By KUNA
Brussels : The European Union welcomed Thursday the release in Uzbekistan of four human rights activist but also called for the release of all political prisoners in the country.
Uzbekistan recently released Saidjahon Zainabitdinov, Ikhtior Khamraev, Ulugbek Kattabaev and Bobomurod Mavlanov and cancelled the probation period of two other human rights defenders, Gulbahor Turaeva and Umida Niazova, who were released from prison last year.
“This is a positive step concerning the promotion and protection of human rights in Uzbekistan,” said a statement by the EU Presidency held currently by Slovenia.
Nevertheless, the EU statement noted that a number of human rights defenders remain in custody and in particular expressed grave concern regarding the imprisonment of Mutabar Tadjibaeva.
The EU reiterated its call to the Uzbek Government for the early release of all imprisoned human rights activists.