GULISTON, Uzbekistan — Tohar Haydarov, a Baptist arrested by Guliston City Police in central Syrdarya region Jan. 18, faces criminal charges of producing or storing drugs, which is punishable with up to five years in prison. Haydarov’s fellow believers insist the case has been fabricated, one stating that “police planted a matchbox with drugs.” They also said Haydarov “was beaten and forced by the police to sign different papers. His face looked exhausted and swollen and he could hardly walk. He did not even remember what was written in those papers.” The authorities say these are lies.
In another case in Tashkent region, Almalyk City Police raided a peaceful meeting of local Baptists. During their detention, the Baptists sustained injuries that were verified by a medical examination. “I don’t know what to say. The police were there only to assist other state agencies with the detentions,” a police officer said after being told about the medical records. In both cases the authorities are also thought to be preparing criminal cases against some of the Baptists.
Uzbek law — in defiance of the country’s international human rights commitments — bans all unregistered religious activity.
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