SOVIET-STYLE ATHEISM RETURNING TO UZBEKISTAN.

If Uzbek state television canbe any guide to the situation in Namangan region, it seems that localresidents are clamoring for the closure of mosques. “People in the regionare concluding that too many mosques have been built” [since the end of theSoviet period] “and are asking that unnecessary mosques should be used forother purposes.” The authorities are “therefore turning the mosques intolibraries, public service centers, sports facilities, and recreationalcenters.” State authorities and “the people” are allegedly acting in thisway after “having studied the new law ‘On freedom of worship and religiousorganizations.'” (Uzbek Television, 8 June 1998, cited by BBC, Summary ofWorld Broadcasts, June 11. Concerning the repressive features of the new lawsee the Monitor, 5, 19 and 28.)–VS

The Monitor is a publication of the Jamestown Foundation. It is researched and written under the direction of senior analysts Jonas Bernstein, Vladimir Socor, Stephen Foye, and analysts Ilya Malyakin, Oleg Varfolomeyev and Ilias Bogatyrev. If you have any questions regarding the content of the Monitor, please contact the foundation. If you would like information on subscribing to the Monitor, or have any comments, suggestions or questions, please contact us by e-mail at pubs@jamestown.org, by fax at 301-562-8021, or by postal mail at The Jamestown Foundation, 4516 43rd Street NW, Washington DC 20016. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution of the Monitor is strictly prohibited by law. Copyright (c) 1983-2002 The Jamestown Foundation Site Maintenance by Johnny Flash Productions