Arrest of Sabirjon Yakubov by Uzbekistan Authorities

Arrest of Journalist Sabirjon Yakubov by Uzbekistan Authorities

Question: Reporters Without Borders is protesting the arrest of journalist Sabirjon Yakubov by authorities in Uzbekistan. Does the State Department have any reaction to his arrest?

Answer: We are aware of the arrest on April 11 of Mr. Yakubov on charges of anti-constitutional activity. Our embassy is in contact with the Uzbek authorities and has urged observance of due process and fair and humane treatment for Mr. Yakubov. As noted in our 2004 Human Rights Report, in the past journalists have been harassed by the Uzbek government in an apparent effort to limit publication of critical stories. We will be following this case closely.

2005/433 Released on April 19, 2005

Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC April 19, 2005 Question Taken at April 19, 2005 Daily Press Briefing