Uzbek President Islam Karimov has died after suffering a stroke at the age of 78, three diplomatic sources told Reuters on Friday.
“Yes, he has died,” one of the diplomatic sources said when asked by Reuters about Karimov’s condition.
However, on September 2 Uzbekistan’s state-run television still kept referring to the previous statements by the government saying that Karimov is still alive but his condition is ‘critical’.
‘Karimov’s body taken to Samarkand’ Video by Ferghana news agency:
On September 1, the Russian-language website fergananews.com reported that the preparations for Karimov’ burial were in progress in his native town of Samarkand. In particular, several streets in downtown were cordoned off. Moreover, Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister arrived in Samarkand.
Earlier, the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the country’s independence which was scheduled for August 31 was cancelled.
The 78-year-old Islam Karimov was hospitalized on Saturday morning due to a brain hemorrhage. His daughter later revealed the details asking the press not to speculate. Karimov had been at the head of Uzbekistan since March 1990. In March 2015 he was elected once again. In the election, he received more than 90% of the vote.
Read also: Russian special services very close to Uzbek president’s body – expert
Photo: obozrevatel.com
