Anhui: Christians arrested for not joining a ‘patriotic’ Protestant association

Today's news: Dozens arrested in Turkey for support for Imamoglu; Jakarta approves the controversial revision of the law on the armed forces; Israel intercepts Houthi ballistic missile and intensifies ground operations in Gaza, at least 70 dead;  Agreement between Kuala Lumpur and Ocean Infinity to resume search for flight MH370; Indian court sentences three defendants to death for the murder of 24 Dalits in 1981.

CHINA

The police in Fuyang, Anhui, have arrested two Christians for activities linked to a ‘cult’. The Wheatseed Reform Church is in the authorities' sights, as the communist leadership considers it “guilty” of not having joined a government-backed Protestant association. The two have hired lawyers and submitted an administrative review, but the administration has rejected it and confirmed the arrest.

TURKEY

The Turkish authorities have imprisoned at least 37 people for having published ‘provocative posts and messages’ online that ‘incite crime and hatred’, in reference to the arrest of the mayor of Istanbul Ekrem Imamoglu. This was reported by the Ministry of the Interior, confirming the clampdown on those criticising the arrest during the night between 18 and 19 March of one of the most influential opposition leaders and probable challenger to Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the presidency.

INDONESIA

Today the Indonesian parliament approved the controversial revisions to the law on the armed forces, which brings the military leadership back into government ministries and agencies, giving them greater space and power. The vote risks fuelling popular discontent over a law that has been heavily criticised by civil society and street demonstrations are expected. The Speaker of the House, Puan Maharani, led the vote, which recorded unanimous consent and the law ‘in accordance with the principles of democracy and human rights’.

ISRAEL - YEMEN - GAZA

The Houthis in Yemen have claimed responsibility for launching an intercepted ballistic missile towards the Jewish state, which was aimed at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, setting off alarm bells in various areas of the country. Meanwhile in Gaza, according to Hamas sources, at least 70 people have been killed in Israel's attacks in the early hours of today, while the army has intensified ground operations as far as the Netzarim Corridor, which divides the north and south of the Strip.

MALAYSIA

Kuala Lumpur has agreed to the terms and conditions of a deal with the exploration company Ocean Infinity to resume the search for the wreckage of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which disappeared 11 years ago. The aircraft, with 227 passengers and 12 crew members on board, vanished without a trace while en route to Beijing. The agreement will allow for the start of seabed research operations in a new location estimated at 15,000 square kilometres in the Indian Ocean.

INDIA

An Indian court has sentenced to death three men for the 1981 murder of 24 Dalits (former untouchables). The trio - who claim they are innocent and want to appeal - were part of a gang that, disguised as policemen, had attacked the village of Dehuli, in Uttar Pradesh, also killing women and children. Thirteen of the 17 accused have died in recent years and one is a fugitive.

RUSSIA - INDIA - FRANCE

India and France have finalised an agreement for the purchase of 26 Rafale M fighter aircraft for the Indian Navy for 7.6 billion euros, with which the Indian air and sea fleet intends to replace its obsolete Mig-29K and Mig 29-Kub Russian fleet. Meanwhile Paris has overtaken Moscow in the supply of arms worldwide, behind only the United States.

KAZAKHSTAN

The Committee for State Revenue has added new names to the register of ‘foreign agents’, i.e. those who receive funding from abroad. Almost 300 companies and associations including health and legal support NGOs, environmental organisations, various media, accountants and pharmacists and car companies, have been made public in order to ‘strengthen citizens’ trust in the state’.

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