On September 15, 2025, the Information Service of the Human Rights Commissioner of the Oliy Majlis published a statement in response to Freedom for Eurasia’s publication on the situation of convicted activist Zhumasapar Dadabaev. We appreciate the Ombudsman’s decision to respond to our message.
The case of prisoner Zhumasapar Dadebaev raises grave human rights concerns that demand transparency, accountability, and urgent action. His deteriorating health and subsequent hospitalization underscore the state’s binding obligations under international human rights law, most notably the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules), to ensure that all persons deprived of liberty are treated with dignity and provided with adequate, timely medical care.
Although the Ombudsman’s regional representative carried out a monitoring visit on 2 of September 2025 and later held a private meeting with Mr. Dadebaev, the fact that his health problems had already reached a critical stage reflects systemic failures in ensuring access to healthcare within detention facilities. That these issues were only brought to light following a complaint from his father, rather than being detected through proactive oversight, further exposes the lack of adequate and independent monitoring mechanisms.
The regional representative of the Ombudsman for the Bukhara region holds a conversation with Zhumasapar Dadebaev.
The circumstances of Mr. Dadebaev’s arrest and imprisonment are also deeply troubling and raise serious questions about due process and human rights compliance. Freedom for Eurasia would like to remind that his detention did not comply with due process guarantees. Mr. Dadebaev was abducted in Türkiye while seeking asylum and subsequently sentenced to 12 years in prison in Uzbekistan under proceedings that lacked the hallmarks of a fair trial. His abduction and imprisonment appear politically motivated, given his activity on YouTube and his outspoken support for the right of the Karakalpak people to freely express their aspirations, including the right to freely discuss and advocate for independence and self-determination.
In light of these facts, Mr. Dadebaev’s continued incarceration not only endangers his health but also represents a profound violation of fundamental freedoms, including the right to liberty, security, and freedom of expression.
We eagerly await the outcome of the review of the complaints submitted by Zhumasapar Dadebaev and his father, with the sincere hope that it will lead to a swift and just resolution that prioritizes Mr. Dadebaev’s health, liberty and ensures his rights are fully respected, and holds those responsible for any violations accountable.
