One of the cornerstones of freedom – the freedom to practice the religion of your choice – is in peril in many countries.

Under the pretense of “fighting terrorism” or “maintaining the security of the state,” repressive govern-ments are conducting systematic and ruthless campaigns against a variety of religious faiths – Muslim, Christian, Jewish and others. “Religious police” or armed mobs condoned by the local authorities break up prayer meetings, beat participants, and destroy religious literature. In other countries, obscure laws and strict religious codes are used as a basis to convict people of “religious crimes.” Defendants can be imprisoned for years, tortured, even executed.

In the U.S., under the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act, we have legal options to confront countries that restrict freedom of religion and pressure them to change. But so far, President George W. Bush has been unwilling to use the law to apply real pressure.

We must speak out and insist that they act. Human Rights Watch is investigating governments that carry out or condone religious persecution. We will expose the abuse to the international community and press for action to preserve freedom of religion.

This is a crucial moment to get involved and make a difference in the lives of those who are abused. Please join us in our efforts to preserve freedom of religion. Your support helps us to continue to bring religious persecution to light and push governments to punish the abusers and provide protection and redress for victims.

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HRW Documents on Religious Freedom

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