President Islam A. Karimov
Rezidentsia prezidenta
ul. Uzbekistanskaia, 43
Tashkent 700163
UZBEKISTAN

Dear President Karimov:

I am writing to express my deep concern that Mutabar Tadzhibaeva, chairwoman of the human rights organization Fiery Hearts, was incarcerated for an eight year sentence for her peaceful work as a human rights defender on charges that are politically motivated. With that Amnesty International considers Mutabar Tadzhibaeva to be a prisoner of conscience who was imprisoned solely for carrying out her peaceful and legitimate human rights work.

Her sentence followed a trial that did not hold up to the international fair trial standards contravening Uzbekistan's international obligations as a member of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Amnesty International reported that during her trial, Ms Tadzhibaeva was denied access to some case files, not given sufficient time to review materials or consult with her attorneys. Mutabar Tadzhibaeva's defense lawyers also reported that during the course of her trial Ms. Tadzhibaeva was forced to sit in a cage and was barred from seeing her family. I fear that Ms. Tadzhibaeva will face brutal treatment and not receive appropriate medical attention during her time at the facility in Tashkent as she has been reported to be in poor health.

I urge you to ensure that freedom of expression is guaranteed and activists in Uzbekistan can raise concerns peacefully on the human rights situation without fear of punishment. As set out by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights and Responsibilities of Individuals, Groups and Institutions to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedom human rights defenders have the right to carry out their activities without any restrictions or fear of reprisals. I call on your government to assure the human rights of the Uzbekistan citizens be protected including the freedom of peaceful expression without fear of retaliation. In agreement with Article 19 of the ICCPR everyone, including human rights defenders, can peacefully exercise their right to freedom of expression; as a State Party of ICCPR these rights must be protected.

I ask for Mutabar Tadzhibaeva's immediate and unconditional release as Amnesty International considers her to be a prisoner of conscience since her actions are protected by the above declaration. In addition, Uzbekistan authorities must drop all charges against Mutabar Tadzhibaeva relating to her human rights work as they prevent her and other human rights defenders from continuing their work without fear of charges or imprisonment.

Sincerely,