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DemocracyAlerts

From time to time, the World Movement for Democracy issues alerts concerning participants and other colleagues who are, or may be, facing personal danger due to their work on behalf of democracy and for whom a vigorous response from around the world may be critical.

To see previous alerts go to www.wmd.org/democracyalerts/democracyAlerts.html.

October 6, 2005

Appeal on Behalf of Detained Uzbek Human Rights Defenders.

On November 30, 2005, on the eve of the Presidential Decree on Amnesty for Prisoners, the Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan “Ezgulik” appealed to the President of Uzbekistan, Karimov, asking him to apply the Decree to human rights activists and members of the political opposition who are at present either under investigation or serving out their sentence in prison. Local human rights defenders, who did everything possible to reveal the truth about the tragic events in May of 2005 when Uzbek government forces opened fire on a large crowd of unarmed demonstrators in Andijan city-center protesting against injustice and poverty, have been a target of government harassment. Criminal cases against many of them were opened following the events. The appeal below (in English and in Russian) is on the behalf of these activists.

A Petition from the Human-Rights Society of Uzbekistan “Ezgulik"
The Presidential Decree on Amnesty for Prisoners Should Apply to
Human-Rights Activists and Representatives of the Political Opposition
30 November 2005

Chairperson,

Human-Rights Society “Ezgulik”

Name Organization And Status

1. Abdugapur Dadaboev Ezgulik-- Accused

2. Abdurasul Khudainasarov Ezgulik --In court

3. Ulugbek Kattabekov Ezgulik-- Convicted

4. Akbarali Aripov Birlik Political Party --In court

5. Khamdam Sulaimonov Birlik -- In court

6. Dilmurod Mukhitdinov Ezgulik -- In court

7. Nurmakhamat Azizov Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan -- In court

8. Musozhon Bobozhonov Birlik --In court

9. Nosir Zokir Radio Liberty -- Convicted

10. Zokhidon Zokirov-- The Committee for the Defense of Individuals -- Accused

11. Mutabar Tadzhiboeva Human-rights Movement “Utyuraklar” -- Accused

12. Sandzhar Umarov Sunshine Coalition of Uzbekistan-- Accused

13. Nasim Isakov Human-Rights Society of Uzbekistan--Accused

14. Akhmadzhon Odilov Former Farm Director Serving Sentence

15. Murod Zhuraev Former Deputy of Supreme Soviet, Republic of Uzbekistan -- Serving Sentence

O’ZBEKISTON INSON HUQUQLARI «EZGULIK» JAMIYATI

HUMAN RIGHTS SOCIETY OF UZBEKISTAN «EZGULIK»

Raisi - Vasila Inoyatova, Tashkent-700000, Navoiy ko’chasi, 24

Tel. (998-712) 45-30-66; 41-85-88; 131-48-72; e-mail: vasilaez@dostlink.net; httr: www.ezgulik.org

ПРЕСС-РЕЛИЗ №129

От 30 ноября 2005 года

ОБРАЩЕНИЕ ПРАВОЗАЩИТНОГО ОБЩЕСТВА «ЭЗГУЛИК»

ОЖИДАЕМЫЙ ПРЕЗИДЕНТСКИЙ УКАЗ ОБ АМНИСТИИ ДОЛЖЕН РАСПРОСТРАНЯТЬСЯ ТАКЖЕ И В ОТНОШЕНИИ ПРАВОЗАЩИТНИКОВ И ПРЕДСТАВИТЕЛЕЙ ПОЛИТИЧЕСКОЙ ОППОЗИЦИИ

Право амнистии и помилования в Узбекистане, по Конституции, относится к прерогативе главы государства. Издание ежегодных Указов Президента «Об амнистии» стало традиционным. Издание Указа Президента Республики Узбекистан «Об амнистии» за 2005г. ожидается 8 декабря с.г., в честь Дня Конституции Узбекистана.

В связи с этим, Правозащитное Общество «Эзгулик» обращает внимание высшего руководства Республики Узбекистан в лице Президента И. А. Каримова к ряду уголовных дел, возбужденных в отношении правозащитников и представителей демократической политической оппозиции страны. Стоит отметить, что большинство этих уголовных дел возбуждены по статьям, касающихся преступлений анти-государственного характера. Известно, что уголовное преследование правозащитников и представителей демократической политической оппозиции в Узбекистане беспрецедентно усилилось после известных событий в Андижанской области в мае 2005г.

Господин Президент,

С высоких трибун мы многократно твердим, что Узбекистан строит демократическое, правовое государство. Согласно международным стандартам, демократия означает, что голос каждого будет услышан, а правовое государство означает, что право является верховенствующей нормой, т.е. человек знает точно, что если он воспользуется своим определенным правом, обозначенного в законах, то ему за это со стороны государства ничего не будет грозить.

Вопреки сложившемуся у государственных органов Узбекистана негативному образу правозащитника или представителя политической оппозиции, у которой документы находятся в Министерстве Юстиции, многие из них являются истинними патриотами Родины, от чистой души болеют за ее настоящее и будущее и указывают на реальные упущения и проблемы в нашей с Вами жизни.

Господин Президент, накануне издания Вами очередного Указа «Об амнистии», Правозащитное Общество «Эзгулик» просит Вас проявить толерантность, открытость души и милосердие и рассмотреть возможность распространения Указа также и к правозащитникам и представителям демократической политической оппозиции, против которых в настоящее время открыты уголовные дела или которые отбывают наказание.

Предлагаемый список правозащитников и представителей демократической политической оппозиции прилагается. Приложение на 3-х листах.

Васила Иноятова

Председатель

Правозащитное Общество «Эзгулик»

Приложение

СПИСОК ПРАВОЗАЩИТНИКОВ И ПРЕДСТАВИТЕЛЕЙ ДЕМОКРАТИЧЕСКОЙ ПОЛИТИЧЕСКОЙ ОППОЗИЦИИ, ПРЕДЛОЖЕННЫХ К АМНИСТИИ:

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October 5, 2005

Massive Government Crackdown on Uzbek Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders Following the Tragic Events of May 13, 2005

On May 13, 2005, Uzbek government forces opened fire on a large crowd of unarmed demonstrators in Andijan city-center protesting against injustice and poverty. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International estimate the death toll among civilians to be in the hundreds. According to Human Rights Watch, “the scale of this killing was so extensive, and its nature was so indiscriminate and disproportionate, that it can best be described as a massacre.” (See the HRW report from June 2005, “Bullets Were Falling Like Rain,” http://hrw.org/reports/2005/uzbekistan0605.)

The Uzbek government denies all responsibility for the killings, claiming that the death toll was 187 people and that civilians were killed by armed “terrorists” and not government forces. According to reports from a number of international and local human rights organizations, the government has made every effort to ensure that any information contradicting its official version of the events does not reach the outside world. Thousands of people have been arbitrarily detained; witnesses have been intimidated; international organizations, journalists, and human rights defenders have been prevented from accessing the city of Andijan; and Uzbek human rights defenders have been harassed and detained.

Local human rights defenders, who did everything possible to reveal the truth about the tragic events of May, have been particularly hard hit. Many of them have been charged with serious criminal offenses for providing an account of the events and exercising their right of freedom of expression. Amnesty International believes that these defenders charged with criminal offenses are “at risk of being subjected to torture and other ill-treatment. Some have been charged with capital offences. They are at great risk of being sentenced to death – and even executed – following an unfair trial.” Below is a list of some of those defenders who took active roles in recording and reporting on the human rights abuses in Uzbekistan and are currently being targeted by the government. We urge you to take action to help defend them.

• Saijakhon Zainobitdinov, Andijan -- Chairman of Apellyatsia, a regional human rights organization. Arrested on May 21, 2005 for the transfer of information about the events in Andijan to foreign journalists. Lutfullo Shamsiddinov was also implicated in this case, but fled across the border.

• Six Human-Rights Activists and Opposition Politicians from the Fergana Valley who have been accused of plotting against the president, inciting civil disorder, distributing materials containing threats to public well-being, and so on. Muzafarmirzo Iskhakov was also implicated in this case, but fled across the border. The six are:

• Nurmukhamed Azizov, Shakhrikhonskii Region, Andijan Oblast --Chairman of the Andijan Oblast Regional Section of the Human Rights of Uzbekistan Organization “Ezgulik” and a member of the Birlik opposition party. Arrested on June 2, 2005.

• Musozhon Bobrozhonov, Markhamatskii Region, Andijan Oblast-- member of the Human Rights of Uzbekistan Organization “Ezgulik” and member of the Birlik opposition party. Arrested on May 28, 2005.

• Dilmurad Mukhitdinov, Markhamatskii Region, Andijan Oblast -- a member of the Human Rights of Uzbekistan Organization “Ezgulik” and member of the Birlik opposition party. Arrested on May 28, 2005.

• Akbar Oripov, Chairman of the Andijan Oblast Regional Section of the Birlik opposition party. Arrested on June 2, 2005.

• Mukhammatkodir Otakhonov, Markhamatskii Region, Andijan Oblast -- Chairman of the regional committee of the Uzbek section of the International Society for Human Rights and a member of the Birlik opposition party. Arrested on May 28, 2005, released on August 18, 2005, upon signing an affidavit that he would not leave the country.

• Khamdam Suleimanov, Kokand, Fergana Oblast -- Deputy Chairman of the Birlik opposition party. Arrested June 4, 2005.
• Yelena Mikhailovna Urlaeva, Tashkent -- Human-Rights Activist and member of the Ozod Dekhkondlar opposition party. Imprisoned August 27, 2005 for the distribution of leaflets with a caricature of the State Seal of Uzbekistan. Moved to a psychiatric hospital on August, 28, 2005. Charges have been file

• Three Human Rights Activists from the Izhtikhon Region of Samarkand Oblast Accused of a Plot and Extortion. Hearings began on September 14, 2005, in Kattakurgona City Court in Samarkand Oblast.

• Sattor Abduzhalilovich Irzaev. Born 1953, Principal of Middle School No. 77 in the Ishtikhon Region. Member of the Human Rights Organization of Uzbekistan. Arrested on June 4, 2005.

• Khabibula Okpulatov. Teacher at Middle School No. 77 in the Ishtikhon Region. A member of the Human Rights Organization of Uzbekistan. Arrested on June 4, 2005.

• Norboi Abudravikovich Kholzhigitov, Ishtikhonskii Region, Samarkand Oblast -- Manager of the Ozod Dekhkan Farm, chairman of the regional committee of the Human Rights Organization of Uzbekistan, chairman of the regional section of the Ozod Dekhkan opposition party. Arrested on June 4, 2005 in Mitan. He is also accused of infringements on the constitution, plotting against the president and illegally organizing a social foundation. It was also reported that Kholzhigitov’s son was arrested in an unrelated case.

• Abdurasul Khudainazarov, Angren, Tashkent Oblast -- Chairman of the city branch of the Human Rights Organization of Uzbekistan “Ezgulik.” Arrested on June 21, 2005 and accused of extorting money from a militiaman.

• Ulugbek Kattabeov, Zominskii Region, Dzhizakskaya Oblast -- was also saidto have been arrested on 29 June 2005. Kattaboev is the chairman of the regional branch of the Human Rights Organization of Uzbekistan “Ezgulik.”

Suggested Actions:

1. Write letters to the individuals listed above expressing your support and solidarity. You can e-mail the letters as attachments to world@ned.org. Use the following subject line: "for Uzbek HR defenders."

2. Write to the Uzbek authorities demanding:

- Free access for the defense attorneys and family members to the arrested who are being held incommunicado;

-Guarantees of the physical and psychological integrity of the detained;

-An immediate release from custody of all human rights defenders, journalists, and political activists wrongly detained and arrested.

Addresses:

President of Uzbekistan
Islam Abduganiyevich Karimov
Rezidentsia prezidenta, ul. Uzbekistanskaya 43, Tashkent 700163, Republic of Uzbekistan
Fax: +998 71 133 7258,
E-mail: presidents_office@press-service.uz

Minister of Foreign Affairs
Elyor Ganiev
Ministerstvo inostrannykh del RU, S.S.
pl. Mustakillik, 5, Tashkent 700029, Republic of Uzbekistan
Fax: + 998 71 139 15 17

Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights
Sayora Rashidova
ul. Xalqlar Dostligi 1, Tashkent 700035, Republic of Uzbekistan
Fax: +998 71 139 85 55
E-mail: office@ombudsman.gov.uz

Chairman of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Farrukha Mukhitdinova
Verkhovny Sud Respubliki Uzbekistan, ul. Abdulla Kodiri, 1, Tashkent 700183,
Republic of Uzbekistan

General Prosecutor of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Rashidjon Hamidovich Kodirov
ul. Gulyamova 66, Tashkent 700047, Republic of Uzbekistan
Fax: +998 71 133 39 17
E-mail: prokuratura@lawyer.com

National Centre for Human Rights
Senator Akmal Saidov
Natsionalny tsentr po pravam cheloveka, 5/3, Mustakillik Maidoni
Tashkent 700029, Republic of Uzbekistan
Fax: + 998 71 139 13 56 / 45 16
E-mail: office@nchr.uz

Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the United Nations in Geneva
PO Box 1853
215 Geneva 15, Switzerland
Fax: +4122 799 43 02
E-mail: uzbekistan@bluewin.ch

Please also write to the embassy of Uzbekistan in your respective country.

For further information:

Reports from Human Rights Watch: “Bullets Were Falling Like Rain” The Andijan Massacre, May 13, 2005
http://hrw.org/reports/2005/uzbekistan0605/

"Burying the Truth: Uzbekistan Rewrites the Story of the Andijan Massacre"
http://hrw.org/reports/2005/uzbekistan0905/

Other articles from Human Rights Watch:
http://hrw.org/doc?t=europe&c=uzbeki

Report from Amnesty International: Uzbekistan-- "Lifting the siege on the truth about Andizhan" http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engeur620212005

News and Appeals from Amnesty International:
http://web.amnesty.org/library/eng-uzb/index

Radio Free Europe-Radio Liberty – includes detailed information on the events of May 13 and afterwards, including information on harassment of RFE/RL correspondents:
http://www.rferl.org/specials/uzbek_unrest/

International Federation for Human Rights: Harassment Against the NGO Internews http://www.fidh.org/article.php3?id_article=2622

More on the harassment against Internews:
http://www.internews.org/regions/centralasia/uzbekistan.htm#pressure

News on situation in Uzbekistan available on the Human Rights in Russia Internet Portal: http://www.hro.org/editions/2005/10/04.php

News from the Russian NGO Memorial: http://www.memo.ru/

Our Previous Alert on this issue follows below:

(May 20th, 2005) World Movement Participants Express Concern about Events in Uzbekistan and Call for Full and Independent Investigation

The World Movement for Democracy expresses its deep concern over recent developments in the Uzbek city of Andijan and surrounding areas. According to media reports, on May 13, 2004, Uzbek troops opened fire on a crowd of nearly 1,000 demonstrators on the main city square in Andijan who were calling for justice and end to poverty. The majority of protesters were unarmed and included women, the elderly, and children. According to official sources, 169 people were killed as a result of the incident. However, many independent sources report over 500-700 killed. The circumstances around the attack remain unclear, with contradictory information coming from government and independent sources. A number of World Movement for Democracy participants have therefore called for a full investigation by international experts, including the Red Cross, Amnesty International, and others.

World Movement participants and other human rights activists around the world have issued statements expressing their concerns and solidarity with the Uzbek people.

• To add your signature to the Urgent Appeal from the Centers for Pluralism (available in Englishand in Russian), send an email to info@anticorruption.kgwith your name, address, and organization name.



• To read the statement issued by human rights activists around the World (in Russian), go to: www.wmd.org/documents/sos-uzbekistan05-05.doc



• To view appeals from members of the Human Rights House Network: http://www.humanrightshouse.org/dllvis5.asp?id=3269



• To read the press release from the Legal Aid Society of Uzbekistan and the World Organisation Against Torture, go to: http://www.wmd.org/documents/uzbpressrelease-05-05.doc