Image: The demolition process at Navoishoh Avenue. Smolyakova’s flat entrance
Source: Land Home Justice Network
Smolyakova’s home was demolished in March 2020,
and compensation was paid to her within three months
by the developer.
Smolyakova’s neighbours in block 49 included Umida
Rozikova and her sisters Dilorom and Shakhnoza.
Shakhnoza had purchased apartment number 18
in block 49 on 29 August 2008, while her sister
Umida acquired apartment number 16 by sale and
purchase agreement dated 19 April 2015. Until they
were forcefully evicted, the three sisters lived in the
apartment with their four children.
The Rozikova sisters’ story was reported on in a series
of feature articles published in the Hook Report, an
independent media publication in Uzbekistan. It was
reported that the sisters ‘lived on the same floor …
[and their] mother lived within walking distance in the
family house where they grew up. Nearby is the school
where all their children studied. The house was located
in the city centre on Navoishoh Avenue, with very
good infrastructure, in a quiet area with a park, proper
insulation and ventilation. Everything was arranged
for the convenience of residents, so many refused
demolition.’104
Image 6: Certificate of Honour awarded to
Smolyakova for her public service
Source: Svetlana Smolyakova
A False Sense of Legality 37