Michelle Bachelet (UN human rights chief) and the United States demanded Tuesday a quick investigation into the fatal clashes that occurred at the mass protests of Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistani authorities announced Monday that 18 people died during clashes in Karakalpakstan on Friday, following demonstrations over constitutional changes intended to alter the status of the region.
Unrest pitting demonstrators against security forces represented the greatest challenge to President Shavkat mirziyoyev’s rule since his rise to power in 2016 from the position of prime minister, after long-serving mentor Islam Karimov passed away.
The reports that we received regarding serious violence and even killings during the demonstrations were very alarming. Bachelet stated in a statement that he called on authorities to show the utmost restraint.
I urge authorities to open an independent and transparent investigation immediately into all allegations of criminal acts in this context.