July 17, 2009
Bombing of Iraqi Churches sends dark message
by Elizabeth Kendal, Special Correspondant to ASSIST News Service

Sunday's string of bombings targeting seven churches across Baghdad is a warning from terrorists who want to see Iraq rid of Christians. This terror campaign, which killed four and injured dozens, sends a dark message: Christians should flee before they are killed. The fatalities occurred outside the Chaldean Catholic Church in central Baghdad, where a large explosion at 7pm hit worshippers as they were leaving Mass. In northern Iraq, a Christian leader was assassinated in Kirkuk on Sunday 12 July and next day a bomb exploded outside a church in Mosul. The Assyrian and Chaldean Christians are the indigenous people of Iraq. Since the 2003 occupation their numbers have halved as hundreds of thousands have fled their homeland. The remnant is extremely vulnerable and at risk of genocide. P lease pray for the Iraqi Church.

June 18, 2009
Persecution escalates in Vietnam
by Elizabeth Kendal, Special Correspondant to ASSIST News Service

Across all Vietnam persecution against both Catholics and Protestants is escalating. Communist authorities have recently demolished two Catholic monasteries in the south and an historic Protestant church in the Central Highlands. In the north Catholics continue to be harassed in Hanoi where the evangelical religious liberty advocate Nguyen van Dai also remains incarcerated. Indigenous Degar house church leader Puih H'Bat, a mother of four whose husband is a refugee in the USA, was arrested in April 2008 and her fate is still unknown. This is of grave concern as Vietnamese ethnic and religious hatred of Degars is intensive and several have been tortured to death. Vietnam seeks to present an international facade of religious freedom but the reality is entirely different. Please pray.

July 16, 2008
Pastor Sentenced to Re-education Through Labor
China Aid Association, VOM Sources

On July 4, Pastor Zhang Zhongxin was sentenced to two years re-education through labor in Jining city in Shangdong province. According to China Aid Association (CAA), "Shandong Re-education-Through-Labor Management Committee issued a written decision sentencing Zhang Zhongxin to two years re-education through labor. Authorities accused him [Zhongxin] of cult participation in the ‘whole scope of the church' organized ‘Sunday school training courses, preaching the gospel to the northwest, Tibet and other places for missionaries and pioneers sermons.'" CAA added that in 2005, Zhongxin established The Rainbow Missions Fellowship and Timothy Bible Training School in Jining city, Shandong province, where Christian leaders are trained. Zhongxin has appealed his sentence. Pray for Zhongxin and his family during this difficult time. Ask God to give them courage as he appeals his sentence. Ask God to protect believers in China who face trying times as the government cracks down on believers ahead of the Olympics next month. Deuteronomy 33:26-27

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July 16, 2008
Imprisoned Iranian Christian "Temporarily" Released
Compass Direct News, VOM Sources

Praise God! On June 26, Mohsen Namvar, an Iranian Christian who was arrested in his home in Tehran on May 31, was released from prison "temporarily." According to Compass Direct News, "Namvar was badly beaten while detained. Upon his release, he was treated for a fever and high blood pressure and his body appeared to be in shock. Local Christians believe that authorities may have released him out of fear that he would die in prison." Praise God for Namvar's courage and release. Pray for healing in his body and peace of mind. Ask God to encourage him and other believers in Iran who are standing in their faith in spite of persecution. Pray God gives them strength to forgive their persecutors. Romans 8:11

KARNATAKA, INDIA (ANS) -- About 50 believers from the End Time Full Gospel Church in Mangalore, India, were getting ready for their Sunday worship on December 23, 2007. This church is located on the second floor of building at Alfa Center, Kankanadi, Mangalore, in Karnataka state.

At 9.20 in the morning, about 30 Hindu fundamentalists reached the church on bikes and started destroying the furniture, window panes, and worship equipments. They destroyed Bibles and hymn books. The perpetrators then unleashed a reign of terror by brutally beating the believers including children attending the worship with chairs and sticks.

The following believers were injured. Joshua Mark, 10 years, Alex 14 years, Diekshid, 12 years, Praveen Kumar, 35 years, Ivan, 34 years, Sunil Sathyaveera, 32 years and J.K Ashirwadam 40 years.

Most of the believers sustained serious head and back injuries. The injured were initially treated in Wellock government hospital in Mangalore and were later admitted in Colaso Hospital Mangalore for special care.

Fourteen Hindu radicals belonging to a radical Hindu group were later arrested for attacking children and elders attending the Sunday worship.

James Varghese is a reporter for the "V" TV news in Gokak, Karnataka state, India, and is freelance journalist working for ANS.

December 27, 2007
North Korea:
Government Spies Impersonate being Christians
German Evangelical News Agency idea

P y o n g y a n g (idea) – The Communist Government of North Korea is maliciously proceeding against underground Christians. As to reports of online Information Service Daily NK, the intelligence service is setting up false churches in order to spy on Christians.

Intelligence agents impersonate Christians, in order to obstain their confidence by fraud. They are also travelling to China, in order to smuggle money and Bibles for North Korean Christians over the border. As to this report, their aim is to detect Christians, who maintain illegal contacts. This way, the North Korean Intelligence Service reportedly also gets monies from South Korea, where Christians are donating for the persecuted North Korean church. The Information Service is calling on South Korean churches to examine well where their donations are going to. As to the International relief organization Open Doors, North Korea is the most persecuted country in the world. Nowhere else is religious freedom being infringed upon as badly as there. As to observations by Open Doors, the situation is deteriorating each year. Autocrat Kim Jong-Il, who lets himself be adored in an idolatry way, considers Christianity as one of the biggest threats. As to official information, there are about 12,000 Christians among the 22,4 million inhabitants. Though religion statics estimate the number of underground Christians of more than 400.000. Around 100.000 are supposedly imprisoned in labor camps.

The Voice of the Martyrs has received several prayer requests from believers in Pakistan. Due to the volatile and sensitive climate in Pakistan, VOM cannot release the specific locations of these believers. They request:

* "Please pray for our ministry, we want to reach all of Pakistan and distribute the Word of God to Muslim hands."

* "Please pray for us to be strengthened in our faith and for God to give us wisdom and knowledge".

* "Pray for areas that are under attack from suicide bombers, any lives are being destroyed. Ask God to protect people in these areas and that they will be able to know Jesus Christ."

Psalm 23, Romans 8:31

December 6, 2007
Indonesia:
Christian Churches Attacked
- VOM Sources

Recently, a mob of Muslim extremists attacked a house church outside Jakarta, Indonesia, smashing glass windows and destroying property. The extremists threw bricks and stones at Christians. According to Christian World News (CWN), "Church members were hurt, including the head pastor, Lau Doloksaribu, who received two stitches in his temple." Speaking to CWN News, Doloksaribu, who heads Protestant Batak Church, said the attack was not just on his body, but the extremists had assaulted his God-given rights. He added, "The freedom to worship is a basic human right. It is not given by government or the authorities, but it is a free gift from God that should be respected by everyone. And actually, the freedom to worship is guaranteed by the law." The CWN News report stated, "Victims of the attacks say the Indonesian government is doing little to protect their right to worship without interference. Houses of worship are required to have a minimum of 90 members. They must also receive the approval of at least 60 neighbors before they legally hold services." Pray for Christians wounded in the attack and ask God to protect them. Isaiah 40:31, Romans 8:11

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December 6, 2007
Egypt:
Woman Sentenced for Professing Christianity
- VOM Sources

In 1962, Nagui Ibrahim left his home and family and converted to Islam. His identity card was changed to indicate that he was officially a Muslim. At the time, his daughter, Shadia, was two years old. Three years later, he reconciled with his wife, moved home and reconverted to Christianity. Unable to legally change his identity card back to say he was a Christian, Nagui had someone forge his documents. In 1996, the forger was arrested and confessed that he had forged documents for Nagui. Police detained Nagui and told him that he was still legally a Muslim. Children in Egypt automatically take their father's religion, so Shadia was officially considered a Muslim, also. Since she had given her religion as "Christian" when she married in 1982, the courts began proceedings against her. On November 21, 2007, she was sentenced to three years in prison for "providing false information on official documents." Pray Egyptian authorities reverse this unfair decision and allow true freedom of religion in Egypt. Psalm 21:1; 2 Timothy 1:7

November 21, 2007
More Christians Jailed
- VOM Sources

Three Christian activists with the Toronto-based Middle East Christian Association have been jailed in Egypt. According to a Compass Direct News report, Wagih Yaob and Victor George were taken from their homes in the early hours of November 10, while lawyer Mamdouh Azmy was arrested at his law office later that afternoon. The police reportedly treated Yaob badly and confiscated both Yaob and George's personal belongings, including a laptop. After being interrogated at a state prosecutor's office in New Cairo, Yaob and George were given 15-day detentions and were accused of defaming Islam and destroying the reputation of Egypt. They are being held at Cairo's Tora prison. Later, Azmy was transferred to a Cairo prison. Pray for the release of these believers. Pray the Holy Spirit will encourage them and their families during this difficult time. Ask that their testimony will draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Christ. 2 Timothy 1:7, Psalm 23 .

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November 21, 2007
Christians Arrested, Whereabouts Unknown
- VOM Sources

In September, the National Security Service of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) announced the arrest of several "foreign spies" and "native citizens working for a foreign intelligence service." VOM sources say those arrested are Christians and not spies. VOM sources have identified the following nine Christians who have disappeared and are believed to have been arrested by government authorities: Mr. Chul Huh (34), Mr. Chun-Il Jang (39), Mr. Myung-Chul Kim (36), Ms. Young-Su Jin (32), Mr. Nam-Suk Kang (48), Mr. San-Ho Kang (36), Mr. Suk-Chun Suh (29), Ms. Mi-Hae Park (30) and Ms. Young-Yae Lee (37). The whereabouts of these individuals is unknown. It is possible they have already been tried and executed. Pray the loved ones of those arrested will find peace in the fact that God works all things for the good of those who love Him and who have been called according to His purpose. Pray that North Korea's leaders will come to repentance and faith in Christ. Romans 8:28, Psalm 91

November 16, 2007
Pastor and Other Attendees
at Meeting Beaten Up in India
By James Varghese, Special to ASSIST News Service

HARYANA, INDIA (ANS) -- A pastor and several others attendees at a public meeting were beaten up late Thursday.

The incident occurred while the pastor was addressing a public gathering. He and others were beaten up and the location vandalized by a group of people reportedly connected with the BJP, an Indian political party. Other individuals were also involved.

According to the Tribune News service, a slogan-chanting mob came to the venue and started tearing it apart. The preacher and others went to the back of the meeting place.

The group accused the preacher of persuading Hindus to become Christians. The preacher and others in attendance at the meeting said they were just praying and talking about Jesus.

Meanwhile, a number of people grabbed the minister and brought him to the stage where after someone turned off the lights, he and others were beaten up.

The police ultimately arrived and restored order.

The pastor is reported to be in stable condition.

November 7, 2007
Israel
Church Set on Fire
Compass Direct News, VOM

On October 23, suspected arsonists set fire to the Narkis Street Baptist Church, in Western Jerusalem. According to Compass Direct News, the arsonists forcibly entered the building through a side door and set three fires in the sanctuary. The fire damaged 60 chairs and also caused smoke and water damage in the building. Compass News reported that although the police had not yet determined those responsible for the attack, it was suspected they were Jewish militants. According to Pastor Victor Blum, the leader of a Russian Messianic Jewish congregation that meets in the building, an anti-missionary organization named "Yad L'Achim" has threatened him and his congregation over the past few years. The group opposes the church's local evangelistic work and claims that the believers are members of a "dangerous sect." Pray God gives these believers boldness to stand against this attack. Pray the testimony of Christians in Israel will draw the attackers and other nonbelievers into the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Joshua 1:9; 2 Timothy 1:7

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November 7, 2007
Colombia
Evangelical Pastor Killed
- Associated Press, VOM

Pastor Diego Armando Bejarano, 27, was killed recently in the region west of Bogotá. Witnesses say hooded men took Bejarano by force and stabbed him. The motives for the killing are unknown; however, it is common knowledge guerrillas groups view Protestant pastors who encroach on territory under their control as military objectives. In the last 10 years, guerrillas have assassinated 133 pastors, Protestant missionaries and Catholic priests, according to the Evangelical Council of Colombia. Ask God to encourage and minister to the pastor's family and church as they mourn. Pray his testimony draws his attackers and nonbelievers into the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Matthew 5:4

October31^st, 2007
Imprisoned Christians Sentenced
- VOM Sources

The remaining Christian leaders imprisoned in April have been sentenced to five years in prison. They were imprisoned after a video recording of them praying for Muslims was leaked to Islamic organizations. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Indonesia, "The defendants have been found guilty of abusing the Quran, and the judge sentenced them to five years in prison. Their lawyers are planning to appeal this decision in East Java High Court in Surabaya." Pray for those in prison and their families. Ask God to give them boldness and wisdom as they face these difficult challenges. Joshua 1:9, Philippians 4:13

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October31^st, 2007
Christian Homes Demolished in Pakistan
- VOM Sources

On October 19, local Muslims demolished homes belonging to three Christian families in the village of Lobhana, near Lahore, Pakistan. According to The Voice of the Martyrs' contacts, more than 70 armed villagers moved in with tractors and began destroying the homes. VOM contacts said, "They demolished and looted three homes and only stopped when the police arrived." Some of the Christians attacked reported that the Muslims threatened to kill them. VOM contacts added that the land where some of the demolished homes were located had been given to the Christian families by the Pakistani government more than 10 years earlier. However, some local Muslims claimed the land, intending to build a cemetery. Pray for God's protection for Christians in this area. Ask Him to provide resources for these families to rebuild their homes. Pray the testimony of these believers will draw nonbelievers, especially their attackers, into the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Psalm 68:19, Proverbs 3:5, 6

October 19, 2007
Christians Killed by Muslims;
Hundreds Displaced in Kano, Nigeria
– VOM Sources

On September 28, angry Muslims killed 10 Christians and set churches, homes and businesses on fire in Tudun Wada, in Nigeria's Northern state of Kano. According to The Voice of the Martyrs' contacts in Nigeria, "At 9 a.m., Muslims began the attacks, setting fire to homes and churches. They attacked and killed any Christian they came across." More than 50 people were injured, while more than 500 members of the minority Christian population were displaced. VOM contacts added, "Muslim attackers burnt down all eight churches existing in the community, homes and businesses in the area." Christians believe the attack resulted when Muslim students at a government secondary school in the area claimed a Christian student drew a cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad on the wall of the school's mosque. VOM contacts reported, "No Christian student would do this, since the school has nearly 2,000 students and only seven are Christian.... [also] the mosque is usually busy with Muslims praying around the clock during the (Muslim) Ramadan fasting season; therefore, no Christian student would have any way of getting close to the wall of the mosque to make such sketches on the wall." Pray for the families of those killed. Pray the Holy Spirit will be their greatest comforter. Ask God to encourage and provide for believers in this area. Psalm 119:105, Proverbs 3:5, 6

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October 19, 2007
Senior Pastor Arrested
– VOM Sources

Pastor Oqbamichael, a well-known leader of the Kale-Hiwot Church in Eritrea, was arrested and imprisoned. This was the second imprisonment for the pastor in the past two years. In 2005, he was arrested at a Christian wedding and was later released after 10 months in prison, which included solitary confinement and hard labor in the Sawa Military Camp. The arrest of Pastor Oqbamichael follows the recent arrest of Evangelist Mussie Ezaz, who is also a minister in the Kale-Hiwot Church. Pray God sustains and strengthens Pastor Oqbamichael while he is in prison. Pray the Holy Spirit encourages his family and church. Ask God to protect Christians in Eritrea who are serving Him in the midst of severe persecution. John 16:13, 14

October 18, 2007
Iran:
Christian Couple Flogged
German Evangelical News Agency idea,
translated by Birgit Barandica Eichberger

This Iranian couple was given whiplashes because of belonging to a Christian fellowship.

T e h e r a n (idea) - A Christian couple in Iran has been punished with whiplashes due to belonging to an illegal Christian church. . This is being reported by a Christian group on the internet site of the information service Iran Focus. The report is accompanied with photos of the couple (no names mentioned) whose backs show massive abuse. They had already been arrested for the first time in September 2005. In July 2007, a Sharia court sentenced them because of "apostasy". As to reports of several Christian organisations, the number of Christians and underground

churches in Iran has doubled in only a few years to more or less one million today. According to official information, 99 percent of the population of more than 68 million is of Muslim faith. About 0.3 percent are Christians.

October 17, 2007
Gaza Bible Society Worker Murdered
According CNN, VOM Sources

On October 7, 26-year-old Rami Ayyad's body was recovered near the Teachers' Bookshop in the Palestinian territory of Gaza where he worked. His body had stab wounds and bullet holes. According to the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), Ayyad was kidnapped the day before by an unidentified group. CBN quoted the spokesperson for the Palestinian Bible Society, Simon Azazian, who said, "We do not know the exact identity of the group, but we know he was martyred for his faith in Christ." The report added, "Ayyad told co-workers he'd noticed a car with no license plates following him. At 6 p.m. (on Saturday), his wife received a phone call from him saying he'd been taken captive by a group of people and would be home late. A second phone call relayed the same message." Rami is survived by his pregnant wife and two young children. Pray the Holy Spirit comforts his family during this difficult time. Pray Rami's testimony will bring non-believers, especially his killers, into the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Ask God to protect believers in Gaza. Psalm 23, Psalm 91

October 1^st 2007
India:
Christian Worker Shot Dead For Preaching
Jharkhand state police say villagers had evangelist killed for converting tribal people.

The Radio minister Ajay Kumar Topno was shot dead. Foto: Compass Direct

NEW DELHI, September 28 (Compass Direct News) – Local villagers in Jharkhand state arranged for a Christian worker, Ajay Topno, to be shot to death earlier this month for converting three tribal families to Christianity, according to police. The 38-year-old Topno, who worked for Christian media organization Trans World Radio, was found dead with bullet wounds on September 19 in a jungle near Sahoda village, in Ranchi district. “At least three tribal families in Sahoda village had converted to Christianity, which infuriated some local villagers, who held a meeting with each other and decided to ‘reconvert’ those families to Hinduism,”

Inspector Rajesh Mandal of the Lapung police station told Compass. “After reconverting the Christian families, the villagers arranged for Topno’s killing through a local criminal, who shot him dead.”
Read more

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October 1^st 2007
Leader of Savlavtion Army in Pakistan Shot Dead
German Evangelische News Agency idea, October 1^st 2007
Translated by Birgit Barandica Eichberger

Captain Bo Brekke.

L a h o r e / L o n d o n (idea) – The leader of the Salvation Army in Pakistan, Captain Bo Brekke, has been shot dead. The crime happened in the early evening hours of September 27 in the headquarters of Salvation Army in Lahore. The 50-year old Norwegian was working alone in his office, as reported by the international headquarter of the evangelical and social free church in London. One suspect has been arrested. As to some information it was the deed of an

individual. There are no indication of a terrorist attack so far. Brekke's wife Brigitte was in London attending a conference at the time. The couple has two sons. The international leader of the Salvation Army, General Shaw Clifton (London), honored in particular the engagement of the murdered Captain and his wife for the poor and outcasts. Helping them practically, they gave them dignity and the Christian message. Brekke was employed in 1980 as Salvation Army Captain. Together with his Danish wife, they served in Norway, Denmark, Scotland, East Europe, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Since last year, he was leading the "Soldiers in Christ" in Pakistan. The Salvation Army was founded by English Methodist preacher William Booth (1829-1912). Today, about three million "Soldiers in Christ" minister in 111 countries according their traditional motto "soup, soap, salvation".

Source: Salvation Army's website

September 19, 2007
Christians Beaten by Militants in India
VOM Sources

BANGALORE: On September 8, Pastor Angam Haokip was attacked by more than 30 men in the village of Geddalahalli, Bangalore. According to The Voice of the Martyrs' contacts in India, the men forced Pastor Haokip to stop his vehicle. VOM contacts reported, "They asked him if he was a pastor and when he said 'yes,' they pulled him out of his car. The men accused him of 'ruining' the nation and beat him in front of several witnesses. They tried to crush his legs with boulders and also kicked him in the neck." The pastor sustained severe injuries to his back and chest and his car was destroyed. When he tried to file a complaint with local police, it was rejected because the police said a complaint had been registered against him for negligent driving.

HYDERABAD: On September 9, Pastor Sudhakar and four Christians visiting from Singapore were attacked by members of Hindu militant groups while leading a worship service at Bethel Gospel Church in Amberpet, Hyderabad. According to, a report from the All India Christian Council, approximately 300 believers were gathered when the militants forcibly entered the church building and began to shout obscenities against Christianity. The intruders assaulted Pastor Sudhakar with a rod. Prior to the attack, the militants had filed a complaint with local police alleging the pastor and the Singapore team were involved in forcible conversion.

Pray for healing for those injured in the attacks. Ask God to bless the ministry of these pastors and other Christians who are spreading the gospel in India. Pray God touches the lives of the persecutors and leads them to faith in Christ. Romans 8:11, Isaiah 40:31

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September 19, 2007
House Church Leader Released from Prison
China Aid Association CAA, VOM

On September 10, prominent Beijing house church leader, Pastor Cai Zhuohua, was released after three years in prison. According to The Voice of the Martyrs' contacts, "Cai was in good spirits when he was released. Cai was not allowed to read or have a Bible for the past three years. Since his release, he has been picked by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) and taken to their office. He has to report to the PSB office once a month and has been warned not to speak out or attend church services." Praise God that Pastor Cai has been reunited with his family. Pray God gives him and other believers in China courage to continually live for Christ, despite the immense challenges they face. Pray their testimonies will draw non-believers, even PSB officers, into the knowledge of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 1:7, Psalm 27:1

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September 19, 2007
Korean Hostages Told Convert to Islam or Die –
British Broadcasting Corporation
Voice of the Martyrs, VOM

On September 12, South Korean Christian aid workers held hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan for six weeks, reported being beaten and ordered at gun point to convert to Islam, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). According to the BBC, the former hostages told a press conference they were made to work like slaves while in captivity. Jae Chang-hee told reporters, "We were beaten with a tree branch or kicked around. Some kidnappers threatened us with death at gunpoint to force us to follow them in chanting their Islamic prayer for conversion. I was beaten many times. They pointed a rifle and bayonet at me and tried to force me to convert." Jae Chang-hee added, "We lived like slaves. We had to level the ground for motorbikes, and get water and make a fire." BBC reported that Yu Jung-hwa said she thought she was going to die. "The most difficult moment, when I had a big fear of death, was when the Taliban shot a video. All 23 of us leaned against a wall and armed Taliban aimed their guns at us, and a pit was before me. They said they will save us if we believe in Islam. I almost fainted at the time and I still cannot look at cameras." Recalling how Pastor Bae Hyung-kyu was led away to his death, the BBC said Han Ji-young, in tears, added, "Bae didn't even look at us when he was leaving the room. He only said, 'Overcome with faith.'" Continue praying for God to touch the lives of these believers as they deal with their experience in Afghanistan. Pray God comforts the families of the two that were killed. Pray the testimony of these Christians will draw non-believers into fellowship with Him. Deuteronomy 28, Psalm 91

September 11, 2007
Christian Tortured to Death in Eritrea
Compass Direct News/Open Doors

On September 5, Eritrean authorities tortured to death 33-year-old Nigsti Haile for refusing to recant her Christian faith while being held at the Wi'a Military Training Center. Haile is the fourth Christian killed in Eritrea in less than a year. Compass Direct News reported, "She was one of 10 single Christian women arrested at a church gathering in Keren. They have spent 18 months under severe pressure. Haile was killed for refusing to sign a letter recanting her faith." In May 2002, government officials called in the leaders of all evangelical churches in Eritrea and told them they would not be permitted to hold further public services. Only the "historic religions" of Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran and Islam have been allowed to hold public worship since that time. Compass Direct says that more than 2,000 Eritrean Christians are imprisoned. Not a single one of them has been formally charged or had a public trial, and all have been denied legal representation. Amnesty International released a report yesterday that said most of the more than 2,000 imprisoned Christians have been held for more than two years in harsh conditions, with little or no medical care.