Release International reports

Release International

Release names 2011 persecution hotspots as North Korea, Pakistan, Eritrea, Iran, China and Sudan. Release magazine attached

Concern is growing for the plight of Christians in North Korea in 2011, as the nation grows increasingly unstable. Release International, which serves persecuted Christians worldwide, has named North Korea as a major hotspot for the new year.

'North Korea is considered by many to be the most repressive nation on earth,' says Release CEO Andy Dipper. 'And as the nation grows more unstable, persecution is set to get even worse. That's why Release is turning the spotlight on North Korea for 2011 by launching a major campaign.

'2011 is likely to be increasingly precarious for Christians in the North, as military tensions grow between the two Koreas, famine continues, and the North grooms heir apparent Kim Jong-un to take over from his father. Add to that continuing concern over the North's nuclear programme, and it all points to tougher times ahead for Christians,' says Andy Dipper.

Many Christians have been sent to death camps as political prisoners and subjected to brutal treatment in appalling conditions. Entire families are known to have been imprisoned if just one member is found to be a Christian, or in possession of a Bible.

Having another faith is seen to be highly subversive - and anyone refusing to accept the 'Dear Leader' as the supreme authority is likely to be severely punished.

All Christian meetings, Christian literature and Bibles are banned - forcing all believers to meet secretly, at great personal risk to themselves and their families.

The number of Christians in North Korea is unknown. Before the Communists came to power, there were said to be 300,000 believers and the capital Pyongyang was known as 'Asia's Jerusalem' because of the strong influence of Christianity.

The BBC has estimated that 'despite the persecutions, it is thought up to 30,000 North Koreans may practise Christianity secretly in their homes'.

'The Release campaign will be a timely opportunity for both prayer and advocacy to support persecuted Christians in the North,' says Release CEO Andy Dipper.

Among other likely persecution hotspots for 2011 are Pakistan, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, China, and Sudan, as the country moves towards a referendum which could divide the nation and lead to stricter Islamic law in the north.

Persecution outlook in brief:

Eritrea Security forces in the south have started a new vigorous campaign of persecution against evangelical and pentecostal Christians, and are tracking down members of the underground church. Around 3,000 Christians and church leaders have been imprisoned without trial. The number of committed Christians continues to grow in spite of the ongoing repression.

China Persecution against unregistered Christian house churches intensified in 2010. And as the number of house churches continues to grow, the more the Government will want to exercise control on what it views as a threat to its authority. Christians who tell what is happening inside China run the risk of arrest and long-term detention under the apparent 'catch-all' charge of subversion or undermining the State.

Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has blamed the 'network of house churches' for undermining Islam. The rapid growth of the church has been noted by both Christians and the Iranian Government. Local officials may regard this as encouragement to increase intimidation and persecution of house church Christians, and Muslim converts in particular.

Pakistan Unrest is growing over the blasphemy laws, which are often used to target minorities. Christian Asia Bibi is the first woman to be sentenced to death for blasphemy in Pakistan. Even if her sentence is overturned, Islamists have put a price on her head. Release will be presenting a 40,000-name petition to the Pakistan embassy in January calling on the Government to protect the religious freedom of its Christian minority.

Sudan The planned referendum on independence for southern Sudan is due to take place on January 9, 2011. There is oil in the south, and it's unlikely the north will let it go without a struggle. President Omar al-Bashir has promised to impose tighter Islamic law on the north. There is already an exodus of Christians leaving for the south.

Iraq and Nigeria are two nations where Christians faced Christmas violence. Militants are trying to drive Christians out of Iraq - thousands have left. And militants are using violence to try to impose Islamic law in more Nigerian states and to destabilise the nation ahead of elections.

'There are other nations where persecution is intense, says Release CEO Andy Dipper, 'in the Islamic, Communist - even the Buddhist worlds. Help us to help our Christian brothers and sisters under pressure. In nations such as Eritrea, Iran, Nigeria, North Korea and many others, your support will make a vital difference to Christians and church leaders on the frontline of faith.'