CHINA: Members of Linfen Covenant Church sentenced after nearly three years in detention
Two pastors sentenced to 3 years and 8 months and church staff member sentenced to 1 year and 11 months in prison.
CHINA: Elder Zhang Chunlei writes to family from prison
Elder Zhang recently wrote to his daughters Qing’er and Xi’er reflecting on the injustice of his separation from his family but adding, “everything is fine in prison, and the conditions are good, there is fruit and milk”.
IRAN: Christians among prisoners moved after Israeli strike on Evin Prison
Christians were among those moved to other prisons following Israel’s strike on 23 June
SYRIA: At least 30 Christians killed in church suicide bomb attack
A suicide bomber killed at least thirty Christians and injured ninety in a packed church on Sunday evening
NIGERIA: More than 120 Christians killed in Fulani massacre in Benue state
The victims were Internally Displaced People who had sought safety and shelter in Yelewata
CHINA: Simon Harris questioned in Dáil about persecution of Chinese Christians
Barry Ward TD tabled two questions on the topic to the Minister for Foreign Affairs
CHINA: Pastor Lian Changnian hospitalised after release on bail
Pastor Lian Changnian has been receiving treatment for severe mental and physical illness following his release on bail
VIETNAM: Y Yich released after twelve years in prison
Pastor Y Yich has been released after completing his twelve-year prison sentence
MEXICO: Building “Peace” – new start for displaced church
The 151 Christians in the group were forced out of their villages last year
ERITREA: “Persecuted but not abandoned” – vigil remembers imprisoned Christians
Church in Chains joined with representatives and supporters of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Release Eritrea and Human Rights Concern Eritrea
PAKISTAN: Forcibly converted and married Christian girl returned to parents
A 15-year-old Christian who was kidnapped, converted and married by a Muslim has been returned to her parents, four months pregnant
IRAN: Christian convert unable to afford bail remains in prison
Christian convert Aida Najaflou remains in Evin Prison over three months after her arrest because she cannot afford bail
INDIA: Attackers who drove out Christians threaten to kill them if they return
Attackers who drove Christians from their village in Chhattisgarh state in April have threatened to kill them if they return home
CHINA: Senator Aubrey McCarthy presents petition to Chinese Embassy
“Our presence here speaks louder than the embassy’s silence”
Chinese Embassy Vigil Photo Gallery
IRAN: Hakop Gochumiyan’s prison letter recounts death threats
Christian Solidarity Worldwide has published a letter from Hakop in which he recounts human rights violations and death threats in custody
CHINA: Ten young children and Sunday School teachers detained
The children, aged five to six, were detained by police while attending a Sunday School class being held in a private home
IRAN: Lida Alexani, wife of Joseph Shahbazian, arrested
Update: Lida was released on bail on 13 May
INDIA: Killer of Graham Staines given hero’s welcome on release
Mahendra Hembram was greeted by supporters who garlanded him and chanted the Hindu slogan, “Jai Shri Ram [Hail lord Rama]”
CHINA: Yang Rongli still waits for trial
Pastor of Golden Lampstand is still waiting for her trial, while her husband’s and co-workers’ trial concluded in April.