Uzbekistan Bans Religious Clothing

Tashkent, NU Online
Increasing its surveillance on Muslims, Uzbek authorities have prohibited the sale of religious clothing, specifically hijabs and face veil, at several Tashkent markets following a secretive ban on sales, Eurasia Net reported.

“Islamic clothing is being sold under the counter,” Tashkent businesswoman Mutabar, who imports goods from Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, said.

“I am selling it from home, but only to trusted customers.”

The ban came to effect earlier this month after the vendors said they received an oral order from the Uzbek government.

Venders at several markets, including the massive Chorsu Bazaar, have pulled headscarves and other coverings from their racks.

Local authorities reportedly confiscated some clothing, but they did not confirm reports about banning hijab.

“There’s a ban on the sale of Islamic clothing, but I can’t discuss hijab,” an official at the Chorsu market, who asked for anonymity, told the Institute of War and Peace Reporting.

Another local tax officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the authorities wanted to keep the ban quiet.

“No one will discuss it openly now,” he said.

“It’s the same with halal cafes, which have been closed.”

There is no legal provision banning sales of hijab, but legislation passed in 1998 sets out fines and short jail terms for wearing religious clothing in public. Punishment ranges from a fine of five to 10 times the monthly minimum wage to 15 days in jail.

In the first known prosecution under the law, a court in Syrdarya region fined a woman the equivalent of 155 US dollars for wearing hijab. (dar)