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Six
Christians were detained after police raided a home in
the town of Kurgantepe, Andijan region, Uzbekistan,
where believers had gathered to share a meal together,
according to recent reports. Three Christians were
detained at the Kurgantepe Rehabilitation Centre for
Homeless Persons for not having their identification
documents with them.
One was released on March 6 for health reasons while the
other two were released on March 13. Three other
believers were sentenced to 15day jail terms for
allegedly violating procedures for teaching religious
doctrines. At last report, they were being held at the
Temporary Detention Centre of Kurgantepe Police
Department.
On March 11, Roman Tsoi, a member of the Korean Baptist
Church, was handed a 10day jail term for "violating the
procedure for arranging and holding gatherings,
meetings, street marches and demonstrations" in the
country's capital, Tashkent. The charge comes after
approximately 20 officials barged into the church on
March 6 during a prayer meeting, reportedly searching
for foreign missionaries. The believers were told that
they needed to obtain special permission to gather
together on days other than Sunday and could not meet
later than 10:00 p.m. At last report, Tsoi was being
held at the Tashkent City Police Department's Detention
Centre.
According to Russian Ministries, the persecution of
Christians is increasing throughout Uzbekistan.
Officials often charge believers with fabricated
violations of the country's religion law or accuse
Christians of attempting to start an uprising.
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