ATajik Christian working with the Free Burma Rangers (FBR), a faith-based organization on the frontlines of the Burmese Civil War with which this author is also involved, uses the pseudonym Richard Patterson to protect his identity. His work helping Afghan Christians, who may face death if their conversions to Christianity are discovered, and monitoring their plight in Tajikistan puts him at serious risk.
Richard highlights the contradictions in Tajikistan’s laws on religious freedom, particularly in a country where 96% of the population identifies as Muslim. While the Constitution ostensibly guarantees the right to practice one’s faith, he says, “It’s an authoritarian country, honestly. The law contradicts itself, and the Constitution contradicts itself.” He elaborates that proselytism, sharing one’s faith, and house gatherings are all forbidden. “Children cannot participate in worship,” he adds.
These restrictions leave many Christians in Tajikistan living under constant fear of discovery and persecution. Richard recounted instances of oppression he had witnessed, describing how churches were fined heavily by the government simply for allowing children to attend worship services. He explained that proselytization is illegal, adding, “You will end up in jail.”
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