The Iranian ministry of intelligence and security photographs demonstrations, so that the police can later arrest leaders who exhibit banners criticising the government. The regime will try to weather this latest round of protests while arresting the main agitators, and then torturing them. At least three demonstrators are believed to have been killed in custody at Evin prison, and human rights activists have raised concerns (one death was reported as a suicide, with no credible evidence to back this up). Many believe executions will come next. By 11 January over a thousand people, including nearly a hundred students, had been arrested. Windows International reports protests growing; but Iran has no press freedom, and is attempting to restrict social media which inform Iranians and the world of developments. Pray for basic human rights to be the outcome of this struggle, and for the exposure of corruption in every aspect of the Iranian government. See also:
Global anti-corruption conference
12 Jan 2018
Many the articles in this week’s Prayer Alert have depicted an aspect of corruption in different countries. The International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) is the world’s premier global forum for bringing together heads of state, civil society and the private sector to tackle the increasingly sophisticated challenges posed by corruption. Established in 1983, the IACC takes place every two years in a different region of the world, and hosts between 800 and 2,000 participants from over 135 countries. It advances the anti-corruption agenda by raising awareness and stimulating debate, and fosters networking, cross-fertilisation, and the global exchange of experience that is indispensable for effective advocacy and action, on global and national levels. The 18th IACC will take place in October 2018; we can begin to pray now for the delegates that God intends to participate, that He will prepare each one of them spiritually and physically for the event.
Speaking on TV, Hezbollah’s secretary general, Hassan Nasrallah, said he recently discussed the ‘liberation’ of Jerusalem with Fatah leaders and other Palestinian factions. He added that Iran is directly providing financial aid and weapons to Palestinian groups independent of Hezbollah. He explained how these groups are prepared to put aside differences for a new ‘intifada’; they will unite in the event of a large-scale war to liberate Jerusalem, not just Galilee. When asked whether cooperation meant demonstrations, Nasrallah replied, ‘Within occupied Palestine it is about direct confrontation. We all know what intifada means.’ Hezbollah is a Lebanese-based terrorist organisation banned by many countries, including the Arab League, United States, France, and Israel - but not by the UK. It calls for Islamist revolution around the world, and its members have caused terror attacks for thirty years.
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Singapore
10 Jan 2018Donec vulputate sapien arcu, at lacinia lorem vulputate eu. In posuere purus et magna aliquet porttitor. Nullam massa lectus, tincidunt vel massa at, maximus molestie tortor. Integer rutrum ante sapien, eu ornare tortor interdum sed. Duis vitae dapibus quam. Aliquam nec ex vel libero maximus suscipit sed quis risus. Maecenas ullamcorper dui quis lectus mollis consectetur quis et orci. Ut sapien arcu, posuere id rutrum eget, elementum eu leo.
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Government reconsiders transgender plans
05 Jan 2018
The Government is reconsidering a proposed new law which would allow adults to choose to change their gender without consulting a doctor. Reports suggest that education secretary and equalities minister Justine Greening now has cold feet on the proposals, which would affect all of the UK other than Scotland. A public consultation will now take place only after civil servants have completed analysis of a separate diversity survey. This is good news with which to start the New Year. Last year the Coalition for Marriage met MPs and worked with several other campaign groups to oppose these proposals. It argued that they would undermine traditional marriage and put women and children at risk.
Ethiopia to release political prisoners
05 Jan 2018
In a surprise move, Hailemariam Desalegn, the Ethiopian prime minister, has announced the release of political prisoners and the closure of a notorious detention centre, allegedly used as a torture chamber. He said the move was designed to allow political dialogue. It is still unclear exactly who will be released or when it will happen. Ethiopia is accused by rights groups of using mass arrests to stifle opposition. Amnesty International welcomed Mr Hailemariam's announcement, saying it could signal ‘the end of an era of bloody repression in Ethiopia’.