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.
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