Wednesday, October 30, 2013

from AsiaNews.it, October 29, 2013


SAUDI ARABIA: Women caught driving fined and forced to sign pledge to respect Saudi ban on women driving
The authorities report police detained 16 women drivers who participated in the day of protest against the driving ban imposed on them. Yet, on Twitter, a dozen women post videos showing them behind a steering wheel.


Nepali Hindu leaders ban women from school during menstruation
Extended to public schools in the country's north and west, the ban touches teachers as well. Those who refuse to comply risk expulsion from their villages. For Hindu leader Chintamani Yogi, the practice is phony and "is not part of Hindu tradition."


INDIA: Karnataka, Christians most affected in surge in ethnic and religious violence.
A report by the Ministry of Internal Affairs says that in the last three years there have been 222 episodes. The figure makes Karnataka the worst of the Southern States, and the fourth in whole country. President of the Global Council of Indian Christians ( GCIC ): "At least 150 cases involving Christians. Police connivance grave." Most of the crime is concentrated in rural areas.


VIETNAM: Vinh diocese against the conviction of two parishioners from My Yen
In an official statement, Church leaders attack the manner in which the trial was held. The public supports the two activists, who were actively involved in promoting human rights and religious freedom. Church leaders also slam the authorities for failing to inform the defendants' families about the trial. For some legal experts, the accused could be tried (and convicted) on other charges.


Forced Islamization of northern Cyprus continues unabated
Since the 1974 invasion, the 200 thousand Greek Cypriots forced to leave the area have been replaced by 300 thousand settlers from Anatolia, who lack education, but are devout Muslims. And even the original Turkish Cypriots are victims of discrimination at the hands of the Turkish occupiers and their settlers.


BANGLADESH: Dhaka: festival with magic, games and some medical care for street kids
In its eighth edition, Br Lucio Beninati's initiative has brought together as volunteers Muslims, Hindus and Christians on a day dedicated to homeless children and youth. The festival involves a variety of activities, including sharing meals but also medical checkups for kids in poor health. Although "unruly," the latter "know they are loved."


CHINA: Jiangxi: trial against three anti-corruption activists adjourned
With a legal maneuver, Liu Ping's lawyers, Wei Zhongping and Li Sihua, successfully scuttled the first hearing of his trial to "provide an opportunity for the court to rectify its mistakes." The three defendants are close to the 'New Citizens Movement,' which calls on the government to make public assets and private interests of Communist officials. Since April, at least 18 activists have been arrested.


CHINA: Police: Uyghur suspects behind Tiananmen accident
Search is on for two men from Xinjiang and four cars with the license plates from the region. It could have been a suicide terrorist attack. Uyghur intellectual calls for more caution. AsiaNews sources: Not only the Uyghurs, but entire Chinese population is tired and dissatisfied with the leadership. Strong censorship on information.

Grand Mufti of Syria: The kidnapped Orthodox bishops are alive and in Turkey
Ahmad Hassoun Badreddin's words reported by directors of a Russian humanitarian organization engaged in the Middle East and who met the Syrian spiritual leader in Moscow. "Chechen militants and the Turkish authorities behind kidnap."

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