Parliamentary commission to investigate the events in Karakalpakstan

The Legislative Chamber and the Senate of Oliy Majlis decided to form a commission to conduct an independent investigation into the events of Karakalpakstan. The corresponding decision was taken at the joint meeting of the councils of both chambers today, July 15.

The composition of the commission and the charter of the commission were also approved by the decision. The commission includes representatives of the Oliy Majlis and people’s deputies, heads and employees of non-governmental, non-commercial and public organizations. The list of commission members was not disclosed in the official report.

The appeal of the Ombudsman of Oliy Majlis on ensuring human rights and freedoms in the Republic of Karakalpakstan was considered at the meeting. Eshmatova will head the established commission.

The results of the investigation will be communicated to the public of Uzbekistan and the world community, the Senate press service said.

It should be recalled that on June 25, the draft law on the improvement of the Constitution of Uzbekistan was discussed. The proposals regarding Karakalpakstan, included in the project, were perceived differently in the Karakalpak community. On July 1-2, public demonstrations and riots took place in the city of Nukus. As a result, according to the authorities, 18 people, including 4 soldiers, were killed, and 243 people (including 38 law enforcement officers) were injured.

After these events, the corresponding articles of the Constitution regarding Karakalpakstan were left unchanged. A criminal case under the article of encroachment on the constitutional system was initiated in connection with the situation. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev assigned a fair legal assessment of the actions of all participants in the riots.