U.S. 'Deeply Troubled' By Detention Of Turkmen Journalist

The U.S. State Department says it is "deeply troubled" by the detention and physical abuse of Sazak Durdymuradov, a frequent contributor to programs broadcast by RFE/RL's Turkmen Service.

Durdymuradov was reportedly detained and tortured after refusing to sign a pledge to stop working for RFE/RL in Turkmenistan.

State Department spokesman Tom Casey said "any attempt to threaten journalists is an unacceptable affront to human rights." Casey called on the Turkmen government to look into the incident and conform to international standards on human rights.