Monday, May 23, 2005

Uzbeki Backlash Against Churches

After the massive casualties earlier this month in clashes between Uzbekistan troops and protesters, today Forum 18 reports that religious organizations have fallen under suspicion. In a number of cities, Uzbeki officials have visited Protestant churches to find out who attends and have taken church documents. However, Uzbekistan's President sees his main challenge as coming from Hizb-ut-Tahrir, a group whose goal is unite Muslims of the world into a single Caliphate.