Uzbekistan marks 27th anniversary of its independence

By Bahtiyar Abdukerimov

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is marking the 27th anniversary of the country's independence with a four-day official holiday in the capital Tashkent.

The official ceremony was held on Friday at the Palace of International Forums in Tashkent with the attendance of members of the government, senior Uzbek officials and heads of foreign missions.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the members of the government laid a wreath on the Monument of Independence and Goodness during the celebration and prayed for Uzbek intellectuals killed by the Soviet regime at the martyrs memorial.

As part of the anniversary, 215 prisoners were released and the sentences for 46 others were reduced.