All cases
Free Evangelical Churches Appeal Against Ban On Baptisms In Public Beaches
July 11, 2022, SwitzerlandTwo free evangelical churches have appealed to the Geneva Court due to the denial of their requests to perform baptisms on public beaches. On July 8, the Swiss canton of Geneva banned baptisms organized by evangelical churches in Lake Geneva, but the same baptisms are allowed in Vaud, an area that covers the northern shore of the Lake. The Swiss Evangelical Alliance wrote in a media release that they were shocked that Geneva, the human rights capital, would take such a "restrictive and exclusionary approach to religious freedom".
Spain: First Fines For Praying Outside Abortion Clinics
July 7, 2022, SpainAfter the law that criminalizes pro-life activism outside abortion clinics entered into force, the first fines have been issued. One of the fined people was a woman that claims to have received a letter from the Government Delegation, stating that she was fined 600 euros for allegedly "organizing an illegal gathering". A young man also received a fine of 600 euros simply for praying the Rosary on his knees outside an abortion facility. The Christian Lawyers have promptly offered legal assistance to these people, claiming they intend to fight these accusations in court and have no intention of paying the fines.
Calls For Buffer Zone at Abortion Clinic in Bournemouth
June 28, 2022, United KingdomThe abortion clinic in Bournemouth has been calling for a buffer zone around the facility, due to the daily vigils outside the clinic that have been taking place over the years, in order to prevent pro-life protesters from approaching the women going to the clinic, as well as the staff that works there. Rachel Clarke, from the mentioned clinic, said "[Bournemouth] is one of the worst-hit clinics in the country". A buffer zone could undermine the freedom of assembly and freedom of speech of pro-life activists.
Spain: "Trans Law" Approved, Restricts Parental Rights and Free Speech
June 27, 2022, SpainOn the 27th of June, the Spanish Cabinet approved the so-called 'trans law', despite controversy. Now it goes to the Spanish Parliament "where an intense debate is expected". According to the government, the purpose of this law is "to advance in the depathologisation of transsexuality and gender self-determination". The law has been criticized, as it criminalizes content that questions the trans ideology, including anything that might be understood as "conversion therapy", and it undermines parental rights.
Evangelical Christian Preacher, Hatun Tash, arrested again at Speakers’ Corner
June 26, 2022, United KingdomThe evangelical Christian preacher and member of the Free Speech Union, Hatun Tash, was arrested on the 26th of June, at Speakers’ Corner. It was her third arrest in two years. Apparently, she was dragged by a group of police officers, who took her to the police station, "strip-searched, interviewed, kept overnight in a cell and then released without charge". She was released the next day, interestingly, on the 150th anniversary of Speakers’ Corner.
Four Ukrainian Churches Harassed and Forced to Close by Russian Soldiers
June 12, 2022, UkraineBetween June 12 and 16, four Protestant Churches were harassed in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine, by soldiers and officials. Three of the churches are located in the Donetsk region - Central Baptist Church, the Church of Christ the Saviour in Mariupol, and a church in Manhush - and the other one is a church in Vasilievka in the Zaporizhia region. According to Dr. Hyun Sook Foley, representative of the Voice of the Martyrs Korea, officials conducted searches in these churches, demanded to see documents, confiscated equipment, and even forced church members to exit the building.
Spain: Bishop called Homophobic and Insulted for Defending Life and Family
June 5, 2022, SpainBishop Santiago Gómez Sierra of Huelva spoke in a Mass on Pentecost Sunday and reminded Catholics of the importance of upholding the values of life and family when they vote in the upcoming election. He said that he was not trying to enforce anything but rather encourage "moral principles" that "should be above the different party strategies because they are issues required by reason, natural law, and true humanism.” For this speech, he was accused by left-leaning media and politicians of being homophobic and attacking "rights won by the left."
Student Pro-Life Group Launches Petition after Being Rejected from 6 Universities
May 31, 2022, GermanyThe group "Pro-Life Europe" has launched a petition to be admitted at the University of Regensburg. Since 2020, they have been refused a place in 6 universities in German speaking countries; a serious challenge to freedom of speech. In 2021, the students tried to be accepted as a group at the University of Regensburg to discuss the topic of abortion with scientific approaches. Despite asking three times and complying with the guidelines, they were rejected without reason; while other groups were given full support. Similar opposition was met at other universities including TU Munich, the University of Wuppertal, the University of Augsburg, the Johannes Kepler University , and the University of Vienna which denied them a stand. The organization is not religious, but many belonging students identify as Christians and are representative of religious groups with similar opinions.
Member of Scottish Parliament Launched Bill for Censorship Zones Around Abortion Clinics
May 20, 2022, United KingdomGillian Mackay, an MSP for the Green Party, "initiated a public consultation on the Bill" that would allow a 2-year sentence to be assigned to someone who "attempts to influence or persuade someone seeking an abortion inside censorship zones," reported "RighttoLife" News. Some claim, there has been a rise in incidents outside abortion clinics involving pro-life activists, but Robert Colquhoun, the campaign director for "40 Days for Life", disagreed saying that it was actually just increased media attention that made it seem so. The introduction of such zones would negatively impact Christians who often attend such vigils due to their biblically based pro-life belief.
Scottish Ministers Criticized for Seeking Dialogue Between Pro-life and Pro-Choice Groups
April 27, 2022, United KingdomScottish ministers said they plan to explore options of mediation with pro-life activists regarding "buffer zones" around abortion clinics. According to minutes from an abortion "buffer zone" meeting in February, the Centre for Good Relations asked for engagement “with all interested parties, not just those who are directly involved with the conflict itself." The ministers were criticized for their plan which aims to understand “the issues and perspective from all sides."
76-year-old Grandmother Arrested for Praying Outside during Lockdown
April 13, 2022, United Kingdom76-year-old Rosa Lalor was arrested on February 24th, 2021 as she did not have a "reasonable excuse" to be outside at the time. This was despite her explaining to the police officer that she was "walking and praying," and daily exercise was allowed. The officer accused her of not praying in a house of worship and fined her £200 after detaining her in a police car. She challenged this fine and has taken it to court with the help of ADF UK.
Finnish Prosecutors Appealed Päivi Räsänen Case
April 10, 2022, FinlandAfter the Helsinki District Court disregarded all charges against the Finnish politician Päivi Räsänen on March 30th, the prosecutor has filed an appeal. Räsänen said “I had hoped that the prosecutors would have settled for this ruling … [But] I am ready to defend freedom of speech and religion in all necessary courts, also in the European Court of Human Rights.” Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland was also prosecuted for distributing a pamphlet that Räsänen wrote regarding the Bible's views on gender and marriage.
Twitter Bans Spanish Deputy for Writing "Amen" in Support of the Holy Week
April 8, 2022, SpainTwitter censored the deputy of the VOX party in Spain, Víctor Manuel Sánchez del Real, for writing "Amen" and the cry "Long live Christ the King", in support of the Holy Week. The social network considered that the deputy's publications did not comply with Twitter's rules, by "publishing private information" and demanded that he deleted it in order to unlock his account.
Spanish PSOE Law Criminalizes Pro-Life Prayer Groups Outside Abortion Facilities
April 6, 2022, SpainOn the 6th of April, the Spanish Senate approved an alteration to the Penal Code, in order to "punish the harassment and intimidation of anti-abortion activists of women who go to clinics to voluntarily interrupt their pregnancy". This modification, which could lead to 3 months up to 1 year of imprisonment, was endorsed by the Socialist Party of Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister. It was approved by Congress and enters into force when published in the Official State Gazette.
Pro-Life Catholics Praying Outside Abortion Facilities Faced Abuse
April 2, 2022, SpainOn the 2nd of April, young people and families were harassed by activists and feminists, while praying outside the Askabide abortion clinic in San Sebastian. They were praying the rosary on their knees, with a megaphone, under the motto "praying is not a crime" and carried a cross and an image of the Virgin. Tensions started to build up as protesters began harassing, censoring, and insulting the pro-life group. The police from Ertzaintza had to intervene in order to prevent attacks against the people praying.
Update: Finnish Court Upholds Free Speech in Major Trial
March 30, 2022, FinlandOn March 30th, the Helsinki District Court unanimously dismissed all charges against MP Päivi Räsänen and Bishop Juhana Pohjola in a major freedom of speech victory. Päivi Räsänen was prosecuted for sharing her faith based beliefs on marriage in a tweet, and Juhana Pohjola had published a pamphlet, by Räsänen containing these beliefs, 17 years earlier. The ruling of this high-profile case stated that “it is not for the district court to interpret biblical concepts," ordered the prosecution to pay the legal costs of 60,000 EUR, and gave the prosecution seven days to appeal.
WEA Advocacy Officer Challenged Greece's Proselytism Ban
March 23, 2022, GreeceDuring the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review of Greece on April 23rd, a World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) Advocacy Officer, denounced the Greek law which prohibits proselytization. This law prevents Christian religions or otherwise, from attempting to undermine the religious beliefs of others. Although rarely applied, this law could hinder religious discourse and a Pentecostal was sentenced using this law.
Pastor Arrested in Mariupol, Ukraine
March 21, 2022, UkraineRelease International has reported that Alexsander Glushko, the pastor of the Light of the World Evangelical Church of Mariupol, has been arrested by the Russian military. He was believed to have been taken to Dokuchaevsk, which is close to Donetsk, but no further information has been given about his wellbeing. Other pastors homes near Mariupol have been searched and the "hunt for pastors has begun in areas now under Russian control."
No Evidence to Justify Oxford College's Cancellation of Wilberforce Academy
March 21, 2022, United KingdomAn independent investigation found that there was no substantial evidence for Worcester College's apology and cancellation of the Wilberforce Academy in September of 2021. After hosting this Christian youth conference that seeks to uphold free and considerate debate about controversial issues, this Oxford College said it had received "a number of complaints" and would not hold the event next year. Christian Concern inquired about these complaints, which they had heard nothing of, and upon getting little response, instigated their own investigation.
USCIRF Warns of Religious Repression in Ukraine
March 16, 2022, UkraineThe U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has warned of the religious oppression that Ukraine will experience under Russian control. They have recorded the increasing religious intolerance in Russia over the years and are concerned for the societal consequences that will undoubtedly ensue. Several religious buildings have already been damaged in the shelling along with the arrests of religious leaders and those attending prayer events.
Woman Detained in Moscow for Holding Religious Placard
March 15, 2022, RussiaAnastasiya Parshkova was detained but not charged, on March 15th for holding a sign that had: "The 6th commandment: Thou shalt not kill" written on it. She was wearing a headscarf and stood for five minutes outside the Cathedral of Christ the Savior before she was arrested and taken to the Khamovniki police station. She said: "despite my fear, I decided that this must be done."
Signatories of Anti-Conversion Therapy Letter in England Face Discrimination
March 14, 2022, United KingdomEvangelical ministers have faced a severe backlash after signing a letter to Liz Truss which expresses their opposition to the governments upcoming conversion therapy ban. Consequentially, they have had to take down the list of signatures which was published on the Ministers' Consultation Response website for fear of more acts of discrimination happening. It had collected 5,000 signatures from ministers and church leaders.
Denying Someone's Preferred Gender could be Criminalised in Scotland
March 14, 2022, United KingdomThe SNP in Scotland have advocated for legislation that will make it a criminal offence to not "affirm" someone's preferred gender and make it illegal for parents to "refuse to support" their children in taking puberty blockers. This legislation would prevent people from legally holding to their religious beliefs on issues like gender and infringe on parental rights by not allowing parents to educate their children on sexual matters in a way they deem appropriate. The latter would disproportionately affect Christian parents who may have religiously grounded sexual guidelines.
Russian Priest Arrested after He Condemns Ukraine Invasion
March 9, 2022, RussiaRev. Ioann Burdin, a Russian Orthodox priest, was arrested after he gave a speech that condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine. His speech, given in the Karabanovo village, was said to “discredit(ing) the use of the Armed Forces” reported the BBC. His name was also on a public letter signed by 285 Russian Orthodox priests which called for an end to the war.
Church Website Suspended for Conversion Therapy Views
March 8, 2022, United KingdomThe website of the Stanley Road Baptist Church in Morecambe, Lancashire was suspended by its host firm Torrix since the pastor signed an anti-conversion therapy letter. This letter was addressed to Liz Truss, whose governmental department will be dealing with proposed legislation to ban conversion therapy. Matt Fletcher, the Torrix proprietor, said he cannot support anything that opposes the LGBTQ+ movement. Rev. Hewitt commented his sadness for this development, but still expressed gratefulness for the working relationship they had with Torrix.
4 Women in Belarus Detained by Police for Praying
March 3, 2022, BelarusFour mothers of soldiers were detained for praying for peace in Ukraine at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Minsk, the capital of Belarus. They, along with 100 other soldiers' mothers, were attending the regular evening prayer when the officers followed them into the main Orthodox cathedral of the city and after the service, demanded their documents and then took them for questioning. They were taken to the Central District Police Station and were released four hours later.
MLA's Vote in Support of Abortion Bill Despite Public Opposition
March 2, 2022, United KingdomMLA's in Northern Ireland voted in support of a bill that will create "safe zones" around abortion clinics despite 98 percent of the 6,412 public submissions expressing strong opposition to it. This proposed legislation, from Green Party leader Clare Bailey, will make it illegal to “influenc[e] a [person seeking an abortion], whether directly or indirectly” within “safe access zones” reported the Right to Life News. Christians who hold pro-life views will find it difficult to freely express them under this proposed legislation.
PCSC Bill Causes Freedom of Speech Concern
February 25, 2022, United KingdomCharity and Faith leaders around the UK have raised freedom of speech concerns in regard to Part 3 of the Policing, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts bill (PCSC). This bill empowers police officers to impose conditions or arrest public demonstrators who cause “serious unease, alarm or distress”, or even “inconvenience” to members of the public. Proposed amendments will remove this part of the bill and await final votes on the 28th of February.
Swedish Christian Teacher Fired Over Pronoun Dispute
February 11, 2022, SwedenA Swedish Christian teacher, Selma Gamaleldin, faced accusations of discrimination for refusing to address a student identifying as 'non-binary' with the gender-neutral pronoun 'hen', due to her personal belief.
Online Safety Bill could lead to Censorship of Christian teaching
February 4, 2022, United KingdomOn the 4. February, the UK Government published a press release about strengthening the Online Safety Bill that was drafted back in 2019. While the Bill aims to protect children and internet users from criminal acts, such as sexual harassment, illegal pornography and violence, some MPs are raising concern about other parts of the Bill that could endanger freedom of speech. The drafted Bill could also include the prosecution of what is to be considered "harmful" information and communication, which is a very broad term, and could be used wrongly to target unwanted opinions, such as the conservative Christian teaching.
Update: Pro Life Campaigners Could face a Jail Sentence in Spain
February 3, 2022, SpainNew legislation in Spain could mean that people who support or pray in demonstrations outside abortion clinics may be arrested and face a jail sentence of three months to a year. Christians, who are more likely to be involved in this type of protest due to their pro-life convictions, will be targeted if their actions are said to be "offensive, intimidating, or coercive". After being passed in the Congress of Deputies on February 3rd, this bill awaits a vote in the Senate.
A Clinic Training Course calls the Bible and Christianity "racist"
January 23, 2022, United KingdomAs reported by Daily Mail on 23. January, a leading mental health clinic in London, Portman Clinic, told a student therapist during a training course that Christianity is a racist religion and that the Bible can be considered racists because it makes a contrast between "darkness" and "light". Amy Gallagher is a 33-year-old nurse, who is preparing to take legal action against this clinic. She will sue the clinic for discrimination against her as a Christian and a white person, and also due to the distress caused through this experience. A crowdfunding campaign has been started to support her on her legal challenge.
Evangelical Dean Receives Several Threats For his Views
January 7, 2022, GermanyThe Dean of the Evangelical Church has received several anonymous threatening letters due to the vaccination campaign in Ulm Minster. These letters criticise vaccinations and the role played by the Dean in it.No one close or familiar to the Dean is considered a suspect, as the details of the letter demonstrated a lack of knowledge regarding the church's internal procedures and even the address the letter was sent to was incorrect.
UPDATE: Catholic Nurse Wins Discrimination and Harassment Case
January 5, 2022, United KingdomMary Onuoha was constructively dismissed in 2020 from the Croydon NHS Trust Hospital in London for wearing a golden cross necklace. She now has won the case against her unfair dismissal for discrimination and harassment, with the help of the Christian Legal Center, as it was communicated on 5. January. The Hospital had said her necklace was "too visible" and posed a ‘risk of injury or infection’, but the ruling found out that other medical staff wore jewellery, religious attire and badges, and that this was "widely tolerated". The ruling declared the dismissal of Mrs Onuoha discriminatory and arbitrary, and recognized her right to religious freedom, such as wearing a cross necklace.
Update: Charges Against Three Street Preachers Who Preached Against Homosexuality
December 11, 2021, IrelandThe three street preachers who were arrested on September 21st, due to their comments about homosexuality, faced their first court hearing on the 13 of October. Despite the reason for their arrest, no charges regarding hate speech were brought against them; instead, they were charged with public order offences. The incident is still being investigated and the case was adjourned until June 2022.
Facebook Censors ACN's Campaign To Help Abused Women
December 11, 2021, United KingdomOn the 11. November, the Catholic Charity "Aid to a Church in Need" (ACN) UK noticed that Facebook had censored its ad campaign on tackling sexual violence against religious-minority women and girls. “Hear Her Cries” was the slogan of the campaign, which launched on 24. November. The campaign aimed to raise concern on a widespread problem in many African and Asian countries: the abduction of Christian girls and women for sexual violence by both armed extremists and militant members of other religious communities.
Christian-Based Youtube Channel Banned
November 18, 2021, SpainYouTube has decided to close "La Contra TV", a channel with a Christian worldview that advocates for values such as life, family, and religious freedom. With nearly 300,000 subscribers, its motto is: "We give news that others hide". "La Contra TV" is considered a highly influential channel, sharing information that tends to be less featured in mainstream media. In 2019, Youtube closed "La Contra TV" for the first time due to alleged "serious or repeated violations of Youtube's policy related to the prohibition of hate speech", and put it back online after the complaints in defence of free speech. In 2021, the channel has been closed again.
Jehovah’s Witnesses Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison in Russia
October 25, 2021, RussiaRustam Diarov, 48, Yevgeniy Ivanov, 44, and Sergey Klikunov, 46, all Jehovah's Witnesses, were given a sentence of eight year in a Russian prison for "extremist" religious activity. Olga Ivanova, 38, Yevgeniy’s wife, was sentence to 42 months. These sentences are longer than for kidnapping or rape and mark an increased cruelty toward Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia. The sentences have been increasingly longer every year.
Over 200 Academics Called Out Bullying by Trans Activists
October 17, 2021, United KingdomOn the 17th of October, over 200 hundred academics from different UK universities sent a letter to the Sunday Times expressing their concern about the bullying and suffering those who held the view that sex matters were receiving. The letter cited statistics from the organization "Sex Matters" and said that the majority of the discrimination came from "trans activist bullies". This type of abuse would be most acutely felt by religious persons and especially Christians who typically hold this view based off the Bible.
OXFORD UNIVERSITY SPOKE OUT AGAINST VIOLENT REMOVAL OF PRO-LIFE STAND AT STUDENTS FAIR
October 7, 2021, United KingdomDuring the yearly Freshers' Fair at the Oxford University, the stand of the Pro-life group "Oxford Students For Life" (OSFL) was removed by other students and activists, who threw their material into a trash bin and completely removed it from the event. The students also refused to let them reinstall their stand and threatened them with tearing it down again. The group had already been criticized on the internet, as they posted some photos of their stand. The "Oxford Feminist Society" made a statement that the presence of a pro-life organization was a "threat to the safety, health, and autonomy of women", which was backed by the Students Union. The University of Oxford condemned the censorship and harassment of the pro-life group by stating that the university had a long history of protecting free speech.
Pro-life Activist Faced a Hate Campaign on Social Media
October 6, 2021, SpainElsa Almeda, an 18-year-old with ties to the VOX political party in Spain, received numerous attacks for expressing her pro-life views on a Spanish television program Tevecat that provides a space for young people with different ideologies to debate current topics. The discussion was around abortion which she likened to murder, an opinion that is based on her Christian values. For this, she received several threats and parts of her speech where quoted completely out of context with the intent of misrepresenting her views and to paint her in a bad light.
Nurse Suspended for Wearing a Cross-Necklace Challenges Case of Discrimination
October 5, 2021, United KingdomMrs. Onuoha worked at Croydon University Hospital in London for many years as a nurse and has been wearing a golden cross necklace for 40 years without any problems. During the last two years, she started being pressured to remove her cross. Her necklace was considered "too visible" and posed a ‘risk of injury or infection’, despite the jewelry pieces of other medical staff not being criticized. After her repeated refusal, Mrs. Onuoha faced an investigation, was suspended, and relegated to work as a receptionist, and was told not to mention the reason for her relegation. With help of the Christian Legal Center (CLC), she is confronting the Hospital for harassment and discrimination.
UNIVERSITY OF EXETER CONDEMNS DEATH THREATS AGAINST STUDENTS OF PRO-LIFE ASSOCIATION
October 1, 2021, United KingdomThe pro-life student "Life Society" association from the University of Exeter was the target of a hate campaign aimed to dissolve the group and its activity at the university. A petition among students and an open letter addressed to the university's Students Guild was sent to stop the pro-life group. Additionally, the group got harassed on social media. An online hate campaign was coordinated, to send them negative comments and even death threats, which were reported to the police. Fortunately, the University of Exeter defended the Pro-Life Association and supported their right to freedom of speech.
Twitter Bans Spanish NGO's Account After Post Critical of Euthanasia
September 30, 2021, SpainOn June 26, 2021, the "Christian Lawyers" account tweeted: “Euthanasia is being debated in Congress. The Federal Right to Die Association has been financing itself for years with inheritances and legacies of the sick people whom it assists in their last moments. Enough already. #righttolive #euthanasia”. For this post, the social network blocked their account on the 30th of September, claiming the message broke "the rules that prohibit publishing private information". The organization is challenging this censorship.
Update: Former Finnish MP Faces Trial for Quoting the Bible
September 29, 2021, FinlandFormer MP Päivi Räsänen, physician and mother of five is awaiting her hearing for the 22nd of January, 2022. She is being investigated after the Finnish Prosecutor General filed criminal charges against her. One of the reasons is that she published a tweet quoting the Bible. Räsänen could faced a two-year prison sentence or a fine for the tweet.
Update: University Revokes its Decision Regarding the Catholic Chaplain
September 25, 2021, United KingdomFr Palmer had been declined as a University chaplain due to posts on his Twitter account expressing personal opinions and views regarding abortion and assisted suicide. After the "Free Speech Union" threatened the University for ignoring the 2010 Equality act, Nottingham University recognized Fr Palmer to become the Catholic priest of the University
Oxford College Regrets Hosting a Christian Event
September 22, 2021, United KingdomThe Wilberforce Academy (Christian seminar) has been holding its courses in different Oxford colleges for many years. But this year, the Worcester College, where the seminar was taking place, apologized for having hosted this event "that caused significant distress" as it was published in the student newspaper "The Tab".
Street Preachers Arrested after Preaching the Gospel and on Homosexuality
September 21, 2021, IrelandMr Williamson was preaching on the streets of Dundalk together with two other colleagues, when he was asked by police to stop. The reason was that he was critically preaching about gender ideology and homosexuality, the police considered the content to be a hate crime and that the preaching disrupted the public social order. Together with Robert Ervine and Sean Paul Tully, Ryan Williamson got arrested. The trial is expected on 13 October.
Art Festival Against "Religious Censorship" celebrates "Blasphemy Day"
September 17, 2021, Italy"Ceci n'est pas un blasphème" is the title of the festival which claims to celebrate freedom of expression and attack "religious censorship". The festival took place between the 17th and 30th of September, the day on which "Blasphemy Day" is celebrated. The non-profit festival included exhibitions, talks, comedians, to promote anti-clerical art and raise funds to be donated to organizations that provide protection and legal assistance to people persecuted for having said or created blasphemous content. Interestingly, many artists have targeted Christian symbols to create blasphemous images, whereas the countries and cases with severe Blasphemy laws and punishments are Muslim.
Two More Organizations Vandalized by Activists in Run-Up to March for Life
September 17, 2021, SwitzerlandIn the run-up to the March for Life, three different pro-life Evangelical centers were vandalized in two different cities, Zurich and Emmenbrücke (Lucerne). The perpetrators painted the offices of the Pro-Life organization in Lucerne with Graffiti between 15-17 September. Also, the organization Zukunft CH foundation was defaced with graffiti. The attacks were claimed on an anarcho-autonomous pro-LGBTQ information platform. "It is worrying that on certain socio-political issues it is obviously no longer possible to express oneself freely without being affected by hatred and vandalism," said the AES, Zukunft CH, and "Pro-Life" in a joint statement issued on September 21.