European Court Questions Russia Over Deportations Under Religion Law

European Court Questions Russia Over Deportations Under Religion Law

(World Watch Monitor) — The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has asked for clarification over how Russia applies its religion law to foreign citizens, reports news agency Interfax. The case that triggered their interest was that of an Evangelical Christian of Indian descent, who was one of the first people to be deported under […]

Syrian Refugees Freeze to Death Crossing Into Lebanon

Syrian Refugees Freeze to Death Crossing Into Lebanon

Lebanon (Mission Network News) — The UN recently reported that as January 18 transitioned into the 19th, 13 Syrians froze to death while trying to enter Lebanon. At least two of the 13 were children. Why? Syrians Still Entering Lebanon “The legitimate legal border crossings for Syrians to get into Lebanon are closed to Syrians […]

Irish Prime Minister Says He Will Campaign for Liberalization of Abortion Laws

Irish Prime Minister Says He Will Campaign for Liberalization of Abortion Laws

LONDON (Reuters) — Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Saturday that he would campaign for a liberalization of the country’s restrictive abortion laws ahead of a referendum in the coming months, adding that his views on the issue had evolved. Varadkar’s government plans to hold the referendum as soon as May to loosen some of […]

North Korea Sends Rare Announcement to All Koreans, Calls for Unification

North Korea Sends Rare Announcement to All Koreans, Calls for Unification

SEOUL (Reuters) — North Korea sent a rare announcement addressed to “all Koreans at home and abroad” on Thursday, saying they should make a “breakthrough” for unification without the help of other countries, its state media said. It said all Koreans should “promote contact, travel, cooperation between North and South Korea” while adding Pyongyang will “smash” […]

President of Bolivia Repeals Penal Code That Raised Concern Among Evangelicals

President of Bolivia Repeals Penal Code That Raised Concern Among Evangelicals

(Evangelical Focus) — The president of Bolivia, Evo Morales, has announced through social networks that his government has decided to “repeal the penal code” that was approved on December 15. Morales decided to revoke it to “avoid confusion,” while he accused the right-wing parties of “conspiring” and “destabilizing the country with misinformation and lies.” Morales […]

Evangelism Could Be Banned in Bolivia

Evangelism Could Be Banned in Bolivia

(Evangelical Focus) — Evangelical churches in Bolivia have reacted to what could be the end of religious freedom in the country. The new penal code includes an article to stop the activities of both criminal groups and religious organizations. Specifically, Article 88.11 reads: “Whoever recruits, transports, deprives of freedom or hosts people with the aim […]