The executive summary of a report submitted to various United Nations personalities and institutions, presented in Geneva on September 25, 2024.
Op-eds Global
Academics and Freedom of Religion of New Religious Movements
Academics have a key role in persuading the courts and the governments that “cults” and “brainwashing” are pseudo-scientific labels used to discriminate against unpopular religious minorities.
Egypt, Soccer, and Olympics: How Copts Are Discriminated in Sport
Discrimination of Copts in Egyptian sport damages human rights, religious liberty, and the country’s results in international sport events as well.
The Long Arm of France: Why MISA’s Mihai and Adina Stoian Have Been Arrested in Georgia
The two leaders of the movement founded by Gregorian Bivolaru are threatened with “life imprisonment” for the pseudo-crime of “psychological subjugation.”
Norway. Unlike the Innocent Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Russian Orthodox Church Is Not Deregistered: Why?
Concern also mounts about the Russian Orthodox Church’s increasing purchase of properties near military sites in Norway, which poses security issues.
Dissolution of the Kishida Administration: A Boon for Religious Freedom in Japan?
Under Kishida, Japan went through the worst religious liberty crisis in its recent history. Will his successor improve the situation? by Michael Mickler Kishida announcing he will step down as LDP leader, August 14, 2024. Credits. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio...
Why Are Several African Countries Attacking Freedom of Religion?
The deaths in Kenya of members of a congregations practicing extreme fasting are used as a pretext to severely limit freedom of religion in various countries.
USCIRF Warns Against Fake News About Religious Minorities Spread by Governments
An excellent report focused on disinformation produced by non-democratic states such as Russia (quoting “Bitter Winter”) and China. It could have added that some democratic states do just the same.
The Crisis of Butsudan: What Does It Tell Us About Japan?
A fascinating book by Hannah Gould offers an opportunity to reflect on the status of religion in the country.
New Zealand’ Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care and the Jehovah’s Witnesses: A Faulty Report
A biased and unscientific methodology, a selective use of sources, and religious prejudices led to unreliable conclusions.