UZBEKISTAN: ACTIVIST REPORTS ON KILLING OF AKROMIYIST;

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 06 TASHKENT 000003

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SUBJECT: UZBEKISTAN: ACTIVIST REPORTS ON KILLING OF AKROMIYIST;
ANDIJON

REFUGEES


REF: a) 08 TASHKENT 155; 08 TASHKENT 1505; 08 TASHKENT 898

CLASSIFIED BY: Richard Fitzmaurice, Poloff; REASON: 1.4(B),(D)


1. (C) Summary: An Andijon-based human rights activist recently

reported the killing by law enforcement officials of a young member
of "Akromiya," a religious-business organization whose members were
at the center of the 2005 Andijon events. The activist
specifically requested that the United States not report the
killing publicly, fearing that the information will be traced back
to him. During a series of recent meetings, the activist also
reported that authorities have retaliated against his imprisoned
son for his human rights activism; shared his belief that
Andijon-based Imam Nematjon Parpiev, who disappeared in September
1997, had died in an Uzbek prison; described Andijon as "an
occupied city" ruled by outsiders; provided information on the
treatment of Andijon refugees who have returned to Uzbekistan;
shared his recollections from the 2005 Andijon events; and thanked
the Ambassador for his human rights advocacy and assistance to
human rights defenders. While it is impossible to verify the
killing of the Akromiyist, we believe the report is credible. The
activist's information on Andijon refugees also calls into question
reports by Human Rights Watch and others that such refugees and
their family members continue to face systematic persecution. End
summary.



ANDIJON-BASED ACTIVIST REPORTS ON AKROMIYIST KILLING

-------------- --------------




2. (C) On December 19, Andijon-based human rights activist
Saidjahon Zaynabiddinov reported that law enforcement officials in
Andijon beat to death Khoshimjon Kadirov, a young member of the
"Akromiya" business-religious organization (Note: Some independent
religious experts maintain that Akromiya, whose roots lie in the
Ferghana Valley, is an informal association promoting business
along Islamic religious principles, while the government claimed
that it was a branch of the banned religious extremist organization
Hizb ut-Tahrir. The imprisonment of 23 businessmen with links to
Akromiya sparked the violent Andijon events in 2005. End note.)
According to Zaynabiddinov, Kadirov was arrested at his home by
Andijon police on October 15. Kadirov had reportedly been on a
wanted list since 2005, but Zaynabiddinov remarked that Kadirov had
been hiding "in plain sight" and claimed authorities knew of his
location for some time. On October 25, Kadirov was transferred to
the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) in Tashkent, where officers
allegedly beat him to death. Zaynabiddinov attended Kadirov's
funeral on November 11, where relatives reportedly informed him
about the incident.




3. (C) According to Zaynabiddinov, two of Kadirov's brothers,
Khakimjon and Khotamjon Kadirov - were imprisoned in 2005 and are
currently being held at a prison in Navoi province. Another one
of Kadirov's brothers, Rakhimjon Kadirov, has been granted
political asylum in the United States and is currently residing in
Idaho. Zaynabiddinov gave poloff a phone number in Idaho where the
brother could be contacted and suggested that the brother might
know more details about the case.




4. (C) Zaynabiddinov specifically requested that the United States
make no public comment regarding Kadirov's killing, as he feared
that Uzbek authorities would trace the report back to him and

TASHKENT 00000003 002 OF 006


REFUGEES


possibly retaliate against him or his imprisoned son (see para 5)

.




AUTHORITIES RETALIATED AGAINST IMPRISONED SON

--------------




5. (C) Zaynabiddinov admitted that his son, Ilkhom Zaynabiddinov,
was engaged in illegal activities and was rightfully convicted of
forgery and imprisoned a few years ago. Zaynabiddinov, however,
argued that authorities have retaliated against his imprisoned son
for his human rights work, treating the son "almost like a
hostage." Ilkhom finished half of his sentence in October and, in
accordance with Uzbek law, was transferred from a maximum security
prison in Tashkent to a minimum security prison in Chirchiq in
Tashkent province. On December 16, Zaynabiddinov met with Vitaliy
Pomerov - a researcher for the Memorial Human Rights Group in
Moscow - in Kyrgyzstan to discuss a case in which a large number of
Hizb ut-Tahrir (HT) members from Osh province, including 15 women,
were reportedly convicted by Kyrgyz authorities for involvement in
a riot and received long prison sentences. Two days later, Ilkhom
was charged with violating internal prison violations and was
temporarily transferred back to a maximum security prison in
Tashkent. Ilkhom was accused of using a cell phone, in
contravention of prison regulations. According to Zaynabiddinov,
most prisoners at the Chirchiq facility use cell phones and are
normally not punished by prison authorities. Zaynabiddinov
believed the transfer was temporary and that his son would be
returned to Chirchiq soon. He also reported that he was in good
health.




6. (C) Similarly, Zaynabiddinov reported that Ilkhom was beaten in
prison by inmates in March 2007 shortly before Zaynabiddinov (who
himself was imprisoned at the time) was scheduled to meet with a
European Union delegation. Zaynabiddinov believed the incident was
arranged by prison authorities and was intended to send him a clear
signal not to criticize Uzbek authorities in front of the EU
delegation, which he refrained from doing. "Things do not happen
in Uzbek prisons at random, there is always a reason," he remarked.





7. (C) In contrast, Zaynabiddinov reported that he was treated
well by Uzbek authorities during his own imprisonment and suffered
no physical or mental abuse. He was originally sentenced to seven
years' imprisonment in
January 2006 for extremist activity in connection with the
May 2005 Andijon events. Zaynabiddinov was one of the few
activists in Andijon to provide up-to-the minute reporting on the
events as they unfolded. In the days after the Andijon events,
Zaynabiddinov gave dozens of interviews to the international press
and others, accusing Uzbek forces of shooting unarmed protesters.
He was amnestied and released from prison on February 2, 2008 (ref
A).



SHARES BELIEF THAT IMAM PARPIEV DIED IN PRISON

-------------- -

TASHKENT 00000003 003 OF 006


REFUGEES



8. (C) Zaynabiddinov shared his belief that Andijon-based Imam
Nematjon Parpiev, who disappeared in September 1997, had died in an
Uzbek prison. Zaynabiddinov explained that while he was imprisoned
in 2006, he inquired about Parpiev and was reportedly told by a
prison guard that the Imam was imprisoned and was severely ill and
would likely die soon. Parpiev was the former assistant of Imam
Mirzoev, who disappeared with another assistant, Ramazanbek
Matkariomv, while attempting to travel from Tashkent to Moscow for
an international conference in 2005. After Mirzoev's
disappearance, his mosque in Andijon was labeled "Wahhabi" and
closed by authorities.



DESCRIBES ANDIJON AS AN "OCCUPIED CITY"

--------------




9. (C) In a series of discussions this past fall with poloff,
Zaynabiddinov frequently described the current atmosphere in
Andijon as one of "an occupied city," noting that many of its
high-level officials come from outside Andijon province. It is not
unusual for President Karimov to appoint hokims (provincial
governors) who come from different provinces (presumably to weaken
the influence of regional clan affiliations). However, in contrast
with other provinces, Zaynabiddinov observed that almost no
high-level officials in Andijon actually come from Andijon
province, a situation he said was highly resented by local
residents. Nevertheless, he downplayed the possibility of another
violent uprising in Andijon, observing that while residents were
unhappy, Andijon was "not a ticking time bomb." He also explained
that many residents were still cowed by the memories of the 2005
events and the subsequent government crackdown and were afraid to
participate in activities that could be deemed
"anti-constitutional." He observed that authorities have kept such
a tight lid on Andijon province that there actually has been a
decline in perceptible corruption. However, he also noted that
residents were angered this fall after Uzbek border guards shot
several residents who smuggled goods from neighboring Kyrgyzstan.



PROVIDES INFORMATION ON ANDIJON "RETURNEES"
--------------




10. (C) Zaynabiddinov reported speaking with several individuals
who had fled abroad following the Andijon events, including to the
United States, and who had subsequently returned to the city. He
estimated that there were roughly 50 such returnees in Andijon. He
noted that most of the former refugees regretted returning to
Andijon, not because they faced political persecution, but because
they gave up economic opportunities they had abroad. Many of the
former refugees reportedly have been unable to find employment in
Andijon because employers are wary to be associated with them.
However, Zaynabiddinov also noted that authorities in some
instances have provided jobs to returnees. The returnees also
remain under the watchful eye of Andijon authorities and must
report on their activities to the police twice a month and have
been warned not to congregate together in large groups. He noted
that authorities had opened criminal investigations against two of
the returnees, but later dropped the charges. Otherwise,
Zaynabiddinov said he was unable to find any evidence that

TASHKENT 00000003 004 OF 006


REFUGEES


returnees had been imprisoned, mistreated, or persecuted by local


authorities.




11. (C) When asked why the individuals decided to return to
Uzbekistan, Zaynabiddinov explained that it was mostly due to
cultural factors, observing that it was difficult for Uzbeks, who
typically come from very tight-knit families, to remain abroad away
from their relatives for long periods of time. Zaynabiddinov was
also told by some of the refugees that Uzbek authorities had
reached out to them through their Embassies abroad and offered them
safe passage back to Uzbekistan. The Uzbek authorities reportedly
promised the refugees that they would not be prosecuted unless
evidence emerged that they had borne weapons during the Andijon
events and that they would be provided with economic assistance.
Zaynabiddinov also reported that authorities in Andijon have
provided periodic economic assistance to families who had lost
relatives during the Andijon events.




12. (C) In some cases, Zaynabiddinov reported that Mahalla
(neighborhood committee) leaders have used non-violent pressure
tactics against family members to encourage refugees to return
home, such as by withholding government rations of cooking oil and
flour. Zaynabiddinov was careful to note this was not direct
physical pressure, but indirect moral pressure. Zaynabiddinov also
observed that the harassment of Andijon refugees and their families
has been exaggerated by some individuals seeking to acquire
political asylum abroad. "There are many who attempt to use the
Andijon events for their own ends," Zaynabiddinov noted.



SHARES RECOLLECTIONS FROM ANDIJON EVENTS AND AFTERMATH

-------------- --------------




13. (C) Zaynabiddinov shared his recollection of the 2005 Andijon
events and subsequent government crackdown. He estimated that
about 2,000 Andijon residents had gathered on Andijon's main square
on May 13, 2005, before Uzbek government authorities opened fire on
them, killing about 500 (Note: This number is higher than 178 dead
reported by Uzbek authorities, but also less than reported by other
human rights activists. End note.) He also estimated that over
500 persons were detained by Uzbek authorities in the subsequent
crackdown, with over three hundred of them being later imprisoned.
He reported being told by an Uzbek Prosecutor in December 2005 that
256 persons had already been convicted and imprisoned for
participation in the events. He also reported that at least 50
other individuals who fled to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan after the
events were later forcibly returned and imprisoned in Uzbekistan in
2005 and 2006.



THANKS AMBASSADOR FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY AND ASSISTANCE

-------------- --------------




14. (C) On November 20, the Ambassador met with Zaynabiddinov and
his colleague Anvar Numanov, a member of the of the Ezgulik human
rights group in Andijon. As the two explained, Zaynabiddinov hid

TASHKENT 00000003 005 OF 006


REFUGEES


in Numanov's home for some time after the Andijon events in 2005.


Zaynabiddinov thanked the Ambassador for his human rights advocacy,
which he credited with the decision by Uzbek authorities to release
him from prison in early 2008. He also thanked the Embassy for the
assistance he had received since his release from prison, noting
that he had been recently given a Democracy Commission grant to
monitor human rights in Andijon, including investigating the
welfare of Andijon refugees. He explained that he was still
attempting to register a local branch of the Ezgulik human rights
group in Andijon province, noting that Andijon authorities have yet
to make a final decision on an application for registration that
he had submitted in October (Note: While Ezgulik is registered at
the national level, its local branch in Andijon remains
unregistered. End note).



COMMENT

--------------




15. (C) While it is impossible for us to verify Zaynabiddinov's
information on the killing of the Akromiyist, we believe it is
credible. Zaynabiddinov has long been a reliable Embassy contact
and his reporting tends to be more balanced and less sensational
than that of other Uzbek human rights activists. If true,
Kadirov's killing suggests that a campaign against Akromiyists and
other persons suspected of involvement in the 2005 Andijon events
still continues on some level. Whether such a campaign is
state-directed is unclear. The report that Kadirov was transferred
from Andijon to Tashkent suggests that more than just Andijon-level
officials were involved in his arrest, but it is also possible that
Akromiyists are simply easy targets for police officers and MVD
officials seeking to fulfill arrest quotas and prove to their
superiors that they are taking a tough stance against alleged
terrorists.




16. (C) Zaynabiddinov's information suggests that Andijon refugees
who have returned to Uzbekistan face less severe persecution than
alleged by international human rights groups, including Human
Rights Watch, which released a report on Andijon refugees in the
spring of 2008. Human Rights Watch conducted its research for the
report entirely by speaking with Andijon refugees in southern
Kyrgyzstan and did not speak with individuals currently in Andijon.
While Human Rights Watch, whose Tashkent office director was denied
accreditation this year, can hardly be faulted for having limited
access to individuals in Uzbekistan, information provided by
refugees needs to be viewed critically. As Zaynabiddinov himself
noted, it is not out of the realm of possibility that some of these
individuals are economic refugees who are exaggerating reports of
persecution in a bid to receive political asylum in third
countries. We will continue to follow the situation in Andijon as
closely as possible. We remain concerned not only about the
treatment of Andijon refugees who return to Uzbekistan, but also
about the government's continued attempts to convince third
countries, including Kyrgyzstan and Russia, to extradite Uzbek
citizens, including some who have applied or have attempted to
apply for political asylum (ref B and C). Individuals who have
been forcibly returned to Uzbekistan, rather than those who
voluntarily returned to Andijon, are more likely to endure
mistreatment and denial of due process upon their return.
Andijon-related matters remain high on the list of bilateral issues
that need to be discussed between senior U.S. and Uzbek civilian
officials early in the new U.S. Presidential Administration.

TASHKENT 00000003 006 OF 006


REFUGEES



1. (C) Summary: An Andijon-based human rights activist recently

reported the killing by law enforcement officials of a young member
of "Akromiya," a religious-business organization whose members were
at the center of the 2005 Andijon events. The activist
specifically requested that the United States not report the
killing publicly, fearing that the information will be traced back
to him. During a series of recent meetings, the activist also
reported that authorities have retaliated against his imprisoned
son for his human rights activism; shared his belief that
Andijon-based Imam Nematjon Parpiev, who disappeared in September
1997, had died in an Uzbek prison; described Andijon as "an
occupied city" ruled by outsiders; provided information on the
treatment of Andijon refugees who have returned to Uzbekistan;
shared his recollections from the 2005 Andijon events; and thanked
the Ambassador for his human rights advocacy and assistance to
human rights defenders. While it is impossible to verify the
killing of the Akromiyist, we believe the report is credible. The
activist's information on Andijon refugees also calls into question
reports by Human Rights Watch and others that such refugees and
their family members continue to face systematic persecution. End
summary.



ANDIJON-BASED ACTIVIST REPORTS ON AKROMIYIST KILLING

-------------- --------------




2. (C) On December 19, Andijon-based human rights activist
Saidjahon Zaynabiddinov reported that law enforcement officials in
Andijon beat to death Khoshimjon Kadirov, a young member of the
"Akromiya" business-religious organization (Note: Some independent
religious experts maintain that Akromiya, whose roots lie in the
Ferghana Valley, is an informal association promoting business
along Islamic religious principles, while the government claimed
that it was a branch of the banned religious extremist organization
Hizb ut-Tahrir. The imprisonment of 23 businessmen with links to
Akromiya sparked the violent Andijon events in 2005. End note.)
According to Zaynabiddinov, Kadirov was arrested at his home by
Andijon police on October 15. Kadirov had reportedly been on a
wanted list since 2005, but Zaynabiddinov remarked that Kadirov had
been hiding "in plain sight" and claimed authorities knew of his
location for some time. On October 25, Kadirov was transferred to
the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) in Tashkent, where officers
allegedly beat him to death. Zaynabiddinov attended Kadirov's
funeral on November 11, where relatives reportedly informed him
about the incident.




3. (C) According to Zaynabiddinov, two of Kadirov's brothers,
Khakimjon and Khotamjon Kadirov - were imprisoned in 2005 and are
currently being held at a prison in Navoi province. Another one
of Kadirov's brothers, Rakhimjon Kadirov, has been granted
political asylum in the United States and is currently residing in
Idaho. Zaynabiddinov gave poloff a phone number in Idaho where the
brother could be contacted and suggested that the brother might
know more details about the case.




4. (C) Zaynabiddinov specifically requested that the United States
make no public comment regarding Kadirov's killing, as he feared
that Uzbek authorities would trace the report back to him and
possibly retaliate against him or his imprisoned son (see para 5).




AUTHORITIES RETALIATED AGAINST IMPRISONED SON

--------------




5. (C) Zaynabiddinov admitted that his son, Ilkhom Zaynabiddinov,
was engaged in illegal activities and was rightfully convicted of
forgery and imprisoned a few years ago. Zaynabiddinov, however,
argued that authorities have retaliated against his imprisoned son
for his human rights work, treating the son "almost like a
hostage." Ilkhom finished half of his sentence in October and, in
accordance with Uzbek law, was transferred from a maximum security
prison in Tashkent to a minimum security prison in Chirchiq in
Tashkent province. On December 16, Zaynabiddinov met with Vitaliy
Pomerov - a researcher for the Memorial Human Rights Group in
Moscow - in Kyrgyzstan to discuss a case in which a large number of
Hizb ut-Tahrir (HT) members from Osh province, including 15 women,
were reportedly convicted by Kyrgyz authorities for involvement in
a riot and received long prison sentences. Two days later, Ilkhom
was charged with violating internal prison violations and was
temporarily transferred back to a maximum security prison in
Tashkent. Ilkhom was accused of using a cell phone, in
contravention of prison regulations. According to Zaynabiddinov,
most prisoners at the Chirchiq facility use cell phones and are
normally not punished by prison authorities. Zaynabiddinov
believed the transfer was temporary and that his son would be
returned to Chirchiq soon. He also reported that he was in good
health.




6. (C) Similarly, Zaynabiddinov reported that Ilkhom was beaten in
prison by inmates in March 2007 shortly before Zaynabiddinov (who
himself was imprisoned at the time) was scheduled to meet with a
European Union delegation. Zaynabiddinov believed the incident was
arranged by prison authorities and was intended to send him a clear
signal not to criticize Uzbek authorities in front of the EU
delegation, which he refrained from doing. "Things do not happen
in Uzbek prisons at random, there is always a reason," he remarked.





7. (C) In contrast, Zaynabiddinov reported that he was treated
well by Uzbek authorities during his own imprisonment and suffered
no physical or mental abuse. He was originally sentenced to seven
years' imprisonment in
January 2006 for extremist activity in connection with the
May 2005 Andijon events. Zaynabiddinov was one of the few
activists in Andijon to provide up-to-the minute reporting on the
events as they unfolded. In the days after the Andijon events,
Zaynabiddinov gave dozens of interviews to the international press
and others, accusing Uzbek forces of shooting unarmed protesters.
He was amnestied and released from prison on February 2, 2008 (ref
A).



SHARES BELIEF THAT IMAM PARPIEV DIED IN PRISON

-------------- -




8. (C) Zaynabiddinov shared his belief that Andijon-based Imam
Nematjon Parpiev, who disappeared in September 1997, had died in an
Uzbek prison. Zaynabiddinov explained that while he was imprisoned
in 2006, he inquired about Parpiev and was reportedly told by a
prison guard that the Imam was imprisoned and was severely ill and
would likely die soon. Parpiev was the former assistant of Imam
Mirzoev, who disappeared with another assistant, Ramazanbek
Matkariomv, while attempting to travel from Tashkent to Moscow for
an international conference in 2005. After Mirzoev's
disappearance, his mosque in Andijon was labeled "Wahhabi" and
closed by authorities.



DESCRIBES ANDIJON AS AN "OCCUPIED CITY"

--------------




9. (C) In a series of discussions this past fall with poloff,
Zaynabiddinov frequently described the current atmosphere in
Andijon as one of "an occupied city," noting that many of its
high-level officials come from outside Andijon province. It is not
unusual for President Karimov to appoint hokims (provincial
governors) who come from different provinces (presumably to weaken
the influence of regional clan affiliations). However, in contrast
with other provinces, Zaynabiddinov observed that almost no
high-level officials in Andijon actually come from Andijon
province, a situation he said was highly resented by local
residents. Nevertheless, he downplayed the possibility of another
violent uprising in Andijon, observing that while residents were
unhappy, Andijon was "not a ticking time bomb." He also explained
that many residents were still cowed by the memories of the 2005
events and the subsequent government crackdown and were afraid to
participate in activities that could be deemed
"anti-constitutional." He observed that authorities have kept such
a tight lid on Andijon province that there actually has been a
decline in perceptible corruption. However, he also noted that
residents were angered this fall after Uzbek border guards shot
several residents who smuggled goods from neighboring Kyrgyzstan.



PROVIDES INFORMATION ON ANDIJON "RETURNEES"
--------------




10. (C) Zaynabiddinov reported speaking with several individuals
who had fled abroad following the Andijon events, including to the
United States, and who had subsequently returned to the city. He
estimated that there were roughly 50 such returnees in Andijon. He
noted that most of the former refugees regretted returning to
Andijon, not because they faced political persecution, but because
they gave up economic opportunities they had abroad. Many of the
former refugees reportedly have been unable to find employment in
Andijon because employers are wary to be associated with them.
However, Zaynabiddinov also noted that authorities in some
instances have provided jobs to returnees. The returnees also
remain under the watchful eye of Andijon authorities and must
report on their activities to the police twice a month and have
been warned not to congregate together in large groups. He noted
that authorities had opened criminal investigations against two of
the returnees, but later dropped the charges. Otherwise,
Zaynabiddinov said he was unable to find any evidence that
returnees had been imprisoned, mistreated, or persecuted by local
authorities.




11. (C) When asked why the individuals decided to return to
Uzbekistan, Zaynabiddinov explained that it was mostly due to
cultural factors, observing that it was difficult for Uzbeks, who
typically come from very tight-knit families, to remain abroad away
from their relatives for long periods of time. Zaynabiddinov was
also told by some of the refugees that Uzbek authorities had
reached out to them through their Embassies abroad and offered them
safe passage back to Uzbekistan. The Uzbek authorities reportedly
promised the refugees that they would not be prosecuted unless
evidence emerged that they had borne weapons during the Andijon
events and that they would be provided with economic assistance.
Zaynabiddinov also reported that authorities in Andijon have
provided periodic economic assistance to families who had lost
relatives during the Andijon events.




12. (C) In some cases, Zaynabiddinov reported that Mahalla
(neighborhood committee) leaders have used non-violent pressure
tactics against family members to encourage refugees to return
home, such as by withholding government rations of cooking oil and
flour. Zaynabiddinov was careful to note this was not direct
physical pressure, but indirect moral pressure. Zaynabiddinov also
observed that the harassment of Andijon refugees and their families
has been exaggerated by some individuals seeking to acquire
political asylum abroad. "There are many who attempt to use the
Andijon events for their own ends," Zaynabiddinov noted.



SHARES RECOLLECTIONS FROM ANDIJON EVENTS AND AFTERMATH

-------------- --------------




13. (C) Zaynabiddinov shared his recollection of the 2005 Andijon
events and subsequent government crackdown. He estimated that
about 2,000 Andijon residents had gathered on Andijon's main square
on May 13, 2005, before Uzbek government authorities opened fire on
them, killing about 500 (Note: This number is higher than 178 dead
reported by Uzbek authorities, but also less than reported by other
human rights activists. End note.) He also estimated that over
500 persons were detained by Uzbek authorities in the subsequent
crackdown, with over three hundred of them being later imprisoned.
He reported being told by an Uzbek Prosecutor in December 2005 that
256 persons had already been convicted and imprisoned for
participation in the events. He also reported that at least 50
other individuals who fled to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan after the
events were later forcibly returned and imprisoned in Uzbekistan in
2005 and 2006.



THANKS AMBASSADOR FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY AND ASSISTANCE

-------------- --------------




14. (C) On November 20, the Ambassador met with Zaynabiddinov and
his colleague Anvar Numanov, a member of the of the Ezgulik human
rights group in Andijon. As the two explained, Zaynabiddinov hid
in Numanov's home for some time after the Andijon events in 2005.
Zaynabiddinov thanked the Ambassador for his human rights advocacy,
which he credited with the decision by Uzbek authorities to release
him from prison in early 2008. He also thanked the Embassy for the
assistance he had received since his release from prison, noting
that he had been recently given a Democracy Commission grant to
monitor human rights in Andijon, including investigating the
welfare of Andijon refugees. He explained that he was still
attempting to register a local branch of the Ezgulik human rights
group in Andijon province, noting that Andijon authorities have yet
to make a final decision on an application for registration that
he had submitted in October (Note: While Ezgulik is registered at
the national level, its local branch in Andijon remains
unregistered. End note).



COMMENT

--------------




15. (C) While it is impossible for us to verify Zaynabiddinov's
information on the killing of the Akromiyist, we believe it is
credible. Zaynabiddinov has long been a reliable Embassy contact
and his reporting tends to be more balanced and less sensational
than that of other Uzbek human rights activists. If true,
Kadirov's killing suggests that a campaign against Akromiyists and
other persons suspected of involvement in the 2005 Andijon events
still continues on some level. Whether such a campaign is
state-directed is unclear. The report that Kadirov was transferred
from Andijon to Tashkent suggests that more than just Andijon-level
officials were involved in his arrest, but it is also possible that
Akromiyists are simply easy targets for police officers and MVD
officials seeking to fulfill arrest quotas and prove to their
superiors that they are taking a tough stance against alleged
terrorists.




16. (C) Zaynabiddinov's information suggests that Andijon refugees
who have returned to Uzbekistan face less severe persecution than
alleged by international human rights groups, including Human
Rights Watch, which released a report on Andijon refugees in the
spring of 2008. Human Rights Watch conducted its research for the
report entirely by speaking with Andijon refugees in southern
Kyrgyzstan and did not speak with individuals currently in Andijon.
While Human Rights Watch, whose Tashkent office director was denied
accreditation this year, can hardly be faulted for having limited
access to individuals in Uzbekistan, information provided by
refugees needs to be viewed critically. As Zaynabiddinov himself
noted, it is not out of the realm of possibility that some of these
individuals are economic refugees who are exaggerating reports of
persecution in a bid to receive political asylum in third
countries. We will continue to follow the situation in Andijon as
closely as possible. We remain concerned not only about the
treatment of Andijon refugees who return to Uzbekistan, but also
about the government's continued attempts to convince third
countries, including Kyrgyzstan and Russia, to extradite Uzbek
citizens, including some who have applied or have attempted to
apply for political asylum (ref B and C). Individuals who have
been forcibly returned to Uzbekistan, rather than those who
voluntarily returned to Andijon, are more likely to endure
mistreatment and denial of due process upon their return.
Andijon-related matters remain high on the list of bilateral issues
that need to be discussed between senior U.S. and Uzbek civilian
officials early in the new U.S. Presidential Administration.
NORLAND

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