Although the Constitution provides for "freedom of thought, speech, and convictions," the Uzbekistan Government continues to limit these rights severely.
Ordinary citizens remain afraid to express views critical of the President and the Government in public. The Government uses the law to silence critics.
One legal provision makes journalists responsible for the accuracy of the information contained in their news stories, potentially subjecting them to prosecution.
Another law permits authorities to close media outlets without a court judgment. Yet another prohibits stories that incite religious confrontation and ethnic discord. Finally, the law prohibits the registration of organizations whose purposes include subverting or overthrowing the constitutional order.
Source: U.S. Department of State
