Uzbek government denies allegations against Gulnara Karimova

On July 3 of this year, the UN Human Rights Council's Working Group on Arbitrary Detention found the detention of Gulnara Karimova unlawful (Comment No. 17/2025). In response to this conclusion, the National Center for Human Rights of Uzbekistan issued a 10-point statement.

1. The Government expresses concern that the Working Group's opinion was based on one-sided, subjective information provided by the source, and that the Government of Uzbekistan provided an official response on this issue, but it was not taken into account due to official procedural deadlines. Such an approach undermines the principles of objectivity and impartiality to which UN bodies are required to adhere.

2. Uzbekistan is always open to dialogue and international cooperation based on the principles of mutual respect, compliance with international law, and the elimination of double standards.

3. All criminal cases against G. Karimova were initiated and considered in strict compliance with the norms of criminal and criminal procedural legislation, as well as taking into account the country's international obligations, including the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

4. The right to a defense and the right to a fair trial were ensured at all stages of the criminal proceedings. G. Karimova had the right to appeal to independently selected or duly appointed defense attorneys. The principle of confidentiality of access to criminal case materials, appeals against decisions, and communication with defense attorneys was observed.

5. The court decisions in the case of G. Karimova were issued by competent courts on the basis of sufficient evidence confirming the commission of serious and especially serious crimes, including tax evasion, money laundering, embezzlement of state property, fraud, and other crimes that caused significant damage to the state.

6. Allegations of G. Karimova's alleged arbitrary arrest in 2014, prolonged house arrest, "trial in the kitchen" and other similar allegations are unfounded. All procedural actions and court hearings were conducted in full compliance with the norms and requirements of procedural legislation. Currently, the convict has the right to appeal court decisions in accordance with the procedure established by law.

7. The Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan categorically rejects claims of political motivation in this case. All actions of law enforcement and judicial bodies were based solely on legal and evidentiary aspects that fully confirm the defendant's guilt in committing criminal acts, and did not affect his legitimate economic activities and/or political position or views.

8. In this regard, we note that in 2022, within the framework of the Agreement between the Swiss Confederation and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Vision 2030 Fund was established to use the funds previously obtained and returned by G. Karimova through criminal means to support the reform program of the Government of Uzbekistan and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Fund is managed through the UN Multilateral Partnership Trust Fund.

9. Uzbekistan has been conscientiously fulfilling its international obligations in the field of human rights and confirms its readiness to support constructive dialogue with UN mechanisms, including special procedures.

10. The government reserves the right to take further steps to protect its reputation in international structures, as well as to explain reliable information to a wide range of interested parties.