DUSHANBE, August 14, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- A Dushanbe court has banned ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) International operating in Tajikistan.

Davlat Sulaymonov, the head of the department for registration of public associations and political parties within the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), told Asia-Plus today that a court in Dushanbe’s Firdavsi district banned ADRA International in early August following an application by a MoJ.  According to him, the court decision was made because the ADRA International was actively propagating Christianity to Tajiks during various English courses.

The MoJ official added that a court in Dushanbe’s Shohmansour district was currently considering suit filed against the Tar-Sitara (phonetically spelled) organization.  This organization is also accused of violating its charter principles.

We will recall that Tajikistan has adopted a new law on religion this year that places stricter controls on religious missionaries.