Uzbekistan: Journalist Khairullo Khamidov is accused of illegal establishment of religious organization
Khamidov’s relatives inform that the journalist is placed to the detention facility of Tashkent Oblast; the official arrest has not been sanctioned yet.
According to his lawyer and colleagues, Khamidov partially admitted fault, saying that he participated in two traditional events, dedicated to the birth of the child in Chinaz district of Tashkent Oblast where the salafi had been discussed among other topics. It is interesting to note that Khamidov founded popular enlightening radio program and religious newspaper; he was frequently invited to such events in the status of respected guest. According to Uzbek traditions, the person, invited to important family event, must show his respect by giving a visit.
In the morning of January 21 several law enforcement officers (including National Security officers) broke in his house. Authorized by the order, they conducted 4-hour long search in his house. The officers took 250 CDs and DVDs; according to Khamidov, they contained cartoons, movies, radio programs of the journalist, and few religious books, including Koran.
35-year old Khairullo Khamidov is the deputy Chief Editor of Champion sports newspaper. He was also the author and anchorperson of Kholislik sari (On the way to enlightenment) religious program at Navruz radio as well as the founder of Odamlar orasida (Among people) newspaper. Although both radio program and newspaper were closed soon they were highly popular among the population.
In 2007 Khairullo Khamidov was several times invited for the interview by the Tashkent police and, obviously, National Security service. He was strongly recommended not to further involve in religious affairs. The journalist found his next passion: he is a popular football commentator. Champion newspaper mainly focuses on football news.
Some sources also indicate that influential religious leaders and scientists, including Sheikh Mukhammad Sadyk Mukhammad Yusuf, addressed the government of the republic with the request to release the journalist. The official response has not followed yet.