India Peace Rally to Coincide with PM's U.S. Visit

A rally and prayer vigil to demand a stop to religious violence against Christians in India will take place in front of the White House Thursday to coincide with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit.Jubilee Campaign, an advocacy group for persecuted religious minorities, and International Christian Concern will host the India Peace Rally at Lafayette Park across from the White House.The groups will share updates on the violence against Christians in India and invite participants to pray for justice for the persecuted.Since mid-August, Hindu militants have attacked Christians, burning down their homes, businesses, churches, and orphanages. The violence, which began in the remote eastern state of Orissa, has now spread to four states in India.Tens of thousands of Christians are said to be forced from their homes by the violence. These now homeless Christians are taking refuge in government buildings, where many are not even provided a blanket, or are hiding out in the jungle.A conservative estimate says some 20 people, mostly Christians, have died in the rampages over the past month.The outbreak of anti-Christian violence in India is thought to be the worst in the country’s 60 years of independence.The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, an independent, bipartisan federal agency advising the Administration and Congress, urged President Bush in a letter last Friday to raise concerns about religious freedom in India during his upcoming meeting with the Indian prime minister.“The Indian government’s response to the egregious violence in Orissa remains inadequate,” stated USCIRF chair Felice D. Gaer.“If India is to exercise global leadership as the largest and perhaps most pluralistic democracy in the world, Prime Minister Singh should demonstrate his government’s commitment to uphold the basic human rights obligations to which it has agreed, including the protection of religious minorities,” she said.
USCIRF has called for India’s federal government to hold all state governments accountable for violence and other unlawful acts that take place in their states.

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080924/india-peace-rally-to-coincide-with-pm-s-u-s-visit.htm

As in the days of Noah...

Iran's Apostasy Death Penalty Raises U.S. Concern

An Iranian bill that would punish apostasy with death has drawn the condemnation of a U.S. religious freedom body, which calls on the United States and other governments to quickly speak out against the proposed law ahead of its soon expected final approval by Iran’s parliament. “The new penal code provision prescribing the death penalty for the so-called crime of apostasy and other crimes is a huge step backwards for human rights,” criticized U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom chair Felice D. Gaer.In her statement, she refuted Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s charge that foreign criticism of the penal code is “global arrogance,” and denounced religious freedom in Iran as a “chimera.”Under the proposed law – which is expected to be approved by the parliament – many religious minority communities could be subjected to death sentences, the religious freedom expert emphasized.Christians, Baha’is, and even some Muslims would be vulnerable to arbitrary arrest and imprisonment.If the law passes, two Christians from Muslim backgrounds who are currently in prison for apostasy - Mahmoud Mohammad Matin-Azad and Arash Ahmad-Ali Basirat - could be given the death sentence.“Iran’s human rights record is abysmal, and the soon-to-be codified call for the death penalty for apostasy underlines the danger that the intolerance of the Iranian regime poses to its own people,” Gaer said.The Iranian government’s recent move could result in the country’s first legal penal code that calls for death for the crime of apostasy, or leaving one’s faith.Currently, the bill is in the Legislative Commission for debate on proposed amendments and then will return to the Parliament for another vote.USCIRF has recommended that Iran be included on the State Department’s list of “countries of particular concern” – the blacklist for religious freedom violators – citing the government’s “egregious and systematic violations of religious freedom and other human rights.”It has also called for the release of all religious prisoners and an end to the government’s systematic discrimination of religious minorities.Next week, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is scheduled to visit New York for a United Nations meeting. A group of religious leaders – including from the Mennonite Central Committee, World Council of Churches, the Quaker group American Friends Service Committee, and the Episcopal Church - has invited the controversial leader to dinner.Mark Tooley of the Institute on Religion and Democracy, criticized the planned dinner with the Ahmadinejad.“In the past, these church leaders have said nothing about the religious freedom of Christians and other religious minorities in Iran,” Tooley commented. “Indeed, there has been no professed concern about human rights in Iran.“IRD challenges the leaders to speak up for religious freedom of Iranian Christians and for all people in Iran, since the Iranians themselves are not free to speak plainly."Members of these church groups had visited Iran in February of 2007, and held a similar event with the National Council of Churches in September 2007 also in New York.

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080919/iran-s-apostasy-death-penalty-raises-u-s-concern.htm

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Two Christians Kidnapped and Killed in Iraq

Two Christians Kidnapped and Killed in Iraq:Iraqi Christians continue to face kidnapping and killings even after relative stability of the country. Please pray for the safety and protection of Christians in Iraq.Full Story.
For more general information please go to ICC's webpage on Iraq.

Source:ICC

As in the days of Noah...

China:Pastor Activist Back In States

Pastor Activist Back In States:American Pastor Romero is safely back in the United States after disappearing for a short period when he was taken away from Tiananmen Square for protesting China's human rights violations. Full Story.

Source:ICC

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Shi Weihan - Help Imprisoned Chinese Christian!

Send an email to Chinese Ambassador Zhou Whenzong, asking him to press for the release of Shi Weihan. On March 19, Shi was rearrested for publishing Bibles and Christian literature. Shi’s bookstore, located near the Olympic village, operated legally and sold only books for which he had obtained government permission. Authorities at the Beijing Municipal Detention center have labeled Shi as a “dangerous religious element,” mistakenly believing that he would cause a stir as Beijing Olympics approach. However, Shi's friends affirm him to be a peaceful and patriotic citizen.Shi is being held without any family visits allowed. His wife has been prohibited to bring him any food or clothing. Open Doors is concerned about Shi’s health, as he has diabetes and the family has been unable to confirm whether or not he has recieved necessary medication. Shi’s attorney, who has only recently been allowed to see him, said that Shi is in dire need of medical attention. Read More >>
Please send an email to Chinese Ambassador Zhou Whenzong, asking him to press for the release of Shi Weihan and allow him immediate access to medical attention.

http://members.opendoorsusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AdvocacyHome&JServSessionIdr001=fx89zukbu2.app5b

As in the days of Noah...

Muslim Extremists Burn Church Building in Nigeria

Muslim Extremists Burn Church Building in Nigeria:Islamic extremists, who set the church ablaze, allege that it was built too close to a mosque. As we reported repeatedly, Nigerian Christians who live in Muslim dominated states of the country face persecution from Islamic extremists. Full Story.

Source:ICC

As in the days of Noah...

Chinese house church leaders re-define 'normal'

China-Carl Moeller of Open Doors said the situation in China is just as complex as it's ever been after his recent return from the country. Upon asking Chinese house church leaders how the Olympics had affected their situation, he was taken aback by their response when they said "normal."Moeller explainied, "Of course the government has brought many of us in to be questioned on our activities during the course of this time in the last few months, and this is normal. And of course some of our dear friends and some of our mutual friends in the area are in hiding, or even under arrest right now because of the situation.But again, they say 'this is normal.'"Now and in the past, Moeller has called for the Chinese government to start "accounting" for the amount of persecution that believers are facing.In late July, the U.S. Commission on International Freedom filed a report that stated that more than 700 unregistered Protestant leaders were placed in police custody in the last year.Churches who refuse to register with the government do so to avoid legal guidelines regarding the size of their gatherings, sermon topics and the appointment of clergy.The most notable arrest was made on July 18th when plainclothed officers arrested Pator Zhang "Bike" Mixuan and his wife from his home in Beijing so that he wouldn't be able to visit foreign officials who would be in country for the Olympics. Zhang was prohibited from visiting Beijing until August 29th when he was released.The Olympics were an exciting time for the Chinese who were proud to present their beautiful country."Believers also felt very proud, and rightfully so, of the way their nation was presented in the world's eyes. But they're also quite concerned about the increasing and ongoing pressure that Christians face there," said Moeller.Before the Olympics there was a sort of cleansing of Beijing as the games drew near. As a result, there are a lot of churches whose old leaders are no longer involved. That could push the church in one of two directions. Moeller explains:"It can have a chilling effect and a fear-inducing effect on the church,or-and perhaps more likely, according to the leaders there in Beijing-it will surface new leaders in the church and raise up an entirely new and fresh generation."There is still hope and a positive tone, despite the hardships house church leaders are facing.They are a powerful testimony to Christian joy and perseverance, Moeller said. He asks that people pray for the all the churches of China as they reach out to an intellectual and actively seeking culture. Pray for the Three-Self church of China, that they'd be more open to the house church movement.

Source:MNN

As in the days of Noah...

Stop Anti-Christian Violence in Orissa, India!

Following the assassination of Hindu leader Swami Laxmananda Saraswati on August 23, 2008 in Orissa State, India, Hindu leaders accused Christians and called for revenge.The attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 100 Christians, two of whom were burned alive. The mobs also destroyed hundreds of houses and churches and forced thousands of Christians to flee for their lives into the surrounding jungle.A Maoist group later claimed responsibility for killing Saraswati and four of his disciples August 23, saying that fanatical Hindus’ claims that Christians murdered him were “lies.”Open Doors is asking supporters to email the Indian Ambassador to the U.S., Ronen Sen, to ask him to provide adequate protection for Christians in Orissa and to ensure justice and compensation to the victims of the violent attacks.

Send an email to Indian Ambassador Sen today!

Please take a moment now to email the Indian Ambassador, Ronen Sen, urging him to:
--order an official inquiry into the situation;
--seek justice for both the perpetrators and victims of the violence; and
--deploy sufficient military forces to the affected areas to prevent further violence against Christians.
For more information, view the Orissa Christian Persecution Fact Finding Report.

http://members.opendoorsusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AdvocacyHome&JServSessionIdr001=fx89zukbu2.app5b

As in the days of Noah....

Pastor Bike's release encourages Chinese believers

China-Worldwide, believers were rooting for China's Pastor Zhang "Bike" Mingxuan to be freed. China Aid Association (CAA), a partner of Voice of the Martyrs Canada, began a massive petition for his release which they personally delivered to the Chinese embassy in the U.S. 57,000-that was the number of signatures on 617 pages of the petition.Bob Fu, founder of CAA, is continuously campaigning for religious freedom for persecuted believers in China. He indicated that not only the petition, but the speedy response to the petition, was a shot of encouragement to both "Bike" and the entire community of underground Chinese believers."It is encouraging in the sense that Chinese believers know they are not isolated.The hardest thing for a prisoner is isolation.But when the Chinese brothers and sisters know that over 50,000 brothers and sisters signed their signatures and expressed their support in prayer, that's a huge encouragement to them," said Fu.Although Pastor Bike has been released, he is not allowed to enter Beijing until mid-September.Right now,there are many others who are in similar situations.A Beijing bookstore owner by the name of Shi Weihan also has been imprisoned and tortured illegally in a Beijing Detention Center.Fu urges believers to continue to pray for religious freedom.In the letter delivered to the Chinese embassy, CAA explained that by allowing Chinese citizens personal freedoms,they will be addressing a need even deeper than physical protection from persecution.The letter explained that this freedom will strengthen the people and the country for honorable prosperity.Though Pastor Bike's release was uplifting, he is not entirely out of the line of fire."He is a continued target by the Chinese government and their security apparatus. He is still not able to minister in Beijing where he used to be, and his church was closed.The orphanage that he used to minister to before the Olympics was forced to close," said Fu.Fu's request for prayer for Pastor Bike can also be a prayer for the entire body of underground believers: "Continue to pray for him and his family that the Lord will protect, sustain, and strengthen him for his continuous fight for religious freedom."
--Pray that Pastor Bike and his wife will continue their ministry boldy.
--Pray that Shi Weihan will be released from prison and remain strong until then.
--Pray that God will protect Chinese believers.

Source:MNN

As in the days of Noah...

Vietnam (MontagnardFoundation) Degar Woman Imprisoned for Preaching Christianity

Vietnam:Degar Woman Imprisoned for Preaching Christianity: Puih H'bat, a Degar Christian, has been held for five months in a Vietnamese prison for preaching Christianity.Her family has been completely denied visitation rights and fears that she may already be dead. Full Story.

Source:ICC

As in the days of Noah...

Iran:Christians Charged with 'Apostasy'

Iran: Christians Charged with 'Apostasy':Two Iranian Christian converts from Islam face the death penalty for converting from Islam.Please pray for their release from prison as well as the safety of Iranian churches as they go through this difficult time. Full Story.

Source:ICC

As in the days of Noah...

Christian Girl,Kidnapped and Converted by Muslims, Returned to Family

Christian Girl, Kidnapped and Converted by Muslims, Returned to Family:A judge has given a partial victory to a Christian couple whose two daughters were kidnapped, and ordered that the younger girl be returned to her parents. Full Story.

Source:ICC

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Iran:Martyr's Son Detained in Wave of Arrests

Iran: Martyr's Son Detained in Wave of Arrests- Iranian authorities have stepped up the persecution of Christians.In the latest crackdown, they arrested five Christians, including the son of a Christian martyr... Full Story.

Source:ICC

As in the days of Noah...

Panic Spreads Among Christians as Hindu Radicals Target Relief Camps in Orissa

Panic Spreads Among Christians as Hindu Radicals Target Relief Camps in Orissa:Hindu radicals have targeted relief camps set up in Orissa state to shelter harassed Christians. They have also marked families of Catholic priests in their drive to convert Christians to Hinduism. Full Story.

Source:ICC
As in the days of Noah...

Eleven-year-old Pakistani Christian Girl Allegedly Raped

Eleven-year-old Pakistan Christian Girl Allegedly Raped:A Muslim master allegedly raped his eleven year old Christian domestic servant on September 1, 2008, a day ahead of the advent of Ramadan. Full Story.

Source:ICC

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Saudi Man Kills Daughter that Became a Christian

A Saudi man who is associated with the religious police recently cut off his daughter’s tongue and then killed her because of her conversion to Christianity via the internet.God has been using the internet in reaching those who would otherwise not hear the gospel, and many have converted.She was reported to have been discovered as a convert to Christianity after she posted a blog a few days before her murder.The father used her killing as a warning to others. Saudi’s religious scholars have warned against teachings from the internet and satellite television.Saudi Arabia’s educational curriculum teaches that it is permissible for a Muslim to kill an apostate (a convert from Islam).
--Pray for the Holy Spirit to deal with the hearts of this young lady’s father and the rest of her family that they may come to know Jesus as their Lord.
--Pray for the many others who are being reached via the internet and satellite television in spite threats from Islamic fundamentalists.
--Pray that God continues to use the internet and satellite television as a means to reach others in closed countries, including Saudi Arabia.
Source:ICC
As in the days of Noah....

Vietnamese Government is Still Holding a Degar Christian

The Vietnamese government is still holding a Degar Christian following his failed attempt to enter Cambodia to seek asylum.Y Hning, 36 fled his native home in Ploi Todrah village last November to escape persecution and registered at a UN refugee camp in neighboring Cambodia. He has since been deported back to Vietnam. The U. S. based Montagnard Foundation has reported that the Vietnamese government has forced Hning’s family to pay a fine of 100,000 Vietnam Dong, or about $6-a huge amount for these impoverished farmers. Hning has also been forced to sign an affidavit stating that he renounces Christianity and will no longer attend church. Hning is currently under house arrest and fears for his life.The Vietnamese government denies the allegations and accuses the Montagnard Foundation of spreading Western propaganda.
--Pray that the Vietnamese government will honor its assurances that repatriated Dengar people will not be harmed, and will release Hning from house arrest and return the fine.
--Pray that the UN will honor the rights of Vietnamese citizens that flee religious persecution in their home country.
--Pray that the people of Vietnam will soon enjoy religious liberty.

Source:ICC

As in the days of Noah....

Bible Distributor Killed in India

India-The worst anti-Christian violence in India since independence 60 years ago has yet to come to an end in the state of Orissa. According to reports, Hindu fanatics attempted to poison water sources at relief camps holding at least 15,000 people displaced by mob violence. Hundreds of Christian refugees in the region were told not to return to their homes unless they converted to Hinduism.The World Bible Translation Center (WBTC) is another organization in India that's felt the violent assaults firsthand."Samson" is with the WBTC and shares the bad news."One of our workers in the district Gujapati has been killed.And this has happened when the radicals attacked him and his church in the village."50-year-old Kumuda Bardhan has been a tremendous worker in Orissa, says Samson."He was reaching out from village to village, sharing the love of God and distributing the Bibles to the seekers and new believers in the nearby villages.He has been observed by the Hindu radicals."Samson says more than 1,000 people set his church and the houses of Christians on fire."When brother Kumuda Bardan came to intervene, he pleaded with the extremists to stop the attacks. They got hold of him and started thrashing him. And when he fell down unconscious, they just lifted his body and threw him in the fire."Bardhan's wife, son and daughter-in-law were also attacked. All are hospitalized and receiving treatment for their injuries.While the anti-Christian violence was meant to stop evangelism, Samson says it hasn't."The death of Kumuda Bardhan has given them the added courage that they need to stand firm because our distributers are attacked almost every day.""The magnitude of the attacks that are being carried out is more than what anybody can imagine or comprehend. These things are not appearing in the media. According to the media, 50 people are dead, but actually more than 500 people are missing," says Samson.He says people are still wandering in the forests because they're not safe in the temporary refugee camps.Samson says Christians are doing what they can, "providing material help through secret channels-providing packets of food and sending money so that they can purchase the necessary things that they need."He's asking Christians around the world to pray that Indian believers would be able to forgive those who persecute them. "This is the time when people need to realize the forgiveness of Christ. Jesus said on the cross, 'Father, forgive them. They do not know what they're doing.' This makes a lot of difference in the lives of non-Christian people."
Samson says Bible distribution is more urgent now, and funding is needed to help with the increasing demand. Click here to help.

--Ask God to protect believers as they distribute Bibles in Orissa.

Source:MNN

As in the days of Noah....

URGENT NEWS -RISING TIDE OF PERSECUTION IN IRAN

The regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran is a vocal claimant of Islamic equality and justice, as well as presenting itself as the torch bearer of international justice for Muslims and the Islamic world.It assumes the notion of being a key leader not only in the Middle East but also throughout the world and unashamedly discusses the freedom of minorities in Iran.For many, the reality is so different as we now see a time of unprecedented persecution, discrimination and injustice towards many differing minorities, including Bahai’s, Jews, Zorostrians and Christians.Indeed, the country is disintegrating into an abyss of social, economic and moral corruption at all levels.Prostitution has now reached unprecedented levels with estimates of over half a million women involved.It is perhaps not as surprising when you consider that Iran’s religious leaders, without even a slight hesitation, openly endorse and encourage “hourly” marriages, given with the blessing of a verse from the Koran. Drug addiction affects over 5 million people, Aids is sharply increasing and assessments are that over half of the population are clinically depressed. The government is using everything in its power to subject a handful of Christians who commit the capital crime of coming together in the quiet of their home s to pray and to sing Christian songs.Their prayer is also addressed to the country’s leaders who seize every opportunity they can find to invade the privacy and sanctity of the homes.Hundreds of believers are being tortured, brutally interrogated and forced to spy on one other.As an example of one these atrocities, on Saturday 12 July, while 12 believers were waiting to catch an internal flight to Tehran they were arrested by the Secret Police and subjected to a daylong interrogation, leading to the seizure of computers and Christian material from their homes.They were subsequently released, at about 11 at night and given orders not to leave the city.At the same time Mohsen Radfar, who has been a believer over 10 years, was travelling to Tehran in his car when he was forcibly taken into custody.Until now there has been no news, either of his well-being or his whereabouts.Farsi Christian News Network (http://www.fcnn.com/ ) has undeniable reports about arrests conducted in Bandar Abbas, Amol, Tehran, Bandar Bushehr, Kerman, and many other cities.With this news we encourage the international community to pray for the saints in Iran.
They are paying with their own sweat and blood for the outbreak of revival and freedom in Iran.
http://www.fcnn.com//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1350&Itemid=63
PS:Even though this report is from late july,it makes it only 2 months old...things have not changed much since then.LETS PRAY and BELIEVE for the OUTBREAK of REVIVAL and FREEDOM in IRAN!!!!!!!With GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!!!

As in the days of Noah....

Violence Spreads in India

India-Open Doors is holding the Indian government responsible for the recent outbreak of attacks against Christians in the country. It is also urging the government to do its best to restore peace and stability in the region of Orissa.Hindu leaders accused Christians of assassinating Hindu leader Swami Laxmananda Saraswati on August 23 of this year and called for revenge. The government made some security arrangements to protect Christians and places of worship, but it wasn't enough to prevent the killings of Christians and destruction of their property."The outburst of religiously-motivated violence that followed the call for retaliation has claimed the lives of at least 53 people-most of them Christians, and destroyed hundreds of churches and homes," said Lindsay Vessey, Advocacy Program manager for Open Doors USA. "Reportedly, 40,000 people fled the violence, and an estimated 20,000 people found shelter in 10 refugee camps in the region."Hindu extremists burnt down the St. Bartholomew Church of North India, right after it had been elaborately decorated for its 86th anniversary. In Chhattisgarh state, about 20 Barjrang Dal extremists boarded a train and took four babies from Missionaries of Charity nuns and helpers. They accused the nuns of forced conversion and turned them over to police, but not before beating one of the nuns as well as a driver who was sent to help."Christians in the United States need to stand in solidarity with fellow Christians in Orissa to let the Indian government know that it will be held accountable for the protection of Christians against more violence," said Vessey.Open Doors is asking supporters to e-mail Ronen Sen, the Indian ambassador to the U.S., to ask him to provide adequate protection for the Christians in Orissa and to ensure justice and compensation to the victims of violent attacks. To send an e-mail to Indian ambassador Sen, click here.Open Doors is working with a partner in India to launch a preliminary relief effort. Clothing, towels, soaps and shampoo are being provided, as well as medical assistance for those badly injured in the attacks. Due to government restrictions, Open Doors is not able to provide food.A Maoist group later claimed responsibility for the assassination, and said that the fanatical Hindu claims that Christians murdered Saraswati were "lies."
--Pray for the attacks against Christians to cease.
--Pray that the Indian government will do more to protect Christians.
--Pray for peace and stability to be restored to the region of Orissa.

Source:MNN

As in the days of Noah...

Three Family Members Murdered in Chiapas, Mexico:Suspecting family of witchcraft, neighbor’s gang takes machetes to adults, children.

MEXICO CITY, September 3 (Compass Direct News) – When the 11-year-old daughter of Antonio Gomez became ill of a stomach ailment, her father decided that it was due to witchcraft committed by his evangelical neighbor. Gomez, of the Jolitontic community of Chalchihuitan municipality in Chiapas state, gathered seven friends to kill the family of the supposed culprit. After midnight on August 23, they allegedly killed three adults – the parents and their eldest son – and wounded six children with machetes. Mariano Lopez Perez, public prosecutor of Indian Justice, reportedly said neighbors regarded the father in the attacked family, Pedro Gomez Diaz, as “an evangelical who prayed a great deal.” The neighbors reportedly denied that the family believed in or practiced any kind of witchcraft as far as they knew. According to Tuxtla Gutierrez-based Cuarto Poder newspaper in Chiapas, all eight of the men who participated in the massacre of three Indians in Jolitontic are now in jail in San Cristobal de las Casas, awaiting justice.The attackers burst into the hut of the family to kill first the eldest son, Rene, 32. They then slashed the mother, Marcela Hernandez Giron Gomez, and the father, Gomez Diaz. Before Gomez Diaz’s cries alerted the rest of the family, but the murderers managed to seriously wound six other children: Esteban, 4; Ernesto, 6; Anita, 7; Maria, 14; Petrona, 16; and Martin, 18. They were all taken to the public health hospital of San Cristobal de las Casas. Petrona Diaz was reported to be in the most serious condition; two of the children required surgery. The hospital refused to give further information to Compass, but reports regarding the children indicate that Petrona Diaz suffered the amputation of one thumb and an exposed broken bone. Maria Diaz was reportedly gravely ill, and her siblings Ernesto and Anita were discharged from the hospital on Aug. 25. The next day they went to be with their grandmother in another town.Authorities reportedly found three machetes that had been used in the attack, hidden in the brush.Police reportedly buried the bodies of the three murder victims in a common grave behind their house, as “because they had no relatives in the community.”

http://www.opendoorsusa.org/content/view/729/

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Iran Silent on Fate of Arrested Christians:Two weeks on,no news...

Vain attempts by the family to find out why Ramtin Soodmand was kidnapped and where he is being held. Security officials respond to their questions with threats.

Teheran (AsiaNews) – Two weeks on there is still no news of an imprisoned Iranian Protestant Christian, or why he was arrested. This is the dramatic story of Ramtin Soodmand, arrested 15 days ago by security officials and intelligence officers in Mashhad, on Iran’s north east border with Turkmenistan.The Iranian exile website Rooz reports that since the man’s arrest his family and friends have repeatedly and in vain sought news of Ramtin’s whereabouts. What’s more; their attempts to contact officers from the Ministry for Security to find out why he was arrested and where he is being held have not only failed to produce results, they have also provoked threats of “consequences” for them and for Ramtin.According to the small and increasingly concerned Iranian Christian community – estimated to count 60 thousand – one week before Soodmand’s arrest, another Christian, Iman Rachidi was arrested in the very same city. Since then there has been no news either of the fate of the 18 year old.

http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=13166&size=A

As in the days of Noah...

Sri Lanka orders aid workers out of war zone

COLOMBO-Sri Lanka's government ordered aid workers out of the country's northern war zone on Monday, saying it could not guarantee their safety as it advances into territory held by separatist Tamil Tiger rebels.Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa informed a committee of humanitarian aid leaders on Monday afternoon. "Given the situation there, we are not in a position to guarantee their security so they should relocate, not withdraw," Minister of Human Rights and Disaster Management Mahinda Samarasinghe told Reuters.There was no immediate reaction from the humanitarian community over the order, which takes immediate effect and also affects local partners of international aid groups.More than 100,000 people have fled their homes in the last two years of fighting. Aid groups are bracing for a similar flood from the latest battles.The government said it was trying to avoid a repeat of the August 2006 massacre of 17 local aid workers employed by the French aid agency Action Against Hunger.Nordic truce monitors in 2006 blamed the security forces but Sri Lanka's government said the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were responsible.The order comes as the military is pushing through the jungle on several fronts to surround the LTTE's headquarters at Kilinochchi, in the north of the Indian Ocean island nation.The advance, which has seen the military seize rebel strongholds over the past three weeks, rolled forward as ground troops battled near the northwestern port of Nachchikudda."Air force jets conducted three raids on three LTTE gatherings in support of 58 division north of Nachchikkuda," said Air Force spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara.Nanayakkara said the air force also bombed rebel positions on Saturday and Sunday but gave no details of casualties.The fighting is taking place along a frontline that curves south along roughly 100 km (64 miles) of mostly thick jungle, from Nachchikkuda to just south of the rebel-held Mullaittivu port on the eastern shore.The military said they had killed 52 rebels and wounded 40 during weekend fighting. Three soldiers also died and 26 were wounded in the same battles.The rebels were not immediately available to comment on the battlefield casualties but said in an e-mailed statement a military mine had killed one civilian. The military dismissed the claim.Both sides regularly accuse the other of disregard for civilian casualties. Rights groups say both have been responsible for murders and abductions in the 25-year-old war.Also on Monday, unknown gunmen shot and seriously wounded a journalist in the eastern town of Batticaloa, where the government has taken control since pushing the rebels out last year.Police said newspaper reporter Devakumar Radhika, 35, was shot by an unknown gunman. She had previously worked as a spokesperson for the TMVP, a breakaway LTTE faction that has since sided with the government in the east, police said.The LTTE, which is on U.S., U.N. and EU terrorism lists, has been fighting since 1983 to establish a separate nation for the island's ethnic minority Tamil people in a conflict that has killed 70,000 people since 1983.

http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL820079320080908

As in the days of Noah...