The Andijan uprising occurred in the city of Andijan, Uzbekistan, when thousands of residents took to the streets in response to a prison break involving the release of 23 businessmen accused of Islamist extremism. Protesters gathered to demand economic reforms, political freedom, and the release of their detained compatriots. Tensions had been simmering in Uzbekistan due to President Islam Karimov's authoritarian regime, which was characterized by crackdowns on dissent and a poor human rights record. The demonstrators voiced their frustration with rampant corruption, widespread poverty, and lack of political representation, sparking an uprising that quickly gained momentum.

On the morning of May 13, Uzbek troops, ordered to suppress the protests, opened fire on the demonstrators, causing chaos and panic. Reports indicate that many people were killed in the onslaught, with official estimates stating at least 187 fatalities. Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrific, with a heavy military presence and the sounds of gunfire and screams echoing throughout the city. The government's use of force to quell the protests raised serious international concern and condemnation, leading to accusations of human rights violations against the Uzbek authorities.

In the aftermath, the government maintained a tight grip on information, restricting media coverage and denying independent investigations into the events. This crackdown only intensified the scrutiny from human rights organizations and foreign governments, leading to strained diplomatic relations with several Western nations. The uprising and the government's violent response underscored the fragile state of Uzbekistan's political and social landscape, revealing the deep-seated issues that could potentially ignite further unrest in the future.