RELEASED! Yklas Kabduakasov | Kazakhstan
Yklas Kabduakasov Released!
Christian prisoner of faith Yklas Kabduakasov was released from prison on Oct. 2, 2017. The 56-year-old convert from Islam was arrested on Aug. 14, 2015 and sent to a labour camp for “inciting religious hatred.” He returns home to his wife, children and a new baby born after Yklas was arrested.
Kazakhstan’s secret police arrested
Yklas Kabduakasov, a 54-year-old new believer from Kazakhstan, on 14 August 2015. Kabduakasov fearlessly shared the gospel with his family and friends after his conversion from Islam.
He was arrested after secret police searched his home and confiscated Christian books. The church where Kabduakasov worships was searched the same day. On Aug. 15, a court in the capital city of Astana ordered him to be held for two months in pre-trial detention for spreading “religious discord.” Kabduakasov now faces a criminal case with a possible 5-10 year prison sentence.
Christians in Kazakhstan believe that Kabduakasov was targeted for his conversion from Islam to Christianity and for sharing the gospel with other Muslims. They believe that the secret police are using these intimidation tactics because they want to make Kabduakasov an example and send a message to all Kazakhs that they will face a similar fate if they convert to Christianity.
UPDATE: Sentence changed from house arrest to Labour Camp
Yklas Kabduakasov, who was freed from prison in order to serve seven years of house arrest five months ago, is back in prison. On Dec. 28, 2015, a court convicted him of “inciting religious hatred” and changed the 54-year-old father’s punishment to two years’ imprisonment in a labor camp. Fellow Christians are “shocked” at the harsh punishment for the former Muslim. After three months in the labour camp, Yklas is reportedly thinner, but he does not complain. He is preparing to lodge a final appeal to the Supreme Court.
Up to 150 Letters per Day – February 2017
Yklas Kabduakasov receives up to 150 letters per day from people all over the world. Though the Supreme Court refused to hear his November 2016 appeal, Christian prisoner Yklas Kabduakasov remains in good spirits. He told believers who spoke with him to convey his greetings to everyone who is praying for him.
Prison Address:
Yklas Kabduakasov
Kazakhstan
140000 g. Pavlodar
Severnaya promyshlennaya zona
Uchr. AP-162/3, 4 otryad
Kabduakasovu Yklasu Kairullinovichu