22 January 2021
Mushfig Bayram, Forum 18
After repeatedly defending Muslims freedom of religion and belief, including demonstrating outside President Shavkat Mirziyoyev s residence, Tulkun Astanov has been jailed for five years. A state report accused him of following sources of biased news such as Radio Free Europe , and publishing unsubstantiated and exaggerated information. Prisoner of conscience Astanov is being banned in jail from reading the Koran and praying the namaz.
After repeatedly defending the freedom of religion and belief of Muslims, including demonstrating outside President Shavkat Mirziyoyev s residence in the capital Tashkent, a city court has jailed 49-year-old Tulkun Astanov for five years. Tashkent City Criminal Court rejected his appeal on 5 January.