Find us on Facebook bombed cars boys secret cathedral sm-slide_imprisoned in Iran_695x107.jpg

NEWS

Image courtesy of CSW-UKMEXICO | Reparations Called for Victims of Religious Freedom Violations     3.7.14

CSW welcomes the report of the Oaxaca State Ombudsman’s Office, dated Jan. 28 but released last week, which confirmed serious religious freedom violations in the municipality of San Juan Ozolotepec... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKIRAN | Eight Christians Arrested, Interrogated     3.7.14

CSW has been informed that eight Iranian Christians were arrested and interrogated by security forces... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKINDONESIA | CSW Highlights Rising Religious Intolerance     3.4.14

Rising religious intolerance in Indonesia was highlighted at the European Parliament March 4 as CSW presented its new report... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKNIGERIA | Boko Haram Attacks Villages, Town in Adamawa State     2.27.14

Suspected Boko Haram gunmen attacked villages and a town in the Madagali and Michika Local Government Areas of Adamawa State in northeast Nigeria on Feb. 26... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKINDIA | CSW Briefing Outlines Religious Freedom Concerns     2.27.14

As India approaches its general election, expected to take place in May, CSW released a new briefing setting out an agenda of religious freedom concerns... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKMEXICO | Families Have Water, Electricity Disconnected     2.27.14

Twenty-five Protestant families had their water and electricity supplies disconnected and have effectively been put under house arrest in Mexico because of their refusal to participate in Traditionalist Catholic... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCUBA | NGOS Urge EU to Adopt Benchmarks on Human Rights     2.26.14

The Europe Cuba Network, a group of 19 European non-governmental organizations, including CSW, has issued a statement calling on the European Union to adopt red-lines and clear benchmarks to measure progress in the area of human rights... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKNIGERIA | College Students Killed in Boko Haram Attack     2.26.14

At least 40 students were killed when suspected members of the Islamist terror group, Boko Haram, attacked the Federal Government College Buni-Yadi in Yobe State... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCHINA | Henan Pastor’s Trial Date Postponed Indefinitely     2.25.14

Chinese Pastor Zhang Shaojie’s trial date, which had been set for Feb. 21, has been ‘indefinitely postponed’, according to lawyers quoted by China Aid... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKTANZANIA | Two Churches, Restaurant Bombed in Zanzibar     2.25.14

Bomb attacks on the island of Zanzibar targeted Christ Church Anglican Cathedral and a well-known restaurant on Feb. 24, and an Evangelistic Assemblies of God Tanzania church... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKINDONESIA | Interfaith Delegation Starts Week of Advocacy     2.24.14

An interfaith delegation from Indonesia, co-hosted by CSW and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK, has begun a week of advocacy in the UK to coincide with this week’s launch of CSW’s new report... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKIRAN | Pastor Irani Recovering Following Operation     2.24.14

CSW has learned that Pastor Behnam Irani underwent surgery on Feb. 22 and is now recovering in Shahid Madani Hospital in Karaj... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKSUDAN | Authorities Destroy Church Building, Confiscate Land     2.21.14

Sudanese authorities demolished and confiscated a Sudanese Church of Christ building in the Ombada area of Omdurman on Feb. 17, according to reports... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKNIGERIA | At Least 200 Killed in Terrorist Violence     2.18.14

At least 200 people were killed in Borno and Adamawa States in the north east of Nigeria in a series of terrorist attacks on rural areas last week... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKNORTH KOREA | CSW Welcomes UN Inquiry’s Report, Urges Action     2.17.14

CSW welcomes the report of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on human rights in North Korea, released today, and the inquiry’s conclusion that the regime in North Korea is committing crimes against humanity... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCHINA | Christians Remain Detained Three Weeks After Raid     2.14.14

Protestant Pastor Xu Yonghai and 11 members of his church remain in detention three weeks after the Holy Love Fellowship house church was raided on Jan. 24... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKINDONESIA | New Report Warns of Growing Religious Intolerance     2.14.14

CSW’s new report on Indonesia, which will be launched Feb. 25 in the UK Parliament, warns: “Religious intolerance is no longer confined to areas such as West Java and Aceh, known to be particularly conservative, nor is it confined to Christians... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKPAKISTAN | Militants Issue Death Threats in Murder Case     2.11.14

CSW has received deeply concerning reports that several key people involved in the case against four militants accused of assassinating Shahbaz Bhatti... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKUSA | CSW to Testify Before US House Committee     2.11.14

CSW will give evidence before the US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations on the persecution of Christians... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKNIGERIA | Boko Haram Kills Muslim Cleric, 11 Christians     2.3.14

A Muslim cleric from Kaduna State, his wife and child, and 11 Christians in Adamawa State, were murdered in separate attacks last weekend by members of the Islamist terror group Boko Haram... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKNIGERIA | Entire Family Murdered In Village Attack     1.31.14

A family of seven was murdered when armed Fulani tribesmen attacked a village in southern Kaduna State on Jan. 30... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKMEXICO | Government Urged To Intervene In Religious Conflicts     1.31.14

CSW is calling on the Mexican government to intervene in the religious conflicts that result in the forcible displacement of communities in the state of Chiapas... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKNIGERIA | 138 Killed in Weekend Terror Attacks     1.30.14

At least 138 people died on Jan. 26 in attacks by members of the Islamist terror group Boko Haram on villages in Adamawa and Borno States in north east Nigeria... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKINDONESIA | Atheist Released From Prison     1.30.14

Indonesian atheist Alexander Aan, who was sentenced to 2 ½ years’ imprisonment on June 15, 2012 under the nation’s blasphemy laws for publicly declaring himself an atheist on Facebook... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC | Pastor, Son Killed as Violence Erupts     1.29.14

Pastor Kongbo, treasurer of the Union des Eglises Baptistes, was killed Jan. 28 along with his son at their home by Seleka forces as violence erupted in the northern suburbs of the Central African Republic’s capital city Bangui... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKIRAN | Davoud Alijani Released Early From Prison     1.29.14

Davoud Alijani, a leader in the Assemblies of God church in Ahwaz, was released from Karoon Prison on Jan. 13, 20 days before his sentence was due to be completed... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCUBA | Pastor Under House Arrest Following Detention     1.27.14

Rev. Mario Felix Lleonart Barroso, a Baptist pastor, was arrested and detained by political police and state security agents in central Cuba on Jan. 25... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCHINA | Trial Postponed For Protestant Pastor     1.27.14

CSW has learned the trial date for detained Protestant Pastor Zhang Shaojie, originally scheduled for Jan. 28, has been rescheduled for Feb. 12... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKEGYPT | CSW Encourages Constitutional Human Rights Provisions     1.24.14

As Egyptians prepare to celebrate the third anniversary of the 25 January Revolution, CSW welcomes provisions in the new constitution upholding equal citizenship and international human rights statutes... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC | UN Human Rights Council to Discuss Killings     1.16.14

The UN Human Rights Council has announced it will be holding a special session on Jan. 20 to discuss the human rights situation in the Central African Republic... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCHINA | Pastor Zhang Shaojie Finally Charged, Allowed Access to Lawyer     1.16.14

On Jan. 15, Protestant Pastor Zhang Shaojie’s lawyer was able to visit him, two months after he was first detained... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKVIETNAM | Campaign Calls for ‘Specific Milestones’ to End Torture     1.16.14

CSW welcomes the launch today of a report by the Campaign to Abolish Torture in Vietnam... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKEGYPT | Prayer Called for as Egyptians Vote in Referendum     1.15.14

As Egyptians began two days of voting in a referendum on a new constitution, the General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK issued a call for three days of prayer for peace... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCUBA | Religious Freedom Violations Increased in 2013     1.9.14

CSW has renewed its call for Cuban leader Raul Castro to ensure that significant improvements are made in upholding religious freedom in 2014. Research showed a steady increase... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKSUDAN | Three Years Pass with No Abyei Official Referendum     1.8.14

CSW is echoing the plea of an Abyei Elder for the future of the region not to be forgotten, ahead of the third anniversary of the delayed referendum... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCHINA | Harassment of Lawyers, Church Members Christmas Week     1.3.14

Church members, lawyers and Christians visiting the family of detained Protestant Pastor Zhang Shaojie were beaten, harassed and detained by “hired thugs”, police and government agencies in December... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKIRAN | Pastor Irani’s Home Among Four Raided     12.20.13

Security forces raided the homes of four Christians in Karaj, Iran on Dec. 15, including that of Kristina Irani, the wife of imprisoned Church of Iran pastor Behnam Irani... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKCHINA | Lawyers Stage Hunger Strike     12.12.13

Fifteen lawyers representing detained Protestant Pastor Zhang Shaojie and members of his church in Nanle County, Henan Province are staging a hunger strike... READ THIS STORY

Image courtesy of CSW-UKINDIA | CSW Deplores Crackdown on Peaceful Protest     12.12.13

CSW deplores the heavy-handed manner in which police broke up a peaceful demonstration by thousands of people in New Delhi who were calling for an end to the statutory discrimination... READ THIS STORY

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