On the recordJuly 23, 2013
Across the world, people of certain faiths live in fear of government persecution every day. Saied Rezaei, a leader of the Baha'i religion, used to advocate for gender equality and universal education in Iran. In 2008, he was arrested on false charges for propaganda against the Iranian regime and illegally establishing a Baha'i school. When Saied completes his 20- year sentence, his 16-year-old son will be a 31-year-old man. That same year, Alimujiang Yimiti, also a husband and father, had his business shut down after Chinese officials accused him of preaching Christianity. He now faces 15 years in a Chinese prison and can only speak to his wife every couple months. State-sponsored religious persecution will not be tolerated by the international community. Today, I join the Defending Freedoms Project to call for the release of all prisoners of conscience. ____________________
