ANDIJAN, Uzbekistan — Former prisoner of conscience (POC) Dmitry Shestakov was recently released from a four-year jail sentence. However Shestakov continues to be placed under the severe restrictions of “administrative supervision” by the Uzbekistan government. Shestakov’s new guidelines require him to report to the police in person three times a month for one year. He cannot be outside his home between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., he may not leave his home town without written police permission, and he cannot visit public places where alcohol is served. The term of administrative supervision can be extended if Shestakov breaks any of the regulations and the punishment for infringement varies from large fines to another long-term imprisonment sentence.
The authorities have refused to explain the reason for the restrictions. “He was released from prison but is not free,” an Uzbek Protestant complained. Shestakov, although under strict regulations, is still seeking ways to reach out to his community.
“I am a pastor and I want to serve God but I have to find a wise way to do this,” he said. Currently Muslims, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Protestants are among other POC’s jailed for exercising freedom of religion in Uzbekistan.
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