Media Advisory: IRI’s Bakhtiyor Nishanov Available for Comment on Uzbekistan Succession

Washington, D.C.—Uzbekistan native and Eurasia expert Bakhtiyor Nishanov is available to speak on the record about the political situation inside Uzbekistan. Currently deputy regional director for Eurasia at the International Republican Institute, Nishanov previously worked at Freedom House as its Uzbekistan representative.

The death of authoritarian president Islam Karimov has brought to light grave questions about the succession and the country’s political future. Nishanov argues that the current prime minister Savkat Mirziyayev will take the reins of power, even as Nigmatilla Yuldoshev has reportedly been appointed acting president. Murziyayev is thought to be a guarantor of continuity for the hardline regime, as the government seeks to stave off popular unease following the death of Karimov, who has held office for the past 25 years.

To arrange an interview with Bakhtiyor Nishanov, please contact Julia Sibley at (202) 262-5885, or by email at jsibley@iri.org.

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