The case of those accused of the murder of Ismatulloev has been transferred to court

The General Prosecutor’s Office of Tajikistan has submitted the case of those suspected of the kidnapping and murder of Shukhrat Ismatulloev, the deputy chairman of “Orionbank,” to the Supreme Court.

Radio Ozodi, citing its sources, reported on November 27 that the Supreme Court confirmed this information, but the date of the court hearing is still unknown. “This date will be determined in early December,” the source noted.

According to the investigation, a total of 14 people are accused of the kidnapping and murder of Shukhrat Ismatulloev, the first deputy of “Orionbank,” Hasan Asadullozoda.

It is unclear whether the trial will be held behind closed doors or if it will be a public court process.

Earlier, on November 24, the General Prosecutor’s Office stated in a written response to a request from “Asia-Plus” that “after a complete and objective investigation, a criminal case has been initiated against 14 suspects, including Saidmurodov D.K. (better known as Dilshod ‘SB’). On November 18, 2023, the case was sent to the Supreme Court of Tajikistan for substantive consideration.”

Media reported on June 23, 2023, that the deputy chairman of “Orionbank,” Shukhrat Ismatulloev, was kidnapped by a group of unknown individuals. This report became one of the most resonant news stories of the year. On August 12, after a long search, Shukhrat’s body was found in the Sarazm area of the city of Penjikent.

Thirteen people were detained on suspicion of kidnapping and murdering Shukhrat Ismatulloev, including Dilshod Saidmurodov, Akbar Akhmedov, Shohrukh Khojaev, Bakhtovar Safarov, and others. Rustam Ashurov fled and was later killed at the airport in Moldova.

The suspects or their relatives and lawyers are unavailable for comment. It is unknown whether they will admit their involvement in this crime.