Are you being persecuted by the state? (Image Prevent)
Press Release UK: IHRC invites public to report PREVENT programme experiences
3rd August 2015
In the light of recent changes to the law IHRC is asking people to report cases that they think have involved abuses of the government’s PREVENT programme.
PREVENT is a controversial part of the official counter-terrorism strategy which the government claims is concerned with preventing radicalisation and tackling extremism.
Although PREVENT is presented as a colourblind programme, its origins and implementation show that it is invariably targeted at the Muslim community, being used as a pretext for mass surveillance and social conditioning.
For these reasons IHRC is opposed in principle to the whole PREVENT programme. We see it as resting on racist and Islamophobic assumptions. We believe that by demonising Islam as innately violent the programme has contributed to the legitimisation of institutional discrimination against Muslims.
Many Muslims have been caught up in the PREVENT dragnet for nothing other than expressing conservative religious opinions or views that are critical of the government’s policies in Muslim countries.
IHRC regularly receives complaints from people who have been victims of such abuses and expects many more cases to arise as a result of the expansion of PREVENT.
On July 1 this year a new statutory duty came into force for public bodies, such as schools, hospitals and councils, to report signs of extremism. This has already led to a surge in referrals which are themselves often arbitrary and rest on Islamophobic prejudices. The secretive nature of the referral process means that there is rarely a paper trail by which officials can be held accountable.
An important pillar of our work at IHRC has always been to support and where possible actively assist victims of abuses based on religious and racial discrimination. Our approach to PREVENT is also based on this objective.
Uniquely though, IHRC works to tackle discrimination at all levels from helping victims, documenting cases and building up evidence, to preparing expert analysis that is aimed at informing public policy.
Notes to Editors:
For media enquiries please email nadia@ihrc.org or call 020 8904 4222[Ends]
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IHRC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
Carol AnneGrayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.
Khalik Nouri (BBC) tweeted the following, “midnight car bomb attack scene, Photo from a friend on Facebook”
A huge explosion has rocked the city of Kabul with at least 15 people reported dead and 400 injured. According to Mirwais Afghan, freelance reporter, “a huge explosion rocked Shah Shaheed’s area” which broke windows in the surrounding area. He claimed “it was an ANA intelligence base in Naqliye SeyaSang that was attacked with a truck bomb” and that a friend told him “many houses are destroyed and people are lying beneath the remains of destroyed houses crying for help”.
This attack follows an eventful day in Afghanistan where a Taliban truck bomb exploded near to provincial government offices in Pul-i-Alam, Logar Province and a helicopter incident killed all on board, see following link,
“Afghanistan: Taliban claim responsibility for Logar truck bomb on day helicopter incident kills all on board”
As the latest explosion awoke Kabul’s residents, Ramin Anwari, former BBC journalist tweeted,
The loudest boom I heard in recent times, at 1:00am. Everywhere was shaking like in an earthquake. #Kabul#Afghanistan
The blast wave opened and slammed the door of my room. Extremely powerful boom in #Kabul at midnight. #Afghanistan
According to Lotfullah Najafizada, hundreds of homes were damaged. He alleged that, “a nearby under construction building where many workers were sleeping has collapsed as a result of the truck bomb blast in Kabul”.
The following images from Mirwais Afghan show damage to buildings due to blast
Syed Sadat tweeted,
Hospital treating victims of the #Kabul bomb says flooded with patients, including many women and children #Afghanistan
Bethany E Matta,
Aftr tonight’s explosion,hospital staff too busy to talk saying “We’re in the middle of a mess.” Waiting on casualty #s. #heartbreak
The Taliban’s military operation Azm (Resolve) which began in June has been fierce and a change in leadership following the death of Mullah Omar suggests this will continue, peace talks are currently delayed.
Subel tweeted,
Sediq was injured in the bombing. He was sleeping inside his office, near the army unit that was targeted in Kabul.
Civilian casualties in Afghanistan are on the increase. Reuters recently reported that,
“the war in Afghanistan claimed almost 5,000 civilian casualties in the first half of 2015, the United Nations said on Wednesday, a one percent increase on last year as fighting intensified following the withdrawal of most foreign troops in 2014.
Of the total, 1,592 were killed and 3,329 wounded, according to the U.N.”
Today’s attack will see yet more civilian casualties added to the statistics. To date no one has claimed responsibility for this latest incident.
Carol AnneGrayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.
Aftermath of huge truck bomb in Pul-i-Alam, Logar province
(image via Mirwais Afghan)
Islamic Emirate claimed responsibility for a truck bomb driven by a suicide bomber who detonated his explosives in the vicinity of the provincial government offices in Pul-i-Alam, Logar province, Afghanistan killing eight people and wounding several others. Al Jazeera quoted deputy provincial police chief Mohammad Qari Wara who claimed, “a water truck filled with explosives was detonated when it was stopped at the gate of the Quick Reaction Force [police] compound.” This was the first bombing since the death of “leader of the faithful” the late Emir Mullah Omar and new appointment of Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor.
Abdulqahar Balkhi, an English speaking associate of Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted,
An joint #ANSF SOF/QRF base with over 100 troops leveled with truck bomb by martyrdom seeker in #Logar provincial capital 7:30am #Azm
The powerful blast also damaged nearby Council Building, dozens of hirelings killed/wounded in op. carried out by AbdulHameed from Paktika
Reuters reported, “The bomb was huge and it was carried by a mini-truck,” said provincial governor Aleem Fedaee. “It inflicted a lot of damage to the civilians and broke windows even a kilometer away.”
Balkhi also tweeted,
An #ANSF helicopter was shot down with rocket fire in over Malkezo area, Nawbahar district (#Zabul) 10am, all 23 hireling aboard killed #Azm
However this was contested as a technical fault, see following link,
“Afghan military helicopter crash kills all 17 on board”
Balkhi alleged a further incident as part of ongoing military operation Azm (Resolve) tweeting,
Multiple martyrdom seekers enter police building in PD4 of #Kandahar city, fighting ongoing, details later #Azm
Freelance reporter Mirwais Afghan has also reported another alleged attack, stating,
BREAKING: Huge explosion rocked Shah Shaheed’s area in #Kabul, Police couldn’t confirm if it was as a rocket attack or car bomb attack !!
Update: It was ANA intelligence base in Naqliye SeyaSang that was attacked with a truck bomb attack #Kabul
Khalil Nouri tweeted,
KABUL… midnight car bomb attack scene, Photo from a friend on Facebook …
Updates will be added as news comes in.
Carol AnneGrayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.
Abha attack is the latest in a series of mosque attacks in Saudi Arabia
(Image via Mohammad K. Alyahya)
Security forces at prayer today at a mosque in Abha, Saudi Arabia near the Yemeni border were hit by an explosion thought to have come from a suicide bomber. The blast allegedly from an individual wearing a suicide belt left over a dozen people dead and several wounded.
SITE Intel group stated,
“Al-Hijaz Province,” a newly-announced #ISIS division in Saudi Arabia, claimed the suicide bombing at a mosque for emergency forces in Abha.
Mohammad K. Alyahya (Middle East History, Gulf Politics & Policy – Strategic Affairs – Associate Fellow) tweeted,
MOI confirms that 10 members of Special Emergency Forces and 3 on-site workers killed in Asir suicide attack
Asir Governor Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz visits injured victims of Asir attack (Image via Mohammad K, Alyahya)
Jihad Intel Middle East Forum provided a translation of the IS statement which reads,
“Breaking: killing and wounding of dozens in a blessed martyrdom operation targeting a camp for the forces known as ‘Special Emergency’ in Asir area.
Wilayat al-Hejaz 21 Shuwwal 1436 AH
In a special operation whose means of implementation God facilitated, the zealous soldier of the Caliphate (Abu Sinan al-Najdi) headed for one of the structures of apostasy belonging to what is known as the ‘Emergency Forces’ that have also given power to the tyrants of Al Salul [pejorative for the Saudi royal family] and their Crusader masters over the Peninsula of Muhammad (God’s peace and blessings upon him) [i.e. Arabian Peninsula], and have had a great role in maltreatment of the people of tawheed [monotheism] and obliterating their da’wa [proselytising]. So he- may God accept him- was able to penetrate through the security circles and reach the evil gathering of them inside the camp for training in the town of Abha in the Asir region, while the force of the explosion led to the killing and wounding of dozens of them- praise and blessings be to God.
We ask God to accept him in the group of martyrs, and to convey to the tyrants of the Arabian Peninsula of what evil will inflict them in the coming days by God’s permission, for Bilad al-Haramain [the land of the two sanctuaries in Mecca and Medina- i.e. Saudi Arabia] has brought out pieces of its livers in support of God’s religion and His allies.”
Back in May, Islamic State claimed responsibility for targeting the Al Anood Shiite mosque in the eastern city of Dammam in Saudi Arabia during Friday prayers see,
“Saudi Arabia: Islamic State claim responsibility for Dammam mosque attack”
A week earlier, the Imam Ali mosque in al-Qadeeh, Qatif, Saudi Arabia used by the Shia community was the target of an alleged suicide bomber also during Friday prayers, see,
“Saudi Arabia: Shia mosque targeted in suicide bombing Qatif and mosque attacked in Sanaa, Yemen”
Carol AnneGrayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.
Taliban Political Office Doha undergoing membership changes
(Image, Dhaka Tribune)
The resignation of the head of the Taliban’s political office in Qatar, Sayed Muhammad Tayyab Agha has now been officially accepted as confirmed today by the Islamic Emirate, Afghanistan.
Abdulqahar Balkhi, Islamic Emirate account (in English) affiliated with spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted,
Amir Ul Mumineen (HA) accepts resignation by head of Political Office, the respected Sayed Muhammad Tayyab Agha
Sayed Muhammad Tayyab Agha, resignation now accepted (Image, BBC)
Agha, a close confidant of the late Emir was critical of those who kept the death of Mullah Omar, a secret for two years branding this a “historical mistake.” Following the appointment of new leader, Mullah Akhtar Mansoor, Agha stated, “I have decided to step down as head of the political office of the Islamic Emirate, because my political role has come to an end. I will not be part of any decision and statements of the Islamic Emirate Taliban. Express Tribune reported on August 4th 2015,
“in a statement issued late on Monday night, Agha opposed the election of the new chief ‘outside Afghanistan’ and said the new leader of the ‘Islamic Emirate’ should have been elected among the Taliban fighters and in the bunkers.”
See earlier story on following link,
“Taliban’s chief negotiator resigns over appointment of Mullah Omar’s successor”
Abdulqahar Balkhi also tweeted the new changes, stating that the Taliban,
“assigns the respected Sher Muhammad Abbas Stanekzai as acting-head for Political Office.”
Carol AnneGrayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.
A man stand on the debris after the atomic bomb completely destroyed Hiroshima in August 1945Photo: Hajime Miyatake/Getty
It is 70 years on 6th August 1945 since the US piloted Enola Gay dropped the uranium atomic bomb (Little Boy) on the city of Hiroshima in Japan and 3 days later a plutonium implosion type bomb (Fat Man) on Nagasaki. The dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan marked the end of World War II as America targeted one of the main supply depots for the Japanese army. Children and animals were vaporized as the bomb exploded 580 metres above Hiroshima with a blinding flash, creating a giant fireball and a mushroom shaped cloud that rose over a devastated landscape. Temperatures in the centre of the explosion reached as high as 4,000 C melting concrete and steel and in places equalled that of the sun. All that remained of some citizens were their shadows, ghosts etched on walls, thermal rays imprinting one person forever on the stone steps of the Sumitomo Bank.
According to Japanese officials around 69% of Hiroshima’s buildings were destroyed and another 6–7% damaged. The Prefectual Industrial Promotional Hall (Genbaku, A bomb dome) built to withstand earthquakes remained standing and the ruin was named Hiroshima Peace Memorial becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Buildings constructed of wood and paper in both cities were set alight rapidly with firestorms engulfing homes and offices where moments before families and workers were going about their daily business.
In the months that followed many civilians died from the effect of burns and radiation whilst others succumbed to disease and malnutrition following the collapse of the infrastructure of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and little left standing in some areas and each bomb impacting heavily on areas of several square miles. On August 15 1945, Emperor Hirohito surrendered to the Americans such was the impact of this “new and most cruel bomb.” The US had committed alleged war crimes and there was to be no accountability.
Looking north from the Chamber of Commerce stands the Atomic Bomb Dome (Image, Hiroshima and Nagasaki remembered)
The Japan Times reports,
“the Aug. 6, 1945, atomic bombing in Hiroshima killed about 140,000 people from injuries and immediate effects of radiation within five months, and another one dropped on Nagasaki three days later killed 73,000. The death toll linked to the attacks and their radiation effects has since risen to 460,000, with the number of survivors declining to some 183,000, according to latest government statistics.”
As John Pilger stated in his 2008 article,
“the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was a criminal act on an epic scale. It was premeditated mass murder that unleashed a weapon of intrinsic criminality. For this reason its apologists have sought refuge in the mythology of the ultimate “good war”, whose “ethical bath”, as Richard Drayton called it, has allowed the west not only to expiate its bloody imperial past but to promote 60 years of rapacious war, always beneath the shadow of The Bomb.”
The hibakusha, a term widely used in Japan refers to the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki who work hard to educate each new generation. Hibakusha translates literally to “explosion-affected people” and many are now in their 80s. As the Hibakusha website states,
“according to the Atomic Bomb Survivors Relief Law, there are certain recognized categories of hibakusha: people exposed directly to the bomb and its immediate aftermath; people exposed within a 2 kilometer radius who entered the sphere of destruction within two weeks of the explosion; people exposed to radioactive fallout generally; and those exposed in utero, whose mothers were pregnant and contaminated in any of these defined categories.”
Hibakusha suffered the additional trauma of discrimination as little was known initially about radioactive contamination and fellow Japanese feared it might be contagious. This meant work and marriage became difficult areas for survivors due to the stigma.
The following is a testimony of a survivor
One of those who experienced for himself the horrors of nuclear war was a young boy who suffered thermal burns on more than one-third of his body, and his chest and the left side of his belly were also seriously injured. The father of two spent 3 years and 7 months in hospital and recalls his memories of that devastating day,
“at that time I was riding a red bicycle on the streets of Sumiyoshi township (about 2 kilometers from the hypocenter). I was 16 years old, and it was my second year as a telegram messenger. The moment of face, I was blinded by the flash and thrown 3 meters away by the blast that came from my rear left, and my bicycle was twisted and bent. It was strange that I was not bleeding and did not feel any pain until I reached an underground shelter 300 meters away. The moment I reached the shelter, I felt severe pain in my back, which ran through my whole body. From then on, for three days and three nights, I kept on groaning in the shelter, and on the fourth day I was finally rescued and sent to a first-aid station.”
“In the early stages, the only treatment I received for my burns was the application of a mixture of ash and oil as a substitute for medicine. I do not know how many times I yelled “kill me!” because of the severe pain and desperate feeling.”
“Thereafter, as a result of the several operations I underwent, I escaped death and returned to work. Since I have once given up my life, I wish to dedicate my new life to the struggle against atomic bombs.”
One person who became a national symbol of endurance was Sadako Sasaki who was exposed to radiation age 2 and developed leukaemia, “Sadako was inspired by the Japanese legend that says: if you fold 1,000 paper cranes your wish will come true.” The origami crane was adopted as a peace symbol and many visitors go to view a statue in memory of a young girl in Hiroshima Peace Park who inspired others and continues to do so after her death. More information can be found on the Hibakusha Stories website,
International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) remind the world that with regard to nuclear weapons, “no weapon ever invented can cause so much death and destruction so quickly, on such a catastrophic scale, or such widespread and persisting toxicity in the environment.” IPPNW have introduced a new online resource for anyone working to prohibit and eliminate nuclear weapons. This includes “essential facts about the blast, burn, and radiation effects of nuclear weapons; the devastation they wreak upon the environment; and the inability of physicians to reach and treat the surviving victims of nuclear war; in language that is accessible, understandable, repeatable and, we hope, persuasive.” The link can be viewed below,
Carol AnneGrayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.
Justice Wajihuddin given an verbal spanking, party membership suspended for defying party “discipline”
Pakistan Tehreek -e-Insaf (PTI) has initiated a crackdown on members discussing internal matters in public and openly defying Party discipline by suspending Justice (retd) Wajiuddin’s Party membership. Geo reported, “the former Supreme Court judge has been at loggerheads with the party’s top leadership and has criticised them for not taking measures to address allegations of irregularities in the intra-party polls.”. Wajiuddin who headed up an an intra-party Election Tribunal had declared he “will continue to air internal Party matters in public”.
Back on July 26th, politician and Secretary General of PTI, Jahangir Khan Tareen gave his comment on those who used the media to vent any concerns, tweeting, “unfortunate to see senior Party stalwarts take internal issues public on TV. Only PTI enemies can benefit. I will not respond publicly”
PTI emphasised,
“the Chairman (Imran Khan) made it clear that no democratic party allowed its members to discuss internal party matters in the public domain, especially on the media, and a democratic culture within a party should not be mistaken for freewheeling anarchy”
“The Chairman also made clear there should be no confusion on the fact that according to the Party Constitution it is the Chairman who is authorized to make the final decision on what is in the best interest and advancement of the Party”
Media have not missed an opportunity in recent weeks to show party discipline in action.
Full statement from Dr Shireen M Mazari, Spokesperson for the Chairman can be read as follows,
Ary conducted an interview with Wajiuddin after his suspension which can be viewed on the video link below (Urdu),
“Justice Wajih reacts after party membership suspension by Imran” (Urdu)
He Pushed IK to that corner where he left no option !!!
Nadia Mirza
The most honorable, upright and honest man #JusticeWajihuddin please be prepare for #PTI trolls attack.
Ayla Malik
Dictatorship in #PTI: Ex Justice Wajih Ud Din says Imran Khan Policy of ‘ Love Me & My Dogs ‘ Wont Work! * Agreed *
PK Politics
There were only 3 persons I respected in PTI: 1- Javed Hashmi 2- Justice Wajiuddin 3- Masood Sharif Khattak All gone thanks to leadership
Engr Zulfiqar Ali Khan
Integrity of Mr justice is above board.
Jibran Nasir
Justice Retd Wajihuddin Ahmed stood against a dictator & resigned from the supreme Court and now suspended by @ImranKhanPTI. Such a disgrace
Carol AnneGrayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.
Shafqat Hussain, hung in Pakistan, there was a question over his age when sentenced (Image Reprieve)
Shafqat hussain was this morning executed in Pakistan, despite widespread calls both within and outside the country for a stay. The governments of the Sindh and Azad Kashmir regions, the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC), UN experts, and international NGOs had all called for the hanging to be halted in order for an investigation to take place into Shafqat’s young age when he was sentenced, and the reliance by prosecutors on a “confession” extracted through torture.
Despite the calls, the Pakistan authorities have never undertaken a proper, judicial investigation into either issue, instead seizing and refusing to release key evidence such as Shafqat’s school record, which could have provided proof that he was under 18 when he was sentenced to death. The SHRC, headed by a former Supreme Court judge, questioned how he could “be executed when there is so much confusion and the evidence is lacking,” and declared the only inquiry carried out by the government into his age to be “inadmissible.”
Some of Shafqat’s final words, provided to CNN via his lawyers, were published earlier today. He described what it was like to have been told he was going to be executed seven different times, and the process of waiting for the hanging to take place.
“When the jailer tells me that my execution date has been set, he separates me immediately from the other prisoners. I spend all seven days by myself in a cell in the barracks for prisoners about to be executed. They conduct a physical exam every one of those seven days. They weigh me every day, take my blood pressure and temperature as well. On the last two days they also measure my height, my neck and my body for the clothes I am to wear when they hang me. One day before my hanging, they tell me about my final visit with my family and that I need to execute my will. I cannot really say what I am thinking in those last seven days. My brain is thinking all sorts of things.”
Maya Foa, director of the death penalty team at international human rights organisation Reprieve said: “Shafqat’s execution speaks to all that is wrong with Pakistan’s race to the gallows. He faced a catalogue of injustice, sentenced to death while still a child after being tortured by the police until he produced a so-called confession. The government’s decision to push ahead with the execution despite calls to halt it from across Pakistan and around the world seems to have been more a show of political power than anything to do with justice. It is hard to see how anyone can now believe their claims that their enthusiastic resumption of hangings is anything to do with the safety and security of the country.”
Carol AnneGrayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.
Some media outlets spread reports yesterday about the death of a distinguished Jihadi personality of our country, the esteemed Al-Haj Mawlawi Sahib Jalaluddin Haqqani may Allah safeguard him.
This claim has no bases. Haqqani Sahib may Allah safeguard him was ill before but all praise is due to Allah, he has been blessed with good health for a prolonged period now and has no troubles currently.
Spokesman of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
16/10/1436 Hijri Lunar
10/06/1394 Hijri Solar 01/08/2015 Gregorian
Carol AnneGrayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.
As reported by the correspondent of the Alemara website, on Thursday 30th July 2015, in the afternoon, several members of the high commissions of the Islamic Emirate, governors, district-chiefs, heads and members of the provincial commissions, numerous group leaders from various parts of the country, teachers from several madrasas and other venerable people took an oath of allegiance to Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor, the new Amir (leader) of the Islamic Emirate.
On this occasion, in which, the new leader of the Islamic Emirate, Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor, his deputy, Moulavi Haibatullah Akhunzada and several other scholars, saints, dignitaries and Mujahidin of the Islamic Emirate participated, some religious scholars and leaders of the Islamic Emirate delivered speeches. Afterwards, Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor, the leader of the Islamic Emirate spoke and gave detailed information about the passing away of late Amir-ul-Momineen (may his soul rest in peace) and the appointment of his successor to the participants. He said that he has bowed to accept this huge responsibility bestowed by the discerned and influential scholars only for the sake of serving the Divine religion and the continuation and sustainability of the ongoing Jihadi process.
He added that in these intricate circumstances, the liability of leadership is certainly a huge obligation and we should all together pray to Almighty Allah to assist and guide us to honestly discharge this responsibility. He further said that all the responsible people in the Islamic Emirate should co-operate with the new leadership so that the sacrifices of the previous decades of Jihad is preserved and we reach our destination with the support of Almighty Allah.
After delivering his speech, allegiance was sworn to him as new legitimate Amir (leader) of the Islamic Emirate and later, the afternoon (Asr) prayer was offered in congregation in his leadership.
According to another report, in the abode of migration, when thousands of religious scholars, saints, Mujahidin and ordinary Muslim masses who had gathered to participate in the funeral ceremony of a renowned religious scholar, late Moulana Abdul Sattar Jan (may his soul rest in peace), were informed by the dignitaries that His Excellency, Amir-ul-Momineen, Mullah Mohammad Umar Mujahid has passed away and is succeeded by Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor with Moulavi Haibatullah Akhunzada and Mullah Sirajuddin Haqqani as his deputies and an oath of allegiance should be taken to them; in these moments of grief and mourning, while majority of the participants were bitterly shedding tears, they raised their hands and swore their allegiance to them and vowed their support for the new leadership of the Islamic Emirate as they were changing the Holy slogans of ‘Allah-o-Akbar’ i.e. ‘Allah is the Greatest’.
It is worth-mentioning that news of support and oath of allegiance to the newly appointed leadership of the Islamic Emirate have been regularly coming in from various parts of the country and the details can be found on the official ‘Alemara’ website of the Islamic Emirate.
(Publication via Islamic Emirate)
Carol AnneGrayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.
Carol Anne Grayson (Radical Sister) blog 