Azat Ashirov
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Turkmenistan
Ethnic Group: Turkmen
Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Sentence: 2 Years' Imprisonment
Date of Sentencing: July/31/2019
Date of Release: May/8/2021
Current Status: Released
Religious Leader: No
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Conscientious Objection Religious Belief
Nature of Charges: Refusing & Absconding Military Service
Azat Ashirov
Extra Bio Info:
Azat Ashirov was imprisoned for refusing to serve in the military on religious grounds.
On July 31, 2019, Ashirov was sentenced to two years in a labor camp for "rejecting call-up to military service" (Art. 219-2 TCC). The date and circumstances of his arrest were unspecified.
On September 3, 2019, Ashirov's appeal was denied.
On May 8, 2021, Ashirov was released from prison following a presidential pardon.