The second annual Global Human Rights Defence’s Human Rights Film Festival in The Hague presented the sufferings of Tajik, Yazidi, Ahmadi, Pakistani, Uyghur, and other women.
From the World
Pakistan: Muslim Retired Teacher Arrested for “Offending the Prophet’s Companions”
A comparatively rare enforcement of Article 298-A of the Criminal Code shows that a private “Internet police” looks for blasphemy everywhere.
USCIRF: Religious Liberty Worse than Ever in Russia and Russian-Occupied Ukraine
Two well-written reports highlight the systematic persecution of religious minorities by the Putin regime, and its crimes against religion in Ukraine.
The Bloody Anti-Cult International: Novopashin Goes to China
A little bird sent to Bitter Winter an interesting document. Reportedly, the leading Russian anti-cultist is going to China in August to support the repression of Falun Gong.
Süleymancılar: Russia Cracks Down on Turkish Sufi Organization
Accused by anti-cultists of being a “pseudo-Islamic cult,” the group has two million members in Turkey and a distinguished history.
Pakistan, Hindu Girl Meena Kohli Abducted for the Second Time
She escaped from forced conversion and marriage after 14 months. She has now been abducted again
The Wagner Revolt: Did the Orthodox Church Save Putin?
Its role should not be exaggerated. But surely Patriarch Kirill and other key bishops let the Russians know that they continue to see Putin as an ally and a guarantee.
Pakistan, Christian Woman Gangraped and Killed for Refusing to Convert to Islam
Shazia Bibi was raped and murdered on June 6 in Lahore, but the news was only reported on July 1. The police said the murder was “not religious.” Anglican Bishops disagree.
Why Japan Should Guarantee Religious Liberty to the Unification Church/Family Federation: A Letter to the Government
Four prominent specialists of freedom of religion or belief—Willy Fautré, Ján Figel’, Massimo Introvigne, and Aaron Rhodes—call for an end to what increasingly appears as a witch hunt.
Putin Condemns Qur’an-Burning in Sweden: Did He Also Organize It?
There are some reasons to suspect that Russian intelligence had something to do with an incident reinforcing Turkish opposition to Sweden’s NATO bid.