Amriddin Alovatshoev has been transferred to a pre-trial detention center

The authorities of Tajikistan have tightened the detention regime of Amriddin Alovatshoev.

Photo: Internet

According to well-known journalist Anora Sarkorova, Amriddin Alovatshoev has been transferred from Vakhdat prison to the pre-trial detention center in Dushanbe, to a so-called “closed” prison, for a period of three years.

It is reported that the change of correctional facility and detention regime was carried out without a court order and without the participation of the inmate’s lawyer, which constitutes a gross violation of the law.

Anora Sarkorova, citing an unnamed employee of the Dushanbe pre-trial detention center, reported that Alovatshoev had not committed any illegal actions, and the directive to tighten the regime came from above.

At the same time, Radio Ozodi, quoting one of the staff members of the detention center, reports that Alovatshoev was brought to Dushanbe to testify in the case of General Kholbash Kholbashov.

Alovatshoev’s relatives confirmed that he is in the detention center but said they do not know the reason for such a decision.

Amriddin Alovatshoev went missing in Russia on January 11 and later reappeared in Tajikistan. The Attorney General of Tajikistan, Yusuf Rahmon, stated in February that he was expelled from Russia, while the Minister of Internal Affairs, Ramazon Rahimzoda, claimed that he returned to Tajikistan voluntarily and was arrested upon arrival.

Alovatshoev was accused of organizing protests in GBAO at the end of November 2021. On April 29, the court found him guilty on five counts of the Criminal Code of Tajikistan, including hostage-taking and organizing an extremist community. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Activists and experts consider the charges to be fabricated.

As of today, dozens of well-known opposition politicians and military personnel are in Tajikistan’s prisons, including Saidumar Khusaini, Mahmadali Khait, Gaffor Mirzoev, and others.