In Kyrgyzstan, local authorities have considerable power and tend to be under the influence of the local Muslim community. This has strong repercussions, especially for converts to Christianity. Russian Orthodox churches experience the fewest problems from the government as they do not usually attempt to evangelize the Kyrgyz population. Communities of believers that do reach out to share the gospel can come under pressure and even attack. Local Christians who have converted from Islam bear the brunt of persecution. Some converts are locked up for long periods by their families and beaten. Local Islamic teachers preach against conversion, leading some converts to be expelled from their communities.