Uzbekistan: Hundreds gather in Tashkent June 4 after student’s death

Event

Following an attack that lead to the death of an 18-year-old student, media sources have reported that around 200 people gathered in Tashkent's Bobur Park on June 4 to collect signatures for a petition calling for a police investigation of the incident. As of June 5, a similar online petition had more than 17,000 signatures. Police officials have reassured the public that an investigation is ongoing and, as of June 5, one alleged assailant has reportedly been detained.

A spontaneous protest or gathering of this manner in the capital is unusual; avoid all demonstrations.

Context

Zhasur Ibragimov was hospitalized on May 3 after reportedly sustaining multiple serious injuries from fellow students at a medical college. After undergoing multiple operations, Ibragimov died from his injuries on June 1.

Advice

Individuals in Uzbekistan are advised to monitor the situation.

On a separate note, some Western governments advise against travel to Uzbekistan's eastern borders, including zones neighboring Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Afghanistan. Violence along the border is possible and uncontrolled areas are often laced with landmines.