Persecution World Watch List: North Korea Remains No. 1, Sharp Increases in Africa

The number of African countries has sharply increased on the annual persecution world watch list due to increasing influence of Islam, states Open Doors, an organization that supports persecuted Christians worldwide.

Mali, for example, has risen from unranked in 2011 to No. 7 in 2012. The other African countries under the influence of Islamic extremism include Tanzania (No. 24), Kenya (No. 40), Uganda (No. 47) and Niger (No. 50).

North Korea is still No. 1 when it comes to persecution of Christians. It topped Open Doors’ list for the 11th year in a row. In North Korea, possessing a Bible alone can be a reason for a Christian to be executed or sent to a prison camp along with three generations of his or her family. It is estimated that between 50,000 and 70,000 Christians suffer in horrific prison camps.

“Nothing much has changed under new North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un,” says Open Doors spokesman Jerry Dykstra. “In fact, persecution of Christians has increased.

Its neighboring country China has shown significant improvement over the years. Five years ago, the country was ranked in the Top 10, but now it has dropped from No. 21 to No. 37. The good news is house searches, arrests and the confiscation of Bibles and Christian books no longer occur on a large scale. However, the government forces many church leaders to keep an accounting for their whereabouts; a way to keep them subdued and under control. At least 100 Chinese Christians are still in prison.

The top 10 countries on Open Doors' 2012 World Watch List are: (1) North Korea; (2) Saudi Arabia; (3) Afghanistan; (4) Iraq; (5) Somalia; (6) Maldives; (7) Mali; (8) Iran; (9) Yemen, and (10) Eritrea.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.