Three months after being beaten into a coma for alleged "missionary progaganda," Yakup Cindilli is slowly improving at his home. According to a January 12 report from Compass Direct, he is slowly starting to speak and is able to recognize some of members of his family.
Two of the suspects in the beating have been released, in part because of public pressure, but two remain in custody with a third hearing scheduled for January 14. The hearings have produced more information on the October 19 attack (originally reported as October 23). According to the court documents, Cindilli and his friend, Tufan Orhan, were in a coffeehouse when they were called outside, one at a time. They demanded that each renounce his faith. Orhan complied and was released, but when Cindilli refused, he was dragged into the shadows and beaten. A waiter at the coffeehouse was able to identify the attackers.
Despite his family's opposition to his Christian beliefs, along with community pressure against them for having a Christian son, they continue to care for him, as well as filing the criminal charges against the attackers.
Pray for a full recovery for Cindilli. Pray that his family will see his faith and will come to trust in Christ. Pray that justice will be done.
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