Health, rights groups say ethnic Uzbeks in Kyrgyzstan being denied medical treatment, refuge

Rights groups say Uzbeks mistreated in Kyrgyzstan

ALMATY, Kazakhstan — International health and rights groups say minority ethnic Uzbeks in southern Kyrgyzstan are being deprived of medical treatment and opportunities to seek refuge in neighboring Uzbekistan.

An uneasy peace has descended on Kyrgyzstan since clashes between ethnic Uzbek and Kyrgyz communities left hundreds dead in the southern cities of Osh and Jalal-Abad and sent hundreds of thousands fleeing last month. But activists say Uzbeks, who suffered the worst of the violence, are now being persecuted by police and security forces.

Aid group Medecins Sans Frontieres said Wednesday that armed security forces posted near hospitals are deterring many from seeking much-needed medical and psychological assistance.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch says border troops are denying ethnic Uzbeks their right to seek a safe haven in neighboring Uzbekistan.