Nowhere to Turn

Torture and Ill-treatment in Uzbekistan

Summary

Methodology

Background

UN Engagement and Some Steps Forward..

The Scope of Torture..

Pre-trial Detention

Isolation and Violation of Detention Procedures

Restrictions on the Right to a Lawyer of One's Choice..

Failure of Pre-trial Safeguards and Complaints Mechanisms

Harassment of Lawyers

Torture in Pre-trial Detention Facilities

Prolonged beatings

Electric shock

Asphyxiation..

Torture by inmates

Psychological pressure, threats and inhuman treatment

Physical conditions in custody

Trial

Judges' Indifference to Torture Allegations and Coerced Testimony

Police Intimidation During Trial

Restrictions for Trial Monitors

Monitoring Post-conviction Detention

Breaking Newcomers in Post-conviction Prisons

Accountability for Torturers

Recommendations

To the Government of Uzbekistan..

To the United Nations

To Other Stakeholders and Governments

Acknowledgements

Appendix I. A Note on the Case of Andrei Shelkovenko

Appendix II. Letter to the Office of the Ombudsman of Uzbekistan

Appendix III. Reply from the Office of the Ombudsman

Appendix IV. Letter to Prosecutor General of Uzbekistan

Appendix V. Reply from Prosecutor General's Office