Russia: Moscow refuses to allow human rights protest near Turkmenistan's embassy
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 16 December 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia: Moscow refuses to allow human rights protest near Turkmenistan's embassy, 16 December 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a36a13.html [accessed 22 October 2022] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
December 16, 2016
Khudayberdy Allashov
Moscow city authorities have refused to allow human rights activists to stage a protest in front of Turkmenistan's embassy on December 19 in support of jailed Turkmen journalists.
The Memorial Human Rights Center said on December 16 that city officials justified their refusal by saying the protest could affect "heavy public transport flow" in the area close to the embassy.
Memorial says the refusal was politically motivated.
An application to conduct the protest was filed by Memorial activist Bakhrom Khamroyev, who is originally from Uzbekistan.
The idea to stage the demonstration was initiated by the Association of Central Asian Political Immigrants in Russia after authorities in Turkmenistan on December 3 arrested 27-year-old RFE/RL correspondent Khudayberdy Allashov on charges of illegal possession of chewing tobacco.
The United States, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and RFE/RL have all called on Turkmenistan to immediately release Allashov.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
