E/CN.4/1997/91
page 7
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
In Bhutan and Maldives, this freedom is subject to
prohibitions;
In Kuwait, a Muslim converting to another religion is liable
to prosecution;
In Mexico, allegations of ill-treatment by members of
communities against converted persons have been reported.
22.
The fourth category concerns violations of the freedom to manifest one's
religion or belief:
(a)
In Armenia and Japan, some allegations refer to control by the
authorities of religious activities;
(b)
This category covers restrictions, or even a ban, on public
manifestations (China, Lebanon, Maldives, Romania) or private manifestations
(China, Saudi Arabia); religious beliefs and practices concerning certain
religious groups, certain categories of persons, mainly aliens (Belarus,
Ukraine), and certain professional bodies, such as the army;
(c)
In Bolivia, all religious services other than those of the
official religion are prohibited within the framework of military service;
(d)
Violations of the freedom to manifest one's religion or
belief also often involve a ban on proselytizing; in Armenia, Bhutan,
Brunei Darussalam and Maldives, such a ban applies essentially to certain
religious communities and may be the subject of special legislation; in
Morocco and Nepal, prison sentences are also applicable.
23.
The fifth category concerns violations of the freedom to dispose of
religious property.
(a)
In Albania, Belarus and the United States of America, the
communications sent raise the question of the restitution of goods and
properties to religious communities;
(b)
In Israel, the allegations concern restricted access to places of
worship for devout Muslims;
(c)
In Bulgaria, China and the Lao People's Democratic Republic, some
places of worship have been closed by the authorities;
(d)
In Indonesia, Romania and Turkey, bureaucratic obstacles to the
acquisition of property by certain religious communities have been reported;
(e)
Lastly, places of worship seem to be the target of very serious
violations, in particular arson (Indonesia), desecration (Yemen), attempted
extortion (Turkey) and destruction (China).
24.
The sixth category concerns violations of the right to life, physical
integrity and health of persons (clergy and believers). There have been many
reported cases of threats (Chad, Yemen), ill-treatment, arrests and detention