EU Ambassador praised Rahmon’s son-in-law: “You are a star!”

The participation of Emomali Rahmon’s son-in-law in the lavish event hosted by the European Union ambassador to Tajikistan has caused a stir.

Photo: Internet

The former European Union ambassador to Tajikistan, Marilyn Josephson, held a ceremonial event to mark the end of her diplomatic mission in the country. Diplomats, civil society activists, and politicians residing in Dushanbe were invited to the event, as well as close relatives of Emomali Rahmon, including his son-in-law Jamolidin Nuraliev.

This event, featuring dancing and singing, and the lavish reception by the EU ambassador elicited mixed reactions from social media users.

Marilyn Josephson was appointed ambassador at a time when Emomali Rahmon was engaged in a political cleansing project and strengthening the foundations of his family government, and it was during the last 6-7 years that the process of political pressure and repression against opposition forces, journalists, and civil society continued. During this very difficult period for Tajik society, the European Parliament did not remain indifferent and adopted two resolutions in 2016 and 2022 condemning the repression and detentions of activists and opposition representatives.

For her part, the EU ambassador to Tajikistan has never condemned these repressions, nor has she expressed her opinion on human rights violations and repression against ethnic and religious minorities, instead focusing on organizing fashion exhibitions and evenings of dance and song.

Ozoda Rahmon’s husband and the president’s son-in-law, Jamolidin Nuraliev, published a joint photo with Marilyn Josephson and thanked her, praising her work. Rahmon’s son-in-law also expressed gratitude to the ambassador for attracting European Union investments for the construction of the Rogun Hydropower Plant, adding that Josephson played a very important role in the development of Tajikistan.

In response, Josephson praised Nuraliev and described him as an enthusiastic person capable of solving problems, goal-oriented, and ambitious.

“Your enthusiasm, problem-solving spirit, determination, ambitions, and personal energy are impressive and a valuable asset for this beautiful country! Never change and continue to set high standards and reach unexplored heights! I look forward to and will follow the continuation of your professional journey!! You are a star!!”

Jamolidin Nuraliev recently held the position of First Deputy of the National Bank of Tajikistan, and he is known in society as the brain behind the money laundering process, as he is considered the treasurer of the Rahmon family.

After the European Union ambassador in Tajikistan praised Rahmon’s son-in-law, some civil society activists expressed their dissatisfaction with her activities in the country and criticized her words.

Edward Lemon, a professor at the University of Washington and an expert on Central Asia, reacted to Josephson’s remarks on his Twitter page:

“This looks bad. The outgoing EU ambassador to Tajikistan is currying favor with the president’s son-in-law, who is actually involved in major corruption schemes and money laundering for the country’s kleptocratic elite.”

While the European Union ambassador in Tajikistan praised the Tajik official, the country’s authorities are constantly subjected to harsh criticism from international organizations for the detention and imprisonment of journalists, politicians, and civil society activists, as well as for gross violations of human rights and freedoms in the country.

It is also reported that the annual meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe will take place at the end of September in Poland, and Tajikistan will provide information on the state of human rights and freedoms in the country.