Closure of 37 Mosques and Religious Institutions in Batken
37 Mosques and Religious Institutions Closed in Batken
Bishkek – On October 10, 2023, the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan (SCNS) reported that at least 37 mosques and religious institutions have been closed in Batken.
An interdepartmental working group, composed of representatives from the SCNS, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Commission on Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Health, the office of the Presidential Envoy to the region, the head of the Architecture Department, Cadastre state institution, and the Spiritual Directorate of the Muslims of Kyrgyzstan, is continuing to investigate the activities of religious objects in the republic.
The committee emphasized that one of the main factors negatively impacting the religious situation in Batken region is the haphazard construction of religious facilities, disregarding established norms, and neglecting the actual needs of the population. Additionally, the lack of uniform standards and control over education in religious institutions contribute to the spread of radical extremist ideology among believers.
Acts have been drawn up and instructions given to 55 mosques and 6 religious educational institutions due to violations of the Law on Freedom of Religion and Religious Organizations, architectural, construction, sanitary, epidemiological standards, and fire safety requirements. The activities of 32 mosques and 5 religious educational institutions have been suspended. The Internal Affairs Department of Batken region has registered eight cases of violations.
Earlier, an inspection resulted in the closure of 39 mosques and 21 religious educational institutions in Osh region. It was discovered that 172 out of 192 mosques and namazkanas in Talas did not comply with fire safety regulations. Additionally, sanitary and hygienic standards were violated in 107 religious institutions.
The government continues to take measures to ensure the compliance of religious objects with regulations and standards, aiming to maintain a secure and well-regulated religious environment in Kyrgyzstan.
