Unrest in Nukus: Inside View

Abstract

   In this analytical article, the authors study the public discussion of constitutional reforms in Uzbekistan. The reasons and necessity of amendments to the legislation are analyzed. The motives underlying the support of the President’s ideas by the political parties of the country, including such parties as, among them, the Liberal Democratic, People’s Democratic, as well as the Milli Tiklanish and Adolat parties, are investigated. Particular attention is paid to the open and pragmatic work of the constitutional commission established in the Parliament of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The authors explore the substance and the content of the information and psychological influence, including calls for separatist actions from the outside, spread among the population of Karakalpakstan. The causes, conditions and behavior of some youth representatives participating in illegal meetings are analyzed. Observing the information flows in social networks and the Internet, the authors compiled an analytical chronology of the events that took place in Nukus from June 26 till July 3.