Despite unconfirmed reports of his death, Uzbekistan maintains its president, Islam Karimov, is in critical condition, according to a brief government statement issued Friday.

“Dear compatriots,” the statement said, “it is with a very heavy heart that we inform you that the health of our President has sharply deteriorated in the past 24 hours, and that doctors judge it to have reached a critical state.”

Islam Karimov, 78, has ruled the Central Asian nation for more than a quarter of a century.

Reuters, citing three diplomatic sources, reported earlier Friday that Karimov has died.

Media outlet Fergana is reporting funeral arrangements are underway in Karimov’s hometown of Samarkand.

Karimov, known for his tight-fisted rule that had little tolerance for opposition, did not designate a successor. If he is dead, the head of Uzbekistan’s Senate would assume power for three months while new elections are arranged.

Human Rights Watch has described Uzbekistan’s human rights record as “atrocious.”
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