Georgian woman ordered detained for defacing Stalin icon in Tbilisi
Reuters A court in Georgia has ordered five days’ detention for a woman who defaced a religious icon depicting Soviet leader Josef Stalin, an act which ignited large protests last month in the capital Tbilisi, her lawyers said. The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association confirmed in an email to Reuters that Natalia Peradze, also known as […]
“Take Our Border Back” vehicle convoy to rally near US-Mexico border
Reuters A vehicle convoy carrying Americans opposed to illegal immigration plans to rally at three points near the US-Mexico border on Saturday, with organizers saying the action will focus on peaceful protest and prayer. Critics of the convoy, however, worry it could fuel anti-immigrant sentiment at a time of acrimonious political sparring over the border […]
Farmers block Dutch-Belgian border as protests spread across Europe
Brussels, Belgium Reuters Farmers blocked the Dutch-Belgian border and occupied roads in Greece on Friday, while a Polish union announced plans to shut border crossings with Ukraine as European protests over prices and red tape spread. Protests have erupted in several countries, exposing anger about low prices for produce, rising costs, cheap imports and constraints […]
Too pretty? Easter poster depicting a handsome, fresh-faced Jesus prompts criticism in Spain
Madrid, Spain AP A poster in the southern Spanish city of Seville that depicts a young, handsome Jesus wearing only a loincloth has unleashed a storm on social media, with some calling it an affront to the figure of Christ and others posting lewd remarks and memes poking fun at the image. The poster by […]
US starts retaliatory strikes in Iraq and Syria against Iran-linked targets
Washington DC, US Reuters The US military launched airstrikes on Friday in Iraq and Syria against more than 85 targets linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and the militias it backs, in retaliation for last weekend’s attack in Jordan that killed three US troops. The strikes, which included the use of long-range B-1 bombers flown from […]
Discerning the call: In Catholic men’s religious orders, diversity brings new opportunities – and occasional friction
ELIZABETH E EVANS, of Religion News Service, reports on how religious communities are exploring different ways to mentor and walk alongside young men as they discern their calling…
At National Prayer Breakfast, Biden speaks of praying, working for peace
United States RNS President Joe Biden vowed to keep working and praying for resolutions to global conflicts as he addressed the National Prayer Breakfast. He also urged congressional leaders not to treat those with whom they disagree as enemies. “My prayer, my hope, is we continue to believe our best days are ahead of us, […]
Ethiopia extends state of emergency in Amhara
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Reuters Ethiopia’s parliament on Friday extended by four months a state of emergency declared in August to respond to an insurgency in the northern region of Amhara that has resulted in hundreds of deaths and drawn accusations of widespread human rights abuses. Fighting erupted in Amhara last July between federal forces and […]
World Court says it will hear part of Russia-Ukraine genocide case
The Hague, The Netherlands Reuters The United Nations’ highest court on Friday ruled that it will hear a case in which Kyiv has asked it to declare it did not commit genocide in eastern Ukraine, as Russia claimed as a pretext for attacking its smaller neighbour. Ukraine brought the case to the International Court of […]
Trapped against fence, Gazans fear Israeli attack on their last refuge
Gaza Reuters Israeli forces shelled the outskirts of the last refuge on the southern edge of the Gaza Strip on Friday, where the displaced population, penned against the border fence in their hundreds of thousands, feared a new assault with nowhere left to flee. More than half of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents are now homeless […]