- Hamas Terror Ring Busted in Germany and Netherlands
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/hamas-terror-ring-busted-germany-netherlands
Location: Europe
In a significant counter-terrorism operation, authorities in Germany and the Netherlands have dismantled a Hamas terror ring, leading to the arrest of four men suspected of planning attacks on Jewish institutions across Europe. German prosecutors revealed that the suspects, associated with Hamas's military wing, were seeking weapons for potential attacks. Key details include the arrests of three men in Berlin and one in Rotterdam on December 14th, linked to Khalil Hamed al-Kharraz, a senior figure in Hamas's military branch. The German federal prosecutor's office disclosed that one suspect, Abdelhamid Al A, had been tasked since early 2023 to locate a hidden weapons cache in Europe. The plot was unearthed amidst heightened tensions following Hamas's assault against Israel last October. Additionally, Danish authorities arrested three individuals on separate terrorism charges, believed to be connected to Hamas. This operation underscores the ongoing threat posed by terrorist groups in Europe, with the German prosecutor stating, "the weapons were due to be taken to Berlin and kept in a state of readiness in view of potential terrorist attacks against Jewish institutions in Europe."
- Iranian Faces Death Penalty for “Insulting Islam”
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/iranian-faces-death-penalty-insulting-islam
Location: Iran
In Iran, 32-year-old Hassan Khalkhal Zard faces the death penalty over online activities deemed to insult Islam. Zard, a motor courier from Galikesh working in Tehran, was detained by the IRGC's intelligence agents. Charged with insulting Islam, the Islamic Republic's leader, and blasphemy, his predicament stems from expressing frustrations about Iran on Instagram. A source close to Zard emphasized the urgency and injustice of the situation: "Please don't let them commit their crime in silence before it's too late. The people of Iran should know for which imaginary crimes young people are being killed." Zard's arrest occurred during a visit to the prosecutor's office in Galikesh, seeking updates on his stolen motorcycle case. The source reflects on his plight: "Only God knows what awaits people like him who endure deprivation and suffering."
- Terror on Christmas Eve: Gunmen's Deadly Assault in Nigeria Leaves 150 Dead
Location: Nigeria
The Christmas season in Nigeria was marred by a horrific armed attack in central Nigeria, resulting in 160 fatalities and over 300 injuries. On December 23rd and 24th, assailants targeted 21 villages in Plateau State, predominantly Christian communities, leaving a trail of death, injury, and destruction. The state governor, Caleb Mutfwang, lamented the scale of the tragedy: “As I am talking to you, in Mangu local government alone, we buried 15 people. As of this morning, in Bokkos, we are counting not less than 100 corpses." The Plateau State Police reported 96 deaths in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi areas, with 221 houses burnt. While no group has claimed responsibility, suspicion falls on Fulani herders amidst long-standing religious and resource conflicts. The government faces criticism for its response, with Amnesty International's Isa Sanusi urging a thorough investigation, stating, "It is really sad and unfortunate that these kinds of things continue to happen, and the authorities cannot do anything apart from sympathizing with the victims." Despite promises of action from Nigerian military and political leaders, skepticism about government effectiveness persists.
- 12-Year-Old Pakistani Girl's Battle Against Forced Marriage Shocks Community
Location: Pakistan
In Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, 25-year-old Inteha Bibi's battle against 'ghag', a traditional practice of forced marriage, sheds light on a grim cultural reality. Ghag allows a man to lay claim to a woman as his wife without her or her parents' consent, a custom that has affected Bibi since she was 12. Despite the legal ban on ghag in 2013, its impact lingers, as evidenced when Mahabat Khan, who claimed Bibi through ghag, intervened in her engagement to another man. The resulting trauma has had a profound effect on Bibi and her family. Her brother, Sanaullah, articulates their plight: “My sister has become ill and can’t leave home and does not talk to her sisters, but the evil man takes pride in it. We live in the medieval dark ages.” Sanaullah is fighting for Bibi's rights in court, but they face threats and societal pressure in a system slow to enforce its own laws against such practices. This case underlines the challenging fight against entrenched cultural norms and the need for effective legal enforcement.
- Germany Bans Turkish-Trained Imams, Sets Integration Plan
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/germany-bans-turkish-trained-imams-sets-integration-plan
Location: Germany
Germany is taking a significant step towards integrating its Muslim population by announcing the phasing out of Turkish-trained imams and establishing a training program for imams on German soil. This decision by the German Interior Ministry addresses tensions between Germany and Turkey over the influence of Turkish-trained clerics. The initiative will replace approximately 1,000 imams employed by the Turkish Diyanet with 100 annually trained in Germany, starting in the town of Dahlem. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the importance of this shift: "We need religious leaders who speak our language, know our country, and stand up for our values.” This move is also a response to concerns about the Turkish-Islamic umbrella group DITIB, which manages 900 out of 2,500 mosque communities in Germany and has faced accusations of being an extended arm of the Turkish government. The plan, initially suggested by former Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2018, aims to foster a more independent and integrated Muslim community in Germany.
