• INDIA - For Indian Church homosexuality is not a crime but cannot become a “social norm”
Delhi High Court decriminalises homosexuality by repealing statute in Indian Penal Code that defined it as a crime. Harsh criticism comes from India’s Muslims who accuse the government of giving in to Western decadence. The spokesman for the India Church says that trying to redefine the family will undermine the bases of society.
• CHINA - Public protest in Beijing against internet censorship
More than a thousand people show up in Beijing to boycott internet for a day. They demand an end to censorship. China has 300 million users and is concerned they might create opinion groups and exchange information.
• IRAN - Tehran steps up crackdown as protest continues
Mousavi and Kharroubi describe current government as “illegitimate”, call for a strike. Khatami and some ayatollahs back them. The regime threatens to indict Mousavi, shuts down Kharroubi’s newspaper and opens an investigation into doctor who tried to save Neda. Rumours are circulating that some protesters have been hanged. Ahmadinejad cancels trip to African summit.
• TAIWAN - The wife of former Taiwanese president Chen Shuibian has asked him to plead guilty
The charges of corruption and money laundering against Chen have involved even his wife Wu and their children. The children accepted their responsibilities and now Chens wife urges him to plead guilty so as to avoid dire consequences to the family.
• ISRAEL - PALESTINE - For Amnesty Israel and Hamas guilty of war crimes in Gaza
The international organisation accuses Israeli soldiers of killing scores of civilians, using them as ‘human shields’. Hamas is accused of launching rockets against Israeli towns and endangering the lives of Palestinian civilians. Both Israel and Hamas reject report’s findings. UN inquiry continues.
• PAKISTAN - Hundreds of Muslims attack about a hundred Christian homes in Punjab
Mob sets fire to a number of houses, burns cars and destroys electrical installations. The incident is caused by a quarrel between a Muslim and a Christian which degenerated into a riot with petrol bombs, beatings and acid throwing.
• VIETNAM - Redemptorist priest could be accused of plotting to overthrow Vietnam’s Communist regime
State media want an “immediate and severe” punishment for Fr Joseph Le Quang Uy. The police claims his laptop computer contained “bad content”. The clergyman says all he had on the computer were sermons and some articles critical of bauxite mining in the Central Highlands, a project that is even opposed by Vietnam’s mythical General Giáp.
• INDIA - Too many regulations prevent Indian economic development
Jamie Dimon, of JP Morgan speaks of future investments in India. An enormous potential of 10 – 20 trillion dollars, but there are too many hurdles. The future not only belong to India or to China, but to evreybody.
• KOREA - Caritas Korea: North Korea in need not only of food but also education and human rights
A humanitarian crisis is ravaging North Korea, affecting health, education and communication. The Catholic Church and activists are sponsoring effective long-term projects that are targeted. North Korean refugees are enrolled in integration programmes.
• INDONESIA - Nuns help the poor with garbage
For the past two years the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul have been recycling plastic in East Java, turning it into umbrellas, bags, mobile phone cases and rosary beads. Thanks to the initiative, a number of families are earning a living selling these products.
• HONG KONG - CHINA - Tens of thousands of disgruntled residents march for democracy
Environmentalists, unhappy investors, pro-democracy activists and young people take to the street. Police tries to tightly cordon off the event to prevent participation. The official ceremony includes shows, acrobats and performers from the mainland, attracting thousands of spectators. During the flag-raising ceremony activists call for the release of Liu Xiaobo.
• SRI LANKA - In Sri Lanka children write prayers for priests in the Year for Priests
In Colombo the Catholic Church publishes a booklet titled ‘Prayers for Priests’ in Sinhala, Tamil and English to help presbyters pursue their vocation and lay people know and support the mission.
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