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Uzbek Revolt Trial Continues

26 September 2005 (RFE/RL) -- The trial of several people accused of launching a May antigovernment uprising in Uzbekistan opened its second week in Tashkent today.

Authorities blame the 15 defendants -- including three Kyrgyz citizens -- for the uprising in the eastern city of Andijon in May.

Last week's proceedings saw the defendants confessing guilt, saying they belong to banned Islamic organizations that want to overthrow the Uzbek government.

Defendants also denied allegations by rights groups that their confessions were coerced through torture.

Today's trial saw three defendants saying they trained at military camps in neighboring Kyrgyzstan, supporting the government's claim that foreign elements were behind the revolt.

The revolt in Andijon was followed by a severe military crackdown in which authorities say 187 people -- mostly Islamic extremists -- were killed.

Rights advocates say many more people were killed, including civilians.

More than 100 people are currently in detention awaiting trial for their alleged involvement in the Andijon uprising.

(AP)

Copyright (c) 2005. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org