Displaying items by tag: Asia

Animal rights activists are urging the Nepali government to halt the mass slaughter of animals during the Gadhimai festival, a tradition held every five years in a village near the Nepal-India border. Despite a 2016 supreme court order to phase out animal sacrifices, thousands of buffaloes, goats, and pigeons were reportedly killed this year. Participants believe that sacrificing animals pleases the goddess Gadhimai, bringing them good fortune and fulfilling wishes. Efforts by organisations like the Humane Society have led to a reduction in the number of animals sacrificed, but activists argue that more needs to be done. Local officials claim that measures are being taken to limit the practice, and some villagers have shown openness to alternatives, such as monetary donations instead of animal offerings. However, many community members resist change, viewing the sacrifices as an integral part of their 200-year-old cultural tradition. Activists continue to work on the ground, focusing on education and awareness to shift attitudes towards ending the practice.

Marziyeh Amirizadeh spent her first 33 years under a restrictive regime that curtailed freedoms following the 1979 revolution. Raised as a Muslim, she experienced a profound spiritual transformation after encountering God in a dream, leading her to embrace Christianity. Despite the severe risks, Marziyeh and her friend Maryam began evangelising in Tehran, distributing Bibles and sharing Jesus' love. Their activities attracted the attention of authorities, and in 2009 they were arrested and sentenced to death by hanging for apostasy and promoting Christianity. Initially confined in an underground dungeon, they endured inhumane conditions, but throughout their imprisonment Marziyeh held on to the promise of Matthew 10:19, which assures believers that the Spirit will provide words in times of persecution. Their unwavering faith and international advocacy eventually led to their release. Her story is a testament to steadfast faith amid persecution.

South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol faces political turmoil after his controversial declaration of martial law on 3 December triggered calls for impeachment and police investigations into alleged insurrection. Opposition lawmakers accuse him of abusing power to suppress dissent under the guise of countering North Korea. The impeachment motion, set for a Saturday vote, requires a two-thirds majority in parliament, with opposition parties needing eight votes from Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) to pass. The martial law declaration, made during a late-night televised address, sparked immediate backlash. Armed troops attempted to block parliament but were repelled. Critics called the declaration unconstitutional. Yoon’s actions have divided his party and drawn widespread criticism. If he were to be impeached, the constitutional court would determine the outcome; prime minister Han Duck-soo could act as interim leader.

Buoyed by their lightning capture of Aleppo and swathes of northern Syria, rebel forces – led by Islamist factions – are now targeting the strategically important town of Hama. This offensive, ending four years of relative calm in the region, has already displaced nearly 50,000 people, with many fleeing nearby towns. Over 600 people, including 104 civilians, have been killed to date. Hama is a former stronghold of anti-Assad sentiment; its capture would ‘pose a threat to the regime's popular base’. The Syrian military say that sizeable reinforcements have arrived to bolster the defence of Hama, with Russian air support. Abandoned military equipment along roads highlights the intense clashes. As winter deepens the plight of displaced civilians, the renewed violence underscores Syria’s enduring humanitarian crisis, drawing international appeals for peace.

Yuval Green, a 26-year-old Israeli reservist and medic, answered the call to defend his country after the devastating Hamas attack in October 2023. Witnessing the aftermath in Gaza, he encountered unimaginable horrors, including civilian devastation and dehumanisation within his ranks. These experiences have led him and 165 other Israeli reservists to publicly refuse military service unless hostages held in Gaza are released and to call for a ceasefire. The refusal highlights growing dissent in Israel, where a poll shows 45% favour ending the war to recover the hostages, contrasting with 43% supporting continued conflict to eliminate Hamas. Diminished national unity and reports of burnout among troops exacerbate challenges. Yuval's decision came after orders he found morally indefensible, reflecting broader tensions within Israeli society about the war's direction and ethical concerns over military actions.

In Saudi Arabia, a nation historically closed to the Gospel, Christianity is growing faster than the global average. Despite strict bans on evangelism and the threat of severe punishment, including execution for apostasy, underground churches thrive, with some estimating Christians could represent up to 10% of the population. Oswaldo Magdangal, who pastored an underground church for eleven years, reports remarkable growth, particularly among younger Saudis. The secret congregations include native Saudi believers, with some becoming pastors. Recent reforms under Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman have softened the kingdom's religious rigidity, including curbing the religious police and allowing Bible printing. Testimonies like Ahmed Joktan’s, who encountered Jesus in a dream, and the bravery of Christian tentmakers and underground leaders highlight the Spirit’s work in this challenging environment. Revival stirs as Christians boldly share their faith, while global prayers continue to support this growth. Oswaldo’s own story of near execution in 1992 underscores the resilience of faith under persecution, inspiring hope for the church’s future.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered by the USA, began on 27 November, with thousands of  displaced people cautiously returning to southern Lebanon. The truce calls for a sixty-day withdrawal period for Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters from southern Lebanon, with the Lebanese army deploying extra troops in the region to oversee the ceasefire and reclaim control. However, Israeli officials have warned that any breaches by Hezbollah would prompt immediate military action. Hezbollah claimed ‘victory’ in its first statement since the ceasefire, vowing readiness to confront Israeli actions. The conflict, which began in October 2023 but has escalated since September, has devastated Lebanon, with over 3,800 killed and nearly 16,000 injured. Caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati has called for unity after what he said was the ‘most cruel phase in Lebanese history’. For a view on how this truce might affect the conflict in Gaza, see

Supporters of Imran Khan have staged protests in Islamabad demanding his release, defying a government lockdown, road barricades, and internet blackouts. On 26 November they clashed with security forces, leading to several deaths, injuries, and mass arrests. The protesters, led by Khan’s wife and party leaders, faced heavy police resistance, including tear gas and road blockades. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party accused authorities of using excessive force, while the government reported security personnel sustained bullet injuries. At least six deaths, including four security officials, were reported. Hundreds were arrested as the authorities tried to prevent the protests, which have now been called off by the PTI leadership. Imran Khan has been in jail for over a year and faces dozens of criminal charges ranging from corruption to leaking state secrets, all of which he and his party deny. His supporters are demanding judicial reforms as well as his release.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor plans to seek an arrest warrant for Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, for crimes against humanity in the alleged persecution and forced deportation of Rohingya Muslims. Over 730,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar for Bangladesh in a campaign described by the UN as having ‘genocidal intent’. The military junta denies the accusations, insisting that it has been targeting terrorists. This is the ICC’s first request for an arrest warrant against a high-ranking Myanmar official, with further applications anticipated. Its investigations have been hampered by Myanmar’s lack of cooperation and the escalating turmoil in the country since the 2021 military coup. Human Rights Watch says this is ‘an important step toward breaking the cycle of abuses and impunity which is a key factor in fuelling the military’s mass violations’. The ICC’s move comes amid huge criticism over its recent arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant, and a Hamas leader: see

The church in North Korea is growing at a remarkable 6% a year, far higher than the South Korean church's 0.7% growth rate, despite severe persecution under the Kim regime. With 400,000 Christians, North Korean believers face imprisonment or death for their faith, yet they persevere, using secret prayer codes and worshipping in hidden mountain sanctuaries. Miraculous healings often lead to conversions, highlighting God's power amidst oppression. In contrast, South Korea, renowned for its vibrant Christianity, faces a decline in faith among the younger generation. Nonetheless, South Korean churches remain a global force, with extensive missionary outreach, including efforts in countries like Afghanistan and North Korea. Initiatives such as Operation Dandelion, which sends Bibles into North Korea via balloons, demonstrate their dedication. Persecution in the North has ignited revival, while prosperity in the South has dulled spiritual fervour: but faithful witness continues to bring people to Christ across both Koreas.