Officials in Egypt Abet Kidnappers of Christian Woman, Father Says

Muslim Brotherhood ring behind abduction, sources say.

(Christian Daily International) – Authorities in Egypt have abetted the kidnapping and forcible conversion to Islam of a Coptic Christian woman, according to a widely published expert on the Middle East and Islam. Irene Ibrahim Shehata, a 21-year-old medical student at Asyut National University, disappeared on Jan. 22 between mid-term exams in Asyut, according to […]

Christian in Pakistan Accused of Blasphemy for Refusing to Convert, He Says

Former classmates engaged him in religious discussion.

LAHORE, Pakistan (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – A former classmate of an 18-year-old Christian in Pakistan accused him of blasphemy after failing to convert him to Islam, impeding the accused’s college studies and his family’s hopes for a better future, sources said. Police arrested Ashbeel Ghauri from his home in Attock city, Punjab Province on […]

Christian Girl, 10, Kidnapped and Forcibly Converted in Pakistan

Parents fear she could be trafficked.

LAHORE, Pakistan (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – The Christian parents of a 10-year-old girl in Pakistan who was abducted and forcibly converted to Islam last month fear she could be sold to sex traffickers, sources said. A month after Laiba Suhail was abducted from her home in Chak 233-RB Ikhlaq Town, Faisalabad District, Punjab Province […]

Christian Rape Victim in Pakistan Pressured to Withdraw Charges

Muslim suspects influence police, sources say.

LAHORE, Pakistan (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – Police in Pakistan are pressuring a young Christian woman to withdraw charges against two Muslims who raped, blackmailed and tried to forcibly convert her to Islam, sources said. The 26-year-old woman, a resident of Islamabad whose name is withheld as a rape victim, said Sub-Inspector Muhammad Mehboob was […]

Muslim Terrorists Kill Two Christians in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Dozens kidnapped in area outside the city of Kaduna.

ABUJA, Nigeria (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – Muslim terrorists killed two Christians and kidnapped dozens of others in an attack on the outskirts of the city of Kaduna in northern Nigeria, sources said. The assailants invaded Gonin Gora, a predominantly Christian village in Chikun County, southern Kaduna state, the night of Feb. 28, area residents […]

Halt to Abuse of Blasphemy Laws Sought in Pakistan

Multi-pronged approach to religious intolerance needed, advocates say.

LAHORE, Pakistan (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – With a soaring number of blasphemy allegations in Pakistan in 2023, rights activists are reiterating demands for legislation against blatant abuse of the country’s notorious blasphemy laws. At least 329 persons were accused of blasphemy under the law in 2023, according to the Center for Social Justice (CSJ), […]

Christians Fearing Forced Marriages in Pakistan Find Hope

Court order aims to halt kidnapped girls from being forced to convert, wed.

LAHORE, Pakistan (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – The Lahore High Court’s recent directive to strictly enforce anti-child marriage laws has raised hope among Pakistan’s Christians of some protection against their underage girls being forced to convert to Islam and wed their kidnappers, sources said. In a landmark interim order issued by Justice Anwar Ul Haq […]

Christians in Jaranwala, Pakistan Acquitted of Blasphemy Charges

Investigation showed they were framed.

LAHORE, Pakistan (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – A judge in Pakistan on Friday (March 1) acquitted two Christian brothers of false blasphemy charges that had led to Muslims attacking Christian homes and businesses in Jaranwala last year, sources said. Faisalabad Anti-Terrorism Judge Muhammad Hussain ordered the acquittal of Umar Saleem, alias Rocky, and Umair Saleem, […]

Islamic Extremists in Indonesia Targeting Youth, Women

‘Active intolerant’ teenagers increasing, official says.

SURABAYA, Indonesia (Morning Star News) – The head of Indonesia’s counter-terrorism agency said officials are focussing on protecting teenaged children and women from Islamic radicalization as they have become the most targeted groups. Citing a report by the Setara Institute for Democracy and Peace, Rycko Amelza Dahniel of the National Counter-terrorism Agency (Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Terorisme, […]

Acquittal Gives Christian Hope for 2nd Blasphemy Case

Judge cites double jeopardy.

LAHORE, Pakistan (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – A Christian sentenced to death in one blasphemy case in Pakistan was acquitted on Feb. 20 in another related to the same incident, with the judge citing double jeopardy, his attorney said. Police illegally charged Noman Masih, 24, twice for the same incident, but he remains on death […]