Imprisoned And Tortured For Peaceful Protest - Demand Dilorom's Release
Dilorom Abdukadirova was raising her four sons on a small family farm in Uzbekistan. On 13 May 2005, she joined thousands at a protest in the town square to voice her concerns about the economy. Suddenly security forces started shooting, killing hundreds of people.
Caught up in the panicking crowds, Dilorom fled. Confused and scared, she crossed the border into Kyrgyzstan about 25 kilometres away. Now a refugee, Dilorom was given permanent residency in Australia in 2006.
She desperately missed her family so returned to Uzbekistan in January 2010. The authorities gave assurances that nothing would happen, but she was arrested on arrival at Tashkent airport.
In April 2010, Dilorom was sentenced to 10 years in prison for "attempting to overthrow the constitutional order".
Today, Dilorom remains in prison, where her family fear she is again being ill-treated. Dilorom Abdukadirova is a prisoner of conscience, convicted for exercising her right to freedom of expression and peacefully attending a protest.
Please sign the petition demanding the release of Dilorom Abdukadirova.
To the President and Government of Uzbekistan concerning Dilorom Abdukadirova:
I urge you to:
-- Drop all charges against Dilorom Abdukadirova;
-- Immediately and unconditionally release her from prison and allow her to reunite with her family;
-- Carry out a prompt, impartial and effective investigation into the allegations that she was tortured in custody.
-- Bring to justice any officials found responsible for torture or other ill-treatment of her.
[Your comments will go here]
Yours sincerely,
[Your name here]
