Article

In Kazakhstan, those convicted for “religion-related” offences under the Criminal Code have little chances to be released early and even after their release they continue to incur out-of-court punishments. (more…)

Kazakhstan has a paradoxical situation: citizens are punished for dissemination of religious non-extremist materials. One can even get fined for selling Quran or the New Testament on classifieds sites or for publishing an interview with the clergy. (more…)

A lamb sacrificed in memory of those who died during the January events lies in front of President Tokayev wearing a business suit. Imam sits near the president, and officials sit behind them. This photo is probably the most accurate portrayal of what happens to secularism in Kazakhstan. The authorities demonstrate their piousness, at the same time speaking continuously about the secularism of the state and maintaining strict control over the religious sphere. Does the situation need to be changed? (more…)

The percentage of Muslims and Christians in Kazakhstan declines, according to the comparison of two national census of 2009 and 2021. 13 years ago, 70.2 per cent of census participants declared their Islamic identity, and only 69.3 per cent a year ago. (more…)

In Kazakhstan, a group of parents of pupils practising Islam demand that the authorities stop prohibiting wearing headscarf to girls in schools. This year, the activists suggested a compromise – to allow girls wear white hoods instead of headscarfs.

(more…)

Since the beginning of 2020, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan has reported three cases of suppression of illegal extremist acts; in two cases, it was the detention of organized groups engaged in the propaganda of radical ideas, recruitment of youth to the ranks of international terrorist organizations. (more…)

Preventive measures of countering extremist ideology leading to violence require more comprehensive approaches than just blocking and penalties. (more…)

There are many foundations and charity organizations in the republic linked to religion. (more…)

Experts and human rights activists urge the Tajik authorities to introduce an independent examination of materials for the banned ideas. (more…)

Followers of this religious community liable for military service continue to go to jail.
(more…)