In Chhattisgarh, the wave of intolerance in villages against those who refuse to renounce their Christian faith shows no sign of abating. The police are accused of collusion. Meanwhile, there have been further acts of intimidation in West Bengal too: four separate incidents took place last Sunday in the densely populated eastern Indian state, including an attack on a church under construction in Subhashgram.
An Israeli drone killed a school principal in Nabaṭiyya al-Fawqā yesterday. Local residents live in a precarious situation, caught between Netanyahu and Hezbollah. Christian villages say Israeli prime minister’s claim “distorts our position.” At least 12 children have been killed or maimed every day since 2 March, UNICEF reports.
Bishop Palinuro spoke to AsiaNews about the visit of a delegation from the Turkish Catholic Church to the president who “showed particular interest in the needs" of the local community. Both sides hope “to overcome a difficult past and open a new era of relations." Erdoğan asked for "prayers" for the success of the NATO summit.
In recent weeks, in the district of Narayanpur, a series of measures have targeted Christian families with the aim of forcing them to take part in tribal religious rituals. The Archbishop of Raipur to AsiaNews: “These actions are funded by those with a self-serving political agenda. Let us pray that God may open their hearts.”
The authorities have stepped up pressure on one of the few remaining places of worship for the Protestant community in Iran. St Peter’s Evangelical Church has been operating for almost 150 years. Six security officers raided the premises and ‘identified’ those present. The property is worth ‘tens of millions of dollars’. The crackdown has intensified since the signing of the truce with the United States.
On Sunday, the Israeli cabinet approved a proposal for formal recognition of the genocide, which now goes before the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, for a vote. This has sparked criticism in Turkey and Azerbaijan. For Armenians, it is a political move that reflects current tensions and conflicts. For Kegham Balian, an activist with “Save The ArQ,” Israel’s action is an "insult to the memory" of the 1.5 million murdered by the Ottoman Empire.
Attieh Fard, a politician and lawyer who has been in the United Kingdom for years, spoke to AsiaNews about the signing of an agreement that leaves international tensions and critical issues in the country unresolved. Iran’s hardliners could block signing, while the regime could use the moment to strengthen stability and its grip on power. The call for a "free" Iran may still lead to fresh street protests.
Last week, the authorities evicted security staff and residents from Forman Christian College University. They were given “24 hours” to remove all property and historical artefacts. The administration is seeking a legal solution to retain control of the building. Christian activist: “The government has hurt the community’s feelings”.
In the last Christian village in the West Bank, provocations by Israeli settlers are increasing in intensity. For Father Bashar, the atmosphere is one "of fear and intimidation”. Residents appeal to the authorities and NGOs to intervene "urgently”. A parish report documents the attacks that occurred in May.
Many projects are in the southeast of the country, an area home to sizable religious minorities. This is the case of the G25 Solar Power Plant near the Chaldean village of Aynwardo. For the Turkish government, the project is of "public interest" and must be backed. Christian MP George Aryo has already raised the issue (in vain) in parliament.
The new primate, who will take office on 29 May in Baghdad, outlines to AsiaNews the priorities of his mission at the helm of one of the oldest Churches in the East. The years spent among the diaspora communities in Australia and the tragedy of ISIS during his time as bishop in Mosul are the two cornerstones of his episcopate. His relationship with the Muslim world and his commitment to stemming the exodus, ensuring a future for Christians in the Middle East.
The charges against Bahar Saharaian reportedly include ‘propaganda activities’ against the Islamic Republic and ‘spreading false news’. In 2022, she had already been imprisoned for joining her colleagues’ protest against the crackdown on demonstrations following the death of Mahsa Amini. Hotel closed for failing to comply with hijab rules and record number of executions in 2025.
The prelate last week addressed the plenary session of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference (ACBC), highlighting his country’s multiple challenges, from earthquakes and healthcare to war and the economy. He bore witness to the devastation caused by the 2021 military coup while reiterating the strength of the local Catholic community. The US State Department acknowledges religious persecution.
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