A/53/279 February 1998, riots involving attacks on individuals, places of worship and private property allegedly targeted nonMuslims and, in particular, Christians. 60. In Chiapas, Mexico, evangelical protestants are reportedly subjected to acts of intolerance by Catholics and indigenous communities. 54. In the Islamic Republic of Iran, there was a first urgent appeal in the case of three Baha’is: Ata’ullah Hamid Nasirizadih, Sirus Dhabihi-Muqaddam and Hidayat-Kashifi Najafabadi, who are said to have been secretly sentenced to death because of their religious beliefs and to be at risk of being executed. A second urgent appeal concerned reports that a Baha’i, R. Rawahani, had been hanged for having converted a Muslim although the woman in question had allegedly stated that she was, in fact, a Baha’i. This appeal also mentioned a high official of the Islamic Revolutionary Tribunal who had reportedly denied that this execution had taken place, noting that the Iranian courts had not handed down any such sentence. Another communication alleged that there was a policy of intolerance and discrimination against the Sunni community involving obstacles to the construction of mosques and schools, the closing of mosques and the execution or murder of Sunni religious officials and intellectuals. 61. In Myanmar, the State is said to practice a policy of intolerance and discrimination against religious minorities: Muslims in the states of Arakan and Karen (destruction of mosques and schools, revocation of citizenship, admission of refugees along the border with Thailand in exchange for their conversion to Buddhism, denial of access to health care, education and civil service employment), and Christians in the states of Chin and Karen and in the Sagaing Division (destruction of churches, conversion of children to Buddhism). Buddhist clergy are also reportedly obliged to submit to Government monitoring. 55. In Latvia, the only synagogue in the capital city was reportedly bombed. Although the authorities reportedly condemned the act, the police investigation has yet to come up with anything. 56. In the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the authorities are reported to discourage all religious activities except those which serve State interests. 57. In the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Christians are said to have been arrested during a Bible study meeting. Some of them are said to have been convicted of “creating divisions and undermining the Government” and receiving funds from abroad. In the Huei Sai province, a priest was reportedly arrested for proselytizing without official authorization. In Xiengkhouang, a soldier was allegedly arrested for having converted to Christianity and having ties with the American Presbyterian Church. 62. Myanmar stated, without explanation, that the allegations of intolerance and discrimination against religious minorities were baseless and totally false. It would have been better if Myanmar’s response had been supported by appropriate evidence, particularly since the allegations are based on consistent, repeated information from more than one source. 63. In the city of Nukus, Uzbekistan, a pastor who had proselytized among Muslims has reportedly been sentenced to two years at forced labour and “internal exile” for conducting “illegal church services”. Generally speaking, the authorities are said to have ordered Christian leaders to cease all religious activity, including proselytism, except in churches. 64. Uzbekistan replied that its legislation and the implementation thereof guaranteed freedom of religion and of belief and that the authorities had no record of the arrest and conviction of a pastor in the town of Nukus. The authorities promised to cooperate fully in further investigations, an offer which is appreciated. 58. In Malaysia, individuals have reportedly been arrested for preaching Shiite teachings which the authorities consider a threat to national security and to Islam. A Muslim woman who had converted to Christianity, the religion of the person whom she loved, is said to have been subjected to acts of intolerance by her family, Muslim organizations and the police. This situation has allegedly compelled the couple to live in hiding. 65. In Pakistan, Ahmadis are reported to have been sentenced to life imprisonment for blasphemy because they had preached their faith, an act which Muslims reportedly saw as an attack on their religious beliefs. Militant Muslims are alleged to have murdered Judge Arif Iqbal Bhatti because he had acquitted Christians accused of blasphemy. Bishop John Joseph is said to have committed suicide in order to protest the sentencing to death of a Christian accused of blasphemy. Muslim extremists have reportedly committed acts of intolerance against the Christian community, calling for retention of the blasphemy acts. 59. In Mauritania, conversion of a Muslim to another religion is reportedly an offence punishable by death under the Criminal Code. 66. In Romania, the issue of restitution of religious property confiscated under the former regime has reportedly led to conflicts between religious communities and, in 10