We are deeply concerned by reports that an Iranian court has sentenced Mohammad Ali Taheri, the founder of an Iranian spiritual movement, to death. The charges of founding a religious cult and “spreading corruption on earth” are inconsistent with Iran’s international obligations to respect and ensure his freedoms of expression and religion or belief and to reserve the death penalty “only for the most serious crimes.” We are also deeply disturbed by reports that a number of Ta...heri’s followers have been recently arrested on similar objectionable charges.
We call on the Iranian Government to take whatever steps necessary to reverse Taheri’s conviction and death sentence. We join our voice with those who call on Iran to uphold its obligations under Iranian and international law and to ensure that the human rights of all individuals in Iran are respected and guaranteed. -Statement from Spokesperson Heather Nauert on September 1, 2017 https://go.usa.gov/xRHrd
On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, we extend our best wishes to the Sammarinese people on the occasion of the Feast of San Marino. The United States values its partnership with San Marino and will continue to work with the Sammarinese people in promoting democracy, human rights, and economic prosperity around the world.-Statement from U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on September 1, 2017 go.usa.gov/xRHrR