More than 40 Protestant Christian leaders have been arrested for allegedly “forcing the conversions of Hindus.”

Nepalese Hindu leaders filed the complaint and the arrest occurred on June 13. A few hours after the arrest, however, most of the detainees were released, though eight leaders remained in custody until June 15.

Fides reported that the arrests “are an ominous threat to religious freedom in Nepal,” and that “the Hindus in Nepal, inspired by extremist movements in India, are looking for pretexts against Christians.”

Source: Agenzia Fides