NEW PRISONER ALERT FACTSHEET: UMID GOJAYEV

Date of Alert: 28 March 2014

In early 2012, 29-year-old Umid Gojayev of Turkmenistan had an argument with four neighbors over access  to a well where they live in Dashoguz. In the scuffle, Umid defended himself and hit one of the men on the head with a brick, causing injury. The man filed a complaint against Umid with local police.

Several days later, he and his family reconciled with the man he injured and paid for his hospital expenses. They agreed to withdraw their complaint. However, when police learned that Umid was a Christian, they insisted on bringing the case to court, though the victim refused to press charges.

Umid was sentenced to four years in prison on charges of hooliganism. None of the other men involved in the melee were prosecuted. According to Forum 18, one of the investigators told Umid's relative that because he is a believer, the court will not forgive him.

After nearly two years in prison, there have been four general amnesties in which prisoners charged under the same law as Umid have been released, but Umid remains in prison. According to Forum 18, "Umid was told in the labor camp he is not being included in the amnesties because he reads the Bible."

As a result of his imprisonment, Umid's wife, Malahat, was forced to leave her job and care for their three young children. They are struggling to make ends meet without their primary breadwinner.

Please pray for Umid, Malahat and their three young children.

Should you wish to write to Umid Gojayev, please visit Prisoner Alert (A Ministry of Voice of the Martyrs) for assistance in doing so. Please observe their caution below:

"Please note
When writing a letter, never mention the name of the source of your information or the name of any organization such as Voice of the Martyrs or Prisoner Alert. It is not dangerous for a prisoner to receive letters from individuals, but if an organization is mentioned they may be accused of links with 'foreign organizations' and receive harsher sentences. Also, please do not state anything negative about their government. For the latest information, including letter writing tools and helps, please visit PrisonerAlert.com."

TURKMENISTAN: "Singing About God Here is Banned"

 

Date of Bulletin: 15 January 2014

Turkmenistan Flag

Police and Ministry of State Security (MSS) secret police recently raided the homes of two Christians who attend Light of the East Church in Dashoguz, Turkmenistan. The authorities seized religious literature, including personal Bibles, and threatened one believer with a 15-day jail term and deportation, even though he is a Turkmen citizen.

One raid occurred during a music rehearsal for the following Sunday's worship service. Officials stated that "singing about God here is banned." They also threatened to revoke the church's registration, thus making it illegal. A state religious affairs official, who is also an imam, pressured the church's pastor, Yuri Rozmetov, to become a Muslim because the Christian faith "is wrong."

Individuals and communities are increasingly faced with fines for exercising their freedom of religion or belief. Officials have refused to discuss the cases with Forum 18.

Forum 18 News Service

Please Pray!

• Pray that Christians in Turkmenistan will stand firm in their faith and that they will find favour with Turkmen officials.

• Pray that the church will not lose its registration and that members will be able to meet freely and without government interference.

• Pray for the salvation of Turkmen lawmakers and enforcers.

"Having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." 1 Pet. 3:16-17

Voice Of the Martyrs provides Christian literature and other means of assistance for believers in Turkmenistan.