UN calls on Tajik authorities to release Gafor Mirzoev

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has called on the government of Tajikistan to release imprisoned former general of the National Front, Ghafor Mirzoev, and to compensate him.

Photo: Internet

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention stated that the process of detention, trial, sentencing, and the duration of Mirzoev’s detention violated the legislation of Tajikistan.

However, Tajik authorities, as always, rejected the accusations from the UN Working Group, stating that the detention and sentencing of Ghafor Mirzoev “were in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan” and that there were no violations.

According to Radio Ozodi, attorney Scott Martin, who submitted Mirzoev’s case to the UN Working Group in August 2020, stated that he agrees with the conclusions of international lawyers and the demand for his release. In an interview on March 7, he said: “The conclusion of the assessments and opinions regarding Mirzoev’s case is that he should be immediately released, compensated, and all circumstances of his case should be investigated in connection with his arbitrary detention.”

Experts believe that these demands from the UN Working Group are likely to be ignored by Tajik authorities. Previously, the authorities of Tajikistan ignored the demands of the UN Working Group for the unconditional and immediate release of imprisoned members of the PIVT, Zayd Saidov, Mahmadruzi Iskandarov, Buzurgmehr Yorov, and others.