Forum 18 last week reported that the government of Tajikistan is imposing ever tighter controls on religious activity in the country whose majority religion is Islam. Invoking the ban on political organizations establishing mosques, the government has ordered the Islamic Revival Party to stop using its offices for prayers-- though the ban will not be enforced until after Ramadan. The country's Religious a\Affairs Committee has reaffirmed the 2009 ban on children taking part in the hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Just before the beginning of Ramadan, authorities in the town of Panjakent banned the broadcast of Muslim prayers over loud speakers. Also a case against 17 Jehovah's Witnesses remains open.
Meanwhile, Radio Free Europe today reports that Muslims in Tajikistan are increasingly resorting to local mullahs who apply Sharia law to resolve disputes, particularly issues growing out of divorces. Individuals find this route faster and cheaper than state courts, and prefer the personalized approach of mullahs. Also some state courts officials are corrupt, requesting bribes for specific decisions.
