Isroiljon Kholdarov released
On 21 February 2018, 64-year old human rights defender Isroilzhon Kholdarov was released after having served almost 12 years in prison.
Isroilzhon Kholdarov is Chairman of the Andijan branch of the Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan “Ezgulik.” On 13 May 2005, 187 people were brutally killed in Andijan by law enforcement and security forces for participating in a demonstration. Isroilzhon Khaldarov criticised the authorities for their role in the killings and the subsequent burial of the victims in a mass grave in Bagishamal.
On 21 February 2018, 64-year old human rights defender Isroilzhon Kholdarov was released after having served almost 12 years in prison.
Isroilzhon Kholdarov is Chairman of the Andijan branch of the Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan “Ezgulik.” On 13 May 2005, 187 people were brutally killed in Andijan by law enforcement and security forces for participating in a demonstration. Isroilzhon Khaldarov criticised the authorities for their role in the killings and the subsequent burial of the victims in a mass grave in Bagishamal.
Fearing persecution for his open condemnation of excessive police force, Isroilzhon Kholdarov left for Kyrgyzstan in late 2005 to seek political asylum and applied to the UNHCR for international protection. On 2 November 2005, Uzbekistan announced that he was wanted on charges under Article 159, part 1, of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan (“attempt on the constitutional order”).
On 4 July 2006, Isroilzhon Kholdarov was arrested in Osh, Kyrgyzstan and brought by force to Uzbekistan where he was detained in prison № 64/29 of Navoi. He was charged with “attempts on the constitutional order” of the Republic of Uzbekistan (art. 159 of the Criminal Code), “illegal travel abroad” (art. 223 of the Criminal Code), “production and distribution of materials containing a threat to public safety” (art. 244-1 of the Criminal Code). Furthermore, the authorities declared that Isroilzhon Kholdarov was one of five men suspected of participating in armed uprisings in southern Kyrgyzstan.
In February 2007, the Andijan Regional Court sentenced him to six years in prison under Articles 159 (“attempt on the Constitutional order”), 216 (“illegal organisation of public associations”), 223 (“illegal travel abroad”), 244-1 (“production and distribution of materials containing a threat to public safety”) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
On 15 July 2012, the defender received an additional three year sentence under Article 221 (“disobedience to the legitimate demands of the administration of penal institutions”). In September 2015, a further three and a half years were added.
