Additional Name(s): Azimjon Avaz ogli Abdusamatov

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Uzbekistan

Religion or Belief: Muslim – Sunni

Reports of Torture: Yes

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Sentence: 6 Years, 3 Months' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: August/14/2020

Current Status: Not Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Discussing Religion & Religious Texts Giving, Sharing, & Listening to a Religious Speech Online Activity Religious Activity

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism Treason & Sedition

Azimjon Abdusamatov

Extra Bio Info:

Azimjon Abdusamatov is imprisoned for discussing his religion on social media.

In-between August and October 2019, authorities originally arrested Abdusamatov alongside seven others for allegedly downloading “extremist sermons” and other religious extremism-related offenses. They were then reportedly tortured at the Interior Ministry building. Abdusamatov was charged but released on bail. 

On August 14, 2020, Abdusamatov was arrested again in the courtroom immediately after his trial ended. He was sentenced to six years and three months in a labor camp in Tashkent for “attempts to overthrow the constitutional order” (Arts. 159) and "creation, management, and participation in religious extremist, separatist, fundamentalist, or other banned organizations" (Art. 244-2 UCC). 

Related Cases: Ubaydulla Murtazoyev, Shakhzodjon Zokirov, Alisher Kasymov, Bakhtiyor Tursunov

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