DUSHANBE, October 2, 2013, Asia-Plus – A statement released by Amnesty International (AI) on October 1 notes that since July Amnesty International has received reports that at least four detainees, including a minor, have been subjected to further ill-treatment at the hands of law enforcement, security and prison officials. They had reportedly previously tried to report the ill-treatment they have suffered or witnessed.
“According to credible reports by Tajikistani NGOs and lawyers, two persons (who cannot be named for security reasons) have been forced to withdraw their complaints. Two other individuals, currently in prison, informed an independent lawyer on September 30 that they fear for their lives. Officials in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Committee for the National Security and the penitentiary system in Tajikistan are increasingly using torture and other ill-treatment not only to extract ‘confessions’, but also to silence those who dare to complain and speak out about their treatment, thereby ensuring impunity.
“These actions also lead to unfair judgments, as victims and witnesses are forced to incriminate themselves or others or refrain from testifying against officials and perpetrators.
“Though many people in detention in Tajikistan who allege they have been tortured or ill-treated wish to stay anonymous, some continue to speak out. According to the independent lawyer Faiziniso Vohidova, several prisoners are currently at risk of retaliation for speaking out in court about abuses by prison officials. At one court hearing witnesses in the case requested protection from further reprisals; however the judge reportedly ignored the plea. On September 30, 2013 the lawyer was told by a number of prisoners, who had testified against a prison official, that they may be placed in solitary confinement for up to three months as punishment. The prisoners fear for their lives and worry that they may suffer the same fate as their former fellow detainee Hamza Ikromzoda, who died after being placed in a solitary confinement in 2012.”
Amnesty International is a non-governmental organization focused on human rights with over 3 million members and supporters around the world. The objective of the organization is to conduct research and generate action to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights, and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated.
Founded in London in 1961, Amnesty International draws attention to human rights abuses and campaigns for compliance with international laws and standards. It works to mobilize public opinion to put pressure on governments that let abuse take place. The organization was awarded the 1977 Nobel Peace Prize for its campaign against torture, and the United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights in 1978. In the field of international human rights organizations AI has the longest history and broadest name recognition, and is believed by many to set standards for the movement as a whole.
