The family of Sanjar Umarov, an Uzbek entrepreneur who was sentenced to 10 years and eight months in prison in 2006 after joining the Sunshine Coalition opposition movement, made a statement that it was seriously concerned over his life and health in prison.

Umarov's family said that his relatives visited him in prison in Kyzyl-Tepa on July 17-19 and found him in a poor health condition: he was ill, physically crushed and was almost unable to speak.

"He lost weight and appetite and his mental condition is inadequate. He had traces of violence on his body," said his relatives. "He has become very reserved and does not talk much. He did not answer our questions about prison conditions and traces of violence on his body. He seems to be frightened very much."

This information alarmed Umarov's family - his wife and children living in the USA. They, trying to fight for his freedom and maintaining his innocence and political motivation of his conviction, has this time appealed directly to Uzbek President Islam Karimov to ask for his mercy.

"Our letter is a scream of desperation. Save our father's life and do not let him die in prison because he is not a murderer or terrorist, but a father of five, including two very young children who are waiting to meet him," his wife Indira and five children wrote to Karimov. "We ask you to show forgiveness and sympathy."

Sanjar Umarov was sentenced for economic crimes, such as tax evasion and theft. When he was arrested in October 2005, only few doubted that his opposition activities had become the real reason for his arrest.

After the Andijan massacre on May 13 2005, Sanjar Umarov was the only entrepreneur in the country who openly joined opposition and urged reforms in Uzbekistan. However, soon afterwards he became one of many political prisoners in Uzbekistan.