Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Turkmenistan

Ethnic Group: Turkmen

Religion or Belief: Christian – Jehovah's Witness

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Appeal: Rejected

Sentence: 4 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Sentencing: July/15/2019

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

Bahtiyar Atahanov

Extra Bio Info:

Bahtiyar Atahanov was imprisoned for refusing to serve in the military on religious grounds.

On July 15, 2019, Atahanov was sentenced to four years in a labor camp for "refusing to perform the duties of military service by simulating illness or other means with the aim of complete freeing from performing the duties of military service" (Art. 344-2 TCC).  The date and circumstances of his arrest were unspecified.

On August 20, 2019, Atahanov's appeal was denied. 

On May 8, 2021, Atahanov was released from prison following a presidential pardon.

Sources: