Demonstrations are being planned on Thursday at Iranian embassies around the world for imprisoned Pastor Saeed Abedini and other victims of the Islamic country's human rights abuses, with hopes that they will get the attention of many world leaders.

"The timing of these events aimed at highlighting human rights and Pastor Saeed's case directly to Iranian officials comes as Iran prepares for its own elections next week. It sends a powerful message at a time when Iran is listening," says Jordan Sekulow, the executive director for the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ).

The event, called "Standing together for Human Rights in Iran," promises to be a day of "peaceful demonstrations," scheduled to take place at noon time in every country that decides to hold a demonstration. more >>

An Egyptian Christian teacher has been convicted of insulting Islam, receiving a large fine instead of being sentenced to jail time.

Dimiana Abdel-Nour, a 24-year-old history and geography teacher of the Sheikh Sultan Primary School in Luxor, was not present in court on Tuesday to hear her verdict, which found her guilty of insulting Islam in an incident back in May and sentenced her to pay a fine of 100,000 Egyptian pounds ($14,000).

In May, Abdel-Nour was accused by three students in her fourth grade classroom of insulting the prophet Muhammad by saying the late Coptic Pope Shenouda performed more miracles than the prophet, and reportedly feigned nausea while talking about the prophet Muhammad. more >>

Iranian Pastor Behman Irani, 42, who may face the death penalty on charges of apostasy, is experiencing serious health problems.

"After two years in jail he suffers terrible complications, including intestinal problems and rheumatism," Firouz Khandjani, a council member of the "Church of Iran" movement to which the pastor belongs, told Worthy News.

Khandjani said the hygienic situation at the Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj is terrible and that inmates do not have regular access to a toilet. more >>

The Maspero Youth Union (MYU) denounced the recent threats made by the Islamic hardliners regarding Copts who are organizing a June 30 demonstration, even though those calling for the demonstrations have said their message to the president in a democratic and peaceful manner.

The union took to their official Facebook page to express its wishes- namely that the Egyptian president would end this state of confusion they live in by calling for early presidential elections, so that the people will have their say.

"Why do the president's supporters rage so?" a message posted on Facebook read. "What is the reason behind all these threats, as well as burning 'Tamarod' headquarters?" more >>

Conservatives have long suspected there is discrimination against conservative professors in academia, and now there is evidence to prove it. Sociology professor Neil Gross, a self-described liberal, reveals the results of surveys showing this bias in his new book, Why Professors are Liberal and Why do Conservatives Care?

Sociologist George Yancey asked professors if they would be more or less likely to hire someone if they were a Republican, evangelical or fundamentalist.

Three-quarters said political affiliation would not affect their hiring decision. But the one-quarter that did say it would influence their decision virtually all said they would favor a Democrat over a Republican. Almost half of the sociology professors surveyed said they would look unfavorably upon evangelicals and fundamentalists trying to get a job in their department! more >>

Naguib Sawiris, an Egyptian businessman and founder of the Free Egyptians Party, denounced the Muslim Brotherhood's dominating rule on Egypt and its control of the people through a fascist, unjust dictatorship.

Sawiris said it is not reasonable for the Muslim Brotherhood to monopolize rule, especially as it was late to join the revolution.

Through his Twitter account Sawiris denied any relationship with Orascom Construction Industries. He rebuked the rumors that are being hatched against him by the Muslim Brotherhood by alleging that the company is his subsidiary and a means of tax evasion. more >>