Kyrgyzstan: Detained Uzbek Journalist Suffers Stroke

RAPID ACTION NETWORK

26 October 2010

Update # 2 to RAN 44/10

Kyrgyzstan: Detained Uzbek Journalist Suffers Stroke

The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of PEN International is deeply concerned at the news that the Kyrgyzstan-based Uzbek journalist, Ulugbek Abdusalamov, has suffered a serious stroke whilst under arrest in hospital. The WiPC is also concerned by reports that Abdusalamov’s current hospital in Jalal-Abad is inadequately equipped to treat him effectively, and calls for his immediate transfer to a better equipped hospital in the capital, Bishkek, so that the he can receive proper medical care.

Ulugbek Abdusalomov, chief editor of the independent newspaper Diydor, has been in bad health for some time. On 22 September 2010, he suffered a stroke which, according to reports, left him paralysed on one side of his body and unable to speak. Abdusalamov has been detained on dubious charges relating to his writings since 14 June 2010. International human rights groups report that he is being held in retaliation for reporting on human rights abuses in southern Kyrgyzstan. His trial, which was due to start on 22 September, was postponed following the stroke. It is expected to continue once his health improves. He remains in hospital, under house arrest.

For more information click here.

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

Please send appeals

– Calling for the immediate transfer of Ulugbek Abdusalamov to another hospital in Bishkek, where he can receive adequate medical attention.
– Calling for Abdusalamov to be freed pending a fair trial.
– Calling on the Kyrgyz government to allow journalists to carry out their work without fear of harassment or obstruction by the authorities.

Send to:
Email: pressa@mail.mvd.kg
Email: genproc@bishkek.gov.kg

President of the Kyrgyz Republic
Roza Otunbaeva
Dom Pravitelstva
Bishek 720003
Kyrgyzstan
Fax: + 996 312 62 50 12
Salutation: Dear President

For further details contact Cathal Sheerin at the Writers in Prison Committee London Office:
International PEN, Brownlow House, 50/51 High Holborn, London WC1V 6ER UK
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7405 0338
Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7405 0339
e-mail: wipc@internationalpen.org.uk