New restrictions on religious freedom


New restrictions ban children from
attending church in Tajikistan.
Photo: AsiaNews

The Upper Chamber of Tajikistan's Parliament recently adopted two legal measures that will further restrict religious freedom, particularly the religious education of children. On July 21, a new Parental Responsibility Law was passed, banning almost all children under 18 from participating in religious activity. At the same time, an amendment to the Criminal Code was passed to punish organizers of "extremist religious" teaching -- an unidentified concept that could easily be applied against Christian leaders.

Both of the new legal measures -- which still need to be signed by President Emomali Rahmon to come into force -- come just two weeks after an amendment made to the country's Religion Law decreed tight restrictions on religious education abroad for children and adults.

Pray for an end to restrictions on religious freedom in Tajikistan. Ask the Lord to continue to equip believers to make the most of every opportunity to share their faith. Pray for wisdom for all believers in the nation as they serve Christ and witness to those who do not yet know Him as Lord.

To find out more about the trials facing Christians in Tajikistan, go to the Tajikistan Country Report.

  • Current Ministry Project

    VOMC has come alongside project partners to offer an English camp as an opportunity for evangelism and outreach among youth and young adults. Camp participants are invited to embrace the Good News of the Gospel through the platform of the English Camps.

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  • Country Information

    Population
    9,245,937 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Tajik (84.3), Uzbek (13.8), Other (2)

    Religion (%)
    Muslim (98), Other (2)

    Leader
    President Emomali Rahmon (1994)

    Government type
    Presidential republic

    Legal system
    Civil law system

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Tajikistan

    Pray God will provide for the physical needs of the people of Tajikistan.

    Pray freedom of religion will be respected by the government.

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Tajikistan News

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    Pray that Tajikistan’s youth will be allowed to participate in Christian summer camp programs.
    Photo: VOMC Ministry Partner

    In late May, Protestant church leaders in Tajikistan were summoned to a meeting with Sulaymon Davlatzoda, the chair of the State Committee for Religious Affairs and Regulation of Traditions, Ceremonies and Rituals. During the meeting, they were informed that the government would no longer be registering any new churches. "We will keep the figure of registered churches unchanged from now on," Sulaymon told them. He further went on to remind the church leaders that there are to be no religious activities for those under 18 years of age, including their participation in any religious camps.

    Read more...

  • Fines for Bible Translation
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    Read more...

  • Pastor Released Early
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    Pastor Bakhrom Kholmatov and
    his wife (undated image).
    Photo: World Watch Monitor

    In April 2017, Pastor Bakhrom Kholmatov was arrested and charged with "singing extremist songs in church and so inciting religious hatred." In July of that year, he had been sentenced to three years in prison (read more). We are thankful to report that Pastor Bakhrom was released on December 17th, more than three months early.

    Read more...

  • Clampdown on Christianity
    Pastor Batyr - Photo: Release International www.releaseinternational.org
    Pastor Batyr
    Photo: Release International

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    Read more...

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