Jaslyk Forever: Film Screening & Discussion with Producer

The Central Asia Program and Freedom Now are inviting you to a film screening and discussion with the film producer (in person event)

Elliott School of International Affairs, Room 113

1957 E St NW, Washington, DC 20052

Jaslyk Forever (70 mins) is a documentary film about political prisoners in Uzbekistan and the challenges they endure even after their release. In 2017, Uzbekistan’s newly elected president, Shavkat Mirziyoev, released numerous political prisoners sentenced to up to 23 years in jail under his dictatorial predecessor, Islam Karimov. 

Jaslyk Forever reveals the harrowing stories of several former inmates who were imprisoned for their journalism, human rights work, political views, and religious beliefs. Yet, despite the release of these political prisoners, many still live in fear and are ostracized by society. Many have little hope for rehabilitation for the torture and abuse they endured. Through the stories and experiences of former political prisoners, Jaslyk Forever reveals how the human rights situation in Uzbekistan remains dire.

Timur Karpov is a human rights defender, photographer, filmmaker, and journalist in Uzbekistan, where he runs the “139 Documentary Center,” an innovative gallery and community space. The “139 Documentary Center” raises awareness about what life in Uzbekistan is actually like, cutting through government rhetoric and facades to document untold stories. Mr. Karpov is the son of Umida Akhmedova, an artist sentenced to three years in prison in 2010 for “slandering the Uzbek nation” under Article 139 of the country’s criminal code. His mother’s experience inspired Mr. Karpov to establish the “139 Documentary Center.”