Human Rights Watch Issues Call for Release of Independent Journalist in Uzbekistan

Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a statement on Friday calling on the Uzbek government to drop charges against independent journalist Solijon Abdurakhmanov who according to HRW is facing politically motivated prosecution. The journalist goes on trial on September 12 and faces up to 20 years of imprisonment for alleged illegal selling of narcotics.

Initially Abdurakhmanov was charged with possession of drugs when police reportedly found 114 grams of marijuana and 5,89 grams of opium in his car. However, when an investigation found out that the journalist does not take drugs, Abdurakhmanov faced a more serious charge of drug selling.

Solijon Abdurakhmanov, 58, who is known for critical reporting, denies any wrongdoing. He claims the drugs were planted on him while he left his car for repair.

Abdurakhmanov has reported on sensitive issues of corruption, law enforcement bodies, economic and social justice, human rights and worked with the Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Uznews.net and Institute for War and Peace Reporting.

Human Rights Watch has called on the US and European Union to closely monitor the trial and demand the Uzbek government to free the independent journalist. HRW also noted the trial has started one month prior to EU meeting over sanctions imposed on Uzbekistan for the failure to conduct independent investigation of the 2005 Andijan events.

HRW is still waiting for accreditation in Uzbekistan. One of its representatives was banned to enter Uzbekistan in July 2008.

Originally posted and written for: Ferghana.ru

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