The regime severely restricts the exercise of freedom of religion or belief. In violation of legally binding international human rights obligations, the Religion Law permits only state-registered religious groups to hold worship gatherings, and these must take place in state-approved locations. Muslim communities face even tighter restrictions: only mosques under the jurisdiction of state-controlled Muslim councils are allowed to exist.
All other worship gatherings risk being penalized.
Under Article 490, Part 1, Point 1 of the Administrative Code (“Violation of the provisions of the Telemarketing Lead Generation Companies Religious Code on the holding of religious ceremonies, rituals and/or meetings”), individuals, charities and companies that hold worship meetings without state permission or allow such meetings to take place on their premises face a fine.
Under Article 7-1 of the Religion Law, any religious group that wants to hold an event outside its own place of worship must obtain state permission in advance. Officials insist that this applies to prayer rooms. However, this means that only registered religious groups can apply for permission for prayer rooms, not individuals.
The regime is reported to have filed at least 203
administrative cases in 2023, an average of 17 per month, to punish individuals and organizations for exercising freedom of religion or belief. Of these, 172 cases ended in conviction and punishment. Almost all Design penalties included fines ranging from a few days to several months of average salary.
Of the known administrative prosecutions in 2023, 25. Were filed by officials for holding services. without state permission, hosting such meetings. Or reserving space for such meetings.
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