Former Kazakh official says Salafis may face problems in Kazakhstan
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 12 February 2009 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Former Kazakh official says Salafis may face problems in Kazakhstan, 12 February 2009, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/499e98d811.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 12, 2009
Alnur Musaev
PRAGUE Former Kazakh National Security Committee (KNB) chief Alnur Musaev says that Salafi Muslims face the threat of harassment and persecution in Kazakhstan.
Musaev, who is currently in self-imposed exile in Europe, told RFE/RL's Kazakh Service that any religious groups especially those associated with a strict following of Islam like Salafis are under constant pressure in Kazakhstan.
He said Kazakhstan's policy regarding religious movements and groups is traditionally very oppressive.
More than 200 Kazakh citizens who are Salafi Muslims might soon be deported from the Czech Republic to Kazakhstan.
Czech authorities refuse to consider them political refugees, saying that they will not face any problems in their homeland.
Salafis refuse to recognize other branches of Islam.
Salafism was banned in Tajikistan in January.
