February 2012

IRLA decries Iran's decision to proceed with execution of Christian pastor

Posted February 27, 2012

The IRLA has joined an eleventh-hour effort to focus international attention on the plight of an Iranian pastor facing imminent execution for refusing to give up his faith.

It’s time for Turkey to step up religious freedom protection, says IRLA leader

Posted February 27, 2012

Could the re-writing of Turkey's constitution offer new hope to the country's small non-Muslim population, which has long endured official discrimination and tough regulations?

Passing on the torch: IRLA Secretary General speaks to students in Texas

Posted February 27, 2012

“We cannot stay silent when people around the world today are persecuted, or even killed, simply because of their religious choices,” Dr. John Graz told students in Dallas, Texas.

‘Religious intolerance resolution’ could backfire, says UN expert

Posted February 27, 2012

A United Nations resolution aimed at “combating religious intolerance” could actually compromise one of the freedoms it seeks to protect.

Escalating religious violence in Nigeria impacts churches

An upsurge of attacks against Christian churches by the extremist group Boko Haram beginning late last year has led to ongoing sectarian violence between Muslim and Christian groups in northeast Nigeria.

Croatian activists say religious freedom is foundational to Europe’s future

Posted February 1, 2012

Croatian president Ivo Josipovic was among eight people honored January 28 by religious freedom advocates for his commitment to “guarding and nurturing tolerance and human rights.”