Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Alisher Kadyrov, leader of the Milliy Tiklanish party, commented on the recent beer festival and Jennifer Lopez concert held in Uzbekistan.

He emphasized that Uzbekistan is a secular state where every citizen has the right to live according to their own beliefs, as long as they do not break the law.

“If someone wants to drink beer, that is their choice. Those who do not drink also have the right to do so. No one is obligated to explain the reason for their choice,” the politician stated.

Kadyrov added that the Milliy Tiklanish party supports development based on values.

“The Jennifer Lopez concert is a profitable private event. If she does not distribute drugs or engage in anti-government propaganda, the concert will take place. Showing one’s body is her choice; watching is the choice of those who bought tickets. But at the same time, the right of our compatriot women to wear the headscarf must be protected by law,” he said.

According to him, passport photo requirements should provide for an uncovered face but should not force women to remove their headscarves.

“Let us show the same tolerance to religious women as to Lopez. Secularism means equality of rights for believers and non-believers, not the imposition of the strong’s will on the weak,” Kadyrov emphasized.