E/CN.4/1999/58 page 12 33. The Special Rapporteur wishes to emphasize Saudi Arabia’s attitude towards freedom of religion, which takes into account the concept that there should be no coercion in religious matters. The Special Rapporteur hopes that this attitude will become increasingly widespread and accepted in practice. Azerbaijan 34. The Jehovah’s Witnesses and other communities allegedly experience acts of intolerance aimed at forcing them to pay bribes to officials responsible for registration procedures. A minister, a Muslim convert to the Christian religion, was reportedly arrested twice in 1997. Bangladesh 35. A group of extremist Muslims in Dhaka has allegedly been responsible for acts of vandalism (damage to religious property, atmosphere of fear) against the Christian community. 36. Bangladesh replied: “The Saint Francis Xavier Girls' High School is adjacent to Shahi Mosque in Laxmibazar, Dhaka. There is a competing claim by the school and mosque authorities with regard to possession of an abandoned one-room structure and a wall on disputed land lying between the school and the mosque. This is a long-standing dispute. A lawsuit on the matter is pending with the Court. On 28 April 1998 around 11 a.m., a lawyer acting on behalf of the school authorities claimed that the Court had issued a judgement in their favour. In the presence of the police force, he ordered the demolition of the wall and the structure, and with the assistance of some workers they proceeded with the demolition work. This gave rise to a tense situation which was quickly brought under control with the assistance of the local administration. The necessary legal measures were taken and charges have been filed with the local police station against those involved. The situation soon returned to normal. Meanwhile, the members of the local Christian community and the school authority met the Prime Minister and apprised her of the matter. The Prime Minister guaranteed them full protection and specifically reassured them that all measures would be taken according to the law with regard to the disputed property. The matter is receiving the active attention of the Government.” 37. The Special Rapporteur is pleased to note the reaction of the Bangladesh authorities and draws attention to the need to help fringe groups in society become more tolerant through the formulation of a policy of teaching tolerance at all levels. Belarus 38. The main religious communities complain of the slow process of restitution of property confiscated under the former regime. 39. Belarus replied that questions relating to the restitution to religious organizations and communities of former places of worship, or of other buildings suitable for worship by way of compensation, have been referred to the State Committee on Religion and Nationality. There have been cases of