The US State Department published Sate Department’s annual report on freedom of religions on September 19. Condoleezza Rice announced on Friday that she had presented that report to the Congress. The 800-page report assessed situation of freedom of religion in various countries.

Part of this report discusses violation of freedom of religions in Iran under the clerical regime. At the introduction of the Iran part, this report partly reads:

During the reporting period, respect for religious freedom in the country continued to deteriorate. Government rhetoric and actions created a threatening atmosphere for nearly all non-Shi’a religious groups, most notably for Baha’is, as well as Sufi Muslims, evangelical Christians, and members of the Jewish community. Reports of Government imprisonment, harassment, intimidation, and discrimination based on religious beliefs continued during the reporting period. Baha’i religious groups reported arbitrary arrests, expulsions from universities, and confiscation of property. Government-controlled broadcast and print media intensified negative campaigns against religious minorities, particularly the Baha’is, during the reporting period.
Although the Constitution gives Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians the status of “protected” religious minorities, in practice, those who are not Shi’a Muslims faced substantial societal discrimination. Government actions continued to support elements of society that created a threatening atmosphere for some religious minorities.
The U.S. Government makes clear its strong objections to the Government’s harsh and oppressive treatment of religious minorities through public statements, support for relevant U.N. and nongovernmental organization (NGO) efforts, as well as diplomatic initiatives. Every year since 1999, the U.S. Secretary of State has designated the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act for its particularly egregious violations of religious freedom.