Uzbekistan intends to replace St George Ribbon with tapes featuring national flag

Today, April 24, Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov spoke about the issue of celebrating the Day of Memory and Honor in high spirits. 

According to Kun.uz source, the Prime Minister criticized the St George Ribbon and objected to the popularity of such tapes.

He has given tasks to arrange challenges on the Facebook social networks featuring the flag of Uzbekistan, to involve the popular Uzbek performers, athletes, comedians and intellects in the event, in general, to make use of a wide range of propaganda tools.

According to the Prime Minister's order, 100 thousand samples of the national flag will be distributed.

“This should not be a formal event, but it should be a campaign to unite the nation faithfully,” Abdulla Aripov said.

It is noteworthy that some people wear black and yellow strap on their chests to hail May 9, decorate cars with such ribbons.

As noted, such ribbons are not related to the Second World War, and especially to the Uzbek national traditions.

Earlier, the Tashkent city department of Internal Affairs rejected reports about conducting the “Immortal regiment” campaign in the capital.

“The Day of Memory and Honor celebrated on May 9 is an official holiday in our country. On this day, officers of the Department of Internal Affairs will be performing duties all over the city. At the same time, ceremonies of laying wreaths will take place at memorial complexes,” the statement reads.

The Ministry of Justice also warned that a violation of the rules for organizing meetings, rallies, street protests, or demonstrations may result in imprisonment for up to 15 days.

“If the organizer of the campaign had previously been brought to administrative responsibility for the same action, then that person would be prosecuted. The maximum penalty is three years' imprisonment.”

In addition, provision of premises or other property (communication devices, multiplying and other technical equipment, transport) to other participants of unsanctioned meetings, street rallies and demonstrations, creating other conditions for conducting such events will be penalized up to 20 million 273 thousand soums for individuals and 30 million 409 thousand soums – for responsible executives,” the report reads.