Christians in Central Asia are facing worship bans, arrest and torture as Islamic nationalism gains ground in their countries.
Pastors in the underground church have been describing their ordeal to Release International, who have launched an appeal to help the church in Central Asia.
Handing out tracts
Security police in Tajikistan arrested and fined ten Christians in August for handing out gospel literature. The group had gone to the Pamir mountains to give out tracts. They were fined more than most Tajiks would earn in six months – about £750.