| Who knew that Christian extremism was such a threat to Uzbekistan? Wish the article had some information about the others sentenced. |
Avakian was the only defendant who pleaded not guilty. He was arrested in September. Avakian's relatives say that local officials in Paxtakor district trumped up the charges in order to take over his successful fish farm.
Armenian officials had earlier said that they officially expressed concern over the case and asked Uzbek authorities to properly investigate it.