Religious Freedom Issues August 2001

Indonesia: Protesters Demand Islamic Law

Hundreds of protesters in Jakarta staged a demonstration calling for the Islamic "Sharia" law to be imposed on the country's 212 million inhabitants, according to a BBC report. Indonesia is 83% Moslem and 7% Christian.

Nigeria: Former Ruler Calls for Imposition of Islamic Law

Muhammadu Buhari, who ruled Nigeria from 1983-1985 after a military coup, has called for Sharia law to be imposed on the 123 million population, of which at least 40% are Christian. An Agence-France-Presse report quotes Buhari as saying, "God willing, we will not stop the agitation for the total implementation of the Sharia in the country." In February up to 3,000 people were killed in riots when Sharia was imposed in the northern state of Kaduna.

USA: US Commision Identifies Nine Countries as World's Worst Violators of Religious Freedom

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has said that the world's worst violators of religious freedom are: Burma, China, Iran, Iraq, Laos, North Korea, Saudi Arabia and Turkmenistan. They cite many atrocities carried out in violation of religious freedom, and also cite Afghanistan as a "particularly severe violator."

Russia: Government Shuts Down Salvation Army in Moscow

A Russian court decided September 11 whether the Salvation Army is to be shut down in Moscow. The Salvation Army is accused of being a dangerous anti-Russian military organization.

Saudi Arabia: Christians Imprisoned

The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Interior has arrested and imprisoned many more Christians in recent months, according to International Christian Concern. Held often in solitary confinement and subjected to intense pressure to implicate others, these Christian believers and their families are experiencing severe violations of religious freedom.

Malaysia: Arson Attack on Christian Community Center

The Marthoma Christian Community Center in Sungei Patani, a city located about 190 miles northwest of Kuala Lumpur was set ablaze by suspected Muslim extremists, reports Compass Direct. Police told church authorities that they believe members of the Malaysian Militant Group (KMM, or Kumpulan Militan Malaysia) are responsible for the fire. The KMM, an extremist Muslim jihad group whose members were reportedly trained in Afghanistan, have been accused of numerous armed robberies, an attack on a police station, the murder of a prominent politician, and fire bombings of another church and a Hindu temple, according to Compass.

India: Reported Remarks by Indian Prime Minister "Condone Hate Campaign"

Against Christians The reported remarks by the Indian prime minister that Christians are trying to convert Hindus in the guise of providing humanitarian services has brought a sharp protest from the All-India Christian Council. "Remarks such as the Prime Minister's are seen as condoning the hate campaign and the canards, lies and half-truths that are being spread in many parts of the country. They encourage communal and extremist elements to greater frenzy. Above all, they directly goad hate mongers to curtail Christian social inputs in education, health and the uplift of marginalized segments, particularly the Dalits," says Dr Joseph D Souza, president of the All-India Christian Council in a press release.

Vietnam: Pastor Arrested for Defending Religious Freedom

A pastor who is well know for defending religious freedom in Vietnam has been arrested and beaten. Rev. Nguyen Hong Quang, a Mennonite pastor, his wife and another man are now in prison and on hunger strike, reports Compass Direct. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom identifies Vietnam one of the world's worst persecutors, where "grave violations of religious freedom persist."

News reports prepared by Dr. Jonathan Gallagher, associate director