US representative condemned the verdict of Gurbati

On the last day of the Warsaw Conference on Human Dimension, the head of the U.S. delegation condemned the sentence against the famous Tajik journalist Abdullo Gurbati.

Photo: Internet

Michael Kozak, head of the U.S. delegation at the OSCE Warsaw Conference on Human Dimension, stated using the examples of Ukraine and Russia that democracy makes a country stronger, while authoritarianism harms its citizens and leads to its ultimate failure.

He also criticized the authorities of Tajikistan for systematic human rights violations in the country.

“We have received credible information that threats were made against NGO participants and their families for attending this conference. Tajik authorities placed their imprisoned relatives in punitive isolation, and this week Tajik journalist Abdullo Gurbati was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison on a fabricated charge of extremism. When governments collaborate with civil society activists rather than repress them, countries can better address the challenges of the modern world,” the head of the U.S. delegation stated.

The head of the U.S. delegation also praised the conference participants, especially representatives of civil society.

“We commend the bravery of many activists who came here to speak out, risking themselves and their loved ones. Your firsthand testimonies have greatly enriched our discussions,” Kozak noted.

Earlier, during a closed court hearing, the Shohmansur District Court in the capital Dushanbe found Abdullo Gurbati guilty of assaulting and insulting a police officer and participating in a banned extremist group. It is reported that Gurbati did not plead guilty and plans to appeal the sentence.