Uzbekistan announces death of President Islam Karimov
Karimov's 27-year rule was characterised by repression of dissenting voices, according to human rights groups
3 September 2016, 9:24am
Staff Reporter
Staff Reporter
President Islam Karimov
Islam Karimov, Uzbekistan's strongman president has died, aged 78.
Karimov's death was confirmed by Tashkent on Friday. He had been hospitalised after suffering a stroke six days ago.
The funeral will take place today.
Karimov ruled the country for 27 years and is accused of harshly repressing dissent by human rights groups. A United Nations report has described the use of torture under Karimov's regime as "systematic".
The late leader often justified these measures by pointing to the danger of Islamist militancy faced by mainly Muslim Uzbekistan.
