The U.S. Accuses Iran Once Again of Suppressing 'Religious Freedoms'

On Wednesday, October 22, the U.S. State Department released its annual report on religious freedoms worldwide, criticizing the Iranian government's policies in suppressing the religious freedoms of Iranian citizens and highlighting numerous instances of religious discrimination. During the presentation of the report, which pertains to 2015, Secretary of State John Kerry reiterated that focusing on the necessity of religious freedoms is a priority of U.S. foreign policy. He emphasized the ongoing religious restrictions resulting from the policies of certain governments, including Iran and Saudi Arabia, stating that many of these policies, such as criminalizing religious activities, threats and intimidation, enforcing laws related to apostasy and blasphemy, insulting sacred beliefs, prohibiting the choice of religion, and imposing restrictions on religious organizations, clearly violate citizens' freedoms. Kerry pointed to the role of non-state groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, which committed heinous acts against religious freedoms and other human rights in 2014, noting that the lack of governmental response to these groups or delays in addressing their actions have severe consequences for people living under highly restrictive conditions, where their freedom to practice their religious duties is continuously interfered with. The State Department's report examines violations of religious freedoms in various countries during 2014. Regarding the situation in Iran concerning religious restrictions, the report states that the Islamic Republic continues to execute and imprison religious minorities under the pretexts of 'waging war against God' and 'propaganda against Islam' and has discriminated against them in public services, employment, education, and housing. Government officials' comments and actions have created a threatening atmosphere against all non-Shia Iranians, particularly the Baha'is, and state-controlled media, as well as printed publications, continue an anti-minority campaign. The report adds that in Iran, non-Muslims face numerous social discriminations supported and fueled by the government. Religious and political leaders consistently express defamatory remarks against these groups. There are numerous reports of the difficulties faced by Baha'is at various social levels throughout Iran, and non-Baha'i employers, under government pressure, avoid hiring Baha'is and dismiss them from their jobs if they are employed. Shia clerics curse Sufis in their religious ceremonies and reject their activities throughout Iran, both in society and in private gatherings. The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, on Tuesday, listed numerous instances of violations of religious freedoms in Iran and referred to other restrictions, stating, 'The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran does not allow its Muslim citizens to freely choose their religion or convert to another faith.' He also mentioned that the government closely monitors the statements and declarations of senior clerics. The Supreme Leader oversees a special clergy court that examines allegations against clerics. Additionally, the government continues to interpret and define the concepts of Islam, obliging citizens of any religion to comply with strict religious laws and regulations, justifying all of this under the guise of religion. The annual report from the State Department on the status of religious freedoms cites several examples of Iranian rights violations, emphasizing that according to a credible non-governmental organization report, at least 24 executions of Iranian citizens under the charge of 'waging war against God' occurred in the past year. The report adds that under the same pretext, the Islamic Republic has executed political opponents and peaceful protesters. At the end of this lengthy report, the U.S. stated that in the absence of diplomatic relations with Iran, it has called on the Islamic Republic to respect the religious rights of its citizens and uphold their religious freedoms through various means, including the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and even through sanctions.