Welcome to the First Freedom Five! Our weekly highlights and lowlights in global religious freedom news.
Five stories not to miss—plus some good news to give us hope.
This week’s theme: double standards—contrasts between what governments say, and what they allow, condemn, or ignore.
1
Nigeria: Christian communities attacked while US & UK deepen military ties
At least 51 people were killed in coordinated attacks on Christian communities in Plateau State, Nigeria last month. Homes and churches were burned, continuing a long pattern of violence in the region. Meanwhile, U.S. and U.K. officials deepened security cooperation with Nigeria—with no public mention of religiously targeted violence.
2
India: Condemns violence against Hindus—deports Muslim refugees to face persecution
After the Pahalgam killings of Hindu pilgrims, India launched mass detentions in Kashmir and warned Pakistan that further attacks would be treated as acts of war. At the same time, Indian authorities deported dozens of Rohingya Muslims back to Myanmar—a regime widely accused of genocide against them. A new report this week also documented 184 anti-Muslim incidents across India (affecting 300+ people) in the weeks following the attack.
3
Malaysia: Falun Gong arrests followed by national tolerance campaign
In April, Malaysian police detained more than 70 Falun Gong practitioners in Kuala Lumpur ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit. Most were held for the duration of the visit and released only after his departure. Soon after, the Malaysian government launched its “Three R’s” campaign promoting tolerance across race, religion, and royalty. The sequence of events has prompted questions about the government’s approach to religious freedom and minority rights.
4
Iran: Christian converts imprisoned as Tehran seeks global normalization
Three Christian converts in Iran—including a pregnant woman—have been summoned to begin prison sentences totaling more than 40 years for private worship and house church activity. Nazila, expecting her first child, faces over 16 years in Evin Prison. Her husband and a friend also received double-digit sentences. At the same time, Iranian officials continue talks with the U.S. over sanctions relief and diplomatic normalization. Religious persecution has not featured in those discussions.
https://www.meconcern.org/2025/05/13/iran-christian-converts-summoned-to-serve-prison-sentences/
5
France: Sits on the UN Human Rights Council—yet fails to protect freedom of religion or belief at home
This week, France’s top court upheld the ban on full-body “burkini” swimsuits in public pools, rejecting accommodations for Muslim modesty. Meanwhile in Avignon, a 96-year-old Catholic priest was attacked inside his church by men who posed as converts, then beat and threatened him with death. In Lyon, a Muslim man was fatally stabbed in a mosque—yet authorities declined to classify the case as terrorism. As a current member of the UN Human Rights Council (2024–2026), France’s treatment of religious communities is fueling debate over whether secularism is protecting pluralism—or erasing it.
https://www.france24.com/en/france/20220621-top-french-court-upholds-ban-on-burkini-swimsuits-in-grenoble-s-public-pools
Good News Bonus
Ethiopia: Interfaith summit brings together critics and allies in a hopeful sign for peace
This week, Ethiopia hosted a national interfaith conference in partnership with the African Union, bringing together leaders from Orthodox, Muslim, Protestant, and traditional communities. Notably, some participants have been openly critical of the government’s past handling of religious tensions—making their inclusion a meaningful step toward broader trust and cooperation. In a country where faith communities have often been divided by conflict, this summit stands out as a hopeful effort to build unity through dialogue and shared moral leadership.
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See you next week. 🕊️ #FoRB4All