Nov. 7 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The NGO Human Right Watch (HRW) has accused Uzbekistan’s security forces on Monday of unjustifiably using lethal force to disperse demonstrators during protests in early July this year.
Responses reportedly given by security forces include the inappropriate use of small arms and various types of grenades, as well as weapons that can cause serious injury and death when used recklessly.
According to data collected by the organization, at least 21 people died, including four law enforcement officers, and more than 270 were injured.
For this reason, HRW has called on the Government of Uzbekistan to initiate an “independent investigation” that includes the conduct of the security forces during the protests and that it “urgently” review the use of certain categories of grenades.
“Many people were killed and hundreds were injured, some with the most horrific injuries, in Karakalpakstan in July,” said Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch.
“Uzbekistan owes it to the victims to properly investigate how this happened and hold those responsible for grave violations accountable,” he added.
Through independent medical analysis of visual evidence, the NGO has identified seven cases in which people suffered, and likely died from, severe tissue damage that was highly consistent with trauma caused by explosives.
Separately, it has analyzed two types of significantly heavier projected grenades, some of which were manufactured in Bulgaria. Used during protests they can cause serious injury or even death.
“Uzbekistan has an obligation to respect the rights of peaceful assembly and expression, including ensuring that its security forces are trained and equipped to control demonstrations while respecting rights. The inappropriate use of small arms and grenades violates a number of international obligations of human rights in Uzbekistan,” HRW said in a statement.
Likewise, he has stressed that “the basic principles” on the use of force and firearms of the UN establish that the security forces must “apply non-violent means before resorting to the use of force and firearms” , as well as always use the minimum necessary force.
“The government’s response to the events of July is proof of whether Uzbekistan has turned the page and truly intends to respect human rights and the rule of law,” said Williamson.
“You should not shy away from bringing to justice the security force personnel responsible for the deaths and injuries of so many people,” he added.
