Uzbekistan: Backsliding on Religious Freedom Promises
Muslims Prosecuted; Faith Face Registration Obstacles
Stalled legal reforms, continued restrictions on freedom of speech, and the authorities’ heavy-handed response to July 2022 protests in the autonomous region of Karakalpakstan, in which at least 21 people died and hundreds were badly injured, have contributed to the worsening of Uzbekistan’s human rights record. Authorities have targeted outspoken and critical bloggers with criminal charges and a court in January 2023 sent a court sentenced the Karakalpak blogger and lawyer, Dauletmurat Tajimuratov, to 16 years in prison for his alleged role in the Karakalpakstan protests. Independent human rights groups face significant obstacles trying to register and impunity for domestic violence and torture is the norm. Consensual same-sex sexual relations between men remains criminalized. Uzbekistan successfully ended systemic forced labor in its cotton harvest, but it remains to be seen whether the Uzbek government will deliver on other outstanding reform pledges.
September 30, 2024
September 17, 2024
September 12, 2024
Muslims Prosecuted; Faith Face Registration Obstacles
Excessive, Lethal Force in Karakalpakstan
Ensure Rights to Personal Security, Privacy, Nondiscrimination
Outdated Rules Limit Freedom of Association
Quash Wrongful Conviction; Respect Freedom of Expression
Karakalpakstan Independence Activists Targeted, Imprisoned
With so many activists in Uzbekistan once again behind bars, the president’s promises of reform ring increasingly hollow.
Prosecutions Violate Free Speech, Right to Liberty
Western States Should Push for Concrete Reforms
Prosecutions of Journalists, Bloggers Threaten Media Freedom
Demand That Partners Fulfil Rights Obligations or Face Prospect of Losing Preferential Trade Access
Address Restrictions on Independent Media, Civil Society, LGBT Rights
Blogger’s Claims Highlight Ongoing Police Abuse, Coercive Tactics