All assurances by the Uzbek authorities about ongoing reforms—their so called commitment to international law and aspiration for democratic development—are nothing more than a carefully orchestrated campaign to polish the image of the Mirziyoyev regime. This stage managed performance pursues several key goals:

— to attract foreign investment essential for sustaining Uzbekistan’s economy, weakened by corruption and inefficient governance;

— to blunt international criticism of the Mirziyoyev regime for systematic human rights violations, suppression of free speech and political repression;

— to legitimise its power in the eyes of both the international community and a domestic public weary of decades of authoritarian rule.

Since the founding of the political opposition movement “Erkin O’zbekiston” (“Free Uzbekistan”), the Mirziyoyev regime has subjected our members and supporters to threats, intimidation, harassment and even transnational repression. These are not isolated incidents but a systematic campaign aimed at crushing every form of dissent and eliminating any possibility of peaceful expression. The Uzbek authorities have launched a large scale social media smear operation against the movement’s founder, Mr Burhanov, deploying centrally coordinated bots and trolls.

By unleashing this campaign online, the Mirziyoyev regime sets a dangerous precedent for using the digital sphere as a tool of political pressure and suppression of dissent. A meticulously planned wave of harassment was designed not only to discredit the opponent but also to cause serious harm to his reputation and to his mental and physical health.

One of the most cynical aspects of this campaign is the stigmatisation of Mr Burhanov for his disability. The dirtiest tactics are in play: spreading falsehoods, mocking his physical appearance, creating fake accounts to amplify the abuse. Extreme cyberbullying has become a political weapon. The aim is broader than one man’s character assassination; it is a warning: “Criticise the authorities and the same will happen to you”.

Such actions violate basic moral and ethical norms and undermine the foundations of an inclusive society. The situation is aggravated by direct threats of physical violence against Mr Burhanov issued in the same campaign.

At annual OSCE/ODIHR meetings—where “Erkin O’zbekiston” regularly participates—the Uzbek delegation stages provocations against its founder, relying on so called GONGOs (government-organised NGOs).

In parallel, the authorities systematically erase any mention of “Erkin O’zbekiston” from the information space, employing tools up to and including outright media censorship. This expanding trend endangers free expression and democratic institutions in Uzbekistan.

17–18 March 2025, speaking at the OSCE/ODIHR Human Dimension Meeting in Vienna, Mr Burhanov made headline grabbing statements about crimes committed by the Mirziyoyev regime—statements censored even in some Western outlets.

The authorities reacted swiftly. From 20 March 2025, the movement’s YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Telegram channels came under massive attack from a troll factory controlled by the Uzbek regime. Using twenty four fake email addresses, the attackers filed copyright complaints with tech companies, demanding removal of current videos and posts—content to which they had no legitimate claim.

Today the movement’s pages on Facebook and Instagram, as well as Mr Burhanov’s personal Facebook profile, are blocked with no possibility of restoration. To mislead supporters and paralyse our work, the troll factory has created more than twenty fake pages, channels, profiles and bots across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Telegram, some masquerading as feedback channels. Additionally, the movement’s official website has been inaccessible in Uzbekistan since January 5, 2023.

Despite these obstacles, we will not give up. We believe change is necessary and will continue to fight for our rights and freedoms by every lawful means. “Erkin O’zbekiston” has long since become a symbol of freedom for millions of Uzbek citizens.

We call on the international community to scrutinise Uzbekistan’s human rights record and to press the authorities to end persecution of our supporters and guarantee fundamental freedoms for all.

We want to be heard!

We appeal to independent media to give us a platform to:

— voice our views on Uzbekistan’s socioeconomic and political developments;

— share our proposals for EU policy toward Uzbekistan;

— answer any questions concerning the situation in the country.

When space for alternative viewpoints narrows, the opposition’s voice becomes vital—for preserving balance and the possibility of constructive dialogue.