The law enforcement agencies did not use live ammunition during the July 1 and 2 riots in Karakalpakstan, a republic within Uzbekistan, the press service of the National Guard of Uzbekistan reported on Monday.
According to it, videos, which spread information about allegedly found shell casings from live ammunition in the places where the mass riots took place, have been posted on social networks. "These allegations are false, live ammunition was not used during the dispersal of the crowd. Special equipment, light and smoke detonators were used to suppress the riots," the report reads.
On the pretext of disagreement with the change of status of the region in the new version of the Constitution of Uzbekistan, mass riots took place in Karakalpakstan on July 1-2, during which about 20 people died, including 14 civilians and four military and law enforcement officers. Authorities said citizens had been misled into taking over the government. Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has declared a month-long state of emergency in the region, imposing a curfew. The head of state also decided not to amend the basic law depriving Karakalpakstan of the status of a sovereign republic within Uzbekistan and the right to secede by referendum.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Ds02006/Public Domain
Based on materials from TASS