Persecution in Uzbekistan: Christians Fined over Worship Service, Possession of Bibles
Authorities in Uzbekistan fined 10 Christians for holding meetings unsanctioned by the state and even seized their personal Bibles.
The Karshi Criminal Court in Kashkadarya, Uzbekistan imposed a fine on three of the Christians, which costs 50 times the minimum monthly salary. The other seven Christians accused of illegal possession of religious literature were fined more than 30 times the minimum wage, according to a Barnabas Aid report cited by Worthy News.
Aside from that, the Uzbek court also ordered the destruction of the Christians' personal Bibles and church songbooks, the report adds.
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The Christian group was first raided by authorities in April. At that time, they had been meeting together without permission from the state of Uzbekistan.
The incident, which happened in late September, is a common practice in Uzbekistan. Based on a Nov. 18 report by the Forum 18 News Service, the court spoke to the Baptist church members in August, asking why they were still going on with their gatherings despite the first warning in April.
Uzbek authorities had also raided a Jehovah's Witness community and ordered 75 fines that each costs 20 times the minimum wage from January to September this year. Seven members twice experienced being stopped by authorities while on their way to a registered Jehovah's Witness community.
The Justice Ministry called for a meeting in Tashkent on Nov. 4 to ask for details on the religious activities of registered non-Muslim groups. They also asked for information about foreigners who participate in the said activities.
On Nov. 8, armed police raided the worship gathering of a Protestant group in Tashkent. They confiscated religious books, musical instruments, computers, and phones without a warrant. They also detained church members and children and allegedly tortured some, the report relays.
In light of the situation, the United Nations Human Rights Committee in July called for a revision in Uzbekistan's laws and practices. The organization is concerned over the government's effort to suppress the religious rights of its citizens through censorship, fines, jail sentences, and even torture.
