US concerned about Iran's religious detentions

Washington - The United States on Friday raised concerns about Iran's alleged persecution of religious minorities, including people of the Baha'i religion. PJ Crowley, assistant spokesman for the US State Department, said Iran had detained at least 25 Baha'is in recent weeks and that up to 60 Baha'is were imprisoned "solely on the basis of their religious beliefs."

The detained also included more than a dozen Christians, Crowley said.

"We remain concerned that seven Baha'i leaders on trial for espionage have been denied access to their attorneys," Crowley said in a statement.

Referring to Iran's recent pledge to abide by international law, Crowley said the US was "deeply disappointed" that the Iranian government had rejected international urging that it stop discriminating against its Baha'i religious minority.

"We join the international community in urging Iran to uphold its obligations to protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all its people," Crowley said.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/313860,us-concerned-about-irans-religious-detentions.html.