«Qashqadaryo» newspaper of Karshi city published an article that defames human rights activist Gulshan Karaeva. Mutabar Tajibayeva, head of the international human rights organization “Fiery Hearts Club”, says that the article was “ordered” by security services.

In a phone conversation with a reporter of “Jarayon”, Gulshan Karaeva, who is a representative of unregistered Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan on Qashqadaryo region, said that her friends informed her about the published article about her.

“It turns out that newspaper was published on 16 October. I went to the press shop of “Soyuzpechat” and bought it there,” says Karaeva.

The human rights activist was able to send us a scanned copy of this article that is entitled “What is the purpose of making a mountain out of a molehill?” (“Pashshadan fil yasashdan maqsad nima?”), which we share it with our readers.

The author writes that Gulshan Karaeva makes mountains out of molehills at every opportunity spreading messages on the Internet that are allegedly not that important.

“For Karshi resident Gulshan Karaeva it has become a habit that, even if there is no electricity in her home, she “puts” all her problems in the Internet,” the author writes.

Reading the article one can have an impression that it was written not by a journalist, but by law enforcement officers. We explain why.

From the very beginning of the article the author gives personal information of Gulshan Karaeva, such as full name, her place of residence, date of birth, number of her children, degree of education, that her brother lives abroad, and others. The question is – why the ordinary reader needs all these personal information, and where the journalist of ordinary regional newspaper could collect such personal information of the rights activist? Either the author purposefully collected it, or it is a courtesy of those who “ordered” the article. But still question is –what was the purpose of it?

It should be noted that article against the activist is not built on solid facts and arguments of her alleged guilt, but on the empty, unproven accusations, anger and resentments of the author. Here is a short fragment from the article.

“Some people do not like the greatest reforms and creative work that are being done in our country. Some people continue having hostile feelings towards our peaceful and prosperous life. Some people are struggling to throw poison into our tasty food. And people like Gulshan Karaeva are tools on their hands,” the author writes.

Despite the fact that author often refers to Uzbek traditions, modesty and conscience of people, the author does not hesitate to mention the case when the local city administration gave a wheelchair and other gifts to sick child of the rights activist. But the author, unfortunately, does not refer to a wise Uzbek proverb “Do good, then forget.”

Meanwhile, Mutabar Tajibayeva, head of the international human rights organization “Fiery Hearts Club”, believes that the article against Gulshan Karaeva was “ordered” by Uzbek security services, and that Shohista Bozorova, author of the piece, is a collaborator to the National Security Service in pressuring civil society in Uzbekistan.

“It’s no secret that the Uzbek authorities respond with excessive cruelty and animosity to any force, any person who dares to fight against the brutal policies of authorities and human rights violations, and who dares to express an opinion on these issues. Unfortunately, today the Uzbek press, instead raising viral issues of the people, write defamatory articles against human rights activist, against woman “- said Mutabar Tajibayeva.

This is not the first time when authorities put pressure on the human rights activist in Karshi. Previously, Gulshan Karayeva was attacked, threatened and intimidated. Several months ago unknown people wrote offensive words on her the gates of her house.

In addition, local authorities opened a criminal case against Gulshan Karaeva and her older brother Sanjar Karayev. Officers at Karshi police department accused Sanjar of physical abuse, and Gulshan of insulting and slandering the neighbors.

On October 13, 2012, Gulshan Karaeva’s 100-year-old grandmother, Bibisuluv Alimardonova, wanted to stage a demonstration in front of the Kashkadarya region’s administration building. She wanted to protect their grandchildren Gulshan and Sanjar, who, according to an old woman, were unfairly subjected to provocations and pressure from law enforcement agencies.

However, local authorities prevented the protest of human rights activist’s grandmother. On the day of demonstration, Gulshan Karaeva and her grandmother were detained by police. The two were held for several hours in the building of police department of Karshi city.

International human rights organizations have expressed concerns about the situation of Gulshan Karaeva, and urged the Uzbek authorities to ensure her safety. However, the local authorities have not yet made any official reactions.

Observers believe that what is happening with Gulshan Karaeva is closely linked to her human rights activities and is an attempt to silence her against the dictatorial regime in Uzbekistan.