“The whole country” is called to study and propagate, both in China and internationally, an idea of the law antithetical to Western democracy
Massimo Introvigne
Huawei Has Technology to Recognize Uyghur Faces: The Evidence
Chinese electronic giant tries to deny that it produces technology for Uyghur face recognition. But it’s all true, here are the proofs.
French Anti-Extremism Law: Government Eliminates Controversial Provisions
Following the advice of the State Council, the new text no longer includes parts that would have put religious liberty at risk.
French Anti-Extremism Law: State Council Shares Scholars’ Concern
Administrative liquidation, harassment of groups labeled as “cults,” total ban on home-schooling are deemed as being against the French Constitution
France: Draft Law on Extremism To Be Examined on December 9
The controversial project was introduced as a tool to contain Islamic radicalism but in fact threatens religious liberty in general.
From Charlie Hebdo to “The Boys”: “Freedom of Expression” vs. Religious Liberty
Where exactly lies the limit between free speech and hate speech that offends members of a religion? Many discuss Charlie Hebdo—but it is not the only case. The Boys is another pop culture example.
Xi Jinping’s New Book: “Our Red Country Will Never Change Its Color”
In a candid overview of CCP ideology and propaganda, the President insists that Marxism and dialectical materialism will never be abandoned in China.
Uttar Pradesh, India: State Tries to Prevent Muslim Romeos from Marrying Hindu Juliets
A new law, based on the myth that Muslims are waging a “love jihad,” may also affect Christians and members of other minorities.
Something New in Bitter Winter from December 1
Our magazine, while continuing its coverage of China, will open a new section with news and comments on worldwide religious liberty issues. We need your support.
China Cracks Down on Religious Exchanges with Foreigners
A new draft law, of which Bitter Winter publishes the English translation, would severely limit the possibility of foreign visitors, including academics, to interact with Chinese discussing religion.
Massimo Introvigne
Massimo Introvigne (born June 14, 1955 in Rome) is an Italian sociologist of religions. He is the founder and managing director of the Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR), an international network of scholars who study new religious movements. Introvigne is the author of some 70 books and more than 100 articles in the field of sociology of religion. He was the main author of the Enciclopedia delle religioni in Italia (Encyclopedia of Religions in Italy). He is a member of the editorial board for the Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion and of the executive board of University of California Press' Nova Religio. From January 5 to December 31, 2011, he has served as the "Representative on combating racism, xenophobia and discrimination, with a special focus on discrimination against Christians and members of other religions" of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). From 2012 to 2015 he served as chairperson of the Observatory of Religious Liberty, instituted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to monitor problems of religious liberty on a worldwide scale.