January 28, 2025 – Abdramanov’s Lawyers have confirmed to Freedom for Eurasia that Zhetkerbai Abdramanov, a Karakalpak activist, has been transferred to the pre-trial detention center of the State Security Service of Uzbekistan (SIZO SGB) in Nukus. Today, his legal representatives were contacted by an investigator and informed about upcoming interrogation and investigative measures involving Abdramanov. On January 24, 2025, the lawyers formally addressed the General Prosecutor of Uzbekistan, asserting that Abdramanov’s arrest and the charges against him, relating to the events of July 1–2, 2022, in Nukus, Karakalpakstan – are unlawful. Lawyers also say that his detention is arbitrary. The case has drawn further international attention due to Abdramanov’s controversial transfer to Uzbekistan from Russia on December 26, 2024.
Abdramanov’s transfer was reportedly facilitated by Russian law enforcement and the Federal Security Service (FSB), despite clear legal barriers to his extradition. This action violated prior rulings by Russian authorities, including decisions from the Moscow Prosecutor supervising Compliance with Laws in Air and Water Transport and the Prosecutor of the Oktyabrsky Administrative District of Murmansk. Both prosecutors had determined that the legal basis for Abdramanov’s extradition was insufficient, citing the absence of necessary documentation and evidence from Uzbek authorities. Despite these rulings, his unlawful transfer proceeded, raising concerns about compliance with international and Russian law.
Since his arrival in Uzbekistan, procedural violations under the Uzbek Criminal Code have also been reported. Abdramanov has not been interrogated as a suspect or formally charged, having instead been asked to provide a written explanation in the presence of a state-appointed lawyer, which violates due process standards. Additionally, he has yet to receive a court ruling justifying his arrest, even after nearly a month in detention. These irregularities underscore systemic issues in the treatment of political detainees and further call into question the legitimacy of Abdramanov’s detention.
Freedom for Eurasia and Abdramanov’s legal team are now preparing formal inquiries to Uzbekistan’s authorities, seeking clarification on the legal grounds for his arrest, addressing procedural violations, and demanding his immediate release. Abdramanov’s case highlights broader concerns regarding the persecution of Karakalpak activists and raises urgent questions about the protection of human rights in Uzbekistan.
