IRLA Delegation Meets Serbian Minister of Religions

Belgrade, Serbia. August 29, 2001. IRLA Secretary General Dr. John Graz led a delegation to meet with Prof. Vojislav Milovanovic of the Ministry of Religions for the Republic of Serbia.

The minister thanked IRLA for its commitment to religious freedom and provided information on the new law on religion in public schools. He also insisted on the fact that the government will do its best to implement freedom of religion for all.

Dr. John Graz stated the principle that no citizen should feel marginalized or discriminated against for being member of a religious minority.

Local IRLA leader Dr. Radisa Antic commented that the meeting was very important as a step towards a regular consultation with the new government and it comes at a very crucial time of transition.

The meeting was held at the Government building of the Republic of Serbia. Also attending was Attorney Mitchell A. Tyner, IRLA Legal Adviser.

TOP

IRLA DSG Interviewed by Channel 1 on Afghanistan Situation

Silver Spring, USA. August 27, 2001. Channel 1 TV interviewed IRLA Deputy Secretary General Jonathan Gallagher regarding the ongoing situation in Afghanistan and its implications for religious freedom.

"With the detention of aid workers on charges of encouraging conversion to Christianity illustrate the challenges to religious freedom posed by the Taliban regime in Afghanistan," Gallagher stated. "This is just another instance of the repressive control of religious matters in the country, and follows an earlier edict that imposes the death penalty on those who convert from Islam."

In addition, the regime has also targeted minorities, requiring them to wear distinguishing labels in a manner that has invited comparison to Hitler's treatment of the Jews. Earlier this year the destruction of ancient Buddhist statues also brought worldwide condemnation.

"This interview provided a useful opportunity to highlight ongoing religious freedom concerns that are totally in opposition to the clear requirements of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," Gallagher concluded. "The target audience of this programming is high school students, and such examples well illustrate the vital need to monitor and highlight such flagrant violations. The cause of religious liberty demands that we speak out and defend the fundamental right of freedom of conscience."

TOP