“The stories now we have obtained about severe violence, together with killings, in the course of the protests are very regarding,” stated Excessive Commissioner Michelle Bachelet, whereas calling on authorities to “train utmost restraint”.
Loss of life toll
In keeping with the Prosecutor Normal’s workplace, 18 folks have been killed and 243 injured, together with 94 significantly, in the course of the clashes between protesters and safety forces within the regional capital, Nukus.
However the precise variety of casualties could also be far greater, in keeping with the UN human rights workplace (OHCHR).
Whereas the identities of those that died was not instantly clear, they reportedly suffered bullet wounds to the top and physique.
I urge the authorities to right away open a clear and unbiased investigation – UN rights chief
“To make sure accountability, I urge the authorities to right away open a clear and unbiased investigation into any allegations of legal acts dedicated in that context, together with violations by brokers of the State,” stated Ms. Bachelet.
Protesting to secede
Across the autonomous area, 1000’s protested towards deliberate constitutional modifications that may have stripped the Republic of Karakalpakstan of its constitutional proper to secede, which relies on a nationwide referendum.
The President stated on Saturday these plans could be dropped.
Crushing dissent
After the violence, media reported a heavy army presence within the metropolis, because the Authorities imposed emergency laws, together with a curfew and web shutdown.
The town was reportedly quiet over the weekend and yesterday.
Nevertheless, throughout and after the protests, greater than 500 folks have been detained.
The UN human rights chief expressed concern that one particular person had already been charged and faces as much as 20 years imprisonment “for conspiracy to grab energy or overthrow the constitutional order”.
“Folks shouldn’t be criminalized for exercising their rights,” she stated.
Freedom to assemble peacefully
All detainees ought to have immediate entry to a lawyer, their due course of and honest trial ensures, in keeping with Ms. Bachelet.
“Beneath the Worldwide Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Uzbekistan is a State Get together, everybody has the precise to freedom of expression, peaceable meeting and the precise to take part in public affairs”.
She urged the Authorities to right away restore web entry, stressing that such a ban has an indiscriminate attain and broadly impacts the basic rights to freedom of expression, and entry to info.
The Excessive Commissioner additionally reminded authorities that restrictions beneath emergency regulation should abide by worldwide regulation; be essential, proportionate and non-discriminatory; of a restricted in length; and embrace key safeguards towards excesses.
