Ruslan Sharipov, a journalist and human rights defender from Uzbekistan, was awarded the 2004 Golden Pen of Freedom for his courageous human rights and freedom of expression initiatives in the face of attacks, torture and constant harassment.
Mr Sharipov is the founder of the Union of Independent Journalists of Uzbekistan and a correspondent for the Moscow Human Rights Agency. Before his imprisonment, he reported regularly on the state of the media and press freedom in Uzbekistan, and about human rights violations in the country.
In August 2003, Sharipov was sentenced to four years in prison for or "engaging in homosexual acts", as a pretext to silence him and stop his human right s work
Sharipov served 10 months of his prison sentence in a high security prison before being placed under house arrest. He was unable to attend the awards ceremony, held during the 57th World Newspaper Congress in Istanbul, Turkey.
The award was accepted on his behalf by fellow human rights activist Elena Urlaeva. In a statement read by Ms Urlaeva, Sharipov said: "I love journalism. I always serve the truth and I want freedom of speech to be celebrated around the world. I will do my best to be worthy of your great trust." He was unable to send a longer statement because Uzbek authorities threatened reprisals if he did so.
Uzbekistan is a leading example of a nation, which is using the fight against terrorism to justify widespread repression of information and other human rights. President Islam Karimov and his secret police and security forces have extended these restrictions far beyond the fight against terror, delaying or abandoning democratic reforms and mercilessly harassing all opposition and free voices and pens.
"Freedom of expression is difficult to attain in Uzbekistan," Ms Urlaeva said. "Journalists are faced with all kinds of persecution. That is why newspapers and private radio and TV stations are being closed, internet sites are blocked and foreign news agencies have difficulties in obtaining accreditation. However, many journalists in Uzbekistan write and tell the truth."
UPDATE:
Mr Sharipov was forced to leave Uzbekistan in the autumn of 2004 and spent a number of trying weeks in Moscow before being granted asylum in the United States, where he resides today. |
