Church raided by secret police; leaders fined

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan — Uzbekistan’s National Security Service secret police with other officials have carried out two raids on an officially registered Baptist church in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital. More than 50,000 Christian books and a large quantity of printing and office equipment were confiscated after police broke into the 12 Kungrad Street church building.

Later, three church leaders and the caretaker were given fines ranging between 50 and 100 times the minimum monthly salary. Officials have refused to give reasons for their actions, but there has recently been a harshening of official actions against the possession and supply of religious literature. “The authorities are interested in having small pocket-size churches and religious organizations, which will stay quiet and not have much religious activity,” said one Tashkent Baptist.