Gay Journalist on Trial in Uzbekistan

[DUreader]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-2943646,00.html




TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (AP) - An independent
journalist charged with sodomy went on trial
Wednesday in Uzbekistan, in a case highlighting
concerns about media freedom and pressure
against homosexuals in this tightly controlled
Central Asian country.

The arrest and closed trial of journalist Ruslan
Sharipov, who is openly gay, has been criticized
by international human rights and press groups.

Imprisoned since his May 26 arrest, he also faces
charges of having sex with minors and managing
prostitutes. In an open letter from jail to President
Bush, Sharipov said those charges were
fabricated and that he was being threatened with
torture to confess.

Nazima Kamolova, one of Sharipov's lawyers, said
in an interview that the charges were ``directly
linked to his journalistic activities.'' Sharipov on
Wednesday demanded an open trial, but the judge
refused, saying he wanted to protect the privacy
of alleged victims in the case, who are minors.

[davidinalameda]

1. it's a set-up

this guy has been a vocal critic of the government and they are out to get him

I wonder if Bush will try and save this guy like they do the dissidents in China--probably not.

[Melsky]

2. The president of this country tortures people

He has even boiled people alive. But he is an important allie in the war on terror. It's not a war on torture after all.


http://www.thememoryhole.org/pol/us-and-uz.htm

I really hope the US will intercede for this guy, but I'm really not holding my breath.