Marina Kalinkina, head of a registered charitable organisation Dustlig Kuprigi (Bridge of Friendship) has been facing harassment, a raid from the secret police, death threats, a large fine and the imprisonment of her father because of her religious beliefs, according to a July 19 report from Forum 18.
The harassment began in early June when a meeting in her home was disrupted by local police who claimed that the meeting was an illegal religious gathering. Marina and her father, Nail Kalinkin, were taken to the police station where they were interrogated. Nail was also beaten, threatened and insulted. Following this incident, Marina and Nail faced daily phone calls from National Security Service (NSS) officers, including death threats.
On July 7, Marina was ordered to appear before the NSS for interrogation. On the advice of lawyers, she did not go since there was no written summons. On the morning of July 10, NSS officers appeared at her door, yelling at her before leaving a summons. The next day she was interrogated for over two hours. She was told she was participating in illegal charity work. She was also warned that her treatment would be worse if she told international organizations about her suffering.
Marina has taken her case to the district attorney's office in Tashkent. They refused to assist when they heard that the secret police were involved. Marina denies the accusations that she is conducting religious activities. She insists that the mandate of Dustlig Kuprigi is to help the elderly and poor. When police raided their meeting in June, they were celebrating the birthday of an elderly man they had been assisting. She admits to discussing religious issues with her guests, but insists that it was a private gathering and not a religious meeting.
Pray that Marina and Nail will know God's strength as they face this continued harassment. Pray for Christians throughout Uzbekistan who are facing persecution because of their faith in Christ.
For more information on the persecution facing Christians in Uzbekistan, click here.
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