Several reports have been received from Forum 18 News Services in recent days, showing increasing persecution of religious minorities in the former Soviet republic of Turkmenistan. The only officially sanctioned faiths are the Muslim Board and the Russian Orthodox Church.
A kindergarten teacher's job is being threatened because of her faith. Days after she was fined for attending a church meeting in Abadan, the education department contacted Gozelya Syraeva asking for her "voluntary" resignation. Speaking to Forum 18, Syraeva said, "I do not preach to the children, because I know it is against the law. They are trying to sack me simply because of my religious beliefs." The director of the kindergarten's job has also been threatened if Syraeva retains her position.
A Baptist church meeting in an apartment in Turkmenabad was raided on June 13 and those present were taken to the police station for several hours of questioning. Each member has been fined 250,000 manats ($63.00 CDN). The owner of the apartment, Yeldash Roziev, was fined 500,000 manats and authorities have threatened to take away his apartment. During questioning, officers told Roziev and another member, Aleksandr Frolov, "We have been on your tracks for three months now, and we'll put you away for 12 years."
The church serves mainly to minister to the deaf and mute community. All of those fined, other than Roziev, are deaf and mute and receive a monthly disability benefit of 300,000 manats. The church is the tenth religious community known to be raided since the latest crackdown began in early May.
Pray for continued endurance for believers in Turkmenistan. Pray for the ability to stand firm in their faith and to minister to those around them, even while facing constant threats.
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