The US Commission on International Religious Freedom says Tajikistan should again be named a country of particular concern for serious violations of religious freedom. The report focuses strongly on Tajikistan and explains that the government keeps tight control over religious life. The report says authorities often target independent Muslims who do not follow the state’s approved form of Hanafi Sunni Islam. Some people face pressure, detention, or bans for practicing their faith in ways the state does not accept. Laws about extremism are widely used, and the report argues they are sometimes applied too broadly. This creates fear among religious communities and limits free expression. The commission suggests that the United States consider targeted sanctions and link closer relations to improvements. While Turkmenistan is also criticized, Tajikistan is highlighted as a clear example of strong state control over religion. In total, 18 countries were recommended for this serious category, while others, like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan, were suggested for a watch list.

Pray for religious freedom in Eritrea. Pray for divine protection upon all the religious minorities, including Christians, in the country (The Holy Bible, Psalm 119:116).

LORD, we pray for more religious tolerance in Tajikistan. We pray for the authorities to take action to protect religious minorities from attacks. We pray that Your Love breaks down the walls of division and hatred (The Holy Bible, Psalm 82:3).

News Source: Eurasianet

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