News by email Donate

Suggestions

Pastor-Batyr-main_article_image.jpg
Release International
World News

Christians in central Asia facing worship bans, arrest and torture, pastor claims

by Eno Adeogun

The charity Release International has linked this to a rise in Islamic nationalism across central Asia in places like Tajikistan.

Pastor Batyr fled Turkmenistan after being arrested and tortured 18-years-ago for talking about Jesus.

 

Speaking through a translator, he told Release the situation there remains tough.

"The totalitarian control over all leaders and churches goes on.

"Freedom of movement and freedom to preach the gospel is not allowed. Turkmen and Uzbek churches never get official registration and the state doesn't want to recognise Christians."

Security police in Tajikistan arrested and fined ten Christians last for handing out gospel literature.

Release International said the group had gone to the Pamir Mountains to give out tracts and were fined about £750 - more than most Tajiks would earn in six months.

In neighbouring Kazakhstan, a new religious survey has found that 263 people were punished in 2017 for hosting religious meetings, offering religious literature and other offences.

The authorities prosecuted 30 Christians for sharing their beliefs, according to Forum 18. Most of those prosecuted for 'religious crimes' were Protestants.

Highlighting the persecution Muslim converts face, Pastor Batyr said: "We become enemies of the people.

"They [Muslim converts] suffer more than all and are persecuted more than all."

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate