Uzbekistan: Mounting Concerns About Health And Safety Of Imprisoned Karakalpak Activist Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov – OpEd

The Association for Human Rights in Central Asia (AHRCA), International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR), and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee (NHC) are alarmed by reports indicating that the health of imprisoned Karakalpak lawyer, journalist and human rights defender Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov has sharply declined due to his treatment in prison and that prison authorities are now seeking to further isolate him, prompting renewed fears for his health. The organisations call on the Uzbekistani authorities to take prompt steps to safeguard his well-being and safety.

In a video statement published on 8 February 2026, Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov’s sister, Maria Tazhimuratova, highlighted concerns that the defender has endured harsh detention conditions and repeatedly been subjected to physical and psychological pressure during his three years in Prison Colony No. 11 in Navoi Region. According to her, this has resulted in a serious deterioration in his health, including difficulties eating due to persistent illness after meals, significant weight loss (approximately 25 kg since his arrest) and general weakness. In what appears to constitute punitive labour, he has continuously been required to work in hazardous conditions in a lime-processing facility without adequate protective equipment, further undermining his health. In addition, there are concerns that he has not been granted adequate medical assistance. Against this background, Maria Tazhimuratova made a heartfelt plea to the authorities to ensure humane treatment, saying: “We dream of only one thing – that he survives.”

Concerns about Tazhimuratov’s well-being are compounded by reports that prison authorities have initiated his transfer to a stricter, high-security detention regime on the grounds of alleged “systematic” violations of prison rules. Such a move is likely to result in a further deterioration of his detention conditions, including more limited contact with family, further restrictions on access to medical and other services, and increased isolation at a time when his health already appears to be at serious risk.

Tazhimuratov was arrested following the July 2022 events in Karakalpakstan, when authorities harshly suppressed mass protests against proposed constitutional amendments that would have deprived Karakalpakstan of its constitutionally protected status. Tazhimuratov had opposed these amendments and was depicted as a protest leader. In January 2023, he was sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment on politically motivated charges following an unfair trial. His sentence was later upheld unchanged by the Supreme Court.

Tazhimuratov’s case has attracted sustained international concern. In an opinion adopted in November 2024, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that his detention violates international standards and called for his immediate release. In January 2026, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders Mary Lawlor reiterated that call, stating that she was deeply concerned that, more than a year after the Working Group’s opinion was adopted, not only has he not been released, but new allegations of torture and ill-treatment have also emerged. She expressed concern as well that his complaints have gone unanswered. She urged the government to guarantee his safety, investigate all alleged violations without delay, and allow independent international monitors to visit him in prison.

It is also highly worrying that Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov’s family members have reportedly been subjected to pressure, including ongoing surveillance. At the same time, his treatment in prison has caused the family great distress, particularly his mother, who has personally witnessed his declining health and signs of ill-treatment during visits.

Urgent action needed

In light of the reported deterioration of Tazhimuratov’s health and the prospect of further restrictive detention conditions, AHRCA, IPHR and NHC call on the Uzbekistani authorities to take immediate steps to protect his health and safety, in line with their obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention against Torture and other international human rights agreements. This should include releasing him, as called for by UN human rights mechanisms.

Pending Tazhimuratov’s release, the authorities should refrain from transferring him to harsher detention conditions that would increase his isolation and expose him to aggravated health risks and take measures to:

• Ensure that he receives an immediate, independent medical examination and all necessary treatment, including transfer to appropriate medical facilities if required;
• Ensure safe working conditions in line with occupational safety standards, including the provision of adequate protective equipment;
• Guarantee unhindered access to legal counsel and regular contact with family members;
• Promptly, thoroughly and impartially investigate all allegations of torture and ill-treatment and ensure accountability for any abuses found;
• Grant independent international monitors urgent access to him in detention; and
• Ensure that his family members are not subjected to surveillance or any form of intimidation and harassment.