On Aug. 23, seven church members belonging to the registered Donam Protestant church were arrested and Christian literature confiscated when more than 20 police officers raided a church service in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, according to Forum 18 News.
Members of the Anti-Terror Police claimed the service was “unauthorized” and although three men were released on the same day, four, including the pastor, Vladimir Tyo, were sentenced to 15 days in prison. They have been charged with “violation of the procedure for organizing and conducting meetings.” The judge ordered the confiscated literature be destroyed.
This is the latest of many raids on both registered and unregistered religious communities in Uzbekistan. The Voice of the Martyrs supports persecuted believers in Uzbekistan by encouraging them and providing resources to courageous believers. VOM encourages you to pray for the imprisoned believers and their families. Ask God to protect and encourage them and other believers living under heavy scrutiny from the government.