Government policy and practice contributed to the generally free practice of religion in Slovenia, however Muslims in the country have had some problems, notes the annual International Religious Freedom Report 2002, issued Monday by the U.S. State Department.

The report notes a case when the Muslim community registered a complaint with the Human rights Ombudsman because the public broadcaster RTV Slovenia refused to allow them free airtime to address their community during Ramadan; this privilege is granted to the Catholic, Serb Orthodox, and Protestant communities during their respective religious holidays.

The Ombudsman pursued the complaint with RTV Slovenia, which agreed to grant airtime to the Muslim community for this purpose in 2002, explains the report, adding that the generally amicable relationship among religions in society has contributed to religious freedom in the country.

China received the most harsh criticism in the document, as the state is said to strictly control, and in some cases prosecute, religious and spiritual communities. The report is not sparing of France, Belgium or Germany either, accusing them of being discriminatory in relation to some religious movements, particularly the Scientologists, Jehovah's Witnesses and Hare Krishna.

Possible violations of religious freedom in the U.S. have not been included in the report.

SOURCE: Slovenian Press Agency, 7. 10. 2002