Islamophobia

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

An Illinois man has been sentenced to 53 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of a six-year-old Palestinian-American boy in what prosecutors described as a hate-motivated attack.

Joseph Czuba, 71, was convicted earlier this year of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and aggravated battery after he attacked Wadea Al-Fayoume and the boy’s mother, Hanaan Shahin, at their home in Plainfield Township in October 2023. Authorities said Czuba targeted the victims because of their Muslim faith and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

During sentencing on Friday, the judge described the act as “brutal and senseless,” emphasising the need for justice and deterrence in cases driven by hate.

Wadea, who had recently celebrated his sixth birthday, was stabbed 26 times. His mother, who survived the attack, suffered multiple stab wounds and continues to recover.

The case drew national attention and widespread condemnation, with civil rights groups calling for greater protection of Muslim and Arab-American communities amid rising tensions.

Czuba showed no remorse during the hearing. His attorneys said they plan to appeal the conviction.

By Muhsin Ibrahim

World leaders, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, took to social media on Friday to mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, calling for unity and action against discrimination.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Guterres emphasized the need to address rising anti-Muslim hate worldwide. “Islamophobia is an affront to human rights and the values of the UN. We must stand together to promote tolerance, understanding, and mutual respect,” he wrote.

Several heads of state and government officials echoed similar sentiments. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reaffirmed his country’s commitment to fighting religious discrimination, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called for global solidarity against Islamophobia.

The International Day to Combat Islamophobia was designated by the UN in 2022 and is observed annually on March 15. It aims to raise awareness of prejudice against Muslims and promote inclusive societies.

Advocacy groups have urged governments to go beyond statements and implement concrete policies to tackle hate crimes and discrimination against Muslims.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Salwan Momika, the Iraqi refugee known for organizing Quran-burning demonstrations in Sweden, was shot and killed on Wednesday night in Södertälje, near Stockholm.

According to Swedish authorities, police responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment building, where they found Momika with multiple gunshot wounds. He was later pronounced dead. Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the shooting as investigations continue.

Momika gained international notoriety in 2023 for desecrating copies of the Quran, sparking widespread protests and condemnation from Muslim-majority countries. He moved to Sweden in 2018 and had been granted a three-year residence permit.

At the time of his death, he was facing trial for incitement to hatred, with a verdict scheduled for Thursday morning. The court has since postponed the ruling.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed that the country’s security service is involved in the investigation, citing possible foreign links to the killing.

Authorities are yet to disclose a motive, but the killing has raised concerns over tensions surrounding Momika’s controversial actions.