Turkmenistan: Mr Shageldy Atakov

HL Deb 03 May 2001 vol 625 cc120-1WA

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are raising with the Government of Turkmenistan the case of Mr Shageldy Atakov, a member of an unregistered Baptist Church, and in particular his release from Seydy labour camp (or prison hospital); and whether he suffered assaults while in custody. [HL1835]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

On 23 February the British Government, with EU Partners and the US issued a demarche to the Turkmen Foreign Minister regarding reports that Mr Shageldy Atakov had been beaten and that he was seriously ill, and called for his release on humanitarian grounds. The Foreign Minister took note and undertook to inform the Turkmen President of our concern. We understand that Mr Atakov has since been transferred to Seydy prison. We continue to use every opportunity to raise our concern about Mr Atakov with the Turkmen Government.