The authorities of Tajikistan sent another journalist to jail

The journalist Daler Sharipov, accused by the Tajik authorities of inciting ethnic racial and religious hatred, was sentenced to one year in prison. In recent years, dozens of journalists have left the country due to harassment and threats from the regime of Emomali Rahmon.

The trial of the journalist took only two days. At the same time, the judge forbade journalists to attend the process, referring to the recommendations of the World Health Organization [to cancel events with the participation of riotous assembly]. Only the lawyer and the journalist’s family were allowed into the courtroom. More than 30 journalists, wishing to attend the court, had to stand outside.

Recall that the recommendations of the World Health Organization to the Tajik authorities were sent in early March, when the country was planning to celebrate Navruz. However, then the official Dushanbe ignored the recommendations and celebrated Navruz on a large scale, filling the 25-thousand stadium, and involving more than 10 thousand people in a theatrical performance. Moreover, to this day, concerts and other cultural events continue to take place in the country with full halls, enterprises are working, and educational institutions continue to function normally.

Article 189 of the Criminal Code of Tajikistan, which accused the journalist Daler Sharipov, provides for a punishment of imprisonment of up to 5 years. The state prosecutor asked the court to sentence the journalist to 2.4 years.

Daler Sharipov, known in Tajikistan for his critical materials, 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.

Earlier, a number of 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 the article 189 was dropped.