PUBLIC AI Index: EUR 62/009/2007

13 December 2007

Further Information on UA 324/07 (EUR 62/007/2007, 05/12/2007) torture/health concern/possible prisoner of conscience

UZBEKISTAN Ikhtior KHAMROEV (m), age 22, student

On 10 December, Ikhtior Khamroev was released from the prison punishment cell to which he had been confined for 10 days. The next day, he was visited by his father, human rights defender Bakhtior Khamroev, who told Amnesty International that Ikhtior Khamroev confirmed that he had been beatenand locked in a punishment cell, and that he had cut himself in the abdomen in protest at his ill-treatment. Ikhtior Khamroev told his father that, on 29 November, a senior prison guard had accused him of swearing at another prisoner – which is considered to be a disciplinary offence in prison – and had demanded that he sign a statement admitting to this offence. When Ikhtior Khamroev refused to sign the statement he was beaten by the prison officer and another prisoner. He was locked in a punishment cell and in protest at his ill-treatment he cut his abdomen with a small knife. Ikhtior Khamroev told his father that a doctor was called that night to treat and bandage his wound. While Ikhtior Khamroev was in solitary confinement, he was visited three times by a doctor, who changed his dressings.

Bakhtior Khamroev told Amnesty International that his son had lost weight but that he appeared otherwise reasonably fit. He said he had seen a three-centimetre scar on his son's abdomen.

The press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan issued a public statement denying that Ikhtior Khamroev had been beaten and injured. The statement alleged that the reports had been a fabrication by his father.

Ikhtior Khamroev is serving a three-year prison sentence handed down in September 2006.

Bakhtior Khamroev thanked Amnesty International members for their support.

No further action is needed. Many thanks to all who sent appeals.