[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY BULLDOZED IN KAZAKHSTAN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 7, 2006

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, today I express my deep concern 
about the destruction of thirteen homes in a Hare Krishna commune 
outside of Almaty, Kazakhstan. It is a saddening development 
considering that Kazakhstan is a participating state in the 
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and has been 
vigorously pursuing a bid to chair the OSCE in 2009. I am greatly 
troubled by the actions taken against this peaceful religious 
community, which is reminiscent of the ``bad old days.''
  On November 21, 13 Hare Krishna homes were destroyed in the Sri 
Vrindavan Dham commune in the village of Seleksia, 25 miles from 
Almaty. Orders to bulldoze the homes reportedly came from the Karasai 
District Court, giving the residents only 24-hours notice to gather all 
their possessions. When the bulldozers arrived, they came under the 
escort and supervision of riot police. The belongings of some who 
refused to leave were thrown out in the snow, and their furniture and 
larger household items taken away to be destroyed. Families were left 
without a home and many others left without water and electricity in 
the cold of winter.
  More damage could still be done--53 more homes (one of which houses a 
temple) could be demolished and their 116-acre communal farm could be 
seized. Making this outrage all the more disturbing, the Karasai 
District Court reportedly announced that it will charge the community 
for the demolition expenses! I appreciate the strong statement issued 
by the U.S. Embassy in Astana urging Karasai district authorities to 
``refrain from any further aggressive actions.''
  The conflict over the commune has steadily intensified since a 
regional court ruled in March to confiscate the farm without 
compensation. A special government commission was established in 
response to international criticism to negotiate with the Hare 
Krishnas, but this process was short-circuited when the bulldozers 
revved up. Authorities justify these heartless actions by citing legal 
problems with the purchase of the farm by Hare Krishnas in 1999, but 
most observers believe this is nothing more than a land grab dressed up 
as a legal proceeding.
  Despite Kazakhstan's positive reputation for religious tolerance, I 
have been concerned by governmental actions against minority religious 
communities, such as the heavy fines (and sometimes arrests) during the 
past six months against Baptist ministers representing unregistered 
congregations. Also worrisome are increasingly harsh government 
policies toward Muslims who practice their faith independent of the 
government-controlled Muftiate. While President Nazarbayev's initiative 
to bring world religions together to promote tolerance is laudable, his 
government's harsh treatment of small and independent groups displays a 
sad absence of tolerance.
  In short, I do not believe these actions befit a country that would 
be a leader of nations. I urge President Nazarbayev and the Government 
of Kazakhstan to end these practices, withdraw the court cases to seize 
the Hare Krishnas' land, and ensure that all individuals are 
compensated for their lost property.

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