Aimurat Khayburahmanov, a Christian arrested and detained on charges of terrorism in the automonous region of Karakalpakstan on June 14 (click here for more), was released on September 26, according to a September 30 report from Forum 18. The Nukus City Criminal Court ruled that the "religious extremism" charges against Khayburahmanov be dropped and he was amnestied on the charges of teaching religion without official approval. Praise the Lord for this brother's release.

On June 14, eight police officers claiming to be conducting an identity check raided the home of Jandos Kuandikov in Nukus, Karakalpakstan, an autonomous region of Uzbekistan, where several Christians were gathered to prepare for a wedding, according to a June 27 report from Forum 18. Kuandikov was not home at the time, but when he returned he asked the police for a warrant authorizing their action. None was provided. Police demanded statements that a religious meeting was not being conducted but the family refused. Police then accused Kuandikov of being a terrorist and Wahhabi (a form of Islam found predominantly in Saudi Arabia). The police continued their search and interrogation throughout the day and then took several of those present to the police station. All but one, Aimurat Khayburahmanov, were eventually released. At last report, Khayburahmanov remained in detention on false charges of terrorism.

Pray that Uzbek Christians will be able to bless and pray for those who falsely accuse them (Luke 6:28). Pray that Aimurat Khayburahmanov will be released.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Uzbekistan, click here.

Pastor Bobur Aslamov was beaten and jailed on April 3 in the city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan following a police raid on a house church meeting, according to a report from Forum 18 on April 11. Other members of the house church were also beaten during the raid. The pastor remains in detention in an unknown location. At last report, no formal charges had been filed against him.

Pray for the release of Pastor Aslamov from prison. Pray that Uzbek Christians will continue to share Christ fearlessly despite the ongoing pressure for His Name (Ephesians 6:18-20).

For more information on the difficulties facing Christians in Uzbekistan, click here. You can order a 20-minute video documenting the persecution of Christians in Uzbekistan. "Uzbek Voices" is available through our online catalogue.

For more information on the persecution facing Christians in Uzbekistan, go to the Uzbekistan Country Report.