Model Bar Refaeli criticised over 'Islamophobic' advert

Video shows Israeli star ripping off niqab as ‘freedom is basic’ slogan appears on screen

One of Israel’s most prominent models, Bar Refaeli, has been criticised for appearing in an advert in which she rips off a face veil to the slogan “freedom is basic”.

The Israeli clothing brand, Hoodies, posted the video online this week, which opens with a Hebrew caption reading: “Is Iran here?” while zoomed in on Refaeli’s face, which is covered in a black niqab.

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Asia Bibi: anti-blasphemy protests spread across Pakistan

Anti-blasphemy campaigners bring country to standstill in protest over acquittal of Bibi

Thousands of Islamist protesters have brought Pakistan to a standstill, burning rickshaws, cars and lorries to protest against the acquittal of a Christian woman who spent eight years on death row on false charges of blasphemy.

Related: The release of Asia Bibi is a small step towards a more open Pakistan | Kunwar Khuldune Shahid

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Republicans more likely to view Muslim Americans negatively, study finds

Thinktank New America found 71% of Republicans surveyed said they don’t believe Islam is compatible with US values

While most non-Muslims in the US are accepting of Muslim Americans, Republicans are far more likely to have potentially negative views about them, according to data released Thursday.

New America, a thinktank working with the American Muslim Institution, conducted 1,165 interviews in four metropolitan areas prior to the 6 November midterm elections.

Related: Anti-Muslim rhetoric 'widespread' among candidates in Trump era – report

Related: Republican attacks take aim at non-white congressional candidates

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The release of Asia Bibi is a small step towards a more open Pakistan | Kunwar Khuldune Shahid

Her acquittal could signal a relaxation of strict blasphemy laws and create a better country in the process

On Tuesday, Pakistan’s supreme court acquitted Asia Bibi in an historic verdict, overturning the death sentence meted out to her over charges of blasphemy.

The court established that Bibi, a Christian, was falsely accused by Muslim women picking fruit with her on 14 June, 2009. The allegation stemmed from a quarrel over the fact that she had taken a sip of water from a cup she had fetched for them, which in the eyes of her accusers she wasn’t allowed to touch.

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