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Press Release

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941
Washington DC 20006-1846
www.persecution.org
Email: iccusa@att.net

AUSTRALIAN FREEDOM OF SPEECH COURT HEARINGS CONTINUE

You are free to disseminate the following news. We kindly request that you reference ICC (International Christian Concern) and include our web address www.persecution.org.

November 17, 2003 The Washington-DC based human rights group, International Christian Concern (ICC) www.persecution.org is aware of several updates in the Australian court case, Islamic Council of Victoria vs. Catch the Fire Ministries. The trial has been adjourned until Dec. 11. Court will resume session from Dec 11-19 and then will be recessed until January. Catch the Fires Ministries(CTF) is being charged with religious vilification by the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICOV).

During the last two weeks, substantial evidence was provided indicating that the witnesses for the ICOV had premeditated, conspired and collaborated together to bring this case to court. In an attempt to win a landmark judicial decision protecting Islam against any negative sentiment or perceived slander, ICOV chose to target Christians and with extensive care and preplanning, built a case against Catch the Fires Ministeries.

Also, the defense introduced evidence of a money transfer from ICOV to the Taliban in Afghanistan before 9-11. The document was signed by Yassar Suileman, the head of the Islamic Council of Victoria, who took the witness stand last week. The CTF defense team is linking ICOV with the funding of terrorist activities.

According to Victoria's Racial and Religious Tolerance Act, religious vilification includes "engaging in conduct that incites hatred against, serious contempt for, or revulsion or severe ridicule of, another person or class of persons." This case is a major assault against free speech and religious speech in a Western country and has the potential to impact freedom of speech for Christians in regards to speaking or writing about Islamic issues.

ICC urges American Christians to remain in prayer for this important case so that freedom of speech and religious liberty will not be halted in Australia or around the world. Pray that the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act be completely repealed.

ICC is a Washington-DC based human rights organization that exists to help persecuted Christians worldwide. ICC delivers humanitarian aid, trains and supports persecuted pastors, raises awareness of the problem of persecution in the US Church and is an advocate for the persecuted to the US Government.

For additional information or for an interview, contact ICC at 301-989-1708.

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves."

IMPORTANT NOTE: ICC is a registered IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit charity in the United States of America. Gifts are tax deductible for U. S. tax purposes.

Copyright © 2006 International Christian Concern, Washington, D.C., USA.  All rights reserved.