Uzbekistan: Swiss Luxury Firm Targeted over Deal with Dictator's Daughter

Uzbek human rights activists are calling on a Swiss maker of luxury watches and accessories to cease its collaboration with Gulnara Karimova, daughter of Uzbekistan's leader, Islam Karimov.

Karimova and Geneva-based Chopard have collaborated on the development of a jewelry line, dubbed "Guli," which is a diminutive of Karimova's first name. The collection is scheduled to make its debut during the BaselWorld 2009, a leading trade show of luxury watch and jewelry makers, which runs from March 26-April 2.

In an open letter sent to top Chopard executives, Caroline and Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, a member of the secretariat of the Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan, Abdujalil Boymatov, cautioned that proceeding with the venture could invite a public relations disaster. Uzbekistan routinely is found by international human rights groups as one of the most repressive regimes in the world.

"Mr. and Ms. Scheufele think again!" Boymatov wrote in his open letter, according to a report posted on the Uznews.net website. "Do you want Chopard to become a symbol of the amoral society of the rich, in which the name of your company, Chopard, will forever be associated with image of blood-stained diamonds?"

Jewelry making is just one of Karimova's interests. She controls a wide array of businesses in Uzbekistan, including ventures in clothing and interior design. She also has pursued a signing career under the stage name GooGoosha. In addition, she serves as Uzbekistan's permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva.