OSCE media freedom representative calls for transparency in handling of imprisoned Turkmenistan journalist's death

VIENNA, 14 September 2006 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti, today urged the Turkmenistan authorities to handle the death of Radio Free Europe reporter Ogulsapar Muradova in a transparent way.

Ms. Muradova, 58, died today in custody in Turkmenistan.

"I am saddened to hear of the death of Ms. Muradova. I also regret that she will not be able to appeal the court decision of 25 August, which sentenced her to six years in prison," Mr. Haraszti said.

Ms. Muradova and two Turkmen human rights activists, Annakurban Amanklychev and Sapardurdy Khadzhiev, were convicted in August on charges of illegal possession of ammunition. Amanklychev and Khadzhiev were handed seven-year sentences.

A report from the Turkmenistan authorities received earlier by Mr. Haraszti stated that Amanklychev and Muradova were "involved in criminal activities related to the collection of defamatory information in Turkmenistan in order to create public dissatisfaction."