US Religious Freedom Body Seeks Sanctions Against RSS
FlatRigor 545 sources
The Story
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), a federal body, has called for sanctions against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and urged the US government not to extend high-level meetings or diplomatic courtesies to its leaders. This call comes weeks before RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's planned visit to the United States on August 29 for "Universal Oneness Celebrations" in New York. USCIRF chairperson Asif Mahmood stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a member of the RSS, which he described as an umbrella organization whose subgroups have perpetrated attacks on religious minorities, including Christians and Muslims. USCIRF Commissioner Gene Mills added that the US government should focus on imposing sanctions on RSS members found responsible for "FoRB (freedom of religious belief) violations." Asif Mahmood, a Pakistan-born American citizen, heads the USCIRF and has maintained close ties with Pakistan's political and diplomatic leadership, and has lobbied for Kashmir. Under his leadership, the USCIRF has repeatedly accused India of persecuting religious minorities. In March, India rejected USCIRF's annual report that criticized the country for alleged violations of religious freedom. Over 100 Canadian organizations and civil liberties groups have written to Prime Minister Mark Carney in support of Dr. Mohan Bhagwat’s proposed visit to Canada, describing the RSS as an organization known for community service.
The Spread
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What they agree on
- The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has called for sanctions against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
- USCIRF urged the US government not to hold high-level meetings or extend diplomatic courtesies to RSS leaders.
- The call for sanctions comes ahead of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's planned visit to the United States.
- USCIRF chairperson Asif Mahmood stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is an RSS member and accused RSS subgroups of perpetrating attacks on religious minorities.
Where they split
- Kashmir Observer, News18, and India Today focus on the USCIRF's call for sanctions and the upcoming visit of Mohan Bhagwat, while Organiser highlights support for Bhagwat's proposed visit to Canada from over 100 Canadian organizations.
- India Today provides background on USCIRF chairperson Asif Mahmood, noting his Pakistan-origin, ties to Pakistani leadership, and lobbying for Kashmir, details not present in other reports.
- News18 includes a statement from "RSS sources" dismissing the controversy over past associations and emphasizing professional merit, a perspective not directly quoted in other articles.
Source Perspectives
Center3 sources
Right2 sources