CAIRO, 16 December (BWNS)-- In a closely watched case that has become the focus of a national debate on religious freedom, Egypt's Supreme Administrative Court today ruled against the right of Baha'is to be properly identified on government documents.

The decision upholds current government policy, a policy which forces the Baha'is either to lie about their religious beliefs or give up their state identification cards. The policy effectively deprives Egyptian Baha'is of access to most rights of citizenship, including education, financial services, and even medical care... Full Story

Also see related news:

15 December article from Agence France-Presse published in Middle East Times

16 December article from The Associated Press published in The International Herald Tribune

16 December article from Agence France-Presse

16 December related photo from Reuters