MFA clarifies the events in Karakalpakstan and provides more detailed information 

Based on the above, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan decided to clarify the events in Karakalpakstan and provide more detailed and objective information. 

According to the MFA, on July 1-2 this year, an attempt was made in Nukus to undermine the constitutional order, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Under the pretext of protesting against proposals for constitutional amendments submitted for general discussion, a group of malefactors organized violent actions and attempted to seize government buildings by force. 

These illegal actions bore obvious signs of a pre-planned sabotage aimed at inciting separatism, destabilizing and splitting a peaceful, united, democratic country. Under the guise of populist slogans, spreading fake news through mobile communications and the Internet, hostile forces tried to massively involve citizens in anti-constitutional activities. 

In the course of mass pogroms and atrocities, repeated attempts were made to illegally occupy the parliamentary buildings - Jokargy Kenes, the Nukus police department and the National Guard Department. Firearms of law enforcement officers were seized, arson was carried out everywhere. Public and personal properties were destroyed, which caused significant damage to city infrastructure. 

In addition, 107 law enforcement officers were seriously injured during the attacks, 23 of them are in serious condition. A total of 270 government officials received injuries of varying severity. 

The cruelty of the rioters’ actions was the result of the provocations of a group of people who manipulated the minds of people, and cannot be qualified as peaceful demonstrations of citizens. As a result of these illegal actions, 18 people died. It is noted that among the active participants in the attacks, the vast majority were people in a state of drug and alcohol intoxication. 

“The government of Uzbekistan strongly condemns any illegal actions aimed at seizing power by force, promoting separatist ideas, inciting hatred, calling for riots and violence. Thanks to the measures taken and adequate actions of law enforcement agencies, illegal actions were stopped,” the Foreign Ministry said. 

Currently, investigative measures are being taken on the events in Karakalpakstan. It is emphasized that, as a party to international human rights treaties, Uzbekistan is committed to fully complying with the principles of a transparent, independent and impartial investigation, as well as ensuring the guarantee of due process and a fair trial. The results of the investigation will be brought to the attention of the relevant international organizations. 

All actions taken by the government of Uzbekistan to stabilize the situation in Karakalpakstan are carried out within the framework of the legal field. They are aimed, first of all, at preventing a threat to life and health of people. At present, mobile communications are fully operational in the territory of Karakalpakstan. Electricity, gas and water supplies have been provided as usual. The relevant state bodies of Uzbekistan inform the public on a daily basis about the current situation in Karakalpakstan. 

“In this regard, statements regarding the lack of access to information are groundless,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. 

The department stated that no forces are able to prevent the Republic of Uzbekistan from consistently continuing the course of democratic reforms and confidently moving towards building and strengthening a humane, legal and social state that cares about the honor and dignity, well-being and interests of every citizen.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan calls on all mass media and human rights organizations to approach the events in Karakalpakstan objectively, avoiding hasty conclusions and unilateral statements based on various unreliable sources.

“The Republic of Uzbekistan remains committed to open dialogue and interaction with the international community, including in matters of protecting legitimate interests, human rights and freedoms,” the MFA concluded.