DUSHANBE, February 28, Asia-Plus — The draft Ombudsman law endorsed by the parliament yesterday has a number of serious shortcomings, Shokirjon Hakimov, the deputy head of the Social-Democratic Party (SDPT), said in an interview with Asia-Plus.
According to him, one of such shortcomings is the demand that an ombudsman should have legal education.
“In my onion, any worth person irrespective of his specialty could hold this position,” said Hakimov, “He will have administration to which he might recruit specialists, including skilled lawyers.”
Besides, Hakimov noted that it is not right that ombudsman is appointed by the head of state and only after that confirmed by the parliament. “It would be better if the parliament elected the ombudsman and he would be accountable to the parliament only,” he said.
“Ombudsman should also have good contacts with civil society, including political parties and other public associations as well as media,” Hakimov said, adding that he would like to see one of known public figures such as Rahmatillo Zoirov, Tohir Abdujabbor, Ashourboy Imomov, Shomurod Mengliyev, and Karomatullo Kholov in this position.
Asked about persons who could really be appointed to the ombudsman position in Tajikistan, Hakimov named Prosecutor General Bobojon Bobokhonov, Justice Minister Bakhtiyor Khudoyorov and the Fisrt Deputy Justice Minister Gulchehra Sahripova.
We will recall that Tajik civil society commented on articles of the draft Ombudsman law in Tajikistan at an OSCE Center roundtable discussion on February 14. The event brought together representatives from civil society, the government and international and diplomatic organizations. Representatives of civil society paid particular attention to articles of the draft law on appointment and investigation powers of the Ombudsman. They proposed that unlike appointments to other governmental positions, appointment and approval of the Ombudsman should be made by the parliament rather than the president. They also expressed concerns about an article allowing the Ombudsman to visit prisons, suggesting the article be clarified to allow one-on-one interviews with detainees.
