashpoint for political disinformation, with far-right voices attempting to link the attack to Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani—despite no evidence connecting him to the crime. The incident, which claimed four lives including an NYPD officer, quickly turned into a digital battlefield fueled by Islamophobic rhetoric and political fearmongering. Right-wing figures falsely blame Mamdani despite lack of evidence In the chaotic aftermath of the shooting, conspiracy theorists and conservative commentators pounced. Far-right personality Laura Loomer accused Mamdani of inspiring 'a generation of pro-Islamic cop killers,' writing on X, 'This is why you don't elect Muslim immigrants to office.' Other voices resurfaced old statements from Mamdani about defunding the police—remarks he has since walked back—to question his legitimacy as a public servant. This narrative gained traction online before facts could surface, despite the real story being far different. One of the victims was Officer Didarul Islam, a Muslim Bangladeshi immigrant and father of two, who was working security when he was fatally shot. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch called him 'a hero,' saying, 'He made the ultimate sacrifice, shot in cold blood… He died as he lived: a hero.' Muslim communities mourn while fighting rising hate In the Bronx, where Officer Islam lived, the Bangladeshi community gathered in solidarity. Nurul Islam, a community leader and friend of the fallen officer, dismissed the online hate: 'The killer is the killer. He doesn't care who is Muslim, who is non-Muslim.' Zohran Mamdani , currently visiting Uganda, responded with empathy, tweeting: 'I'm heartbroken to learn of the horrific shooting in midtown… Grateful for all of our first responders.' Supporters, including Councilwoman Shahana Hanif, blasted the bigoted narratives: 'This bigoted rhetoric dishonors the lives we lost and endangers our Muslim communities.' The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the online hate, calling it 'blind hatred' and demanding accountability for spreading false narratives in times of tragedy. Also Read: 'Study my brain please': Shooter in NYC accused NFL of CTE, demanded brain study in suicide note after Manhattan massacre FAQs 1. Was Zohran Mamdani involved in the Park Avenue shooting ? No, there is no evidence linking him to the attack. 2. Who was Officer Didarul Islam? A Muslim NYPD officer and father, killed while working security during the shooting. 3. Why are people blaming Zohran Mamdani for the Park Avenue shooting? Right-wing commentators used his religion and past statements to push anti-Muslim narratives. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
New Indian Express
07-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Muharram procession taken out in Srinagar amid heavy security, curbs
SRINAGAR: Thousands of Shia mourners wearing black clothes on Sunday took out an Ashura procession in the city here to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Prophet Muhammad's grandson Imam Hussain on the tenth day of Muharram. The procession was taken out in Srinagar from Bota Kadal in the Lal Bazar area of downtown Srinagar to Zadibal. Some of the participants were seen thumping chests amid chanting of pro-Islamic slogans. Many of them were also carrying religious flags. J&K L-G Manoj Sinha visited Bota Kadal in Lal Bazar before the procession started, officials said. Sinha distributed water among the Shia mourners before the procession began from Bora Kadala and culminated at Zadibal Imambara, the officials said. Senior BJP leaders, including former J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina and general secretary (Org) Ashok Koul, also participated in the procession. National Conference president and three-time ex-J&K CM Farooq Abdullah also took part in the celebrations. The administration had issued strict guidelines to organisers to prevent the display of flags, banners or photographs associated with banned militant organisations, whether national or international, during Muharram processions. They had also warned against delivering anti-national or inflammatory speeches. Police had set up kiosks on various routes in Srinagar, where Shia mourners were being given water and other refreshments. The 10th Muharram processions concluded peacefully across the Valley amid tight security arrangements. Notably, it was the third consecutive year that the 10th Muharram procession was allowed in Srinagar.
Cision Canada
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
12-year Sentence for Terrorism-related Offences
TORONTO, May 12, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, in the Ontario Superior Court, Khalilullah Yousuf pleaded guilty to two of the three terrorism-related offences he was facing. In an Agreed Statement of Facts filed with the court, he admitted having created online fundraising campaigns, collected money, and transferred funds, in both cash and cryptocurrency, abroad to support the Islamic State for an amount exceeding $35,000 contrary to s. 83.03 of the Criminal Code. Mr. Yousuf also recognized participating in the activities of a terrorist group, pursuant to s. 83.18 of the Criminal Code, by making and disseminating pro-Islamic state propaganda on social media for the purposes of radicalizing and recruiting people to the Islamic State. He also conducted research and created propaganda to justify terrorist attacks on foreign nationals in Afghanistan. The Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) and counsel for Mr. Yousuf made joint submissions for the sentence of 12 years of imprisonment less the time served in pre-trial custody. Mr. Yousuf will also need to serve half of the sentence before being released on full parole pursuant to s. 743.6(1.2) of the Criminal Code and will be subjected to a weapons prohibition order pursuant to s. 109 of the Criminal Code following his release. The Court agreed with the joint submissions and imposed the recommended sentence. The remaining charge was stayed considering the acknowledgement of the facts related to that charge as part of the guilty plea. George Dolhai, Director of Public Prosecutions, said, "At its core, terrorism is violence that seeks to justify itself. But the violence needs support by advocates, recruiters, and financiers as essential parts of the cycle of intimidation and destruction. The verdicts and sentences today represent how Canadian society, in accordance with the rule of law, emphatically holds to account those who make the violence possible." The PPSC is a national organization responsible for prosecuting offences under federal jurisdiction in a manner that is free of any improper influence and that respects the public interest. The PPSC is also responsible for providing prosecution-related advice to law enforcement agencies across Canada.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
12-year Sentence for Terrorism-related Offences
TORONTO, May 12, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, in the Ontario Superior Court, Khalilullah Yousuf pleaded guilty to two of the three terrorism-related offences he was facing. In an Agreed Statement of Facts filed with the court, he admitted having created online fundraising campaigns, collected money, and transferred funds, in both cash and cryptocurrency, abroad to support the Islamic State for an amount exceeding $35,000 contrary to s. 83.03 of the Criminal Code. Mr. Yousuf also recognized participating in the activities of a terrorist group, pursuant to s. 83.18 of the Criminal Code, by making and disseminating pro-Islamic state propaganda on social media for the purposes of radicalizing and recruiting people to the Islamic State. He also conducted research and created propaganda to justify terrorist attacks on foreign nationals in Afghanistan. The Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) and counsel for Mr. Yousuf made joint submissions for the sentence of 12 years of imprisonment less the time served in pre-trial custody. Mr. Yousuf will also need to serve half of the sentence before being released on full parole pursuant to s. 743.6(1.2) of the Criminal Code and will be subjected to a weapons prohibition order pursuant to s. 109 of the Criminal Code following his release. The Court agreed with the joint submissions and imposed the recommended sentence. The remaining charge was stayed considering the acknowledgement of the facts related to that charge as part of the guilty plea. George Dolhai, Director of Public Prosecutions, said, "At its core, terrorism is violence that seeks to justify itself. But the violence needs support by advocates, recruiters, and financiers as essential parts of the cycle of intimidation and destruction. The verdicts and sentences today represent how Canadian society, in accordance with the rule of law, emphatically holds to account those who make the violence possible." The PPSC is a national organization responsible for prosecuting offences under federal jurisdiction in a manner that is free of any improper influence and that respects the public interest. The PPSC is also responsible for providing prosecution-related advice to law enforcement agencies across Canada. (Version française disponible) SOURCE Public Prosecution Service Canada View original content: Sign in to access your portfolio
