Uzbek professor held in Astana for nearly two months on espionage suspicion
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Uzbek professor Ikboljon Koraboyev, 46, has been detained in Astana for almost two months on suspicion of espionage. Relatives told the BBC's Uzbek service that plainclothes officers took him from his home on July 3 and accused him of passing information to an Uzbek consulate employee. Kazakh authorities have not commented on the case.
Key Facts
- Koraboyev, a 46-year-old Uzbek citizen from Andijan, taught international relations at M.S. Narikbayev KAZGUU University in Astana.
- He is suspected under Article 176 of Kazakhstan's Criminal Code (espionage), which carries a prison term of 10 to 15 years.
- Relatives say plainclothes officers detained him at his Astana home on July 3 and accused him of passing information to an employee of the Uzbek consulate in Astana.
- The BBC's Uzbek service received no response from Uzbekistan's General Prosecutor's Office, Interior Ministry, Foreign Ministry, or consulate in Kazakhstan.
- Koraboyev remains without full legal representation, according to the BBC.
Detention and Charges
Koraboyev was detained at his home in Astana on July 3 by several men in civilian clothes. A relative told the BBC that the men said he was accused of espionage and had allegedly passed information to an employee of the Uzbek consulate in Astana. He is being held under Article 176 of Kazakhstan's Criminal Code, which provides for 10 to 15 years in prison. Kazakh law enforcement and other competent authorities have not commented on the case.
Family and Professional Background
Koraboyev is a 46-year-old Uzbek citizen born in Andijan and lives in Astana with his wife and three minor children. He taught international relations at M.S. Narikbayev KAZGUU University in Astana. Family and sources cited by the BBC suggest two possible reasons for the arrest: alleged activity in favor of Uzbekistan or his research on critical minerals.
Legal Status and Secrecy
According to the BBC, Koraboyev currently has no full legal assistance. The BBC contacted Uzbekistan's General Prosecutor's Office, Interior Ministry, Foreign Ministry, and consulate in Kazakhstan but received no response. Some researchers who worked with Koraboyev asked not to be named, while others declined to answer questions.
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Uzbek professor held in Astana for nearly two months on espionage suspicion
