Freedom for Eurasia expresses grave concern over credible allegations of torture, ill-treatment, and ongoing threats against imprisoned lawyer and minority human rights activist Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov, following an incident involving a senior official of the correctional facility.
According to information verified by Freedom for Eurasia, in early December a deputy head of the prison allegedly threatened Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov with public humiliation. Subsequently, during a formal assembly inside the facility, the same official reportedly subjected him to verbal abuse, including the use of obscene and degrading language. In response to this public humiliation, Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov threw his boots at the official.
Following this incident, Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov was placed in solitary confinement for 15 days. During this period, he was allegedly subjected to torture. Specifically, he reports that his legs and feet were pierced with metal rods. These injuries were personally observed and confirmed by a trusted source who witnessed the physical consequences of the abuse.
Most alarmingly, Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov has since reported that the deputy head of the prison has threatened retaliation for the public nature of the incident, stating that he would be punished further for having humiliated the official in front of others. This creates an acute and ongoing risk of renewed torture, ill-treatment, or other forms of abuse.
Freedom for Eurasia emphasizes that torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment are absolutely prohibited under international law, including the UN Convention against Torture. Any acts of retaliation against detainees for complaints, perceived disrespect, or resistance constitute serious violations of international human rights standards and may amount to criminal conduct.
Freedom for Eurasia calls on the relevant authorities to:
- Immediately ensure the safety and physical integrity of Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov;
- Grant him access to independent medical examination and legal counsel;
- Initiate a prompt, impartial, and effective investigation into the allegations of torture and threats of retaliation;
- Suspend the implicated prison official pending the outcome of such investigation;
- Allow independent monitoring bodies access to the facility.
Freedom for Eurasia will continue to document this case and reserves the right to submit the information to international human rights mechanisms should the risks to Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov persist or escalate.