10th Edition of Religious Freedom Awards announces new book
By Juan Sanchez Gil
December 15, 2023, witnessed the tenth edition of the Religious Freedom Awards, which are given annually by the Foundation for the Improvement of Life, Culture and Society (Fundacion MEJORA), linked to the Church of Scientology, and recognised with Special Consultative Status by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations since 2019. The event, held at the headquarters of this religious denomination located in a refurbished historic building, brought together authorities, academics and representatives of civil society to recognise the work of three leading experts in the defence of this fundamental right protected not only by the Spanish Constitution
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/10th-edition-of-religious-freedom-awards-announces-new-book/

A Path to Compassion: Gustavo Guillerme's Path to Peace and Understanding in Brussels
By Juan Sanchez Gil
In an emotional meeting at the European Jewish Community Center (EJCC) in Brussels, Gustavo Guillermé, President of the “World Congress for Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue, A Pathway to Peace,” together with the famed architect of diversity, Fabio Grementieri, met with Rabbi Avi Tawil and the Scientology representative to the EU and the UN, Iván Arjona Pelado. This meeting not only marked the presentation of the “Parque del Encuentro” project in Santiago del Estero but also witnessed a moment full of symbolism and commitment. Lighting Candles: An Act of Solidarity and Prayer. Guillermé’s words resonated with sincerity as he expressed his
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/gustavo-guillerme-peace-brussels/

Social action by religious minorities in Spain, a hidden treasure
By Juan Sanchez Gil
The intense and quiet work carried out in Spain by religious denominations such as Buddhists, Baha’is, Evangelicals, Mormons, members of Scientology, Jews, Sikhs and Jehovah’s Witnesses has remained for decades in the shadows, out of the media spotlight. However, a pioneering study commissioned by the Fundación Pluralismo y Convivencia Pluralism and Coexistence (Living Together) Foundation (attached to the Ministry of the Presidency) and carried out by researchers at the Comillas Pontifical University has just revealed the enormous dedication of these communities to social assistance tasks, as well as the lights and shadows of their contribution in this field. “La acción
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/social-action-religious-minorities-spain/

Scientology founder L Ron Hubbard recognized for Encouraging Interfaith Collaboration for Peace
By Newsdesk
Gustavo Guillerme, President of the World Congress of Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue recognized L Ron Hubbard for the work he inspired worldwide BRUSSELS, BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, December 28, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ — In a world that often experiences division due to differences, the power of dialogue and mutual respect among various spiritual paths paves the way for a more harmonious global community. The recent visit of Mr. Gustavo Guillerme, President of the World Congress of Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue, to the headquarters of the Church of Scientology in Brussels serves as a symbol of hope and an example of what can be achieved when
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/scientology-founder-l-ron-hubbard-recognized-for-encouraging-interfaith-collaboration-for-peace/

Jingle All the Way to Europe's Festive Feast: The Top 5 Yuletide Delicacies!
By Charlie W. Grease
Get ready to indulge in Europe's mouthwatering holiday treats! From gingerbread houses to mulled wine, the festive season is filled with scrumptious delights. Join us as we explore the top 5 yuletide delicacies that will make your taste buds jingle with joy!
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/jingle-all-the-way-to-europes-festive-feast-the-top-5-yuletide-delicacies/

Argentina, a yoga school falsely described as a “horror cult” close to acquittal from any crime
By Willy Fautre
On 7 December, the Argentinian newspaper “LA NACION” titled an article about the Buenos Aires Yoga School (BAYS) accused of criminal activities “The case is back to zero and the defendants are close to acquittal.” This was the conclusion of Gabriel di Nicola, the author of the article, after a court of appeal declared the nullity of the elevation to trial of the case. The decision was taken by Chamber II of the Court of Appeals in the Federal Criminal and Correctional Court of Buenos Aires, composed of judges Martin Irurzun, Roberto Boico and Eduardo Farah. In the BAYS case,
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/argentina-a-yoga-school-falsely-described-as-a-horror-cult-close-to-acquittal-from-any-crime/

RUSSIA, 6 and 4 years in prison for a couple of Jehovah’s Witnesses
By Willy Fautre
On 18 December 2023, the judge of the Novosibirsk District Court, Oleg Karpets, sentenced Marina Chaplykina to 4 years in prison, and Valeriy Maletskov to 6 years in prison for organizing religious meetings in private homes. They were taken into custody in the courtroom. They do not admit their guilt and can appeal the verdict. In April 2019, FSB investigator Selyunin opened a criminal case against them, accusing them of extremism. On the same day, searches were carried out at a total of 12 addresses. In one case, the planting of banned literature was seen. Valeriy Maletskov, who lives with his
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/russia-6-and-4-years-in-prison-for-a-couple-of-jehovahs-witnesses/

Editrice Vaticana presented a book on Mama Antula, the new Argentinean saint
By Newsdesk
Published in Italian by the prestigious Editrice Vaticana, the book illuminates the life and work of María Antonia de Paz y Figueroa, known as Mama Antula, who will be canonized on 11 February 2024 as announced by Pope Francis on Saturday 16 December. “Mama Antula, the most rebellious woman of her time” written by Nunzia Locatelli and Cintia Suárez, was presented on Tuesday afternoon at an exclusive meeting at the Vatican Film Library a few meters from Pope Francis’ residence. The presentation was attended by Andrea Tornielli, Vaticanist of great international prestige; Paolo Ruffini and Monsignor Lucio Ruiz, Prefect and
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/editrice-vaticana-presented-a-book-on-mama-antula-the-new-argentinean-saint/

French anti-cult law proposes to criminalise natural health
By Newsdesk
Vote on 19 December will decide the future of alternative medicine in FranceNext week in France, the parliament will decide whether or not to support a law that grants authorities the power to criminalise those who criticise or avoid conventional medical practices deemed ‘essential’, or use or promote natural or alternative medicines instead. Macron’s government plans to implement these powers by amending existing French law on sectarian drift which will be discussed and voted on by the French Parliament next Tuesday, 19 December. If passed, individuals or organisations prosecuted under the new law will face jail sentences of between 1
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/french-anti-cult-law-proposes-to-criminalise-natural-health/

The Flawed Sanctions Policy: Why Putin Wins
By Gary Cartwright
On December 1, Robin Brooks, chief economist and managing director of the Institute of International Finance, asked, “You have to wonder what’s going on in the EU. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is a big threat to everything the EU stands for. But then there are many examples like this: EU exports to Armenia are up 200% since the invasion. This stuff goes to Russia and helps Putin. What is Brussels doing?” Coincidentally, just one day earlier, on November 30, The Economist stated that “Putin seems to be winning the war in Ukraine—for now.” This article highlighted the West’s failure to
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/the-flawed-sanctions-policy-why-putin-wins/

Concert at the European Parliament: Omar Harfouch plays his new composition for world peace
By Newsdesk
Event this Tuesday evening at the European Commission in Brussels. Omar Harfouch, who has been in the news in recent weeks following his acquisition of Entrevue magazine, has shown that he has several strings to his bow. Honorary President of the Organization for Dialogue and Diversity, the businessman, also a pianist-composer, played his brand new piece of music which he specially composed for a call for world peace. A piece also entitled “Save a life, you save humanity”, in reference to a famous phrase mentioned in the Torah and in the Holy Koran. The concert took place in the main
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/concert-at-the-european-parliament-omar-harfouch-plays-his-new-composition-for-world-peace/

Javier Milei and Victoria Eugenia Villarruel were sworn in as President and Vice-President of Argentina
By Newsdesk
The presidents were sworn in at the Congress of the Nation where the oath and ceremony of transfer of power to Milei took place, with the presentation of the Presidential Sash and Baton by the former President, Alberto Fernández. The Legislative Assembly began at 11:14 a.m., with the customary ringing of the bell, and was presided over by the outgoing Vice-President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who, accompanied by the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Martín Menem, and the outgoing Parliamentary Secretary of the Senate, Marcelo Fuentes, welcomed the presidents and former presidents of Argentina, legislators, governors, foreign delegations and
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/javier-milei-and-victoria-eugenia-villarruel-were-sworn-in-as-president-and-vice-president-of-argentina/

Leonardo Pereznieto, Maestro of Realism, Mentor to Millions
By Newsdesk
In a world where abstract art often dominates gallery walls and news headlines, the hyperrealist visions of Leonardo Pereznieto stand out for their technical mastery and emotional resonance. Since picking up his first pencil as a child in Spain, Pereznieto has dedicated his life to perfectly capturing the beauty of the world around him and sharing his craft with budding artists across the globe. Born To Draw Pereznieto showed artistic talent from a very young age, filling sketchbooks with observational drawings of people and places. As a teenager, he began formal art training, honing his skills in drawing, painting, and
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/leonardo-pereznieto-maestro-of-realism-mentor-to-millions/

Metsola: If we are not to stagnate, we cannot be afraid of change
By Newsdesk
In her speech, President Metsola said: In this crucial moment of relaunching, reforming and reimagining Europe, the values of peace, justice, freedom and human dignity would remain firmly positioned at the bedrock of everything that we have built and everything that we will continue to do. This is what distinguishes us as Europeans To forge a genuinely equitable and fair path forward, much more effort needs to be made to transform these values into concrete benefits for our people. Whether that is in the green transition or in the digital transition, our job is to ensure that our policies are
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/metsola-if-we-are-not-to-stagnate-we-cannot-be-afraid-of-change/

MEP Maxette Pirbakas calls for the immediate reinstatement of Barbara Olivier-Zandronis
By Gaston de Persigny
MEP Maxette Pirbakas condemns the treatment of a journalist by RCI Guadeloupe, calling it a "brutal act" that defies press freedom. Full statement here.
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/mep-maxette-pirbakas-calls-for-the-immediate-reinstatement-of-barbara-olivier-zandronis/

Elections in Bangladesh, Massive arrests of opposition activists
By Willy Fautre
The upcoming general elections in Bangladesh are marred by claims of repression, arrests, and violence against the opposition. The UN and the US have raised concerns about human rights violations, while the EU highlights extrajudicial killings.
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/elections-bangladesh-arrests-opposition/

Historic Visit, European Sikh Organization Gains Support for Recognition within the European Union
By Juan Sanchez Gil
In a groundbreaking event on December 6, history was made as a Sikh delegation, accompanied by members of the European Sikh Organization, was extended a warm welcome at the European Parliament. This significant development marked the first time Sikhs were officially invited to the European Parliament, where promises of support for the recognition of Sikhs within the European Union were made. The Sikh delegation, with its registered office in Vilvoorde, was acknowledged by some members of the European Parliament as exemplary residents and citizens of Europe. This recognition, in part, can be attributed to the efforts of EU Member of
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/historic-visit-european-sikh-organization-gains-support-for-recognition-within-the-european-union/

Human Rigths Day, Do not forget the thousands of Ukrainian children kidnapped and deported by Russia
By Willy Fautre
On UN Human Rights Day, 10 December, thousands of Ukrainian children kidnapped and deported by Russia, whose parents are desperately searching for a way to get them home should not be forgotten by the international community, said the Brussels-based NGO, Human Rights Without Frontiers, in a press release issued today. On 6 December, President Zelensky announced in his daily address that 6 children deported to Russia from Ukraine’s Occupied Territories had been released with the mediation of Qatar. All in all, less than 400 Ukrainian minors have been rescued in various separate and individually designed special operations, according to The
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/human-rigths-day-do-not-forget-the-thousands-of-ukrainian-children-kidnapped-and-deported-by-russia/

Embracing change, the demand for tailored education in the Netherlands
By Juan Sanchez Gil
Discover how the education system in the Netherlands is advocating for personalized learning models to enhance student success and revolutionize education.
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/embracing-change-the-demand-for-tailored-education-in-the-netherlands/

Children in Armed Conflicts, the UN and the EU
By Willy Fautre
In 2022, a total of 2,496 children, some as young as 8-years-old, were verified by the United Nations as detained for their actual or alleged association with armed groups, including groups designated as terrorists by the U.N. The highest numbers were recorded in Iraq, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in the Syrian Arab Republic. These figures were highlighted by Anne Schintgen at the European Parliament during a conference titled “Children Deprived of Liberty in World” organised on 28 November by MEP Soraya Rodriguez Ramos (Political Group Renew Europe). A number of high-level experts had been invited
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/children-in-armed-conflicts-the-un-and-the-eu/

Antidepressants and brain stroke
By Gabriel Carrion Lopez
It’s cold, Paris at this time of the year is a chilly 83 per cent humidity, and the temperature is a mere three degrees. Fortunately, my usual café au lait and toast with butter and jam allow me to put the computer on the table to get closer to a story that once again takes us into the devastating world of death and the medical establishment. In a newspaper, on 22 September 2001, many years ago, I came across a small blurb, you know, those short news items that appear in column form and which are used by newspaper editors
https://europeantimes.news/2023/12/antidepressants-and-brain-stroke/

Rights of Religious Minorities in Europe, a Delicate Balance says MEP Maxette Pirbakas
By Juan Sanchez Gil
MEP Maxette Pirbakas, at the European Parliemant, emphasizes the importance of religious tolerance and freedom in Europe, highlighting the need for dialogue and respect for minority rights.
https://bit.ly/414Ihf2

Spaces of Respect, Bridge-Builder Promotes Religious Minorities Dialogue at European Parliament
By Charlie W. Grease
Brussels, Belgium – “Hence the need today for this kind of debate, which enables a religious minority to find a clean, respectful space in which to express their religion responsibly and transparently, within a democratic framework,” affirmed Lahcen Hammouch in an address last week to the European Parliament. The journalist and living together in peace activist gave remarks on November 30th as part of a conference on safeguarding the rights of spiritual minorities. Organized by French MEP Maxette Pirbakas, the working meeting convened diverse religious groups to discuss experiences in Europe. In his speech, Hammouch, CEO of the Brussels-based outlet
https://bit.ly/4151HAk

United Against Discrimination, Scientologist Calls Out Germany at European Parliament
By Newsdesk
Speaking passionately last week at the European Parliament, Ivan Arjona, Scientology’s representative to European institutions, condemned worsening religious discrimination targeting his faith community specifically in Germany. He spoke at a conference bringing together Protestant, Muslim, Sikh, Baha’is, Hindus and other minority faith leaders to discuss protecting their rights. The event, titled “Fundamental Rights of Religious and Spiritual Minorities in the EU,” was hosted by French MEP Maxette Pirbakas and it convened leaders of diverse belief groups to share perspectives on challenges facing their communities across Europe. In his hard-hitting remarks, Arjona revealed that in Germany, “to access a public job,
https://bit.ly/413Lv2a

Jewish Leader Condemns Religious Hate Crimes, Calls for Respect of Minority Faiths in Europe
By Juan Sanchez Gil
Speaking passionately at the European Parliament last week, Rabbi Avi Tawil drew urgent attention to the long history of anti-Semitic hate crimes targeting visibly Jewish children across the continent. He traced Judaism’s deep roots in Europe spanning millennia and appealed for unity and understanding between different religions to realize the promise of an inclusive European society. “Today, especially after 7th October, but already for many, many, many years. Children in the streets of Europe if they choose, or their parents allow them, or just that they work with keeping the streets or they come out of a Jewish school. And
https://bit.ly/3T8N7WC

Religious Freedom Under Fire: Media Complicity in the Persecution of Minority Faiths
By Juan Sanchez Gil
In a speech at the European Parliament, Willy Fautré accuses European media of fostering religious intolerance and calls for ethical journalism standards in covering minority faiths. Find out more about the impact of sensationalism and biased labeling on religious groups in Europe.
https://bit.ly/3Nf0iS3

EU Rule of Law Health Check-In by MEPs
By Newsdesk
Brussels – On Monday, members of the European Parliament will convene counterparts from EU member states to review rule of law safeguards across the bloc. The gathering occurs as concerns mount over democratic backsliding in certain European countries. It will “discuss the state of the rule of law in the EU,” according to the parliament’s civil liberties committee, which is organizing the meeting. Included on the agenda are presentations from Belgian, Danish, German, Greek, Irish, and Spanish lawmakers. European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders will also provide remarks via video message. “The first session will focus on the Commission’s annual
https://bit.ly/3RnCOwC

EU Sanctions Enforcement Talks Stall, Draw Parliament Ire
By Newsdesk
Brussels – Negotiations between the European Parliament and EU member states on enhancing sanctions enforcement broke down Thursday evening without agreement. Parliament lawmakers expressed frustration, arguing quicker progress is needed to close loopholes aiding Russia. “The effectiveness of the EU sanctions regime is severely undermined by the patchwork of national legal systems, and by uneven and weak enforcement,” said the parliament negotiating team in a statement. They contend that sanctioned Russian individuals and entities are still able to travel and do business in parts of the EU. Funds also continue flowing to Russia due to uneven enforcement. The disputed legislation
https://bit.ly/3T79jk0

EU Reaches Deal to Boost Cybersecurity of Digital Products
By Newsdesk
Brussels – European Union lawmakers made progress this week towards mandating stronger cybersecurity measures for internet-connected devices used by millions of Europeans daily. On Thursday evening, the European Parliament and European Council struck an informal agreement on the Cyber Resilience Act, proposed legislation that aims to secure digital products against cyberattacks. The bill would require makers of products with digital features to ensure they are resilient against hackers, provide transparency around their security, and issue regular software updates. “The Cyber Resilience Act will strengthen the cybersecurity of connected products, tackling vulnerabilities in hardware and software alike, making the EU a
https://bit.ly/4a0fTPf

The European Union and the Azerbaijan-Armenia Conflict: Between Mediations and Obstacles
By Guest Author
The establishment of territorial sovereignty for each State in the world is a necessity, it is in this regard that Azerbaijan, by regaining control of Nagorno-Karabakh in September after a lightning offensive, can argue that it was seeking to restore its territorial sovereignty lost during the previous conflict. The reconquest could be seen as a legitimate response to the unacceptable status quo situation that had prevailed in the region for many years, and as a manifestation of the international right of each country to guarantee its territorial integrity. Regional stabilization is an essential element for Azerbaijan. The reconquest of Nagorno-Karabakh
https://bit.ly/3N9ge8B