On January 28, 2024, a significant event took place at the Louvre Museum in Paris, where the Mona Lisa, one of the world’s most renowned paintings, became the target of a protest. Two activists from the group “Riposte Alimentaire” (Food Riposte) hurled soup at the protective glass covering Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic artwork. Fortunately, the painting, which has been safeguarded by security glass for over seven decades, remained undamaged.

This dramatic act was not just a random occurrence but a carefully orchestrated protest with clear motives. The activists, captured in a video that subsequently circulated on social media, were heard advocating for a sustainable food system. Their outcry highlighted the need for “healthy and sustainable food,” emphasizing the distress of the current agricultural system and the plight of farmers.

The incident at the Louvre coincided with a weekend of agricultural protests happening in Paris. Riposte Alimentaire’s actions were part of a broader demonstration against several issues faced by French farmers, including low wages, excessive bureaucracy, and competition from cheap imports. The group’s objectives include advocating for a healthcare system equivalent in France to ensure better access to healthy food and fair income for farmers.

Following the soup-throwing incident, the Mona Lisa’s exhibition room was briefly evacuated and subsequently reopened. Paris police reported the arrest of two individuals in connection with this protest.

The act of targeting a high-profile artwork like the Mona Lisa is not unprecedented in the realm of environmental and social activism. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, where activists have used famous artworks to draw attention to their causes. This event aligns with a growing trend of using dramatic and public displays to highlight pressing global issues, in this case, the challenges faced by the agriculture sector and the need for sustainable food practices.

This incident, linking art with activism, underscores the evolving nature of protest in the modern era, where symbolic acts are employed to garner global attention towards critical societal issues.

Livestreamed footage captured the harrowing moment the youth approached the bishop at the pulpit while he was delivering his sermon, then lunged towards him, stabbing him. The footage depicts church members overpowering the assailant and rushing to aid the bishop.

Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and several worshippers were injured in what has been described as an act of Islamic extremism and terrorism. The assailant’s motivations, reportedly rooted in religious hatred, were an act of revenge against the bishop for publicly speaking out against Islam and Muhammad.

In the aftermath of the attack, hundreds of people flocked to the area, seeking retribution against the boy. This led to clashes between law enforcement and members of the community. Riots erupted outside the church, with tensions boiling over as frustrations and grievances spilled onto the streets. Police and emergency services workers came under attack from rioters, resulting in injuries and extensive damage to vehicles. NSW Police Commissioner assured that those involved in the riots would be held accountable.

Amidst the turmoil, however, there have been glimpses of hope and resilience. Bishop Emmanuel called for peace, forgiveness, and prayer for the boy who attacked him. His plea to pray, not only for himself but also for his assailant, embodies the spirit of Christ, challenging the community to rise above hatred and retribution.

Australian religious leaders across the board are echoing the call for peace and urging against retaliation. In such a delicate situation, where further unrest is a possibility, it is essential that we heed the words of Jesus recorded in the Bible: “Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you.”

This volatile situation cannot be allowed to escalate further. We issue a vital call to prayer for Sydney, Australia. If you are reading this article, please take a moment now to pray for Sydney. Furthermore, we implore Australians to cooperate with local law enforcement, who are equipped to handle the situation. Taking the law into one’s own hands is not the solution.

We advocate for forgiveness. We call for peace.

Romans 12:17-20 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends……..On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

Interviewer: Tonight, we have a special guest, Sergei, a Russian national and outspoken critic of the current political climate in Russia. He is the founder and CTO of an International Information Technology Company and he is also a very good friend. Tonight we will discuss the present-day political situation in Russia, Vladimir Putin, the corruption & propaganda, the invasion of Ukraine, amongst other things. Sergei, thank you for joining us at The Light Magazine.

Sergei: Thank you for having me.

Interviewer: Firstly, on a positive note, tell me about your homeland. What do you love about Russia and its people?

Sergei: I grew up in Russia with my family and friends, and I have many fond memories from my youth. I enjoy Russian nature and art, and I love the snow. It’s a beautiful place to be.

Interviewer: I’ve always wanted to visit, but now doesn’t seem like the right time.

Sergei: It’s probably not.

Interviewer: Tell me, what motivates you to speak out against President Putin and his policies?

Sergei: Putin and his policies cause people to suffer, and that is simply not right. I believe it’s the responsibility of every conscientious individual to speak out against such wrongs.

Interviewer: Can you tell me about the corruption in Russia?

Sergei: Sure. Corruption in Russia is basically the basis for the government. All the government functions due to corruption. If you remove corruption from Russia, the government will just fall.

Interviewer: Can you tell me about freedom of speech in Russia?

Sergei: There is no freedom of speech in Russia anymore, especially after the invasion of Ukraine. Speaking against government policies or even calling it a war can lead to persecution, from losing your job to jail time.

Interviewer: Does that cause many Russian people who have issues with the government to stay quiet?

Sergei: Absolutely. People are afraid because they’ve seen what happens to other critics. Only a few dare to speak out. Think about it: someone can go to jail just for liking a post on Facebook, which is now banned in Russia as an extremist organization. It’s very dangerous to speak against government, government policy, or against the war, even with your friends. People can get killed for speaking out against Putin.

Interviewer: What are the main reasons for your opposition to the war in Ukraine?

Sergei: The war is illegal and wrong. This invasion should never have happened.  Innocent people are being killed. Civillians are being murdered. The only beneficiaries are those in power in Russia, as it helps them stay in control.

Bucha main street after Russian invasion of Ukraine. Source Wikimedia Commons.

Interviewer: Tell us about the propaganda. How does the Russian government control or influence the media?

Sergei: If you live in Russia and aren’t among the 10% who use VPNs or read English-language media, you’re constantly bombarded by lies from government-controlled media. These lies are outrageous, manipulating facts and hiding truths. Due to the lack of freedom of speech, independent news outlets and influencers are banned, detained, or persecuted. The only voice people hear is the government’s.

Interviewer: Do a great percentage of Russian people believe this propaganda, or can they see through it?

Sergei: Many Russians, especially adults who experienced the Soviet Union, intuitively understand that the government shouldn’t be trusted. However, without alternatives, they still believe some of the fake facts fed to them. Propaganda creates multiple conflicting stories to instill doubt, making it hard to discern the truth.

Interviewer: Can you tell me what the Russian Orthodox Church’s view of the war is with Ukraine?

Sergei: The Russian Orthodox Church is essentially a branch of the government, controlled by Putin and his regime. They receive benefits like financial help and the elimination of competitors. In return, they promote the war, even including it in daily prayers. Priests who refuse to read these prayers can be persecuted and removed from the Church.

Interviewer: Vladimir Putin won the recent presidential election. What can you say about that?

Sergei: There was no election; it was a political stunt. True elections require candidates who represent different groups and are allowed to run their campaigns. In Russia, there was no opposition to Putin because potential opponents were either barred or eliminated.

Interviewer: Can you tell our audience who Alexei Navalny was?

Alexei Navalny was a Russian opposition leader, lawyer, anti-corruption activist, and political prisoner. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Sergei: Alexei Navalny was a Russian opposition leader and a hero. He was an outspoken critic of Putin, the founder of the Anti-Corruption Fund, and the author of several investigations against high-level government corruption. He was sent to prison because of his stance against Putin and died a few months ago while detained.

Interviewer: Do you believe that Alexei Navalny was murdered directly because of his stance against Putin?

Sergei: In prison, Navalny suffered torture and was repeatedly isolated for minor infractions. This isolation, in such harsh conditions, amounted to torture. The government created unbearable conditions for him. No one could have survived this. Whether he was directly murdered or died because of these extreme conditions in prison, his blood is still on Putin’s hands.

Interviewer: How can the international community help bring freedom from oppression to the people of Russia?

Sergei: First, don’t shy away from Russian people. The fight is against the Russian government, not its people. Russians who speak out need to feel supported and not alone. For instance, it’s almost impossible for Russian citizens to open a bank account in the some countries simply because they are Russian. This doesn’t help in fighting Putin.

The world must understand that Putin’s war isn’t just against Ukraine; it’s against the civilized world. He won’t stop at Ukraine. There’s Poland, Moldova, and other countries next. Attempts to pacify Putin will only lead to more wars and bloodshed. The only way to stop Putin and ensure global safety is for him to lose militarily or politically.

Interviewer: Thank you for your time Sergei and your invaluable insight into the situation, a great privellage to speak with you tonight.

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The Light Magazine issues an important call to prayer for Russia and Ukraine. We pray for peace and the protection of all lives, towns, cities, and nations involved. We pray for freedom from oppression for the Russian people. We pray for a diplomatic solution and an end to the blood shed and violence. We know nothing is impossible with God, so we pray especially for Vladimir Putin. We ask God, You’d protect the nations from his regime, have mercy on him, bring him to repentance. Touch his heart, and save his soul through Jesus Christ Your Son. We pray, Abba Father, Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done in these nations. Stretch out your mighty hand Lord, we pray for your powerful, divine intervention. Have Your way, whatever it may be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.