• A 45-year-old Uzbek Muslim woman was sentenced to 15 days in prison for teaching Quran to children.
• Under laws enacted in June of this year, parents or guardians who involve their children in ‘illegal’ religious education will face fines from $270-404.
Uzbekistan, a predominantly Muslim country, has long maintained strict control over religious practices within its borders. This is epitomized by recent reports of a woman being sentenced to 15 days in prison for teaching the Quran to children without state authorization. This incident highlights the Uzbek government’s restrictive policies on religious freedom and its broader authoritarian approach to governance.
A Rigorous Clampdown on Religious Education
In Uzbekistan, teaching religion, including Islam, is strictly regulated. Only those with a license from the Committee on Religious Affairs are allowed to conduct religious instruction. Violators can face severe penalties, ranging from fines to imprisonment. These laws reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to curb unauthorized religious teachings, often justified as a means to prevent radicalization. However, they also limit the ability of ordinary citizens to engage with their faith freely.
The woman in question reportedly held Quran lessons for children at her home. Such activities, though common in many Muslim-majority countries, are deemed illegal in Uzbekistan without explicit state approval. This incident is part of a broader crackdown on informal religious education, with dozens of similar cases reported in recent years.
Religious Freedom or Control?
While Uzbekistan’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion, the state heavily regulates religious activities, effectively undermining this promise. Mosques, religious schools, and even private homes are monitored to ensure compliance with stringent laws. These regulations have created a climate where practicing Islam outside state-sanctioned frameworks is fraught with risks.
For example, minors are not allowed to attend mosques freely, and parents who involve their children in unsanctioned religious education can face harsh penalties. Even licensed religious activities are closely overseen by the government, and imams are required to adhere to state-approved sermons.
Criticism and Consequences
Human rights organizations and religious freedom advocates have criticized Uzbekistan’s policies for suppressing religious expression. These measures not only infringe on personal freedoms but also push religious education underground, where the risk of unregulated and potentially harmful teachings increases.
Moreover, the harsh treatment of individuals like the arrested woman showcases a broader pattern of state oppression. By targeting devout individuals and those seeking to preserve their religious heritage, the Uzbek government risks alienating its population and eroding trust.
Uzbekistan’s stringent control over religious practices reflects its broader authoritarian tendencies. While the government claims these measures are necessary for maintaining social harmony and preventing extremism, they disproportionately affect devout citizens who wish to practice and teach their faith.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by people of faith in countries where religious expression is tightly regulated. For Uzbekistan to truly respect its citizens, it must ease its grip on religious practices and allow its people to exercise their constitutional rights without fear.
