HUMAN RIGHTS IN UZBEKISTAN

Early day motion 1799, tabled 22 October 2002 by Harry Cohen (Labour). Signed by 54 members.

That this House condemns the prevalence of torture in prisons in Uzbekistan; is disgusted at the recent case of the young men Avazoz and Alimov who were apparently tortured to death by boiling water in prison; is dismayed at the large number of political prisoners in the country and that the prosecuting authorities are far more powerful than the judges resulting in a conviction rate in trials of almost 100 per cent.; praises the UK Ambassador, Mr Craig Murray, for drawing attention to these matters; and calls upon Her Majesty's Government, along with its allies to press the Uzbekistan government for substantial prison and justice reform that properly recognises human rights, and that this be in place in practice and not just in statements or laws that are then ignored.

Signatures by party: Labour 36, Liberal Democrat 6, Labour/Co-operative 4, Plaid Cymru 3, Conservative 2, UUP 2, Scottish National Party 1.