Vepa Matyakubov
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: 2 Years' Imprisonment
Date of Sentencing: February/17/2020
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
Vepa Matyakubov
Extra Bio Info:
Vepa Matyakubov was imprisoned for refusing to serve in the military on religious grounds.
On February 17, 2020, Matyakubov was sentenced to two years in a labor camp for "rejecting call-up to military service" (Art. 219-1 TCC). The date and circumstances of his arrest were unspecified.
On March 17, 2020, Matyakubov's appeal was denied.
On May 8, 2021, Matyakubov was released from prison following a presidential pardon.