DUSHANBE, March 12, Asia-Plus – Hoji Akbar Turajonzoda, member of the Majlisi Milli (Tajikistan’s upper chamber of parliament) also one of the former leaders of the United Tajik Opposition (UTO), plans to send a letter to President Emomali Rahmonov asking to grant complete amnesty to the former militants from both conflicting sides and drop criminal proceedings instituted against the former UTO leaders, which are still kept, according to him, in archives of the country’s law enforcement agencies.
Turajonzoda made this statement at a meeting dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the former leader of Tajikistan’s Islamic Revival Party (IRPT) Said Abdullo Nouri and the 10th anniversary of signing of the General Peace Agreement that was held in Dushanbe on March 10.
According to him, the convicted militants were just executors and they have already realized their mistakes. Turajonzoda is sure that they currently do not pose any threat to society.
“If we have forgiven each other, they should be released,” said Turajonzoda, “We cannot speak about reestablishment of the firm peace in the country without resolving these two problems.”
Turajonzoda added that he is aware of criminal proceedings instituted against him. According to him, charges brought against him are absolutely “unfounded.” “We plan to propose to set up a commission for settling this issue,” Turajonzoda said, noting that the commission should enjoy confidence of both parties.
He also called on all former members of the United Tajik Opposition and political parties to second the proposal he had made as member of the Majlisi Milli. According to him, MPs representing IRPT in the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament), Muhiddin Kabiri and Muhammadsharif Himmatzoda, are ready to join his initiative.
Turajonzoda expressed hope that President Rahmonov, who had done a lot for the reestablishment of peace in the country, “will settle the issue positively.”
