(WiPC/IFEX) – On 8 January 2002, International PEN learned that Uzbek poet Yusuf Dzhumaev, detained since October 2001, was released on 29 December. According to WiPC’s sources in Uzbekistan, Dzhumaev was brought before the Bukhara Regional Court on 29 December. At the open trial, attended by the local media, humanitarian groups, relatives and neighbours, he […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – On 8 January 2002, International PEN learned that Uzbek poet Yusuf Dzhumaev, detained since October 2001, was released on 29 December.
According to WiPC’s sources in Uzbekistan, Dzhumaev was brought before the Bukhara Regional Court on 29 December. At the open trial, attended by the local media, humanitarian groups, relatives and neighbours, he heard charges under Article 159 of the Penal Code that he had planned to overthrow the government. At present, PEN does not have access to exact details of the trial, but it is believed that he was freed the same day after receiving a presidential pardon.
It is clear that the international pressure around Dzuhmaev’s arrest played a significant role in his release.
