Dario Salvi

Judges had initially sentenced the 35-year-old to death for rioting and apostasy, but the Supreme Court overturned the sentence. Official version of death speaks of epileptic seizure. Activist groups denounce flogging, torture and lack of treatment. The wave of arrests continues nearly a year after the 22-year-old Kurdish woman was killed because of her hijab.

The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) announced today this year's recipients. The award ceremony is set for 11 November in Manila. Prof Miriam Coronel-Ferrer embodies the "important role" women play in building paths of reconciliation among people. Her role was instrumental in reaching an agreement with the MILF. Awardees include an education activist from Bangladesh.

The story unfolded in the village of Dhok Syedan coming close to what happened in mid-August in Jaranwala, where 26 churches and over 200 houses were destroyed, when a convert to Islam tried to extort a Christian family. Strong "latent fears" and a widespread feeling of vulnerability prevail among Christians.

China’s leader visited the region over the weekend extolling its "hard-won social stability”. He called on local officials to “more deeply promote the Sinicisation of Islam”. Meanwhile, people continue to be arrested for their faith or reading the Qurʾān. A delegation from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) praised China’s policies during a visit to the region. Tomorrow the pope will fly over it on his way to Mongolia.

Civil nuclear power in the Mideast is becoming another sore point between China and the United States. Irked by US indecision, Saudi leaders might turn eastward. The Abraham Accords and Israeli resistance hover in the background. Nuclear deals are “deeply political”.

After a long illness, the prelate emeritus of Dohuk in Kurdistan passed away yesterday in hospital. His physique was marked by an assassination attempt to which he had fallen victim in 2003, but that had not shaken his vocation for encounter and confrontation. A Muslim family affectionately called him "my uncle bishop." From international school to Isis refugee, a life spent serving the Kurdish community.

Pope Francis appointed Fr Ilgit, JS, as auxiliary bishop to Bishop Paolo Bizzeti, apostolic vicar of Anatolia. The new prelate wants to be a sign of hope for a Church that “is small but rich in cultures”. A convert to Catholicism in 1997, he will be the first bishop of Turkish descent. This is a sign of "great hope for the young people of Turkey”.

Today's headlines: Terry Gou to run in upcoming Taiwanese presidential elections; Taliban bans women from entering the most famous and oldest national park for non-compliance with hijab regulations; China still addicted to cigarettes, smokers one-third of world total; At least four killed in Vietnam quarry collapse; Pyongyang approves return of expats unable to return since 2020 Covid closures; in Novosibirsk new anti-migrant raid.

Today's headlines: students arrested for attempted assault on Japanese embassy in Seoul released, further investigation under consideration; Attempts at rapprochement, and border agreement, between Xi and Modi at BRICS summit; Vietnamese youth traffickedin Laos under pretext of jobs; 22-year-old ex-soldier tours Taiwan island for a month warning of imminent risk of war with China; The flight of Russians over war in Ukraine reaches record numbers, more than a million in one year.

A study by the US Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center reveals data concerning the over 30s and records increases in all provinces, with the exception of Tibet. No official comment from the Chinese health authorities, who have always underestimated the numbers. Today the “Eris” variant of Omicron dominates with over 70% of cases.

Today's headlines: Hanoi records a surge in rice price and demand;On return from India, papal delegate reports to pope on the situation of the Syro-Malabars; Druze protest continues for fifth day in southern Syrian town of Swida; Taipei reopens to Chinese tourists, "peace" signal to Beijing; UN report accuses Taliban of more than 200 extrajudicial killings; Flowers and tributes at St. Petersburg's Wagner Center after Prigožin's death.

Beijing announces "total" blockade of seafood, but remains silent on its spills into the sea. Environmentalists and activists on the streets in South Korea and Japan, at least 14 arrests among protesters in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul. IAEA reassures on fairness of procedures. South Korean premier calls for "maximum transparency" and data "for the next 30 years."