E/CN.4/2000/65 page 22 receive religious instruction, but this is not officially recognized at the national level. In May 1999, in Punjab, a woman was allegedly murdered for belonging to the Ahmadi community. Peru 80. Following an order of May 1998 amending the legislation on exemption from property tax for religious organizations recognized by the State, a number of Christian congregations, particularly Evangelist ones, reportedly ceased their activities because of the absence of financial resources needed to pay taxes. In Lima, some of these organizations are said to have filed a complaint against the municipal authorities on the grounds that the order did not apply to the Catholic Church, and that was contrary to the constitutional principle of equality before the law. 81. Peru sent a report to the National Human Rights Council on the tax regime applicable to the immovable property of religious organizations. The Council concluded that there is no discrimination against non-Catholic religious organizations, since the exemptions provided for in Legislative Decree No. 776 are applicable to all religions. Syrian Arab Republic 82. The right to conscientious objection on grounds of religious belief is reportedly not recognized by law. Syria replied that there were no cases of conscientious objection on grounds of religion and belief in its territory. The Special Rapporteur thanks Syria for its reply and would like to know whether Syrian legislation guarantees conscientious objection. 83. The Seventh Day Adventists are said to be requesting the restitution of their religious property confiscated in 1969. They would reportedly like to be able to resume their activities in Syria. 84. Syria replied that the Seventh Day Adventist Church was a “sect” practising strange rites that were unrelated to Christianity and other religions. Following complaints by all the Christian churches against the practices and ideas of this “sect”, which are perceived as being contrary to Christian beliefs and designed to create divisions between Christians, the authorities decided in the 1960s to close the premises used by this “sect” without authorization. It was explained that, except for three persons who are now very elderly, all the members of the “sect” have left Syria. Syria concluded that all religious communities, whether Muslim, Christian or Jewish, nonetheless carry out their activities and worship in entirely normal conditions and in full freedom. Republic of Korea 85. The national legislation reportedly does not guarantee the right to conscientious objection on grounds of religious belief. 86. In its reply, the Republic of Korea emphasized the importance it attaches to freedom of religion and belief, while recalling its sovereign right and responsibility for the defence of the territory and the maintenance of public order in conformity, according to its representatives, with