Karakalpak Activist Voluntarily Returns to Uzbekistan

Karakalpak activist Rinat Utambetov was extradited from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan, Orda reports, citing the Turkmen Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights.

In his home country, he is wanted on suspicion of "separatism."

After being held in an Almaty detention center since April 2023, the 43-year-old activist has been returned to Uzbekistan.

Though he initially sought asylum in Kazakhstan, he later opted for voluntary return, according to the foundation.

His decision was influenced by the persuasion of his relatives who came to Almaty. He also hoped that after extradition he would be given a punishment not related to imprisonment, The Turkmen Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights reports.

Utambetov came under investigation after discussions in June 2022 on amendments to the Constitution that would have abolished the special status of Karakalpakstan.

Utambetov distributed content restricted in Uzbekistan via messenger apps, including materials from protest leader Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov, Karakalpak journalist Lolakhon Kallykhanova, and ethnic Kazakh activist Serikzhan Bilash. 

Utambetov is not affiliated with any opposition groups.

In September 2023, one of Utambetov's classmates was sentenced to four years of restricted freedom under Article 159 (encroachment on the constitutional order of Uzbekistan) and 244-1 (dissemination of materials threatening public safety). And the activist himself was put on the interstate wanted list, The fund provided reports.

Two other Karakalpak activists remain in custody pending potential extradition to Uzbekistan. 

Recently, Kazakhstan denied refugee status to Aqylbek Muratbai, making him the seventh Karakalpak activist whose asylum request has been declined.

Original Author: Zarina Fayzulina