Two Uzbek para-powerlifters are on trial in South Korea on charges of sexual abuse amid accusations that Uzbek officials have been trying to cover up the case.
A representative from the Pyeongtaek city prosecutor’s office in South Korea told RFE/RL that the first hearing for the two Uzbek para-athletes was held on August 24.
A relative of one of the two men who took part in a para-powerlifting competition in Pyeongtaek from June 14-20 told RFE/RL that the pair has not been given any support by Uzbek authorities, while the officials from Uzbekistan's National Paralympic Committee (UPK) have been making efforts to keep the situation from being made public.
UPK press secretary Malika Murodova told RFE/RL that she has no information about the case.
A source close to the sports officials confirmed that the two athletes were arrested in South Korea. The court has not revealed the identities of the two athletes.
According to the source, five Uzbek para-athletes were detained on the last day of the competition after two female para-athletes from Australia turned to police, claiming they were sexually harassed by the men, who allegedly touched their bodies against their will.
A coach for the Uzbek national powerlifting team, who asked not to be identified, "recommended" to RFE/RL that it refrain from covering the situation around the two Uzbek men, saying "they will soon be released."
The father of one of the athletes facing trial also asked RFE/RL not to cover the case.
A representative of Australia’s Paralympic Committee told RFE/RL that it doesn't comment on sexual harassment cases.
If convicted, the two Uzbek para-athletes may face up to 10 years in prison.
Despite promised reforms by President Shavkat Mirziyoev, activists have recently voiced concerns over limits on free speech and the press and the lack of progress toward political liberalization in the Central Asian nation.