Europe's Competition Directorate dispatches corporate raids across Europe without a search warrant, and operates outside normal democratic judicial control. It is judge, jury, and executioner, imposing fines large enough to constitute criminal sanctions, but without the due process protection of criminal law. It misused evidence so badly in pursuit of Intel that the company alleged a violation of human rights. Apple has vowed this week to appeal against a €13bn Brussels fine for violation of EU state-aid rules, but the only recourse is the European Court of Justice - usually a forlorn ritual. Many believe that powerful EU forces are using state-aid probes to break the global dominance of America's technology giants, hoping to nurture its own 'Silicon Valley' behind a digital wall. Amazon, Facebook, Google and Apple are all under fire, while Microsoft has fought an epic battle. Are some in Brussels viewing America as the enemy?

The following is just one of the many stories of property-grabbing, injustice and false imprisonment of poor, vulnerable people. A mission worker writes, ‘Please join us in praying for Albertina, an 82-year-old widow who has been working with The International Justice Mission (IJM) team in Gulu after falling victim to property-grabbing. The perpetrators in this case have repeatedly bribed local officials to get out of custody while actively threatening and assaulting Albertina and her family. Earlier this week, the perpetrators worked with the police to come up with false charges against Albertina and her adult family members, having them arrested despite a clear lack of evidence. The arrest of these victims left ten children under the age of thirteen living in huts alone with no supervision. Please pray for wisdom and favour as the International Justice Mission team works to secure the release of Albertina and the other victims.’

Colombia declared an end to the longest-running civil conflict in the Western hemisphere last week. In a historic agreement, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - known as FARC - signed a peace agreement with the Colombian government to end over fifty years of civil war that has killed nearly 225,000 people. Please pray that the marginalised communities will now have access to healthcare. Pray that land will be given back to rightful owners. Pray for a reconciliation process to start so that communities can overcome the legacy of bitterness.

On Monday, 6,500 migrants were rescued from the sea twelve miles off Libya in one of the biggest operations of its kind to date. Migrants from Eritrea and Somalia were cheering and some were swimming to rescue vessels, while others carried babies aboard. The previous day, another 1,100 migrants had been rescued in the same area. Libya’s instability has made it a hub for people-trafficking. About 106,000 people have arrived in Italy so far this year, while 2,726 have died in the attempt. The International Organisation for Migration says there are a further 275,000 migrants in Libya waiting to travel. Several vessels run by humanitarian organisations help to patrol the route, but the risks were highlighted earlier this month when Médecins Sans Frontières said one of their boats was fired on by armed men.

4,000 Catholics were beaten by police as they protested against the government allowing the contamination of seventy tons of fish from waste dumped into the sea. The pollution was caused by Formosa Plastic Group, a steel company. Christian fishing families affected by the pollution marched on municipal offices in Ky Anh, but were blocked and beaten by police, leaving several injured by truncheon blows. Officials deny that police used violence, saying people were injured because of the size of the crowd. International Christian Concern noted that the dying fish have left many families in a state of panic as fishing is a vital and important source of income and food. Pollution will also have an impact on the economy if the situation continues without proper counter-measures. Please also pray for an end to Vietnam’s harassment and intimidation of religious minorities as countless Christian pastors remain in prison merely for their beliefs.

For seventy years the Missionary Aviation Fellowship (MAF) has helped vulnerable people in hard-to-reach places. Flying onto desert and jungle airstrips, lakes and rivers, tracks and roads, its light aircraft and their mission pilots go the extra miles to provide a lifeline, working in partnership with other Christian and relief organisations. They have now started a new initiative that they hope will increase prayer support for their work. Each month they will produce a short prayer video that brings the needs of those in remote communities into people’s internet mailboxes. This fresh approach highlights the stark differences between life in the west and some of the countries where they serve, prompting people to call on our heavenly Father with thanksgiving and praise, while seeking His provision for others. To watch the video and pray this month for those lacking access to clean water please click the ‘More’ button.

An online pornography ring targeting thousands of Australian schoolgirls has re-emerged after police had closed it down earlier this month. Police and detectives in several states are investigating a website containing sexual images of girls from private and public schools across Australia. The website is in the form of a ‘message chat forum’ and has photos and requests of naked schoolgirls. Seventy Australian schools are mentioned in the requests. Detective Acting Superintendent Marcus Boorman said a number of the images allegedly depict non-consenting or underage girls. The page reportedly features naked photos of teenage girls, some with their names, so that others can rate them. NSW, Queensland, Victoria and ACT police are investigating - as are a number of education departments. However, it is difficult for law enforcement agencies to keep track of online sites, especially those hosted overseas. See also Australian Prayer Network.

In a surprise announcement, Mel Gibson told evangelist Greg Laurie that he is working on a sequel to his film ‘The Passion of the Christ.’ Gibson said, ‘We're talking about that. Of course, that is a huge undertaking. And you know, it's not “The Passion 2”. It's called “The Resurrection”. Of course, that's a very big subject and it needs to be looked at because we don't want to just do a simple rendering of it - you know, read what happened. The Passion is the beginning and there’s a lot more story to tell.’

David Boudia and Steele Johnson won silver in the men’s synchronised diving and told NBC they both know their identity is in Christ and not competition results. Swimmer Madeline Dirado won gold in the women’s freestyle relay, silver in the women’s 400m individual medley and bronze in the women’s 200m individual medley. She said, ‘Knowing that I’m a child of God and that His love for me is determined by nothing I can achieve or do on my own has given me a quiet confidence.’ New Zealander Nick Willis told the Bible Society that becoming a Christian had changed his whole motivation for sport. Christine Ohuruogu won three global titles and said, 'It’s obvious I want to win, but I never pray to win. I just pray, “Help me do my best”.’ Gabby Douglas, one of the US gold-winning gymnastics team, said, ‘I love sharing my story and my faith. God has given me this amazing talent, so I'm going out to glorify His name.’

Over the past four weeks, 1,527 young people have made commitments to follow Jesus at the Soul Survivor summer festivals. Organisers say 26,000 attended the five different events, which took place in Scotland, Staffordshire and Somerset. Those gathered at the conferences heard speakers such as Tim Ross from Texas, Mike Hands from Australia, Miriam Swaffield, and Archbishop Justin Welby. Each week thousands took part in a giant pulled-pork picnic, silent discos, UV parties, a huge ceilidh (sing-along dance), and Colour Chaos dry paint parties. But most importantly young people stepped out and prayed for one another, heard from God and received the Holy Spirit passion to see God moving in power in churches throughout the UK and beyond. They gave their lives to serve God, fulfilling His purposes for them to grow and serve in everyday life.