Displaying results 1 - 83 of 83

Apr 30, 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 30, 2013| By USCIRF Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), an independent federal advisory body created by the International Religious Freedom…
Jun 28, 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 28, 2012 | By USCIRF WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Russian State Duma on June 26 passed a controversial bill on "causing offense to the sentiments of religious believers." The bill now awaits only…
Feb 5, 2014 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 5, 2014 | USCIRF The upcoming Sochi Winter Olympics has thrust Russia into the world spotlight. The Kremlin’s increasing intolerance, however, deserves equal, if not greater, attention.…
Nov 10, 2014 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 10, 2014 | USCIRF WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two anniversaries this month highlight the importance of continually confronting and combatting anti-Semitism wherever and whenever it arises.…
Nov 20, 2014 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 20, 2014 | USCIRF WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today urged the Turkish government to reopen the Greek Orthodox Halki Seminary, the…
Apr 23, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 23, 2015 | USCIRF WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today solemnly marks the 100 year anniversary of the tragic killing of over one million…
Nov 24, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 24, 2015 Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) calls on the Turkish government to reopen the Greek Orthodox Theological School of Halki,…
Dec 17, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDecember 17, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C – A new study of textbooks used in Turkey’s compulsory “Religious Culture and Moral Knowledge” class found both improvements and issues of concern. The U.S.…
Mar 18, 2016 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 18, 2016   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two years ago today, Russia unlawfully annexed the Ukrainian Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, cynically using the Orthodox “culture, civilization, and…
Jul 8, 2016 Click here to view this press release in Russian.   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 8, 2016   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 7 signed into law a package of anti-terrorism…
Apr 3, 2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 4, 2017 RUSSIA:  Russia Suspends Jehovah’s Witnesses USCIRF Condemns Actions That Would Eliminate the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Legal Existence in Russia Washington, D.C. –  Russia…
Apr 20, 2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 20, 2017 RUSSIA:  Supreme Court Outlaws the Jehovah’s Witnesses USCIRF Condemns Russian Supreme Court Decision Banning the Jehovah’s Witnesses WASHINGTON, D.C. –  The U.S.…
May 19, 2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 19, 2017   RUSSIA: Release Bagir Kazikhanov   USCIRF Commissioner John Ruskay tells the Russian Government to “Stop Equating Peaceful Religious Behavior with Terrorism…
Jul 17, 2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 17, 2017 RUSSIA: Jehovah’s Witnesses Banned After Supreme Court Rejects Appeals USCIRF Condemns the Banning of the Jehovah’s Witnesses WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on…
Jul 26, 2017 Commissioner John Ruskay sent the following letter to Russian religious prisoner of conscience Bagir Kazikhanov.Click here to read the Russian translation of the letter.       July 26, 2017…
Oct 6, 2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 7, 2017 TURKEY: USCIRF Delegation Visits Imprisoned U.S. Citizen Pastor Andrew Brunson Pastor Brunson says, "Knowing that I am not forgotten is important to me" WASHINGTON, D.C. – Almost…
Oct 11, 2017  USCIRF Vice Chairwoman Kristina Arriaga Testifies Before the House Oversight Committee Arriaga tells Members that religious freedom violations “have security implications for the United States"  …
Mar 13, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 13, 2018 USCIRF Strongly Condemns New Indictment Against Pastor Andrew Brunson, Including Possible Life Sentence “USCIRF urges President Trump and others in the administration to redouble…
Apr 16, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 16, 2018   Turkey Misses Opportunity to Release Pastor Andrew Brunson, Sets Next Hearing for May 7 “We are deeply disappointed that Turkish officials today decided to prolong their…
May 7, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 7, 2018     Turkey Postpones Hearing to July 18, Sends Pastor Andrew Brunson Back to Prison “The judge’s decision at the conclusion of today’s hearing to dismiss all of the…
Jul 18, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 18, 2018   Pastor Andrew Brunson Returned to Turkish Prison “The government of Turkey continues to make a mockery of justice in its treatment of Pastor Brunson,” said USCIRF Vice Chair…
Sep 26, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 26, 2018   Vice Chair Arriaga Adopts Two Religious Prisoners of Conscience Vice Chair Arriaga said, “These two cases are examples of the Russian government ‘securitizing’ religion…
Oct 12, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 12, 2018   Pastor Andrew Brunson Is Released “While we welcome this good news, we should not lose sight of other religious freedom concerns in this country,” said Commissioner…
Oct 12, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 12, 2018   Pastor Andrew Brunson and Wife Depart Turkey Commissioner Tony Perkins Accompanies Pastor Brunson and Wife Norine on Plane to U.S. “I want to again commend President…
Nov 27, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 27, 2018     USCIRF Statement on Tomorrow’s Hearing of Russian Prisoner of Conscience Ivan Matsitsky WASHINGTON, DC – United States Commission on International Religious…
Dec 12, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 12, 2018   State Department Names the World’s Worst Violators of Religious Freedom USCIRF Praises CPC Designation of Pakistan WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on…
Feb 7, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 7, 2019     USCIRF Condemns Russian Conviction of Danish Prisoner of Conscience Dennis Christensen Proof of Putin Escalating Persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses, says Vice Chair…
Mar 8, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 8, 2019   USCIRF Expresses Condolences on Death of Armenian Patriarch, Mesrob II, and Calls on Turkey to Allow Free Election of New Patriarch   WASHINGTON, DC – The United States…
Mar 28, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 28, 2019   USCIRF Condemns Erdogan’s Threats to Change Status of Hagia Sophia   WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today…
May 23, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 23, 2019 USCIRF Condemns Russian Court’s Decision to Uphold Conviction of Religious Prisoner of Conscience Dennis Christensen Decision reflects growing dangers faced by Russia’s…
Sep 13, 2019 WASHINGTON, DC (September 13, 2019) -- In response to the U.S. State Department’s recent decision to publicly designate Russian officials Vladimir Petrovich Yermolayev and Stepan Vladimirovich Tkach, as well as their…
Sep 26, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 26, 2019 USCIRF Urges U.S. Policymakers to Remain Engaged on Religious Freedom in Turkey Calls on Turkish Government to Cease Interference in Religious Elections   WASHINGTON, DC…
Oct 9, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 9, 2019   USCIRF Statement on Turkish Offensive in Northeast Syria   WASHINGTON, DC – In response to news reports that Turkey has launched airstrikes on the border region of…
Oct 10, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 11, 2019   USCIRF Statement on Anniversary of Pastor Andrew Brunson’s Release   WASHINGTON, DC – On October 12, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF…
Nov 7, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 7, 2019     USCIRF Condemns Turkish Air Strikes on Sinjar   WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemns recent Turkish air…
Jun 15, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE USCIRF Condemns Russian Persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemned the recent increase in harsh…
Jun 19, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 19, 2020 USCIRF Condemns Turkish Military Operations in Northern Iraq Calls on Turkish President to Cease Air Strikes and Violence Targeting Civilian Areas Washington, DC – The U.S.…
Jun 23, 2020 USCIRF Applauds Russian Court’s Parole of Jehovah’s Witness Dennis Christensen Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomed the decision of a Russian District…
Jul 2, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE USCIRF Troubled by Russia’s Ongoing Imprisonment of Jehovah’s Witness Dennis Christensen Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) expressed…
Jul 10, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE USCIRF Decries Decision to Change Status of the Hagia Sophia  Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) decries the decision of Turkey’s…
Jul 17, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE USCIRF Releases Report on the Anti-cult Movement and Religious Regulation in Russia and Central Asia Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)…
Oct 27, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   USCIRF Troubled by Russia’s Ongoing Imprisonment of Jehovah’s Witness Dennis Christensen Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)…
Nov 10, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 10, 2020 USCIRF Releases New Report about Global Persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today…
Nov 20, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE USCIRF Welcomes U.S. House Passage of Ukraine Religious Freedom Support Act Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes the passage by the U.S.…
Dec 9, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: USCIRF Releases Groundbreaking Report on the Enforcement of Blasphemy Laws Globally WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released a…
Apr 21, 2021 USCIRF Releases 2021 Annual Report with Recommendations for U.S. Policy No Longer Recommends Three Countries for Special Watch List Washington, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom…
Apr 24, 2021 USCIRF Welcomes Administration’s Historic Decision to Recognize Armenian Genocide Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes President Joseph R. Biden’s historic decision to recognize the…
Sep 1, 2021 USCIRF Releases New Factsheet on Destruction of Cemeteries Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report on the destruction of…
Oct 26, 2021 USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Violations in Russia’s Republic of Chechnya Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following report on religious freedom…
Nov 5, 2021 USCIRF Releases Factsheet Reiterating its Recommendations for State Department CPC and SWL Designations Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the…
Nov 17, 2021 USCIRF Appalled at Administration’s Removal of Nigeria from List of Violators of Religious Freedom Welcomes State Department’s Additional Designations of Russia and Algeria Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious…
Dec 3, 2021 USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom Violations in Turkey Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Turkey Country…
Dec 22, 2021 USCIRF Concerned by Russian Prosecution of International Memorial Society Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) expressed its grave concern today over the Russian…
Mar 16, 2022 USCIRF Warns of Potential for Significant Religious Oppression in Ukraine Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is appalled by the incalculable suffering already…
Apr 25, 2022 USCIRF Releases 2022 Annual Report with Recommendations for U.S. Policy  Recommends Afghanistan as Country of Particular Concern Washington, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious…
Jun 10, 2022 USCIRF Welcomes Release of Religious Prisoner of Conscience Dennis Christensen Washington, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes the release of prisoner of…
Jun 21, 2022 USCIRF Welcomes European Court Judgment Against Russia on Jehovah’s Witnesses Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes the European Court of Human Rights (…
Aug 3, 2022 USCIRF Commemorates the Eighth Anniversary of the Yazidi Genocide Washington, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today joined communities around the world in…
Dec 6, 2022 USCIRF Releases Report on Blasphemy Charges in Turkey  Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following report: Blasphemy Charges in Turkey – This report reviews Turkey…
Dec 13, 2022 USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Tolerance Promotion and Religious Freedom Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Tolerance, Religious Freedom…
Feb 24, 2023 USCIRF Concerned by Religious Freedom Implications of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today marked the one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale military…
Apr 27, 2023 USCIRF Condemns Russia’s Closure of the SOVA Center Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) denounced Russia’s forcible closure of the SOVA Center for Information and Analysis, a…
May 1, 2023 USCIRF Releases 2023 Annual Report Highlighting Worsening Religious Freedom Conditions Around the World Includes new recommendations of Cuba and Nicaragua as Countries of Particular Concern and Sri Lanka for the Special Watch List Washington,…
May 8, 2023 USCIRF Alarmed by Worldwide Blasphemy Enforcement Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is alarmed by the continued enforcement of blasphemy provisions around the world and condemns efforts to…
May 15, 2023 USCIRF Welcomes the Release of State Department’s 2022 International Religious Freedom Report Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) commends the State Department…
Jul 5, 2023 USCIRF Releases New Reports on Russia’s Religious Freedom Violations Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new reports on religious freedom conditions in the…
Sep 14, 2023 USCIRF Releases Updated Blasphemy Factsheet and Blasphemy Law Compendium Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released two new reports: Legislation Factsheet on Blasphemy – This…
Nov 13, 2023 USCIRF Releases Report on Threats to Religious Sites in Turkey Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report: Examination of Threats to Religious Sites in Turkey – This…
Nov 28, 2023 USCIRF Releases Report on National Level Anti-Conversion Laws around the World Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Compendium of National Anti-…
Jan 4, 2024 USCIRF Calls for Congressional Hearing after State Department Fails to Designate Nigeria and India as Countries of Particular Concern Azerbaijan Added to State Department’s Special Watch List Washington, DC – The United States Commission on…
Jan 23, 2024 USCIRF Calls for Greater Protection of Religious Sites in Conflict Areas Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) calls on all parties to armed conflicts around the world to abide by…
Mar 1, 2024 USCIRF Urges Sanctions on Russian Officials Abusing FoRB Prisoners Calls Attention to Russia’s Religious Freedom Violations and Crackdown on Civil Society Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF…
May 1, 2024 USCIRF Releases 2024 Annual Report with New Recommendations for U.S. Policy Highlights State of Religious Freedom Abroad after 25 Years of IRFA Washington, D.C. – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today…
May 14, 2024 USCIRF Releases New Report on Protection of Religious Sites During Armed Conflict Washington, DC –The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report: Protection of Religious Sites…
Jul 26, 2024 USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom in Turkey Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)  released the following new report: Turkey Country Update – This report examines…
Aug 8, 2024 USCIRF Releases Report on Government Misinformation and Disinformation and Religious Freedom Washington, DC –The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following report: Misinformation and…
Nov 22, 2024 USCIRF Releases Report on Persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses  Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following report:  Religious Freedom Challenges for Jehovah’s…
Mar 25, 2025 USCIRF Releases 2025 Annual ReportWashington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released its 2025 Annual Report. The report documents religious freedom conditions in 2024 and recommends policy…
Apr 14, 2025 USCIRF Releases Report on Russia’s Blasphemy EnforcementWashington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following report: Prosecuting Blasphemy in Russia – Russia has…
Jun 30, 2025 USCIRF Releases Report on Religious Freedom in RussiaWashington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)  released the following report: Russia Country Update – The Russian government…
Sep 25, 2025 Congress Takes Encouraging, Bipartisan Steps on International Religious Freedom Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes the introduction of H.Res 738. This resolution demonstrates…
Oct 20, 2025 Torture and Ill Treatment are Tools of Violating Religious FreedomWashington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on religious freedom and torture:…
Feb 26, 2026   The State Department Should Place Turkey on the Special Watch ListWashington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) reiterates its recommendation for the U.S. Department of State to place…