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2024-08-08

  • Pastor Fatally Shot in His Home
    Pastor Thongkham Philavanh appears to be praying.
    Pastor Thongkham Philavanh
    Photo: VOM USA
     

    Thongkham Philavanh was a pastor among the Khmu people of northern Laos, where he also served as the provincial head of the Lao Evangelical Church. Actively involved in ministry throughout the province of Oudomxai, he was closely monitored by authorities and had been repeatedly warned to stop his Christian activities.
  • Priest Sentenced to 14 Years in Labour Camp
    Father Kostiantyn Maksimov in a grey robe. He is wearing a large cross around his neck.
    Father Kostiantyn Maksimov 
    Photo: Center for Civil Liberties
     

    In May 2023, Father Kostiantyn Maksimov was taken captive by Russian occupation forces from his home in the Zaporizhzhia area of Ukraine. In March 2024, it was announced that he was accused of reporting the location of Russian air defenses and consequently charged with espionage. Further details are available here.
  • Church Leader Released
    Rev. Dr. Samson
    Reverend Dr. Samson
    Photo: VOMC Contacts
     

    In 2023, Reverend Dr. Hkalam Samson was sentenced to six years in prison under the country's anti-terrorism laws. See this page for an earlier report on the charges against this prominent Christian leader.Although Dr. Samson was released under a general amnesty on April 17th of this year, later that evening, the authorities came to his home and detained him again, allegedly for questioning.
  • Christian Woman Threatened with Second Conviction
    Several people are milling about the entry to Evin Prison.
    Evin Prison, where Laleh is being held.
    Photo: Flickr / sbzphoto (cc)
     

    After living abroad for a period of time, Laleh Saati returned to her home country of Iran in 2017 to care for her elderly parents. However, in February 2024, Laleh was arrested because she had converted to Christianity while living in Malaysia. This Iranian follower of Jesus was sentenced to two years in prison for "acting against national security by connecting with 'Zionist' Christian organizations." For more details on her case, see this report.