Uzbek human rights activist goes missing
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 9 March 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Uzbek human rights activist goes missing, 9 March 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/550941a415.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
March 09, 2015
By RFE/RL's Uzbek Service
TASHKENT – Colleagues say an Uzbek human rights activist whose group opposes another term for President Islam Karimov has been missing for several days.
Aliqul Sarimsoqov is a member of Uzbekistan's Alliance of Human Rights Defense.
His colleague, Shukhrat Rustamov, told RFE/RL that Sarimsoqov has been missing since March 3 and his mobile phone has been switched off.
Sarimsoqov took part in several rallies in front of the presidential headquarters in Tashkent in recent weeks.
The Alliance of Human Rights Defense has filed a petition protesting Karimov's intention to run in a March 29 presidential election.
Karimov, 77, has ruled the nation of 29 million since 1990, the year before it gained independence in the Soviet collapse.
His government tolerates little dissent and has been accused of frequent human rights abuses.
Police oin Tashkent and Sorimsoqov's native Jizzakh province told RFE/RL that they do not have him in their custody.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
