A/58/296 Tajikistan 92. By a communication dated 11 April 2003, the Special Rapporteur transmitted to the Government of Tajikistan reports alleging that three “non-approved” mosques in the Frunze district had been destroyed by order of the Mayor in February 2002. Furthermore, between August and October 2002, the Jabarasul district authorities allegedly closed 33 small mosques. Finally, the authorities allegedly would have people believe that non-registered places of worship cannot operate, whereas Tajik law does not make religious worship subject to such registration. 93. The Special Rapporteur wishes to recall the observations that he made concerning registration procedures in paragraph 28 of this report. Turkmenistan 94. On 11 April 2003, the Special Rapporteur sent the Government of Turkmenistan information according to which, on 14 July 2002, two Baptist families of Turkmenbashi were allegedly ordered to leave the territory, because their residence permit had been revoked. During the past five years, some 100 foreigners were allegedly deported because of their beliefs. 95. Furthermore, on 2 July 2002, Nikolai Shelekhov, a Jehovah’s Witness, was allegedly sentenced for a second time to one and a half years in prison for refusing to perform military service because of his religious beliefs. 96. On 8 May 2003, the Special Rapporteur transmitted to the Government information according to which, on 16 March 2003, in Balkanabad, National Security Committee officers allegedly interrogated Baptist students and forbade them to take part in religious services. 97. By a communication dated 12 June 2003, the Special Rapporteur transmitted information according to which, on 27 May 2003, security forces allegedly broke into the house of a Hare Krishna follower that was being used as a temple, in Ashgabat. The owner and two other residents were allegedly arrested and one of them was reportedly severely beaten because he refused to provide information on other Hare Krishna followers. 98. The Special Rapporteur is concerned by the recent developments in government policy regarding respect for freedom of religion and belief and, noting that he has already sent three communications during the period covered by this report, hopes to receive a response from the Government in the near future. Turkey 99. By a communication dated 11 April 2003, the Special Rapporteur transmitted to the Turkish Government information according to which, on 14 June 2002, security police allegedly ordered pastor Yusuf Yasmin to close the doors of the New Testament Church, because it did not have a “legal basis” and its activities were harmful to society. 100. By a letter dated 26 May 2003, the Turkish Government explained that Yusuf Yasmin had opened a church in an apartment that did not meet legal requirements and in which religious education was provided to children without the authorities’ approval, in breach of the law on educational institutions. Yusuf Yasmin was prosecuted on those grounds and his case is now pending. Furthermore, the Hatay 16