Saparov, Bakhram Jumanazarovich

Biography: Born on May 31, 1982, in Turkmenabad city of Lebap Province. The leader of an unregistered Muslim group (up to 60 people), since 2007 unofficially taught Islam. Worked in the fueling service of the local airport. Lived in Turkmenabad.

Arrest and conviction: Arrested on March 9, 2013 together with approximately 20 followers. Charged with involvement in anti-state activities (conspiracy to take power, etc.). Convicted on May 22, 2013, by Lebap province court under Art. 174 p. 1; 175 p. 2; 177 p. 3; 275 p. 1, 2; 14-291 of the CCT. Sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment. Additional conviction on July 4, 2014, under Art. 227 p. 4 and 275 p. 2 of the CCT. Sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment. Additional conviction on June 7, 2016, under Art. 227 p. 2 and 231 p. 2 of the CCT. Sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment.

Current situation: According to an unofficial source, in October 2014, he was transferred from Tejen colony to Ovadan Depe prison, where he is incommunicado. An eyewitness, who saw him in Ovadan Depe at the end of 2014, reported that he was subjected to torture (http://www.forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=2218). According to the information of Government of Turkmenistan, submitted in November 2016 to the UN Committee against Torture in Geneva, Saparov “is serving his sentence in AH-T/2 of the Police 34 Department of Ahal Province” (the official name of the Ovadan Depe prison). The response of the Government of Turkmenistan states, “so far, 55 transfers, in the form of groceries, from relatives have been carried out for him,” but there is no mention of letters or visits from his relatives. The information provided by the government is not confirmed by independent sources.