Stories about Uzbekistan from February, 2008
Uzbekistan: Controversy over Prime Minister
Libertad writes about the divergence of information in online media concerning the status of prime minister of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirzieyev.
Uzbekistan: Tycoon Buys English Football Club
Libertad writes that Alisher Usmanov, a businessmen born (and held in custody) in Uzbekistan, currently a mining tycoon and Russia’s 18th richest man, decided to increase his share in the Arsenal FC.
Uzbekistan: Reshuffling Again?
Mansurhon writes about the recent arrest of Uzbekistan's Deputy General Prosecutor, saying that shuffling of higher officials is a usual procedure for Uzbekistan, as president Islam Karimov often changes key people in both in central and local governments.
Uzbekistan blocks Newsuz.com website
It has been reported that the Uzbek-language website Newsuz.com has been blocked in Uzbekistan. “After a series of critical publications on human rights issues, gas supply issues, and price growth, and also analytical publications on the recent elections, we began receiving letters with threats and demands to follow information posted...
Uzbekistan: Deputy General Prosecutor Suddenly Arrested
Nathan reports that for reasons not being reported, Anvar Nabiev, the Uzbekistan's Deputy Prosecutor General, has been arrested. He opines that the arrest is part of the Uzbek government’s campaign to impress the West with its sudden interest in observation of human rights.
Uzbekistan: Tracing Uzbek cotton
Libertad writes about Tesco’s initiative to boycott Uzbek cotton on the international market, because of the use of organized and forced child labor in producing the cotton.
Uzbekistan: Rights Activists Comment on Release of Colleagues
Nathan posts a statement by the human rights watchdog for prevention of torture in Uzbekistan concerning recent release of imprisoned human rights activists and the increased lip service the Uzbek government is paying to human rights as it tries to recultivate ties with Europe and the United States.
Uzbekistan: Education Officials Underrates Students
David Walther reports that the universities in Uzbekistan have been ordered by the Ministry of Education to purposely lower the quantity of students receiving A’s in order to economize on stipends.
Uzbekistan: Abnormal Cold, End of “Nirvana” and Genderwise Realpolitik
The abnormally low temperature that lasted in the region for a record-breaking long time seems to have its effect not only on Uzbek-Tajik relations but on the Uzbek blogosphere too — for the past several weeks it was not active at all. However, the topics covered there are still vital...
Uzbekistan: Same Old Game in Uzbekistan
Steve LeVine says that Western human rights groups and U.S. State Department officials are saying that recent actions by Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov shows that sanctions against the country are working. But Karimov's record demonstrates a talent for making the leaders of bigger countries believe what they want.
Uzbekistan: Uzbeks most attacked in Russia
Jamiyat reports that Uzbeks are most attacked by organized groups of ultra-nationalists in Russia. Saint-Petersburg and Moscow remain the major hotspots of hate crime.
Uzbekistan: Gesturing to the West
Nathan says that a number of Uzbek human rights activists are receiving amnesties, a gesture some observers believe is an obvious consequence of Uzbekistan President Karimov’s desire for closer ties relations with the US and EU.
