A/HRC/13/23/Add.1 Association of Religious Communities of Kazakhstan and others defined by the Government as “non-traditional” religions or “sects”. Representatives expressed serious concern regarding restrictions imposed on them under the national security legislation of 2005 and their feeling that an even more oppressive draft law would eventually be passed, despite the ruling of the Constitutional Council of February 2009. 59. Representatives described an environment of increasing oppression of “nontraditional” religions, while noting that they strongly rejected this Government terminology. Their applications to join the Congress of Leaders of Religions were not accepted. They also described increasingly hostile and negative coverage in the media. 60. The representatives of Protestant Churches, Jehovah’s Witnesses and branches of the Scientologists reported that bureaucratic delays and administrative regulations were regularly employed to create difficulties for them. In some regions, some churches have reportedly been trying to register for several years.21 Meanwhile, there were reportedly official proceedings to remove some churches from the official register. Excessively long delays in responding to registration applications were explained by the Government as caused by incomplete details on registration documents, insufficient specialist assessment staff and failure to provide tax records (even when documents had been confiscated).22 61. Religious representatives described “harassment and intimidation” by law enforcement and national security officers. Representatives of the Grace Church, the Unification Church, Scientologists and the Ahmadis stated that places of worship had been raided by “authorities” who confiscated computers, documents and religious materials. Some described national security members infiltrating religious meetings and videotaping proceedings. Reportedly, some later acted as witnesses in judicial proceedings against churches together with allegedly bogus witnesses, who testified against the church’s negative influence on them or discredited the beliefs in question and their legitimacy as religious beliefs. One representative stated, “Now it is very difficult to do anything together. People are afraid that the KGB have infiltrated the church.” 62. Charges brought against Churches include conducting illegal commercial or educational activities. Scientologists report charges that characterize their religious practices as illegal medical activities. Grace Church members reported allegations of drug use, espionage and inciting inter-religious enmity, in addition to tax fraud. 63. Some representatives stated that their beliefs required them to reach out to the wider society and to spread their religious beliefs. Under the legislative amendments of 2005, all those engaged in missionary activity must register with the Ministry of Justice. They must provide information on their religious affiliation and the territories and time periods during which they will conduct missionary work. All literature and materials must be registered and approved. Instances were reported in which authorities raided churches during services, photographed participants and arrested pastors. Individuals have been charged, fined or deported for offences including undertaking illegal missionary activities beyond the territories under which they are registered. 64. Civil society and some religious groups complain that the Government has, without cause, attempted to justify its restrictive policies and the activities of national security agencies on the grounds of “the fight against separatism, extremism and terrorism”. 21 22 16 The Jehovah’s Witness community in Atyrau province had reportedly been attempting to register for over seven years. Scientologists noted that a church in Karaganda was forced to close because taxes had not been paid, despite documents proving payment having been confiscated by police. Ahmadi representatives also described having tax documents confiscated and subsequently being required to pay large tax bills. GE.10-10602