Jehovah’s Witnesses

For Immediate Release
November 22, 2002

Uzbek State expert testimony negates false accusation against Jehovah’s Witnesses

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan—On day ten of the criminal prosecution against Marat Mudarisov, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Akmal Ikramovskiy Court heard testimony from state expert witness Nuriman Abdurahimovich Abulhasan, who is from the Committee on Religion at the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

“The literature of Jehovah’s Witnesses does not incite religious hatred,” admitted Abulhasan under cross-examination. He added, however, that citizens “could only read this literature in the cities of Fergana and Chirchik, where Jehovah’s Witnesses are registered.” Co-defense attorney Arli Chimirov read to Abulhasan Article 29 of the Uzbekistan Constitution, which guarantees to all citizens freedom to receive and disseminate any information that does not violate the constitutional order. Abulhasan replied that Article 14 of Uzbekistan’s subsequent Law on Religious Associations amended the Constitution.

Co-defense attorney Rustam Satdanov later pointed out that the Constitution is paramount and is not amended by a general law. He further stated: “It makes no sense to say citizens are prohibited from reading a magazine in Tashkent that is read lawfully in Fergana or Chirchik.”

The hearing continues on Tuesday, November 26, at 10:00 a.m. Closing arguments are expected.

Contact: J. R. Brown, telephone: (718) 560-5600