| Taken Question (Revised) Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC September 14, 2006 Question Taken at the September 14, 2006 Daily Press Briefing Turkmenistan: Death of Journalist Ogulsapar MuradovaQuestion: What is US reaction to the death of a journalist Ogulsapar Myradova in a Turkmen jail? Answer: We are very concerned about the death of a prisoner in the Government of Turkmenistan's custody, and are working to gather the facts. The exact circumstances of Ms. Myradova’s death remain unclear and we call upon the Government of Turkmenistan to handle the death in a transparent way and provide the results of the autopsy they conducted. We will remain closely engaged through our Mission regarding this situation. Ms. Myradova was serving a six-year sentence for illegal possession of ammunition. We note that the Turkmen judicial system lacks independence and the United States has overall concerns about lack of due process in both criminal and civil proceedings. U.S. Embassy Ashagabat met frequently with the Myradova family during the trial and after her sentencing. We wish to extend our deepest condolences on their loss. 2006/824
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