BELARUS

Belarusian prisoner of conscience ZMITSER DASHKEVICH was released from prison on 28 August 2013 after serving his full sentence.A prominent activist and leader of the democratic youth organisation YOUNG FRONT/MALADY FRONT, he will be under preventive supervision for 6 months, during which time he cannot leave the house between 8pm and 6am and would need police permission to leave the country or his home city. He has been able to rejoin his wife, whom he married in the prison colony in Hrodna on 26/12/2102.

He says he feels good and is ready to continue his political activities, and thanks everyone who gave him support.

 

TURKMENISTAN

Former Government Minister of Tourism and Culture, GELDIMURAT NURMUHAMMEDOV, has been released after 9 months of forced medical treatment. It is likely that he was targeted because of his criticism of the authorities. Having been detained in the capital, Ashgabat, where he lives, he was then transferred to a drug rehabilitation centre 600 kms away. No charges against him were ever announced and he had no history of drug use. He has criticised the government for the absence of democracy and human rights in Turkmenistan.

 

TURKEY via AI USA

On 16 August 2013 the Turkish Supreme Court overturned the conviction of SULTANA ACIBUCA, who had previously been sentenced to over 6 years in prison under Turkey's overly vague anti-terrorism statutes.

Her calls for non-violence were prosecuted under those statutes. Unfortunately there is still a danger that a lower court will challenge the decision of the Appeals Court.