Tajikistan

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New restrictive religion law in Tajikistan

By the editorial team

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Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon signed a repressive new religion law on 25.03.09, even though it violates the constitution and human rights. The deputy minister of culture said: "There are no restrictions on religious activities in the new law."

The law has been criticized by the OSCE and the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, among others. "But all we can do is provide the comments to parliament," The most criticized is: Hanafi Islamic school's "special role in the development of the national culture and moral life of the population:" forced registration of religious organizations, which must present a document from the local government; being in the area for at least five years and adhering to the religion. The government must now approve all published or imported religious literature and only in "appropriate quantities".

Children's religious activity and education require both parents' permission before they can receive religious education. Contact with fellow believers at home and abroad requires state permission. The Deputy Minister of Culture rejects criticism. "You can do all this in agreement with the government," he said.