Sayid says that he is sick with tuberculosis…

Uzbekistan: The convicted journalist Sayid addressed UN Secretary General and human rights defenders

The independent Uzbek journalist and human rights activist Dilmurod Sayid, sentenced in July of 2009 for 12.5 years of prison, addressed the open letter to UN Secretary General and international human rights organizations.

Sayid says that he is sick with tuberculosis and he was placed to 36th special medical treatment facility on March 27, 2010. Dilmurod weights only 56 kilogram while his height is 176 centimeters.

It has to be mentioned that Sayid was sentenced under two articles of Uzbek Criminal Code: “blackmailing” and “preparation of faked documents, seals, letterheads and their sale or use”. The journalist denies his fault. Major witnesses in Sayid’s case withheld the evidences while others said they had testified under the pressure of special services. However, this did not prevent the announcement of such a strict verdict to the person, defending human rights. Sayid’s relatives indicate that in private talks the investigators made it clear that case had been ordered “by supreme authorities” and Sayid’s verdict would result in the imprisonment in any case.

Prior to arrest, Dilmurod Sayid was investigating the violations of human rights. He was active member of Tashkent oblast office of Ezgulik human rights organization. In 2007-2008 he was the member of rapid response team for preventing tortures in Uzbekistan as well as cooperated with Voice of Freedom human rights website.

In November of 2009 his wife and 5-year old daughter were killed in the car accident when they were going to meet him in the Navoi penal colony.

“I am absolutely positive that I became the victim of the plot – Sayid notes. – Unfortunately, ignoring the laws, investigators and judicial authorities protected the interests of people, close to bribery, oppression, unfairness and anarchy!”

“I am innocent prisoner. I am not afraid to die. I am expecting the death”, the journalist writes.

He also indicated that he has doubts concerning the assigned medical treatment. The 8-month therapy regimen, assigned in December of 2009, was cancelled after three months. In March of 2010 Dilmurod was relocated to Navoi and forced to sign voluntary agreement for “DOTS+” cure. “It was impossible to say no”, Sayid says.

However, under new therapy regimen he observes “amnesia, sense of discomfort in mouth cavity, loop of vision, sleep of left hand, pain in left shoulder blade”. “These all can be dangerous for my life”, the journalist says. He believes the representatives of German embassy also contributed to his current condition because they recommended this therapy regimen and never inquired about his condition in three months period.

Dilmurod Sayid urges UN representative to take control of the case. “I am the victim of injustice. I lost family, health and freedom and I do not think there can be more pain! Therefore, I want and wait for the justice”, outlines the journalist, hoping that human rights organizations will support him.

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