Iran persecution at a high level this month

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that during the month of July, Iran significantly increased judicial actions against Christians. At the beginning of the month, President Hassan Rouhani traveled to the West and emphasized that “Christians have the same rights as others do,” despite substantial evidence proving otherwise.

As July progressed, eight believers reportedly had judicial action taken against them. This number represents a noteworthy increase of publicized cases of Christian persecution in Iran. 

On July 2, Massoumeh Taqinejad was arrested and detained alongside her son during a raid on her home by intelligence forces. She has been charged with proselytizing Christianity on the internet and they were arrested in Kermanshah. Their fate remains unknown.

On July 13, Ramiel Bet Tamraz was sentenced to four months in prison after being convicted of acting against national security. Ramiel is the third person in his family facing legal action because of his Christian identity. He had previously been detained in Evin Prison.

On July 18, Amir Saman Dashti’s court case was heard and he was sentenced to four months in prison. The case is under appeal. It is reported that he was previously held in Evin Prison for 76 days after his arrest in 2016. He has since been temporarily released on bail.

On July 22, Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani was violently arrested when his home was raided. He has been transferred to the so-called quarantine ward of Evin Prison. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted of acting against national security. He was also sentenced to an additional two years of internal exile.

On July 24, Mohammadreza Omidi and Saheb Fadaie were arrested in their homes. Both have been taken to Evin Prison to begin serving their sentences. They were each sentenced to 10 years in prison, and Omidi received an additional two-year sentence of internal exile.  

On July 25, Yasser Mossayebzadeh was arrested and transferred to Evin Prison. He originally surrendered himself to the police, hoping to avoid a similar situation to Omidi and Fadaie’s, but was told that he would be arrested in a similar manner. His sentence is 10 years in prison for a conviction of acting against national security.

According to a statement by Christian Solidarity Worldwide, “Local observers note that as the Iranian regime has grown more unpopular and citizens have become more vocal in their criticism of corruption in official circles, the government has become increasingly reliant on the support of hard-line ayatollahs, who favour increased pressure on religious minorities.”

“As Christianity is growing fast in Iran, the top religious leaders are alarmed. They then put pressure on the Revolutionary Guard’s security police as ‘what are you doing to stop Christians?’ … the strategy of the government is not a wide spread arrest and execution. Their strategy is to arrest a few but publicize their arrest to put fear in the hearts of 1-3 million Christians and make them isolated, fearful, and prisoners in their homes,” added Dr. Hormoz Shariat of Iran Alive Ministries.

“In the wake of worsening sociopolitical (and) economic situation in Iran, we see an increased level of persecution against Christians in the country,” said Lazarus Yeghnazar of 222 Ministries. “As history has shown, like any despotic regime at the last hours of their brutal control, I expect that the Clerics in Iran (which virtually are the government!) will become more bitter, mindless and unpredictable.”

“Sadly most are deeply corrupt by all counts and simply punish the ‘house church’ and its leaders because they are angry that Christianity is stealing away from their blind adherents, hence endangering their existence. We, the free Christians in the West, need to stand in the gap in united prayer,” he continued.

Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “The persecution of Christians in Iran is increasingly building as the regime struggles to maintain its grip over the hearts and minds of its citizenry. It is also no coincidence that most of these eight Christians targeted in July have been sent to Evin Prison, Iran’s notorious ‘torture factory.’ The government continues to disown religious freedom and human rights, despite its own laws saying otherwise. We must keep these eight individuals, as well as Iran’s entire Christian community, in our prayers.”

For interviews with Claire Evans, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Hindu attacks increase in India

International Christian Concern (ICC) has documented multiple instances of anti-Christian violence in India’s Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh States in the past four weeks. These reports from Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh come on the heels of 15 other anti-Christian incidents documented by ICC in the first two weeks of July.

In Jharkhand, located in northeastern India, ICC documented the institution of social boycotts against local Christians in several villages. In Bamarja village, local Christians were told to recant their Christian faith and stop going to church or face a social boycott during a July 2 village gathering. Pastor Daniel Toppo, a local pastor, was also banned from the village during this gathering. As a result, two Christian families fled the village and are now in hiding, fearing attacks by Hindu radicals.

“I was threatened not to enter into the village and falsely charged with a case under IPC 107,” Pastor Toppo told ICC. “It is a very critical situation. Christians in this region are deeply worried over this development, but we look to God for help.”

Similarly, 10 Christian families were assaulted and socially boycotted after they refused to recant their Christian faith in Kartanga village, located in the Kunti District of Jharkhand, on July 7.

On July 22, Parun Lohara and his family living in Karibuda village, located in the Ranchi District of Jharkhand, were social boycotted after the family resisted similar demands to recant their faith. The social boycott was instituted at a village meeting attended by RSS District President Baleswar Bediya and other Karibuda village leaders.

Social boycotts are used as a social weapon in India to pressure members of minority faiths into converting to Hinduism. Access to water wells, electricity, and other public goods are commonly cut off to individuals being socially boycott. Fines are also imposed on village members caught interacting with those who have been socially boycott.

In Chhattisgarh, located south of Jharkhand, ICC also documented two assaults on Christians in the past two weeks. On July 15, Massih Mandali Church in Rajandra Nagar was attacked by Hindu radicals during a worship service. Tightened police security has been deployed to the church following the attack, but Christians still feel uneasy. “Although we were able to have our worship with the police force present, we are still worried about how things are progressing against us,” Martha Malviya, a member of Massih Mandali Church, told ICC.

Later, on July 19, two pastors were brutally assaulted by radicals in Kartuli village, located in the Damteri District, while returning from a prayer meeting. Pastor Takuram Sahu and Pastor Chitranjan Sahu were attacked by a mob of radicals, beaten, and dragged to a local Hanuman Temple where the radicals forced them to worship and observe other temple rituals. The radicals then brought the pastors to a local police station where they were put in jail for two days.

“The attacks will continue to increase,” a local Christian leader, who wished to remain anonymous, told ICC. “Assembly elections are just around the corner and the ruling party is dependent on polarizing the community on religious lines. The sad thing is that innocent Christians are being victimized for politics.”

William Stark, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “We here at International Christian Concern are extremely concerned by the continued surge of attacks on Christians in India. Every day, new reports of persecution are being documented. Many Christians fear that this may be the new normal for their community as Hindu radicals have been allowed to attack Christians and other minority communities with impunity. India must take steps to counter the growing wave of intolerance and violence. Until then, the attacks will likely continue to increase in both number and severity.”

For interviews with William Stark, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

35 prisoners of conscience released from prison in Eritrea

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that the Eritrean government has released 35 Christian prisoners. According to ICC’s inside source, Simon*, the 35 were released in the middle of last week. To be released on bail, someone had to promise to pay 300,000 Nakfa. “This is an amount that must be paid by a person with a business license that [has] already warranted the prisoner, in case the prisoner disappears,” shared Simon. The cost of bail equals roughly 20,000 USD, which would be a crippling amount of money for these individuals and their families to have to pay. This exorbitant cost is a way of ensuring that these prisoners do not escape the country and can easily lead to their re-arrest.

The 35 were released from Mai-Sirwa Prison, one of the dozens of prisons that continue to hold prisoners of conscience. According to Asmarino Independent, 11 of the prisoners were women, while the other 24 were young men. However, none of those who have been released were religious leaders. All of the prisoners of conscience who are priests and pastors remain in captivity at this time, many of whom have been in prison for nearly 20 years. According to our sources, there are at least 314 Christian prisoners still being held for their faith.

At present, there is only speculation as to why these 35 were released. Due to the extremely reclusive nature of Eritrea, news is scarce and many Christians have no way of communicating with those outside of the country. For the past decade, Eritrea ranked as the worst country for freedom of press by Reporters Without Borders. They were only recently passed in 2017 by North Korea.

Many are hopeful that the recent peace agreement with Ethiopia has opened up borders and will bring peace to the country. However, there is still much to be done to correct the many human rights violations that have taken place throughout the past two decades. There must also be a fundamental change in ideology for the country to become truly free. President Afwerki made this clear in 2014 when he said, “Those who think there will be democracy in this country can think so in another world.”  

Furthermore, it is not only Christians who are under attack in Eritrea. Journalists, military objectors, and political opponents all face similar consequences. As a result, Eritrea is known as the “North Korea of Africa” because of its complete disregard for human rights. “We thank God for the dozens of changes he is doing in the two countries, Ethiopia and Eritrea, especially Eritrea. Still there is no concrete stand on the side of the government on what to decide about religious freedom,” Simon concluded.

Nathan Johnson, ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, said, “We are rejoicing to hear of the release of these prisoners. However, there are still hundreds more being held illegally by their government’s totalitarian regime. We will continue to pray and work on behalf of those in Eritrea who are forced to hide from their own tyrannical government simply because of their faith. We hope to see an opening of Eritrea to true freedom, and are thankful to Ethiopia for ending the war.”

For interviews with Nathan Johnson, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

*Name changed for security

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Do you post on Facebook in Indonesia? Go directly to jail!

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on July 24, the Medan District Court in Indonesia sentenced Martinus Gulo to four years in prison and a fine of 1 billion Rupiah (approximately 68,914 USD) for religious defamation. He may also choose to serve an additional six months in jail if he cannot afford to pay the fine.

The 21-year-old Christian was found guilty of blasphemy due to a Facebook post that insulted the prophet Muhammad under the country’s Information and Electronic Transactions (ITE) law, which many find controversial. His arrest came in March after the hardline group Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) reported his online post to the police.

Rappler reported, “Gulo, who is Christian, told authorities that he made the post because he was upset that his own religion was criticized online.”

Christians only account for roughly 10% of Indonesia’s population, while 87% of the country is Muslim.

Gulo's conviction comes after an Indonesian Muslim was jailed for five years in April under the same law for a Facebook post that radical groups deemed offensive.

The verdict was lighter than the prosecutors’ demand of five years in prison. Gulo and his legal counsel have five days to appeal the decision.

According to Southeast Asian online media outlet Coconuts, “Indonesia’s controversial blasphemy laws have been under intense scrutiny in the past few years, particularly after the jailing of former Jakarta Governor Basuki ‘Ahok’ Tjahaja Purnama in 2017 for blasphemy against Islam. Many domestically and abroad, including the United Nations, have called for abolishment of the laws as they are prone to political manipulation and have been used to unjustly persecute religious minorities.”

Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “To put somebody in jail for four years for a Facebook post shows how Indonesia’s blasphemy laws can easily be exploited by radical Muslim groups. Anyone can fall victim to these laws, especially if such groups consider your speech offensive or incorrect. Therefore, Christians become easy targets as many radical Muslims seek to erase the existence and influence of Christianity. Indonesia must revisit its blasphemy laws if it wants to be seen as a champion of religious pluralism.”

For interviews with Gina Goh, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Pastor Brunson moved to house arrest in Turkey

Turkey's Second High Penal Court in Izmir has ordered American pastor Andrew Brunson to be transferred from prison to house arrest. The Turkish government has held Pastor Brunson for nearly two years. He is banned from leaving the country, and his next hearing is scheduled for October 12, 2018. Pastor Brunson faces a falsified indictment of having links with the Fethullahist Terror Organization (FETÖ) and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), among other charges.

Pastor Brunson has ministered in Turkey since 1993 and was originally detained with his wife Norine in October 2016. While his wife was released shortly thereafter, Pastor Brunson remained imprisoned despite a lack of formal charges. The first series of charges was brought 63 days into his imprisonment, and other charges have continued to be added as time has progressed.

An official 62-page indictment was accepted in March 2018 and his first hearing was scheduled for April 2018. The indictment is based on classified evidence and secret witnesses.

The most recent hearing occurred on July 18, 2018 and the judge rejected a plea to release Pastor Brunson. Prosecutors are seeking 30+ years of imprisonment for Pastor Brunson.

According to the Daily Sabah, which is a propaganda arm of the Turkish government, “Jurors had reconsidered the decision based on the plea by Brunson and his lawyer over his health and had come to the conclusion that his detention could be maintained effectively through house arrest given the circumstances.”

Religious freedom in Turkey has seriously deteriorated since the 2016 military coup. Turkey is a Tier 2 Country on the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom’s (USCIRF) annual report.

Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “While we welcome this news as a positive development in Pastor Brunson’s case, we cannot forget that Turkey is engaging in a game of hostage diplomacy. Throughout every stage, Turkey has taken deliberate steps in an attempt to define the narrative. There is no truth in the charges facing Pastor Brunson, who has suffered immensely throughout this whole ordeal. We must continue to pray without ceasing that Pastor Brunson will soon be cleared of all charges, restored his rights, and allowed to return home to the US.”

For interviews with Claire Evans, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

People in Sudan lose their freedom of religion

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that frustrations continued to mount last week as a result of the ongoing lawsuit against the Sudan Church of Christ (SCOC) in the capital city of Khartoum. The church has been prosecuted by three agents of the Islamic government of Sudan, Yougob Hammada Elnour, Angelo Ziaka and Elramara Kori, who are a part of the government’s committee that was established to oversee church activities in Sudan.

The leader of the Sudan Church of Christ, Reverend Ayoub Italian Tutu, Pastor Kuwa Shamal, and six other executive members attended the court hearing session with the hope of winning the appeal. They are trying to prevent the government from handing over ownership of their church to a state-sanctioned committee filed in 2016.

Kuwa Shamal, the head of the SCOC outreach department, told ICC, “Today, we, the Sudan Church of Christ executive committee, attended a court hearing of a case that began in 2016 when the government, that in the past demolished some of our churches, coerced us to surrender the leadership of our church to a government’s select committee.”

He continued, “We have been in and out of the courtroom over the past one year and it is tiresome, draining, and time-consuming. We are accused of derailing [the] government’s role of overseeing Christian churches in Sudan, disturbance of public peace, and erection of churches on government plots.”

The crackdown on the Christian faith in Sudan intensified in 2011 after South Sudan seceded. During that time, President Omar al-Bashir pledged to make Sudan a purely Islamic state by ridding it of Christianity. Christians make up approximately 20% of the Sudanese population, forming a religious minority group that has been persecuted at the hands of the Sharia-guided government.

Reverend Ayoub Italian Tutu, lamenting the state of Christianity in Sudan, said, “It is sad seeing the heinous conduct of the government that outrightly favors Islam over Christianity simply because we are a minority group. I am more disappointed to see a foundation of a mosque being erected on the piece of land where one of our church buildings stood before it was demolished. Justice has been denied and we feel hopeless. We do not see ourselves receiving the land back.”

While speaking with ICC, the lawyer representing the Sudan Church of Christ, Demas James, said, “Nothing much happened today at the hearing. We submitted more appeal files and the presiding judge scheduled another hearing on July 30.”

Nathan Johnson, ICCs Regional Manager for Africa, said, “It is terrible to see the Sudanese government continue to persecute its own people. They have worked tirelessly to end Christianity, both in their capital and broadly in Sudan. Without increased international pressure, they will continue to commit these heinous human rights violations.”

For interviews with Nathan Johnson, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Numerical Expositions: Genesis 3:23

Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.

Gen. 3:23 (KJV)

As a result of disobedience and sin, man was banished from Paradise.  Since the ground was then cursed, man would have to actually work in order for the earth to produce for him.  Here is where the idea of agriculture was derived.  Understand that you make things harder for yourself when you choose not to align with what God has commanded for you to do.

Numerical Breakdown:  (3) Walk in the Spirit or be banished from His presence.  (5) To stay in God's presence, be willing to work.  (8) To experience a new beginning, desire to work hard.  (2) To be delivered, choose to work hard.

Boko Haram is still horrible

Not paying attention does not change the fact that Boko Haram continues to kill their own people with virtually total immunity.  The proof is from this article from International Christian Concern (ICC).

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Leah Sharibu is still being held by the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram. It has been 120 days since the release of the abducted Dapchi schoolgirls. Sadly, Leah Sharibu, the only Christian girl among them, is still in the clutches of Boko Haram. At present, there are no known efforts by the President Buhari-led Nigerian government toward securing Leah’s release, nor the release of the 105 primarily Christian Chibok schoolgirls who have been held captive by Boko Haram since 2014.

ICC spoke with Leah’s father, Nathan, who shared, “There is still no news about our daughter. We need help from whosoever to mount pressure on the federal government of Nigeria to do whatever it can to get our daughter released.” Leah’s father, who is still working and trying to maintain his family’s life in northeastern Nigeria, said of Leah’s mother, “She is feeling lonely and I don’t want her to get too depressed.”  He calls on Christians everywhere to continue to pray for the family.

Not only has their 15-year-old daughter been in captivity for a total of five months since the abduction in February, but they also had to send their son to a school that is further away because they fear for his safety. In the midst of these difficult choices, the family continues to live in a region that is vulnerable to attacks by Boko Haram. Just days ago, the terrorists struck a military base close to them, causing many casualties.

Controversy surrounded the abduction of the Dapchi schoolgirls. Some saw the Nigerian authorities as complicit in the saga. Some believed that public funds were advanced to the insurgent group in order to secure the release of the girls, thereby arming the group to continue its murderous acts. Most wondered why the only Christian girl among them was not released if there was no religious, anti-Christian motivation. Her freed classmates reported that it was because Leah refused Boko Haram’s demand to renounce Christ and convert to Islam.

Nathan Johnson, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “With the build-up of political activities toward the 2019 elections, it is unclear if the release of Leah Sharibu and the remaining Chibok schoolgirls is a priority to the Buhari administration any longer. We, as the concerned international community, must continue to work on behalf of Leah and the other Chibok girls still in captivity. We must not let people forget the danger and suffering that these courageous young women are facing daily.”

For interviews with Nathan Johnson, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Chinese knock down church in Shangdong

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on July 17, more than 70 police officers and workers forcibly demolished Liangwang Catholic Church in China’s Shandong province. Liangwang Catholic Church is a state-sanctioned church and had been registered since 2006.

Three church caretakers, Gao Rongli, Zhang Siling and Li Xiangmei, who were inside the church, had their cellphones confiscated and destroyed, before they were driven out of the building. The church was then razed in 15 minutes by bulldozers and pickaxes.

According to Asia News, local authorities have adopted a new urban plan that includes the development of a new neighborhood with a train station. The removal of the church was included in the plan, even though the church did not interfere during the process.

The congregation and the local religious affairs office were in communication with the authorities to find a place to relocate the church when, without warning or proper documentation, authorities came to destroy the church, the altars, benches, chairs, and furnishings inside.

Chinese Christian Fellowship of Righteousness, a US-based group that highlights Christian persecution in China, shared several photos of the scene on their Facebook page.

It is not uncommon for the Chinese government to demolish churches for urban zoning or commercial purposes. A Catholic church near Xi’an in Shaanxi province was forcibly demolished last December, despite having all of the necessary permits for the legal use of the land. Given that the building was close to one of the exits on the Xi’an-Hanzhong highway, the government likely intended to diminish the Christian presence or reuse the land for other purposes.

Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “The disproportionate manpower used to demolish this church goes to show that China is fearful of Christians. The government knew that the demolition in the name of urban zoning would be met with resistance, so it ensured success by taking extreme measures. Despite their best efforts to intimidate the Church with actions like this, the government cannot destroy the faith and resilience of Chinese Christians.”

For interviews with Gina Goh, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Mob attacks church in Chak 165-GB

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that a group of armed Muslims attacked a Catholic church on July 13 in Chak 165-GB at Harssa Kot, in Samundari in the district of Faisalabad, approximately 75 miles from Lahore. While local police have arrested the assailants, local Christians fear that widespread discrimination against their community will prevent justice from being done in this case.

A local Christian resident, who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons, told ICC that five people belonging to a single Muslim family, including Muhammad Jawad, Muhammad Changaiz, Nasreen Bibi, and others, attacked the Christians of Chak 165-GB when they were gathered for worship in the small church. The attackers stormed the church, carrying guns and kerosene oil, and attempted to set the church on fire.

“A group of armed Muslims abused Christianity and desecrated the church stuff,” the local Christian said. “Around 50 men and women were praying in the church when the group of Muslims did aerial shots, attacked the church, beat men and women, damaged windows, altar, pulpit, chairs, and desecrated Christian literature.”

“However, timely intervention of the local police controlled the situation and saved the Christians,” the local Christian reported.

According to the local source, “The [attackers] had a property dispute with Abid Masih and wanted to [take] the church property as well. In order to pressurize the Christian community, a young Christian was kidnapped a week ago, however later recovered.”

Local police have logged a First Information Report (FIR) against the culprits for five different offenses including 295–A of the Pakistan Penal Code. Three of the assailants have been arrested and an investigation into the incident is still ongoing.

Shamaun Qaiser, a Christian political activist, said, “It is sad to note this new violent trend in which Muslims have started attacking places of Christian worship to settle personal disputes.”

“Such acts against the weaker sections of society often go unpunished,” Qaiser continued. “I have no hope that justice will be done for these Christians as the administration and legislatures have often turned a blind eye to the issue of violence against Christians.”

During the first six months of 2018, ICC reported numerous religious freedom violations against Pakistan’s Christian community. These religious freedom violations included seven Christians being arrested under Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws, as well as multiple kidnappings, rapes, forced conversions to Islam, and religiously motivated murders. Churches and other places of worship were also targeted by both government authorities and non-state actors. In January, local authorities shut down six house churches, claiming that they could not provide security for the worshipers. In April, unknown assailants set a church on fire in Lahore. In June, local Muslims forcefully closed a church in Toba Tek Singh after deciding that a church was inappropriate in a primarily Muslim village.

William Stark, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “Christian places of worship continue to be targeted in Pakistan. As one of the most public and enduring symbols of Christianity in Pakistan, churches often attract the attention of Pakistan’s religious fanatics and terrorists. In recent years, the Pakistani Taliban and ISIS-affiliated groups have targeted churches during Christian holidays to spread terror among Christian communities. It is truly sad to see that this tactic has been adopted to settle a personal dispute over property. Pakistan must take steps to secure its Christian community and their places of worship. In this instance, authorities have the ability to do just that by providing justice to the Christian community of Chak 165-GB.”

For interviews with William Stark, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Church in Egypt attacked 3 times in 8 days

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on July 13, 2018, a mob of Islamic extremists formed in Sultan village, outside of St. Karas Church. Islamic hardliners were responding to reports that the church was seeking legalization. This was the third time in recent weeks that a mob has formed against Sultan’s Christian community.

Sami, one of the local villagers, explained, “Two and a half years ago, a church was built on a 100-meter area. From then on, religious ceremonies and decrees were held [there], but two months later, the church erected another building in a 200-meter area. It has four floors for services and rituals.”

Christians were preparing to hold a service in this additional church building, but the celebration of religious rites has been repeatedly interrupted because of the mob violence. The church was attacked by extremists on July 6, July 7, and July 13.

Regarding the latest attack, one Christian woman, Mariam, stated, “When we started praying in the building, this provoked the Muslims. They said that we were silent about the small church building, but now the Christians are considering making the next building another church. They attacked and destroyed the car of the priest, Father Justin, without causing any human casualties.”

Security forces eventually controlled the situation during the attack on July 13. It is widely believed that this third attack occurred because security forces did not intervene during previous attacks despite being present on the scene.

Local Christians worry that this will not be the last mob attack, as none of the mob leaders have been arrested. Local sources report that Sultan village has only 400 Christians, roughly 10% of the village’s total population. Ahmed explained, “Terror dominates the village because the Muslims can demonstrate and gather at any time. We are in great fear and in anticipation of the situation.”

A local official reportedly told the mob participants that no church will be allowed in the village. Archbishop Makarios released a statement saying, “We are saddened by official appeasement of and acquiescence to demands by some who possess no right to such demands [the demands to have no church in the village], to the detriment of Coptic rights.”

The statement continued, “We live in a sovereign State governed by Constitution, laws, and institutions; and thus reject that anyone should willfully impose over us a situation that defies the law. We are confident that honourable officials in position of authority in this country—with whom we have already been in contact—share our stance in absolutely rejecting the unlawful acts and declarations against us. They have promised to deal firmly with the situation and perpetrators, so that similar incidents do not recur.”

Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “Sadly, these kinds of attacks are all too common in Egypt. Islamic hardliners routinely use violence or the threat of violence to prevent Christians from freely practicing their faith. Security forces often ignore or cave to the mob’s demands. The worst part about this current case is that it took three attacks for the authorities to intervene. When they did, they took the side of the mob rather than protecting the rights of Christians to freely practice their faith. This kind of response only encourages extremists to engage in violence toward Christians. Local authorities must do more to protect the rights of Christians.”

For interviews with Claire Evans, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

15 attacks in 14 days in India

International Christian Concern (ICC) has documented at least 15 separate anti-Christian incidents across India in the past 14 days. These incidents include physical assaults, a church demolition, forced conversions, false accusations of forced conversions, and social boycotts.

On July 2, 35 Hindu radicals attacked 150 Christians who were gathered for prayer in a meeting hall in Raikashipur village located in the Pratapgarh District of India’s Uttar Pradesh State. More than 20 Christians were injured in the assault, including several suffering broken limbs.

On July 6, six Christians were forcefully converted to Hinduism in the Kunti District of India’s Jharkhand State. On the same day, six Christian families from a village near Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, were given an ultimatum to recant their Christian faith by July 15 or face “severe consequences.”

On July 7, 25 Christians in the Dumka District of Jharkhand State were arrested after local villagers falsely accused them of attempting forced conversions. Sixteen Christian have been formally charged and sent to jail. The Christians were accused after participating in a public preaching event held in Phulpahari village.

On July 8, Hindu radicals assaulted a pastor, his wife, and three other Christians inside a prayer hall in Paguthampalayam village located in southern Tamil Nadu State. According to local Christians, the assailants also stripped the pastor’s wife. Following the attack, four of the Christians were arrested by police after radicals filed police complaints against them.

Also on July 8, a mob of 150 people, believed to be Hindu radicals, forced their way into a church in Bommalaramaram village, located in the Yadadri District of Telangana State, and assaulted the pastor and other church members. After two hours, they forced the pastor to sign a document stating that he would discontinue building the church he was in the process of constructing in Bommalaramaram.

On July 9, Pastor Sabu Thomas was praying with a family inside their home when someone locked the door from the outside, called the police, and reported that he was engaged in forced conversions. Pastor Thomas was arrested, but later released by police in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

On July 13, Pastor Thomas George and his wife, Binu Thomas George, were falsely accused of attempting forced conversions and were arrested in Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh State.

On July 14, a church building in Sangameswar village, located in the Kamareddy District of Telangana State, was demolished by the village Surpanch after gathering signatures from villagers opposed to the church. According to local Christians, the intention of the village Surpanch is to make Sangameswar “Christian free.”

Also on July 14, Hindu radicals lodged forced conversion complaints against Christians in two locations in Madhya Pradesh. One complaint was lodged by activists from the Durga Vahini group in the Alirajpur District. The other complaint was lodged by VHP activists near Bhopal. After filing the complaints, the Hindu activists demanded that police shut down all Christian activities in the area.

On July 15, a Christian family was socially boycotted in Kotetharaa village, located in the Janjgir-Champa District of Chhattisgarh State. Hindu villagers were told that they would have to pay a 10,000 INR fine if caught speaking with the Christian family.

Also on July 15, a church located in Santkabeer Nagar, located in Uttar Pradesh State, was attacked. Local reports indicate that one Christian was injured in the assault.

Again on July 15, a church was attacked during a worship service in Rajendra Nagar, located near Raipur in Chhattisgarh State. The assailants beat men, women, and children who attended the church service. The Christians were further assaulted at the police station by an angry mob of Hindu radicals.

On July 15, Hindu radicals, along with police, disrupted a church service in Birne village, located in India’s Uttar Pradesh State. The Christians were forced to agree to stop their prayer meetings and other Christian activities. They were also told that they could not hold such meetings without permission from the local authorities.

All of these events demonstrate a growing anti-Christian sentiment in India. This sentiment has manifested itself in violent action and has gone almost entirely unchecked by local authorities. Christians in India live knowing that their police and government will more likely participate in persecution, rather than defend them against it.

Dr. John Dayal, President of the United Christian Forum, said, “We [Christians] are becoming increasingly concerned at political, social, and economic developments in our country that may fracture, if not irretrievably impact, the very foundations of conditional democracy.” 

William Stark, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “We here at International Christian Concern are extremely concerned by the tidal wave of attacks on Christians over the past two weeks. Every day, new reports of persecution come in from what seems like every corner of India. Many Christians fear that this may be the new normal for their community as Hindu radicals have been allowed to attack Christians and other minority communities with impunity. India must take concrete steps to counteract this wave of intolerance and violence. Until then, the attacks will likely continue to increase in both number and severity.”

For interviews with William Stark, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Militants take away internet access in Iraq

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that the Nineveh Plains, the traditional homeland of Iraq’s Christians, is experiencing increased infrastructure challenges because of governance disputes and violent protests in the country’s southern region. Most of the Nineveh Plains’ existing infrastructure was destroyed by ISIS.

On July 12, an armed force entered a church in Bartella and destroyed their internet devices. It is believed that the armed force belongs to Hashd al-Shaabi, an Iranian-backed militia that controls a significant part of the Nineveh Plains. “This began as a problem of internet providers,” explained a local Christian source. “The central government is trying to provide internet; however, because the internet towers in Bartella and Qaraqosh take their providers from the KRG, an armed force from that ministry attacked all the towers there.”

“One of the towers is built on top of the cultural center. And that cultural center belongs to Bartella’s church so they get inside and they destroyed some devices. They were not there for the church [directly but rather] because the church’s internet was from KRG and they wanted them to get internet from Mosul,” the source continued.

Milad is a government worker from Bartella. He further explained, “We are not comfortable living in Bartella post-ISIS... Shia Hashd is the top here. This kind of behavior means that we are still [in] the grey area.” He continued, “The aggressive armed men always send horror inside, we are not able to recognize ISIS behavior versus government behavior!”

Over the weekend, Iraq declared a state of emergency due to violent protests in the south. In part, the protesters are demanding reduced Iranian influence and better utilities. Internet remains mostly disabled across the country. On July 15, Mosul Eye reported that the share of electricity allocated to the Nineveh Plains will be reduced by nearly half with the rest directed to the southern provinces in order to meet the demands of protesters.

Al-Sumaria TV published an interview with the Deputy Chairman of the Nineveh Province Council, Noureddine Qablan, who said, “This has exacerbated the electricity crisis in the province, which is originally suffering from a lack of processing power… Is it reasonable to be a victim of the failure of the Ministry of Electricity? On the outskirts of Nineveh, there are now 16 camps where people live in dire humanitarian situations. Nineveh is a disaster… the government is making a mistake by reducing its share.”

Qablan continued, “This is an injustice to the population of Nineveh… Nineveh is originally damaged and the ministries must support the return of life to these cities (and turn) away from the policy of marginalization.”

Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “The protest violence existing in Iraq’s south does not exist in the Nineveh Plains. This area, which has seen immense suffering because of ISIS, has barely any infrastructure left. On the other hand, Iraq’s oil-rich south lacks these utilities because of government corruption. It is wrong of the authorities to use this time as an opportunity to violently force its agenda on Christians and make them serve the infrastructure needs of the south. It is because of Iraq’s violence and unfair treatment of Christians that so many believers have left the country.”

For interviews with Claire Evans, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

350 murdered by Boko Haram & Fulani militants in June 2018

Boko Haram and Fulani militants continued their campaign of violence throughout Nigeria’s Middle Belt region in June, during which more than 350 people were killed. June witnessed one of the largest attacks by Fulani militants in nearly a decade. International Christian Concern (ICC) recorded that Fulani militants killed more than 230 people during an attack on Southern Plateau State in late June. Some reports claim that this attack was a brutal act of retaliation after Berom farmers killed five Fulani herdsmen.

To date, ICC has reported on the deaths of more than 1,350 Christians in Nigeria’s Middle Belt in 2018. This is a conservative number, as there have been other reports as high as 6,000 killed, as reported by the Christian Association of Nigeria. Though these statistics vary greatly, which is reflective of the confusion and chaos surrounding the conflict, they are important because they show the stark contrast and rise in violence compared to previous years. For comparison, approximately 900 people were killed in similar conflicts in 2017.

On June 27, the Global Council of Bishops made the following statement concerning the recent attacks, “We expected the government of Nigeria under the able leadership of President Muhammad Buhari GCFR, as it has promised to defend, secure, and protect the lives of Nigerians as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, Chapter II, Section 14b), to take a decisive – workable solution to permanently curtail the excess of the Fulani and their herdsmen from taking laws into their hands, but these killings [keep] aggravating [the situation].”

Below are the largest attacks that took place in June:

- June 6, 2018: Fulani militants in Benue State kill nine people.
- June 17, 2018: Boko Haram militants in Borno State kill 31 people.
- June 25, 2018: Fulani militants in Plateau State kill more than 230 people.

According to Global Terrorism Index, Fulani militants were responsible for more deaths in 2016 than Boko Haram. This trend only continues to worsen as Boko Haram is slowly degraded, and Fulani militants continue to operate freely. Although attention should be given to Boko Haram to prevent further attacks, the Nigerian government and the rest of the world must acknowledge the much deadlier violence taking place in the Middle Belt.

For interviews with William Stark, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Deported for Proselytizing in Nepal

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that a foreign Christian couple was deported from Nepal after being charged with committing forceful religious conversions. This deportation comes at a time when Christians are reporting increased religious hostility and growing restrictions on religious freedom in Nepal.

On Friday, July 6, De Vera Richard and Rita Gonga, a married couple, were officially deported from Nepal to their native countries of the Philippines and Indonesia. The Christian couple has been further prohibited from reentering Nepal for the next year.

The Christian couple had been staying in Nepal on a one-year business visa that they received on November 28, 2017, and operated a restaurant in the town of Pulchowk. The couple was also involved with Every Nation Church in Kumaripati.

A complaint was lodged against the Christian couple with the Ministry of Home Affairs on May 21, 2018. The Department of Immigration subsequently launched an investigation and found that the two were working as pastors at Every Nation Church and were allegedly “converting Hindus into Christians.” Their role in the church was found to be in violation of their business visa and the Department of Immigration cancelled their visas.

Proselytization is a criminal offense in Nepal. According to Article 26 of Nepal’s constitution, “No person shall behave, act or make others act to disturb public law and order situation or convert a person of one religion to another or disturb the religion of other people…such an act shall be punished by law.” People guilty of this offense can be fined up to 50,000 Rupees and placed in prison for up to five years. Neither De Vera nor Rita were placed in prison, though they did receive the fine and were deported.

“The constitution guarantees the right to free belief and practice of one’s religion,” BP Khanal, General Secretary to the Janajagaran Party, told ICC. “Thus it was not criminal for them to attend a local church. The authorities have made a severe error and terribly violated the couple’s religious freedom. The question is, would the authorities have taken the same measures to deport someone found heavily involved in a Hindu temple?”

“The authorities must be fair to everybody's beliefs and must respect the religious beliefs of minority groups,” Khanal concluded.

William Stark, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “We here at International Christian Concern are concerned and disappointed to see two Christians forcefully deported from Nepal because they were involved with a church. Individuals should have the right to practice the faith of their choice under Nepal’s constitution. Many Christians in Nepal are concerned about increasing restrictions on religious freedom and hostility toward their faith community. With actions like this, the government is only increasing the challenges facing Christians in Nepal.”

For interviews with William Stark, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world.

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Example of reconciliation session in Egypt

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that, on July 7, 2018, a mob of Islamic extremists formed in Egypt’s Minbal village and attacked several Christian homes. Prior to the attack, Islamic hardliners accused a Coptic Christian, Abdo Adel Bebawy, of insulting Islam on Facebook. He was arrested the following day, on July 6. A mob subsequently formed and attacked the Christian community of Minbal.

According to one source quoted by Wataninet, “Last Friday, the village witnessed a group of hardliners (who gathered) on the grounds of accusing a Copt of insulting religion… the militants tried to gather against the Copts in light of the security absence.”

“The Copts were surprised by a crowd of militants in front of their houses chanting slogans and throwing stones at their houses. They left their homes until the police arrived, who contained the situation without causing casualties,” continued Wataninet.

“The Muslims came from all of the surrounding villages around Minbal... They all came with anger and stoned the Christian houses,” said Youssef, who lives near Minbal and witnessed the recruitment of Muslims for the mob attack.

One woman, Miriam, shared with ICC, “The mob stoned the houses of all the Christians (in Minbal). The Christians were afraid and all locked themselves in their houses and closed the wooden shutters of the windows.”

Another villager added, “There is now negotiation (a reconciliation session) with Abdo Adel Bebawy and his family. They (Muslims) want to displace them out of the village.”

Customary reconciliation sessions are commonplace in Egypt. These out-of-court settlements intimidate Christians into relinquishing their legal rights while their assailants avoid punishment. Christians often accept the outcome of these sessions in hopes of avoiding further violence. A recent trend shows that authorities are increasingly pushing for Christians to “reconcile” with their attackers.  

“Sectarian strife and the assault on the Copts are being dealt with illegally because security is pressing for stability. The government does not want the press to speak about it or publish stories about it,” explained one Coptic lawyer to ICC.

“It is not fair what is happening. When we see that both the aggressor and the victim are arrested, we reach the conclusion that the measures the police use are not built on justice. It is the opposite of what the government claims when they say that the law should apply to everybody,” shared Nasar from Cairo.

Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “The environment in Minbal remains very tense as the community prepares to move towards reconciliation. These kinds of situations rarely result in favor of the Christians who were victimized by the extremists. This, coupled with the arrest of Abdo on charges of contempt of Islam, gives the appearance of the authorities validating violence towards Christians. The authorities must take a serious stance on protecting the rights of Christians.”

For interviews with Claire Evans, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org 

Source:  International Christian Concern (ICC) - www.persecution.org.

Peace deal between Ethiopia and Eritrea

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Ethiopia and Eritrea have declared an end to their 20-year long border war. The dispute began in 1998, five years after Eritrea declared its independence from Ethiopia. The war raged for several years, before a UN-backed treaty was signed in 2002. Despite this agreement, the two neighboring countries continued to arm troops along their borders, and Ethiopia held towns that were granted to Eritrea. They also had no diplomatic relations or trade during this period.

This began to change in April of this year when Ethiopia’s new prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, declared that he wanted to end the conflict. Over the past several months, he has worked toward that goal, culminating in the agreement signed yesterday. This agreement stated that telecommunications would be reopened between the two countries, flights would be allowed again, embassies would be reopened in their respective capitals, and ports would be open to the countries. This agreement will hopefully bring some stability to a very chaotic East Africa.

ICC is concerned, however, that these benefits will not reach the long persecuted Christians of Eritrea. For years, Eritrea has been known to religious freedom advocates as the “North Korea of Africa.” This title is well deserved. Due to their strong central and socialistic government, Eritrea represses all religious freedom in the country. In 2002, they enacted laws that allowed for only four legal religions: Roman Catholic, Eritrean Orthodox, Lutheran, and Sunni Islam. However, these four religions come with significant stipulations.

To join any of these religions, one must make four pledges: 1) Their loyalty is to the government, not the Church, family, or God, 2) They will never be “born again,” 3) They will not carry a Bible outside of their home or Church, and 4) They will turn in any evangelists or missionaries that they encounter. These pledges have forced many Christians to worship in underground churches or flee the country.

Furthermore, the government still holds many Christians in captivity. The rightful patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, Abune Antonios, has been under house arrest since 2007 when the government arrested him for defying governmental control over the church. Thousands of others are still being held in some of the worst conditions in the world. Their prisons are often metal shipping containers placed in the middle of the desert. They pack as many as eight people into these tiny containers, which have no electricity or plumbing. The metal walls of the cells increase the temperature fluctuations of the desert from extremely hot to freezing cold. These religious freedom issues have yet to be addressed and leave serious concerns.

ICC’s Regional Manager, Nathan Johnson, stated, “We cannot yet rejoice with the rest of the world over this peace agreement. Though it brings hope for many, thousands of others are still suffering under the repressive regime of the Eritrean dictatorship. We hope that this opening of borders will allow Christians to find safety and that Ethiopia is able to help change one of the harshest persecutors in the world.”

For interviews with Nathan Johnson, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

Source:  International Christian Concern (ICC) - www.persecution.org. 

Yizhuang campus barricaded by Chinese government

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on July 5, Yizhuang campus of Zion Church, the largest house church in Beijing, has been blockaded by a group of “thugs” employed by the local authorities. The group prevented church members from entering the third floor where the campus is located and hurled insults and threats at the Christians, calling their faith a cult.

In a prayer request to fellow Christians shared via WeChat (a popular Chinese messaging app) on July 8, Yizhuang campus worshippers detailed the ongoing oppression from the government against their church.

Six individuals guarded the entrance to the church and prevented church members from attempting to unlock the government-imposed padlocks. They also prevented the church administrator from entering the church to retrieve computers and church documents.

Yizhuang campus recently prepaid the rent for another quarter, with its lease up for renewal in 2020, yet churchgoers were barred from worshipping in their own church.

Frequented by more than 1,500 Christians with eight campuses throughout Beijing, Zion Church recently became a prime target of the Chinese government. In April, authorities in Beijing requested that the church install surveillance cameras inside their building. After the church leaders refused, the government cut of the church’s water and shut down electricity to their elevator. The government also pressured the church’s landlord to not renew their lease.

Beginning in May, many Zion Church members were approached by residential and communal authorities, offered solutions to job issues, financial benefits, and better education for their children should they decide to leave their church. Those who refused have been put under surveillance.

According to China Aid, the church’s WeChat public account was blocked on June 12, and all of their sermon videos shared on other Christians websites have been deleted.

A Christian in Beijing familiar with the situation shared with ICC that the lease of Zion Church’s main building is up for renewal in mid-August. Given the intensifying crackdown against the church, it is concerning what will happen to the church next. Beijing authorities intend to intimidate other house churches by using Zion Church as an example.

Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “The latest crackdown against house churches in China is reflective of President Xi’s disregard for religious freedom. China is experiencing the worst Christian persecution since Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution. The US and international community should not turn a blind eye to the injustices committed against Chinese Christians. Let us continue to pray for strength and wisdom for the Church in China as they navigate through intensified oppression.”

For interviews with Gina Goh, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

Source:  International Christian Concern (ICC) - www.persecution.org. 

Raikashipur attack

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that last Monday, July 2, 20 Christians were seriously injured in an assault on a prayer meeting in Raikashipur village, located in the Pratapgarh District of India’s Uttar Pradesh State. According to local reports, a mob of 35 Hindu radicals stormed the meeting and beat the group of over 150 Christians gathered for prayer. Following the assault, the village Pradhan (village president) filed multiple false criminal charges against six of the Christian victims.

Ram Kumar Gautam, a 42-year-old Christian, has led prayer meetings in Raikashipur village every Monday for the last five years. On average, 300 people participate in these services in a makeshift shed.

On July 2, around 2:00 p.m., the mob arrived at the prayer meeting in several vehicles. The radicals stormed inside the meeting hall and beat the Christians gathered there with wooden lathies and sticks. The attackers also fired a gun into the air five times to frighten the Christians. When the attack ended, 20 Christians were seriously injured, 10 motorcycles were damaged, and the furniture inside the makeshift shed, including musical instruments and chairs, was destroyed. 

“I didn’t sleep or eat properly for nearly a week now,” Ram Kumar Gautam told ICC. “The attack on our prayer meeting last Monday has had devastating consequences. Many have serious injuries with their limbs being broken. Also, a false case was booked against six of us under stringent IPC sections.”

The radicals lodged false criminal charges against six Christians, including Gautam. These charges have reportedly been lodged by the village Pradhan, under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 147, 148, 149, 307, 452, 323, 504, 506, 392, and 295A.

“We peacefully conduct prayers every Monday and people voluntarily attend these prayers,” Gautam explained. “We don’t even talk about conversions, but I am accused of converting people. People come to our prayer and get healing. That’s why people choose to regularly attend the prayers.” 

Rev. Sanjay Robinson, President of Massih Seva Dhal, said, “There is no Freedom of Religion Act, popularly known as an anti-conversion law, in place in Uttar Pradesh, yet pastors and Christian workers are being frequently harassed by Hindu hardline groups with accusations of forced conversion. The gruesome incident on Christian worshipers in Raikashipur village reflects the pattern and plot of the Hindu hardline groups.”

William Stark, ICC’s Regional Manager, said, “We here at International Christian Concern are concerned by the recent upsurge in attacks on Christians and their places of worship in India. Article 25 of India’s constitution says that every individual has the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate the religion of their choice. For more than 150 Christians, this right was violated last Monday when Hindu radicals assaulted them for merely practicing their faith. India’s authorities must bring these 35 Hindu radicals in Raikashipur to justice. Until then, India’s religious freedom rights will remain only words on paper and attacks on Christians and other religious minorities will continue to rise in both number and severity.”

For interviews with William Stark, Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org

Source:  International Christian Concern (ICC) - www.persecution.org.