[JURIST] Courts in Uzbekistan [JURIST news archive] Wednesday convicted an additional 42 people and handed down prison sentences of 12-20 years in connection with the May 2005 Andijan uprising [HRW backgrounder]. It was reported that the defendants were convicted on charges including participation in terrorist acts and deliberate, aggravated murder, though there has not been an official court confirmation. In May, thousands of protesters gathered after rebels stormed a prison [JURIST report] and freed a group of businessmen on trial for alleged Islamic extremism. Rights groups have alleged that over 500 protestors were killed [JURIST report] as the government struggled to end the demonstrations, though Uzbek officials say there only 187 who died. Wednesday's convictions are the latest in a series of trials against those participating in the uprising and last week, the Uzbek Supreme Court announced that 38 policemen and soldiers also face charges [JURIST report] of failing to prevent attacks on government sites. AP has more.

Previously in JURIST's Paper Chase...

• Rebels, officials on trial for Andijan uprising
• Uzbek high court announces jail sentences of 33 more for Andijan unrest
• More Uzbeks sentenced for Andijan uprising
• Uzbekistan tries second group of Andijan rebels
• Uzbek high court defends Andijan trial verdict against international criticism
• UN, US call Uzbek revolt trial unfair, Europe imposes arms embargo
• Uzbek court issues guilty verdict, sentences Andijan rebels on terror charges