'All-out campaign' against Christian activity
in southern region
Keston Institute (23.10.2001)/ HRWF International Secretariat (24.10.2001) - Website: http://www.hrwf.net - Email: info@hrwf.net - A leaked letter from the head of the government's religious affairs agency in Tajikistan's southern Khatlon region, which borders Afghanistan, reveals official concern about 'increased activity' by Christian churches in the region which, he declares, should be placed under 'the most stringent control'.
The 6 September letter, obtained by Keston News Service, was written by Kamolov (first name unknown) and addressed to the head of Khatlon region, N. Miraliev. Local Protestants have told Keston that this letter, and an instruction issued eleven days later by the region's first deputy head calling for closer scrutiny of Christian groups, heralded what they term a 'real persecution' of Christians in the region. Law enforcement officials regularly visit Christian churches that have already been registered and are trying to find formal grounds to close them down.
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