21Uzbekistan

Freedom of religion remains severely restricted in Uzbekistan. Although the population is 96% Muslim, the government is staunchly secular and no religious activities beyond state-controlled institutions are allowed.

With the exception of foreign Christians, all Christians experience some form of pressure because of their faith. Churches from non-traditional denominations are frequently raided, and those who attend may be threatened, arrested or fined. Church leaders are fined, detained, denied exit visas to leave the country, or put under house arrest in an attempt to spread fear throughout their congregations. Pastors and lay leaders of unregistered churches in particular have been insulted, beaten and humiliated.

The Islamic culture is hostile towards converts to Christianity. They may face house arrest, disinheritance, physical and verbal abuse, and eviction from the family home. In conservative regions, a convert may be kidnapped by their own community and married off to a Muslim. Local imams preach against them, adding pressure. As a result, most converts choose to hide their faith.