Uzbekistan: Expanded Inquiry In Suspicious Death Welcome

Samandar Umarov, 35, died in Uzbekistan's Novoiy prison on January 2, 2005 under suspicious circumstances. His family has reported that his body showed signs of torture.

The expanded inquiry into Umarov's death follows separate initial investigations by the prosecutor of the Navoiy region and Uzbekistan's interior ministry. According to news reports, the Navoiy regional forensic department said Umarov died of a brain hemorrhage.

Freedom House has helped facilitate the broader investigation, which will include Uzbek human rights activists and international forensic and criminal experts. The embassies of the United States, Poland, and Switzerland will monitor the process.

"This case represents an important opportunity for the Uzbek authorities to advance the rule of law and human rights," said Freedom House Executive Director Jennifer Windsor. "The Uzbek government should address this case in an open and transparent manner and with the full participation of Uzbek civil society throughout the entire process."

Two independent Uzbek human rights defenders -- Mr. Abdusalom Ergashev, a specialist on religious rights, and Mr. Vakhid Karimov, a medical doctor -- will take part in the investigation. The observation team will also include Ronald Suarez, the chief medical examiner of Morris County, New Jersey, and Drago Kos, a criminal investigator from Slovenia and chairman of the Anti-corruption Commission of the Council of Europe.

The observers and the government of Uzbekistan have agreed to publicly release the results of the investigation early next week in a joint press conference that will include Uzbek officials, Uzbek civil society representatives, and international observers.

Additional background on Uzbekistan is available on the Freedom House website:

Freedom in the World: Uzbekistan

Nations in Transit: Uzbekistan

Countries at the Crossroads: Uzbekistan