Pardon Without Political Prisoners: We Demand Freedom and Rehabilitation

Pardon Without Political Prisoners: We Demand Freedom and Rehabilitation In Turkmenistan, the authorities have announced the pardon of 1,054 convicted prisoners on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. The release of people from prison is, in itself, something to be welcomed. However, a fundamental question remains: why have people imprisoned for expressing their opinions, exercising their civic rights, criticizing the authorities, and exercising their fundamental freedoms once again been left behind bars? According to Turkmen.news, once again, no political prisoners were among those pardoned. This is particularly significant in light of the Turkmen authorities’ repeated statements about their commitment to international law and respect for human rights. The Dayanç Human Rights Platform / Turkmenistan calls for the release of individuals whom we consider to be political prisoners, including: Mansur Mingelov, Murat Dushemov, Merdan Muhammedov, Farhad Meymankuliyev, Maksat Baymyradov, Rovshen Klychev, Perhat Genjiyev, Malikberdy Allamyradov, Azat Isakov, and Saddam Gulamov. We are also deeply concerned about the fate of Alisher Sahatov and Abdulla Orusov. Based on the witness testimony available to us, we believe that they may also be held in detention in Turkmenistan. We demand that the authorities disclose reliable information about their whereabouts and legal status and ensure that all legal safeguards are fully respected. Freedom of Expression Is Not a Crime The right to express one’s views, criticize government policies, report human rights violations, and participate in public life must not become grounds for criminal prosecution. Freedom of expression is not a crime. It is a right guaranteed by the Constitution of Turkmenistan and by the country’s international human rights obligations. Claims of respect for international law and human rights cannot be convincing while people remain imprisoned in cases that human rights defenders link to their peaceful civic activities and the exercise of fundamental freedoms. We demand: the release of all political prisoners; an end to persecution for the peaceful expression of opinions and civic activities; full rehabilitation of individuals unlawfully convicted in politically motivated cases; disclosure of information about the fate and whereabouts of Alisher Sahatov and Abdulla Orusov; and a review of the relevant cases in accordance with international standards of fair trial and due process. We demand freedom for all political prisoners. We demand their rehabilitation. We demand an end to the criminalization of freedom of expression. Before making grand declarations about respect for international law and human rights, the authorities of Turkmenistan should begin with a concrete step — releasing those who have been deprived of their liberty for exercising their fundamental rights. Freedom for political prisoners! Freedom of expression is not a crime!