Watchdog

An Uzbek court has sentenced a 75-year-old Uzbek human rights activist to five years in prison.

France-based Uzbek rights activist Mutobar Tojiboeva told RFE/RL on August 28 that a court in central Jizzakh Province sentenced Turaboi Juraboev on August 23.

Juraboev was found guilty of extortion and fraud despite the fact that three plaintiffs withdrew their initial statements.

Juraboev, who is known for his human rights activities, has been a frequent guest on RFE/RL.

He was arrested in May and went on trial on August 5.

Several elderly opposition and human rights activists have been convicted in Uzbekistan recently, including Hasan Choriev, the 71-year-old father of the leader of the Birdamlik opposition movement, and Bobomurod Razzokov, a 61-year-old human rights activist.

Both were charged with rape.

Uzbek opposition activist Fakhriddin Tillaev and his wife were beaten by a mob following what the activist said was a staged rape accusation.

Tillaev, 42, is an active member of the opposition Erk (Freedom) party and a human rights defender.

He told RFE/RL on August 28 that a neighbor knocked on his door on August 23 and when he opened it, he saw she was completely naked.

He said the woman then began screaming that he was raping her.

Tillaev said a crowd attacked him and his wife.

He said no charges have been filed against him and he has asked the police to investigate.

Several Uzbek activists have been convicted of rape recently, including Hasan Choriev, the 71-year-old father of the Birdamlik opposition movement's leader, and Bobomurod Razzokov, a 61-year-old human rights activist.