This fact was thoroughly investigated by the Commissioner of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman), as the report stated that the rights of convicted persons to freely and securely submit appeals to the Ombudsman had been restricted.

It should be noted that Ombudsman’s Boxes in this colony were inspected a month ago by employees of the Ombudsman’s Office, and the appeals received were processed.

During an on-site inspection conducted by employees of the Ombudsman’s Office and a representative of the "Yuksalish" movement, it was found that the lead seals on the Ombudsman’s Boxes were intact and the boxes had not been opened. This confirms that there was no external interference with the boxes. A report on the inspection of the boxes and the integrity of the seals was compiled with the participation of employees of the Ombudsman’s Office, a representative of the "Yuksalish" movement, as well as the head and staff of the colony.

Additionally, an appeal from convicted person M. Makhmudov was retrieved from the Ombudsman’s Box and taken under review.

According to Article 24 of the Law "On the Commissioner of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman)", Ombudsman’s Boxes are installed in each residential sector of correctional facilities, in industrial areas, and in rooms designated for short-term and long-term visits, ensuring that convicted persons have a convenient place to submit their appeals. The Ombudsman’s Box may only be opened by the Ombudsman or employees of the Ombudsman’s Office, at least once per month.

It should also be noted that the right of convicted persons to submit appeals to the Ombudsman through the "Ombudsman’s Box" is stipulated in the Criminal-Executive Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

In this regard, any cases of unauthorized interference with the Ombudsman’s Box will be strictly controlled, and in the event of such incidents, legal measures will be taken.

Press Service of the Commissioner of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman)