Indonesia — Although the construction permit for the Gamaliel Christian School has been approved, the Parepare City Government, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, recommended that construction be stopped after a group of demonstrators protested plans for the school in their predominantly Muslim community.

Efforts to reject the building of a Christian school in Prepare started in 2018. On Sept. 20, 2024, demonstrators from the Parepare Islamic Community Forum (FM2P) protested as the school’s construction began once all the building permit requirements were complete. A month later, demonstrators again urged the government to reject the construction of the school.

Sinta, the deputy chairperson of the Gamaliel Christian School Foundation, explained that her party would continue plans to build the school because the requirements to continue construction have been completed.

Citing a 2021 regulation of the Indonesian Ministry of Education, they claim that ‘any Christian educational institution is only allowed to be built where there is no public rejection’. ‘In Soreang,’ they add, ’there are still many schools whose student numbers are still below expectations. The Gamaliel School’s Foundation replies by pointing out that all requirements have been fully met and completed by October 2023. The school’s lawyer, Rachmat S Lulung, also recalled how this Christian school is an inclusive educational institution, ‘open to all Indonesian students’.

A local Pare-Pare politician, Kamaluddin Kadir, is also publicly supporting the protesters’ disagreement, citing the fact that the school is located in a Muslim-majority area. However, Permadi Arya, a Muslim influencer, has taken a stand against his comments, appealing to President Joko Widodo by recalling Pope Francis’ visit a few weeks ago. ‘President Jokowi,’ he wrote on social media, ’please show your power to protect our Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, the spirit of the nation in ensuring unity in diversity, which you publicly upheld in front of the pontiff. If she does not have the courage to do so, it will mean that they were just empty words’.

Sources:persecution

http://theendtimeradio.com

ദുബൈ: യു.എ.ഇ 100 ദിർഹത്തിന്റെ പുതിയ കറൻസി നോട്ട് പുറത്തിറക്കി. പേപ്പറിന് പകരം പോളിമറിലാണ് യു.എ.ഇ സെൻട്രൽ ബാങ്ക് പുതിയ നോട്ട് പുറത്തിറക്കിയത്. പഴയ പേപ്പർ നോട്ടും നൂറ് ദിർഹത്തിന്റെ പോളിമർ നോട്ടിനൊപ്പം പ്രാബല്യത്തിലുണ്ടാകും. ബാങ്കുകൾ, എ.ടി.എമ്മുകൾ, കറൻസി എക്‌സ്‌ചേഞ്ച് സ്ഥാപനങ്ങൾ എന്നിവിടങ്ങളിൽ നൂറ് ദിർഹത്തിന്റെ പുതിയ നോട്ടുകൾ ലഭ്യമായിരിക്കും.

രാഷ്ട്രപിതാവ് ശൈഖ് സായിദിന്റെ ചിത്രത്തിനൊപ്പം ഉമ്മുൽഖുവൈൻ കോട്ടയാണ് പുതിയ നോട്ടിന്റെ ഒരു വശത്തുള്ളത്. മറുവശത്ത് ഫുജൈറ തുറമുഖവും ഇത്തിഹാദ് റെയിലും സ്ഥാനം പിടിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്. വാജ്യ കറൻസി നിർമിക്കുന്നവർക്ക് അനുകരിക്കാൻ കഴിയാത്ത സുരക്ഷ സംവിധാനങ്ങൾ നോട്ടിന്റെ പ്രത്യേകതയാണ്. യു.എ.ഇ നേരത്തേ 50 ദിർഹം, 500 ദിർഹം, 1000 ദിർഹം എന്നിവയുടെ പോളിമർ നോട്ടുകൾ പുറത്തിറക്കിയിരുന്നു. ഇവ ലോകത്തെ ഏറ്റവും മികച്ച കറൻസി നോട്ടിനുള്ള അവാർഡും ഈയിടെ സ്വന്തമാക്കി.
Sources:globalindiannews

http://theendtimeradio.com

The UAE’s Central Bank (CBUAE) announced Monday it has launched a new Dh100 banknote just ahead of the Eid Al Fitr break. Made of polymer, the Central Bank said it has used innovative designs and advanced security features while designing the banknote.

The new Dh100 banknote is part of the CBUAE’s Third Issuance of the National Currency Project. The front of the new banknote features the Um Al Quwain National Fort, a historical and cultural monument, and the reverse side features the Port of Fujairah.

Additionally, it also showcases the Etihad Rail. This railway network connects the seven Emirates and extends to the GCC countries. The design of the new banknote features various shades of red. To ensure public recognition, the CBUAE maintained the colour characteristics of the current denomination.

The new banknote will be circulated with the existing Dh100 note starting March 24. All banks and exchange houses have been instructed to programme their cash deposit machines and counting devices to ensure acceptance of these new banknotes alongside existing paper and polymer banknotes, whose value is guaranteed by law, CBUAE said in a statement.

Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE, said, “The new 100 dirham banknote reflects our commitment to the leadership’s vision for a sustainable future through initiatives and achievements that support Net Zero and enhance the nation’s financial competitiveness.”

He added, “Its design embodies the country’s ambitious aspirations for future progress and prosperity while honouring its historical and cultural heritage. We are pleased to announce this special issue in conjunction with the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations.”

Security features
The Dh100 banknote incorporates advanced security features as well. Moreover, CBUAE explained that polymer banknotes are more durable and sustainable than traditional paper banknotes, lasting two or more times longer in circulation. In this issue, the CBUAE said it has maintained its consideration of all banknote users by adding prominent symbols in Braille to help blind and visually impaired consumers identify the banknote’s value.

Recently, the CBUAE won the ‘Best New Banknote’ award at the 2023 and 2025 High-Security Printing EMEA conference for its Dh500 and Dh1,000 polymer banknotes.
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Iran — As extreme Christian persecution continues in Iran, three Christian converts in the nation received a combined total of nearly 42 years in prison on March 8 for practicing their faith.

Narges Nasri, who is currently pregnant, Mehran Shamloui, and Abbas Soori were arrested in early November 2024 when authorities raided their homes in Tehran. All three converts were members of house churches.

According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Nasri was sentenced to 16 years in prison for “‘propaganda activity contrary to Islamic law’ due to her alleged ‘influential connections abroad,’… membership in anti-regime groups … [and] propaganda against the regime.” Nasri was also fined and given “15 years of social rights deprivation.”

Shamloui was sentenced to 10 years and 8 months in jail for “propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law,” and “membership in groups opposing the state.” The man will also be subjected to “15 years of social deprivation, and a fine of 250 million tomans (about $4,120).”

HRANA reports that Soori received a 15-year prison sentence for “propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law,” and “membership in groups opposing the state.” Additionally, Soori must endure “15 years of social deprivation, a fine of 330 million tomans (about $6,500), [and] additional penalties, including a travel ban, a ban on residing in Tehran and neighboring provinces, and a ban on membership in social groups for two years.”

Christians, especially those who convert from Islam, are often targeted for persecution and mistreatment in Iran. Moreover, attempting to evangelize about Christianity is prohibited and publicly elevating Jesus Christ over Islamic beliefs about God could get an individual a prison or a death sentence.

According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Iran passed legislation in 2021 that would allow authorities to target religious minorities with prison time in the nation. The law penalizes anyone “engaging in propaganda that educates in a deviant way contrary to the holy religion of Islam.”

Iran continues to be one of the most egregious offenders of human rights in the world. The nation remains on the U.S. State Department’s Countries of Particular Concern list due to its harsh abuses of religious freedom.
Sources:persecution

http://theendtimeradio.com