December 14 marked the 34th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty by the parliament of Karakalpakstan, which effectively declared independence. However, this declaration never materialized into full independence. In 1993, an interstate agreement was signed with the Republic of Uzbekistan, under which Karakalpakstan became part of Uzbekistan as an autonomous republic, with the right to secede after 20 years.
This day underscores Karakalpakstan’s sovereignty within the framework of the Uzbek state, reflecting the structure that allows for regional self-governance and the ongoing relationship between Karakalpakstan and the central government in Tashkent.
However, in Karakalpakstan, the political environment has become increasingly repressive, with severe restrictions on the ability to form political parties, organize peaceful assemblies, or express dissent. Since July 2022, these freedoms have been significantly curtailed, especially after widespread protests erupted in response to a proposed amendment to the Uzbek Constitution that threatened Karakalpakstan’s sovereignty. This proposal sparked mass demonstrations, as many feared the revocation of their autonomy. In response, the government launched a heavy-handed crackdown, further limiting political freedoms and silencing opposition. Registering a Karakalpak political party is impossible, and the right to freedom of assembly is routinely denied, with authorities preventing or violently dispersing any gatherings deemed a threat to the state’s authority. The repression also extends to online platforms, where individuals who join groups like “Free Karakalpakstan” or “Dauletmurat Tajimuratov” on Telegram are targeted. New Telegram channels that are aimed at discussing Karakalpakstan issues are subject to cyber attacks and are blocked or closed on Telegram. Simply participating in such groups can lead to arrest, as the government uses surveillance to monitor and suppress any expression of dissent.
During the 2022 protests, several activists and political figures emerged as prominent voices. Dauletmurat Tajimuratov, a well-known lawyer and journalist, became a key figure in advocating for the rights and autonomy of Karakalpakstan. His arrest and subsequent imprisonment sparked outrage and further mobilized the public. Tajimuratov was sentenced to 16 years in a maximum-security prison.
Saadatdin Reimov, an activist known for his efforts to protect the cultural heritage and native language of Karakalpakstan, was sentenced to four years in prison on charges of organizing mass riots on the basis of false denunciations made by the other Karakalpaks to law enforcement authorities under duress and torture. Uzbek authorities refused to grant him probation instead of prison sentence despite his deteriorating health.
Akylbek Muratbai, a blogger and activist, was arrested in Kazakhstan based on an extradition request from Uzbekistan, which charged him with organizing mass riots and attempting to overthrow the constitutional order. These charges stemmed from his reposting of a video of another Karakalpak activist Koshkarbay Toremuratov giving a speech during the 2023 OSCE Human Dimension Conference.
While the political climate in Karakalpakstan remains challenging, the resilience and determination of its people offer a glimmer of hope for the future. The mobilization during the 2022 protests showcased a strong commitment to preserving their cultural identity, autonomy, and rights. Community leaders and activists, despite facing severe repression, continue to inspire others and advocate for change, reminding us of the enduring spirit of courage and perseverance.
As awareness grows about the situation in Karakalpakstan, both locally and internationally, there is potential for greater support and solidarity in defense of their rights. The continued peaceful expression of dissent, whether through art, literature, or digital platforms, can help amplify their voices and push for meaningful dialogue with authorities. Additionally, the unity among the people of Karakalpakstan in the face of adversity reinforces their collective strength.
Ultimately, the journey toward greater autonomy and respect for civil liberties may be long, but history has shown that persistent efforts and unwavering hope can lead to transformative change. With a commitment to their cause and support from the global community, the people of Karakalpakstan can pave the way for a brighter future, where their rights, freedoms, and cultural heritage are fully respected and cherished.
