NationStates Jolt Archive


Religious Toleration Under Fire in Acrela

Acrela
29-03-2008, 16:21
"The Daily Acrelan" Newspaper, Telin
In recent days, mass rioting has broken out in the Acrelan capital of Telin as thousands of citizens protest the Social Salvation Party's demands in the General Assembly for an outlawing of certain religious practices. Most notably, they are calling for a crackdown on Muslims and Christians within Acrelan borders, both of which form a small minority base in the face of the nation's overwhelming majority of atheists, agnostics, and Taoists.

Exarch Jule Manila, the recently-elected spiritual advisor in Acrela, is pressuring the government to intervene on the behalf of the people. In a closed-doors meeting with the Senate today, she called for, "An equal treatment of all citizens of the nation. Regardless of what Lord we worship, or none, do we not all deserve the freedom to do so?" The Social Salvation Party has yet to lodge an official response in Telin, but inside sources suggest that they are planning to take the matter to the Hall of Justice if necessary.

The federal government itself has been almost silent on the issue thus far, though a response is expected some time today as the rioting draws closer to the Prime Minister's residence. Minister Kital will no doubt petition neighboring nations to be patient in terms of exports while the debacle is sorted out, as Acrelan industry has come to a virtual standstill due to the crisis. So far, the armed forces have stayed put, but there remains the possibility that they could be called out to protect the capital and the country's economic interests.

===