Annual Report on Religious Freedom by the U.S.: Suppression and Discrimination Against Christian Converts and Baha'is in Iran

The annual report on religious freedom by the U.S. Department of State was released on Tuesday with the presence of Mike Pompeo, the U.S. Secretary of State. The report highlights the suppression of Christian converts and Baha'is in Iran, violations of religious freedoms in Saudi Arabia, and widespread religious prisoners in North Korea. This detailed report, which addresses the violation of religious freedom in many countries around the world, also states that the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar has not yet ceased. Mike Pompeo stated at the event: 'In societies where fundamental religious freedoms, expression, press, and peaceful assembly are under attack, we see conflict, instability, and terrorism. Conversely, governments and societies that support these freedoms are safer, more stable, and more peaceful.' Pages 44 to 50 of the U.S. Department of State report discuss the status of religious freedom in Iran. The report indicates that there are two types of treatment regarding religious freedom in Iran: recognized religions and those that Iran does not recognize. Baha'is and those who have recently converted to Christianity—Christian converts—fall into the category of groups that Iran does not recognize. The report mentions that although some Baha'is were released from prison last year, many others were arrested and imprisoned due to their religious beliefs. It also states that discrimination in educational, social, and employment matters against these minorities continues. The report notes that Christian converts and leaders of house churches are being pursued and harassed, with some sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. The annual report on religious freedom states that the Iranian government has gained the ability to interpret religions in the online sphere, posing a danger to internet users. It also refers to the situation of Spenta Niknam and his removal from the city council due to his Zoroastrian faith. Spenta Niknam, who was a member of the Yazd city council for four years since 2013, was re-elected in 2017 but was suspended from the council by the Administrative Justice Court due to a complaint from a conservative candidate who did not win enough votes to enter the council, citing Niknam's non-Muslim status. The report states that although the government of Hassan Rouhani promised to address some issues related to religious freedom, no promises have been fulfilled in this area. It suggests that given the current conditions in Iran, it is still recommended that Iran remain on the list of 'countries of particular concern.' The report also mentions the ongoing ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims and states that this cleansing process has not stopped. In North Korea, according to this report, between 80,000 to 120,000 political prisoners are in horrific prisons under very poor conditions due to religious belief-related reasons. In Pakistan, based on this report, 50 individuals were imprisoned last year on charges of 'blasphemy,' with 17 of them facing the death penalty. Saudi Arabia has also been criticized for discrimination against the Shia minority, but the report welcomed the Crown Prince's promises regarding greater freedoms.