Hillary Clinton Speaks Out Against Persecution of Religious Minorities in Iran

Persecution of Religious Minorities in Iran

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State

Washington, DC

August 12, 2010

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The United States is deeply concerned with the Iranian government’s continued persecution of Baha'is and other religious minority communities in Iran.
This week, seven Baha’i leaders, who were incarcerated and held for nearly two years without due process, were each sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. The United States strongly condemns this sentencing as a violation of Iran’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Freedom of religion is the birthright of people of all faiths and beliefs in all places. The United States is committed to defending religious freedom around the world, and we have not forgotten the Baha’i community in Iran. We will continue to speak out against injustice and call on the Iranian government to respect the fundamental rights of all its citizens in accordance with its international obligations.