Statement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Gregg Edgar
Gordon C. James Public Relations
602-690-7977
AIFD President appointed to Government Commission
Dr. Zuhdi Jasser joins U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON, DC (March 27, 2012) – Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser, a devout Muslim and the president and founder of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD) has been appointed by the U.S. Congress to serve as Commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). Dr. Jasser’s appointment was put forward by the Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell
Comprised of nine commissioners, USCIRF monitors and advocates for religious freedom abroad wherever that right is being abused. USCIRF also offers policy solutions to improve conditions at the critical juncture of foreign policy, national security, and international religious freedom standards. On March 20, the Commission issued its 2012 annual report which recommended to the Secretary of State that the Obama administration designate 16 nations as countries of particular concern under the International Religious Freedom Act.
“I am humbled by the trust Senator McConnell has placed in me to serve on this very important commission. I am looking forward to serving and providing my perspective on the issues that come before the commission in order to protect and bring awareness to the abuse of religious freedom,” said Jasser. “I believe USCIRF’s mission is vital to bringing true national security to the United States and freedom to people all around the world.”
USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government commission. USCIRF Commissioners are appointed by the President and the leadership of both political parties in the Senate and the House of Representatives. USCIRF’s principal responsibilities are to review the facts and circumstances of violations of religious freedom internationally and to make policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State and Congress.
To interview a USCIRF Commissioner, contact Paul Liben at Pliben@uscirf.gov or (703) 870-6041.
About the American Islamic Forum for Democracy
The American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. AIFD’s mission advocates for the preservation of the founding principles of the United States Constitution, liberty and freedom, through the separation of mosque and state. For more information on AIFD, please visit our website at http://www.aifdemocracy.org/.
