There is “extreme persecution” in 10 countries in Africa and the Middle East, says Open Doors. Elsewhere, worrying trends are observed in key geopolitical actors such as India, Saudi Arabia and China.

Four Middle Eastern countries accounted for 88% of all reported death penalties applied worldwide, but non-official statistics speak of thousands executed in China.

Around 1,000 people joined silent protests on the same evening. “The fate of those persecuted for their faith should not leave us cold”.

It is the second visit of a group of leaders who support Israel and US President Donald Trump. In a meeting with Mohamed bin Salman, they addressed human rights, politics and religious freedom.

Eighty journalists were killed this year. “The hatred of journalists is voiced, and sometimes very openly proclaimed, by unscrupulous politicians” and “amplified by social networks”, a RSF report says.

Córdoba International Television was founded in 2012 by the Sheikh Abdelaziz al Fawzan. It broadcast in Spain and Latin America. All its workers were fired last May.

Since the 9/11 attack in 2001, we have seen more than 60 new Muslim movements to Christ.

One aim of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition is that extremists no longer “tarnish our beloved religion”.

After the Saudi-led coalition blockade, Yemen faces “the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Some seven million people are on the brink of famine”, the UN warns.

How can Islamic radicalism be countered after the imprisonment of the Christian governor of Jakarta?

According to the US State Department annual report, "almost 80% of the global population live with restrictions to limit their freedom of religion.”

Three churches have been banned for religious activities and another one was attacked in the last month. Banners against Christian candidate Basuki Tjahaja "Ahok" were rife all over Jakarta.

Churches are forbidden in Saudi Arabia, and converting from Islam is punished with decapitation.

The Saudi blogger sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes for insulting Muslim clerics has won the European Union’s Sakharov prize for human rights.

At least 717 pilgrims killed and more than 800 injured in crush at Mina outside Mecca, during the Hajj's last major rite.

The country chairs a consultative panel in the UN Council on Human Rights. Today, Ali Mohammed Al-Nimhr, 21 years old, was to be beheaded and crucified.

The conflict has killed more than 700 and caused 121,000 to flee their homes. 

Christianity was born in Bethlehem, in what's now the West Bank. Places like Qatar and Bahrain have seen their Christian ranks surge from basically nothing a century ago to 10% and 13% of their respective populations.