Nargiza Keldiyorova and Dildora Khakimova

Nargiza Keldiyorova is a human rights activist who has documented local corruption, land seizures, and labor abuses. Dildora Khakimova (no relation to Rukhshona) is a teacher, blogger, and anti-corruption activist. On February 28, 2024, authorities arrested Keldiyorova and Khakimova with five other local activists after a former school director—dismissed for misconduct—filed a criminal complaint. Prosecutors charged all seven with “extortion by prior agreement of a group of persons,” alleging they threatened to reveal confidential information about the former director. Authorities also charged Keldiyorova with “public insult of the president” and “undermining the constitutional order” based on messages critical of the government.

On July 18, 2024, the trial court convicted all seven defendants of extortion and convicted Keldiyorova of the two additional offenses. The court sentenced Khakimova to six years and one month and Keldiyorova to six and a half years. The trial was rife with procedural irregularities, and the court ignored exculpatory evidence presented by the defense.

Both women have faced serious health issues in detention. They each have cancer and report inadequate treatment. In September 2024, Khakimova gave birth in custody; the detention facility stated it could not care for the infant, who was separated from her and sent to live with family.