Mullah Abdurakhim called to “destroy” the protesters

Mulla Abdurakhim issued a “fatwa” on the permissibility of repression and the destruction of protesters in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.

Photo: Internet

On June 1 of this year, a video appeared on social media in which Rahim Karimov, known as Mulla Abdurakhimi Kulobi, speaks at an event. Mulla Abdurakhim referred to the protesters in GBAO as “oppressors” and “rebels.” He cited a verse from the Quran from Surah “Al-Hujurat” and stated:

“If two groups of believers fight each other, then a group of rational people among you should reconcile them. But if one of them oppresses the other, does not accept peace, and does not listen to the peacemakers, then fight against those oppressors, fight against those rebels who have risen against society and the state, fight together, struggle, destroy them until they return to the command of Allah. What is the command of Allah? It is peace, tranquility.”

Mulla Abdurakhim believes that the organization of protests in this region is the work of people who are responsible for these disturbances and inaction. “These are the people who caused these disturbances and inaction,” he added.

Photo: Internet

Without mentioning the Islamic Revival Party of Tajikistan, of which he was once a regional leader, he stated that “in 1992 this group organized the same thing…”

Previously, Tajik authorities also accused the leaders of the National Alliance of Tajikistan of being involved in the protests in GBAO. Leaders of the IRPT and NAT, who reside in European countries, rejected the accusations and stated that they have no connection to the recent events in GBAO.

Residents of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region organized protests demanding justice, an investigation into the killings and injuries of those affected in the November 2021 events, as well as the resignation of the regional chairman and the mayor of Khorog.

Law enforcement officers violently suppressed the peaceful protests and fired live ammunition at the protesters, resulting in several deaths.

As of today, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported more than 25 deaths, but other sources estimate that the number of fatalities exceeds 70. According to official and unofficial statistics, more than 150 people have been detained, and dozens have been injured.

For reference: Article 8 of the Constitution of Tajikistan states: “Religious associations are separated from the state and cannot interfere in state affairs.”