Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Government of Turkmenistan on the release from prison of Vepa Matyakubov as a result of the risk of contracting covid-19 in that prison.

We are aware of the case of Vepa Matyakubov, and are concerned by further reports that Turkmenistan has imprisoned a number of conscientious objectors to military service. The FCO, including through our Embassy in Ashgabat, has raised and will continue to raise with the Turkmen authorities the importance of taking steps to protect and respect individuals' rights to exercise freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression. Our Embassy in Ashgabat remain in close contact with the Turkmen authorities about COVID-19 prevention measures, and continue to monitor the situation closely.