Central Election Commission approved President Karimov’s candidacy for 23 December elections despite constitutional ban on third term. Commission rejected candidacy of 3 human rights activists, approving 3 contenders loyal to Karimov. Rights activists claimed October murder of Kyrgyz journalist Alisher Saipov, prominent critic of government, linked to upcoming election.

EU suspended travel ban on officials involved in 2005 Andijon massacre 15 October; agreed to review human right situation April 2008 to decide whether to re-impose or end restrictions. Pressure on journalists and opposition continued, including 23 October arrest of rights activist Karim Bozorboyev. Uzbek-language newspaper editor in Kyrgyzstan Alisher Saipov shot dead 24 October (see Kyrgyzstan). Bukhara court sentenced 8 men 3-10 years for Hizb ut-Tahrir membership.

Central Election Commission set presidential election for 23 December; several independents announced plans to run, but protested harassment and candidacy rules requiring personal details of supporters. Unclear whether President Karimov will seek further term despite ineligibility. Independent theatre director Mark Weil killed by unknown assailants 7 September. Unrest over rising prices in Ferghana valley saw small-scale protests in Otiaryq, Andijon and Namangan. EU decision on continuing sanctions due October.

Border with Tajikistan closed 29 August ahead of 1 September Uzbek independence celebrations.

In step to boost popularity before due, but unannounced, December presidential elections, government announced 25% increase in minimum wage, pensions, student stipends and state salaries from 1 August. Human Rights Watch office effectively closed after international staff accreditation refused. Tashkent court found 8 females guilty of Hizb ut-Tahrir membership 9 July, set 3-year sentences but suspended jail for all but one. Authorities closed independent weekly newspaper Odam Orasida, citing media law breaches.

Andijon Court released rights activist Gulbahor Turayeva 12 June, suspending 6-year term, in exchange for confession denouncing work of other activists.

Rights activist Umida Niyazova sentenced to 7 years prison 1 May; sentence suspended 8 May after confession of all charges including smuggling. Reports that activist Gulbahor Turayeva’s 6-year sentence increased by nearly 6 years denied by authorities. EU extended sanctions imposed after 2005 Andijon uprising, but dropped 4 of 12 officials on visa ban list.

EU delegation held talks with Uzbek officials ahead of EU decision, due May, on continuing sanctions. Tashkent refused to meet UN Rights Commissioner Louise Arbour on regional tour. Arrests and detention of journalists, rights activists and religious dissenters continued. Delayed trial of jailed rights activist Umida Niyazova began 30 April. Journalist Jamshid Karimov’s confinement to psychological hospital, since September 2006, extended further 6 months. Human Rights Watch representative granted 3-month accreditation after reversal of initial decision to expel.

Arrests and heavy sentencing of opposition activists and journalists continued. Journalist Nataliya Bushueva charged with tax evasion and operating without accreditation. Rustam Muminov, accused of Hizb ut-Tahrir affiliation, and controversially extradited from Russia in 2006, sentenced to over 5 years for involvement in 2005 Andijon uprising. Court in Namangan sentenced local Birlik movement leader Muhammadali Qoraboyev to 6 years for extortion and fraud, charges supporters say politically motivated.

Journalist and rights activist Umida Niyazova detained since January after travel to Kyrgyzstan to interview 2005 Andijon uprising witnesses. Andijon court sentenced opposition Freedom Party leader Isroil Kholdorov to 6 years prison for post-uprising activities.