NEW YORK -- Marc Agnifilo, Founding Partner of Agnifilo Intrater LLP, serves as U.S.-based counsel for Ulugbek Shadmanov, a prominent Uzbek business leader who was illegally detained in Dubai on December 10, 2024. The United Arab Emirates held Mr. Shadmanov in custody for 30 days, denying him all communication - including with his lawyer - before extraditing him to Tashkent to face unspecified charges.

“Ulugbek Shadmanov is the victim of a blatant political prosecution by authorities in Uzbekistan,” said Marc Agnifilo, Founding Partner of Agnifilo Intrater LLP. “Global leaders and human rights experts should be alarmed by the situation unfolding in Uzbekistan. Mr. Shadmanov has been charged solely with illegally crossing the border, an offense that typically does not result in incarceration. Yet, he has been detained and denied any contact with the outside world, including his legal counsel.

The United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Nelson Mandela Rules, clearly state in Rule 61 that prisoners have the right to access legal advice and communicate privately with their legal counsel. This same fundamental right is also enshrined in Principle 18 of the UN Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment.”

“From the moment my client was detained at 2 a.m. on December 10th in Dubai, there has been a complete absence of legal process. His incarceration and extradition are inconsistent with the laws of both Uzbekistan and the U.A.E. We fear that he will remain a political prisoner in Uzbekistan for as long as the current regime is in power, subjected to inhumane treatment and interrogated without counsel, in blatant violation of his rights.

We urge the international community to pay close attention to this grave injustice to ensure Mr. Shadmanov’s rights are upheld and he receives fair and just treatment.”