Uzbekistan is ruled by an authoritarian government that heavily monitors the population, especially religious groups. A country expert shared that in one part of Uzbekistan, “every pastor and his family were surveilled by about 30 people. Practically every step was watched.”  

The historic Russian Orthodox churches experience the least persecution from the government, but they are not permitted to share their faith with the rest of the Uzbek population. All other Christian communities face some sort of monitoring and pressure. Churches that are not registered by the state are often raided by the police, with people arrested, threatened and fined for having an illegal meeting.  

Converts from Muslim families bear the brunt of persecution from both the state and also from their own families and communities. It’s perceived as a betrayal to leave Islam and brings great shame on the family. These new believers may be threatened, locked away, divorced, disowned or physically abused.