The NGO Minority Concern calls for "concrete and measurable steps”. Despite some commitments made by the authorities, major gaps persist. Minorities are still victims of discrimination, violence, and socioeconomic marginalisation. Naveed Walter laments the growing use of blasphemy legislation to target Christians, Ahmadis, and Hindus.
A voice from China comments on three attention-grabbing cases involving fellow Chinese abroad caught up in extremely serious transnational crimes related to fraud, drugs, and human trafficking. “In our textbooks, the Opium War of two centuries ago is presented as a national tragedy,” so why when “we are rich and strong,” are we “installing slot machines in the poorest areas of Africa”?
At the general audience in St Peter's Square, the pope appealed to the two Southeast Asian countries once again embroiled in fighting. In his weekly catechesis, he reflected on death and its "pedagogical value", despite today’s tendency to remove it. Leo also warned against transhumanism, which theorises the prolongation of life through technology, asking: “could science itself guarantee us that a life without death is also a happy life?”
The Philippine president urges Congress to focus on four reforms, including a bill limiting the power of large political clans. The Church welcomes the initiative, but doubts remain as to whether a Congress dominated by powerful clans will agree to curb their own influence.
The CBCI has filed an appeal pointing out that the legislation grants arbitrary powers to the authorities, vaguely defines the modalities of unlawful conversion and obliges citizens to reveal their personal faith choices to the state. The Supreme Court has asked the Rajasthan government to submit its response. The case could also have national implications.
Among the charges are practising worship and promoting religious activities such as baptisms, communions and Christmas celebrations. At least four of them will have to serve sentences of at least 10 years. Article18 director: ‘Clear signs’ of ‘lack of due process’ in a context of ‘growing repression’.
