FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 20, 2019

USCIRF Welcomes Sanctions Against Iranian “Hanging Judges” Responsible for Severe Religious Freedom Violations

Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomed the U.S. Department of Treasury’s imposition of sanctions yesterday on two of Iran’s “Hanging Judges”, Judge Abolghassem Salavati and Judge Mohammed Moghiseh, under Executive Order 13846. Both judges have been responsible for miscarriages of justice and severe violations of religious freedom in Iran. USCIRF has long recommended the sanctioning of both judges.

“Today’s designations hold accountable two notorious judges who have regularly flouted Iran’s own laws by imposing unjust prison sentences and denying due process to religious minorities and those asserting their freedom of religion and belief,” said USCIRF Commissioner Gary Bauer. “USCIRF applauds these actions and calls on the Treasury Department to impose further targeted sanctions on other Iranian officials responsible for severe violations of religious freedom.”

“The judges sanctioned today have targeted religious minorities and denied freedom of religion and belief to women, non-believers, the LGBTI community, and peaceful protesters,” said USCIRF Vice Chair Gayle Manchin. “Today’s sanctions send a clear message that the United States will continue to stand up for those who are denied their freedoms guaranteed under international law.”

Abolghassem Salavati presides over Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court and Mohammed Moghiseh oversees Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. Both judges have routinely held swift trials and imposed harsh sentences—including extreme prison terms and executions—against Iranian religious minorities.

Since 1999, the U.S. Department of State has designated Iran as a “country of particular concern” for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom.

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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 202-523-3240.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2019
 

U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorized for Three Years

WASHINGTON, DC (December 19, 2019)  A bill drafted and shepherded through Congress by Democratic and Republican members reauthorizes the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for an additional three years. Religious freedom is a fundamental human right, which successive U.S. administrations have raised and championed. USCIRF serves a critical role in defending and promoting the universal right to freedom of religion abroad by highlighting severe violations and making policy recommendations to address them to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress.

“We’re grateful for the strong bipartisan support USCIRF received from Congress, especially from the offices of Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), James Risch (R-ID), Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), who were committed to hammering out a consensus bill that enhances USCIRF’s credibility and ensures the continuance of our important work,” said USCIRF Chair Tony Perkins.  “At a time when freedom of religion is under assault worldwide, it’s encouraging that we all value the fundamental human right of allowing everyone, everywhere, to follow his or her conscience.”

USCIRF, which was created by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, is comprised of nine commissioners from both political parties, appointed by the President and the leadership of both the House and Senate, and a professional, non-partisan staff of 18. Under the new legislation, the agency will be reauthorized until September 30, 2022. Both the House and Senate have passed the bill, which now awaits the president’s signature.

“We’d also like to thank the NGO community and the International Religious Freedom Roundtable participants for supporting our reauthorization,” said USCIRF Vice Chair Gayle Manchin. “Together, we will continue to raise awareness of the violators and victims of systematic, ongoing and egregious religious freedom violations around the globe and pressing for effective U.S. government action.”  

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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 202-523-3240.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2019

Rabbi Sharon A. Kleinbaum Appointed to U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

WASHINGTON, DC (December 19, 2019) – Senate Democratic Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) today announced the appointment of Rabbi Sharon A. Kleinbaum of New York replacing Andy  Khawaja of California to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).

“We welcome the appointment of Rabbi Kleinbaum to USCIRF.” said Chair Tony Perkins. “Rabbi Kleinbaum is a widely recognized leader in both faith and politics, which will make her a great asset in the complex environment in which we advocate for communities and individuals around the world who are discriminated against or persecuted for their beliefs.”  

Rabbi Kleinbaum currently serves as spiritual leader of New York City's Congregation Beit Simchat Torah (CBST). She was installed as CBST's first rabbi in 1992 at the height of the AIDS crisis. A prominent advocate for human rights, Rabbi Kleinbaum is currently a Commissioner on New York City's Commission on Human Rights and serves on Mayor de Blasio's Faith Based Advisory Council.

“We’re looking forward to Rabbi Kleinbaum joining the Commission and further amplifying USCIRF’s advocacy for freedom of religion or belief for all,” said Vice Chair Gayle Manchin.   

Rabbi Kleinbaum was named one of the 50 most influential rabbis in America by Newsweek for several years, as well as one of Newsweek's 150 Women Who Shake the World. She was also named by the Huffington Post as one of the Top 10 Women Religious Leaders and one of the 15 Inspiring LGBT Religious Leaders. AM New York named her one of New York City's Most Influential Women for Women's Day and she is a recipient of the Jewish Fund for Justice Woman of Valor Award.

Additionally, Rabbi Kleinbaum has been named one of the country's top 50 Jewish leaders by the Forward and New York Jewish Week, and one of Forward's Sisterhood 50 American Influential Rabbis.

She graduated from Barnard College and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, where she was ordained.

Comprised of nine commissioners, USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan federal body that is principally responsible for reviewing the facts and circumstances of violations of religious freedom internationally and making policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress. The President and leadership of both political parties in the Senate and House of Representatives appoint USCIRF Commissioners.  

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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 202-523-3240.