Uzbekistan: CFWIJ condemns the intimidation towards Agnieszka Pikulicka by state authorities

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April 5, 2021- Agnieszka Pikulicka, journalist and fellow at The Coalition For Women In Journalism, shared images of two cars parked outside her house on April 4. The journalist said, lately, it is the typical view from her window. She further shared that they disappear when offered tea. A while later, she tweeted another picture of a man walking towards the car parked outside Agnieszka’s home. The journalist is facing state-backed intimidation for covering the torture of Miraziz Bazarov, an activist and LGBT rights supporter. Miraziz was brutally tortured on March 29 by radicals, and Agnieszka has followed the details of his treatment. CFWIJ condemns this harassment and demands that Uzbek authorities stop this intimidation towards the journalist and allow her to work freely. 

Agnieszka shared two images of different cars parked outside her house. The journalist said it is now the routine view for her and the unknown men usually disappear when she offers them refreshments. She added, “Sadly, I don't have any pics of the guys on the other side of the house, always on the phone. Not sure where they work but it seems like a boring job. More pics coming.”

Later on, Agnieszka shared another image of a man walking towards a car. The second picture was captured from behind, and the car is different from the one previously present. Agnieszka tweeted that, “This one also doesn’t want tea but he didn’t disappear when I waved and offered refreshments”.

Agnieszka is following the case of torture against activist and LGBT rights supporter Miraziz Bazarov, who was viciously beaten on March 29, 2021. Agnieszka reported how people visiting him were questioned by authorities. The journalist also revealed her friend was interrogated for four hours for simply being present in the hospital while she has personally received threats. The Ministry of Internal Affairs issued a statement against the journalist, accusing her of biased reporting of the events that transpired on March 29. 

The statement issued by The Ministry of Internal Affairs accused Agnieszka of violating article 6 of the law regarding the protection and professional activity of a journalist. The statement accused Agnieszka of being hostile towards government agencies by disseminating information that is not based on truth. The journalist has refuted these allegations and presented herself to stand trial. Agnieszka demanded a public apology if the allegations can not be proven. 

The journalist received her renewed accreditation on February 3, 2021, after fighting the harassment she suffered at the hands of a member of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Coalition For Women In Journalism commends Agnieszka for her determination and commitment to the cause. We condemn the harassment and intimidation she is facing from the Uzbek authorities. We demand the authorities end this mistreatment immediately and stop their interference in the journalist’s work.