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Hundreds Slain in Jos: Majority of Victims Women and Children |
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Tuesday, 20 April 2010 |
 Little survivor of the attacks in Jos
JOS, NIGERIA – The massacre, on March 8th, of more than 500 predominantly ethnic Berom Christians, mainly women and children, by Hausa Fulani Muslim militants has shocked and dismayed the international community and been strongly condemned by human rights organizations. Armed with machetes and knives, the perpetrators attacked three villages in the middle of the night, hacking indiscriminately and slaughtering mainly women and children. This was followed closely on March 17th by the killing of a further 13 Christians, children and a pregnant woman among the victims. Approximately 75 homes were destroyed by fire in the first attack, mainly in the villages of Dogo Nahawa, Zot and Rastat. Security forces had been alerted to the high probability of an attack but were beaten to the villages by the militants who came on foot from a nearby state. The unprovoked, brutal attack was another in a string of jihad offensives, according to Bishop Anderson Bok, National Coordinator of the Plateau State Elders Christian Fellowship, and Secretary General, Musa Pam. Survivors of the second attack who had witnessed the brutal massacre of their families, reported hiding nearby and overhearing the attackers making plans to return as soon as two days later to “finish off” those who had fled. Christians in neighbouring villages believe that the Islamic militants will soon widen their net in their campaign to eradicate Christianity, exposing them to the very real danger of imminent attack, despite the joint efforts of military forces, security teams and imposed state-wide curfews. The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Reverend Monsignor Gabriel Osu, has urged the government to concentrate every effort in bringing to justice the architects of these savage crimes so that Nigeria can move forward as a united people under one banner. President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Ayo Oritsejafor, warns that the country risks a total collapse of law and order unless these barbaric attacks on Christians are stemmed at a Federal government level. State Governor, Jonah Jang, addressed the media, assuring them that several of the assailants had been swiftly apprehended. He stated his belief that the massacre had stemmed from the efforts of agitators who inflamed misunderstanding between communities already in conflict. Governor Jang declared, “I have total faith in God because I am a child of God, and because I know there is nothing that happens that God is not aware of, particularly when it happens to His children”. (Compass Direct, Christian Solidarity Worldwide)  Grieving mother following attacks in Jos |
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Malatya Trial Faces Premature Conclusion |
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Tuesday, 20 April 2010 |
The trial of 5 men accused of the murder of 3 Christian bookshop proprietors, two Turks and one German, who were tortured then stabbed to death is in danger of being hastened to a premature conclusion following the rejection of plaintiff appeals to investigate the alleged masterminds behind the killings. Istanbul prosecutors, who forwarded a police report to Malatya’s Third Criminal Court linking the murders to Ergenekon (a cabal of high profile political, former military and other influential key figures), allege that the five young defendants are little more than puppets in what they believe to be a larger “deep state” operation. The murder of an Armenian Christian editor in the months prior to the Malatya slayings has also been linked to the Ergenekon. Overwhelming evidence presented by plaintiff lawyers over the past 3 years demonstrates that the Malatya murders were not only related to this prior execution (all were engaged in Christian publications) but formed strategic assaults against Turkey’s Christian minority. Encouraging reports coming out of Turkey suggest the imminent and hasty closure of this trial has inspired courageous Christians to speak out. Their demand for a full investigation into the architects of these crimes (and not merely the perpetrators) has emerged in spite of the risk of backlash. (Compass Direct, OpenDemocracy) |
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Prominent Chinese Christian Human Rights Activist Released! |
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Tuesday, 20 April 2010 |
REJOICE! The recent unexpected release of Christian lawyer, Gao Zhisheng, has been hailed as a miracle by the persecuted church in China. Highly respected as one of China’s foremost human rights advocates, Zhisheng was arrested in September 2007 for writing an open letter to the US Congress, detailing the human rights abuses suffered by Chinese Christians, coal miners and members of the Falun Gong. During the following 50 days of interrogation he was subjected to severe physical and psychological torture. He subsequently released a full account of this state-sanctioned brutality, defying the explicit orders of Chinese authorities to remain silent. Consequently, he was abducted from his home on February 4th 2009, but not before he had secured the escape of his wife and children, first to Thailand and then to New York City. US and British officials, the United Nations and human rights organisations reacted strongly to the disappearance of this courageous, internationally respected activist. Grave concern for his life inspired fervent prayer from Christian supporters worldwide. The assurance that “the prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16) is wonderfully fulfilled in Gao Zhisheng’s release. Much is owed to all who courageously petitioned the Chinese authorities on his behalf, but far more is due to the grace of God who responded to all who prayed so faithfully. Please continue to uphold Zhisheng in prayer for healing and restoration, and for wisdom and courage in his future endeavours. May his passionate commitment to freedom and justice remain an inspiration for many. (Compass Direct, Christian Solidarity Worldwide)  Gao Zhisheng and family  Injuries sustained during captivity |
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"Blasphemy" Laws Claim More Victims in Pakistan |
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Tuesday, 20 April 2010 |
Barely a week after a Christian man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for allegedly defaming the prophet Muhammad, the widely condemned ‘blasphemy’ laws have claimed more Christian victims, similarly convicted on unsubstantiated charges of defiling the Quran. A dispute between the children of Muslims and Christians escalated, involving the Christian parents, Ruqqiya Bibi and her husband, Munir Masih, leading to their arrest on charges of black magic and disregard for the observance of proper cleansing rituals before touching the Quran. The recent conviction of Qamar David, arrested for allegedly blaspheming the prophet Mohammed, followed swiftly laid charges, ill-handled investigation and trial by inequitable courts. Human rights advocates and legislators worldwide denounce these blasphemy statues as they have progressively become a platform for settling personal scores. (Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Compass Direct) |
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Mother in Hiding in Burma Gives Birth |
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Tuesday, 20 April 2010 |
While a baby is delivered by medics in a crude bivouac in the dense jungle that shelters so many displaced Karen Christians, Free Burma Rangers (FBR)have reported witnessing systematic looting by the Burma Army in the villages they have destroyed. Since January, more than 2,100 Western Karen State villagers have been displaced, 14 schools have been abandoned, and up to 140 buildings (houses, clinics, farm huts) have been destroyed. Those who have fled the violence have received humanitarian aid and practical assistance from the National Liberation Army (Karen resistance) and the FBR who have reported that the Burma Army fails to distinguish between combatants and civilians in the execution of their singular objective—to terrorize the Karen Christians. (Free Burma Rangers) To support the work of the FBR, please visit: www.freeburmarangers.org or write to:
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Freedom Remains Under Serious Threat in Sri Lanka |
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Tuesday, 20 April 2010 |
A UN proposal to investigate allegations of human rights violations in Sri Lanka has been denounced as ‘unwarranted interference’ by President Rajapaksa, especially sensitive to criticism during the lead up to the April 8th parliamentary elections. The government’s unwillingness to redress grievances which caused the 25 year ethnic conflict has been condemned by international observers and human rights monitors. Sri Lankan journalists are amongst the casualties of government attempts to prevent exposure of abuse and internationally acclaimed Christian journalist, J.S. Tissainayagam, is among them. Recipient of the Peter Mackler award for courageous and ethical journalism in Washington; the CPJ Press Freedom Award, and recently named Foreign Journalist of the Year at the British Press Awards, he was sentenced in March 2009 to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for allegedly inciting racial hatred and terrorism following articles he wrote criticising the government’s human rights record. Recently released on bail on medical grounds pending an appeal, he remains in fear of his life, isolated from his family and unable to pursue his career. Press Freedom Denied Freedom of the press is a foundational principle of democracy, enshrined in international human rights conventions. Amnesty International, which declared Tissainayagam a ‘prisoner of conscience’, reports that it is in possession of a ‘hit-list’ of 35 leading journalists and NGO officers believed to have been compiled by Sri Lanka’s intelligence unit, then ‘leaked’ to intimidate them into silence. As Amnesty UK stated, “Journalists are often at the forefront of protecting and defending individuals’ human rights. It is their bravery that can help expose abuses and bring them to an end. Sri Lanka needs to respect media freedom and allow human rights defenders to go about their work freely without harassment.” (Daily Mirror, The Financial Times, London) Canberra During a deeply moving Christmas service last December Tamil Christians lit candles in remembrance of loved ones whose lives were amongst thousands lost during the civil war, and prayed earnestly that the Lord would bring freedom, justice and healing to people whose lives have been shattered, thousands of whom are Christian civilians still enduring extreme privation in refugee camps. In a ministerial statement to Parliament on 17th March, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Steven Smith, affirmed that the welfare and resettlement of internally displaced civilians remain at the forefront of Australia’s financial and diplomatic engagement with Sri Lanka. Both the Federal Government and the Opposition strongly support the international demand for a credible investigation into human rights abuses, possible violations of international law and electoral irregularities, as the first step in establishing democratic freedom for all Sri Lankans. (Hansard March 17) |
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Catholic Church Wins Court Appeal: Permit Reinstated |
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Tuesday, 20 April 2010 |
Construction on the Santa Maria Catholic Church in the village of Cinangka ceased indefinitely last year when the Purwakarta regency government revoked its building permit. Purwakarta regent, Dedi Mulyadi, revoked the permit when Islamists threatened local residents whose approval was necessary, by Indonesian law, before the permit could be granted. In a little-publicized court ruling on 10th February this year, the Church won the legal suit against the Purwakarta regency in which this ruling was reversed. The judge ruled that the Purwakarta government had violated fundamental legal principles, adding that no compelling evidence had been presented to substantiate legally revoking the permit. “We rejoice in the verdict,” announced Rev. Augustinus Made of Santa Maria Catholic Church, testifying that revocation had originated from excessively intense pressure from radical Muslim groups and the Islamic Defenders Front (Front Pembela Islam). The congregation of more than 1,000 parishioners had been conducting worship services in a steel factory warehouse a short distance from the building site. (Compas Direct) |
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Citizens Suffer in North Korea under "Dear Leader" |
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Tuesday, 20 April 2010 |
Under a dictatorship in which possession of a Bible incurs the risk of public execution, and tens of thousands of believers—branded ‘political criminals’—languish in concentrations camps, ‘Dear Leader’ Kim Jong Il recently celebrated his 68th birthday in lavish fashion. Dance performances and a self-promoting ‘documentary’ celebrating the life and achievements of the despot typified the festivities. In stark contrast to this, in the Hwanghae province alone, starvation and homelessness continue to claim increasing numbers of North Koreans, many of whom are children. Soaring inflation and shortages of basic necessities exact a punishing toll in an already intolerably oppressive regime. Christianity endures even though it is outlawed as a political crime in a country whose law prohibits the recognition of any authority greater than the ‘Dear Leader’. In spite of apparent hopelessness under this iron-fisted autocracy, in which, as one North Korean stated, “It’s normal to see children lying dead in the street”, the people’s love of God defies all efforts to eradicate Christian worship. (Open Doors USA, The Voice of the Martyrs, Canada, Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin, The Christian Post) |
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