China Launches Christmas Crackdown On Christian Worship
Christians in several parts of China were behind bars on Christmas Day after a police crackdown on worship services and Bible study, a Christian advocacy group said Thursday, December 25.
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Eritrea Christians Apparently Killed In Massive Detentions
Several churches in Eritrea were without their leaders or other believers Sunday, December 21, as a government-backed campaign of mass arrests reached the capital Asmara amid fears several detainees died of mistreatment, Christians said.
India Militants Attack Christians In Karnataka; Church Bombers Sentenced
A nation-wide alliance of Christian leaders, churches, mission agencies, and other Christian institutions in India has condemned widespread anti-Christian violence in the Indian state of Karnataka, which injured dozens, but “welcomed” the sentencing of those involved in church bombings.
India: Christians in Orissa Fear Violent Christmas
Christians in Orissa state are anticipating Christmas with fear as Hindu extremists have called for a state-wide bandh, or forced shut-down on all sectors of society, on Dec. 25 – a move that could provide Hindu extremists the pretext for attacking anyone publicly celebrating the birth of Christ.
Mexico: Oppression of Christians Persists in Various Parts of Country
As the number of evangelical Christians in southern Mexico has grown, hostilities from “traditionalist Catholics” have kept pace, according to published reports.
Vietnam: Authorities Pressure New Christians to Recant
In violation of Vietnam’s new religion policy, authorities in Lao Cai Province in Vietnam’s far north are pressuring new Christians among the Hmong minority to recant their faith and to re-establish ancestral altars, according to area church leaders.
Iraq: Court Releases Christian Girl Sentenced for Murder
In prison at the age of 14 for having fatally stabbed her uncle in northern Iraq, Asya Ahmad Muhammad’s early release on Nov. 10 thanks to a juvenile court decision was overshadowed by fear of retaliation from her extended Muslim family.
China Releases Key Christian Leader
A key leader of China’s rapidly growing underground house church movement who disappeared last month, was free Saturday, November 8, after Chinese authorities released him and other family members, Chinese Christians confirmed.
Kyrgyzstan Adopts Controversial Religious Law
Kyrgyzstan’s controversial new Religion Law was adopted unanimously by the country’s parliament Thursday, November 6, adding to concerns among small Christian groups and churches that they will be targeted by authorities.
Detained Baptist Pastors Face Uncertainty In Kazakhstan And Azerbaijan
Two Baptist pastors in two former Soviet republics faced legal challenges Monday, November 3, because they continued worship services despite opposition from local authorities, Christians and rights watchers said.
Algerian Court Dismisses Case against Christians Accused of ‘Blasphemy’
The Washington-DC based human rights group, International Christian Concern (ICC) www.persecution.org has learned that a blasphemy case brought against three Christians was dismissed on October 29, 2008 by a court in Algeria. The court is located in Ain Turk, a town 267 miles away from Algiers, the capital.
Pakistan Custody Battle Over Kidnapped Christian Girl
Human rights lawyers of two underage sisters who already won a custody battle over a 10-year-old girl, prepared Saturday, October 25, to also regain custody of her elder sister, after reports the girls were raped and coerced into embracing Islam.
India: Soldier Protecting Christians Mutilated, Killed in Orissa
A paramilitary soldier assigned to protect Christians from Hindu violence in Kandhamal district, Orissa was mutilated and killed by a mob in Sisapanga village on Oct. 13.
Vietnam Family Fears Christian Worship Leader May Have Been Killed
The family of a jailed Degar Montagnard Christian in Vietnam’s Central Highlands feared Wednesday, October 15, that she may have been killed or suffers from serious injuries as a result of torture.
India: Prayer Team Beaten Mercilessly — Then Arrested
The Christian community of Chhattisgarh state is rattled after a gruesome mob attack and torture in Surguja district.
Chinese Security Forces Raid Evangelical Church
Chinese security forces have raided an evangelical church, confiscating Christian properties including Bibles, hymnals, a large cross and the collection box, Christians said Wednesday, October 1.
Belarus Bans Christian Festival, Group Says
Belarus has banned a Christian music festival, initiated by Catholics, minutes before it was due to begin, a religious rights group said Thursday, September 25.
Iran: ‘Apostasy’ Bill Appears Likely to Become Law
Without international pressure there is little to stop the Iranian government from ratifying a bill that will make “apostasy,” or leaving Islam, a capital crime, say human rights groups and experts.
Kazakhstan Baptists Fined For Unregistered Worship
Several Baptist Churches in the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan continue have been raided by police because they refuse state registration on principal grounds, BosNewsLife learned Monday, September 15.
Iran: Parliament votes in favour of punishing apostasy with death
The Iranian Parliament voted on Tuesday in favour of a bill stipulating the death penalty for apostasy. The bill was approved by 196 votes for, seven against, and two abstentions.