On November 16, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin , Patrick Leahy and Sherrod Brown , and Member of the House of Representatives (US House of Representatives) Tom Malinowski sent an open letter to President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov , calling for the release of political prisoners, including journalist Nurgeldy Khalykov , doctor Khursanai Ismatullayeva and activist Gulgeldy Annaniyazov .

The text of the appeal was published on the official website of Senator Durbin.

“Under your leadership, Turkmenistan is pursuing an ambitious agenda, seeking to draw attention to its economy, and joining international organizations, including the WTO. These efforts will be backed up by attention to the human rights situation in your country, ”the statement reads.

Senators commended the fact that in May of this year Turkmenistan released 16 Jehovah's Witnesses from prison, thus demonstrating respect for human rights and freedom of religion. “We hope that you will show the same humanitarian gesture with regard to several other cases, possibly on the occasion of Neutrality Day,” the senators write.

Gulgeldy Annaniyazov was sentenced to 11 years in 2008. In March 2019, he was transferred from prison to internal exile for a period of 5 years in the village of Karabogaz with very difficult living conditions. Senators believe that the full release of Annaniyazov is long overdue.

The arrest of journalist Nurgelda Khalykov after sharing a photo of members of the WHO delegation may indicate that residents of Turkmenistan are denied the right to freedom of speech.

Khursanay Ismatullayeva was fired in 2017 after taking a leave of absence for medical treatment. Her arrest the day after her case was mentioned in the European Parliament creates a negative image of Turkmenistan in the world. “We ask you to show leniency and immediately release the woman,” the senators urged.

Source: Chronicles of Turkmenistan