DUSHANBE, September 14, Asia-Plus – Abduqayum Yusufov, defense lawyer of the former commander of the presidential guards and the former drug control chief of Tajikistan, has denied rumors about the death of his client as “unfounded.”
“All these rumors are absolutely unfounded,” said Yusufov, “Though I have not met with Ghaffor Mirzoyev for quite a long time because they do not allow me to meet with my client, I know from his relatives that he is alive and in good condition.”
According to him, though Ghaffor Mirzoyev has some problems with his heart and liver he is in good condition.
Ms. Oisha Mirzoyeva, the sister of Ghaffor Mirzoyev, said in her interview with Asia-Plus by telephone that she delivers parcels to her brother twice a week and receives notification written by Mirzoyev himself on receiving the parcels. “I delivered the last parcel to him just yesterday and received a message from him with request to bring him “joma” (Tajik national robe),” said Mirzoyev’s sister, “I am sure he is safe and sound.”
She also said she had been permitted to meet with Ghaffor Mirzoyev following Saturday, September 16. “It will be my first meeting with my brother after he was convicted,” Oisha noted.
We will recall that the Supreme Court of Tajikistan sentenced Ghaffor Mirzoyev to life imprisonment on August 11 this year. The sentenced followed his conviction on charges of planning a coup, tax evasion, illegally crossing border, and abuse of office. Fifteen military officers have already received sentences, ranging from five to 16 years, for their role in the alleged coup plot in January 2004.
Abduqayum Yusufov says his client did not plead guilty to any of the charges, which included sedition and murder, and will appeal the court”s decision.
Ghaffor Mirzoyev commanded the presidential guard between 1995 until his dismissal in January 2004. He was also the head of the country”s drug control agency. Mirzoyev was arrested on August 6, 2004, and he faced numerous charges, including abuse of office, tax evasion, and planning a coup.
According to Yusufov, Ghaffor Mirzoyev is still held in pretrial detention facility of the Ministry of Justice. “He is held in one cell with two persons who were also sentenced to life in jail.
