François Walter, president of ACAT opened the ceremony by recalling the history of ACAT’s founding. Two French women, Du Tertre and Engel strongly opposed torture and the death penalty in France forty years ago. Their fight led to ACAT’s founding, who now support and recognize the work of individuals who continue to fight against torture. Ms. Tadjibayeva, who continues work based upon these principles, was chosen among other distinguished candidates as the first laureate.

“Mutabar has never accepted injustice, fighting courageously and restlessly against the dictatorship regime of Islam Karimov, who has been President of Uzbekistan since the fall of Soviet Union, for almost 23 years now”, said Walter.“When she created her organization in 2000, intended to denounce crimes of drug trafficking, the activities quickly spread to denouncing the abuse and torture from state agents towards opposition leaders and minorities. She also helped to defend and liberate many people by risking her own life.”

As a result of the actions in her native Uzbekistan, Tadjibayeva soon became an enemy of the regime. She was imprisoned in 2005, the year of the massacre of Andijan, in which hundreds of peaceful protesters were killed by the army. She was jailed for 970 days and subject to continuous torture.

Mr. Walter said that by awarding this prize to Tadjibayeva, who survived almost three years in Uzbek prison in horrible conditions, it is important to once again remind ourselves how difficult and important the fight against the torture is. He added that Edith du Tertre and Helene Engel would be proud to know that the award with their names goes to one of the bravest Uzbek women, fighting against one of the most repressive and totalitarian regime in the world. By closing his speech, he read a letter written to Tadjibayeva by the descendants of both ACAT founders, congratulating her and her organization with this high recognition.

ACAT was among the first, who sought to release Ms. Tadjibayeva out of prison by regularly campaigning in her support. Letters to prison, flowers for her birthday helped her survive the brutal conditions.

“On my own example, I learned how international support and assistance from organizations such as ACAT can save lives of political prisoners in countries with dictatorial regimes.”said Tadjibayeva.“In my book “Prisoner of Torture Island”, which I wrote during my first years in France, I described in details the inhuman treatment towards prisoners in the Uzbek penitential system.”

ACAT supports numerous similar cases. One such case is Solijon Abdurahmanov, who is currently imprisoned as a political prisoner in Uzbekistan. Abdurahmanov will be awarded a prize in Berlin in absentia on November 30 in the presence of Tadjibayeva. Further actions are also being planned by ACAT in collaboration with Fiery Hearts Club to support Fahruddinov Ruhiddin, also currently imprisoned in Uzbekistan.

The campaign aims to show support for political prisoners, journalists and human rights activists. The Fiery Hearts Club seeks to demonstrate to the government of Uzbekistan that international human rights organizations, such as ACAT-France, FIDH, Reporters without Borders, Frontline and others have not forgotten about these political prisoners and will continue the fight for their liberation.

“Being awarded the highest prize of ACAT is a great honor to me and my organization. We also consider this award as a recognition of the work of our colleagues and peers. We perceive this high award as recognition of the courage and fortitude of all the victims of political repression and political prisoners in Uzbekistan”,said Mutabar Tadjibayeva.

Ms. Tadjibayeva also drew attention to the posters of 24 political prisoners who are currently serving long sentences in Uzbekistan. The Fiery Hearts Club is currently campaigning for their release by collecting postcards with signatures and regularly publishing materials in three languages on the organization’s website jarayon.com.

She presented ACAT with the posters, entitled: “When you talk to Karimov and Kamilov, do not forget about us – political prisoners of Uzbekistan”.

Maryna LEBEDEVA