Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Dushanbe (Fides Service) - Stop the radical Islamic indoctrination on children and adolescents: this is the objective of the measure approved by the lower chamber of the Tajik Parliament. Called "law on parental responsibility", the law, promoted by the government, declares it illegal to make children attend assemblies and places of worship or religious schools which are not recognized by the state. The text, to enter into force, must be voted in the Senate that, according to observers, is a formality for the overwhelming majority held by the government led by Prime Minister Okil Okilov. The law provides penalties of up to 12 years in prison for the founders of unauthorized religious schools which indoctrinate children.
Some Muslim leaders have criticized the law, citing the principles of religious freedom, but the government has explained that "it is a necessary measure to prevent radicalism in society". Some Christian leaders have expressed doubts and discontent, calling the text "confusing". "The churches and organizations will have to think about how to guarantee the worship of the whole family, without breaking the law" note the Christian evangelical group "River of Life" in a statement, which has 2,500 faithful.
The text extends the concept of "parental responsibility" and the moral education of their children, saying it is the duty of parents to prevent young people do tattoos, drink alcohol, smoke or use drugs, without providing penalties for parents .
Recently, some local NGOs reported to Fides that a growing number of Tajik children (especially street children) are easy prey for extremist Islamic groups that recruit them to make them into "little terrorists" (see Fides 28/5/2011 ). In Tajikistan, according to official data, about 35% of the total population (over 7 million inhabitants) is under 14 years of age and more than 9,000 among children and teenagers living on the streets. According to observers, (95% of the population is Muslim) Islamic extremism is reorganizing itself in Tajikistan: the Rasht Valley, a remote area of eastern Tajikistan, is a stronghold of radical groups (PA) (Agenzia Fides 06/18/2011)
