The accused in the case of the “attempted state coup” in Tajikistan have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 18 to 27 years, writes the Asia Plus publication. Among them are the former acting head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presidential office holders, deputies, and journalists, they say. However, the investigation did not disclose the essence of the case.
The Supreme Court of Tajikistan has passed sentences on former officials, security officers, and a journalist accused in the attempted state coup, reports Asia Plus publication.
According to the publication's sources, the longest terms were given to the former Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi and the former parliament deputy, the head of the Democratic Party of Tajikistan, Saidjafar Usmonzod. Usmonzoda was sentenced to 27 years in prison.
The arrest of political figures in Tajikistan began in June 2024. Usmonzoda was the first to be arrested. Over the following months, at least 7 more people were arrested, the publication writes. According to the "Azdar" TV channel, the investigation, citing the principle of confidentiality, does not disclose the essence of the matter. The verdict was announced in a pre-trial detention center in Dushanbe.
Also, the following were sentenced in this case:
• The former chairman of the Supreme Council and Acting President of Tajikistan (1991–1992) Akbarsho Iskandarov – up to 18 years;
• The former deputy head of the Social Democratic Party of Tajikistan, lawyer Shokirjon Hakimov – up to 18 years;
• The former deputy head of the Democratic Party of Tajikistan, journalist Ahmadshoh Komilzoda – up to 18 years;
• The former security service officer, retired Colonel Nuramin Ghanizoda – up to 18 years;
• The former head of the Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Abdulfaiz Atoiy – up to 17 years;
• The niece of Shokirjon Hakimov and journalist Rukhshona Hakimova – eight years.
The accused were charged with treason, usurpation of power, fraud, and incitement of hatred. In their final words, they did not plead guilty.
As clarified by Asia Plus publication, Hakimov’s case was related to an investigation into “China's influence in Tajikistan,” in which several other convicts, including Hakimov and Usmonzod, participated. The prosecutor asked for a 17-year prison sentence for him. The journalist, who has two young children, will remain free until the end of her sentence.
During the court session held on January 8, the state prosecutor asked to deprive all the accused in the “state coup case” of freedom for periods from 23 to 30 years.
Abdulloh Sayyid
