Uzbek radio host sentenced to six years

Uzbek poet, radio host and sports commentator Khayrullo Khamidov was sentenced to six years in prison on 28 May after being found guilty of belonging to a banned Islamic group. His lawyers plan to appeal the ruling to reduce his sentence. Uzbekistan has one of the highest rates of incarcerated journalists in Europe, with at least 11 currently behind bars.

Uzbekistan: photographer facing jail term

A criminal case has been filed against the photographer and documentary film maker Umida Akhmedova in Uzbekistan for “slander” and “insult”. Akhmedova is incriminated for her involvement in “Women and men: from dawn till dusk” photo album, produced in 2007. The album consists of 110 pictures, reflecting lifestyle in Uzbekistan and according to the Tashkent public prosecutor’s office “is the insult and slander of Uzbek people”. It is unclear which photo is implicated but the charges could mean she faces six months in jail. Read more here