Photo: USCIRF
Pavel Shreider, a 65-year-old pastor, is presently serving a three-year prison sentence in Kyrgyzstan for allegedly "inciting racial, ethnic, national, religious or regional enmity." Following his arrest in November 2024, the church leader was convicted on July 10th, 2025. (For further details on his arrest, see this report.)
ring Pastor Pavel's appeal hearing on September 9th, his family members noticed signs of significant physical weakness. When they had requested that he be transferred to a medical unit, a subsequent doctor's examination revealed that the Christian leader had suffered cognitive impairment due to a traumatic brain injury.
Although the exact cause of the detained believer's injury is not definite, reports indicate that Pastor Pavel suffered significant abuse when he was initially arrested. Officers struck him numerous times in the head – even with the use of an iron pipe – in their efforts to coerce a confession. Authorities have denied allegations of torture involving the pastor or any of the other individuals who had been arrested at the same time.
On September 25th, Pastor Pavel was transferred to a high-security prison equipped with appropriate medical care. Prison authorities attempted to return him to his original facility on October 14th but determined that his condition had not yet sufficiently improved. A second transfer attempt is anticipated to take place in the coming days, with expectations that his appeal case will resume soon thereafter.
- Ask the Lord to minister complete physical and cognitive healing to Pastor Pavel, also bestowing upon him and his family greatly needed strength, comfort and peace, as they navigate this difficult and uncertain season.
- Pray that the truth surrounding Pastor Pavel's arrest and mistreatment will come to light, and that court officials will rightfully release this church leader into the loving care of his concerned family.
- Pray that, as Pastor Pavel and those arrested with him await their vindication, the fruit of God's Holy Spirit will be evident in each of their lives – drawing inmates, guards and court officials to eternal salvation through Christ.
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