When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, Islam Karimov, the former Communist Party leader was elected as president of the new country. Immediately repression of political opposition began. With the attacks of September 11, 2001, Uzbekistan joined as an ally of the United States. In an agreement with the U.S., Karimov agreed to political reform. However, widespread political corruption has continued and repression, including of religious believers of all faiths, has escalated in recent years.

Officials claim that Uzbekistan is a Muslim country and Islam is primarily controlled from inside its state-run structures. Other religious communities are required to officially register. Police make surprise visits to churches and forcibly close those who cannot immediately produce registration papers. Evangelism, missionary activity and religious instruction are forbidden by law. Only approved religious organizations can be registered, which include approved Muslim groups, Jews, Russian Orthodox and some Protestant groups. Registration is frequently refused or delayed. As with other former Soviet republics, some church communities also refuse to register, remembering the consequences of registration in the former USSR.

Uzbek Christians have been fined, beaten and imprisoned for their faith. In April 2008, police raided a house church meeting led by Pastor Bobur Aslamov in the city of Samarkand. Several believers, including Pastor Aslamov, were beaten by officials and the pastor was jailed. In July 2008, Jandos Kuandikov was detained for nearly three months following a raid on his home where several Christians were gathered to prepare for a wedding.

The distribution of religious material is legal in Uzbekistan, but only of material approved by the State Committee for Religious Affairs. Bibles, Christian literature and films are often confiscated by officials who claim that the material would be used to convert Muslims.

In addition to facing pressure and harassment from Muslim family members, Muslim converts to Christianity have been the victims of unofficial kangaroo courts arranged with the support of state officials.

• Pray that imprisoned Uzbek Christians will be released.
• Pray for continued strength for Christians facing charges and harassment from authorities.
• Pray that the government of Uzbekistan will institute true human rights in the county.