Badakhshan activist Abru Alimardonshoeev: Amnesty should not be selective

Civil society activist, native of Badakhshan Abru Alimardonshoiev expressed concern about the implementation of the amnesty law, which was adopted in honor of the 35th anniversary of the state independence of Tajikistan.

As Alimardonshoiev wrote on his Facebook page, the release of more than 11,000 convicted individuals and the reduction of sentences for another thousand is certainly a reason for joy for thousands of families. According to published data, the amnesty law aims to release or reduce the sentences of more than 18,000 people.

Alimardonshoiev states that there are certain questions arising regarding the implementation of the law concerning those convicted in cases related to Badakhshan activists. Referring to the information he has, he claimed that out of approximately 300 convicted in these cases, only two have been released. According to him, one of them is Muhammad Sultan Mavlonazarov. The identity of the other is still unknown.

He also writes that the sentences of three other prisoners—Ulfatkhanim Mamadshoieva, Ramzi Vazirbekov, and Khushom Jumayev—have been reduced.

Alimardonshoiev emphasized that some international human rights organizations and structures associated with the United Nations have previously expressed concern about cases involving civil activists. In particular, it was recommended to review certain cases of civil activists, and a number of questions related to their rights were raised.

In his opinion, if the goal of the amnesty law is indeed the principle of humanitarianism, then its implementation should be the same for all citizens.

Alimardonshoiev also stated that hundreds of families, whose relatives have been convicted in cases related to events in GBAO, are still waiting for the return of their loved ones. The activist expressed hope that all those convicted without justification will soon return home.