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Alert

Journalist Ruslan Sharipov sentenced to two years community service in Bukhara

(RSF/IFEX) - On 23 June 2004, a district court in Khamzinski (Tashkent region) sentenced journalist Ruslan Sharipov to two years community service in the city of Bukhara, in central Uzbekistan, at the end of an in camera trial.

In a letter to President Islam Karimov, RSF condemned "the serious violation of the right to a defence during this farce of a trial."

The court ordered Sharipov to serve the rest of his sentence in Bukhara, 600 km from the capital, where he has no family. He was sentenced to community service and to pay one quarter of his salary to the government. He cannot leave the city without prior police permission.

The case was heard behind closed doors and in the absence of his lawyers. None of his family members were notified in advance. Sharipov was transferred to Bukhara on 25 June.

"What has been presented as an easing of the journalist's sentence was, in fact, designed to isolate him further and to prevent his voice being heard," said RSF. "We call for him to be able to move freely so he can resume his work as a journalist and human rights activist."

On 12 June, a commission met to examine whether Sharipov should have his sentence reduced. He could have been amnestied since he had served one third of his sentence.