Cuba 'to free political prisoners'
Cuba's Catholic Church has said that the Cuban government will free 52 political prisoners in a major concession to international pressure to improve its human rights. The church said in a statement on Wednesday that five of the prisoners would be released later during the day and allowed to go to Spain, while the remaining 47 would be freed over the next few months. The release will bring down the number of dissidents behind bars on the communist-led island to close to 100 and possibly have positive ramifications for Cuba's relations with countries that have long pressed the government to free political prisoners. Human rights advocates said earlier this week that Cuba had 167 political prisoners, including 10 who were out on parole. The announced release would be the largest since 1998, when 101 political prisoners were among about 300 prisoners freed following a visit by Pope John Paul II. Pray: that the Cuban Government will honour their promises to release all these prisoners. (2Ch.28:11) More: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2010/07/201077184956643989.html
Kyrgyzstan: Christians press for probe after violence
An alliance of Christian humanitarian groups is pressing the government of Kyrgyzstan to launch an investigation into the recent civil conflict that left over a half-million people in immediate need of food, water, shelter, and medical care. ‘The civil conflict in southern Kyrgyzstan, which erupted in the first half of June, was characterized by extreme violence, hatred and cruelty,’ stated leaders of the ACT Alliance, http://www.actalliance.org/ including the heads of DanChurchAid, Christian Aid,and ICCO en Kerkinactie. Though the situation now reportedly appears calm and more stable since the constitutional referendum on June 27, tensions continue and violent acts – including killings and kidnappings – are still reported from southern Kyrgyzstan, according to ACT. Furthermore, in its statement Thursday, the global network of churches and related aid organizations emphasized that ‘there will not be reconciliation without justice, and that justice is based on all facts, which give an objective picture of what has happened. (See Prayer Alert 2510) Pray: that justice will prevail bringing healing and reconciliation. (Ps.106:3)
Nigeria: Eight Christians killed
Christians in two states of Nigeria were mourning the killings of at least eight Christian believers, after Muslim militants reportedly attacked several villages.‘On the night of July 3, several Muslims attacked Kizachi village in Kaduna State and killed five Christians. The Muslims also burned down five Christian homes,’ said International Christian Concern (ICC), a well-informed advocacy group. ICC quoted Nigerian sources as saying police had stopped protecting the village on July 2 as the government failed to pay their salaries. There was no immediate comment from Nigerian police. In the second attack, on the night of July 4, 200 Muslims armed with guns and machetes reportedly invaded Ganawuri community, near the town of Jos, which has been the scene of previous deadly sectarian clashes. Three Christians were feared dead in that violence. Rights activists said the latest violence came on the heels of a March 7 Islamic attack against Christians in Jos. (See Prayer Alert 0610, 0710, 1110, 1210, 1310 & 1510) Pray: for God’s life giving Spirit to invade the darkness hovering over the region and bring healing and reconciliation. (Is.42:16) More: http://www.worthynews.com/8499-eight-christians-killed-in-nigerian-muslim-attacks
Niger: Christians ‘starving’, group says
Christians in this vast, drought-prone country on the edge of the Sahara desert, were among those facing starvation after aid groups described the food situation in Niger as ‘extremely desperate’. Save the Children warned that up to 380,000 children under five are at risk of death by starvation. Christian aid and advocacy group Barnabas Fund told Worthy News that Christians are ‘particularly vulnerable during this time of crisis,’ as they comprise just 0.3 per cent of the predominantly Muslim population of over 15 million people. Aid workers in Islamic countries such as Niger have complained that government aid is often not reaching minority Christians. Barnabas Fund told Worthy News in a statement that it is already providing close to 700 Christian families each with ‘a 100 kilogram sack of either maize or millet and a 500 kilogram bag of rice.’ (See Prayer Alert 1310) Pray: that God would have mercy bringing rain to this parched land and aid from those who have plenty. (Ps.33:18-20) More: http://www.worthynews.com/8490-news-alert-niger-christians-starving-group-says
