HK security law begins 7/1/20

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Beijing's top legislative body unanimously passed a sweeping national security law for Hong Kong today. Chinese President Xi Jinping subsequently signed the measure into law.

The bill was approved by 2,878 votes to one, and six abstentions, on May 28 by China’s National People's Congress (NPC), and submitted for the first deliberation to the NPC’s Standing Committee. The new law, unanimously adopted by the Committee’s 162 members today, will be incorporated into Hong Kong’s Basic Law, and enforced on July 1, the 23rd anniversary of the city’s handover from Britain.

Any action seen as an act of subversion, secession, terrorism, or foreign interference can now be tried by a special agency set up by Beijing, along with a special police force established to investigate security cases and collect intelligence.

Beijing’s latest move has been widely criticized as a blow to the "One Country, Two Systems" framework agreed upon by China and the United Kingdom in 1997 during the handover of Hong Kong, allowing the city to enjoy distinct political, socioeconomic, and legal arrangements for the next 50 years.

Local Christian groups, including Christians for Hong Kong Society, Hong Kong Christian Fellowship of Social Concern, and The Peace and Justice Commission of Hong Kong Diocese, are among the 86 human rights and social justice organizations that penned an open letter on June 16 to Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC, demanding that the law not be passed.

Many Christian clergy and activists could fall under the vague terminology of the law if their activities are seen as acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with foreign forces to endanger national security.

Christian activist Joshua Wong, one of the founders of the pro-democracy group Demosisto, announced his withdrawal from the group, hours after the law’s passage, citing his concerns that under the newly-passed national security legislation, it was no longer “nonsense” for pro-democracy figures to worry about their lives and personal safety. The 10-year “political imprisonment,” as well as extradition to China, could cost them their freedom. He said, “No one could be sure [what would happen] tomorrow.”

Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, said, “ICC condemns the Chinese government for imposing a sweeping security law that strips away the autonomy and freedoms of Hong Kong. Xi Jinping’s regime has done nothing but erode Hong Kong’s human rights and justice since he took office in 2012. Come tomorrow, Beijing will employ this security law, which bypassed Hong Kong’s own Legislative Council, to criminalize any Hong Kong citizen who is considered to be a troublemaker to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). It is time now for the international community to stand in solidarity with Hong Kong and take necessary measures to punish the CCP.”

For interviews, 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

Militia power struggle in Iraq

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on the night of June 25, 2020, Iraq’s Counter-Terrorism Services (ICTS) launched a raid in Baghdad and arrested multiple members of the militia Kataib Hezbollah. The raid was triggered after one of the militia leaders threatened Prime Minister al-Kadhimi that he would lead forces into the Green Zone and siege governmental offices.

This militia is under the umbrella of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), also referred to as the Hashid al-Shaabi, an Iranian-backed group that has been accused of multiple human rights violations. The PMF suffered a significant setback earlier this year when the US assassinated key leaders. The PMF also controls the Nineveh Plains, the home of Christians displaced by the Islamic State (ISIS). This raid represents the first significant attempt by Iraq’s current prime minister to control the militias, and has sparked a fresh wave of security tension.

“People believe Hashid is not going to lose the Nineveh Plains easily,” said one Christian after speaking with several Nineveh residents about the raid’s implications. These militias often create significant obstacles for rebuilding the Nineveh Plains, and thus any significant pushback on the militias is often met by residents with great caution regarding possible retaliation.

“Kadhimi promised that he will rid (Iraq) of militias and armed groups regardless under which cover they are,” observed an Iraqi Christian journalist. “He said weapons should be only under governmental authorities. This breaking (of the rule) results in arrests. Consider that from time to time the Green Zone and Baghdad Airport used to be under unknown rocket (attacks), but now we know who was doing that.”

“Those militias have no difference than ISIS. Actually, they are worse because they have power, influence, and politicians,” added a Baghdad Christian. “Hezbollah is doing exactly what ISIS did; that’s why the ICTS attacked them last night. The difference is that ISIS is based on some sort of theology while those Iranian militias pretend they are protecting you while they are stealing the country’s wealth.”

Iraqi Christian journalist Steven Nabil tweeted, “Military sources confirmed to me that nearly 600 armed group members (militias) arrived in Baghdad coming from the southern provinces. They had started their arrivals around 4:00 a.m. and continue doing so until now… White Toyota trucks filled with armed men wearing masks parading and threatening the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism units is not the way your militia will win hearts and minds.”

Many Christians have complained that historically an absence of law and a strong central government in Iraq have led to the rise of terrorist groups and other paramilitary forces. Iraq has faced significant international pressure within the last year to find ways which would solve these issues. But several Christians have expressed that while this desired outcome is necessary, the process would likely cause new and unpredictable security problems.

Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, “The militias which helped defeat ISIS have placed Iraq into a difficult position. These militias have become so empowered that many local Christians afterwards have commented that they see no practical difference between the militias and ISIS. The Iraqi Central Government is under pressure to find ways to control these militias, but the militias do not want to be controlled. This current situation is yet another example of how quickly tensions can flare in Iraq. It also shows the depth to which Iraqi Christians must constantly be on the defense as new potential threats against their existence continue to emerge.”

For interviews, 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

No Turkey for you

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on June 5, 2020, a Turkish pastor’s American wife, Joy Subaşıgüller, received notice from Turkey’s Ministry of Interior that her family visa was denied. No specific reason was given. Joy has lived in Turkey for nearly 10 years and has been married to her Turkish husband, Lütfü, for seven years. Their three children (ages 4, 2, and 4 months) are Turkish citizens. The family has opened a court case (#2020/988 – Ankara First Administrative Court) contesting the government’s decision.

Over the past few years, Turkey has forced many foreign Christians to leave the country through the systematic denial or cancellation of residence permits and the application of entry bans. Last year, at least 35 foreign Protestants received such notices. In many cases, vague security reasons are cited, but not explained. It is believed that Turkey has denied extending Joy's family visa for no other reason than that the family is Christian, and that it is an attempt to force the whole family to leave the country.

“Turkey is my home. I love Turkey and the Turkish people very much. My family has very strong ties with Turkish friends here and especially with Lütfü's family who would be devastated if we had to permanently relocate to another country,” Joy shared with ICC.

“Many foreign Protestant Christians (including many Americans) have been forced to leave Turkey and issued an entry ban on the grounds that their Christian activities are a ‘threat to national security and public order’ even though their activities are legal. In fact, some Protestants have been denied residency just because they attended meetings such as the annual Turkish Protestant Association family conference and a seminar concerning how to legally and effectively serve Christian children in the church,” she continued.

“Freedom of religion is a right granted in Turkey's constitution and in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which Turkey has signed,” Joy added. “We ask and pray that this right would be upheld in the Turkish courts and enforced in all areas of government.”

Istanbul’s Protestant Church Association also issued a statement regarding the country’s treatment of Christian leaders, including the Subaşıgüllers. The statement said, “It is with great sadness that we have to report that since 2019 it has been made more difficult for foreign clergy who serve the Protestant Church community in Turkey to be resident in our country, and that our requests for information concerning this matter have not received a satisfactory reply. While we hope that this is just a mistake and it will be rectified, we felt it necessary to issue a press statement to share with you how this situation has saddened us so deeply.”

In its annual report, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom recommended Turkey for a special watch list because of increasing religious freedom violations. A recent International Religious Freedom Report released by the US State Department also cited Turkey for religious freedom violations that include the targeting of foreign Christians living within the country.

Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, “We join with the Subaşıgüllers in seeking prayers for the ongoing court case that appeals the decision made by Turkey’s Interior Ministry. That Turkey would threaten to separate a family for no other reason than that they are Christians is alarming. We ask that Turkey speedily review their appeal with full transparency and in accordance with the country’s own international commitments to protecting human rights.”

For interviews, 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

Chengguan destroy Xingguang

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on June 11, local authorities brought in more than 100 officers from four different agencies to demolish Xingguang Church in China’s Xiamen city, Fujian province. The demolition came a month after the violent May 3 raid of the house church, during which several members were injured.

Around 9:00 a.m., dozens of chengguan, or Urban Management Law Enforcement officials, lined up outside of Xingguang Church in Jimei district, before storming the church located on the fifth floor with other dozens of fire fighters, public security officers, and religious affairs bureau staff.

The house church, purchased by the members and also the home of several members, was soon was reduced to rubble. Since the authorities barred the church members from entering, when a churchgoer managed to record the demolition, a chengguan yelled, “What are you filming with your cell?” while attempting to knock away the phone.

The furniture and personal property stored at the church were also confiscated by the authorities illegally. A member documented the aftermath and debris left behind by the authorities in a video.

Preacher Yang Xibo from Xunsiding Church, shared his anger on Facebook. He said, “Xiamen Xingguang House Church now encounters a forceful demolition, which targets a private property, someone’s home. The Property Law [in China] is nothing but a wastepaper. The government of Xiamen has been gansterized…This also gives you a glimpse of how China has been gansterized in recent years.”

The church has already been raided twice this year – on April 19 and on May 3. The church’s preacher, Titus Yu, was threatened with a notice that his church would face disbandment as punishment if he did not correct his ‘illegal’ act.

A house church pastor from Zhejiang told ICC, “As far as I know, I haven’t heard about the arrest of Xingguang Church’s preacher [as part of the demolition].”

Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, said, “As stated in the latest United States Commission on International Religious Freedom’s (USCIRF) report by commissioner Johnnie Moore, ‘There is no question that China is the world’s foremost violator of human rights and religious freedom.’ China’s rule of law is merely a slogan, since the authorities can simply crack down on anyone whom they consider a threat. We regret to see the Xiamen authorities’ continuous oppression against Xingguang Church. This serves as a great example of the absence of religious liberty in the communist country.”

For interviews, 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

Fulani are at it again in Nigeria

International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that Fulani militants again attacked the Adara natives in Kajuru LGA, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The attack on the Christian village took place while many were still mourning the loss of loved ones, property, and their means of livelihood following a series of coordinated attacks on at least five villages and 12 settlements over the past month.

The militants launched this most recent attack on Tudu-Doka Avong along Kaduna-Kachia road, killing nine people and injuring several others. Confirming the incident, a community representative, Usman Stingo, said, “It happened at about 5:45 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. The gunmen arrived [at] the village and started shooting sporadically.  They entered into some homes and burnt household stuff. The situation is very, very pathetic.”

Those killed in the latest attack include Kefas Yusuf (30), Richard Yusuf (25), Fidelis Wada (40), Kachia Simon (30); Rose Soja (39), Genesis Soja (11), Rahap Soja (9), Victoria Gyata (50), and Lovette Akayi (10).

Further confirming the attack, the Kaduna State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Joseph Hayab, said, “Nine persons were killed, including women and children. The photos are not good to look at.  The mood in the entire Kajuru area is gloomy. People are living in fear.”

The CAN chairman further disclosed that some pastors were also affected in the recent attacks and are suffering in silence.  He, however, acknowledged good-spirited individuals who are assisting with food distributions to help the displaced, but lamented that the need is very large.  He expressed concern with the attitude of the government, saying, “The government seems to be living in pretense and looking away from the colossal impact of the attacks on the population.”

The recent attacks on the Adara communities spreading across Kajuru and Kachia local council areas in southern Kaduna impacted approximately 537 households with approximately 20,000 people displaced.

ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, Nathan Johnson, stated, “Kajuru Local Government Area has now been attacked nearly a dozen times in the past month. Despite this, the government has not taken any clear or decisive steps to stop the violence. They have not caught any of the perpetrators, saved any lives, or assisted any of those who have suffered. This continued inaction is costing many people their lives, homes, and loved ones. It is time that the government in Nigeria is held accountable for the many lives that they have failed to defend. They are either completely incompetent and must be removed, or they are complicit and need to be thrown in jail.”

For interviews, 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

Execration in Quarantine

Have you been ridiculed in the past?  Have you been mocked in the past?  Have you been verbally abused?  Have you been emotionally abused?  Have you been physically abused?  Have you been assaulted?  Have you been harassed?  Have you been betrayed?  Have you been stabbed in the back?  Have you been hurt by someone for no apparent reason?

You have had a few months due to the stay-at-home order to have your thoughts go back to that time when you were hurt.  You really want to retaliate, but you do not want to go to jail.  You really want to retaliate, but you could be killed in the process. 

However, there is a way in which you can gain revenge upon your foes while you are in quarantine.  You can place an execration upon them from the comfort of your own home. 

In my book "Curses Upon Mine Enemies,"  you will be able to access the vengeance that you need in order to see results against your adversaries.  The book details the stipulations in which you can place an execration upon someone and a few curses that you can use.

You may be asking this question to yourself, "Does this really work?"  Well, I placed a curse upon America for all of the ridicule, hurt, and pain that I have had to deal with during my lifetime a few years ago.  Now, you can see all of the chaos going on in this country.

You can order the book at Amazon at this link:  https://www.amazon.com/Curses-upon-Mine-Enemies-Hol-dp-1401075304/dp/1401075304/ref=mt_paperback?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=1590369984

You can also order the book directly from Xlibris, the publisher of my book, at this link:  https://www.xlibris.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/572028-curses-upon-mine-enemies