SOVIET-STYLE ATHEISM RETURNING TO UZBEKISTAN.

Publication: Monitor Volume: 4 Issue: 113

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

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