Amnesty Warns Jailed Turkmen Ex-Official Being Denied Urgent Medical Care

Amnesty International says a former Turkmen official who spent years in jail is being denied urgent medical care.

Amnesty said in an "urgent action" statement that Geldy Kyarizov, 63, the prominent former director of the state-run Turkmen Atlary (Turkmen Horses) Association, who was imprisoned for 5 1/2 years on abuse-of-office and other charges, remains in poor health due to a variety of conditions, including a heart condition, high blood pressure, chronic hepatitis, and severe arthritis.

The statement said security officers have prevented Kyarizov from visiting the hospital.

Amnesty said Kyarizov's life may be in danger if he does not receive prompt medical treatment.

Kyarizov is not able to get medical care abroad as he and his family members are banned from leaving the country.