Bosnia and Herzegovina's Jasikovac Mosque maintains its demolished minaret in its yard as a reminisce of the bloody Bosnian War.

The Jasikovac Mosque in Teocak municipality in the northeast, reveals wounds inflicted by the 1992-1995 Bosnian War with the ruined minaret in its courtyard.

The mosque was burned by Serb forces in the early days of the war on July 23, 1992. Its minaret was destroyed by numerous tank shrapnels.

But years later, the mosque was repaired with the support of the community in 2001.

Imam of the mosque Bedirhan Hadzic  

Imam of the mosque Bedirhan Hadzic told Anadolu Agency that as soon as he was appointed to the mosque he began to collect information about its history.

"When I arrived, I gathered information about the demolition of the mosque, I talked to those who witnessed the event. We left the demolished minaret of the mosque as it is. In 2002, we surrounded it and preserved it in this way for future generations," said Hadzic.

He said that the Republika Srpska (RS) army did not leave a single solid residence in Jasikovac during the war.

"We were born from our ashes, so to speak. By looking at the old photos of the mosque, you can clearly see what was the situation in the past, everything was destroyed,” said Hadzic.

He added the names of 31 soldiers martyred in Jasikovac were included in the monument in the courtyard of the mosque.

"We showed our morals during the days of struggle. We did not touch a church even though the church in Rastosnica was under construction during the war. Our religion commands us not to do such things. Thank God we came out of this struggle with our pride," he said.

Sakib Jusic, a trustee of Jasikovac Mosque, said the mosque, which was repaired in 2001, was of great importance for people in the region.  

614 mosques destroyed in war

According to Bosnia's Islamic Union, 614 mosques, 218 prayer rooms, 69 Quran course sites, four dervish lodges, 37 tombs, and 405 pieces of historical heritage that belong to Muslim foundations were destroyed.

A total of 534 mosques in territories controlled by Serb forces were destroyed, while 80 mosques were destroyed in territories under Croat forces.

According to the union, 80% of the 1,144 mosques in Bosnia were destroyed or damaged. In addition to the demolished mosques and other religious buildings, more than 100 imams were killed by Serb and Croat forces.

Bosnia has 1,912 mosques presently, according to statistics. A total of 789 mosques and prayer rooms that were destroyed were reopened for service, while 89 are waiting to be rebuilt.

After 15 years of restoration, the Ferhadija Mosque reopened on May 7, 2016, on the anniversary of its destruction thanks to extensive restoration work by Turkey’s state-run aid agency, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

The mosque was built in 1579 by Ottoman Sandzak Bey and Ferhat Pasha and is considered one of the greatest achievements of Ottoman-inspired Islamic architecture in Europe.

But during the Bosnian War. the mosque was demolished by the Army of Republika Srpska.

The first restoration project was launched in 2001 by the Bosnian Islamic Union but ran into difficulties because of a lack of resources.

TIKA took control of the restoration project in 2014./aa

China complained on Friday that "some US politicians" did not show up at a virtual briefing on Xinjiang province which “exposed their hypocrisy.” 

“China had invited some US politicians who claim to care about human rights in Xinjiang to attend Thursday’s video press meeting held by the Chinese Embassy in the US,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a news conference in Beijing.

The virtual briefing was organized after a US House of Representatives panel heard alleged atrocities against Uyghurs.

Wang termed it as “presumption of guilt” and “an anti-China farce,” according to Chinese daily Global Times.

China's alleged erosion of religious, cultural, and human rights for more than 1 million ethnic Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang in the last decade has enraged western countries, prompting sanctions against Chinese officials and firms.

Officials are accused of putting Uyghurs into concentration camps which China defines as re-education and training centers. Beijing vehemently denies rights violations of its citizens.

Beijing also demanded that Japan address “serious concerns” raised by the international community for its disposal of nuclear wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Nuclear Plant into the sea.

“Stop erroneous policies and practices that endanger the global marine environment and international public health security,” Wang said, addressing Tokyo.

He said China hopes Japan will “accept the substantive participation, verification, and supervision of the international community on the disposal of nuclear wastewater.”/aa

The US on Friday voiced extreme concern and called for an end to violence following a raid by Zionist police on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, Palestine. 

"The United States is extremely concerned about ongoing confrontations in Jerusalem, including on the Haram al-Sharif / Temple Mount and in Sheikh Jarrah, which have reportedly resulted in scores of injured people," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

"There is no excuse for violence, but such bloodshed is especially disturbing now, coming as it does on the last days of Ramadan.

"This includes Friday’s attack on Israeli soldiers and reciprocal ‘price tag’ attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank, which we condemn in no uncertain terms," said Price.

Washington calls on “Zionist and Palestinian officials to act decisively to deescalate tensions and bring a halt to the violence," he said.

"It is absolutely critical that all sides exercise restraint, refrain from provocative actions and rhetoric, and preserve the historic status quo on the Haram al-Sharif / Temple Mount – in word and in practice," he added.

Zionist police attempted to disperse worshippers inside the Haram al-Sharif area of Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday evening, using stun grenades and gas bombs.

The number of injured rose to more than 205 in Israeli attacks at Al-Aqsa Mosque, Damascus Gate of the Old City and Sheikh Jarrah district in East Jerusalem, the Palestinian Red Crescent said in a statement.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is the world's third-holiest site for Muslims. Jews call the area the "Temple Mount," claiming it was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times.

Zionist occupied East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. It annexed the entire city in 1980 in a move never recognized by the international community. 

Sheikh Jarrah evictions

Price also voiced concern about the potential eviction of Palestinian families in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighborhoods of Jerusalem.

"As we have consistently said, it is critical to avoid steps that exacerbate tensions or take us farther away from peace. This includes evictions in East Jerusalem, settlement activity, home demolitions, and acts of terrorism," said Price.

The spokesman said Washington urges both sides to "work cooperatively together to lower tensions, end the violence, and reinvigorate long-standing coordination mechanisms and relationships that have served their shared interests over the decades."

The Zionist Central Court in East Jerusalem approved a decision to evict seven Palestinian families from their homes in favor of right-win Zionist settlers at the beginning of 2021.

Zionist's Supreme Court delayed its ruling on their evictions on Thursday amid heated demonstrations and clashes between Palestinians and settlers. Another hearing has been scheduled for May 10.

Since 1956, a total of 37 Palestinian families have been living in 27 homes in the neighborhood. However, Jewish settlers have been trying to force them out on the basis of a law approved by the Zionist parliament in 1970.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were forced to flee their villages and towns in historical Palestine to neighboring countries including Jordan, Lebanon and Syria in 1948.

Zionist occupied East Jerusalem during the 1967 Arab- Zionist war. It annexed the entire city in 1980 in a move never recognized by the international community./aa

Muslims in Austria are enthusiastically grasping the month of Ramadan, despite homesickness and the coronavirus pandemic. 

Although after the changes made to the Islamic Law in 2015 that restricted some rights of Muslims and increased anti-Islamism that caused serious problems, around 800,000 Muslims of various ethnic origins continue to live here with a large number of religious institutions and organizations.

Muslims who have spent a second Ramadan during the pandemic are glad mosques are open for worship and that they can perform tarawih prayer -- special night prayers during the holy month of Ramadan -- in congregation by following the masks, distance and hygiene rules.

The faithful mostly miss the Ramadan they used to experience in their hometown.

Abdurrahman Yapici, an official at the Turkish-Islamic Cultural Associations (ATIB) mosque told Anadolu Agency that the fruitful month could not be grasped in the desired way due to the pandemic.

He said before the pandemic in Austria, iftar – fast-breaking -- tables were set up in mosques every night during Ramadan, but this year pre-prepared iftar packages were distributed to those in need because of COVID-19 measures.

"We are trying to explain to our Austrian brothers and sisters as much as we can about fasting, which is one of the basic acts of Islam. We state that this is not just about going hungry, we are expressing our spiritual gratitude to our Lord and trying to fulfill his order," he said.

Local market tradesmen in Vienna's 16th district Hasan Zel Abidin said he sold bakery products such as lahmacun at his buffet and that Ramadan went well in Austria but he suffered from thirst rather than hunger because he worked in front of a hot oven.

He said he had customers from Arab, Turkish and Austrian segments, but Arab and Turkish customers made high-volume orders shortly before iftar in Ramadan, which was tiring for him.

Sahin Tekiner, who has been operating bakeries and patisseries for about 35 years, said Ramadan has been good and he makes desserts and bread varieties for iftar and sahur -- the pre-fast meal eaten before dawn.

"We are trying to make pitas similar to Turkish pitas. So that our citizens can shop more comfortably. We are trying to fulfill the longing of the country," he said.

Tekiner said special food made for Ramadan has also drawn the attention of Austrians.

"They usually ask if they can find these food after Ramadan and we tell them they can only find them this month because Gullac and Ramadan pitas were specially made for the holy month,” he said. “They enjoy Gullac because it is a slight dessert."/aa

Muslim worshippers on Friday suffered an Islamophobic attack outside an Islamic center in east London. 

Worshippers and the mosque were pelted with eggs during the assault in the early morning hours outside the Ilford Islamic Centre. The attack occurred during the last 10 days of the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims remain at mosques from late night into the early morning.

“Today during Taraweeh prayers, our masjid was attacked by a few burly looking white men, shaven headed, in a drive past egg attack. They were driving a silver estate car,” according to the mosque that said the attack was caught on CCTV and no one was seriously injured.

“This was an Islamaphobic attack and highlights that there is still a hate element out there who will try their luck at any time so we urge everyone to remain vigilant, at all times,” it said as the Center urged fellow worshippers, especially women, to be vigilant and in the presence of friends and family.

Authorities, including London Metropolitan Police and the local council, have launched an investigation and are searching for perpetrators of the attack. No arrests have been made but police increased patrols in the area to prevent a similar attack.

Council leaders and politicians condemned the “truly appalling” and “disgraceful” attack and said such occurrences not only affect the Muslim community but society as a whole and sow the seeds of division and hatred at a time when the country needs unity.

“As I said earlier in the week, these sorts of disgraceful acts of violence and bigotry have no place in Ilford. I hope that the perpetrators are brought to justice. Solidarity with @ilfordmosque at this difficult time,” said Sam Tarry on Twitter. He is MP for Ilford, where the Islamic Centre is located.

Metropolitan Police released a statement reassuring worshippers of the “strong sense of community spirit” among the community and making clear that hate crimes will not be tolerated.

"This attack on worshippers at the Albert Road mosque is truly appalling and impacts on not only those who were present at the time, but our whole community. The council and police are working together to investigate this crime and support residents in the area. We will be closely monitoring the situation,” it said./aa

A former Chief Minister of India-administered Jammu and Kashmir wrote Friday to Indian Premier Narendra Modi, asking him to consider releasing Kashmiri prisoners lodged in Indian jails given the “horrendous situation” created by the coronavirus.

The letter said that worrying reports are trickling in about prisoners dying from infections and subsequent lack of medical attention.

“Most recent reminder of the lurking threat to their lives is the death of senior Hurriyat leader-Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai who lost his life because he contracted COVID-19 in jail and was deprived of medical care,” Mehbooba Mufti wrote.

Mufti who is president of regional mainstream political party, Peoples Democratic Party, said that at a time when the system is struggling to cope with the situation, the lives of prisoners may be the least priority.

“As far as Kashmir is concerned, it is no secret that thousands of detainees and political prisoners came to be arrested since Aug. 5, 2019 who continue to languish in jails despite throughout the world, most countries have released prisoners on parole in view of the alarming COVID-19 crisis,” Mufti wrote.

In a run-up to abrogate the special status of the Jammu and Kashmir region in 2019, hundreds of Kashmiris, including politicians, lawyers, businessmen were arrested by the Indian government.

“Most of them are detained under preventive detention and do not face any prosecution. Many continue to be held even after courts granted them bail. In such a situation, a democratic and civilised country like India should not drag its feet and must release all Kashmiri prisoners immediately,” she said.

She said she is hopeful that the Indian premier will give due consideration to the matter and order the release of prisoners.

-Disputed region

Kashmir is held by India and Pakistan in parts and claimed both in full. A small sliver of Kashmir is also held by China.

Since they were partitioned in 1947, the two countries have fought three wars -- in 1948, 1965 and 1971 -- two of them regarding Kashmir.

Some Kashmiri groups in Jammu and Kashmir have been fighting against Indian rule for independence, or unification with neighboring Pakistan.

According to several human rights organizations, thousands of people have reportedly been killed in the conflict in the region since 1989./aa

Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have reportedly censored, as well as deleted posts and hashtags related to the recent tensions in occupied Jerusalem. 

"Instagram and its parent, Facebook, have been censoring posts related to Sheikh Jarrah for at least the past day," independent website Mondoweiss, which is devoted to informing readers about developments in Israel, Palestine and related US foreign policy, said on Twitter.

It also retweeted a post that said Instagram has limited posts with hashtag #Jerusalem in English and Arabic.

Users on Twitter criticized social media companies for censoring content related to Sheikh Jarrah.

"Twitter is fighting the Palestinian content which exposes the crime of displacing Palestinians from Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, in Jerusalem," said NewPress, adding that its English account has been suspended by the "Twitter administration."

Another user, #SaveSheikhJarrah, said on Twitter that Instagram deleted "entire highlight of posts about what's going on in Palestine."

Settler activist and Deputy Mayor of occupied Jerusalem Aryeh King was caught on camera telling Muhammad Abu Hummus, a Palestinian activist from East Jerusalem, that it was a "pity" he did not get a bullet to his head.

Palestinians in Jerusalem have protested in solidarity with the residents of Sheikh Jarrah in recent days that has led to clashes with Israeli police.

Protests came as the Zionist Central Court in East Jerusalem approved a decision to evict seven Palestinian families from their homes in favor of Zionist settlers at the beginning of 2021.

Late Friday, the number of Palestinian injured rose to 205 in Israeli attacks at Al-Aqsa Mosque, Damascus Gate of the Old City and the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in East Jerusalem.

Israeli police attempted to disperse worshippers inside the Haram al-Sharif area of Al-Aqsa Mosque, using stun grenades and gas bombs.

Police attacked Muslim worshippers inside Al-Aqsa Mosque while worshippers were performing tarawih -- special night prayers during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is the world's third-holiest site for Muslims. Jews call the area the "Temple Mount," claiming it was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times.

Zionist occupied East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab- Zionist war. It annexed the entire city in 1980 in a move never recognized by the international community. / agencies

Friday marked day 10 of protests in Colombia, which began with demonstrators rejecting a tax reform bill passed by President Ivan Duque. 

Although the majority of protesters have been peaceful, frequent clashes between police and protesters have occurred.

At least 24 people have been killed and hundreds injured, according to officials. More than 379 people are considered missing, human rights organizations reported.

Videos on social media show police using what human rights groups have denounced as excessive force against demonstrators.

The UN and EU have condemned the deaths and urged that protests be respected.

Major cities are short on fuel, food and medical supplies because of roadblocks.

Although the country was initially plunged into nationwide protests against tax reform, it has since turned into broader demonstrations against police brutality, poverty and inequality.

Duque announced he would meet strike organizers to negotiate demands.

Mass marches and a national strike are planned during weekend./aa

   MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA)

At least nine children were killed Friday when a house collapsed after heavy rains here in the capital, according to an aid organization.

The children were rushed to hospitals but died from their injuries, said the Somali Red Crescent society.

"Sadly 9 children rushed to hospital following the collapse of a house in Mogadishu have succumbed to their injuries. Heavy rains have caused flash floods and structural damage" in the Bulo-hubey neighborhood of Wadajir district in Mogadishu, the Director of Organizational Development and Communications for the Somali Red Crescent Society, Abdulkadir Afi, said on Twitter.

"Rescue efforts ongoing and our Somali RC ambulances continue to attend to the wounded," he added.

Five of the children, all under 10 years old, were from the same family.

Mogadishu has seen hours-long heavy rain and terrestrial rain is expected across the country.

Kuwait denounced on Friday the construction of settlements by Zionist authorities and forced displacement of Palestinians in occupied Jerusalem. 

"Kuwait strongly condemns and denounces Zionist's continued construction of settlements, and its displacement and evacuation operations in East Jerusalem, particularly in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood,” Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Palestinians in Jerusalem have protested in solidarity with the residents of Sheikh Jarrah in recent days that have led to clashes with Israeli police.

Protests came as the Zionist Central Court in East Jerusalem approved a decision to evict seven Palestinian families from their homes in favor of Israeli settlers at the beginning of 2021.

Kuwait decried the settlements as violating principles of international law, undermining peace efforts and threatening stability in the region.

The statement urged the international community to “redouble its efforts to compel Zionists to stop such unilateral decisions, and to create the atmosphere for the resumption of peace talks based on international legitimacy decisions, the Arab Peace Initiative and the two-state solution.”

Since 1956, a total of 37 Palestinian families have been living in 27 homes in the neighborhood. However, illegal Jewish settlers have been trying to push them out on the basis of a law approved by the Israeli parliament in 1970.

In recent years, Palestinians have evacuated three homes in the neighborhood after Israeli court decisions./agencies