The extreme Islamist sect Boko Haram has killed at least 36 people in attacks on worship services in northern Nigeria and attacks on newspaper offices in the north and centre of the country.

The Chinese government is engaged in a three-phase campaign to eradicate unregistered house churches within ten years, according to a statement released on 20 April by China Aid Association.

A letter written by Youcef Nadarkhani earlier this week (7 May 2012) has been published by Present Truth Ministries. In the letter, Youcef writes about his health, his gratitude to those supporting him and his faith in God. Youcef was arrested and imprisoned in October 2009 and tried in September 2010, when he was found guilty of apostasy and sentenced to death. Read more about the background to Youcef's case.

The text of the letter reads:

A judge in Upper Egypt has upheld a six-year prison sentence for a Coptic Christian wrongly convicted of "blasphemy" against Islam and inciting sectarian strife.

On 5 April 2012 the judge refused to strike down a sentence that had been delivered on 29 February to Makarem Diab (49) of the town of Abnoub in Assuit Province. The charges arose from an argument in February between Diab, a school administrator, and Abd Al Hameed, a fellow employee.

Hindu extremists trying to prevent the burial of a Christian, Jaikant Pawar, in Chhattisgarh state beat several Christians into unconsciousness, including children and two 60-year-old women. Jaikant's widow Champa (pictured) is now the only Christian in Balgal village.