Azimjon Abdusamatov
Additional Name(s): Azimjon Avaz ogli Abdusamatov
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Uzbekistan
Religion or Belief: Muslim – Sunni
Reports of Torture: Yes
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Sentence: 6 Years, 3 Months' Imprisonment
Date of Detainment: August/14/2020
Current Status: Released
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Discussing Religion & Religious Texts Giving, Sharing, & Listening to a Religious Speech Online Activity Religious Activity
Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Extremism Treason & Sedition
Azimjon Abdusamatov
Extra Bio Info:
Azimjon Abdusamatov was imprisoned for discussing his religion on social media.
Between August and October 2019, authorities originally arrested Abdusamatov alongside seven others for allegedly downloading “extremist sermons” and other religious extremism-related offenses. They were then reportedly tortured at the Interior Ministry building. Abdusamatov was charged but released on bail.
On August 14, 2020, Abdusamatov was arrested again in the courtroom immediately after his trial ended. He was sentenced to six years and three months in a labor camp in Tashkent for “attempts to overthrow the constitutional order” (Arts. 159) and "creation, management, and participation in religious extremist, separatist, fundamentalist, or other banned organizations" (Art. 244-2 UCC).
On August 21, 2024, Azimjon Abdusamatov was released from prison.
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