Uzbekistan: Journalist Khaidarov acquitted; Karimov remains held in psychiatric hospital
Published: November 14, 2006
The Writers in Prison Committee of English PEN has learned on 7 November 2006 of the acquittal of journalist Ulugbek Khaidarov. It continues to be deeply concerned at the forced psychiatric hospitalisation of journalist Dzhamshid Karimov.
Khaidarov was arrested by the police on the morning of 24 September 2006. After only two weeks’ detention he was summarily sentenced on 5 October, on charges of extortion, under Article 165 of the Uzbek Criminal Code. He was condemned to six years’ imprisonment.
Radio Free Europe (RFE) has reported that Khaidarov was not present on the day of the hearing at the appeal court, on 7 November. His sister, who was at the hearing, said she expected he would be set free on 8 November.
Karimov, who is also President Karimov’s nephew, is still in psychiatric confinement, since mid September 2006.
English PEN welcomes the release of journalist Ulugbek Khaidarov, and It is also extremely concerned for the hospitalisation of Dzhamshid Karimov in a psychiatric institution. However, English PEN urges the Uzbek government to stop the harassment and persecution of journalists, and to run a public investigation on the deprivation of freedom of both journalists, to finally bring those responsible to justice.
For further details see:
http://www.internationalpen.org.uk/index.php?pid=33&aid=514&type=current
Please continue sending appeals:
-
Welcoming the decision of the appeal court setting free the journalist Ulugbek Khaidarov.
-
Demanding an exhaustive investigation to establish the true motives behind the criminal trial against Ulugbek Khaidarov, to counter claims that it was politically motivated.
-
Expressing deep concern for the hospitalisation of Dzhamshid Karimov in a psychiatric institution, where his family has not been allowed to visit him.
-
Demanding that both journalists are granted access to their families, independent legal advice and any necessary medical treatment.
-
Calling on the Uzbek government to do all that it can to respect freedom of expression, as recognised in the Uzbek Constitution, and to guarantee that cases like these will not occur again.
-
Urging the Uzbek government to comply with its obligations under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Uzbekistan is a signatory.
Appeals to:
Islam A. Karimov
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Rezidentysia prezidenta
Ul. Uzbekistaniskaia 43
Tashkent
Uzbekistan
Fax: +998 71 139 5325
Email: presidents_office@press-service.uz
Rashidzhon Kodirov
General Prosecutor
Prokuratura Respubliki Uzbekistan
Ul. Gulyamova 66, 700047
Tashkent
Uzbekistan
Fax: 998 71 133 39 17/133 73 68
Email: prokuratura@lawyer.com
Akmal Saidov
Head of the National Centre for Human Rights
Natsionalny tsentr po pravam cheloveka
5/3 Mustakillik Maidoni
Tashkent 700029
Uzbekistan
Fax: +998 71 139 13 56
Please also send copies to the representative of Uzbekistan in your country