Urgent Action: Released Journalist Remains at Risk

Rovshen Yazmuhamedov, a Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist, was released from detention on 22 May in Turkmenistan after spending more than two weeks in custody. The charges against him are still unclear. It is likely he had been targeted in connection with his work as a journalist.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) have stated that Rovshen Yazmuhamedov , 30, was released in Turkmenabat, eastern Turkmenistan on 22 May. The charges against him have not been disclosed by the authorities. Rovshen Yazmuhamedov’s family have stated that he was interrogated by security services several times before his detention.

During his detention he was held in a temporary detention facility run by the department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs who are involved in the fight against organized crime and terrorism. His family reported to RFE/RL that the authorities installed surveillance cameras around their home following the detention of Rovshen Yazmuhamedov on 6 May.

Rovshen Yazmuhamedov has been working with the Turkmen service of RFE/RL since September 2012. He is a correspondent and mainly covers social issues.

Please write immediately in Turkmen, Russian, English or your own language:

  • Calling on the authorities to investigate the legality of Rovshen Yazmuhamedov’s detention and the allegations that he may have been targeted because of his journalist activities;
  • Urging the authorities to immediately disclose the reasons for his detention and provide details about any charges against him;
  • Reminding them to ensure that everyone is able to peacefully exercise their right to freedom of expression and association in conformity with Turkmenistan’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 4 JULY 2013 TO:

President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly BerdymukhamedovPresidential Palace 744000 AshgabatTurkmenistan

Fax: +993 12 93 5112 (please keeptrying between 10-1500 GMT) Salutation: Dear President

General Prosecutor Yaranmirat Yazmiradov Ul 2005 (Seidi) 4 744000 Ashgabat Turkmenistan Salutation: General Prosecutor

And copies to : Minister of Interior Isgender Mulikov Ul. 2033 (pr. Mahtumkuli) 85 744000 AshgabatTurkmenistan

Fax: +993 12 39 1944 (please keeptrying between

10 - 1500 GMT)page1image22608page1image22768

Also send copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country.

Please check with your section office if sending appeals after the above date. This is the first update of UA 121/13. Further information:http://amnesty.org/en/library/info/EUR61/001/2013/en

Human Rights (HR), International news, NGO Partner, TurkmenistanucsjComment