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Image courtesy of CSW-UKCENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC | Hundreds Killed After Fighting Breaks Out     12.11.13

Local sources are reporting that almost 1,000 people have been killed in the last week after fighting broke out between the Seleka rebel coalition and anti-Balaka... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCUBA | Pastor Barred From Leaving Country     12.11.13

A Cuban pastor was barred by government officials from leaving the country last month despite having a valid passport and visa... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKMEXICO | Report Finds Increase in Religious Freedom Violations     12.9.13

CSW is marking Human Rights Day on Dec. 10 with the release of its latest report on freedom of religion or belief in Mexico, which finds a “significant” increase in religious freedom violations... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKVIETNAM | Revised Constitution Fails to Answer Calls for Reform     12.6.13

A revised constitution for Vietnam, which was passed by a vote of almost 98% on Nov. 28, has disappointed religious leaders, intellectuals, activists and former officials hoping for political reform... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKSYRIA | Conflicting Reports Concerning Missing Nuns     12.4.13

CSW is concerned for the welfare of 12 nuns and three young women who were taken away from their convent in a village 37 miles north of the Syrian capital... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKGLOBAL | CSW Welcomes Debate on the Persecution of Christians     12.4.13

CSW warmly welcomes the three-hour debate on Dec. 3 in the House of Commons on the persecution of Christians in the 21st century, and the calls made by several Members of Parliament... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKERITREA | Diaspora Petitions U.S. Government on Human Rights     12.3.13

Members of the Eritrean diaspora have drafted a petition to the U.S. House and Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittees on African Affairs calling for greater attention... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCHINA | Prime Minister Asked to Raise Religious Freedom on Visit     12.2.13

CSW has written to British Prime Minister David Cameron, urging him to ensure that freedom of religion or belief is a specific feature of his visit to China... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCHINA | Lawyers Prevented From Meeting Detainees     11.29.13

Lawyers representing Protestant Pastor Zhang Shaojie and members of his church have encountered various obstacles that have prevented them from meeting with their clients, who were detained... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKSUDAN | Concerns Over Religious Freedom Grow as Lawyer Flees     11.28.13

CSW is concerned by the continuing deterioration in freedom of religion and belief in Sudan, following reports that a Sudanese lawyer and religious freedom advocate has fled the country... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCHINA | Christians Protest Pastor’s Detention     11.22.13

Over 100 relatives, church members and supporters of Pastor Zhang Shaojie, a Protestant pastor, joined in a protest on Nov. 18 in Henan Province, China, to call for his release from prison... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKNIGERIA | U.S. Designates Boko Haram Terrorist Organization     11.14.13

CSW welcomes yesterday’s decision by the U.S. State Department to formally designate Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram, and its off-shoot organization Ansaru, as a “foreign terrorist organization”... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKMEXICO | Four Protestant Christians Imprisoned, Tortured     11.11.13

CSW is calling on the Mexican government to prosecute local officials responsible for the unjust imprisonment and torture of four protestant Christians... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKSRI LANKA | Government Heads Should Press for Religious Freedom     11.8.13

One week before the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka, CSW is urging Commonwealth leaders to use this opportunity to raise pressing human rights concerns with Sri Lanka... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKIRAN | Mostafa Bordbar Released From Prison     11.8.13

Iranian Christian Mostafa Bordbar was released from prison on Nov. 3, following a successful appeal against the 10 year prison sentence he received on July 31... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKSUDAN | CSW Calls for Official Abyei Referendum     11.7.13

CSW is calling on the international community to facilitate and guarantee an official referendum on Abyei’s future after an unofficial plebiscite resulted... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKIRAN | Lashing Sentences Carried Out     10.31.13

Two of the four members of the Church of Iran denomination sentenced to 80 lashes for taking wine during a communion service were lashed on Oct. 30... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKVIETNAM | Catholics Sentenced Despite Community Protests     10.31.13

Two Vietnamese Catholics, whose arrest sparked mass protests in My Yen parish, Nghe An Province last month, were sentenced to six and seven months’ imprisonment, respectively, on Oct. 23... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCOLOMBIA | FARC Document Shows Extent of Restrictions     10.29.13

A document published by the 32nd Front of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – Army of the People (FARC-EP) in July illustrates the degree of repression the guerrilla group exercises over populations under its control... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKERITREA | Rapporteur Highlights Violations During Historic Address     10.25.13

In her first "interactive dialogue" with the UN General Assembly on Oct. 24, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea urged the Eritrean government to ensure that its people... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCUBA | Church Under Attack From Government     10.25.13

CSW condemns attempts by Cuban State Security and Communist Party officials to forcibly confiscate a property which serves as the national headquarters... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKIRAN | Four Christians Sentenced to 80 Lashes     10.23.13

A court in the Iranian city of Rasht has sentenced four members of the Church of Iran denomination to 80 lashes each for drinking wine during a communion... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKNORTH KOREA | CSW to Testify Before Commission of Inquiry     10.21.13

CSW will join North Korean defectors to testify before the UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in North Korea, when it holds its latest public hearing... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKEGYPT | Four Killed In Wedding Attack     10.21.13

Four people, including an eight-year old girl, died after masked gunmen opened fire on a wedding in Giza on Oct. 20... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKVIETNAM | Religious Leaders Issue Statement Criticizing Regulations     10.14.13

Representatives from various religious groups in Vietnam issued a statement on Oct. 4 accusing the Vietnamese government of attempting to destroy religions... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKBURMA | CSW Calls on UN General Assembly to Address Violations     10.10.13

CSW today urged the United Nations General Assembly to focus on continuing violations of human rights, including abuses of freedom of religion or belief... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKNIGERIA | CSW Expresses Condolences Following Death of Chief     10.10.13

Christian Solidarity Worldwide is saddened to learn of the death of Chief Solomon Daushep Lar, chairman of CSW-Nigeria’s Board of Trustees... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCHINA | Christian Rights Activist Released From Prison     10.9.13

Chinese human rights lawyer, Ni Yulan, was released from prison on Oct. 5 after completing a two-and-a-half year sentence... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKEGYPT | CSW Calls On Government to Secure Justice For Victims     10.9.13

As Coptic Orthodox communities around the world on Oct. 9 commemorate the second anniversary of what has become known as the Maspero Massacre, CSW is calling on Egypt’s interim government... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKIRAN | CSW Expresses Concern Over Woman’s Health     10.4.13

Christian Solidarity Worldwide is extremely concerned to learn of a serious deterioration in the health of a 35-year-old Iranian Christian woman... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKNORTH KOREA | Defectors to Testify at UK Parliament Hearing     10.4.13

Three North Korean defectors will testify at a hearing on human rights in North Korea hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Group for North Korea on Oct. 8... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKINDONESIA | Letter Urges Obama to Raise Religious Freedom Concerns     10.2.13

A joint letter to U.S. President Barack Obama ahead of his visit to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit on Oct. 7-8 urges him to raise serious concerns... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKEGYPT | Coptic Bishop Survives Assassination Attempt     10.2.13

The General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Minya survived an attempted assassination on Sept. 30, when unknown gunmen opened fire... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKSUDAN | Peaceful Protests Continue Amid Crackdown     10.1.13

Over 200 people reportedly died and an estimated 500 may have been injured as Sudanese security forces continue to use live ammunition on unarmed... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKNIGERIA | Boko Haram Attacks Escalate     9.30.13

Islamist sect Boko Haram has attacked a college, Christian settlement and a number of villages in the last fortnight, in an apparent escalation of attacks... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCUBA | Church Leaders Publish Joint Declaration on Religious Freedom     9.25.13

Cuban religious leaders finished a visit to Washington, DC last week by publishing a joint declaration called “Thirty Questions for the Cuban Government.”... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKLAOS | Christians Threatened With Eviction Orders     9.25.13

Christian converts in Savannakhet Province in Laos are facing eviction from their village if they refuse to renounce their Christian beliefs, according to reports from the human rights organization... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKPAKISTAN | CSW Strongly Condemns Attack on Peshawar Church     9.23.13

Christian Solidarity Worldwide strongly condemns Sunday’s double suicide bombing at All Saints Church, Peshawar, expressing condolences for all affected... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKNIGERIA | At Least 160 Dead In Terrorist Related Violence     9.20.13

At least 160 people have died in terrorist related violence this week in Nigeria’s Yobe and Borno States... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKINDIA | CSW Strongly Supports Calls For Communal Violence Legislation     9.19.13

CSW fully endorses the recommendation, made this week by a civil society team in India in its fact-finding report on communal violence against Muslims around Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh state in September... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKIRAN | Two Christians Among 11 Prisoners Released From Jail     9.19.13

Iranian Christians Maryam Jalili and Mitra Rahmati were released from Evin Prison Sept. 18, six weeks before their 2 ½ year sentences were due to be completed... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKVIETNAM | Bishop Appeals to International Community Following Attacks     9.19.13

Msgr. Paul Nguyen Thai Hop, Catholic Bishop of Vinh diocese on Vietnam’s north-central coast, has appealed for “international support and solidarity” following violent attacks against Catholics... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKERITREA | Targeted Sanctions Called for on Anniversary of Arrests     9.18.13

Christian Solidarity Worldwide and Human Rights Concern Eritrea have called for the imposition of targeted sanctions on key Eritrean officials in order to secure the release of prominent politicians and journalists... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCUBA | Religious Leaders Arrive in Washington, DC     9.17.13

Cuban pastor and blogger, Rev. Mario Felix Lleonart Barroso, arrived in Washington, DC Sept. 16 to begin a week of advocacy meetings with policy makers... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKTANZANIA | Catholic Priest Injured In Acid Attack     9.17.13

Christian Solidarity Worldwide is deeply concerned by an acid attack on an elderly Catholic priest in Zanzibar Sept. 13... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKIRAN | CSW Concerned About Iranian Murder     9.4.13

Christian Solidarity Worldwide is concerned to learn of the murder on Aug. 24 of Ataollah Rezvani, a prominent member of Iran's Baha’i community... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKINDIA | Impact of Kandhamal Violence Still Felt Years Later     8.23.13

The Christian community in Kandhamal district, Odisha state (formerly Orissa), will mark the fifth anniversary this weekend of a wave of violence in which an estimated 90 people were killed and at least 54,000 displaced... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKPERU | CSW Renews Calls for Justice on 10th Anniversary of Report     8.22.13

As Peru observes the 10th anniversary of the publication of final report and recommendations of its Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Christian Solidarity Worldwide has expressed concern at the lack of justice... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCHINA | Linfen House Church Leader Beaten, Threatened with Death     8.20.13

Church leader Li Shuangping, a leader at Linfen church, was beaten and threatened by unknown assailants on the night of Aug. 13, according to reports... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKEGYPT | Sectarian Attacks Mount as Violence Continues     8.19.13

Christian Solidarity Worldwide is deeply concerned at the continuing violence in Egypt, which has left more than 830 people dead, including 70 policemen... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKPAKISTAN | Cleric Acquitted in Rimsha Masih Blasphemy Case     8.19.13

The religious cleric accused of damaging a Qur’an to falsify evidence in the blasphemy case of Rimsha Masih was acquitted of all charges on Aug. 17... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKEGYPT | Hundreds Dead, Churches Attacked in Violence     8.15.13

The Egyptian government has confirmed that 525 people were killed and thousands more injured in violence that ensued after security services dispersed a sit-in... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKNIGERIA | At Least 50 Dead in Northeast Weekend Attacks     8.14.13

At least 50 civilians were killed and dozens more injured in a series of weekend attacks in northeastern Nigeria by the Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKEGYPT | CSW Expresses Concern About Attacks Against Christians     8.9.13

Christian Solidarity Worldwide is deeply concerned by continuing attacks against Egyptian Christians, which have increased in frequency since the removal of the Morsi regime and have prompted Pope Tawadros II to cancel his weekly public sermons... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCHINA | Concerns Over Crackdown on Christian Gatherings in Xinjiang     8.8.13

Christian Solidarity Worldwide is concerned about a crackdown on unregistered Christian meetings in Xinjiang, northwest China, in the last five months, amidst high levels of tension and outbreaks of violence... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKIRAN | Christian Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison     8.7.13

Mostafa Bordbar, a Christian convert, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for being part of an “anti-security organization” and “gathering with intent to commit crimes against Iranian national security.”... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKIRAN | Fatwa Issued Against Bahai Community     8.2.13

The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khameni, issued a fatwa (religious edict) against the Baha’i community on July 31, calling on Iranians to avoid Baha’is and labeling them a “deviant and misleading sect.”... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKVIETNAM | Catholic Petitioners Beaten by Police Outside Cathedral     7.31.13

On the morning of July 31, Catholics praying for the resolution of land disputes outside Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City were forcibly removed and beaten... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKNORTH KOREA | Attention Called to “Appalling Human Rights Violations”     7.27.13

On the 60th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, Christian Solidarity Worldwide is calling for increased efforts by the international community to address the grave human rights crisis in North Korea... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKIRAN | Eight Members of Church of Iran Sentenced to Jail     7.18.13

Christian Solidarity Worldwide has learned that eight members of the Church of Iran in Shiraz were sentenced to jail on July 16 after being found guilty of “action against the national security”... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCSW Urges UK to Put Human Rights at the Heart of Burmese President’s Visit     7.12.13

Christian Solidarity Worldwide urged the British Government to ensure that continuing grave violations of human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, are put at the heart of discussions with Burma’s President Thein Sein... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKEGYPT | Church Calls for Three Days of Prayer for Peace, Reconciliation     7.9.13

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, has announced three days of prayer “for peace, reconciliation and an end to needless violence and loss of life in Egypt,” commencing July 9... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCHINA | Imprisoned Christian Rights Activist Denied Medical Parole     7.5.13

Imprisoned Chinese housing rights activist, Ni Yulan, has been denied medical parole despite suffering from a number of serious health problems including an untreated thyroid tumor. Ni, who is a Christian, is serving a two-and-a-half-year sentence... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKVIETNAM | Authorities Assist Evicted Christian Families with Resettlement     7.2.13

Five ethnic minority Christian families from the Central Highlands of Vietnam, who were forcibly evicted from their homes earlier this year, have been able to resettle with the help of Vietnamese authorities... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKBURMA | Kachin Civilians Killed Despite Agreement to End Hostilities     6.28.13

Christian Solidarity Worldwide has learned that a Kachin civilian, Zahkung Lum Hkawng, was tortured, beaten, and shot dead by the Burmese Army in Northern Shan State on June 14... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKUSA | Letter Calls for Strengthened Policies on Freedom of Religion/Belief     6.27.13

The US-based International Religious Freedom Roundtable, a multi-faith network of organizations and individuals advocating for freedom of religion or belief, will publish a letter on June 27 calling on the US government... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCSW Welcomes Call for Stronger Action to Protect Religious Freedom     6.25.13

Christian Solidarity Worldwide welcomes a new report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on International Religious Freedom, which calls on the government to redouble its efforts to ensure that people around the world... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKEGYPT | Murders Highlight Increasing Vulnerability of Religious Minorities     6.24.13

Four Shi’a Muslim men were killed June 23 in Egypt by a mob led by Salafi sheiks, in an incident that underlines the increasing vulnerability of religious minorities... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCSW Welcomes New EU Guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief     6.24.13

CSW welcomes the decision on June 24 by European Union Foreign Ministers in Brussels to adopt Guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief, a commitment that was made in the EU Human Rights Strategy one year ago... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKERITREA | UN Human Rights Council Renews, Strengthens Mandate     6.14.13

The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on Eritrea, increasing the scope of the mandate for the UN Special Rapporteur, who will present her report on the human rights situation in Eritrea to the UN General Assembly in New York... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKEGYPT | Christian Teacher Convicted on Blasphemy Charges     6.13.13

A Christian teacher in Luxor accused of insulting Islam and the Prophet Mohammed was convicted on blasphemy charges on June 11 by a court in Upper Egypt... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKVIETNAM | Authorities Claim Suicide in Hmong Christian’s Death     6.11.13

The family of Hoang Van Ngai, the Hmong Christian who died in police custody on March 17, was notified in mid-May that the Vietnamese authorities’ investigation confirmed his death was caused by “suicide by self-electrocution.”... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKVIETNAM | Christian Speaker Allowed to Tour Despite Regulations    6.7.13

A five-day tour by Australian Christian evangelist and motivational speaker, Nick Vujicic, was permitted to take place in Vietnam May 22-26, despite national restrictions on religious activities... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKEGYPT | CSW Expresses Concern at Sentencing of NGO Workers     6.6.13

Christian Solidarity Worldwide is deeply concerned at the sentencing of 43 NGO employees, who were convicted of working in Egypt illegally by the Cairo Criminal Court... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCHINA | CSW Calls on Chinese Government to Respect Human Rights     6.4.13

On the 24th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, Christian Solidarity Worldwide remains deeply concerned about the Chinese government’s treatment of human rights defenders... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKERITREA | Anniversary of Government Crackdown on Churches Marked     5.31.13

Christian Solidarity Worldwide joined members of the Eritrean diaspora, the Orthodox Church and six NGOs from the United Kingdom and Ireland on May 30 in a protest vigil outside the Eritrean Embassy in London... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKNORTH KOREA | CSW Condemns Deportation, Repatriation of Refugees     5.30.13

Christian Solidarity Worldwide condemns Laos’ deportation of nine North Korean refugees to China from where they were forcibly repatriated to North Korea... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKIRAN | Pastor Arrested as Farsi Language Church Considers Closure    5.21.13

Rev. Robert Asserian, a pastor at the Central Assemblies of God Church in Tehran, was arrested May 21 while conducting a prayer meeting at the church... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKNIGERIA | Escalating Violence Prompts State of Emergency     5.15.13

On May 14, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States to address the “systematic effort by insurgents and terrorists groups... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKERITREA | CSW Calls for End to Human Rights Violations in Eritrea     5.14.13

Christian Solidarity Worldwide renews its call for an end to human rights violations in Eritrea, including the abuse of freedom of religion or belief, ahead of the 11th anniversary of a government crackdown... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKBURMA | CSW Releases New Report Detailing Human Rights Abuses     5.13.13

Christian Solidarity Worldwide released a new report on May 13 on human rights in Burma following a four-week fact-finding visit to the country... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKIRAN | Christians Returned to Jail After High Court Upholds Sentence     5.10.13

An Iranian Assemblies of God pastor, his wife and two church workers have been returned to jail after their one year sentences for converting to Christianity and “propagation against the Islamic regime through evangelism"... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKNIGERIA | Upsurge of Violence in Northern, Central States     5.9.13

Northern and Central Nigerian states have seen an upsurge of violence in recent weeks. Christian Solidarity Worldwide has received eyewitness reports that the violence that broke out May 3 in Taraba State... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKSUDAN | Paramount Chief of Ngok Dinka Buried in Abyei     5.8.13

Chief Kuol Deng Kuol, Paramount Chief of nine Ngok Dinka peoples in Abyei, Sudan, was buried on May 6. He died on May 4 when his convoy was ambushed by members of the Arab Misseriya... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKTANZANIA | Catholic Cathedral Bombed     5.8.13

Three people were killed and more than 60 injured when a church service inaugurating a new Catholic Cathedral in Arusha, Tanzania was bombed on May 5... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKIRAN | Pastor Abedini Moved To Solitary Confinement     5.1.13

Pastor Saeed Abedini, a convert to Christianity with dual United States/Iranian nationality who was sentenced to eight years in prison in January for “actions against the national security of Iran,” has been placed in solitary confinement... READ THIS STORY