Additional Name(s): Alimardon Sultonov, Алимардон Султонов

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Uzbekistan

Religion or Belief: Muslim – Sunni

Reports of Torture: Yes

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Sentence: 7 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: January/18/2022

Date of Sentencing: May/27/2022

Current Status: Not Released

Religious Leader: No

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.

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