Uzbekistan criminalizes unauthorized religious teaching to minors

The President has signed a law introducing criminal liability for teaching religious knowledge to minors without having formal religious education.

Amendments have been made to Article 229-2 of the Criminal Code (Violation of procedures for teaching religious beliefs).

Under the revised provisions, criminal penalties will apply for teaching religious knowledge to minors:

• without having received formal religious education,
• without the approval of the central governing body of a registered religious organization,
• or through private, unauthorized instruction.

This offense will be punishable by a fine of 50–100 base calculation units, or up to 360 hours of community service, or correctional labor for up to 3 years, or restriction of freedom for up to 3 years, or imprisonment for up to 3 years.

Currently, violations related to the unauthorized teaching of religious beliefs to citizens – including minors – are penalized with a fine of 5–10 base calculation units or administrative detention of up to 15 days.

The amendments will come into force three months after the law’s official publication.