… my father had two heart attacks.

Uzbekistan: The condemned human rights activist Ganikhon Mamatkhonov immediately needs medical service

Ganikhon Mamatkhonov, the prominent human rights activist of International organization for protection of personal rights, sentenced to five years of imprisonment in Uzbekistan, needs immediate medical assistance, the Voice of Freedom reports.

According to Ganikhon’s son, his father had heart attack the day before. «Prior to conviction my father had two heart attacks and we were afraid that third one will kill him. I beg people to rescue my father».

After the arrest of Mamatkhonov, it was found out that the human rights leader had no savings to hire a lawyer and to enable his family visit him.

Mutabar Tadjibaeva, the well-known human rights activist and the nominee of three international awards, turned to the Red Cross International Committee in Uzbekistan: «I appeal to the IRCM with the request to use its mandate and influence and give a visit to Ganikhon. The local authorities openly ignore his health conditions. I also appeal to diplomatic representatives of western countries to demand the immediate release of sick prisoner».

It has to be mentioned that Ganikhon Mamatkhonov was detained by law enforcement bodies of the Ferghana Oblast on October 9 when unknown people dropped money in his bag. Allegedly, the unknown person scheduled a meeting with Ganikhon where he secretly put cash in the bag of human rights activist. A moment later, Ganikhon was seized by police officers that «found» 500 thousand sum (about 330 US dollars).

Mr. Mamatkhonov was condemned in fraud and bribery.

Well-informed sources indicate that Ganikhon Mamatkhonov was one of the main activists in Ferghana, protesting against forced child labor and protecting the rights of farmers. Four years ago he joined the Committee for the protection of personal rights and covered socio-economic issues, including the rights of farmers, many of which this year suffered from illegal appropriation of land. His critical comments were broadcasted by RFE/RL and Voice of Freedom.

Few days prior to his arrest, Mr. Mamatkhonov wrote the open letter, addressed to Islam Karimov, where he commented on president’s «reform on integration of farms» as the action, contradicting to common sense.