Uzbekistan: Continued detention of human rights defender and journalist Jamshid Karimov in psychiatric hospital

Your Excellency

I am concerned by the extension of the period of detention of human rights defender and journalist Jamshid Karimov who is currently detained in the Samarkand psychiatric hospital.

According to information received, Jamshid Karimov has been ordered to remain in Samarkand psychiatric hospital for a further six months where he is undergoing “treatment” despite doctors and medical commissioners failing to give an official diagnosis and allegedly admitting that there is nothing wrong with his mental health. In mid-September 2006 a Jizak town court ordered that he spend six months in a psychiatric hospital. His case was due to be reviewed in mid-March and a medical commission was instructed to examine his mental health and decide whether to release him or extend his detention for a further six month period. The medical commission's decision was confidential until last week when they announced the extension of Jamshid Karimov's detention.

Front Line is concerned that Jamshid Karimov has been detained on the basis of his legitimate and peaceful work in defense of human rights, in particular his independent reporting on the situation in Uzbekistan.

Front Line urges the authorities in Uzbekistan to: 1)Immediately and unconditionally release Jamshid Karimov, as it is believed that he is being detained solely on account of his legitimate human rights activities; 2)Grant permission for an independent doctor to medically examine and assess Jamshid Karimov; 3)Guarantee the physical and psychological integrity of Jamshid Karimov whilst in detention and ensure that he is not tortured or ill-treated, as is his right under Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; 4)Guarantee in all circumstances that all human rights defenders in Uzbekistan are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals, and free of all restrictions including judicial harassment. Front Line respectfully reminds you that the Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms recognises the legitimacy of the activities of human rights defenders and their right to carry out their activities without fear of reprisals. We would particularly draw attention to Article 11: “Everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, to the lawful exercise of his or her profession.” and Article 12: (1): ‘Everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, to participate in peaceful activities against violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms. (2). The State shall take all necessary measures to ensure the protection by the competent authorities of everyone, individually and in association with others, against any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action as a consequence of his or her legitimate exercise of the rights referred to in the present Declaration’.

Yours sincerely,