Photo: hronikatm.com
Allegations of torture against imprisoned Turkmen human rights advocate Mansur Mingelov have not been confirmed, according to Vepa Khadzhiev, Turkmenistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations. Speaking at the 82nd session of the UN Committee Against Torture, held April 23–24 in Geneva, Khadzhiev said that an investigation by Turkmen law enforcement had uncovered no evidence of human rights violations, including torture or ethnically motivated abuse, against Mingelov, Turkmen.news reported.
Khadzhiev also stated that Mingelov has been diagnosed with “tuberculous arthritis in both knees.”
“The convict was diagnosed with tuberculous arthritis of the left and right knees, and was informed of this diagnosis. According to Article 76 of Turkmenistan’s Criminal Code, a disease incompatible with further imprisonment is grounds for immediate release. A decision on such a release is made by a court based on the findings of an interagency medical review commission,” the diplomat explained, without specifying whether Mingelov’s condition qualifies for release.
ℹ️ Mansur Mingelov is an ethnic Baloch activist from Mary Province in southeastern Turkmenistan who has long defended the rights of the Baloch minority. He was first detained in June 2012 on suspicion of drug trafficking. During the arrest, he was beaten and suffered a leg fracture. He was released two weeks later when no charges were filed. After his release, he filed complaints of torture and documented abuses against fellow Baloch, including beatings, electric shocks, and other forms of mistreatment. He was later rearrested and charged with various offenses, including drug trafficking and distributing pornography—charges widely regarded by rights groups as fabricated. In 2012, he was sentenced to 22 years in prison.
In 2018, Mingelov was diagnosed with tuberculosis, which later developed into osteomyelitis in his leg. Although he was transferred to a prison hospital, he has reportedly faced repeated threats of being returned to a high-security facility due to his refusal to undergo amputation. In 2024, the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ medical commission confirmed his diagnosis and admitted that the condition cannot be treated within Turkmenistan, although they deemed amputation unnecessary and noted that the leg could potentially be saved abroad.
According to Turkmen.news, a 2017 presidential decree mandates the release of prisoners diagnosed with this illness. However, authorities have reportedly refused to provide Mingelov with an official medical certificate, effectively blocking his release.
International human rights organizations, the UN Human Rights Committee, and U.S. senators have repeatedly called for Mingelov’s release, citing his case as emblematic of politically motivated charges and systemic rights violations in Turkmenistan.
