Introduction: Faith Under State Control
Uzbekistan, though constitutionally a secular state, exerts strict control over religious practice. The government maintains a monopoly on faith by regulating religious groups, restricting independent worship, and suppressing non-registered communities. These crackdowns undermine freedom of religion and drive many believers underground or into exile abroad, where they can practice freely.


Historical Legacy of Religious Control
Since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Uzbekistan has maintained authoritarian control over religion. Successive governments have justified restrictions as measures to combat extremism, but in practice they are often used to silence peaceful religious expression and stifle diversity.


Registration Requirements as a Tool of Repression
Uzbek law requires all religious groups to register with the state in order to operate legally. The process is burdensome, requiring approval from local and national authorities. Unregistered groups are deemed illegal, and their members risk fines, imprisonment, and harassment. This requirement particularly affects small communities unable to meet the state’s strict criteria.


Targeting of Independent Muslim Groups
Independent Muslim groups, particularly those outside the state-controlled Muslim Board, face harsh persecution. Imams who preach independently are accused of extremism, arrested, and imprisoned. This policy stifles religious diversity within Islam and reinforces state dominance over spiritual life.


Crackdowns on Christian and Minority Faiths
Christian groups, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Baha’is face constant harassment. Authorities raid homes and worship spaces, confiscate religious materials, and prosecute leaders. Conversions from Islam to Christianity are especially stigmatised, leading to social hostility in addition to legal repression.


Confiscation of Religious Literature
Religious texts are heavily censored, with authorities confiscating Bibles, Qur’ans, and other materials during raids. Importing or distributing unapproved literature is considered illegal, and possession can result in fines or imprisonment. This control over texts restricts access to spiritual resources and reinforces state dominance.


Surveillance and Intimidation
Religious groups are subject to heavy surveillance by security services. Members report being monitored, interrogated, and intimidated by police. This environment of fear discourages open worship and pushes communities into secrecy.


Social Hostility Against Minorities
State crackdowns fuel wider social hostility against religious minorities. Communities seen as ‘foreign’ or ‘untraditional’ often face discrimination and exclusion. Without state protection, minorities are left vulnerable to harassment from both authorities and society.


Human Rights Violations
The crackdown on religious groups represents a clear violation of international human rights norms, including freedom of belief and association. Victims of these crackdowns face imprisonment, loss of employment, and social isolation, further entrenching cycles of repression.


Migration as an Escape
For many believers, migration becomes the only way to practice faith without fear. Exile provides an opportunity for free worship and community building, while diaspora groups advocate internationally for religious freedom in Uzbekistan.


International Criticism
International organisations, including the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and Human Rights Watch, have criticised Uzbekistan’s religious policies. Despite limited reforms, the government continues to use laws on extremism and registration to suppress independent religious activity.


Conclusion: Faith Suppressed, Freedom Abroad
By cracking down on religious groups, Uzbekistan denies its citizens a fundamental human right. Until the government relaxes its grip on faith and respects religious diversity, migration will remain the only path to safety and dignity for many believers.