TEHRAN, YJC. Representative of Iranian Christians in the Majlis criticizes Ahmed Shaheed’s report on violation of religious minority rights in Iran.
Karen Khanlari said "The religious minority
community in Iran has always enjoyed material and spiritual rights like any
other citizen. Despite poisoned propaganda by some countries violation of the
rights of religious minorities is false news.”
He added "Religious minorities recognized by
Islamic Republic of Iran constitution enjoy well-defined rights which currently prevail.”
Khanlari stated "Religious minority
conditions such as freedom and sustenance of ritual, educational and cultural
services have not changed compared to the past.”
The Christian Lawmaker
also said that in the Majlis as well there are no differences among religious
minority and Muslim representatives regarding the constitution and execution of laws.
He added "Iran has
been a blending of different religions and ethnicities since olden times. Throughout
history common interests have tied all Iranians together.”
"We as religious minorities first of all
consider ourselves as Iranians and belonging to this country; and we fare
within the interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he stated.