January 20, 1999

MARKAZIY OSIYO INSON HUQUQLARI AHBOROT MARKAZI

HUMAN RIGHTS SOCIETY OF UZBEKISTAN

O’ZBEKISTON INSON HUQUQLARI JAMIYATI

Washington, DC office:

1819 H Street NW, Suite #230 Washington, DC, 20006

Ph. (202) 775-9770, ext 17; Fax (202) 775-9776

E-mail:polat@ucsj.com,, Abdumannob@hotmail.com

Toshkent (Tashkent):

Commonwealth of Independent States, O’zbekiston (Uzbekistan), 700095, Toshkent

Niyozov ko’chasi (street), 19-68

Phone/Fax: (998-712) 46-54-47, 24-82-37

E-mail: support@hrsu.uz, abdu@oc.silk.org, gairat@oc.silk.org, tolib@hrsu.silk.org

 

UZBEKISTAN: LIST OF POSSIBLE POLITICAL PRISONERS,

PRISONERS OF CONSCINCE

Most prisoners listed below have most likely been jailed for their non-violent religious or political activities. Others might have committed minor violations of the law, but it is strongly believed that the severity of their sentences is disproportionate to the severity of their alleged crimes. There is no credible evidence that any of these prisoners have committed violent or serious crimes. The prosecution of many of these prisoners is clearly politically motivated and in some cases is a result of the government’s campaign against the independent Islamic movement. Because we are not able to document the cases of all "common" prisoners whose rights have been severely violated, or who are believed to be innocent, we have prepared a list of prisoners who are believed to have been jailed solely for political or religious reasons. There are probably many more possible political prisoners whose prosecution has not been reported. This list therefore may be the proverbial tip of the iceberg.

There have been numerous reports that police routinely plant narcotics and weapons in the pockets, cars or homes of suspects. In Uzbekistan, such illegal activity by the police is common practice in the general fight against crime. Frequently, evidence of a defendant’s guilt is a not necessary to find him guilty. Often, a credible connection between the crime and the defendant does not exist at all. Defendants, especially in cases where there is no evidence to support the charges against them, are often beaten, tortured and subjected to psychological degradation and intimidation in order to obtain confessions. According to many reports, law-enforcement agencies and the judiciary are both corrupt and subservient to the government’s orders both in politically motivated or religion-related cases, and even in "common" criminal cases. As in many other ex-Soviet states, conditions in jails and forced labor camps are over-crowded and extremely inhumane.

The law in Uzbekistan, following the Soviet tradition, requires that a search be sanctioned by the procurator’s office or by a judge, and that witnesses be present during the search and sign an affidavit stating that they witnessed the search. However, also following Soviet tradition, the authorities often bring their own "witnesses" to "watch" a search. In most of the cases documented below, police violated these provisions of the law related to searches.

Most of the prisoners listed below have several young children and their wives are usually unemployed. In Uzbekistan today, even the majority of employed people earn only enough income to pay for the traditional food of poor people in the country (bread and tea) and local public transportation. Therefore, the families of many of these prisoners have almost nothing to live on.

  1. Prisoners charged with participating in "Terrorist Training" in Turkey – No Evidence of Guilt Presented
  1. Juraev, Murad (born in 1952). Former member of the Parliament and former mayor of the city of Muborak (in 1990-92) in Qashqadaryo province. He was elected to both these positions as an independent candidate (during perestoika and glasnost period, some independent candidates were allowed to participate in elections). An engineer by education and professional background. An advocate of democratic reforms. In March 1990, he banned the activities of the Communist Party organization in his city administration. Allegedly, Juraev was involved in attempts to organize in Turkey the training of dozens of young Uzbeks. The government claims that it was terrorist training, but authorities did not present adequate evidence to prove the charge. Arrested in Almaty, Kazakhstan in June 1994 by Uzbek security agents. The Kazakh authorities gave their permission for the arrest, despite the fact that the arrest violated Kazakh laws, both countries’ international obligations and even agreements between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. He was charged with "participating in a conspiracy to overthrow by force the constitutional government." He was sentenced to twelve years in prison.
  2. Ashurov, Erkin (born in 1939). Former Chief Manager of the State Tea Packaging Plant in Samarqand, alleged member of the Erk (Freedom) party. He was arrested in June 1994 in Almaty, Kazakhstan together with Murad Juraev (see above, case #1). His arrest was totally illegal and Kazakh authorities did not authorize it. Most likely, he had no affiliation with the alleged "terrorist training" activities in Turkey. In addition to these charges, he was accused of financial irregularities during his tenure at the Tea Packaging Plant. Sentenced to ten years in prison.
  1. Possible Political Prisoners - Secular Dissidents
  1. Kobulov, Meli. Former member of the Parliament and the Provincial Council of Peoples Representatives, former head of Juzzakh Province’s organization of the Vatan Taraqqiyoti (Fatherland Progress) party and former head of the Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan. Former Chairman of the Ko’tarma neighborhood’s citizens association (makhalla) in the city of Jizzakh. Arrested on October 27, 1994 possibly to prevent him from running for re-election in the parliamentary elections that were scheduled for December of the same year. On October 25th, two days before his arrest, Vatan Taraqqiyoti’s organization in the province nominated Kobulov for re-election. Most local people supported his candidacy. Kobulov, a retired financial officer of the KGB, reportedly conducted several independent investigations of alleged corruption in the provincial and local administrations, especially related to the leasing of agricultural land. On February 12, 1996 he was sentenced to six years in prison, but after the protest of the prosecutor, in November 1996 he received an additional sentence of four years. After several amnesties, that term was reduced by at least a quarter. Kobulov was charged with "abuse of authority," "receiving bribes," "violations of rules of using the state owned land," "illegal possession of weapons and narcotics," as well as other charges. Human rights activists believe that Meli Kobulov is innocent and his prosecution was politically motivated. Kobulov reportedly gave a loan to one of his associates but when the loan was repaid, the authorities labeled it a bribe.
  2. Kukonov [Qo’qonov], Samandar. Former member of the Uzbek parliament in 1990-93, former head of the Toshkent (Tashkent) province’s state-owned oil company. Allegedly, Kukonov provided funded some of pro-democratic opposition activities, specifically, those related to Erk party. Because of these allegations, he was dismissed from is position and the authorities conducted audit investigation of his company. He was accused of embezzlement, and possible illegal allocations of funds for the Erk party. According to reports, he was arrested in 1993 and sentenced to twelve years in prison. There were also reports that Kukonov was dismissed, arrested and sentenced with numerous violations of his rights and the law, including the violation of his immunity as a Member of Parliament.
  3. Usmonov, Rustam. Well-known businessman. Arrested in early 1998. Reportedly, Radio Liberty’s Uzbek Service aired several reports prepared by Usmonov. These reports unmasked alleged corruption in the local government in Andijon province. It is strongly believed that Usmonov was jailed for his criticism.
  4. Kutbitdinov, Abdurashid. Arrested on April 7, 1996. Member of the Birlik (Unity) movement, businessman. Found guilty of financial violations, but it is strongly believed that his prosecution was mainly politically motivated.
  5. Mardiev, Shodi. Journalist. Reportedly, arrested for reports that unmasked corruption in Samarqand province. He was charged with "offering a brine" to a prosecutor and sentenced to ten years in prison. According to reports, after appeals and protests, including protests from the international community, his sentence term was reduced twice.
  6. Gadoev, Polat. Correspondent in Qashqadaryo province for the government newspaper Khalq Sozi [or So'zi] (People’s Word). Reportedly, he was working on an article that described false reporting to the government and corruption in the local administration. He was charged with taking bribes and abuse of authority. He was not able to get a defense lawyer and was reportedly beaten in custody.
  7. Odilov, Akhmadjon. Arrested in 1992 or 1993 and sentenced in January 1994. Sentenced to nine years in prison allegedly for an attempt to organize a political party called at various times To’ron or Temur-Adolat. However, officially Odilov was accused of embezzlement (illegal selling of four metric tons of saltpeter in 1984). Earlier, in the 1980’s, Odilov was illegally jailed for seven years and four months without a trial and released in late 1991. For many years until 1984, Odilov was the head of a State Agricultural Venture in Pop district, Namangan oblast. His prosecution during Uzbekistan’s independence is believed to be politically motivated.
  1. Two Brothers of Avazkhon Mukhtorov, Former Principal Deputy Khokim (Governor) of Farghona Province, Currently Alleged Dissident

Avazkhon Mukhktorov was fired in October 1993 and immediately left Uzbekistan. In Moscow, he published several books related to the problems of transition to market economy and got a doctoral degree in economics. Some of his publications contain critical assessments of the economic situation and reforms in Uzbekistan. More important, there were allegations that Mukhtorov funded some activities of pro-democratic opposition, especially those related to Erk party. It is believed that these two prisoners’ jailing is connected to Mukhtorov and his activities. In 1998 he was granted political asylum in the US.

  1. Mukhtorov, Timur (born in 1942). Former senior official at the Association of Commerce and Trade in the Farghona province. Arrested in late October 1993. Charged with the embezzlement and sentenced to eleven years in prison.
  2. Mukhtorov, Murtoz [Murtaz] (born in 1958). Former head of the police in Qo’qon (Kokand) city, Farghona province. Arrested on September 13, 1995. Reportedly, a couple of hours before his arrest, Murtoz was invited to a police station and during a friendly conversation was offered several cups of green tea. During his arrest, police searched his car and his room in Tashkent’s Chorsu hotel and "discovered" narcotics, twenty cartridges and a grenade. Police immediately tested his urine and blood (although this is not a common practice), and "discovered" narcotics in them. Human rights monitors believe that the tea he was offered was laced with narcotics. He was sentenced to eight years in prison. Reportedly, his term was not cut as a result of several general amnesties because he was accused of violating prison and forced labor camp regimes. He was also accused of possessing narcotics during his stay in the special punishment cell in the jail.
  1. TASHKENT: Prisoners Jailed For Close Associations With The Leaders Of Independent Islamic Movement

Five alleged followers of the "Wahhabi" movement charged with the "unconstitutional calls to change the existing constitutional system." Such alleged calls and activities could be in reality the advocacy of an Islamic state in Uzbekistan and possession of the related literature. The Union of Councils’ Central Asian Human Rights Information Network and Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan studied the official charges related to this case and concluded that the authorities did not present any evidence of violence or advocacy of violence in the activities of these imprisoned Islamic activists. It is believed that they are jailed for completely non-violent activities such as disseminating religious literature and related audio tapes, and for their association with Obidkhon qori Nazarov and Tulkin (To’lqin) qori (Yuldosh Ergashev), well-known clergymen whom the authorities consider to be leaders of the so-called Wahhabi movement in Tashkent and in the country at large. On 11 January 1999, these prisoners were sentenced to jail terms ranging from two to twelve years.

  1. YUSUPOV, OLIMJON (born in 1956). Arrested in January 1998.
  2. ZIYAKHANOV, AKILKHON (born in 1952). Arrested in January 1998.
  3. ABDUSAMATOV KHUSAN (born in 1963). Arrested on March 4, 1998.
  4. BEKKHODJAEV MOVLONBEK (born in 1962). Arrested on March 15, 1998.
  5. IGAMBERDIEV MAMURJON (born in 1962). Arrested on February 22, 1998.

    6. Another Islamic activist associated with Obidkhon qori Nazarov

  6. MUSAJONOV, GULOMKODIR [GULAMSODIQ] (born in 1958). On October 18, 1998, he was sentenced to ten years in prison. Charged with the "possession of narcotics and explosives," spreading religious propaganda and "unconstitutional calls to change the constitutional system." Reportedly, police planted 2.5 grams of narcotics, a saber and an explosive on him. In addition, he was reportedly required to give a bribe of $4,000 to remove "possession of an explosive" from the list of official charges against him.
  1. ISLAMIC LEADERS ACTIVISTS IN QO’QON [KOKAND]
  1. NURMATOV TOSHTEMIR [better known by his religious name MUKHAMMAD RAJAB] (born in 1953). Imam-Khatib of the main mosque in Qo’qon [Kokand]. Arrested August 24, 1994. Sentenced to fourteen years in prison with confiscation of property. During a search at his house, police "discovered" marijuana, several cartridges and one grenade.
  2. OTAJANOV [ATAJANOV], SODIQ [SADIK] (born in 1964). Arrested on August 24, 1994 and sentenced to twelve years in prison.
  1. NAMANGAN: Members of Adolat (Justice) Islamic Militia Jailed in 1992.

Adolat was created in 1991 in Namangan province to advocate Islamic values, combat crime and assist the authorities. Local authorities tolerated this group and even collaborated with the organization in the fight against crime. The group enjoyed popular support because its activities helped to significantly reduce crime in the province. Adolat was active in organizing several peaceful demonstrations calling for the establishment of an Islamic state in Uzbekistan. In December 1991, during the presidential election campaign, a crowd of about ten thousand people demanded that President Karimov come to speak to them. The president went to Namangan and spoke to the crowd. Although the demonstration was peaceful, some representatives of Adolat and other groups publicly humiliated Karimov. About thirty members of Adolat were arrested in March 1992. In April 1992, a strike was organized in Namangan Machine Building Plant under the leadership of Vokhidjon Pattaev, the plant’s chief manager. Some Adolat members had been released, but were later jailed again. Many remain in prison. It is believed that most Adolat members were imprisoned for political reasons.

  1. Khakimov, Satimjon (born in 1942). Leader of Adolat, former schoolteacher of mathematics. Arrested in March 1992 and in October sentenced to eight years in prison. Later, in jail, his sentence was lengthened by three years.
  2. Gaffarov, Odiljon (born in 1961). Sentenced to seven years in prison.
  3. Gaffarov, Orifjon. In jail (brother of Odiljon and Olimjon Gaffarov; see above #21, this Section, and #46, Section K below).
  4. Dedakhonov, Botir (born in 1950). Arrested on August 21, 1992, and on October 2nd sentenced to three and a half years in prison. In December 1995, he returned home after serving his term. But he was arrested again, reportedly on charges of having "escaped from prison." His family is in a severe financial situation.
  5. Yusupov, Adkhamjon (born in 1970). On October 4,1992 he was sentenced to three and a half years in prison, but later he received an additional three and a half year sentence. His family is in a severe financial situation.
  6. Umarov, Akhmad (born in 1956). On September 19, 1994 sentenced to five years in prison. His vision worsened in jail. He should have been released through an amnesty, but was denied release after being accused of "violating prison rules." His family is in a severe financial situation.
  1. NAMANGAN: Group of Islamic Activists Jailed for an Illegal Attempt to Cross CIS Borders. Allegedly, They Are Also Adolat Members

Reportedly, an attempt to cross CIS borders was non-violent. There was no report that violators of the border crossing rules had narcotics, weapons or other prohibited items.

  1. Islomov, Karim (born in 1956). Sentenced to fifteen years in prison. He is in the Andijon jail.
  2. Kutbitdinov, Khusnitdin (born in 1973). Clergyman. Sentenced to eleven years in prison. He is in the Qarshi [Karshi] jail.
  3. Baratov, Abdulla.
  4. Mirzayakubov, Madamin.
  1. NAMANGAN: Prisoners Who Have Reportedly Died in Jail
  1. Nasreddinov, Fazledtin (born in1957). Participated in the strike at the Machine Building Plant in April 1992 (see Section F above). Sentenced to eight years in prison, sentence later extended for three more years. Reportedly died in jail on May 9, 1998.
  2. Jalilov, Akhmadali (born in 1941). On October 4, 1992, he was sentenced to three years in prison with confiscation of property. Before the end of his term, he received an additional sentence for alleged narcotics possession. Reportedly died in jail (heart attack). His family is in a severe financial situation.
  3. Makhmudov, Akhmad (born in 1947). Sentenced to three and a half years in prison, later (in jail) received an additional sentence of two and a half years. Reportedly died in jail on June 19, 1996. Makhmudov’s brother saw him in jail ten days before he died and reported that he was in good health at the time. His family (with four children) is in a severe financial situation.
  4. Abdurasulov, Akhmad. Reportedly died on May 9, 1994 (lung cancer). Allegedly, he was in the group of Adolat members who were sentenced for a non-violent (although illegal) attempt to cross the CIS border (see Section G above, cases ##25-28).
  5. Abdullaev, Khakimjon (born in 1935). Clergyman. Reportedly, before the end of his term he received seven more years of imprisonment (possession of narcotics). Reportedly died in jail (heart attack) and after his death the additional sentence was revoked.
  1. NAMANGAN: Three Well Known and Well Respected Clergymen
  1. Gafurov, Abdurauf (born in 1942). Qozi [Kozi], religious leader of Farghona Valley of Uzbekistan (Namanagan, Farghona and Andijon provinces). Arrested on November 9, 1993. On May 3, 1994 he was sentenced to three years imprisonment on charges of embezzlement. He was supposed to have been released by September 1, 1994, but in jail he was charged with "possession of narcotics" (reportedly, narcotics had been planted by guard) and received an additional one and a half year sentence. He was not released when he finished serving both of these two terms. He most likely received an additional term. His relatives are afraid to speak with human rights monitors and independent journalists. His son was also arrested (see below case #80, Section N).
  2. Buzrukkhonov, Umarkhon (born in 1955). Imam-Hatib, head of the main mosque in Namangan. Arrested on November 9, 1993 and originally sentenced to three years imprisonment. On December 20, 1994 he was sentenced to three more years. There were reports that he received an additional sentence since then.
  3. RUSTAMOV, BILOLKHON. Clergyman, Imam-Khatib of the biggest mosque Sheihk Eshon in Namangan. Arrested on May 23, 1998. When he was getting medical treatment in the hospital that belongs to the Gas Company of the province, Rustamov was invited to police headquarters. His brother Valikhon Bakhodirov brought him to the police station, but he was arrested upon arrival. At the same time, about twenty police officers came to Rustamov’s house and conducted a search. Reportedly, there were about one hundred neighbors, relatives and friends around his house during the search. Some of these people witnessed the police planting a weapon and protested. Neighbors report that Rustamov’s house was under surveillance for about a month before his arrest.
  1. NAMANGAN: Group of Prisoners Arrested and Sentenced After the Murder on October 31, 1996 of Erkin Mamatqulov, First Deputy Hokim (Governor) of Namangan.

Human rights monitors believe that these people had no connection with the crime. According to some reports, during a campaign to investigate this crime hundreds of people were arrested.

  1. Khotamboev, Madamin (born in 1949). Arrested on November 4, 1996. Police "discovered" narcotics in his house during a search. On December 18, 1996 he was sentenced to two years imprisonment. He was supposed to have been released in November 1998.
  2. Chinaliev, Abdurahmon (born in 1960). Police "discovered" narcotics in his pocket. Sentenced to three years.
  3. Dadakhonov, Akram (born in 1969). Police "discovered" narcotics in his house.
  4. Kambaraliev, Odiljon (born in 1955). Arrested on November 1, 1996. Police "discovered" narcotics in his apartment. Sentenced to one and a half years imprisonment
  5. Kodirov, Tulkin. Arrested on November 8, 1996. During an arrest, police "discovered" narcotics. Sentenced to one-year imprisonment. He was supposed to have been released on November 8, 1997, but reportedly he has not been released.
  6. Nuritdin, oghli [son of Nuritdin] Abdusamad (born in 1961). Clergyman. Arrested on December 25, 1996. During the arrest, police "discovered" narcotics. On March 7, 1997 he was sentenced to one and a half years imprisonment. He was supposed to have been released on June 25, 1998, but reportedly he was not released.
  7. Isakov, Rustamjon (born in 1971). Arrested in November 1996. Before his arrest, he was detained in a police station for seven days for possession of narcotics.
  8. Tojiboev, Adham. On November 1, 1996, at 3:30 am, police searched his house. According to reports, police invited two neighbors as eyewitnesses and openly planted cartridges into his pocket. One of these neighbors, a clergyman, refused to sign the protocol of the search and said that actions of the police were immoral and illegal. A police officer then beat the clergyman and threatened that he would arrest him. After that, the clergyman signed an affidavit saying that he would tell the truth at court. Tojiboev was severely beaten in the detention center. His kidney and liver were damaged.
  1. NAMANGAN: Group of Prisoners Arrested and Sentenced after Two Police Officers were Shot Dead on March 24, 1997 in Namangan.

Reportedly, Abduvali Yuldashev shot two police officers (Major Sharifjon Tursunov and Captain Marat Toshboev) when these two officers were threatening him by aiming pistols at him. Yuldashev left Uzbekistan and recently told his story on Radio Liberty’s Uzbek program.

  1. Gaffarov, Olimjon (born in 1959, third degree invalid/disabled). Brother of Odiljon and Orifjon Gaffarovs, see #21 and #22 above, Section F). According to his daughter, police arrested him on March 29, 1997 on the street when he was with his children. Police openly planted a pistol into his pocket. Charged with the possession of a weapon and narcotics. Sentenced to one year of imprisonment. He was supposed to have been released on March 29, 1998, but he remains in prison.
  2. Egamberdiev, Sobitkhon (born in 1964). Arrested on April 29, 1997 near Construction Plant. A search during his arrest "discovered" a rifle in his car. Reportedly, at the same time a woman came to his house and told Egamberdiev’s wife that she was taking a survey. After a brief conversation, the "guest" asked to go to the restroom. When she left the restroom, two police officers came to conduct a search and "discovered" 23 cartridges and 20 grams of narcotics in the restroom.
  3. Gafurov, Khashimboy (born in 1963). Clergyman. Arrested on March 30, 1997. The day of his arrest, police brought their own eyewitnesses and conducted a search of his apartment where they "discovered" narcotics and rusty cartridges. Reportedly, the search was conducted without the authorization of the prosecutor’s office.
  4. Sharipov, Mukhammadjon (born in 1961). Arrested on April 5, 1997 police "discovered" 6.8 grams of narcotics and eight cartridges in his pocket. The next day, police brought eyewitnesses to Sharipov’s house and searched it. 17 grams of cocaine and 8.5 grams of marijuana were "discovered" there. On June 10, 1997 he was sentenced. There is no information on the length of his sentence. He has four children; the oldest is ten years old.
  5. Mamadaliev, Muydin (born in 1951). Arrested on May 6, 1997. Police "discovered" a blade and 5 grams of marijuana. On June 1998, after severe beatings and torture in jail, he reportedly committed suicide. He was never allowed to meet his defense lawyer.
  6. Avliyakhanov, Khasanboy. Clergyman. Arrested in 1997 and sentenced to six years imprisonment.
  7. Mamadaliev, Odil (born in 1950). Farmer. Arrested in April 1997.
  8. Rakhmonov, Rasuljon (born in 1966). Arrested April 7, 1997. Police "discovered" 30 cartridges and 0.8 grams of narcotics. Sentenced on June 18, 1997 to two and a half years imprisonment. "Witnesses" consisted of police officers only.
  9. Akhmedov, (first name is unknown). Arrested in April 1997. During search, police "discovered" narcotics. Sentenced on June 18, 1997.
  10. Shokirov, Ilkhom(born in 1963). Arrested March 25, 1997. Police "discovered" 16 cartridges and narcotics in his pockets. On June 24, he was sentenced to one year in prison. Reportedly, in violation of the law, two judge assistants ("people’s advisors") were not present at the hearings
  11. Rakhmatullaev, Nuritdin (born in 1946). Arrested on April 13, 1997. Police broke his arms. During a search, police "discovered" pistol cartridges and narcotics.
  12. Mirdedaev, Numonjon (born in 1934). Arrested April 7, 1997. Police "discovered" a blade and narcotics.
  1. Namangan: Prisoners Jailed in Connection with Other Alleged Crimes.
  1. Askarov, Obidkhon (born in 1962). Arrested in the fall of 1992 and sentenced to five years in prison for "hooliganism." The authorities refused to apply to him about ten amnesties that have been issued since then. Askarov’s term has expired, but he has not been released yet. Reportedly, he was a member of the Birlik (Unity) movement.
  2. Ishonboev, Okilbek (born in 1962). Arrested on May 17, 1994. Sentenced to three years in prison on December 21st. He was accused of weapons possession. His term has expired but he had not been released yet. Reportedly, he was member of the Birlik movement. In addition, he was an active participant in the strike at the Namangan Machine-Building Plant in 1992 which demanded the release from jail of Adolat members (see Section F above).
  3. Akhmedov, Kamolkhon (born in 1954). Arrested on October 22, 1994 and sentenced for possession of weapons and narcotics.
  4. Murodov, Isroil (born in 1962). Arrested in June 1994. During a search, police "discovered" narcotics. Sentenced to seven years in prison.
  5. Nizomboev, Mukhammadjon (born in 1967). Arrested on April 7, 1992.
  6. Turgunov, Rakhim (born in 1960). Sentenced to four years in prison for illegal travel abroad and possession of weapons.
  7. Ergashev, Kamolkhon. Sentenced to five years and seven months for an allegedly illegal trip to Iran.
  8. PULATOV, KODIRKHON (born in 1956). Arrested on October 11, 1997. Police "discovered" three cartridges in his pocket. However, he was reportedly charged with "receiving bribes" (Article 210 of the Criminal Code) and sentenced to five years and eight months in prison. Allegedly, he was a member of Adolat. He has six children. Address of his family: Namangan city, Vorovskiy ko’chasi (street), 22-tupik (drive), 10
  1. NAMANGAN: Two brothers of Tokhir Yuldashev, Allegedly Head of an Islamic Military Group.

Tokhir Yuldashev, leader of Adolat (see Section F above). In March 1992, when this group was banned and about thirty its members were arrested, he and many of his followers reportedly left to neighboring Tajikistan and participated in the civil war there. Later they, along with the Tajik opposition, were based in Afghanistan. Tokhir Yuldashev and Djuma Namangoniy, another leader of an armed group, are considered to be a strong military commander opposed to President Karimov. According to reports, the authorities did not present proof of criminal activity by Tokhir Yuldashev’s two brothers.

  1. Yuldashev, Zokhidjon. Arrested in 1994. During a search, police "discovered" narcotics. Sentenced to three years in prison. He was supposed to have been released by now, but he is still in the jail.
  2. Yuldashev, Madamin. Arrested in April 1994. During a search, police "discovered" narcotics and a hunter’s rifle. On June 19th, he was sentenced to two and half years in prison. He should have been released by now, but reportedly he is still in jail.
  1. NAMANGAN: Prisoners Arrested During a Campaign Against "Wahhabis" After December 1997 Murdering of a Police Officer.
  1. NAZAROV (first name is not available). Brother of Obidkhon qori Nazarov, a well-known religious leader who supposedly was forced to leave Uzbekistan (see also footnote #2, Section D above). Nazarov was arrested and charged with the illegal possession of narcotics. Reportedly, police planted narcotics in his car. It is believed that his arrest was related to the activities of his brother, a respected Islamic leader, educator and a strong defender of rights of the Muslims in the country. Sentenced to one and half years in prison.
  2. AKBAROV, DOVUDKHON (born in 1971). On January 25th, he was invited to a police station. Officials gave him the names of four people and demanded that he find them. He responded that he did not know these people. He was put under administrative arrests for ten days. Police searched his house and "discovered" one cartridge and narcotics. There is no information available on his trial or sentence.
  3. AKBAROV, AKHADKHON (born in 1976). Brother of AKBAROV DOVUDKHON (see above, case #69). Arrested on January 7, 1998. Police "discovered" 0.6 grams of narcotics in his possession.
  4. KHUDAYBERDIEV, OCHIL (born in 1951). Arrested on January 7, 1997. At the trial, he reportedly testified that police officers planted something to his pocket when his arms were tied behind his back and later "discovered" that it was 17 grams of marijuana. He told the court that Sh. Usmanov, an officer of the police’s anti-corruption department, put in his pocket something bright and solid and a little later it was "discovered" as two cartridges. During a search conducted on December 9, 1997 police officer Bakhtiyor (last name is unknown) reportedly planted a package with 9 cartridges. The trial started on February 2, 1998 and the judge sent it back for re-investigation. A second trial held on May 8-14. Khudayberdiev was sentenced to three and half years in prison. He was living in Namangan city, posyolok (town) Nurobod, Nukus ko’chasi (street), 29.
  5. IBRAGIMOV, YUNUSKHON (born in 1974). On January 7, 1997 he was brought to the city police where he was searched and officers "discovered" 17,2 grams of narcotics. Eight police officers conducted the search, reportedly without authorization, in his house, with "witnesses" brought by the police. The only resident present in the house was IBRAGIMOV’s elderly mother. Police "discovered" 16 grams of marijuana. On March 18, 1998 he was sentenced to seven years in prison (Articles 276, 248, 223, and 228 of the Criminal Code: illegal possession of narcotics and weapons, illegal travel abroad, and fabrication of illegal documents). No witnesses appeared in court. Local human rights monitors believe that the main reason for Ibragimov’s arrest and sentence was his unauthorized trip to Saudia Arabia for umma (religious trip to Mecca and Madina during Holy Month of Ramadan), using a foreign passport illegally acquired in Jalolobod province of Ki'rgizstan. He was living at the address: Namangan city, 4- Uzbekistan ko’chasi (street), 1-tupik (drive), 1.
  6. KHOLMIRZAEV, ABDUGANI. Arrested on December 18, 1997. Police "discovered" five cartridges in his possession.
  7. MAVLANOV, ADKHAM (born in 1973). Arrested on December 9, 1997. Police "discovered" eight cartridges in his possession. Reportedly, he was charged also with theft and sentenced to six years in prison. The address of his family: Namangan city, 3-mikrorayon (district), 48-uy (building), 19-khonadon (apartment).
  8. OBIDKHONOV, ODIL (born in 1948). Clergyman with a beard. He was arrested on December 6, 1997 when eight police officers came to his house with the authorization for a search and told him that he was suspected in the theft of auto parts. During a search, police held Obidkhonov ‘s wife and son in one of the rooms. Several officers were searching different rooms without any surveillance, and one of them "discovered" two grams of something similar to grease in a small plastic bag and seventeen grams of marijuana. On February 6, 1998 he was sentenced to two years in prison (Article 276, part 1 of the Criminal Code). A possible reason for his prosecution is the fact that Obidkhonov’s son Rasulkhon reportedly studies in one of Arab countries and he has not visited his homeland for four years. Address of his family: Namangan city, Egamberdiev ko'chasi (street), 17.
  9. SAYFIDDINOV, SADRIDDIN (born in 1944). Imam of the mosque Ataullakhon, he was arrested on December 21, 1997. The next day, police searched his house and "discovered" 5,5 grams of narcotics. On May 11, 1998 he was sentenced to two years in prison (charged under Article 276 of the Criminal Code). Address of his family: Namangan city, Nafosat ko’chasi (street), 20.
  10. SAYDULLAEV, FAZLIDDIN (born in 1957). Arrested at the street on January 11, 1998. Police "discovered" 0.9 gams of marijuana in his pocket. Two days later, 10.6 grams of. marijuana was "discovered" in his house. Address of his family: Namangan city, Bakhrom ko’chasi (street), 101.
  11. TURSUNOV, RUSTAM (born in 1962). Arrested on January 7, 1998. During a search conducted the same day at his house by sixteen officers, police "discovered" 7 grams of narcotics. Charged under Article 276 of the Criminal Code and sentenced to two years in prison. Address of his family: Namangan province, Namangan rayon (district), qishloq (kishloq) village) Sho’ro, 2-Sokhibkor ko’chasi (street), 1.
  12. NAJMIDDINOV, GANIKHON (born in 1962). Clergyman with a beard. Arrested on December 7, 1997. During a search conducted on December 10th by ten officers cartridges and narcotics were "discovered." Some people present at the search reported that the police planted the narcotics.
  13. GAFUROV, ABDULBOSIT. Son of a well-known and respected clergyman and possible prisoner of conscience Abdurauf Gafurov (see case #35, Section I). Arrested on December 10, 1997 and sentenced to two and a half years in prison. Charged under Article 248 of the Criminal Code (illegal possession of weapons).
  14. YAKUBJANOV, KOBIL (born in 1976). Arrested on December 31, 1997. During a search, police "discovered" 0.6 gram of narcotics. Charged under Article 276 of the Criminal Code and sentenced to one year in prison. He was not a clergyman or a religious activist, but a businessman related to Rasul Akhunov who was wanted by the police.
  15. YUSUPOV, MAKHMUDJON (born in 1944). Clergyman, arrested in December 1997. Police "discovered" 12 grams of marijuana in his pocket. On January 4, 1998 he was sentenced to one and half year in prison. He has seven children. Family address: Namangan city, 2-So'fizoda tour ko’chasi (Drive), 4.
  16. YAKHYAEV, ULUGBEK (born in 1973). Clergyman with a beard. He was the imam-volunteer at the neighborhood mosque. Charged under Article 276 of the Criminal Code (illegal possession of narcotics) and sentenced to two years in prison.
  17. YULDOSHEV, ABDUBANNO (born in 1962). Arrested on December 18, 1997. Police "discovered" narcotics in his house. Sentenced to three years of in prison. Reportedly, his wife and children are in extreme poverty.
  18. YULDASHEV, ABDUMUTAL. Address of his family: Namangan province, Chortoq city, Zig Maskan ko’chasi (street), 28.
  19. YULDASHEV, SOBIRJON. Arrested on December 20,1998. During a search, police "discovered" six cartridges. Family address: Namangan city, makhalla (neighborhood) Ghuncha, Orzu ko’chasi (Street), 18-a.
  20. JURAEV, KHAKIMJON (born in 1963). Arrested on January 2, 1998 for ten days. During a search conducted by 10—12 officers in his house, police "discovered" 10.2 grams of narcotics and one cartridge. On February 19, 1998 the Namangan City Court sentenced him to three years in prison. After an appeal by the defendant, the Provincial Court confirmed the sentence.
  21. MAMATOV, ODILJON (born in 1969). Arrested on December 8, 1997. During a search conducted the same day at his house, police "discovered" nine cartridges and 10.5 grams of narcotics. Sentenced to two years and ten months in prison.
  22. RASULOV, LATIFJON (born in 1952). Arrested on December 5, 1997. Devout Moslem with a beard. On April 31st, he was sentenced to three and half years in prison. He was charged under Article 241 of the Criminal Code (not reporting about crime). Has four children. Family address: Namangan city, Ghalaba ko’chasi (Street), 3.
  23. BOYKHONOV, NUMONJON (born in 1969). Arrested in April 1998. He was searched at the city police headquarters. Police "discovered" narcotics in his pocket. During a search at his house, police "discovered" a pistol.
  24. AZIMJON o'ghli BOSITKHON [BOSITKHON, son of AZIMJON; last name could be either BOSITKHON or BOSITKHONOV] (born in 1968). Arrested in the spring of 1998. During a search at his house, police "discovered" a small amount of narcotics.
  25. NURITDINOV, NUGMON (born in 1968). Arrested on January 8, 1998. During a search, police "discovered" 2.2 grams of narcotics. On April 20th, he was sentenced two and a half years in prison.
  26. SOLIKHONOV, KOSIMKHON (born in 1962). Arrested on December 27, 1997. Clergyman (imam) of the mosque Hoji qo'rgon. Two cartridges were "discovered" in his possession. He was sentenced to seven years in prison. Reportedly, he traveled to Pakistan with missionaries.
  27. MUSAEV, ABDUKHAKIM born in 1947). Arrested on January 24, 1998. During a search of his house, police "discovered" two cartridges. On April 8th, he was sentenced to three years in prison.
  28. AKBAROV, ZOKIRJON (born in 1962). Arrested in early December 1997. During a search, police "discovered" two cartridges and 10 grams of narcotics. The Uychi district Court sentenced him in mid-March to three and a half years in prison. Clergyman with a beard. Bread-baker by profession.
  29. MUKHITDINOV, ABDUGANI. Arrested on December 27, 1997. During a search, he "possessed" in his pocket seven cartridges. In mid-May, the Uychi District Court sentenced him to three years in prison. Peasant, devout Muslim with a beard.
  30. KHOJIKHONOV, ODIL. Successful businessman. On December 24, 1997 he was invited to the police headquarters of the province. He was searched during an interrogation and police "discovered" five grams of narcotics. Nothing had been discovered during a previous search of his house. Reportedly, he was released in late April, but was soon arrested again. In 1990-92, he was Advisor on Secular Affairs and a member of the Religious Council under Umarkhon Buzrukkhonov the Imam-Khatib (Chief Islamic leader) of Namangan province (see case #34, Section I). He played a leading role in public gatherings in 1991. Reportedly, Khojikhonov was against the so-called "Wahhabi" movement. In 1997, he told human rights monitors that he was tired interrogations and surveillance and he had stopped his political and religious activities. Reportedly, he has a heart disease. The same year, anonymous people attacked his brother Abdullo.
  31. IBRAGIMOV, SODIKJON.
  32. IKROMOV, MARUF. Reportedly is mentally ill and feeble-minded. Arrested on December 20, 1998. Police "discovered" 3 cartridges. Family address: Namangan city, Ghuncha ko’chasi (Street), 1-tupik (tor ko’cha; drive), 4.
  33. MAMADALIEV, HAMIDKHON
  34. MUMINOV, ABDUGANI
  35. MAMAJANOV, ZOKIR
  36. MAMAJANOV, RUSTAM
  37. MAMAJONOV, RAVSHAN
  38. MAMAJONOV, ZOKIR
  39. MAKHKAMOV, AKHMAD
  40. Marufboev, Jafar
  41. Marufboev, Safar
  42. Rakhimov, Abdulbori
  43. Rakhimov, Khamidkhon
  44. Ustabaev, Muso
  45. Muminov, Abdughani
  46. Makhkamov, Akhmad
  47. ZIYAVIDDINOV, ABDURASHID (born in 1967). Arrested on December 20, 1998. Has four young children. Family address: Namangan city,Uychi ko’chasi (street), tupik (drive) 13, 6-uy (building).
  48. RASULOV, UBAYDULLO
  49. ABDULLAEV, MUKHTORJON (born in 1968). Arrested on January 2, 1998. The next day nine police officers conducted a search of his house and "discovered" three cartridges. On February 13, 1998 he was sentenced to two years in prison.
  50. ABDULLAEV, MUKHAMMADJON
  51. ABDULLAEV, MAMATKHON. Arrested on December 22, 1998. Family address: Namangan city, posyolok (town).Nurobod, 3-Navruz ko’chasi (street), 4.
  52. ABDURAKHMONOV, FAZLITDIN (born in 1951). Imam (clergyman) at the Dambagh mosque. Arrested on December 19, 1997 on the street. During a search, police "discovered" 10.6 grams of narcotics. Sentenced on February 4, 1998 to two years in prison.
  53. ABDURAKHMONOV, GULOMJON. Arrested on December 20, 1998. Has four children. Address of his family: Namangan city, Norin ko’chasi (street), 7.
  54. ABDURAKHMONOV, SALOKHIDDIN (born in 1960). Arrested on December 19, 1997. During a search the same day at his house, eight police officers "discovered" four cartridges and some narcotics. Address of his family: Namangan city, Bolshevik ko’chasi (street), 52.
  55. ABDURAKHMONOV, ABDURASHID
  56. ABDURAKHMONOV, AKHMAD
  57. ABDURAKHMONOV, ISMOIL
  58. ABDURAKHMONOV, KODIR
  59. ABDURAKHMONOV, LATIF
  60. AKHUNOV, ABDURAKHMON
  61. AKHUNOV, RAKHIM.
  62. DADAMIRZAEV, TURAMIRZA
  63. KHOLMATOV, SODIKJON
  64. Yunusov, Botirjon (born in 1976). Arrested on May 25, 1998 and sentenced on August 25th. Before and during his trial, he was denied a defense lawyer. He was finally provided a free defense lawyer upon the request of human rights monitors.
  65. Rustamov, Saydullo
  66. Rustamov, Abdullo (brother of Saydullo, see above, case #132).
  67. Mirkamolov, Khusan, third Imam at the Ataullakhon mosque. In May of 1998 he was sentenced to seven years of imprisonment with confiscation of property. Reportedly, local media provided one-sided reports on his trial. Charged with attempting to overthrow the government, illegal possession of ammunition and narcotics.
  68. Sharipov, Mukhammad. Arrested on January 20, 1998 at his house, reportedly without a proper authorization. Two neighbors reported that the police planted the "discovered" rifle. Address of his family: Namangan city, 3-Temir Yo’l ko’chasi, 30.
  69. Sharipov, Akhat. Brother of Sharipov Mukhammad (see case above, #135).
  70. Sattorov, Rakhmatullo. Arrested on January 2, 1998. Former employee of the registration and passport division of the district police. Accused with providing false passports to alleged "Wahhabis". On April 1st, 1998 he was sentenced to nine years in prison. Reportedly, police officers illegally took the only cow that his family had. Six witnesses confirm this fact.
  71. Mirkomilov, Khusan (born in 1964). Arrested on January 18, 1998. Sentenced to eight years in prison with confiscation of property. Charged under Articles 159 (unconstitutional calls to change the constitutional system) and 272 (illegal sale of narcotics) of the Criminal Code. He has three children.
  72. Soliyev, Mukhiddin (born in 1971). Arrested on January 18, 1998. Sentenced to eight years in prison with confiscation of property. He has three children.
  73. Okhunov, Rakhmon (born in 1972). Sentenced to seven years in prison with confiscation of property. He has four children.
  74. Nasriddinov, Odil (born in 1970). Arrested on January 18, 1998. Sentenced to six years in prison with confiscation of property. He has two children.
  75. Soytaliev, Zokir (born in 1970). Arrested on January 18, 1998. Sentenced to seven years in prison with confiscation of property. He has four children.
  76. Khojiev, Rakhim (born in 1966). Arrested on January 16, 1998. Sentenced to eight years in prison with confiscation of property. He has four kids. Address of his family: Namangan city, Guliston ko’chasi (street), 5-tupik (drive), 13-uy.
  77. Khaydarov, Akmal (born in 1967). Arrested on January 26, 1998. Sentenced to eight years in prison with confiscation of property.
  78. Solikhonov, (born in 1961). Arrested on December 26, 1997. Sentenced to seven years in prison. He has six children.
  79. Egamberdiev, Valikhon (born in 1960). Arrested on March 15, 1998. Sentenced to eight years in prison with confiscation of property. He has four children.
  80. Mannopov, Mukhtor (born in 1962). Arrested on March 15, 1998. Sentenced to six years in prison with confiscation of property.
  81. Shakhobiddinov, Jobir (born in 1971). Arrested on March 15, 1998. Sentenced to five years in prison with confiscation of property.
  82. Shakhobiddinov, Abdullo (born in 1963). Brother of Shakhobiddionov Jobir (see case #148 above). Arrested on March 15, 1998. Sentenced to six years in prison with confiscation of property.
  1. Group of Prisoners Charged with the Serious Crimes, such as Terrorism, but the Authorities Reportedly Did Not Present Any Evidence of Their Guilt.

These prisoners were charged with the several Articles of the Criminal Code, including 154 (participation in the military conflicts abroad), 155 (terrorism), 156 (inciting inter-ethnic or inter-religious hatred), 159 (unconstitutional calls to overthrow the government), and 161 (organization of a criminal group).

  1. Turgunov, Rakhim (born in 1960). Arrested on April 24, 1997. Sentenced to ten years in prison. Address of his family: Namangan, Uychi ko’chasi (street), 241. [NOTE: he could be the same prisoner as in the case #63 above, Section I; however, he could be another prisoner].
  2. ALIKHUJAEV, AKROM (born in 1977). Arrested in June 1997. Sentenced to seven years in prison.
  3. Rakhmatullaev, Odil. Arrested on June 27, 1997. Sentenced to seven years in prison. Address of his family: Namangan city, Langar ko’chasi (street), 9.
  4. Abdulkhalilov, Ilkhom. Arrested on June 26, 1997. Sentenced to six years in prison and confiscation of his property. Address of his family: Namangan city, Egamberdiev ko’chasi (street), 62.
  5. Sobitov, Ibrokhim. Arrested on June 26, 1997. Sentenced to eight years in prison with confiscation of his property. Address of his family: Namangan city, Uychi ko’chasi (street), 224.
  6. Boydedaev, Tokhir (born in 1966). Sentenced to ten years in prison with confiscation of property. Reportedly, he actively collaborated with the investigation. In addition, he reportedly stated at the trial that he became a criminal because of Tokhir Yuldashev and Djuma Namangoniy, the alleged leaders of an Uzbek armed unit reportedly based in Afghanistan (see Section M above).
  7. Turakhonov Akhmadkhon. School Teacher by profession. Member of Birlik movement from Namangan city. Reportedly, arrested on December 29, 1998 and charged with "calls to forcible overthrow the constitutional government." Former political prisoner in 1993-95. Turakhonov was first imprisoned in December of 1993 for one year and half. reportedly after police planted narcotics in his house. He served his full prison term. There is not information on details of his arrest and accusations yet.
  1. DISAPPEARANCES
  1. UTAEV (O’TAEV) ABDULLA qori. Chairman of the Islamic Rebirth Party. Disappeared in December 1992. According to his wife, Utaev was arrested near his home, but the Uzbek authorities deny having him under arrest.
  2. MIRZAEV ABDUVALI (Sheikh ABDUVALI qori). A popular and respected Islamic clergyman in Andijon considered to be a Wahhabi leader. He was Imam-Khatib of the main mosque in Andijon. Reportedly, he was arrested by security police at the Tashkent airport, along with an assistant, Ramazon Matkarimov (see case #159 below). Mirzaev advocated the organizing of Islamic education and community life free of government control. Despite relatively serious attention from the international community to the disappearance of the two Islamic activists, authorities have denied their arrests, but the two, as well as Abdulla qori Otaev (see the previous case #157 above), have still not resurfaced. After numerous requests and complaints made by Mirzaev's relatives, and one year and half after the disappearance of the Islamic activists, the authorities published a photo of Matkarimov as a missing person, but they refused to publish Mirzaev's photo. Many monitors consider this suspicious fact to be evidence that Mirzaev was or is not being held under his own name.
  3. MATKARIMOV RAMAZON. Assistant of Abduvali qori Mirzaev. Reportedly, arrested along with Mirzaev (see the previous case, #158 above).
  4. NE’MATJON PARPIEV. Another assistant of Abduvali qori Mirzaev, he disappeared in September of 1997 (see case #158 above). Reportedly, he was active in attempts to conduct an independent investigation of Mirzaev's disappearance and in circulating Mirzaev's educational audio and videotapes on Islam.
  5. BANNOEV ABDULAKHAT. Imam-Khatib of Ataullakhon, the main mosque in Namangan. This mosque was considered to be a center of "Wakhkhabism" in the province. Along with Bilolkhon Rustamov (see the list of prisoners, case #36, Section I), Bannoev was considered to be the most educated and respected Islamic leader in Namangan. He disappeared in early 1998.

"This list was prepared about one month before Ferbruary 16 terrorist bombings in
Tashkent. Reportedly, in Januury there were dozens new arrests among
different Islamic groups. After terrorist action in Fenbraury 16,
reportedly hundreds people had been arrested."

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