On September 25, journalist Aziz Yusupov, who works closely with human rights organizations, was detained in Fergana and subsequently arrested for three months. The Association for Human Rights in Central Asia (AHRCA), the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights (HFHR), the International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR), the Norwegian Helsinki Committee (NHC) and the World Organization Against Torture (OMCT) criticized the attack on the former political prisoner in its statement.
Yusupov’s arrest took place shortly before the OSCE Human Dimension Conference in Warsaw. This circumstance testifies to the desire of the authorities to prevent his speech. In it, according to the signatories, he intended to provide independent information on the human rights situation in Uzbekistan.
According to available information, Yusupov was detained after being summoned to the Department of Internal Affairs after the authorities learned that he was applying for a Polish visa to travel to a conference on the human observation. At this conference, which brings together representatives of governments, international organizations and civil society, he intended to provide independent information on the human rights situation in Uzbekistan. The Criminal Court of Fergana sanctioned his pre-trial detention on charges of drug possession, which is punishable by up to five years in prison under Article 276 of the Criminal Code.
Aziz Yusupov denies the allegations. The organizations, that issued this statement, consider the case to be fabricated in order to punish him for his human rights activities.
The charges brought against him are similar to those brought against him for political reasons. In 2016, Aziz Yusupov was sentenced to eight years in prison for alleged drug possession. The case was initiated by the authorities to put pressure on his brother, journalist Farrukh Yusupov, who worked for Free Europe Radio / Radio Liberty for many years. Yusupov was tortured in custody, and the only evidence against him was his written confession of guilt, knocked out during interrogations.
Under international pressure, he was released from prison on parole in early February 2019 due to poor health. In freedom, he had to undergo several courses of treatment.
“The case of Yusupov shows that the authorities of Uzbekistan have resumed the practice of using trumped-up charges against human rights defenders. Once again, we see human rights defenders who are accused of criminal offenses aimed at discrediting them and obstructing their legitimate activities,” said NHC Secretary General Berit Lindeman.
Aziz Yusupov has recently been monitoring the situation of prisoners in Uzbekistan, especially vulnerable groups such as women and children, and providing them with assistance. Last year, Aziz Yusupov conducted 20 interviews with prisoners and former prisoners, including those serving sentences for political reasons and victims of torture.
