Religion

Satellite imagery shows China has destroyed 16,000 mosques in Xinjiang
Religion

2020-09-25

Satellite imagery shows China has destroyed 16,000 mosques in Xinjiang

Almost a third of major Islamic sacred sites in Xinjiang -- including shrines, cemeteries and pilgrimage routes -- have been razed, according to an extensive investigative report.

Russian Orthodox Church considers dropping practice of blessing nuclear weapons
Religion

2020-02-05

Russian Orthodox Church considers dropping practice of blessing nuclear weapons

Blessing weapons that can inflict countless deaths is no longer a good idea, deemed church officials.

Kazakhstan's efforts to teach religious literacy reach tens of thousands
Religion

2020-01-07

Kazakhstan's efforts to teach religious literacy reach tens of thousands

Kazakh clergy engaged 120,000 citizens in anti-extremism programmes in 2019, according to the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan (DUMK).

Forum of Kazakh imams urges focus on education, patriotism
Religion

2019-10-30

Forum of Kazakh imams urges focus on education, patriotism

Hundreds of Kazakh religious leaders, government officials and scholars discussed the country's anti-extremism efforts and ways to prevent youth radicalisation.

Turkmen authorities arrest top muftiate officials in connection with corruption charges
Religion

2019-09-26

Turkmen authorities arrest top muftiate officials in connection with corruption charges

A recent corruption scandal could encourage radical preachers to propagandise a disillusioned public, local clergy warn.

Airport sermons urge Uzbek migrants to avoid extremists' influence in Russia
Religion

2019-08-08

Airport sermons urge Uzbek migrants to avoid extremists' influence in Russia

The Committee for Religious Affairs is regularly conducting sermons at the airport for passengers departing to Russia for work where migrants are often subject to brainwashing and recruitment.

Kyrgyzstan moves to reform religious education, curb radical teachings
Religion

2019-05-23

Kyrgyzstan moves to reform religious education, curb radical teachings

Kyrgyz authorities plan to introduce a number of rules and restrictions as part of the fight against the spread of non-traditional Islam.

Kazakhstan looks to spiritual education system to stem youth radicalisation
Religion

2019-05-06

Kazakhstan looks to spiritual education system to stem youth radicalisation

'Genuine knowledge' could shield the younger generation from extremists' radicalisation efforts, say specialists.

Religious leaders in Central Asia pledge to unify efforts toward common goals
Religion

2019-05-02

Religious leaders in Central Asia pledge to unify efforts toward common goals

Spiritual leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have recently discussed enhanced co-operation on a number of issues, including preventing extremism.

'Islamic State' mocks burning of Notre Dame Cathedral, calling it 'retribution'
Religion

2019-04-16

'Islamic State' mocks burning of Notre Dame Cathedral, calling it 'retribution'

The statement is the latest sign of IS's disregard for cultural heritage and its spurious interpretation of Islam.