UZBEKISTAN – Azam Farmonov and Alisher Karamatov
Azam Farmonov © Private
Azam Farmonov and Alisher Karamatov are members of the independent Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan (HRSU). They were detained in April 2006 as they defended the rights of local farmers who had accused some district farming officials of corruption. In pre-trial detention, authorities allegedly tortured the two human rights activists, reportedly beating them with truncheons on their legs and heels, nearly suffocating them with gas masks, and forcing them to sign "confession" statements. Following an unfair trial at which the men had no legal representation, they were sentenced to nine years in prison on charges of extortion. Amnesty International considers the men to be prisoners of conscience who have been jailed because of their human rights activities.
Azam Farmonov is the head of the HRSU Sirdaria regional branch. Alisher Karamatov is the head of the HRSU Mirzaabad district branch. The two had been investigating farmers? complaints of official malpractice, extortion and corruption. In response, local officials reportedly pressured farmers into accusing Mr. Farmonov and Mr. Karamatov of inciting the farmers to implicate officials.
AI is concerned that authorities in Uzbekistan continue to harass or detain human rights activists and independent journalists because of their work.
Please send letters to show your support to:
Azam Farmonov
Respublika Karakalpakistan
Kungiratskiy raion
poselok Jaslik
KIN UYA 64/71
Azamu Farmonovu
UZBEKISTAN
Alisher Karamatov
Respublika Uzbekistan
g. Tashkent
UYA-64-18 Sangorod
Alisheru Karamatovu
UZBEKISTAN
For more information on human rights in Uzbekistan
