Hundreds of people have been jailed over the Andijon unrest, many after closed trials (file photo) (RFE/RL)
21 February 2006 -- Ukraine today defended itself against criticism over its deportation last week of 10 Uzbeks allegedly involved in the Andijon uprising in Uzbekistan last year.
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Vasyl Filipchuk said the 10 were deported for breaking Ukrainian migration laws and laws governing the status of foreigners.
On 17 February, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees criticized the move, demanding that Ukraine clarify the reasons behind the deportations.
The New York-based group Human Rights Watch said the deportations violated international law.
Initial reports said that the 10 fled Uzbekistan during the brutal military response to the uprising in Andijon last year, and that Uzbekistan requested their extradition.
(AP)
On 17 February, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees criticized the move, demanding that Ukraine clarify the reasons behind the deportations.
The New York-based group Human Rights Watch said the deportations violated international law.
Initial reports said that the 10 fled Uzbekistan during the brutal military response to the uprising in Andijon last year, and that Uzbekistan requested their extradition.
(AP)
Aftermath Of Andijon
Aftermath Of Andijon
A dedicated webpage bringing together all of RFE/RL's coverage of the events in Andijon, Uzbekistan, in May 2005 and their continuing repercussions.