AKIPRESS.COM - The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent extended the deepest condolences to the family, friends and associates of former parliamentarian and long-time prisoner of conscience, Murod Jurayev, the Embassy reported.

He passed away on December 4 at his home in Mubarek, Uzbekistan. Murod Jurayev was released from prison in November 2015 after serving 21 years, including four extensions of his original prison term, on charges of “high treason” that his supporters and others viewed as politically-motivated.

"Jurayev will be remembered at home and abroad for his keen intelligence, tremendous courage under difficult circumstances, selfless dedication to democratic ideals, and his unyielding faith in a strong, prosperous, and just Uzbekistan," the statement says.