Uzbekistan: Christian Charged for Teaching Religion

A Christian from Fergana, Uzbekistan, faces up to three years in prison on a charge of illegally teaching religion, Voice of the Martyrs reports. Yelena Kim was accused of violating the procedure for teaching religious doctrine after police and government officials raided her house church during an April 29 worship service. Although Yelena was in a different city at the time of the raid, she owns the home where the church meets for services. In a subsequent raid on her home, authorities seized printed materials, music, a photocopier and Bibles. Officials also filed complaints against her husband, Eduard Kim, and church member Losif Skaev -- who will both be called as witnesses against Yelena during her trial. When a judge asked Eduard who led the church and who taught the faith to its members, Eduard replied, "The leader is Jesus Christ and all the church members testify to others about God." Yelena Kim has been fined for similar charges in the past.