Sudden spurt of violence rocked cities of Tashkent and Bukhara, days before U.S. State Department expected to review certification of Uzbekistan’s human rights record, possibly triggering aid cut. Details of attacks sketchy: violence reportedly broke out 28 March with blast at home of suspected militant in Bukhara, followed by 2 suicide bombings at Tashkent market 29 March, and gun battle between police and militants in Tashkent 30 March. Further explosion in capital reported 31 March. Government quick to blame Islamist extremists for attacks, which reportedly killed 42 over 3 days and targeted mainly Uzbek police. Board of Directors of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to meet 6 April to evaluate Uzbek progress on series of benchmarks set March 2003, including on human rights. Human Rights Watch and other international observers (including ICG - see box below) noted lack of progress in reforms and called for EBRD and international community to reduce financial aid. Uzbek government requested extradition from Pakistan of Uzbek fighters arrested in operations along Afghan border. Leader of Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), Tahir Yuldashev, reportedly among those eluding capture.

International NGOs finding it increasingly difficult to work in Uzbekistan following imposition of new registration requirements. Recent government resolution allows imposition of 40% tax on foreign humanitarian assistance. Authorities arrested 62-year-old woman for speaking out against death of her son, who died in police custody after allegedly being immersed in boiling water; later released following international outcry. Heavy rains and poor cooperation between Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan in managing shared water resources causing severe flooding along Syr Darya river near Kazakh border.

Authorities rejected second attempt by Birlik, Uzbek opposition movement, to register as political party. International NGOs under increasing pressure from government, with new registration requirements. Government concerned by possible impact of NGOs on political situation following Georgian revolution

Human rights situation remains bleak. In latest move to muzzle dissent, government forced cancellation of conference on death penalty. President Islam Karimov appointed hardline governor of Samarkand region, Shavkat Mirziyoev, as new PM, replacing Utkir Sultanov. Move seen as serious setback for political and economic reform.

Lower than expected cotton harvest will further undermine economic situation. No sign of relaxation of damaging restrictions on private trade. Human rights activists under continued pressure: Freedom House representatives harassed and threatened by local authorities in Namangan 21 November. Tension persists on borders: Uzbek residents of Sokh exclave, located on Kyrgyz side, demanding land corridor to Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, Uzbek land mines on frontier with Tajikistan killed two Tajik civilians and injured three others 4 November. Continuing repressive policies in Uzbekistan, and difficult economic situation, risk future unrest.

Journalist and rights activist Ruslan Sharipov remains in prison on sex charges after court rejected appeal. Trigger-happy Uzbek border guards drawing ire of neighbours Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan after fatal shootings in September and October. Heavy-handedness on part of security services risks further radicalising segments of Muslim population. Little danger of conflict in short term, but continuing repressive policies here, as elsewhere in region, risk future unrest.

Government stepping up persecution of dissenters. Journalist Ruslan Sharipov remains in prison; in letter smuggled out claims to have been tortured to confess to charges of homosexuality and sex with minors. Heavy-handedness on part of security services, including widespread use of torture, risks further radicalising segments of the Muslim population. Little danger of conflict in short term, but continuing repressive policies here, as elsewhere in region, risk future unrest.

Government continued campaign against suspected Islamic extremists, especially alleged members of banned Hizb ut-Tahrir. Heavy-handedness on part of security services, including widespread use of torture, risks further radicalising segments of the Muslim population. Little danger of conflict in short term, but continuing repressive policies here, as elsewhere in region, risk future unrest.