OneWorld.net (U.S.)

16 May 2008 – 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.”

Although the Constitution of Uzbekistan pledges to safeguard the freedoms of assembly and association, repressive laws prevent citizens from registering independent organisations or organising public demonstrations, particularly those concerned with human rights. Any activity is regularly monitored by government officials, who use harassment as well as long and cumbersome procedures to deter and prevent peaceful civil society work.

For the past two years, CIVICUS has highlighted Tojiboyeva’s work and advocated for her release at its annual gathering, the World Assembly. At this year’s CIVICUS World Assembly, from 18 to 21 June in Glasgow, Scotland, close to 1,000 participants will again demand freedom for Tojiboyeva, as well as others who are behind bars for their peaceful civil society work.

The highlight of this year’s World Assembly will be a public rally on Saturday, 21 June in the centre of Glasgow. The rally will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as recognise the ongoing struggle of civil society activists, such as Mutabar Tadjibaeva, to defend the rights of their communities.