A restrictive religion law passed its final parliamentary reading in the unrecognized Azerbaijani breakaway republic of Nagorno-Karabakh on November 26, according to a December 4 report from Forum 18. President Sahakyan has one month to either approve or reject the law that imposes ambiguous restrictions on religious groups. The law includes an apparent ban on unregistered religious activity, even though a minimum of 100 adult citizens would be necessary in order to register. Further restrictions include the censorship of religious literature by the state and the ban on some religious groups from spreading their faith.
Pray that the President will reject this law. Ask God to grant boldness to the Christians who suffer hardships in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Learn more about Nagorno-Karabakh's Christians at Azerbaijan's Country Report.
Approximately 20 Hindu militants attacked two pastors travelling home from a prayer meeting in Palasapara village, Meghasah Tehsil, Madhya Pradesh on December 5, according to a December 6 report from Evangelical Fellowship of India. At approximately 3:00 p.m., Pastor Pangala Bhai and Pastor Limba Bhai were beaten, verbally abused, and accused of forceful conversion. Their bikes, cell phones, and money were also stolen.
House church Christians continue to be targeted and arrested throughout China, according to a December 4 report from China Aid Association. More than 50 house church Christians were gathered for fellowship in Xiji town, Zaozhuang city, Shandong province on December 2 when Public Security Bureau officials surrounded them and arrested approximately 20 believers. The officials claimed that they would release the prisoners for 2500 Yuan (approximately $450 CAD) each. On December 3, more than 50 house church Christians were arrested by the local police in Tai Kang county, Henan province. At the time of the report, none of the believers had been released.
