Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Fides Service) - Christians in India are happy and relieved at the return on November 1 of Indian born Catholic Brian Savio O’Connor after a tragic experience in Saudi Arabia where his personal freedom of belief and religion were violated
O’Connor, arrested by Saudi Arabia’s religious police in March was expelled from the country after spending more than seven months in prison, a trial and verdict of 10 months detention and flogging. O’Connor left from Riyadh and was welcomed warmly in Bombay by family and friends .
News of his release spread quickly among Christians all over the country and there was widespread rejoicing. Many went to church to say prayers of thanksgiving. The All Indian Christian Council, which represents all the different confessions in India voiced satisfaction that the Saudi authorities decided on his release and called on Indian authorities to give more attention to the situation of Indian citizens working in other countries, many of whom suffer religious persecution.
John Dayal a Catholic human rights and minority rights activist was delighted at the news of O’Connor’s release for which there had been an international prayer and solidarity campaign. Over the past months, thousands of Christians sent postcards to comfort O’Connor in prison, as well as campaigning and praying for his release.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 5/11/2004 Righe: 27 Parole: 267)
