Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Commission on the events in Nukus has presented its report on the investigation to the Parliament of Uzbekistan.

The commission, led by Ombudsman Feruza Eshmatova, was formed by a joint decision of both chambers of the Oliy Majlis on 15 July 2022. It includes 14 members, including deputies, senators, representatives of NGOs and civil society organizations, with the goal of studying the events that took place in Karakalpakstan.

The commission analyzed the causes, chronology, and consequences of the events, and assessed the actions of state and law enforcement agencies during the handling of the riots. An important aspect of the commission’s work was the review of legal proceedings against those involved in the events.

As a result of the commission’s request, 30 individuals were released from custody. The commission also conducted monitoring visits to detention centers where the accused were held, and tracked socio-economic changes in Karakalpakstan following the incidents.

During its work, the commission reviewed over 600 citizens’ complaints, most of which were resolved positively. More than 50 government and private organizations were visited, and interviews were held with 590 employees and 334 individuals who had served prison sentences.

A total of 168 people were arrested during the criminal investigation, 107 of whom (including 2 women) were returned to their families by the commission’s decision.

The commission worked closely with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, and other international organizations. It also maintained connections with international NGOs and media. All of the commission’s activities were published on its official Telegram page (Independent Commission_uz) in Uzbek, Karakalpak, and Russian.

Participants in the events in Karakalpakstan who broke the law were held accountable: 943 people received warnings, 6,135 were fined, 2,639 were administratively arrested, and 61 were convicted of crimes.

As a result of the riots, both citizens and law enforcement officers were injured. Significant material losses (6.8 billion soums) were incurred by both citizens and government agencies. Water cannons, colored liquids, and special grenades were used by law enforcement to disperse protesters and protect strategically important facilities.

During the riots, 21 people died, including 2 law enforcement officers, and 413 people were injured, 183 of whom were police officers.

All suspects, accused, and convicted individuals had access to lawyers, medical assistance, and telephone calls. The trials were conducted openly and transparently, and there was an opportunity to appeal court decisions.

Three law enforcement officers were also held accountable for violations of human rights and citizens’ legal interests during the suppression of the riots.

The commission’s work led to the following recommendations for government agencies:

• Ensure thorough explanation to citizens about the essence and mechanisms of participation in important government decisions during public discussions.
• Create a system for responding promptly to the spread of misleading, false, and biased information when developing political and management decisions.
• Conduct public awareness campaigns on the importance of respecting others’ rights and maintaining public order during social activities.
• Implement effective preventive and explanatory measures to prevent actions by citizens that threaten public safety in crowded places.
• Develop the legal framework for the use of special means by law enforcement agencies during mass riots, based on international experience.

Following the review of the commission’s report, both chambers of the Oliy Majlis adopted the corresponding decision.