Persecution of Religious Minorities in Iran
Victoria Nuland
Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
July 6, 2011
We are dismayed over reports that the Iranian courts are requiring Youcef Nadarkhani to recant his Christian faith or face the death penalty for apostasy – a charge based on his religious beliefs. If carried out, it would be the first execution for apostasy in Iran since 1990.
He is just one of thousands who face persecution for their religious beliefs in Iran, including the seven leaders of the Baha’i community whose imprisonment was increased to 20 years for practicing their faith and hundreds of Sufis who have been flogged in public because of their beliefs.
While Iran’s leaders hypocritically claim to promote tolerance, they continue to detain, imprison, harass, and abuse those who simply wish to worship the faith of their choosing.
We join the international community in continuing to call on the Iranian government to respect the fundamental rights of all its citizens and uphold its international commitments to protect them.
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Read more: Read statement on State Department website
Source: http://iran.bahai.us/2011/07/07/u-s-state-department-thousands-face-persecution-for-religious-beliefs-in-iran/
August 8, 2011 1:10 am
The Baha’is reside in every country around the world. Their honesty, love for humanity, and non involvement in politics has been proven beyond a shadow of doubt over the last 150 plus years. I hope that gentle people of all countries raise their voices on defense of the Baha’is, and other religous minorities in Iran.
Please do not understimate the power of many, if it was not for the out cry for these innocent people in Iran by many Iternational organizations, may would have been killed already!