Imprisoned Uzbek human rights defender from Samarkand, Norboy Kholjigitov, 56-years old, has been taken to his prison's hospital for urgent treatment because of the serious deterioration of his health.

It is reported that his blood sugar levels have become very high, he has lost sensitivity on part of his body, black marks have appeared on his arms, legs and face, and he has lost all his teeth. Accordingly to the information received from Human Rights Society Ezgulik, he cannot speak, move or sit.

Norboy Kholjigitov was sentenced to ten years in prison on 18 October 2005, and his health has reportedly been deteriorating ever since. He suffers from diabetes and related health problems. Despite his illness, the authorities have refused to release him on amnesty because the prison's authorities continue to charge him with violations of internal prison regulations. On 23 June 2009 the authorities held that as he had violated regulations, he would not be eligible for release this year.

Front Line believes that the continued imprisonment of Norboy Kholjigitov and the refusal to adequately consider his medical condition are directly related to his work in the defence of human rights. Front Line is seriously concerned for the health and physical and psychological integrity of Norboy Kholjigitov and urges the Uzbek authorities to provide him with urgent and appropriate medical care.