Imprisoned Uzbek civil society leader, Ms. Mutabar Tojiboyeva was yesterday awarded the prestigious Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders. While applauding the recognition of Tojiboyeva for her defence of human rights, CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation lends its voice to the appeal of other prominent rights groups in demanding her immediate release, amidst reports that her health is swiftly deteriorating.

Tojiboyeva, leader of the Ardent Hearts Club of Uzbekistan, was detained on 7 October 2005 following her criticism of the killing of hundreds of demonstrators by government troops in May 2005 in the city of Andijan. As many as 17 different charges were brought against Tojiboyeva including “threatening public order”, “membership of an illegal organisation”, “slander”, “fraud”, “theft”, “blackmailing local businessmen” and “tax evasion”. In May 2006, she was sentenced to eight years in prison in a trial held under heavy security, raising serious questions about its fairness.

“The continued imprisonment of Ms. Tojiboyeva is part of a disturbing pattern of persecution of independent civil society voices in Uzbekistan following the tragic events in Andijan,” said Kumi Naidoo, Secretary General of CIVICUS. “Almost all vocal organisations in Uzbekistan have since been systematically closed, and numerous activists have been threatened or arrested.”

more

Quelle: OneWorld.net