Bengaluru Archbishop welcomes Karnataka government’s move to repeal anti-conversion law
Bengaluru: Archbishop of Bengaluru diocese, Dr. Peter Machado on Thursday commended and welcomed the Karnataka government's move to repeal the Anti-Conversion law that was passed by the previous BJP government. Machado who also serves as the President of the Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops' Council and All Karnataka United Forum for Christian Human Rights, has expressed his appreciation on behalf of the entire Christian community in the state, read a press release.
"The repeal of this highly contentious bill stands as a commendable and crucial step towards upholding fundamental rights," stated the Archbishop, highlighting that it supports the unwavering stance adopted by the Church and the Christian community.
He further elaborated, stating, "It reaffirms our unwavering belief that this legislation not only infringed upon the freedom of religion for individuals but also directly contradicted the provisions enshrined in Article 25 of the Indian Constitution. Article 25 guarantees the freedom to practice, profess, and propagate any religion, which is an indispensable right for maintaining a society that embraces diversity and pluralism. Christians will steadfastly continue their endeavors within the framework of the Indian Constitution, serving the state and the nation, while extending their outreach to all individuals, regardless of caste and creed, with a special emphasis on uplifting the impoverished and marginalized."
According to the Bishop, the anti-conversion bill had led to an increase in attacks on Christians, its provisions also encouraged fringe elements to cause harm to the community . Its presence fueled doubts, mistrust, and disharmony between communities. The Archbishop expressed hope in other states following the suit to promote harmony among the societ.
Recognizing the complexities involved in repealing a law, the Christian community remains hopeful and confident that all concerned parties will extend the necessary support at various stages of the process. This collaborative effort is crucial to ensure a smooth transition and the complete withdrawal of the anti-conversion bill, the release added.
Expressing his gratitude, Machado said he appreciates the government of Karnataka for its courage and decisiveness in repealing the act. “The acknowledgment of the concerns raised by the Christian Community and the subsequent action taken to rectify the situation are commendable.” This progressive step will contribute to fostering an atmosphere of religious harmony, tolerance, and respect for all faiths within the state, he added.
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Real Madrid fines Valverde and Tchouaméni half a million euros each for altercation
Barcelona (AP): Real Madrid slapped players Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni with half-a-million-euro ($588,000) fines on Friday for their altercation during practice.
The massive fines came a day after the midfielders tussled when the team trained. Valverde said in a post on social media on Thursday that no punches were thrown. But Valverde knocked his head on a table and he suffered a small cut that required a brief hospital visit.
On social media, Valverde initially called it a “meaningless fight” with a teammate and said “everything has been blown out of proportion."
His employers, however, considered it a significant enough breach of team discipline to nail both Valverde and Tchouaméni with fines that bite even the bank account of a top soccer player. The half-a-million euro penalties reflect the reputational damage the club was enduring in a chaotic end to a disappointing season.
In a statement, the 15-time European champion said its disciplinary action was concluded after both players expressed to the club “their complete remorse for what happened and apologized to one another.”
Madrid added they also apologized to their teammates, the coaching staff and club supporters, as well as showing their willingness to accept whatever disciplinary action the club deemed “opportune.”
Tchouaméni was back training with Madrid on Friday, two days before they play at Barcelona in a clasico. Madrid has to win otherwise Barcelona will be crowned La Liga champion.
After being notified of the fine, he posted a public apology to the club and its fans on social media.
“What happened this week in training is unacceptable,” Tchouaméni wrote. "I say this while thinking about the example we are expected to set for young people, whether in football or at school.
“Above all, I am sorry for the image we projected of the club.”
Valverde was not at practice due to the head knock.
Both players are set to play in the World Cup next month, with Tchouaméni playing for France and Valverde for Uruguay.
Chaotic end to a poor season
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The run-in between the players, who for seasons have played side by side in Madrid's midfield, came after they argued this week in previous training sessions. But tempers boiled over on Thursday. Spanish media was rife with reports that the players previously disagreed over the club's decision to let coach Xabi Alonso go after just months on the job.
It was not the only altercation involving Madrid players during training this week. Álvaro Carreras confirmed he was in a “minor” incident with a teammate. Spanish media said he and fellow defender Antonio Rüdiger got into a scuffle.
Álvaro Arbeloa, the coach who was promoted from Madrid's reserve team when Alonso was fired in January, will face tough questions on what went wrong inside the changing room when he gives a press conference on Saturday ahead of the clasico at Camp Nou.
Madrid is facing a second consecutive campaign without a major trophy amid rumors in the Spanish media that club president Florentino Pérez is considering bringing back Jose Mourinho to straighten out his underperforming team.
