In his message for Hari Raya Aidiladha, the Festival of Sacrifice celebrated on 27 May, Sharafuddin Idris Shah issued an appeal against hatreds and divisions in response to tensions in his state, Malaysia's most populous territory. The sultan urges his compatriots to close ranks and avoid divisions that could weaken the community.
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 historic Orthodox church of Agios Nikolaos will become a public library. According to scholars, the building’s remarkable architecture offers a unique atmosphere for reading. Meanwhile, Bartholomew I has announced for September the reopening of the historic seminary with a grand ceremony, but its future use remains uncertain.
Malaysian activists criticise what they describe as the country’s “selective” approach to humanitarian issues. Support for Muslims in the Middle East is counterbalanced by silence regarding violations committed in Myanmar and by China. The call to maintain “moral consistency” in the fight for causes and freedoms.
Parts of the place of worship have been vandalised, causing fear among residents of the Fateh Chowk district. Members of the community organised a demonstration, blocking traffic and chanting slogans in support of religious freedom. The details of the attack and the identity of those responsible remain unclear. The police intervention, and the promise to punish those responsible, has restored calm.
This year, the major pilgrimage to Makkah is set for 24-29 May. The desire to participate outweighs the fear of war, although concerns remain about rising prices, last-minute cancellations, and delayed return journeys. Saudi Arabia is using artificial intelligence to manage security and monitor pilgrims. Two million people are expected to participate.
AsiaNews reports the heart-wrenching story of survival and the struggle for freedom of a young father of two. For months, the factory owner kept him in conditions of slavery to exploit his labour without paying his wages. Freed thanks to the intervention of an NGO and a court ruling. Azhar Saeed: this is not an isolated tragedy, but part of a much wider injustice.
On Sunday, a mob attacked Sanka Christian Para, a tribal village, injuring six. The raid stemmed from ongoing tensions over land claimed by Rezaul Islam. Catholics in the area, where PIME missionaries were the first to proclaim the Gospel in 1965, have appealed to the authorities for help and protection.
Activists call this a "long-awaited step" that ends a process that began three years ago. The goal was to ensure that non-Muslim children could also study their own religious tradition in school. However, issues related to the practical application of the policy remain. Teacher recruitment, training, and budget allocations are among the "significant challenges”.
Bishop Palinuro tells AsiaNews about the Holy Week celebrations, just a few months after the Pope’s visit. The repercussions of the Gulf War are hitting the most vulnerable: the poor, migrants and refugees. Ankara “has not responded” to Tehran’s “provocations” and remains a “moderating presence” in regional conflicts. Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic journey continues to “yield positive results”.
The event took place yesterday at the National Press Club in the capital, organised by the Bangladesh Christian Association. Leaders pointed out that other religions enjoy numerous public holidays, whilst Christians have only one at Christmas. Among their demands is greater participation in the country’s public life.
Bishkek is stepping up its efforts to gain a foothold in the global market for products certified according to Islamic religious standards. To make the whole process more accessible to businesses, a dedicated portal has been launched for applying for certification, whilst a QR code displayed on products allows consumers to access specific information.
The celebrations for the start of Holy Week were subdued in response to recent violence. In Suqaylabiyah, extremist groups targeted Christian businesses and young women walking down the street. The archbishop of Homs reports that the situation is calm now, but problems remain unresolved. It is wrong to entrust weapons and security solely to Sunnis. A “cycle of revenge" is “silently” unfolding.
The vehicle fell into the river whilst being loaded onto the ferry at Daulatdia Ghat. The local Catholic Church immediately expressed its condolences “for the victims and their families”. Archbishop of Dhaka: “Great concern” over the numerous “accidents and deaths” during travel for the Eid festivities. A child recounts the heroic act of his mother who saved him before the vehicle sank.
The bishops will meet between 9 and 15 April to choose a new patriarch. The former head will not participate nor vote so as not to "influence" the decision. This ancient Eastern Church, rooted in Mesopotamia, is currently experiencing a period of difficulty due to the exodus and war. The challenges of the last decade include the Islamic State group and the revocation of the presidential decree.
21-year-old Marcus Masih died on 4 March at the farm where he worked. The owners spoke of ‘suicide’, but there are clear signs of violence on the body. The community takes to the streets and demands justice, but the police report them for obstructing traffic. The family is under pressure to avoid trial and prison for the suspects.
In a letter to the authorities and the people, the apostolic vicar speaks of days “marked by the pain and uncertainty of war”. He calls for a “common and tireless commitment to peace”. Iranian attacks continue, with two buildings and a hotel hit overnight. In the background are the sectarian tensions between Shiites and Sunnis that have inflamed the country in the past.
The chapel and ecclesiastical buildings of the archbishopric in Erbil hit by missiles and drones. Chaldean woman in Baghdad arrested for celebrating Khamenei's killing, faces four years in prison. Iraqi scholar tells AsiaNews: the country risks becoming an arena for external powers to “settle scores”. Institutional crisis fuels fears, emergency government needed.
Attieh Fard, a political leader and lawyer who has lived in the United Kingdom for many years, spoke to AsiaNews about a country willing to accept war to end the clerical regime, its torture and killings. The nomination of Mojtaba Khamenei is a source of concern as some see him as "worse than his father”, Ali Khamenei. The lack of external support for the popular uprisings and the need to protect the borders are important issues.
The latest victim is a 47-year-old teacher and mother of three, shot to the head in the Wadi al-Nasara region. Activists and NGOs warn of targeted attacks and disturbing disappearances under the influence of Islamic extremism. With the start of Ramadan, shops and restaurants have been attacked for selling alcohol. In Homs, at least 10 Alawites have been killed.
A 65-year-old man claimed to have met Adam and Muhammad several times. He ‘taught’ that prayer and fasting are not mandatory if one ‘is tired’. The man was arrested during a raid in Rawang along with three followers. Experts say claims of prophetic authority or alternative spiritual insights emerge in times of social uncertainty.
For Christians and Muslims, the sacred period of fasting and prayer began yesterday, at a delicate time for the nation. Archbishop of Dhaka: “We hunger and thirst for justice.” Through fasting and austerity, “Christian life becomes stronger and more authentic.” Government office hours change, public primary schools close for 35 days.
Party leaders urge supporters to refrain from celebrations and pray "for the future of Bangladesh”. Jamaat-e-Islami acknowledges defeat but is "not satisfied" with the electoral process. India, Pakistan, and the United States have reacted. The referendum has not yet been decided, pending official results.
The cardinal who recently left his post in Damascus reflects with AsiaNews on his long service in the country amid the suffering of children and the faces of friends who have disappeared. A nation ‘destroyed and humiliated’ that must find the basis for rebuilding its future in the ‘ecumenism of suffering’. The few remaining Christians have the task of ‘being the glue’. Advice for the next generation of Vatican diplomats: ‘Live with the people, learn to adapt to reality’.
Indonesia's most important moderate Islamic movement celebrated its centenary. President Prabowo Subianto was present at the event. Nahdlatul Ulama remains committed to peace and interfaith coexistence in the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, built and founded on the principles of compassion and brotherhood.
Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has called for a total ban in this state of the Malaysian federation due to fears of water pollution and limited land availability. The issue is also a source of controversy between groups and compromises harmony. The proposal is to increase imports for those (non-Muslim expats) who eat pork.
For the first time, Islamic law is being used in this Malaysian state to initiate criminal proceedings. The “offence” is punishable by a fine of hundreds of euros and up to two years in prison. Under Islamic law, gender is determined at birth. A similar case involved transgender Nur Sajat, who fled to Australia in 2021.
Sayyid Rahim Abu Ragheef rejects al-Maliki's candidacy, calling it ‘reckless’ and “irresponsible” in a theatre of internal and regional crisis. Tensions between Iran and the United States and the political stalemate blocking the election of the president are cause for concern. Citizenship and the protection of minorities are the foundation of the nation. ‘Responsibility’ is needed in relations with Tehran.
The agreement between Damascus and Kurdish militias is not enough to stem the violence in the country. 21-year-old Eliah Simon Tekla shot dead in his car parked in front of his home. Since Assad's fall, over 70 Christians have been killed for their faith. Christian minister: ‘I see people's suffering... and I feel responsible for their pain’.
