In the Spectator online, Doug Bandow on the worst violators of religious freedom: Bangladesh, Burma, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and seven more. Plus:

ASSESSING THE RELATIVE BRUTALITY of varying regimes isn’t easy, and the level of repression sometimes changes over time. Unfortunately, many other nations have a claim to membership in the Dirty Dozen.

Cuba is a traditional communist dictatorship which registers religious organizations, harasses congregants, prevents churches from building or repairing worship facilities, forbids the distribution of religious materials, and bars church provision of social welfare services.

The Egyptian government discriminates in the provision of public services and benefits, arrests those who proselytize, and often ignores violent attacks on members of other faiths, especially members of the Coptic Church. Private discrimination and violence are common.

In India sectarian violence is endemic, particularly among Hindus and Muslims. But Christians, constituting a much smaller minority, also are a common target. Attacks on Christians have been on the rise this year, yet the authorities often do little. Many states penalize religious minorities; some enforce anti- conversion laws, which even inhibit Christian social services.

In Sri Lanka Buddhism is dominant. The authorities often overlook private attacks on Christian churches. Efforts are underway to make Buddhism the state religion and to criminalize conversions.