All criminal cases against Gulnara Karimova were conducted in full accordance with national and international legal standards, the Uzbek government stated in an official response published by the National Center for Human Rights.
The statement was issued in reply to Comment No. 17/2025, adopted by the UN Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which criticized aspects of Karimova’s prosecution.
According to the government, the legal proceedings followed Uzbekistan’s criminal and procedural codes and respected the country’s international obligations, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Authorities emphasized that Karimova’s right to defense and to a fair trial was guaranteed throughout all stages of the investigation and trial.
“She had the right to appoint defense attorneys, and procedures ensured confidentiality, access to case materials, appeals, and attorney-client communication,” the statement said.
The courts, the government added, delivered verdicts based on substantial evidence proving Karimova’s involvement in serious offenses, such as tax evasion, embezzlement, money laundering, fraud, and other crimes that caused extensive damage to the state.
The government rejected claims of arbitrary arrest, prolonged house arrest, and so-called “kitchen trials” as unfounded. “All procedural actions and court hearings were conducted in full compliance with procedural law,” the statement noted.
The convicted individual, it added, retains the legal right to appeal all judicial decisions.
Uzbek officials strongly denied that the prosecution was politically motivated. They stated that law enforcement and judicial actions were strictly evidence-based and had no connection to Karimova’s past political roles or economic activity.
The statement also highlighted the Vision 2030 Fund, created in 2022 in partnership with the Swiss government to repurpose assets recovered from Karimova for Uzbekistan’s reform efforts and sustainable development. The fund is administered by the UN’s Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office.
Uzbekistan reaffirmed its commitment to human rights and openness to dialogue with UN mechanisms. It also signaled its readiness to defend its international reputation and provide accurate information to the global community.
“We remain dedicated to fulfilling our obligations and engaging constructively with international partners,” the statement concluded.
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