27-year-old man sentenced to 10 years in prison on false charges

Authorities sentenced 27-year-old Tohar Haydarov on 09.03.10 to 10 years in prison for drug possession, for "illegal sale of drugs or psychotropic drugs in large quantities". These are charges that his fellow believers insist are fabricated and are a punishment for his church activities.

It is unclear why Haydarov has received such a harsh sentence. Believers claim that police hid drugs on Haydarov when he was arrested. According to church members, he is "a man with a clear conscience and an honest Christian". Several Baptists in Syrdarya and Tashkent support Haydarov.

Haydarov has appealed his sentence

"The case has now been referred to a regional court," an official at the Guliston District Court stated on 11.03.10, "as Haydarov has appealed." On 13.04.10, the Syrdarya Regional Court rejected the appeal of Tohar Haydarov, who is a member of an unregistered Baptist church.