Muhammad Bekzhanov

Activist Type

Human Rights

Muhammad Bekzhanov was a prominent journalist and leading voice for democracy in Uzbekistan during the period immediately following the collapse of the Soviet Union. He ran the opposition publication Erk (Freedom) along with his brother. In 1999, President Karimov blamed a series of explosions in the capital on the Erk party and ordered all members arrested. Bekzhanov was sentenced to 15 years in prison despite evidence that his implication was coerced through torture.

Days before his release he was given an additional sentence for “disobeying prison officials.” He has suffered deafness, broken bones, lost teeth, and tuberculosis due to mistreatment and poor prison conditions. After 17 years in prison, Bekzhanov was finally released in 2017.

Artwork by

John Paul Chirdon

Uzbekistan has long been known for its skill in the art of tracery, where ornate and elaborate stonework supports patterns in glass windows. These detailed patterns, built from both geometric and organic forms, can also be found applied to gold embroidery, copper embossing, ceramic art, carpet weaving, and lacquer painting throughout the country.

Uzbekistan

Capital

Tashkent

Founded

September 1, 1991

Demonym

Uzbek