1 September 2004
TAKE ACTION! PEN CAMPAIGNS TO SUPPORT UZBEK, TURKISH ADVOCATES
31 August 2004
PEN American Center (PEN) is inviting free-expression advocates to write letters in support of two Uzbek journalists and a Turkish publisher who have been jailed for exercising their right to freedom of expression.
Muhammad Bekjanov and Yusif Ruzimuradov have been sentenced respectively to jail terms of 13 years and eight years for their alleged involvement in the Uzbek opposition movement, says PEN. They had written for "Erk" ("Freedom"), the newspaper owned by an opposition party. Bekjanov and Ruzimuradov say they have been tortured in prison.
Ragip Zarakolu is on trial and faces up to two years in prison for an article published in March 2003. The co-founder of Belge Publishing House, he has been legally harassed over the years for publishing books that offended Turkish authorities.
To write letters in support of these individuals, visit: http://www.pen.org/freedom/bulletin/aug2004.html#HonoraryM
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