The President of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov, was hospitalized Saturday morning after suffering a brain hemorrhage, according to the long-time strongman’s daughter, Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva.
On Monday, she posted a family photo on her official Facebook page with an announcement about her father’s illness.
“I would like write here about the sad events that befell our family last weekend. My father was hospitalized after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage on Saturday morning, and is now receiving treatment in an intensive care unit. His condition is considered stable.
“At the moment it is too early to make any predictions about his future health. My only request to everyone is to refrain from any speculations, and show respect to our family’s right to privacy. I will be grateful to everyone who will support my father with prayers.”
The Uzbekistan presidency’s press service issued a statement Sunday on its website claiming the 78-year-old “is currently hospitalized. According to experts, a full medical examination is necessary.”
Twenty-five year reign
Karimov became leader of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic in 1989, and in 1991 declared the independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan. He assumed office upon the country’s independence from the then-Soviet Union.
His mandate was extended for a further five years in 1995 by referendum and he won re-election in 2000, 2007 and 2015. His current term is due to expire in 2020. Amnesty International has characterized the most recent election, which he won despite violating constitutional term limits, as lacking “genuine political competition.”
Although his country is resource-rich and produces and exports oil, gas, gold and cotton, he has courted attention from both Russia and the United States, who see his regional influence as important.
Accusations of gross human rights abuse
Despite being awarded the title of Hero of Uzbekistan, Karimov’s government has frequently been accused of human rights abuses, including forced child labor, the killing of unarmed protestors in the 2005 Andijan massacre and even boiling protesters alive.
The rights advocacy group Human RIghts Watch calls the country’s human rights record “atrocious,” alleging that “thousands are imprisoned on politically-motivated charges. Torture is endemic in the criminal justice system. Authorities continue to crackdown on civil society activists, opposition members, and journalists.”
Reporters Without Borders states that “Karimov subjects his country to the strictest censorship. No fewer that nine journalists are rotting in prison in the most abominable conditions,” and has ranked the country 166th out of 180 in the world in terms of press freedom.
“Uzbekistan faces many uncertainties but one thing is sure — this 77-year-old ‘predator of press freedom’ will continue censoring and ruling with an iron hand until he breathes his last,” a RSF report from last year states.