Stories about Religion from May, 2023
Persecuted Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light minority denied asylum in Europe amidst escalating violence
Since its inception in 1999, the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light minority has been subjected to systematic oppression based on a belief that they are heretics.
‘Post at your own risk': An interview with Indian journalist Srishti Jaswal
Global Voices conducted a telephonic interview with Srishti Jaswal, an award-winning journalist from India who became the target of online harassment from right-wing trolls, receiving thousands of threats.
Controversies erupt in India over the film ‘The Kerala Story’
Directed by Sudipto Sen, the Bollywood movie "The Kerala Stories" explores the controversial notion of “love jihad” — a conspiracy theory that Muslim men convert Hindu women to Islam via romantic relationships.
Building the homo militaris: Russia’s long game of militarized patriotism
The Kremlin’s promotion of militaristic patriotism has had a strong effect on Russian society. But the Soviet legacy of cynicism and “double-think” is actually working to mitigate it.
Russia arrests anti-war poet, claims terrorism charges for a theatre play
This is the first case of detention for a play in today's Russia. Prison sentences on charges for "publicly justifying terrorism" involve five to seven years in prison.
Fertile ground for con artists in Ukraine and Russia: 30 years of scams
Spartak Subbota promoted himself in Ukraine as a scientist, doctor, and psychology guru with an average 500,000 YouTube audience. A journalistic investigation suggested that the celebrity faked his biography and credentials.
Culture and conservation at Nepal's first bird sanctuary
The Ghodaghodi Lake Area, home to Nepal's first bird sanctuary, is culturally important to the indigenous Tharu people and this may have played a significant role in its preservation.
Fighting violent extremism in the Sahel and West Africa: A real challenge for religious leaders
Although the state bears the primary responsibility for protecting populations, it seems equally crucial to regard religious leaders as “strong partners in the prevention and incitement of criminal atrocities.
