OSCE Representative calls for release of journalist in Turkmenistan, warns of deteriorating journalists’ safety situation

HAMBURG, Germany, 6 December – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today called on the authorities in Turkmenistan to release journalist Azatlyk Khudayberdy Allashov, who works for the Turkmen Service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).

Allashov was arrested on 3 December in Turkmenistan’s northern Dashoguz region together with his mother, reportedly on charges of possessing chewing tobacco. According to REFE/RL reports, he was seen badly bruised and unable to hold his head or speak following the arrest.

“Allashov must be released immediately,” Mijatović said. “I call on the authorities to ensure journalists’ safety in Turkmenistan.”

Allashov’s arrest follows several media freedom cases which the Representative has previously raised with the Turkmen authorities. In October Soltan Achilova, a RFE/RL correspondent, was physically attacked, while threats to enforce a suspended jail sentence against another RFE/RL correspondent, Rovshen Yazmuhamedov, were made in November. These cases come only a year after another RFE/RL contributor, Saparmamed Nepeskuliev, was sentenced to three years in prison.

The Representative is in Hamburg for the 23rd OSCE Ministerial Council, which starts on 8 December.  

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.