KYRGYZSTAN The new law on religions in Kyrgyzstan

After long debates, the Žogorku Keneš approved in first reading the measure that, in the name of the fight against extremism, has caused many perplexities in religious communities. Among the new provisions is the prohibition of missionaries of any denomination from going around preaching in homes according to their own inspiration. And religious training institutes cannot admit students who have not completed the 11th year of compulsory education.

Bishkek () – The new law on religious freedom in Kyrgyzstan, after long debates and second reflections, is about to be definitively approved, with the favorable vote of Žogorku Keneš in first reading. The text continues to arouse many misgivings both among representatives of religious communities and among human rights activists, but the authors assure that it is only intended to “put some order in the matter.”

The director of the State Commission for Religious Affairs, Azamat Jusupov, affirms that “there is no intention to impose restrictions on educational processes, in the country and abroad,” referring to the numerous “clandestine madrasas” that have been sanctioned in the recent times. Before representatives of religious associations from all regions of the country, Jusupov seeks their consensus that “too much freedom of religious profession can be a problem.”

Among the novelties of the law is the prohibition of missionaries of any kind from going around the house preaching according to their own inspiration, a rule that will end up affecting Jehovah’s Witnesses above all, but also followers of Islam who dedicate themselves to Da ‘wa, the “propaganda” at home. Furthermore, students who have not completed the 11th grade of compulsory education will not be admitted to religious training institutes, since adolescents are too exposed to the influence of radical religious ideals, and an attempt is made to limit extremism.

Another ban will be imposed on religious teachers and educators, who will not be able to teach individual classes outside the walls of the madrasa, especially in private homes. It will not be prohibited to go to study at institutions abroad, but the list of those allowed will be reduced and you will only be able to go to those recommended by the competent organizations.

These and other “anti-extremist” measures are similar to those introduced into Tajikistan’s legislation in recent times, where the penalties are even harsher than the Kyrgyz bans. Illegal religious education of minors, for example, is punishable by Tajik law with up to three years in prison. In Kyrgyzstan, teachers of religious subjects are now on an official list, which delimits their activities in the territory in quite strict terms, reflected in their licensing documents. If a preacher wants to speak in the media about religious topics, he will have to obtain special permission from the authorities to do so.

The construction of religious buildings on private land, in gardens or inside houses will also be prohibited by law, especially in places where there is already a mosque, and in no case will the construction of a second be permitted. The government assures that a decree will be issued that defines the permitted number of “objectives for religious purposes” in all population centers in the country.

The officials who prepared the text of the law assure that all points were agreed with the Muftiat of Kyrgyzstan and the Council of Ulema, and the religious leaders consulted did not raise objections to the decisions taken. However, some deputies from the Žogorku Keneš also spoke out against the bill. One of them, Žalolidin Nurbaev, stated that “the worst things come from people’s lack of morality and religiosity” and that it was not the case to punish Da’wa preachers, who “don’t even enter houses, only “They knock on the door and invite people to come and pray at the mosque”; In short, “they try to spread good and help the poor”, concluding that “if we prohibit this too, what will our children be like in 10-15 years?”

Among the Kyrgyz public, opinions on the law are divided, with women complaining that the da’wati insists even when there are no men at home. Many others, however, approve of itinerant preaching, warning, however, that there are also braggarts and swindlers, who come under the pretext of making religious calls and take the opportunity to steal and extort. With the new rules, it is hoped in effect to avoid the most unpleasant effects of uncontrolled religious propaganda.