Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan

Injustice, corruption and INTERPOL abuse

Uzbekistan has long been associated with politically motivated prosecutions, coerced confessions, opaque judicial processes and the misuse of international law enforcement mechanisms. While reforms have been publicly promised, serious concerns remain regarding due process, fair trial guarantees and the treatment of detainees.

Our Work on Uzbekistan

Radha Stirling, Founder of Due Process International and Detained in Dubai, has assisted multiple clients targeted by Uzbekistan through INTERPOL Red Notices, extradition requests and cross-border proceedings.

Her work has included:

• Successful deletion of INTERPOL Red Notices issued at the request of Uzbekistan where the notices breached INTERPOL’s Constitution and Rules on the Processing of Data

• Pre-emptive representations to the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files to prevent politically motivated listings

• Legal strategy and expert evidence opposing extradition to jurisdictions where there is a real risk of torture, ill-treatment or denial of fair trial rights

• Public advocacy highlighting the misuse of international cooperation mechanisms for political or financial leverage

In several cases, clients were accused of economic or fraud related offences following business disputes or political fallout. In practice, such cases often raise serious concerns regarding evidential standards, judicial independence and coercive investigative practices.

INTERPOL and Transnational Pressure

Uzbekistan has utilised INTERPOL channels in cooperation with other jurisdictions including the United Arab Emirates and European states. In some instances, individuals have been detained in third countries following Red Notices or diffusions issued by Uzbekistan.

We have seen patterns where:

• Individuals are detained in the UAE or other transit hubs pending extradition
• Extradition requests rely on incomplete or weak evidence
• Proceedings fail to adequately assess the human rights risks upon return
• Financial or political interests intersect with criminal allegations

Radha Stirling has worked to prevent removals where credible risks of human rights violations exist, ensuring that international courts and authorities properly assess torture risks and due process concerns.

Human Rights Concerns

International observers have repeatedly documented concerns relating to:

• Torture and coerced confessions
• Closed proceedings and restricted defence rights
• Political influence in economic crime prosecutions
• Retaliatory action against businesspeople and former officials

Where extradition would expose an individual to such risks, international law prohibits removal. Our work focuses on enforcing these safeguards in practice.

Media Commentary and Public Record

Radha Stirling has been interviewed by international media discussing Uzbekistan’s use of international legal mechanisms and the broader implications for due process and cross-border justice.

Selected coverage includes:

Modern Diplomacy:  Radha Stirling on the Fight for Rights in Uzbekistan: The Battle for Control Over the Heartland
European Interest:  Is Uzbekistan at the start of the Magnitsky Act process? An interview with human rights advocate Radha Stirling

EuroWeekly:  Radha Stirling: a test for Uzbekistan’s judicial reforms