Bone Tuberculosis Worsens in Detention for Human Rights Defender Mansur Mingelov

The health of Turkmen human rights defender Mansur Mingelov in a prison hospital is a serious cause for concern. In recent months, he has struggled to stand and even sit: pain in his leg bones radiates to his lower back and spine. Several weeks ago, pus began draining again from the area around his knees. The inflammation causes his temperature to spike sharply, and it cannot be brought down.

Mingelov has served 14 years of his unjust 22-year sentence. For the past several years, he has been held at the MR-B/15 prison hospital because of tuberculous arthritis in both knee joints. He was given a choice: have his legs amputated or be transferred back to a maximum-security prison colony.

In summer 2024, an Interior Ministry medical commission from Ashgabat visited the hospital. Mingelov was examined by Dr. Elena Geldiyeva, a professor. She confirmed that his condition could not be treated in Turkmenistan, but said amputation was unnecessary: Mingelov’s legs were still warm, and his toes remained mobile. His limbs could be saved if he received treatment abroad.

The man was kept in the hospital and is receiving treatment, but it is not helping. In recent weeks, he has struggled to stand and even sit. Pain from his knees, where the discharge of pus has resumed, radiates to his lower back and spine. This causes Mingelov’s body temperature to rise, and it cannot be brought down.

He developed the disease after being tortured. In 2012, Mingelov was arrested on suspicion of involvement in a crime committed by his brother and tortured. He was released when no evidence was found. While free, the then-young and physically strong man complained about the torture, after which he was arrested again.

Although Mingelov’s diagnosis is included in the official list of conditions that warrant a prisoner’s early release, Turkmenistan’s Interior Ministry found no grounds for releasing him in late 2025.

Mingelov’s birthday is in late November, when he will turn 52. He has spent a quarter of his life behind bars. During that time, his mother and father died, but he was unable to attend their funerals. All of this stems from false accusations that arose as an act of revenge by the leadership of the now-defunct Drug Enforcement Service. Those who personally sought revenge against Mingelov have also since died. There is no reason for Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to shield this vendetta at the expense of the country’s sovereignty, international law and its reputation at the United Nations.

At Turkmenistan’s initiative, 2028 will be declared the Year of International Law. The announcement is receiving extensive coverage inside the country, but not abroad. For Turkmenistan to truly become associated with the concept of international law, people who have been unjustly convicted, like Mansur Mingelov, must be released.