Uzbek Security Forces Used Lethal Force in Autonomous Region Protests
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Uzbek security forces used unjustifiable lethal force to disperse protesters on July 1 and 2 in Karakalpakstan.
Human Rights Watch has analyzed dozens of videos and photographs taken during the protests.
We found that security forces used brutal force. At least 21 people died and hundreds more suffered horrific injuries.
The Republic of Karakalpakstan is an autonomous region in Uzbekistan.
Protestors were demonstrating against proposed constitutional amendments that sought to end Karakalpakstan’s status as a self-governing region.
In response to the protests, Uzbekistan’s president Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the amendments would be withdrawn.
Law enforcement should not use excessive force to disperse peaceful protests.
Potential lethal force should never be indiscriminately directed at crowds, but only used if there is imminent threat to life.
Uzbek authorities should effectively investigate violations against protestors and hold those responsible for serious violations, including the right to life, to account.
(Berlin, November 7, 2022) – Uzbek security forces unjustifiably used lethal force and other excessive responses to disperse mainly peaceful demonstrators on July 1 and 2, 2022 in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan’s autonomous region, Human Rights Watch said today.
Security forces’ responses included the inappropriate use of small arms and various types of grenades, weapons that can cause severe injuries and death when used recklessly. At least 21 people died, including 4 law enforcement officers, and over 270 were injured. Uzbekistan should set an independent investigation into these events, including into the conduct of the security forces. It should also urgently review the use of certain categories of grenades used by Uzbek law enforcement in crowd control settings.