Visit the Barnabas Fund main website <http://www.barnabasfund.org> 26th April 2007

*Uzbek authorities are continuing their harassment of Christian leaders.*

Pastor Salavat Serikbaev was arrested in Muynak, a city in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan, in the middle of last week. He stands accused of three charges "incitement to religious hatred", "running an illegal religious organisation" and "distributing materials promoting religious extremism". These are the same three charges which were brought against Pastor Dmitri (David) Shestakov earlier this year. As in David's case, Pastor Salavat's church was officially registered.

David, who was found guilty of "incitement to religious hatred" on 9th March, is currently still in custody. He lodged an appeal against his four-year sentence on 17th March. The Court of Appeal had a month in which to respond to the appeal and possibly order a re-trial, but David had not heard anything from the Court by 17th April. David's lawyer is currently trying to pursue the Court of Appeal to keep the legal process running. The outcome of David's case is likely to have a bearing on Pastor Salavat's trial, which was due to begin on 23rd April.

. Pray that the charges against Pastor Salavat will be dropped and he will be released from custody. Pray for peace for his wife and four children as they trust in God to care for Pastor Salavat.

. Pray for David, that the Court of Appeal will begin a re-trial. Pray that the charge of incitement to religious hatred will be shown to be false.

. Pray that the Uzbek authorities will not see Christians as a threat and will cease this persecution.

Links:

Daily Prayer Point <http://www.barnabasfund.org/news/news_03.php> Prayer Focus Update <http://www.barnabasfund.org/support/pfu.php> Barnabas Aid Online <http://www.barnabasfund.org/news/news_01.php> The Right to Justice Campaign <http://www.righttojustice.org/> Contact Barnabas Fund <http://www.barnabasfund.org/about/about_01.php>

Latest appeal :

*Easter Appeal 2007* More info <http://www.barnabasfund.org/projects/projects_01.php>

Sign the petition today <http://www.righttojustice.org/>

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