Iran's religious minorities free to practice their faith?

by Julie Jigsawnovich

I spoke with some of the American Ultra-Orthodox, anti-Zionist Jews across the street from the U.N. on Monday. I asked them whether they support human rights, and one of them said they do. I pointed out that Ahmadinejad's administration has a very bad record on human rights. And that although anti-Zionist Jews may like Ahmadinejad for his stance regarding Israel, they could also criticize him for violating human rights. They don't have to support him on every issue.

The American anti-Zionist Jews I spoke with told me that Jews in Iran are treated well, not persecuted. Hopefully he's right. But it might be less out the "goodness" of Ahmadinejad's heart, than the fact that if Iran persecuted Jews, Zionists would benefit politically.

The persecution of Baha'is in Iran is extensively documented.

Muslims who convert to other religions in Iran can be legally executed for this.

Even Sunni muslims are banned from praying in military camps, universities, homes

(This article was originally published as a comment here.)