Representatives of the Democratic Federation of Northern Syria explained in Brussels their social model for a post-war Syria. The initiative for the cooperation was taken by the Christians, in collaboration with Muslims and other groups.

Despite losing votes, the President wins the Presidential election (52%) and gains new powers as head of government. Opposition parties such as the pro-Kurds gain seats in Parliament.

The popularity of the powerful President is falling strongly. “None of the parties have mentioned religious freedom” in the campaign, says Turkish Protestant Pastor Ihsan Özbek.

The government accuses the Muslim leaders of promoting radical Islamism and Turkish nationalism. The 2015 Islam law will banned foreign funding of mosques.

A church leader speaks about the opportunities and challenges after the fall of the government. “All my friends have actively participated in the protests and all of us have the same hopes for our country”.

A secret witness accused the US pastor in Izmir of supporting the Kurdish PKK movement. Three witnesses submitted by the defense were not allowed to testify.

Norine Brunson attended the hearing in Izmir on Monday. “The truth was spoken by Andrew and the Lord's name was glorified”.

“I have never done anything against Turkey. I want the truth to come out”, Andrew Brunson told the court in Izmir on Monday. His lawyer says “there is evidence that shows Brunson was detained due to his faith”.

Mass arrests, torture and arbitrary sackings are denounced by the United Nations. Pastor Andrew Brunson is one of the many imprisoned after the failed coup in 2016.

“I know the allegations against my father are absurd. He is not an armed terrorist trying to overthrow any government, my father is a peaceful pastor”, daugther Jacqueline Brunson told the United Nations in Geneva.

There are many skeptics today that argue that the laws contained in the Old Testament are written on the basis of earlier Sumerian and Babylonian law codes.

Fifty-seven countries respond to Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital city.

“It is the right thing to do”, the US President said. He also announced the move of the the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

President Erdogan suggests he would be open to a prisoner exchange with the US. The pastor's wife shares a song he has written in prison: “My tears and pain I lift up as an offering”.

Pastor Andrew Brunson was serving in a church in Izmir when he was detained almost one year ago. Turkish Protestants said the accusations are “absurd”.

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

People in France, Spain, Germany, Italy and Sweden are more interested in “spirituality” than in “religion”. A global survey shows that China and Indonesia have a great interest in religion.

The opposition calls to invalidate the result of the constitutional referendum and the OSCE says it was not a “genuinely democratic process.” Christians in the country have been increasingly targeted under the pro-Muslim President.

The Turkish President continues inflammatory rhetoric against EU leaders. April referendum could expand his powers.

A selection of pictures of World Press Photo 2017.

Plans for a new constitution would make it easier for the head of state to order a state of emergency. The post of Prime Minister could be abolished. 

Dozens have died in Poland, Italy, Greece, Turkey and Russia. The European Commission warns about the situation of many refugees.

Nationals of Germany, Belgium and France among victims of New Year’s Day attack. In Turkey, 300 people were killed in terrorist attacks in 2016.

Globally, some 65 million people have been displaced this year, roughly equivalent to Britain’s whole population.

Rev. Andrew Brunson has been serving in Turkey for 23 years. After being detained for 64 days, he now faces “terrorism” charges and alleged links with the Fetullah Gulen movement.