Uzbek Authorities Target Muslim Women
Tuesday, April 13, 2004 8:00 AM
According to Human Rights Watch, recent violence in Uzbekistan has resulted in authorities detaining and harassing independent Muslim women. Human Rights Watch suggests the latest detentions are indicative of a broadening crackdown on independent Muslims who do not practrice their faithe within state religious institutions. Minors are among the 40 detainees; thirteen of the detainees are women. Widespread harassment of independent Muslim women is also reported. Many of the detainees have not been charged and are incommunicado. The report especially highlights violence and threats of rape and humiliation against detainees. Compiled from: "Uzbekistan: Crackdown Targets Dissident Muslim Women," Human Rights Watch, 13 April 2004.