Uzbekistan: Will Saida succeed her father?

On 13 February 2021, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported that the eldest daughter of President Shavkat Mirziyoev, Saida Mirziyoeva (36 years old), has become one the most visible public figures in the country and is often seen attending official meetings, holding speeches and making national and international business trips. Rolf Zeegers, persecution analyst at World Watch Research, comments: " Saida Mirziyoeva"s position cannot be compared to that of Serdar Berdymukhammedov in Turkmenistan, who has now become Deputy prime minister there (RFE/RL, 11 February 2021). Whereas Serdar has officially been appointed to a number of important positions, this has not yet been done for Saida. Nevertheless, it is clear that the intention in Tashkent is to encourage stability and help keep the current regime in power. This news brings no change to the situation for Christians as no improvements in the freedom of religion can be expected."