The presence of Uzbek refugees in Kyrgyzstan creates some tensions between the two countries. To prevent an aggravation of the situation, Kyrgyz authorities make concessions by systematically transferring some refugees to Uzbek law enforcement bodies. On the other hand, this attitude on the part of Kyrgyz authorities is met with a negative assessment by the international community. The US Embassy, HRW as well as UNHCR had earlier expressed concerns with the departure of four refugees the fortune of whom is not known. The U.S. Embassy promised to resettle refugees to third countries to provide security.

However, Uzbek authorities pressure the Kyrgyz government to transfer refugees as soon as possible. Presently, the list of individuals increased to 131, 31 of whom are citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic. An Uzbek investigation found that 20 armed groupings involved in the banned Islamic movement Hizb-Ut-Tahrir and its splinter movement Akramiya had specially prepared the Andijan disturbances in a bid to seize power. During the Andijan clashes, some 200 persons were killed, and 540 persons fled the country. Among them were accused businessmen that escaped from prison.

29-year-old Shamsudin Otamanov launched his own business early 1998. To the present, his business has grown and provided jobs for 22 employees. “On June 9, 2004 National Security Service officers came to my office and told I was called to come by the council of elders. I went out of my office, sat down in a car, but was stopped by NSS employees and arrested. If I was accused of doing something illegal, why did they not hand me an official memo? I think, because, my business success had been disappointing somebody”. Otamanov said he was shown pictures of well-known businessmen in Andijan. Then, they stated that prohibited extremist leaflets were found in his car. Three days later, an arrest order signed by the general procurator was presented to him, accusing him of involvement in terrorism. He claims he was forced under duress to sign all documents and confess. He was convicted to 55 years of imprisonment. 30-year-old Ortikbay Akbarov has four children left in Uzbekistan. Akbarov told a similar story, that after his small business had grown to medium size he had been called by the NSS. “When I came, they searched me, put a bag on my head, handcuffed me. After that there were numerous interrogations with constants beating. To the question why, they answered, because I was an Akramiya adherent”. Akbarov was also sentenced to 55 years. Standing on the parliamentary tribune, General Procurator Beknazarov said, “There are simple criminals in the refugee camp. We should not to make the mistake of giving them the status of refugees. During the Andijan events some criminals ran away from prison and we will give them back to Uzbekistan”. HRW Bishkek representative Acacia Shields stated that Kyrgyz authorities should have no doubt that handing the refugees over to Uzbekistan would have negatives consequences. Shields noted that a “special UN rapporteur on torture concluded that Uzbekistan systematically apply torture in prisons. And this where Kyrgyz authorities intended to send people”. Kyrgyz authorities plan to transfer the refugees within a week.