Thread by @steveswerdlow

#Karakalpakstan events concerning on several levels: 1) illustrates how LACK OF CONSULTATION in the proposed re-write of #Uzbekistan's #Constitution can backfire in various, unpredictable ways, such as setting off fears/concerns among Karakalpaks about a loss of autonomy (cont'd)

https://twitter.com/Navbahor/status/1542912246061404160

2) reports of internet outages/flight blackouts in/out of Karakalpakstan point to heavy-handed tactics out of step with #Uzb's international human rights obligations; 3) authorities must employ transparency in any detentions of protesters & avoid any disproportionate responses.

The statement of the independent #Uzb media outlet in #hookreport illustrates the INCREDIBLY sensitive territory anyone is wading into commenting on this situation. Statement makes the following points: (contd)

"1) Hook report's editorial staff speaks out against attempts to disturb territorial integrity of our country from inside or outside;
2) Uz Constitution forecloses any attempts to unilaterally alter Uzbekistan's borders (Art. 3) and thus we view these slogans as illegal (contd)

3) at the same time, we believe that any process of Constitutional reform in Uzbekistan that could change the status of minority groups among the population should not occur WITHOUT THEIR KNOWLEDGE OR INVOLVEMENT...

4) But it is our journalistic duty to objectively cover events in the country and the lives of the population"

Good to see Hook report taking this sober, objective position. One can read a criticism of how the government has introduced constitutional changes in a manner that appears haphazard & unnecessary. Regardless of intentions, these changes have touched a nerve in #Karakalpakstan.