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Saudi Arabia to arrest its citizens who comment against Israel on social media
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Despite Riyadh’s lack of ties to Israel, Saudi Arabia is allegedly increasing the number of its residents who are arrested for making remarks critical of Israel about the Gaza War.
According to Bloomberg, one of the recent detainees was an executive of a business associated with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 economic plan. The CEO’s opinions on the war were deemed offensive by the local authorities.
Bloomberg is told by unidentified sources that two people have asked for a boycott of American fast-food establishments in the kingdom and that a media figure has stated that Israel should never be forgiven.
According to a person acquainted with Saudi Arabia’s thinking, the arrests are intended to discourage people from making statements about the war online that could jeopardise national security.
One of the nation’s maximum-security prisons has seen a significant increase in inmates within the previous six months, according to a second Saudi source with knowledge of the situation. Several Saudi diplomats and human rights organisations confirmed this, claiming that since October 7, there has been an increase in arrests for offences relating to social media. However, according to the sources, a large number of the incarcerations might be for posts unrelated to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Fearing that pro-Palestine demonstrations will spark new uprisings against their governments, Riyadh and its regional allies, Egypt and Jordan, have clamped down on domestic protests.
The study was released when Saudi Arabia and Israel proceeded with an accord mediated by the United States.
Prior to October 7, the Biden administration had been in talks with Saudi Arabia and Israel about a possible peace deal. These conversations continued during Israel’s Gaza war, but it seems that obstacles remain in the way of an agreement.
As the discussions with Riyadh continued, an accord might see the US providing technologies to support Saudi Arabia’s nuclear power development in exchange for normalisation relations with Israel.
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HoR to Lead March, Launch Initiatives Against Gender-Based Violence
By Gloria Ikibah
As part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the House of Representatives is set to lead a historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024, in a bold effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
The march, which begins at 8:00 AM, will see over 1,000 participants, including lawmakers and members of the public walk from the National Assembly to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The event will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action against GBV and greater protection for vulnerable groups.
Speaking about the initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON, said, “This march and the activities that follow are not mere gestures but a reflection of our determination to confront gender-based violence head-on. We are committed to building a society where justice, equality, and safety prevail for all Nigerians.”
In a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi on Saturday in Abuja, he said, “The 10th House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to systemic reforms, collaboration, and accountability in the fight against gender-based violence.
“In addition to the march, the House has outlined key activities in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027) to sustain awareness and action throughout the campaign period.
“Sash Demonstration Ceremony – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
“Convergence of State Assembly Speakers – Monday, December 9, 2024. A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative measures for combating GBV nationwide.
“National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 – Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The summit will focus on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives led by the House of Representatives”.
Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s 16 Days of Activism aims to galvanise nationwide efforts and inspire collective action to protect human rights, ensure justice, and create a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
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NUJ-FCT Elections: Comrade Ike To Flag-Off Campaign With Free Medical Checks, Treatment
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President Tinubu Leaves Brazil After G20 Summit
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
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