MP Visits Imprisoned Journalist Duman Mukhammedkarim

MP Yermurat Bapi visited journalist Duman Mukhammedkarim, who is serving his sentence in a prison colony in Qyzylorda. The Majilis deputy shared observations about the journalist’s condition and detention on Facebook, Orda.kz reports.

According to Bapi, Mukhammedkarim has lost weight during his imprisonment. He recently completed another hunger strike, but still maintains his humor and remains in good spirits.

We talked for almost two hours. Duman is still the same — stubborn, straightforward, and principled. He doesn't accept the sentence. His personality hasn't changed. His mood hasn't worsened. He shaved his head completely. ‘Why?’ I ask. ‘Hygiene. There's no shower in the kicha…’ he jokes again.

A kicha is a punishment cell. Since his transfer to Qyzylorda, Mukhammedkarim has been kept there in solitary confinement. He was placed in the cell for refusing to wear the prison uniform, which is considered a rules violation.

Bapi reported that the journalist’s health has deteriorated. Mukhammedkarim is suffering from kidney, back, and stomach pain, likely linked to the hunger strike.

The deputy also asked the colony’s warden about the explosive device allegedly thrown into Mukhammedkarim’s cell.

He received the following explanation:

An investigation is underway. But it can't be considered an attempt on Mukhamedkarim. If someone was genuinely being targeted, it wouldn't have been carried out so publicly. It looks like an external provocation, designed to create publicity around him.

Bapi said he found this answer convincing, adding that staging an attempt on someone's life who is already imprisoned and considered a “political prisoner” would be illogical.

Mukhammedkarim submitted a request to be transferred closer to Almaty or Taldykorgan. The Department of Penal Enforcement System (DUIS) rejected the request:

Duman Mukhammedkarim was sentenced to seven years in prison under:

• Article 405, Part 2 — participation in the activities of a banned organization
  
• Article 258, Part 1 — financing extremism

Original Author: Zarina Fayzulina