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Over 19,000 Moroccans sign petition to cancel ‘Oktoberfest Beer Festival’

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More than 19,000 Moroccans have signed a petition calling for the cancellation of the annual ‘Beer Festival Oktoberfest’ scheduled to be held in Bouskoura, near Casablanca on October 28.

The protest which has gathered wide acceptance in just a few days, was initiated by the Arabic for Identity Consolidation Forum, the Muntada Taaziz Al Huwiya, which kicked against the organisation of the beer festival in Morocco, saying the kingdom is the “country of Islam and the Emirate of the Faithful”.

“At the Identity Consolidation Forum, we consider this initiative to be a heinous act in conflict with Moroccan laws, Islamic law, and Moroccan customs,” the petition said.

The Forum also based its opposition of the event on its tradition of serving Bavarian foods made of pork which is forbidden in the North African country.

The petition organizers says its aim is to halt the organization of Oktoberfest through the collection of 25,000 signatures and the target is getting closer.

The Identity Consolidation Forum has urged the public to protest against Morocco’s hosting the Oktoberfest by rallying behind its petition, and argue that the organizers “should respect the peculiarities of the countries in which their institutions operate.”

The Oktoberfest Beer Festival which has its origin in Munich, Germany, is seen as the world’s largest beer festival which is celebrated in several parts of the world in October.

The two-week-long folk festival dates back to October 12, 1810, commemorating the marriage of King Louis I to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen, and while it originally celebrated a royal marriage tie, the festival gradually transformed into a big food and drinks festivity by the late 20th century.

The 2022 festival which is scheduled to take place between September 17, and October 1, is expected to attract more than six million beer lovers.

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MohBad: Police arrests, detains Naira Marley over death of Afropop star

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Operatives of the Nigerian police in Lagos have arrested and detained singer and label owner, Azeez Fashola,
also known as Naira Marley, in connection with the “suspicious” death of his former signee, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as MohBad.

The arrest of Naira Marley was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benjamin Hundeyin, who said it was in line with the avowed determination of the force to get to the root of the mysterious death of the 27-year-old MohBad who died on September 12.

Hundeyin, who made the announcement on his X account, said Naira Marley, who owns Marlin Record where MohBad was signed to before they had a fallout, was one of the persons of interest in the investigation.

“Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley has been taken into custody for interrogation and other investigation activities,” Hundeyin’s tweet said.

Before his arrest, Naira Marley, who was out of the country at the time of the death of MohBad, had vowed to return to Nigeria to clear his name and help the probe into his former signee’s demise.

“I’d like to share that I’ve just arrived back in Lagos, Nigeria to assist the authorities with the ongoing investigation,” he tweeted on arrival on Tuesday.

“It’s important I do my part for Imole. I’ll be meeting with the police with hopes for the truth to be uncovered and for justice to prevail.”

The Afropop music star’s death has continued to throw up lots of controversies, sparking widespread protests and speculations.

The demise and hurried burial of the talented young artiste had seen protests in several Nigerian cities, prompting the Lagos State government to invite the police and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to open an investigation into his death, with the first action being the exhumation of his body for an autopsy.

The suspicious circumstances surrounding his death also led to a trending hashtag, #justiceformohbad on social media platforms, while many Nigerians have called for an investigation into the death of the music star.

Others have also called for the arrest and prosecution of his former mentor, Naira Marley, with whom MohBad said he had a public feud following his departure from Marlian Records last year.

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Netflix documentary sheds light on 30-year-old Zimbabwe school mystery

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A recently released Netflix documentary titled “Encounters” has shed new light on a 30-year-old school mystery that occurred in Zimbabwe in 1994.

The extraordinary event happened in a school in the southern African country where over 60 children claimed to have seen strange beings and a Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) that landed near their playground.

The schoolchildren had described the beings as having large heads, big eyes, and wearing tight black suits, adding that they felt a telepathic communication from them, warning them about the dangers of technology and the future of the planet.

According to reports, the accounts of the students were met with scepticism and disbelief at the time, but the Netflix documentary has more or less corroborated the astonishing encounter, just as the witnesses who are all adults now have continued to maintain their stories.

The new documentary has now given them a chance to share their memories and feelings about what they saw and how it affected their lives.

The documentary, according to movie aficionados, is a groundbreaking move for Zimbabwe as the world is now set to witness the “mysterious and awe-inspiring encounters that unfolded in 1994 through the lens of a captivating Netflix documentary titled ‘Encounters.’”

“This unique film not only delves into the unexplained phenomenon that occurred at a Zimbabwean school but also showcases the nation’s rich cultural tapestry and the resilience of its people,” a media platform in the country wrote in a review of the documentary.

“Now, almost 30 years later, the Netflix documentary titled ‘Encounters’ revisits this remarkable event and tracks down the witnesses, who are now adults living in different parts of the world,” the platform wrote.

“The documentary gives them a chance to share their memories and feelings about what they saw and how it affected their lives. The film also explores the broader context of the phenomenon, featuring other cases of close encounters from around the world and interviews with experts and researchers.

“The documentary is a groundbreaking achievement for Zimbabwe, as it is the first of its kind to focus on such an event in the country. It is also a rare opportunity for the world to hear the voices of Zimbabweans who have a unique and compelling story to tell.

“The film challenges the stereotypes and prejudices that often surround Zimbabwe and its people, and invites viewers to see them in a new light. The documentary is not just a mere exploration of the paranormal but also a testament to the resilience and spirit of Zimbabwe.

“It paints a vivid picture of a nation that embraces its past, no matter how unconventional, and allows its citizens to tell their stories without fear of ridicule.

“Thanks to ‘Encounters,’ the witnesses have been tracked down and given the opportunity to revisit those perplexing moments. Their stories are now being shared with a global audience, shedding light on an event that left an indelible mark on their lives,” it added.

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