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Religious Freedom Summary* (1997) The law provides for freedom of religion, and the Government respects this right. There is no state religion, and the Government made no attempt to restrict freedom of worship by adherents of any religion. However, authorities arrested four clerics on charges of aiding Hutu rebels. According to international observers, two Catholic priests, the head of the Baptist Church and the Quaker director of a hospital, all Hutus, were arrested and charged with aiding Hutu rebels. One of the Catholic priests was tried and sentenced to 2 years in prison; the other has been held without charge since August 1. The Baptist cleric and the Quaker hospital director were released. The Government has little ability to protect politically targeted members of the clergy. *Source: County Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1997, U.S. Department of State |