Authorities in Jalal-Abad uncovered and halted the operations of an underground religious school (hujra) where religious classes were being held for underage children. The State Committee for National Security (GKNB) reported that a citizen, M.Kh.A., born in 1998 without religious education, organized religious classes for children aged six to nine (total of 12 children) at his residence.
The classes, held daily for three hours in unsanitary and cold rooms, utilized literature that had not been approved by the Department of Muslim Culture. Some children had been absent from regular school for a prolonged period.
Following an investigation, M.Kh.A. was found to have violated the Law on Freedom of Religion and Religious Organizations, resulting in a fine of 7,500 soms. Preventative talks were held with the parents of the children, and social workers are assisting in reintegrating the children into mainstream schools.
