OSCE media freedom representative welcomes release of journalists in Uzbekistan, calls on authorities to drop all charges

VIENNA, 7 May – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, welcomed today a decision of the Tashkent City Court to release Uzbek journalists Bobomurod Abdullaev and Khayotkhan Nasriddinov.

“I welcome today's release of Bobomurod Abdullaev and Khayotkhan Nasriddinov in Uzbekistan. This is a very important and eagerly awaited development. All remaining charges must now be dropped,” said Désir.

Bobomurod Abdullaev and Khayotkhan Nasriddinov were being charged with “appeals to violently overthrow of the constitutional order”, based on a series of articles published under the pen name “Usman Haqnazarov”, which had been written by several authors, including the defendants.

Nesriddinov and Abdullaev were freed along with two other defendants. While Abdullaev was sentenced to one and half years of labour and 20 per cent  salary reduction, Nesriddinov and the others were acquitted.

Representative Désir had previously intervened on behalf of both Abdullaev and Nasriddinov, calling on the authorities to release both journalists. See previous statements here: https://www.osce.org/fom/369916; https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/374122; https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/375898.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.