President Islam Karimov did not even bother to amend the constitution, which limits him to two terms. After yesterday’s sham election, he is preparing to begin his fourth term without batting an eye. Uzbekistan faces many uncertainties but one thing is sure – this 77yearold “predator of press freedom” will continue censoring and ruling with an iron hand until he breathes his last.
“The day will come when our citizens will enjoy complete freedom, all civil liberties and above all press freedom,” Karimov said at an election rally on 25 March. But the promised day is not about to arrive.
Coordination Council of Uzbekistani Civil Society “Alternative Uzbekistan”
March 29, 2015 Paris, France
PRESS RELEASE
On the eve of the upcoming presidential elections in Uzbekistan on March 29, 2015, we are announcing creation of Coordination Council of Uzbekistani Civil Society “Alternative Uzbekistan”.
A group of renowned Uzbek civil society activists, human rights defenders, independent journalists, religious activists, victims of torture and political repression and citizens of foreign countries who not indifferent to human rights situation in Uzbekistan are among the initiators, founders of the new coalition.
Это музыкальное видео посвящается Исламу Каримову, диктатору Узбекистана.
Élection présidentielle en Ouzbékistan. #VousVousEnFoutez? Pas si sûr!
Retrato de Mutabar Tadjibayeva, defensora de derechos humanos en Uzbekistán
Esta periodista y militante uzbeka de 52 años llegó a Francia como refugiada política en 2009. En su país natal, dirigido desde hace un cuarto de siglo por el dictador Islam Karimov, ya no es bienvenida.
En Uzbekistán, Mutabar investigaba sobre el tráfico de drogas, la corrupción y las violaciones de los derechos humanos. Ha sufrido amenazas, prisión y tortura y ha sido violada: su combate contra el régimen le ha costado caro.
PORTRAIT OF MUTABAR TADJIBAYEVA, UZBEK HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER
“If I were told that I only have one day left to live, I would spend it fighting for human rights,” says Mutabar Tadjibaeva, President of the organization Fiery Hearts Club. The 52-year-old Uzbek journalist and activist arrived in France in 2009 as a political refugee.
She is no longer welcome In her native country, which has been governed for a quarter of a century by the dictator Islam Karimov. In Uzbekistan, Mutabar investigated drug trafficking, corruption and human rights violations. She endured threats, prison, torture and rape; her fight came at a high price.
“If I were told that I only have one day left to live, I would spend it fighting for human rights,” says Mutabar Tadjibayeva, President of the organization Fiery Hearts Club.
“If I were told that I only have one day left to live, I would spend it fighting for human rights,” says Mutabar Tadjibaeva, President of the organization Fiery Hearts Club. The 52-year-old Uzbek journalist and activist arrived in France in 2009 as a political refugee.
Joanna Lillis
In Sunday’s presidential election in Uzbekistan, incumbent Islam Karimov is certain to win a landslide against three stalking horses: Khatamzhon Ketmonov, Narimon Umarov, and Akmal Saidov, who are effectively campaigning for the sitting president. Many voters say they are happy to cast their ballots for the long-serving president, who this week celebrated a quarter of a century in power in the Central Asian country.
