The United Nations (UN) Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has issued a strong call to the Tajik government, demanding the immediate release of several activists from the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). Among those named are journalist Ulfathonim Mamadshoeva, businessman Sorbon Yunoev, and human rights advocates Faromuz Irgashev and Manuchehr Kholiknazarov.
In a statement the UN experts condemned the arrests and subsequent sentences as arbitrary, highlighting violations of key international human rights instruments including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The working group stressed that these detentions not only contravene established norms but also undermine the principles of justice and due process.
Furthermore, the UN panel urged the Tajik authorities to not only release the detained activists immediately but also to ensure that they receive adequate compensation and other forms of redress in accordance with international standards.
Human rights organizations have echoed these sentiments, calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrests of Mamadshoeva and her fellow detainees. They have also demanded accountability for any government officials found responsible for the illegal detention of these individuals.
Despite the international outcry and calls for action, the government of Tajikistan has yet to respond to these appeals. Observers note that this is not the first time Tajik authorities have disregarded such calls from international bodies, raising concerns about the state of human rights and the rule of law in the country.
Following the suppression of peaceful protests in GBAO during 2021-2022, civil society activists Ulfatkhonim Mamadshoeva, Sorbon Yunoev, Faromuz Irgashev, and Manuchehr Kholiknazarov were detained. The crackdown resulted in the tragic deaths of over 30 individuals, with more than 200 residents of the region handed lengthy prison sentences. Faromuz Irgashev received a 29-year term, Ulfatkhonim Mamadshoeva was sentenced to 20 years, Manuchehr Kholiknazarov to 16 years, and Sorbon Yunoev to 10 years behind bars.
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