A London-based Imam, Ashraf Osman, has been sentenced to 3 months in prison for forcing a teenage couple into marriage in November 2023. The couple, both 16 at the time of the wedding, had reportedly approached the Imam to perform their nuptials.
According to reports, the 52-year-old Imam had accepted two charges related to performing underage marriages. During the trial, Osman claimed that he was unaware that the couple was underage when they married in November 2023. However, the court found him guilty of forcing the couple into marriage.
The judge noted that no physical or emotional abuse was involved in the marriage, and that the couple had willingly agreed to the nuptials. However, the court also found that Osman had taken a £50 fee to perform the wedding certificate.
Osman’s defense team argued that this was the first time he had made a mistake in his 20-year career as an Imam, and that he had been unaware of the changes in the law. Osman left the court without making any public statements.
Meanwhile, a new plan to combat drought has been implemented in the United Arab Emirates. According to reports, artificial rain showers will be used to alleviate the region’s water shortage.
In other news, US President Donald Trump has stated that Russia’s President Putin has been told that the Ukraine conflict must come to an end. Saudi Arabia has announced the execution of a Pakistani citizen in the Makkah region.
In Libya, 76 foreign nationals have been taken into custody during a security operation. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reported that over 1.48 million pilgrims performed the Umrah ritual during the month of Rajab.
In a separate incident, a 54-year-old Indian man, Singh Raj, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for abducting and murdering a woman in 2022. The court also imposed a fine of over 2.1 lakh rupees on the defendant.
Nasa’s senior astronaut, Sunita Williams, has expressed her enthusiasm for the Artemis II mission, stating that it is a significant step forward for space exploration and that the experience will provide valuable insights.
US President Donald Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Wietkof, has stated that progress has been made in the Ukraine conflict and that the situation is nearing its end.
In a separate incident, a priest was forced to clean up animal waste in India. The incident sparked outrage, with many calling for the perpetrators to be held accountable.
In other news, a new plan to combat drought has been implemented in the United Arab Emirates. According to reports, artificial rain showers will be used to alleviate the region’s water shortage.
The police have identified three individuals, including a resident of Sargodha, who were involved in a separate incident involving animal cruelty. The police have stated that the individuals were involved in a conspiracy to abuse and kill animals.
Meanwhile, Bollywood actress Sanya Malhotra has spoken out about the challenges she faced when she first started her acting career. Malhotra revealed that her mother had threatened to cut her fingers if she pursued a career in acting, which was considered a taboo profession at the time.
In a separate incident, the management of a market in India has been asked to explain why they failed to maintain the area despite being charged a significant amount of money for maintenance. The police have stated that the management has failed to provide adequate facilities, including clean water and sanitation, to the residents of the area.
The police have also stated that the animals involved in the incident, including five lionesses, three lions, and three cubs, were kept in a factory in the Nawa Kot area. The police have launched an investigation into the incident and have vowed to take action against those involved.
