The certificate delays his extradition to Uzbekistan and could lead to the granting of refugee status. But in practice, the country rarely grants refugee status to anyone.
Muratbai has been a vital voice in calling attention to Uzbekistan’s persecution of the Karakalpak people. His detention in Kazakhstan is yet another warning shot.
“One of the best of our people has left — and this further complicates relations between the Karakalpaks and the Uzbek authorities,” a fellow Karakalpak activist told The Diplomat.
Uzbek authorities have told Kazakh authorities that Urazbayev never officially renounced his Uzbek citizenship and therefore Kazakh authorities have revoked his Kazakh citizenship.