Dario Salvi

Nasrin Sotoudeh was sentenced to 38 years in prison and 148 lashes. The woman is guilty of spreading information against the state, espionage and insults to Khamenei. NGOs and activists speak of a "shocking" sentence. Disputes over the sentence: a judge speaks of seven years in prison, pending appeal.

As a result of shortages, power is available only one hour a day. Highways and airport need to re-open; the lack of jobs and resources will stifle the city. Christians continue to emigrate because " There is no future in Syria.” Only Jesus can heal open wounds. People “should get up and do something."

United States, Russia, France, Germany and China among the main exporters the. Washington remains the world leader in sales. 52% of US weapons go to the Middle East. Riyadh has increased the arms imports by 192%. Egypt ranked third with a 206% growth. Imports of weapons to Syria are decreasing by 87%.

On 9 April Israelis go to the polls in a general election. The incumbent’s leadership has been weakened by corruption charges. The ruling Likud is closely following the improving polls of its main rival. The Palestinian question and growing social problems remain important.

On Wednesday, the archbishop of Manila and president of Caritas Internationalis visited eastern Ghouta, not far from Damascus. For years it was a symbol of Jihadi violence. Caritas and its volunteers are committed to helping the suffering population. The cardinal saw people living amid the rubbles and destruction.

For the first time, a joint document to the UN Human Rights Council criticizes Saudi Arabia. Among the signatories are the 28 EU countries, Canada and Australia. For the Saudi representative it is an attack of "political nature". Anti-terrorism laws used to repress freedom and rights are targeted.

In his message for Lent, the apostolic administrator of Jerusalem calls on the faithful to face the "aridity" of their lives and activities, including pastoral ones. The answer is fasting "from selfishness, from individualism and mistrust". Praying is important in parishes and for reconciliation. The Eucharist is not a ritual, but a school where to learn love.

The victim, Saif al-Deen Abu Zeid, died in hospital from head injuries. The Israeli army speaks of "response" after hundreds of "rioters" threw stones and explosive devices. Strategic sites of Hamas bombed. It is the fifth operation since last March.

Fr Ibrahim is behind an initiative to help those still suffering from the war. Fighting has not yet ended and rockets are still landing on the western part of the city. Fuel shortages have worsened during winter and power shortages limits production. The priest’s deed is an action of mercy for people in need.

Despite the criticism of politicians, activists and human rights NGOs, the Mountain View giant (and Apple) does not remove App from store. Democrat lawmaker: Google's response is "unsatisfactory". Substantial "disinterest" in the field of human rights. No comments from the company.

Saudi laws against extremist violence are “unacceptably” wide and vague, and are aimed at anyone seen as harming “the unity or stability of the kingdom”. The methods of torture used include electrocution, flogging, whipping, and sexual assault.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi, announced to ISNA agency. The missing invitation would have infuriated the head of diplomacy of the Islamic Republic. A move to restore a central role to the ministry in foreign policy.