The court has completed the review of the case related to the book “Khavodisi ruzgori man”

The Chairman of the Supreme Court of Tajikistan stated that the consideration of the case of well-known writers has been completed, and a court decision is expected in the near future.

According to media reports, on February 15, 2024, the Chairman of the Supreme Court of Tajikistan Shermuhammad Shohiyon announced at a press conference that the judicial consideration of the case of the author, editor, and publisher of the book “Havodisi ruzgori man” (Events of My Life) has been completed.

Despite the fact that the judicial proceedings in this high-profile case took place in a pre-trial detention center, behind closed doors and without the participation of journalists, Shermuhammad Shohiyon claims that the main reason is the lack of a “suitable courtroom” in the Supreme Court building.

The author of the scandalously famous book, well-known businessman Abduhalil Kholikzoda, the editor of this book, renowned Tajik writer Abdukori Rustam, and its publisher, head of the “Er Graf” publishing house Sukhrob Rajabzoda, have been charged under Article 189 Part 2 (Incitement of national, racial, local, or religious enmity using official position by a group of individuals by prior agreement) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Tajikistan. This article provides for punishment in the form of imprisonment for a term of five to ten years.