Series of trials held in connection with May Andijon violence: 100 sentenced to 10-22-year prison terms. Supreme Court tried 36 members of security forces on charges of “neglect”, but most sentenced to maximum 3 years. Andijon survivors filed case against Internal Affairs Minister Almatov for crimes against humanity in Germany, where he received medical treatment before returning to Uzbekistan and resigning. Former deputy head of security service Anvar Solihboev to replace Almatov. Uzbekistan said German troops could continue to use Termez airbase. Security forces arrested Nodira Khidayatova, senior Sunshine Coalition member and outspoken opponent of President Karimov on charges of embezzlement, tax evasion and money laundering.

Supreme Court completed show trial of 15 suspects accused of instigating May Andijon violence, convicting all 15 and handing down sentences of 14 to 20 years in prison. New trials begun in near-secrecy for others linked to May events. EU imposed arms embargo and visa bans on 12 top Uzbek officials linked to Andijon events, including Interior Minister Almatov. Despite ban, Germany admitted Almatov for medical treatment on “humanitarian grounds”. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan banned European NATO members from using its airspace to support Afghanistan peacekeeping operations. In Moscow, Presidents Karimov and Putin signed unprecedented mutual defence treaty, giving Russia broad latitude to intervene against “threats to peace”.

Uzbek authorities denied torturing confessions from 15 accused of instigating Andijon events. During trial lone witness testified soldiers shot unarmed demonstrators. EU imposed sanctions over lack of independent inquiry. Government’s widespread repression of dissent continued with arrests of opposition leader Sanjar Umarov and rights activist Mu’tabar Tojibaeva. BBC closed Tashkent office after receiving threats. U.S. Sec. State Rice bypassed Uzbekistan during Central Asia tour.

Government account of May Andijon events claimed Islamist infiltration from bases in Kyrgyz territory, with intention to take control of Ferghana valley; disputed by rights groups and Kyrgyz authorities. Trial of 15 accused of instigating Andijon events - including 3 Kyrgyz citizens - began 20 September. EU set to agree 3 October arms embargo and visa restrictions on individuals it holds responsible for Andijon events. UNHCR airlifted 11 Uzbek refugees in Kyrgyz detention to Europe; 4 remain. 6 U.S. senators wrote to Sec. Defense Rumsfeld asking him to withhold $22m payments for use of Karshi-Khanabad airbase, until Uzbek cooperation with U.S. renewed. Uzbekistan ran joint anti-terrorist exercises with Russian forces. Tashkent court ordered shutdown of U.S.-run NGO Internews.

Government deported Igor Rotar, Russian journalist for Forum 18 rights organisation, amid continuing crackdown on independent media. Human rights activist Yelena Urlayeva arrested at month-end. Demonstration in Samarkand against house demolitions first since May Andijon events. Government accused UNHCR of protecting criminals following airlift of Uzbek refugees from Kyrgyzstan to Romania; estimated 1,000 unofficial Uzbek refugees remain in Kyrgyzstan. Uzbek senate officially passed measure calling for U.S. to close Karshi-Khanabad airbase.

Tashkent responded to international calls for independent inquiry into Andijon events and U.S. conditioning of assistance by telling U.S. to shut Karshi- Khanabad airbase within 180 days; Under-Sec. State Nicholas Burns cancelled trip to region. Russia and China continued to court Uzbek President Karimov. Some 450 refugees from Andijon events airlifted by UNHCR from Kyrgyzstan to Romania, pending transfer to third countries. UN report said “grave human rights abuses” committed by Uzbek security forces during Andijon events.

Government continued to reject international calls for inquiry into Andijon events: meeting in Moscow 28 June, Uzbek President Islam Karimov and Russian President Vladimir Putin declared violence had been planned from abroad. EU threatened sanctions if Tashkent did not reverse position on investigation by end June. U.S. revealed Uzbekistan restricting operations of its Karshi-Khanabad airbase; Tashkent said restrictions unrelated to U.S. criticism over Andijon.

Hundreds of mostly unarmed civilians, including women and children, killed by government troops 13/14 May. President Islam Karimov claimed forces acted to end revolt by Islamist extremists; rejected calls for international inquiry. Protests surrounding trial of 23 Andijon entrepreneurs on extremism charges escalated as armed group stormed prison and freed hundreds of inmates 12 May. With local administration building in anti-government protestors’ hands by following morning, thousands of unarmed civilians converged on central square. Uzbek forces responded with indiscriminate use of force. Hundreds of fugitives from violence crossed into Kyrgyz territory. Popular uprising briefly engulfed Qorasuv town on Uzbek- Kyrgyz border; uprising suppressed and leaders arrested. Renewed government pressure on human rights activists and journalists. Risk of further protests high, as frustration rising steadily over government’s ruinous economic policies.

Increasing instability and worrying trends: assault on activist who helped farmers protest government policies sparked demonstrations by hundreds in Jizzakh region. Independent journalist Ulughbek Haydarov severely beaten by unknown assailants in Jizzakh; journalists and human rights activists across country reported increased state harassment. New opposition coalition of political activists and business entrepreneurs promised massive acts of protest if economic and political reforms not implemented. Efforts by local authorities in Samarkand to demolish local bazaar led to protests. Significant discontent at government’s policy of forcing farmers to grow specific crops – often cotton or wheat – and sell harvests back to state at below-market prices.

Government cancelled visit of British minister Bill Rammell after latter said he intended to press Tashkent on human rights issues. Authorities reportedly denied registration to U.S.-based International Republican Institute, adding IRI to list that already includes Soros Foundation and Internews.