Hundreds of Christians Arrested [MT | OPEN | Diplomatic]

[Ardoki]

Some of the hateful protesters before being arrested on multiple charges.

Ardea, Ardokian Capital District, Unified Progressive Republic of Ardoki

Over 500 christians made their way to the centre of Ardea, the capital of the Unified Progressive Republic of Ardoki. They had come from all across Ardoki, risking their safety by coming out as christian. However, they intended to make a political statement. To all of Ardoki, and the wider world. They were not fond of LGBT people, and in disregard for fact (scientific facts were one of the many things they hated) did not see the difference between bisexuals and homosexuals. They took the bible literally, and believed that homosexuals (and bisexuals) should be stoned to death just because they are different. Same Sex Marriage, along with the state-endorsed persecution of the religious, were just some of the things they hated about the ruling Progressive Socialist Labour Party.

Today, they would go into the CBD and get as much attention as possible for their cause. They were violating over a dozen laws, and could be put in gaol for decades and re-educated by the state. However they were firm in their beliefs, and hoped that others in Ardoki and the world would also be. They carried placards calling for the abolition of same sex marriage, the stoning of LGBT people, the prohibition of atheism and the establishment of a christian theocracy. Passes by gave them mean sneers, and often spat on them. However they held their ground. Until over a hundred heavily armed police officers arrived.

The protesters started shouting homophobic slurs at the police officers, spitting on them and telling them they would burn in hell. The police officers wouldn't have any of this. The protesters were struck down with tear gas and the kinetic force of the swing of a baton. Many were injured, and they were loaded into police buses to be taken away to face trial for the numerous crimes they had committed. At their first court hearing that next day, they were all charged with unlawful gathering, organising an unregistered protest, taking part in an unregistered protest, public display of religious tendencies, propagation of religion, hate speech, hate activities, anti-egalitarian activities, civil rights violations, civil disturbances, assault of officers of the law, public nuisance, rioting, reactionary speech and reactionary activities. 15 crimes, with a possible jail sentence of 75 years each. An outcome which was likely due to the justice system's harsh stance on bigotry, intolerance and religion.

They story was broken in Ardokian media, with many supporting the actions of the government as essential for supporting Ardoki's atheistic, tolerant and politically correct society. The Ministry of State Security made a public announcement saying that rehabilitation would be offered to all of those if convicted, with the strong possibility of parole within a year if they give up their bigoted ways. Nothing as of yet is know of what the international community has to say of this incident.

[Otulia]

THE OTULIAN DAILY ASTROLOGER

---

Minister of Foreign Affairs: Ardoki "hypocritical to the extreme."

---

ARDEA, Ardoki- "Outrage" was the best way to describe the situation among Otulian government officials today, after Ardokian media reported that about 500 christian protesters were beaten and gassed by police before being arrested. If found guilty, any one protester could face up to 1,125 years in jail. The Minister of Foreign Affairs called the crackdown "pointless, brutal, and contrary to what Ardoki claims itself to be." The Ardokian state claims that it arrested the anti-gay, pro-Leviticus protestors for being intolerant and provoking police into a fight.

"The idea that the protestors started the crackdown is preposterous," says Reko State University Professor Thurwell Thompson. "Police, and especially well-armed riot police, are meant to maintain order and keep such situations under control, not destroy the peace and brutally beat protestors for name-calling. Why these supposedly atheist police officers got angry at being told they're going to hell is certainly odd, considering that they don't believe in hell."

The charges protestors face have also been called "ludicrous" and "destructive to free speech." Senior legal analyst Remvik Theirmeir said that the crimes the protestors are charged with, including several relating to hate speech and displaying religious tendencies, are "blatant violations of the protestors' civil rights. These laws severely restrict freedom of assembly and freedom of speech." Asked whether the courts would convict the protestors, Remvik answered that "unfortunately, the Ardokian judiciary appears to lack any independence from the political establishment, and it is likely that at least 10 charges will be applied."

The United Church of Otulia (UCO) issued its own statement, excommunicating the Ardokian Minister of State Security.

[Radorlis]

"'a kind of oppression best left in the past' says the capitol news here in radorlis the government passes its own state religion but its rather liberal besides attendance to the temples but this religion being beat down is absolutely far from liberal some in radorlis call it the 'enemy of the nation' more about it at 8:00"
radorlis capitol news at 6:00 P.M

[Ardoki]

Homophobic Christian Hate Speech Violators Arrested

Charged with numerous hate and reactionary crimes against humanity. Each accused could face lengthy gaol terms, unless successfully rehabilitated.


Professor Dougal Durnin, the Minister of Religion of the Unified Progressive Republic of Ardoki.

The National Ardokian Police Force to the rescue!

Yesterday, hundreds of hateful people converged on the capitol from all corners of Ardoki. There they verbally abused other citizens of Ardoki, in a grossly frightening display of ignorance and conservative rightism. They violated 15 national laws, and each defendant could face a jail time of up to 75 years. Their hate-filled tirade began near midday, when the defendants who identify as christians (a religious cult) assembled in the CBD to express their hateful and unwelcome views. They openly called for LGBT people to be brutally murdered via stoning , and called for the end of secularism and atheism in Ardoki, to be replaced with a christian theocracy. When the police arrived, to calmly tell them to move on. They started insulting, spitting on, and physically assaulting the police officers who had no option to bring all the protesters in for the various crimes they had committed.

At their first court hearing this morning, the prosecution charged them with: unlawful gathering, organising an unregistered protest, taking part in an unregistered protest, public display of religious tendencies, propagation of religion, hate speech, hate activities, anti-egalitarian activities, civil rights violations, civil disturbances, assault of officers of the law, public nuisance, rioting, reactionary speech and reactionary activities. Serious crimes which must not go unpunished, or un-rehabilitated if possible. The Minister of State Security commented that instead of them serving the full jail time if they are convicted, they could be released in under a year if they are successfully rehabilitated.

A guilty verdict is expected, and supported by the vast majority of Ardokians who fear that religious fundamentalism and terrorism could make its way to Ardoki. However the Minister of Religion, Professor Dougal Durnin has a different viewpoint. "The vast majority of religious people are not truly hateful, they are just fooled and confused. It is the responsibility of the government to enlighten them, and push them towards atheism, science and reason." he said today in a lecture at the University of Ardea.

Massive protests are scheduled to be held across Ardoki later this week, in an act of solidarity to the LGBT community and an act of defiance to those who have been rightfully arrested for their hate. Doctor Alastaire Moriarty, the President of the Unified Progressive Republic of Ardoki and the General Secretary of the Progressive Socialist Labour Party of Ardoki has said that he will be joining in the Ardea march, and encourages all those who express interest to join.

[Consolidate Nations Alliance]

Ardea International Airport
At the airport two people, a woman and her daughter, walk out of the gates and through the main terminal. The woman wears a hijab, and the girl has a Shinto-Buddhist symbol around her neck. Ignoring the dirty looks and words they silently get into a waiting diplomatic limo flying the flag of the CNA. "How hypocritical, they claim to hate intolerance but they are intolerant of others because we're religious.....of course openly wearing stuff regarding our religion might not have been the best idea" the girl said. "No it might not have been Chantel, dear, but we have to show them not everyone who i religious is intolerant, besides we're showing solidarity for Dominique" the woman, named Amirah, said. "Yes I know, it's a shame and outrageous she got arrested for simply walking near the the site of the protest, it wasn't her fault one of the cops caught sight of her cross" Chantel said.

High Security Prison
Dominique Angelic sat in the cell, awaiting her turn for the trial regarding her supposed charges. She had used her political power as a diplomat to get two calls, and she used them to contact her boss, Supreme Diplomat Zoe Holub, and her wife, Amirah Angelic, the Supreme Justiciar of the CNA Judicial Corps. As she sat there one of the guards walked to her celldoor. "How can you be a lesbian and religious? How can you side with the people who claim you should be stoned to death? You're no true LGBT person if you side with those scum!" he growled at her. "Because I don't believe in lumping everyone in the same boat, intolerant breeds intolerance" she said simply. Her cellmate, one of the protesters who was also arrested with her spat on her when the guard left and tried to pin her against the wall to bash her at the very least, but failed quickly when Dominque defended herself.

[Flardania]

La Folie Continue Dans Ardoki, Flardanians Protest Ardokian Acts.
Français|日本の|English
FBC News | Flardanian Broadcasting Corporation

---

Dr. Pierre M. Joseph, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Taisuist Autocratic Republic of Flardania.

Flardanians protest the hypocritically intolerant nation of Ardoki in Downtown Kairaku

Ardea, Ardoki- Yesterday, hundreds of literalistic christian people converged on the capitol from all corners of Ardoki. There they verbally heckled other citizens of Ardoki, in a display of ignorance. They violated 15 national laws, and each defendant could face a jail time of up to 75 years which Flardania's Attorney General Haruhi Fujioka called outrageous and over the top. The protest campaign began near midday, when the defendants who identify as Christians assembled to express their views. The largely biased ABCNEWS that at times reports unprofessionally cites "They openly called for LGBT people to be brutally murdered via stoning , and called for the end of secularism and atheism in Ardoki, to be replaced with a christian theocracy. When the police arrived, to calmly tell them to move on. They started insulting, spitting on, and physically assaulting the police officers who had no option to bring all the protesters in for the various crimes they had committed." Miho Naruzaki age 23 from Enrika Flardania , who was present in Ardea presented a different account.

"...As is already well known the Ardoki population claims to be tolerant but then hushes up and "reeducate" those with different views. I was well surprised to see Christians come out of hiding and I began to think that the stories of Ardoki being intolerant was false. The protesters called for LGBT people to repent and find God not brutally murdered, although they did call for the end of secularism and atheism in Ardoki. Rather than be tolerant and allow free speech the police arrived. Now like any protest crowd they did not yield and told the officers to burn in hell. Now the atheist extremist of Ardoki who don't believe in hell got enraged somehow and used the insult as an excuse to launch tear gas and beat people down. It was disgusting and the people cheering were even more disgusting..."

At their first court hearing the prosecution charged them with: unlawful gathering, organizing an unregistered protest, taking part in an unregistered protest, public display of religious tendencies, propagation of religion, hate speech, hate activities, anti-egalitarian activities, civil rights violations, civil disturbances, assault of officers of the law, public nuisance, rioting, reactionary speech and reactionary activities. This are petty small crimes and some of which you can't even call laws but rather an attack on freedom. The Attorney General Haruhi Fujioka was amused and not surprised rehab (brainwashing like Orwell's 1984) was a recommended action.

Flardanians are outrage at the handling of the situation. Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Pierre M. Joseph remarked. "The greatest mistake of the Kiryuin Administration was attempting to at least normalize relations with Ardoki, just because they made progress. For every one step forward they take 1984 steps back. Things would be easier if the Ardokian government admitted to being intolerant before going on with everyday business " he said today at a rally in Yurihama, Flardania.

Massive protests are scheduled to be held across Flardania later this week, not to support those who got arrested but in an act of defiance to those who hypocritically claim to be tolerant. Meanwhile people in Kairaku and Hong Kong have already begun protest in peaceful candlelight protest while the cities of Yu Dao and Port-au-Prince had pictures of Alastaire Moriarty and the Ardoki Flag burned. This has been another strain in what used to be great relations between Ardoki and Flardania. Arata Kasuga Dirigeant of Flardania has stated that he will be joining in the Megalo Mesembria march, and encourages all those who express interest to join.

~Saika Fukui

[New Edom]

THE FINEBERG TIMES

Feb 09, 2015

---

New Edom Divided on Support for Christian Protestors

By Annabelle Barca

ARDEA, Ardokian Capital District— Nearly 500 Christian protestors against special favourable treatent of homosexuals in Ardoki were arrested this weekend and given penalties of up to 75 years imprisonment.

According to the New Edomite foreign ministry spokesperson Basil Jerome, Undersecretary, "...it is the perogative of states to employ police officials to break up riots and contain protests for public safety. However it is the belief of diplomats in contact with the nation of Ardoki that the police in this case acted with excessive force and that the sentencing was passed very quickly given the number of people involved."

"The position of some of the Christians there is a bit extreme by our standards, stoning as a penalty for instance, rather than reeducation of homosexuals as sick individuals," said Bishop Zecharias, the Chief Justice of the National Supreme Court when questioned by journalists outside the Palace of Justice.

"Ardoki is an anti-religious communist sinkhole," said the Prophet Samuel Under from his sick bed in Hillel, the national capital for the End Times Church of New Edom. "I call upon this government to boycott and embargo their goods and services, and for national prayers to be said for God to change hearts and minds, and open the prison doors as prophesied by Isaiah."

A public statement is expected from the Government by this evening on policy regarding the nation of Ardoki, whose leaders have made aggressive statements in the news regarding intent to spread communism by force if necessary. Basil Jerome said "Our general policy is containment and attempted negotiation. We will be working with church leaders to begin that negotiation for better rights for the prisoners if we can."


- Negotiations between New Edom and Deadora over sovereignty of northern Dengali continue amid tensions
- Heir Princess Jocasta continues tour of national industries
- University Basketball Golden Cup tournament begins amid record fan excitement

[New Bosakia]

To: The Heathen Government of the Pathetic "Country" of Ardoki
From: The Government of Bosakia

We are absolutely appalled at your treatment of our Christian brothers. Your government claims to be free, but does not allow and sort of Religious expression except for Atheist bullshit. We are placing embargoes on your "country" and will send any Atheists in our country to internment camps where they will be reeducated.. We spit on the face of your leader and hope that god saves our Christian Brothers from the heathen government of your little pathetic country.

-Vladimir Illuyovich
-Giorgios Balokalashivi
-Dmitry Yanuvoski
-Sergei Akinfeev

[Upiantstan]

Upiantstan Today

The nation of Ardoki came under international scrutiny this week when as many as 500 citizens came out as being Christian. Christianity, being a religion that follows a god, is forbidden in Ardoki, along with all other forms of religion. Many predominatly Christian nations have been vying for the release of these protesters, who were calmly arrested by state police. These chaotic, decadent nations claim they should be allowed to practice what they please.
We spoke with government news anchor Jonathan Morris yesterday: "These nations are risking the peace and prosperity of their people just so they can beleive in something imaginary!? If you ask me, these barbarians are just trying to get out of work on Sunday."
Upiantstan, being against all religious practice since the nations founding, has sided with the government, as stated by The Abaddon himself earlier today. Upiantstan has complete confidence that this matter will be sorted out diplomaticaly, but if the people are displeased, we will do what we must. Glory to the people, Glory to Upiantstan, Glory to the Abaddon, Gurlto ploto gobo bo.

[Ardoki]

Ardea International Airport, Ardea, Ardokian Capitol District, Unified Progressive Republic of Ardoki

Five security guards of the Ardea International Airport approached a couple of foreigners wearing religious attire. "We're sorry madams, but we're going to have to ask you to hand over all your religious items. Or we'll be forced to notify the police." one of them said. Foreigners were not reeducated in Ardoki, however they were prohibited from brining in any religious items (such as crosses, bibles, etc) or wearing religious attire, lest they wish to face charges and be deported.

Ardea District Holding Facility

The Ardea District Holding Facility was the largest centre for the holding of those awaiting trial, having room for tens of thousands of inmates though never having to reach that capacity. It was not an unpleasant place, the Ardokian justice system favoured rehabilitation over punishment for criminal offences, and the staff and facilities mirrored this. Caoilinn McNabb was the prosecutor tasked with dealing with a foreign diplomat, Dominique Angelic, who had gotten herself involved in the incident with the anti-LGBT protesters. For very minor crimes, diplomats usually have diplomatic immunity, though what Dominique was charged with ruled that out. She set up in an interview room not far from where Dominique's cell was, and greeted her as she walked into the interview room.

[Consolidate Nations Alliance]

Areda International Airport

Just before getting into the limo Amirah and Chantel handed over their religious symbols They had been careful not to bring any special ones. A cheap, simple hijab and a simple Shinto necklace wouldn't be any great loss to them. Losing Dominique would be worse then losing a couple of minor things that right now were simply statements. After a while the limo reached the Holding Facility. Chantel waited in the waiting area while Amirah went inside. She had been sure to bring her official ID to show she was a trained Justiciar, she hoped it would allow her to be granted easement this one time so she could help represent Dominique and see that a legal compromise was agreed to should they fail to get the charges dropped.

Interview room

Dominique took her seat. "I have to say, this is quite a nice place for a prison, the only way this could be better is if it was a 5-star resort.....and I didn't have to share a room with one of the bigots I was brought in with" she said, smiling warmly. She showed no animosity towards her prosecutor, who was simply doing her job, the only bit of animosity was shown when her mind wondered to the ones she was arrested and brought in with, especially the one who tried to abuse her in the cell. "I heard my charges as I was being arrested, I believe I am on one count of carrying a religious symbol, and a few slightly stretched accounts of being involved in an unlawful demonstration and resisting arrest, among other things" she said in her matter-of-fact and official, but still cheery tone. "My wife is Supreme Justiciar back home in the CNA, so I know a little bit of legal precedent from her, hopefully she'll be allowed in as she also has a plea for amnesty from my boss, Supreme Diplomat Zoe Holub" she added.

[New Edom]

Streets of Ardea

Tim Stanton, a stocky but good looking Anglo-German Edomite, wearing a light sweater, slacks and sturdy walking shoes, was out with a cameraman. He mostly wanted to ask people questions on the street.

"Excuse me, I'm a journalist," his questions would start with.

"How do you feel about the recent Christian protest? Do you feel that the protestors were treated fairly?"

"Do you know anyone who was rehabilitated? What does rehabilitation mean to you?"

"Do you think just believing in Christianity should be a crime, or should attempting to convert others to Christianity be a crime?"

"If Christians in this country did not incite violence, such as suggesting stoning of homosexuals, would you find it acceptable to practice Christianity?"

"Do you think that the police acted with excessive force in dealing with the Christian protestors?"

"Do you find it unacceptable for people who practice religion to visit your country or do business with your fellow countrymen?"

He asked this of as many people as he could, though of course now and then he needed a soothing drink for his lips and throat. He seemed friendly, genuinely curious, and no matter what the response, tried to keep being friendly. If asked what it was all about, he simply said, "I'm a journalist, my name is Tim Stanon, and I write for the Fineberg Times, Here is my card. I just want to get all points of view in this--I heard this was a civilized country and that people welcome discussion and thoughtful conversation here. That's true, isn't it?"