Prosecutor demands life imprisonment for Dilshod “SB” and Kamara Azizov

The state prosecution has demanded life sentences for Dilshod Saidmurodov and Kamaruzzamon Azizov, who are accused of the high-profile murder of banker Shukhrat Ismatulloev, the first deputy chairman of “Orionbank” Khasan Asadullozoda.

According to Radio Ozodi, citing its sources, the prosecutor asked the court to convict the main defendants in the case – Dilshod Saidmurodov, nicknamed “Dilshodi SB” or “Handsome,” and Kamaruzzamon Azizov to life imprisonment.

In total, the prosecutor demanded life sentences for four suspects, while the others should receive sentences ranging from 3 to 14 years in prison, depending on their degree of guilt.

According to the source, the participants in the crime are guilty not only of the murder of Shukhrat Ismatulloev. Those for whom the prosecution is demanding lesser sentences are accused of failing to report the crime or concealing the crime.

It is reported that the court is currently in deliberation to make a decision, and the verdict regarding the 14 defendants in the high-profile crime will be announced soon.

The court proceedings in the case of the kidnapping and murder of Shukhrat Ismatulloev began in January of this year, presided over by a judge of the Supreme Court of Tajikistan. The court hearings took place in the pre-trial detention center in Dushanbe.

On June 23, 2023, the media reported that the deputy chairman of “Orionbank,” Shukhrat Ismatulloev, was kidnapped by a group of unknown individuals. This report became one of the most resonant news stories of the year. On August 12, after a long search, Shukhrat’s body was found in the Sarazm area of the city of Penjikent.

The Attorney General of Tajikistan, Yusuf Rahmon, stated at a press conference in February of this year that criminal cases had been initiated against 18 individuals. 14 suspects have been detained and are under investigation.

Two have been declared wanted, and another two – Rustam Ashurov and Parviz Mustafakulov – have died.