October 4, 2017
The United States applauds the release of journalist Salijon Abdurakhmanov. This is the second release of a long-held prisoner of conscience in Uzbekistan in as many days, following the release yesterday of human rights defender Azam Farmonov. Mr. Abdurakhmanov has been imprisoned since 2008. The United States and international human rights groups have noted his prominent work as a journalist reporting on social and economic justice, corruption, and human rights. We hope that this trend towards greater openness will continue, and that the government of Uzbekistan will address all of its concerns with journalists and activists in a manner consistent with its constitutional and legal requirements. Upholding the rule of law will only strengthen President Mirziyoyev’s demonstrated commitment to upholding international human rights standards in Uzbekistan. We look forward to further progress towards broad political, social, and human rights reforms.
