EXTERNAL (for general distribution)AI Index: EUR 60/03/95

Distr: UA/SC

31 May 1995

Further information on UA 116/95 (EUR 60/02/95, 25 May 1995) - "Disappearance"

TADZHIKISTANMirzo SALIMOV, journalist

(Мирзо САЛИМОВ in cyrillic)

Amnesty International has learned that Mirzo Salimov, who was feared to have "disappeared" in Tadzhikistan, was in the custody of the state law enforcement organs but has now been released. News of his release on or before 24 May did not reach Amnesty International until after the 25 May Urgent Action on this case had been issued.

Mirzo Salimov has reportedly been charged under Articles 68, 69 and 71 of the Criminal Code with "war propaganda", "organizational activity directed towards commission of especially dangerous state crimes and participation in an anti-government organization" and "violating the equal rights of nationalities and races". Pending investigation of these charges he is not allowed to leave Tadzhikistan.

Since Mirzo Salimov's whereabout are now known and he is not currently in detention no further action is required from the Urgent Action network at this time.