Choriev’s supporters attacked in Qarshi are on trial

Elena Urlaeva, the leader of Uzbekistan’s Human Rights Alliance, and Malokhat Eshankulova, a representative of “Birdamlik” opposition movement, are charged in accordance to Part 1 of Article 201 of the Administrative Code.

The same charges were also filed against the relatives of Khosan Choriev, who was arrested on June 17 and charged with rape.

In accordance with these charges of “failure to properly organize a meeting, gathering, a street march or demonstration” those participating in the protest may be fined an amount equal

to 60-80 minimum monthly wages, or be imprisoned for 15 days.

Since July 4 Urlaeva and Eshankulova have been at Shakhrisabz hospital, treated for injuries from the beating they suffered, together with Choriev’s family members, on July 3 when they attempted to stage a protest in front of the regional prosecutor’s office demanding Khosan Choriev’s release. They were attacked and beaten by a group of women hired by the authorities. The woman also robbed them and tore their clothes.

The Qarshi police did not allow Urlaeva and Eshankulova to finish their medical treatment in hospital. Late afternoon on July 4 they were taken to the city’s police headquarters in Qarshi, where some of the items stolen were returned.

“My laptop is in good condition, but Elena Urlaeva’s camera was returned completely broken”, says Eshankulova.

At the same time, cash and expensive items like gold earrings were stolen, and never returned to the protesters.

Then the protesters were told a lie – they were told that they would be taken back to Shakhrisabz – but instead they were taken by a police escort to the Qarshi city criminal court.

Even though it was 9 o’clock at night, everything was set up for a quick trial. Only their demand for a defense lawyer delayed the trial off till Saturday.

The human rights activists are in shock over the order of business in Kashkadarya region.

“We were beaten and robbed, and now they want to fine us—that’s over the top,” says Urlaeva.

Urlaeva managed to leave for Tashkent early this morning, but the rest of the protesters are being watched by the police until the trial.

Uznews.net