Omirbek Kurbanov
Civil activist; one of the founders of the Human Rights Alliance of Karakalpakstan
Imprisoned
- Article 244 part 3 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan — Mass disturbances (participation in mass riots)
- Article 244-1 part 3(a,d) of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan — Production, storage, distribution or display of materials containing a threat to public security and public order
Kurbanov was prosecuted in the Case of 39 participants in the 2022 Karakalpakstan unrest, whose trial began in Bukhara on 6 February 2023. The case concerned the July 2022 protests in Karakalpakstan, which erupted after proposed constitutional amendments threatened the region’s autonomous status and right to secede from Uzbekistan. Authorities characterized the events as mass riots and charged numerous protesters. However, many observers consider the prosecutions politically motivated because they target activists and participants in demonstrations against the constitutional reforms. On 17 March 2023, the Court of the Republic of Karakalpakstan delivered its verdict. On 12 June 2023, the Supreme Court of Uzbekistan partially amended the judgment.
Kurbanov was sentenced to 10.5 years’ imprisonment in a penal colony.
Kurbanov was sentenced to 10.5 years’ imprisonment in a penal colony.
