Iran dismissed as unreal, exaggerated and unconstructive a recent US report on religious freedom in the Islamic Republic, saying its contents are influenced by political prejudice.
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi also on Saturday said the annual report released by the US State Department on August 10 contains hackneyed and unsubstantiated claims based on hostility and political motivations, Press TV reported.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran recognizes the rights of religious minorities based on its Constitution. All Iranian citizens are equal in benefiting from their basic rights within legal frameworks," he said.
Qasemi pointed to concerns expressed in recent UN reports on the widespread violation of the rights of religious minorities, particularly Muslims, in the US, and said instead of preaching to other countries, the US administration must attend to the flagrant cases of violation of the rights of its own Muslim citizens.
"It is imperative that the US administration end its violation of rights of religious minorities, particularly Muslims, and more seriously fulfill its human rights obligations," he said.
He added that Washington must also take effective measures to prevent the spread of Islamophobia. The spokesman emphasized that Iran has always sought to improve its human rights record, particularly the rights of religious minorities, based on its religion, law and culture.
Qasemi said Iran regards it to be against the principles of human rights and condemns any political exploitation of the issue of human rights in independent countries.
