Uzbesisthan: A journalist and opposition activist in the Central Asian republic of Uzbekistan, Muhammad Bekjanov, has been freed after serving 18 years in prison.

He was convicted of attempting to kill the late President, Islam Karimov, but has said he was tortured into confessing to fabricated charges. Mr Bekjanov is a brother of exiled opposition leader Muhammad Salih.

He and a colleague are thought to have been in jail longer than any other journalists in the world. His colleague, Yusuf Ruzimuradov, remains in prison.

According to the BBC, Mr Bekjanov’s release may reflect a change in government policy under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who took over in December.