Uzbekistan: prisoner Asrorjon Isajonov on the verge of deat

A typical story of a political prisoner in Uzbekistan

Prisoner Asrorjon Isajonov is on the verge of death in a high security prison colony UA 64/51 (the city of Kasan of the Kashkadarya Region). He was subjected to tortured over a long period of time (for example, he was repeatedly beaten on the soles of his feet), abused and intimidated by Bahodir Hujanazarov, an officer of the colony. 

 Asrorjon Isajonov, was born in 1981 in Tashkent. He was sentenced in 2000 to 13 years 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 U.S. dollars) a month. His right to family visits is often infringed. For example, on 16 February 2014, 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.

In November 2002, Asrorjon Isajonov’s  elder brother Abbosjon Isajonov, born in 1979, died of tuberculosis. 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.

Asrorjon Isajonov’s mother is appealing to various law enforcement agencies and public organisations. She cries and pleads to help her save her son, while he is still alive. She had three children, one son died, the second is on the verge of death, she also has a daughter. Not long after Asrorjon was deprived of his liberty, his father died.

The Association for Human Rights in Central Asia makes an appeal to:
            - UN Special Rapporteur on Torture,
            - EU Special Rapporteur for Central Asia
            - The Special Rapporteur of the EU on Human Rights
            - Governments of democratic countries.

We call you on to urge 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. 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.