The appeal against the dismissal of the libel charges against human rights defender Mr Shoukhrat Roustamov in relation to a complaint made by Mr Kh Abdullayev, Head of the Ezhanguzar local administration, is set to take place on 7 September 2012.

On 9 August 2012, the Criminal Court of Tashkent found that the charges of libel brought by the Prosecutor's Office of Alazar district were groundless and duly dismissed them. However, this decision was appealed by the Prosecutor's Office of Alazar district and the appeal hearing is scheduled to begin on 7 September.

Front Line Defenders reiterates its call on the Uzbeki authorities to cease the judicial harassment of human rights defender Shoukhrat Roustamov and to provide an enabling environment for human rights defenders, free of all types of harassment including judicial harassment.

For further information, please see the Front line Defenders urgent appeal, dated 18 July 2012: Baseless criminal charges brought against human rights defender Mr Shoukhrat Roustamov