Iran

COVID-19 outbreak in Evin Prison

At the outset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, we raised concerns about the potential deadly impact of a COVID-19 outbreak within Iran’s prison system, and have been working with politicians on the cases of particular individuals, including Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani. In August, we received news of a COVID-19 outbreak in Ward 8 of Evin prison, where a large number of prisoners of conscience, including many Christians, are detained. Conditions in Ward 8 are overcrowded, with inadequate medical care. Social distancing is not possible and insufficient protective measures have been put in place by prison authorities.

Yasser Mossayebzadeh was one of 12 prisoners in Ward 8 to test positive for COVID-19 and at the time of writing is reported to be seriously ill. Nasser Navard Goltape and Saheb Fadaie have reportedly displayed COVID-19 symptoms but according to our sources have not tested positive. Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani is believed not to be showing symptoms but is at risk given the outbreak in Ward 8. At the time of writing it is unclear whether he has been tested.

China

CSW welcomes international action on behalf of Uyghur Muslims

As the news this summer showed footage of shackled and blindfolded Muslims from the Uyghur ethnic group being herded onto trains, CSW welcomed the joint statement by 50 United Nations (UN) Independent Experts calling on the UN Human Rights Council to take urgent action to monitor human rights violations in China. At the same time over 75 faith leaders, including the former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, called for action to stop ‘one of the most egregious human tragedies since the Holocaust: the potential genocide of the Uyghurs and other Muslims in China’. CSW was one of the first international NGOs to raise awareness of the plight of Uyghur Muslims and to advocate for action from the international community. We’ll continue to build on these milestone moments to seek justice and freedom for all in China.

Nepal

Pastor Keshav released on bail

Many of you have been praying for Pastor Keshav Raj Acharya and his family in Nepal, who was arrested and detained on multiple occasions earlier this year before being detained at a remote location on charges of ‘outraging religious feelings’ and ‘attempting to convert’. He was originally arrested after a video in which he said the coronavirus could be healed through Christian prayer was uploaded on YouTube. The pastor denies uploading the video. We’re pleased to report that Pastor Keshav has been released on bail and reunited with his family. However, the case against him is still ongoing.