The Cabinet of Ministers denied reports that Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov demanded that officials choose “either religion or civil service.”
Radio Ozodlik, the Uzbek Service of the Liberty Radio, reported that on September 10, a government meeting was held in the Cabinet of Ministers chaired by PM Aripov and Chairman of the State Security Service Abdusalom Azizov with the participation of chiefs of government institutions. During which allegedly concern was expressed about the “increase in religious radicalization” in the country.
The Prime Minister's spokesman, Bekzod Khidoyatov, said that the Abdulla Aripov's words were "interpreted incorrectly."
“Reports that the Prime Minister told officials that they should choose religion or civil service are completely untrue,” he said.
The Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations Law guarantees freedom of religion and religious beliefs of citizens, Bekzod Khidoyatov pointed out.
