World's longest-jailed journalist freed after 19 years as Uzbekistan's President ends confessions under torture

In Uzbekistan journalist Yusuf Ruzimuradov was tortured and went through a trial on false political charges. Ruzimurdov was jailed on anti-state charges and was convicted with his editor, Muhammad Bekjanov. They were seen as "trying to overthrow the government" (Dalton) by publishing and distributing banned news papers. After being in prison for 19 years Ruzimuradov is the longest imprisoned journalist in the world. Observers say the release of Ruzimuradov is a sign that Uzbekistan was turning a corner in its long term policies of repression of free speech and freedom of religion. This story is said to be one of the most dramatic stories ever documented before. [107 words, 1 qoute, 1 image]
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/worlds-longestjailed-journalist-freed-released-uzbekistan-yusuf-ruzimuradov-19-years-bogus-torture-a8239171.html