AKIPRESS.COM - Mansur Mingelov ended a hunger strike that had lasted for almost three weeks after some Turkmenistani officials reportedly visited him in prison and the attitude of the prison authorities towards him has improved. However, there is no official indication that there will be a retrial in line with international fair trial standards in his case, Amnesty International reported on June 13.

Mansur Mingelov had been on hunger strike since 19 May in protest at the 22-year sentence for alleged drug and pornography offenses passed down to him after a trial. He began to take liquid food again on 8 June. He is still in a prison hospital, where he is on a drip.

According to a confidential source, he has started eating as a result of several visits from officials. However no information is available on the content of their discussion. The prison authorities have reportedly changed their attitude towards Mingelov. They are now being polite to him and regularly enquire about his wellbeing.

On 19 May, Mansur Mingelov wrote to the administration of LBK/11 prison in Seidi, Lebap province in eastern Turkmenistan, where he is serving his sentence, to inform them about his decision to go on hunger strike. His mother visited him on 10 June.

Mansur Mingelov denies all charges and maintains his innocence. He faced increased pressure in prison after he spoke out about the unfairness of his trial and protested against his possible transfer to the high security prison Ovadan-Depe as this is contrary to the conditions of his sentence. Prison authorities threatened to cut off visits from his family and limit the size of parcels he is allowed to receive.

Amnesty International called on the authorities to instigate a prompt retrial of Mingelov in line with international fair trial standards, including allowing him access to a lawyer of his choice; to initiate a prompt, impartial and effective investigation into all allegations of torture and other ill-treatment reported by Mansur Mingelov, and identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice; to ensure his safety as well as safety of members of his family and anyone associated with him.