Uzbekistan: Journalist imprisoned since June

English PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of independent journalist and human rights defender Salidzhon Abdurakhmanov, who was arrested by the police in early June 2008. He remains in police custody for possessing illegal drugs, charges widely considered to have been fabricated in retaliation for his human rights reporting.

Journalist Salidzhon Abdurakhmanov works for the independent German-based Uzbek agency Uznews.net  and is the chairperson of the Committee for the Defence of the Rights of the Individual. According to our information, he was arrested in Nukus, on the Turkmen border on 7 June 2008 by traffic police who stopped and searched his car and then claimed to have found illegal drugs. On the same day police searched his home and his workplace and confiscated a laptop, books, and notes, amongst other things. Later, Abdurakhmanov was reportedly questioned about a biography of the exile leader of the banned opposition party Erk, found by police amongst his belongings.

It has been reported that Abdurakhmanov has denied the use of drugs or being in possession of illegal substances, and that medical tests’ results reportedly confirmed that he is not a drug user. Furthermore, the information found in his belongings shows no evidence of any illegal activity, but despite the lack of evidence Salidzhon Abdurakhmanov remains in custody.

Abdurakhmanov’s defence alleged that the charges against him were pre-fabricated and are a punishment for his journalistic and human rights work. They believe that the illegal substances were placed in Abdurakhmanov’s car either by the police or by a third party.

Abdurakhmanov is well known for his reporting and monitoring of human rights, economic and social issues in the region. Prior to his arrest he had expressed concerns that he may suffer reprisals for his writings. Amnesty International is among those who believe that the charges are questionable and considers Salidzhon Abdurakhmanov to be a prisoner of conscience.

We at English PEN consider the detention of Salidzhon Abdurakhmanov to be a breach of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Uzbekistan is a signatory, and are therefore calling for his immediate and unconditional release.

To read more about his case, see Amnesty International’s appeal
 
For the BBC’s Uzbek country profile, click here.

Please send appeals:

- Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Salidzhon Abdurakhmanov held in violation of his right to freedom of expression as recognised by Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Uzbekistan is a signatory;
 
- Urging for an end to the imprisonment and harassment of journalists in Uzbekistan in the practice of their right to freedom of expression in accordance to international standards.

Appeals to:

Minister of Internal Affairs Bahodir MATLIUBOV
Ministerstvo vnutrennikh del RU
ul. Junus Rajabiy 1
Tashkent 700029
UZBEKISTAN
Fax: 998 71 233 89 34; Email: mvd@mvd.uz, info@mvd.uz, secretariyat@mvd.uz
Salutation: Dear Minister Matliubov
 
Deputy Prosecutor General, Alisher SHARAFUTDINOV
Prokuratura Respubliki Uzbekistan
ul. Gulyamova 66
Tashkent 700047
UZBEKISTAN
Fax: 998 71 233 39 17/ 133 73 68; Email: prokuratura@lawyer.com
Salutation: Dear Mr Sharafutdinov
 
Copies to:

Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir NOROV
Ministerstvo inostrannykh del RU
pl. Mustakillik, 5
Tashkent 700029
UZBEKISTAN
Fax: 998 71 139 15 17
 
Head of the Nukus City Department of Internal Affairs (police)
Glave GOVD, Gorodskoi Otdel Vnutrennikh Del
ul. Biruni, g. Nukus
AR Karakalpakstan
UZBEKISTAN

Please also send copies to the representative of Uzbekistan in your country:

HE Mr Tukhtapulat Tursunovich Riskiev
41 Holland Park
London W11 3RP