"Officers from the local branch of the Ministry of National Security (MNS) and the police, both in civilian clothes and in official uniform, carried out raids around the only Christian church in the Balkanabat region on April 5 and April 12, the days when Christians celebrate Easter."
"The number of detainees was around 50, and they were taken away in both state and private vehicles belonging to the police and the MNS. It looked like the identities of these people had been studied in advance by the MNS."
"Detainees were questioned about their religious choices and subjected to screening. They were asked questions such as: 'Who encouraged you to convert to Christianity? Were you offered money? Why did you leave Islam?'"
On April 5 and April 12, Turkmen authorities detained approximately 50 citizens attempting to celebrate Easter at the only Christian church in Balkanabat. Eyewitnesses reported that officers from the Ministry of National Security and local police conducted raids, closely monitoring churchgoers. Detainees were taken away in police vehicles and questioned about their religious beliefs, including inquiries about their conversion to Christianity. The exact religious affiliations of those detained remain unclear, as some Christian groups are banned in Turkmenistan.
Read at RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty
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