Dauletmurat Tajimuratov, an ethnic Karakalpak lawyer and journalist, was sentenced to 16 years in prison following the unrest in Karakalpakstan in July 2022. The protests were triggered by proposed constitutional amendments that would have stripped the region of its sovereign status. Prosecutors accused Tajimuratov of leading an attempt to overthrow the regional government and install himself as leader, alongside charges of money laundering and embezzlement. During his trial in Bukhara, Tajimuratov maintained his innocence, arguing that he was attempting to preserve peace and had warned officials of the impending crisis. He also alleged that he was subjected to torture and physical abuse by police during his initial detention. Despite his claims and the observations of human rights defenders, the court handed down a lengthy sentence, while other defendants received significantly shorter terms.

Dauletmurat Tajimuratov, an ethnic Karakalpak lawyer and journalist, was sentenced to 16 years in prison following the unrest in Karakalpakstan in July 2022. The protests were triggered by proposed constitutional amendments that would have stripped the region of its sovereign status. Prosecutors accused Tajimuratov of leading an attempt to overthrow the regional government and install himself as leader, alongside charges of money laundering and embezzlement. During his trial in Bukhara, Tajimuratov maintained his innocence, arguing that he was attempting to preserve peace and had warned officials of the impending crisis. He also alleged that he was subjected to torture and physical abuse by police during his initial detention. Despite his claims and the observations of human rights defenders, the court handed down a lengthy sentence, while other defendants received significantly shorter terms.