FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2019

USCIRF Condemns Cuban Authorities’ Crackdown on Homeschooling Pastor and Wife
 

WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today condemned Monday’s sentencing of two Christian homeschoolers, Pastor Ramón Rigal of the Church of God in Cuba, and his wife Ayda Expósito, for refusing to send their children to government-run schools. Charged with “acting against the normal development of a minor,” Pastor Rigal has stated that his desire to homeschool his children is based on his religious beliefs and his concern about Cuban schools’ promotion of socialism and atheism.

“This crackdown on Christians homeschooling their children is part of the Cuban government’s systematic assault on religion, which includes singling out religious leaders and activists for harassment and discrimination,” said USCIRF Vice Chair Kristina Arriaga. “We urge the Cuban government to immediately cease all intimidation tactics and release Pastor Rigal and his wife along with others detained for homeschooling their children according to their religious beliefs.”

USCIRF is further alarmed that Roberto Jesus Quinones Haces, an independent lawyer who wanted to observe the trial, was detained and severely beaten. Two other fathers were recently detained for enrolling their children in the same program as Pastor Rigal’s family.

USCIRF will be speaking on religious freedom conditions in Cuba and throughout the world at the release of its 2019 Annual Report on Monday, April 29, at 10 AM. You can read more about the event here.

###

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.

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.”

###

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2019
 

Religious Extremists Exploit Blasphemy Laws in Indonesian Election, Says USCIRF

WASHINGTON, DC – Following the completion of Indonesia’s April 17 general elections, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today expressed grave concerns about the politicization of religion during the campaign season. In particular, the use of the country’s blasphemy law by hardliners and other intolerant groups to attack political candidates for their religious beliefs is alarming.

“The fact that extremist individuals and groups have used Indonesia’s blasphemy law as a campaign tool shows that the law, rather than helping to prevent conflict, is ripe for abuse by some who seek to target and punish members of religious minorities. We urge the newly elected government to make protecting the religious freedom of all Indonesia’s citizens a priority by repealing the blasphemy law. We also urge the U.S. government to continue providing support to Indonesian civil society groups that monitor and educate the public about efforts by extremists to stoke intolerance and other threats to religious pluralism," said USCIRF Vice Chair Gayle Manchin.

In October 2018, Manchin and fellow commissioner Nadine Maenza visited Jakarta, Surabaya and Medan, and met with Indonesian government officials, members of civil society and religious leaders. In January, USCIRF warned about the threat the country’s blasphemy law poses to religious minorities.

USCIRF has placed Indonesia on its Tier 2 list for engaging in or tolerating religious freedom violations that meet at least one of the elements of the “systematic, ongoing, egregious” standard used to designate a “country of particular concern,” or CPC, under the International Religious Freedom Act.

###

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.