The Kyrgyzstan-based Uzbek journalist, Ulugbek Abdusalamov, has suffered a serious stroke whilst under arrest in hospital.
(WiPC/IFEX) – 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 he can receive proper medical care.
Ulugbek Abdusalamov, 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.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Please send appeals:
– calling for the immediate transfer of 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
APPEALS TO:
Minister of Internal Affairs
Kubatbek Baibolov
Frunze Street, 469
Bishkek 720040
Kyrgyzstan
Fax: +996 312 68 20 44
E-mail: pressa@mail.mvd.kg
Salutation: Dear Minister
General Prosecutor
Baitemir Ibraev
72, Orozbekova Street
Bishkek 720040
Kyrgyzstan
Fax: +996 312 66 54 11
E-mail: genproc@bishkek.gov.kg
Salutation: Dear General Prosecutor
President of the Kyrgyz Republic
Roza Otunbaeva
Dom Pravitelstva
Bishkek 720003
Kyrgyzstan
Fax: + 996 312 62 50 12
Salutation: Dear President