During yesterday's protest in Kabul, protesters called for the repeal of a decree that defines domestic violence as a crime, bans child and forced marriages and says that rape victims cannot be prosecuted for adultery. It also outlaws "ba'ad", t

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The initiative aims to show solidarity with Filipinos impacted by controversy over a naval incident between Manila and Taipei on May 9 last. Immigrants contribute to social development and co-operate in the protection of children and the elderly. Student:

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Nay Myo Zin, sentenced to 10 years for crimes of opinion, was released from prison in January 2012. One year later he was arrested for taking part in farmers demonstration against police corruption. He must serve six years behind bars. Human rights NGO, &

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The controversial decision is met with criticism, including from the president's Salafist allies. Justice, Economy and Finance ministries are among the departments reshuffled. For the first time, the Ministry of Antiquities will be run by an expert in Is

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Under Russia's new 'Foreign Agents Law', the authorities have carried out thorough inspections of religious organisations, including Muslim associations, Catholic parishes, Pentecostal communities and Jehovah's Witnesses, all except one, the Russian Ortho

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On a visit to Beijing, the leader of the Maoist party in Nepal Prachanda promises Xi Jinping to repress any anti-Chinese protests. "The national stability and integrity of both countries will not be compromised in the name of religious freedom and hu

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Some parliamentarians demand greater clarity on the alleged recruitment of young Islamist volunteers for the Syrian conflict. Mosques in the south of the country inspected.">

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AsiaNews sources describe life in the capital where the war has devastated even the wealthiest families. Thousands of people survive on the meager government subsidies. To overcome the winter people have deforested the public parks. Six hour queues for a

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Interviewed by the BBC, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the country is "a secular democracy" in which "everyone has the right to practice their religion." For days, supporters of the Islamist party have been calling for a blasph

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The attackers killed Fr. K.J. Thomas hitting him in the face and head with a brick. Motive and identity of the killers still unknown. Archbishop of Bangalore "brutal and senseless murder, this is a great loss for us all." The funeral will be hel

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The Global Council of Indian Christians appealed to the Chief Minister of the State of Orissa over Christians fears of an ongoing series of serial murders against Christians. The girl's father name’s possible murderer, so far without success. ">

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The Ministry of Environmental Protection found that pollution costs, not to mention health-related costs, have risen faster than GDP growth. At present, the authorities are unable to cope with the situation, which might get out of hand.">

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Mar Louis Raphael I Sako, patriarch of the Chaldean Church, extends an invitation to the pontiff when the two met this morning in the Vatican. The Holy Father is moved by the suffering of Iraqi Christians. Dialogue with Muslims is a priority.">23

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Nepal's newly appointed Environment minister makes his first public address, inspired by the pontiff's words. All religious, political and environmentalist leaders are called to heed Francis's message. Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists join Catholics to defe

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The faithful appreciate the humility and deep faith of Pope Francis. The president of the Bishops' Conference sends a letter of congratulations and sees the Pope a model to "follow". Bishop of Chiang Mai: wise and caring for the poor. Argentine

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Who thought that the "Fifth Generation" could bring a wave of reform in China must change their mind, at least in the light of the last National People's Congress. Attempts towards change completely blocked, only (trite) "socialism with Chi

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In the meeting with the College of Cardinals, Francis speaks of trust in the Spirit who guides the Church and promotes communion in difference, "new methods of evangelization" to answer the same mission as ever. "We feel that Benedict XVI h

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Eight people seriously injured. The Pentecostal Christians were holding a night vigil of prayer, when at least 30 Hindu nationalists attacked accusing them of forced conversions. It is the sixth attack in Karnataka since the beginning of 2013.">17

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The metropolitans of Argentina and Italy will accompany Bartholomew. Moscow Patriarchate hopes in closer cooperation with Rome but excludes for now a meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill.">17 March, 2013         Help AsiaNews | Abou

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The cause of death of Evangelical Christian Ezzat Hakim Attalah remains unclear. The 45-year-old man was arrested on 28 February along with five other Egyptians on charges of distributing religious material. More than 50 Egyptian Copts arrive home after w

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