Saima Sardar, 30, was set to marry her Christian fiancé in November. The threats of a former boyfriend led her to ask for greater security at the hospital where she worked. Activist calls for a law “to punish violence against women" and ban forced marriages.

The missionary has been involved for years in helping people with Hansen’s disease and spreading the PIME charisma. "I'm happy but at the same time I am a bit afraid,” he said. “I hope I can lead the diocese with God’s help."

Protests break out in Russian capital after most opposition candidates are excluded from the upcoming municipal elections. Almost 40 people are arrested amid police violence and threats. The head of the Moscow Election Commission tells complainants to go to court.

The number of immigrants, especially from Asia, is rising in the Land of the Rising Sun. More people die each people than are born. Under new employment regulations that came into effect last April, the country will accept more foreign workers.

Auxiliary bishop of Manila hopes it will help put an end to extrajudicial killings and guarantee justice to the victims and their families.  If the government does not cooperate, the prelate warns, "it has something to hide".  The Philippine government remains (for now) within the UN Human Rights Council, but attacks Iceland.

Saudi Arabia has signed a letter sent to the United Nations in which support is expressed for security policies.  In reality they mask persecution and abuse against the Muslim minority.  The signatories also include the Philippines, Myanmar, Russia and the Gulf countries.