This was stated by a person who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals. The criminal police are preparing administrative charges against Kholmet Ashirov, Ayazbek Taytaliyev and Rustam Usmanov, the leaders of the church. The police stated that the trial will begin once the three leaders have been to the police office and written their statements. "They have turned off their cell phones and are hiding from us," they said. According to the police chief, "about 40 people had gathered to celebrate Christmas. " When asked why celebrating Christmas was illegal, the answer was that the church was "not registered" in the village of Umid.
The police had received a tip from the local self-government office (mahalla), which the state uses to control Uzbek society. In violation of international human rights, unregistered religious activity is punished.
