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Six years ago, Geldy Kyarizov was at the height of his career. In the year of his fiftieth birthday, the Turkmen Horse Minister saw his home-bred stallion Yanar Dag, gifted to President Niazov of Turkmenistan along with five of his other horses, become the country's national symbol. Better, he had secured Turkmen Government funding for the project he had long been working on: the establishment of a large equestrian complex in the capital Ashgabat, complete with veterinary laboratory able to perform the DNA testing necessary to set up a new stud book for the Akhal-Teke, the golden horse of Central Asia.
Today, his dreams are in ruins. Following an internal dispute over the control of the millions of dollars earmarked for the new centre, he lies in prison, sentenced to six years on minor charges. He has had two heart attacks and a stroke. Six of his horses - confiscated by the state - have died of starvation and thirst.
International efforts, with the support of his family, have been mounted in order to secure his release but to date they have yet to achieve their aim, despite the president declaring amnesties for prisoners every year, and Geldy being eligible for parole since November 2004.
Six years ago, Geldy Kyarizov was at the height of his career. In the year of his fiftieth birthday, the Turkmen Horse Minister saw his home-bred stallion Yanar Dag, gifted to President Niazov of Turkmenistan along with five of his other horses, become the country's national symbol. Better, he had secured Turkmen Government funding for the project he had long been working on: the establishment of a large equestrian complex in the capital Ashgabat, complete with veterinary laboratory able to perform the DNA testing necessary to set up a new stud book for the Akhal-Teke, the golden horse of Central Asia.
Today, his dreams are in ruins. Following an internal dispute over the control of the millions of dollars earmarked for the new centre, he lies in prison, sentenced to six years on minor charges. He has had two heart attacks and a stroke. Six of his horses - confiscated by the state - have died of starvation and thirst.
International efforts, with the support of his family, have been mounted in order to secure his release but to date they have yet to achieve their aim, despite the president declaring amnesties for prisoners every year, and Geldy being eligible for parole since November 2004. Please read the information at this website and add your voice to the appeals to have Geldy released and to bring a stop to the harrassment of his family. The action you can take is described here.
* Sandra de Blois has provided a detailed account of Geldy's situation - you can read it here.
* Sara Drake has provided information on Human Rights in Turkmenistan, and on the condition of the jails there. You can read her articles via the Human Rights in Turkmenistan page.
Geldy's story
Geldy Kyarizov was arrested at the end of January 2002 on a string of charges, laid by a political rival. They included the theft of all his own horses - most of which he bred himself - the appropriation of state money and the theft of a number of small items from Ashgabat Hippodrome. Threatened with torture, he appeared on state television admitting all charges. While awaiting trial he suffered a heart attack, complicated by pneumonia which persisted throughout his trial. His brother was allegedly tortured to persuade him to testify against Kyarizov. His entire stud was confiscated. The unnecessary death of six mares and a foal while at the Niazov State Stud is perhaps the bitterest blow of all to the man acknowledged worldwide as the leading expert on Akhal-Teke horses in his country, and probably in the world.
Geldy's horses Geldy's horses
Two pictures showing the dreadful condition of some of Geldy's surviving horses
even one month after they had been returned from the state stud
At his trial in March 2003, Kyarizov was found innocent of all the original charges by the Turkmen court, but new charges were brought. Finally convicted on what amounted to administrative errors, he was sent to prison in Chardzhou, the hottest part of one of the hottest countries in the world, where his health continues to give concern. Few were surprised when his Appeal failed, or when he was refused leave to attend the funeral of his father, who died last year.
Kyarizov was General Director of the Government organisation Turkmen Atlary - Turkmen Horses - a position giving him a place in the Cabinet of the former Soviet Republic now headed by the dictator President Niazov. Having taken the surname Turkmenbashy (Leader of the Turkmen people), Niazov is known as His Excellency President-For-Life Sapurmurat Turkmenbashy The Great. Events have caused outrage among the worldwide community of Akhal-Teke breeders, many of whom have appealed directly to Niazov for Kyarizov's release.
Geldy's family now live in poverty and fear, constantly harassed by personal threats. His horses are back on the family farm, but for how long? The family are to be evicted from their land and, as if to hound them out before the legal process was completed, their water supply was disconnected; to keep the horses alive, it has to be brought in by truck. The family appealed against eviction but were denied.
In October 2006, the family heard that, having been overlooked in previous years despite his failing health, Geldy would be released in the annual general amnesty granted by the president to mark the end of Ramadan. But when the amnesty came, Geldy's name was not on the list - and worse, he had been moved out of his normal prison to an undisclosed place.
While Geldy and his family continue to face a life of fear and uncertainty, lack of money threatens their wellbeing and that of their horses, and sale of the horses is forbidden by the State. We have launched a fund to support them (more details at this website).
Meanwhile, the new equestrian complex has been opened. Geldy's dream, and his tremendous effort of work, have been realised without him, while others claim the credit.
Please support Geldy by reading of his situation and making your views clear to the people who can help.
At his trial in March 2003, Kyarizov was found innocent of all the original charges by the Turkmen court, but new charges were brought. Finally convicted on what amounted to administrative errors, he was sent to prison in Chardzhou, the hottest part of one of the hottest countries in the world, where his health continues to give concern. Few were surprised when his Appeal failed, or when he was refused leave to attend the funeral of his father, who died last year.
Kyarizov was General Director of the Government organisation Turkmen Atlary - Turkmen Horses - a position giving him a place in the Cabinet of the former Soviet Republic now headed by the dictator President Niazov. Having taken the surname Turkmenbashy (Leader of the Turkmen people), Niazov is known as His Excellency President-For-Life Sapurmurat Turkmenbashy The Great. Events have caused outrage among the worldwide community of Akhal-Teke breeders, many of whom have appealed directly to Niazov for Kyarizov's release.
Geldy's family now live in poverty and fear, constantly harassed by personal threats. His horses are back on the family farm, but for how long? The family are to be evicted from their land and, as if to hound them out before the legal process was completed, their water supply was disconnected; to keep the horses alive, it has to be brought in by truck. The family appealed against eviction but were denied.
In October 2006, the family heard that, having been overlooked in previous years despite his failing health, Geldy would be released in the annual general amnesty granted by the president to mark the end of Ramadan. But when the amnesty came, Geldy's name was not on the list - and worse, he had been moved out of his normal prison to an undisclosed place.
While Geldy and his family continue to face a life of fear and uncertainty, lack of money threatens their wellbeing and that of their horses, and sale of the horses is forbidden by the State. We have launched a fund to support them (more details at this website).
Meanwhile, the new equestrian complex has been opened. Geldy's dream, and his tremendous effort of work, have been realised without him, while others claim the credit.
Today, his dreams are in ruins. Following an internal dispute over the control of the millions of dollars earmarked for the new centre, he lies in prison, sentenced to six years on minor charges. He has had two heart attacks and a stroke. Six of his horses - confiscated by the state - have died of starvation and thirst.
International efforts, with the support of his family, have been mounted in order to secure his release but to date they have yet to achieve their aim, despite the president declaring amnesties for prisoners every year, and Geldy being eligible for parole since November 2004.
Six years ago, Geldy Kyarizov was at the height of his career. In the year of his fiftieth birthday, the Turkmen Horse Minister saw his home-bred stallion Yanar Dag, gifted to President Niazov of Turkmenistan along with five of his other horses, become the country's national symbol. Better, he had secured Turkmen Government funding for the project he had long been working on: the establishment of a large equestrian complex in the capital Ashgabat, complete with veterinary laboratory able to perform the DNA testing necessary to set up a new stud book for the Akhal-Teke, the golden horse of Central Asia.
Today, his dreams are in ruins. Following an internal dispute over the control of the millions of dollars earmarked for the new centre, he lies in prison, sentenced to six years on minor charges. He has had two heart attacks and a stroke. Six of his horses - confiscated by the state - have died of starvation and thirst.
International efforts, with the support of his family, have been mounted in order to secure his release but to date they have yet to achieve their aim, despite the president declaring amnesties for prisoners every year, and Geldy being eligible for parole since November 2004. Please read the information at this website and add your voice to the appeals to have Geldy released and to bring a stop to the harrassment of his family. The action you can take is described here.
* Sandra de Blois has provided a detailed account of Geldy's situation - you can read it here.
* Sara Drake has provided information on Human Rights in Turkmenistan, and on the condition of the jails there. You can read her articles via the Human Rights in Turkmenistan page.
Geldy's story
Geldy Kyarizov was arrested at the end of January 2002 on a string of charges, laid by a political rival. They included the theft of all his own horses - most of which he bred himself - the appropriation of state money and the theft of a number of small items from Ashgabat Hippodrome. Threatened with torture, he appeared on state television admitting all charges. While awaiting trial he suffered a heart attack, complicated by pneumonia which persisted throughout his trial. His brother was allegedly tortured to persuade him to testify against Kyarizov. His entire stud was confiscated. The unnecessary death of six mares and a foal while at the Niazov State Stud is perhaps the bitterest blow of all to the man acknowledged worldwide as the leading expert on Akhal-Teke horses in his country, and probably in the world.
Geldy's horses Geldy's horses
Two pictures showing the dreadful condition of some of Geldy's surviving horses
even one month after they had been returned from the state stud
At his trial in March 2003, Kyarizov was found innocent of all the original charges by the Turkmen court, but new charges were brought. Finally convicted on what amounted to administrative errors, he was sent to prison in Chardzhou, the hottest part of one of the hottest countries in the world, where his health continues to give concern. Few were surprised when his Appeal failed, or when he was refused leave to attend the funeral of his father, who died last year.
Kyarizov was General Director of the Government organisation Turkmen Atlary - Turkmen Horses - a position giving him a place in the Cabinet of the former Soviet Republic now headed by the dictator President Niazov. Having taken the surname Turkmenbashy (Leader of the Turkmen people), Niazov is known as His Excellency President-For-Life Sapurmurat Turkmenbashy The Great. Events have caused outrage among the worldwide community of Akhal-Teke breeders, many of whom have appealed directly to Niazov for Kyarizov's release.
Geldy's family now live in poverty and fear, constantly harassed by personal threats. His horses are back on the family farm, but for how long? The family are to be evicted from their land and, as if to hound them out before the legal process was completed, their water supply was disconnected; to keep the horses alive, it has to be brought in by truck. The family appealed against eviction but were denied.
In October 2006, the family heard that, having been overlooked in previous years despite his failing health, Geldy would be released in the annual general amnesty granted by the president to mark the end of Ramadan. But when the amnesty came, Geldy's name was not on the list - and worse, he had been moved out of his normal prison to an undisclosed place.
While Geldy and his family continue to face a life of fear and uncertainty, lack of money threatens their wellbeing and that of their horses, and sale of the horses is forbidden by the State. We have launched a fund to support them (more details at this website).
Meanwhile, the new equestrian complex has been opened. Geldy's dream, and his tremendous effort of work, have been realised without him, while others claim the credit.
Please support Geldy by reading of his situation and making your views clear to the people who can help.
At his trial in March 2003, Kyarizov was found innocent of all the original charges by the Turkmen court, but new charges were brought. Finally convicted on what amounted to administrative errors, he was sent to prison in Chardzhou, the hottest part of one of the hottest countries in the world, where his health continues to give concern. Few were surprised when his Appeal failed, or when he was refused leave to attend the funeral of his father, who died last year.
Kyarizov was General Director of the Government organisation Turkmen Atlary - Turkmen Horses - a position giving him a place in the Cabinet of the former Soviet Republic now headed by the dictator President Niazov. Having taken the surname Turkmenbashy (Leader of the Turkmen people), Niazov is known as His Excellency President-For-Life Sapurmurat Turkmenbashy The Great. Events have caused outrage among the worldwide community of Akhal-Teke breeders, many of whom have appealed directly to Niazov for Kyarizov's release.
Geldy's family now live in poverty and fear, constantly harassed by personal threats. His horses are back on the family farm, but for how long? The family are to be evicted from their land and, as if to hound them out before the legal process was completed, their water supply was disconnected; to keep the horses alive, it has to be brought in by truck. The family appealed against eviction but were denied.
In October 2006, the family heard that, having been overlooked in previous years despite his failing health, Geldy would be released in the annual general amnesty granted by the president to mark the end of Ramadan. But when the amnesty came, Geldy's name was not on the list - and worse, he had been moved out of his normal prison to an undisclosed place.
While Geldy and his family continue to face a life of fear and uncertainty, lack of money threatens their wellbeing and that of their horses, and sale of the horses is forbidden by the State. We have launched a fund to support them (more details at this website).
Meanwhile, the new equestrian complex has been opened. Geldy's dream, and his tremendous effort of work, have been realised without him, while others claim the credit.
