Latest news with #Amiri
Indian Express
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
World Refugee Day: An Iranian refugee in Pune dreams of a day when his motherland will become a democratic nation
Behzad Amiri, a 74-year-old Iranian refugee in Pune, dreams of a future when Iran will become a democratic nation. 'I don't know if I will be alive to see that day, but I'm sure one day Iran will become a democratic country,' said Amiri, speaking to The Indian Express ahead of World Refugee Day on June 20. Born in Iran's Bushehr province, Amiri lives in Pune. Before coming to India to pursue higher education at the age of 26, he completed compulsory two-year service in the Iranian Army, working with a special camp of the Shah of Iran. 'I did my BA in Economics from Wadia College in Pune. Then I took admission for a Masters course… But I went back to my country nearly two months after the Islamic Revolution of 1979, led by Ayatollah Khomeini. My father told me I should not have returned as the Islamic Republic in Iran would execute me. I supported democracy and have always been against the Islamic regime. So I left Iran. I went to Tehran and from there I came to India again and started living in Pune Camp,' he said. Amiri said he was blacklisted by the Islamic Republic in Iran. 'On August 26, 1982, I got refugee status in India' he said. Settling down in Pune, he married an Indian woman, Ismat, who passed away about 15 years ago. His son and daughter were born in India. He now stays on NIBM Road in Pune, with his son, who is an engineer working for a private firm. Amiri said his father was put behind bars by the Islamic regime and was later released. 'I lost my mother at an early age. My father once came to meet me in Pune. He went back after spending ten days with me. After a period of time, he died in Iran. But I could not attend his funeral as I would have got killed there. I avoided talking to my friends and relatives fearing it could get them in trouble… I started a new life in Pune with the help of supporters and well-wishers,' he said. Amiri is an active member of the National Movement of the Iranian Resistance (NAMIR), founded by Iran's former prime minister Shapour Bakthiar. He said NAMIR is a broad-based coalition of Iranian people, inside and outside the country, who are working for 'ending Islamic cleric's tyrannical, theocratic regime and its replacement by a democratic government, which will protect human rights.' 'While living in Pune, I joined NAMIR and had at least five telephonic interactions with Bakthiar, who had moved to France after the Islamic Revolution in Iran. He led NAMIR from Paris,' he said. Bakhtiar was murdered in France in 1991. 'Bakhtiar was pro-democracy. He gave us the slogan 'Iran Will Never Die'. Twice a year, NAMIR members spread in different countries meet online. Through NAMIR we continue to oppose the Islamic Republic in Iran and propagate the thought of establishing democracy,' Amiri said. Everyday Amiri circulates on WhatsApp several reports about various incidents in Iran, along with the slogan 'Iran Will Never Die'. Asked about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, he said, 'I am against the dictatorial Islamic regime in Iran. But I am also against the killing of ordinary citizens in Iran by Israel…. I have deep respect for Indian democracy. I want Iran to be a democratic nation like India.' In charge of NAMIR's India arm, Amiri has been active in holding events like 'International Day of Cyrus the Great'. During this programme, Amiri along with a few more Iranian nationals gather in Pune to remember 'Cyrus the Great', the King of Persia, who they said had 'declared the first charter of human rights in the world, also known as 'Cyrus Cylinder'. At the programme, they observe one-minute silence around a photo of 'Cyrus the Great' along with the flag of Iran before the 1979 Islamic revolution. Amiri said Iranians believe 'October 29 (7th of Aban)' is the anniversary of the entrance of Cyrus into Babylon. 'Cyrus was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire and is well-respected for his achievements in human rights, politics and military strategy. We Iranians want October 29 to be called Unity Day,' he said. Amiri has also held solidarity meetings of NAMIR in Pune to protest against the 'rule of anarchy in Iran' on the occasion of the anniversary of Iranian revolution of February 11, 1979.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
😳 What's going on here? Mainz lead by just one despite scoring four
😳 What's going on here? Mainz lead by just one despite scoring four This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here. 1. FSV Mainz 05 is really going for it today. Although they have a tough opponent in runner-up Bayer Leverkusen, the 05ers have been stepping on the gas pedal with both feet since the first minute and have already managed to get the ball past Hradecky four times. Nevertheless, the score is only 1:0. What's going on?! Advertisement The VAR is at it again. Both Amiri's goal in the 18th minute and Lee's goal in the 30th minute were (rightly) ruled out by the video referee. In the 33rd minute, when Hanche-Olsen pushed the ball over the line, Cologne's Keller had something to complain about. Leverkusen goalkeeper Hradecky had already touched the ball beforehand. A complete breakdown for Henriksen's team? Not at all! Just two minutes later, Paul Nebel put FSV in the lead after all, four goals later. This time also guaranteed without VAR. The Mainz team is really on a roll today 📈💪. 📸 Pau Barrena - 2025 Getty Images
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
How to watch Germany v Portugal, team news, predicted line-ups, pre-match quotes and more
Germany face Portugal in the Nations League semi-final in Munich on Wednesday night, with the winner progressing to face whoever comes out on top between Spain and France on Thursday night in the final on June 8. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the clash… Kick-off time 8pm UK time How to watch in the UK Streaming on Amazon Prime UK Injuries and suspensions Germany: Amiri (out), Bisseck (out), Havertz (out), Henrichs (out), Kleindienst (out), Musiala (out), Rudiger (out), Schlotterbeck (out), Stiller (out) Advertisement Portugal: Cancelo (out) Recent form Both of these sides were unbeaten in the six-match group stage and finished top of their respective groups. Germany triumphed over Italy in the quarter final, winning the first leg 2-1 away from home and got over the line by drawing 3-3 at home, despite giving up a three-goal halftime lead. Portugal beat Denmark 5-3 on aggregate after extra time in their quarter final, overcoming a 1-0 defeat in Denmark. Head-to-head Germany have won the last five meetings between the two sides, the last one being a 4-2 victory in the group stage of Euro 2020. Portugal's last victory was at Euro 2000 where they won 3-0 in the group stage. Predicted line-ups Germany (4-2-3-1): ter Stegen; Kimmich, Tah, Koch, Mittelstadt; Goretzka, Gross; Gnabry, Wirtz, Sane; Fullkrug Advertisement Portugal (4-3-3): Costa; Dalot, Dias, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Fernandes, Neves; Silva, Ronaldo, Jota What's been said? On hosting the finals in Germany, Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has said: 'It was our aim to reach the final four and host the tournament in our country. Our next aim is to win. I think the fans are happy as well that we will be hosting another tournament here in Germany [after UEFA EURO 2024].' 'We've taken some very good steps in uniting the fans with the team again and that is key if you are targeting great success. We are happy to have them behind us again and we are hopeful that we can put in two really good performances here in Germany.' Advertisement On facing Portugal in the semi final he said: 'They have a lot of great individual players and a very, very good manager. It will be a tough game for sure.' He also says they learned lessons from their scare against Italy after almost blowing a four-goal lead. 'We are still at a point where I think winning 4-0 would have been less valuable to our development than going through what we did. Being given a reminder to be on your toes at all times is certainly no bad thing, so I think we took a bigger step with [the result] than we would have done if we had won 3-0 or 4-0.' Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has emphasised his team's ambitions in the Nations League: 'We are going to try and win the Nations League. There aren't many opportunities in international football to win trophies, and there is nothing better than winning.' Amid rumours about the potential of Jose Mourinho coming in as Portugal manager he said: 'I have to be honest. I completely switch off from the noise surrounding the job every day. I have a responsibility, which is to work every day to create the best environment for the Seleção.' On the potential for Cristiano Ronaldo to start. he said: ''As the coach I have to take the best decisions for the team. I think that I've shown that I always do this, in a very professional and honest way. We constantly have to make decisions.'
Arab Times
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Negligence in Amiri Aircraft Deal: Jail Time Suspended for 3 Diwan advisors
KUWAIT CITY, June 2: The Misdemeanor Section in the Appeals Court suspended the prison sentence imposed on three former Amiri Diwan advisors accused of causing significant damage (estimated at $180 million of public funds) by withholding information from Kuwait Airways regarding a contract to equip an Amiri aircraft with an American company. The Misdemeanor Court had earlier sentenced them to three years in prison, fined them KD10,000 and dismissed them from their jobs on charges of negligence of their duties, breach of their duties, and abuse of power in and outside the country. Case files indicate they neglected and failed to fulfill their duties in supervising the implementation of a contract to equip, furnish and receive an Amiri aircraft and caused significant damage to public funds amounting to $180 million by withholding information from Kuwait Airways regarding the contract to equip the Amiri aircraft with an American company.
India Today
31-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
From hostility to hope: Afghanistan women's cricket sees a new dawn
In 2021, dread and despair returned for women in Ashraf Ghani-led government, backed by the United States, collapsed after the Taliban seized control of Kabul. With their return came rules and restrictions that became a nightmare for Afghan women: They were barred from studying, playing sports, or participating in activities that could offer them freedom or influence. Among the casualties under the Taliban regime was 2010, just a year after the Afghan men's team gained ODI status, the women's team was formed - defying long-standing beliefs that the world of sports was no place for women in the country. By 2020, 25 Afghan women cricketers had been awarded professional contracts, sparking hope that they too could rise to global acclaim - just like Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and other male stars. But those dreams were shattered in 2021 with the Taliban's return to power. 19 of those contracted players were forced to flee their homeland and seek refuge in Australia. Among them was Firooza Amiri, who has since found a new beginning - living safely in Australia and continuing to pursue her passion by playing club cricket.'Yes, it's been heartbreaking. Ever since the Taliban took over, I knew things were going to change - especially for women, and even more so for women athletes. I could sense that the situation would become much worse for us,' Amiri told India Today Digital in an exclusive away from everything I had worked so hard for over so many years was incredibly painful. But at the same time, I felt anger - and determination. I knew I couldn't give up, even in the face of that reality. So I made the decision to keep going, even if it meant starting over in a new country. And I did.'A BIGGER MISSION Firooza Amiri hails from Herat, a city in western Afghanistan. Courtesy: Getty Images Amiri hails from Herat, a city in western Afghanistan renowned for its rich literary heritage and historic landmarks, including the iconic Herat Citadel. Beyond its cultural significance, Herat also plays a key role in the country's football scene and even hosted the 2024-25 season of the Afghanistan Champions League at the Herat Football Federation for Amiri, it was cricket - not football - that captured her heart, thanks to the influence of her sister. Once she picked up a bat, her curiosity quickly turned into a burning passion. Driven by the dream of wearing the national jersey and representing Afghanistan, she never looked back. Today, that dream has evolved - Amiri is determined to be a trailblazer and help revolutionise women's cricket in her grew up in Herat, in the western part of Afghanistan. It's a city rich in culture, art, and architecture. Cricket isn't very popular there, especially for women, but my journey with the sport began thanks to my older sister, who's also a player. At first, I picked up the bat out of curiosity, but from the moment I held it, cricket became my passion,' Amiri said.'Even though Afghanistan doesn't currently have a women's national cricket team, playing was never just about the game for me. It became a deeper mission - I've always wanted to be one of the first girls to represent Afghanistan in cricket. I truly believe that I can be one of the girls who helps change the narrative for women in sports in our country.'advertisementMANIFESTING GREATNESS IN ADVERSARY Firooza Amiri and 19 other Afghanistan cricketers took exile in Australia. Courtesy: AFP 'The philosophy of the Taliban goes against everything I believe in. While the rest of the world is moving forward - empowering women to lead and succeed - they want to control and suppress women in Afghanistan. I strongly believe that every society needs women in leadership roles,' Amiri said.'Afghan women are incredibly strong, and I have no doubt they can lead - not just in sports, but in every field - if they're given the opportunity. And we've already seen that: when Afghan women are given a chance, they rise.'While many countries around the world are championing women's empowerment and fostering female leadership, Afghanistan has moved in the opposite direction - finding new ways to suppress and control its women. What began as acts of open defiance gradually faded, as many women were forced into silence, practicing in private and out of sight from the Taliban.'In the beginning, when the Taliban took over, there was some resistance. People tried to hold on to hope. I'm not in touch with many now, but I do know that some girls are still playing - still practicing quietly, in private. They're holding on to their passion in under the Taliban regime, doing that is incredibly risky. It's dangerous. And yet, despite that, some of them continue - because it means that much to them,' Amiri GUARDIAN ANGEL The Afghan women's cricketers fled their home country in 2021. Courtesy: AFP For Amiri and other Afghan women cricketers, former Australian cricketer Mel Jones was a guardian angel. She played a crucial role in helping 120 individuals - including Amiri, her teammates Nahida Sapan and Benafsha Hashimi, and their families - by arranging humanitarian visas that enabled their journey came at a heavy emotional cost. To avoid detection, the players had to burn their beloved cricket jerseys - symbols of their passion and pride. They travelled in small, discreet groups, as the journey from Afghanistan to Australia was fraught with danger at every step.'If I could describe Mel, I'd say she's an incredible person - truly an inspiring advocate for women's rights in sport. She was one of the few amazing women who stepped up and supported us when we needed it most. Mel used her platform, her voice, and her connections to bring attention to what was happening in Afghanistan,' Amiri dedicated so much of her time and effort to helping us - from assisting us in escaping Afghanistan to helping us settle in Australia. Our journey - mine and the other girls' - was filled with fear and uncertainty. But knowing that someone like Mel, along with other incredible women in Australia, was standing beside us gave us the strength and hope to begin again in a completely new country.'THE HOME AWAY FROM HOME The Afghan women returned to playing back in January. Courtesy: AFP The year 2025 has been a landmark one for Afghan women cricketers. In January, they played their first competitive match - a T20 game between the Afghanistan Women's XI and Cricket Without Borders XI - at the Junction Oval in Melbourne. The historic fixture took place just before the Day-Night Women's Ashes Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, adding to its and Melbourne have become home for Amiri and many of her teammates. Reflecting on the moment, Amiri described the experience as a feeling of home. She emphasised how important the match was - not just as a game, but as a statement. For these women, once silenced in a war-stricken nation, the match was proof that they were not merely refugees- they were athletes, determined to show the world who they truly are.'The match we played on the 30th of January was more than just a game - it was more than just cricket. It was our first official match in Australia, and for many of us, it was the first time in years that we could play freely. The crowd was incredibly supportive - it truly felt like home,' Amiri said.'Since arriving in Australia, I've felt that this country has given me everything to help make it my second home. But when we stepped onto the field that day, it wasn't just a feeling - it was home. For many of us, the cricket ground has always been a place where we feel we belong. We often say, the ground is home - and on that day, it truly was.''That match reminded us of who we are. After three years, we were cricketers again. We were not just refugees, not just victims - we were athletes, representing Afghanistan from afar. And that meant everything. It made us incredibly proud, knowing that we were also representing millions of Afghan women just by stepping onto that pitch,' Amiri MESSAGE TO THE WORLD Australia don't play bilateral cricket with Afghanistan. Courtesy: AFP Cricket Australia has been a vocal supporter of the growth of Afghan women's cricket. In protest against the Taliban's continued suppression of women in Afghanistan, Australia has refrained from engaging in any bilateral cricket series with the Afghan men's team. However, the two sides continue to face each other in ICC-sanctioned events.'Cricket Australia has played a huge leadership role in our lives - from the moment we left Afghanistan and began rebuilding in Australia, they've been there for us. They gave us every opportunity we needed to keep playing and to start a new life here,' Amiri said.'We will never forget that Cricket Australia was the first board to speak out for us. They were also the first to take a stand by cancelling a match against Afghanistan, sending a powerful message to the world about what it means to stand for equality and support women in sport,' Amiri said.'Their support has meant everything to us - not just as players, but as women whose voices needed to be heard.'NEED FOR MORE HELPING HANDS Women in Afghanistan are barred from playing cricket. Courtesy: AFP Amiri is not in contact with any current or former Afghan male cricketers, primarily due to safety concerns for both the players and their families.'No, unfortunately, I'm not in direct contact with any of the players. From what I've heard, many of them can't speak publicly - mostly for their own safety and the safety of their families.'But I believe that many of them are aware of what's happening to Afghan women, and I believe they understand how strong and determined we are in the face of everything,' Amiri she believes that the Afghan men's team - given their global recognition - has the power to make a meaningful statement in support of the growth of Afghan women's cricket.'Yes, absolutely. I believe they have the platform and the audience - even a single strong statement from them can make a global impact. I've come to realise the power of that influence, and I've decided to use it - not just for us, but for the future of Afghan sport, and for all those who still don't have a voice,' Amiri GIANT LEAP The ICC has come forward to help Afghanistan women's cricket. Courtesy: AFP After remaining in the shadows for quite some time, Afghan women cricketers have finally found a lifeline through the International Cricket Council (ICC), which has partnered with Cricket Australia (CA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide essential funding and support for their development. The initiative is only restricted to the bunch of cricketers who are in exile at the moment.'We have only just heard about the ICC funding and are waiting for more details, so we can't fully comment on it yet. However, we are very grateful that the ICC has acknowledged our journey and formed a task force. We hope that this task force includes voices from our community,' Amiri said.'Our goal remains to keep improving and to play for Afghanistan at the highest level possible. With continued support from the ICC, Pitch Our Future, and the Australian cricket community, we believe this is achievable,' Amiri PERRY FANDOM AND EMOTIONAL GOODBYE Firooza Amiri is a big fan of Virat Kohli and Ellyse Perry. Courtesy: Getty Images Amiri is a huge fan of Virat Kohli, the world record holder for the most centuries in ODIs. Today, ODI cricket is the only international format in which Kohli continues to play. He retired from T20 Internationals after last year's Men's T20 World Cup, and earlier in May, he brought an end to his Test career - finishing as India's fourth-highest run-scorer in the format.'It was very emotional to see him announce his retirement from this format. It truly feels like the end of an era. But above all, I'm so grateful to have been part of a generation that had the chance to watch him play and learn so much from him,' Amiri female cricketers, Amiri looks up to the legendary Ellyse Perry, who is not only known for her remarkable achievements in cricket but also for her rare feat of representing Australia in both cricket and football. Perry played for the Australian football team in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup and made her cricket debut at just 16. Since then, she hasn't looked back and continues to be a dominant force in women's sport.'There are many strong women who have changed the history of cricket in every country. Every cricketing nation has women who have made a lasting impact. But for me, Ellyse Perry has always been a huge inspiration.'I really admire her discipline and her calmness under pressure. She's not just an incredible player, but also a wonderful person - a great role model both on and off the field,' Amiri THE FIRE BURNING Afghanistan don't have a recognised women's team despite being ICC's full member. Courtesy: AFP Despite Afghanistan being a full member of the ICC, it remains a sobering reality that the country still lacks a recognised women's cricket team. However, with Cricket Australia stepping up and the ICC now extending its support, there is finally a glimmer of hope for the future of women's cricket in restrictions under the Taliban regime continue to stifle opportunities for female athletes, change is still possible. More voices like Firooza Amiri's are needed - people who are unafraid to speak out, challenge the status quo, and pave the way for a new will take brave individuals, determined to spark a revolution, to inspire young Afghan girls to pick up a bat - just like Amiri, Sapan, and so many others once did.
