Egyptian Judge Frees Attackers Who Knifed Christian

Egyptian Judge Frees Attackers Who Knifed Christian: "Hard-line Salafi Muslims cut off Copt’s ear, terrorize his family.

ISTANBUL, May 9 (CDN) — A judge in Upper Egypt has dismissed all charges against a group of Salafi Muslims who cut off the ear of a Christian in a knife attack and tried to force him to convert.


The Salafists, who say they base their religion on the practices of the first three generations of Muslims after Muhammad, had falsely accused 46-year-old Ayman Anwar Metry of having an affair with a Muslim woman, the Christian told Compass. On April 22 the judge exonerated the assailants only after Metry, under intense pressure in a “reconciliation meeting,” agreed to drop charges, said his attorney, Asphoure Wahieb Hekouky."

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Lawyer of Iranian Pastor on Death Row Faces Prison

Lawyer of Iranian Pastor on Death Row Faces Prison: "Court upholds prison sentence, ban on law practice.
ISTANBUL, May 8 (CDN) — The main defense lawyer for Iranian pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, who is appealing a death sentence, may be facing imminent imprisonment for defending the rights of Iranians, according to Amnesty International.

Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, a prominent human rights activist, had been sentenced in July to a nine-year prison sentence and a 10-year ban on legal practice and teaching, and he learned on April 28 that an appeals court had upheld the sentence. Charges against him included “membership of an association seeking the soft overthrow of the government” and “spreading propaganda against the system through interviews with foreign media,” according to a press statement by Amnesty International. "

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Burma reforms cause unexpected side effect for refugees

Mission Network News: "Burma (MNN) ― Global euphoria over changes in Burma isn't trickling down to the ones it should most affect: the Karen Christian refugees.

There's still a great deal of danger and  mistrust surrounding the camps, which prevents many of the Internally Displaced People from making their way back to home villages in the heart of Burma."

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Man declared insane, sent to mental hospital for faith in Christ

Mission Network News: "Middle East/North Africa (MNN) ― The Pioneers and Arab World Ministries Web site, Maarifa.org, was created to present the Good News of the Gospel to young Arab Muslims, answering seekers' questions about Jesus and faith in Him, discipling new believers in their own environment, and encouraging them to find fellowship with others.

It's a wonderful way for people in the Arab world to explore Christ and do it safely. But those who come to the Lord as a result are not guaranteed smooth sailing."

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Pastor's attorney arrested in Iran

Mission Network News: "Iran (MNN/ACLJ) ― Another obstacle has been handed to imprisoned Iranian pastor Youcef Nardarkhani. According to reports, the Iranian government has acted against his attorney in the case.

Todd Nettleton with The Voice of the Martyrs explains. "His attorney, Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, has now been sentenced to nine years in an Iranian jail for apparently representing people like Pastor Youcef -- people whose human rights have been violated.""

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Human rights at forefront for China; challenges religious rights

Mission Network News: "China (MNN) ― The United States and China will hold a new round of talks on human rights.

This comes against the backdrop of a diplomatic crisis generated when a Chinese dissident fled to the American embassy in Beijing and eventually asked to leave China for the U.S. Despite the circumstances, the next round of human rights talks is scheduled for this summer in Washington."

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