The World's 10 Worst Dictators (#5 thru 7)

[Philadelphia Eagle]

#5 - Islam Karimov - Uzbekistan - Age 57 - In power since 1990 - Last year's rank # 15.

'Until 2005 the worst excesses of Karimov's regime had taken place in the torture rooms of his prisons. But on May 13th, he ordered a mass killing that could not be concealed. In the city of Anjidan, 23 businessmen, held in prison and awaiting a verdict, were freed by their supporters who then held an open meeting in the town square. An estimated 10,000 people gathered, expecting government officials to come and listen to their grievances. Instead, Karimov sent the army, which massacred hundreds of men, women and children. A 2003 law made Karimov and all members of his family immune from prosecution for ever.'



#6 - Hu Jintau - China - Age 63 - In power since 2002 - Last year's rank # 4.

'Although some Chinese have taken advantage of economic liberalization to become rich, up to 150 million Chinese live on $1 a day or less in this nation with no minimum wage. Between 250,000 and 300,000 political dissidents are held in " reeducation-through-labor" camps without trial. Less than 5% of criminal trials include witnesses, and the conviction rate is 99.7%. There are no privately owned TV or radio stations. The government opens and censors mail and monitors phone calls, faxes, e-mails and text messages. In preparation for the 2008 Olympics, at least 400,000 residents of Beijing have been forcibly evicted from their homes.'



#7 - King Abdullah - Saudi Arabia - Age 82 - In power since 1995 - Last year's rank # 5.

'Although Abdullah did not become king until 2005, he has ruled Saudi Arabia since his half-brother, Fahd, suffered a stroke 10 years earlier. In Saudi Arabia, phone calls are recorded and cell phones with cameras are banned. It is illegal for public employees " to engage in dialogue with local and foreign media." By law, all Saudi citizens must be Muslims. According to Amnesty International, police in Saudi Arabia routinely use torture to extract "confessions." Saudi women may not appear in public with a man who isn't a relative, must cover their bodies and faces in public and may not drive. The strict suppression of women is not voluntary, and Saudi women who would like to live a freer life are not allowed to do so.'