Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov, a wrongly imprisoned Karakalpak lawyer and blogger, faces troubling allegations of torture in Uzbekistan. His lawyer, Sergey Mayorov, revealed disturbing details of mental and physical abuse endured by Tazhimuratov, including assaults by fellow inmates orchestrated by prison staff and the abhorrent state of his cell. Tazhimuratov reported that his personal writings were stolen and that prison officials interrupted and limited his telephone communications with his family.
This alarming situation is not a new story for Tazhimuratov. During his 2022 trial, he disclosed instances of police brutality while in pretrial detention, claiming they beat him to the point of losing consciousness. In 2023, he filed complaints regarding the inadequate healthcare and food conditions in prison, expressing his dire situation repeatedly.
On another grim note, during a solitary confinement spell from March 4 to 7 following a conflict with an inmate, guards confiscated Tazhimuratov’s food before he could observe his fast for Ramadan. This denial not only infringes on his right to religious freedom but also constitutes inhumane treatment.
Mayorov, advocating for his client from the outside, noted that Tazhimuratov has repeatedly attempted to file complaints regarding his mistreatment, yet these grievances do not leave the prison. Mayorov has urged authorities, including the prosecutor and the Ombudsman, to investigate these serious claims.
Under international law, inhumane treatment of detainees is strictly forbidden, and Uzbekistan is legally bound by multiple human rights treaties which prohibit torture. It’s critical that these obligations be honoured, and prompt investigations into Tazhimuratov’s allegations be conducted to protect his wellbeing in custody. As Tazhimuratov and other dissidents remain trapped within the prison system, Uzbekistan prepares to host the EU-Central Asia Summit, where it is vital for European officials to advocate for the rule of law and the immediate release of Tazhimuratov and his fellow activists.
Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov, a Karakalpak lawyer and blogger, has renewed allegations of torture and ill-treatment in Uzbek prisons, reported by his lawyer, Sergey Mayorov. Tazhimuratov has suffered physical beatings, stolen personal writings, and denied food during Ramadan, raising concerns over human rights violations. Mayorov has called for an investigation into these allegations as Uzbekistan prepares for a high-level EU Summit.
The case of Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov exemplifies the severe issues of torture and mistreatment in Uzbek prisons. His repeated allegations of abuse highlight a trend of inhuman treatment that contradicts international human rights obligations. As the EU engages with Uzbekistan, the call for justice and the protection of rights for imprisoned activists like Tazhimuratov must be paramount.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
