A court in Uzbekistan's southern city of Qarshi has imposed a 5 1/2-year prison sentence on the father of prominent opposition activist Bahodir Choriev.
Two court officials told RFE/RL late on August 15 that 71-year-old Hasan Choriev was found guilty of raping a 19-year-old woman and sentenced on August 6.
The officials, who asked that their names not be used, said the judge ordered that the sentence not be made public until August 20 -- the day of Hasan Choriev's sentence appeal hearing.
Bahodir Choriev fled Uzbekistan in 2004 and has been living in the United States for several years.
He established the opposition Birdamlik (Unity) group there along with members still residing in Uzbekistan.
Two court officials told RFE/RL late on August 15 that 71-year-old Hasan Choriev was found guilty of raping a 19-year-old woman and sentenced on August 6.
The officials, who asked that their names not be used, said the judge ordered that the sentence not be made public until August 20 -- the day of Hasan Choriev's sentence appeal hearing.
Bahodir Choriev fled Uzbekistan in 2004 and has been living in the United States for several years.
He established the opposition Birdamlik (Unity) group there along with members still residing in Uzbekistan.
