This week's persecuted church: Eritrea

On 12 February 2011 Eyob Mussie was arrested in Saudi Arabia for proselytising, an offence which carries the death penalty. After psychiatric tests conducted 15 days after his arrest confirmed Mr Mussie’s sanity, there were reports that he would receive the death penalty. However, it appears that the Saudi authorities have decided instead to deport him.

CSW’s Advocacy Director Andrew Johnston said, “We commend the Saudi government for sparing Mr Mussie’s life. However, deporting him to Eritrea means he has effectively been granted only a brief reprieve from danger since the Eritrean authorities will certainly subject him to cruel and inhumane treatment. As a signatory to the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), we urge Saudi Arabia not to return Mr Mussie to a country where there is a strong likelihood he will face severe mistreatment, and appeal to the Saudi authorities to consider alternative countries of asylum for Mr Mussie.”

Thought of the Day: 과자 마을

Song of the Day: 2NE1-Hate You