“Bullets Were Falling Like Rain”
The Andijan Massacre, May 13, 2005

Map of Andijan Center

Executive Summary

Note on the Use of Names

Introduction: Prelude to the May 13 Events

Trial of 23 Businessmen

May 13: A Day of Violence, Protests, and Massacre

The Attacks in the Night and the Prison Break

The Protests at Bobur Square

The Taking of Hostages

The Continuing Rally and Government Shootings

The Negotiations with the Government

The Storming of Bobur Square and the Killing Zone

Sealing off of Bobur Square

Human shields and the flight down Cholpon Prospect

The killing near School 15

The Flight from Andijan

Lack of Medical Attention for the Wounded, and the Execution of Wounded Persons

The Aftermath of the May 13 Shootings

The Government’s Account of the Events

Unknown Fate of the Bodies

City Sealed Off

Intimidation of Witnesses

Preventing the Flow of Information

The Human Rights Context of the Andijan Events

Terrorism and Political Violence in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan’s Human Rights Record

Significance of the Fergana Valley

Economic Background

Risks of Future Violence and Instability

Recommendations

To the United Nations:

To the United States

To the European Union:

To the Government of the Russian Federation:

To the Government of China:

To the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE):

To the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD):

Acknowledgements

June 2005   Vol. 17, No. 5(D)