Dario Salvi

Tomorrow the country goes to the polls to replace Raisi, who died in an helicopter crash. In the first round, a reformist lawmaker, Masoud Pezeshkian, and an ultra-conservative leader, Saeed Jalili, came out on top. With the support of Khatami and Rouhani, the anti-establishment candidate promises freedom of choice on the headscarf and better relations with the West.

In a historic decision, Japan’s highest court rules in favour of victims. Almost 25,000 people with disabilities or chronic illnesses sterilised between 1948 and 1996 can now obtain compensation of almost US$ 20,000 each, but the real battle is for dignity.

Turkish police detain at least 474 people. In Afrin, four people died in gunfight between protesters and Turkish troops. Violence was triggered by reports that went viral on social media concerning sexual abuse by a Syrian refugee against a minor. The case reflects the growing intolerance towards foreigners in Turkey.

A series of bombings and raids have hit the Dohuk governorate over the weekend. Miska and Rabatkeh were targeted, houses and places of worship were hit. Residents put out a fire triggered by the bombs, limiting the damage. The hashtag #Turkey_Occupies_Dohuk has gone viral.

An AsiaNews source recounts the life of Catholics. One million people, mostly economic migrants, celebrate their faith "in private". The bond with the universal Church and the hope of one day being able to gather and pray in a church. The Internet has strengthened community relations and facilitated attendance at services. A "long history" of "discreet" presence in the region.

This was emphasised by the auxiliary of the Apostolic Vicariate of Anatolia in the Mass celebrated for the feast of 29 June. The embrace between Catholic and Orthodox brothers offers "the opportunity to experience the joy of encounter". The city is still in serious difficulty, it seems "hit by heavy bombardment". And the final appeal: religious and fidei donum are needed to help keep Christianity alive in Turkey.

Neither the cabinet, nor Prime Minister Netanyahu have confirmed the finance minister’s announcement. In exchange, Israel would release Palestinian taxes frozen after the Hamas attack on 7 October. The pro-settler and pro-occupation movements rejoice. Peace Now slams the decision as a prize for criminals in the middle of war.

On the eve of the vote, Amirhossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi dropped out of the race, calling on other candidates to do the same in favour of a unity candidate. Meanwhile, support is growing for Pezeshkian, a moderate backed by two former presidents, Rouhani and Khatami, and former foreign minister Zarif. For his part Supreme Leader Khamenei has criticised the moderate candidate, and, fearing a low turnout, urged Iranians to vote.

This morning, the pontiff received the members of ROACO in Rome for their plenary assembly. The pontiff spoke about the various areas torn by violence in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. He also referred to the demographic decline of Christians and expressed concern for the pastoral care for diasporic communities. War is a “senseless and inconclusive venture,” he bemoaned. “There is urgent need for a ceasefire,” he said, since in war, “no one emerges a winner.”

As Turkey expands its presence on the ground and the air, its forces are getting ready to undertake further operations against the PKK. Civilian areas on both sides of the border have been affected by "displacement and migration". In 2024, Turkish forces have carried out 833 attacks and bombardments, killing eight civilians.

The court dismissed the last three cases against the 64-year-old former senator who paid a hefty price for her fight against the former president's "war on drugs" and its abuses. Outside the courthouse, her supporters were jubilant. She was falsely accused of funding her 2016 senatorial campaign with drug money.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Netanyahu patriarchs and Church leaders protest the decision of several municipalities to impose the Arnona. The dispute concerns Tel Aviv, Ramle, Nazareth and Jerusalem. The leaders express "deep concern": just as the world is following the ongoing conflict with apprehension, intolerance towards the Christian presence in the Holy Land is growing.