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June 2013, Issue 2/4
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Uzbekistan Professes Freedom of Religion While Simultaneously Infringing Upon Those Rights Corey Bailey, Regional Manager for Central Asia 6/8/2013 Washington, D.C. International Christian Concern The executive director of Uzbekistan's Bible Society is denying claims that people in Uzbekistan are prohibited from having Bibles in their homes. This comes not long after a Christian in Uzbekistan had religious literature confiscated and criminal charges brought against her for the illegal production, storage, import and distribution of religious literature. Individuals in Uzbekistan may only own government-approved religious material in approved amounts. While Bibles are allowed in the country, the restrictions placed on the type and number one can own continues to be an infringement on their citizen's rights to religious freedom. "Religious literature in Uzbekistan is under tight state control. The production and import of literature - including the Koran and the Bible - is strictly controlled, with compulsory prior censorship by the state Religious Affairs Committee," reports Forum 18. Recently, Sharofat Allamova, a Protestant from Uzbekistan, was sentenced to one-and-a-half years of corrective labor as punishment for allegedly illegally storing religious literature. The conviction came after rejected appeals citing harassment and over 272 violations of legal procedures in the seizure of materials, as well as the lack of legal representation. Not long after Allamova's conviction, the director of the Bible Society in Uzbekistan, Khalmat Ashirov, expressed his displeasure in the Uzbek media's statements that Uzbeks are prohibited from possessing Bibles. "The Bible is true world heritage and it's just sick to say that it can be prohibited in any country. If that information was true to at least some degree, not only the use of the Bible, but also the activities of Uzbekistan's Bible Society would be prohibited," he said. While the Bible may technically be permitted in Uzbekistan, the reality is that the government regulates how many copies and which translations are permitted, all under the guise of freedom of religion. In addition, at any time authorities can claim Bibles and religious literature are being stored illegally, using that as an excuse to confiscate them and punish the owners. Religious minorities, including Christians, should have the right to own religious literature and follow their beliefs without fear of trumped-up charges, illegal raids and fines. What they read, and how many copies of any book they have in their home, should not be regulated by the government. Whether or not the government allows Bibles into the country, the fact remains that the government frequently harasses Christians in Uzbekistan, especially when they are found to be avid followers of their faith. For interviews, contact Corey Bailey, Regional Manager for Central Asia: RM-Asia@persecution.org # # # You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington, D.C.-based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441. International Christian Concern 2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #241, Washington, D.C. 20006 www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org Read Report Exposes Three-Phase Plan to Eliminate Underground Churches Throughout China at Mission Network News. You can access the entire article at this link. In China a three phase plan has been exposed that is an effort to shut down all underground Christian churches. The plan is to take place on Hainan Island, the smallest province in China off of the southern coast. Churches have already begun to be closed on the island. The officials have closed these churches claiming that there is “cult activity” taking place. The first phase was from January 2012-June 2012 when the State Administration for Religious Affairs investigated house churches and made reports on them. The second phase is currently happening where unregistered churches are encouraged to sign up to become a part of the TSPM (Three-Self Patriotic Movement – a church system). Come 2015 they will begin to shut down the churches that do not comply with the rules of the TSPM. Read Christians in Eritrea Face Extreme Persecution That’s Getting Worse at Ecumenical News. Read the full story at this link. Christians in Eritrea, Africa are being heavily persecuted. The Christians are being forced into traumatizing events like being held inside metal shipping containers with no access to ventilation or toilet facilities. Some of the Africans that try to flee are captured and brought to the desert and sold. Those that they capture are also tortured to death. Sometimes their organs are removed so that they can be sold. The Eritrean government will deny any of these reports. The president says he fears religious freedom for the worry that it might lead to a Christian nation. International Christian Concern 2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #241, Washington, D.C. 20006 www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org Media Contact: William Stark, Regional Manager for Africa RM-AfricaAsia@persecution.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Two Christians Unlawfully Arrested in Ethiopia for 'Crimes Against Islam' Radicals Use Local Governments to Persecute Christians 6/7/2013 Washington D.C. International Christian Concern International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that two Christian men were arrested in Ethiopia by local police influenced by radical Muslims. In separate incidents, these men were detained by local police for what authorities are calling "crimes against Islam," even though no such crime exists in Ethiopia's penal code. In late March, Alemlayehu Legese was arrested by local police in Dodola, a city located 180 miles south of Addis Ababa, after admitting to owning literature that "discussed the history of Islam from a Christian perspective." Legese, a student at Dodola Mekane Yesus Bible School, dropped off the literature at a copy shop where a Muslim employee who felt Christians should not be allowed to read about the history of Islam contacted police. "The police officers treated this incident as if it were a terrorist attack," an ICC representative in Ethiopia said. Fearful the investigation could lead to widespread violence, the local church advised Legese to report to the police and admit to owning the literature. Upon reporting to the police, Legese was arrested and imprisoned. When ICC asked why Legese was being imprisoned without being formally charged, the local police commander said they were detaining Legese to "cool down the anger of local Muslims." It has been over two months since Legese was imprisoned, formal charges are yet to be laid against him. On May 25, Tamirat Woldegiorgis, a Christian living in Moyale Town, located on Ethiopia's border with Kenya, was arrested by local police. Many are concerned this arrest is connected to a previous arbitrary detention Woldegiorgis served from 2010-2012, when he spent 22 months in prison because local police accused him of "crimes against Islam." Local radicals claimed that Woldegiorgis wrote "Jesus is Lord" on the notebook of a student attending a local madrassa. Woldegiorgis was released on May 2, 2012 when human rights organizations, including ICC, became involved in the case. Woldegiorgis was again released on June 5, but was required to pay a bail of $5,319 for an unspecified criminal charge and will still face court hearings on June 10. ICC's Regional Manager for Africa, William Stark, said, "The Ethiopian Constitution and the country's laws protect the freedom of religion. Both Tamirat Woldegiorgis and Alemlayehu Legese are being denied that right and have reported being terrorized by their captors because of their Christian faith. These Christian men are being unlawfully punished for "crimes against Islam" as interpreted by local police who are being influenced by radical pressures or ideologies. ICC has contacted both police stations and asked that the charges against both Woldegiorgis and Legese be dropped. In an effort to secure the innocence of these men, ICC is calling on people to contact the Ethiopian Embassy, either by phone at (202) 364-1200 or email at ethiopia@ethiopianembassy.org, to demand the charges against these Christian men be dropped immediately." For interviews, contact William Stark, Regional Manager for Africa: RM-AfricaAsia@persecution.org # # # You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington-DC based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441. International Christian Concern 2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #241 Washington, D.C. 20006 www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org Media Contact: William Stark, Regional Manager for Africa RM-AfricaAsia@persecution.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Twenty Christian Pastors Beaten by Radical Hindus in India Christians Stage Peaceful Protest to Encourage Authorities to Investigate 6/7/2013 Washington D.C. (International Christian Concern) - International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that 20 Christian pastors were beaten by suspected Hindu radicals in India's southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday, June 5, after radicals accused the pastors of forcefully converting Hindus to Christianity. As a result of the attack, seven of the 20 pastors required hospitalization because of the severity of the injuries they sustained. Christians have staged peaceful protests to encourage local authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. Twenty pastors from the Telugu Baptist Church gathered at a church in Hyderabad, a major city located in Andhra Pradesh, for their monthly prayer meeting on June 5th. According to witnesses, about 50 Hindu radicals broke into the church building and began "brutally attacking" the pastors with sticks and metal rods, causing severe injuries. Six of the pastors were dragged into the streets by the enraged mob, where they were beaten unconscious and verbally abused by their attackers. Seven of the pastors, identified by BosNewsLife as Thimothy, Kumar, Krupaiah, Roberts, Rosaiah, Lazarus and Thinothy, were rushed to the hospital for serious injuries. The mob of Hindu radicals is suspected to be connected with the Hindu nationalist group Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). RSS had no immediate comment regarding the attack when the right-wing group was contacted by media sources. This vicious attack comes weeks after another Hindu nationalist group, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), lost control of the government of Andhra Pradesh's neighboring state, Karnataka. Under BJP's rule, an atmosphere of impunity for Christian persecutors allowed Karnataka to become one of the most dangerous places for Christians to live in India. Christians in Andhra Pradesh are concerned that the persecutors in Karnataka are now moving into their state. "We are deeply concerned that anti-Christian attacks are taking place in [Andhra Pradesh]. After Karnataka, such violence against Christians has started in Andhra Pradesh," John Dayal, Secretary General of the All India Christian Counsel (AICC), told media sources after the attack. Fearing the creation of an atmosphere of impunity similar to the one that exists in Karnataka, Christians in Andhra Pradesh are staging peaceful protests, demanding the government to take swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice. While condemning the attack itself, the AICC has called on the local government to take "stern action" against the culprits. ICC's Regional Manager for Africa, William Stark, said, "Attacks on Christians in southern India, especially those on Christian leaders, have unfortunately been increasing over the past year. Members of Hindu nationalist groups like RSS and BJP use India's anti-forced conversion laws as a pretext to curb the spread of Christianity by intimidating Christian leaders and terrorizing new converts. In areas where these groups hold power in the local government, Christians are allowed to be attacked with impunity. For years, local authorities acquiesced, and sometimes actively encouraged this sort of behavior. Decisive action must be taken. Such Heinous acts must not be allowed to spread to new areas in India." For interviews, contact William Stark, Regional Manager for Africa: RM-AfricaAsia@persecution.org # # # You are free to disseminate this news story. We request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address, www.persecution.org. ICC is a Washington-DC based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC provides Awareness, Advocacy, and Assistance to the worldwide persecuted Church. For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 800-422-5441. You can read the full article, Boko Haram Officially Banned at Mission Network News at this link. Nigeria (MNN) -- You've heard a lot about Boko Haram and their attacks on Christians in Nigeria. As of Wednesday, Boko Haram members are officially banned and can be prosecuted according to the Terrorism Prevention Act. Anyone who even gives money to the group may serve more than 20 years in prison. According to Open Doors USA, 16 Nigerians were killed in a village attack just one day before Boko Haram was officially banned. It is believed that Boko Haram was behind the attack. Pray for the Lord to strengthen Nigerian Christians' faith. Quotes are taken from Christian Parents and Children Attacked for their Faith in India, posted by Emily F, at Open Doors USA. You can read the entire blog at this link. Do you and your family have a daily devotional time together? Perhaps it is in the evening before everyone heads off to bed. Maybe you read a passage from the Bible and pray together as a family. This is often a serene time, when families set aside time in their day to spend with God and with one another. Last month, a Christian family in India had gathered together to do a family devotional one evening. A group of about 20 suspected Hindu extremists attacked the large extended family during their evening devotions, injuring all and leaving five in critical condition. “I am so astonished at their brutality,” says victim Rajubhai R. Bhuriya. “They didn’t even spare my old mother or small children. When we tried to hide they looked for us and beat us.” The family members are farmers and day labors, who come from a tribal background. “My family came to faith in Jesus twelve years ago,” says Rajubhai. “My elder brother Sukhram was suffering with a mental ailment. He was healed when the believers prayed for him at a church (which was located near Sappoi village, district Dahod). Since that time we all became followers of Christ and started attending that church community.” Quotes taken from Leave Jesus or Go Unburied at Open Doors USA, posted by Emily F. You can read the entire article at this link. If you have ever dealt with the loss of a loved one, you know that it is one of the most difficult things to go through. Not only are you grieving their loss, but there are a lot of small details to take care of as well. Funeral arrangements, the reading of a will and even figuring out where to bury them. Persecuted Christians in Kyrgyzstan have to deal with all of this and then some… When Bakyt [names have been changed for security], a local Kyrgyz believer, was dying of cancer, he was visited by three Moldo (Muslim leaders) from the local mosque. "If you do not leave your faith in Jesus," they told him, "we will not allow your family to bury you in the local cemetery." After he passed away, his Christian brothers were forced to change his burial location three times! Each time they faced resentment from the local representatives of the mosque and were prohibited from burying him. After two years, this situation has brought a great deal of bitterness and sorrow to his family, relatives and friends. “I never thought that there would be no place in our homeland to bury my husband,” his widow Sarah* later said. Quotes are taken from Nigeria Taraba State Violence over Funeral Procession Leaves at least 39 Dead. You can read the entire article at Open Doors USA. May 13 2013 Homes and shops destroyed, estimates of $6 million damage, repeat of February violence World Watch Monitor Security forces have been enforcing a 24-hour curfew in Wukari, Taraba State in Central Nigeria to prevent the escalation of violence between Christians and Muslims on Friday May 3 that left at least 39 people dead and at least 30 injured. The bloody clash between the majority Christian Jukun community and the minority Fulani Muslims occurred during a burial procession for a traditional leader from the Jukun tribe. The Jukuns are the ancestral people and majority inhabitants of Wukari and other parts of Taraba State. Many are Christians, a much smaller minority are animists and a few are Muslims. The mainly nomadic Fulani, predominantly Muslims, migrated to Wukari over the years. In accordance with Jukun tradition, the bodies of high-ranking chiefs must be carried around the city prior to interment. As the burial procession reached a predominantly Fulani area of the ancient city, youths there blocked the road and said no ‘arne’ (‘infidels’ in Hausa) would be allowed to pass their part of town, claiming the procession was interrupting Friday prayers. This heated encounter quickly escalated into violence. World Watch Monitor met the Regional Secretary in Africa of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES), Gideon Para-Mallam. He told us a church deacon friend of his, Michael, was shot and killed early in the outbreak, leaving a widow Esther and a child. |
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