On 25 November 2010, human rights defenders Ms Gulshan Karaeva and Mr Nodir Akhatov were detained and interrogated by Uzbek police officers over their suspected involvement in the organisation of a demontration in Karshi. Gulshan Karaeva and Nodir Akhatov are members of Karshi branch of Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan (HRSU).

Further Information

On 25 November 2010, at approximatively 10:00am a group of muslim women gathered in front of the National Security Service (SNB) building in Karshi in protest, over the mass arrest of their children on 16 November 2010.

Gulshan Karaeva and Nodir Akhatov did not take part in the demonstration, but observed it taking place. Approximately one hour later, at 11:00am, a convoy of SNB officers interrupted the protest, and arrested Ms Karaeva and Mr Akhatov, as well as a number of others who were participating in the demonstration.

Those arrested were brought to the Karshi City Police Department where the were interrogated until 7:00pm. Police officers tried to force Ms Karaeva and Mr Akhatov to admit involvement in organising the protest, claiming that some of the demonstrators had made statements suggesting as such. Neither Ms Karaeva nor Mr Akhatov were charged, but police threatened them and their families if they do not calm down.

On 27 November 2010, Ms Karaeva and Mr Akhadov received a written summons to come to the Prosecutor’s office to act as witnesses , but instead were further interrogated about their alleged involvement in the organisation of the demonstration. They were interrogated throughout the day, before finally being allowed to leave after Gulshan Karaeva became ill due to blood pressure problems.

Front Line is concerned for the physical and psychological integrity of Gulshan Karaeva and Nodir Akhatovtaking into account the threats issued against them, and their families by Uzbek National Security Service officers.

Front Line is fearful that Gulshan Karaeva and Nodir Akhatov may be charged with organisation of an unauthorised protest. Front Line believes that the detention and interrogation of Ms Karaeva and Mr Akhatov forms part of an ongoing strategy utilised by the Uzbek authorities in order to silence human rights defenders.

Many human rights defenders have been subjected to long periods of imprisonment in order to discourage others who may be considering getting involved in human rights activities in Uzbekistan. There are currently 11 members of the HRSU serving long term sentences in Uzbek prisons.

http://www.frontlinedefenders.org/node/13946