On March 11, 2004, President Saparmurat Niyazov issued a decree allowing for the registration of religious groups. The decree has three provisions: "1. To secure the registration on the territory of Turkmenistan of religious organisations and groups in accordance with generally-accepted international norms and procedures; 2. To register on the territory of Turkmenistan according to established procedure religious groups of citizens independently of their number, faith and religion. 3. The Adalat Ministry of Turkmenistan is to put into effect the current decree from the day of its publication."
Previously, only two religions, Sunni Islam and Russian Orthodox had been recognized, but even their activities were highly restricted. Other religious communities have been unable to practice their beliefs openly. Under the decree, the previously registered Orthodox and Muslim communities will also have to re-register.
According to government authorities, religious groups will not be free to practice until they register. Given that most religious groups have been forced to practice their faith secretly, many are skeptical regarding the intentions and effects of the decree. Nevertheless, several groups including the Church of Christ, the Adventists, the New Apostolic Church, the Catholic Church and the Baha'i faith have requested information from the government on how to register.
2003 U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Report on Turkmenistan
The Oslo Coalition on Freedom of Religion or Belief Report on Turkmenistan
International Christian Concern Report on Tukmenistan
TURKMENISTAN: Religious persecution's latest disguises WorldWide Religious News, 5/10/04
TURKMENISTAN: Is state registration disguised persecution? WorldWide Religious News, 5/10/04
TURKMENISTAN: Religious communities theoretically permitted, but attacked in practice?" WorldWide Religious News, 3/23/04
TURKMENISTAN: "Shall we trust the president?" religious groups ask WorldWide Religious News, 3/23/04
TURKMENISTAN: Scepticism and optimism greet surprise presidential decree WorldWide Religious News, 3/12/04
CENTRAL ASIA: State policy towards Muslims in Central Asia WorldWide Religious News, 2/16/04
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