Kyrgyzstan to create register of subjects of religious activity

The State Commission on Religious Affairs of Kyrgyzstan proposes a package of amendments to the laws regulating the religious sphere.

A state register of subjects of religious activity, religious facilities and prayer rooms will be created. In addition, the State Committee has developed a provision on penalties.

In particular, propaganda and dissemination of religion in state bodies, local government bodies, state and municipal institutions, as well as in units and formations of the Armed Forces, shall entail a fine of 55 calculated rates for individuals and 170 calculated rates for legal entities.

The same amount of fines is envisaged for campaigning, meetings and other events of political nature in religious facilities; interference of religious organizations or their representatives in the activities of public authorities, local government bodies and their officials; teaching religious disciplines on an individual basis outside a religious educational institution.

Opening of a prayer room in residential apartment buildings, as well as in pre-school educational and general education organizations is also punishable by a fine.

Distribution of religious literature, other religious printed, audio and video materials in state and municipal organizations, preschool educational and general education organizations shall also be punished with a fine.

Financing of activities of political parties by actors of religious activities is punishable by a fine from 5,500 to 17,000 soms.

Those who preach not in the specially designated places will be fined from 7,500 to 23,000 soms.

If an official is caught doing this, he or she will have to pay from 50,000 to 100,000 soms. They will also be not allowed to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to three years.

If a person is coerced, such an act is punishable by correctional labor for a term of two months to one year, a fine or imprisonment for up to five years.