Hong Kong: pro-democracy activists jailed
22 Nov 2024
A group of 47 prominent pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong, including activists, journalists, and former lawmakers, have been sentenced to prison terms of up to ten years on subversion charges. This marks the largest prosecution under the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. Among the defendants was Joshua Wong, a well-known student leader, who shouted ‘I love Hong Kong’ before he left the dock. The group had been involved in organising an unofficial primary election in 2020, which the government labelled a subversive attempt to undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy. The crackdown, which follows the violent 2019 pro-democracy protests, shows the severe erosion of political freedoms in the city. Western governments and human rights groups condemned the trials as politically motivated. With many opposition leaders either imprisoned or in exile, Hong Kong’s once vibrant pro-democracy movement is all but silenced. This transformation has prompted widespread international concern over Hong Kong’s future autonomy.
Nicaragua: prominent bishop forced into exile
22 Nov 2024
Daniel Ortega’s government has forced Bishop Carlos Enrique Herrera Gutiérrez, president of Nicaragua’s bishops’ conference, to go into exile in Guatemala. He had complained about government officials placing loudspeakers outside a church during Sunday Mass, and also called the actions of the local mayor sacrilegious. CSW sources report that the authorities frequently play loud music outside churches to disturb religious activities, particularly on Sundays and holy days. After the bishop was arrested, his diocese’s Facebook page was deleted. Religious leaders in Nicaragua face growing hostility, with priests under surveillance and Protestant pastors receiving threats: the government has also seized a prominent Jesuit-run university in Managua. CSW has strongly criticised Ortega’s continued repression of religious freedom, calling for the international community to hold him and his regime to account for their ‘ongoing and systematic violation of human rights’.
The National People’s Power (NPP) party, led by president Anura Kamara Dissanayake, has achieved a historic election victory, securing 159 seats. This was the most dominant result since the proportional representation system was introduced in 1978. The NPP won in nearly all districts, signalling a major political shift. The victory symbolises a rejection of the long-standing patronage-based politics which have dominated Sri Lanka since independence, particularly the influence of family dynasties such as the Rajapaksas and Bandaranaikes. Dissanayake’s campaign focused on transparency, equity, and public service, appealing to voters disillusioned by past inefficiencies, which were exposed during the 2022 economic crisis. The defeat of the traditional parties underscores the changing political landscape and growing support for the NPP.
Mali: former police chief sentenced by ICC
22 Nov 2024
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has sentenced Al-Hassan Mahmoud to ten years in prison for war crimes committed during his tenure as head of the Islamic police in Timbuktu, Mali. He was found guilty of torture, overseeing public amputations, and organising brutal floggings, including of children, under the al-Qaeda-linked Ansar Dine group, which seized the city in 2012. The presiding judge described the sentence as ‘proportionate to the gravity of the crimes’, acknowledging the harm caused to victims. However, Al-Hassan was acquitted of charges of rape and sexual slavery: the ICC acknowledged that sexual violence had occurred, but said he was not directly responsible. Rights groups expressed disappointment, noting testimonies of women being raped in detention. In 2016 the ICC sentenced another Ansar Dine member to nine years for destroying Timbuktu’s ancient shrines.
Miraculous intervention saves teenage son
15 Nov 2024
When Ronald Mallett’s son, Kevin, was involved in a terrifying tractor accident, a miraculous intervention unfolded. Kevin, just 14, was adept at handling the heavy tractor on their farm’s slopes. One day, while driving down a particularly steep hill, the tractor began to tip uncontrollably. Ronald and his wife, Pat, watched in horror, fearing for their son’s life. As the tractor reached a tipping point, it unexpectedly stopped in midair, as if held by unseen hands. Kevin safely exited, and the tractor gently settled back to the ground. This inexplicable event solidified Ronald’s belief in angels as active protectors, a truth anchored in Hebrews 1:14. He shares this experience to inspire faith in God’s miraculous power, even in modern times.
Young medic amazed by Liberia healings
15 Nov 2024
Bethany Ashcraft joined a mission trip to Liberia, encountering extreme poverty and spiritual warfare. Working alongside a team of medical professionals, she witnessed firsthand the impact of the drug 'Kush' on local people, causing disturbing symptoms. Amid her medical duties, Bethany prayed for patients, leading to surprising healings. One Muslim woman, after accepting Jesus, experienced a complete healing. Throughout the week, as Bethany prayed, some individuals manifested demonic behaviour, which was resolved through prayer, demonstrating God’s power. This experience strengthened Bethany’s faith and inspired her desire to continue witnessing God’s tangible impact on others.
Survivors of abuse associated with John Smyth, a prolific child abuser linked to the Church of England, are urging further resignations following Justin Welby’s decision on 13 November to step down. A review revealed Welby 'could and should have’ reported Smyth’s abuse in 2013. Many survivors maintain that his resignation alone is insufficient, and insist that all individuals involved in the cover-up be held accountable. An independent report detailed the Church’s historical inaction, describing it as a 'missed opportunity' to bring Smyth to justice before his death in 2018. Bishop Rachel Treweek emphasised the need for further accountability, while Bishop Martin Gorick expressed discomfort with the situation. See also
Top mortgage deals vanish as banks hike rates
15 Nov 2024
Despite a recent Bank of England base rate cut from 5% to 4.75%, many major lenders have increased mortgage rates and withdrawn top deals, leading to higher costs for borrowers. Around 200 deals have disappeared from the market in the past month. After the Bank’s rate reduction, average two-year and five-year fixed mortgage rates have increased to 5.44% and 5.17% respectively. Experts suggest lenders are raising rates to manage demand and maintain service standards as market conditions fluctuate. Notably, smaller lender MPowered Mortgages has reduced rates, contrasting with the broader trend. Borrowers are advised to secure current deals promptly to mitigate further costs.