The NGO Human Right Watch (HRW) on Monday accused Uzbekistan’s security forces of unjustifiably using lethal force to disperse demonstrators during protests in early July this year.
Responses allegedly made by security forces included the inappropriate use of small arms and various types of grenades, as well as weapons that can cause serious injury and death when used recklessly.
According to data collected by the organization, at least 21 people were killed, including four law enforcement officers, and more than 270 were injured.
For this reason, HRW has called on the Government of Uzbekistan to launch an «independent investigation» into the conduct of security forces during the protests and to «urgently» review the use of certain categories of grenades.
«Many people were killed and hundreds injured, some with the most horrific injuries, in Karakalpakstan in July,» said Human Rights Watch Europe and Central Asia director Hugh Williamson.
«Uzbekistan owes it to the victims to properly investigate how this happened and to hold those responsible for serious violations accountable,» he added.
Through an independent medical analysis of the visual evidence, the NGO has identified seven cases in which people suffered, and likely died from, severe tissue damage that was highly consistent with blast trauma.
Separately, it has analyzed two significantly heavier types of projected grenades, some of which were manufactured in Bulgaria. Used during protests, they can cause significant injury or even death.
«Uzbekistan has an obligation to respect the rights of peaceful expression and peaceful assembly, including ensuring that its security forces are trained and equipped to control demonstrations in a rights-respecting manner. The inappropriate use of small arms and grenades violates several of Uzbekistan’s international human rights obligations,» HRW stressed in a statement.
It also stressed that «basic principles» on the use of force and firearms of the UN state that security forces should «apply non-violent means before resorting to the use of force and firearms» and always use the minimum necessary force.
«The government’s response to the events of July is a test of whether Uzbekistan has turned the page and truly intends to respect human rights and the rule of law,» said Williamson.
«It should not shy away from bringing to justice the security forces personnel responsible for the deaths and injuries of so many people,» he added.
