TURKMENISTAN: Two more conscientious objectors imprisoned

War Resisters' International has learned today from Forum 18 News Service, that two more Jehovah's Witness conscientious objectors have been imprisoned recently in Turkmenistan, bringing the total of known imprisoned conscientious objectors up to four.

Shaduri Ushotov has been sentenced on 13 July by Dashoguz town court to two years imprisonment for refusing military service. An appeal against his sentence was rejected by a panel of four judges at the town's appeal court in Ushotov's absence.

Akmurat Egendurdiev has been sentenced on 29 July 2009 by the Dashoguz town court to 18 months imprisonment for refusing military service. His appeal too was heard in his absence in mid-August and was rejected.

Both are now serving their sentence at Seydi Labour Camp, where conditions are harsh.

The two other Jehovah's Witness conscientious objectors presently serving their sentences at Seydi Labour Camp are Sakhetmurad Annamamedov and Mukhammedmurad Annamamedov. Both were given suspended sentences of two years imprisonment in November 2008, but in May 2009 a judge ruled that they should be transferred to prison to serve the remainder of their sentences.

War Resisters' International calls for letters of support to the four imprisoned conscientious objectors:
Shaduri Ushotov
Akmurat Egendurdiev
Sakhetmurad Annamamedov
Mukhammedmurad Annamamedov
Seydi Labour Camp
Turkmenistan
746222 Lebap vilayet
Seydi
uchr. LB-K/12

War Resisters' International calls for the protest letters to the Turkmen authorities, and Turkmen embassies abroad.
Kurbanguly BERDYMUHAMMEDOV
President of Turkmenistan
Apparat Prezidenta
744000 Ashgabat
TURKMENISTAN
Fax: +993 12 355112

Rashid Meredov
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Magtymkuli ave., 85
744000 Ashgabat
Email mfatm@online.tm
A protest email can be sent at http://wri-irg.org/node/8861.

War Resisters' International calls for the immediate cancellation of the sentences of Shaduri Ushotov, Akmurat Egendurdiev, and of all other imprisoned conscientious objectors.

Andreas Speck
War Resisters' International