Dear colleagues:

According to reports received from Bulgaria and Turkey, on September 2, 1998 Uzbek national ABDUVOKHID PATTAEV had been arrested by Bulgarian authorities.

Until 1992-93, Mr. Pattaev was Manager of the machine-building plant in Namangan. He was known as supporter of democratic movements (Erk and Birlik) and Adolat (Justice), Islamic militia existed in Namangan o blast (province) in 1991-92. When about 30 members of Adolat were arrested in march of 1992, Pattaev organized strike at his plant with the demand to release them. Later, he left Uzbekistan.

Reportedly, Pattaev was arrested by the request of Uzbek authorities. There is no information on charges developed against him. If he deported or extradited (i do not think that there is extradition treaty between the two countries, but i am not sure) to Uzbekistan, he would face unfair trial, possible torture and abuse. Uzbekistan is known as country, where authorities can develop ANY charge against undesired individuals and groups. Often, connection between crime and suspect does not exist at all. In many cases, there is no evidences to support charges.

Please request Bulgarian authorities to hold hearings in Bulgarian court to determine grounds for deportation/extradition of Pattaev. Regardless on "is Pattaev guilty or not", possible torture and unfair trial for him in Uzbekistan (according to UN convention on torture) are sufficient grounds to let him stay in Bulgaria or let him choose to leave to other country.

Please also help us to get information on charges against Pattaev and grounds for his arrest.

i hope, human rights related bodies of UN, OSCE, EU, Council of Europe will support our appeal. we strongly believe to get serious support from international and Bulgarian non-governmental organizations, human rights community.

Thank you,

Abdumannob Polat
Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan
Union of Councils' Central Asian Human Rights Information Network
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