Counter-terrorism forces in Indonesia arrested seven suspects on terrorism charges before and during Pope Francis’ visit to the country Sept. 3–6, Morning Star News reported.
One year after one the worst attacks on Christians in Pakistan, Christians on Friday (Aug. 16) called for justice regarding the rioting in Jaranwala as most of those arrested have been discharged or released on bail, sources said.
Nigeria’s government at federal and state levels continues to tolerate attacks by non-state assailants who justify violence on religious grounds, according to a report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).
Opposition has emerged to a proposal by Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs to do away with the role of a Muslim-dominated body that has complicated efforts by minority religions to build houses of worship.
A Christian sentenced to death for blasphemy in Pakistan despite lack of evidence has demonstrated his faith by excelling academically even in prison, Morning Star News reported.
Despite attempts by the Pakistani government and Islamist groups to thwart protest rallies and marches, Christians in several cities came out in large numbers to mark National Minorities Day on Aug. 11.
Authorities in Indonesia last week arrested a 19-year-old member of an Islamic extremist group and his parents, foiling a plan to suicide bomb two church sites, officials said.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom again has recommended that the State Department designate Pakistan as a “Country of Particular Concern,” citing the country’s blasphemy laws as a prime reason.