Uzbekistan: Churches Banned From Evangelism, Youth Worship

December 14, 2011

Authorities in the city of Angren, Uzbekistan, have warned local religious communities not to be involved in "proselytism" or "missionary activity" or allow children to attend worship services, Persecution.org reports. Religious communities were also commanded to provide authorities with lists of their members, which many members did not want to do for fear of being singled out and persecuted. "It's not in the law, but we recommend that you do it," said Saidibrahim Saynazirov, deputy head of the administration, when asked what legal basis there was for such a requirement. Intolerance of those exercising the right to freedom of religion or belief is often promoted in Uzbekistan, particularly by the country's state-run TV programs.