The Uzbek government has released a prominent human rights activist and Nobel Peace prize nominee Mutabar Tojibaeva from the Tashkent Women’s Prison, where she was serving an eight-year prison sentence, The Korea Times reported.

Human Rights Watch, a non-profit group that promotes human rights around the world, said Tojibaeva has been a vocal critic of the Uzbek government and openly spoke out against the government’s clash with civilians, in which hundreds of people were reportedly killed.

Uzbekistan’s focus on improving its human rights record could also help foster better relations with the United States.

According to the U.S. State Department, the human rights issue is a major element in developing better relations with Uzbekistan, a Central Asian nation.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Richard Boucher said Washington ``recognized progress being made by the ex-Soviet state in passing laws on habeas corpus, allowing the Red Cross to visit prisons and making new commitments to religious tolerance."

The Uzbek government issued an announcement last week that highlighted the country’s ongoing effort to protect human rights, including the abolition of the death penalty.

``First, since Jan. 1, the death penalty was completely abolished. Second, the democratic institute of justice known as habeas corpus was introduced. Third, the constitutional law about increasing the role of political parties in democratization of society and the law on guarantees of the rights of child came into force,’’ according to the announcement.

The government also said it is implementing a national monitoring system for observance and protection of human rights and freedoms. Additionally, a training course and textbooks on protecting human rights have been introduced at all schools and universities in the country.

Uzbekistan said it will also take gradual steps to introduce further judicial and legal reform aimed at protection of human rights.

The former Soviet ruled country has had only one leader, President Islam Karimov, since it became independent in 1989. Western observers have consistently questioned the country’s election process and political system, which they consider undemocratic.

Uzbekistan and South Korea established diplomatic relations in 1992. Last month, Prime Minister Han Seung-soo visited the Central Asian nation to help foster stronger economic ties.