US once again accuses Iran of suppressing "religious freedoms"

On Wednesday, October 12, the US State Department published its annual report on the state of religious freedom in the world, in which it once again criticized the Iranian government's policy of suppressing the religious freedom of Iranian citizens and listed numerous cases of religious discrimination.

When presenting this report, which dates back to 2015, US Secretary of State John Kerry reiterated that focusing on the need for religious freedom is a priority of US foreign policy.

He emphasized the continuation of religious restrictions resulting from the policies of some governments, including Iran and Saudi Arabia, and said that many of these policies, such as criminalizing religious activities, threats and intimidation, applying laws related to apostasy and blasphemy, insulting sacred places, prohibiting the choice of religion, or imposing restrictions on religious organizations, clearly violate citizens' freedoms.

Referring to the role of non-state groups such as the Islamic Caliphate and Al-Qaeda, which committed the most heinous acts of religious freedom and other human rights violations in 2014, Mr. Kerry said that the lack of response by governments to confront these groups, or the delay and inadequacy in responding to their actions, has grave consequences for people who live under extremely restrictive conditions and whose freedom to practice their religion is accompanied by continuous interference.

The US State Department report is dedicated to examining violations of religious freedom in various countries during 2014.

Discrimination against religious minorities

In examining the situation in Iran regarding religious restrictions, the report states that the government of the Islamic Republic continues to execute and imprison religious minorities under the guise of "enmity against God" and "propaganda against Islam," and discriminates against them in government services, employment, education, and housing.

The statements and actions of government officials have created a threatening atmosphere against all non-Shiite Iranians, especially Baha'is, and the state-controlled media, as well as print publications, have continued their campaign against religious minorities.

The report adds that in Iran, non-Muslims face widespread social discrimination, supported and fueled by the government. Religious and political leaders regularly make defamatory statements against these groups.

There are numerous reports of difficulties faced by Baha'is at various levels of society throughout Iran, and non-Baha'i employers, under pressure from the government, avoid hiring Baha'is and, if they do, dismiss them from their jobs.

Shiite clerics curse Sufis in their religious ceremonies and throughout Iran, they reject their activities both in society and in private circles.

On Tuesday, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Affairs, while listing numerous violations of religious freedom in Iran, also pointed to other restrictions, saying: "The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran does not allow its Muslim citizens to freely choose their religion or convert to another religion."

He also said that the government even closely monitors the religious statements and statements of senior clerics. For this purpose, the Leader of the Islamic Republic oversees the Special Court for Clergy, which investigates accusations against clerics. In addition, the government continues to interpret and determine the concepts of the Islamic religion, obliging citizens of all faiths and denominations to observe strict religious laws and regulations, justifying all this in the name of religion.

Execution on charges of war against God

The US State Department's annual report on the status of religious freedoms has cited several examples of violations of Iranian rights, including emphasizing that, according to a report by a reputable non-governmental organization, at least 24 executions of Iranian citizens were carried out last year under the title of "enmity against God."

The report adds that under the same title, the Islamic Republic government has executed political opponents and peaceful demonstrators.

At the end of this long report, the United States has clarified that in the absence of diplomatic relations with Iran, the United States has used various means, including the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and even by imposing sanctions, to call on the Islamic Republic of Iran to respect the religious rights of its citizens and observe their religious freedom.