The regime of President Emomali Rahmon tightly controls nearly all aspects of religious life in Tajikistan. The government consistently uses arbitrary extremism charges against religious minorities, particularly targeting Muslims who deviate from the state’s preferred interpretation of Islam. Such disfavored communities include ethnic Pamiri Ismaili Shi’a Muslims and individuals accused of affiliating with banned religious groups.  

Source: Women attend Friday prayers in the office of the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan, RUETERS / Kalandrov

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