In response to the dissemination in the media of Opinion No. 17/2025 adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concerning the criminal prosecution of G. Karimova, the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan сonsiders it necessary to make the following statement:

1. The Government expresses its concern that the Working Group’s opinion was based on unilateral and subjective information submitted by the Source, while the official response of the Government of Uzbekistan, duly prepared and submitted, was unfortunately disregarded due to procedural deadlines. Such an approach undermines the principles of objectivity and impartiality that should guide UN bodies in their work.
2. Uzbekistan remains open to dialogue and international cooperation, but on the basis of mutual respect, compliance with international law and the rejection of double standards.
3. All criminal cases against G. Karimova were initiated and considered in full compliance with the norms of criminal and criminal procedural law, as well as in accordance with the Uzbekistan’s international obligations, including the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
4. The right to legal defense and a fair trial was guaranteed at all stages. G. Karimova had access to lawyers, including both independently chosen and officially appointed in accordance with the established procedure. Access to case files, the right to appeal judicial decisions, and the confidentiality of communications with the defense were observed.
5. The judicial decisions in G. Karimova’s case were issued by competent courts based on sufficient body of evidence confirming the commission of serious and particularly serious crimes, including tax evasion, money laundering, unlawful appropriation of state property, fraud, and other offenses causing large-scale damage to the state.
6. Allegations of arbitrary detention in 2014, prolonged house arrest, the so-called “trial in the kitchen,” and similar claims are unfounded. All procedural actions and court proceedings were carried out in full сompliance with the applicable legal norms. At present, the convicted individual retains the right to appeal the court decisions in accordance with the procedures established by law.
7. The Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan firmly denies any assertion of political motivation in this case. All actions of law enforcement bodies and judicial authorities were based exclusively on legal grounds and a solid body of evidence confirming the defendant’s criminal conduct. These proceedings were entirely unrelated to her lawful business endeavors or any political affiliations or views.
8. In this context, it is noteworthy that in 2022, within the framework of an Agreement between the Swiss Confederation and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Vision 2030 Fund was established for the manage assets previously obtained by G. Karimova through criminal means. The Fund is designed to support the Government’s reform strategy and contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It is administered through a United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund.
9. Uzbekistan reaffirms its commitment to upholding its international human rights obligations and expresses its continued willingness to maintain a constructive dialogue with UN mechanisms, including the Special Procedures.
10. The Government reserves the right to take further steps to protect its reputation within international institutions and to ensure that accurate information is communicated to the broader community of stakeholders.

Tashkent, 9 July 2025