Religious Divide in Indian State Election; Anti-Hindu Threats Go Viral

By Abdulla Gaafarelkhalifa

On January 25th, 2022, a video of Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Election, Adil Chaudhary, went viral on Twitter where he stated “we,” as in Muslims, “will take revenge” for crimes being committed against us.

Former Hostage Hunger Strikes To Push For Release Of Hostages Held By Iran

In a video posted on Twitter on January 16, Barry Rosen, a former U.S. Diplomat among the 52 Americans held hostage during the U.S. Embassy attack in Tehran in 1979, announced his plans to go on a hunger strike. The hunger strike coincides with the 41 year anniversary of Rosen’s release after 444 days in Iranian custody.

French Senate Moves To Ban Hijab in Sports Competitions

By Abdulla Gaafarelkhalifa

On January 19, 2022, the French Senate voted in favor of banning religious veils in sporting events held by an official sports federation. The bill passed in a 160 to 143 vote with overwhelming support of the French right-wing party, Les Republicains.

26-year-old Pakistani Woman Sentenced to Death for Blasphemy

By Abdulla Gaafarelkhalifa

On January 18, 2022, a cybercrime court in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, sentenced 26-year-old Aneeqa Ateeq to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 200,000 ($1,132 USD), as well as death by hanging.

Militant Hindu Leader Arrested For Inciting Violence Against Muslims

By Abdulla Gaafarelkhalifa

On January 15, 2022, Yati Narsinghanand, the controversial priest of the Dasna temple in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, and main organizer of the Hindu nationalist events held in Haridwar City, India, between December 17-19, is now under legal custody for two weeks for two different cases. No BJP leader has condemned the speeches nor the event.

NBA Team Owner Declares "Nobody Cares About the Uyghurs"

By Abdulla Gaafarelkhalifa

On January 17, 2022, Chamath Palihapitiya, CEO of Social Capital, chairman of Virgin Galactic, and minority owner of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, took to Twitter to apologize for his comments about the plight of the Uyghurs of China during an All-In podcast episode.

Important issues deserve nuanced discussions. Some clarifying comments: pic.twitter.com/St2jccsu05

Genocide Expert Warns of Impending Mass Violence Against Muslims in India

On January 12, Dr. Gregory Stanton, founder of Genocide Watch, warned that genocide against Indian Muslims is imminent and will likely unfold if nothing is done. Dr. Stanton also predicted the Rwandan genocide more than two decades ago.

Dr. Stranton announced his prediction during the congressional briefing hosted by the Indian American Muslims Council and Amnesty International. He explained that early signs and processes are already happening.

Iran Vow "Muslims Will Take Revenge" If Trump Is Not Put On Trial

By Abdulla Gaafarelkhalifa

On January 3, 2022, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, when speaking about the second anniversary of the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps by the US in a televised speech, said that former US President Donald Trump must face trial for the assassination or Tehran would take revenge.

Putin: Disrespecting the Prophet Mohammed is Not Freedom of Expression

By Abdulla Gaafarelkhalifa

On December 23, 2021, in an annual news conference held in Moscow, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said disrespecting the Prophet Mohammed is not freedom of expression. Insults against the Prophet Muhammad are a "violation of religious freedom and the violation of the sacred feelings of people who profess Islam."