Speaking out against the use of torture in Uzbekistan, Amnesty International is calling for international support for Mirsobir Hamidkariev, who was abducted in Moscow and later “found” in prison in Tashkent. Hamidkariev is currently standing trial in Uzbekistan.
The international human rights watchdog has called on the international community to act on behalf of Uzbek producer Mirsobir Hamidkariev who is currently facing a potential 15-year prison sentence.
In its November 6 press release Amnesty International makes the following demands from the Uzbek government:
First, carry out a prompt, impartial, and effective investigation into allegations that Mirsobir Hamidkariev was tortured and ill treated in custody. Second, bring every police officer and other state official found responsible for torturing and ill-treating Mirsobir Hamidkariev to justice. Finally, have Uzbek authorities make sure that the trial is henceforth conducted according to international fair trial standards, as specified by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Uzbekistan is a state party.
Spoke out against the persecution of Muslims
Hamidkariev was abducted from the city center of Moscow on June 9. He was only three days from receiving political asylum from Russia at the time of his kidnapping.
His family members have been unable to meet with him since his kidnapping. His court hearing began on September 22 with Hamidkariev’s family not even being notified of the start of proceedings.
He has been charged with violating two articles of the Uzbek criminal code: Article 216, on the unlawful organizing of public gatherings or religious organizations, and Article 244, on preparing or distributing materials that contain threats to public safety and order.
Hamidkariev’s lawyer, Larry Vasiliev, says his client has only admitted to discussing with friends the persecutions of Muslims in Uzbekistan, as well as expressing support for women wishing to wear headscarves out of religious conviction.
Tortured and missing seven teeth
The defendant is currently inside Tashtyurma, a Tashkent prison notorious its particularly brutal use of torture.
According to Amnesty International Hamidkariev has been tortured by being tied to a bar attached to the wall with his head facing down and then being beaten repeatedly. He has had seven of his teeth knocked out and two of his ribs have been broken.
“He is at risk of being subjected to further torture and other ill-treatment,” reads the statement by Amnesty International.
Hearings have been postponed several times with the next one currently set for November 13.
In its statement Amnesty International asks members of the public to write letters to the Prosecutor General of Uzbekistan, Rashidzhon Kodirov, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan, Adham Ahmedbaev, and to send copies of these letters to Sayora Rashidova, the Olij Mazhlis Human Rights Ombudswoman.
http://www.uznews.net/en/human-rights/28195-amnesty-international-demands-justice-for-hamidkariev
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