New HRW report on the situation in Tajikistan

In its report, Human Rights Watch described the human rights situation in Tajikistan.

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The international organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticized the actions of the Tajik authorities in its report published on January 12, emphasizing that the authorities have intensified their crackdown on human rights and fundamental freedoms amid the violent suppression of peaceful protests in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) and the initiation of fabricated criminal cases against human rights defenders in retaliation for their professional activities.

The report notes that between November 2021 and June 2022, at least 40 people were killed in GBAO by security forces, and during the subsequent “counter-terrorism operation,” at least 46 people were arrested, while hundreds became subjects of criminal cases or have already faced trial for participating in protests.

The authors of the report highlighted that journalists and bloggers faced persecution and were imprisoned for covering events in GBAO and criticizing the government. In particular, human rights defender and journalist from GBAO Ulfatkhonim Mamadshoeva was sentenced to 21 years in prison, 13 members of the “Commission 44” were detained, internet activist Shodruz Akhrorov, who was expelled from Russia in March, was sentenced to six years in prison, and at least 7 activists were subjected to enforced disappearance in Russia and deported to Tajikistan.

Bloggers Daleri Imomali and Abdullo Gurbati were detained in June and accused of collaborating with the Islamic Revival Party of Tajikistan (IRPT) and “Group 24.” The bloggers, as well as official representatives of the IRPT and “Group 24,” stated that the bloggers have no connection to these parties.

The report also notes that in order to censor the press, the authorities exert pressure on independent publications. After an interview with Ulfatkhonim Mamadshoeva, four journalists from Radio Ozodi and the television channel “Current Time” were attacked. Unknown individuals confiscated their equipment and mobile phones, brutally beat them, and one was threatened with murder. The independent news agency “Asia-Plus” announced the cessation of coverage of events in GBAO after a warning from the General Prosecutor’s Office.

“Journalists from the independent émigré channel Azda TV reported continued pressure from state security on their relatives remaining in Tajikistan, including threats of criminal prosecution and restrictions on free exit from the country,” HRW reports.

Human Rights Watch states that dozens of leaders and ordinary members of the IRPT, previously sentenced to long terms or life imprisonment, remain behind bars despite ongoing international calls for their release.

“One of the founders of the IRPT, 80-year-old Zubaidullo Rozik, has been transferred to a punishment cell twice for religious discussions with other inmates, which is prohibited in correctional facilities in Tajikistan,” the report states.

HRW writes that the “riots” of prisoners in Khujand and Vahdat in November 2018 and May 2019 were never properly investigated, and those responsible were not held accountable. As a result of these events, at least 50 prisoners and five guards died under unclear circumstances. The death of 14 prisoners from poisoning during transportation in July 2019 also remains uninvestigated.

The international organization reports that during the September border conflict in Tajikistan, at least 18 civilians were killed. No investigations were conducted regarding the deaths of civilians during the border conflict in April 2021, and no one was held accountable.

The report also addressed the issue of domestic violence, stating that the authorities are unwilling or unable to ensure effective enforcement of the 2013 law “On Preventing Domestic Violence.” The law does not provide for criminal liability for domestic violence. Domestic violence against women and girls remains widespread in the country.

A law “On Equality and the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination” was adopted in the country. The final version of the law did not include such motives for discrimination as “sexual orientation” and “gender identity,” although they were present in the original text, the organization writes.

HRW emphasized that human rights organizations and countries have called on the authorities of Tajikistan to adhere to international standards and cease the persecution of activists and dissidents.