Uzbek Professor Reportedly Detained in Astana on Espionage Suspicion

Uzbek academic Ikboljon Qoraboev was reportedly detained in Astana on July 3 on suspicion of espionage. Kazakhstan’s authorities have not publicly confirmed the detention, Orda.kz reports.

The BBC Uzbek Service, citing Qoraboev’s relatives and unnamed sources, reported that the 46-year-old previously taught international relations at Maqsut Narikbayev University.

MNU told Orda.kz only that Qoraboev “is not currently a professor” at the university and referred questions about his reported detention to the authorities.

The Interior Ministry referred Orda.kz to the agency reportedly responsible for the detention. The National Security Committee said it would respond only to a formal written request. Orda.kz was unable to obtain comment from Uzbekistan’s embassy, consulate or authorities.

A relative told the BBC that those carrying out the detention allegedly accused Qoraboev of passing information to an employee of the Uzbek consulate. It remains unclear what information was allegedly involved, who it was intended for or what evidence the case is based on.

Espionage under Article 176 of Kazakhstan’s Criminal Code carries a prison sentence of 10 to 15 years.

Qoraboev lived in Astana with his wife and three minor children. He headed MNU’s Center for Global and Regional Governance and worked with the United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies.

Orda.kz is following the case.

Original author: Alina Elgeldina

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