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Bishkek (AKIpress) - Political prisoner Asrorjon Isajonov, who is serving sentence in a high security prison colony UA 64/51 in the Uzbek town of Kasan, Kashkadarya region, is in a critical condition. He has been tortured over a long period of time, abused and intimidated by prison worker Bahodir Hujanazarov, Nadajda Atayeva, President of the Association of Human Rights in Central Asia, said in a statement issued on February 25.
The Association for Human Rights in Central Asia urged the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, EU Special Rapporteur for Central Asia, governments of democratic countries to press the government of Uzbekistan to fulfill its obligations under international agreements on human rights it ratified, including the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Asrorjon Isajonov, 33, was sentenced in 2000 to 13 years in prison under the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan: Articles 159 (Encroachment on the Constitutional Order of the Republic of Uzbekistan) and 244-1 (Manufacture or Distribution of Materials Containing a Threat to Public Security and Public Order). In 2009, 4 years were added to his term, on the basis of Article 221 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Disobeying the lawful requests of the administration of penal institutions); in 2011, further 3.5 years were added under the Article 221 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
“While in prison, he works at a brick production plant for 10 hours a day, where his main task is to carry bricks. He earns 10,000 soums ($3.5) a month. His right to family visits is often infringed. Instead of a two-day visit, Isajonov was only given one day. During this meeting, he was depressed more then ever. When saying goodbye to his mother he said that he can no longer tolerate bullying by Bahodir Hujanazarov,” the statement reads.
In November 2002, Asrorjon Isajonov’s elder brother Abbosjon Isajonov, died of tuberculosis at the age of 23. His death occurred 22 days after his release from prison. He was sentenced to 11.5 years in prison under the same Articles (159 and 244-1) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
“Uzbek authorities are also obliged to prosecute the officer of the colony UA 64/51 Bahodir Hujanazarov and other individuals involved in the practice of torture,” the Association said.