On October 8 this year, Human Rights Society “Ezgulik” issued a press-release in which it expressed its concerns about the situation of four political prisoners in detention in Uzbekistan.

They are independent journalists Dilmurod Sayyid and Salidzhon Abdurahmanov, rights activist Abdurasul Khudoinazarov and former member of parliament of Uzbekistan, member of the opposition party “Erk” (Freedom) Murod Juraev.

In connection with this, “Jarayon” launches a new section entitled “Freedom to political prisoners!” and starts publishing series of articles about the present situation of each political prisoner listed above.

Our first article is dedicated to Dilmurod Sayyid, independent journalist from Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan.

Human Rights Society “Ezgulik” reported that in early October, the independent journalist Dilmurod Sayyid was transferred to prison in Tashkent from Navoi colony for tuberculosis patients.

On October 13, “Jarayon” was able to contact on the phone with Obid Saidov, younger brother of Dilmurod Sayyid. According to him, he learned by accident about the transfer of his older brother from corrective labor colony 64/36, located in Navoi and intended for persons with tuberculosis, to Tashkent prison, known as Toshturma.

– On October 5, at 5:30 am, I arrived in Navoi to meet with my brother. Only a few hours later, about 8 am in the morning, I found out that he was not in the colony. A lieutenant said that Dilmurod was taken to Tashkent. I was so upset, because I had come a long way to see him. Going back to Tashkent on Monday, October 7, I went to Toshturma. There I was told that Dilmurod was transferred on October 6. I realized I was cheated in Navoi prison. After all, the way from Navoi to Tashkent does not take a whole day. If Dilmurod, as the lieutenant said, was taken out from Navoi prison on the 5th , then how it took them a whole day to bring him to Tashkent prison. I realized that during my visit to Navoi, my brother was still there, they just did not allow us to meet, as they were preparing to transfer him, – says Obid Saidov.

According to him, administration of Tashkent prison also did not allow him to meet with his brother.

– They told me that my brother is a transit prisoner, and therefore I cannot see him. But they took the parcel I brought to him. I brought him everything he asked, and also some food, – says Obid Saidov.

For the last time, as Obid Saidov says, he saw his brother in July of this year, and in September, the brothers were able to talk on the phone.

– Of course, he could not tell me over the phone about everything that happens to him. After all, phones there are tapped. The only thing Dilmurod told me was that soon he would have his lungs X-rayed (Dilmurod Sayyid had tuberculosis in prison – “Jarayon”), and if he was healthy, he would be transferred to a working colony. If he was to be transferred to another colony, I should have received a notification. But I have hope for an early release of my brother, – says Obid Saidov to “Jarayon”.

Obid Saidov says that he had hired two lawyers for his brother. But they declined to defend Dilmurod immediately after learning the materials of the case of the journalist.

Among those, who expressed concerns about the health of the journalist Dilmurod Sayyid, was Mutabar Tadjibayeva, head of the International Human Rights Association “Fiery Hearts Club”. According to the well-known human rights activist, the management of the colony, where the journalist was kept all this time, flagrantly violated his rights.

– Two months ago, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan issued an order aimed to enhance the protection of the rights of prisoners serving sentences in correctional facilities. According to the order of Minister of Internal Affairs, relatives of prisoners now have a right to receive from the correctional facilities verbal and written information about disciplinary punishments, rewards and the health of the prisoner.

Prison authorities must provide this information at the request of relatives of prisoners. These changes, however, like all other laws in Uzbekistan, are not followed by officials. Relatives of jailed journalist Dilmurod Sayyid until now cannot get any written or verbal answer about the state of his health. In March of this year, due to his ill health, Dilmurod was sent to Sangorod (healthcare facility for prisoners – “Jarayon”) and in a short period of time was taken back to the colony.

I believe that the Embassies of United States, the UK, Germany and France in Uzbekistan must hold talks with the Uzbek government to discuss the health of Dilmurod Sayyid. They must also talk about his release, – says Mutabar Tadjibayeva.

Independent journalist Dilmurod Sayyid was actively engaged in protecting and promoting human rights. He was an active member of the Tashkent regional branch of the human rights organization “Ezgulik”. In 2007-2008, he was a member of the human rights Rapid Response Team for the Prevention of Torture in Uzbekistan.

Dilmurod Sayyid was convicted in 2009 for 12 years and 6 months. The Uzbek authorities have accused him of “extortion” and “manufacturing and forging documents, stamps, and seals.” In court, the journalist categorically denied all charges.

While in detention, Dilmurod Sayyid lost his 34-year-old wife, Barno Jumanova, and their only child, 6-year-old Ruhshona. They died in a car accident en route to the colony in Navoi to meet with him.

Colleagues of Dilmurod Sayyid, authoritative international human rights organizations and organizations advocating freedom of speech declare the fabrication of a criminal case against him. They believe that a journalist and human rights activist Sayyid suffered for his professional activities.

After the verdict on Dilmurod Sayyid’s case was announced, several witnesses withdrew their testimonies, while others said they had testified against the journalist under pressure by Uzbek security services.

Editorial of “Jarayon”