Pentecostal pastor Ilmurad Nurliev, who was arrested at his home in Mary in south-eastern Turkmenistan on August 27, faces criminal charges of large-scale swindling that carry a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and confiscation of property. Three women who had attended church meetings wrote statements that he took money from them. His wife and other church members vigorously deny these charges, saying police pressured the three to write the statements and that they now regret doing so. Another church member has been threatened that if she does not testify against Pastor Nurliev, her husband, who is not a church member, will be fired from his job. (Source: Forum18)
Please pray that the truth of this case may come to light. Ask the Lord to comfort and sustain Pastor Nurliev and his wife Maya. Please pray for wisdom and guidance for all of those who are involved in the case. Pray the church will be strengthened in Turkmenistan amidst the hostilities.
For more information on persecution in Turkmenistan, go to the Turkmenistan Country Report.
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