A Legacy of Oppression:
The Struggle of our Muslim Brothers in Uzbekistan Continues

In recent developments, the regime of Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Uzbekistan has continued the oppressive legacy of his predecessor, Islam Karimov. Despite initial promises of reform, Mirziyoyev's administration has reverted to severe repression, particularly targeting members of Hizb ut Tahrir. On May 9, 2024, 23 members were re-arrested on charges identical to those they faced nearly two decades ago. These Shabab had previously endured nearly twenty years of imprisonment and torture during Karimov's tyrannical rule.

Mirziyoyev's earlier commitments to end torture, violence against detainees, and arbitrary detention have proven hollow. His regime now employs the same brutal methods as Karimov's, demonstrating a deep-seated hostility towards Islam and its advocates. The Shabab of Hizb ut Tahrir were arrested arbitrarily, subjected to severe torture, and coerced into confessing to fabricated charges. These heinous acts included threats of sexual violence against their family members and the use of electrical torture.

The accusations of terrorism and violence against Hizb ut Tahrir are baseless. Since its founding in 1953, Hizb ut Tahrir has consistently rejected violence and terrorism, adhering strictly to an intellectual-political methodology inspired by the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (saw). The regime's allegations are a clear attempt to silence the group’s peaceful call for the re-establishment of the Islamic way of life.

Historically, Uzbekistan has a long legacy of oppressive rulers who have employed ruthless tactics to maintain power. Under Soviet rule, Uzbekistan was a part of the USSR and experienced severe repression. Stalin's regime is infamous for its brutal purges, arbitrary arrests, and torture, which created a culture of fear and oppression. The Soviet legacy of control continued even after Uzbekistan gained independence in 1991, as Karimov's regime became known for its harsh measures against political dissent and religious expression.

Islam Karimov, who ruled from independence until his death in 2016, is notorious for his severe crackdown on any form of opposition. His regime was marked by widespread abuses, including torture, arbitrary detention, and suppression of religious freedoms. One of the most egregious examples was the Andijan massacre in 2005, where government forces killed hundreds of protesters demanding political and economic reforms. This violent suppression was emblematic of Karimov’s approach to dissent, which sought to maintain an iron grip on power at any cost.

The Uzbek regime's actions are further influenced by colonialist powers such as Russia and the United States. These powers, despite their rhetoric of freedom, democracy, and human rights, support oppressive regimes to suppress Islamic movements. The hostility towards Hizb ut Tahrir's peaceful campaign for an Islamic way of life underscores the broader struggle against neo-colonial interference in Muslim lands.

Mirziyoyev’s adherence to oppressive measures reflects the desires and policies of colonialist leaders. It highlights the lack of autonomy among Muslim rulers, who act as agents of colonial interests. We in Hizb ut Tahrir warn the Mirziyoyev regime that this path of brutality and oppression will only increase the Ummah’s discontent and hasten the regime's demise.

The Islamic Ummah is closer than ever to liberation from colonial domination and the restoration of its laws and way of life. Mirziyoyev must release the imprisoned Shabab immediately and cease all forms of persecution against those advocating for Islam. The ultimate conclusion will favor the righteous and the ones who speak the truth:

[لِيَجْزِيَ اللَّهُ الصَّادِقِينَ بِصِدْقِهِمْ وَيُعَذِّبَ الْمُنَافِقِينَ إِن شَاء أَوْ يَتُوبَ عَلَيْهِمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا]

“It all happened so Allah may reward the faithful for their faithfulness, and punish the hypocrites if He wills or turn to them ˹in mercy˺. Surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Al-Ahzab: 24].

We urge all Muslims to stand in solidarity with the oppressed Muslims in Uzbekistan and to raise their voices against these injustices. Your support is crucial in amplifying their plight and pushing for meaningful change. InshaAllah, the righteous will prevail.

#صرخة_من_أوزبيكستان

#PleaFromUzbekistan

#ЎЗБЕКИСТОНДАН_ФАРЁД

Written for the Central Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir by
Sumaya Bint Khayyat