Freedom for Eurasia shares a video appeal by Maria Tajimuratova, the sister of Karakalpak political prisoner, lawyer, and journalist Dauletmurat Tajimuratov, who was sentenced in Uzbekistan to 16 years of imprisonment.
In her appeal, Maria Tajimuratova directly addressed the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, as well as Saida Mirziyoyeva, who oversees the Republic of Karakalpakstan. She spoke openly about the severe physical and psychological condition of her brother, who has been in detention for more than three and a half years following the tragic events in Karakalpakstan in July 2022.
According to information provided by the family and by Dauletmurat Tajimuratov’s lawyer, he has been subjected to physical and psychological pressure during his imprisonment, and his health has deteriorated sharply. Particularly alarming are reports of extreme weight loss, serious digestive problems, frequent vomiting after meals, and forced labor in hazardous conditions involving lime and coal, allegedly without even basic protective equipment.
These concerns are not new. Dauletmurat Tajimuratov’s lawyer, Sergey Mayorov, has repeatedly raised allegations of ill-treatment. International human rights mechanisms have also taken note. The United Nations has previously stated that Tajimuratov’s detention was unjust and that the treatment he has faced amounts to inhuman and degrading treatment. Most recently, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, expressed serious concern over his condition.
Freedom for Eurasia reported that authorities intend to transfer Dauletmurat Tajimuratov to an even harsher, strict regime prison. Such a move would further isolate him, restrict family contact, and pose a grave risk to his already fragile health.
Freedom for Eurasia also expresses serious concern for the safety of Dauletmurat Tajimuratov’s family. We hope and expect that his relatives and Maria Tajimuratova in particular will not be subjected to any form of persecution, intimidation, or reprisals for this public appeal. This concern is especially acute given that Maria Tajimuratova has previously been subjected to criminal charges, which raises credible fears of renewed pressure or retaliation.
We emphasize that Maria Tajimuratova’s appeal is not a political statement. It is a personal plea from a sister and family who are asking for for mercy, humane treatment, and the simple right for their loved one to survive in prison.
Freedom for Eurasia calls on the authorities of the Republic of Uzbekistan to:
- immediately ensure Dauletmurat Tajimuratov’s access to independent and adequate medical care;
- put an end to all forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment;
- refrain from transferring him to more restrictive conditions of detention;
- guarantee that no reprisals are taken against his family or supporters for peacefully exercising their right to speak out;
- demonstrate humanity and reconsider his case and release him in accordance with Uzbekistan’s international human rights obligations.
Freedom for Eurasia stands in solidarity with the family of Dauletmurat Tajimuratov
Full video available here