Uzbekistan: CFWIJ condemns the physical assault on Fatima Jurayeva
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December 14, 2021, Tashkent- Blogger Fatima Jurayeva was physically assaulted by a state employee while she was on the field researching for one of her stories. Fatima incurred injuries as a result of an attack and also suffered damages to her property. The police has initiated a criminal case against Saidullo Mamadaliyev, the alleged attacker, and the investigation is ongoing. Fatima was at the location to investigate accusations of corruption by the state power department.
Fatima Jurayeva became active in 2012 as a blogger reporting on irregularities on city governance. The violation against her took place on November 22 at the Ulug’nor district office of the state-owned electricity company Hududiy Elektr Tarmoqlari, in Uzbekistan’s eastern Andijon region.
The journalist was investigating theft of state funds in relation to allocation to electricity power to the farmer community in the region. She had asked for information from the electric company and had already informed them of her intention to visit. She was told that she would receive her requested documentation from the representatives present. However, on the day, the accountant, Saidullo Mamadaliyev, not only refused to cooperate, he also physically assaulted her and broke her phone. Mamadaliyev struck Fatima, threw her on the floor and grabbed her by the hair, as was clear on a video she posted on her Facebook account.
The police has since initiated a criminal investigation against Mamadaliyev according to local news outlets. However, according to the company's official statement, the accused has denied assaulting Fatima.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the attack on Fatima Jurayeva and demands the police urgently look into the matter and hold the responsible party accountable. Thorough research is the mark of a responsible and capable journalist. To assault them then, not only negating their right to information but also violently rescinding earlier permission is reprehensible.
