Official statement in connection with the death of one of the accused in the events that took place in Nukus

There were reports that Polat Shamshetov, one of those accused of committing mass riots in the city of Nukus, died yesterday morning in a pre-trial detention center from a heart attack. Members of the independent Commission on this case will visit the Bukhara region on February 6 this year to study the circumstances of death, including conditions of detention, surveillance footage, preliminary medical report and other relevant documents.

Сonversations will also be held with persons who were in the same cell with the deceased, and employees of the pre-trial detention center.

It is reported that the public will be informed of the results of the study.

The former head of the department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, the late Polat Shamshetov, was sentenced to 6 years in prison for calling for mass riots, as well as for actively participating in demonstrations.

We express our condolences to the families and friends of the deceased on behalf of the members of the Commission.

Press Service of the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (Ombudsman)