Daniil Islamov, Jehovah’s Witness, remains imprisoned in Tajikistan
The 18-year-old was conscripted into the military, but refused to wear a military uniform or take an oath of service.
Daniil Islamov. Photo courtesy of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
A United Nations committee has condemned what it sees as the unlawful detention of Daniil Islamov, an 18-year-old Jehovah’s Witness in Tajikistan.
According to the UN’s Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, Islamov has been imprisoned for being a conscientious objector to the country’s mandatory military service. The faith bars members from reciting patriotic pledges, singing nationalistic songs, or joining the military. They believe their allegiance is to God alone.
In October a military court sentenced Islamov to six months’ imprisonment, according to the Jehovah’s Witnesses website.
