H.E. Meret B. Orazov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the United States
The Embassy of the Republic of Turkmenistan
2207 Massachussets Avenue N.W.
Washington, District of Columbia
United States of America, 20008

September 25, 2006

Dear Ambassador Orazov,

I am writing on behalf of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works to promote and protect press freedom and freedom of expression around the world.

CJFE is appalled at the death of journalist and human rights activist Ogulsapar Muradova in a Turkmenistan prison. Ms. Muradova worked as a reporter for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and was an activist associated with the Turkmenistan Helsinki Foundation. On September 14, 2006, it was revealed that she died while in custody.

According to Human Rights Watch, her son was summoned by authorities to collect his mother's body. He noticed that his mother had a wound on her head. Authorities rejected the family's request for an autopsy and did not disclose the cause or date of death.

CJFE is deeply concerned by the death of Ms. Muradova and the unanswered questions surrounding it. We demand an immediate, extensive and independent investigation into Ms. Muradova's death and the circumstances that led to this tragedy. CJFE calls on the government of Turkmenistan to make this case their highest priority and allow the participation of international investigators.

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Arnold Amber
CJFE President