We call on the Government of Uzbekistan to release immediate from prison the environmental activist Makset Kosbergenov and clear him of the false accusations of bribery made against him.
Makset was arrested in mid-December 2008, accused of receiving bribes to the amount of two million Sum (1,300 USD) in cash and material (fish) value.
Makset's political credo is to strive to save the remaining flora and fauna of Aral area which is gradually drying up. As Head of the Uzbek Forestry Department he has been instrumental in arresting more violators of the environmental protection law than any other responsible official. His well argued articles in the Uzbek official press and in the internet were dedicated to the problem of saving the bio-resources of the region. He is an obstinate and little-loved character, but the leading environmental expert in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
News of the arrest of Makset Kosbergenov led to widespread negative reaction by public organizations in mainly Eastern Europe and Russia. His arrest and trial are seen as a trumped-up effort to remove him from his influential post and to ignore environmental abuse. Makset%u2019s integrity has made him many enemies in corrupt official circles in Uzbekistan.
Support from Western Europe and the rest of the world is now essential. Your signature on this petition will help to raise the matter to an international level.
We the undersigned call upon the Government of Uzbekistan to release the environmental activist Makset Kosbergnov and drop the false and trumped up bribery charges against him.
Intimidation of environmental activists in order to cover up or permit further destruction of the environment is an injustice and will not go unchallenged or unnoticed internationally.
We call upon you to do all in your power to correct this misuse of the law.
Thank you for your attention in this matter.
Sincerely,
