Uzbek dissident released from jail, still faces charges

TASHKENT – Uzbek police released dissident writer Nurulloh Muhammad Raufkhon on Sunday after detaining him last week on his return from exile on charges of spreading anti-government propaganda.

The detention of Raufkhon, the first prominent dissident to return to Uzbekistan since the death of its long-time leader Islam Karimov, raised questions about the new president's efforts to change the country's image.

His release, if followed by a dropping of charges or acquittal in court, could clear doubts about President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's intentions to open up the Central Asian nation as he seeks badly needed foreign investments.