Uzbekistan's Supreme Court has exonerated 240 people convicted in the 1920-1930s by the Soviet regime for taking part in the Basmachi (Raiders) movement, which fiercely fought against Russian and Soviet forces. The Supreme Court announced on August 24 its decision to exonerate the men, many of whom were sentenced to death and others who were incarcerated for many years. The Basmachi movement that started during World War I in Central Asia was eradicated by the Soviets by the late 1920s. However, clashes between Soviet armed forces and remaining Basmachi rebels along the border with Afghanistan continued until the early 1930s. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Uzbek Service, click here.
Uzbekistan's Supreme Court Exonerates 240 Members Of Basmachi Movement
The Basmachi movement, which fiercely fought against Russian and Soviet forces throughout Central Asia, was eradicated by the Soviets by the late 1920s.