The United States welcomes the release of journalist and activist Dilmurod Saidov, who was sentenced in 2009 for 12 years for bribery and other criminal charges. He always insisted on his innocence. We congratulate President Mirziyoyev for releasing dozens of prisoners of conscience since assuming the presidency in September 2016. He also has taken important steps to reform rule of law. The United States looks forward to the release of all prisoners of conscience who remain in custody awaiting justice, the full restoration of rights of those released and other improvements in the rule of law for all citizens.
