U.S. Department of State releases Religious Freedom Report
The U.S. Department of State has released the 2011 International Religious Freedom Report in which it has specifically set aside the presence of laws on slander in Muslim states, particularly Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The report also mentions seven states where the situation is especially troubling, including China, Eritrea, Iran, South Korea, Sudan, Birma and Uzbekistan.
The part related to Armenia mentions that in the period of study, there have been some reports about the society's misuse on the basis of faith or religious belonging.
"The main part of society has shown negative attitude toward religious minorities. This treatment has often not had any impact on the existing personal relations and relations with neighboring countries, but it has reflected the attitude that has been formed toward religious minorities as a phenomenon causing a threat to the state, to which the media has contributed as well. The representatives of religious minorities have been subject to discrimination and intolerance by the society, including at their workplaces," as stated in the report.
"Several media outlets, including the state television, have continued to present proselytizing religious minorities as "sects". Different television companies have continued showing discussions, news and "special reports", the participants of which have presented religious organizations as the enemies of the state. The media, particularly the print press and their online versions, have published articles containing incorrect information according to which religious minorities have been presented as criminals and spies. Some journalists have also discussed "religious terrorism". There were also articles criticizing the Armenian Apostolic Church," as stated in the part about Armenia in the U.S. Department of State's 2011 International Religious Freedom Report.
Voice of America
