E/CN.4/1997/91 page 6 20. The second category relates to violations of the principle of tolerance in the area of religion and belief and reflects a concern about religious extremism. (a) society; (b) In Algeria and Yemen, such extremism may threaten an entire Some categories of persons may be particularly affected: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) In Afghanistan and Bangladesh, women are the principal victims; In Chad, artists are a prime target; In Egypt, teachers may be taken to court for their writings by extremists who claim to be acting in the name of Islam; Some religious minorities are also affected by religious extremism in Bangladesh, Mexico, Somalia and Turkey; (c) It is important to recall that religious extremism, of whatever denomination, may occur within as well as between religious groups. 21. The third category concerns violations of freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief. (a) The question of conscientious objection is raised directly: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) In the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Greece, conscientious objectors are liable to prosecution; In Eritrea, the Jehovah's Witnesses, as conscientious objectors, have lost their citizenship rights; In Croatia, Cyprus, the Russian Federation and Singapore, cases of imprisonment for refusal to perform military service have been reported; Other allegations raise the problem of the absence of legal recognition of the right of conscientious objection, as in Eritrea and Singapore; In the Russian Federation, the law does not provide for alternative service; In Cyprus, some legal provisions recognize conscientious objection and provide for non-armed military service, although this is not in conformity with international law; (b) Some allegations refer to official campaigns aimed at forcing believers to renounce their faith, as in the Lao People's Democratic Republic; (c) The freedom to change one's religion is also being violated;