TASHKENT: Uzbekistan has strongly rejected as unfounded insinuations made by some mass media and human rights organizations about the alleged use of force in Nukus, the capital of Karakalpakstan, calling upon them to assess the events objectively and avoid hasty conclusions and unilateral statements.
Clarifying the events that took place in Nukus, The Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan in a statement said On July 1-2, 2022, an attempt was made in the area to undermine the constitutional order, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Under the pretext of protesting against the proposals for constitutional amendments submitted for public discussion, a group of malefactors organized violent actions, clashes and attempts to forcibly seize buildings of state authorities.
The Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan said these illegal actions bore obvious signs of a pre-planned sabotage aimed at fomenting separatism, destabilizing and splitting a peaceful, united, democratic country.
The foreign ministry further stated that during the mass pogroms and outrages, repeated attempts were made to storm the buildings of the Jokargy Kenes (parliament), police Department of Nukus city, National Guard Department; firearms and hostages from among law enforcement officers were seized; arson, damage and destruction of state, public and personal property were carried out everywhere, significant damage was done to the infrastructure of the city.
In addition, 107 law enforcement officers were seriously injured during the attacks, 23 of them are in serious condition. A total of 270 employees of state bodies received injuries of varying severity.
The Foreign Ministry said that the brutality of the actions of the rioters was the result of the provocative actions of a group of people who manipulated people’s minds, and cannot be qualified as peaceful demonstrations of citizens.
The statement read that the Government of Uzbekistan strongly condemns any illegal actions aimed at forcible seizure of power, propaganda of separatist ideas, incitement to hatred, calls for mass riots and violence.
The Foreign Ministry said investigative measures are currently underway on the events in Karakalpakstan. As a party to international human rights treaties, Uzbekistan is committed to full compliance with the principles of transparent, independent and impartial investigation, as well as ensuring guarantees of due process and fair trial. The results of the investigation will be brought to the attention of the relevant international organizations.
The Foreign Ministry stressed that all actions taken by the Government of Uzbekistan to stabilize the situation in Karakalpakstan are carried out within the legal framework and are primarily aimed at preventing threats to human life and health.
“Currently, mobile communications are fully operational on the territory of Karakalpakstan, grocery stores, markets, bakeries, banks, hospitals and other social facilities are functioning. Electricity, gas and water are supplied in normal mode,” added the Uzbek Foreign Ministry.
The relevant State bodies of Uzbekistan inform the public on a daily basis about the current situation in Karakalpakstan. In this regard, statements about the lack of access to information are groundless.
The Foreign Ministry categorically stated that no forces can prevent the Republic of Uzbekistan from consistently continuing the course of democratic reforms and confidently moving towards building and strengthening a humane, legal and social state that cares about the honor and dignity, well-being and interests of every citizen.
The Foreign Ministry said Uzbekistan remains committed to open dialogue and interaction with the international community, including in matters of protecting legitimate human interests, rights and freedoms.
