Uzbekistan’s Imprisoned Lawyer: A Test of the Country’s Reform

Uzbekistan Should Free Imprisoned Lawyer and Uphold Citizen’s Rights

On June 5th, a Tashkent courtroom concluded the trial of blogger and lawyer Daulet Tazhimuratov and 14 other defendants for alleged crimes related to the July 2022 protests in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan‘s autonomous region. While the sentences of 14 defendants were reduced or converted to noncustodial “restricted freedom” terms, Tazhimuratov’s 16-year prison sentence was left intact. As a current affairs commentator, it is my editorial belief that Uzbekistan should release Daulet Tazhimuratov, and uphold the rights of its citizens.

A Violation of Constitutional Protection

Tazhimuratov’s position against constitutional amendments proposed in 2022 that would have stripped Karakalpaks of their right to secede from the Republic of Uzbekistan on the basis of a nation-wide referendum was not separatist, as the state argued. His position was constitutionally protected.

While the state had accused Tazhimuratov of instigating an uprising, video evidence shows that he called for peaceful protests. Human Rights Watch has not seen any comments by Tazhimuratov that could justify being criminalized under international human rights law.

A Questionable Trial

One of the striking differences between the court’s handling of Tazhimuratov and the other 14 defendants was that Tazhimuratov maintained his innocence and mounted an active defense in court. However, his guilty verdict was based on court-ordered “expert” conclusions and witness testimony, which his lawyer effectively challenged during his appeal.

His lawyer detailed in court how the state-ordered “expert” analyses were carried out in violation of Uzbek law. Specialists who did not know Karakalpak language conducted linguistic and psychological analyses of Tazhimuratov’s speech. Additionally, authorities did not effectively investigate Tazhimuratov’s claims of torture while in custody.

Mayorov, Tazhimuratov’s lawyer, described the court’s decision to uphold Tazhimuratov’s 16-year prison sentence as “an absolutely unfair, unlawful sentence.”

The Upcoming Presidential Elections

In early July, Uzbekistan will hold snap presidential elections. The current president, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who faces no significant challenges, has positioned himself as a reformer who will usher in a “new” Uzbekistan, where citizen’s rights are respected and upheld. Daulet Tazhimuratov’s rights should be respected and upheld.

Conclusion

As a current affairs commentator, I appeal to the Uzbekistan government to release Daulet Tazhimuratov. His innocent position against the constitutional amendments proposed in 2022, his call for peaceful protests, and his maintained innocence deserve to be upheld. Uzbekistan should also uphold the rights of its citizens, regardless of their political positions, in the upcoming presidential elections.