OSCE media freedom representative calls for release of Uzbek journalist in poor health

VIENNA, 5 November 2013 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today called for the release of journalist Solijon Abdurakhmanov, whose health has deteriorated in recent weeks.

“I am deeply concerned and share the worries of his family that the conditions of Abdurakhmanov’s imprisonment might further damage his failing health,” Mijatović said.

Abdurakhmanov was arrested in June 2008 and has served five years of a 10-year prison sentence on drug possession charges.

“I am particularly concerned about this case since Abdurakhmanov recently was placed in solitary confinement and has been denied visits to the prison hospital,” Mijatović said.

The Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media on numerous occasions has called for release of Abdurakhmanov along with two other journalists, Dilmurod Saiid and Hairullo Khamidov.

“I brought these cases to the attention of President Islam Karimov in May and October this year. I once again call on the authorities to consider Abdurakhmanov’s case, in particular on humanitarian grounds,” Mijatović said. “I will continue to closely follow his and the other two journalists’ fate.”