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Injustice

The Silencing of Uzbekistan’s voice

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If there is an untold story that needs to echo throughout the world, it is one of Uzbekistan. It is a story of one of the world’s most ruthless dictators, far worse than Saddam ever was, a man known as Islam Karimov. A man whose first name is as unfortunate compared to this man’s action as is the demise of thousands that he has had killed, maimed or tortured.

And while the torture is routine and murders are well-documented, the Western world continues to turn a blind eye towards this nation. Where are those who want to shove democracy down everyone’s throat? What about Uzbekistan? Why aren’t Bull Reilly, Hannity and all the right-wing haters talking about this story? Because of double-standards. Because it is okay when those being killed or tortured are Muslims, even the better if the killer is a Muslim, even in name. And why blame them when Muslims themselves, such as Haqqani and Kabbani have made official visits in support of this dictatorship?

At least the BBC is talking about it, referring to an Uzbek journalist who USED to cover the horror:

We [the BBC reporter and the Uzbek journalist] talked for hours that evening – about his paper, about the upcoming election and about reports of a fresh wave of repression.

But more than anything else, we talked about his new family – his young wife and newborn baby daughter.

An Uzbek soldier in Andijan on 13 May 2005

Witnesses in Andijan said hundreds were killed by Uzbek troops

“Being a dad,” he said to me, “is like discovering a whole new world.”

He only had three months to enjoy being a father.

On October 24, at 1900 local time, as he walked out from his office in the centre of Osh, a gunmen fired three bullets into his head and chest.

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Alhamdulillah, we're at over 850 supporters. Help us get to 900 supporters this month. All it takes is a small gift from a reader like you to keep us going, for just $2 / month.

The Prophet (SAW) has taught us the best of deeds are those that done consistently, even if they are small. Click here to support MuslimMatters with a monthly donation of $2 per month. Set it and collect blessings from Allah (swt) for the khayr you're supporting without thinking about it.

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Abu Reem is one of the founders of MuslimMatters, Inc. His identity is shaped by his religion (Islam), place of birth (Pakistan), and nationality (American). By education, he is a ChemE, topped off with an MBA from Wharton. He has been involved with Texas Dawah, Clear Lake Islamic Center and MSA. His interests include politics, cricket, and media interactions. Career-wise, Abu Reem is in management in the oil & gas industry (but one who still appreciates the "green revolution").

8 Comments

8 Comments

  1. Salafisticated

    November 30, 2007 at 11:55 PM

    Its reported that hundreds were massacred in cold blood during the events in Andijan following a protest against the government. The protest according to eyewitnesses was mostly peaceful until government forces opened fire in cold blood sparking world-wide condemnation – even by Western nations.

    And what did our own grand Imam and mufti – sh Tantawi have to say abt the massacre?

    “Various terrorist and extremist groups, which cover up their real objectives by provocative slogans like the revival of the Islamic Caliphate and jihad, are really furthering anti-human aims… If plans of the extremists are put into effect, this will drive the Islamic world many centuries back.”

    Reply

  2. Amad

    December 1, 2007 at 12:48 PM

    salam.. sometimes one wonders what one can do? Would there be any benefit of writing to the Uzbekistan’s embassy?

    Reply

  3. AnonyMouse

    December 1, 2007 at 3:52 PM

    @ Amad
    Nope, I don’t think there’d be any point… it’d be like writing to the President and asking him to stop the war in Iraq (or in my case, asking the Prime Minister to get us out of Afghanistan) – all you’d get is one of those pre-written thank-you letters with your name written in the blanks.
    :(

    I guess for us, du’a is the only weapon we have… yet it’s a weapon we shouldn’t underestimate!

    Reply

  4. KashifN

    December 1, 2007 at 9:30 PM

    One of the most prominent (if not the most) campaigner for human rights in Uzbekistan is Craig Murray, Britain’s ex-ambassador to the country. Check his blog out here: http://www.craigmurray.org.uk/

    Reply

  5. Pingback: News Tid-bits from Moscow | MuslimMatters.org

  6. Uzbek

    January 24, 2009 at 9:13 PM

    DEAR members of this site. I’m from Tashkent, Uzbekistan. We’re ruled by the friend of “israel” Islam Karimov, who is butcher.
    Some ppl say he is the illegitimate son of the Zionist Jew. God knows best. But he is butcher, under 45 u can’t go to Hajj!!! Over 45 1000$ bribe at least. Ppl are imprisoned and killed for just praying in mosque, quoting hadith. RIghteous imams are in prison, or has fled.
    West knows this and enjoys this. Don’t praise obama for closing GT. Nobody but Allah. Pls visit this site:

    http://muslimuzbekistan.net/en/index.php

    Reply

    • Amad

      January 25, 2009 at 12:10 AM

      It is good to hear from you “Uzbek”… really, I cannot think of any place in the world, where the oppression specifically based on one’s practice of religion, is greater than is in Uzbekistan. And it is amazing how long this is being sustained… for years and years, and no one makes a big issue about this among Muslims. We all know how bad Bush was, but I wonder if Putin isn’t far worse, in how he himself destroyed Chechnya and also props up these dictatorships that oppress Muslims.

      It is like we have forgotten this entire area of the CIS, including Tajikistan, Krygstan, etc. where the oppression is amazing, to the point that Tajikistan officially banned “salafi Islam”… not because they were being militant, but because they “Tajik authorities claim that computer discs and videotapes confiscated from Salafi members show the group’s leaders expressing strong anti-Shi’ite and anti-Iranian sentiments”.

      Reply

  7. Uzbek

    January 25, 2009 at 10:57 AM

    Yes, you are right. Muslims are oppressed everywhere. But in Uzbekistan, some people were imprisoned for just wearing hijab, quoting hadith!!! In Tajikistan, Kyrgyzistan you can do those things at least.

    Reply

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