Uzbekistan Karakalpakstan Republic 'Anti-Constitutional Amendment' Protest... Thousands Injured

Constitutional Amendment Proposal Denies Sovereignty and Independence Rights to Karakalpakstan

Shavkat Mirziyoyev Ukraine President
[Photo by Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] Major foreign media reported on the 3rd (local time) that thousands have been injured as unrest continues for the third day in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, located in the northwest of Uzbekistan.

Local Uzbek media, citing Sultanbek Ziyayev, Minister of Health of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, reported that hospitals in Nukus, the capital of Karakalpakstan, are filled with people injured during the protests.

On the 2nd, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan, who visited Karakalpakstan, stated, "There were clashes between civilians and judicial authorities, and unfortunately, casualties occurred." President Mirziyoyev added that some protesters attacked the regional defense forces' building to obtain weapons.

Exiled opposition politician Pulat Akhunov said, "Based on local sources and verified video footage, the death toll is 5, but there are reports that dozens have lost their lives."

Since the 1st, protests opposing constitutional amendments have continued in the Republic of Karakalpakstan. According to the current constitution, Karakalpakstan is an autonomous republic within Uzbekistan with sovereignty and may become independent from Uzbekistan through a referendum. However, the proposed constitutional amendment defines Karakalpakstan as a minority ethnic group with its own language and does not recognize sovereignty or the right to independence.

However, following the protests, on the 2nd, President Mirziyoyev stated that the constitutional amendment might be withdrawn.

The Office of the President of Uzbekistan announced a state of emergency in Karakalpakstan to protect citizens' rights, freedoms, and safety, and to restore law and order, which will last for one month until August 2nd.