DUSHANBE, September 21, 2010, Asia-Plus — Representatives from Tajik Diaspora in Novosibirsk, Russia intend to meet with Tajik Minister of Education Abdujabbor Rahmonov who is arriving in Novosibirsk today to attend the third session of education ministers from member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
An open letter released by the board of the Diaspora today says Mr. Rahmonov must answer why he ordered to turn girls and women in hijab out of the ceremony of celebrating opening of new lyceum in Dushanbe recently, calling them “monkeys.”
“What right has he to affront Tajik women, our sisters?” says the letter, “We send our official appeal to the secretariat of the SCO session with solicitation to objectively estimate actions of Tajik minister of education.”
“Violating the Constitution, Abdujabbor Rahmonov caused moral damage, insulted honor and feelings of our mothers,” the letter states.
“We don’t know who that woman was who those schoolgirls were, but we are sure that they are citizens of Tajikistan. Only for this, Minister Rahmonov must make the amende honorable to them and resign!
The Tajik Diaspora in Novosibirsk applies to human rights organizations of Tajikistan asking to provide legal assistance in resolving this issue. We are ready to hire Russian lawyer who will represent the insulted women and schoolgirls.”
