Kemal Saparov

Additional Name(s): Kemal Meylismyradovich Saparov, Сапаров Кемал Мейлисмырадович, Кемал Сапаров, Saparow Kemal Meýlismyradowiç

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Turkmenistan

Religion or Belief: Muslim – Sunni

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Appeal: Rejected

Sentence: 15 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: January/25/2018

Date of Sentencing: April/27/2018

Current Status: Not Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Attending a Religious Gathering or Meeting Discussing Religion & Religious Texts Religious Activity Travel Abroad Unregistered Religious Activity

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Hate Speech Public Disorder Treason & Sedition

Kemal Saparov

Extra Bio Info:

Kemal Saparov is imprisoned for his religious activity.

In January 2018, authorities in Ashgabat detained Saparov, a student who was studying abroad in Russia, for alleged disorderly conduct. Authorities accused him of belonging to various unregistered religious groups during his time in St. Petersburg, Russia.

In April 2018, the Ashgabat City Court sentenced Saparov to 15 years’ imprisonment for “conspiracy to seize power,” “inciting social, national, ethnic, racial or religious hostility,” and “creating an organized criminal group,” among others (Arts. 174-1, 177-3, 275-1 TCC). In May 2018, the Supreme Court upheld Halbaev's sentence.

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