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Japan | Hakamada found religion, but then felt under attack by ‘the devil’

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Editor's note: This is the last in a four-part series on letters that Iwao Hakamada wrote while on death row. About a decade after cursing God, Iwao Hakamada was baptized Catholic at the Tokyo Detention House on Dec. 24, 1984. “Since I have been given the Christian name Paul, I am keenly feeling that I should be aware of the greatness of Paul.” (June 1985)

Mauritania | Christian Leaders Arrested in Mauritania in Large-Scale Crackdown

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A prominent Christian leader, along with 14 other Christian leaders and their families, was arrested in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania earlier this month. 

These leaders represent a significant portion of the nation’s small Christian community, estimated to be around 1,000 individuals.  

Mauritania’s current penal code, specifically Article 306, imposes the death penalty for apostasy, with the provision for a lesser penalty if the accused repents. 

The arrests were reportedly triggered by posting a video showcasing a baptism ceremony in Mauritania. The video, believed to be leaked by an insider seeking monetary gain, quickly went viral. 

The aftermath of the video’s dissemination led to disturbing incitements, with some calling for violence against Christians. Reports include statements like, “We have to kill those who preach Christianity, and these Christians have no place in Mauritania.” 

Tragically, this hostility has extended beyond the arrested individuals, affecting their families who are now facing harassment from their neighbors. 

The Mauritanian government finds itself in a delicate position, torn between its commitments to human rights reforms and greater religious freedom, asserting that the arrests were made to protect citizens and other radical Islamist elements. The government stands firm in its decision that the arrests are necessary for addressing the “Christian problem” in Mauritania. 

The widespread attention drawn by the arrests and the viral video has sparked awareness across Mauritania about the presence of Christianity within its borders. 

Consequently, a growing number of voices are advocating for tolerance and understanding, emphasizing that Christians are integral members of Mauritanian society, contributing positively to their local communities. International Christian Concern (ICC) has pledged to work closely with partners to aid the persecuted Christian families in Mauritania. 

Source: persecution.org, Staff, December 13, 2023


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Location: Mauritania
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