A sign in a bookstore in Flensburg, Germany, stating “Jews are banned from entering here!” has sparked international outrage and accusations of antisemitism. The message, claimed to be posted out of anger over the Gaza war, drew widespread condemnation. This incident reflects rising antisemitism in Germany amid increasing anti-Israel protests. See the article here
The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Lithuania violated the religious freedom of a Jehovah’s Witness minister by denying him access to civilian service as an alternative to mandatory military service due to his conscientious objection. This ruling marks Lithuania’s second loss in a similar case. The European Court emphasized the importance of freedom…
AFN is saddened by the horrific attack on the Heaton Park synagogue in Manchester today thoroughly condemns it and the motivations behind this event. Our thoughts are with the victims and the community and wish them strength to get through this difficult period. Hate crime and violence against any religion or group is despicable yet…
AFN members attended a conference on religious freedom relating to a small minority new religion in the UK. AFN’s Director had done a study of discrimination against the group in Sweden. The movement’s account of the conference is detailed here:
Reprinted from a newsletter by Human Rights Without Frontiers Int’l (www.hrwf.eu) Fifteen months after the European elections, there is still no appointment of an EU Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief. Since the mandate of EU Special Envoy was created in 2016, the position has repeatedly been kept vacant for long periods without…
Anti-Christian hate crimes are rising in the OSCE region, posing serious threats to societal stability and religious freedom. These acts of violence, vandalism, and threats not only harm individuals and communities but also lead to isolation and decreased religious participation. Governments are urged to recognize and condemn such crimes, enhance education on intolerance, and promote…
In Nakhichevan, Azerbaijan, a recent court ruling imposed heavy fines on five individuals for attending an unregistered Christian worship service, following a police raid that involved detentions and food deprivation. The fines, equivalent to three months’ wages, create significant financial strain, especially for a Korean family who hosted the meeting, with some members reportedly deported….
The Spanish government has denounced a new ban in Jumilla that limits religious gatherings in public sports venues, primarily impacting the local Muslim community. The ban has faced backlash for being discriminatory and fostering “institutionalized Islamophobia.” This incident underscores the broader conflicts in Europe over nationalism and multiculturalism.
The media plays a crucial role in fostering stigma against religious minorities by labelling them as “cults” or “sects,” which creates an environment of intolerance and violence. This harmful portrayal, influenced by anti-cult activists and sensationalism, undermines protections under Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Cases in the UK and Belgium show…
Speaking at Durbar Court in King Charles Street, London, last week, Lord Collins outlined the UK’s approach to freedom of religion or belief. “We promote human rights, including FoRB, not just because it is in our national interest but also because it is the right thing to do. Human rights, the rule of law and…
