Uzbek Court Orders Release Of Activist Businesswoman

Nodira Hidoyatova at a November 2005 press conference (Courtesy Photo) May 23, 2006 -- An Uzbek appeals court today ordered the release of an opposition activist who had been convicted on charges ranging from money laundering to membership of an organized criminal group.

Nodira Hidoyatova, a businesswoman and coordinator for the opposition Sunshine Uzbekistan coalition, was released in the courtroom and is reported to be at home.

Hidoyatova was initially sentenced to 10 years in jail in March for charges that stemmed from alleged business dealings.

But the appeals court today commuted her sentence to a seven-year suspended jail term with three years' probation. Hidoyatova also had to pay 120 million Uzbek soms ($100,000) in bail.

AFP quotes rights campaigners as saying her remaining sentence should be lifted if new charges are not brought against her during the probation period. Hidoyatova has consistently denied the accusations made against her, and supporters have accused authorities of targeting her for political reasons.

Sunshine Uzbekistan has criticized President Islam Karimov's government for the bloody military crackdown that followed last year's unrest in the eastern city of Andijon.

(fergana.ru, AFP)