Freedom for Eurasia urgently calls on the international community to bring immediate attention to the case of Karakalpak political prisoner, lawyer, and journalist Dauletmurat Tajimuratov, amid alarming reports that the Uzbek authorities are seeking to keep him imprisoned for longer by initiating new criminal proceedings against him.
Dauletmurat Tajimuratov was sentenced in 2023 to 16 years of imprisonment following the events in Karakalpakstan. During his time in detention, he has repeatedly reported provocations by prison authorities, as well as ill-treatment, humiliation, and abuse related to food that may amount to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. His family and legal representatives have also raised serious concerns about the deterioration of his health while in custody.
We have received information that prison authorities now intend to charge Tajimuratov under Article 220 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan (“Actions that disrupt the functioning of penal institutions”). This provision allows for additional prison sentences of up to ten years, particularly in cases involving individuals already convicted of serious offences. The possible use of this article raises serious concern that new charges may be used to prolong his imprisonment and intensify pressure on him.
Freedom for Eurasia considers the potential application of additional criminal charges against Tajimuratov deeply troubling, particularly given his prior complaints of abuse in detention and the broader pattern of pressure reported by his family and defenders. Such measures risk constituting retaliation against a prisoner for speaking out about conditions of confinement.
We call on the authorities of Uzbekistan to:
- refrain from bringing any additional charges against Dauletmurat Tajimuratov;
- ensure his protection from ill-treatment and guarantee humane conditions of detention;
- provide immediate access to independent medical examination and care;
- uphold Uzbekistan’s international human rights obligations.
Freedom for Eurasia urges governments, international organizations, and human rights mechanisms to closely monitor this case and to raise it in their engagements with Uzbekistan, given the growing risk to Tajimuratov’s rights, health, safety and his life.
More information about Dauletmurat Tajimuratov can be found here: https://freedomforeurasia.org/?s=dauletmurat