E/CN.4/2003/68/Add.2 page 42 reportedly taken to the SNB headquarters in Tashkent where he was visited by his mother some three months after his arrest. His lawyer was reportedly allowed to meet with him one month after the arrest. According to the lawyer herself, she could not represent him properly as she had difficulties obtaining access to the criminal file. According to the information received, he was deprived of sleep for several consecutive days, and severely beaten and threatened. As a result, it is reported that he signed a confession. It is also reported that his confession was videotaped. According to the information received, on that tape, he appeared very weak and as if he was crying. During his trial at the Akmal Ikramov district court, one of the co-defendants is said to have claimed that his toenails had been torn out and showed to the judge his feet as evidence. The judge is said to have then asked the investigators why the co-defendants had not been “educated” and why they were not silenced. The judge is also reported to have stated that he should put a hose in their nose and push until it comes out from the other end. At that point, the defendants are believed to have asked for the judge to be removed immediately from the case. The trial was thus reportedly adjourned for three months. The trial in camera then took place in Tashkent City Court. It is reported that the verdict was handed over on 9 October at the Akmal Ikramov district court. Abdulkhim Ganiev was eventually sentenced to 19 years’ imprisonment. On 5 February 2001, the Supreme Court is said to have reduced the prison sentence by one year. He is said to have been held in Tashturma until April 2001. It is reported that he was then transferred to the strict regime section of the Kazil Tiepe colony 47, where he was currently detained at the time of writing. From 1 September to 27 October 2002, it is alleged that he was held in the isolation cell because he had refused to greet the director of the colony. It is reported that he was asked to sign a repentance letter. On 2 November, he was reportedly sent back to the isolation cell. Surat Mirvaleev, a 29-year-old man, was reportedly arrested on 26 January 2000, and kept in the basement of the SNB in Tashkent. On 27 January, he is said to have gotten a lawyer. According to the information received, in court documents, it is stated that he was only arrested on 28 January. He was reportedly kept in the basement for three months, where he was said to have been tortured for 17 days. One hand and foot were reportedly cuffed together. It is also reported that he was severely beaten and asphyxiated with a gas mask. During the trial, which took place from 4 to 25 July 2000, he reportedly showed the injuries sustained, such as the traces of his handcuffs and his T-shirt with traces of blood to the judge, who reportedly ignored them. He is furthermore said to have been in a very bad state of health. The procurator allegedly told Surat Mirvaleejev’s mother that, since she was wearing the Islamic scarf, her son deserved this punishment. He was reportedly charged with offences pursuant to articles 156, 159, 244 (b) and 216 of the Criminal Code, and sentenced to 10 years’ in prison. His family reportedly lodged an appeal on 5 September 2000, subsequent to which Surat Mirvaleev was transferred from general to strict regime. His mother would like to appeal, but the judge is said to be keeping the court documents. The chairwoman of the district court of Sabor Rakhimov is said to have stated that she did not like women wearing Islamic scarf. Surat Mirvaleev is said to be currently detained in Nawai prison in an isolation cell. According to the information received, he is suffering from tuberculosis and breathing problems. His mother reportedly bought medicine for him which he is said not to have received. She reportedly complained to the head of GUIN, about her son’s health problems. It is alleged that she asked the MVD for her son’s transfer to Tashkent which was rejected in October 2002.