Practically all trials of journalists in Tajikistan follow the same scenario – at pretrial detention center behind closed doors without participation of their relatives.
Thus, the trial of independent reporter Zavqibek Saidamini began at the Dushanbe-based pretrial detention facility on October 11.
The trial of blogger and journalist Abdusattor Pirmuhammadzoda is expected to start tomorrow, October 13, also behind doors.
Saidamini and Pirmuhammadzoda, who are both former employees of the state television and radio company, have been active on various social-media platforms, including YouTube, in recent years.
Sadiamin’s relatives say they did not attend the trial. According to them, only Saiamini’s defense lawyer was present at the trial.
Neither the judge nor the lawyer explained why the trial is being held behind closed doors.
The relatives say the next court hearing will be held next week, but the exact date was not given to them.
Meanwhile, Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service, known locally as Radio Ozodi, the trial of Zavqibek Saidamini was to be held in a court in Dushanbe’s Ismoili Somonis district, but for reasons unknown to them, the trial is being held at the pretrial detention facility behind doors. None of his relatives were allowed to attend the court hearing.
Zavqibek Saidamini was detained in Vahdat Township, some 17 kilometers east of Dushanbe, on July 8. He was charged with participating in an extremist group.
The charge stems from Saidamini’s links to two banned opposition parties, the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan (IRPT) and Group 24.
According to some sources, he has repeatedly denied supporting any political group. Both organizations also deny any cooperation with the journalist.
Saidamini reportedly worked as an editor and presenter at the state broadcaster Tajikistan Television until 2019, when he quit as he felt unable to report freely,
Saidamini has reportedly published commentary and reporting on his YouTube channels, which have a total of about 15,000 subscribers. His recent videos reportedly cover topics including border conflicts with Kyrgyzstan, religion, and allegations of unlawful military drafting practices.
As far as Abdusattor Pirmuhammadzoda is concerned, he was detained in Vahdat Township on July 9. He had been charged with publicly calling for extremist activities. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.
Pirmuhammadzoda worked at the state-owned radio station Sadoi Dushanbe (Voice of Dushanbe) until 2019, when he quit after reportedly being given the choice between moderating his critical reporting and resigning.
Pirmuhammadzoda has reportedly published his personal views on free speech and alleged government injustices on his YouTube channel, where he has about 39,000 subscribers.
International groups, including Human Rights Watch and the Committee To Protect Journalists, have called on the Tajik government to release the reporters and end its campaign against the free press.
Ranked 152nd out of 180 countries in RSF's 2022 World Press Freedom Index, Tajikistan has fallen 36 places in the index since 2015.
