(WAN/IFEX) – The following is a WAN press release: Paris, 2 April 2004 Golden Pen Laureate Faces Harassment in Uzbekistan The World Association of Newspapers has learned that Uzbek authorities are continuing to harass journalist Ruslan Sharipov and fears that the authorities intend to transfer him back to a high security prison from house arrest […]
(WAN/IFEX) – The following is a WAN press release:
Paris, 2 April 2004
Golden Pen Laureate Faces Harassment in Uzbekistan
The World Association of Newspapers has learned that Uzbek authorities are continuing to harass journalist Ruslan Sharipov and fears that the authorities intend to transfer him back to a high security prison from house arrest to serve out his 4-year sentence.
Uzbek sources have told WAN that Mr Sharipov is eligible for early release, on June 11 next. But if he violates the terms of his house arrest, he can be sent back to prison for another three years.
According to the sources, Mr Sharipov has been barred from resuming his human rights or journalism activities, under threat of losing the possibility of early release.
Mr Sharipov, the 2004 laureate of the WAN Golden Pen of Freedom, left the high security prison on 13 March and has moved into the home of a relative. He is required to report to a low security prison for work every day.
By Uzbek law, the transfer was automatic after he completed one-quarter of his sentence. But he can be sent back for any violations of the terms of his transfer.
WAN has been leading an international campaign to free Mr Sharipov, who was sentenced in August 2003 for “engaging in homosexual acts” and “engaging in sexual relations with minors.” The charges against Mr Sharipov, a journalist who has fearlessly criticised police corruption and human rights abuses in Uzbekistan, are believed to be politically motivated and an attempt to silence him.
WAN has again called on Uzbek President Islom Karimov to release Mr Sharipov unconditionally.
WAN has invited Mr Sharipov to the World Newspaper Congress and World Editors Forum in Istanbul, Turkey, to receive his Golden Pen of Freedom on 1 June. But Mr Sharipov has replied that he will be freed no earlier than 11 June and will be unable to go to Turkey to receive the award.
“We have suggested to the Uzbek authorities that he be allowed to come to the Congress; his absence would only reinforce the violation of human rights by the Uzbek government,” said Timothy Balding, Director General of the Paris-based WAN.
The central Asian republic is an ally of the United States in the war against terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan but has come under criticism for its authoritarian rule and its curtailment of human rights and democratisation. Later this month, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is due to decide whether to provide Uzbekistan much-needed credits, which are conditional on democratic reforms.
WAN, the global organisation for the newspaper industry, defends and promotes press freedom world-wide. It represents 18,000 newspapers; its membership includes 72 national newspaper associations, individual newspaper executives in 101 countries, 13 news agencies and nine regional and world-wide press groups.
