Tashkent Region Authorities Shut Down Illegal Religious Classes for Children

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Law enforcement agencies in Tashkent Region have stopped illegal religious instruction for children conducted in private homes.

Two relatives, lacking proper knowledge and official permission, organized clandestine “khujras” (private religious classes), charging fees for teaching and, in some cases, using physical punishment against minors.

According to the Tashkent Region Main Department of Internal Affairs, in cooperation with the regional SGB office, an operation revealed that a 44-year-old resident of the Chinor mahalla in Zangiata District and his 65-year-old aunt organized two private homes for secret religious instruction.

One house hosted 10 children, the other 5, with both providing living and study arrangements.

They reportedly received from one million Uzbek soms to US$300 per child per month.

Administrative measures were applied to parents who failed to properly fulfill their responsibilities in raising and educating their children.

A criminal case has been opened against the organizers under Part 2 of Article 229-2 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan (“Violation of the Procedure for Teaching Religious Doctrines”), and an investigation is underway.