Umida Ahmedova, a prominent Uzbek photographer/videographer, was charged on December 16 with defamation and damaging the country's image because of the content of her photos and videos.
Examples of her photos can be seen here.
Umida Ahmedova, 54, took a series of photos and video at obscure Uzbek villages that she used for two documentaries in a project sponsored by the Swiss Embassy in Tashkent. Ahmedova told RFE/RL that Uzbek officials disapprove of her photos used in and the documentaries "The Burden Of Virginity" and "Customs Of Men And Women," which focus on poverty and gender inequality in Uzbekistan.
Ahmedova said the charges against her are "groundless" and "absurd." Tashkent police investigator Nodir Ahmadjonov told RFE/RL that experts in the Prosecutor-General's Office found her photos and videos to be defamatory and insulting. The Uzbek Communication and Information Agency initiated the case against Ahmedova, who has been ordered not to leave Uzbekistan while an investigation is carried out. If found guilty, Ahmedova could face a fine and be sentenced in a work camp for up to two years or be jailed for up to six months. Ahmadjonov added that Ahmedova could be released under an amnesty without being acquitted.
Ahmedova's films were shown at the One World film festival in Prague in 2006, where they were popular with audiences. She has donated hundreds of her photos from Uzbekistan to RFE/RL's Uzbek Service for use on its website.
Examples of her photos can be seen here.
Umida Ahmedova, 54, took a series of photos and video at obscure Uzbek villages that she used for two documentaries in a project sponsored by the Swiss Embassy in Tashkent. Ahmedova told RFE/RL that Uzbek officials disapprove of her photos used in and the documentaries "The Burden Of Virginity" and "Customs Of Men And Women," which focus on poverty and gender inequality in Uzbekistan.
Ahmedova said the charges against her are "groundless" and "absurd." Tashkent police investigator Nodir Ahmadjonov told RFE/RL that experts in the Prosecutor-General's Office found her photos and videos to be defamatory and insulting. The Uzbek Communication and Information Agency initiated the case against Ahmedova, who has been ordered not to leave Uzbekistan while an investigation is carried out. If found guilty, Ahmedova could face a fine and be sentenced in a work camp for up to two years or be jailed for up to six months. Ahmadjonov added that Ahmedova could be released under an amnesty without being acquitted.
Ahmedova's films were shown at the One World film festival in Prague in 2006, where they were popular with audiences. She has donated hundreds of her photos from Uzbekistan to RFE/RL's Uzbek Service for use on its website.
