Apr 21, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2019
 

USCIRF Strongly Condemns Easter Sunday Bomb Attacks in Sri Lanka
 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) strongly condemns today’s bomb attacks on hotels and churches in Sri Lanka targeting Christians and other innocent civilians. The bombings have left at least 200 dead and hundreds more injured.

“We profoundly mourn the loss of all those killed and extend our sincerest condolences to all affected by these horrific attacks targeting Christians as they gathered to worship and celebrate Easter Sunday, the end of Holy Week,” said USCIRF Chair Tenzin Dorjee. “We urge the authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable to fullest extent possible under the law. As we have said before and will continue to say: No one should fear for their safety because of their faith—least of all inside houses of worship. We applaud people of all faiths, including Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, and Muslims, joining hands to help those affected by this horrible tragedy.”

 

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze and report on threats to religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected] or Kellie Boyle at [email protected] or +1-703-898-6554.