HRW Criticizes Kazakh Handover Of Uzbek Suspects

(RFE/RL) 3 December 2005 -- The organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) has criticized Kazakh authorities for secretly and forcibly handing over 10 suspected Islamic radicals to Tashkent on 29 November.

The New-York based HRW said in a statement that the handover
underscored "repressive trends" ahead of Kazakhstan's presidential election tomorrow.


HRW said the handover of the 10, who were arrested in southern
Kazakhstan on 28 November, followed no official extradition
procedures. HRW also said the handover ignored the risk that they could face torture at home.


HRW said that some of those handed over are accused of participation in the May uprising in the eastern Uzbek city of Andijon.


The human rights organization also expressed concern over the possible
handover of another group of Uzbeks reported to have been arrested in
Kazakhstan last week.


Ruhiddin Fakhriddinov, a former Tashkent imam, is said by family
members to be among this second group. He is a top Islamic extremist
suspect who had been on the run since 1998.


(AP)