Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan has issued an official statement in response to Opinion No. 17/2025 of the United Nations Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, concerning the criminal prosecution of Gulnara Karimova.

The statement emphasizes that the Working Group’s conclusions are based on one-sided information provided by the Source. It notes that Uzbekistan’s official response was not taken into account due to procedural deadlines, which, according to the government, contradicts the principles of objectivity and impartiality that UN bodies are expected to uphold.

The Uzbek government stated that all criminal cases against Gulnara Karimova were initiated and examined in full accordance with national and international legal standards. She was afforded the right to a defense, access to case materials, the ability to appeal court rulings, and confidential communication with her lawyer.

According to the statement, the court decisions in Karimova’s case were issued by competent judicial bodies based on a sufficient body of evidence, covering crimes such as tax evasion, money laundering, unlawful appropriation of property, fraud, and causing financial damage to the state.

The government rejected allegations of arbitrary detention, a so-called “kitchen trial,” and prolonged house arrest. All procedural actions, it stressed, were conducted in strict compliance with the law.

The statement also underscored that the charges were not politically motivated and bore no relation to the defendant’s political status, views, or economic activities. The case was reviewed solely from a legal and evidentiary standpoint.

The government further recalled the establishment of the “Vision 2030” Fund under an agreement with Switzerland, into which assets recovered from criminal proceedings have been transferred. The fund’s resources will be used to support reforms and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

In conclusion, the government reaffirmed its commitment to international human rights obligations and its readiness to cooperate with UN mechanisms, while also asserting its right to defend its reputation in international forums and to disseminate accurate information to relevant stakeholders.