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Uzbekistan

  • Two Christians Face Criminal Charges

    Two Pentecostal Christians in the autonomous region of Karakalpakstan in north-western Uzbekistan in are facing criminal charges for their religious activities, according to a February 22 report from Forum 18. Makset Djabbarbergenov (26) and Salauat Serikbayev (32) were arrested by secret police on January 21 for "violating the law on religious organizations." They face up to five years in prison if convicted.

    The two men are part of an underground church in the town of Muinak, north of Nukus. Christians in Karakalpakstan live in constant danger of harassment and persecution since all Protestant activity is illegal in the region. Worship services are often held several kilometres from town in an attempt to evade authorities.

    Pray that all charges against these pastors will be dropped. Pray that they will exemplify the love of God through consistent love and prayer for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:43-48). Pray that Uzbek Christians will keep their eyes on Jesus, persevere in their faith, and not grow weary or lose heart. (Hebrews 10:32-39;12:1-3).

    For more information on persecution in Uzbekistan,click here.
  • Visiting Kazakh Pastor Released

    Pastor Garifulin, the visiting Kazakh pastor who was arrested by Uzbek authorities on February 8 for possession of Christian literature (click here for more details), was released without charge on the evening of February 19, according to February 22 report from Forum 18. Pastor Garifulin was allowed access to a lawyer and freed after his family sought the aid of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry. Garifulin's wife reports that her husband was not beaten during his imprisonment but he was pressured by police to confess that he had come to Uzbekistan as a missionary.
  • Kazakh Pastor Arrested in Uzbekistan

    A visiting Kazakh pastor was arrested after Uzbek authorities found Christian literature in his possession in Samarqand on February 8, according to a February 14 report from Forum 18. At last report, the pastor's whereabouts were unknown. Pastor Rishat Garifulin was visiting the Greater Grace congregation near the city when he was arrested. Church leaders initially expected him to be released after three days, as is common. Concern for his well-being grew after he was not released. Samarqand police refuse to confirm or deny the arrest.

    Pray that Pastor Garifulin will trust God during this time (Revelation 2:10). Pray that the Christians in Samarqand will entrust him to the Heavenly Father's care in the midst of the uncertainty (Numbers 6:24-26). Pray for news of his whereabouts. Pray that Pastor Garifulin will soon be released.

    For more information on the persecution facing Christians in Uzbekistan,click here.
  • Pastor Shestakov Indicted
    Pastor Shestakov
    Photo from    Forum 18
    On January 21, Pastor Dmitry Shestakov was taken into custody by secret service officials (click here for the details). Shestakov is the pastor of the officially registered Full Gospel Church. According to a February 14 report from Compass Direct, Uzbek officials have indicted Shestakov. They claim that he is an imposter who is actually leading an underground group identified as "Charismatic Pentecostals," which they equate with militant Islamic groups. Local Christians have been allowed to bring Shestakov food and other necessities. They report that he is in good courage in spite of some health problems. Government officials accuse him of illegally proselytizing Muslims. Pray for Pastor Shestakov's release and that truth will come out in his trial.
  • Pastor Arrested by Secret Police

    A pastor was arrested by the Uzbek secret police on January 21, according to a January 25 report from Compass Direct.

    During a raid on the Full Gospel Church in Andijan, secret service officers asked Pastor Dmitry Shestakov (37) to step outside with them for five minutes. They then escorted him to the nearest police station. At last report, he was still in police custody. 

    Pastor Shestakov is accused of "incitement of national, racial and religious enmity" under Article 156 of Uzbekistan's penal code. He could face up to five years in jail if convicted of this charge.

    Pastor Shestakov has reportedly been harassed by authorities since May 2006. In June 2006, police raided his home, confiscated videos of his sermons and temporarily detained him. At the time, he was ordered to list all of his church members but refused to do so. Once he was released, he and his family went into hiding to avoid charges of treason (read the story). They returned several months later and remained in contact with the Andijan congregation.

    Pray that all charges against Pastor Shestakov will be dropped. Pray that he will rely on the Lord to give him the words to say when he stands before accusing authorities (Matthew 10:19). Pray that the Holy Spirit will bring many of his neighbours, friends and even persecutors to Christ through his faithful witness (Romans 12:14, 21).

    For more information on persecution of Christians in Uzbekistan,click here.
  • Persecution Continues Despite Denials The government of Uzbekistan has reacted strongly to the designation of their nation as one of the world's worst violators of religious freedom by the U.S. State Department last week. In a November 27 statement, the Uzbek foreign ministry dismissed their designation as a "country of particular concern" as being "groundless" claiming, "Religious toleration and forbearance have always been and remain to be the most important component of the state policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan." A November 27 report from Forum18, however, recounts two incidents in the last month that demonstrate the continuing difficulties facing Uzbek Christians.

    On November 3, the Justice Department for the Tashkent region issued an official warning to the Full Gospel Pentecostal Church in Yangiyul to re-register their statute within a month or be stripped of their registration. Church sources point out that re-registration within that timeframe is all but impossible. If registration is revoked, all activities of the church would be illegal and punishable.

    On November 13, thirty police officers raided a Pentecostal church in Tashkent. They confiscated hundreds of video and audio recordings and thirty books, including Bibles. Several young people were forced to go to the police station to give statements. The church's pastor, Serik Kadyrov, was threatened with prosecution. One church member, Risto Dyachkov, was found guilty of violating Uzbekistan's controversial religion law (Article 240 of the Code of Administrative Offenses) and was fined 60,000 sums ($55.00 CAD).

    Pray that the Full Gospel Pentecostal Church in Yangiyul will be able to re-register. Pray that, even when there is harassment and opposition, Uzbek Christians will continue to be faithful to give testimony to Him in their lives (Acts 4:19). Pray that those who oppress them will come to repentance and respond to God's grace (Acts 9:1-19).

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in Uzbekistan,click here.
  • Seminar Raided

    The ongoing persecution of officially unapproved religious organizations in Uzbekistan continues to grow. According to a September 6 report from Forum18, a church's summer camp being held in the southern border village of Uch-Kizil was raided on August 24 by police. They arrested the twenty Christians present, including women and children and confiscated their Scriptures. They were taken to the police station in Termez. The men were subjected to systematic beatings. Most were released within twenty-four hours. Another five were freed on September 4, including a young Ukrainian national, Yuri Stefanko, who is being prepared for deportation. Husan Primbetov remains in detention. No reasons have been given for the arrests.

    Pray that God's peace will fill every heart to overflowing as they rely on Him in the midst of this persecution (Philippians 4:4-7) Pray that those who have suffered at the hands of police will be strengthened in Christ and delivered from further attacks (2 Corinthians 1:9-11). Pray that Brother Husan will be released soon.

    For more information on Uzbekistan and the persecution of Christians there,click here.
  • Criminal Charges and New Regulations Face Christians

    Lepes Omarov faces up to three years' imprisonment on criminal charges for "breaking the law on religious organizations," according to a July 3 report from Forum 18. Omarov was detained in his home in Muinak in the north-western region of Karakalpakstan in late June. During a search of his home, authorities seized legally imported Christian literature. Three years ago, Omarov was removed from his position as a school sports teacher because he refused to renounce his faith in Christ. Uzbekistan's strict religious laws forbid any religious activities from organizations not registered with the government. The authorities have refused to register any Protestant churches in Karakalpakstan. Omarov was released from custody after signing a statement that he would not leave the country.

    In the eastern Uzbek city of Andijan, Pastor Shestakov, who led the officially-registered Full Gospel Pentecostal Church, has been forced to flee the country in order to avoid charges against him. Details of the charges are unclear. One Christian told Forum 18 on June 20, "His only guilt is that he was engaged in preaching Christianity."

    Uzbekistan has consistently enforced strict restrictions on the import and production of religious literature. Under new regulations, however, the government has introduced new penalties for the "illegal production, storage, import or distribution of materials of religious content." A first offence could result in fines of up to 150 times the minimum monthly wage and with the confiscation of materials and any "corresponding means of producing and distributing them." A second offense can result in criminal charges with fines up to 200 times the monthly wage or "corrective labour" of up to three years.

    Pray for protection for Omarov and other Christians facing legal problems because of their faith in Christ. Pray that Christians will be wise in their dealings as they seek to share their faith with those around them. Pray that local leaders of the churches in Uzbekistan will continue to faithfully fulfill their God given responsibilities. (1 Peter 5:1-4).

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in Uzbekistan,click here.
  • Aid Organization Expelled for Proselytizing

    An Uzbek court has ordered an educational aid group, Global Involvement Through Education, to close because the workers were allegedly trying to convert students to "a religion of Protestant character." The website for the USA-based organization makes no reference to Christian activities, stating that "Global I.E.'s goal is to help different cultures to understand each other's uniqueness while learning to peacefully co-exist and appreciate differing values"
    (http://www.globaliedu.org/).

    In May, another aid organization, Central Asian Free Exchange (CAFE), was also accused of proselytizing. They denied the accusation, insisting that "One of CAFE's strongest values has always been that the rendering of assistance not be based on religion or creed" (http://www.cafengo.org/).

    Government control over religion is strong in Uzbekistan. Any religious activity outside officially approved organizations is strictly prohibited. Uzbek authorities have also been cracking down on western-funded aid organizations, accusing them of supporting dissidents.

    Pray that both religious and aid organizations will be free to meet the needs of the Uzbek people. Pray that the gospel would be heard throughout Uzbekistan (Mark 13:10, Acts 1:8). Pray that believers will not be discouraged as they seek to maintain a consistent testimony (Galatians 6:9).

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in Uzbekistan,click here.
  • Two Churches Closed

    Uzbekistan's Justice Ministry has announced the closure of two officially-registered churches in the ancient city of Samarqand.  The churches are accused of violating laws governing religious organizations by "illegally proselytizing among local residents."

    According to a May 19 report from Forum 18, the Seventh Day Adventist church had violated the law by conducting services in private homes, allowing children to participate in "missionary religious events" without permission of their parents and consistently discussing "missionary work" during weekly meetings.  The church is also accused of reporting "untrue data about the sources of finance."

    Forum 18 also reported on the closure of the Miral Protestant Church that is accused of not holding regular general meetings of all members, not holding elections for the pastor and not properly filing reports.  The church's Korean pastor, Li Syn Ryul, is also accused of conducting "illegal missionary activity" together with his wife in an effort to attract the local population to Christianity.

    Both churches have faced fines in the past because of their "illegal" activities.

    Thank God for the faithfulness of those who continue to proclaim the gospel when it is illegal to do so. Pray that they will find the Lord to be their strength as they remain faithful in their witness (2 Timothy 4:17). Ask God to move in the hearts of Uzbekistan's government leaders to allow Christians to meet unhindered.

    For more information on the persecution facing Christians in Uzbekistan,click here.

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