High Commissioner UN for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet and USA They called for a swift investigation into violent clashes during mass protests in Uzbekistan on Tuesday.
Authorities Uzbekistan On Monday, they said 18 people were killed in Friday’s clashes in the autonomous region of Karakalpakstan to protest plans for constitutional reform that would change the territory’s status.
Clashes between protesters and security forces have been the biggest problem for President Shavkat Mirziyoyev since he came to power in 2016 following the death of longtime leader Islam Karimov.
“Reports we have received of serious violence, including massacres, during the protests are very disturbing. I urge the authorities to exercise the utmost restraint,” Bachelet said in a statement.
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He also asked the authorities to “immediately launch a transparent and independent investigation into any complaint of criminal acts committed in this context, including violations by state agents.”
For its part, the US expressed concern and urged the parties to seek a “peaceful solution” to tensions.
“We call on the authorities to conduct a full, credible and transparent investigation into the violence in accordance with international standards and best practices,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said.
Uzbekistan, a former Soviet republic, is a traditional ally of Russia.
According to the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke on the phone with Mirziyoyev on Tuesday and “expressed support for the Uzbek government’s efforts to stabilize the situation in Karakalpakstan.”
(AFP)
Source: RPP
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