And finally… bend the knee
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Muslim men who skip Friday prayers face imprisonment for up to two years under new rules introduced in part of Malaysia.
The harsh new penalties were introduced in the state of Terengganu – home to 1.1 million people – this week, The Guardian reports.
The state previously punished those who missed three consecutive Friday prayers with up to six months’ imprisonment or a fine of up to 1,000 ringgit (around €203 or £176).
The strengthened penalties can be imposed on first-time offenders.
Terengganu state legislator Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi said: “This reminder is important because Friday prayers are not only a religious symbol but also an expression of obedience among Muslims.”
Asia Human Rights and Labour Advocates (AHRLA) has called on the Malaysian prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, to intervene and scrap the “draconian law”.
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