Documento - Kyrgyzstan: Further information on: fear of imminent execution: Nikolai Sokolov

EXTERNALAI Index: EUR 58/08/96

15 August 1996

Further information (1) on UA 151/96 (EUR 58/07/96, 25 June 1996) - Fear of imminent execution

KYRGYZSTANNikolai Sokolov, aged 37

Amnesty International has learned that the Clemency Commission of Kyrgyzstan has reviewed the case of Nikolai Sokolov and has decided against recommending to the President that clemency be granted. However, no decision on the case has yet been taken by President Askar Akayev. There remains the possibility that the President may still use his constitutional authority and commute Nikolai Sokolov's death sentence. However, the time remaining until a final decision is taken on Nikolai Sokolov's fate may now be very short.

FURTHER RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send telegrams/faxes/express/airmail letters in Russian, English or in your own language:

- urging the President to commute Nikolai Sokolov's death sentence, and all other death sentences that come before him;

- expressing unconditional opposition to the death penalty as a violation of the right to life and the right not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;

- expressing sympathy for the victims of crime and their families, but pointing out that the death penalty has never been shown to deter crime more effectively than other punishments, and is brutalizing to all involved in its application.

APPEALS TO:

The President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Askar Akayev

Kyrgyzskaya Respublika

720003 g. Bishkek

Prospekt Chuy, 205

Dom pravitelstva

Prezidentu AKAYEVU A.A.

Telegrams: Kyrgyzskaya Respublika, 720003 Bishkek, Prezidentu Akayevu A.A.

Faxes: +7 3312 21 86 27

Salutation: Dear President

COPIES TO:

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Roza Otunbayeva