Brussels – The Council of the European Union (EU) imposed sanctions and restrictive measures on a number of courts, judges and prisons in Iran in its decision 2025/774. These sanctions spotlight the role of judicial authorities and penal institutions in the systematic persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran. The decision—adopted on 14 April 2024 by the Council … Continue reading European Union imposes sanctions on Iran’s judiciary over human rights abuses—including the persecution of Bahá’ís
NGO Committee on FoRB: Latest News
French Cassation: Secular Judges Cannot Review Excluding Decisions by Religious Courts
On April 4, 2025, the French Court of Cassation rendered an important decision confirming that secular judges cannot review verdicts by ecclesiastical courts based on religious criteria and principles. Explicitly, the judges noted that this decision aligns France with the case law of the European Court of Human Rights and quoted the 2013 Grand Chamber judgement “Sindicatul … Continue reading French Cassation: Secular Judges Cannot Review Excluding Decisions by Religious Courts
Scientology Celebrates One Year of Inspiration in Greater Paris
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