Why has Shokirdzhon Hakimov been held in a temporary detention facility for two months?

The first deputy chairman of the Social Democratic Party of Tajikistan, detained two months ago, is still in the temporary detention facility (IVS) in Dushanbe.

Prominent lawyer and first deputy chairman of the Social Democratic Party of Tajikistan Shokirdzhon Hakimov was detained on July 12 of this year. Since then, he has been held in IVS, although by law a suspect in a crime cannot be placed in IVS for more than 72 hours. During this time, the investigation must present charges, and a court must decide to place him under arrest or release the detainee.

According to Radio Ozodi, one of the reasons for Hakimov’s detention in IVS is his refusal to admit guilt. A source from the publication reported that “Shokirdzhon Hakimov has not acknowledged any charges.”

At the same time, authorities and law enforcement agencies do not comment on why he has been held in IVS for two months.

Radio Ozodi also reports that a source close to the investigation says that one of the charges against Shokirdzhon Hakimov is related to “his comments in the media regarding Tajik-Chinese relations.”

Hakimov’s relatives have not yet been able to see him, but they are delivering medicines and clothing. Only his lawyer has been able to speak with him.

According to the source, “he is allowed outdoor walks in the morning and evening.”

His relatives reported that before his arrest, Hakimov was undergoing treatment, and they are currently sending him some medications in IVS.

Official charges from the investigative authorities are not yet available. Attorney General Yusuf Rahmon stated at a press conference on August 9 that Hakimov’s arrest is connected to the case of parliament member and former chairman of the Democratic Party of Tajikistan Saidjafar Usmonzoda.

The prosecutor’s office officially accuses Usmonzoda of “attempting a coup and usurpation of power.” Criminal cases have been initiated against other figures in this case – journalist and deputy chairman of the People’s Democratic Party Ahmadsho Komilzoda, former chairman of the Supreme Council of Tajikistan Akbarsho Iskandarov, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Hamrokhon Zarifi, and investigations are ongoing.

The Attorney General also reported the initiation of criminal cases against “several other individuals,” but their names and number have not been disclosed.