A/56/253 Hungary 14. In connection with a communication from the Special Rapporteur (para. 52), Hungary replied: “The National Assembly of the Republic of Hungary, with the adoption of the budget for the years 2001 and 2001, Act CXXXIII of 2000, in paragraph 110 (1) s, has repealed the phrase, those churches ‘having a contract with the State’, referred to by the Special Rapporteur in his letter, from the law on value added tax (VAT) (Act LXXIV of 1992, para. 71 (8)). The above-mentioned provision ceased to have effect as at 1 January 2001. As a result of this amendment, all registered churches in Hungary are entitled to claim back the sales tax (VAT) from the State.” India 15. In reply to a communication from the Special Rapporteur (para. 72), India explained: “Case of Mr. Ashish Prabash “On 10 June, one Ashish Prabash, a trained preacher working for the Jesus Film Ministry, a wing of the India campus Crusade for Christ, was found dead in his rented room in the village of Kaniawali, Jalandhar district. Prabash had been touring the rural areas of the Punjab, showing films on Christ. The case was registered on 10 June 2000 under the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the matter is under investigation. “Case of Brother George Kuzhikandan “In the night of 6 to 7 June, Brother George, warden of Assisi Boys Hostel of St. Paul’s Memorial Convent School, Nawada, Narhauli Police Station, Mathura, was found murdered by unknown assailants while he was sleeping in the open premises of the hostel. The assailants had also ransacked the residence of the principal, who was out of the station. A police case was registered and investigations are ongoing. The Government of the Indian State of Uttar Pradesh has also instituted a judicial inquiry under a sitting High Court Judge.” 16. The Special Rapporteur wishes to thank India for this information and would like to receive information concerning the judicial follow-up in these two cases. Iran (Islamic Republic of) 17. In connection with a communication from the Special Rapporteur (para. 77), the Islamic Republic of Iran replied: “All persons referred to in the report have been accused of spying and none of them convicted in connection with their belief. “There has not been any confirmation of the death sentence against the four persons and, according to the latest information, Mr. Sirus DhabihiMuqaddam was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment; Mr. Hidayat Kashifi Najafabadi was sentenced to five and half years’ imprisonment; Mr. Ataullah 63