CROWDVOICE

Citizens of Uzbekistan, the majority of whom are Sunni Muslims, are subjected to significant restrictions on religious freedom. The Uzbek regime allows limited religious freedom to registered groups only, while denying registration to many groups and severely punishing members and officials in non-registered groups. Publication of religious materials is heavily restricted and monitored, and private teaching of religious principles and proselytizing are prohibited in Uzbekistan. The government also bans and criminalizes any religious organizations that are deemed radical, and arrested members are held in harsh conditions and often tortured.