At least 4,000 suspected “terrorists” have been arrested since 7 October, pushing up the number of Palestinians in jail from about 5,200 to about 9,000 thanks to the widespread use of administrative detention. Clashes break out overnight between police and Muslims at the start of Ramadan near al Aqsa. Israeli police limit access to the holy site despite pledges to the contrary.
On 20 February, the Chaldean Patriarch took part in the Saudi government's third forum on the media as "bridges" of peace, the Kaiciid a partner in the event. The relationship between Christians and Muslims in a nation in "evolution". The call for a form of 'synodality' also for Islam. The "wise" position of Riyadh in the war in the Holy Land. And to the Holy See: "We must dialogue, discuss" with the Saudis.
About 41 per cent of 61 million eligible voters cast their ballots for the 12th parliament of the Islamic Republic and the 88 seats of the Assembly of Experts, the lowest turnout since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Pro-reform groups, who did not take part in the election, praise former President Mohammad Khatami for refusing to vote.
On Monday, the Pakistani Senate voted on the Christian Marriage (Amendment) Bill 2023. For Christians, the legal age of marriage goes from 16 to 18 years of age. The battle to protect young women and girls from the practice of child brides and forced conversion began in November 2022. Now many hope it can be extended to all religions.
Tomorrow the country will pick 290 lawmakers as well as the 88 experts who will choose Khamenei's successor. Some 61 million people are eligible to vote, but turnout could be less than 40 per cent. From prison Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi calls for a boycott.
Indonesia’s Religious Affairs Office is becoming more inclusive, Religious Affairs Minister Qoumas announced, with services available to "all Indonesian citizens”, not only Muslims. Its premises will be open for weddings of members of religious groups that do not yet have places of worship.
The authorities have completed the transformation of one of the most symbolic places of Chinese Islam. The minarets have been torn down, while a sentence at the entrance invites obedience and gratitude to Beijing. A change that also affects other mosques in the area, where a large Hui Muslim community lives. As for the churches, children are forbidden to enter.
The government set the deadline for 31 December. For some, the date leaves the federal parliament too little time to legislate in such a sensitive matter. Two visions confront each other as to the place of state secularisation and Islamisation.
Victims often do not report for fear of further harassment. In 2023, at least 166 arrests were made, but only a fraction were made public. Pressure and repression continue even after release. In Turkey, an Iranian Christian who fled in 2013 risks deportation and, in case of repatriation, imprisonment.
After two years of voluntary exile yesterday, the former premier attended celebrations marking the 19th anniversary of the assassination of his father Rafic. Analysts and observers point to his re-election bid in 2026, but the regional scenario presents new tensions and challenges. A rapprochement with the Saudis and relations with the Christian bloc the decisive factors.
A mob attacked an Ahmadi place of worship in Kotli district, sending the caretaker to hospital with serious injuries. Previously, they had given the authorities an ultimatum to demolish the Ahmadi mosque. Despite CCTV footage, police have yet to make any arrests. “We want justice,” Ahmadi leader told AsiaNews.
From February, the term 'Isa al Masih' will no longer be used, but the more appropriate 'Jesus Christ'. For the outgoing leader, it is a desire to show the plural and open face of the country. And to file away the controversy and protests over support for his Defence Minister Subianto and his son, the vice-presidential candidate (ahead in the polls).
US attacks against Houthi targets in Yemen continue. Stalemate over negotiations between Israelis and Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza. Five years after Francis' trip to the Gulf, Mgr. Martinelli speaks of a "dramatic moment" in the history of humanity and the region. The document signed with the imam "prophetic" in a peace perspective.
Several factors explain the attack by the Islamic State against the Santa Maria Church, but the root cause is the failure to resolve the Palestinian question, which periodically inflames the region. For Bishop Bizzeti, there is a “domino” effect that stems from oversimplification and short-sighted policies. He criticises the "irresponsible" decision to halt funding to UNRWA in Gaza.
Out of 7,000 families that once made up the community, only 350 remain today. Out of 17 churches, at least nine have been closed and two set on fire. Many chose to emigrate to Iraqi Kurdistan or the diaspora. From those who are left comes a call for expats to return, for this is also "our land".
A protest linked to the death sentence carried out yesterday on four Kurdish prisoners. Activists call the Islamic Republic a "repression machine" that is working "full steam ahead" and with "brutal methods". Meanwhile, the Supreme Court confirmed the death penalty for six more political prisoners.
The Islamic State claims responsibility for the attack against the Latin church. The two attackers were arrested trying to escape. The community is "terrified, shocked", said Bishop Palinuro. The incident raises questions "about the future of the Christian presence". Vicar of Anatolia notes that the government arrested 25 terrorists who wanted to attack churches and synagogues, but "they did not warn us".
Pope Francis promulgated the decree recognising the heroic virtues of the Turkish bishop. For Bishop Bizzeti occasion of joy as "recognition" of the history of a people. His family exterminated during the First World War, but his story "goes beyond the Armenian genocide". Even today those who bear witness to the Gospel encounter 'difficulties, resistance'. After 14 years in February, the Turkish bishops visit the pope for an ad limina visit.
One of the protesters is Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi. The protest is a response to a wave of executions, including that of Mohammad Ghobadlou, a young man with mental issues, executed in connection with events associated with Mahsa Amini’s death. Meanwhile, the Guardian Council excludes pro-reform Rouhani from running for a seat in the Assembly of Experts.
In Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, more and more documentaries, television series, publications and conferences present early 20th century currents such as Jadidism and the Alash Party as a source of inspiration. Between a 'moderate' image in the eyes of the world and a religious aura with which to cloak authoritarian regimes.
Iran struck first in Iraqi Kurdistan, then into Pakistani territory, fuelling tensions with Islamabad, while China calls for "restraint". A Christian businessman from Mosul was among the victims in Erbil. In solidarity with the victims, Pope Francis calls for "good relations between neighbours." For the Chaldean primate, Card Sako, Iraq is a "divided" country, its people "tired and beaten”. The path of diplomacy is increasingly fragile.
A community of about 50,000 individuals inhabit the valley in the far north-eastern corner of Pakistan. While accentuating the esoteric component of the Muslim faith, they have remained largely immune to pressure and threats from the Sunni majority. At the head is Karim, the fourth Aga Khan, recognised as the 49th Imam by the estimated 15 million Ismailis.
US and British air raids against pro-Iranian rebels first act of a possible widening of the war. An operation in response to assaults on ships bound for the Red Sea by the rebels. Mgr. Martinelli: difficulties in reaching "a stable equilibrium", the "great concern" for the situation in the Holy Land remains. In Yemen "the nuns' work for the poor and sick continues".
For US authorities, Iranian Christians are no longer eligible under a resettlement plan introduced last year. For advocacy groups, this is a controversial and "traumatic” decision since the Islamic Republic remains a Country of Particular Concern in terms of religious freedom.
The Chaldean Patriarch raises the alarm over the continuous emigration of Christians, many of whom belong to the productive sector. They are increasingly "marginalised" in the country and no answers are coming from the government. From the joint effort of some leading ecclesiastical figures a renewed commitment for the future.
A drone strikes a base of the pro-Iranian Popular Mobilisation Forces, blamed for recent attacks against targets linked to the US-led coalition in retaliation for the Gaza war. For the Iraqi government, the action was a “violation of sovereignty” and a “dangerous escalation". In an audiotape, the Islamic State’s new leader, al-Ansari, tries to profit from the conflict in Gaza.
For Iran, 2024 will be the year of the choice of the 88 members of one of the Islamic Republic's most important bodies, scheduled for 1 March. It will be up to them to appoint the supreme guide, in the event of the death (or resignation) of 84-year-old Ali Khamenei. The possible return to the scene of former President Rouhani and the challenge with Raisi. The rise of Mojtaba Khamenei, the ayatollah's son and long-time active behind the scenes.
Discomfort in the organisation of parties: young people forced to participate in hours of rehearsals, although the duration has been reduced compared to the past. Events recorded to avert live 'incidents'. A holiday extolled since Soviet times, to reduce the influence of Muslim leaders who claimed adherence to the Islamic calendar.
Celebrations transcended boundaries of faiths in an atmosphere of forgiveness, peace, and reconciliation. A Muslim shared songs and food, as his Christian friend did earlier for the Islamic holiday of Eid. Official mentions the role played in local development by PIME missionaries, still remembered with affection by the community.
The holidays have long been a time of tension and risk of attacks. A situation exacerbated by the upcoming general elections on 7 January, boycotted by the main opposition party. Police and intelligence ensure great vigilance. A report shows a peak of politically motivated violence in 2023.
