And finally… mass incarceration

A church in the Netherlands has held a continuous prayer service for more than a month – in aid of a refugee family facing imminent deportation – as police are unable to raid places of worship under Dutch law.

The Armenian family had its asylum requested dismissed on appeal after it was first granted by the Dutch government.

Despite having been in the country for almost nine years, the government deems Armenia safe enough for them to return and has rejected claims they have received death threats for their political beliefs.

But Dutch law prevents police from raiding places of worship while services are ongoing, which has lead to ministers holding marathon services at Bethel church, where the family has been given refuge.

Family member Hayarpi Tamrazyan, 21, told the BBC: “There is so much support from the whole country, it’s amazing. I can’t describe how we feel about that.”

Share icon
Share this article: