NAMANGAN, Uzbekistan -- Local sources in Uzbekistan say the authorities have installed security cameras in about 30 mosques in the eastern city of Namangan.
An official from the city's largest mosque, speaking to RFE/RL's Uzbek Service on condition of anonymity, has confirmed the move.
He said the cameras were installed for security reasons, namely, to protect the belongings of mosque-goers from theft.
He did not say who had issued the order.
Locals attending the mosques have voiced their opposition to the decision, insisting it's yet another curb to Islamic practice in Uzbekistan, where preachers must be registered and adhere to government-approved practices.
Reports say the cameras were first installed two weeks ago.
Namangan, located in the Ferghana Valley, is one of most religiously conservative areas in Uzbekistan.
An official from the city's largest mosque, speaking to RFE/RL's Uzbek Service on condition of anonymity, has confirmed the move.
He said the cameras were installed for security reasons, namely, to protect the belongings of mosque-goers from theft.
He did not say who had issued the order.
Locals attending the mosques have voiced their opposition to the decision, insisting it's yet another curb to Islamic practice in Uzbekistan, where preachers must be registered and adhere to government-approved practices.
Reports say the cameras were first installed two weeks ago.
Namangan, located in the Ferghana Valley, is one of most religiously conservative areas in Uzbekistan.
