[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 24, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TORTURE DEATHS IN UZBEKISTAN REVEAL LACK OF PROGRESS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 24, 2003

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, in March 2002, the United 
States and Uzbekistan signed a declaration proclaiming a ``Strategic 
Partnership'' between our countries. This former Soviet republic, with 
the largest population of the five Central Asian countries, has played 
an important role in assisting the United States after 9/11, and I am 
grateful for that.
  At the same time, as Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, I have deep 
concerns about the human rights situation in Uzbekistan, where no 
political opposition, no freedom of speech nor freedom of association 
are permitted. As a result of this situation, Congress has conditioned 
the release of financial assistance to Uzbekistan upon a determination 
by the Secretary of State that Tashkent is making ``substantial and 
continuing progress'' in meeting commitments specified in the March 
2002 bilateral declaration, including in the field of human rights. The 
Secretary has twice--on August 26, 2002 and May 14, 2003--made such a 
determination.
  Regrettably, there has been no ``substantial and continuing 
progress'' in the field of human rights in Uzbekistan. True, a human 
rights group has been registered, censorship has formally been lifted, 
and there have been amnesties, but these are largely token deliverables 
meant to give the appearance of progress. Uzbekistan has also admitted 
the U.N.'s Special Rapporteur on Torture. But all these gestures are 
more cosmetic than substantial. In fact, the U.N. Special Rapporteur 
concluded that torture is ``systematic'' in Uzbekistan. Instead of 
claiming credit for allowing him into the country at all, President 
Karimov should renounce this barbaric practice and Tashkent should take 
urgent measures to prevent and punish acts of torture.
  Unfortunately, thus far President Karimov has refused to take even 
the simple step of acknowledging and renouncing torture. More to the 
point, just after the Secretary's most recent determination last month, 
Orif Ershanov and Otamaza Gafaro joined the unconscionably long list of 
individuals who have died as a result of torture or other abuse 
inflicted by Uzbek officials.
  Once again, Uzbek officials maintain that these most recent deaths in 
custody were the result of ``natural causes.'' But the country's 
deplorable record undermines the credibility of such assertions. 
Frankly, I am surprised by Tashkent's claims; last year, there were two 
cases when Uzbek policemen who tortured prisoners, in some cases to 
death, received long prison terms. Their sentences constituted a sad 
form of progress in Uzbekistan, allowing observers to hope that law 
enforcement officials would have reason to fear serious consequences 
for mistreating people in their care. The latest assertions about 
``natural causes'' signal clear regression to old positions that damage 
Uzbekistan's government and should be an embarrassment to the United 
States.

  Particularly with respect to torture, Tashkent should immediately 
take several steps to demonstrate to the international community a 
serious commitment to make meaningful progress.
  First, the Government of Uzbekistan should provide immediate access, 
organized by the OSCE, for independent medical experts to examine the 
bodies of Ershanov and Gafaro. Unfortunately, we have received 
indications that Uzbekistan is balking at admitting independent 
forensic specialists. Furthermore, Tashkent should establish a system 
of access for independent experts to investigate all cases of alleged 
torture and should act on the recommendations of the U.N. Special 
Rapporteur on Torture.
  It is equally important that Uzbekistan unconditionally release those 
who have been jailed because of their political opposition or religious 
affiliation. I have repeatedly urged Uzbek officials, including 
President Karimov during his visit to Washington in March of last year, 
to release the writer Mamadali Makhmudov, for example. One of the 
Bekjanov brothers has indeed been freed, but two of his siblings remain 
in prison, and we have received reports from family members of their 
declining health. As the most recent deaths in custody demonstrate, 
fears that such prisoners may die from their mistreatment during 
incarceration are well founded.
  Mr. Speaker, improved relations are in the interest of both 
Uzbekistan and the United States. But closer, deeper ties will not be 
built on the graves of Uzbekistan's citizens who have been tortured to 
death. I hope, Mr. Speaker, that I will soon be able to report back to 
my colleagues that President Karimov has taken meaningful steps to 
confront torture and bring a measure of justice to its victims.

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