Religious freedom conditions in Russia continue to deteriorate. The government targets “nontraditional” religious minorities with fines, detentions and criminal charges under the pretext of combating extremism. Russian legislation criminalizes “extremism” without adequately defining the term, enabling the state to prosecute a vast range of nonviolent religious activity.

Religious freedom conditions in Laos remain poor. The government uses Decree 315 to deprive the religious freedom of minority religious communities. Central and local governments use administrative regulations to hinder joining Buddhist religious orders and to prevent the construction of minority houses or worship.

Religious freedom conditions in Kazakhstan are moving in a positive direction as the government has made a concerted effort to improve its record; nevertheless, significant problems persist. The 2011 religion law maintains elements that systematically restrict religious freedom, especially onerous registration requirements and the mandatory “expert” review of founding documents and religious literature.