In Kazakhstan on Thursday, several government officials conducted a media briefing on new initiatives to prevent religious extremism. Marat Azilkhanov, head of the Kazakhstan Agency for Religious Affairs, announced a toll-free telephone hot line available throughout the country to furnish people answers to questions about religion.
Azilkhanov said:
Two theologians, two psychologists and a lawyer work in the center in a twenty-four hour regime.... People can ask these specialists any religion related questions. They can also receive psychological, legal and advisory assistance. People can also visit this center and receive consultations personally....
Commenting additionally on the hot line, the head of the consulting and information center,
Yuliya Denisenko, said that in addition to furnishing information, the hot line will furnish psychological aid to people suffering from destructive religious activities. She added:
The information about breach of legislation in the religious sphere, illegal and destructive religious activities received by the center is forwarded to the law-enforcement bodies and departments for religious affairs of the akimats for investigation.
Officials
also briefed reporters on educational programs. A Religious Studies Fundamentals course has been introduced into the 9th grade. It provides basic knowledge about Islam, Christianity and Buddhism. In universities, lectures, films videos, and informal meetings are used to discuss religion related issues. Finally, the Agency for Religious Affairs
has created a new E-Islam website to provide comprehensive knowledge about Islam from a secular viewpoint.
Eurasianet today posted additional background on these developments.
