Dario Salvi

The wave of indignation over the death of the young woman arrested for not wearing the hijab continues. Her father denies rumours of pre-existing 'chronic illnesses'. From social networks to the streets there is a widespread feeling of anger against the abuses of the security forces, who reject the accusations calling them "cowardly".

Today's headlines: aftershocks from yesterday's earthquake in southern Taiwan at least one victim and 150 injured; more clashes between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, a hundred people dead; a mega-church in Zhejiang held prayer services with sacred music linked to traditional Chinese culture; Turkish president and Pakistani premier agree on Russian gas supply.

In an apeal at the end of the Marian prayer, Francis again turned his thoughts "to the martyred people of Ukraine" and to "every land bloodied by war." A prayer request "also for the people of Le Marche" affected by floods. At the Angelus, the pontiff recalled the parable of the dishonest steward, who "acts cunningly" to overcome difficulties.

The Tampakan government revoked the permits of the Sagittarius Mines, Inc. The statement regarding "activities" revealed "fraud and misrepresentation." At the center of the controversy is a nearly six billion dollar gold and copper quarry. Today hundreds of activists and volunteers gather to clean up Manila Bay.

In addition to prison, Abdulilah al-Howeiti and Abdullah Dukhail al-Howeiti will not be allowed to expatriate for another 50 years. They are guilty of opposing the mega-development project wanted by bin Salman. Activists denounce the escalation of the use of force and imprisonment for those who protest or criticize. A five-billion moon-shaped resort is about to be built in Dubai.

Today's headlines: Metropolitan Antonij reports Pope Francis has requested a new meeting with Patriarch Kirill; ceasefire holds between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan; protests in Iran over the death of a young woman detained for violating headscarf regulations; pork prices in China mount, about 70% year-over-year; Phnom Penh set to issue final verdict on Khieu Samphan.

In the wake of the Ukraine war, the Emir of Qatar Al Thani appeals to Russia and the West, saying his country cannot replace Russian natural gas, which remains "essential to the global market”. For Iran, this situation provides an opportunity to raise its visibility and offer its natural gas in exchange for a lifting of sanctions.

Tensions between the two countries rose again in recent days, with 150 people, mostly soldiers, dying in border clashes, in Armenian territory, not only in Nagorno-Karabakh. Moscow's ability to mediate has been affected by the war in Ukraine. For Patriarch Raphaël, “bombs fell on houses in the middle of the night, torching and destroying them.”

An Egyptian delegation attended the Qatar Economic Forum in recent days. A smiling al-Sisi met the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. Economic agreements, partnerships and a multi-point MoU were signed. The axis between the Gulf countries is strengthened in the face of the difficulties linked to the pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine.

The outbreak began three weeks ago and is likely to threaten the whole region, beginning in Aleppo and Deir al-Zour provinces. Contaminated water from the Euphrates River is blamed. War and climate change are other risk factors. Expert calls for “swift and urgent” action.

Some 25 people have been convicted this year, compared to 15 for the whole of last. Likewise, 58 people have been arrested in the first half of 2022, against 72 for the whole of 2021. Iranian authorities uses spurious charges to silence minorities, and arrest people on national security and espionage charges. Muslim converts and Farsi speakers are particularly targeted. For Muslims, joining another religion is strictly prohibited.

In Uttar Pradesh, a judge rejected a petition by a committee representing Muslims demanding exclusive use of the place of worship. Those who began the legal case greeted the outcome with songs and dances. Now some fear that the dispute could turn into another Ayodhya and spark sectarian violence.