Reporters Without Borders today urged the European Union to be tougher with Uzbekistan after charges were brought against journalist and human rights activist Umida Niyazova on 9 April. According to her brother, she has been charged with smuggling, crossing the border illegally, accepting foreign money and working against the government, and faces between five and 15 years in prison. She was arrested on 22 January.
“We call on the EU to display greater firmness next month, when it examines the sanctions taken against the Uzbek government,” the press freedom organisation said. “The most recent bilateral meetings have put human rights at the centre of the debate between Europe and Uzbekistan. The decision to prosecute Niyazova is a slap in the face that confirms President Islam Karimov’s contempt for human rights. We urge the EU not to undersell the values of democracy and justice.”
The EU voted to adopt sanctions against Uzbekistan after a crackdown on a revolt in Andijan in May 2005 that left a death toll put at about 800 by human rights groups (and 187 by the government). The sanctions were slightly softened on 13 November 2006 and are to be reexamined next month.
