Shokhien called activists “leaders of criminal groups”

The Chairman of the Supreme Court of Tajikistan called civil society activists GBAO “leaders of criminal groups,” although there has not yet been a court verdict.

Photo: Internet

On July 14, during a press conference, the Chairman of the Supreme Court of Tajikistan Shermukhammad Shohien stated that General Kholbash Kholbashev, journalist Ulfatkhonim Mamadshoeva, and human rights defender Faromuz Irgashev are “leaders of criminal groups” in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, adding that the investigation is ongoing and their cases have not yet been submitted to the court.

Shermukhammad Shohien added that the courts in GBAO have considered several administrative cases against individuals who committed minor hooliganism, and administrative penalties were applied to them in accordance with the requirements of the law.

Shohien also noted that cases of individuals involved in recent events in Badakhshan and who committed crimes not classified as serious or particularly serious are being submitted to the judicial authorities, and detailed information will be provided at future press conferences.