Dario Salvi

According to Amnesty International's annual report, 1153 death sentences are the highest figure for the past eight years and an increase of more than 30% compared to 2022. In contrast, the number of nations (16) in which people are executed is falling. The sad record goes to the Islamic Republic with 853 hangings. But data (secret, but in the thousands) from China, North Korea and Vietnam are missing.

Donor countries meet to discuss Syria, but the country's ‘forgotten war’ continues to provoke suffering and the flight of its population (about 500 a day). Speaking to AsiaNews, the apostolic nuncio in Damascus describes a ‘stagnant political process’ while ‘the only progress is in terms of poverty’. The exodus of Christians ‘another great wound that bleeds’.

More than 2,000 people may have been buried by the huge landslide that hit the village of Yambali, while a UN agency speaks of 670 dead. The presence of conflict between local tribal groups makes aid operations more difficult. Food and psychological support are needed. AsiaNews sources: "there are Lutheran and Adventist churches" in the area, while "there are few Catholics".

The first World Children's Day is being celebrated over the weekend, at the initiative of the Holy Father. Bishop Martinelli met with a group of children, answering their questions, and inviting them to put "their joy, their enthusiasm" at the service of the Church. About a hundred young people met in Hong Kong to share experiences and expectations.

Designed by the Iranian-Armenian architect Markar Galstiants, the structure was one of the many hospitals and facilities founded by American Presbyterian missionaries at the start of the last century. Saved from demolition four years ago, it was described by city's heritage director as “valuable” and “historic”.

Today's headlines: WFP says floods in Afghanistan have exacerbated the country’s hunger crisis. Over 300 people are killed and 1,182 houses buried in a massive landslide in Papua New Guinea. Tens of thousands of people take to the streets in Taiwan against pro-Chinese reforms currently before parliament. Laos fails to stop human trafficking, especially of young people.

According to some local sources, over a hundred have died, but the authorities have not yet released any official figure. The incident took place in a remote area, which hinders rescue operations. The causes are unknown, but experts rule out heavy rain or earthquakes. Gold mining in the area is one possible factor

For Adel Bakawan, the death of the Iranian President (buried yesterday in his hometown of Mashhad) and Foreign Minister will not have a ‘significant impact’ on relations. Relations managed by the Pasdaran following the ‘dictates’ of the Supreme Leader. Iranian influence in the Iraqi elite remains deep and ‘nothing seems feasible or governable without Tehran's consent’.

Today's news: Poverty in Lebanon tripled in a decade; Summit between leaders of South Korea, China and Japan on 26-27 May in Seoul, first trilateral talks in four years; Heavy pre-monsoon rains claim seven victims in Kerala; A centuries-old Armenian church reopens in Zakho, Iraq; Russian local government offers children a prize trip to ‘fascinating’ North Korea.

Today's news: Up to 75 per cent of the Palestinians in Gaza are forcibly displaced, the Israeli army advances to Rafah, attacks in Jenin and authorises the return to three settlements in Samaria; Between 2016 and 2023, the Chinese authorities drove out more than 700,000 Tibetans; The Indonesian parliament wants to change the media law in a restrictive way; Bangladesh ruling party member found dead in India, three compatriots detained.

The raid took place on 19 May, Pentecost Sunday. Two men on a motorbike threw a grenade during the service. Marybel Atis, 40, and Rosita Tubilo, 65, were hit by the shrapnel, sustaining several injuries. Card. Quevedo: 'dastardly' attack and 'sacrilegious act'. Appeal to the authorities for justice to be done.

Today's news: Over 1400 academics sign a petition to the Israeli government to end the war in Gaza; In Beijing, the Minister of Agriculture is also under investigation; Nepalese Sherpa climbs Mount Everest for the 30th time, an all-time record; Vietnamese police arrested a prominent trade unionist; Concern in Moscow over attack on foreign tourists in Afghanistan.