Dario Salvi

Victims often do not report for fear of further harassment. In 2023, at least 166 arrests were made, but only a fraction were made public. Pressure and repression continue even after release. In Turkey, an Iranian Christian who fled in 2013 risks deportation and, in case of repatriation, imprisonment.

In the last few hours, pro-Iranian militiamen have hit a British boat while it was sailing in the Gulf of Aden. A heavy obstacle in the routes between East and West. Hence the acceleration of the 'alternative' project to the Chinese Silk Road, advocated by India and the United States. The protests of the Muslim world.

Seoul and Havana open ties at the UN, a move that further isolates North Korea. Cuba is the 193rd country with full relations with South Korea, leaving Syria as the only UN member state without relations with the East Asian country.

For Card Sako, the time of fasting and prayer offers a “new horizon" that invites us to let "the Holy Spirit change us from within." The vicar of southern Arabia speaks of a "path" of hope, mercy and forgiveness. The Maronite patriarch asks the faithful to pray for the "divisions, conflicts, hatred" in Lebanon. Mar Younan mentions the "process of repentance through the Holy Spirit.”

The ground operation in the south risks dragging Cairo into the conflict. The Camp David Accords at risk. After 130 days of conflict and a number of dead and wounded exceeding 100,000, the spectre of a new Nakba. Custody of the Holy Land: land operation "final drama" for the Strip. Fr. Romanelli: Rafah "only contact" with foreign countries, Gaza is "a cage".

In 2023, the population increased by 3%, from just over 502,000 to 517,407. A figure that reaches 15% if the last five years are taken into account. And the conflict in the Strip is set to accelerate further. At this rate, 600,000 by 2030.

Today's news: One million Palestinians at risk in Rafah ahead of the Israeli army's ground assault on Hamas. A growing number of Japanese expatriates in China and the US return for increasing racism and economic reasons. Modi 'enlists' young Muslims in universities to win the minority vote. Prison authorities ban prison visits and phone calls to Nobel Prize winner Narges Mohammadi.

In Uttarakhand, five people died and more than 80 are wounded in clashes triggered by the demolition of a mosque and a madrassa. Amnesty International reports the "punitive" demolition of at least 128 Muslim properties from April to June 2022, with at least 617 people left homeless. Varanasi could be the next flashpoint. To avoid this, locals are praying that “peace is not to be disturbed”.

From the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea to the conflict in the Strip, to which Israeli raids against Iranian targets are added, regional tensions are (also) affecting Syria. In his message for Lent, the Maronite Archbishop of Damascus says that "even dreaming is forbidden" and "fear and despair" prevail among young people.

Today's news: Arab diplomacy meets in Saudi Arabia to end the war in Gaza; Delhi aims to discontinue the visa-free policy to Myanmar and block entry to the north-east; A Houhti court sentences 13 people to death by public execution for homosexuality; Ulan Bator aims to launch the country's first satellite to strengthen communications; Outgoing president Ilham Aliev in the lead with counting almost complete.

Francis released his message for the 10th International Day of Prayer and Reflection against Human Trafficking. In it, he highlighted the example of Saint Josephine Bakhita, focusing on this year’s theme, which is also a reminder: "Journeying in Dignity: Listen, Dream, Act ". This often "goes unseen", but the victims need their “full dignity” restored. Media and reporters play a crucial role in telling the latter’s stories.

Village chiefs and residents attacked a house church in a village in southern Laos. The faithful, whose community is recognised by the government, were meeting for the Sunday service. Despite their complaint, the police have not yet punished the attackers. The region has already been the scene of sectarian persecution in the past.