USCIRF Releases Report on Russia’s Blasphemy Enforcement

Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following report: 

Prosecuting Blasphemy in Russia – Russia has intensified its enforcement of laws targeting perceived offensive expression toward religion, religious texts, and religious leaders. The Criminal Code penalizes “insulting the religious feelings of believers,” a vague, undefined standard that constitutes a blasphemy law. Following its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the government hardened its policing of speech. While certain offensive statements and actions may warrant public rebuke, prosecuting perceived offensive expressions regarding religion violates the right to freedom of religion or belief. This report provides an overview of blasphemy law enforcement in Russia and highlights recent cases. 

In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State redesignate Russia as a “Country of Particular Concern,” or CPC, for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom. In 2024, USCIRF released several thematic reports, including on religious sites in armed conflict, misinformation and disinformation, and the persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses, that spotlighted Russia’s religious freedom violations.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].

USCIRF Welcomes Nominations to Advance International Religious Freedom and Combat Antisemitism

Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) welcomes President Donald J. Trump’s nominations of former Congressman Mark Walker as U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom (IRF) and Yehuda Kaploun as Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism. 

“USCIRF is pleased to see the White House has addressed our recommendation to quickly nominate well-qualified individuals for the International Religious Freedom Ambassador and the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism,” said USCIRF Chair Stephen Schneck. “The nominations announced yesterday are important steps in advancing the human right of freedom of religion or belief and confronting the rising tide of antisemitism. USCIRF congratulates both nominees and looks forward to working with their respective offices.”

The Ambassador at Large position was established by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA) and is the principal executive branch official working on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) issues. The IRF Ambassador also serves as an ex officio member of USCIRF. The position of Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism has the rank of Ambassador and was established by the U.S. Department of State to comply with the Global Anti-Semitism Review Act of 2004. Both positions require Senate confirmation.

“The IRF Ambassador and Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism are vital to representing the ideas for which America stands, as it seeks to advance equality and FoRB around the world,” said USCIRF Vice Chair Meir Soloveichik. “USCIRF calls for a speedy confirmation process to fill these two statutory positions and looks forward to working closely with the new ambassadors upon their confirmation.” 

USCIRF published a factsheet in December 2024 on key political appointments within the U.S. government that are most relevant to international religious freedom. USCIRF reiterates its recommendations in the 2025 Annual Report for the Administration to fill open positions including the Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Issues and the Special Coordinator on Tibetan Issues. The Commission also calls for the White House to appoint a Special Advisor for IRF on the National Security Council.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. 

USCIRF Calls on Trump Administration to Seek Iranian Concessions on Religious Freedom in Oman Discussions

Washington, DC – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) urges the Trump administration to demand accountability for Iran’s religious freedom violations in any upcoming discussions planned in Oman. Iran’s egregious persecution of religious minorities has caused hundreds of people to flee the country seeking humanitarian protection based on religious persecution. If sent back to Iran, these individuals face grave danger to their personal safety for exercising their right of freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including for changing their religion or belief.

“Iranians who dissent from the government’s endorsed religious interpretation —particularly converts from Islam—face severe government persecution for both their religious beliefs and for exercising their freedom to change these beliefs,” said USCIRF Chair Stephen Scheck. “The Trump administration must demand Iranian concessions on its systematic targeting of religious minorities, including those at risk of being repatriated, during upcoming talks in Oman.”

Among those at risk are several persecuted Iranian Christian converts who fled to the United States in February and are now in Panama. While the government of Panama granted them a 30-day temporary permit to remain in the country with the option for a 90-day extension, these individuals may be forcibly returned to Iran, where they are likely to experience persecution, harassment, torture, and prolonged imprisonment. USCIRF has noted previously that Article 33 of the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol prohibits refoulement, which is the returning of a refugee to a country where he or she faces serious threats to his or her life or freedom based on religion or one of the other four listed grounds.

“Ensuring that religiously persecuted Iranians are protected from the horrors awaiting them if refouled to Iran sends a clear signal that the U.S. government prioritizes freedom of religion or belief,” said USCIRF Vice Chair Meir Soloveichik. “The U.S. Congress should also permanently reauthorize the Lautenberg Amendment, which aids persecuted religious minorities from Iran seeking protection in the United States.”

In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State designate Iran as a “Country of Particular Concern,” or CPC, country for engaging in systematic, egregious, and ongoing violations of religious freedom. USCIRF has also recommended that Congress permanently authorize the Lautenberg-Specter program for resettling Iranian religious refugees. 

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].