Protest by group of women in Andijan against new commercial regulations signalled continued discontent with government’s economic policies, after series of protests late 2004. Cabinet reshuffle seen as attempt by President Karimov to consolidate power in face of social protests, and remove pro-Western politicians from power. Government continued its crackdown on devout Muslims.

Practices of Uzbek security services in spotlight again after deaths of 2 detainees in 2 weeks. Despite government denials, human rights activists and family members of Samandar Umarov, who officials said died of stroke, and Rahimjon Kuldashev, who reportedly died of heart attack, claimed deaths were caused by police torture. President Karimov, alluding to events in Ukraine and Georgia, cautioned Western NGOs against interfering in country’s internal affairs.

Parliamentary elections held in tense atmosphere 26 December. No opposition candidates permitted to stand. Elections took place against backdrop of increasing number of protests over economic situation after major November disturbances, and confrontations between police and protestors over power cuts in some parts of country.

Major rioting – described as worst in decade – broke out in Kokand, Ferghana Valley 1 November after tax police attempted to impose new restrictions on traders at main market. Further incidents in markets of several other Uzbek towns followed. Authorities reportedly cracked down on alleged riot participants in subsequent weeks. Continuing discontent with government restrictions on already anaemic economic activity risks inciting further unrest. Parliamentary election set for 26 December; opposition not permitted to take part and calling for boycott.

Court handed down severe sentences to 23 more suspects in connection with spring attacks in Tashkent and Bukhara, bringing total number of convictions to almost 100. Rights groups criticised trials, saying suspects tortured in detention. Authorities have cracked down on Muslims in wake of attacks, which killed 47 in March and April. Controversial UK ambassador Craig Murray sacked; Murray criticised U.S., British use of information obtained under torture by Uzbek security forces, although FCO claimed dismissal unconnected to his policy stance.

Authorities shut down Internews - international NGO supporting independent media - for 6 months, dealing further blow to already weak press ahead of December parliamentary elections. Trials continued of religious extremists suspected in violence that shook Tashkent and Bukhara March-April 2004.

Court sentenced 15 people to jail in connection with March and April attacks in Tashkent and Bukhara, which killed 47. Government claimed attacks carried out by Islamic group Hizb ut-Tahrir; also blamed group for 30 July Tashkent suicide bombings at U.S. and Israeli embassies and Uzbek prosecutor’s office. U.S. announced $21 million in new military aid, month after State Department cancelled $18 million in non- military aid due to Uzbekistan’s poor human rights record.

Three suicide bombers struck simultaneously 30 July outside U.S. and Israeli embassies and in lobby of Uzbek prosecutor’s office in Tashkent, killing 6 including bombers. Violence occurred just days after opening of trial of 15 suspects arrested in connection with March and April attacks in Tashkent and Bukhara, which left 47 dead. Government blamed Hizb ut-Tahrir, radical Islamic group that officially eschews violence. State Department 13 July announced freeze of $18 million in aid, saying Uzbekistan failed to make adequate progress on human rights and democratic reforms.

President Karimov hosted leaders of Russia and China for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tashkent 17-18 June, lashed out at West for offering “protection” to radical Islamist groups banned in Central Asia. Apparent tilt toward Russia and China follows heavy Western criticism of Uzbek rights abuses and lack of reform. Governor of Surkhandarya region sacked by Karimov 1 June, week after dismissal of governor of Andijan. Firings apparently part of broader struggle among elite to promote officials close to PM Shavkat Mirziyoyev. On positive note, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan welcomed Uzbek initiative to demine frontiers.

Government increasing pressure on opposition activists and international NGOs. Following last month's closure of Open Society Institute's Tashkent office, authorities warned 3 other NGOs to stop supporting unregistered opposition movements. Members of 2 such groups, Erk Democratic Party and Berlik movement, reportedly arrested in recent days.