Australians take for granted the right to hold religious beliefs and to act on those beliefs. But for many around the world, such rights are under constant threat.
Authorities in Uzbekistan recently sentenced Tohar Haydarov to ten years in jail on drugs charges, after he allegedly refused to renounce his Christian faith. Local Baptists insist that police planted drugs on him at the time of his arrest, and claim he is “a man with a pure conscience and an honest Christian.” Haydarov remains in detention, and has appealed against his sentence.
Uzbek authorities have long imposed restrictions on religious activity. The 1991 constitution guarantees freedom of conscience, but it remains illegal to share one’s faith, religious meetings in homes are banned, and there are frequent police raids on churches.
Thank God for the freedom we enjoy, and spare a thought and a prayer for Mr Haydarov and others like him.
Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, Sunday 14 March 2010.
