By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News ServiceUZBEKISTAN (ANS) – Another Christian leader has been arrested in Uzbekistan as authorities continue their harassment of Christian leaders.

Another Christian leader has been arrested in Uzbekistan as authorities continue their harassment of Christian leaders.According to Barnabas Fund, which works to support Christian communities around the world where they are facing poverty and persecution, Pastor Salavat Serikbaev was arrested in Muynak, a city in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan, in the middle of last week. Barnabas Fund says Serikbaev stands accused of three charges “incitement to religious hatred”, “running an illegal religious organisation” and “distributing materials promoting religious extremism.”

“These are the same three charges which were brought against Pastor Dmitri (David) Shestakov earlier this year. As in David’s case, Pastor Salavat’s church was officially registered,” the Barnabas Fund reports.

David was found guilty of “incitement to religious hatred” on March 9 and is currently still in custody. He lodged an appeal against his four-year sentence on March 17.

“The Court of Appeal had a month in which to respond to the appeal and possibly order a re-trial, but David had not heard anything from the Court by April 17. David’s lawyer is currently trying to pursue the Court of Appeal to keep the legal process running. The outcome of David’s case is likely to have a bearing on Pastor Salavat’s trial, which was due to begin on April 23,” Barnabas Fund says.

• Pray that the charges against Pastor Salavat will be dropped and he will be released from custody. Pray for peace for his wife and four children as they trust in God to care for Pastor Salavat.

• Pray for David, that the Court of Appeal will begin a re-trial. Pray that the charge of incitement to religious hatred will be shown to be false.

• Pray also that the Uzbek authorities will not see Christians as a threat and will cease this persecution.