A coalition of Christian activists in Iran has issued a statement expressing deep concern about the severe conditions faced by political and religious prisoners. The organization, composed of lawyers, politicians, and Christian clergy, reports that detainees suffer from strict restrictions, lack of medical care, and various forms of torture. The group cites specific abuses including physical violence and sexual assault, noting that many are imprisoned for their beliefs or peaceful activism. They urge the international community to monitor prison conditions, ensure access to medical care, and secure the unconditional release of these individuals before the upcoming Nowruz holiday.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Freddy Rezvanian on UnsplashPersecuted church
Israeli settlers attacked a quarry and concrete plant in Taybeh, the only fully Christian town in the West Bank, on Tuesday morning. Father Bashar Fawadleh, the Latin parish priest, reported that over 30 settlers entered the site west of the city to perform Talmudic rituals. This incident follows a similar takeover the previous day, where settlers raised an Israeli flag, escalating tensions and violating property rights. According to Father Fawadleh’s February 2026 report, such attacks have intensified since October 2023, including livestock thefts and agricultural vandalism. The priest urges the international community to protect civilians and uphold international humanitarian law amid worsening economic and psychological conditions for residents.
In a region of northern Nigeria, community leaders warn of potential violence following allegations of cattle poisoning. A local media group claimed that youth from one group poisoned grazing land, killing nine cows. However, a leader from another community dismissed these claims as false, noting that herders are banned from the area. He stated that residents fear post-Ramadan retaliation based on these accusations. The leader also reported recent killings in nearby villages. Security agencies have not yet commented on the situation. The area has seen recurring violence linked to land disputes and ethnic tensions.
A recent report indicates that Mexico faces 26 to 28 weekly attacks on religious sites. Most incidents involve theft of liturgical items, though extortion and murders also occur. Data shows at least 13 priests were killed between 2018 and 2025. These attacks impact Catholic, evangelical, and Protestant communities across various regions, including northern and central areas. A senior bishop recently condemned the violence. The report highlights a crisis of impunity and safety for religious institutions nationwide, emphasizing the severe risks faced by believers in these locations.
In a district of Chhattisgarh, India, twenty-eight Christian families were assaulted after demanding food rations denied since November 2025. International Christian Concern reports that local officials withheld supplies solely due to the families' faith. When the families complained to the district collector, a food inspector allegedly encouraged locals to attack them. Victims were beaten with wooden rods. The families allege the inspector threatened imprisonment if they did not abandon Christianity. They have filed complaints seeking legal action and the restoration of their legal right to government food aid. The incident highlights ongoing persecution against Christians in the region.
International Christian Concern provided food and clothing to a pastor and his family in India after they suffered severe injuries during a Hindu nationalist attack. Following the assault, authorities detained the pastor for nearly two months on charges of forced conversion. Upon his release, the family faced financial hardship and surveillance that prevented them from seeking other help. According to the outlet, ICC staffers visited the family, offering material support and encouragement. The pastor stated that this assistance allowed him to continue his ministry despite the hostile environment and anti-conversion laws prevalent in the region.
Following renewed Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in Lebanon, the Catholic Church is struggling to cope with a new displacement crisis. Marielle Boutros, a project coordinator for Kirche in Not, states that the church has reached its limits. Approximately one million people have been internally displaced, with over 120,000 housed in schools. The conflict has killed at least 678 people, according to health ministry figures. While the church provides aid to all residents regardless of faith, Boutros warns that resources are exhausted. She emphasizes that maintaining church presence is vital to prevent further Christian emigration from the region. (Source: Kirche in Not Deutschland)
A large piece of a missile intercepted over Jerusalem fell near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Monday afternoon. According to Greek state broadcaster ERT, the debris likely originated from the guidance fins of the shot-down projectile. The fragment landed close to the Metochion of Panagia, approximately 100 meters from the church entrance, causing minor damage to the tiled roof. The incident occurred around 3:00 PM local time. No injuries were reported, and the site remains secure despite the proximity of the falling debris to this significant religious landmark.
Violent incidents occurred nearly simultaneously at Old Dominion University in Virginia and a Michigan synagogue. At the university, former Army National Guard member Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a convicted ISIS supporter, killed an ROTC leader and wounded two others before being shot dead by students. Authorities labeled the act terrorism. In Michigan, Ayman Mohammad Ghazali rammed a vehicle into Temple Israel near Detroit, injuring a security guard before killing himself. Ghazali had recently learned his family members were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon. Officials credited quick responses for preventing greater casualties in both cases.
A report details the systemic persecution of Ahmadis in Pakistan. The community faces legal restrictions that classify them as non-Muslims and criminalize their Islamic practices. The article highlights arbitrary arrests, mob violence, and the desecration of worship sites. Additionally, Ahmadis experience political disenfranchisement through separate electoral rolls and discrimination in employment and education. These measures are enforced by state law and extremist groups, severely limiting the community's civil rights and safety within the country.
Religion News Service published a weekly photo selection highlighting two major events. The images document the final week of Ramadan, showing activities as the holy month winds down. Additionally, the collection features coverage of an attack on a synagogue in Michigan. The outlet presents these visuals to capture significant religious and community moments occurring within the United States during this period. The summary notes the inclusion of these specific events in the weekly roundup without providing further details on the nature of the attack or the specific Ramadan observances depicted.
Residents of Taybeh, the last entirely Christian village in the West Bank, are enduring attacks by Israeli settlers, including arson and intimidation. Father Bashar Fawadleh tells Aid to the Church in Need that a February 2026 Israeli decision strengthening civil and military control over the region exacerbates the crisis. The priest reports mounting pressure on the 1,400 inhabitants, citing a lack of protection and increasing emigration. He urges the international community and the Church to provide concrete support to ensure the Christian community remains a living presence rather than becoming a memory of the past.
Hindu nationalist groups detained over 50 Catholic pilgrims in a city in Madhya Pradesh, India, falsely accusing them of religious conversion. A mob assaulted two priests who arrived to assist the detainees at a local police station. Although no evidence of conversion was found, the incident sparked outrage, leading to protests by Christians and condemnation from church leaders. CSW attributes the violence to a pattern of hostility against minorities. Despite an FIR being filed, no arrests have been made, and political efforts to discuss the matter in Parliament were blocked by the speaker.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide released a prayer diary outlining severe challenges for religious minorities in India. The report highlights that anti-conversion laws are currently enforced in ten states, with additional legislation pending approval. It documents specific violent incidents, including a mob attack on a Christian family in one state and assaults on missionaries in another region. The text calls for prayers for protection against the disproportionate enforcement of these laws and for victims of violence, particularly Dalit converts who face double marginalization. It also examines the broader impact of Hindu nationalist policies on Christian communities nationwide.
Security sources and residents in a city in northern Nigeria warn of increased Boko Haram terrorist threats during a specific period in March 2026. Although a local official denied rumors of suicide bombers, frequent attacks on the outskirts of the region suggest sleeper cells may have entered the city. The group is allegedly planning simultaneous strikes on military sites, NGOs, religious buildings, and markets. Authorities advise vigilance and urge community leaders to review security measures. Travelers are cautioned to exercise extreme care during this period.
Father Ignatius Moskalyuk, rector of the Basilian monastery in Kherson, Ukraine, reports that Russian forces continue to bombard residential areas and attack civilian transport. On March 11, a drone strike hit a bus, injuring at least 20 people who were taken to local hospitals. The priest states that the use of fiber-optic drones aims to intimidate the population and force them to flee, creating a ghost region. Despite the fear and destruction, residents refuse to abandon the city. The monastery remains open, offering spiritual support and hope to the community as they endure the ongoing conflict.
A Christian pastor from Iran, injured during anti-government protests, has sought refuge in Armenia. He displayed wounds from past unrest, attributing the violence to security forces. He and other Iranian Christians in the host country hope to return to Iran after the current regime falls to spread their faith. A church leader stated the community is preparing believers for future ministry. The group recently honored American soldiers killed in conflict and received support from local Christians who view the border region as strategic for religious outreach. (Mohabat News)
Fulani militia attacks continue in Nigeria’s Taraba and Benue states, displacing thousands despite a recent joint security agreement between Governors Agbu Kefas and Hyacinth Iormem Alia. Following meetings in a city in the region, fresh assaults in a local ward resulted in multiple deaths and burned homes. Church leaders describe the crisis as genocide, citing over 90,000 displaced Catholics and destroyed villages. Survivors report sexual violence and military inaction. Security experts warn that perceived international indifference may embolden attackers further.
An anonymous missionary in Iraq told a Spanish publication that Iran launched approximately 100 missile and drone strikes against a major city in northern Iraq. These attacks targeted civilian infrastructure, including an apartment complex in a Christian neighborhood. The missionary noted that over 50 attacks were intercepted near the international airport. Diplomatic missions, including Spain's embassy, have warned citizens to leave the region. Despite the danger, the missionary chose to stay with local Christians, citing the value of their service. The report highlights the psychological trauma affecting Assyrian, Chaldean, and Turkmen communities amid rising fears of further violence.
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