- Attacked with Yogurt & Arrested: The Dangers of Not Wearing Hijab in Iran
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/attacked-yogurt-arrested-dangers-not-wearing-hijab-iran
Location: Iran
A shocking incident in Iran has caught the attention of the world, as a man threw a tub of yogurt at a mother and her daughter for not wearing hijabs. The disturbing incident, caught on camera, quickly went viral on social media, sparking outrage and concern about how citizens enforce mandatory hijab laws upon each other in the country. Despite being the victims of an assault, the mother and daughter were arrested by authorities for not following the country's strict dress code, while the man who threw the yogurt was arrested by police. But the incident has also highlighted the bravery of those who continue to protest against the mandatory hijab laws in Iran, with many risking arrest or assault from security forces and pro-government Iranians. While the Islamic Republic has not bowed to pressure from protesters, the incident has sparked renewed outrage and calls for change. Authorities issued stern warnings and threats of punishment for those who do not follow the country's dress code.
- Outrage as Israeli Extremists Offer Cash for Animal Sacrifice at Mosque
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/outrage-israeli-extremists-offer-cash-animal-sacrifice-mosque
Location: Israel
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, considered one of the most religiously sensitive areas in the world, has once again become the center of controversy. An Israeli extremist group called the 'Returning to the Mount' movement has sparked outrage by offering thousands of dollars to their followers who were arrested for attempting an incendiary animal sacrifice ritual at the mosque during Passover. This provocative move has further fueled tensions in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. The Al-Aqsa Mosque holds immense religious significance for Muslims around the world, and its location on the Temple Mount has long been a source of tension between Jews and Palestinians. While non-Muslims are allowed to visit the mosque, they cannot pray or perform rituals there due to an agreement with Jordan, the caretaker of Jerusalem's holy sites. But the 'Returning to the Mount' movement, notorious for its extremist views and calls to destroy the mosque, has shown a blatant disregard for this agreement and the sensitivities of the Muslim community. Their attempt to perform animal sacrifices in the mosque, despite a ban on such practice, is just the latest in a string of provocations that have incited violence and tension in the Middle East.
- Free Speech Threatened? Woman Who Insulted French President Faces Trial
Location: France
A French woman named Valerie has found herself in hot water after "insulting" President Emmanuel Macron on social media. She reportedly referred to him as a "piece of filth" in a Facebook post, leading to her arrest and detention by French authorities. Valerie is now facing trial for violating a law that prohibits insulting the president. President Macron is facing intense scrutiny and criticism for his controversial pension reforms, which have sparked nationwide protests and strikes, as many French citizens are unhappy with the decision to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. Valerie's case has also raised concerns about freedom of speech in France, with some questioning whether the law against insulting the president is too restrictive. The woman herself has expressed surprise at her arrest, saying that she never expected to be treated like a criminal for expressing her opinions on social media.
- Proposal to Outlaw Caste Discrimination Sparks Backlash Against CA Senator
Location: California, United States
A groundbreaking bill has been introduced in California's Senate that seeks to explicitly outlaw caste discrimination, making the state the first in the country to do so. The proposal was filed by state senator Aisha Wahab; the first female Afghan American elected into the state's Senate. The bill aims to include caste as a protected category in the state's anti-discrimination laws, following in the footsteps of Seattle, which became the first city in the US to ban caste discrimination. The proposed bill has faced pushback from some Indian Americans, who argue that it discriminates against Hindus. However, Wahab remains steadfast in her belief that the bill is relevant across different religions and ethnicities and is necessary to protect Californians from discrimination. While Wahab's proposal has received significant pushback, including death threats and anti-Muslim slurs, the senator remains resolute in her determination to fight for the rights of all Californians.
- Terrorist Attack Targeting Jewish Synagogue Foiled by Greek Police
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/terrorist-attack-targeting-jewish-synagogue-foiled-greek-police
Location: Greece
Greek authorities have foiled a terrorist plot targeting a Jewish center in Athens, leading to the arrest of two Pakistani men. The suspects were allegedly recruited by a fugitive murderer in Iran to carry out the attack on the Chabad of Athens center. The center, part of the larger Chabad-Lubavitch movement, serves as a synagogue, grocery store, and kosher restaurant. The attackers were reportedly paid €15,000 for each victim they would have killed in the planned attack. The plot was almost complete, with the suspects closely monitoring the Jewish center before they were apprehended. The case unfolded after information about the jihadist group and its activities reached Greece's National Intelligence Service. Israeli intelligence agency Mossad also provided information to the Greek government and promptly thanked them for their swift action.
- 110-year-old Mosque Library Torched by Mob of 1,000 During Hindu Festival
Location: India
In a brazen display of violence, an armed mob of around 1,000 people stormed and destroyed a 110-year-old madrasa (Islamic school) in the Indian city of Bihar Sharif. The attackers believed to be Hindu nationalists, set fire to the institution's library and caused extensive damage, including destroying a collection of over 4,500 books. Eyewitness accounts described how the mob threw petrol bombs into the mosque and library, set vehicles alight, and even placed saffron flags on several shops before burning them down. One of the mosque's guards, who managed to flee, reported that the mob was armed with swords and rods and chanted 'Jai Shri Ram.' The incident occurred during the Hindu-majority country's religious festival of Ram Navami, which led to communal violence not seen in the Bihar Sharif area since 1981. Despite the arrests of 77 people and internet services being temporarily suspended, it's another reminder of the religious tensions that plague India.
- Stone-Pelting & Chaos: Hindu Devotees Attacked During Festival
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/stone-pelting-chaos-hindu-devotees-attacked-during-festival
Location: India
A chaotic scene erupted in the streets of a suburb of Mumbai, as a riot broke out between Hindu devotees and a violent mob during Ram Navami, a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama. The clash left a few men injured, and police immediately sprang into action, arresting 12 men and charging another 400 for instigating violence against Hindu devotees on March 30th. According to a police constable patrolling the area, the accused are alleged to have thrown stones and slippers and engaged in unlawful assembly during the procession, assaulting devotees during the holy event. The incident occurred when a mob of 150 men gathered as the procession passed by a mosque, and the chaos intensified as the crowd continued to throw rocks and shoes at the devotees. The police tried to contain the situation, but the mob continued to push and shove, injuring police officers and civilians alike. The riots were caught on CCTV footage and drone recordings, and the police are investigating to identify the miscreants. Despite the violence, the Ram Navami processions continued without further issues.
- How a “Blasphemous" Food Review Sparked Catholic Outrage in the Philippines
Location: Philippines
A high school student in the Philippines made a huge blunder that landed him in hot water. The student posted a "food review" of a holy communion wafer on Twitter, comparing it to cornflakes and giving it a 7.1 out of 10 rating. This caused a massive uproar among the Catholic community, who found the post disrespectful and inappropriate. To make things worse, the student studied at one of the most prestigious Catholic schools in the country. Many demanded his ex-communication and expulsion from the school, with some even suggesting that he should be punished according to Canon Law 1367, which states that anyone who throws away consecrated hosts or keeps them for sacrilegious purposes would be automatically excommunicated. As a result, the school temporarily suspended Holy Mass activities, and the campus ministry said they would guide and support the student while holding him accountable for his actions.
- Celebrity Church Accused of Wage Abuse & Forced Tithing
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/celebrity-church-accused-wage-abuse-forced-tithing
Location: Seattle, United States
A celebrity megachurch in Seattle called "Churchome" is in hot water after an ex-employee filed a lawsuit accusing the organization of wage and hour abuse. But the big question is, why is a church, especially a celebrity megachurch with members like Justin Bieber and Russell Wilson, facing such serious allegations? The lawsuit claims that Churchome forced its employees to donate 10% of their gross monthly wages back to the organization as a tithe or face being disciplined or even terminated. The suit alleges that the policy violates Washington state's Consumer Protection Act and other labor laws. Although the Churchome Church declined interview requests, it issued a statement that defended tithing as "the worshipful act of paying the first 10% of our income to God." The statement also added that while the church does not deduct tithe from its employees' paychecks, it asks them to live out this practice. "The First Amendment protects a church's right to restrict employment to those employees who choose to abide by church teaching. Churchome intends to vigorously defend the rights of all religious institutions to live, teach, and model their faith through their employees," Churchome's statement said.
