Students at the Arastamar Evangelical School of Theology in East Jakarta, Indonesia, are being forced to sleep in the lobby of the Indonesian parliament after demonstrations against the school by local Muslims on 25 July.
A local mosque loudspeaker called on Muslims to drive "drive out the unwanted neighbour", as hundreds of protesters wielding machetes, sharpened bamboo and acid, attacked the school.
The incident was sparked when two students at the school threw a sandal after seeing a rat in their dormitory. The sandal landed in the property of a neighbour and when the students tried to retrieve the sandal they were accused of being thieves.
Despite the presence of 400 police officers, the ensuing protests became violent and led to at least 17 students at the school receiving injuries.
The 1,400 students and staff at the school were evacuated during the weekend of 26-27 July, some to Indonesia's parliament and others to nearby denominational and medical facilities, reports Compass Direct News.
Those taking refuge in the parliament building are now lobbying the government to allow them to return to the school and guarantee their protection.
-
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
-
Pastor who gave sermon near abortion clinic stands trial
-
Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'
-
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
-
Myanmar junta orders an early Christmas
-
The Church needs to watch Channel 4's John Smyth documentary
Most Popular
News
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame
Over 323,000 people have signed a petition in opposition to new stained-glass window designs for Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God
Rapper Nicki Minaj opened up about her recently reignited relationship with God and what inspired her to speak out for persecuted Christians, suggesting that her rise in the music industry made it more challenging to maintain the spirituality of her youth.
Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events
The Christian Institute has initiated legal proceedings against Keir Starmer in a bid to end civil service participation in controversial Pride marches.
National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded more than £7.3 million to help maintain four historic churches.