Freedom for Eurasia expresses its ongoing concern regarding the case of Dauletmurat Tajimuratov, a Karakalpak human rights defender and lawyer, who remains in detention in Uzbekistan under conditions that raise serious human rights concerns.
We note that a joint communication sent by the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders; the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention; the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; and the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, dated 12 May 2025, has now been made public. This communication, which has been made public on 12 July, details serious and ongoing allegations of violations of Dauletmurat Tajimuratov’s human rights in connection with his detention and treatment in custody.
We further recall that the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, in its Opinion No. 62/2024, found Dauletmurat Tajimuratov’s detention to be arbitrary under international law. The Working Group determined that the deprivation of liberty lacked legal basis, was in retaliation for his legitimate exercise of freedom of expression and political opinion, and was discriminatory based on his Karakalpak ethnicity.
The 12 May 2025 communication outlines continuing concerns, including but not limited to:
- Allegations of physical abuse and psychological intimidation by prison authorities and other inmates acting under official instruction;
- Denial of access to clean drinking water and adequate medical care;
- Use of solitary confinement as a punitive measure, including in response to the exercise of religious freedom;
- Obstruction of communication with legal counsel and family members, and interference with correspondence;
- Failure to transmit or act upon formal complaints submitted by or on behalf of D. Tajimuratov;
- Forced labour under hazardous conditions, without adequate protective equipment, in violation of international occupational safety standards.
The consistent and substantiated nature of the allegations presented by the UN Special Procedures underscores the urgent necessity of conducting a thorough, impartial review of both the legal grounds for Dauletmurat Tajimuratov’s detention and the conditions of his confinement.
Freedom for Eurasia reiterates its solidarity with Dauletmurat Tajimuratov and his family, affirming its commitment to supporting efforts to ensure that human rights defenders can carry out their legitimate work without fear of reprisal, harassment, or arbitrary detention.
