URGENCH, Uzbekistan — Two buildings on land belonging to a Baptist church council are being demolished, and government officials are refusing to say why.
According to the rights group Forum 18, the two buildings under construction for the Council of Churches Baptists in Shakkasholikor village in Urgench were ordered to be demolished in a judge’s ruling in April in a civil suit. The Baptist group has not been provided information about the suit.
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A May 27 letter from the judge informed the Baptists of his decision in the case.
Due process?
Forum 18 says the judge violated due process by not informing the Baptists about the court hearing.
On July 30 — the day demolition began — various state officials, as well as a Muslim cleric, came to the site. A source told Forum 18 that the judge refused to explain why a Muslim cleric has standing to decide on building ownership in that area.
Sources said the church had purchased the parcel of land on which to build. Parcels of the same tract were sold to other people who are already in the process of construction. Only the church is being stymied in its efforts.
Uzbekistan is No. 25 on Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List of places most difficult to be a Christian.
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