On-going spreading of new-born religious sects by self-proclaimed prophets is becoming a serious threat to nation’s spiritual life.

Everyday raids of Ministry of internal affairs officers and permanent arrests of sects activists made me re-think the role of religion in our state and try to understand the level of religious freedom and guarantees which proclaimed in the Constitution of Uzbekistan (Article 31. Freedom of conscience is guaranteed to all. Everybody has a right to practice any religion or none. Forced propagation of religious views is prohibited).

The process of registration of a religious [non-political] organization starts with the will of religious leaders of a recognized religious groups to found a cell in Uzbekistan. Of course, goals of a nominee group shouldn’t disregard state’s laws. That’s it! Registration seems to be the easiest one in the world, but…

First, a group of people should submit tons of documents. If the group represents recognized sect at least in Russia, then it’s easier to get registration. But if a group represents sect founded, for example, by some Uzbek guy in Gijduvan (suburb of Bukhara famous by exclusive excellent cuisine) who consider himself as a new just prophet wants to register and become official religious peace-loving sect, then these efforts [of applying to the Ministry of Justice] are going to be failed. It’s because of fears of government that another religious fanatic will destabilize the situation within the country and will become threat of power lose to ruling regime. And a big number of inspections and monitorings is the evidence of these fears.

But when inspections unmask tricksters I fully support such actions because in those cases the security of each citizen involved is protected. When involved people sacrifice their money, properties (including realty, cars, inherited jewellery, etc.) in expiation according to the “idea of a new just prophet”. In most cases, such tricksters are real pretenders, actually losers in their life aiming to involve more losers and lead them under the slogans of being selected by supreme authorities of the Kingdom of Heaven… What a bullshit! Only ability to bring people dissatisfied by their living conditions (what isn’t unusual nowadays in Uzbekistan) under the control and good hypnotic skills make “just prophets” lead people without any doubts of followers in their faith.

That’s the only case when I appreciate our law enforcement agencies actions. I wish their measures were always to protect citizens and save their property but no to seize it as it’s in reality.