What do Cuba, India, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and France have in common this week?
Religious freedom was violated—and the people meant to uphold it looked away. Some by neglect. Some by design. This week’s #FirstFreedomFive
1
Bangladesh : Hindu Homes Burned After Political Killing—Police Do Nothing
In a harrowing episode of mob justice and religious persecution, a Muslim opposition leader in Bangladesh was brutally murdered by a Hindu man in a dispute over a fish pond lease. What followed was worse: a mob retaliated not just against the suspect—but against the entire Hindu community. On May 22, during a sacred Hindu religious festival, more than 20 Hindu homes and shops were looted and set on fire in Dahar Mashihati village. Eyewitnesses say police stood by and watched. No one has been arrested—neither the alleged murderer nor the arsonists. The attack reflects deep-rooted religious tensions in Bangladesh and what human rights groups are calling a total failure of law enforcement. In this corner of the world, being part of a religious minority can make you guilty by association—and entirely on your own when the fires start.
2
Nigeria: Benue State Massacre: 42 Killed in Religious Violence
In a devastating series of attacks over the weekend, at least 42 people were killed across four villages in Benue State, Nigeria—including women, children, and a Catholic priest. The violence, attributed to suspected Fulani herders, targeted predominantly Christian farming communities in Tyolaha, Tse-Ubiam, Ahume, and Aondona. Local officials described the scene as “pathetic,” with bodies still being recovered.
And yet—almost no one is watching.
The only major international outlet to even mention the slaughter was The Guardian, which ran the story with a stock photo of animals grazing taken over 300 miles away. Forty-two people murdered in their villages, and the world’s response is a shrug.
3
Cuba: Pastors Face Prison for Mentioning God
In Cuba, Pastors Luis Guillermo Borjas and Roxana Rojas are facing eight-year prison sentences after invoking their Christian faith during a military tribunal for their son, who had fled compulsory service despite a medical exemption. When Pastor Borjas stated that officials would be accountable to “God’s justice,” prosecutors charged the couple with disrespect and disobedience. Rojas, who has a heart condition, collapsed in custody and was later harassed in the hospital by an individual posing as a nurse. This incident is part of a broader pattern of religious repression in Cuba. Christian Solidarity Worldwide documented 622 violations of religious freedom in 2023, including arbitrary detentions, surveillance, and restrictions on worship.
christianpost.com/news/pastor-wi opendoors.org/en-US/research
4
India: Christian Family in Chhattisgarh Attacked and Forced into Hiding
During a Sunday church service last week in Kawardha, Chhattisgarh, a mob of approximately 80-100 individuals, allegedly affiliated with Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, stormed the premises of the Holy Kingdom English Higher Secondary School. The assailants accused the congregation of forced religious conversions, assaulted attendees—including women and minors—and disrupted the service. Pastor Jose Thomas, who has led the school and church for over 35 years, was arrested the following day under vague charges.
Despite video evidence of the attack, local police have reportedly refused to register a First Information Report (FIR) against the perpetrators.
The Thomas family has since gone into hiding, citing ongoing threats and a lack of protection from authorities.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of religious hostility and police inaction in the region, raising serious concerns about religious freedom and minority rights in India.
5
France Moves to Ban Hijabs in Sports, Excluding Religious Women
France is moving forward with a law that would ban all visible religious symbols—including hijabs—from sports competitions nationwide. The bill, already passed by the Senate, is widely seen as targeting Muslim women and could bar many from participating altogether.
The impact is already being felt. Salimata Sylla, a Muslim basketball player, was disqualified from competition despite her hijab meeting all safety standards. She now organizes independent tournaments where religious athletes are welcome—because the official courts won’t let her play.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and the UN, have condemned the bill as discriminatory and in violation of international norms on religious freedom. Critics argue that the French state is crossing the line from secular governance into religious restriction—leaving little room for belief in public life.
Good News Bonus
Christian Aid Worker Freed in Northwest Nigeria
In a hopeful turn, 33-year-old Christian aid worker Ojo John has been safely released after being kidnapped on May 21 in northwest Nigeria. John, along with fellow missionary Silvanus Abu, was abducted from their mission station in Kebbi State while working among the predominantly Muslim Zabarmawa people. After days of silence, John contacted his ministry leaders on May 26 to confirm his release and is now making his way to safety.
While John’s release brings relief, Abu remains in captivity. The incident underscores the ongoing risks faced by Christian workers in regions where they are a minority. Ministry leaders continue to call for prayers and support for Abu’s safe return.
christianpost.com/news/christian
Religious freedom is under fire—from mobs, from governments, and sometimes from the very people meant to protect it.
But even in the darkest corners, courage persists.
- A pastor stands firm.
- A player keeps playing.
- A kidnapped worker finds his way home.
We keep watching—and we won’t look away.
Follow @FirstFreedomOrg and share if you won’t either. 🕊️
#FoRB4All #FirstFreedom #ReligiousFreedom