The Tajikistani government’s already dismal record on religious freedom continues to deteriorate. The regime of President Emomali Rahmon maintains its repressive policies, suppressing displays of public religiosity by individuals of all faiths and persecuting minority communities—especially actual and alleged Salafists, a term that is broadly applied. There are restrictions on wedding and funerary banquets, as well as bans on beards and hijabs.
Source: Women attend Friday prayers in the office of the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan, RUETERS / Kalandrov
Religious freedom conditions in Sudan have improved significantly, although serious challenges remain. Within the first several months of assuming power, the transitional government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, has made concrete moves to improve religious freedom.
Source: Sufi celebration, USCIRF
Religious freedom conditions in Saudi Arabia remain poor, despite some recent improvements. The Saudi government has lifted certain religious restrictions on women’s rights and issued a new personal status law that codifies certain legal provisions. However, the public practice of any religion other than Islam is prohibited, and no houses of worship other than mosques are allowed in the kingdom.
Source: Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba and pray at the Grand mosque at the end of their Haj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca, RUETERS / Bektas