Ex-executive of the Uzbek MFA, representative of Uzbekistan at the OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) Kodirjon Yusupov is accused of “treason against the state”. This charge was imposed by the State Security Service and the suspect was detained.

Yusupov's close relative, who was interviewed by Kun.uz correspondent, denied accusations and commented on the situation differently.

“He is suffering from mental illness. As representative of Uzbekistan at OSCE, Kodirjon was in charge of the summit in December 1994. The summit, held in Budapest, was attended by Uzbekistan's first President Islam Karimov. Soon after the event, Yusupov's first unusual condition was observed. The private physician found the symptoms of schizophrenia and took control of the treatment course,” the interviewee said.

Kun.uz learned that Yusupov worked hard under stress and this impacted negatively on his health. As his relatives state, due to epilepsy and illness, he may not be able to control his actions mentally. But when the appropriate procedures are continued, his health has been normalized. Then, there is no social danger to the environment.

Allegedly, Yusupov was transferred from the hospital to the investigating detention center of the State Security Service. He was charged with committing crimes envisaged by Article 157 of the Criminal Code.

Yusupov's relatives asked for legal assistance from the attorney Allan Pashkovsky to become a legitimate representative of Kodirjan. But Yusupov refused the advocacy service and preferred the service of a state-funded lawyer Sharipov.

According to the lawyer, the defendant behaved strangely. He repeatedly said “all is over” and was nervous. It is unclear to the media what Yusupov really meant.

Steve Swerdlow, a researcher at Human Rights Watch claims that a professional investigation should be launched before blaming a person, who is mentally unstable, for committing the serious crime.

As the head of press service of the Prosecutor-General's Office Surayyo Rakhmonova said, if Yusupov's family members appeal to the investigative body accordingly regarding the meeting with him, the issue of their meeting can be considered in accordance with the requirements of the Criminal Procedural Code (CPC). 

Vladimir Dyakov, a doctor who has been overseeing Yusupov's health since 2015, says that the former diplomat, who is currently being accused of “treason to the state”, has mentally changed.

However, the Prosecutor General's Office confirms that the mental condition of Kodirjon Yusupov, who is kept in the detention center of the SSS, is satisfactory.

“In the future, if there is any change in his psychological state, it will be handled in accordance with the requirements of the CPC,” the report of the Prosecutor General's Office reads.

Nevertheless, Swerdlow asked for maintaining transparency during investigations.
 
Details of the case are not disclosed due to the secrecy in the investigation. Currently, an investigation is underway.