American Islamic Scholars Issue Fatwa Against Terrorism

WASHINGTON (Republic Newswire) --A council of Islamic scholars in the US issued a religious ruling, called a fatwa, against terrorism.

The scholars, who interpret Islamic law for the Fiqh Council of North America, released the ruling during a press conference in Washington stating that Islam condemns terrorism, religious radicalism, and violence.

The council's chairman Muzammil Siddiqi read the fatwa saying that "suicide bombings or any other method of attack is forbidden, and those who commit these barbaric acts are criminals, not martyrs."

The Council on American-Islamic Relations believes the fatwa will stop terrorists from misinterpreting the Koran as a means to justify terrorism. Issuing a fatwa is the strongest statement the Islamic community can make.

This fatwa follows a similar ruling from the Muslim Council of Britain, prompted by the July 7 attacks in London.



Google News was used as a source.

Sony BMG Faces the Music

Company Busted for Payola

NEW YORK (Republic Newswire) -- Sony BMG has admitted to engaging in the illegal practice of bribing radio stations and DJs to play certain songs and agreed to pay a $10 million fine.

The artists whose songs were promoted through payola include Good Charlotte, Avril Lavigne, Jennifer Lopez, Maroon 5, and Jessica Simpson. In addition to cash, radio station staff also received items such as flat screen TVs, entertainment systems, laptops, PS2s complete with games, portable CD players, flights, hotel stays and car service.

Sony BMG and others have also been accused of rigging call-in requests for songs in order make a song seem more popular.

Universal Music Group, EMI Group, and Warner Music Group are also under investigation for payola.

New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer has called the problem "pervasive" and has even asked the FCC to consider revoking the licences of some of the stations involved.

Reuters and MTV were used as sources.

Government-Run Website Promotes USA PATRIOT Act

Propaganda Appears to be Site's Sole Purpose

(Republic Newswire) -- The site in question, www.lifeandliberty.gov, is run by the US Justice Department and seems to do nothing but sing praises to the law.

The website is the No. 2 result of a Google search for "USA PATRIOT Act". It even contains a page titled "Dispelling the Myths". However, all three "myths" relate to statements made by the American Civil Liberties Union, and the page seems to have the intention of discrediting the organization.

The "Passed by Congress" page cites the majority support in Congress back in October 2001. The "Congress Speaks" page quotes supporters (as of October 2001) from both houses of Congress but ignores the law's opponents.

Saddam Formally Charged

Criminal Case Now Filed against Former Iraqi Dictator

BAGHDAD -- The trial will begin in at least 45 days.

Saddam Hussein has now been charged with the July 8, 1982 murders of Shi'ite Muslims living in Dujail, a village north of Baghdad, which were carried out in retaliation for a failed assassination attempt. Saddam had 140 villagers executed and hundreds more tortured.

The trial date will be determined in a few days. Under Iraqi law, at least 45 days must pass between the filing of charges and the start of a trial.

Also named as defendants were Saddam's half-brother and former intelligence chief, Barazan Ibrahim; former Vice President Taha Yassin Ramadan; and former Revolutionary Court chief judge Awad Hamad al-Bander.

If convicted, Saddam could face the death penalty.

The Associated Press, the BBC, and Reuters were used as sources for this article.