US State Department criticizes the situation of religious minorities in Iran
The US State Department announced in its annual report on religious freedom in various countries around the world that despite promises by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to improve the situation of religious minorities, there has been no progress in this regard.
Six pages of the report, published on Tuesday, are dedicated to Iran, stating that Baha'is and Christian converts face repression and discrimination in Iran.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry described the report as "unrealistic" and said it was prepared "solely for the purpose of specific political exploitation."
At the same time, the Baha'i International Community in Geneva and Article 18, an organization active in the field of Christian rights in Iran, say that "repression, arrest, and deprivation of Baha'is and Christian converts" continue in Iran.
And further in this week's Halka magazine:
- Several Baha'i students prevented from studying at university
- Journalist Hassan Fathi detained for one week in Tehran
- And news from several other political and ideological prisoners in Iran.
Source: Radio Farda
