Uzbek Authorities Must Release Human Rights Activist After Allegations Of Police Abuse And Extortion Charges

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Uzbek authorities should release human rights activist Javokhir Muminov, who is accused of extortion, and investigate his claims of police abuse during custody, according to Human Rights Watch. Muminov, 34, alleged that police officers beat and suffocated him after his arrest in June 2026, the organization said.

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Muminov, a member of the Ezgulik Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan, has documented rights violations and corruption in his home region of Kashkadarya. His arrest followed efforts to support Diura Akbarov, a local resident who was injured by bailiffs in 2025. On June 5, 2026, police arrested Muminov, Akbarov, and Akbarov’s wife on charges of “extortion on an especially large scale,” which carries a maximum 15-year sentence.

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The case against Muminov is complicated by conflicting allegations. Akbarov’s lawyer reported that two bailiffs accused the three of extorting 220 million Uzbek soum (about $18,000). However, one bailiff had previously transferred 50 million Uzbek soum ($4,100) to Akbarov’s wife to cover medical expenses for injuries Akbarov sustained in 2025.

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Human Rights Watch highlighted that the criminal investigation into Muminov “resembles a darker time in Uzbekistan’s history.” The organization urged authorities to release Muminov, investigate his abuse claims, and provide medical care. It also criticized the pretrial detention of the three individuals, calling it “arbitrary” under international human rights norms.

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Muminov’s lawyer, Lazizjon Sharipov, reported being physically assaulted by prison officials during a June 10 meeting with his client. Sharipov said officers demanded he leave his phone in their office, which he refused. An officer then “forcibly grabbed his left arm, twisting it behind his back” and bruised him, Sharipov told Human Rights Watch. He later filed a complaint about Muminov’s alleged mistreatment.

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Muminov’s lawyer confirmed that no forensic medical examination has been conducted on his client despite his claims of suffocation and beatings. Human Rights Watch noted that Uzbekistan, a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, must ensure no one is detained without charge. The organization argued that the “non-violent nature of the alleged offense” and lack of charges make pretrial detention unjustified.

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What are the legal implications of Uzbekistan’s actions?
Uzbekistan’s legal framework prohibits arbitrary detention, but the country has faced repeated criticism for restricting civil liberties. In 2025, a junior bailiff was convicted of intentionally causing bodily harm to Akbarov, while a senior official avoided charges. Human Rights Watch suggested the senior bailiff may have falsely accused Muminov and others to retaliate.

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What is Human Rights Watch’s stance on the case?
Mihra Rittmann, a senior Central Asia adviser at Human Rights Watch, stated the case “reflects systemic issues in Uzbekistan’s justice system.” The organization called on Uzbek authorities to “immediately release Muminov” and ensure his safety if detained. It also urged international partners, including the European Union and the United Kingdom, to pressure Uzbekistan to uphold human rights standards.

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What is the broader context of activism in Uzbekistan?
Ezgulik, one of Uzbekistan’s oldest human rights groups, has long criticized government actions. Muminov’s work on corruption and police abuse in Kashkadarya aligns with the organization’s mission. His arrest follows a pattern of detaining activists, according to international observers. In 2023, Uzbek authorities banned several NGOs, citing legal violations.

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What are the next steps for Muminov’s case?
The Karshi city Prosecutor’s Office has not publicly addressed Muminov’s allegations. Sharipov’s second complaint about his client’s mistreatment remains unresolved. Human Rights Watch emphasized that “the accused should be released” and that Muminov’s rights must be protected. The case underscores ongoing tensions between Uzbek authorities and human rights advocates.

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“This criminal investigation into Javokhir Muminov, coupled with his allegations of abuse, is reminiscent of a much darker time in Uzbekistan’s history,” said Mihra Rittmann, senior Central Asia adviser at Human Rights Watch. “The authorities should immediately release Muminov, investigate his allegations of ill-treatment, and ensure that he is provided urgent and adequate medical care.”

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“Uzbek authorities should also promptly investigate Muminov’s allegations of ill-treatment with a view to holding the perpetrators responsible, and guarantee his safety should he remain in detention for any period,” Rittmann said.

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“Although Sharipov asked officials to provide Muminov with a forensic medical examination, he is not aware of any steps taken by the Prosecutor’s Office to investigate Muminov’s complaint or ensure his security in detention,” a lawyer told Human Rights Watch.