TASHKENT -- Human Rights Watch (HRW) is hailing the release of an Uzbekistani human rights advocate after eight years, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported Monday (October 16).
Ganihon Mamathonov, 65, began serving a five-year sentence in 2009, but authorities extended his sentence twice. He was released Monday.
"Getting amazing news from Uzbekistan," HRW Central Asia researcher Steve Swerdlow tweeted Monday.
"It is like a dream," Mamathonov told RFE/RL Monday.
Several activists have been freed since President Shavkat Mirziyoyev took office last December.