Detention of a 95-Year-Old Religious Leader Damages Korea’s Reputation: European Scholars of Religion Call for the Release of Chairman Lee Man-hee
European scholars of religion are making strong appeals to the South Korean government to release Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old Chairman of Shincheonji Church, who remains in detention. Chairman Lee was detained on 24 June on charges including violations of the Political Parties Act and was indicted on 30 June. The
Stigma Across Borders: Concerns Grow Over Discrimination Against Shincheonji Members Abroad
Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, said on July 9 that the international human rights organization CAP LC, the Coordination des Associations et Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience, had submitted a joint written statement to the U.N. Human Rights Council expressing concern over
Detained at 95: South Korea’s Prosecution of a Religious Leader Draws International Alarm
International criticism is mounting over the detention and prosecution of Chairman Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old leader of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, and over recent public remarks by South Korea’s Minister of Justice, Jeong Seong-ho. On June 30, Minister Jeong announced on his social media account that Chairman Lee had been
Hezbollah Chief says resistance will continue as memorandum faces mounting pressure
Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qasim has declared that the Lebanese resistance movement will not surrender despite mounting military, economic and political pressure, remarks that come amid growing uncertainty over the implementation of the recently signed memorandum of understanding aimed at ending regional hostilities. Speaking in a televised address, Qasim
US, Iran Sign Landmark Truce Deal, Paving Way for Sanctions Relief and $300 Billion Reconstruction Plan
The United States and Iran have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at ending months of hostilities and laying the foundation for a comprehensive peace agreement, in what analysts are describing as the most significant diplomatic breakthrough between the two nations in decades. The agreement, which entered into
Iran ties future of US deal to Washington’s compliance
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has warned that the future of a newly signed memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington will depend entirely on whether the United States honours its commitments. Speaking to Iranian state media, Qalibaf said the agreement is anchored on a strict “action for action”
Iran Suspends US Talks, Ties Future Negotiations to Gaza and Lebanon Ceasefire
Iran has suspended all negotiations and indirect communication with the United States, significantly raising tensions in the Middle East and casting uncertainty over ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the region’s three-month conflict. The decision, announced on June 1, follows Tehran’s accusation that continued Israeli military operations in Lebanon constitute
Global oil supply squeeze deepens as markets fluctuate amid Strait of Hormuz disruption, IMF warns of mounting risks
Global energy markets are under renewed strain after the International Monetary Fund (IMF), alongside the International Energy Agency (IEA), World Bank Group and World Trade Organization (WTO), warned that oil inventories are being depleted at a record pace following major supply disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz. In a
Putin, Xi Deepen Strategic Alliance, Extend Key Treaty as Russia and China Push “Multipolar World Order”
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have moved to tighten their geopolitical alignment, extending the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation while jointly reinforcing their push for what they describe as a “multipolar world order.” The developments were unveiled during Putin’s state visit to Beijing, where the
Victory Day: Beyond the Spectacle, Into Russia’s Living Memory of War
For years, Russia’s Victory Day celebrations looked, from a distance, like a carefully staged display of military power. Columns of tanks rumbling across Red Square, tightly choreographed formations, missile systems on parade, and fighter jets cutting through the sky all seemed to project a singular message of strength. But that
