In Tajikistan, a journalist will stand trial because of criticism of the authorities

The investigation into the criminal case against the journalist Daler Sharipov has been completed. The materials of the case have been sent for consideration to the Prosecutor’s office, which after the consideration will send the case to the court.

The journalist Daler Sharipov, known in Tajikistan for his critical materials, is accused of inciting national, racial, local or religious hatred.

The journalist was called to a meeting at the State Committee for National Security on January 28, but didn’t return home. His parents were informed that he was being detained and interrogated. At the same time, a search was carried out in the journalist’s house and several books were seized.

The Independent Center for Human Rights provided the journalist with lawyers, but they were not allowed to see their client. On January 30, Sharipov was charged under article 189 part 1 and placed in a pre-trial detention center for 2 months. He faces up to 5 years in prison.

Earlier, some international human rights organizations demanded that the Tajik authorities immediately release the journalist.

The National Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan issued a statement expressing its disagreement with the actions of law enforcement agencies. In particular, it is noted that the journalist didn’t have access to a lawyer. “We demand that the investigating authorities respect the rule of law,” the statement said.

Recall that in 2018, the journalist Khairullo Mirsaidov was charged under the same article, but the investigation failed to prove his guilt, and the charge under article 189 was dropped.