On July 9, 2025, the Government of Uzbekistan has issued an official statement in response to Opinion No. 17/2025 adopted by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention regarding the case of Gulnara Karimova.
Gulnara Karimova, daughter of the former president of Uzbekistan, once a prominent public figure and diplomat, has been convicted of multiple serious crimes, including tax evasion, embezzlement, fraud, and money laundering and arrested in 2014.
In June 2025, the UN Working Group concluded that “The deprivation of liberty of Gulnara Karimova, being in contravention of articles 3, 8, 9 and 11 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and articles 2, 9 and 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, is arbitrary and falls within categories I and III”.
The government statement asserts that the UN Working Group opinion is based on biased and incomplete information, and reaffirms the legality of judicial proceedings conducted in the Karimova case.
According to the government, the Working Group’s findings were formed without proper consideration of Uzbekistan’s official response, which was submitted but excluded due to procedural deadlines. “Such an approach undermines the principles of objectivity and impartiality that UN bodies must adhere to,” the statement reads.
The government emphasized its continued commitment to dialogue and international cooperation grounded in mutual respect, adherence to international law, and the avoidance of double standards.
The government statement underscores that all criminal proceedings against Karimova were conducted in full accordance with Uzbek criminal and procedural law, as well as in line with the country’s international human rights obligations, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The Uzbek authorities affirmed that Karimova was guaranteed her rights to legal defense and a fair trial throughout all stages of the criminal process. She was represented by independently selected or appointed attorneys, and her access to legal counsel and case materials was conducted in line with confidentiality and procedural norms.
The statement firmly rejects allegations of arbitrary detention, including claims about prolonged house arrest and the so-called “kitchen trial,” describing them as “unfounded.” It asserts that all legal actions were conducted in full compliance with national legislation.
The Uzbek government also denies any political motivations in the case, asserting that law enforcement and judicial decisions were solely based on legal and evidentiary grounds. The proceedings, it states, did not affect Karimova’s political views or legitimate economic activities.
The Uzbek government highlighted the 2022 establishment of the Vision 2030 Fund under an agreement with the Swiss Confederation. The fund utilizes previously returned assets illicitly obtained by Karimova to support Uzbekistan’s reform agenda and contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It is managed under the UN Multilateral Partnership Trust Fund.
The government reiterated its ongoing commitment to upholding international human rights standards and its willingness to engage constructively with UN mechanisms, including special procedures. It also reserved the right to take further steps to protect its reputation in international forums and to disseminate accurate information to global stakeholders.
The full official statement is available on the National Human Rights Center website: http://nhrc.uz/uz/news/m15969
