Czech Republic detains 100 in massive anti-Roma protests
A tense calm has returned to the Czech Republic where officials say some 100 far-right activists have been detained in violent demonstrations against gypsies, also known as Roma. Officials said arrests were made in at least eight cities, which resembled a warzone on Saturday. Riot police used teargas to prevent hundreds of far-right activists from entering a district mainly inhabited by Roma. There were violent clashes between stone-throwing protesters and police in what rights activists viewed as a show of hatred towards the already discriminated and largely impoverished Roma minority. Advocacy group Amnesty International had urged the Czech government to ‘ensure that these protests do not lead to violence against Roma communities, and that those at risk get the protection they need’. Rights activists held counter demonstrations in several cities, including in the capital Prague. Government officials said the anti-Roma protests were fuelled by what they called ‘a list of lies’ distributed through the Internet. (See Prayer Alert 32-2013)
Pray: that the activists that instigated these protests and hate moves against the Roma will be stopped.
More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/30084-news-watch-czech-republic-detains-100-in-massive-anti-roma-protests
Czech Republic detains 100 in massive anti-Roma protests
A tense calm has returned to the Czech Republic where officials say some 100 far-right activists have been detained in violent demonstrations against gypsies, also known as Roma. Officials said arrests were made in at least eight cities, which resembled a warzone on Saturday. Riot police used teargas to prevent hundreds of far-right activists from entering a district mainly inhabited by Roma. There were violent clashes between stone-throwing protesters and police in what rights activists viewed as a show of hatred towards the already discriminated and largely impoverished Roma minority. Advocacy group Amnesty International had urged the Czech government to ‘ensure that these protests do not lead to violence against Roma communities, and that those at risk get the protection they need’. Rights activists held counter demonstrations in several cities, including in the capital Prague. Government officials said the anti-Roma protests were fuelled by what they called ‘a list of lies’ distributed through the Internet. (See Prayer Alert 32-2013)
Pray: that the activists that instigated these protests and hate moves against the Roma will be stopped.
More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/30084-news-watch-czech-republic-detains-100-in-massive-anti-roma-protests
NIGERIA: Education under threat
Boko Haram’s name means ‘Western education is sacrilege.’ They recently kidnapped three teachers at a school in Benin City, the fifth school attack since June. They killed 48 students and 7 teachers in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno. In Yobe a school was set on fire while students aged 10-15 slept. Anyone trying to escape was shot. At Mamudo terrorists killed 22 students and a teacher. At Adanu students were lined up, stripped, made to lie face down and shot. Then the bodies were burnt. Boko Haram wants to reinstate a 19th century caliphate - believing secular schooling has brainwashed Nigerians to accept post-colonial Western order and forget Islamic ways. Consequently, Yobe schools are now closed in response to the bloodshed, teachers and students across Nigeria have withdrawn from schools remaining open and one teacher (who possibly represents many) said she was not prepared to die for teaching and is looking for a new job.
Pray: for the Lord to demolish the demonic forces that are using Boko Haram to harm innocent children, teachers and the education system throughout Nigeria. (Dan.10:13)
More: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/08/nigeria-state-closes-all-schools_n_3559417.html
Syria: Treating war casualties
Three hospitals in that area are supported by the international medical organisation ‘Doctors Without Borders’ (MSF) reported receiving approximately 3,600 patients displaying neurotoxic symptoms in less than three hours on Wednesday. Three hundred and fifty-five died. MSF has a strong and reliable collaboration with medical networks, hospitals and medical points in the Damascus governorate - providing them with drugs, medical equipment and technical support. Medical staff provided detailed information regarding large numbers of patients with convulsions, excess saliva, pinpoint pupils, blurred vision and respiratory distress. They were treated with a drug used to treat neurotoxic symptoms. MSF is now trying to replenish empty stocks and provide additional medical supplies and guidance. 1,600 vials of atropine were supplied over recent months to hospitals and a further 7,000 vials more recently to facilities in the area treating neurotoxic patients. MSF is now including neurotoxic treatment strategies in all its Syrian programmes. Pray: for medical needs to be met in war zones. Pray against extreme violence, displacement and deliberate destruction of medical facilities.
Pray that the use of chemical and biological weapons would never be repeated. (Ps.35:17-20)
