Since the outbreak of the first uprising in Egypt almost five years ago, two presidential elections, three referendums over constitutions, and two parliamentary elections have been held. However, queuing at polling stations has not yet led to change. Recent elections experienced both violence and apathy. Egypt's branch of IS bombed a hotel in North Sinai where seven judges overseeing the parliamentary elections were staying. Polling was light (28%), with many Egyptians indicating distrust and a feeling of apathy over the political process. It is probable the liberal Free Egyptians party has won a majority of seats, with the Islamist Al-Nour party coming second. The world waits to see how President El-Sisi and this new legislature will fulfil his pledge to set Egypt on a ‘roadmap to democracy.’

An orphanage in India has been taken over by local authorities, after a court ruled that the young women who live there have been brainwashed. Christian Today reports that the Moses Ministries orphanage in Tiruchy, Madras, is run by the Christian Initiative for India, initially founded in Germany by the Rev Gideon Jacob who was born in India. The court ruled that Jacob and the orphanage had not obtained sufficient documentation before admitting some of its children, and, after taking them in, had brainwashed them. Jacob said the girls were brought to the orphanage by parents who did not want them, and this is why the orphanage does not have records such as date of birth and parents’ names. ‘When you bring a baby to give her away you are committing a crime for which you can be imprisoned,’ Jacob said. ‘If you give away your child you aren't going to give your telephone number.’

Last week we reported a lost legal challenge against two doctors performing abortions based on the sex of unborn baby girls. This week Christian Concern reports that even though the High Court refused a judicial review, Aisling Hubert and Merv and Nikki Kenward will appeal the rulings and continue to challenge the failure by the Director of Public Prosecutions to protect life from its beginning to its natural end. Explaining her decision to appeal, Aisling said, ‘Every human being is made in God's image. God delights in justice and demands that we practise it. He cares for the vulnerable. We must continue to challenge injustice and seek to uphold protections for unborn children, who cannot defend themselves. We continually see those responsible for pursuing justice turning a blind eye, perhaps hoping that the horrors of abortion will be swept under the carpet and the problems go away.’

Merseyside Youth Association service in Liverpool helps 16- to 25-year-olds who have been hit by benefit sanctions and are going hungry but feel uneasy about visiting foodbanks. They might go to their nan’s or to their friend’s and say ‘Can I borrow a few tins of beans?’ Each client is helped to complete a form asking why they are attending, and a counsellor is available for emotional support. Although the service is only in its second week, organisers say 36 young people have already used it, with debt and benefit sanctions the most common reasons. These young people are constantly worried about whether or not they’re going to be able to afford to feed themselves, as whatever money they do get has to go on rent. Research has shown that young people are disproportionately affected by benefit sanctions.