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DemocracyAlertsFrom time to time, the World Movement for Democracy issues alerts concerning participants and other colleagues who are, or may be, facing personal danger due to their work on behalf of democracy and for whom a vigorous response from around the world may be critical. To see previous alerts go to www.wmd.org/democracyalerts/democracyAlerts.html.
(February 2, 2007) Democracy Alert Update: Environmental Activist Andrey Zatoka of Turkmenistan Convicted, then Freed On January 31, environmental activist Andrey Zatoka was convicted, but freed from prison and allowed to return to his home. As mentioned in previous DemocracyAlerts, Zatoka was arrested at the airport in his hometown of Ashgabat on December 17, 2006. Zatoka, who has been involved in civil society activities concerning environmental issues in Turkmenistan for many years, and is a leading environmental activist in the post-Soviet states, was detained for an alleged breach of public order. Following a search of his house, performed after Kurbanguly Berdymukhammedov assumed the interim presidency, authorities charged Mr. Zatoka with unlawful acquisition or possession of a weapon and unlawful possession of poisonous substances, specifically snake venom. He faced a maximum sentence of eight years in prison. In what human rights advocates termed a politically motivated case, a Turkmen court on January 31 convicted Zatoka of possessing illegal weapons and poisons. His three-year sentence, however, was suspended, and he was released and allowed to return home on parole. For more information, go to:
_________________________ (January 25, 2007) Democracy Alert Update: Campaigns Launched in Defense of Imprisoned Environmentalist Andrey Zatoka As previously reported on December 17, environmental activist Andrey Zatoka, who holds citizenship from both Russia and Turkmenistan, was detained at the airport in Dashauz while preparing to go to Moscow. Zatoka has since been charged with two criminal violations: Article 287 of the Criminal Code of Turkmenistan - illegal acquisition, sale, storage, transportation, delivery or possession of weapons, ammunition, explosive substances or devices, and Article 302 - illegal transactions with strong or poisonous substances. Many believe that these charges are likely a fabrication to keep the environmental activist under arrest. Zatoka kept a small amount of snake poison in his apartment because he is a herpetologist and uses such poison to develop immunity against the poisonous snakes he works with. The weapon found was only an air-rifle, and possession of it does not require special permission. It should be noted that Zatoka's defense attorney is apparently also being pressured by the Prosecutor's office, thereby preventing him and the family from being fully informed about Zatoka's situation. Many campaigns have now been established to support Zatoka. The "International Committee for the Defense of Andrey Zatoka," recently established, includes Yuri Dzhibladze, World Movement Steering Committee member and President of the Center for Development of Democracy and Human Rights in Russia, and World Movement participant and director of the Kazakstan International Bureau for Human Rights and the Rule of Law, Evgenii Zhovtis. Amnesty International-Russia launched a campaign last week as well. Also, a "Free Andrey Zatoka" blog has been created and is updated regularly with information on appeals, protests, vigils, etc. in various cities. Finally, also related to Zatoka's detainment and subsequent arrest, the International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights (IHF), the Turkmenistan Initiative for Human Rights (TIHR), and the Human Rights Centre "Memorial" have issued a joint statement concerning the deterioration of human rights in Turkmenistan after President Niyazov's recent death. To learn more about the "International Committee for the Defense of Andrey Zatoka," contact its secretary Yulia Morozova, the Center of Ecological Politics, Russia (in English or Russian): Morozova@ecopolicy.ru To join the Amnesty International-Russia campaign (in Russian), go to: http://action.amnesty.org.ru/main.php?action=show_id&id=44 To read the "Free Andrey Zatoka" blog (in English), go to: http://zatoka.wordpress.com/ To read the joint statement of the IHF, the TIHR, and "Memorial" (in Russian and English), go to: http://www.ihf-hr.org/documents/doc_summary.php?sec_id=3&d_id=4361 _________________________ (Jan 22, 2007) Campaign for Belarusian Prisoner of Conscience Alyaksandr Kazulin On December 11, Alyaksandr Kazulin, leader of the Belarusian Socialist Democratic Party, former presidential candidate, and former rector of the Belarusian State University, who has been in prison since June 2006, ended the 53-day hunger strike he began on October 20. The hunger strike was an act of protest against Alyaksandr Lukashenka's tenure in power and a demand that the UN Security Council consider the Belarusian problem. Amnesty International has initiated a campaign calling for Kazulin's immediate and unconditional release. The organization believes that Kazulin is a prisoner of conscience, and that his continuing imprisonment is a violation of his rights to assembly, association, and expression. Amnesty asserts that Kazulin is being detained unlawfully following an unfair trial, and the organization is calling for the Belarusian government to conduct full and impartial investigations into reports of ill-treatment Kazulin has suffered on various occasions at the hands of law enforcement officials, and to ensure that he receives full redress. Amnesty believes that the continuing harassment and detention of opposition figures in Belarus is a deliberate attempt by the authorities to intimidate and deter people from exercising their rights. The result is the continued stifling of open, public debate and civil society activity within the country. Amnesty International is asking concerned individuals to show their support by sending letters to Kazulin in prison and appeals to the Belarusian authorities. Letters to Kazulin should be sent to Kazulin's prison: Alyaksandr Kazulin President Alyaksandr G. Lukashenka Procurator General Petr P. Miklashevich Minister of Internal Affairs Vladimir V. Naumov Go to: http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGEUR490012007
_________________________ Environmental Activist Andrey Zatoka Detained in Turkmenistan On December 17, environmental activist Andrey Zatoka, who holds both Russian and Turkmenistani citizenship, was reportedly detained arbitrarily at the airport in Dashauz while preparing to go to Moscow. Zatoka was leaving to visit his family and to attend a meeting of the International Social and Ecological Union on December 18. Zatoka was detained for an alleged breach of public order. His family has not been informed of where he is being held. Zatoka has been involved in civil society activities regarding environmental issues in Turkmenistan for many years. He is a member of the Council of the International Social and Ecological Union, and he also previously co-chaired the Dashauz Ecological Club, which was closed down by the courts in 2003. The International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights, the Turkmen Initiative for Human Rights, and Amnesty International all suspect that this arrest was politically motivated. Amnesty International claims that this instance is only one example of the appalling condition of human rights in Turkmenistan. Amnesty International also fears that Zatoka may be subject to torture or ill-treatment while in custody. Amnesty International recommends that concerned individuals send appeals to the President of Turkmenistan and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as to any diplomatic representatives of Turkmenistan in their countries. Letters can be written in Turkmen, Russian, English, or any other language. In the letters of appeal, individuals should: express concern that Andrey Zatoka has been detained, seemingly to punish him for exercising his rights to freedom of expression and association, and if so, that he is therefore a prisoner of conscience and should be released immediately; mention that Turkmenistan is a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of which Articles 19 and 22 guarantee rights to freedom of expression and association; urge authorities to ensure that Zatoka is protected from any form of torture or ill-treatment while in custody; urge authorities to give Zatoka immediate access to his family and to lawyers; and express concern about the continued suppression of dissent in Turkmenistan, which has led many activists to be arbitrarily detained, tortured or ill-treated, and imprisoned after dubious trials. Send an Appeal to the President:
Apparat Prezidenta 744000 Ashgabat, Turkmenistan Fax: +993 12 35 51 12 Salutation: Dear President Niyazov Send an Appeal to the Minister of Foreign Affairs:
Ministerstvo inostrannykh del Turkmenistana 83 pr. Magtymguly 744000 Ashgabat, Turkmenistan Fax: +993 12 35 42 41 E-mail: mfatm@online.tm Salutation: Dear Minister View the joint statement by the International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights and the Turkmen Initiative for Human Rights. ***************************************** Below is a letter from the Steering Committee of the World Movement for Democracy concerning Mr. Zatoka's detainment:
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