Reporters Without Borders (RSF) called on the Tajik authorities to release under amnesty the journalist and activist of the banned Islamic Renaissance Party Hikmatullo Sayfullozoda, sentenced to 16 years in prison, Radio Ozodi reports with reference to the statement of the international organization released on September 9.
Hikmatullo Sayfullozoda has been in prison since 2015 and his life is in danger.
President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon announced an amnesty in honor of the 30th anniversary of Tajikistan's independence, which the republic celebrates on September 9.
The authorities report that the amnesty will affect 16 thousand people, of which 10,700 will be released from criminal liability and further serving sentences.
Jean Cavelier, head of the RSF department for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said that the life of Hikmatullo Sayfullozoda in the colony is in danger.
«Sayfullozoda was convicted on political grounds, he will have another ten years in prison, where he has already been subjected to ill-treatment. His release could save his life. Moreover, Sayfullozoda does not pose a danger to society and the authorities», – says Jean Cavelier.
