The latest UN report presented yesterday confirms the increasing use of capital punishment in the Islamic Republic. An increase coincided with the rise to the presidency of Raisi, who as a magistrate made extensive use of the executioner. More and more convictions for drug-related offenses and minors at the time of the crime.
A family of 13 has become the victim of attacks and intimidation because of their faith. Authorities have refused to issue a birth certificate for one of their children. Their story is documented in a report sent to the Evangelical Church of Vietnam. The family has had their electricity cut off and farming implements confiscated.
The president behind the country's international name change. A desire to erase the association with the Christmas bird and "offensive" parodies. But Turkish authorities themselves are victims of confusion and contradictions. The airline is also targeted, but the change could cause billions in losses. And some are launching petitions to mock the sultan.
The pontiff met today with members of the Greek Melkite Patriarchal Church on the day they begin their synodal work. He reminded them of the night of prayer in St Peter’s, which included Muslims, in the first year of his pontificate, as well as their episcopal task to bear “witnesses” to the faith. The Church’s large diaspora “undoubtedly represents a challenge, ecclesial but also cultural and social”.
The demonstrations reached Tehran and other centres including Ahvaz, Sari, Rasht, Sanandaj and Kermanshah. Security forces intervened, making about a hundred arrests among the activists. Trade unions accused of being 'enemy' entities in the pay of foreign governments to fuel discontent.
Today's headlines: Nepal must move base camp on Mount Everest due to melting glaciers; covid-19 and war fuel illegal migration of Burmese to Thailand; Beijing launches campaign to "nationalise" public schools; Taliban says women without headscarves "to look like animals"; in Armenia, protests against PM over policy of dialogue with Azerbaijan.
Israeli police ended its internal investigation yesterday, sending its findings to the Ministry of Public Security. The latter have not been released yet, but leaks indicate that the operation was marred by errors. For the victim’s brother, Anton, the Israelis “are trying to cover up their actions and mistakes.”
Among the banned items are bows, skirts, hats and 'multi-coloured' cases made for children and the very young. They contradict the Islamic faith and public morals. The rainbow flag 'banner of homosexuality'. Pixar's 'Lightyear' banned in 14 Muslim-majority Asian nations. Al-Azhar fatwa against the animated film.
Today's headlines: climate change behind the spike in Dengue cases in Singapore; in North Korea, Covid is joined by an 'unspecified' intestinal epidemic; Israel to reopen Taba crossing with Egypt on 3 July; 20 times more Afghan child workers in Iran under Taliban; Western sanctions lead to lack of super-technological lifts for skyscrapers in Russia.
For the Custos of the Holy Land, the facility reflects the birth of Jesus, which gave it meaning and value. With charity as its main purpose, it offers a venue for various initiatives. The facility was built thanks to local workers. For a Pro Terra Sancta official, investing in job skills development will help preserve the Christian presence in the area.
The UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights has presented a 40-page report documenting abuses and violations. At least 250,000 children displaced; 382 maimed or killed, over 1,400 arrested. Those deprived of study exceeded 7.8 million, some 33,000 died of treatable diseases. The appeal for urgent intervention by the international community.
Today's headlines: the card identifying fans at the World Cup does not include Taiwan, only China; Colombo approves the four-day working week in the public sector to combat economic crisis; Saudi appeals court upholds death sentence on defendant who was a minor at the time of the crime; Phnom Penh sentences Cambodian Christian lawyer with US passport to six years for treason; Naval'nyj transferred to unknown location.
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