Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Turkmenistan

Ethnic Group: Turkmen

Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness

Reports of Torture: Yes

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Sentence: 4 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: March/14/2015

Date of Sentencing: May/19/2015

Date of Release: February/13/2019

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Attending a Religious Gathering or Meeting Religious Activity

Nature of Charges: Hate Speech

Bahram Hemdemov

Extra Bio Info:

Bahram Hemdemov was imprisoned for his religious activity.

On March 14, 2015, authorities arrested Hemdemov following a raid on his home coinciding with a large worship meeting he was hosting.  Police reportedly tortured him.

On May 19, 2015, Hemdemov was sentenced to four years in prison for "inciting social, ethnic or religious hatred using mass media" (Art. 177-2 TCC).

On February 13, 2019, Hemdemov was released.

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