TUNIS: Migration activists are sounding the alarm this week about mass expulsions and arbitrary arrests in Tunisia, where authorities are seeing more migrants arrive for attempted Mediterranean crossings from the North African nation to Europe.
The Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights on Monday accused the government of waging a campaign of repression against migrants at the expense of humanitarian concerns, “to satisfy European blackmail and ensure a steady stream of financial and logistical support.”
It said in a statement that witness accounts indicated the situation had become particularly dire around Tunisia’s borders with Libya and Algeria as well as around the country’s second most populous city, Sfax, a common stopover point for migrants aiming to cross the Mediterranean.
The nongovernmental organization said that migrants in Sfax, which is 117 miles (188 kilometers) from the Italian Island of Lampedusa, regularly experience arbitrary arrests and violence. Many have their property destroyed.
Such treatment hasn’t been limited to migrants who enter Tunisia without authorization and has extended to refugees, students, and workers, the group said.
It said it had received frequent reports of mass expulsions across the Algerian and Libyan borders. In Algeria, that has included migrants being deported into the desert regardless of weather conditions. In war-torn Libya, deportations often lead to migrants ending up in detention centers run by armed groups.
Tunisian officials have said small groups of migrants have been pushed back across the country’s desert borders but disputed reports of systemic abuse and expulsions.
The Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights implored the government to end the deportations, provide migrants safe haven and update laws to allow those without papers to obtain some sort of legal status.
“Sovereignty is not achieved by intimidating vulnerable groups and resorting to outdated laws and discriminatory circulars, but rather by initiating national policies that guarantee dignity, rights and freedoms for all humans,” it said.
Tunisia faces increased scrutiny over how it deals with migrants. More than 97,000 people crossed the Mediterranean from Tunisia to Italy in 2023, according to UNHCR. Tunisian migration groups estimate there are between 20,000 and 50,000 sub-Saharan migrants in the country.
Tunisian authorities receive financial assistance from Europe to help police borders. The country brokered a $1 billion euro ($1.1 billion) aid agreement in July that included a pledge of 105 million euros ($110 million) earmarked for migration.
Despite the aid, President Kais Saied has insisted that Tunisia will not become Europe’s “border guard” or accept migrants that European politicians, including ascendant right-wing leaders, don’t want.
Saied last year faced allegations of racism after calling the presence of sub-Saharan African migrants part of a “criminal plan to change the demographic makeup of the country.”
Tunisian group accuses authorities of mass expulsions of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa
Tunisian group accuses authorities of mass expulsions of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Madeo’s at VIA Riyadh
Madeo at VIA Riyadh offers a charming Italian experience, bringing the warmth and flavors of Italy to Saudi Arabia.
Known for its classic pasta and pizza, Madeo excels in creating dishes that are simple yet packed with flavor. The live pasta station allows diners to watch as chefs prepare favorites like penne Madeo, featuring tomato sauce, basil, and Parmigiano Reggiano — a comforting and classic Italian taste.
Another favorite is the melanzane alla parmigiana, a dish combining layers of eggplant, mozzarella, and tomato sauce to create a hearty, cheesy delight.
The pizza selection includes the four-cheese pizza, which brings together gorgonzola, mascarpone, goat cheese, and mozzarella, topped with a hint of truffle oil for an aromatic finish.
The burrata pizza, featuring fresh and sun-dried tomatoes, adds a balance of creamy and tangy flavors that’s simply delightful.
For dessert, diners can enjoy Madeo’s classic tiramisu or hazelnut-filled profiteroles, both of which bring a sweet, satisfying end to the meal. Drinks like the basil smash, a mix of basil leaves, apple juice, and tonic, and the amaretto sour with orange and lemon juice, add refreshing options to complement the Italian flavors.
One downside is that parking at VIA Riyadh is not complimentary, which could be inconvenient for some guests.
Nevertheless, Madeo’s warm ambiance, authentic Italian dishes, and live Italian music make it a perfect destination for anyone looking to enjoy Italian cuisine in a lively setting.
For more information, check their Instagram @madeoristorante.sa.
Old school, new love: Analog tech captures hearts in Saudi Arabia
- Community bound by love of old gadgets that help enrich the present
RIYADH: In an era marked by digital convenience, analog technology is steadily making a comeback, with everything from vinyl records to film cameras experiencing a renaissance around the Kingdom.
Driven by a blend of nostalgia, artistry, and an appreciation for the tactile, this resurgence reflects a deeper cultural shift toward mindfulness and intentionality.
Arab News spoke to enthusiasts and entrepreneurs about the beauty, challenges, and personal connections that analog offers over its digital counterparts.
For music lovers, vinyl offers an experience that is impossible to replicate digitally. Fawaz Al-Sulaim, owner of Bohemia Records, said: “Experiencing music through vinyl or cassette brings you closer to it, like you’re there with the artists in the studio. You go through every song on the album as intended.”
Vinyl’s allure lies not just in its sound but also in its tangible presence. Holding a vinyl record offers a sense of ownership often missing in digital music, where ownership is more of a fleeting license.
Al-Sulaim said: “Analog represents physical media coming back — not just in a technical sense but as something people can hold on to.”
HIGHLIGHTS
• As Saudi Arabia invests in art, culture, and heritage, there is hope that analog’s value will continue to be recognized and supported.
• With the rise in interest, local communities and businesses are emerging to cater to this renewed passion for analog.
This revival is not limited to vinyl. Bohemia Records has seen an increase in CD sales, suggesting that physical formats resonate with people’s desire to own and cherish music collections.
The appeal of analog does not stop at music. In photography, the return to film presents a refreshing contrast to digital’s immediacy.
Haitham Al-Sharif, founder of Haitham Studio Film Lab in Riyadh, spoke to Arab News about film photography’s unique character, saying: “Film requires patience, thought, and a connection with the moment. You’re fully present, considering every exposure.”
Al-Sharif, who began his film processing journey at home, has seen a surge in Saudi interest, with his studio now serving thousands across the Gulf region.
Haitham Studio’s clients include people from seasoned photographers to students experimenting with their parents’ vintage cameras.
He said: “People come in for graduations, weddings, and even casual shots with disposable film cameras. Each frame has meaning, and the photographer remembers every shot.”
Running a film lab, however, is not without challenges. “We rely on older machines, specialized chemicals, and skilled technicians, which aren’t always easy to source locally,” Al-Sharif explained, adding that the support of Saudi Arabia’s growing art and tourism sectors could enhance this particular industry’s growth.
For retro tech enthusiasts like Zain Al-Mansour, the appeal goes beyond functionality. He said: “Listening to music on vinyl or snapping pictures with a vintage camera offers a joy that’s similar to making espresso — you savor the process as much as the end result.”
With an affinity for devices that evoke memories, Al-Mansour recently acquired a first-generation Tamagotchi, to help rediscover the simplicity and wonder of childhood technology.
Analog devices engage users on a personal level, prompting a more deliberate interaction than today’s instant gratification.
Al-Mansour said: “Retro tech is fascinating because it takes you back to a simpler time. The aesthetics of these devices, the physicality, and even the sounds they make add to their charm.”
For others, analog represents a form of self-expression. Bashayer Al-Bloushi sees a unique beauty in analog’s imperfections, which bring out details often missed in digital formats.
“Film photography forces you to capture moments with intention. There’s no instant review, so you’re careful about each frame,” she said.
For Al-Bloushi, analog provides a richer experience that digital cannot offer, allowing for a deeper connection to each captured moment.
Saja Al-Zahrani spoke about how analog media lets people embrace a slower, more mindful approach.
Al-Zahrani said: “There’s a warmth in vinyl’s crackle or film’s grain that digital can’t match.
“With analog, people reconnect with something real, something authentic.”
This tactile experience of using film or vinyl requires more focus, turning each interaction into a rewarding moment.
The value of analog media extends beyond nostalgia for Ebtsam Al-Dossary. Having grown up with film cameras, she sees them as reliable memory-keepers.
She said: “A camera doesn’t just store images; it keeps your memories safe. Digital files can vanish, but a physical photo endures.”
For Al-Dossary, the resurgence of analog formats is not just a trend; it’s a meaningful way to capture and remember moments more authentically.
As digital convenience reigns, this analog revival may underscore a collective yearning for experiences that slow us down, engage our senses, and encourage a mindful appreciation of art, music, and memories.
Whether it is the crackle of a vinyl record, the anticipation of developing a roll of film, or the tactile joy of a retro gadget, analog’s comeback offers a refreshing alternative to the fast-paced digital world.
In today’s digital landscape, the resurgence of analog offers a bridge between past and present, inviting us to reconnect with timeless traditions and meaningful experiences.
For enthusiasts across Saudi Arabia, this revival is about more than simply reverting to older technology — it is about rediscovering a different kind of connection, one in which every sound, image, and moment is fully appreciated.
Analog’s revival is redefining how Saudi society interacts with technology, pushing back against the trend of disposability and transient media. Each record played, photo developed, or gadget cherished represents a conscious choice to engage deeply with the experience.
Analog enthusiasts find joy in the imperfections, the weight of physical media, and the permanence these formats offer — qualities that digital often lacks.
With the rise in interest, local communities and businesses are emerging to cater to this renewed passion for analog. Haitham Studio and Bohemia Records are not just stores but spaces for Saudi artists, photographers, and music lovers to connect and share their passions. These communities thrive on a shared understanding of the value in slowing down and appreciating the process, rather than just the result.
In Riyadh, Al-Sharif has seen the effect firsthand. “We see customers coming back weekly, sometimes with friends, eager to develop their latest film rolls or browse the latest records,” he said. This sense of community is not just about shared interests; it is about shared values.
While the digital world offers unprecedented convenience and accessibility, analog serves a different purpose. Al-Sharif believes that both can coexist harmoniously. “Digital is essential for instant documentation, but analog is about timeless experiences,” he said.
Al-Zahrani, too, emphasizes that analog does not negate the value of digital but rather offers an alternative that complements it. “Both formats have their place, but analog asks something of you: it asks you to be present, to commit to the moment,” she said.
As Saudi Arabia invests in art, culture, and heritage, there is hope that analog’s value will continue to be recognized and supported. Whether through dedicated spaces like Haitham Studio or local events celebrating vintage tech, these efforts help sustain a trend that is not only about looking back but also about enriching the present.
The resurgence of analog formats is a reminder that technology can be more than just a tool. It can be an experience, a memory, and a form of art.
Pakistan dispatches 19th relief consignment to Syria amid conflicts in Middle East
- Pakistan says it will continue to support people affected by Israel’s military campaign in the region
- Since the beginning of the war in Gaza, Pakistan has called for a ceasefire at the UN, other forums
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) dispatched its 19th relief consignment on Sunday to help war-affected people in Syria and refugees from Lebanon, according to an official statement, reaffirming the country’s commitment to supporting those impacted by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
The aid shipment, sent in collaboration with the Pakistani charity Al-Khidmat Foundation, consisted of 17 tons of humanitarian supplies, including buckets, powdered milk, tinned food, family packs, sleeping bags and medical kits.
The consignment departed via a chartered flight from Jinnah International Airport in Karachi to Damascus in Syria.
“This 19th consignment has been dispatched for the people of Syria and refugees from Lebanon,” the NDMA said in its statement. “Prior to this, the Government of Pakistan has sent 12 aid consignments to Palestine and six shipments to Lebanon, with a total volume of 1,722 tons.”
The statement reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the people of Palestine and Lebanon who are in distress due to Israel’s military campaigns in the region.
It also emphasized the importance of collaboration by welfare organizations and the Pakistani public in strengthening the government’s efforts to assist those in need.
Pakistan has already established a special fund titled the “Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for Gaza and Lebanon,” inviting public donations.
Since the beginning of the war in October last year, Pakistan has called for a ceasefire in Gaza and has raised the issue at the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other international forums, urging an end to Israeli military actions and a resolution to the humanitarian crisis.
Lebanon says 1 dead, 9 wounded in Israeli strike on Beirut
BEIRUT: Lebanon’s health ministry said one person was killed and nine others wounded in an Israeli strike on Sunday evening in central Beirut.
“The Israeli enemy strike on Mar Elias Street in Beirut led to the death of one person and wounded nine others, two of them critically,” a health ministry statement said.
Women in Pakistan’s Karachi protest against honor killings, rising extremism
- Participants of the rally say Karo-Kari is ‘rampant’ in Sindh, oppose marriages to settle disputes
- Protesters also raise concern about proposed amendments to Pakistan’s water distribution system
KARACHI: Hundreds of women marched in Karachi on Sunday to protest honor killings, rising extremism and social injustices, while voicing concerns over proposed changes to Pakistan’s water distribution mechanism earlier this year, which southern provinces argue are detrimental to their interests.
The rally, organized by Sindhiyani Tehreek, a women-led movement supported by civil society groups, drew demonstrators from across Sindh who marched from Regal Chowk to the Karachi Press Club.
Dr. Marvi Sindhu, the central general secretary of the movement, highlighted the threat of so-called honor killings, locally referred to as Karo-Kari. These killings target individuals accused of engaging in illicit relationships or marrying against their families’ wishes, often as a means to restore the perceived honor of the family.
“We are raising our voices against the rampant killing of women in the name of honor in Sindh,” she told Arab News. “We are also here to raise our voices against rising religious extremism.”
Sindhu said Karo-Kari was “alarmingly rampant” in northern Sindh, though she noted other socially conservative practices also undermined the interests and wellbeing of women.
“Women are married to settle disputes or murder cases [in the province], only to face harassment [from their in-laws] for the rest of their lives,” she continued, urging Pakistan’s senior judiciary to form a commission to address such issues.
Amar Sindhu, a professor and member of the Women’s Action Forum, echoed similar concerns, saying the rise in extremist ideologies was deepening social injustices and threatening women’s safety in Sindh.
“We stand united against these injustices and demand action to protect women from violence and oppression,” she said.
Sindhiyani Tehreek, founded in 1980, has been a prominent force in the province, advocating for women’s rights, social justice and the preservation of Sindhi culture. The movement also has a long history of resistance against authoritarian rule, gender-based violence and environmental degradation.
Apart from social and gender issues, the protest also highlighted proposed amendments to the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) Act, 1992, introduced in July to restructure Pakistan’s water regulatory authority.
Key changes include appointing a permanent federal chairman to the authority, replacing the current rotational system where provincial representatives take turns leading IRSA.
The movement’s general secretary condemned the amendments as “unlawful,” warning they could exacerbate interprovincial disputes and deprive Sindh of its rightful share of water.
“Sindh deserves its share of water to sustain its crops, mangroves and marine life,” she said.
