Alimardon Sultanov

Additional Name(s): Alimardon Sultonov, Алимардон Султонов

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Uzbekistan

Religion or Belief: Muslim – Sunni

Reports of Torture: Yes

Appeal: Reduced to 6 Years, 9 Months’ Imprisonment

Sentence: Originally 7 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: January/18/2022

Date of Sentencing: May/27/2022

Current Status: Not Released

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Criticizing Religious Freedom Conditions Discussing Religion & Religious Texts Religious Freedom Advocacy

Nature of Charges: Assault & Battery Hate Speech Spreading Propaganda & False or Misleading Ideas, Information, or Materials Unlawful Disobedience Vandalism & Destruction of Property

Alimardon Sultanov

Extra Bio Info:

Alimardon Sultanov is imprisoned for criticizing religious freedom conditions. 

On January 18, 2022, authorities arrested Sultanov, who was known for discussing religious freedom issues, for criticizing President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, state-appointed imams and other government officials. He was reportedly charged with “distributing or displaying materials containing a threat to public security and public order using mass media or telecommunication, or the Internet” (Art. 244-1.3), "threat of killing or of violence" (Art. 112-3 UCC), “incitement of ethnic, racial, or religious hatred” (Art. 156-2 UCC), "intentional destruction of or damage to property committed in a dangerous way" (Art. 173-2(b) UCC), and “resistance to a government official or a person performing a civic duty” (Art. 219-2 UCC). Sultanov said that he was tortured after being arrested in an effort to coerce an admission of guilt.  

On May 27, 2022, a court in Karakalpakstan sentenced Sultanov to seven years in prison 

On August 22, 2022, upon appeal, a court reduced Sultanov’s sentence by three months.  

On May 22, 2024, the Supreme Court rejected an appeal for Sultanov’s release.  

Between July 11 and 14, 2024, authorities in Navoi prison placed Sultanov in a punishment cell based on seemingly fabricated charges.

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