Uzbekistan Blogger Brutally Attacked after Calling Out Homophobic Policies
Human Rights Watch reported this week that Uzbekistan blogger and political activist Miraziz Bazarov was brutally attacked outside his home on Sunday by unidentified assailants.
"The blogger, Miraziz Bazarov, had publicly called for the decriminalization of consensual same-sex conduct," HRW continues.
"He was hospitalized with a concussion, fractured bones, and internal bruising. The police have opened a criminal investigation but blamed Bazarov for instigating events that day."
Doctors, Radio Free Europe reported, say that "Bazarov's situation was very serious and he will be moved to another hospital, where he may need to undergo brain surgery."
"One of Bazarov's neighbors, who said he witnessed the assault, told RFE/RL that the blogger was attacked in the evening on March 28 near his apartment block by three masked men, one of whom had a baseball bat," RFE continued. The attack lasted about three minutes.
Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch said in a statement: "The police should thoroughly and impartially investigate this violent assault on Miraziz Bazarov, examining all possible motivations. At a time when homophobia is on the rise in Uzbekistan, it's critical for the authorities to bring those responsible to justice."
The 29-year old Bazarov has been a thorn in the side of the Uzbekistan authorities through his sardonic commentaries on government abuse and corruption on social media. He accused them of inappropriately spending COVID-19 relief funds, as well as calling out the government for their anti-LGBTQ policies, which includes punishment of up to three years in prison.
Earlier on Sunday a weekly public event for fans of Japanese anime and Korean pop music, which he organizes each Sunday, had been disrupted by dozens of aggressive men who chanted "Allah Akbar!" or "God is great," RFE wrote.
Last week Human Rights Watch called for Uzbekistan to revoke the current criminal code punishing consensual sexual conduct between men with up to three years in prison. "Men in Uzbekistan who engage in consensual same-sex sexual conduct face arbitrary detention, prosecution, and imprisonment as well as homophobia, threats, and extortion," Human Rights Watch said. "Uzbekistan should guarantee rights to personal security, privacy, and nondiscrimination by decriminalizing consensual sexual conduct between men."
"Bazarov has openly said he is not an LGBT activisist, but believes that being gay is a personal issue and therefore no laws should consider it a crime," added RFE.