Uzbek government denies claims of “kitchen trial” for Gulnara Karimova

Earlier, the UN Human Rights Council’s Working Group on Arbitrary Detention stated that Gulnara Karimova—the eldest daughter of Uzbekistan’s late first president, Islam Karimov—was arbitrarily detained in 2014 without a warrant or clear justification. In response, the government of the Republic of Uzbekistan has released an official statement addressing the matter.

The government expressed concern that the Working Group’s conclusions were based on one-sided and subjective information from a single source, while the official response provided by Uzbekistan was not considered due to procedural deadlines.

“Such an approach undermines the principles of objectivity and impartiality that UN bodies must adhere to,” the statement emphasized.

The Uzbek authorities reaffirmed that the country remains open to dialogue and international cooperation based on mutual respect, adherence to international law, and the avoidance of double standards.

“All criminal cases against Gulnara Karimova were initiated and reviewed in strict accordance with national criminal and criminal-procedural laws, and in line with Uzbekistan’s international obligations, including provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” the government stated.

It was noted that Karimova’s rights to legal defense and a fair trial were ensured throughout the criminal proceedings. She was represented either by independently chosen or duly appointed defense lawyers. The procedures for reviewing case materials, appealing court decisions, and maintaining confidential communication with her lawyers were reportedly observed.

The government emphasized that “court decisions in the case of Gulnara Karimova were issued by competent judicial bodies on the basis of sufficient evidence confirming her involvement in serious and particularly serious crimes—including tax evasion, money laundering, embezzlement of state property, fraud, and other offenses that caused significant damage to the state.”

Addressing rumors of a “kitchen trial” and prolonged house arrest, the government categorically denied these allegations as baseless. It asserted that all procedural actions and court hearings were conducted in full compliance with the law. Karimova retains the legal right to appeal court decisions by established procedures.

“The Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan categorically rejects allegations of political motives in this case. All actions taken by law enforcement and judicial bodies were strictly legal and evidence-based. Her prosecution was unrelated to her former political position or business activities,” the statement added.

The government also highlighted the creation of the "Vision 2030 Fund" in 2022, established through an agreement between the Swiss Confederation and the Uzbek government. The fund, administered via the UN’s Multilateral Partnership Trust Fund, channels assets previously recovered from Karimova’s illicit activities toward Uzbekistan’s reform initiatives and the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The statement concluded by reaffirming Uzbekistan’s commitment to fulfilling its international human rights obligations and its readiness to maintain constructive dialogue with UN mechanisms, including special procedures. The government also noted it reserves the right to take further steps to protect its international reputation and to provide accurate information to all relevant stakeholders.

For reference, until early 2025, Gulnara Karimova was held in Women’s Correctional Colony No. 21 in Zangiota district, Tashkent region. In January 2025, she was transferred to Penal Colony No. 42 in the same district, according to QALAMPIR.UZ sources.

Gulnara Karimova was sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Tashkent Regional Criminal Court on December 18, 2017. According to information provided by the Prosecutor General's Office in 2017, a criminal case had initially been opened against Karimova on October 24, 2013, on charges of tax evasion involving the operations of several limited liability companies (LLCs). During the investigation, it was revealed that Karimova had directly assisted the criminal activities of an organized group led by Sodiqov between 2001 and 2012, and later by Madumarov from January to October 2013.

At the time, the prosecutor's office charged Gulnara Karimova under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan:

• Article 165 – Extortion

• Article 167 – Robbery by embezzlement or misappropriation

• Article 179 – Fictitious entrepreneurship

• Article 184 – Tax or fee evasion

• Article 227 – Seizing, destroying, damaging, or concealing documents, stamps, seals, forms, and state license plates of vehicles and trailers

Although she was sentenced to 10 years in December 2017, the punishment was later reduced to a 5-year sentence of restriction of liberty, based on humanitarian considerations and in recognition of her stated commitment to return assets acquired through criminal means and to compensate the state for damages.

At her request, the place of serving this restricted sentence was designated as the residence of her daughter, Imon Karimova. During this time, she was subject to strict legal conditions, including a ban on leaving her place of residence, using communication devices and the internet, and an obligation to fully compensate the state for damages caused.

However, due to her intentional violations of the rules and conditions of her restricted liberty, the Probation Service under the Main Department of Execution of Sentences submitted a request under the criminal-executive legislation. As a result, the unserved portion of her sentence was converted into a deprivation of liberty, to be served in a general-regime penal colony. She was subsequently transferred to Penal Colony No. 21, located in the Zangiota district.

According to a 2020 announcement from the Supreme Court, Karimova faced an additional criminal case involving members of a criminal organization. The court found her guilty of organizing a criminal group, extortion, misappropriation and embezzlement, laundering proceeds of crime, and several other offenses.

Following the verdict, Karimova was sentenced to 13 years and 4 months in prison. In line with the criminal law regarding multiple offenses and cumulative sentencing, her prison term was calculated starting from August 21, 2015.