Despite the prevalence of religions and religious traditions in Iran, many young Iranians are gravitating toward atheism. Many others seek self-help and non-religious spiritual practices. All these practices are considered illegal and subject to crackdown by the government. Atheism, and even verbal insults to Islamic prophets in Iran is punishable by death.
Mr. Hossein Kazemani Boroujerdi is a secularist and an avid advocate for the separation of religion and government. Formerly an "ayatollah" and a Shia clergyman, he was disrobed by the officials upon declaring his views. He has been in prison and under house arrest and endured torture and harassment for expressing his perspectives.