MEMORIAL OF DESTROYED LIVES Mansur Mingelov

MEMORIAL OF DESTROYED LIVES Mansur Mingelov General Information Full Name: Mansur Mingelov Status: Political Prisoner of Turkmenistan Year of Arrest: 2012 Sentence: 22 years of imprisonment Ethnicity: Baloch Grounds for Persecution: Human rights advocacy, reporting torture, defending the rights of the Baloch minority, and providing information to international organizations and diplomatic missions. Who Is Mansur Mingelov? Mansur Mingelov is one of Turkmenistan's best-known human rights defenders and a representative of the country's Baloch minority. For many years, he raised concerns about discrimination, torture, and other serious human rights violations. The Baloch are an ethnic minority in Turkmenistan and, according to human rights organizations, have frequently faced discrimination and prejudice from law enforcement authorities. Members of the Baloch community have reportedly been disproportionately targeted with drug-related charges, subjected to torture, and prosecuted unlawfully. Mansur Mingelov became one of the few individuals who openly spoke out about these abuses. Detention, Torture, and Ill-Treatment In 2012, Mansur Mingelov was detained by Turkmen security forces. According to independent sources and human rights organizations: - he was severely beaten during his detention; - his leg was broken; - he was subjected to torture and other forms of cruel treatment; - he was subsequently forcibly placed in a drug rehabilitation center. According to reports, his placement in the rehabilitation center was not intended for medical treatment but rather to conceal evidence of torture and to exert further pressure on him. There were also reports of attempts to plant psychoactive substances on him. After his release, Mansur Mingelov refused to remain silent. He submitted complaints to: - the Prosecutor General's Office of Turkmenistan; - the President of Turkmenistan; - the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat; - the Embassy of the United States. He provided information concerning torture, unlawful detention, and numerous cases of ill-treatment against members of the Baloch minority. Arrest Following His Visit to the U.S. Embassy One of the most alarming aspects of Mansur Mingelov's case concerns his detention following his contacts with international institutions. According to publicly available reports, Mansur Mingelov was detained shortly after leaving the United States Embassy, where he had submitted information regarding torture and other human rights violations. This raises serious concerns regarding: - persecution for cooperating with international organizations; - possible surveillance of diplomatic missions; - violations of the right to communicate with international bodies; - violations of the right to report torture and human rights abuses without fear of retaliation. Shortly after seeking international assistance, Mansur Mingelov was arrested once again. Only a few days later, he was sentenced to 22 years' imprisonment on what human rights organizations have described as fabricated charges. Politically Motivated Persecution Human rights organizations have repeatedly stated that the prosecution of Mansur Mingelov was politically motivated. There are substantial grounds to believe that the real reasons for his prosecution were: - reporting torture; - attempting to draw international attention to human rights violations; - his human rights activities; - defending the rights of an ethnic minority; - providing information to diplomatic missions. The Mingelov case has become a striking example of how individuals in Turkmenistan may be persecuted not for committing crimes, but for speaking out about human rights violations. Ovadan-Depe Prison and Conditions of Detention Following his conviction, Mansur Mingelov was transferred to the notorious Ovadan-Depe Prison. This prison has repeatedly been cited by international human rights organizations in connection with: - enforced disappearances of prisoners; - torture; - inhuman conditions of detention; - complete isolation; - denial of adequate medical care. According to human rights reports, Mansur Mingelov was subjected to beatings and psychological pressure. He was later transferred to the strict-regime colony LB-E/11. In 2014, the authorities reportedly attempted to transfer him back to Ovadan-Depe. In protest, he began a dry hunger strike and ultimately succeeded in preventing the transfer. Health Condition and Threat to Life Years of imprisonment have severely damaged Mansur Mingelov's health. He has reportedly been diagnosed with: - bone tuberculosis; - tuberculosis affecting both knee joints; - complicated osteomyelitis; - long-term consequences of torture and physical injuries. In 2018, his condition reportedly became critical, and he was transferred to the prison hospital MR-B/15. According to Turkmen.News, tuberculosis and HIV remain widespread within Turkmenistan's prison system, where poor sanitary conditions and inadequate medical care have also been reported. Despite his serious medical condition, Mansur Mingelov remains at risk of being returned to prison. Violations of National and International Law Mansur Mingelov's case involves numerous alleged violations of both international law and the domestic legislation of Turkmenistan. These include possible violations of: - the prohibition of torture; - the right to a fair trial; - freedom of expression; - the right to communicate with international organizations; - the right to health and medical care; - protection against discrimination; - the rights of ethnic minorities. Violations of the Convention against Torture Turkmenistan is a State Party to the United Nations Convention against Torture. However, Mansur Mingelov's case contains numerous allegations indicating: - the use of torture; - failure to conduct an effective investigation; - retaliation for reporting torture; - impunity for those responsible. Grounds for Release According to the Presidential Decree of Turkmenistan issued on 11 May 2017, tuberculosis is recognized as a medical condition that may prevent a person from continuing to serve a prison sentence. In addition: - Mansur Mingelov has served a significant portion of his sentence; - he may be eligible for conditional early release; - his possible pardon has previously been raised. Despite these circumstances, the authorities continue to keep him imprisoned. Personal Tragedy While Mansur Mingelov remained in prison: - his mother, Zulikha Mingelova, passed away; - his father, Usen Mingelov, also passed away. He was unable to say goodbye to either of his parents. This tragedy became yet another devastating consequence of his prolonged political persecution. Why Mansur Mingelov's Case Matters Mansur Mingelov's case is not merely the story of one individual. It has become a symbol of: - political repression; - ethnic discrimination; - torture; - the absence of an independent judiciary; - persecution of human rights defenders; - punishment for communicating with international organizations; - the broader human rights crisis in Turkmenistan. Conclusion Mansur Mingelov has spent more than fourteen years behind bars. His story is the story of a man who chose to speak out against torture, injustice, and discrimination. For doing so, he lost his freedom, his health, the opportunity to say farewell to his parents, and many years of his life. Yet his case remains one of the most widely recognized symbols of political repression in Turkmenistan. The world must not remain silent.