McCollum Urges Sec. of State Rice to Deny Visa to Indian Politician Mr. Narendra Modi

Statement

McCollum Urges Sec. of State Rice to Deny Visa to Indian Politician Mr. Narendra Modi

Gujarat Chief Minister Linked to Religious Violence in Violation of U.S. Int'l Religious Freedom Act

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) sent a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice urging her not to grant a visa to enter the U.S. to Mr. Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of the state of Gujarat, India, in light of his long documented record of violations of religious freedom, which are in breach of the International Religious Freedom Act.

"Granting a visa to Narendra Modi would be contradictory to international law and would only serves to validate the Chief Minister's abhorrent policies and actions against Indian Muslims and Christian pastors and priests," said Congresswoman McCollum.

The Advocates for Human Rights has also written to Secretary Rice asking her not to issue Mr. Modi a U.S. Visa. "Denying Mr. Modi a visa to enter the United States not only will uphold the law but will send the important message that Mr. Modi's reprehensible statements, policies and actions are abhorrent to the laws and values of the United States," notes the organization's July 3, 2008 letter.

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