Tajik oppositionist detained in the Tbilisi Airport based on Interpol request. Atavullaev is accused of religious extremism and terrorism.
The report appeared on Mr. Atavullaev”s Facebook page.
In his interview to AP, he said that he is not being let out of the airport until everything is cleared up.
Mr. Atavullaev said: “I was informed that I”m detained based on Interpol request. I am reportedly accused of religious extremism and terrorism by the Tajik authorities. I told them who I am, showed some newspapers with my publications, and I think was able to convince them that it is politically motivated. But I was told that the issue of my release should be decided at the highest level. Business day is just starting here, and I think the issue will be resolved by the end of the day. I am being treated well.”
He says that he arrived in Tbilisi from Prague for meetings. According to him, the meeting was supposed to be held either in Ukraine or in Turkey or in Georgia, and Georgia was chosen, which he considers “most democratic,” which is why believes the Georgian authorities will make the appropriate democratic decision.
Mr. Atavullaev stated: “If Georgia arrests me, it will leave a mark on the young Georgian democracy. If they let me go, it will be a disgrace for Interpol, which is doing political detective work, and it will be a disgrace for Tajik authorities, who have once more time shown their inability.”
