Ogulsapar Muradova at the wedding party of her son, Ashgabat, 2004 (Courtesy Photo)
PRAGUE, September 19, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- The Paris-based World Association of Newspapers (WAN) and its World Forum Editors (WEF) parent organization have expressed their "outrage" at the death in jail of RFE/RL's Turkmen Service correspondent Ogulsapar Muradova.
In a letter made public today, WAN President Gavin O'Reilly and WEF President George Brock call upon Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov to ensure that Muradova's death is "fully and fairly investigated."
They also urge the Turkmen leader to bring to justice all those who could be responsible for her demise.
Turkmen security officials claim Muradova died of natural causes. But relatives say they suspect foul play.
Muradova's children were notified of their mother's death on September 14.
The 58-year-old journalist was serving a six-year prison sentence on charges that rights groups have described as fabricated.
They also urge the Turkmen leader to bring to justice all those who could be responsible for her demise.
Turkmen security officials claim Muradova died of natural causes. But relatives say they suspect foul play.
Muradova's children were notified of their mother's death on September 14.
The 58-year-old journalist was serving a six-year prison sentence on charges that rights groups have described as fabricated.