Shamshetov, a participant in Nukus events, died in custody

Polat Shamshetov, a participant in the mass disturbances in Nukus Karakalpakstan on 1-2 July 2022, former head of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Karakalpakstan, died on 4 February 4 this year.  This was reported by the General Prosecutor’s Office.

“Polat Shamshetov (a former employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Karakalpakstan), who was detained in the remand center 4 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan died suddenly on 4 February 2023. ” - said the message.

It is noted that the place of the incident was inspected by an investigative team headed by the prosecutor of the Bukhara region, the head of the Department of Internal Affairs of the region, forensic experts, and impartial persons.  The regional representative of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Bukhara region, Shamshetov’s lawyer, and his close relatives also participated in the audit.

The Prosecutor General’s Office also reports that Polat Shamshetov, the son of the first President of Karakalpakstan Daulabay Shamshetov (11 November 1991 - 20 June 1992), died of a heart attack.

A forensic examination has been ordered to establish the cause of death.  According to preliminary information from the forensic working group, the deceased died as a result of pulmonary embolism and acute heart failure.  At present, the Bukhara City Prosecutor’s Office is conducting the preliminary investigation”, the Prosecutor General’s Office reported.

For reference, according to the verdict of the court, Polat Shamshetov was found guilty under article. 3. 244 of the Criminal Code, deprived of the right to work in the posts and bodies of Internal Affairs for 3 years, and also imprisoned for 6 years.  On 2 July, he was accused of «incitement to, and active participation in, mass disturbances”.

It should be recalled that today, 6 February, in Bukhara, the trial of 39 participants of the Nukus incident will begin.