Kazakhstan: Christian Jailed For Not Paying Fine After Raid
A Christian father of three has been jailed in Kazakhstan for refusing to pay a fine for leading a worship service in his own home, according to Barnabas Aid.
religious freedom
US Supreme Court Ruling Protects Religious Freedom for All Faiths
In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court Monday affirmed the freedom of Americans to pray according to their own beliefs at public meetings in the landmark religious freedom case Town of Greece v. Galloway.
Religious Freedom Act stalled in US Senate
Legislation to help protect persecuted religious minorities in the Middle East has been stalled in the Senate, according to International Christian Concern.
Iran: 80 Lashes for Communion Wine
This month an Iranian court in Rasht sentenced four members from the Church of Iran to 80 lashes each.
Kazakhstan re-arrests Pastor
International Christian Concern reports that a 67-year-old pastor was charged with religious extremism and imprisoned just hours after he had been released to house arrest for supposedly harming the health of his parishioners.
Pastor Kashkumbayev Mistreated by Kazakhstan Gov’t
After his arrest in May, International Christian Concern reported that Pastor Bakhytzhat Kashkumbayev has been severely mistreated by the Kazakhstan government while it continues to hide his whereabouts.
Two House Churches Raided in China
China Aid reports raids on two house churches and a home Bible study in Xinjiang last month.
Another Christian Convert Tried in Iran
A Christian convert was tried in July by Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court in Robat Karim.
Free Syrian Army Massacre Christian Village
Another massacre reportedly carried out by Free Syrian Army militants has targeted the residents of al-Duwayr/Douar, a Christian village close to the city of Homs and near Syria’s border with Lebanon, according to Syria Report.
Will Obama finally act against violators of religious freedoms?
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has called upon President Obama for a clear and direct response concerning countries that have egregiously violated religious freedoms, according to BarnabasAid.
Islamic nations among world’s worst violators of religious freedoms
Of the 15 worst violators of religious freedom in the world, 10 are Islamic states.
Jail for practicing your religion?
In Kazakhstan, anyone who shares their faith could be jailed under proposed new laws that would increase the penalties for those practicing their religion.
Eritrea Jails 125 Christians In Campaign Against ‘Illegal’ Worship
There was uncertainty Tuesday, March 5, about the situation of 125 Eritrean Christians who were “beaten and detained” in western Eritrea as part of a new government campaign against Christians worshiping outside the state-backed churches, rights investigators said.
Supporters of jailed US pastor appeal to UN
Supporters of an American pastor imprisoned in Iran for his faith have appealed to the UN for help.
Christian heavily fined by Algerian court
An Algerian Christian was heavily fine by an appellate court in Tindouf Wednesday for proselytizing.
Islam Dominates List of Top Persecutors
Eight of the top 10 persecutors of Christians worldwide are Islamic states, according to the Open Doors’ 2013 World Watch List.
Eritrea, Africa’s ‘North Korea’
Because of its repressive policies, Eritrea has been dubbed the “North Korea of Africa”: currently more than 2,000 Christians are believed to be imprisoned there for their faith.
Crackdown On Evangelicals In Central Asian States
Authorities in three Central Asian nations have launched a crackdown on evangelical Protestant churches and several believers are reportedly mistreated, fined and detained.
Musicians to Mark Third Anniversary of Christian’s Arrest in Pakistan
The third anniversary of Asia Bibi’s illegal imprisonment will be marked by a rally and concert outside Pakistan’s London embassy June 14.
Pakistan Among World’s Worst Violators of Religious Freedoms
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom recommended that the Secretary of State name Pakistan as a Country of Particular Concern in its 2012 Annual Report.