Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09TASHKENT59
2009-01-14 12:31:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Tashkent
Cable title:
UZBEKISTAN: UZBEK SINGER NOT ARRESTED
how-toVZCZCXRO4446 RR RUEHDBU DE RUEHNT #0059 0141231 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 141231Z JAN 09 FM AMEMBASSY TASHKENT TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0255 INFO RUEHAH/AMEMBASSY ASHGABAT 0013 RUEHDBU/AMEMBASSY DUSHANBE 0015 RUEHEK/AMEMBASSY BISHKEK 0019 RUEHNT/AMEMBASSY TASHKENT RUEHTA/AMEMBASSY ASTANA 0016
UNCLAS TASHKENT 000059
SIPDIS
DEPT. FOR SCA/CEN
SCA/PPD AND DRL
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV KPAO SCUL UZ
SUBJECT: UZBEKISTAN: UZBEK SINGER NOT ARRESTED
UNCLAS TASHKENT 000059
SIPDIS
DEPT. FOR SCA/CEN
SCA/PPD AND DRL
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV KPAO SCUL UZ
SUBJECT: UZBEKISTAN: UZBEK SINGER NOT ARRESTED
1. (U) Reports in the press that popular Uzbek singer Yulduz
Usmanova was arrested on January 10 appear to be false. Reported
yesterday by the independent Voice of Freedom website and then picked
up by Kyrgyz News Agency AKIPress, the story claims that she was
arrested during a wedding performance in front of hundreds of people.
2. (U) Usmanovas own website denies the alleged arrest. The
official statement on her web-site (www.yulduz.uz) states that "I was
very surprised and indignant to learn about my alleged arrest," and
goes on to declare that "this news is absolutely untrue and is
ungrounded."
3. (U) Ozodlik (Radio Free Europe/Radio Libertys Uzbek service) also
denies rumors of Usmonovas arrest. They cite her producer, who says
she is in Russia and plans to return to Uzbekistan in a couple of
days. He further speculated in the article that the rumors are being
intentionally spread to sabotage an upcoming new album and U.S.
concert tour, which will begin on February 15. (Note: Usmanova is
outspoken. Reportedly the Uzbek authorities have warned her not to
criticize her government in media interviews. This has not stopped
her from being quite frank with the BBC and Voice of America. End
note.)
4. (SBU) Comment: This posting of an unsubstantiated rumor is yet
another example of the weak fact-checking and journalistic skills of
media in the region. End Comment.
BUTCHER
To view the entire SMART message, go to URL http://repository.state.sgov.gov/_layouts/OSS SearchResults.aspx?k=messageid:9a2f7416-502e- 453b-b70e-9158eb89c98c
SIPDIS
DEPT. FOR SCA/CEN
SCA/PPD AND DRL
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV KPAO SCUL UZ
SUBJECT: UZBEKISTAN: UZBEK SINGER NOT ARRESTED
1. (U) Reports in the press that popular Uzbek singer Yulduz
Usmanova was arrested on January 10 appear to be false. Reported
yesterday by the independent Voice of Freedom website and then picked
up by Kyrgyz News Agency AKIPress, the story claims that she was
arrested during a wedding performance in front of hundreds of people.
2. (U) Usmanovas own website denies the alleged arrest. The
official statement on her web-site (www.yulduz.uz) states that "I was
very surprised and indignant to learn about my alleged arrest," and
goes on to declare that "this news is absolutely untrue and is
ungrounded."
3. (U) Ozodlik (Radio Free Europe/Radio Libertys Uzbek service) also
denies rumors of Usmonovas arrest. They cite her producer, who says
she is in Russia and plans to return to Uzbekistan in a couple of
days. He further speculated in the article that the rumors are being
intentionally spread to sabotage an upcoming new album and U.S.
concert tour, which will begin on February 15. (Note: Usmanova is
outspoken. Reportedly the Uzbek authorities have warned her not to
criticize her government in media interviews. This has not stopped
her from being quite frank with the BBC and Voice of America. End
note.)
4. (SBU) Comment: This posting of an unsubstantiated rumor is yet
another example of the weak fact-checking and journalistic skills of
media in the region. End Comment.
BUTCHER
To view the entire SMART message, go to URL http://repository.state.sgov.gov/_layouts/OSS SearchResults.aspx?k=messageid:9a2f7416-502e- 453b-b70e-9158eb89c98c