Sanjar Umarov (file photo) (RFE/RL)
TASHKENT, 27 February 2006 (RFE/RL) -- An Uzbek opposition leader today pleaded not guilty to charges of economic crimes.
The chairman of the Sunshine Uzbekistan Coalition, Sanjar Umarov, said in a Tashkent court that the charges against him were fabricated.
He also claimed he was threatened during the investigation in an attempt to force him to confess.
A verdict is expected in the coming days. Prosecutors have asked for an 18-year prison term.
Uzbek prosecutors have demanded a 12-year prison sentence for another Sunshine activist, Nodira Hidoyatova. She is also on trial for economic crimes.
The coalition has been a vocal critic of a government crackdown on an uprising in the eastern city of Andijon in May 2005.
RFE/RL Central Asia Report
RFE/RL Central Asia Report
SUBSCRIBE For regular news and analysis on all five Central Asian countries by e-mail, subscribe to "RFE/RL Central Asia Report."