UN Expert Urges Uzbekistan to Release Jailed Human Rights Lawyer

“The continued detention of Mr. Tajimuratov, more than a year after the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention found it unlawful, coupled with new allegations of serious abuse, is deeply alarming,” Lawlor said.

A United Nations human rights expert has called on the Government of Uzbekistan to immediately release detained lawyer and human rights defender Dawletmurat Tajimuratov and to guarantee his safety, following new and disturbing allegations of torture and ill-treatment in prison.

Mary Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, said she was “gravely concerned” by reports emerging from Penal Colony No. 11 in Navoi, where Tajimuratov is serving a 16-year sentence despite a UN finding that his detention is arbitrary.

“The continued detention of Mr. Tajimuratov, more than a year after the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention found it unlawful, coupled with new allegations of serious abuse, is deeply alarming,” Lawlor said.

Background to the case

Tajimuratov is a prominent advocate for the rights of the Karakalpak ethnic minority. He was arrested on 4 July 2022 after opposing proposed constitutional amendments that would have removed the autonomy and referendum-based right to secede of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. He was sentenced on 31 January 2023, with the conviction later upheld on appeal.

In November 2024, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that his imprisonment violated international law and called for his immediate release.

New allegations of abuse in custody

According to information received by the Special Rapporteur, Tajimuratov was subjected to public humiliation and physical abuse on 20 November 2025 during a formal assembly at the prison. He was allegedly insulted by a senior official in front of staff and prisoners, forcibly restrained, beaten, and made to walk barefoot to the prison headquarters.

There, he was reportedly subjected to cruel and degrading treatment, including being forced to stand barefoot on concrete while cold water mixed with lime was poured over him. The following day, he was allegedly placed in a cold punishment cell for 15 days, during which further violence reportedly caused him to lose consciousness.

Lawlor also raised concerns about:

• Unsafe working conditions in a prison lime workshop

• Denial of weekly rest days

• Threats of further retaliation

“These allegations, if confirmed, may amount to violations of the absolute prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment,” she said.

Isolation and denial of family contact

The expert expressed additional concern over efforts to isolate Tajimuratov, including the reported withholding of letters from relatives, denial of a scheduled family visit on 13 January, and restrictions on communication with other prisoners.

“The apparent attempts to cut Mr. Tajimuratov off from his family and fellow detainees heighten concerns for his safety and wellbeing,” Lawlor said.

She noted that while the Government has denied allegations of abuse and cited internal investigations, her mandate continues to receive credible and consistent reports pointing to ongoing violations.

Call for international access and accountability

Lawlor urged the Uzbek authorities to promptly and impartially investigate all allegations, ensure accountability for any abuses, and allow urgent access for UN staff and independent international monitors, with regular follow-up visits until Tajimuratov’s release.

“If Mr. Tajimuratov’s rights are fully respected, there can be no legitimate basis for denying independent access,” she said.

The Special Rapporteur confirmed she remains in direct contact with the Government of Uzbekistan regarding the case.