Uzbek Authorities Mobilize Mass Media to Counter Islamic Radical Threat

The ministry on August 2 sent a circular letter to all Uzbek media outlets stating that, starting immediately, military censors must review all defense/security-related reports. Censorship was necessary to promote "objective coverage" of developments and "to avoid misunderstandings," the letter explained. The ministry also expressed a desire to protect national security secrets and to ensure the correct usage of military terminology. The letter was signed by Deputy Defense Minister Mannobzhon Akhmedov.

On August 9, Uzbek Prosecutor General Rashid Kadyrov told journalists in Tashkent that the government had "incontrovertible evidence" that the late July suicide bombings were the result of an international terrorist conspiracy, involving the well-known Islamic radical group Hizb-ut-Tahrir. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. Kadyrov offered no details to support his assertions. London-based representatives of Hizb-ut-Tahrir have denied that the group was involved in the bombings, insisting that the group adheres to a non-violent strategy in its attempt to restore an Islamic caliphate in Central Asia.

Many political experts contend the government's repressive policies, combined with a reluctance to implement economic reforms, are helping to swell the Islamic radical ranks with disaffected Uzbeks. [For additional information see the Eurasia Insight archive]. Officials give no indication that the crackdown on individual rights will ease any time soon. Instead, the government's strategy to secure the "hearts and minds" of Uzbek citizens seems to rest on mass media attempts to discredit Hizb-ut-Tahrir and other radical groups.

Since the start of August, a government media campaign has sought to discourage Uzbeks from aiding and abetting Islamic radicals. On August 7, for example, Uzbek television broadcast a report on efforts to improve the effectiveness of neighborhood watch committees, known as makhallas. [For background see the EurasiaNet Insight archive]. The watch committees create "great opportunities for people to close ranks in fighting against any threat. However, we are not using this opportunity in full," the report said.

"Some people are even indifferent about the events that are taking place around them and act in line with the principle;