Authorities released some relatives of Tajik opposition members

Some opposition activists living in Europe reported that 2-3 days after being detained, the law enforcement agencies of Tajikistan released their relatives.

Independent journalist Amrullohi Nizom, in a conversation with Azda TV, stated that after the publication of a joint statement by opposition members, the law enforcement agencies of Tajikistan released his relatives from custody.

Shokhrajab Shokhimi, one of the leaders of the National Alliance of Tajikistan in Poland, also reported the release of his relatives. Several opposition activists who signed the joint statement also reported that their relatives had been released.

However, some opposition activists, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Azda TV that they have not received any information about their relatives and hope that they will also be released.

Earlier, in their joint statement, six human rights organizations from various countries called on the authorities of Tajikistan to put an end to the detention of the relatives of Tajik opposition activists and to immediately release those detained.

These six human rights organizations also urged the entire progressive global community, human rights organizations, governments of countries, and representatives of diplomatic corps in Tajikistan to take urgent, real, and necessary measures to free innocent citizens.

The authorities of Tajikistan have not yet officially explained these mass detentions. However, opposition activists claim that Rahmon wants to “take revenge” on their relatives, as he has not faced any attacks from the opposition during his visits abroad, unlike what happened during his visit to Germany.

According to the opposition members and activists themselves, the law enforcement agencies of the country, during the detention of their relatives, stated why they called the president a dictator and pelted his car with eggs, therefore, they are putting pressure on the relatives to compel the opposition members abroad to return to the country, repent, and ask for forgiveness.

From September 28 to 30, the President of Tajikistan was in Germany at the official invitation of the German authorities. In Berlin, negotiations took place between the heads of Central Asian states and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

When President Emomali Rahmon’s convoy was heading towards the residence of the President of Germany, members of the political movement “Group 24” shouted “dictator” and pelted his car with eggs.

In photographs later circulated, it can be seen that Emomali Rahmon is exiting the egg-pelted car and looks very upset.