English PEN Writers in Prison Committee concerned about arrest of journalist Sobirjan Yakubov in Uzbekistan

Sobirjan Yakubov, (see pic) a Hurryet journalist (see posting Monday April 25th) is prison. Muslim, journalist 22 said to have given Karimov signed copies of his books He wrote of the fate of the Ukrainian journalist Gongadze, believed to have been murdered by the Ukrainian authorities and regarded as a martyr to the ‘orange revolution’.

Probably tortured into a false confession and transferred to Tashkent Prison. Swift intervention from Writers and Human Rights Organisations in the West, especially from the US which has such influence in the area, are underway and every Fax, letter or ‘open statement’ to the President or authorities counts.
Please send appeals:

Expressing concern that Sobirjan Yakubov may have been arrested solely for expressing his views.

Seeking assurances that he is being treated humanely while in custody, and urging that Sobirjan Yakubov be granted full access to his family, as well as a proper legal counsel of his choice.

Appeals to:
President Islam Abduganievch Karimov
Rezidentsiya prezidenta
Tashkent 70000
Republic of Uzbekistan
Fax: 00 998 71 139 5625 (From UK)

You may also want to write (in suitable terms) to

The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Rt Hon Jack Straw MP,
King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AH

and / or his 4 Ministers

- Douglas Alexander MP
- Ian Pearson MP
- Dr Kim Howells MP
- Lord Triesman

See also -
PEN Website

Website for -
“For Democratic Reforms and Protection of Minorities in Uzbekistan”