- The Vile Way a UK Muslim Charity Shamed Women Who Don't Wear Hijab
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/vile-way-uk-muslim-charity-shamed-women-who-dont-wear-hijab
Location: United Kingdom
A newly registered Islamic charity in the United Kingdom, the One True Message Foundation (OTMF), is under fire for a viral video comparing women who don’t wear hijab to “unwrapped sweets,” sparking widespread outrage. In the video, OTMF trustee Faisel Qarni states, “I have two sweets, yeah, one I open the wrapper and I throw it on the floor, yeah, and I tread on it a little bit. The other one I leave in the wrapper, and I throw it on the floor, and I tread on it. One’s in the wrapper, one’s not. I pick both of them up, and I say take one. Which one are you going to choose? … Case closed.” The National Secular Society (NSS) and other campaigners have called for the Charity Commission to revoke OTMF’s charitable status, with NSS campaigns officer Alejandro Sanchez condemning the video as “deeply misogynistic,” stating, “The law, as currently implemented, is allowing charities registered under 'the advancement of religion' to spread misogyny with impunity.” Maryam Namazie of the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain added, “This is exactly why modesty culture is the extension of rape culture. It always blames the victim, never the perpetrator.”
- Why Iran Raided a “Satanist” Concert and Arrested Hundreds
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/why-iran-raided-satanist-concert-arrested-hundreds
Location: Iran
Last weekend, Iranian authorities arrested over 260 people at an underground music festival, labeling the event a “Satanist gathering.” The mass arrests, which took place in the Shahriar area of Tehran province, included 146 men and 115 women, who were charged with participating in an unauthorized gathering and consuming alcohol. According to the state-run Tasnim News Agency, attendees were adorned with "signs and symbols of Satanism" on their attire and accessories, and authorities seized alcohol, psychedelic drugs, and 73 vehicles. The incident follows the deaths of Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a helicopter crash on May 19th, adding to the turmoil. All individuals except the event organizer have since been released, with three European nationals among those initially detained.
- Insult to Islam? Lebanon Targets Lesbian Comic Over Prayers Jokes
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/insult-islam-lebanon-targets-lesbian-comic-over-prayers-jokes
Location: Lebanon
An openly lesbian Lebanese comedian faces blasphemy charges from Islamic authorities over a viral sketch mocking Muslim prayers. Shaden Fakih's crude jokes about Lebanon's religious and political factions have sparked outrage, with the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council accusing her of "the crimes of blasphemy, insulting religious rituals and stirring sectarian...strife." The Grand Mufti also ordered a complaint against Fakih for "insult and blasphemy against the divine glory and Prophet Muhammad." As human rights activist Jad Shahrour stated, "The idea that someone could be arrested...harassed and subjected to death threats just for expressing views that may contradict certain societal norms...is unacceptable." Fakih is no stranger to legal troubles over her comedy, having faced a military summons in 2021 for "insulting" security forces. The case highlights Lebanon's contradictions between liberal freedoms and religious conservatism.
- Anti-Islam Message on Pizza Receipt Leads to Police Investigation in Malaysia
Location: Malaysia
Authorities in Malaysia have launched an investigation after a Domino’s Pizza receipt containing a derogatory message mocking Islam was circulated online. The incident, which occurred on May 15th in Penang, prompted police to open cases for “hurting religious feelings” and “using insulting or abusive words with intent to provoke a breach of peace.” Superintendent Kamarul Rizal Jenal stated, “We urge the public to refrain from speculation which could threaten public order.” Domino’s Pizza condemned the incident, emphasizing, “We do not tolerate discrimination or aggression of any kind.” Four foreigners have been arrested in connection with the case, underscoring the serious nature of the offense.
- WTF: Spider-Man Gets Arrested During Eid Prayer in Turkey
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/wtf-spider-man-gets-arrested-during-eid-prayer-turkey
Location: Turkey
In a surprising twist, Turkish influencer Ayaz Koç, known as "Turkey’s local Spider-Man," was arrested on April 10th for attending an Eid al-Fitr prayer at a mosque in Hatay while dressed in a full Spider-Man costume. Koç, who has been traveling across Turkey to uplift earthquake victims, had arrived in Hatay, the 32nd city in his journey, as part of his mission to cheer up those affected by the earthquakes that devastated Turkey and Syria, killing 53,000 people and destroying 38,000 buildings. "I was going to the Eid prayer. After I washed my hands and face, the people responded positively," Koç explained in a video message. However, his masked appearance caused unease among worshippers, leading to police intervention after reports of a suspicious masked man. Videos showed officers attempting to forcibly remove Koç’s mask and eventually handcuffing him. “They forced me to the ground, handcuffed me, and stepped on my feet,” Koç recounted, visibly emotional and injured, stating he was unable to walk. After clarifying his intentions, Koç was released. Despite the ordeal, Koç reiterated his commitment "to spread joy" and fulfill his dream of visiting all 81 provinces in Turkey.
- Reacting to Memes of the Mysterious Death of Iran’s Murderous President
Location: Iran
Ebrahim Raisi, the Iranian President infamously dubbed the "Butcher of Tehran" for his role in the mass execution of thousands of political prisoners back in 1988, shockingly met his end in a mysterious helicopter crash on May 19th, 2024! The fatal incident, which authorities blamed on foggy conditions near the Azerbaijani border, also claimed the lives of other high-ranking officials. But many don’t buy the "bad weather" excuse in Iran's highly charged political atmosphere.
Iranians worldwide danced in the street and distributed sweets, celebrating and mercilessly mocking the demise of this brutal hardliner cleric, notorious for oppressing his own people. And boy, were the memes and jokes on Persian-Twitter hysterical!
Join the Atheist Republic team as Armin and Susanna react to the most hilarious ones. They also dove into the juiciest conspiracy theories circulating about what really caused Raisi's untimely death. While some pointed fingers at Israel, Armin had insider insights that you won't hear anywhere else - there were whispers that the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei himself was behind it! It was one episode you couldn't afford to miss, make sure to tune in.
