China – Pastor Zhang Zhongxin was sentenced to two years of “re-education through labor” on July 4. Pastor Zhongxin was accused of cult participation in the “whole scope of the church,” organizing Sunday school courses, and preaching the gospel in the northwest, Tibet and other areas. He has appealed the sentence.
Sri Lanka – Two outbreaks of violence against Christians occurred recently. In the city of Middeniya, assailants set fire to the house of an Assemblies of God pastor on July 3. The pastor, his wife and two children managed to extinguish the fire before it caused major damage. No one was injured. Local villagers opposed to the church have threatened the pastor and his family in recent weeks. Three days later, five Buddhist monks barged into the Calvary Church at approximately 9:30 a.m. and demanded the Christians to stop their worship service. The pastor led the monks outside, where they warned him there was no need for Christians in the village and threatened the destruction of all local congregations. By the time police arrived, a mob gathered and attacked the church building. All items within the building were destroyed. The pastor and at least five members, including the pastor’s father, were beaten with clubs. The pastor and his father were injured severely while the other Christians sustained minor injuries.
Iran – Mohsen Namvar, an Iranian Christian arrested in his home on May 31 in Tehran, was given a “temporary” release on June 26. Authorities released him out of fear he would die in prison. While detained, Namvar was beaten severely. His body appeared to be in shock upon his release and he was treated for high blood pressure and fever.
Yemen – AhSahwa Net was informed by Yemeni security forces Hani Hussein Dahni has been accused of leaving Islam and embracing Christianity. Six other individuals, including four who were close to Dahni and who appeared to belong to a missionary network, were also arrested. The six others were also involved in distributing Bibles in the Al-Dhahi district a year ago and made fugitives.
HT: Voice of the Martyrs / China Aid Association / Compass Direct News
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