Statement by Freedom for Eurasia
Freedom for Eurasia strongly condemns the May 1, 2026 sentencing of Karakalpak political prisoner Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov, who has been given an additional 2.5-year prison term and classified as an “especially dangerous criminal.” According to available information, he is to be transferred to a special-regime prison colony, with indications that he may be sent to Bukhara.
This additional sentence was imposed under Article 220 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan, on allegations of actions that “disorganise the work of penitentiary institutions.” The use of this provision in the present context raises serious concerns of abuse, particularly given the well-documented pattern of bringing additional charges against imprisoned activists as a form of retaliation and sentence extension.
This development raises serious concerns regarding due process and fair trial guarantees. Reports from the courtroom indicate that neither family members nor defense representatives were properly informed of the hearing. On the contrary, they were allegedly misled and told that no hearing would take place. The case was not publicly listed on the court schedule, and the proceedings were only discovered by chance when counsel located the courtroom during the session itself. Such circumstances point to a deliberate lack of transparency and obstruction of the right to defense.
The apparent concealment of the hearing, combined with the imposition of a harsher custodial regime, is consistent with patterns of politically motivated prosecution and retaliation against outspoken critics in Karakalpakstan. The designation of Tazhimuratov as an “especially dangerous criminal” is particularly alarming, as it may lead to more restrictive detention conditions, further isolation, and increased risk of ill-treatment.
Freedom for Eurasia recalls that international human rights law—including fair trial standards under the United Nations framework—requires that defendants have timely access to legal representation, public hearings, and transparent judicial procedures. The reported violations in this case fall far short of these obligations.
Freedom for Eurasia calls on the authorities of Uzbekistan to immediately and unconditionally release Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov, and to quash and reverse all charges and convictions against him, including both the original sentence and the recent additional sentence under Article 220 of the Criminal Code.
This case reflects a broader pattern of repression targeting civic activists and dissenting voices. The use of opaque judicial processes, vague criminal provisions, and punitive detention regimes underscores the urgent need for sustained international scrutiny and accountability.