NCRI – Religious freedom is “deteriorating” in Iran, according to a new report by the United States government.
Religious minorities are subject to arrest, torture and even execution “based primarily or entirely upon the religion of the accused,” the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom wrote in a report published on Monday.
The population of Iran is 99 percent Muslim, made up mostly of Shi’a Muslims. According to the report, the mullahs’ regime discriminates against people of other faiths — such as Sunni Muslims and Christians — who are facing “increasing religious freedom abuses.”
“As of February 2016, approximately 90 Christians were either in prison, detained, or awaiting trial because of their religious beliefs and activities,” the report noted.
“Since President Hassan Rouhani was elected president in 2013, the number of individuals from religious minority communities who are in prison because of their beliefs has increased,” the report added.
The report comes as the Obama administration faces criticism for engaging in nuclear talks with Iran’s regime despite human rights concerns in the country, The Hill reported on Monday.
The report encouraged the Obama administration to “ensure that violations of freedom of religion or belief and related human rights are part of multilateral or bilateral discussions with the Iranian government whenever possible, and continue to work closely with European and other allies to apply pressure through a combination of advocacy, diplomacy, and targeted sanctions.”
