On December 4, a meeting between the representative of Uzbekistan’s ambassador in Europe and the migrants from Uzbekistan was held in Scandic Hotel Stockholm, Sweden. The meeting was attended, on the one hand, by the representative of the dictatorial regime of Uzbekistan, consul Azimjon Azodov, who works at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Germany and on the other hand, by the Uzbek migrants including journalists, workers, students, politicians and non-staff agents of the Uzbekistan’s National Security Service (SNB).

At the beginning of the meeting, Consul Azimjon Azodov assures all present that the political situation in the country is changing and acquiring a more favorable climate, so that everyone can visit Uzbekistan, but only for this purpose it is necessary to compile the documents, namely to get a certificate at the Embassy of Uzbekistan. According to Azimjon Azodov, those who do not have a passport, or have overdue passports, or have dual citizenship in this or that case, can receive a certificate in accordance with the current legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which will allow you to visit Uzbekistan without any obstruction.

The warm and flattering signs of gratitude for holding this event were expressed by a number of those present. Some migrants thanked the consul so much that they almost adored Azimjon Azodov. One of the persons present repeatedly raised the issue of his intention to help in opening the office of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Sweden and even was going to collect numerous signatures in the promotion of this project. There were even those who praised the power of the dictatorial regime in Uzbekistan for the policy pursued in the country.

Practically none of the migrants who left the country due to being persecuted by the authorities because of their religious and political convictions came to the meeting. But still, some of those present asked the consul questions concerning those who left the country for political and religious reasons. I introduced myself as a member of Hizb ut Tahrir and raised the issue of the persecution of our party members, when they would release political and religious prisoners. Consul Azimjon Azodov said that he would not answer such questions.

One of the brothers raised the question of whether there were guarantees that they would not arrest and prosecute those who wanted to visit their home. Most recently, a group of labor migrants who returned home were arrested. Under the pretext of their participation in the banned organizations, criminal cases were fabricated on them. The consul did not like these questions, and at some point he began to get angry, and refused to answer such questions.

I think that this event was aimed at showing the authorities of Western countries, in particular the government of Sweden, that the power in Uzbekistan changes the political climate in a direction favorable for everyone and that even the migrants from different countries come to such meetings and thank for the support and help in their return to their homeland.

Similar meetings took place in the US and other countries. And as a rule, such meetings were not attended by those who were forced to leave the country because of their political and religious persecution motives. And this means that nothing has changed in Uzbekistan, except that the tyrant I. Karimov died and a new tyrant took his place. And this is not surprising, since the new president of Uzbekistan, Sh. Mirziyoyev, has been going hand in hand with the tyrant I. Karimov for more than 15 years. And how can the situation in the country change if those executioners and criminals who have committed their crimes together with the tyrant I. Karimov still remain in their positions and continue to commit their crimes!?

The policy of terror against Islam and Muslims still remains in the country, and even becomes tougher. And this situation will change only when this system changes, when Muslims of Uzbekistan destroy this regime, when real criminals will be arrested and put in jail and the arrested Muslims will be released. And this is only possible if the Muslims of Uzbekistan join the work on the revival of the second righteous state of the Khilafah (Caliphate) along with Hizb ut Tahrir by the method of Prophethood.

Eldar Khamzin

Member of the Central Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir

Written for Ar-Rayah Newspaper – Issue 163