Volume 10, Issue 2 / July-September 1998
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release July 23, 1998
STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY
Execution of Baha'i in Iran
The President was deeply troubled to learn of the July 21 summary execution of Iranian citizen Ruhollah Rowhani for the exercise of his Baha'i faith. The United States condemns this action, which violates the most basic international norms and universal standards of human rights.
Furthermore, The United States deplores the gravely flawed process by which Mr. Rowhani was charged and executed, including the absence of due process or the announcement of a sentence.
The world has been encouraged by the recent statements from Iranian leaders about the need for rule of law and the rights of individuals. Such words have little meaning so long as the human rights of the Iranian people, including the right to worship freely, are not upheld, and until the persecution of and violence against Iranians of the Baha'i faith stops. Tuesday's action was the first known execution of a Baha'i since 1992 and is a most unhopeful sign.
The President urges President Khatami to take the necessary steps to ensure that others are not victimized for the peaceful expression of their faith. The United States will continue to monitor closely Iranian treatment of the Baha'i community, and particularly the treatment of those who remain imprisoned or under sentence of death for their religious beliefs.
The President wishes to extend his condolences to Mr. Rowhani's family.
###U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESMAN
For Immediate Release July 23, 1998
STATEMENT BY JAMES P. RUBIN, SPOKESMAN
SUMMARY EXECUTION IN IRAN
On July 21, Iranian authorities executed by hanging Ruhollah Rowhani, an Iranian Baha'i who had been charged with converting a Muslim to the Baha'i faith. There is no evidence that Mr. Rowhani was accorded due process of law.
The United States strongly condemns the execution of Mr. Rowhani for the exercise of his freedom of conscience. We call on the Government of Iran to protect the lives of the fifteen other imprisoned Baha'is, seven of whom are sentenced to death on charges of apostasy and so-called "Zionist Baha'i activities." We understand that three of the condemned Baha'is are threatened with imminent execution and urge the Iranian authorities not to carry out the death sentences.
Since the Islamic Republic came to power more than 200 Baha'is have been executed because of their religious beliefs. Mr. Rowhani is the first Baha'i to be executed in Iran since 1992. We have repeatedly urged the Government of Iran to ease restrictions on the practice of religion and to recognize and uphold the fundamental human right to freedom of conscience and belief. We have also called for the release of all those serving sentences for the peaceful expression of their religious or political beliefs. We do so again today.
The President and Secretary Albright have made it clear that the issue of freedom of conscience and belief is a central component of our human rights policy in Iran and around the world. Our concerns about restrictions on the practice of religion will play an important role in any future dialogue with the Government of Iran.
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