PRAY FOR TURKMENISTAN
– For courage for church leaders under pressure from the authorities.
– For healing for Christian women who have suffered domestic violence.
– That believers will be able to access Bibles and Christian literature.
WORLD WATCH LIST
Turkmenistan
#26There is no freedom of religion and Christians are closely monitored.
bottom"It was very painful emotionally. When those people were lying and accusing me falsely, it was very unpleasant, but it was even more difficult when I was given such a severe punishment – to be put in prison, not for any crime, but as a result of false accusations by people who only saw me for the first time in the courtroom"
– Pastor Gafar*, a believer from a Muslim background who was falsely accused of religious hatred. He has been imprisoned for three years on a fabricated charge.
Country
Profile
- Region
- Central Asia
- Sources of persecution
- Dictatorial Paranoia
- Population
- 6,202,000
- Christian population
- 66,700
- Religions
- Islam
- Leader
- President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov
- Score
- 70
What’s Life Like For Christians?
The dictatorial Islamic government uses an extensive network of police and secret services to monitor all non-Muslim religious activities. All religious groups are required to register with the authorities, and all non-registered activities are banned.
Churches are the target of police raids, which may result in those attending being arrested or fined. Fines can be issued for holding illegal gatherings, possessing religious literature, and even for downloading Christian songs.
Who Is Most Vulnerable To Persecution?
Christian converts from a Muslim background are most vulnerable to persecution, especially in rural areas. They are likely to experience pressure and occasionally physical violence from their families, friends, and local community to force them to return to Islam.
Some converts are locked up by their families for long periods, beaten and may eventually be expelled from their communities. Local imams preach against them, adding pressure. As a result, converts will do their best to hide their faith – they become secret believers.
