Religion Law Impacts Protestants and Muslims in Tajikistan

19 June 2009

Tajikistan's new religion law has reportedly added to difficulties for Muslims and Protestants in the country. For example, four Muslim girls were recently expelled from Tajikistan State University, with some officials directly saying that they were expelled for wearing hijab and others claiming that the students were expelled for "violating dress-code." A Ministry of Education official admitted that a certain percentage of students often infringe the dress code by trying to wear jeans or other casual dress, yet are not expelled.

Critics say that the new religion law places de facto limits on the number of mosques in the country; restricts religious education; controls the content of imams' sermons and all religious literature; and restricts the reading of the Quran, Bible, and other holy books to certain areas. Some mosques and churches, as well as the country's only synagogue, have been confiscated or bull-dozed. One Protestant church is currently struggling with government attempts to confiscate its newly renovated building.

Please pray that the hearts and minds of Tajikistan's leaders and people would be moved to respect all of their citizens. Pray that they would not be afraid of religion but would support a society where all can worship God as their conscience guides and where all can believe or not believe as they choose.

For more information see: Muslims and Protestants are the latest official targets and Latest religious property eviction, Religion Law enters force

Last updated 19 June 2009