The authorities of Tajikistan have confirmed the deportation of dozens of Afghan refugees from the country’s territory and explained the reasons for this decision. Information about the expulsion of Afghans living in one of the settlements in the Sughd province first appeared in the media on May 5.
Reasons for deportation and crime statistics
Tajikistan’s State Committee for National Security (SCNS) of Tajikistan, released a statement responding to Afghan citizen Muhammad Hakim Tursun’s appeal regarding the deportation of his compatriots, according to the state-run news agency Khovar..
The reason for the expulsion of some Afghans was “serious crimes,” the statistics of which are provided by the SCNS:
- illegal drug trafficking – 670 cases;
- affiliation with terrorist groups – 32 cases;
- violent sexual acts against minors – 15 cases;
- providing false documents to obtain refugee status – 594 cases;
- organizing entertainment and gambling establishments – 45 cases;
- connection with destructive organizations and attempts to destabilize the situation in the host country – 25 cases.
The SCNS does not specify the period for this statistics or how many of the mentioned cases are related to Afghan refugees living in the Sughd province.
Brutal murder in Khujand – cause of residents’ discontent
At the same time, the SCNS response states that “the latest crime committed by Afghan citizen Rahman Mohammad Umar caused discontent among the country’s residents.” According to the agency, on the evening of April 30 this year, Rahman Mohammad Umar brutally murdered Aziza Vohidova, a resident of the Chashma neighborhood in the city of Khujand, the capital of the Sughd province.
The SCNS emphasized that “Aziza Vohidova tried to protect her honor and dignity” but was killed by the aforementioned Afghan citizen.
Earlier, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan also reported the arrest of Rahman Mohammad Umar on suspicion of murdering a 29-year-old woman.
According to the agency, the suspect killed Aziza Vohidova “with a utility knife.” The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that the man committed the crime due to “strong sexual attraction.”
The suspect himself, in a video published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, admits to inflicting 3-4 stab wounds on Aziza Vokhidova.
Fate of Afghan refugees in Dehmoy
After the publication of this news, residents of the Dehmoy jamoat in the Jabbor-Rasoulov district reported to Asia-Plus on May 5 about the sudden “disappearance” of their Afghan neighbors.
Before the publication of the SCNS response, the country’s authorities had not officially confirmed the mass expulsion of Afghans, only noting that all foreigners are required to comply with Tajikistan’s laws and legalize their stay.
However, according to the SCNS, “more than 10,000 Afghan families who comply with current laws live peacefully in Tajikistan and enjoy all privileges.”
In its response, the agency also emphasizes that Tajikistan supports security and stability in Afghanistan, the country “has become a second home for three generations of Afghan citizens for 35 years, respecting their rights and freedoms,” and “the Tajik people and government agencies treat them impartially.”
It should be noted that in Sughd’s Jabbor-Rasoulov district, this is the only area where Afghan refugees work and live. About 20 years ago, there were only 4-5 Afghan refugee families in this area. According to data provided in January this year by Zamrat Muttalibzoda, deputy chairperson of the Jabbor-Rasulov district at a news conference, there are currently 201 Afghans living in this district as migrants. Muttalibzoda stated at the time that the goal of these migrants is to travel to a third country, and they are temporarily residing here.
It should be noted that several cases of the expulsion of Afghans from Tajikistan have also been reported previously. International organizations criticized the Tajik authorities for such actions, but Dushanbe stated that those who are illegally residing in the country will be expelled.
