The practice of using torture continues

A report on documented cases of torture in 2021 has been published.

Photo: Internet

In the report by the Coalition of Civil Society Against Torture and Impunity in Tajikistan, it is noted that in 2021, law enforcement agencies in Tajikistan subjected dozens of suspects and their relatives to torture.

The Coalition of Civil Society Against Torture lists 25 individuals who were subjected to torture in its report. According to the report, police and the State Committee for National Security (GKNB) tortured suspects or their relatives during their detention or interrogation.

It is reported that in 2021, the coalition documented 24 appeals regarding the use of torture and ill-treatment, of which 5 appeals were from women. The victims were predominantly aged between 22 and 60 years. The majority of complaints—21—regarding the use of torture and ill-treatment were directed at the internal affairs bodies.

“Those who appealed indicated such main human rights violations during the process of detention and investigation as illegal and arbitrary detentions; beatings, electric shocks; threats of rape against the victim and/or family members; intimidation with detention, etc. Torture and ill-treatment were applied with the aim of obtaining confessions, punishing for certain actions, or as a means of subduing and humiliating personal dignity,” the report notes.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan has not yet commented on the allegations made by the Coalition of Civil Society Against Torture.

Tajikistan’s legislation provides for criminal liability for all forms of torture and ill-treatment aimed at humiliating personal dignity during interrogations. Offenders face up to 15 years in prison.

However, law enforcement officers in Tajikistan are rarely held accountable for accusations of torture and ill-treatment of detainees.