South Asia

Kandhamal court makes paradoxical ruling in the case of three defendants involved in the murder of a 65-year-old widow and a tribal chief who defended Christians. The event took place on 25 October 2008. The All India Christian Council calls the decision a miscarriage of justice. For Dhirendra Panda, a Hindu and a human rights activist, the ruling threatens the values of humanity and democracy.

Son of a family of devout Sikhs, he is now a member of the U.S Maryknoll missionary institute. He tells AsiaNews about his childhood, his encounter with Christ, the Mighty God in the weakness of the cross, his "days of torment” for misunderstandings with his father following his conversion. Until the day of his ordination in which he saw with his own eyes what it "God is faithful" means.

Two African priests denied visas, the priests from Europe reduced to a one year visa. Church authorities are worried (for now) afraid to raise their voice for fear of the consequences. The cause for restrictions: the fundamentalism of the Shas party. The Fundamental Agreement of '93 establishes freedom of the Church in being able to "deploy" its staff in the land of Christ. At risk the universal and international character of the Church. A new "visas crisis”is about to break out.

There are only 3500 specimens left in the world. Their distinction caused by the illegal smuggling of pelts and deforestation. A turnover of billions of euros.

Law enforcement is doing nothing to stop illegal fishing methods and punish offenders. Earnings drop from 2,000 to 50 rupees a day.

According to the Red Cross there are only 15 thousand units left. Japan closes 14 thousand schools in a week. Chinese health authorities reported that 8 out of 10 cases of influenza caused by H1N1 virus. In India the Chief Minister of Gujarat infected.

Manoj Pradhan, the Bharatiya Janata Party is identified as one of the masterminds behind the anti-Christian pogrom of Kandhamal. He faces 14 charges. Fr. Dibakar Parichha, lawyer for the Christians in trials over Hindu violence: it is the "surrender of justice."

Under Sections 295 B and 205-C of the Pakistan Penal Code, anyone who desecrates the Qur‘an or defiles the name of the prophet Muhammad is punished with death or life imprisonment. Implemented in 1986 by then dictator, General Zia-ul-Haq, to woo the country’s fundamentalist faction, the laws have become a tool to persecute religious minorities and even Muslims. Almost a thousand people have been charged so far under the law, and hundreds have become its victims.

Catholics are less than 1% of a total of over 160 million inhabitants. There are two archdiocese in the country, four dioceses and an apostolic prefecture. A small minority but active and appreciated for efforts in education, helping the poor, health care and emergency interventions.

Christian activists and members of civil society groups call on Islamabad to repeal the relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. The fundamental principles of an open and multi-confessional society must protect every individual. At the bottom, a list of Pakistani embassies and diplomatic representations is provided.

When Pakistan was created, its Founding Father Ali Jinnah endorsed the principles of religious freedom and equal rights for all, irrespective of caste or creed. The succession of constitutions that followed went counter to these ideals, and opened the door to persecution and violence against minorities. Beside blasphemy, Christians and members of other non-Muslim religions have to deal with the problem of forced conversions and marriages.

The blasphemy law - prison and death sentences for those who offend the Koran or Muhammad - is a tool to eliminate religious minorities. AsiaNews launches an awareness campaign for its repeal. Because of this law, since 2001 at least 50 Christians have been killed, families and entire villages destroyed. In the country Islamic and Christian voices appeal for its cancellation.