In recent news, the arrest of bloggers Olimjon Haydarov, Abduqodir Mominov, and the founders of news outlet Human.uz, has sparked concerns over the state of freedom of speech in Uzbekistan. These arrests, along with other crackdowns on bloggers and citizen journalists, have raised doubts about President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s commitment to democratization and reform.
Olimjon Haydarov, a popular YouTuber known for his videos on social and economic issues, was detained and charged with extortion. He allegedly threatened to expose safety breaches at a shopping center and demanded money from the managers. Similarly, Abduqodir Mominov was charged with extortion and sentenced to seven years in prison. The founders of Human.uz were also detained on charges of blackmail and extortion.
Critics argue that these arrests have tarnished President Mirziyoyev’s image as a reformist leader. Since his election in 2016, Mirziyoyev has made progress in curbing forced labor and opening up the economy to foreign investment. However, his promise to promote free speech and free media is now in doubt.
Haydarov and other detained bloggers have received support from political commentators, writers, and journalists who believe that the charges against them are unfounded. The arrests have raised concerns about the erosion of free speech and the stifling of dissent in Uzbekistan. Activists argue that a functioning democracy is reliant on individuals who exercise their right to freedom of speech and thought.
Over the past few years, civil journalists and bloggers have played a pivotal role in pushing the boundaries of media freedom in Uzbekistan. Social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Telegram have become spaces for open discussions and criticisms of government policies. Bloggers like Haydarov have led public debates on corruption and nepotism in government bodies. However, the recent arrests indicate a turning point, where authorities are cracking down on free speech.
The arrests have led civil journalists to question President Mirziyoyev’s commitment to his promises of reform. They highlight the president’s failure to honor his pledges, sluggish economic reforms, and the rise of oligarchy and nepotism. Prominent political analyst Kamoliddin Rabbimov warns that these arrests are alarming signals for civil society and could harm Uzbekistan’s international reputation.
Rabbimov asserts that the country’s law enforcement system is reverting to its Soviet past, adopting the same repressive methods as the Soviet KGB. He cautions against the restoration of institutions that suppressed the people during the Soviet era, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive reputation on the global stage.
These events raise concerns about the state of freedom of speech and democracy in Uzbekistan. As the government’s crackdown on bloggers and citizen journalists continues, the country’s reputation as a reforming nation is at stake. Unless President Mirziyoyev takes concrete steps to uphold his promises of democratization and freedom of speech, Uzbekistan risks sliding back into a repressive regime that stifles dissent and undermines human rights.
