Blinken Criticizes Religious Freedom Violations in Iran, China, and Saudi Arabia
At the presentation ceremony of the U.S. State Department’s annual report on religious freedom, Anthony Blinken accused three countries—Iran, Saudi Arabia, and China—of violating this freedom. The U.S. Secretary of State also warned about the rise of antisemitism worldwide.
Anthony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, severely criticized Iran, China, Saudi Arabia, and several other countries for widespread violations of religious freedom.
At the ceremony presenting the U.S. State Department’s annual report on religious freedom around the world on Wednesday, May 12 (local time), Blinken described religious freedom as a fundamental basis of a free and stable society, stating that many people around the world live without this right.
The U.S. Secretary of State pointed to Saudi Arabia as the only country in the world that does not have a church, despite over one million Christians living there. Furthermore, according to the State Department’s annual report on religious freedom, “blasphemy” in Saudi Arabia is punishable by lengthy imprisonment.
According to the report, in Iran, those who have converted from Islam to Christianity are subjected to harassment and persecution. Non-Muslim minorities, particularly Baha’is, face discrimination and abuse.
Blinken accused China of crimes against humanity and genocide against Uyghur Muslims and other religious minorities. He also held the Myanmar government responsible for violent acts by non-Muslim minorities against the Muslim majority.
The U.S. Secretary of State accused Russian security forces of harassing and persecuting followers of the Jehovah’s Witnesses branch of Christianity and Muslim minorities.
The State Department’s annual religious freedom report also highlighted positive developments. These include the repeal of discriminatory religious laws in Sudan and the release of hundreds of prisoners of conscience in Uzbekistan.
Anthony Blinken also warned about the rising antisemitism in America and around the world. He stated, “History has shown that antisemitism is often accompanied by violence.” The U.S. Secretary of State described anti-Jewish hatred as “a serious problem” in Europe and America.
The annual religious freedom report worldwide has been prepared by the U.S. State Department since 1998.
Source: DW
