• This Indian State Just BANNED Muslim Child Marriage

https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/indian-state-just-banned-muslim-child-marriage

Location: India 

In a groundbreaking move, the Indian state of Assam repealed the colonial-era Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorces Registration Act of 1935, effectively banning child marriage among its Muslim population. This decision, announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has sparked controversy and accusations of voter polarization ahead of the 2024 general elections. Sarma articulated the government's stance, stating, “This move marks another significant step towards prohibiting child marriages in Assam,” highlighting the act's outdated provisions that allowed marriage registration below the legal ages of 18 and 21. The law's repeal aligns with Assam's broader crackdown on child marriages initiated last year, amidst claims of targeting the Muslim community. Critics argue this measure serves both to address child marriage and subtly pave the way for a Uniform Civil Code, a proposed legal framework aimed at standardizing personal laws of all citizens regardless of religion, drawing sharp criticism from political opponents and leaders within the Muslim community who see this as an attempt to marginalize Muslims and provoke religious tensions.

• Pakistani Woman Nearly Lynched by a Mob for a 'Blasphemous' Dress 

https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/pakistani-woman-nearly-lynched-mob-blasphemous-dress

In a harrowing incident in Lahore, Pakistan, a woman narrowly escaped a mob lynching after her dress, adorned with Arabic calligraphy, was mistaken for containing Quranic verses, sparking blasphemy accusations. The ordeal began when the woman and her husband were shopping, and an enraged mob of 300 men demanded she remove the "blasphemous" garment. Despite the terrifying situation, local police intervened, rescuing the woman from potential harm. Assistant Superintendent of Police Shehrbano Naqvi played a pivotal role in defusing the situation, later stating, "Had I not screamed and had I not convinced the crowd that we will do something about it, It would have turned nastier… Thank God.” Religious scholars later confirmed that the contentious dress bore the word "halwa," meaning sweet or beautiful, and not Quranic text, highlighting a dangerous misunderstanding fueled by the mob's fervor. The woman, a devout Muslim, expressed remorse over the unintended offense, emphasizing her respect for Islamic teachings and her commitment to ensuring such a misunderstanding never recurs.

• ‘F*** Sharia’: Turkish Lawyer Arrested for Bold Tweet 

https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/f-sharia-turkish-lawyer-arrested-bold-tweet

Location: Turkey

In a bold expression of dissent, Turkish lawyer Feyza Altun faced imprisonment for her critique of Sharia law on social media, particularly highlighted by her forthright comment, “f*** sharia,” in response to an interaction with a confrontational Twitter user. This action led to her arrest by Istanbul's Beykoz Chief Public Prosecutor's Office under charges of inciting enmity or hatred towards a religious group, as defined by Article 216 of the Turkish Penal Code. Altun's defense in court was compelling and defiant, stating, “For me, what you call Sharia is the Taliban mind that stones women on the streets. In this context, I stand behind my word. That regime will not be implemented in this country either. Modern secular law rules apply in this country.” Her case sparked a significant online backlash, with campaigns for her arrest and personal threats against her. Despite the controversy, Altun remained steadfast, clarifying rumors about her personal life while reiterating her commitment to secular law and freedom of expression in Turkey.

• France Immediately Deports Radical Imam for Insulting National Flag

https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/france-immediately-deports-radical-imam-insulting-national-flag

Location: France

France demonstrated its stringent stance on hate speech and disrespect towards national symbols by deporting Tunisian Imam Mahjoub Mahjoubi, who made derogatory remarks about the French flag, labeling it "satanic" and asserting it held "no value with Allah." French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin swiftly responded to the controversy, leveraging the country's recent immigration reforms to expedite Mahjoubi's expulsion, stating, “The radical ‘Imam’ Mahjoub Mahjoubi has just been expelled from the national territory, less than 12 hours after his arrest. This is the demonstration that the Immigration law, without which such a rapid expulsion would not have been possible, makes France stronger. We won’t let anything go.” Mahjoubi's remarks not only disparaged the tricolor but were also part of broader hate speech allegations, including against Jewish people, according to French media. Despite his subsequent apology and claims of a "slip of the tongue," Mahjoubi faces the consequences of France's stricter immigration laws, designed to deport individuals who pose a "grave threat to public order" or undermine the values of the Republic.

• LEAKED Report Reveals Iran's Silent Revolution Against Islam 

https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/irans-silent-revolution-against-islam

Location: Iran 

The silent revolution brewing in Iran against Islamic orthodoxy is palpable, with a groundbreaking study by the Islamic Republic's Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance unveiling a dramatic shift towards secularism. According to the confidential report, leaked to Iran International, a staggering 73% of Iranians now support the separation of religion from state, a significant leap from less than 31% in 2015. This surge in secular sentiment is a direct response to the Mahsa Amini protests, marking a profound challenge to the regime since its 1979 inception. The study, drawing on responses from over 15,800 Iranians across all provinces, highlights a societal pivot away from religious adherence, with 85% observing a decline in religiosity over the past five years. Moreover, a notable 81% anticipate this trend to continue, contrasting sharply with the mere 7% who felt more religious and the 8% who saw no change. Attitudes towards the mandatory hijab have also evolved, with 38% expressing tolerance towards non-compliance, a significant shift from 10.6% in 2015. Furthermore, the study reveals that only 11% regularly engage in congregational prayers, while 45% have never attended Friday prayers, and 19% have never read the Quran. This data underscores a critical and growing divergence from the government's Islamist ideology, suggesting a future Iran potentially anchored more in secular governance than in religious mandate.