Saint-Denis – A year after its grand opening, the Church of Scientology and Celebrity Centre of Greater Paris commemorated its first anniversary with a vibrant and inspiring weekend filled with festivities, artistic expression, and a reaffirmation of its humanitarian mission. The celebration gathered hundreds of guests from across France, including community leaders, artists, and long-time Scientologists, all united in … Continue reading Scientology Celebrates One Year of Inspiration in Greater Paris
Russia is violating religious freedom in occupied territories, says Ukraine
RUSSIAN troops have killed 67 clerics of different denominations in Ukraine since the February 2022 invasion, the Ukrainian government has said. “The Russian state, together with the Russian Orthodox Church, cynically ignoring the norms of international law, has implemented a system of repression against religious communities in the captured Ukrainian territories, aimed at destroying religious diversity and Ukrainian … Continue reading Russia is violating religious freedom in occupied territories, says Ukraine
Repeated ill-treatment of Jehovah’s Witness Anna Safronova in a Penal Colony in Russia
Anna Safronova, 59, a Jehovah’s Witness, convicted for her faith, is subjected to inhuman treatment in penal colony No. 7 in Zelenokumsk (Stavropol Territory), and she also does not receive proper medical care. The reason for this punishment was that her religious beliefs prevented her from wearing the St. George ribbon (a patriotic symbol). Safronova … Continue reading Repeated ill-treatment of Jehovah’s Witness Anna Safronova in a Penal Colony in Russia
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Receive the 2025 Athenagoras Human Rights Award
With the blessings of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the approval of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (AEP) is pleased to announce that the 2025 Athenagoras Human Rights Award will be presented to the Hon. Michael R. Pompeo, the 70th Secretary of State of the United States … Continue reading Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Receive the 2025 Athenagoras Human Rights Award
Nigeria pledges to uphold religious freedom, but actions on the ground suggest otherwise
YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon – On Friday, the Nigerian government assured the United States of its commitment to uphold freedom of religion and expression. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave this assurance in a statement signed by its acting spokesman, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, saying any reports of threats or intimidation against religious leaders would be investigated and … Continue reading Nigeria pledges to uphold religious freedom, but actions on the ground suggest otherwise
When Vigilance Turns into Ideology: MIVILUDES and the Jehovah’s Witnesses
MIVILUDES, the French government agency tasked with monitoring so-called “cultic deviations,” recently released its latest report, covering the years 2021 to 2024. While it claims to protect the public from harmful practices, the report raises a troubling question: when does vigilance cross the line into religious discrimination? And what happens to state neutrality when facts … Continue reading When Vigilance Turns into Ideology: MIVILUDES and the Jehovah’s Witnesses
Going beyond complacency required to uphold freedom of religion or belief in Zambia: UN expert
LUSAKA – Complacency regarding freedom of religion or belief is holding Zambia back from progressing this freedom further, for all, and on an equal basis throughout the country, a UN expert said today. “Zambians are rightly proud of their country, its openness and their alignment with Ubuntu, cordiality and connectedness,” the Special Rapporteur on freedom of … Continue reading Going beyond complacency required to uphold freedom of religion or belief in Zambia: UN expert
Why Christians Face Persecution in Egypt and How There’s Hope
Scripture reminds us that persecution is part of being a Christian, but few realize the scale of it today. Around the world, 1 in 7 Christians face harassment, violence, or worse simply for their faith. In Africa, this number rises to 1 in 5. Among the persecuted are Egypt’s Christians, who live in a land of ancient wonders … Continue reading Why Christians Face Persecution in Egypt and How There’s Hope
India – Criminalising Freedom of Religion: Some violations
According to United States Commission International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Report, in 2024, religious freedom conditions in India had continued to deteriorate as the attacks and discrimination against religious minorities continued to rise (Scheneck, 2025). In India crackdown on freedom of religion is not new. Following the protests in wake of passing Citizenship Amendment Act 2020 … Continue reading India – Criminalising Freedom of Religion: Some violations
RUSSIA: At least 44 Russians sentenced to about 250-year prison terms in March
HRWF (07.04.2025) – On the basis of the research of the Russian association OVD-Info, we have identified 44 cases of Russian citizens sentenced to effective prison terms from 1 to 16 years (around 250 years in all) in March 2025 and serving them in various detention centers. These statistics do not claim to be exhaustive but … Continue reading RUSSIA: At least 44 Russians sentenced to about 250-year prison terms in March