The CBCI has filed an appeal pointing out that the legislation grants arbitrary powers to the authorities, vaguely defines the modalities of unlawful conversion and obliges citizens to reveal their personal faith choices to the state. The Supreme Court has asked the Rajasthan government to submit its response. The case could also have national implications.
Among the charges are practising worship and promoting religious activities such as baptisms, communions and Christmas celebrations. At least four of them will have to serve sentences of at least 10 years. Article18 director: ‘Clear signs’ of ‘lack of due process’ in a context of ‘growing repression’.
Putin's new national policy strategy also addresses the issue of religion, further strengthening the role of the Orthodox Church. It places extremist terrorism and “Russophobia” in interethnic and interreligious relations on the same level as “threats”.
Nepal's anti-corruption commission has indicted 55 former politicians and officials and the state-owned China CAMC Engineering of inflating the costs of Pokhara International Airport, built with a Chinese loan as part of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, but currently without regular international flights. The investigation is testing the new caretaker government, which does not want to jeopardise ties with Beijing.
A fire ripped through a seven-storey building in the heart of the capital, home to a subsidiary of a Japan-based company that sells and services drones. The fire’s effects were exacerbated by the burning of lithium batteries stored in the building. Nineteen people were rescued from the top floor terrace where they had fled to escape the toxic fumes.
The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has reignited, with new airstrikes and hundreds of thousands of displaced people on both sides. Domestic Thai political tensions are behind the military crisis. PM Anutin Charnvirakul's government, in difficulty and on the verge of parliament’s dissolution, is exploiting nationalist rhetoric to bolster support. Meanwhile, Cambodia is drawing militarily closer to Vietnam.
