USCIRF is discouraged by deteriorating conditions of freedom of religion or belief in some countries, particularly Iran, where authorities have harassed, arrested, tortured and sexually assaulted protesters.
"These attacks are another attempt to reintroduce the era of violence and crises that have been largely contained thanks to the government's huge investment in security, peacebuilding and reconciliation."
A bible and a police flag were torn down at SatanCon to destroy "symbols of oppression".
In Kenya, the autopsy of 10 victims of the "Shakaola massacre" began on Monday and reveals its first conclusions.
While on their way to church, Mark Wahlberg and Mario Lopez uploaded a video to their social media to encourage their followers to pray.
"Mark Swidan was unjustly and illegally imprisoned by the Chinese for almost 11 years. He faces the death penalty, he is a man of great faith, an American patriot, and he refuses during his captivity to renounce his faith or to his country."
"The fact that this is a gift given to every student, with no strings attached, embodies the free and unmerited grace we have all received and is the foundation of our Christian faith."
"Sometimes we worship in the rain. I suffered from pneumonia due to the cold. I am still under medical treatment, but I am passionate about preaching the gospel of Christ."
In Nigeria, the leader of a church whose pastor was killed denounces a "hunt for Christians".
103 Christians have just been arrested in Eritrea and taken to Mai Serwa prison.
