US President Donald Trump has ordered the preparation of military plans for possible action in Nigeria, citing concerns over violence against Christians, though evidence for such targeted persecution is disputed. Nigeria's government denies religious intolerance, and the situation involves ongoing conflicts with jihadist groups like Boko Haram, which have caused widespread violence mostly affecting Muslims and Christians alike. Trump has also designated Nigeria a 'Country of Particular Concern' for religious freedom violations, threatening sanctions and military intervention if the Nigerian government does not address the issues.
Dozens of people were shot dead at a mosque in Natiaboani town, Burkina Faso, during early-morning prayers by suspected Islamist fighters, while a church in Essakane was also attacked on the same day. The attacks, which left at least 15 worshippers dead, have raised concerns about a coordinated plot. Burkina Faso has been plagued by insecurity, forcing millions from their homes, and the military's promise to combat insurgents has yet to bring an end to the violence.
The Mumbai Police and administration took action against Islamists who attacked Hindus in Mira Road, Mumbai, ahead of the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya. Illegal constructions of the accused were demolished, and 13 persons have been arrested. The Islamists tore flags bearing images of Lord Hanuman, leading to a tense situation in Mumbai. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated the government’s commitment to "zero tolerance" against those disturbing law and order. The Police have been deployed at several locations to prevent further incidents.
India's Supreme Court has reinstated life prison sentences for 11 Hindu men who raped a Muslim woman during the 2002 religious riots in Gujarat, asking them to surrender within two weeks. The men were released in 2022 after serving 14 years in prison, but a revised policy now prohibits remission release for certain crimes. The victim, who lost seven family members in the riots, filed a petition expressing outrage at the convicts' premature release, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was Gujarat's top official at the time, has faced allegations regarding the authorities' role in the violence.
More than 100 people have been arrested in Jaranwala, Pakistan, after thousands of Muslims burned churches and vandalized homes following claims that two Christian men had torn pages from the Quran. The two men have been charged with blasphemy, which is punishable by death in Pakistan. Blasphemy accusations in the country often lead to widespread violence, lynchings, and killings. Pakistan inherited the blasphemy law from the British in the 19th century, and since then, religion-fueled violence has increased, particularly against minority religious groups. The situation remains tense, with public gatherings restricted for seven days in the Faisalabad district.
Paramilitary troops have cordoned off a Christian settlement in Jaranwala, Pakistan, after a Muslim mob vandalized and torched several churches and houses following accusations of desecrating the Koran. The attack lasted for over 10 hours without police intervention, and the rioters demanded the accused men be handed over to them. Hundreds of Christians have fled their homes, and the settlement has been blocked off with barbed wire. Amnesty International has called on Pakistani authorities to protect minorities, and over 100 suspected rioters have been arrested. Blasphemy is punishable by death in Pakistan, and accusations are sometimes used to settle scores.
A Muslim religious leader was beaten to death by a crowd after allegedly making blasphemous remarks during an opposition party rally in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Blasphemy is a sensitive issue in Pakistan, where even unproven allegations can stir mobs and violence. Accusations of blasphemy have often been used to intimidate religious minorities and settle personal scores. More than 2,000 people have been accused of committing blasphemy since 1987, and at least 88 people have been killed by mobs after similar allegations.
