The International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
President Karimov
700163 g. Tashkent,
ul. Uzbekistanskaia, 43,
Prezidentu Respubliki Uzbekistan Karimovu I.A.,
Uzbekistan
23rd March 2007
Harassment and intimidation of prominent human rights defender Elena Urlaeva
Dear President Kamirov,
Front Line is extremely concerned by reports received in relation to the harassment and
intimidation of prominent human rights defender Elena Urlaeva, Chairwoman of the
Human Rights Alliance of Uzbekistan, who was again detained all day on 21 March
2007. She was reportedly hit by police officers when she was taken to the police station
for attempting to attend a protest.
On 21 March 2007, human rights defenders had planned to hold a rally on Hadra Square,
outside the Tashkent Circus, as part of the ‘White Action’ activities that the Birdamlik
movement has been attempting to organise. This rally was aimed at promoting the rights
and interests of disabled people. Police and national security officers had been keeping
the home of Elena Urlaeva under surveillance since 20 March. Elena Urlaeva attempted
to leave her home on 21 March at approximately 4.30 am but her door had been blocked
by heavy metal objects. At approximately 11.00 am Elena Urlaeva again attempted to
leave her home but was immediately seized by police officers who reportedly beat her up,
forced her into a car and brought her to a police station in the Mirzo-Ulugbek district of
Tashkent. According to reports, Elena Urlaeva was held by the head of the Tashkent
main city police department’s directorate for fighting terrorism, Farmon Aydarov, and his
deputy, Nodyr, who allegedly hit her in the stomach. She informed the officers that she
did not feel well and that her blood pressure was high but they refused to provide her
with medical treatment.
Approximately ten other persons who attempted to protest were also taken to the police
station where they were kept all day.
Previously, on 8 March 2007, International Women’s Day, the Birdamlik movement had
planned to hold a so-called ‘White Action’ protest against the detention of Mutabar
Tadjibaeva, Umida Niyazova and Gulbahor Turaeva. One hundred members of the
Birdamlik movement were due to congregate near the Peoples’ Friendship Palace in
Tashkent but were prevented from leaving their houses by the authorities who had been
notified of their intention to demonstrate. Elena Urlaeva was the only person to
successfully take part in the event by dressing as a man so the authorities would not
recognise her as she was leaving her house. She was immediately detained upon arrival
at the designated location by police officers who reportedly hit her in the stomach and
tried to remove the white scarf she wore to represent her solidarity with the women
human rights defenders in prison. She was released shortly afterwards, and due to the
presence of diplomats and journalists was able to stand in protest for approximately an
hour. It has also been reported that Rasul Tadjibaev, brother of Mutabar Tadjibaeva was
also detained on 8 March to prevent him from participating in the protest.
Front Line believes that Elena Urlaeva and members of the Birdamlik movement were
prevented from protesting in a bid to prevent them from promoting international
awareness of human rights violations committed by the authorities within Uzbekistan.
Front Line urges the authorities in Uzbekistan to:
1. Carry out an independent, thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged
ill-treatment of Mutabar Tadjibaeva and Umida Niyazova who are both currently
in prison and into the violence against Elena Urlaeva which was allegedly
perpetrated by the police;
2. Release all human rights defenders, in particular those unjustly detained in
solitary confinement as a result of their legitimate work for human rights;
3. Take measures to ensure that all human rights defenders in Uzbekistan, carrying
out their legitimate work in human rights, are able to operate free of all
restrictions and harassment.
Front Line respectfully reminds you that the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defend-
ers, adopted by consensus by the UN General Assembly on 9 December 1998, recognises
the legitimacy of the activities of human rights defenders and their right to carry out their
activities without fear of reprisals. We would particularly draw attention to Article 5:
‘For the purpose of promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, everyone
has the right, individually and in association with others, at the national and international levels:
(a) To meet or assemble peacefully; (b) To form, join and participate in non-governmental orga-
nizations, associations or groups’, and Article 12 (2): ‘The State shall take all necessary measures
to ensure the protection by the competent authorities of everyone, individually and in association
with others, against any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse discrimination,
pressure or any other arbitrary action as a consequence of his or her legitimate exercise of the
rights referred to in the present Declaration.’
Yours sincerely,
Mary Lawlor
Director