Activist Murat Dushemov Handed New Prison Term — Turkmen.news

On September 16, a court in Turkmenabat sentenced civil activist Murat Dushemov to eight years in prison. The hearing was held behind closed doors, Orda.kz reports, citing Turkmen.news.

According to the outlet, the case against Dushemov was connected to an alleged assault in a prison in Seydi, where he had been serving a previous sentence. The complaint was filed by another inmate, said to be cooperating with the prison administration.

Orda was unable to verify the report.

Dushemov denied the accusation, insisting during the investigation that the incident was fabricated.

His mother, who was reportedly informed of the trial only the night before, traveled from Dashoguz but was not allowed into the courtroom.

Dushemov had already spent over three months in pre-trial detention at LB-D/9 (“Abdy Shukur” prison) in Turkmenabat, even though he was due to be released on June 14 after serving a four-year term.

In June, Turkmen.news reported that a new case was being prepared against him.

Dushemov had originally been convicted in 2021 following what the organization described as politically motivated charges related to his peaceful criticism of the government.

He had posted videos questioning the authorities’ official claim that there were no COVID-19 cases in Turkmenistan, demanding accurate public health information, and challenging the restrictions imposed at the time.